tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55172758001047564822024-03-05T00:34:30.632-08:00Christy's Book CafeWhat Are You Reading?Mrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-4413677786798167522009-04-09T09:13:00.000-07:002009-04-09T09:18:56.590-07:00Peter and the Black DogA fellow Triond writer has recently published a new book. I wanted to share a review of that book with you as it looks to be a very interesting read. Louie Jerome, if you read this, I think this book is right up my alley and I hope to pick up a copy of my own in the very near future!<br />As for everyone else reading this, follow the link at the bottom of the article for information on where to purchase a copy of your own.<br /><br />The Poignant Tale of a Little <a class="tags" onclick="javascript:counttag('Girl', 1, 1877959)" href="http://www.shvoong.com/tags/girl/">Girl</a> and Her Amazing <a class="tags" onclick="javascript:counttag('Gift', 1, 1877959)" href="http://www.shvoong.com/tags/gift/">Gift</a><a class="tags" onclick="javascript:counttag('Louie Jerome', 1, 1877959)" href="http://www.shvoong.com/tags/louie-jerome/">Louie Jerome</a>’s <a class="tags" onclick="javascript:counttag('Peter', 1, 1877959)" href="http://www.shvoong.com/tags/peter/">Peter</a> and The <a class="tags" onclick="javascript:counttag('Black', 1, 1877959)" href="http://www.shvoong.com/tags/black/">Black</a> <a class="tags" onclick="javascript:counttag('Dog', 1, 1877959)" href="http://www.shvoong.com/tags/dog/">Dog</a> explores the emotional pain in a young girl’s <a class="tags" onclick="javascript:counttag('Heart', 1, 1877959)" href="http://www.shvoong.com/tags/heart/">heart</a> as she discovers the amazing power of healing.<br /><br />The five-year-old girl has a gift that she doesn’t quite understand.Others, including her parents, don’t understand that she is different and she learns to conceal it—from the physical world.She withdraws into an inner, spiritual world where her constant companions are Peter and a nameless black dog. At the age of seven, she has a life-changing meeting with a faith healer who teaches her that her gift is one that is very special indeed.As she grows older and begins to embrace her gift, she has a terrifying encounter with spirits from a darker realm. From this encounter, she learns that for good to exist, there must also be evil and for light to exist, there must be darkness.As she embarks on a quest to explore her own spirituality, her heart, mind, and soul are opened to the infinite wisdom of benevolent people and spirits who guide her toward a greater understanding of herself and the world around her.Peter and the Black Dog is an uplifting story that not only explores the wonders of faith, hope, and spirituality, but gives a profound and social commentary on accepting the differences of others.<br /><br />About the Author<br />Louie Jerome has been a writer since the age of seven, when she wrote, published and sold (for sweets!) her comic books to friends. She has traveled extensively through England, Germany, Hong Kong, Malaya, Macao, Bulgaria and Greece and graduated from Carlisle College in England. She is currently writing her second book and lives in the City of Carlisle, in Cumbria, England. <br /><br />Click<a href="http://www.strategicbookpublishing.com/PeterAndTheBlackDog.html"> here</a> for purchasing information!Mrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-80404756843588618192009-02-14T08:40:00.000-08:002009-02-14T08:41:56.033-08:00In the Midst of Deceitby <a class="articleAuthorLink" href="http://www.bookstove.com/writers/Tammy%20Varner%20Hornbeck.5196">Tammy Varner Hornbeck</a>, Apr 15, 2007<br />A Book review.<br /><br />This <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink0" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,0);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,0);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,0);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Drama/In-the-Midst-of-Deceit.39256#" target="_top">book</a> was fabulous ! I literally could not put it down !<br /><br />This was my first book to read by Deborah Piccurelli, but I know it won't be my last ! The issue of believers being “unequally yoked” with unbelievers is an important issue not discussed nearly enough. It was very eloquently in the midst of a great suspense story !<br /><br />The spiritual <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink1" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,1);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,1);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,1);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Drama/In-the-Midst-of-Deceit.39256#" target="_top">tone</a> of the book overall was strong from the very beginning to its ending.<br />However, it is not so obvious by the description on the back cover, which is a shame. This error can cause a reader to put the book down and lose out on a great book !<br /><br />The character are fantastic ! They are realistic and the expressions and dialog <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink2" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,2);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,2);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,2);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Drama/In-the-Midst-of-Deceit.39256#" target="_top">fit</a> them to a tee.<br />The plot was an interesting one, and the way the author connected the main characters ocupatons was brilliant. Other than a “too obvious” hint at who the villain is, this was a fantastically written <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink3" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,3);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,3);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,3);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Drama/In-the-Midst-of-Deceit.39256#" target="_top">novel</a>. I, for one am looking forward to this author's next book !Mrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-38072077676191102502009-01-21T10:06:00.000-08:002009-01-21T10:07:40.355-08:00The Sign of Seven Trilogy by Nora Robertsby <a class="articleAuthorLink" href="http://www.bookstove.com/writers/Christy%20Tuller.42640">Christy Tuller</a>, Jan 21, 2009<br />I have long been a fan of Nora Roberts and her new trilogy hasn't let me down one bit.<br /><br />If you have ever read anything by <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink0" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,0);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,0);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,0);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Romance/The-Sign-of-Seven-Trilogy-by-Nora-Roberts.467897#" target="_top">Nora Roberts</a> you would know that she has an amazing talent for storytelling. One of the biggest reasons I enjoy her books is because she has the ability to tell such a wide variety of <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink1" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Romance/The-Sign-of-Seven-Trilogy-by-Nora-Roberts.467897#" target="_top" _lstnr="null">stories</a>, in all different genres and still manage to keep you glued to the page.<br />The same is true about the newest trilogy, The Sign Of Seven. This series is about a group friends who unwittingly release something evil on their shared tenth <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink2" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,2);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,2);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,2);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Romance/The-Sign-of-Seven-Trilogy-by-Nora-Roberts.467897#" target="_top">birthday</a>, and how they come to conquer it and save their town.<br />The first in the trilogy is Blood Brothers . Here we are introduced to the three main characters, Caleb, Fox, and Gage, all friends who were born on the same day, same year. Join them as they wander into Hawkins Wood for a secret <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink3" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,3);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,3);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,3);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Romance/The-Sign-of-Seven-Trilogy-by-Nora-Roberts.467897#" target="_top">camping</a> trip on their tenth birthday, share their shock and fear as they accidentally release what can only be described as pure evil, that sets its sights on their town for seven days. Then it returns every seventh year, for seven days, in the seventh month. See them as adults and meet the three women who arrive in town to help them beat back this evil demon. Follow along with Cal as he falls in love with Quinn, an author of paranormal books. Meet Cybil, Quinn's <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink4" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,4);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,4);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,4);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Romance/The-Sign-of-Seven-Trilogy-by-Nora-Roberts.467897#" target="_top">research</a> assistant. Layla, who comes to Hawkins Hollow for reasons she can't explain.<br />The second book in is The Hollow. This one is told from Fox's side. The demon is growing stronger and his attacks on the six of them more frightening and frequent. Fox will do anything necessary to keep his family and his town safe. But will they survive this time?<br />The third and final book is The <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink5" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,5);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,5);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,5);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Romance/The-Sign-of-Seven-Trilogy-by-Nora-Roberts.467897#" target="_top">Pagan</a> Stone. Gage left town as soon as he was old eough and only returns on the seven. At times he regrets even coming back to the town where his abusive father still lives. Will this time back be his last? Is he destined to die for this town he would rather leave? Despite his denial, will he fall for Cybil, changing his life, if he lives?<br />These three books will keep you on the edge of your seat and make you want to kee the lights on at night. Nora Roberts knows how to spin a tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Find out more about Nora and check out her <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink6" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,6);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,6);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,6);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Romance/The-Sign-of-Seven-Trilogy-by-Nora-Roberts.467897#" target="_top">book list</a> at Nora Roberts <a href="http://www.noraroberts.com/" target="_blank" qxrwg="0" vblbv="0">http://www.noraroberts.com/</a>. Read more about this trilogy at <a href="http://www.noraroberts.com/signofseven.htm" target="_blank">www.noraroberts.com/signofseven.htm</a>. You won't be disappointed!<br />More of my book related articles:<br /><a href="http://www.bookstove.com/Thriller/10-Bone-Chilling-Books-to-Get-You-Ready-for-Halloween.288917" target="_blank" qxrwg="0" vblbv="0">10 Bone Chilling Books To Get You ready For Halloween </a><br /><a href="http://www.bookstove.com/Book-Talk/Books-Open-Your-Mind-to-a-Whole-New-Adventure.310601" target="_blank" qxrwg="0" vblbv="0">Books: Open Your Mind To A Whole New Adventure </a>Mrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-51414814763921163762009-01-12T09:26:00.000-08:002009-01-12T09:33:40.808-08:00Not Just Another Love: Book Reviewby <a class="articleAuthorLink" href="http://www.bookstove.com/writers/Jackie%20Stroud%20Painter.58075">Jackie Stroud Painter</a>, Jan 1, 2009<br />I tell you about my background on writing and how my poems turned into the book.<br />document.context='fHA6NTE5';<br />First of all let me give you a little bit of my background in writing. I don't think there was ever a time when I didn't love to write. I had a love affair with pen and paper and I think part of that was from me always wanting to write. When it came to writing I never saw it as a chore because I felt like I would only write when I had something to say. Most of the time I was writing notes to people. It was never surprise for me to write a 3 page note to someone. It was my freshman year of high school when I started writing poetry. I took inspiration from relationships and things around me. My thing was I was never good at poetry because to me all my poems sounded all the same. As I got older my poetry changed and I enjoyed writing about sensual experiences. But that never lasted. In June of 2008 my writing changed to what it is now. I found Gavin DeGraw again when his song "In love with a girl" came out. The song put a feeling in my heart that I couldn't explain. I had a fire in my heart when I would hear the song or see Gavin's face. In my eyes I was in love. Upon seeing the video I started writing like crazy and couldn't stop. I began writing like I had never written before. My writing style changed and I had so many ideas that I couldn't write quick enough to keep up with them. I would spend hours online searching for things about Gavin to give me ideas of what to write about. Gavin was my muse and inspiration for a couple months. Then while searching I found his older brother Joey and the fire was out. I felt something else. Joey became what I would write about. His music touched my heart and I wrote like I had more to say. The words poured out of me. When I wrote the poem "Walk Home" we had been out with my best friend and her daughter. We had been shopping and out to dinner with her. I was in a crazy mood that day and I felt like I was on a cloud and when I got home from being out with her I wanted to write. I laid down on the bed with my pen and paper and that poem came out of nowhere. I couldn't explain to you how or why but it just came out. From that day in June to now my heart has felt like prayers had been answered. I felt like I can see my gift of writing now. When I look at my book I see that these poems were written to go in that book. When I wrote all these poems I felt like there was something special in my heart. I still can't explain what came over me when I wrote them but it was the best feeling that I have ever had. I want these poems to be in your heart the way that they came in my heart.<br /><br />Not Just Another Love by Jackie Stroud- Painter<br />ISBN: 1-60610-387-3<br /><br /> Buy it now at <a href="http://www.publishamerica.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?catalogid=27772">http://www.publishamerica.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?catalogid=27772</a><br />Also look for this book on Amazon.com, and Barnes & Noble.comMrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-69269705416909771022008-12-08T08:53:00.000-08:002008-12-08T08:54:40.437-08:00Deadly Night by Heather GrahamImagine being the recipient of a grand New Orleans mansion, pre-dating the Civil War. That's the scenario that opens Heather Graham's excellent ghost story, Deadly Night. Aiden Flynn and his brothers, Jeremy and Zack, inherit the house upon the death of an aunt whom they never knew existed.<br />It's been neglected and in dire need of fixing up. Oh, yes. It's also haunted. A Confederate soldier, his beautiful wife and his Union cousin still walk the grounds, giving the locals a juicy legend of family betrayal and murder.<br />Kendall Montgomery, a tarot card reader, lived in the mansion with the again Amelia Flynn until the old woman's death. Slightly disappointed about not getting the estate, she gladly returns to her apartment in the French Quarter, leaving the Flynn brothers to their inheritance.<br />Meanwhile, Aiden has found human remains on the property and begins investigating in the face of ho-hum reactions from the New Orleans police department, still reeling from Hurricane Katrina. Flynn, with the help of his brothers, finds a string of mysterious disappearances of young women, dating back ten years. His investigation keeps leading him to Kendall and the jazz bar where her friends play in a band.<br />Kendall has been experiencing her own strange encounters with the paranormal. She never had any illusions that she could foretell someone's future by reading tarot cards but, when the death card comes alive and mocks her, she begins having dreams that she is being stalked.<br />Although they don't like each other at first, Aiden and Kendall are drawn together as the mystery of the plantation and the disappearance of the young women deepens.<br />Graham keeps the excitement building as Kendall receives more warnings with frightening and increasing frequency that she is in serious danger. When she moves back into the mansion with Aiden, she is visited by the ghosts of the Flynn ancestors, but are they malevolent or are they warning her of danger?<br />Graham's depiction of New Orleans as a dark, gritty and dangerous place does not sugar-coat anything but does the great city justice by painting her as a place of wonder, mystery and magic.<br />There is a bit of cliché in that Aiden Flynn suspects serious crimes where the local authorities see none. Their excuse is Hurricane Katrina washed up many bodies out of their final resting places and hundreds more are still missing. The bones could be from anyone. It's easy to see their point of view, but one would think they would be interested in body parts found on land where the flood waters didn't reach even during the hurricane.<br />With lackluster response from law enforcement, the story takes a unique twist as the ghosts take matters in their own hands and help Aiden and Kendall solve the mystery but also save Kendall's life.<br />Deadly Night is a great haunted house murder mystery for everyone, including those that may not enjoy horror.<br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alan_G._Scott">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_G._Scott</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Deadly-Night-by-Heather-Graham&id=1743739">http://EzineArticles.com/?Deadly-Night-by-Heather-Graham&id=1743739</a>Mrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-26197121690190400902008-11-05T13:12:00.000-08:002008-11-05T13:13:41.139-08:00'Jurassic Park' author Michael Crichton DiesBy HILLEL ITALIE, AP National Writer Hillel Italie, Ap National Writer – 15 mins ago<br /><a class="media " href="http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Los-Angeles-Peninsula-Hotel-in-New-York-author-Michael-Crichton/photo//081105/482/b1a27741a5c044609d82e8344fb77f33//s:/ap/20081105/ap_en_ot/obit_crichton"></a>AP – In this Dec. 7, 2004 file photo, author Michael Crichton poses at The Peninsula Hotel in New York. Crichton …<br /><a class="media media1" href="http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Michael-Crichton-dead-66/ss/events/en/110508michaecrichton"></a><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Michael-Crichton-dead-66/ss/events/en/110508michaecrichton">Slideshow: Michael Crichton dead at 66 </a><br />Michael Crichton, the million-selling author who made scientific research terrifying and irresistible in such thrillers as "Jurassic Park," "Timeline" and "The Andromeda Strain," has died of cancer, his family said. Crichton died Tuesday in Los Angeles at age 66 after privately battling cancer.<br />"Through his books, Michael Crichton served as an inspiration to students of all ages, challenged scientists in many fields, and illuminated the mysteries of the world in a way we could all understand," his family said in a statement.<br />"While the world knew him as a great storyteller that challenged our preconceived notions about the world around us — and entertained us all while doing so — his wife Sherri, daughter Taylor, family and friends knew Michael Crichton as a devoted husband, loving father and generous friend who inspired each of us to strive to see the wonders of our world through new eyes."<br />He was an experimenter and popularizer known for his stories of disaster and systematic breakdown, such as the rampant microbe of "The Andromeda Strain" or the dinosaurs running madly in "Jurassic Park." Many of his books became major Hollywood movies, including "Jurassic Park," "Rising Sun" and "Disclosure." Crichton himself directed and wrote "The Great Train Robbery" and he co-wrote the script for the blockbuster "Twister."<br />In 1994, he created the award-winning TV hospital series "ER." He's even had a dinosaur named for him, Crichton's ankylosaur.<br />"Michael's talent out-scaled even his own dinosaurs of `Jurassic Park,'" said "Jurassic Park" director Steven Spielberg, a friend of Crichton's for 40 years. "He was the greatest at blending science with big theatrical concepts, which is what gave credibility to dinosaurs again walking the Earth. ... Michael was a gentle soul who reserved his flamboyant side for his novels. There is no one in the wings that will ever take his place."<br />John Wells, executive producer of "ER" called the author "an extraordinary man. Brilliant, funny, erudite, gracious, exceptionally inquisitive and always thoughtful.<br />"No lunch with Michael lasted less than three hours and no subject was too prosaic or obscure to attract his interest. Sexual politics, medical and scientific ethics, anthropology, archaeology, economics, astronomy, astrology, quantum physics, and molecular biology were all regular topics of conversation."<br />Neal Baer, a physician who became an executive producer on "ER," was a fourth-year medical student at Harvard University when Wells, a longtime friend, sent him Crichton's script.<br />"I said, `Wow, this is like my life.' Michael had been a medical student at Harvard in the early '70s and I was going through the same thing about 20 years later," said Baer. "ER" offered a fresh take on the TV medical drama, making doctors the central focus rather than patients. In the early life of "ER," Crichton, who hadn't been involved in medicine for years, and Spielberg would take part in writers' room discussions.<br />In recent years, Crichton was the rare novelist granted a White House meeting with President Bush, perhaps because of his skepticism about global warming, which Crichton addressed in the 2004 novel, "State of Fear." Crichton's views were strongly condemned by environmentalists, who alleged that the author was hurting efforts to pass legislation to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide.<br />If not a literary giant, he was a physical one, standing 6 feet and 9 inches, and ready for battle with the press. In a 2004 interview with The Associated Press, Crichton came with a tape recorder, text books and a pile of graphs and charts as he defended "State of Fear" and his take on global warming.<br />"I have a lot of trouble with things that don't seem true to me," Crichton said at the time, his large, manicured hands gesturing to his graphs. "I'm very uncomfortable just accepting. There's something in me that wants to pound the table and say, 'That's not true.'"<br />He spoke to few scientists about his questions, convinced that he could interpret the data himself. "If we put everything in the hands of experts and if we say that as intelligent outsiders, we are not qualified to look over the shoulder of anybody, then we're in some kind of really weird world," he said.<br />A new novel by Crichton had been tentatively scheduled to come next month, but publisher HarperCollins said the book was postponed indefinitely because of his illness.<br />One of four siblings, Crichton was born in Chicago and grew up in Roslyn, Long Island. His father was a journalist and young Michael spent much of his childhood writing extra papers for teachers. In third grade, he wrote a nine-page play that his father typed for him using carbon paper so the other kids would know their parts. He was tall, gangly and awkward, and used writing as a way to escape; Mark Twain and Alfred Hitchcock were his role models.<br />Figuring he would not be able to make a living as writer, and not good enough at basketball, he decided to become a doctor. He studied anthropology at Harvard College, and later graduated from Harvard Medical School. During medical school, he turned out books under pseudonyms. (One that the tall author used was Jeffrey Hudson, a 17th-century dwarf in the court of King Charles II of England.) He had modest success with his writing and decided to pursue it.<br />His first hit, "The Andromeda Strain," was written while he was still in medical school and quickly caught on upon its 1969 release. It was a featured selection of the Book-of-the-Month Club and was sold to Universal in Hollywood for $250,000.<br />"A few of the teachers feel I'm wasting my time, and that in some ways I have wasted theirs," he told The New York Times in 1969. "When I asked for a couple of days off to go to California about a movie sale, that raised an eyebrow."<br />His books seemed designed to provoke debate, whether the theories of quantum physics in "Timeline," the reverse sexual discrimination of "Disclosure" or the spectre of Japanese eminence in "Rising Sun."<br />"The initial response from the (Japanese) establishment was, 'You're a racist,'" he told the AP. "So then, because I'm always trying to deal with data, I went on a tour talking about it and gave a very careful argument, and their response came back, 'Well you say that but we know you're a racist.'"<br />Crichton had a rigid work schedule: rising before dawn and writing from about 6 a.m. to around 3 p.m., breaking only for lunch. He enjoyed being one of the few novelists recognized in public, but he also felt limited by fame.<br />"Of course, the celebrity is nice. But when I go do research, it's much more difficult now. The kind of freedom I had 10 years ago is gone," he told the AP. "You have to have good table manners; you can't have spaghetti hanging out of your mouth at a restaurant."<br />Crichton was married five times and had one child. A private funeral is planned.Mrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-74910729614778210802008-10-30T09:53:00.000-07:002008-10-30T09:55:12.922-07:00Angels & Demons: A Book Reviewby <a class="articleAuthorLink" href="http://www.bookstove.com/writers/Lucia%20B.13666">Lucia B</a>, Jan 5, 2008<br />How can you combine Science & Religion in one fast-paced and fun book? This fictional novel shows you how it's done.<br />Since I saw Angels & Demons by Dan Brown in a bookstore shelf, I've always wanted to read it. I never did read its book synopsis or anything about it at all - never researched <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink0" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,0);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,0);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,0);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Historical-Fiction/Angels--Demons-A-Book-Review.71320#" target="_top">it online</a> or even asked anyone who've read it and never touched it. I used to just look at it whenever I see it thinking "One of these days I"ll be <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink1" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,1);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,1);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,1);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Historical-Fiction/Angels--Demons-A-Book-Review.71320#" target="_top">reading</a> you'. And so, when I finally bought the book, it came as a surprise to me that it's about one of the famous rivalries on Earth today!<br />Angels & Demons is indeed an intelligent and fascinating read. The <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink2" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,2);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,2);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,2);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Historical-Fiction/Angels--Demons-A-Book-Review.71320#" target="_top">Science</a> vs. Religion angle is superbly written. Truly I say to you, this is a fun, educational and Christian-inspired book-in-one! No it does not preach religion nor does it teach <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink3" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Historical-Fiction/Angels--Demons-A-Book-Review.71320#" target="_top" _lstnr="null">math</a> or science, but it somehow deals with all of them.<br />Since the existence of science, Christianlity has always found a way to condemn scientists' findings or to punish those who proves otherwise what the church had been <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink4" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,4);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,4);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,4);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Historical-Fiction/Angels--Demons-A-Book-Review.71320#" target="_top">teaching</a>. In all those centuries ago, a lot of people were killed, condemned or prosecuted because of science and it's proof of how things actually are; which disproved how the <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink5" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,5);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,5);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,5);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Historical-Fiction/Angels--Demons-A-Book-Review.71320#" target="_top">Bible</a> explained those same things.<br />Dan Brown excellently and carefully weaved a story that somehow answers questions about religion and science but also leads us in search of more answers. It allows the reader to question his/her beliefs in a Higher Being and our trust in Science and Technology.<br />If science can prove that what the Bible says can actually be scientifically done, where then would religion go? Would science be finally able to be connected with Religion? What use will we have of Christianity or religion in general once science has “revealed” all Christianity's secrets? Would religion and belief in God cease to exist? But where would the “shattered” universal mysteries and people's faith go? Where will science bring it? These are the questions that may arise upon reading this book.<br />If one reads it more intently, understand it without bias and ponder on the sort of wisdom it imparts, the answers may come to each of us.<br />I believe this book also shows that science and religion need not be in contrast with each other, rather should be looked upon as partners - much like coffee & cream, yin & yang, the sun & <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink6" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,6);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,6);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,6);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Historical-Fiction/Angels--Demons-A-Book-Review.71320#" target="_top">moon</a> or man & woman.<br />Certainly, all things come from something and yes, all God's miracles may someday be explained and scientifically done but still a Higher Being is no doubt behind everything (even science) and vice versa.<br />On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most excellent, I give this book a perfect 10!<br /> To see the original article please follow this link <a href="http://www.bookstove.com/Historical-Fiction/Angels--Demons-A-Book-Review.71320">http://www.bookstove.com/Historical-Fiction/Angels--Demons-A-Book-Review.71320</a> where you can leave the author of the article feedback and comments!Mrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-62401433671719023672008-10-22T09:29:00.000-07:002008-10-22T09:30:02.614-07:0013 Buttonholes by Joann C Odenwelder13 Buttonholes by Joann C. Odenwelder was created from stories that her mother told her about her time working in a Navy uniform mill and being in love during World War II. It was also formed by her love of adventure, the state of Texas and her love of learning.<br />Odenwelder's main character is Annie Capelli. The story begins when she is 17 in 1942, living in Pennsylvania with her parents, older sister and younger brother. She works in a Navy uniform factory as a buttonholer. She believes she's in love and has the dream of being a wife and mother in her heart. Problem is, she has chosen the wrong person to share the dream with and it takes her quite a number of years to find it out.<br />Annie marries the love of her life-Kenneth. Just as if she's living the fairytale in her mind, they have two children. Her husband leaves his family's farm to open his own successful retail business. Just when she thinks life is about as perfect as can possibly be the couple takes a vacation with her sister and brother-in-law that changes their lives forever.<br />It's 1952 and Annie's sister Josie and brother-in-law Earl and her husband decide to move to Texas, buy a hotel and café in the middle of nowhere and instill themselves into the booming economy. Annie is in disbelief, but as is her personality at the time, she follows along and fulfills all that is asked of her and more. She's working the nightshifts, raising her kids, taking care of the advertising and making all the "regulars" very happy.<br />Then in an awful moment of realization, Annie sees her husband for the cad he is and opts for divorce-not something done in the early 1950's by a woman with two small children. Then she has another blow-her sister and brother-in-law no longer want to keep running the now very successful hotel and café.<br />Annie shows what she's made of-she stands up for the rights of the various minorities by serving everyone concerned in the same dining room, keeping her customers, buying out her family and owning the business outright.<br />Does she do it all on her own? No, her sister and brother-in-law do not leave Annie in the lurch-the re-arrange their plan and change jobs, leaving Annie as sole owner, but remaining in Texas. She also finds Blair Metcalfe, the attorney who helps her attain her divorce and preserve as much of her dignity as possible. He also falls in love with Annie and her children.<br />He helps her find her way through the 1950's culture that does everything to challenge and destroy any woman who tries to make it in a man's world.<br />As with any novel that relates the life of a particular character, Annie starts out very idealistic and young. Her transformation was needed, but happened just a bit too quickly and a might too easily. Yes, there was the divorce, her sibling wanting out of the business and her transformation from a doting wife and mother to independent businesswoman, but it didn't happen until the last couple of chapters.<br />And while Annie vowed to never rely on a man again and tried to stay "free", I notice that the author just couldn't help but let us see that in Blair Metcalfe, Annie had found her true soul mate.<br />As for the 13 Buttonholes-it was only mentioned as the position Annie worked as in the first couple of chapters and then near the end to explain to Blair about the rumored notes that the seamstresses put into some of the uniforms at the end. It wrapped up the story, but didn't really serve as much of a purpose as it should have given the point that it was the title of the book.<br />Carine Nadel is on The Reader's Advisory Panel of Woman's Day magazine and has had numerous articles and recipes published both on various websites and print publications. To read more of her work, log onto: <a href="http://www.carine-whatscooking.blogspot.com/">http://www.Carine-whatscooking.blogspot.com</a><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Carine_Nadel">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carine_Nadel</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?13-Buttonholes-by-Joann-C-Odenwelder&id=1553049">http://EzineArticles.com/?13-Buttonholes-by-Joann-C-Odenwelder&id=1553049</a>Mrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-13973426879998130512008-10-21T09:23:00.000-07:002008-10-21T09:24:44.175-07:00Hazelnut Mocha SmoothiesTry this yummy treat next time you curl up with your favorite book!<br /><br />by <a class="articleAuthorLink" href="http://www.notecook.com/writers/Swapna%20P.23092">Swapna P</a>, Sep 16, 2008<br />This is a mix of smooth blend of coffee, cocoa and a nutty flavor is better than coffeehouse version. Try it, you like it absolutely.<br /><br />Ingredients<br />1 cup milk<br />½ cup chocolate hazelnut spread<br />4 teaspoons instant espresso powder<br />6 ice cubes<br />2 cups vanilla ice cream chocolate <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink0" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,0);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,0);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,0);" href="http://www.notecook.com/Desserts/Fruits/Hazelnut-Mocha-Smoothies.256109#" target="_top">curls</a>, optional<br />Preparation Method<br />In a blender, combine the milk, hazelnut spread and espresso powder<br />Cover and process until blended<br />Add ice cubes<br />Cover and process until smooth<br />Pour into chilled glasses<br />Then serve immediately<br />Garnish with chocolate curls if desired<br />Tip<br />To make chocolate curls, warm a solid block of chocolate in the <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink1" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,1);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,1);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,1);" href="http://www.notecook.com/Desserts/Fruits/Hazelnut-Mocha-Smoothies.256109#" target="_top">microwave</a> for a few seconds. Then hold a vegetable peeler against a flat side of the block and carefully bring the blade toward you. Allow the curls to fall onto a plate or piece of waxed paper in a single layer. Slide a <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink2" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,2);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,2);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,2);" href="http://www.notecook.com/Desserts/Fruits/Hazelnut-Mocha-Smoothies.256109#" target="_top">toothpick</a> through each curl and carefully place where desired.Mrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-81541070089349497232008-10-21T09:13:00.000-07:002008-10-21T09:15:40.515-07:0010 Must Read Booksby <a class="articleAuthorLink" href="http://www.bookstove.com/writers/Lost%20in%20Arizona.49817">Lost in Arizona</a>, Jul 20, 2008<br />These are some of the best novels written in the 20th century.<br />Over the years I have come to appreciate <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink0" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,0);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,0);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,0);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Book-Talk/10-Must-Read-Books.175349#" target="_top">reading</a>. It is a pastime that allows me to escape and become enmeshed into the worlds of others. From the time my father gave me my first book, I must have read hundreds of books. But only a few of them have managed to make a lasting impression. Here are 10 must read books that will make you think.<br /> <br /><br /> To read the whole article ( which I recommend) click here <a href="http://www.bookstove.com/Book-Talk/10-Must-Read-Books.175349">http://www.bookstove.com/Book-Talk/10-Must-Read-Books.175349</a>Mrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-72113597775721124052008-10-09T10:40:00.001-07:002008-10-09T10:43:06.148-07:00Interested In Audiobooks?I would like to share with you a great article regarding audio books and how to choose them. It is called the Book Lover's Guide to Audio Books at <a href="http://www.bookstove.com/Book-Talk/A-Book-Lovers-Guide-to-Audio-Books.44092">http://www.bookstove.com/Book-Talk/A-Book-Lovers-Guide-to-Audio-Books.44092</a> , written by Melanie Marten. Click the link to read the article and while you're there, share your thoughts!Mrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-31888669906256693622008-10-08T10:46:00.000-07:002008-10-08T10:50:09.159-07:0010 Bone Chilling Books to Get You Ready for Halloweenby <a class="articleAuthorLink" href="http://www.bookstove.com/writers/Christy%20Tuller.42640">Christy Tuller</a>, Oct 8, 2008<br />As Halloween quickly approaches, here are a few terrifying tales to put you in the mood.<br /><br />I have always loved to read. Growing up and until I had my first child some of my favorite books were those written by Stephen King and Dean Koontz. I loved the edge of your seat terror that these authors are able to create. While I still love to read I now prefer the less frightening but I still love a good <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink0" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,0);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,0);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,0);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Thriller/10-Bone-Chilling-Books-to-Get-You-Ready-for-Halloween.288917#" target="_top">ghost story</a>. I have put together a short list of books that you can read to get you ready for Halloween, or just for fun. I know I have forgotten some great books so please feel free to tell me in the comments section what your favorites are!<br /><strong><em>The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow</em></strong> <strong>by Washington Irving</strong><br />This classic story is set in the 1790's Dutch <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink1" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,1);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,1);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,1);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Thriller/10-Bone-Chilling-Books-to-Get-You-Ready-for-Halloween.288917#" target="_top">settlement</a> of Tarry Town New York, in the secluded glen of Sleepy Hollow. It is the tale of Ichabod Crane a lean, lanky, and extremely superstitious schoolmaster from Connecticut and his competition with Abraham “ Brom <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink2" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,2);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,2);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,2);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Thriller/10-Bone-Chilling-Books-to-Get-You-Ready-for-Halloween.288917#" target="_top">Bones</a>” Van Brunt for the hand of 18-year-old Katrina Van Tassel, the daughter and sole child of a wealthy farmer. Many remember this story for the “ Headless Horseman” and his pursuit of Ichabod Crane, and his mysterious disappearance.<br /><strong><em>The Sign Of Seven Trilogy</em></strong> <strong>by Nora Roberts</strong><br />- <strong><em>Blood Brothers</em></strong><br />This is the first in a Frightening new series by Nora Roberts. This book tells the tale of three boys all born on the seventh day of the seventh month in the same year, born to different parents and becoming the best of friends. On their seventh birthday they release an unspeakable evil from the Pagan Stone, an evil that returns every seven years for one week in July, terrorizing their home town of Hawkins Hollow. Now it is returning again, and this time it wants to finish what it set out to do in the 1600's before it was locked in the Pagan Stone. This book pulls you in to the beginning of the final showdown.<br /><strong><em>The Hollow</em></strong><br />This is the second of the Trilogy and works its magic once again pulling you in to the story and keeping you on the edge of your seat wondering what that demon will do next. This story follows another one of the boys, now a man, in what could turn out to be a life or death situation for him and his whole family and town.<br /><strong><em>It</em></strong> <strong>by Stephen King</strong><br />This is the terrifying tale of an evil clown and IT's return to the town of Derry 28 years after the Loser's Club thought they had rid the town of the monster who was killing children. This book was also made into a movie and either one is enough to make you want to sleep with the lights on!<br /><strong><em>House</em></strong> <strong>by Frank Peretti & Ted Dekker</strong><br />In rural Alabama, two couples find themselves in a fight for survival. Running from a maniac bent on killing them, they flee deep into the woods. They decide to hide in an old house that's been vacated for years . . . or so they think. They soon find that others are dwelling in the lower level of the house--and they don't like visitors. With danger present in the house, they try to leave-- but the house won't let them.<br /><strong><em>Brimstone</em></strong> <strong>by Douglas Preston and </strong><a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink3" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,3);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,3);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,3);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Thriller/10-Bone-Chilling-Books-to-Get-You-Ready-for-Halloween.288917#" target="_top"><strong>Lincoln</strong></a><strong> Child</strong><br />Art critic Jeremy Grove is found dead, his face frozen in a mask of terror. His body temperature is grotesquely high; he is discovered in a room barricaded from the inside; the smell of brimstone is everywhere...and the unmistakable imprint of a claw is burned into the wall.<br /><br /><strong><em>I Never Believed In Ghosts Until…</em></strong> <strong>by the Editors of USA Weekend</strong><br />This book is a collection of 100 real life encounters with the supernatural. The experiences that you will read in this collection are the stuff of nightmares. The ghostly encounters range from the truly terrifying to the benign- but all defy rational explanation. Not recommended for solitary nighttime reading.<br /><br /><strong><em>The Taking</em></strong> <strong>by Dean Koontz<br /></strong>This is a terrifying tale of fighting for survival when a Southern California community is hit with an unusual rainstorm that brings in an eerie fog. By the end of the first day they have no communication with the outside world and the next morning it is clear that something is out there hunting them.<br /><br /><strong><em>Coast To Coast Ghosts: True Stories Of Hauntings Across America</em></strong> <strong>by Leslie Rule and Ann Rule<br /></strong>An employee of the St. James <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink4" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,4);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,4);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,4);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Thriller/10-Bone-Chilling-Books-to-Get-You-Ready-for-Halloween.288917#" target="_top">Hotel</a> in New Mexico watches in shock as a fair-haired toddler with a terribly disfigured face disappears into the floor. This is just one of the paranormal mysteries Leslie Rule shares with us-a result of extensive interviews and research uncovering the reasons behind ghost sightings across the country. Coast to Coast Ghosts features dozens of spine-tingling, real-life ghost stories and approximately 50 black-and-white <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink5" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,5);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,5);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,5);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Thriller/10-Bone-Chilling-Books-to-Get-You-Ready-for-Halloween.288917#" target="_top">photographs</a>, taken by Rule, including some believed to have captured actual apparitions.<br /><br /><strong><em>Everyman's Book of Classic Horror Stories</em></strong> <strong>edited by Peter Haining<br /></strong>Here in one unique collection are some of the classic horror stories of the last 200 years. They are culled from Britain, America, France, Germany and Japan. The authors include: Poe, Le Fanu, Maupassant, E.T.A. Hoffmann, Ambrose Bierce, Bram Stoker, M.R. James, H.P. Lovecraft, Edogawa Rampo and Mervyn Peake among others.Mrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-89145840672854893022008-10-07T10:51:00.001-07:002008-10-07T10:54:01.127-07:00Against Medical Advice by James PattersonWatch for James Patterson's newest book and his first non-fiction, Against Medical Advice coming October 20th!<br /> Here is short description of the book:<br /><br />The dramatic true account of one family's struggle with a tormenting medical mystery.<br />One morning when he was almost five years old, Cory Friedman woke up with the uncontrollable urge to shake his head. From that day forward his life became an agony of irrepressible tics and involuntary utterances. Cory embarked on a fifteen-year odyssey of medication upon medication, treatment upon treatment–a constantly changing regimen that left him and his family feeling like guinea pigs in an out-of-control experiment. It soon became unclear which tics were symptoms of his condition and which were side effects of the countless combinations of drugs. The only certainty was that it kept getting worse. Simply put: Cory Friedman's life was a living hell. <br /><br />Look for this in bookstores on October 20th! To read an excerpt go to <a href="http://www.jamespatterson.com/books_againstMedicalAdvice.html">http://www.jamespatterson.com/books_againstMedicalAdvice.html</a>Mrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-87789335714277978752008-10-02T10:14:00.000-07:002008-10-02T10:14:00.459-07:00Tyrant of the Mind by Priscilla RoyalThe title of Priscilla Royal's second novel featuring Prioress Eleanor of Wynethorpe, Tyrant of the Mind, comes form a seventeenth century play by John Dryden. It is stated in a line from Act 3, Scene 1, "Song of Jealousy". It's very appropriate to this novel where murder nearly takes a back seat to the green-eyed monster.<br />Prioress Eleanor is recalled to her home, Wynthethorpe Castle when her young nephew is taken ill. Sister Anne, whose care and healing abilities bring the boy back from the brink of death, and Brother Thomas accompany her on her sojourn. While the nephew Richard is on the mend, Eleanor's father Baron Adam is in negotiations with his close and dear friend, Sir Geoffrey for the marriage between Eleanor's brother Robert and Geoffrey's daughter Julianna. Although the baron's children and the knight's were childhood friends, they are no longer youngsters. After the death of his wife, Sir Geoffrey married his ward, Isabella, who was expected to marry his son, Henry and has opened a wide rift between the two men.<br />As the knight and his retinue arrive at Wynethorpe Castle for the continuation of negotiations, the chasm separating father and son is widened even more as Sir Geoffrey loudly accuses Henry of recklessness which resulted in the death of a retainer. Later, Henry is stabbed to death and Eleanor's brother Robert is found standing over the body holding a bloodied knife.<br />Even though it looks bad for Robert, no one, not even Sir Geoffrey, believes he could carry out such a heinous act, against his childhood friend. But it's not up to them to decide. As law dictates, Baron Adam locks up his son in a very comfortable cell. Eleanor is grateful that a snowstorm has delayed any message getting through to the sheriff. She, Sister Anne and Brother Thomas struggle to make sense of the mystery and find out who killed Henry before the roads become passable.<br />Then the castle priest Father Anselm nearly dies after being pushed down a staircase. Pressing with her investigation, Eleanor learns a hideous truth behind Julianna's marriage to Sir Geoffrey.<br />In a race against time, the trio from Tyndal Priory uncovers jealousy, humiliation and lies in abundance. Royal adds more intrigue into this story and the plot becomes more complex. Prioress Eleanor finds herself increasingly in a struggle between loyalty to her family and her faith. Royal's portrayal of her is more meaningful in Tyrant of the Mind, more so than Wine of Violence. In the first we see her struggle against the nuns at Tyndal, who are angered at such a young woman being appointed their prioress. She wins over them with grim determination. In Tyrant, she has the same stubbornness but she must deal with her father, the only man who can match her hard-headedness and wit. Her usual straight-forward thinking is confounded as she realizes that her childhood friends have long lost their innocence and are now almost strangers. She must face ugly truths about her own family.<br />Eleanor is reminiscent of Peter Tremayne's Sister Fidelma, a nun/sleuth in seventh century Ireland. They have many of the same qualities and temperament.<br />Royal's second novel is a wonderful read and can probably satisfy the discriminating tastes of readers who don't like mysteries. The depiction of thirteenth century England brings the past alive and vivid even in gray, snowy weather. Tyrant of the Mind will please any reader no matter what the weather.<br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alan_G._Scott">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_G._Scott</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Tyrant-of-the-Mind-by-Priscilla-Royal&id=1536631">http://EzineArticles.com/?Tyrant-of-the-Mind-by-Priscilla-Royal&id=1536631</a>Mrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-48291059755453951452008-09-25T09:21:00.001-07:002008-09-25T09:21:55.072-07:00Scattered Leaves by Richard E Roach - Book ReviewMulti-Media Publications Inc. (2008)ISBN 9781591461463<br />Following a spectacular explosion on a drilling rig, from which he escaped unscathed, Ben McCord returns home only to find his beloved wife June brutally raped and murdered. The main suspect at first, he is cleared of any suspicion after the police verified his presence at the explosion site, yet he quickly nearly becomes the next victim. After several more direct attacks on his life it becomes abundantly clear that somebody is out to get him. Ben rapidly discovers that this somebody is obviously a government agent, but the motives remain unclear. He decides to pursue justice on his own, wanting to avenge June's death and if possible, stay alive in the process. The following events develop briskly, and Ben is soon thrown together with another victim of the same gang, a young dentist, nicknamed PJ. Although it's been only a few short days since his wife's death, it is obvious that Ben immediately becomes preoccupied with PJ and his quest for his wife murderer really becomes secondary. He is much more focused on staying with PJ and helping her avenge the terrible fate she suffered at the hands of this unsavory bunch. Will they succeed and will the mystery of June's killer ever be revealed?<br />There is absolutely no doubt that Richard E. Roach can write. His prose hits you right in the stomach, and it hits hard. I felt totally desensitized. The violence never stopped. The main story, the one of June's murder and Ben's quest for vengeance, was graphic. When PJ entered the story, the description of what happened to her at the hands of the sleazy guys was vivid. The addition of several scenes from her past, involving ongoing sexual abuse of a child by a family member, pushed me over the edge. Yet the violence never stopped. There was much more to come, from castrations to recounting of news stories involving different horrible crimes, other rapes, even one of a child, marital rape and more. Although this is all probably very close to the realities of today's world, the reader needs to be warned of the content. And while we all mourn in different ways, I found it disturbing that one would remarry so quickly after the death of a beloved spouse who died in such a violent way. Undoubtedly well written, "Scattered Leaves" by Richard E. Roach is a book I would recommend to anybody who loves scenes of death, destruction, violation and obliteration. <a href="http://www.readerviews.com/">http://www.readerviews.com/</a>Mrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-63420619266444932512008-09-24T09:36:00.001-07:002008-09-24T09:36:42.327-07:00Books, Books, and More Booksby <a class="articleAuthorLink" href="http://www.authspot.com/writers/Cee%20Jay.10363">Cee Jay</a>, Aug 5, 2007<br />A lighthearted look at our books, and why we refuse to part with them.<br />');<br />//--><br />I am here today, cleaning off my book shelf. It's very tall, and very full of books. When I left Chicago, to come out west to follow my dream, I couldn't bring everything with me. I was forced to leave some of my dear books. I like non-fiction books. I want to know how to do everything. cook , needlework, gardening. I want to do it all. I thought it would be practically impossible to replace all my books. Then I met the internet .<br />Hello! Books for sale! I found the old books, and I found new books . I found books I didn't even know I wanted. When I decided to clean the shelves, I decided to put what i would keep, on the left side. To go, on the right side. So far, the only things on the right side are some old magazines, and a few, long outdated catalogs.<br />The stack on the left is about four feet high, and I'm not even finished with this one shelf. Why is it so hard to part with the old books? I noticed when I wanted a recipe foe zucchini bread, I had various recipes for it in at least six different books. So, I should be able to pare down, right? I can't do it. I can't part with any of my books, anymore than I can part with my firstborn. Why do we love our books so much?. I think somewhere down the line, you realize that books are knowledge, and knowledge is wealth.<br />If not the gold kind, then at least the wisdom kind . Books are valuable. Books tell you things, guide you through life, inspire you. they can even save your life, if it's vital information. People in other countries, can probably tell you better than I can, about the value of books. With knowledge gained, and things learned, lives are changed there, and here also.<br />Knowledge contained in books, can lift you up, can elevate the spirits, , and give you a better, happier, more productive life. Books are good! I know this. Is that why I can't get rid of any of them , Even though space is getting tight here?<br />I wish I could convey this to my grandchildren. In this age of computers, I Pods , blackberries, cell phones, books are considered less important. "old fashioned". Maybe there is some hope though. I have a little book , I always read to my two year old granddaughter, I read it, then she says "again, again!", Ok, then I read it again, and again , until I just can't do it any more. So last week, she picked it up, and started "reading" it ! Apparently, she memorized a good part of it .<br />"I love to read gramma," she said. " I love books." Now those are words, that belong in a book!Mrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-56960444864657631212008-09-23T11:10:00.001-07:002008-09-23T11:10:49.321-07:00Seven Fascinating Literary Works for Bookwormsby <a class="articleAuthorLink" href="http://www.bookstove.com/writers/Verniel%20Cutar.44737">Verniel Cutar</a>, Sep 21, 2008<br />The next time you drop by a local bookstore, try to look for the following novels. They are highly acclaimed among literary circles, and have gathered elusive awards and positive reviews from literary critics. I highly recommend these books.<br /><br />One Hundred Years of Solitude (by Gabriel Garcia Marquez)<br />Set in the tiny fictional village of Macondo, this <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink0" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,0);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,0);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,0);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Book-Talk/Seven-Fascinating-Literary-Works-for-Bookworms.262563#" target="_top">novel</a> portrays the rise and fall of the Buendia family. It takes the reader towards a journey of 100 years of rich family and cultural <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink1" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,1);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,1);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,1);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Book-Talk/Seven-Fascinating-Literary-Works-for-Bookworms.262563#" target="_top">history</a>. The author is a master of telling the story from different vantage points. Although the timeframe for the novel extends to well over a century, the events are not told chronologically but from different angles and time periods. This novel is a Nobel <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink2" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,2);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,2);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,2);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Book-Talk/Seven-Fascinating-Literary-Works-for-Bookworms.262563#" target="_top">Prize</a> winner.<br />Midnight's Children (by Salman Rushdie)<br />This novel won both the Booker Prize and the James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 1981. It is the only novel written by an Indian author that got on Time magazine's list of top 100 best English language novels in a span of 50 years. The credentials of this book should speak for themselves.<br />Breathing Lessons (by Anne Tyler)<br />"<a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink3" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,3);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,3);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,3);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Book-Talk/Seven-Fascinating-Literary-Works-for-Bookworms.262563#" target="_top">Breathing</a> Lessons" won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1989. It is a story that tells the reality of married life and midlife crisis. One of the best modern literary artists, Anne Tyler also authored works such as Earthly Possessions and The Accidental Tourist. All those mentioned titles became smash hits.<br />Rabbit Is Rich (by John Updike)<br />This novel is the third part of Updike's "Rabbit series". Rabbit Is Rich was the lucky episode in the series that won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1982. The story is about a former high school <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink4" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,4);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,4);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,4);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Book-Talk/Seven-Fascinating-Literary-Works-for-Bookworms.262563#" target="_top">basketball</a> star who now faces the challenges of modern society, ever struggling with various factors such as his wife's alcoholism, his uncontrolled libido, his son's misbehaviour, and dark memories from his past.<br />White Noise (by Don Delillo)<br />This novel is one of the best examples of postmodern literature. In fact, it is a standard "<a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink5" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,5);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,5);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,5);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Book-Talk/Seven-Fascinating-Literary-Works-for-Bookworms.262563#" target="_top">textbook</a>" for college students taking up literature, primarily discussing postmodernism. Don Delillo's eighth novel, White Noise won the National Book Award in 1985. Film makers also attempted to release a film adaptation of the novel in 2006, but did not fully materialize.<br />Catch 22 (by Joseph Heller)<br />Considered as one of the greatest literary works in the post World War era, Catch 22 gained massive acclaim when it was first released in 1961. Today, it is a favorite among famous literary circles and subject of study for avid <a class="kLink" oncontextmenu="return false;" id="KonaLink6" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,6);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,6);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,6);" href="http://www.bookstove.com/Book-Talk/Seven-Fascinating-Literary-Works-for-Bookworms.262563#" target="_top">students</a> of literature, sociology and politics. The story was set during the late stages of World War 2, focusing on a handful of U.S. air force soldiers. The novel is full of satire, political and social criticism, as well as many equally strong underlying themes. Disturbing, humorous, and witty to a full scale extent, this novel is definitely a must read!<br />Everything That Rises Must Converge (by Flannery O' Connor)<br />Unlike the other works mentioned here, this work is not a novel but a short story collection. It is, however, considered as an individual literary piece. "Everything That Rises Must Converge" is in fact the first short story in a collection of nine, thereby earning the title for the whole work. The author wrote these short stories during a long period of illness, and were published after her death. She writes with supreme taste, style, and technicality; the readers often find themselves grasping for and holding on to every word.Mrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-40474880981190655062008-09-19T10:03:00.000-07:002008-09-19T10:04:06.734-07:00Duma Key Review - A Look Into Stephen King's NovelI've recently finished reading the new novel by Stephen King called Duma Key. I wanted to write this short review about Duma Key to share with you what I feel about it.<br />Duma Key is a novel which portrays the strengths of Stephen King's writing over the years:<br />1. His ability to create compelling and deep characters<br />2. His ability to develop rich and natural dialogs.<br />3. His vast imagination which breeds continuous new terrors and ways to enthrall us readers.<br />4. His ability to frighten us and make us laugh at the same time.<br />There was a time, a few years back, when it seemed that King's writing has faltered a bit, as if he's lost his edge. However, now it seems that the fountain of King's creativity is far from dry. Duma Key is a living proof as it's a novel which I enjoyed immensely and which can assume a place of honor among King's numerous works.<br />Duma Key is the story of a man by the name of Edgar Freemantle who suffers an horrific work related accident which deprives him of an arm and inflicts upon him a severe head injury which impairs his memory. He retreats from his Minnesota home to a rented place in Florida, on a secluded stretch of beach called Duma Key.<br />Here he resumes his long lost talent of painting and begins producing work of astounding beauty and power. However, the force of Edgar's pictures isn't confined to the canvas, for soon, his work begins to infringe upon the real world and to threaten him, his friends, and his family. Now that Edgar realizes what that he has unleashed a terrible force, he must face this dark entity and fight what he has helped to awaken.<br />I won't say anymore so as not to spoil it for you. I truly believe that this is a book you should read. I highly recommend Duma Key to any lover of fiction and suspense.<br />To read more about this book, visit this webpage: [http://www.squidoo.com/Duma-Key-Book-Review]Duma Key Review.<br />John Davenport is an author and and avid reader. To read more about Stephen King's work, click here: [http://www.squidoo.com/Duma-Key-Book-Review]Stephen King ReviewMrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-42859902413286530912008-09-18T09:42:00.000-07:002008-09-18T09:43:04.029-07:00A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K LeGuin - Book ReviewIn the world of Epic Fantasy there are two series of books that stand above all the rest as masterpieces. Lord of the Rings is one of those series. The Earthsea Series by Ursula K. LeGuin is the other. This is a review of the first book in the Earthsea series A Wizard of Earthsea.<br />As far as fantasy novels go this is a bit counter to the norm. This book weighs in at less than two hundred pages which in today's world is less than half the size of a typical fantasy book. Yet, it is extremely rich and textured with a beautiful story and remarkable themes.<br />The basic setting for the story is a coming of age story about a young boy named Ged who goes off to wizard school to achieve his potential. Sounds rather familiar? Maybe so but this is where the familiarity ends. The world in which we travel (Earthsea) is an archipelago of different islands and a lot of the story involves travel by boat from island to island and often times Ged travels in a small boat alone using magic to fill the small sail and propel him onward in his travels and his quest.<br />The book is rich with mythological themes and ideas and one of the central themes is the naming of things. Wizards in Earthsea understand that if you know the true name of a thing you can control it and much of their time is spent learning the true names of things. This skill is critical when Ged, in his little sailboat, faces his first dragon. The book also covers some importance of controlling power, the dangers of pride, and the importance of facing yourself and all your flaws truthfully.It is suitable for children and for adults alike and it makes superb reading aloud at bed time. But, while there is no explicit violence, there are some mildly dark themes and scenes so as a parent you may want to pre-read it first if your audience is younger than eight.<br />The Archipelago and the World of Earthsea books<br />A wizard of Earthsea is the first book in a trilogy of books called the Earthsea cycle. As a book it stands alone and can be read as an individual work. It has a complete story that comes to a resolution at the end. You can purchase this single book and be satisfied that there is no necessity of purchasing more books to find out what happens next. But, once you are introduced to Ged, the Archipelago, and Earthsea you are going to want to continue adventuring in his world. The second book in this first trilogy is The Tombs of Atuan and the third book is The Farthest Shore.<br />Many years after the publication of this trilogy LeGuin returned to the world of Earthsea with three more novels in the cycle. They are Tehanu, Tales from Earthsea, and The Other Wind which was published in 2001. So there are now six books in the series.<br />A Wizard of Earthsea is a book that introduces us to a remarkable world of magic, wizards, and dragons that is not just fantasy fun. It is also a thought provoking and sensitively written story. LeGuin has paid close attention to the importance and magic of words in the archipelago and she has done the same with her writing of the book. It will cast a spell of enchantment over you. If you are a fan of fantasy books and you haven't read this one you are in for a treat. This book is the prototype for which much of modern fantasy is based upon. It is a timeless classic.<br />Love Fantasy? Check out the authors website: [http://fantasyguide.stormthecastle.com]The Fantasy Guide - Your guide to Fantasy Books<br />For more insights and articles about epic fantasy visit his site at: [http://www.epic-fantasy.com]Epic-Fantasy.com - The webs only epic fantasy site.Mrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-55023598161502741552008-09-16T09:59:00.001-07:002008-09-16T09:59:37.793-07:00Romantic Fiction Also Historically Significant!Enjoy two books in one...a romance fiction which includes historical letters from Abigail Smith Adams to then President John Adams during the Revoluntionary War! Fun to read!<br /><br /><br /><br />Dear John<br />By Norma L. Betz<br />AuthorHouse<br />ISBN: 978-1-4343-1071-2<br />With a deep sigh, I closed Norma L. Betz's first book, Dear John, having read it that day! What a delightful, satisfying read!<br />Actually, you might say that Dear John has a book within the book, for it includes many original letters from Abigail Smith Adams to her husband, who was then the second president of the United States, John Adams. What a wonderful way to share part of America's history with readers!<br />The main thrust of the book is a love story, but not necessarily the usual one! Let me tell you a little about Susanna and Quincy... Susanna Smith is a professional woman who has created a rather insular life for herself...and her companion, Quincy. As an administrator at a college, she well knows that she should have already taken time off to attend to the estate of her late aunt, for whom she was named-Susanna Abigail Smith. But, in doing so, she would have to admit that she had trouble with delegation and had procrastinated leaving, even though she well knew that her staff could handle her department during her absence.<br />When Quincy realized that she was pulling her luggage out and getting ready to leave, he was quite concerned that he might be left behind. However, when his favorite blanket was placed by the door, he felt it best to stay right there and ensure he went with her! No, Quincy is not her pet. He is her only real companion and much of Susanna's dialogue is directed to Quincy! It's a fun relationship and readers will enjoy their sharing. As Susanna laments not having visited her aunt more often and not even knowing about her death until after her burial, it is Quincy with whom she shares her turmoil. It is he that gives her his unconditional love and support when she begins to realize that she has shut herself off from her family and even other friends.<br />Susanna's arrival at her aunt's home brings back many wonderful memories. But it is when she starts hearing the praises of her aunt from her lawyer, who had been in love with her, from his son and her co-worker that her pain and loss grows even worse. And when her aunt has left her a letter, along with the letters of her famous ancestor, she becomes enthralled with reading them even to the point of going to the library to read and research what was historically happening about which her aunt was writing.<br />The movement back and forth between the life of Abigail Smith Adams, through her letters, and Susanna's is very well done and adds tension to the reading of both. Susanna reads of what Abigail is facing as the Revolutionary War is fought and then learns more about what was actually happening through visits to the library where her aunt was once the librarian.<br />At the same time, much is happening in Susanna's life as she meets her own "John" and begins to care for him. Her life is turned upside down and is placed in danger because of what she finds there in her aunt's historical home. The reader's interest is sustained throughout as both the War is fought in 1775 and Susanna's own internal struggles for her life begins.<br />Quincy hooked me in, the historical letters caught my interest, and the drama of Susanna's new life turned each page. I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to especially those interested in historical romance (although this isn't a historical romance book). Once you start reading the letters from Abigail to John Adams you'll understand this reference! By the way, the book includes footnotes and an extensive bibliography for the true historian.<br />Enjoy this one-I did!<br />G. A. Bixler is co-owner of an online review site of Independent Professional Book Reviewers. She has over 40 years experience in educational administration and publishing. New or well-known, self-published, or small press authors are all welcomed! Compare our prices to other professional book review sites! <a href="http://www.bookreviewers.org/">http://www.Bookreviewers.org</a><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Glenda_Bixler">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Glenda_Bixler</a> [http://ezinearticles.com/?Romantic-Fiction-Also-Historically-Significant!&id=1357313 ]http://EzineArticles.com/?Romantic-Fiction-Also-Historically-Significant!&id=1357313Mrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-86747277557641191492008-09-15T19:20:00.001-07:002008-09-15T19:20:50.116-07:00Crime Thrillers Are Top FictionCrime thrillers or police procedurals have some of the best writers offering us a plethora of styles, contexts, characters and superb plotting that can keep us entertained and relaxed for hours on end.<br />And, we are not talking about potboilers either - there are writers who not only offer interesting characters and good plots (with all the twists and turns); but who are good writers of the language which adds immensely to the pleasure of reading.<br />There are some key American authors who excel at this - my top nominations include: Michael Connelly, James Lee Burke, John Lescroart, Dennis Lehane, Lawrence Block and Ed McBain<br />And, still really good, but just a little bit down a wee level ..... and this is purely subjective:<br />Lee Childs, Jonathan Kellerman, Robert K Tanenbaum, John Grisham, David Balducci, Jeffrey Deaver, James Patterson, Harlan Corben, Robert Crais, John Connolly. Crime thrillers, to maintain your interest, do not have to keep you guessing 'whodunit' (a la Agatha Christie style with Miss Marple) though that's great if they do.<br />That's an added pleasure but, they do have to be plotted well and offer protagonists whom you care about and are interested in...... such as Harry Bosch (Connelly); Matt Scudder (Block); Dave Robicheaux (Burke); Dismas Hardy and Abe Glitsky (Lescroart); Kenzie and Gennaro (Lehane).<br />It's not just the 'good yarn' that brings you back to an author - it's his development of the lead characters that also grabs your interest and who become the thread woven throughout all of the series - perhaps best summed up John Lescroart<br />"When I was just starting to write it (his current work), I asked my wife, Lisa, what she hoped to see in my next book, and she said she'd like to just sit down and spend some time with all of her favorite characters-not just Diz and Abe, but Frannie and Treya, and Wes Farrell, and Wyatt Hunt and Gina Roake. And that's pretty much what I used as my template for this one (The Victims)."<br />With Connelly et al (above) I recommend you start from the beginning of their series to obtain maximum benefit - all of them have maintained a high standard of storytelling and writing excellence throughout their works.......<br />They don't just simply churn out novels to make a buck and then gradually decline into clichés, formulaic writing, contrived plotting or the implausible as some writers have done after initially giving us really good books to read...... Clive Cussler being a main offender at this.<br />The best fiction novels are those which constantly maintain a standard of excellence and meet our expectations...... and in the crime genre ....... The above mentioned are among few who can claim to write top fiction books, consistently.<br />Though having said that, I must contradict myself - James Patterson is in danger of churning out books for the sake of it - his "The Quickie" co-authored with Michael Ledwidge, is a good example - it is basically dreadful; with the lead character having few redeeming qualities to hold you to the page. It is hard to credit that the book came from the man who gave us the rivetting Along Came A Spider and other consistently good Alex Cross yarns. It almost seems that he has so many ideas, that he has to use a co-author to flesh them out - and they don't have the same feel as his solo authored works.<br />Excellent crime novels can either be American or British - I can't decide which I like better. The cultural differences, locales, and perspectives are sufficiently different that it makes comparisons odious and it's much better to enjoy the two different styles as stand alones although they are of the same genre. While always wanting the latest from a Val McDermid or a Reg Hill, I can't imagine a reading list that doesn't include a James Lee Burke or John Lescroart either.<br />You are invited to my website for more - and to add your own comments too if you wish.<br />Peter Damien Ryan <a href="http://www.readingbooks-4fun.com/">http://www.readingbooks-4fun.com</a><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Peter_Damien_Ryan">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Damien_Ryan</a> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Crime-Thrillers-Are-Top-Fiction&id=1470073">http://EzineArticles.com/?Crime-Thrillers-Are-Top-Fiction&id=1470073</a>Mrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-14704454484341958652008-08-30T08:39:00.000-07:002008-08-30T08:40:15.055-07:00Michael Connelly - Master Crime WriterFor satisfactory recreational reading there is nothing better than a good murder mystery because they are some of the best books to read for relaxation and pleasure.<br />And, we are not talking about potboilers either - there are writers who not only offer interesting characters and good plots (with all the twists and turns); but who are good writers of the language which adds immensely to the pleasure of reading.<br />It's not just the 'good yarn' that brings you back to an author - it's his development of the lead characters that also grabs your interest and who become the thread woven throughout all of the series.<br />Brass Verdict: due in October 2008, is Michael Connelly's next Book, and looks to be all his fans could desire ..... a teaming up of Harry Bosch with Mickey Haller from The Lincoln Lawyer.<br />While Bosch remains (probably) the favourite protagonist, Connelly's occasional forays into other 'territory' has produced equally satisfactory works - maintaining his usual standard of writing and avoiding the pitfalls of becoming formulaic and contrived.<br />Although this might read like a paid advertisement - it isn't (wish it was) - I just think he's that bloody good and urge you to read him - and if you have - start re-reading him - it's a well worth exercise. His books are like a fine wine - you just savour them.<br />This quote from a review of "Trunk Music" (1997) clearly expresses why I recommend Michael Connelly's books:"Another terrific Harry Bosch tale...I just can't get enough of Harry Bosch and his adventures. Connelly really has his stuff together in "Trunk Music".<br />Getting his stuff together began right off with his first novel and has continued in all subsequent books - with or without Harry Bosch.<br />I find his books to be vastly entertaining and authentic with a wonderfully atmospheric feel for the locale and characters that populate his tales. His talent for skillful writing, deft dialogue, solid plotting combined with nuanced and rich characterization ensure high anxiety plots that always deliver on every level. There is no doubt in my mind that he is up at the top rank of crime writers.<br />Incidentally, I just love the title of his 3rd novel......The Concrete Blonde It has to be one of the best titles ever ..... it just grabs my fancy!<br />He doesn't just simply churn out novels to make a buck and then gradually decline into clichés, formulaic writing, contrived plotting or the implausible as some writers have done after initially giving us really good books to read...... Clive Cussler being a main offender at this.<br />With Connelly, I recommend you start from the beginning of his series to obtain maximum benefit - all of the novels have maintained a high standard of storytelling and writing excellence.<br />The Harry Bosch Novels are:<br />The Black Echo (1992)<br />The Black Ice (1993)<br />The Concrete Blonde (1994)<br />The Last Coyote (1995)<br />Trunk Music (1997)<br />Angels Flight (1999)<br />A Darkness more than Night (2001) [Features Bosch and McCaleb]<br />City of Bones (2002)<br />Last Light (2003)<br />The Narrows (2004)<br />The Closers (2005)<br />Echo Park (2006)<br />The Overlook (2007)<br />Brass Verdict (October 2008)<br />The Poet (1996) [This features reporter Jack McEvoy]<br />Blood Work (1998) [Introduces Terry McCaleb]<br />Void Moon (2000)<br />Chasing the Dime (2002)<br />The Lincoln Lawyer (2005) [Meet Mickey Haller] <a href="http://www.readingbooks-4fun.com/Michael-Connelly.html">http://www.readingbooks-4fun.com/Michael-Connelly.html</a><br />Peter Damien Ryan <a href="http://www.readingbooks-4fun.com/">http://www.readingbooks-4fun.com</a>Mrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-5883490800627550482008-08-11T10:48:00.000-07:002008-08-11T10:48:00.575-07:00Rules of Deception by Christopher ReichDr. Jonathan Ransom, a surgeon for Doctors-Without-Borders, and his wife, Emma, are mountain climbing in the Swiss Alps. A storm sets in and it is too late for them to turn back. Emma tries to escape the storm and ends up tumbling on the slope and fractured her leg. Ransom knew he had to get help. His only choice was to leave Emma. Upon his return, he discovered her dead at the bottom of a crevasse. All he could see was a trail of blood. He figured her bone must have ruptured an artery. There was not enough rope for he and the rescuers to reach her.<br />A short time later, Jonathan receives an envelope addressed to his wife containing two baggage claim tickets. He and one of Emma's friends, go to pick up the bags. Ransom was not aware that his wife had some kind of dealings in Switzerland. He was in for a shock because he was ambushed in trying to get the bags and in return fired back. Little did he know at the time but he ended up killing two Swiss police officers.<br />When Ransom opens Emma's bags he is in for even a bigger shock. There he finds a change of clothing, keys to a Mercedes, one hundred thousand Swiss Francs and a driver's license issued to Mrs. Eva Kruger with Emma's face on it. What was going on? How did he not know something like this?<br />Dr. Ransom now becomes the target of an international mahunt. The only way he can survive is to find out what his wife's involvement was in all of this.<br />Will Ransom be able to find out the truth before it is too late?<br />Wow! This book is a riveting thriller that will take the reader on a very fast, adventuresome ride. It includes everything to make it a real winner - spies, high-tech weaponry, and global terrorism. What more could you ask for? From the moment I sat down and read the first couple of pages, I knew I was in for an exciting read that just could not be put down. The author does an excellent job in setting the stage for this intriguing book and the excitement builds from there. Be sure to add Rules of Deception to your reading list. You will be in for a treat!<br />Nancy Eaton - Owner of: <a href="http://www.bestsellersworld.com/">http://www.bestsellersworld.com</a><br />This site has book reviews, book giveaways and a book discussion forum.Mrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-69204578177357835832008-08-04T10:33:00.000-07:002008-08-04T10:33:00.917-07:00The Dangerous Days of Daniel X<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlOohLBsiprTfnBk1Al0r2kR3DqZtuYqpCRIEAgYtDDQlIGoykVk-5VG_NbLq1OPokNTg1xOst-0z2u71Y-Lp0WfaGMn-8rilHjcPrX1OteirFfbE45SWnkNFLwtubowVk9r51z3AmVZA/s1600-h/lg-danielX.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230701785257507954" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlOohLBsiprTfnBk1Al0r2kR3DqZtuYqpCRIEAgYtDDQlIGoykVk-5VG_NbLq1OPokNTg1xOst-0z2u71Y-Lp0WfaGMn-8rilHjcPrX1OteirFfbE45SWnkNFLwtubowVk9r51z3AmVZA/s200/lg-danielX.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge<br />HE WAS BORN WITH GREAT POWERThe greatest superpower of all isn't to be part spider, part man, or to cast magic spells–the greatest power is the power to create.<br />Daniel X has that power.<br />AND A DEADLY SECRETDaniel's secret abilities–like being able to manipulate objects and animals with his mind or to re-create himself in any shape he chooses–have helped him survive. But Daniel doesn't have a normal life. He is the protector of Earth, the Alien Hunter, with a mission beyond anyone's imagining.<br />NOW THE FATE OF THE WORLD RESTS ON DANIEL XFrom the day that his parents were brutally murdered before his very eyes, Daniel has used his unique gifts to hunt down their assassin. Finally, with the help of The List, bequeathed to him in his parents' dying breath, he is closing in on the killer.<br />Now, on his own, he vows to carry out his father's mission–and to take vengeance in the process.</div>Mrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5517275800104756482.post-44344183003828809852008-08-03T10:28:00.000-07:002008-08-03T10:28:01.175-07:00The Alehouse Murders by Maureen AshIn her first of a new mystery series, Maureen Ash introduces the reader to Templar Knight Bascot de Marins, who has returned to England after years of captivity in the Holy Land at the hands of the Saracen. Injured in his escape to freedom, de Marins is on sojourn from the Order at the castle of Lincoln, to allow his leg to heal. The leave from the Templar Knights also gives him a chance to question and renew his fading faith.<br />Nicolaa de la Haye, the lady in charge of the castle and wife to the sheriff, charges Bascot to find the murderer of four people found dead in the alehouse. The deaths come on the eve of Lincoln's huge midsummer fair and she is concerned that the person responsible could disappear into the crowds.<br />As the temperature rises, so does the body count and Bascot finds himself dealing with a ruthless and very determined killer.<br />Ash creates a vivid picture of medieval life and culture against the backdrop of King John I's reign. Although the monarch does not appear in the story, his pressure is felt by all and his influence is palpable. It is interesting to read Ash's portrayal of John as king which is in contrast to the depiction of him as prince to his brother, Richard I. Sharon K. Penman's excellent Justin de Quincy series lays John's perfidy and malice (some of which seems genuinely justified) unapologetically open and exposed.<br />The most engaging of Ash's characters besides Bascot are his young ward Gianni, and the aging matriarch Hilde, who also recognizes the intelligence of the wounded Templar and becomes instrumental in helping him solve the mystery. Gianni, the mute Italian orphan rescued from the streets and starvation by Bascot, communicates with the Templar through a series of hand signals and captures the readers' hearts as well as attention. Gianni is devoted to Bascot as a son is to a father and the sentiment is returned. Bascot lost an eye during his captivity (reminding the reader of Candace Robb's one-eyed hero Owen Archer) and relies on the boy's visual acuity for finding clues.<br />Bascot de Marins is a complex character like another Templar sleuth, Michael Jecks's Sir Baldwin Furnshill.<br />Ash received kudos from Penman and another medieval mystery legend, Margaret Frazer, along with other accolades printed everywhere on the paperback edition. The glowing reports are deserved as this book is worthy enough to be put along side the other medieval whodunits from Frazer and Penman. Ash's writing style tends to be heavy on the passive voice, but this does not distract from the reading pleasure. I look forward to reading the next one.Mrsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189254910598512349noreply@blogger.com0