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Showing posts from 2023

Murder At Merewood Hospital by Michelle Salter

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The ghost nurse, Isabel Taplin, is very real. Not hearing her voice doesn't matter. Unfortunately, she was murdered and left in the woods. The other characters, men patients, are interesting. It is very easy to feel close to David, Albert, Morgan and the others. Finally, The book is amazing. I can't wait to read another book by this author.  Thank you for the book.

Time 2 Go by Max Sampson

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Who hasn't thought about time? We talk about time, write about time, sing about time and the list goes on because time is important. Some of us are afraid of schedules.  Just the word deadline can make us sweat. We go to doctors. We hope to gain a longer life by improving our health. Here are more thoughts about time. Play a piano? Use a metronome. It's all about time. I respect time for whatever reason. The list goes on. Maybe if we take time out to learn about time it will beome a friend and not an enemy. In Time 2 Go , Max Sampson writes seventeen points about time management. It's nonfiction, but it reads like fiction. He has a very good writing style.

The Island Cottage by Jane Lovering

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Orkney.  More than an oil painting, it's a puzzle. It's just rough around the edges. Old fashioned? No! Quite different from what you might think. There is a bathroom, a swinging bulb and Wi-Fi. As an extra, there is a blustery goose with three eggs not yet hatched but definitely live birds. How impossible to believe Brid  could throw the goose family out. By the way, Brid isn't a witch. This place for sale doesn't border on romantic. The cottage seems like long dark rooms striving to get rid of darkness and join the light. Really, the cottage is disappointing. I do feel good about the tin tub. She can bathe in a small way.  The shopping trip is fun. Although, you don't really know what Brid has bought until she gets back to Jennet's cottage. It's not enough time in an Orkney day to write everything down.

The Winter Waif by Lynette Rees

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Betsan's mother is a seamstress. Today she has to finish a wedding gown. Unfortunately, she is becoming very ill. The cough only gets worse. Then, a fever erupts. The children are kept by a neighbor. The Father makes a run for a doctor. It's all very serious. The sewing machine is the embodiment of family love while struggling to live through each day. It is a magnificent novel. Do not miss it.

Dark Shadows Over Coronation Close by Lizzie Lane

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Extraordinary means ordinary in Coronation Close. It is like your forever neighborhood. You know one another. So, when one man stands staring at one particular door you get involved. After all Jenny knows quite a bit about Thelma, her neighbor. What does the stranger want? Is he a dangerous spy? Coronation Close, the novel, is very British. Places and names interrupt the story. According to how much "English" you want in your book. Arrividerchi.

Sunrise Over Strawberry Hill Farm by Alison Sherlock

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Seems like the name Strawberry Hill Farm would keep the sky sunny and bright. It is such a delightful name. Sadly, a farm moniker can not grow a farm. It takes a heap of sunshine and not too much rain. Unfortunately,  Flora and Grams can not control the weather. However, they can give out love vibes to their friends, one another and the past. Those vibrations are as pure and rich as a good wine. They are still loving the Rossi family after many years. At the moment, a red Ferrari driven by Nico Rossi is gathering all the excitement while Grams and Flora hide their tears. By the way,  Strawberry Hill Farm is a hundred years old. It will take dogged determination to keep it going. Of course, that is always true of farm life. Each day is a surprise. By the way, here is an Italian word. Prego.  By the way, the Bartons, Flora and Grams, home is in England. No wonder the novel is magical. England and Italy sparkle with serendipity.

The Last Trip by Rowen Chambers

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College friends meet up every year to renew their friendships. This time it is a winter setting in New Hampshire.  When there is a gathering like this one, it is not surprising when secrets jump out of a bag and land in front of everybody. One tip is not to allow the holder of all that knowledge know you are scared witless for the secret to become known.  One guest is a surgical nurse. For her sake I hope the snow does not come down too fast. Then, there is Ryan. He is a guest who attracts not just a hello. There are feelings about him all around the room. It is easy to tell the nights and days will unload surprises. Unfortunately, surprises are not always good. The Last Trip by Rowen Chambers is a sparkling mystery. One that begins with excitement. There is no telling where it will end.  

Joy by Danielle Steel

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 Allegra is a little girl who is not living a wonderful childhood. Both parents have decided to go their separate ways. It is clearly spoken Allegra is just an extra piece of luggage.The grandmother will take her just, I suppose, so she will not feel guilty. As these circumstances occur, the word love is never spoken. For a little girl, Allegra is strong. She seems use to getting in the way and then, pushed aside.With very few words a clear picture is given about Allegra's Naval father and her mother who is unsettled in mind and spirit, Through serendipity, I hope life will change for Allegra.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavemdish by Paula Brackston

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 She loves the griffin. This is exciting. It means Hecate thinks differently from other men and women. Hecate will work in the cathedral's library. She is bewitched with awe as she looks at the rare and beautiful books. It  does seem like the perfect job: the quiet, friendly conversations, hymns and most of all, purpose. Hecate adores medieval maps.Yes, the library is definitely where she should work. Mysteries deliciously cloud the room. There is a locked case. Inside are books. It definitely excites the curiosity. The Master Librarian knows exactly what he wants done and how to succeed at the duty, For now, Hecate is only dusting chairs and desks. This is a delightful book. It's a treasure.  I believe everyone will enjoy it.

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio

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 She finds a male stranger inside her home. She is not sure of herself. So, she questions whether her head is on straight. I am not sure what's going on here. From the title, the woman has married more than once. Perhaps, she meets them all again under different circumstances. Is this a good experience? I don't know. Oh, maybe husband is defined differently. Maybe? Now, that's pertinent information. She's drunk. I don't think she's drunk. It's a reason for what is happening. And there is much happening: different floor color, new coffeepot and table and chairs different. I can't think what has happened to this woman. She must have been very drunk. I'm waiting for the husband to say something significant. At least, he didn't share a bed with her. He seems there  to stay. Well, he's not in a hurry to leave.

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown

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An old and rare book is  out on the streets. The title of the book is "The Book of Doors".It's called a magic book. Cassie ,a bookstore worker, is given the book by an old gentleman named Mr. Webber. He is sitting at a table quietly looking through books and holds this one,"The Book Of Doors," beside him. He is a regular visitor to this bookstore.He has conversed with Cassie a few times. This time there meeting is different. Something sad and unexpected happens. After work, Cassie looks through the book with her friend Izzy. Surprisingly, their door opens to another door where there is a Venice street. Shocked is the emotion shown by the ladies.Gareth Brown certainly has turned our eyes to his novel. Whether we like magical objects or books there is the desire to read what will happen next. There have been many books written about the supernatural. So, this book might not kick our legs up in the air. From the book you can feel a certain aura reaching out to you

A Year of Last Things by Michael Ondaatje

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 These are sentimental times. They are remembered and longed for again. Something in the poems inspires a good cry. A time to reach back for an old love. They are not afraid of self pity. It is a song. Some of the poems are like stories. These are about the war and friends. Companions shared in conversation. If loneliness is here, It is mellow. Needs surpass any hunger for deception. If you want a new family, you remarry. Everything is alright.You did what you had to do and more. The poems are lovely and deep as the water in a well. Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water...Meet Dante Alighieri.

The Fallen Fruit by Shawntelle Madison

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 There is a curse hanging over every Bridge baby boy who is born. Any of those Bridges might fall back. This is what has happened to Millie's brother Isaiah, we think. What an awful curse. It's like the killings of every two year old who was an Israelite. This is beyond sad. One can hope there is a way to compromise, or are my thoughts too pessimistic? Oh my, I can only cry wet tears if this could happen in my family. While reading this Historical Fiction book, your book enthusiasm will grow larger than it already is in and  you might become more protective of the boys in your family.

36 Ways of writing a Vietnamese Poem by NAM LEE

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Refugees face many hardships. One is experiencing people who put them in a box. They are not allowed to acquaint themselves with a new way of living. We must learn to see them as more than only Vietnamese. The Vietnamese know their plight. Some see their homeland as loss to them. While they are here learning a new way of life. It is an adjustment. This Poetry is thoughtful and has many dimensions. After the war, there must have been "thirty six" ways to look at the pain of their lives. We must not forget these people we once knew. Their sorrows are many as are ours which means, whether we know it or not, we have much in common.  

Pacific Power & "Light by Michael Dickman

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These Pacific Northwest poems sparkle. One line immediately catches my eye. In one poem  the poet writes about grass.  He likens it to what we do not, perhaps, want to think about while we are looking at grass. That is amphetamines. The one verse is a chance to examine our feelings about speed. You might never have used this speed, but it gives you the chance to look at your grassy lawn differently. We take so much for granted. Michael Dickman gives us the chance to take another look at what we see every single day. The whole poem gives a new look at nature and people. The city does have people and objects that will widen the mind. In the end he writes "It's good to be here." Whether we like what he chooses to look at or not there is the chance to see our world in a different way. Would you happen to have a "can of spaghetti?" See, it is really about seeing our world honestly.

Spectral Evidence by Gregory Pardlo

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 Usually, I do not write about a cover of a book. This cover haunts me. Putting it away only causes the need to see it again. It arouses my interest. So, I must turn to the poems. Each one as deep as the ocean. Each one wringing my brain like the water in a tub of shirts and socks. With words about the state of prisoners my mind is blasted open. I look to see if they are at my feet.  Thank you to Gregory Pardlo for entering my mind and giving it organization and clarity. Whether it is in a hushed voice or spoken extremely loudly there is the constant thought of mankind , no less for black mankind and woman: There is our survival, and our huge, traveling spirits. Tituba is here! As are the Scythians. I weep thinking of the branded blind slaves. What could have saved them or was it a time of destiny? Tituba speaks to all women. I think Tituba is my most favorite woman mentioned. I will know when I reread this poem what has touched my soul. Yes, children, never forgotten.              aid

Fairytale of New York by Zor Folbigg

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 Charlie is leaving Lancashire for New York. It is her first time visiting there. She is so excited. In her shoes, I would feel the same way. The trip on the plane goes well. Everything is great until she figures it out. Harry Taylor is not there to meet her.  It is such a horrible feeling to experience what is happening to her. She spends hours at the airport and find she does not have enough information with her. The story goes on. Although I have never had this experience, I almost feel her pain. It is a wonderful book. We definitely learn about Charlie.When all we want to know is where is Harry. Walking this woman back and forth as she tries to think what to tell her parents, etc. leaves the heart pumping faster and faster. You really feel like crying for her. This is not the way I pictured her New York Christmas. By the way, Lancashire is near London.

Ghost Ghostwriters by Candida Moss

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One of the main writers in "God's Ghostwriters'' by Candida Moss is Paul. He too had helpful writers walking behind him. It can not remain unsaid. There are the enslaved who write too. Most of us love and respect Paul. We know about his life because he shares it in his letters.  It is hard for us to believe he is disliked and terribly misunderstood by some people in Ephesus and other places like Corinth. His message just rubbed these people the wrong way. I suppose he wonders what will happen when he gets to Rome. For sure, the hate will grow louder. Chastity is not a favorite topic for most men and women. We do know he will find himself in a Roman dungeon. This book explains the lives of writers who followed along with authors. It also includes the enslaved. I wonder should these people not have a chance to hear a thank you from our Modern countries and cities. They were very needed and not easy to find. Not every person could write and read in Rome and

The Atelier by Glenn Haybittle

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  Jared is a professional painter. One painting focuses on Christ. Jared looks at his paintings with a philosophical eye. For this reason they have become more than colors and paint slapped on a brush. His thoughts are far deeper than I could go. His way of thinking about his painted images challenged my mind. His wife is an artist too. Jared chooses his models with great care. The way we choose to look at sex is here. These people share their values openly.  His wife, Diane's Psychotherapist, does not think Jared looks at his women models with the respect due them. He listens. The two women are on the opposite side of a brick wall. I do not think all of them will ever agree. There is much hear about the classicists. Jared is very there when he joins himself with the old masters. What a mix there is when one strives to stay oneself, while remaking the world in your image. I was shocked that Diane willingly shared her private sanctuary with Jared. This is not a lightweight novel, bu

Scar Songs: Stories by W. Royce Adams

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These stories move the emotions. They are like a swing that does not stop swinging. Each one I have read has been meaningful. There are not too many characters. The dialogue is easy to follow. With all of that goodness, the stories stab our reality. It is like a piece of our heart has been taken and measured for pain and joy. In one story, a man is in the hospital visiting his ex-wife. She is dying. What should he say? He chooses honesty. He recalls all the pain she caused him. Does she hear him?  So, there is a way through hard circumstances. There, you can choose to hide your feelings or let them show. The way he chose left no pain for him and we hope no pain for her. Of course, there is more than one way to look at a story. These are classic for a book discussion. Also, blocked memories become unblocked and those times relived.        

A Northern Light in Province by Elizabeth BirkelundRe

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Reading about Ilse and her Greenland is like learning about a whole new place on the map. I believe my teachers kept slightly silent about this island. That is okay. Greenland is not going anywhere. Hope I do not hear about its demise due to climate warming. Now that it is still here we have to take advantage of seeing it and meeting its people. I like the characters in the book. Ilse, the main character, is a book translator. When she talks about her work, I feel fascinated. Translating books for a living seems so romantic. To translate your words into a different language, like French, must make a heady experience.I can not imagine looking out my window and seeing a iceberg as I cook in the kitchen.

In The Clearing by JP Pomare

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 No one can figure out a marriage except for the people who live in it. Outside people only see what the couple wants us to see. Then, you need to ask does the couple know each other fully? I know there are some marriages where men hardly say a word. Perhaps, that goes for women too. No wonder there are so many marriage counselors. Is it better to keep secrets or is it best to tell all? This woman is married to Wayne. Now, he is her ex. I read the lines where they are talking to one another on the phone and realize there are many thoughts not spoken. If we talk about their marriages behind their backs, it is simply because their words and body language set us to wondering what does go on behind those doors.  These people are trying to save children from troubled homes. Freya has done something. Wayne seems to threaten her about it. She doesn't seem like she would hurt a child. When your nerves are tight because your living in a  bad marriage, anything might happen. Not a good place

Black Wolf by Juan Gomex-Jurado

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A key figure in crime has been murdered. When police and detectives arrive, the killer is long gone. He also went after the wife. He did not catch her. Now, no one can find her. She must fee as frightened as a puppy, newly born. The woman is pregnant and has a serious illness. They mus find her. Time is not on her side. Lola's feet are bloody from walking. I hope she does not need to hide for long. The author writes that cicadas live underground for seventeen years. Will Lola be in hiding for a very long time?  When thinking of her, the word exile comes to mind. It just seems when you need to run, the running never stops. All of a sudden life changes. You are an heroic survivor. I think Antonia Scott would understand Lola's hunger for life. She will not give up. Strange to me, I have become more in awe of Lola than Antonia Scott. Antonia Scott is our main sleuth. The woman with the brain who sees beyond what is visible. Where are we? Spain.

The Boy Who Cried Bear by Kelley Armstrong

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There is a bear in the forest.  There is a new rule. No one should or needs to go in the forest. It takes courage to accept that the bear killer is so close. Of course, there are those who will go in the woods anyway. One man goes in with a butcher knife. They start to think another way. That bear maybe is a man. Take your pick. It is interesting that some times there are wild men in the woods. These are called feral or wild men. They feel safer in woodland territory rather than where people live. I get the impression they are out of their mind.  I wonder how much damage will the can of bear spray do to an uncivilized, ferocious man? I will just keep guessing without taking myself to the land of trees for an experience. Perhaps, the wild man's theory is I won't bother you, if you don't bother me. On the other hand, he is out for a kill because you are on his land supposedly. It is a good book for the weekend or a sleepless night.  

Bless Your Heart by Lindy Ryan

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     Yikes! I tried to act cool, calm, and collected. It did not work. I feel frightened, spooked. There is no way I can finish this book. Lindy Ryan is a great writer. Usually, books do not scare me. This one is making me shiver. This is my book review. I can not finish it. What the author set out to do, she has done.  Thank you for a complimentary copy given by St. Martin's      

The Summerville Sisters by Heather Dixon

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 Grief is a word we would like to remove from the dictionary. It is a word that only brings tears and sad memories. Claire's mother has been gone for only a week. Every where Cllaire looks there is the sight of her mother doing different activities. Grief is a word that needs acceptance for the sake of our sanity. It is said you have to bend into the word. Do not fear it.  Claire also has a daughter. Her name is Lilah. Her husband's name is Greg. Another word that spooks us is cancer. Claire's mother dies of cancer. The Summerville Sisters is not depressing. It is sad. We can go to our private, safe place and read about the characters so like ourselves. There it is alright to wish for a sister. Claire also must deal with family secrets. It is not the right time. It is not the wrong time. It is just time to open the linen closet  and gather the sheets of truth. Time.   .

Danje by Gitte Tamar

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 I just couldn't handle it. I have bee n fighting with this book or with Danje. The writing about the storm is really good. The problem is Danje. I just couldn't reach him. Sorry.

The Unfurling Frond by Rebecca Beardsall

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  It is not exciting, It is softly dramatic. Through her eyes again we learn the importance of a name.  Most people call her Becky. We have heard that name so often. We can draw pictures of a Becky. She wants the name Rebecca. It is facts like that which lead us through Pennsylvania and Auckland, New Zealand. Yippee! she mentions row homes. It is well know where they are found. In New Zealand are the black beaches. I have never seen one. Can't imagine one. How many can remember where they drank their first beer? Rebecca Beardsall remembers. It happened in New Zealand at the first legal pub. Altogether it is a visit to a trunk of memories. There are Crazy quilts, Double Wedding Rings and papers full of words.  We can not miss writing more about New Zealand. Sixty volcanoes are there. One is named Ruapehu.This review could go on and on. Every page is interesting in The Unfurling Frond including the calmness felt at a volcanic site. Sit or lay anywhere and joy in the abundance of life

Timeless Wonders by Bruce Deoraj

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 Travelers and those who are officially connected to Chichen Itza and El Castillo link these wonders to extraterrestrial environs. Many of us do not believe in an extraterrestrial world. Others of us care not a bit about these extra wonders. Some of us are curious about the the artifacts or the people who lived at that time. This is why it is important to make sure these places remain protected. Their voices speak to us in many different ways. This book is not just about Chichen Itza and the Mayans. There are the other wonders to look at and think about. The books style is wonderful. The words are simple. It is easy to understand. One could possibly write that the words chosen are relaxing. Do not miss being an armchair traveller with this book beside you.

Colorful Palate by Raj Tawney

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 Raj Taney did not just hear about the US as a melting pot. For him, the melting pot was a reality. In his family, there was a living documentary going on. In his day to day life lived the languages and the life styles of the Italians, Puerto Ricans and Indians. In any home,  meal time is very important especially dinner time. There is where we tell what happened to us in the past few hours since breakfast. When his Grandmother cooked,  he listened to her tell stories. This book is a coming of age story. It is a different kind of story. The author's life is about living a mixed race life whether you wish to or not. For every story, there is an ethnic dish. His life is like the booths at the World Fair. Every booth is different. He cooked along with his grandmother and his Aunt. Since it is food that made the different race stories come to life, there are recipes in the "Colorful Palate" for the reader to try cooking.

The Lost Books - Romance and Adventure in Tudor Times by Mo Conlan

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th     Meeting Gertrude is half the fun enjoyed in this book. Most importantly there is Henry Truelove and Morwenna. It is a love story. It takes place in Tudor times. This is a good book to read during the Christmas season. The song, I do not know the exact words, is a part of the story. The one about the partridge in a pear tree. If there is a feeling that you would like to draw away from the season, the ebook is still good. It is the time of the Tudors. There are small historical facts sewn throughout the tale. Henry Truelove is very attracted to Morwenna. When he can not see her, he writes delicious love lettters. He writes the letters and holds them because it is the sweating season. That time is like our Pandemic. The less you go out and the further away you stay from one another is the best. On the lighter side are the eight milk maids. Henry sends them to Morwenna. On and on it goes. There is no stopping this special  Medieval frolic in words. Morwenna is just like a modern wom

The Rediscovery of America by Ned Blackhawk

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So many added truths to American History must not remain unknown. New Histories written will include and not exclude Indigenous people. In this instance, we are thinking and writing about the Native Americans. God only knows how much physical and emotional pain these people have endured. More negative realities will coexist with Native American as long as long as their histories remain buried far from the eyes of  successive generations. Just thinking of future ways the Native American might suffer is heart rending.

The Night She Died by Deidre Palmer

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This is a very good mystery. There are many characters. Learning the attributes of each one is exciting. We have a victim here. Although we do not get to know her, she is magnetic. We care about Danni. I would like to read more mysteries by this author.

The Book Of Reading by Deidre Larsen

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If I heard all the sounds close and faraway from me, I would feel confused. Probably, a headache would follow. This college student hears every single sound  around him. He also walks the grounds more than anyone would feel happy about. His routine is so regulated that he "sleepwalks" through a walk or run. I am thinking the routine in our days might lead to danger. Taking time for granted is a loss of something, beautiful or mediocre every time. He is studying his bodies action like a scientist might study his body.For me his observations are pretty difficult to understand I might have experienced a few of these feelings. It is good to know someone else is around to give credence to my days. Falling back in time is an aid for him.It helps him cope with different struggles like loneliness on a college campus. Obviously, this book has many layers. It is like a labyrinth you wish to visit every day. One part of the maze is the story about his relationship with his father. This

Experiencing The Nativity Within by Mischa V. Alyea

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Each Christmas, some Christians choose to draw closer to Emmanuel. This book speaks of a Nativity experience. "Experiencing the Nativity Within"  has many practical methods of joying in this Holy Day. There are meditations, prayers and music. Listening to appropriate music parallels the reading assignments. All have that one goal of transforming us to renew our love of the Lord in a new and innovative way. There are many new ways of looking at the Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Thoughts about Mary and what she might or would face are fascinating. If Joseph chose to reject her, she would have the name adulterous tagged to her. With that deed named as her character she would face execution. She would have become a martyr.There are many tiny facts disclosed that we might not have thought about through the years. I believe this book written by Mischa V. Alyea can help us enjoy the season more than in the past.  

Reviving Your Inner Child by Ryyan Telmore

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No matter our age our childhood will stay with us. Our problems, whether illness or relational, relate to our childhood. This is why it is very important to nurture our inner child. Ignoring the fact that our childhood environment has meaning will not make us survive the everyday world in which we live. A neglected inner child leads to Lung cancer or other awful illnesses. A journal is one way to keep up with all your explorations and discoveries.

The Minotaur Sampler Volume 10

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 Leave No Trace by A. J. Landau Nothing but pain would paste in our throats and eyes if we experienced the Statue Of Liberty's explosive attack. One induced by terrorists. It would feel to shocking for words. Then, to look and see or hear about all the injuries and deaths. Truly, our national parks are an American blessing. One of the care group and workers is an Angela Pierce, the first and youngest Black woman to hold the job. She is the special agent in charge.She works with the NPS's Investigative Service Branch. If this had really happened we all would find ourselves walking slowly, missing a meal worried and thinking how could it happen. I like the story because it is so present. The pandemic is mentioned. "The Expectant Detectives" They are moving to the Cotswolds from London. Also, there is a  new baby arriving. It is their time to catch the Happy bus and smile. Life could not feel better. Best of all,they have a sense of humor. In the country, I think, you ca

Hell Put To Shame by Earl Swift

 In the South, there are mysterious and horrid murders committed by someone, maybe an overseer. Whoever has perpetrated the crimes is not talking. These bodies were discovered in the Twenties. There is also black father and son argument which leads to murder. Oddly, the murder was not reported to the authorities. So much about peonage is known and more unknown. It seems to have been a common occurrence for a lack of justice to take place. There were the Black Codes. These were no help to those working under peonage. Being unemployed could get a man arrested. With the signing of contracts, there was no protection. Most of the peons could not read or count. Only the owner of the plantation could gain something from a slave who put an x by his name. Did he work those hours? Who was telling the truth? Pontius Pilate's words come to mind. "'What is truth?'" This is one of the sad periods of History written about or not written about by Historians. Peonage is a word wit

Tiny Traumas by Meg Arroll

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This subject is very interesting. So often, our focus is on those huge catastrophes that might strike our lives. There is no pain so small that it might leave us feeling less than well. Pain is pain. It changes us. Our environment and the caretakers there serve as places we might wish to think about knowing they can effect our inner selves. I like this book. Dr. Meg Arroll writes about a difficult subject with simplicity and compassion. Thank you to Harper One and Netgalley for a complimentary copy.  

the Handler by Monica McGurk

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  Fronting them is a term used for gangster activities or terrorist groups. In "The Handler," by Monica McGurk an orphanage is hiding more information than it is giving.Shockingly, there are spies working in and around the area. Their job is serious. At the beginning blood is spilled. Maybe you should gather in all of your courage before reading this part. The book is very good. The story seems very real. There are guns hidden in the back of pants. In this place, women are not falling apart. Their goal is clear. Along the way we learn there is a mystery about Bree's mother's death.Her name is very pretty. Mary Margaret Kelly. Really, Bree does not know anything about the woman. I am sure before this book finishes we will know the bio of this woman. Already, I have learned something about Professional gangsters. They use silencers and they do not have any ID on their bodies. This first murder scene is really gruesome. I did not expect it. I am still alive. So it did no

Cloistered by Catherine Coldstream

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 One of the biggest stressors in life is when we lose a loved one to death. It is highly likely your life and thoughts will change in some way. For Catherine Coldstream it is her father's death. The author chose to become a nun. Much Later,  she leaves the cloister. Immediately after opening the book, there is a feeling that is not earthly. It is like opening a door to a quiet place of solitude. I suppose it is a feeling of transcendence. In the beginning, you can feel Catherine's excitement to become a nun. Catherine Coldstream carried her Viola along with her to the monastery. Quickly, there is the first discovery. It is not easy to become a nun: write a letter, step off a bus and into a monastery and sing. It takes years to learn a new way of life. It takes great desire and patience. First of all, you need a prayer stool.

Women Of Good Fortune by Sophie Wan

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It is Jane, LuLu and Rina. They live in China. They are preparing for Lulu's weddingl Lulu's feelings are not the norm. She feels like running away. Everybody has control except for Lula. What a nasty predicament. Jane has a goal too. She has been told and thinks that she is ugly. She dreams of getting a plastic face lift. and Rina wants to pull away from the work world. The book hums a tune of excitement. Waiting to see what will happen is almost impossible. On the underside is a scheme involving money, something about money and robbery. There is so much going on here. The ladies are definitely liking the word freedom. On their routine days all three have allowed others to take over their lives. Their new slogan is do it my way or do not do it at all.

Soundtrack Of Silence by Matt Hay

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Not every  one can write humor. Matt Hay can write in a really funny way You have to laugh as he tells about the deafness he experiences everyday. Basically, his point is not to make us laugh but to remember the music of our time. His time is the Eighties. All of us have such a play list in our memories: the Seventies, the Sixties or the Fifties maybe. It is amazing. Songs played while riding in a car or just sitting around had more meaning than we thought.  While reading about Matt Hay's hearing worsening,  there is the desire to rehear the words of the songs from our past. Were the words filled with a message or just random words? If one of these is true, that means there is another place to explore our dreams, motivations and desires. Perhaps, in the end we will truly appreciate our hearing. Maybe a playlist of music can take us home again.  

The Cemetery Of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez

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 Who ever heard of it? A cemetery for stories is being built. I never would have guessed in a million years.Jullia Alvarez has a wonderful imagination. It does hurt or make you cry thinking that all the stories in the world may become lost, never written or never published. The first story is about two sisters, Perla and Filomena. The setting is in Dominica. Perla does move to New York. Everything becomes more exciting when a man enters their lives. 

Our Hidden Conversations by Michele Norris

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Ou   There are many questions and answers about racism. The word racism has many meanings for different people.It is like a balloon you can not burst. The darkness hangs heavily like a storm. This is why the book is so interesting. Michele Norris shocks us awake. Racism does not have to scare us. That is if we talk about it.Racism needs as much attention as the human brain. It is complex.

When All Is Said And Done by Christy Hayes

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 There are three sisters in  Christy Hayes book. Each daughter's name begins with the letter "T.  Like any family they face different struggles every day.  Because of  Dustin's mother there is a mother -  in - law problem.  Maybe it is not fair to blame her for all the problems. When Tegan's marriage hits a hard place, Tegan and Dustin are not prepared. This creates a bundle of problems that will affect the whole family. The book is good. You never know what to expect next. One thing I know. You can not hide problems under a rug. This is the reason we have such a big mess here.

Arsenic at Ascot by Kelly Oliver

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 Fiona Figg is just too much fun. I will definitely look for more of her titles. In this one she goes undercover to see who is leaking information about animal research for the war effort. My new word is vivisection. Of course, Fiona Figg must prepare to look her best. That means hitting Harrods immediately. Oh, I stayed close to Fiona. Not wanting to miss a chance to touch or try on evening wear. The book is stunning.

The Greatest Thing by Patti Flinn

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 Louis Benoit Zamor is from Africa. He is stolen and taken to France. He loved his family. He had no desire to leave them. He is a gift to Madame du Barry from the King. He is treated as a noble person. He wears fancy clothes and he eats fancy food while attending the same events as the rich. Really he is treated like a pet. Madame has a dog. Now, she owns two pets. This is what she says. This clearly shows whatever way Benoit is treated is painful. Will he ever find his true self? His being is so complicated. The exciting part is when he gets lost in the paths of a labyrinth. It is impossible to know what he will face each day. Kidnapped. Remember the word and feel the acts of falseness. Perhaps, the upper crust have no way of knowing right from wrong. Maybe they are survivors of time too.

Tinder For My Housefire by Cassie Fritsche

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 All of our senses are tantalized in these poems. Reading it you can look backward and forward at time. How has it touched us throughout our lives? Cassie Fritsche readies us for the autumn months. It is when we shiver and must accept the fact that death is always with us. The red and yellow leaves tell stories about dying. These poems are a way to see our worlds twice. She brings us back to the magic of the sunflower. We are children again. Some poems speak as loudly as a memoir. She has written our stories without touching us. It is heartbreaking to think we gave our hearts to someone who did not have a dream One who only wanted to lock us into a narrow world. You begin to feel you are smothering. The air is cut off. To stop it you have to run away.  Some of the questions we have asked ourselves are answered here. Some times we fear poetry. This time relax. All of our old friends are within the pages of this book. There is:Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White. The poems give so mu

Everything Slows Down by Garry Cosnett

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Going through an illness again to share with others is not easy. Garry Cosnett writes honestly about the days and nights he faced depression and the times when the disease bolted back again. Thank goodness that certain someone entered his life at the right time. Who can understand depression? It has one aim. It wants to destroy our life plans. I am glad Garry Cosnett never totally gave up. He would try, try again. Some times knowing the wrong shoe waited at the wrong end of the sidewalk corner. Hope is his ending words. After going through so much, he never stopped going forward. Thank you for your story.

Before I Wake by Mary Ellen Johnson

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 She is looking at herself in another place and time. How must that feel? Her lives are complicated. Obviously, she has lost touch with her real self. Her name is Magdalena.  Her other name is Janey. The story is intriguing. Is reminds me of Time Travel novels. Falling back and forth in time. Wishing you could stay with one special person like Ranulf Navarre: handsome, strong and all the other good qualities owned by men.  Magdalena has married five times. This fifth man made her hate men. She never wanted another man to call her own. Perhaps, she has begun to write her novel, a Medieval one. Since he is like a vampire or is one, she would have needed some type of escape. Maybe the novel she is writing led to her other selves. It is a novel that makes you think about who are we really in life. Where do I belong? Here or there or some where in between the now and forever. While Magdalena is puzzled by Janey's life and her life, dream or reality, "Before I wake" is fun. I l