This Time: A Novel About Richard III. Joan Szechtman. Basset Books. December 2009. Pb. 343 pp. ISBN #: 9780982449301.
Five hundred years have passed. Just as Richard III is struck down at the infamous Battle of Bosworth, a time machine invented by scientists in the 20th Century transports Richard to Portland, Oregon in August of 2004. Hosgrove, the man who wants academic renown displays such an aggressive attitude to Richard that Richard is overwhelmed by the need to defend himself, a stress he certainly doesn't need as he attempts to adapt to a world that seems magical, perhaps even one step above evil. Katarina, a scholarly linguist, is the compassionate one who manages to gently nurture Richard in this startling new environment. They want information from Richard, proof of the "two missing Princes" being alive and more, evidence Richard is unclear about no matter the time or place.
The more Richard ponders the past and the present, the more he is riddled with guilt over his part in attempting to hide the Princes and his responsibility for the death of so many peers and soldiers at that final battle whose outcome he has managed to escape.
Joan Szechtman has written a novel that immediately draws the reader into Richard's adjustments to technology, clothing, food, and more. After an astonishing act of Hosgrove, Richard disappears until it is safe to return to work together with a team that is actually going to try to restore the life of a family member in Richard's original world. At the same time, the reader is thrilled to see a romance develop in his life, one that is full of formidable challenges but one that is all the more endearing for the way it evolves.
While parts of this story are obviously contrived, those events don't detract from a finely imagined story that will interest Ricardian fans and other readers who love a good historical novel.
Quite a different take, a redeeming look at King Richard III, "Dick," or "Dickon," a man and leader who continues to intrigue old and new readers! Nicely done, indeed, Joan Szechtman!
Wild Man Creek: A Virgin River Novel. Robyn Carr. MIRA Books. January 2011. 368 pp. Pb. ISBN #: 9780778329312.
Public relations expert, Jillian Matlock, travels to Virgin River in Northern California, forced to leave her job because of a sexual harrassment charge. Nothing could be further from the truth, but Jillian decides this is the time to follow a new dream, one that is slowly evolving and with which she is becoming more and more excited. She's smart, sassy, and unafraid to try anything. At least she is until she meets Colin Riordan.
Colin is a wounded warrior, a former pilot blown out of the sky in a Black Hawk helicopter who has been through the mill physically, mentally, and emotionally. But all of a sudden, he's initially intrigued first and then slowly attracted toward this go-getter lady who begins to move him beyond his hobby of painting natural wildlife scenes for his own peace. The story doesn't stay in a stereotypical pattern at all and continues to thrill the reader with subplots that are offbeat, original, and engaging on every page.
Gardening, fine food, new discoveries, traveling abroad, and so much more endear and challenge Jillian, Colin, families and others!!
Love is complicated yet really simple, when all is said and done.
Very nicely done novel, Robyn Carr!
Spinning. Michael Baron. The Story Plant. April 2011. 304 pp. Pb. ISBN #: 9781611880052.
Dylan Hunter is living the yuppie American dream with a challenging but successful dream. Outside of that world, he lives for bar hopping, meeting pretty girls, and basically doing exactly what he wants when he wants. He has no familial responsibilities and even quakes at the thought of ever assuming that role, albeit acknowledging that such demands might come into the picture as he approaches middle age.
Dylan is in for a profound surprise. A brief lover appears on his doorstep one evening with her three year-old daughter, and Dylan accepts her request to stay as a temporary distraction. Little by little, however, Dylan's heart is melted by this cute, intelligent and sensitive little girl, Spring. A traumatic event will shake her world as well, and Dylan is unable to connect with those who would know best how to handle what has brutally shaken Spring's world. Other female friends of Dylan drop into the picture and slowly Dylan begins to understand the shallow nature of his former world, with the additional comments by a new boss who does have his priorities very straight indeed!
Sharing more about this extraordinary story would be a spoiler that deserves to await the reader's attention and eventual enchanted reading. Michael Baron has crafted a tale that is anything but mundane, full of unexpected surprises and resonant with realizations that are presented in a touching and practical manner that isn't saccharine or stereotypical.
Keep writing, Michael Baron! Spinning is fine writing indeed!
The Promises She Keeps. Erin Healy. Thomas Nelson, Inc. February 2011. 344 pp. ISBN #: 9781595547514. $14.99
Promise is a dying woman with a vivid dream, to become such a great singer that her name will achieve immortality. Porta Cerreto is a witch who seeks the One who will bring immortality to all. She has traveled across America, stopping in each place to present art in various galleries and telling customers that certain pictures speak truth to the viewer that will have everlasting resonance. Is she for real or is she just a quack scheming with peoples' lives in a way that brings as much destruction and death as it does life?
Chase is an extraordinary, talented artist whose gifts are more often ignored because his autism repels rather than connects those with whom he attempts to interact. His paintings are based on the identity of the one being drawn - in a rather abstract yet natural manner - and the Biblical inspiration he is inspired to incorporate into his "white on black" drawings. Chelsea, Chase's twin sister, has sacrificed much to support Chase and Wes, Chase's helper, is inching her forward to realize a new world awaits her attention and hold.
Porta's son, Zach, is a drug addict and scorner of all that is beautiful thanks to his mother's machinations which he perceives to be pure evil.
Promise's experiences with regaining health and surviving death begin to unite every character in this tautly plotted story, leading to a climax that is devastating in literal and figurative implications for all involved.
Erin Healy's latest novel is a page-flipping foray into what we so often glibly label "good" and "evil," an examination of the consequences of so-called "love," and a journey through the layers of magic and dreams that will leave the reader thrilled, questioning, and celebrating what is!
Delightful, Erin Healy!
29 Days to Save Money and Achieve Financial Independence. Richard Fast. June 2010. 294 pages. ISBN No. 9780986537738. Available online at:http://www.29daysto.com/.
"The ultimate purpose of the 29 DAYS programs (this is one) is permanent change. Permanent change can only be achieved by changing your deepest thoughts." But whereas we are all very good at saying we want permanent change, our steps usually don't proceed from simple, small steps, and that is one reason we fail. Richard Fast offers a program for those who really want to be financially independent and are tired of living on a financial edge, especially in these very difficult financial times!
Fast helps the reader to analyze his or her habits, attitudes toward change, and perceptions about success. Yes, patience and perseverance are key elements that will help achieve this goal, but these won't work unless one copes with the fears one has about both one's failures and successes. Instead of self-criticism and commands, the author helps the reader ask the types of questions that guarantee one can begin to implement changes to achieve one's successful financial goal - that is a gem so many can absorb through the habitual hardwired thoughts that doom goals to failure before they even begin.
Along with this book comes access to an on-line coach to support you in your progress through the 29 days. Week one is all about committment to the goal and changing limiting habits and beliefs, week to getting ready for practical action, week three moves one into the zone of wanting that action and coming up with ideas and ways that work, and four implementing actions that day by day will become like new habits leading to those desired permanent results.
The remainder of the book takes one through a day-by-day process that this reviewer thinks is chock full of stories, advice, and practical financial advice, things like leasing versus buying, reconciling my needs and wants with my real net income,and so much more. Yes, "Awareness is Vital to Fundamental Change."
So if you're tired of living with never knowing where the next dollar is coming from, or spending habits that test your actual income to the limit, and other aspects that drive individuals and couples into so much unnecessary disharmony, this is the book you need to purchase. This reviewer doesn't normally like books like this; but I highly recommend this text for readers of all ages.
And if you like this text, there are other 29 Days books for other life scenarios offering a new, productive way to live. Start here - it will be worth every penny spent! Very nice job, Richard Fast!!!
A Song For My Mother: A Novel. Kat Martin. Vanguard Press. April 2011. 224 pp hc. ISBN No. 9781593156565.
Marly Hanson left Dreyerville, Michigan midway through high school with a rough and tough boyfriend, heading for Detroit where she eventually was abandoned and left with her daughter, Katie. Marly has a lot to be proud of, having put herself through school and made a loving home for Katie, a world that has been shattered and rebuilt after Katie develops and is treated for cancer. But Katie is on the mend now and has one desire, to see her grandmother in Dreyerville.
Marly's Mom, Winnie, has plenty to feel guilty about, but Marly seems hell-bent on voicing her anger and refusing to give an inch, a fact that is quickly picked up by both Katie and Winnie's caring neighbor, Reed Bennett.
Reed and his son, Ham, have had their own sorrows to surmount, but Reed is definitely attracted to Marly who comes across as the resistance poster female of the year - at first.
Telling more would spoil this tough but tender story in which the reader learns not to make quick judgments and watches the healing power of love crack stony, formidable walls into pebbles. Nothing is impossible, and love has such immense power to heal, bring forgiveness while still remembering, and forging a new world of trust and tenderness in a world that is so quick to condemn and slow to give second chances.
Great, lovely story, Kat Martin! Something for everyone herein!
Quantum Angel Healing: Energy Therapy and Communication with Angels. Eva-Maria Mora. Synergy Books. February 2011. 312 pp. pb. ISBN #: 9780984504015.
Our thoughts and emotions carry spiritual energy that has such tremendous healing power. This is, according to the author, an avenue of healing open to everyone and limited only by our own resistance. One can access this energy for one's own mind, emotions, and spirit as well as share it with others. Beginning with clarifying one's intentions and communicating with angels, Ms. Mora offers numerous suggestions for connecting with angels, such as the use of prayers - how to is important here - and crystals. Other chapters include cleansing the area around one's self by a technique called "smudging," a discussion about the types of spirits living near each person, and using techniques like salt baths to provide a clean, clear environment.
The following chapters then become very specific about angel breath rituals, the definition and use of the chakras in every human body, and the importance of the "third eye" in one's spiritual practice and health.
The remainder of the book tackles actual healing techniques for clearing away the ill effects of lack of forgiveness, living in an habitual victim mentality, fear, rejection, and so many other areas. There apparently are different angels to connect with who specialize, so to speak, in healing different problems. Finally, there is a list of ailments, the programs and emotions inherent in each illness, which program to use in the book for healing each individual health issue, as well as information to connect the reader who wants to know more about the practices of quantum angel healing or to connect with an actual quantum angel practitioner.
Ms. Mora has presented the reader with an alternative method of healing that will fascinate some who are open to such experiences. The caveat this reviewer would add to what has been presented is to open to whatever is possible herein and not to fall into a guilt trip for what may not happen.
Certainly, Quantum Angel Healing opens up a brand new world sure to intrigue many and offers alternatives for those who want something other than traditional medicine something to embrace with natural, divine healing methods.
This Time: A Novel About Richard III. Joan Szechtman. Basset Books. December 2009. Pb. 343 pp. ISBN #: 9780982449301.
