Desired: The Untold Story of Samson and Delilah
Ginger Garrett
David C. Cook, Oct 1 2011, $14.99
ISBN: 9781434768001
In the Philistine city of Timnah, Astra and Amara are on the rooftop of their home when the former sees the bigger than an ox Hebrew who attended the heathen festival at the Temple of Dagon. Astra throws a sharp rod at him trying to kill him. Amara begs he forgives them as she says it was an accident. He marks her house. This gigantic Hebrew Samson, known for his legendary strength, informs Amara’s father he will wed her. She has no say in the matter.
Samson informs his parents that he will marry the Philistine. His Mother objects over his taking a flat chested Canaanite as a wife as she believes his God given strength is destined for greatness. His Father is even more upset. Samson marries Amara, but that ends in tragedy. While the Philistines scheme to destroy the Hebrew legend, Samson meets Delilah. They marry and she proves persistent with completing her mission to learn what the cause of his incredible strength is. Soon his Mother’s dream of greatness will collide with his wife’s greed inside of the Temple of Dagon.
Told from the perspective of the three key fully developed females in the life of Samson, Desired: The Untold Story of Samson and Delilah is a great biblical tale. The conflicting cultures are fully developed as the Philistines and the Hebrews distrust one another as each claims Canaan. Readers will enjoy Ginger Garrett’s latest Old Testament thriller (See Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther) as Mother finally understands that God works the miracles of redemption by turning our weaknesses into strengths.
Harriet Klausner
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Unexpected Dismounts-Nancy Rue
Unexpected Dismounts
Nancy Rue
David C. Cook, Oct 1 2011, $14.99
ISBN 9781434764928
In Saint Augustine, Harley-Davidson rider Allison “Miss Angel” Chamberlain found Jesus seven years go, but finally understands what he expects from her a few months ago. Big Al keeps telling God he needs to find a more pious prophet, but the Lord keeps chatting with her as if she is the new Moses but is unable to foretell the future as her friend Hanks says she is a “forthteller”. She currently runs the Sacrament House shelter for prostitutes with five in residence and wants to adopt seventh grader Desmond.
Nothing goes right as Allison feels like a modern day Job dealing with Unexpected Dismounts in life. A relative of Desmond has surfaced and wants the teen. An affluent businessman wants her ministry ended. Finally her Chamberlain upper crust past has bit her butt. Chief wants their relationship to turn from friend and respect to more. All Big Al desires is for God to stop with the nudges and either show her what he wants or back off.
The second Reluctant Prophet tale is a wonderful whimsical contemporary thriller held together by Big Al. The ensemble support cast contains fully developed individuals with flaws whose actions pull Big Al in mysterious ways. The trials and tribulations of the kick butt (including that of Jesus) bike rider make for a strong inspirational tale.
Harriet Klausner
Nancy Rue
David C. Cook, Oct 1 2011, $14.99
ISBN 9781434764928
In Saint Augustine, Harley-Davidson rider Allison “Miss Angel” Chamberlain found Jesus seven years go, but finally understands what he expects from her a few months ago. Big Al keeps telling God he needs to find a more pious prophet, but the Lord keeps chatting with her as if she is the new Moses but is unable to foretell the future as her friend Hanks says she is a “forthteller”. She currently runs the Sacrament House shelter for prostitutes with five in residence and wants to adopt seventh grader Desmond.
Nothing goes right as Allison feels like a modern day Job dealing with Unexpected Dismounts in life. A relative of Desmond has surfaced and wants the teen. An affluent businessman wants her ministry ended. Finally her Chamberlain upper crust past has bit her butt. Chief wants their relationship to turn from friend and respect to more. All Big Al desires is for God to stop with the nudges and either show her what he wants or back off.
The second Reluctant Prophet tale is a wonderful whimsical contemporary thriller held together by Big Al. The ensemble support cast contains fully developed individuals with flaws whose actions pull Big Al in mysterious ways. The trials and tribulations of the kick butt (including that of Jesus) bike rider make for a strong inspirational tale.
Harriet Klausner
Monday, August 29, 2011
The Kingdom of Childhood-Rebecca Coleman
The Kingdom of Childhood
Rebecca Coleman
Mira, Sep 27 2011, $15.95
ISBN: 9780778312789
In 1998 in Sylvania, Maryland, fortyish Bavarian expatriate Judy McFarland diligently teaches kindergarten as she has for nineteen years at the Waldorf School. Judy misses her childhood in Germany though she tries to ignore her mom’s health and her dad’s womanizing; she also hates her husband an ancient A-hole who possesses less intellect than her students. Her light in her dark existence is son who is a high school senior.
This year she mentors sixteen years old Zach Patterson as he completes his required service hours. Although she knows she should not as she understands the consequences of an illegal tryst with her student including being a social pariah as a sex offender, Judy seduces Zach. They begin an affair but with each clandestine meeting, her fears of exposure grows until they become crippling; yet even with her peers cautioning her to put more distance between her and Zach she cannot end her self and family destruction. Zach begins to realize the cost of the actual fulfillment of his sexual fantasies is the loss of teen innocence but he too cannot say no to his teacher.
The Kingdom of Childhood is a stark psychological thriller that rotates the perspective between the sex partners as each transition from the pre-tryst to the climax. Zach goes from clumsy innocence to gilded adulthood too quickly; Judy is more fascinating as she goes from sex predator to insane predator. Although her childhood traumas that apparently made the adult lack development so are tenuous, readers will want to follow the devoted teacher’s obsessively driven descent into hell.
Harriet Klausner
Rebecca Coleman
Mira, Sep 27 2011, $15.95
ISBN: 9780778312789
In 1998 in Sylvania, Maryland, fortyish Bavarian expatriate Judy McFarland diligently teaches kindergarten as she has for nineteen years at the Waldorf School. Judy misses her childhood in Germany though she tries to ignore her mom’s health and her dad’s womanizing; she also hates her husband an ancient A-hole who possesses less intellect than her students. Her light in her dark existence is son who is a high school senior.
This year she mentors sixteen years old Zach Patterson as he completes his required service hours. Although she knows she should not as she understands the consequences of an illegal tryst with her student including being a social pariah as a sex offender, Judy seduces Zach. They begin an affair but with each clandestine meeting, her fears of exposure grows until they become crippling; yet even with her peers cautioning her to put more distance between her and Zach she cannot end her self and family destruction. Zach begins to realize the cost of the actual fulfillment of his sexual fantasies is the loss of teen innocence but he too cannot say no to his teacher.
The Kingdom of Childhood is a stark psychological thriller that rotates the perspective between the sex partners as each transition from the pre-tryst to the climax. Zach goes from clumsy innocence to gilded adulthood too quickly; Judy is more fascinating as she goes from sex predator to insane predator. Although her childhood traumas that apparently made the adult lack development so are tenuous, readers will want to follow the devoted teacher’s obsessively driven descent into hell.
Harriet Klausner
Sunday, August 28, 2011
The Pub Across The Pond-Mary Carter
The Pub Across The Pond
Mary Carter
Kensington, Sep 27 2011, $15.00
ISBN: 9780758253361
In Ballybeog, Ireland Ronan McBride, his six sisters known as the half dozen and his widowed mom own Uncle Jimmy’s. Next door to their pub is their Uncle Joe’s market. During a poker game, Joe tosses in his store while Ronan does likewise with the pub. The players agree to a fall back position for the loser to buy back their establishment. Though he has four of a kind, Ronan loses the pub to Joe’s royal flush. Ronan informs the ladies he lost the pub. The Half Dozen host a raffle in America with the winner owning the pub. In Ohio, Carlene Rivers wins the raffle. She leaves her agoraphobic father and the fight gym he owns for Ireland.
Ronen meets Carlene at Galway, but takes her to the racetrack instead of the pub as he says she is lucky. She wins the first race but loses the rest. Everyone welcomes the “Fecking Yank” with a party. She gets drunk and Ronan takes her to bed. Joe offers to buy the pub but Carlene says no. Though attracted to Ronan, Carlene assumes he is fickle. Meanwhile someone wants the Yankee Doodle Dandy to go home and with Ronan’s rejection as wells as the townsfolk divided about her, she thinks it is time to return to Ohio.
Mindful of a cross between Irish Jam and Leap Year. the American in Ireland is a strong character who keeps the story line focused. The secondary cast, almost all Irish, immensely enhance the story line. Putting aside the poker hands, this is a warm contemporary as Ronen meets his match in the Feckin Yank but may fail to recognize how he feels before she re-crosses the Great Pond.
Harriet Klausner
Mary Carter
Kensington, Sep 27 2011, $15.00
ISBN: 9780758253361
In Ballybeog, Ireland Ronan McBride, his six sisters known as the half dozen and his widowed mom own Uncle Jimmy’s. Next door to their pub is their Uncle Joe’s market. During a poker game, Joe tosses in his store while Ronan does likewise with the pub. The players agree to a fall back position for the loser to buy back their establishment. Though he has four of a kind, Ronan loses the pub to Joe’s royal flush. Ronan informs the ladies he lost the pub. The Half Dozen host a raffle in America with the winner owning the pub. In Ohio, Carlene Rivers wins the raffle. She leaves her agoraphobic father and the fight gym he owns for Ireland.
Ronen meets Carlene at Galway, but takes her to the racetrack instead of the pub as he says she is lucky. She wins the first race but loses the rest. Everyone welcomes the “Fecking Yank” with a party. She gets drunk and Ronan takes her to bed. Joe offers to buy the pub but Carlene says no. Though attracted to Ronan, Carlene assumes he is fickle. Meanwhile someone wants the Yankee Doodle Dandy to go home and with Ronan’s rejection as wells as the townsfolk divided about her, she thinks it is time to return to Ohio.
Mindful of a cross between Irish Jam and Leap Year. the American in Ireland is a strong character who keeps the story line focused. The secondary cast, almost all Irish, immensely enhance the story line. Putting aside the poker hands, this is a warm contemporary as Ronen meets his match in the Feckin Yank but may fail to recognize how he feels before she re-crosses the Great Pond.
Harriet Klausner
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Christmas Gems-Christine DeSmet, Karen Wiesner, Jane Toombs and Carrie S. Masek
Christmas Gems
Christine DeSmet, Karen Wiesner, Jane Toombs and Carrie S. Masek
Whiskey Creek, 2011, $17.95
ISBN: 9781603135108
“The Christmas Magi of Birch Bay” by Christine DeSmet. In Birch Bay, Wisconsin war widow Vienna runs her grandma’s gift shop. When she's evicted from her rental due to owning pets, her nerdy school days rival Joseph offers her a gift that would solve her problems but what does she owe him. Whimsical
“Wings of Love” by Karen Wiesner. In Fever, Texas Mac falls in love with interior designer Amanda and asks her to join him on his ranch. However, he finds himself frequently working away from home until an injury forces him back on the ranch only Amanda gave up on him. Exciting.
“A Christmas Surprise” by Jane Toombs. Penelope watches her two years old brother Sammy. While he sleeps, she goes on a bike ride with Hank. When she comes back home, Sammy is missing. She tells her parents. Believing her parents would be better off without her, Penelope leaves. She meets Ben the cop and soon after a three year old boy who might be her Sammy. A poignant tale.
“Mistletoe and Holly” by Carrie S. Masek. Matt Potter says bah humbug to Christmas. His spirits is worsened on Christmas Eve when he almost runs over an abandoned pet rabbit. In a blizzard he takes the animal to a nearby vet. Veterinary assistant Holly Welsh loves Christmas. Matt arrives raging with the bunny. When the storm strands them together, the matchmaking bunny and her spiked Eggnog helps Matt enjoy Christmas Eve with Holly. Whimsical.
These are four enjoyable Christmas Gems as each author contributes a warm family drama starring fully developed protagonists.
Harriet Klausner
Christine DeSmet, Karen Wiesner, Jane Toombs and Carrie S. Masek
Whiskey Creek, 2011, $17.95
ISBN: 9781603135108
“The Christmas Magi of Birch Bay” by Christine DeSmet. In Birch Bay, Wisconsin war widow Vienna runs her grandma’s gift shop. When she's evicted from her rental due to owning pets, her nerdy school days rival Joseph offers her a gift that would solve her problems but what does she owe him. Whimsical
“Wings of Love” by Karen Wiesner. In Fever, Texas Mac falls in love with interior designer Amanda and asks her to join him on his ranch. However, he finds himself frequently working away from home until an injury forces him back on the ranch only Amanda gave up on him. Exciting.
“A Christmas Surprise” by Jane Toombs. Penelope watches her two years old brother Sammy. While he sleeps, she goes on a bike ride with Hank. When she comes back home, Sammy is missing. She tells her parents. Believing her parents would be better off without her, Penelope leaves. She meets Ben the cop and soon after a three year old boy who might be her Sammy. A poignant tale.
“Mistletoe and Holly” by Carrie S. Masek. Matt Potter says bah humbug to Christmas. His spirits is worsened on Christmas Eve when he almost runs over an abandoned pet rabbit. In a blizzard he takes the animal to a nearby vet. Veterinary assistant Holly Welsh loves Christmas. Matt arrives raging with the bunny. When the storm strands them together, the matchmaking bunny and her spiked Eggnog helps Matt enjoy Christmas Eve with Holly. Whimsical.
These are four enjoyable Christmas Gems as each author contributes a warm family drama starring fully developed protagonists.
Harriet Klausner
The Lady of the Rivers-Philippa Gregory
The Lady of the Rivers
Philippa Gregory
Touchstone, Oct 18 2011, $27.99
ISBN 9781416563709
In 1430 near Arras, France, in front of her great-niece fourteen year old Lady Jacquetta, Lady Jehanne asks her prisoner Joan to accept parole by reneging her vows from God and remaining at Lord Luxembourg’s Castle of Beaurevoir. Though weary that she erred in crowning the king, Joan, still a country peasant at heart refuses. Jacquetta witnesses the execution of Joan declared a witch by the Duke of Bedford.
In 1433 Jacquetta has no say as she is forced to marry recently widowed John, the English Duke Bedford Regent of France. He plans to use her powers to further his ambitions but dies before he can achieve his objective. Still a teen, Jacquetta is now a wealthy widow. The king and her family choose her next spouse, but Jacquetta refuses to obey. Instead she weds Richard Woodville. They have a happy marriage with many children as he serves King Henry VI at the royal court and she serves as the queen’s loyal confident while anticipating after Henry the Lancaster dynasty will die too.
The third Cousins' War historical thriller (see The Red Queen and The White Queen) is another interesting look at a strong woman who must conceal her fortitude in order to navigate the treacherous male waters. Lady Jacquetta is a fascinating protagonist as she learns from the execution of Joan and the marriage of the king’s mother to a Tudor that being strong but smart is an asset even in a male only world. Genre fans will appreciate Philippa Gregory’s entertaining medieval biographical fiction of an intelligent courageous woman who not only survives the War of the Roses; she observes her grandson become King of England.
Harriet Klausner
Philippa Gregory
Touchstone, Oct 18 2011, $27.99
ISBN 9781416563709
In 1430 near Arras, France, in front of her great-niece fourteen year old Lady Jacquetta, Lady Jehanne asks her prisoner Joan to accept parole by reneging her vows from God and remaining at Lord Luxembourg’s Castle of Beaurevoir. Though weary that she erred in crowning the king, Joan, still a country peasant at heart refuses. Jacquetta witnesses the execution of Joan declared a witch by the Duke of Bedford.
In 1433 Jacquetta has no say as she is forced to marry recently widowed John, the English Duke Bedford Regent of France. He plans to use her powers to further his ambitions but dies before he can achieve his objective. Still a teen, Jacquetta is now a wealthy widow. The king and her family choose her next spouse, but Jacquetta refuses to obey. Instead she weds Richard Woodville. They have a happy marriage with many children as he serves King Henry VI at the royal court and she serves as the queen’s loyal confident while anticipating after Henry the Lancaster dynasty will die too.
The third Cousins' War historical thriller (see The Red Queen and The White Queen) is another interesting look at a strong woman who must conceal her fortitude in order to navigate the treacherous male waters. Lady Jacquetta is a fascinating protagonist as she learns from the execution of Joan and the marriage of the king’s mother to a Tudor that being strong but smart is an asset even in a male only world. Genre fans will appreciate Philippa Gregory’s entertaining medieval biographical fiction of an intelligent courageous woman who not only survives the War of the Roses; she observes her grandson become King of England.
Harriet Klausner
The Beads of Lapis Lazuli-Doris Kenney Marcotte
The Beads of Lapis Lazuli
Doris Kenney Marcotte
Outskirts Press, Sep 30 2011, $12.95
ISBN: 9781432760540
Cincinnati housewife and mom Katheryn Marshall was on vacation with her husband Dan in Crete when she purchased an ancient strand of lapis lazuli. They went back to Ohio, but for the next two years she obsesses over returning to Greece to visit Dhia Island in order to complete the ancient historical romance she is writing. Her husband Dan objects, but though rare in their marriage she informs him she is going anyway.
Accompanied by psychic archeological hunter Jake Deupree, she goes to Greece without her family. There she begins to examine the three and half millennia Minoan mythos of Theseus and Ariadne. She finds anomalies with the legend so she digs deeper seeking the truth.
This is an entertaining look at the Minoan ancient culture mostly through the historiographical lenses of twenty-first century interested parties but with a neat twist enhancing the glimpse through time. The cast is solid but the conflict even between the married couple is muted. Still this is an interesting tale as a Buckeye housewife obsesses over looking beyond the legend of Theseus and Ariadne.
Harriet Klausner
Doris Kenney Marcotte
Outskirts Press, Sep 30 2011, $12.95
ISBN: 9781432760540
Cincinnati housewife and mom Katheryn Marshall was on vacation with her husband Dan in Crete when she purchased an ancient strand of lapis lazuli. They went back to Ohio, but for the next two years she obsesses over returning to Greece to visit Dhia Island in order to complete the ancient historical romance she is writing. Her husband Dan objects, but though rare in their marriage she informs him she is going anyway.
Accompanied by psychic archeological hunter Jake Deupree, she goes to Greece without her family. There she begins to examine the three and half millennia Minoan mythos of Theseus and Ariadne. She finds anomalies with the legend so she digs deeper seeking the truth.
This is an entertaining look at the Minoan ancient culture mostly through the historiographical lenses of twenty-first century interested parties but with a neat twist enhancing the glimpse through time. The cast is solid but the conflict even between the married couple is muted. Still this is an interesting tale as a Buckeye housewife obsesses over looking beyond the legend of Theseus and Ariadne.
Harriet Klausner
Friday, August 26, 2011
Forsaking All Others-Allison Pittman
Forsaking All Others
Allison Pittman
Tyndale, Oct 1 2011, $13.99
ISBN: 9781414335971
In 1858 near Salt Lake City, US Army Colonel Charles Brandon and his men rescue Camilla Fox from a snowstorm that left her unconscious. Her recent memory falters, but she does recall fleeing her Mormon community having lost her faith. Now she needs to return to her children who she left behind in Salt Lake City with her husband Nathan and her sister-wife; this time to take them with her. She also wants to reconcile with her parents in Kanesville, Iowa especially since Camilla learns her father is very ill and likely dying.
Charles wants to help Camilla, but has his own problems with the Mormon faithful. When she is escorted to Salt Lake City, she finds nothing is quite the same as it was when she left.
The sequel to For Time and Eternity is a strong inspirational family drama as Camilla and others, but especially her, have difficult decisions to make that impact others like her children who know one way of life, while looking deeply at their respective belief system. Complex due to individuals like the heroine feeling torn in several directions, readers will obtain a strong mid nineteenth century look at the Mormons.
Harriet Klausner
Allison Pittman
Tyndale, Oct 1 2011, $13.99
ISBN: 9781414335971
In 1858 near Salt Lake City, US Army Colonel Charles Brandon and his men rescue Camilla Fox from a snowstorm that left her unconscious. Her recent memory falters, but she does recall fleeing her Mormon community having lost her faith. Now she needs to return to her children who she left behind in Salt Lake City with her husband Nathan and her sister-wife; this time to take them with her. She also wants to reconcile with her parents in Kanesville, Iowa especially since Camilla learns her father is very ill and likely dying.
Charles wants to help Camilla, but has his own problems with the Mormon faithful. When she is escorted to Salt Lake City, she finds nothing is quite the same as it was when she left.
The sequel to For Time and Eternity is a strong inspirational family drama as Camilla and others, but especially her, have difficult decisions to make that impact others like her children who know one way of life, while looking deeply at their respective belief system. Complex due to individuals like the heroine feeling torn in several directions, readers will obtain a strong mid nineteenth century look at the Mormons.
Harriet Klausner
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Aftertaste: A Novel in Five Courses-Meredith Mileti
Aftertaste: A Novel in Five Courses
Meredith Mileti
Kensington, Sep 1 2011, $15.00
ISBN: 9780758259912
When she was seven months pregnant, Mira Rinaldi hired Nicola as the Maîtress d’hotel at her Manhattan Italian restaurant, Grappa. Two months later she gives birth to Chloe. However, Mira begins to think her spouse and restaurant co-owner Jake is having an affair with Nicola. When two months old Chloe wakes her up in the wee hours of the morning, she finds her spouse not home. Mira with Chloe walks to nearby Grappa; there she finds Jake and the Maîtress d’hotel having sex. She explodes attacking Nicola. Later Judge Wilcox places Mira on probation and makes her attend an anger management seminar.
Mira files for divorce and flees with her baby to her family in Pittsburgh. She knows she may lose her beloved Grappa but Mira refuses to retreat. Instead as her family and friends surround her with love she seeks a revised gourmet five course meal while Jake betrays her again even after their divorced.
This is a terrific drama due to the mercurial Mira’s reactions to life changes (having a baby, a cheating husband, a divorce, a potential move and much more). Mindful of No Reservations but with its own five course story line, fans will enjoy Mira’s heartfelt love of cooking as she seeks a new way to balance the loves of her life.
Harriet Klausner
Meredith Mileti
Kensington, Sep 1 2011, $15.00
ISBN: 9780758259912
When she was seven months pregnant, Mira Rinaldi hired Nicola as the Maîtress d’hotel at her Manhattan Italian restaurant, Grappa. Two months later she gives birth to Chloe. However, Mira begins to think her spouse and restaurant co-owner Jake is having an affair with Nicola. When two months old Chloe wakes her up in the wee hours of the morning, she finds her spouse not home. Mira with Chloe walks to nearby Grappa; there she finds Jake and the Maîtress d’hotel having sex. She explodes attacking Nicola. Later Judge Wilcox places Mira on probation and makes her attend an anger management seminar.
Mira files for divorce and flees with her baby to her family in Pittsburgh. She knows she may lose her beloved Grappa but Mira refuses to retreat. Instead as her family and friends surround her with love she seeks a revised gourmet five course meal while Jake betrays her again even after their divorced.
This is a terrific drama due to the mercurial Mira’s reactions to life changes (having a baby, a cheating husband, a divorce, a potential move and much more). Mindful of No Reservations but with its own five course story line, fans will enjoy Mira’s heartfelt love of cooking as she seeks a new way to balance the loves of her life.
Harriet Klausner
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
The Women of the Cousins’ War: The Duchess, the Queen, and the King's Mother-Philippa Gregory, David Baldwin and Michael Jones
The Women of the Cousins’ War: The Duchess, the Queen, and the King's Mother
Philippa Gregory, David Baldwin and Michael Jones
Touchstone, Sep 13 2011, $26.00
ISBN: 9781451629545
“Jacquetta of Luxembourg” by Philippa Gregory. The ultimate survivor (including giving birth to ten children in fifteen years), Jacquetta the Lancastrian married twice but it was her daughter from her second marriage, Elizabeth who enabled her to live prosperously in spite of reign change and constant war. That is until Warwick accused her of witchcraft and executed her husband and son without a trial.
“Elizabeth Woodville” by David Baldwin. The ultimate commoner, Elizabeth married the king of England as her second husband. She loved King Edward IV in spite of his womanizing and had four children with him (plus two from her first marriage). When he died she risked all to insure her young son Edward V would sit on the throne. Her brother-in-law Richard the Protector sent Edward and his younger brother to the Tower.
“Margaret Beaufort” by Michael Jones. The ultimate matriarch, Margaret married four times, but it is her second marriage to Edmund Tudor that impacted history. Deeply religious yet as deeply ambitious she insister her son Henry was the rightful king of England though his claim was weak. He became Henry VII and started the House of Tudor.
This engaging biographical collection makes a strong case that women played major roles in the War of the Roses leading to the rise of the House of Tudor. The three bios are well written, filled with facts, references, pictures and maps. Although a brief treatise on what led to the Cousins’ War would have anchored the scenario that enabled three courageous women to influence the future of England, readers will relish learning the impact of these intrepid females.
Harriet Klausner
Philippa Gregory, David Baldwin and Michael Jones
Touchstone, Sep 13 2011, $26.00
ISBN: 9781451629545
“Jacquetta of Luxembourg” by Philippa Gregory. The ultimate survivor (including giving birth to ten children in fifteen years), Jacquetta the Lancastrian married twice but it was her daughter from her second marriage, Elizabeth who enabled her to live prosperously in spite of reign change and constant war. That is until Warwick accused her of witchcraft and executed her husband and son without a trial.
“Elizabeth Woodville” by David Baldwin. The ultimate commoner, Elizabeth married the king of England as her second husband. She loved King Edward IV in spite of his womanizing and had four children with him (plus two from her first marriage). When he died she risked all to insure her young son Edward V would sit on the throne. Her brother-in-law Richard the Protector sent Edward and his younger brother to the Tower.
“Margaret Beaufort” by Michael Jones. The ultimate matriarch, Margaret married four times, but it is her second marriage to Edmund Tudor that impacted history. Deeply religious yet as deeply ambitious she insister her son Henry was the rightful king of England though his claim was weak. He became Henry VII and started the House of Tudor.
This engaging biographical collection makes a strong case that women played major roles in the War of the Roses leading to the rise of the House of Tudor. The three bios are well written, filled with facts, references, pictures and maps. Although a brief treatise on what led to the Cousins’ War would have anchored the scenario that enabled three courageous women to influence the future of England, readers will relish learning the impact of these intrepid females.
Harriet Klausner
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Safe Haven-Nicholas Sparks
Safe Haven
Nicholas Sparks
Grand Central, Aug 2 2011, $14.99
ISBN: 9780446547604
Katie fled her abusive alcoholic husband Kevin the cop who kept her a prisoner in their home and battered her constantly; she left when he put a gun to her head as she knows he will one day pull the trigger or break her skull. She rents a cabin in Southport, North Carolina and obtains a job at Ivan's restaurant.
As a little time passes since her last battering, Katie relaxes her vigil somewhat though she remains an enigma to the townsfolk. Widower father of two (Kristen and Josh) Alex the shopkeeper is attracted to the mystery woman. His kids feel the same way about her and she does likewise towards them. As she falls in love with the father and his children, Katie dreams of a happy family with her as the wife and mother. Humiliated by his wife running away, raging Kevin hunts her with plans to kill Katie and this man she is with who enabled her to escape.
Obviously the theme of a psychopath husband and a victim wife is not new (see Don’t Tell by Karen Rose – the spouse is a cop too), Nicholas Sparks provides an exciting romantic suspense with a touch of the paranormal. The cast is solid as kind Alex is the polar opposite of brutal Kevin; ironically both insist they love Katie but display it differently.
Harriet Klausner
Nicholas Sparks
Grand Central, Aug 2 2011, $14.99
ISBN: 9780446547604
Katie fled her abusive alcoholic husband Kevin the cop who kept her a prisoner in their home and battered her constantly; she left when he put a gun to her head as she knows he will one day pull the trigger or break her skull. She rents a cabin in Southport, North Carolina and obtains a job at Ivan's restaurant.
As a little time passes since her last battering, Katie relaxes her vigil somewhat though she remains an enigma to the townsfolk. Widower father of two (Kristen and Josh) Alex the shopkeeper is attracted to the mystery woman. His kids feel the same way about her and she does likewise towards them. As she falls in love with the father and his children, Katie dreams of a happy family with her as the wife and mother. Humiliated by his wife running away, raging Kevin hunts her with plans to kill Katie and this man she is with who enabled her to escape.
Obviously the theme of a psychopath husband and a victim wife is not new (see Don’t Tell by Karen Rose – the spouse is a cop too), Nicholas Sparks provides an exciting romantic suspense with a touch of the paranormal. The cast is solid as kind Alex is the polar opposite of brutal Kevin; ironically both insist they love Katie but display it differently.
Harriet Klausner
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
The Lost Wife-Alyson Richman
The Lost Wife
Alyson Richman
Berkley, Sep 6 2011, $15.00
ISBN: 9780425244135
In 1934 in Prague Lenka Maizel and medical student Josef Kohn fall in love. They marry as the German troops enter Prague. He pleads with her to leave the country but she refuses as she needs to be with her family. Josef manages to get to New York while his wife and in-laws are sent to the Terezin concentration camp.
In 1947 Josef the obstetrician meets Amalia from Vienna at the public library. Like him she is a war refugee who lost her family to the Nazis. Believing he is a widow they marry. However, Lenka survived the Nazis by thinking of her Josef waiting for her every day. After being freed by the allies, Lenka married twice and had one child. Thirty eight years of marriage ends for Josef when Amalia died but he knows his love lives for a ghost who died decades earlier. Several years later, Josef’s grandson is marrying another war refugee Lanie’s granddaughter.
This is a great historical thriller that focuses on the long term cost of WWII on the innocent. The story line rotates perspective over six decades between Lenka and Josef. The changes of life brought on by Nazis is harrowing as Jews lived in a wonderful Prague Spring only to either escape to America or sent to the camps. Alyson Richman makes a strong case that even Hitler cannot kill true love.
Harriet Klausner
Alyson Richman
Berkley, Sep 6 2011, $15.00
ISBN: 9780425244135
In 1934 in Prague Lenka Maizel and medical student Josef Kohn fall in love. They marry as the German troops enter Prague. He pleads with her to leave the country but she refuses as she needs to be with her family. Josef manages to get to New York while his wife and in-laws are sent to the Terezin concentration camp.
In 1947 Josef the obstetrician meets Amalia from Vienna at the public library. Like him she is a war refugee who lost her family to the Nazis. Believing he is a widow they marry. However, Lenka survived the Nazis by thinking of her Josef waiting for her every day. After being freed by the allies, Lenka married twice and had one child. Thirty eight years of marriage ends for Josef when Amalia died but he knows his love lives for a ghost who died decades earlier. Several years later, Josef’s grandson is marrying another war refugee Lanie’s granddaughter.
This is a great historical thriller that focuses on the long term cost of WWII on the innocent. The story line rotates perspective over six decades between Lenka and Josef. The changes of life brought on by Nazis is harrowing as Jews lived in a wonderful Prague Spring only to either escape to America or sent to the camps. Alyson Richman makes a strong case that even Hitler cannot kill true love.
Harriet Klausner
Monday, August 15, 2011
Here’s To Friends-Melody Carlson
Here’s To Friends
Melody Carlson
David C. Cook, Sep 1 2011, $14.99
ISBN: 9781434764911
In Clifdon, Oregon, the fifty-something four Lindas continue to be there for one another since they recently reunited after decades apart (see Hometown Ties). Christmas time brings new problems to the quartet.
Abby still worries about her husband Paul who has recovered from his heart attack but is acting weird. She also fears her new B&B is heading to failure as her first guests criticize her establishment.
Janie was exercising so she missed the nasty call from her adult daughter Lisa. Her son Matthew says his sister insists she is not doing drugs, but Janie prays this is true but refuses to give anymore money to her. She expects to be alone for the holidays as Matthew has a new girlfriend. Abruptly Lisa arrives to nuke her mom’s relationship with Victor.
Caroline grieves the death of her mom (see All For One) while her boyfriend Mitch pleads with her to go away with him. Her excuse before was her mom suffering from Alzheimer’s; her excuse now is she hired Paul to renovate her home.
Marley the artist enjoys her time with gallery owner Jack and his granddaughter Hunter. However; lately she struggles to paint as Jack’s daughter Jasmine ran away with her latest lover Floyd the rolling stone leaving behind her child Hunter.
The final of the Four Lindas saga is an engaging tale as three of the quartet of prime subplots move forward as expected while one has a surprising spin. All are engaging Christian contemporary dramas that focus on several modern day social issues confronting society. As with the entire series, Melody Carlson provides a strong character driven tale.
Harriet Klausner
Melody Carlson
David C. Cook, Sep 1 2011, $14.99
ISBN: 9781434764911
In Clifdon, Oregon, the fifty-something four Lindas continue to be there for one another since they recently reunited after decades apart (see Hometown Ties). Christmas time brings new problems to the quartet.
Abby still worries about her husband Paul who has recovered from his heart attack but is acting weird. She also fears her new B&B is heading to failure as her first guests criticize her establishment.
Janie was exercising so she missed the nasty call from her adult daughter Lisa. Her son Matthew says his sister insists she is not doing drugs, but Janie prays this is true but refuses to give anymore money to her. She expects to be alone for the holidays as Matthew has a new girlfriend. Abruptly Lisa arrives to nuke her mom’s relationship with Victor.
Caroline grieves the death of her mom (see All For One) while her boyfriend Mitch pleads with her to go away with him. Her excuse before was her mom suffering from Alzheimer’s; her excuse now is she hired Paul to renovate her home.
Marley the artist enjoys her time with gallery owner Jack and his granddaughter Hunter. However; lately she struggles to paint as Jack’s daughter Jasmine ran away with her latest lover Floyd the rolling stone leaving behind her child Hunter.
The final of the Four Lindas saga is an engaging tale as three of the quartet of prime subplots move forward as expected while one has a surprising spin. All are engaging Christian contemporary dramas that focus on several modern day social issues confronting society. As with the entire series, Melody Carlson provides a strong character driven tale.
Harriet Klausner
Here’s To Friends-Melody Carlson
Here’s To Friends
Melody Carlson
David C. Cook, Sep 1 2011, $14.99
ISBN: 9781434764911
In Clifdon, Oregon, the fifty-something four Lindas continue to be there for one another since they recently reunited after decades apart (see Hometown Ties). Christmas time brings new problems to the quartet.
Abby still worries about her husband Paul who has recovered from his heart attack but is acting weird. She also fears her new B&B is heading to failure as her first guests criticize her establishment.
Janie was exercising so she missed the nasty call from her adult daughter Lisa. Her son Matthew says his sister insists she is not doing drugs, but Janie prays this is true but refuses to give anymore money to her. She expects to be alone for the holidays as Matthew has a new girlfriend. Abruptly Lisa arrives to nuke her mom’s relationship with Victor.
Caroline grieves the death of her mom (see All For One) while her boyfriend Mitch pleads with her to go away with him. Her excuse before was her mom suffering from Alzheimer’s; her excuse now is she hired Paul to renovate her home.
Marley the artist enjoys her time with gallery owner Jack and his granddaughter Hunter. However; lately she struggles to paint as Jack’s daughter Jasmine ran away with her latest lover Floyd the rolling stone leaving behind her child Hunter.
The final of the Four Lindas saga is an engaging tale as three of the quartet of prime subplots move forward as expected while one has a surprising spin. All are engaging Christian contemporary dramas that focus on several modern day social issues confronting society. As with the entire series, Melody Carlson provides a strong character driven tale.
Harriet Klausner
Melody Carlson
David C. Cook, Sep 1 2011, $14.99
ISBN: 9781434764911
In Clifdon, Oregon, the fifty-something four Lindas continue to be there for one another since they recently reunited after decades apart (see Hometown Ties). Christmas time brings new problems to the quartet.
Abby still worries about her husband Paul who has recovered from his heart attack but is acting weird. She also fears her new B&B is heading to failure as her first guests criticize her establishment.
Janie was exercising so she missed the nasty call from her adult daughter Lisa. Her son Matthew says his sister insists she is not doing drugs, but Janie prays this is true but refuses to give anymore money to her. She expects to be alone for the holidays as Matthew has a new girlfriend. Abruptly Lisa arrives to nuke her mom’s relationship with Victor.
Caroline grieves the death of her mom (see All For One) while her boyfriend Mitch pleads with her to go away with him. Her excuse before was her mom suffering from Alzheimer’s; her excuse now is she hired Paul to renovate her home.
Marley the artist enjoys her time with gallery owner Jack and his granddaughter Hunter. However; lately she struggles to paint as Jack’s daughter Jasmine ran away with her latest lover Floyd the rolling stone leaving behind her child Hunter.
The final of the Four Lindas saga is an engaging tale as three of the quartet of prime subplots move forward as expected while one has a surprising spin. All are engaging Christian contemporary dramas that focus on several modern day social issues confronting society. As with the entire series, Melody Carlson provides a strong character driven tale.
Harriet Klausner
Secret Obsession-Kimberla Lawson Roby
Secret Obsession
Kimberla Lawson Roby
Grand Central, Sep 6 2011, $19.99
ISBN: 9780446572422
Paige Donohue hides her disdain of her parents for extreme favoring of her sister Camille; in fact Paige believes they gave all their love to Camille the perfect chosen seed and none to her the anointed bad seed. She loathes her sibling even more as Camille has what she covets: a loving husband Pierce and two charming children living in a luxurious lifestyle. She obsesses over exceeding Camille the great. Her plan to make Camille envy her is to steal her sister’s family from her.
Paige fakes a rape, which leads to Camille and Pierce taking her into their home while she emotionally heals. She works on Pierce’s head with hints that Camille is cheating. However, her manipulative scheme to steal the perfect spouse from the perfect wife fails as Paige never quite grasped the trusting relationship between her targets. Undone and feeling ever more inferior to her sibling, Paige's mom tells her why she detests her. Camille still welcomes her sister with love.
Although the story line seems improbable to have gotten as far as it did and a late revelation detracts from an intriguing look at mental illness including the impact on others. OCD Paige loathes her family for what she perceives they did to her; her anger leads to her ignoring those who care deeply about her. Sub-genre fans will enjoy this entertaining family soap opera, just leave your plausibility meter in the draw.
Harriet Klausner
Kimberla Lawson Roby
Grand Central, Sep 6 2011, $19.99
ISBN: 9780446572422
Paige Donohue hides her disdain of her parents for extreme favoring of her sister Camille; in fact Paige believes they gave all their love to Camille the perfect chosen seed and none to her the anointed bad seed. She loathes her sibling even more as Camille has what she covets: a loving husband Pierce and two charming children living in a luxurious lifestyle. She obsesses over exceeding Camille the great. Her plan to make Camille envy her is to steal her sister’s family from her.
Paige fakes a rape, which leads to Camille and Pierce taking her into their home while she emotionally heals. She works on Pierce’s head with hints that Camille is cheating. However, her manipulative scheme to steal the perfect spouse from the perfect wife fails as Paige never quite grasped the trusting relationship between her targets. Undone and feeling ever more inferior to her sibling, Paige's mom tells her why she detests her. Camille still welcomes her sister with love.
Although the story line seems improbable to have gotten as far as it did and a late revelation detracts from an intriguing look at mental illness including the impact on others. OCD Paige loathes her family for what she perceives they did to her; her anger leads to her ignoring those who care deeply about her. Sub-genre fans will enjoy this entertaining family soap opera, just leave your plausibility meter in the draw.
Harriet Klausner
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Joanne Fluke's Lake Eden Cookbook: Hannah Swensen’s Recipes from the Cookie Jar- Joanne Fluke-
Joanne Fluke's Lake Eden Cookbook: Hannah Swensen’s Recipes from the Cookie Jar
Joanne Fluke
Kensington, Oct 1 2011, $18.95
ISBN: 9780758234971
Fans of the Hannah Swensen culinary whodunits will enjoy the sweet tooth recipes from nine of the fourteen tales and more (some new ones not in the novels). Hannah, her partner Lisa Beeseman and Grandma Knudsen offer baking tips like the size of eggs in a recipe and the definition of butter. If you live in Lake Eden, Minnesota waking up in winter means room temperature is a bit cooler than the average and baking heats the kitchen. Hannah and Lisa cater Swenson’s mom Delores’ cookie exchange with Razzle Dazzle Baked Brie and Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie. There is much more like Herb’s Wedding Cookie Cake and Boggles (the mind) with many more recipes. With commentary and pearls of wisdom (hide candy to be used in a recipe inside the vegetable crisper as kids never go there) throughout enhancing the fun, readers who bake will enjoy the best of The Cookie Jar.
Harriet Klausner
Joanne Fluke
Kensington, Oct 1 2011, $18.95
ISBN: 9780758234971
Fans of the Hannah Swensen culinary whodunits will enjoy the sweet tooth recipes from nine of the fourteen tales and more (some new ones not in the novels). Hannah, her partner Lisa Beeseman and Grandma Knudsen offer baking tips like the size of eggs in a recipe and the definition of butter. If you live in Lake Eden, Minnesota waking up in winter means room temperature is a bit cooler than the average and baking heats the kitchen. Hannah and Lisa cater Swenson’s mom Delores’ cookie exchange with Razzle Dazzle Baked Brie and Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie. There is much more like Herb’s Wedding Cookie Cake and Boggles (the mind) with many more recipes. With commentary and pearls of wisdom (hide candy to be used in a recipe inside the vegetable crisper as kids never go there) throughout enhancing the fun, readers who bake will enjoy the best of The Cookie Jar.
Harriet Klausner
The Year Everything Changed-Georgia Bockoven
The Year Everything Changed
Georgia Bockoven
Morrow, Aug 23 2011, $14.99
ISBN: 9780062069320
In March 2000, attorney Lucy Hargreaves sends letters to four women. In the note, she says she represents Jessie Patrick Reed, who claims to be their biological father that none of them ever met or new existed. He is dying and would like to meet them in his home in Sacramento.
Ginger Reynolds and Marc Osborne are divorcing but he will not leave until their two children understand he is not leaving them, but is stunned to learn her loving caring parents adopted her. Twentyish filmmaker Christina Alvarado slightly remembers him but never understood why he left her; her mate Randy wants her to go in case Jessie is rich so they can fund a project in Los Angeles. Rachel Nolan learns her husband Jeff is having an affair with Sandy on the same day she finds out that a Jessie Reed claims to be her father. Elizabeth Walker loves her husband Sam, her younger sister Stephanie and her mom Denise, but though years have passed she never understood why her dad Jessie deserted her; now he wants to see her but she does not want to see him though she wants to confront him. Now four stepsisters meet for the first time when they visit their dying biological dad.
This is a discerning extended family drama that focuses on how much society changes over the decades as some taboos become acceptable and others not. This book is character driven by the four stepsisters; each having widely different personalities, family issues and diverse reasons for wanting to know why he left them. The support cast especially Lucy and Jessie enhances an epic thought provoking look at how societal customs change over time.
Harriet Klausner
Georgia Bockoven
Morrow, Aug 23 2011, $14.99
ISBN: 9780062069320
In March 2000, attorney Lucy Hargreaves sends letters to four women. In the note, she says she represents Jessie Patrick Reed, who claims to be their biological father that none of them ever met or new existed. He is dying and would like to meet them in his home in Sacramento.
Ginger Reynolds and Marc Osborne are divorcing but he will not leave until their two children understand he is not leaving them, but is stunned to learn her loving caring parents adopted her. Twentyish filmmaker Christina Alvarado slightly remembers him but never understood why he left her; her mate Randy wants her to go in case Jessie is rich so they can fund a project in Los Angeles. Rachel Nolan learns her husband Jeff is having an affair with Sandy on the same day she finds out that a Jessie Reed claims to be her father. Elizabeth Walker loves her husband Sam, her younger sister Stephanie and her mom Denise, but though years have passed she never understood why her dad Jessie deserted her; now he wants to see her but she does not want to see him though she wants to confront him. Now four stepsisters meet for the first time when they visit their dying biological dad.
This is a discerning extended family drama that focuses on how much society changes over the decades as some taboos become acceptable and others not. This book is character driven by the four stepsisters; each having widely different personalities, family issues and diverse reasons for wanting to know why he left them. The support cast especially Lucy and Jessie enhances an epic thought provoking look at how societal customs change over time.
Harriet Klausner
Cross Currents-John Shors
Cross Currents
John Shors
NAL, Sep 6 2011, $15.00
ISBN: 9780451234605
In 2004 at Ko Phi Phi Island, Thailand is a major stop for tourists from all parts of the globe. Married locals Lek and Sarai raise their seven month old baby Achata as well as their older children while also running a failing resort since the larger firms have discovered the beauty of the islands. Feeling desperate they agree to give room and board to Patch the visiting American in exchange for his help at the resort.
Patch’s brother Ryan and his girlfriend Brooke arrive from the States. Lek is shocked to learn Patch is a fugitive and his presence in their lives places his family in jeopardy. Adding to the confusion is the behavior of Brooke who since their arrival begins to doubt she loves Ryan as she is attracted to Patch. Then without warning two monstrous waves hit the island from both ends before converging in the middle.
Based on the real killing event that hit this island and many other locations, Cross Currents is an exhilarating thriller with an underlying theme to never forget any tragedy but especially one of this mind boggling magnitude. The story line is character driven (by the two extended families) as the audience sees the difference between the Thais from the island and from the mainland cities like Bangkok, and the visitors. All that changes when the tsunami is an equal opportunity killer ignoring ethnicity, religion and culture when it comes to death; those still alive in order to survive the ordeal need to trust and rely on one another or die. This is a great look at the killer tsunami that left behind over seventy times the deaths of the 9/11 tragedy as 230,000 plus died.
Harriet Klausner
John Shors
NAL, Sep 6 2011, $15.00
ISBN: 9780451234605
In 2004 at Ko Phi Phi Island, Thailand is a major stop for tourists from all parts of the globe. Married locals Lek and Sarai raise their seven month old baby Achata as well as their older children while also running a failing resort since the larger firms have discovered the beauty of the islands. Feeling desperate they agree to give room and board to Patch the visiting American in exchange for his help at the resort.
Patch’s brother Ryan and his girlfriend Brooke arrive from the States. Lek is shocked to learn Patch is a fugitive and his presence in their lives places his family in jeopardy. Adding to the confusion is the behavior of Brooke who since their arrival begins to doubt she loves Ryan as she is attracted to Patch. Then without warning two monstrous waves hit the island from both ends before converging in the middle.
Based on the real killing event that hit this island and many other locations, Cross Currents is an exhilarating thriller with an underlying theme to never forget any tragedy but especially one of this mind boggling magnitude. The story line is character driven (by the two extended families) as the audience sees the difference between the Thais from the island and from the mainland cities like Bangkok, and the visitors. All that changes when the tsunami is an equal opportunity killer ignoring ethnicity, religion and culture when it comes to death; those still alive in order to survive the ordeal need to trust and rely on one another or die. This is a great look at the killer tsunami that left behind over seventy times the deaths of the 9/11 tragedy as 230,000 plus died.
Harriet Klausner
Wunderkind-Nikolai Grozni
Wunderkind
Nikolai Grozni
Free Press, Sep 6 2011, $24.00
ISBN: 9781451616910
In 1987, residents of Sofia, Bulgaria know first hand the oppression of the ruling elitist Communist Party. All they have to do is look out their windows at the sky, which is gray in the morning, grayer in the afternoon and pitch black with a slight ruby red at night; the sun never shines behind the Iron Curtain except for those inside the party.
Teenager Konstantin is a gifted pianist who attends the Sofia's Music School for the Gifted where he stays most of his time playing and drilling as if he was training for war, which to the Columnists, is exactly how they perceive the talented. Although he spends hours every day doing repetitive drills Konstanine learns one lesson that the overarching rule is that talent is superseded by those who parrot the party. Although stifled, the fifteen year old prodigy rebels when he can through western vices like drinking, smoking, and sexing, but is also obsessed with being the best as he finds a mental haven from his dumbing down teachers in the classics.
In some ways a coming of age tale, Wunderkind is a super look at oppressive Bulgaria in stark contrast to the lyrical passages lovingly expressed by Konstantin when he performs the works of the musical greats like Debussy and Bach. The story line focuses on one critical year in the life of the conflicted protagonist as he trains for a competition he scorns but is his ticket to the free world. Readers will appreciate this cerebral glimpse at late Cold War Bulgaria as the children with talent are “indoctrinated” soldiers in the battle with the West.
Harriet Klausner
Nikolai Grozni
Free Press, Sep 6 2011, $24.00
ISBN: 9781451616910
In 1987, residents of Sofia, Bulgaria know first hand the oppression of the ruling elitist Communist Party. All they have to do is look out their windows at the sky, which is gray in the morning, grayer in the afternoon and pitch black with a slight ruby red at night; the sun never shines behind the Iron Curtain except for those inside the party.
Teenager Konstantin is a gifted pianist who attends the Sofia's Music School for the Gifted where he stays most of his time playing and drilling as if he was training for war, which to the Columnists, is exactly how they perceive the talented. Although he spends hours every day doing repetitive drills Konstanine learns one lesson that the overarching rule is that talent is superseded by those who parrot the party. Although stifled, the fifteen year old prodigy rebels when he can through western vices like drinking, smoking, and sexing, but is also obsessed with being the best as he finds a mental haven from his dumbing down teachers in the classics.
In some ways a coming of age tale, Wunderkind is a super look at oppressive Bulgaria in stark contrast to the lyrical passages lovingly expressed by Konstantin when he performs the works of the musical greats like Debussy and Bach. The story line focuses on one critical year in the life of the conflicted protagonist as he trains for a competition he scorns but is his ticket to the free world. Readers will appreciate this cerebral glimpse at late Cold War Bulgaria as the children with talent are “indoctrinated” soldiers in the battle with the West.
Harriet Klausner
Friday, August 12, 2011
A Rather Remarkable Homecoming-C.A. Belmond
A Rather Remarkable Homecoming
C.A. Belmond
NAL, Sep 6 2011, $15.00
ISBN: 9780451234612
Following their honeymoon on the Riviera, a stop in New York to visit her friends and family, and a trip to California for him to provide legal advice to an old client and her on a film, Penny and Jeremy return to late Great Aunt Penelope’s Victorian they call home in London. Inside is Rupert who has been working the couple’s business while they were away and two strangers.
Prince Charles sent Harriet Fieldworthy and her son Colin to engage the services of the couple. With a royal Rather Charming Invitation Penny and Jeremy travel to Cornwall to find a way to prevent a developer from “renovating” a section of the historical picaresque town. Included for devastation in the name of economic progress is the estate of Penny’s late grandmother which has sentimental value to the couple as they first met there as children. The only hop to stop the razing is to find something historically significant like proof that Shakespeare or Arthur slept there.
The fourth Rather British charming drama is a fun tale as there is no rest for the wary after their whirlwind tour. They make inquires seeking something that would place the Cornwall area on the protective heritage list but time is short. Ignoring a rather odd kidnapping, with quirky locals adding color to the tale, fans of the series will enjoy the race between preservationists and developers.
Harriet Klausner
C.A. Belmond
NAL, Sep 6 2011, $15.00
ISBN: 9780451234612
Following their honeymoon on the Riviera, a stop in New York to visit her friends and family, and a trip to California for him to provide legal advice to an old client and her on a film, Penny and Jeremy return to late Great Aunt Penelope’s Victorian they call home in London. Inside is Rupert who has been working the couple’s business while they were away and two strangers.
Prince Charles sent Harriet Fieldworthy and her son Colin to engage the services of the couple. With a royal Rather Charming Invitation Penny and Jeremy travel to Cornwall to find a way to prevent a developer from “renovating” a section of the historical picaresque town. Included for devastation in the name of economic progress is the estate of Penny’s late grandmother which has sentimental value to the couple as they first met there as children. The only hop to stop the razing is to find something historically significant like proof that Shakespeare or Arthur slept there.
The fourth Rather British charming drama is a fun tale as there is no rest for the wary after their whirlwind tour. They make inquires seeking something that would place the Cornwall area on the protective heritage list but time is short. Ignoring a rather odd kidnapping, with quirky locals adding color to the tale, fans of the series will enjoy the race between preservationists and developers.
Harriet Klausner
Little Black Dress-Susan McBride
Little Black Dress
Susan McBride
Morrow, Aug 23 2011, $14/99
ISBN: 9780062027191
Owner of Engagements by Antonia, Toni Ashton diligently works as a party planner who focuses mostly on weddings. She meets her boyfriend Greg McCallum for dinner hoping he asks her to marry him. Instead he points out she is late, ordered for them, and he gives her a key to his place so they can have a trial run. She is disappointed, but before she reacts, her cell phone rings; a Blue Hills Hospital nurse informs her that her mother Evie suffered a crippling stroke.
Without a goodbye, Toni heads to her hometown of Blue Hills, Missouri for the first time since her dad died. Toni moves into the family house she grew up in and begins to organize her mom’s affairs amidst the crammed home. Thinking her mom was a hoarder, Toni finds clues and truths about her mom and her maternal Aunt Anna, who vanished long before she was born back in the 1950s after the purchase of a Little Black Dress in which the siblings both put on and saw their respective futures.
Little Black Dress is a whimsical drama that looks deeply at relationships especially broken ones between loving family members. The story line contains two subplots as readers follow Toni in the present and the two sisters five decades ago. The Eisenhower Era segue is especially fascinating as the siblings are polar opposites who will have the audience wondering what each saw. This engaging tale will leave the reader looking at their relationships especially the troubled ones as time is short to mend estrangements.
Harriet Klausner
Susan McBride
Morrow, Aug 23 2011, $14/99
ISBN: 9780062027191
Owner of Engagements by Antonia, Toni Ashton diligently works as a party planner who focuses mostly on weddings. She meets her boyfriend Greg McCallum for dinner hoping he asks her to marry him. Instead he points out she is late, ordered for them, and he gives her a key to his place so they can have a trial run. She is disappointed, but before she reacts, her cell phone rings; a Blue Hills Hospital nurse informs her that her mother Evie suffered a crippling stroke.
Without a goodbye, Toni heads to her hometown of Blue Hills, Missouri for the first time since her dad died. Toni moves into the family house she grew up in and begins to organize her mom’s affairs amidst the crammed home. Thinking her mom was a hoarder, Toni finds clues and truths about her mom and her maternal Aunt Anna, who vanished long before she was born back in the 1950s after the purchase of a Little Black Dress in which the siblings both put on and saw their respective futures.
Little Black Dress is a whimsical drama that looks deeply at relationships especially broken ones between loving family members. The story line contains two subplots as readers follow Toni in the present and the two sisters five decades ago. The Eisenhower Era segue is especially fascinating as the siblings are polar opposites who will have the audience wondering what each saw. This engaging tale will leave the reader looking at their relationships especially the troubled ones as time is short to mend estrangements.
Harriet Klausner
Little Black Dress-Susan McBride
Little Black Dress
Susan McBride
Morrow, Aug 23 2011, $14/99
ISBN: 9780062027191
Owner of Engagements by Antonia, Toni Ashton diligently works as a party planner who focuses mostly on weddings. She meets her boyfriend Greg McCallum for dinner hoping he asks her to marry him. Instead he points out she is late, ordered for them, and he gives her a key to his place so they can have a trial run. She is disappointed, but before she reacts, her cell phone rings; a Blue Hills Hospital nurse informs her that her mother Evie suffered a crippling stroke.
Without a goodbye, Toni heads to her hometown of Blue Hills, Missouri for the first time since her dad died. Toni moves into the family house she grew up in and begins to organize her mom’s affairs amidst the crammed home. Thinking her mom was a hoarder, Toni finds clues and truths about her mom and her maternal Aunt Anna, who vanished long before she was born back in the 1950s after the purchase of a Little Black Dress in which the siblings both put on and saw their respective futures.
Little Black Dress is a whimsical drama that looks deeply at relationships especially broken ones between loving family members. The story line contains two subplots as readers follow Toni in the present and the two sisters five decades ago. The Eisenhower Era segue is especially fascinating as the siblings are polar opposites who will have the audience wondering what each saw. This engaging tale will leave the reader looking at their relationships especially the troubled ones as time is short to mend estrangements.
Harriet Klausner
Susan McBride
Morrow, Aug 23 2011, $14/99
ISBN: 9780062027191
Owner of Engagements by Antonia, Toni Ashton diligently works as a party planner who focuses mostly on weddings. She meets her boyfriend Greg McCallum for dinner hoping he asks her to marry him. Instead he points out she is late, ordered for them, and he gives her a key to his place so they can have a trial run. She is disappointed, but before she reacts, her cell phone rings; a Blue Hills Hospital nurse informs her that her mother Evie suffered a crippling stroke.
Without a goodbye, Toni heads to her hometown of Blue Hills, Missouri for the first time since her dad died. Toni moves into the family house she grew up in and begins to organize her mom’s affairs amidst the crammed home. Thinking her mom was a hoarder, Toni finds clues and truths about her mom and her maternal Aunt Anna, who vanished long before she was born back in the 1950s after the purchase of a Little Black Dress in which the siblings both put on and saw their respective futures.
Little Black Dress is a whimsical drama that looks deeply at relationships especially broken ones between loving family members. The story line contains two subplots as readers follow Toni in the present and the two sisters five decades ago. The Eisenhower Era segue is especially fascinating as the siblings are polar opposites who will have the audience wondering what each saw. This engaging tale will leave the reader looking at their relationships especially the troubled ones as time is short to mend estrangements.
Harriet Klausner
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Girls in White Dresses-Jennifer Close
Girls in White Dresses
Jennifer Close
Knopf, Aug 9 2011, $24.99
ISBN: 9780307596857
This seventeen short stories anthology amusingly and intelligently follows the lives of three BFFs (Isabella the account manager turned publishing assistant, Mary the lawyer, and Lauren the realtor) and their buddies in New York City. Isabella opens the anecdotal collection when she was twelve and her older sister was getting married as the tweener learns “The Rules of Life”. In “Summer Sausage” the trio and others know Ellen’s mantra is she dates ugly guys culminating in Louis who dumped her several times. Isabella and her boyfriend at the time Ben always fought until they broke up, but she recalls the wedding of his friend Mike to a Jon-Benet look alike in JonBenet and other Tragedies”. The best tales are “Blind” as Isabella who has not dated since Ben left her to survives job switches and bad bosses; the profound "The Peahens" in which Abby describes her odd family; and the deep satirical "Hope," in which Shannon’s boyfriend Dan informs her that the Candidate is the next president. Though some of the entries have similar themes told elsewhere, this is a strong chick lit sex and relational tsuris in the city summed up nicely when Mary gives birth to Henry to the joy of Ken and his widow mom Grandma Button who would never interfere between a mom and her baby like her late mother-in-law did when she terrorized her; instead she sweetly orders her daughter-in-law to do this and do that.
Harriet Klausner
Jennifer Close
Knopf, Aug 9 2011, $24.99
ISBN: 9780307596857
This seventeen short stories anthology amusingly and intelligently follows the lives of three BFFs (Isabella the account manager turned publishing assistant, Mary the lawyer, and Lauren the realtor) and their buddies in New York City. Isabella opens the anecdotal collection when she was twelve and her older sister was getting married as the tweener learns “The Rules of Life”. In “Summer Sausage” the trio and others know Ellen’s mantra is she dates ugly guys culminating in Louis who dumped her several times. Isabella and her boyfriend at the time Ben always fought until they broke up, but she recalls the wedding of his friend Mike to a Jon-Benet look alike in JonBenet and other Tragedies”. The best tales are “Blind” as Isabella who has not dated since Ben left her to survives job switches and bad bosses; the profound "The Peahens" in which Abby describes her odd family; and the deep satirical "Hope," in which Shannon’s boyfriend Dan informs her that the Candidate is the next president. Though some of the entries have similar themes told elsewhere, this is a strong chick lit sex and relational tsuris in the city summed up nicely when Mary gives birth to Henry to the joy of Ken and his widow mom Grandma Button who would never interfere between a mom and her baby like her late mother-in-law did when she terrorized her; instead she sweetly orders her daughter-in-law to do this and do that.
Harriet Klausner
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Composing Amelia-Alison Strobel
Composing Amelia
Alison Strobel
David C. Cook, Sep 1 2011, $14.99
ISBN: 9781434767738
In Los Angeles, recent college graduates of LA Bible College and newlyweds Amelia and Marcus Sheffield look forward to the future. She dreams of being a pianist while he wants to become the pastor of a megachurch. They work at odd jobs bringing in income while searching for their respective break.
Amelia feels upbeat when she obtains a resident pianist position with a new theater group in the city. However, Marcus hits her with a gut blow when he informs her he has been offered the position of senior pastor at the small New Hope Church in Wheatridge, Nebraska. He tells her if she doesn’t want to go, he will decline; but soon after informs her he accepted the position. Marcus goes to Nebraska while Amelia stays in California. As they live separate lives, Amelia becomes dangerously depressed over the separation and the unwanted touching of a business associate; while Marcus struggles with what his role means for his flock and misses his Ams though he hides behind God’s plan.
This is a great Christian family drama that looks deeply at faith and mental illness through mostly the lead couple. They are still in love but seem way apart with no hope for the future. Whereas she feels he uses the God card with righteous impunity, he believes she lost her faith in the Lord, him and herself. Alison Strobel provides a refreshing contemporary character study.
Harriet Klausner
Alison Strobel
David C. Cook, Sep 1 2011, $14.99
ISBN: 9781434767738
In Los Angeles, recent college graduates of LA Bible College and newlyweds Amelia and Marcus Sheffield look forward to the future. She dreams of being a pianist while he wants to become the pastor of a megachurch. They work at odd jobs bringing in income while searching for their respective break.
Amelia feels upbeat when she obtains a resident pianist position with a new theater group in the city. However, Marcus hits her with a gut blow when he informs her he has been offered the position of senior pastor at the small New Hope Church in Wheatridge, Nebraska. He tells her if she doesn’t want to go, he will decline; but soon after informs her he accepted the position. Marcus goes to Nebraska while Amelia stays in California. As they live separate lives, Amelia becomes dangerously depressed over the separation and the unwanted touching of a business associate; while Marcus struggles with what his role means for his flock and misses his Ams though he hides behind God’s plan.
This is a great Christian family drama that looks deeply at faith and mental illness through mostly the lead couple. They are still in love but seem way apart with no hope for the future. Whereas she feels he uses the God card with righteous impunity, he believes she lost her faith in the Lord, him and herself. Alison Strobel provides a refreshing contemporary character study.
Harriet Klausner
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
The Touch-Randall Wallace
The Touch
Randall Wallace
Tyndale, Sep 1 2011, $$14.9
ISBN: 9781414343662
Both from Appalachia, Faith Thomas and Andrew Jones fell in love while attending medical school. They lay on the floor of the Sistine Chapel looking at the “Divine Touch” in awe; both Faith and Jones know this moment will be with them forever. Driving in the back roads of Virginia, in an instant Faith was gone as was Jones’ faith. Though already regarded as a talented physician with the healer’s touch, Jones quits medicine and becomes a teacher; their close friend Luca Manzi offers solace but cannot explain why God allows bad things happen to good people like Jones’ Faith.
Chicago based Blair-Bio-Med wants the best to test a new robotic device that duplicates the hands of a surgeon without the human error. Driven to succeed and help people in need, Dr. Lara Blair has turned to the best surgeons in the world, but none have made her tool work properly. She knows the best is Jones with his healing touch. Pleading with him, Lara wants him to be the blueprint of her gizmo. As she bullies him, he thinks what Faith would want him to do with what she considered his divine healing touch.
This is an engaging inspirational second chance at life tale starring two wounded warriors struggling to move on from emotional issues. Ironically the Michelangelo masterpiece is the fullest developed “character” although Jones is not far behind. The rest of the cast including the two women in his life pales in comparison. Still The Touch is a warm entertaining drama.
Harriet Klausner
Randall Wallace
Tyndale, Sep 1 2011, $$14.9
ISBN: 9781414343662
Both from Appalachia, Faith Thomas and Andrew Jones fell in love while attending medical school. They lay on the floor of the Sistine Chapel looking at the “Divine Touch” in awe; both Faith and Jones know this moment will be with them forever. Driving in the back roads of Virginia, in an instant Faith was gone as was Jones’ faith. Though already regarded as a talented physician with the healer’s touch, Jones quits medicine and becomes a teacher; their close friend Luca Manzi offers solace but cannot explain why God allows bad things happen to good people like Jones’ Faith.
Chicago based Blair-Bio-Med wants the best to test a new robotic device that duplicates the hands of a surgeon without the human error. Driven to succeed and help people in need, Dr. Lara Blair has turned to the best surgeons in the world, but none have made her tool work properly. She knows the best is Jones with his healing touch. Pleading with him, Lara wants him to be the blueprint of her gizmo. As she bullies him, he thinks what Faith would want him to do with what she considered his divine healing touch.
This is an engaging inspirational second chance at life tale starring two wounded warriors struggling to move on from emotional issues. Ironically the Michelangelo masterpiece is the fullest developed “character” although Jones is not far behind. The rest of the cast including the two women in his life pales in comparison. Still The Touch is a warm entertaining drama.
Harriet Klausner
A Marriage Carol-Chris Fabry & Gary Chapman
A Marriage Carol
Chris Fabry & Gary Chapman
Moody, Sep 1 2011, $14.99
ISBN: 9780802402646
Two decades of marriage that began on Christmas Eve is ironically ending on Christmas Eve. The relationship between Marlee and Jacob Ebenezer is colder than the wintry weather outside the car they share on their way to see the divorce lawyer to sign the final papers. Both worry about telling their three kids though they agree to say nothing until after the holidays. Driving on the road to the attorney leads to a fight as Marlee feels with the snow and ice they should remain on the main road while Jacob chooses a shortcut. On a curve with headlines bearing down on them, Jacob loses control.
Marlee awakes alone and frozen; Jacob is nowhere in sight; her cellphone fails to work. She leaves the car looking for Jacob but sees lights so heads there. An elderly man Jay opens the door allowing the shivering Marlee to warm up, but he insists no other visitor has arrived. He searches for Jacob but fails to find him. Marlee and the couples’ retreat center owner chat while his wife rests upstairs thinking about God and marriage. As her host goes to check on his wife, Marlee sees her past and present through her loving family members, and a future path with two choices.
Paying obvious homage to Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Chris Fabry & Gary Chapman provide an engaging family fantasy that starts off with an emotional question of “When do we tell the kids?” An entertaining parable, the story line focuses on the importance of honesty communicating as the key fuels to maintain loving relationships. Although the cast is never deeply developed beyond relational roles, readers will appreciate this fun contemporary version of the classic.
Harriet Klausner
Chris Fabry & Gary Chapman
Moody, Sep 1 2011, $14.99
ISBN: 9780802402646
Two decades of marriage that began on Christmas Eve is ironically ending on Christmas Eve. The relationship between Marlee and Jacob Ebenezer is colder than the wintry weather outside the car they share on their way to see the divorce lawyer to sign the final papers. Both worry about telling their three kids though they agree to say nothing until after the holidays. Driving on the road to the attorney leads to a fight as Marlee feels with the snow and ice they should remain on the main road while Jacob chooses a shortcut. On a curve with headlines bearing down on them, Jacob loses control.
Marlee awakes alone and frozen; Jacob is nowhere in sight; her cellphone fails to work. She leaves the car looking for Jacob but sees lights so heads there. An elderly man Jay opens the door allowing the shivering Marlee to warm up, but he insists no other visitor has arrived. He searches for Jacob but fails to find him. Marlee and the couples’ retreat center owner chat while his wife rests upstairs thinking about God and marriage. As her host goes to check on his wife, Marlee sees her past and present through her loving family members, and a future path with two choices.
Paying obvious homage to Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Chris Fabry & Gary Chapman provide an engaging family fantasy that starts off with an emotional question of “When do we tell the kids?” An entertaining parable, the story line focuses on the importance of honesty communicating as the key fuels to maintain loving relationships. Although the cast is never deeply developed beyond relational roles, readers will appreciate this fun contemporary version of the classic.
Harriet Klausner
Monday, August 8, 2011
The Bentleys Buy a Buick-Pamela Morsi
The Bentleys Buy a Buick
Pamela Morsi
Mira, Aug 23 2011, $14.95
ISBN: 9780778329855
Tom Bentley learns what love at first sight means when elderly Mrs. Gilford introduces him to Clara. He hated garage calls, but that was before the vintage auto repair shop owner and mechanic came to the San Antonio suburb Leon Valley and met the 1956 Buick Roadmaster. Mrs. Gilford has been the only owner having bought Clara brand new, but the vehicle has sat in her garage for the last decade due to her failing vision. He uses a trailer to take the classic back to his repair shop.
Tom’s wife Erica wonders if her husband is having an affair. Lately he has worked late hours and has hidden why from her. Her serial divorced acrimonious mother and her workers insist he is cheating on her, but she wants to trust her spouse. Still she decides to conduct nocturnal surveillance of her husband only to learn he loves Clara with the sleek body.
This is an amusing story line with a strong precaution to not jump to conclusions but instead communicate, communicate and communicate. The lead triangle is nicely set up though a bit slow in anchoring the relationships before the story line shifts into first gear. Readers will enjoy this fun marital tale whiling humorously singing the Genesis’ lyrics: “There must have been a misunderstanding; there must have been a mistake.”
Harriet Klausner
Pamela Morsi
Mira, Aug 23 2011, $14.95
ISBN: 9780778329855
Tom Bentley learns what love at first sight means when elderly Mrs. Gilford introduces him to Clara. He hated garage calls, but that was before the vintage auto repair shop owner and mechanic came to the San Antonio suburb Leon Valley and met the 1956 Buick Roadmaster. Mrs. Gilford has been the only owner having bought Clara brand new, but the vehicle has sat in her garage for the last decade due to her failing vision. He uses a trailer to take the classic back to his repair shop.
Tom’s wife Erica wonders if her husband is having an affair. Lately he has worked late hours and has hidden why from her. Her serial divorced acrimonious mother and her workers insist he is cheating on her, but she wants to trust her spouse. Still she decides to conduct nocturnal surveillance of her husband only to learn he loves Clara with the sleek body.
This is an amusing story line with a strong precaution to not jump to conclusions but instead communicate, communicate and communicate. The lead triangle is nicely set up though a bit slow in anchoring the relationships before the story line shifts into first gear. Readers will enjoy this fun marital tale whiling humorously singing the Genesis’ lyrics: “There must have been a misunderstanding; there must have been a mistake.”
Harriet Klausner
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Secrets of the Tudor Court: A the King’s Pleasure-Kate Emerson
Secrets of the Tudor Court: A the King’s Pleasure
Kate Emerson
Gallery/Pocket, Aug 23 2011, $16.00
ISBN: 9781439177822
In 1509, in spite of his efforts Edward the Duke of Buckingham is upset that his brother charged with treason Lord Henry remains confined to the Tower. Edward needs a pawn at the court of King Henry VIII, but his three daughters are too young and one of his sisters is married. He turns to his sibling Widow Anne Herbert whose husband died form a fall; as Edward realizes she is the only one he can barter with.
Edward arranges a marriage to George, Baron Hastings. Lady Anne is pleased to escape her martinet brother and obtains a position as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Catherine. One year after she and George married, she is caught up in a scandalous situation with King Henry VIII’s man Sir William Compton in her chambers while the ruler is also sniffing at her with desire.
The latest Secrets of the Tudor Court (see The Pleasure Queen, Between Two Queens and By Royal Decree) is an engaging tale though the lead protagonist lacks the passion and energy (even with three males desiring her and her brother using her) that previous Tudor heroines had. Still sub-fans will enjoy an interesting look at the court of King Henry VIII in which much of the intrigue centers around the value of females on the aristocratic commodity exchange.
Harriet Klausner
Kate Emerson
Gallery/Pocket, Aug 23 2011, $16.00
ISBN: 9781439177822
In 1509, in spite of his efforts Edward the Duke of Buckingham is upset that his brother charged with treason Lord Henry remains confined to the Tower. Edward needs a pawn at the court of King Henry VIII, but his three daughters are too young and one of his sisters is married. He turns to his sibling Widow Anne Herbert whose husband died form a fall; as Edward realizes she is the only one he can barter with.
Edward arranges a marriage to George, Baron Hastings. Lady Anne is pleased to escape her martinet brother and obtains a position as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Catherine. One year after she and George married, she is caught up in a scandalous situation with King Henry VIII’s man Sir William Compton in her chambers while the ruler is also sniffing at her with desire.
The latest Secrets of the Tudor Court (see The Pleasure Queen, Between Two Queens and By Royal Decree) is an engaging tale though the lead protagonist lacks the passion and energy (even with three males desiring her and her brother using her) that previous Tudor heroines had. Still sub-fans will enjoy an interesting look at the court of King Henry VIII in which much of the intrigue centers around the value of females on the aristocratic commodity exchange.
Harriet Klausner
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Done Safely Home-Randy Alcorn
Done Safely Home
Randy Alcorn
Tyndale, Jul 19 2011, $14.99
ISBN: 9781414348551
In Portland, Oregon, Getz International Executive Ben Fielding believes his firm can expand into the growing Chinese market. He sells the top brass the idea of manufacturing electronic components onside of China using local labor and selling to the 1.2 billion consumers.
Ben travels to China to set in motion his business plan. He stays with his Harvard roommate from over two decades ago Dr. Li Quan. Their chats give Ben a different view of China than that of what he has seen on his previous trips there. However, he rejects much of what Li insists is going on including government persecution of Christians. When Li is arrested, Ben seeks out why while finding Jesus as his guide.
This is the tenth anniversary reprint of a strong look at de jure and de facto religious persecution. The story line engages the reader once Li reunites with Ben. Filled with an emotional rollercoaster, fans will appreciate this deep look at China through the lens of religious persecution though somewhat shallow Ben’s return to the flock never quite rings true.
Harriet Klausner
Randy Alcorn
Tyndale, Jul 19 2011, $14.99
ISBN: 9781414348551
In Portland, Oregon, Getz International Executive Ben Fielding believes his firm can expand into the growing Chinese market. He sells the top brass the idea of manufacturing electronic components onside of China using local labor and selling to the 1.2 billion consumers.
Ben travels to China to set in motion his business plan. He stays with his Harvard roommate from over two decades ago Dr. Li Quan. Their chats give Ben a different view of China than that of what he has seen on his previous trips there. However, he rejects much of what Li insists is going on including government persecution of Christians. When Li is arrested, Ben seeks out why while finding Jesus as his guide.
This is the tenth anniversary reprint of a strong look at de jure and de facto religious persecution. The story line engages the reader once Li reunites with Ben. Filled with an emotional rollercoaster, fans will appreciate this deep look at China through the lens of religious persecution though somewhat shallow Ben’s return to the flock never quite rings true.
Harriet Klausner
Friday, August 5, 2011
Following Atticus: Forty-Eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship-Tom Ryan
Following Atticus: Forty-Eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship
Tom Ryan
Morrow, Sep 20 2011, $25.99
ISBN: 9780061997105
Newburyport, Massachusetts Undertoad newspaper editor Tom Ryan hiked several New Hampshire Mountains with his brothers. When his friend Vicki Pearson died from cancer, Tom felt a need to honor her. He closed his paper and decided to climb all forty-eight peaks in the White Mountains to raise money for charity in Vicki’s name. When his schnauzer Max died, Tom obtained an unwanted schnauzer pup Atticus Maxwell Finch who joined him on the trek of climbing the 48 in 90 days.
This is a fascinating poignant memoir that passionately focuses on much more than just a man and a dog in booties bonding while climbing mountains. Instead Tom Ryan discusses his estrangement with his late opinionated dad that has left him feeling regret, but between the mountains and his heroic canine, he felt a spiritual enlightenment that has given his pre climbing tortured soul tranquility. This is a super biography of a troubled man finding solace by Following Atticus’ lead to nirvana.
Harriet Klausner
Tom Ryan
Morrow, Sep 20 2011, $25.99
ISBN: 9780061997105
Newburyport, Massachusetts Undertoad newspaper editor Tom Ryan hiked several New Hampshire Mountains with his brothers. When his friend Vicki Pearson died from cancer, Tom felt a need to honor her. He closed his paper and decided to climb all forty-eight peaks in the White Mountains to raise money for charity in Vicki’s name. When his schnauzer Max died, Tom obtained an unwanted schnauzer pup Atticus Maxwell Finch who joined him on the trek of climbing the 48 in 90 days.
This is a fascinating poignant memoir that passionately focuses on much more than just a man and a dog in booties bonding while climbing mountains. Instead Tom Ryan discusses his estrangement with his late opinionated dad that has left him feeling regret, but between the mountains and his heroic canine, he felt a spiritual enlightenment that has given his pre climbing tortured soul tranquility. This is a super biography of a troubled man finding solace by Following Atticus’ lead to nirvana.
Harriet Klausner
Wildflower Hill-Kimberley Freeman
Wildflower Hill
Kimberley Freeman
Touchstone, Aug 23 2011, $16.00
ISBN: 9781451623499
In 1989 Sydney, Beattie Blaxland watches her eleven year old granddaughter Emma Blaxland-Hunter dance with euphoria. Afterward, Beattle sadly muses to her beloved Emma that success is not everything. In 2009, prima donna Emma’s dance career ends in London at about the same time her relationship with Josh when the doctors declare her knee to brittle to handle the physical demands of dance. Her mom asks her to come home, which she does. She has inherited Wildflower Hall from her late grandma. She plans to sell the place until she finds a photograph of her grandma with an unknown child. Unable to resist Emma investigates her family tree.
In 1929 Glasgow, Beattie’s dreams end when she realizes she is carrying her married lover Henry MacConnell’s child. Beattie and Henry flee to Tasmania where he deserts her. Supporting her daughter as a single mom, Beattie obtains work at Wildflower Hill sheep farm.
This is a fascinating family drama refreshingly enhanced by local vernacular that has the reader feeling they are in Australia. The story line is very narrowly linear past and present as the audience will figure out the mystery before Beattie does. Still the fun in this tale resides in the complicated two women who bring grit and charm as they reinvent themselves through love and hate; as for the sandwiched generation, she is more an enabler and not on the same developed levels as her mom and daughter. Fans of epic family dramas will enjoy this fine Australian saga.
Harriet Klausner
Kimberley Freeman
Touchstone, Aug 23 2011, $16.00
ISBN: 9781451623499
In 1989 Sydney, Beattie Blaxland watches her eleven year old granddaughter Emma Blaxland-Hunter dance with euphoria. Afterward, Beattle sadly muses to her beloved Emma that success is not everything. In 2009, prima donna Emma’s dance career ends in London at about the same time her relationship with Josh when the doctors declare her knee to brittle to handle the physical demands of dance. Her mom asks her to come home, which she does. She has inherited Wildflower Hall from her late grandma. She plans to sell the place until she finds a photograph of her grandma with an unknown child. Unable to resist Emma investigates her family tree.
In 1929 Glasgow, Beattie’s dreams end when she realizes she is carrying her married lover Henry MacConnell’s child. Beattie and Henry flee to Tasmania where he deserts her. Supporting her daughter as a single mom, Beattie obtains work at Wildflower Hill sheep farm.
This is a fascinating family drama refreshingly enhanced by local vernacular that has the reader feeling they are in Australia. The story line is very narrowly linear past and present as the audience will figure out the mystery before Beattie does. Still the fun in this tale resides in the complicated two women who bring grit and charm as they reinvent themselves through love and hate; as for the sandwiched generation, she is more an enabler and not on the same developed levels as her mom and daughter. Fans of epic family dramas will enjoy this fine Australian saga.
Harriet Klausner
Dry as Rain-Gina Holmes
Dry as Rain
Gina Holmes
Tyndale, Sep 1 2011, $13.99
ISBN: 9781414333069
Twenty years ago, Eric informed his date that he just met the woman he was going to marry. He and Kyra began seeing each other and married. They have a son Benji who joined the Navy but recently received a medical discharge.
Now the couple is separated with Kyra filing for divorce. Eric sleeps with young co-worker Danielle, but feels guilty when he calls it making love. Kyra is severely injured in a car accident and has lost her recent memory including their marital problems. Though he knows what he is about to do is wrong, a desperate Eric realizes he loves his wife and will do anything to save their marriage. He pretends they never separated praying she forgives him for his sin if she remembers.
This is an entertaining family drama filled with a fascinating lead couple as Eric learns Walter Scott’s warning: “what a tangled web we weave. When first we practice to deceive!” while Kyra recovers her health and begins recalling the truth. The support cast is eccentric as Benji, Eric's BFF Larry and troubled youngster Angelo add tsuris to the mix. The lack of what caused the estrangement and a sudden ending detract from an otherwise interesting relationship story line.
Harriet Klausner
Gina Holmes
Tyndale, Sep 1 2011, $13.99
ISBN: 9781414333069
Twenty years ago, Eric informed his date that he just met the woman he was going to marry. He and Kyra began seeing each other and married. They have a son Benji who joined the Navy but recently received a medical discharge.
Now the couple is separated with Kyra filing for divorce. Eric sleeps with young co-worker Danielle, but feels guilty when he calls it making love. Kyra is severely injured in a car accident and has lost her recent memory including their marital problems. Though he knows what he is about to do is wrong, a desperate Eric realizes he loves his wife and will do anything to save their marriage. He pretends they never separated praying she forgives him for his sin if she remembers.
This is an entertaining family drama filled with a fascinating lead couple as Eric learns Walter Scott’s warning: “what a tangled web we weave. When first we practice to deceive!” while Kyra recovers her health and begins recalling the truth. The support cast is eccentric as Benji, Eric's BFF Larry and troubled youngster Angelo add tsuris to the mix. The lack of what caused the estrangement and a sudden ending detract from an otherwise interesting relationship story line.
Harriet Klausner
Ambitious-Monica McKayhan
Ambitious
Monica McKayhan
Kimani TRU, Aug 23 2011, $9.99
ISBN: 9780373229963
Brooklyn teenage dancer Marisol Garcia is exhilarated to learn the Premiere High School of the Performing Arts accepted her as a student. Mari has worked diligently at her craft and by making it into the highly competitive Premiere High feels it was worth the cost. She still must persuade her Mami that attending the school will not strip away her Mexican-American heritage.
At the school, Mari literally runs into Drew Bishop who teases her about injuring him. He has to choose between basketball where he is a star expected to earn his scholarship and the acting where he loves performing Shakespeare. Meanwhile Mari becomes all consumed with the dance at the cost of her grades, her family and her friends as she competes against her BFF Luz including Drew whose father prefers the courts to the stage.
The first Premiere High is an engaging young adult tale that looks closely at the cost of pursuing an artistic career in which your parents have doubts. Mari and Drew are great leads while the support cast enhances the issues each face in their chosen endeavor. With a nod to Fame, Monica McKayhan goes deep into what motivates a young performer.
Harriet Klausner
Monica McKayhan
Kimani TRU, Aug 23 2011, $9.99
ISBN: 9780373229963
Brooklyn teenage dancer Marisol Garcia is exhilarated to learn the Premiere High School of the Performing Arts accepted her as a student. Mari has worked diligently at her craft and by making it into the highly competitive Premiere High feels it was worth the cost. She still must persuade her Mami that attending the school will not strip away her Mexican-American heritage.
At the school, Mari literally runs into Drew Bishop who teases her about injuring him. He has to choose between basketball where he is a star expected to earn his scholarship and the acting where he loves performing Shakespeare. Meanwhile Mari becomes all consumed with the dance at the cost of her grades, her family and her friends as she competes against her BFF Luz including Drew whose father prefers the courts to the stage.
The first Premiere High is an engaging young adult tale that looks closely at the cost of pursuing an artistic career in which your parents have doubts. Mari and Drew are great leads while the support cast enhances the issues each face in their chosen endeavor. With a nod to Fame, Monica McKayhan goes deep into what motivates a young performer.
Harriet Klausner
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
1105 Yakima Street-Debbie Macomber
1105 Yakima Street
Debbie Macomber
Mira, Aug 30 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780778312512
In Cedar Cove, Washington, pregnant Rachel Peyton leaves her husband widower Bruce and his thirteen year old daughter from his first wife Joleen. Rachel feels unsafe for herself and her unborn from the jealousy of her stepdaughter so she has fled across Sinclair Inlet to Bremerton. Bruce searches for her but no one at the Get Nailed Salon knows where she went and he believes if they did they would not tell him.
Elderly Charlotte and Ben Rhodes have become increasingly forgetful especially her. Her adult children Judge Olivia Lockhart Griffin and gallery owner Will Jefferson worry about the potential for a deadly occurrence.
Sheriff’s Deputy Gloria Ashton hid her pregnancy secret from the father Dr. Chad Timmons. He learns that she is pregnant while seeing someone else.
Fans of the Cesar Cove family drama saga (see 1022 Evergreen Place) will enjoy the latest tale with the prime focus at 1105 Yakima Street and by extension Bremerton. The story line rotates subplots with more happening than above like Leonard Bellamy sabotaging his son-in-law Linc Wyse's repair shop. Hence new visitors to the Puget Sound small-town series will struggle to keep score of all the cast even with a scorecard.
Harriet Klausner
Debbie Macomber
Mira, Aug 30 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780778312512
In Cedar Cove, Washington, pregnant Rachel Peyton leaves her husband widower Bruce and his thirteen year old daughter from his first wife Joleen. Rachel feels unsafe for herself and her unborn from the jealousy of her stepdaughter so she has fled across Sinclair Inlet to Bremerton. Bruce searches for her but no one at the Get Nailed Salon knows where she went and he believes if they did they would not tell him.
Elderly Charlotte and Ben Rhodes have become increasingly forgetful especially her. Her adult children Judge Olivia Lockhart Griffin and gallery owner Will Jefferson worry about the potential for a deadly occurrence.
Sheriff’s Deputy Gloria Ashton hid her pregnancy secret from the father Dr. Chad Timmons. He learns that she is pregnant while seeing someone else.
Fans of the Cesar Cove family drama saga (see 1022 Evergreen Place) will enjoy the latest tale with the prime focus at 1105 Yakima Street and by extension Bremerton. The story line rotates subplots with more happening than above like Leonard Bellamy sabotaging his son-in-law Linc Wyse's repair shop. Hence new visitors to the Puget Sound small-town series will struggle to keep score of all the cast even with a scorecard.
Harriet Klausner
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