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Category Archives: General Fiction
Being Esther by Karmel
Being Esther is Miriam Karmel’s debut novel and a good one. Have you ever wondered what it is like inside the mind of an elderly person?
Being Esther
By Miriam Karmel
Milkweed Editions
March 2013
Meet Esther Lustig, an 85 year old feisty and witty woman struggling with aging. In this touching story about a woman who has outlived her husband and most of her friends, we get a glimpse of what it could be like making sure all of your ducks are in a row prior to passing away. Being Esther takes us through the last weeks of Esther’s life with glimpses of her past scattered throughout. Esther and her friend Lorraine have a system where they call each other every morning to make sure the other one did not pass away in her sleep. Esther and her daughter Ceely have struggled for years with their relationship. Ceely would like to see Esther move into an assisted living facility or “bingoland” or “the land of the living dead” as Esther likes to call it, however, that is not what Esther wants. Esther wants to preserve her independence as long as she can even if she sometimes feels herself slipping. Esther wants nothing more than a road map for growing old.
This is a touching story about ageing and the struggles that go along with getting older. I enjoyed this story. It read very quickly and was fortunately not any longer than it was. There was not a lot of story development, however. We all have or have had elderly people in our lives and it is nice to get a glimpse into what it might be like for them. This is a good quick read.
Nicole L. Wright is an avid reader and lover of books who enjoys sharing reviews with fellow book lovers.
Gone South by Moseley
Tish McCombs moves from Michigan to Noble, Alabama, and buys the house that was built by her great-great-great grandparents in 1870. Little does she realize the prejudice that she will encounter.
Gone South
Meg Moseley
WaterBrook Multnomah
May 2013
Gone South by Meg Moseley is a most enjoyable book that touches on several issues that are prevalent today such as homelessness, stealing, prejudice, learning disabilities, and low self esteem. Tish McCombs had her life all planned but then an accident took the life of her future husband and now her father has also died and her mother has remarried. Mom and new husband are moving to Florida to get away from the cold of Michigan and Tish decides to go along to help with the move. Tish decides to take a side trip to Noble, Alabama, to see the home that once belonged to her great-great-great grandparents and was built around 1870. The house was up for sale and on a spur of the moment decision, Tish decided to buy the house. She is happy with her decision and then trouble comes along. She goes to the bank to open an account and the lady helping her is all smiles and welcome until she looks at Tish’s driver’s license and learn that she is a McCombs. Tish cannot understand the change until the owner of the bank explains to her and tentatively offers her a job.
Mel is in Florida and hitchhiking back home when the guy who gave her a ride makes a pass and she jumps from the pickup and does not have time to grab her duffel bag from the back. This leaves Mel with no money, clothes, or food and when she finally reaches home in Noble, her dad will not let her into the house. He has kicked her out because she stole her Grandpa John’s pocket watch that was to go to her brother Stu. She does not feel it was stealing for Grandpa had told her that he was going to give the watch to her and he also told her that his 1956 Corvette would one day be her’s. Since Grandpa John did not leave a will, no one believes Mel.
George Zorbas seems to be the only person in town who is willing to give Tish a chance. George tries to persuade Tish not to give Mel a place to live but since Tish definitely feels like an outsider, she decides to permit Mel to move in hoping that they can accept each other and be a help to each other. Unfortunately, Mel is set in her destructive ways and several times Tish threatens to send Mel packing but she is determined to help Mel and at the same time Tish is trying to prove her own worth. The people of the town of Noble apparently have conveniently forgotten that everyone needs the love and forgiveness of God and also forgiveness from people.
At the urging of Tish and George, Mel gives the watch to Stu but will Stu give the watch back to Mel? Does the town come to accept Tish? Will Tish get the job at the bank and if she doesn’t why not? Will George and Tish end up together? Will Mel get help for her dyslexia and if so, who will help her? While Mel is working at George’s antique store, he figures out why Mel’s previous employers accused her of stealing. But was she stealing? These are questions that come up in the story and I think that it would spoil the story for future readers if I were to answer the questions. The book does have a happy ending.
The characters were so very well developed that I felt they were almost real and just might come to life. The plot had a lot of twist and turns and just when I thought I had something figured out, everything would change. I was fascinated by the dialogue for being a southerner I know how many people in the south feel about Yankees and the dialogue was right on target. Throughout the entire book I felt as if I were right there in Noble taking part in all the action for the author made the scenes so real. Even though I knew that I was reading a novel, I still became upset at times because of the way the small town southern people treated Tish because she was from Michigan. Even worse and what upset me more was the way she was treated because of something her great-great-great grandparents supposedly did. This is a Christian novel and I was glad to see that the author had God and Christianity as an important part of the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes a great story with lots of action, suspense, romance, and that has a Christian message of love and forgiveness. A sneak peek at the first chapter is available here.
Deanna Love Gottreu is a 74 year old widow and the mother of two wonderful sons who share second place in her life – with God being in first place. She spends her time reading or making quilts for charity. Her book reviews can also be read on her blog at www.buzzardsroostcrafts.com/blog.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
A Beautiful Truth by McAdams
Walt had been able to give everything to his wife Judy, a beautiful home, wonderful belongings and more. However, there was one thing Walt could not give to Judy and that was a child.
A Beautiful Truth
By Colin McAdams
Hamish Hamilton CA / Soho Press
March 2013 / September 2013
A Beautiful Truth is told simultaneously from both the human perspective and the chimpanzees. Walt cannot stand to see the sadness in Judy’s eyes anymore from not having children of her own. There had been sadness in her eyes for years that even with all of the wonderful things Walt provided for Judy, just could not ease the hurt and longing for children of their own.
After seeing a circus chimpanzee Walt is convinced a chimp could be raised like a child. Walt sets off on a mission to buy a chimp for his wife Judy in hopes that it can ease some of the hurt she suffers. A Beautiful Truth is about the meaning of family, the desire to belong and the ability to survive.
Walt brings Looee, a baby chimpanzee to Judy. Walt and Judy raised Looee as they would have a child. Eventually Looee’s destruction inside the home prompts Walt to build Looee his own little home attached to Walt and Judy’s. Looee, having been raised as a human child is no longer like other chimps. On one horrific night Looee’s two natures collide and their unique family is forever changed.
The Girdish Institute in Florida has been studying chimpanzees for decades. The studies at Girdish have proven that chimps have memories and the ability to solve problems, they can learn language and need friends, and that they build complex cultures. When Looee is moved to the Institute, he is forced to try to fit into the chimpanzee world.
While A Beautiful Truth is an extremely heartfelt and touching story, I had a hard time with all of the “money business” throughout the story. The book goes back and forth between Walt, Judy and Looee and chimps at Girdish. The portions of the book taking place at Girdish gets extremely drawn out and detailed about the chimps and the testing, etc. being performed on them. It was all a bit drawn out for me.
Nicole L. Wright is an avid reader and lover of books who enjoys sharing reviews with fellow book lovers.
The Storyteller by Picoult
I have been a huge fan of Jodi Picoult’s for years. I recently finished reading her newest book and I must say I think this has to be one of, if not the best book Picoult has written so far!
The Storyteller
By Jodi Picoult
Atria/Emily Bestler Books
February 2013
The Storyteller spans over 70 years and intertwines the lives of many. When Sage Singer befriends the town’s favorite retired teacher and beloved little league coach Josef Weber, she is shocked when he asks her to do him a favor. Josef Weber asks Sage to kill him. Weber believes he deserves to die and Sage wants to know why. Can you forgive the unthinkable?
Picoult takes us on a journey through unimaginable events in history sharing with us not only what Sage Singer learns about Josef Weber but what her family was put through decades earlier. The emotions you feel throughout this book varies from one minute feeling angry at a character and the next you are devastated and shocked.
This story held my interest from start to finish. The twists and turns and the telling of the story were so intriguing I could not put the book down. I couldn’t put the book down! I can’t recommend it more highly!
Nicole L. Wright is an avid reader and lover of books who enjoys sharing reviews with fellow book lovers.
Christmas Stories by Lucado
Who doesn’t love a good collection of Christmas stories? During the holidays, when the snow is falling and hearths burn bright, it’s easy to imagine ourselves in front of the fire as a loved one narrates Christmas tales, getting us ready for the upcoming holiday!
Christmas Stories
Heartwarming Classics of Angels, a Manger, and the Birth of Hope
By Max Lucado
Thomas Nelson
August 2011
It’s England, at Christmas, and quite a few years back the first time the Haddington’s receive their first visit from the Christmas angel. Mysteriously he appears, sets one candle ablaze, and the disappears. The candle is given away the next day to one in need, and a miracle is reported after having used the candle and prayed.., Since then the angel appears only every twenty five years with the same results.. It becomes the towns hope around the holidays… But this year things didn’t go quite as planned. Curl up and see how the Lord comes through for a small town of people in need.
His marriage is failing, and all he has from his past is a picture. In order to clear his head, he takes a break from his wife and goes in search of the things that he has never known about himself. Landing in a small Texas town, he sets to work trying to find out all he can about the picture, and the person who may have left it behind. Being met with opposition only fuels his fire to get to the bottom of his past. But is he prepared for what he might uncover? Will it cause him to open his heart and re-examine who has has become and who he has the chance to be ?
And there are more! This book is packed with stories in various lengths, all to help us celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
I did not love this book. It wasn’t poorly written, it just failed to capture me or pull me in to any of the stories. They are cute, though a little bit cheesy sometimes. I did like that they stayed focused on the true meaning of Christmas. I would not discourage someone from reading this, I just might not have it in my Christmas reading list each year.
Heather Ring says that books are her plane ticket into another world, “I’d feel lost with out them. Reading is a part of me. However I am also an avid lover of the outdoors and pouring into my creative outlets. But I think my biggest passion, is spending time with my family and friends.”
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Travelers Rest by Tatlock
Seth, the war hero, is very injured and does not want to hold, Jane, his fiancé, to her commitment. She, on the other hand, has loved him forever and still wants to marry him. She meets many interesting people in the veterans hospital Seth is staying at and with their stories and Jane’s, she learns new things about herself while she is helping them.
Travelers Rest
by Ann Tatlock
Bethany House
May 2012
This book made me laugh and made me cry. The characters are described so well, that you feel like you are reading a true story and they are people you could one day meet in Ashville, North Carolina. I was drawn to reading this book because I knew it was about an injured soldier coming back from war and as a military wife and patriot, my heart is tender for them. I was not disappointed with this book.
Becky Freyenhagen is the proud wife of a Air Force officer and is a homeschooling mother of three humans and one canine. She also reviews at Booya! Books.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Inescapable by Mehl
Inescapable is about a girl named Lizzie who grew up Mennonite. She made a mistake as a young girl and fled to the city. Life in the city wasn’t easy for her and she had someone stalking her.
Inescapable
Road to Kingdom 1
by Nancy Mehl
Bethany House
July 2012
Circumstances got worse, so she decided to go back to her home town. The town she grew up in and her father shunned her for her mistake, but she is desperate enough to flee to safety. She encounters many changes in her home town, but one thing did not change and that was her father. She settles in to a new life, just begins to trust some people and feels safe until the stalker shows up again. She has to decide who to trust and what to do now. Does she face her troubles or does she run again?
I am not a huge fan of mysteries, but I thought I would try something new. This book was hard to get into and took me most of the book to get interested. I really only finished it because I thought I knew “who did it” and I wanted to see if I was right.
Becky Freyenhagen is the proud wife of a Air Force officer and is a homeschooling mother of three humans and one canine. She also reviews at Booya! Books.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
The Philosophical Practitioner by Abrams
In the Philosophical Practioner, the protagonist Eric spends most of his days either working with his clients or trying to figure out his relationship with Sheila, his movie star companion.
Philosophical Practitioner
By Larry Abrams
Telemachus Press
August 2011
Eric has a very eclectic client base which he meets with on a regular basis. They discuss the meaning of their lives and work through various problems with Eric’s guidance. He is also dealing with a complicated relationship with Sheila, a world famous movie star he met before she became successful.
Eric lives a very uncomplicated existence, in which enjoying the work he does is much more important than being rich. Sheila lives exactly the opposite, and she craves the exact lifestyle of opulence Eric tries to avoid. This provides interesting conflict throughout the book.
There is also the mysterious woman that plagues Eric’s thoughts and actions from the very beginning of the book. Without giving too much away, she has her own special way of tormenting him.
This book travels along very slowly. The writer seems more interested in what the clients are wearing than in the reason they are seeing a philosophical practitioner. This served to take away from the overall storyline in the book.
The real story, in my opinion, is the complex relationship between Eric and Sheila. I found myself rooting for them to be together in spite of the many obstacles in their path. This book was not my cup of tea, but if you enjoy books that really dive into the small details of the character, this is definitely a book for you.
Kassi Kirschner loves to lose herself in a great book. She likes to spend her time with her family, her many dogs, and preparing for her baby on the way!
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Where Lilacs Still Bloom by Kirkpatrick
It started with an apple and the desire to see it larger and crisper. Hulda Klagerdreamed of an apple that would better suit the needs of her family. When her father told her to follow her dreams, and that she was smart enough to hybridize an apple, she decided to listen.
Where Lilacs Still Bloom
by Jane Kirkpatrick
Water Brook Publishers
April 2012
At first hiding her hybridizing from her husband, she realizes she cannot withhold her excitement as she bites into her first apple. Finding she has her whole families support; she begins to dabble in her flower garden and comes alive! Flowers are her passion. With her children at her side, she begins to construct a garden that craves admiration.
After creating many new varieties of her flowers, she feels drawn to focus on her lilacs, more specifically creating a creamy white, 12 petaled lilac. Paying children from the community to help her, she soon has everything she needs to follow her heart.
However, after tragedy strikes her family, she begins to wonder if her priorities are in the right place. Has she spent too much time tending her flowers and not enough with her children? But whenever she tries to give up her passion, her steadfast husband is there, encouraging, even sacrificing for her to continue.
Making contacts in the horticulture world and gaining a following is something she never imagined, but she still worries. With the floods constantly threatening to ruin her work and what about the tragedy that seems to follow her, she wonders if God is telling her to change her course. In a garden full of love and dreams, this is true story of an amazing woman who changed history.
This would be a really great book for anyone who is passionate about gardening. This was not one of my personal favorites by this author. As I do not yet have a garden, I was a little bored at some points in this book. However, I really enjoyed the story of Hulda, and would love to see her gardens. I didn’t feel the need for some of the fictional characters in this story. But overall, true to this author’s style, she did an excellent job with her history research, and I especially enjoyed the relationship she painted between Hulda and her husband.
Heather Ring says that books are her plane ticket into another world, “I’d feel lost with out them. Reading is a part of me. However I am also an avid lover of the outdoors and pouring into my creative outlets. But I think my biggest passion, is spending time with my family and friends.”
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Crazy Dangerous by Klavan
Sam Hopkins is running. Running through the woods, hoping it will qualify him for the track team in the coming year. Being a part of that team would give him the popularity status he so eagerly hungers for. But today isn’t his day. Bumping into thugs was not in his plans. Neither was standing up to them and then being accepted into their group.
Crazy Dangerous
by Andrew Klavan
Thomas Nelson
May 2012
Sam is a pastor’s kid. The minute he makes allegiance with Jeff Winger and his crew, he knows he is in for trouble. But rather than finding himself scared he finds he is actually excited about the possibilities of danger. With two parents involved in church work and a brother absorbed by college applications, he needed a hobby, and just in time. Suddenly he fits in, and is going to be careful not to botch these relationships, even it if it means stealing cars and seeking out trouble.
But things change one afternoon as he heads to the gangs hideout. He sees Jennifer Sales, the school weirdo, wandering the woods. Concerned for her safety, he approaches her. And that’s when his gang appears. Things didn’t look so good, and they weren’t. When Sam realizes his gang is about to harm Jennifer, he has to choose sides.
Suddenly he finds himself with a new friend. And Jennifer was just as weird as people believed her. Especially when she begins to tell him her dreams that are actually coming true. Scared, Sam has to decide if her dreams are just lunacy or possibly prophesy, and before it’s too late. With time running out, Sam finds himself racing to save the lives of almost everyone he knows. Will he find this was just all a bad dream or that Jennifer has been seeing the truth?
I enjoyed this book. It was my first by this author and I read it in one day. I think he did a great job writing it from the perspective of a teenager. There were no dry spots that made me want to put the book down for a spell. In fact I felt I couldn’t stop turning the pages in excitement to see what would happen next! The author and I may believe differently about a few things, but this would not stop me from recommending this book and acquiring more of his titles.
Heather Ring says that books are her plane ticket into another world, “I’d feel lost with out them. Reading is a part of me. However I am also an avid lover of the outdoors and pouring into my creative outlets. But I think my biggest passion, is spending time with my family and friends.”
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Covenant Child by Blackstock
Twin year old girls Lizzie and Kara are happy three-year-old. They just got a new mommy, “Amanda” a few months back who loves them as if they are her own. Amanda can even tell the identical twins apart. The girls real mommy died in car cash when they where just a few weeks old.
Covenant Child
by Terri Blackstock
Thomas Nelson
May 2012
Jack their daddy is fun, loving, and loves the Lord deeply. Daddy was also born into a billionaire family and has chosen to make it own his own without his fathers inheritance.
Then the unthinkable happens Jack and his parents die in a plane crash. Leaving Amanda with the twins. She made a promise to Jack to always take care of the girls if anything were to happen to him. She has to now deal with a billion dollar estate and company.
Which that much money the twins are gold mines. Then the grandparents show up from the deceased mothers side. Claiming next to kin with raising the girls. Amanda and Jack had started the adoption paperwork except it was still not completed upon Jack’s death.
After a nasty legal custody battle the grandparents walk away with 10 million and the twins. Amanda vows to never stop trying to get the girls back and to preserve their inheritance and the company their grandfather built. Hoping one day the girls will carry on the company.
The grandparents squander the 10 million on gambling and drinking. The girls are left to fend for themselves as the grandparents live life like they aren’t even there. They grow up abused and in a filthy trailer. Dumpster diving to get clothes. The girls have each other. As you would expect teenager girls left without boundaries are going to explore things they shouldn’t.
My opinion on this book is mixed. I enjoy Terri Blackstock’s books. She has always been one of the author’s I search out when I need a good read.
This was a book that was fast paced, easy to read, and hard to put down. Some parts are predictable and other parts surprised me some. The story just seemed shallow in some areas. The grandparents seem so unreal-almost comical. I would of rather seen them a little more developed and not simple minded and foolish.
The girls have developed characters and seem real enough but yet lack depth. Like I said I have mixed feelings on this book. I wouldn’t say this book was a let down as it was an enjoyable read. Much different than the authors other books.
Yes, I would recommend this book. Not by far my favorite book by Terri Blackstock. The ending was horrible as it ended so quickly. It just didn’t close up well in my opinion. I would of love to see more of the transition into their new lives. It made is seem unreal that two girls with such a messed up past would just walk into this fairy tale ending without any problems. You will just have to read it for yourself and decide.
ReneeK is a sweet tea addicted mamma who loves to cuddle up to a good book. She blogs at Little Homeschool on the Praire and writes about family, homeschooling, having a special needs child, and about whatever else tickles her fancy.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Smash Cut by Brown
Paul Wheeler is CEO of Wheeler Enterprises and a pillar of Atlanta society. Julie Rutledge owns a successful and sophisticated art gallery on Peachtree Street. She is also reported to be Paul’s mistress. Julia and Paul meet weekly at the famous Hotel Moultie. On this particular day something happens that will change their lives forever. A delicate ping announces the arrival of the elevator. Two elderly women and a young business man are on the elevator when Julie and Paul step in. The elevator slows and a chime announces a stop on the eighth floor. The doors open and a man wearing a blue tracksuit, wraparound sunglasses and a ski mask gets on. He banishes a pistol and tells everyone to get on their knees and put their watches and rings in the bag. Suddenly the pistol blast is deafening – Paul Wheeler has been shot. This is no ordinary robbery – Paul is. The intended target, but why.
Smash Cut
by Sandra Brown
Simon & Schuster
August 2009
The murder of Paul Wheeler is the talk of the town. The wealthy business man died in the arms of his mistress. Who would want to kill him – was it for money or family rivalry? Derek Mitchell is a defense lawyer of renown. He is successful, handsome and despised by the Atlanta Police Department. This is the kind of case that could give Derek more power. When the Wheeler family wants to hire him he jumps at the chance. Creighton Wheeler is the prodigal nephew of Paul and his sole heir. Creighton has a penchant for call girls, fast cars and movies involving murder. Julie is sure he is involved she will go to any length to prove him guilty.
Detectives Homer Sanford and Roberta Kimball of the Atlanta Police Department have been assigned the case. When Julie tries to implicate Creighton they don’t believe her and are sure she knows the person responsible for Paul’s death. Julie is determined that Derek will not represent Creighton. On a flight from Paris to Atlanta, which she engineered, she compromises Derek by having sex with him. Derek realizes that his hands have been tied in such a way that not only jeopardizes the case, but could ruin his entire career. There is nothing to do but decline to represent Creighton. This does not go well with the Wheeler family, particularly Creighton.
The more Derek learns about Creighton the more he doubts his innocence. There is just something about him that doesn’t ring true – he has a dark side – too overconfident and smug, there is one person, living in a shabby motel under an assumed name that knows the truth. To what lengths will Creighton go to prevent this person from telling all: will he try to silence Julie? How does he get back at Derek for refusing to represent him? Derek has his hands full with the police and trying to protect Julie. The clock is ticking to a shocking ending where he seeks to learn if Creighton’s fascination with movie murders is a bizarre hobby or depravity. He will not know until the final Smash Cut.
Sandra Brown has successfully woven a tale of mystery and, intrigue. You will thoroughly enjoy the journey. The ending will surprise and shock you. Who is Julie Rutledge – what really is her connection to Paul Wheeler? Who is the unknown man in the motel? Did Creighton have his Uncle killed for money or jealously of Julie? Are Creighton’s parents – Doug and Sharon – to blame for Creighton’s behavior?
Highly recommended. The book keeps you turning pages and setting on the edge of your seat. You might want to read it in the daylight – the dark will give you nightmares. Ms. Brown is an excellent writer of mystery fiction. This one is a keeper.
Mary Asher, the Golden Reviewer, is an 80 year old avid reader reviews the newest in Christian fiction and non-fiction with a sprinkle of the secular on top..
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
