Thank you to One Eyed Stuffed Bunny for the Heartfelt Award

Do you reach for a cup of cocoa or tea when you’re relaxing, seeking comfort, sharing a plate of cookies with family & friends? You know that feeling you get when you drink a yummy cup of cocoa, tea ~ or a hot toddy? That is what the Heartfelt award is all about feeling warm inside.


1) Put the logo on your blog/post.
2) Nominate up to 9 blogs which make you feel comfy or warm inside.
3) Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4) Let them know that they have been nominated by commenting on their blog.
5) Remember to link to the person from whom you received your award.

I would like to pass this award on to the following blogs:
1 So Many Precious Books, So Little Time

Rescuing Seneca Crane by Susan Runholt *****

Rescuing Seneca Crane (A Kari and Lucas Mystery) Amazon Link

BookDescription
When Kari and Lucas first see Seneca Crane up on stage, playing the piano in front of hundreds of people, they are in awe. She is beautiful. She is amazingly talented. And she is only thirteen! But then they get to know her at the Edinburgh Arts Festival and realize that she envies them. Soon the three are becoming friends . . .until Seneca disappears. There’s no stopping Kari and Lucas from jumping on the trail and tracking her down. Even when it leads to the heart of the Scottish highlands!

My Review
From the same author of The Mystery of the Third Lucretia, Rescuing Seneca Crane is another GREAT Kari and Lucas mystery. Again she has created an interesting and intelligent story for these two junior detectives. The characters display a friendship that is both touching and true-to-life. I enjoy the way the two girls complement each other and defer to each other’s strengths when necessary. Boys enter the picture in this book, and Kari and Lucas are typical girly girls, but smart enough to know that some boys are too old for them.

This time their adventure takes them to Scotland, and I enjoyed reading the descriptive narration. The excitement never stops as the girls try to find out what happened to their new friend, Seneca. I can’t wait for Ms. Runholt to come out with book #3, and I hope to see the character of Seneca again in a future book. Yes, this is a children’s book – about ages 9-15, but I enjoyed it just as much as my grown-up mysteries.

Turnings: Lyric Poems along a Road by Donald R. Fletcher

Turnings: Lyric Poems Along a Road
Amazon.com Link

Turnings is the autobiography of Donald R. Fletcher with stories and poems of his birth country of Korea and his life with his wife, Martha, in South America and the Unites States. It is also a spiritual journey from an evangelical upbringing to an ecumenical pastorate where he was able to create a “commitment ceremony” for his homosexual son and partner.

Turnings is also a book filled with beautiful poetry. The book begins with a poem to the fossilized bones of a three year old described by National Geographic as half human and half ape. There are also poems written for the people in his life and places that he traveled as he expresses this joys and sorrows throughout the years. The back of the book has some lovely family pictures.

Finally Friday!

It's Friday!!!! This weekend I am going to find a good medical thriller to read, or maybe a legal thriller, or maybe......

The Inconvenient Adventures of Uncle Chestnut by Paul Nowak *****

In The Inconvenient Adventures of Uncle Chestnut the author introduces young people to G. K. Chesterton through the character of Uncle Chester. I confess I was not familiar with G.K. Chesterton before I found this book, but now that I have investigated a little, I am looking forward to knowing more about this talented 20th Century writer. Just to learn that he wrote a book that led C.S. Lewis to become a Christian has made me interested in him.

With four short stories the author tells about a young man’s relationship with his Uncle Chestnut, an interesting and entertaining character. The stories and interaction between them are both funny and touching. Along with the stories is a chapter on the real Chesterton and some of his quotations. There is also a “Words to Know” section to assist young readers with some words they may not understand.

I enjoyed the book very much. This is a great book for a family member, a gift, and certainly should be in every middle school age classroom.

Understanding Other People: The Five Secrets to Human Behavior

Understanding Other People is a quick study for dealing with different personalities and problems that may occur with communication. The author outlines behavior and personality styles and how to communicate in a positive manner with individuals.

As she outlines the different characteristics of each style, you will immediately recognize yourself and others. This is a good book for employers for building teamwork or for individuals who need to understand why others act the way they do. At the end of each chapter is a guide for practical use of the information.

As a traditional woman of faith, however, I was disappointed with the author’s description of a “Traditional”. Quote: “Traditional, value-driven people believe that a given set of rules exists and that they – and others – must abide by those rules without question.” Really? According to the author we may be, “Bible thumping individuals” or “spend their weekends and down-time at retreats with other members of their faith”. I think some personal prejudice from the author came through in a bad way.

The Light, The Dark, & Ember Between by J.W. Nicklaus *****

The Light, the Dark, and Ember Between Amazon.com Link

From the back of the book:
This book is a collection of uplifting images that delve into the reflections of the human condition. These stories will cause you to think, laugh, and even cry at the beauty of emotional memories. You will smile at the thought of love lost and found again in “Paper Doll.” You will think about your life’s choices in “10:18.” You will cry tears of joy while reading about the hidden gift in “Winter Rose.” This is a must-have collection of thought-provoking reflections perfect for your bedside or the beach.

My Review:
The Light, The Dark, & Ember Between is beautifully written, and is an uplifting, thoughtful, intelligent, and heartfelt collection of short stories. Fifteen stories in all, each is so very different and from different points of view. All of the stories bring the message of hope to the reader. This is a book that lives up to what it promises – the message of hope as the “Ember Between.”

I have to say that this book came to me at just the right time. I needed to read it because it reminded me that hope doesn’t just happen. We have to keep our eyes open and watch for it. This is a lovely book that I recommend for personal reading or as a wonderful gift.

Wednesday Ramblings

While I was reading through reader forums on several sites today, I came across a rather ill-tempered person complaining about a reviewer by name because this person gave 4 and 5 star ratings to every book. I thought calling her by name was rather catty, and perhaps the reason is that the 5-star lady only chooses to review books that she thinks she will like.

I receive many requests for reviews by e-mail with short descriptions of the book. I only reply to those I think I might like. I also review most of the books I read even if not requested by the author. I don’t have to enjoy the book to give it a good rating (although it helps). Are the characters well developed? Is it written so that I can “lose myself” in the story? Does it deliver what it promises? Will its topics please another audience? These are some things I consider when reviewing.

I am not a writer and do not want to become one. I started this blog as an extension of my surveys and travel reviews, and I hoped that it would help me express myself better with words. As you can see, I am still working on that!

The Terrorist Legacy by Mr. Pat *****

The Terrorist Legacy">Amazon Link

From the book:
Sam Ellington set goals to rescue children from refugee camps in Africa and return them to countries of their origins as teachers with a message of peace. The agenda of a new generation of religious fanatics, who use suicide as the ultimate weapon, and those who are forced to defend against it interfere.

The Mediterranean was off limits to an armed, mega yacht with classified nuclear capabilities. However, when George and Kathryn team with Sam Ellington and Greg Simeon, an Israeli arms dealer, to build a campus in Ashdod, Israel, the Diversion is the preferred method of transportation.

One yacht works for a hijacking, two make it a conspiracy, and America's Mediterranean fleet is drawn into the confrontation.

The America administration's opportunity to contain Iran's nuclear agenda conflicts with the rescue of George and Kathryn's daughter, Melissa. History's faint memories of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are replaced with a reality of a world in which a nuclear agenda predicts a final confrontation between Islam and all other convictions.

While the rest of the world focused on the aftermath, Islam continues to march across Africa. The Foundation for Peace restructures its curriculum, Sam relinquishes the reigns and two lives, separated by protocol and reunited by tragedy, take new direction. Nicholas and Melissa find they share a common goal and The Foundation for Peace becomes the sword to fulfill Sam's dream.

My review:
The Terrorist Legacy is one of the best books I have read in a long time. With its unique locations and situations with which I am not familiar, it was not an easy read, but it was informative, engaging and compelling. I guess I could call this a fact-filled fiction book. Mr. Pat has a unique background that gives him the knowledge and experience to write a book like this.

This book is a tense, high tech thriller. The well developed characters are each important to the story and unite several story paths together. The book begins with a description of the corrupt charitable organizations and brutal conditions within the refugee camps which makes sure the money continues to flow in from the UN. These are, of course, real life stories that have been rumored over the years, but his explanation makes clear how it has been done.

Sam, Kathryn, and George use their wealth to fight poverty and AIDS in Africa, but all of their attempts at good works culminate into an international incident when their specially designed yacht, Diversion, is hijacked by Islamic terrorists. It becomes clear why fighting the terrorist war with current rules of war is futile.

I highly recommend this book. The book’s serious true-to-life situations make it an interesting read that will surprise and shock you. All of the main characters made me care about what happened to them, and the tense whirlpool of events held my attention throughout.


This book gets my first “Linda’s Fave” award.

Vineyard Days by Gene Pisasale ****

Vineyard Days Amazon Link

Excerpt from the book: "We did take a drive down to Gay Head…walked around Moshup Beach…found a very nice leather satchel washed up on shore. Couldn’t tell what was really inside… looked like a bunch of wet papers,” Jim said, still looking out at the ocean... but then he looked up and noticed Eddy was staring right at him, almost with a glare… and it spooked Jim for a second. Then Eddy looked down and said, “Yeah? That’s somethin’… Never know what’ll wash up on the beach…”

Jim and Natalie wanted a relaxing vacation on Martha’s Vineyard with good food, sunshine and walks on the beach… What they weren’t expecting was being involved in a murder investigation linked to the Mafia, the stock market crash and massive securities fraud…and meeting Eddy, who could just as easily kill you as shake your hand…

My Review:

The author, Gene Pisasale, describes the book as a walk through Martha’s Vineyard and that is a perfect description. The reader is an eavesdropper following along with the main characters, Jim and Natalie, as they tour the Martha’s Vineyard area. The reader partakes in the sights, sounds and flavors of the area as the author describes and discusses the food, wine, restaurants, lighthouses, beaches, and trails. Travel along with them as they are entertained by bicycle rides, watching sandpipers, shell collecting and discussions with the locals. There is an interesting discussion of the famous Chappaquiddick incident and even some recent political issues.

There is even a murder mystery woven into the story. While not a hard-hitting, gritty mystery, it does reflect current true-life events concerning investment fraud.

The author’s knowledge about gourmet food, wines, and the Vineyard area is evident in his book.
Vineyard Days is a light read with a travelogue feel - a perfect read for the beach or on your way to Martha’s Vineyard! The author has a website http://www.foodwinetravelhistory.com/, with information and reviews about Martha’s Vineyard and other travel and food related places.

Desperate Highway *****

Desperate Highway (Amazon Link)

by Jesse Stretch

From the book: Jeff Andrews didn't just scam people; he ripped them off for everything they were worth. He took their homes, cars, planes, boats, even their girlfriends, and spent the money on booze, guns, coke, and limousines.

My Review:

Jeff Andrews was a bad guy, a crook, drug addict, thief, womanizer, and all around jerk. He stole from anyone and everyone and didn’t care. He was so self-focused that he only cared about his own needs and wants. He spent time in 25 jails and correctional facilities. Desperate Highway tells the story of a young man who makes one bad decision after another until his is a full-blown habitual crook.

The book chronicles the years he spent stealing and losing whole fortunes at a time. His life of criminal behavior left him on the run and always fearing detection. He was a hopeless waste of life – until he met the one person who could change his heart and make him someone of worth. While in prison he opened a Gideon Bible, and finally heard the truth about what was important in life, and gave him the one thing he didn’t have - love. Desperate Highway clearly explains that even the worst of the worst have value in God’s eyes, and redemption is always in their reach.

This is an excellent book with an important message. I appreciated the appendixes in the back of the book with information on Jeff Andrews’ ministries. I would have liked to know more about his transition into the ministries, but that does not take away from the importance of the book and the message. Jeff’s life begins where the book ends. According to the book and his website, he is involved with prison ministries and mentoring those just out of prison. Mr. Stretch had done a nice job in capturing the important messages in this book.

The Mystery of the Third Lucretia *****

Amazon link here: The Mystery of the Third Lucretia


From the back of the book: Kari and Lucas first noticed a man copying a famous Rembrandt in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Thanks to Lucas’s photographic memory, they recognize him copying another Rembrandt in the National Gallery during their trip to London. Then when a never-before-seen Rembrandt shows up in Amsterdam, the girls start to think that something unusual – and quite possibly illegal – is going on. The only problem is who’s going to listen to a couple of teenagers?

My Review
What happens when 14 year old girlfriends, Kari and Lucas, show a little too much curiosity around a mysterious artist in a Minneapolis art museum? What happens is an international mystery and intrigue happening around them. Kari and Lucas are delightful characters who are fun, smart, talented and curious. Their adventures take them overseas when Kari’s mother takes a job that allows them to travel with her.

The dialog is spot-on for the age of the characters, and I could almost hear their voices while I was reading. Also, their friendship was true to life, including a few spats. I thought I would be able to say this is a great mystery book for young people, but I enjoyed it so much that I would have no problem recommending the book for parents to read too. (ages 10 - ?) I think it would allow some interesting dialog between parents and young teens.

It would also make a good classroom book. The author has a website with more information on the characters and books. http://www.susanrunholt.com/ Thankfully, this book is a part of a series and I look forward to reading more.

Just a Preview

After my review of "The Apostate Theory" by Mr. Pat (Patrick Roelle Sr.) and an email conversation with the author, he was kind enough to arrange for me to have another of his books, "The Terrorist Legacy". Because I was called out of town for a family emergency, I am just now able to start reading it, but I am already totally engrossed in the story. More on this book later......

How to train a Rock by Paul Steven Stone ****

The Amazon Link for How To Train A Rock

How to train a Rock is a collection of the author’s writings from his newspaper column, “A Stone’s Throw”. With titles such as: Listen to The Wind, Perhaps Love, If You’ve Been Wrongfully Murdered, What Happens to Snow That Never Falls, Dear Lord, Can I have a Raise, and many more - you will read stories that make you laugh, wonder, scratch your head and say “Huh?”, and maybe even shed a tear. It is an enjoyable collection of stories that are well written, insightful, and sometimes philosophical.

My favorite quote from the book was when I first opened it and read:

“BUY THIS BOOK AND SAVE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS!
I lied.”

You may not save hundreds of dollars, but you will have a wonderful and enjoyable book to read.

The Death of a Pope by Piers Paul Read ***

The Death of a Pope">Amazon.com Link

Short synopsis: The Death of a Pope by the highly acclaimed British writer Read is a novel of intrigue, church espionage, and an attempt to destroy the longest continuous government in the world-the Papacy.

A priest who seems to be the model of compassion for the poor is accused of terrorist activities. His worldwide charitable outreach is suspected of being a front for radicals. A young woman, a reporter and a lapsed Catholic, tries to undercover the truth but in the process she finds herself attracted to the priest and falls in love with him.

My review: This was an interesting book to read, but just did not satisfy. It is difficult to discuss without giving away major story lines, but the story contains intrigue, terrorists, journalism, suffering, and religion. I was never sure where the author was going with his characters who wondered if pedophilia really hurt anyone, or that the Catholic Church is to blame for AIDS and the other suffering in Africa because of their stand on condoms. I also never really cared about any of the characters in the book. Kate, a journalist, was a stupid and weak woman who decided she would commit an international crime just to impress her new boyfriend. Even worse was the situation for her character at the end of the book.
It is not a bad book, but it disappointed me.