Book Review - Psalm 23

Psalm 23

Illustrated by: Richard Jesse Watson
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Publication Date: February 2013
ISBN: 978-0310727842
Reviewed by: Ellen Feld
Review Date: February 18, 2013

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” – such a profound statement as well as the beginning to perhaps the most recognized psalm from the Bible, Psalm 23. In this new book, famed spiritual artist Richard Jesse Watson brings the words of the Lord to life for young children in a beautiful and stirring way.

This brief psalm works quite well for a children’s book, with one short, descriptive line per two-page spread. Of course, what sets books illustrated by Richard Jesse Watson apart from others is the amazing artwork that accompanies the text. The illustrations that bring the scripture to life in this book are bright, cheerful, and engaging. Even the lines, sometimes interpreted by adults as frightening, are soothing with Watson’s drawings. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,” is illuminated by a beautiful angel guiding two children and their lambs through the dark, her giant wings gently covering the youngsters.

At the back of the book is a four-page spread with small versions of all the pictures, along with the portion of the psalm found on that page. A brief explanation for children and a one-line “Thank you, God, for…” next to each picture furthers the educational value of this book.

Psalm 23 follows the best-selling The Lord’s Prayer that Waston did in collaboration with Rick Warren. I read/reviewed that book too (and truly enjoyed it) and must note that I believe Psalm 23 surpasses the first book both in beauty and depth of message. This is a book where each line of text meshes beautifully with a stunning illustration, and it should be placed in every Bible study classroom and home.

Quill says: Beautiful, inspirational, and the perfect book for bedtime prayers. Every child should have this book on their nightstand!

Book Review - Ring Around the Rosy

Ring Around the Rosy

By: Jackie Fullerton
Publisher: Thomas House Publishing
Publication Date: December 2012
ISBN: 978-0-9843815-2-4
Reviewed by: Diane Lunsford
Review Date: February 16, 2013

Anne Marshall and her fiancé, Jason Perry, are snow-birding to Florida in Jackie Fullerton’s third book of the Anne Marshall amateur sleuth series. The couple is looking forward to a Midwestern winter break, some warm tropical breezes and a quiet Thanksgiving holiday with Jason’s parents, Fred and Nancy Perry. What neither of them knew was quiet would be the furthest thing awaiting their arrival.

Fred Perry set out on his usual morning jaunt with his dog, Flash, a nine-year-old Dalmatian mix. Both creatures of habit, they could do the route blind—to the end of the block, past the tennis courts, left at the clubhouse… As they approached the clubhouse, Fred was having a tough time controlling Flash. He went nuts over those mini-geckos everywhere. No matter how many times Flash tried to catch one of them, he was never going to realize they would always outrun and outwit him. Flash practically pulled Fred off his feet to get to the hibiscus bush as he honed in on one particular spot. Grabbing a stick, Fred poked at the bushes. When he saw a leg sticking out from under the low hanging branch, his first reaction was to think some wisecrack kids had put it there as a prank. Upon closer inspection, he could see that leg wasn’t fake. Confused, he spread the bushes a little further apart and could see the body was wearing a woman’s dress. When he saw her face and realized it belonged to his wife’s best friend, Maude Allen, he let out an audible gasp.

In another part of town, Carl Martin sat on the edge of his bed trying to calm his shaking hands. He couldn’t erase the memory of them around that lady’s neck and how hard they squeezed the life out of her. It didn’t matter because Jeremiah was his friend. He was Carl’s only friend after losing his wife Emilee and their newborn daughter. That was another lifetime ago. The fact is nobody understood or cared more for Carl after his loss than Jeremiah. Carl snapped out of it and convinced himself there was no sense dwelling on that lady anymore. There was more work to be done and they were just getting started. He and Jeremiah couldn’t leave for Montana until all their work was done…

Jackie Fullerton accomplishes setting the plot within the first dozen or so pages, but accelerates too rapidly by incorporating too many twists and turns along with character introduction. In fairness to Ms. Fullerton, I have not read the first two books in the Anne Marshall amateur sleuth series and perhaps this is why I struggled a bit getting up to speed with the story. On more than one occasion I had to go back and refresh who was who and what was what before continuing forward. Overall, it was a book that was a bit too busy and character top heavy. I also found in Ring Around the Rosy, that there were periodic breaks in the flow when Ms. Fullerton would redirect the reader and take him or her back in time in order to connect the past with the present (i.e., she went too far back in the first victim’s family tree in order to tie everything together before the story would move forward again). However, I will give Ms. Fullerton credit in that she knows how to keep the anticipation alive for the reader.

Quill Says: Pay attention because there’s a lot more going on than a pocket full of posies in Ring Around the Rosy.

Book Review - The Beast: Counterattack

The Beast: Counterattack

By: Paul Hoblin
Publisher: Darby Creek Publishing
Publication Date: January 2013
ISBN: 978-1467707169
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: February 16, 2013

Alyssa Duncan found a way to be someone when she was out there on the soccer field doing her thing as a keeper for the Fraser High Copperheads. Getting her team members revved up and motivated was her thing. So was Rick Morris, an "all-state soccer stud and all-around eye candy." They were both goalies and to him she was "both a babe and a beast at the same time." Alyssa knew she was hot, knew she was the beast, and later she knew she was in big time trouble. She was protecting the goal, doing her thing, when all of a sudden she saw a knee heading to her face and then nothing.

Everything was a blur and when she came to, Vicki Emmer, the athletic trainer, and Coach Berg were hovering over her. Berg was still anxious to finish the game, even after he claimed, "You had your bell rung, Duncan." Yeah, something was definitely wrong and Alyssa was experiencing extreme bouts of wooziness. It would be the end of the game and, in retrospect, getting kneed to the head would be a game changer. Ruth Middleton offered to take her to the hospital where they'd hand out a diagnosis that would put a halt to her career as a beast ... least ways in the short term.

Erin Hamley couldn't cut it as a goalie and gave up goals like she was handing out candy on Halloween. Coach Berg called Alyssa, desperate to find out when she'd be back. Somehow, she thought, "Coach's misery made me feel kinda good," but soon there would be another situation that would rock her boat. Becca Miller stepped up to take her place as keeper and it looked like she was an "up-and-coming star goalie." Even Berg excitedly said she was an "absolute natural." What the? Worse yet, Rick began to look a little more closely at Becca. Like a lot. It was time to join forces with "evil genius," Ruth. Alyssa began to make her move and texted, "want 2 get rid of Becca Miller, will you help me?" What kind of scheme would they come up with to get rid of that "blond, beautiful thief" who was stealing her life?

This is a fast-paced drama of Alyssa "the beast" Duncan's desperate effort to save her goalie position. Of course she also wants to save Becca from stealing her boyfriend, something that makes the story even more tense and dramatic as she scrambles to save her "life." Young readers, especially reluctant ones, will love the tension as Alyssa and Ruth plot to get rid of Becca, a gal they perceive as a major threat to Alyssa's ego and position on the team. The plot is mainly focused on Alyssa's ill-founded angst, but her pain is something that many can relate to. The simple fact that someone just might be better than her is an overwhelming blow. If you have a soccer fan who likes high-action, dramatic reads as fast-paced as a hot soccer game, this is a series you may wish to consider!

Quill says: This action-packed, fast-paced series is perfect for teens or reluctant readers who want a quick read!

Book Review - Buried in a Bog: A County Cork Mystery

Buried in a Bog: A County Cork Mystery

By: Sheila Connolly
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: February 2013
ISBN: 978-0425251898
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: February 16, 2013

Maura Donovan unexpectedly found herself heading to Knockskagh, Ireland, Gran's birthplace. She never felt, nor ever had the urge to visit Ireland and a South Boston pub was as good as it got. There were letters and photographs in Gran's drawer, placed in such a manner that she knew Maura would somehow pore over them. Nora Donovan would not be forgotten if her granddaughter had anything to do with it and her friend, Bridget Nolan, would want to remember too. After all, they'd kept in touch for all those years, and Maura would have to head to Leap, Ireland to find her. A leap it was, a leap of faith with a dollop of stupidity thrown in for good measure, but she was going to go.

Sullivan's Pub didn't look like much, but that's where Bridget told her to head to. Rose Sweeney, a young girl scrubbing down the bar, soon recognized her as the American who had come to visit. Maura was a bit surprised to see someone so young in a pub, a gal who quickly filled her in on things she needed to know. Ellen Keohane would be her landlady, for what she thought would be a short stay in search of her heritage, a homage to Gran. Even for a place as small as Leap, the pub was unusually quiet, but appearances were deceiving and a freaky discovery would soon liven up Sullivan's.

Leap was a place where they knew her past ... a dead father and a mother who abandoned her to Gran. Bridget Murphy had loaned her a car, but Maura was held up when people and cars clustered near a field. Sean Murphy, a young policeman, approached her stalled car, asking if she needed assistance. Maura asked him what was going on and he tersely replied, "They've found a body in the bog." Sullivan's began to fill as townsfolk gathered to speculate and gossip. It was so full, she went behind the bar to handle the Guiness in order to help Rose. The gossips would have even more to talk about when a mysterious letter surfaced in Old Mick's belongings. Just who was the Bog Man and what did all this have to do with her? Apparently someone thought it did when they hit Maura's car, forcing her off the road ...

This new series has just the right flavor of Ireland and its deep, dark mysterious past. Apart and aside from the mystery, I quickly became acquainted with a side of Ireland I didn't know existed. For example, the difficulty genealogists face with multiple names that are the same and the reason behind this mini-conundrum. Maura, who at the age of twenty-five, is somewhat younger than most cozy mystery sleuths, something that gives room for her charm and character to grow. The possibility that the Bog Man could be a crime victim or simply a part of history was intriguing ("Twenty years, two hundred, two thousand?"). It looks like Maura will have Sean Murphy and Detective Chief Superintendent Patrick Hurley to deal with in the future, and I'll be anxious to see what kind of trouble she'll be getting herself into!

Quill says: The mysteries of old Ireland come to life in this marvelous new series!

Books in for Review

Here's a small sample of the books that have recently come in for review.  Check them out and then stop by soon to read the reviews.  Enjoy!  :-)




Feathered by Tom Weston Whenever Alexandra Caroline O'Rourke, AKA Alex, met with trouble, she generally blamed her younger sister, Jackie. And Alex's sudden engagement to marry a Viking prince, against her will, probably classified as trouble. If nothing else, a wedding held in 11th century Ireland would make it difficult to invite her friends from San Diego. Regardless of blame, Jackie was the only person who could help Alex, but Jackie was still in the 21st century. And Jackie had her own problems, which included uncooperative fairies and strange songs which only she could hear. But most of all, if Jackie could not find a way to make it rain, marauding Vikings would be the least of their worries, because this is Feathered: being a fairy tale and this is an Alex and Jackie Adventure.

A Place For Us by Liza Gyllenhaal Brook Bostock has led a privileged life. The daughter of an extremely wealthy and prominent family, she married the man of her dreams and is raising two deeply loved children. But her happy home is shattered when a neighborhood teenager is assaulted during a night of drinking with the Bostocks' son and his prep school friends. The scandal receives national attention—not only because of Brook’s family name, but because of the lawsuit looming against Brook and her husband, Michael, that alleges they are responsible for what went on in their house. Suddenly the small Massachusetts town they call home seems to be turning against them, revealing the simmering jealousies and resentments that have been lurking under the surface all along. With their once-perfect family in danger of falling apart, Brook and Michael must find a way to get through this together—or risk losing everything they love…

The Crooked Branch by Jeanine Cummins After the birth of her daughter Emma, the usually resilient Majella finds herself feeling isolated and exhausted. Then, at her childhood home in Queens, Majella discovers the diary of her maternal ancestor Ginny—and is shocked to read a story of murder in her family history. With the famine upon her, Ginny Doyle fled from Ireland to America, but not all of her family made it. What happened during those harrowing years, and why does Ginny call herself a killer? Is Majella genetically fated to be a bad mother, despite the fierce tenderness she feels for her baby? Determined to uncover the truth of her heritage and her own identity, Majella sets out to explore Ginny’s past—and discovers surprising truths about her family and ultimately, herself.

Princesses on the Run by Smiljana Coh Even the prettiest dresses, latest toys, and friendliest elephant can’t cure Princess Antonia’s boredom. And when she becomes so bored, she decides to run away! Luckily, with friends like Rapunzel, Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty, a big adventure is sure to follow!

Theft is Legal: Gain Perspective from 13 Economic Stories and Concepts by Svetoslav S. Elenkov Theft Is Legal exposes the truth. Central banks and governments have been redistributing and concentrating wealth for thousands of years. The only things that can stop them are awareness and action. In this book you will find yourself browsing the author's real memories. You will see through the eyes of a boy in a socialist state struck by the phenomenon of hyperinflation during the years of 1996-1997. Furthermore you will read about the relationship among government, central banking, and economics. If that is not enough, you will gain from exploring concepts related to personal finance and marketing. Lastly, you will be entertained by a fictional story drawing parallels to a situation familiar to many of us today. It will shine light on the reasons why we struggle more than we should in everyday life. The book features several different writing styles so there is guarantee that one connects with you. Unlike most books of its kind, Theft Is Legal gets to the point quickly and does not repeat key concepts in perpetuity. Every page will award you with something new to ponder about. The writing is clear and easy to understand and each chapter is aided by an illustration to help visualize the author's ideas.

Steampunk: H.G. Wells No classic work lends itself better to Steampunk illustrations than The Time Machine, The War of the Worlds, and "The Country of the Blind," written by H.G. Wells, who many consider to be the father of Steampunk itself. Wells’s tales of time travel and scientific romance is the perfect collection to the Steampunk series. Fans old and new will be delighted by Basic and Sumberac’s four-color illustrations spiked with Steampunk machinery, gadgets, and fashion.

Someone Else's Fairytale by E.M. Tippetts Jason Vanderholt is Hollywood's hottest actor. Chloe Winters hasn't bothered to see most of his movies. When they meet by chance, he is smitten and Chloe becomes the woman every other woman in America is dying to be, but it just isn't her fairytale.

Marriage Matters by Cynthia Ellingsen On top of grad school, clinical hours, and part-time work, Chloe is surprised to find a ring on her finger. Sharing the news about the engagement is easy, except with her best friend. Their relationship has always been platonic...so why is Chloe so afraid he is going to object? Kristine is successful at running her travel bookstore, but her twenty-five year marriage is on the rocks. When her husband suggests a vow renewal ceremony, she agrees to say I Do...until a tempting employee makes her wonder whether or not she wants to be married at all. June knows what’s best for her and everyone around her. Given a second chance at love, she’s delighted to plan the family wedding of her dreams. But when June gets a little carried away in her enthusiasm, she risks losing more than the love of her life... she risks losing her family.

Book Review - One Hot Murder: Victoria Square Mystery

One Hot Murder: Victoria Square Mystery

By: Lorraine Bartlett
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: February 2013
ISBN: 978-0425251904
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: February 13, 2013

If Katie Bonner’s late husband, Chad, hadn’t invested in such a money pit, she wouldn’t be so hot under the collar. Between Artisans Alley’s faulty HVAC system and her “cranky vendors,” she was hotter than steamed dim sum in a bamboo steamer. Living over Andy Rust’s pizzeria in an apartment with faulty AC was causing even more friction between the two of them. When Katie let her mind wander to Webster Mansion, the dream of her fantasy English Ivy Inn soothed her soul. McKinlay Mill’s Victoria Square would soon be the scene of an unusual fire that would turn the town upside down. Katie chanced to glance out the window at the Webster, only to see a strange glow in the sky.

“Andy,” she screamed, “the Square’s on fire--the Square’s on fire!” It was Dennis Wheeler’s store, the Wood U, but Katie hoped that because there was more smoke than flame, the firefighters just might be able to save it. Naturally any “rubbernecker” within running distance was on the scene, practically before the fire department. Gilda Ringwald-Stratton was going to call the Wheelers to let them know about the fire, but maybe Dennis wasn’t at home. “Better send for the meat wagon,” the fire chief declared, “We found a body inside.” An unusually chipper Detective Ray Davenport later showed up at the Square asking Katie for her opinion on the purported murder. Huh?

Apparently the victim had been shot and, claimed Davenport, the “damage to the victim’s face was too great for a visual ID.” With the upcoming potluck dinner, problems with her vendors, and barely holding on financially, the last thing she needed was to be chummy with Davenport. On the other hand, it could be convenient to have the man at her beck and call for once. Things quickly started to become weirder looking than the wart on Ida Mitchell’s face, to say nothing of the devastating blow to her ego when Webster Mansion was sold. Dennis had sold the Wood U before he died, someone was pilfering food out of the Artisan’s fridge, and it looked like someone was hiding out in the Chad’s Pad. Who, what, and where was all this mess going to lead Katie to this time?

Once again, Lorraine Bartlett has penned a hot cozy mystery. I love the way Katie Bonner, even when things go crazy, is somehow able to manage everything with aplomb. Even Godfrey Foster, a nervous nellie of a vendor, who creates “faux renditions of the masters’ classic paintings” in “colored dryer lint” can’t get her derailed. The hint of her possibly moving beyond Chad, thinking that she might be able to love again bodes well for a future serious romance in the series. Her solid friendships with people like Seth Landers continue while other characters are introduced. Her indefatigable hope for one day owning that English Ivy Inn ... well maybe it will happen. I hope!

Quill says: If you love a confident female sleuth, a wide range of quirky characters, and a crafty cozy mystery, you'll love the Victoria Square Mystery series!

Book Review - Beautifully Bold Faux Flowers

Beautifully Bold Faux Flowers: Fabulous Everlasting Arrangements to Brighten Up Your Home In Style

By: Sylvia Hague
Publisher: Barron's Educational Series
Publication Date: March 2013
ISBN: 978-1438001739
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: February 2013

A beautiful flower arrangement never fails to attract commentary and oftentimes the one question people often ask is, “Is it real?” No doubt it would be an ego-boosting complement to the designer had they overheard that question about a beautiful faux flower display they created. There are those rare individuals like Sylvia Hague, whose artistry is awe-inspiring, while most of us don’t have a clue as to how to create a beautiful faux (silk) flower arrangement. Her authoritative skills and artistry are in demand, and in this book she’ll “teach you how to beautify your home with elegant floral arrangements that can last forever.” If you want to infuse your home with lasting floral designs, you too can learn.

Perhaps you’re in need of a centerpiece that will wow your guests and something to liven up your foyer when they step over the threshold. A vase of purple alliums would be an eye-opener, completing that perfectly set table. Setting the scene for beauty could be an elegant display of cymbidium orchids or a vase of white amaryllis to accent your “uber-fashionable minimalist decor.” Whatever your home decor desires, Hague will help you customize a faux flower design to satisfy your needs. Small sidebars interspersed throughout the book offer up design ideas and commentary that one can keep in mind when working on a display.

A gallery of twenty-five silk flower arrangements allows the reader to peruse and imagine in their mind’s eye the perfect arrangements for their own home. Epithets such as “simply sublime,” the “ultimate chic,” and “fun and fabulous” will allow one’s imagination to run wild thinking these displays could grace a table or set on a doorstep. Imagining creating them makes the displays infinitely more appealing and awe-inspiring. Each display is prefaced by a list of items to gather up before starting. Step-by-step instructions, along with photographic visuals, guide the reader along their way to creating their perfect faux flower design. An occasional bit of advice or design idea complements the process.

This is a perfect book to learn how to create elegant displays while adding your own touch. Perhaps you enjoy a splash of color, but simply don’t know how to give it the right touch and balance. For example, if you love to be “Pretty in Pink,” you’ll learn how to arrange a “contrast in shapes and textures” to create a gorgeous year-round display with pink roses and purple wild agapanthus clumps. You’ll also learn about design basics, essential supports, techniques, and you’ll be treated to a beautiful "faux flower spectrum." In the back of the book is an index and additional book and website resources to explore. The websites include specialty stores where you can purchase faux (silk) flowers and supplies.

Quill says: If you want to create “fabulous everlasting arrangements,” Sylvia Hague will be delighted to assist you!