Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Books In For Review

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





The Man Inside the Mountain by Suzanne Mays The Man Inside the Mountain is the fictional story of Essie Bell, a woman living on her farm in rural West Virginia in the last few months of the Civil War. Her only son has been presumed dead by the Union Army, but late nights, she studies his picture. She believes that somehow, he is okay. Essie's farm is her salvation while she waits for news of her son. She grows a big garden, raises chickens, and bakes bread to sell in town. When her husband dies, everyone says she must sell the farm and move to town, but she knows this will kill her. Suddenly alone, with only her faithful dog for a companion, Essie faces the cold, harsh winter. Yet, one by one, new people begin to enter Essie's life and she finds that she is still needed. As her story unfolds, you will be drawn into a story of secrets, renewed relationships, and ultimately new life.

Christian Controversies by Scott S. Haraburda "The Greatest is Love." God wants us to love our neighbors. If this is the premise of being Christian, then why do thousands of denominations claim to be the "right and true" one, implying that all others are false? The author searches for truth and explores real world issues concerning Christians throughout history and today, and the future of Christianity in this ever-changing world. Join the author as he challenges you to think outside of your comfort zone and questions what you might have been told not to question about the Word of God. This book contains many facts and true stories, some you might recognize and some from the author's own life, as he logically discusses controversial subjects such as a Perfect Bible, sex, lying, killing, ethics, Christian leadership, Bible-thumping judgment, and women's rights. It is well documented and written in easy-to-understand language to arm you with the knowledge you need to discuss Scripture in an educated and meaningful way, and to develop a real-world perspective of Christianity; a must-read for all who profess to be Christian!

Call Me Zelda by Erika Robuck From New York to Paris, Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald reigned as king and queen of the Jazz Age, seeming to float on champagne bubbles above the mundane cares of the world. But to those who truly knew them, the endless parties were only a distraction from their inner turmoil, and from a love that united them with a scorching intensity. When Zelda is committed to a Baltimore psychiatric clinic in 1932, vacillating between lucidity and madness in her struggle to forge an identity separate from her husband, the famous writer, she finds a sympathetic friend in her nurse, Anna Howard. Held captive by her own tragic past, Anna is increasingly drawn into the Fitzgeralds’ tumultuous relationship. As she becomes privy to Zelda’s most intimate confessions, written in a secret memoir meant only for her, Anna begins to wonder which Fitzgerald is the true genius. But in taking ever greater emotional risks to save Zelda, Anna may end up paying a far higher price than she intended...

A Case of Redemption by Adam Mitzner Dan Sorensen was once a high-powered New York City defense attorney . . . but that was before a horrifying accident killed the two people in his life who meant the most, plunging him into a downward spiral. As he approaches rock bottom, Dan is unexpectedly offered the opportunity of a lifetime: defend an up-and-coming rapper in a murder trial on the front page of every newspaper. Although his client swears he’s innocent of the brutal slaying of his pop star girlfriend, proving it will not be easy, especially because he’s suspected of bragging about the crime in one of the hottest songs in the country. Unsure that he’s ready to handle such a high-stakes case, Dan realizes that this chance to save a man he believes has been falsely accused of murder just may be his last and only hope to put his own life back on track and achieve redemption for his past sins. But as Dan delves deeper and deeper into the case, he learns that atonement comes at a very steep price. A powerful and riveting new voice in fiction, Adam Mitzner pulls out all the stops in his follow-up to the highly acclaimed A Conflict of Interest. A Case of Redemption is a gritty, sophisticated thriller that will draw fans of Scott Turow and John Grisham into a world of relentless suspense.  

Shades of Death: The Gauntlet Runner Book II by S. Thomas Bailey With the events of the past year freshly engraved in his mind, Jacob Murray lies in wait, just a stone's throw from a French outpost in the midst of the western Pennsylvania wilderness. Having teamed up with the two young men who helped his wife escape her Huron captors, he waits for any sign of Maggie or the French merchant who purchased her. A straightforward plan for ambush soon goes awry and Jacob and Joshua are separated from Maggie and One-Ear; the latter pair heads towards Canada, the former for Fort Duquesne. While Maggie's efforts to escape and avoid French captivity lead to unexpected encounters with the native tribes of New York and Canada, including the great Ottawa leader Pontiac, Jacob himself is taken captive by the French. With Joshua's help, he is able to escape, but life as a deserter is very dangerous, especially when the British army is amassing nearby under the watchful eye of Major General Edward Braddock. Jacob and Maggie Murray long for their peaceful life on the homestead in Pennsylvania, but with two great countries and their native allies battling over the Ohio Valley, their wishes must remain ungranted...at least for now.

A Wandering Warrior by Harry E. Gilleland, Jr. In twelfth-century England, a commoner and itinerant soldier, Thomas Beaumont, travels to avenge the cruel slaughter of his older brother while a captive after a battle lost. Along the way, he encounters a band of Travelers and falls in love with the dark beauty, Emalda, the leader's daughter. In his future wanderings, he finds many adventures involving battles, the rescue of two young ladies of nobility, the search for his lost love, trials of honor by combat, tragedy, new love, and encounters with knights and royalty.

Yarn to Go: A Yarn Retreat Mystery by Betty Hechtman When Casey finds out that her late aunt’s business, Yarn2Go, has one more yarn retreat scheduled, she decides to go ahead and host the event, despite her complete lack of experience as a knitter. At least the retreat is on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula. But the idyllic setting is soured when a retreat regular is found murdered in her hotel room. Feeling a sense of responsibility, Casey begins to weave the clues together and detects a pattern which may shed light on her aunt’s suspicious death. Despite the danger, the last thing Casey plans to do is retreat. She’ll catch this killer…or dye trying.

Dining at the White House: From the President's Table to Yours by John Moeller This book provides an insider s view into the experience of dining at the White House and describes Chef Moeller's most memorable moments cooking for three First Families. It includes over 100 recipes for one-of-a-kind dishes featuring his trademark use of fresh, seasonal ingredients inspired by his classical French training with an American twist. Useful chef notes help adapt fine French cooking techniques for the home cook.

The 25,000 Mile Love Story: The Epic Story of the Couple Who Sacrificed Everything to Run the World by Serge Roetheli The 25,000 Mile Love Story is a love storybut not a love story in the traditional sense. It is not just about a man and woman; nor is it just about a husband and wife. There are many people who can write that story. Instead, this is a love story that has lasted a lifetimea love for the worlds roads and all the people who inhabit them. You will follow Serge Roetheli through his childhood as an adventurer, through his teen years as a boxer, and through his adult life as a runner and mountain guide. As he writes in this intriguing memoir, You will sit by my side as I fell in lovenot once, not twice, but three times. And you will run the road with me on The American Challenge and The World Tour. Then, you will return with me to where I belong, and I pray that you will take away some life lessons and the truth I have come to know so well.

Book Review - The Mango Bride


The Mango Bride

By: Marivi Soliven
Publisher: NAL Accent
Publication Date: May 2013
ISBN: 978-0-451-23984-6
Reviewed by: Diane Lunsford
Review Date: May 2013

Marivi Soliven has delivered an intriguing and captivating story in her debut novel, The Mango Bride.

Amparo Guerrero and Beverly Obejas grew up together in Manila, yet their destiny of a meeting would not happen until years later and continents away from their Manila homeland. As young adults, both women move to California. Amparo, after falling from grace, is exiled to California at the behest of Senora Concha, her high society mother. Senora Concha’s current focus was rigid damage control toward protecting the prestigious Guerrero family name thanks to the antics of her only daughter. As far as she was concerned, this mission was far more important than repairing their broken relationship. Beverly, on the other hand, was on a quest to live the life and dreams her deceased mother had for her. Nanay Marcella is a vital link between the two women. To understand the connection, the reader must journey back to the beginning when Amparo was young, beautiful and doing what most young and privileged Filipino ladies did—languish in a life of pampering while adhering to strict guidelines of societal image and perception. Sadly, the only privilege Beverly had was to hold onto and embrace the dream her deceased mother had for her only child: a happy ending some day.

Feigning the warnings of her mother and diving head-first into her first true love, Amparo meets handsome and mysterious Mateo Madrigal. By no means was their meeting formidable as Mateo had the proper pedigree. He too was born into a family of privileged stock and community stature. This romance, however, comes to a screeching halt when poor choices made are not easily undone. Senora Concha has no other choice than to banish her only daughter Amparo to Oakland, California where she will stay with her Uncle Aldo, Concha’s estranged brother. In no uncertain terms, she would stay there for as long as it took for the scandal to die down.

Paralleling Amparo’s drastic changes, unbeknownst to Beverly, her mother’s dream for her was about to become a reality the day she ran into her childhood friend Lisa Patane. Unlike previous reunions, Lisa looked different this time—impeccably manicured and put together and currently arm in arm with a noticeably older, gray-haired man. It is when Lisa introduces American, Lydell Kinkade the “Third” of Naples, Florida and announces their engagement that Beverly listens a little more intently for details as to how this union happened. Lisa explains how she met Lydell through Filipina Sweetheart and began a pen pal relationship with him. In time, the once pen pals found true love in each other. She assured Beverly she could experience her own good fortune of the happily ever after she was promised if she took the same measures. All she had to do was sign with Filipina Sweetheart and in no time at all, she could be the next Mango Bride out of Manila and on her way to America. What Lisa failed to mention to Beverly was all of Filipina Sweetheart’s pen pals weren’t necessarily Lydell Kinkade clones.

Marivi Soliven’s first novel is the essence of a natural tone and flow that makes me think if her novel were a song, it would be pitch perfect. This author portrays great devotion toward developing and delivering vibrant, credible characters. They are further enhanced and complemented with Ms. Soliven’s wonderfully descriptive quality and obvious knowledge of Manila’s culture and ambiance. She entices the reader throughout The Mango Bride with local information as she treats the reader to native language and deliciously descriptive cuisine in many scenes. Nowhere does this story drag. There is an element of inevitability with the ending, but it is delivered in a tender and bittersweet manner. Congratulations on your body of work Ms. Soliven—a most enjoyable read.

Quill says: Marivi Soliven deserves positive accolades and recognition for this captivating and engaging first novel.






Monday, May 13, 2013

Book Review - The Depth of Grace


The Depth of Grace: Finding Hope at Rock Bottom

By: J. Bronson Haley
Publisher: WestBow Press
Publication Date: February 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4497-1046-0
Reviewed by: Amy Lignor
Review Date: May 14, 2013

Understanding the fact that there’s a ‘friend’ out there who will always be with you no matter how far you’ve fallen or how many sins you’ve committed, is a beautiful reality. At the same there are many in this world who are lost, who have succumbed to alcohol, drugs, anger, fate - and simply found themselves with nothing; living a life of loneliness that they couldn’t get out of.

This story is a true tale offered by a man who saw the bottom of life and ended up finding the one person who could help him through the pain and pull himself up - out of the nightmare he was living. This was not only an intriguing story about his life and the life lessons learned, but also a beautiful tribute to the Son who is forever trying to help us not lose our way.

Mr. Haley tells it like it is. The truthful account of his life in many different locations, brings Shreveport, Louisiana to the forefront. It is in this gritty town that readers are taken inside the cruel, frightening, sometimes vicious world of a street-fighter. Mr. Haley was one of those people who you would cross to the other side of the street to avoid, simply because a part of you was scared to death of what he would do if you were on his bad side. The cold bars on the jail cell clanged at times, and there were even moments when Mr. Haley had no idea how he got arrested in the first place. This is a man who lived a life wrapped around utilizing and relying on addictions in order to find some kind of happiness in the haze.

Even when you find yourself angry at this man; even when you find his manners distasteful, there is always a part of you that feels for him. Saying he had a ‘tough childhood’ is an understatement; but it was why he created the mask he constantly wore to protect himself from the world. Though his face may have worn a sneer and his fists may have pounded on flesh, there was a soul inside screaming for help.

Failure happens. But instead of giving up, instead of choosing to crawl through life, Mr. Haley found a way to stand by finding Jesus. I know there are still those out there who roll their eyes at this concept, but Jesus is a true friend who offers us the power to stand against all the sin and violence that make headlines each and every day.

This author offers wisdom, a look at the combination of true struggle and redemption, and the common sense understanding that no one is perfect and Jesus doesn’t expect us to be. The locations are incredibly vivid, ranging from the streets of Louisiana to the stunning landscape of Colorado to Mexico and beyond. It is odd to say this about a nonfiction piece, but the thrills and adventure are certainly there. This is a breath of fresh air; and for some, it may just be the shot of faith they need in order to put their life back on track.

Quill says: From the depths of pain to the apex of freedom, this book hits on all cylinders and is priceless!

For more information on The Depth of Grace: Finding Hope at Rock Bottom, please see the book's website at: www.depthofgrace.com








Book Review - Paris


Paris

By: Edward Rutherfurd
Publisher: Doubleday
Publishing Date: April 2013
ISBN: 978-0-385-53530-4
Reviewed by: Mary Lignor
Review Date: May 2013

This author has become the one and only when it comes to epic novels. His new novel called Paris is his latest gem. This book covers many years (700) of one of the most talked about cities in the world. The reader is privy to the culture and architecture; everything from the building of the Statue of Liberty which was sent to New York City as a gift from France and on to the Eiffel Tower, which is an amazing story by itself, a constant march through society, geographic places and history of the city of Paris.

The story picks up in the year 1261 with the building of Notre Dame Cathedral and ending in the late 1960’s after all the wars that France was involved in came to a close. The reader is treated to the lives of the people who grew up, had families, fought in wars, and built the beautiful city of Paris. The novel goes into many historical scenes that occurred in the City of Light over the centuries. There are many different types of folks and their descendants who meet and mingle with each other whether they want to or not. We meet members of the aristocratic de Cygnes family; the Le Sourd family and the Gascon family who are members of the working class. As an example, one of the sons of the Gascon family helped build the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower. The Blanchard family, who are very rich, do not associate with aristocrats unless they are selling them something and they are never seen 'hob-nobbing' with the working class.

The author’s writing is first class, as always, and the stories that he tells of the people of Paris are fascinating. This reader has read a lot of history but was still amazed by some of the things that took place. An example would be the building of the Eiffel Tower. Even with all the modern equipment that is used today, I was astonished at how they put this very large tower together with the means that they had to work with at the time the Tower was built. The author presents us with timelines for each family and the topics that are covered by each are really important. There are chapters about the French Revolution that started out full of dreams to end up in terror; the expectations of the socialists that led into despair as the Nazis marched into Paris in 1940, bringing into being another reign of terror.
As in any city with a lot of historical facts, including many monuments, and when fortunes are won and lost, such a topic would be a difficult book for any author to conquer but Edward Rutherfurd does not disappoint. Taking into consideration his classic research and writing, the author brings these families, with all their problems and dreams to the forefront for all to see.

Quill says: Readers who have never seen Paris will think they are sitting in the middle of it. A wonderful read!!!!





Book Review - Penguin Pandemonium


Penguin Pandemonium (Awesome Animals)

By: Jeanne Willis
Publisher: Barron's Educational Series
Publication Date: April 2013
ISBN: 978-1438003016
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: May 2013

Everyone used to head to the City Zoo on Royal Road to see Rory, one of the zoo’s star attractions. Rory and his best friend, little Blue, were wondering where all the people went to. It seemed like no one wanted to visit them, like at all. Orson the bear claimed, “No one wants to watch a bunch of birds eating fish heads any more.” Even Savannah, the zookeeper’s daughter, was bored by the penguins. “Penguins,” she exclaimed, “just stand there stinking of squid.” Ewwwww! The situation was so bad that the zoo was going to be shut down for good. No kidding!

Blue was all upset because they could be split up, but Rory wasn’t going to have any of that. “I’m not going without a fight, Blue,” Rory told her, “I have to think of a way to save this zoo!” Now there was that gun, a gun that turned out to be a web cam. Everyone was in a panic at the thought of the zoo closing, but maybe there was something they could do. “If we want to attract visitors through Penguin Cam, all we need to do is put on the greatest show on earth!” Everyone was about to get their “flippers in a flap” when everyone didn’t quite see eye-to-eye. Would the show be a hit or a big Rockhopper belly flop?

The flippers start flapping when the penguins at the City Zoo hold a talent contest. This has to be the funniest, zaniest book in the “Awesome Animals” series. The whole zoo is in an uproar when every no-talent animal steps up to the plate to perform. Of course there are personality clashes and Muriel always has something hilarious to say: “Oh my Cod, she pushed me!” By default, there is a lot to learn about the different kinds of penguins. In the front there is a listing of the penguins (Rockhopper, Fairy, Emperor, and Chinstrap) and a bit about them (for real). If you have a youngster who has a good sense of humor and loves animal adventure, he or she will love spending time with this zany bunch of penguins (and one goose)!

Quill says: The “Awesome Animals” series is perfect for young mischief makers who enjoy seeing other young critters in action!




Sunday, May 12, 2013

Book Review - The Cat, The Mill and the Murder


The Cat, the Mill and the Murder: A Cats in Trouble Mystery

By: Leann Sweeney
Publisher: Obsidian
Publication Date: May 2012
ISBN: 978-0451415417
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: May 13, 2013

Cats, cats, cats, and more cats. Jillian Hart was heading over to the Lorraine Stanley Textile Mill with Sean Cuddahee to check out the apparently large colony of feral cats that was reported in the building. Dustin Gray was going to open up the building for them so they could look around. Jillian’s imagination was running wild picturing those ill and abandoned cats dying in every nook and cranny, but they found something else altogether sitting in the debris. “What you think you’re doin’ here?” It was a woman, a woman named Jeannie. An honest to gosh real live woman who smelled like an “unpleasant combination of spoiled food and an unwashed body.” To top it all off, she was raving about keeping away from some holy place.

Feral cats were one thing, but a traumatized homeless woman was quite another and Jillian had to somehow help her. Her best friend Deputy Candace Carson was going to help brainstorm what she and Dustin could do with Jeannie, or Clara Jeanne Sloane as they soon discovered. “She disappeared years ago,” Candace explained, “Rumor was she went off to look for her daughter, Kay Ellen.” Jillian’s empathy went far beyond cats and she recruited her boyfriend, Tom Stewart, to help her check out the situation a bit further. They headed out to Ed’s Swap Shop to ask Ed a few questions about Jeannie. If they were going to help her, they had to know just who she was, including her “invisible” cat named Boots.

Apparently Jeannie had disappeared years ago in search of her missing teenager, Kay Ellen, and never returned. Armed with more information about her, Jillian, Dustin, and Candace headed back to the mill to try to convince her to leave. It was going to be a tough call trying to move a woman who “believed in magic and fairy tales,” but since meeting Jeannie, Jillian was doubting her own sanity when she kept running up against that “ghost cat.” Jeannie had been injured and once they got her out of the mill, Dustin began to check out an old chimney and a tarp stuffed inside it. It looked like the cat and Jeannie’s problem had been solved until Dustin pulled something out of the tarp, “I never held the hand of a dead person before.” Oh, really? It looked like murder had visited Mercy once again.

Jillian Hart is faced with one of the most intriguing murders Mercy, South Carolina has ever seen. As soon as Jeannie showed up in the dust of that mill, I knew Leann Sweeney had penned another fascinating cozy mystery. One of the most interesting things is that strange, but true “ghost cat,” Boots who somehow holds the key to that body in the mill. Many of the old regulars I’ve enjoyed in the series are still hanging around, including that wild and crazy assistant coroner, Lydia Monk. Yes, she’s still got her eye on Tom. The mystery is hot, the characters are fascinating, and there’s once again those deep, dark secrets that make the tale a page-turner. The cats are back and the mystery is better than ever!

Quill says: This is a cozy mystery with a little dash of paranormal that is most definitely the cat's meow!





Book Review - Cat Nap: A Sunny & Shadow Mystery


Cat Nap: A Sunny & Shadow Mystery

By: Claire Donally
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: May 2013
ISBN-13: 978-0425252130
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: May 11, 2013

Working on the Maine Adventure X-perience MAX website wasn’t the most exciting thing to do in Kittery Harbor, but a job was a job. Sonata “Sunny” Coolidge’s life was a bit on the boring side, but at least she had her eyes on someone who might spice it up a bit and that someone was Constable Will Price. As luck would have it, he had his eyes on Jane Rigsdale, the local veterinarian. Sunny’s dad, Mike Coolidge, was doing quite well after his heart attack and tending to things at home, including watching out after Shadow, the wayward cat. Shadow had dubbed him the “Old One” and soon would have to head off the see “Gentle Hands” Jane because he hurt his paw.

That night when Sunny and Mike went to the Redbrick for a decent meal, they were treated to none other than the sight of Jane Rigsdale, who once again appeared to snag a hot one. Things really began to sizzle when Jane cooled off her date by tossing the remains of her wine in his face. Maybe there was hope for Sunny and Will yet. It turned out that it was Martin Rigsdale, Jane’s ex who needed the cooling off. When Sunny took Shadow to Kitty Harbor Pet hospital she found out just what sort of crumb the other Dr. Rigsdale was. Before she knew it, Sunny was driving Jane over the Piscataqua River bridge so she could confront him.

“He was fine until they arrived,” receptionist Dawn Featherstone yapped at Detectives Trumbell and Fitch. Martin was lying on his examination table deader than a bag of nails. Someone had given him an injection in his arm after bashing him in the head. No, it didn’t look like he’d recover, but it looked like Jane was in big trouble after the incident at the Redbrick. Maybe that “bimbo receptionist” was trying to frame her, but one thing for certain was that Sunny had to figure out whodunit before Jane was locked up or someone else was murdered. “It’s remarkable really, how easy it is to kill someone when you put your mind to it,” the evil voice crooned. Seriously? Was it Sunny’s turn next?

A storm is brewing in Kittery Harbor when Sunny is caught at the scene of yet another murder. Sunny actually met Will Price at the scene of a crime and now, oddly enough, she’s found at the scene of yet another crime with Dr. Jane Rigsdale, her rival. Shadow, who has “pet” names for everyone, is a delightful charmer who has his own take on the situation. Shadow has turned up missing and this adds a bit more intrigue to the story as Sunny tries to sort out the missing pieces to the puzzle, a puzzle that includes blackmail, money laundering, and a bit of international intrigue. Even if you have a “biscuit eater,” you’ll love Sunny and Shadow!

Quill says: Don't be caught catnapping because you'll miss a purrfectly great series with Sunny and Shadow!