Book Review - Will Shakespeare and the Ships of Solomon

Will Shakespeare and the Ships of Solomon

By: Christopher Grey
Illustrated By: Pacific Coast Creative Publishing
Publisher: Basilicus Press
Publication Date: February 2014
ISBN: 978-0-9839641-9-3
Reviewed By: Kristi Benedict
Review Date: January 26, 2014

Will Shakespeare knew when he was accepted into the Knights of the Templar that danger could be lurking around every corner but he faced that danger head on and became a dedicated soldier of the secret group. However, nothing could prepare him for the betrayal he faces as men he trusted with his whole being murder all of the masters and commanders who Will had come to respect and look up to.

Will is now the only one left alive and is charged with a most sacred mission, to protect Dorothy Wilkinson no matter what it costs. This task is not an easy one as there are enemies lurking everywhere from other secret brotherhoods that are on their own missions, to back stabbing traitors who can’t see past their own greed. Even without knowing the full extent of why this woman is so important, Will decides he will carry out this mission even at the cost of his life, for everything he has trained for, and believes in, is at stake. Before he knows it, Will realizes that his objective is not only to protect Dorothy but to protect the Holy Grail itself!

It was not uncommon for Dorothy Wilkinson to be sent on business trips to represent her father but it was still surprising that he would send her on an international trip, even if he was becoming ill. Pushing her fears aside, Dorothy does her best to deal with the group of men gathered in a cathedral, of all places, as they ask questions about her father’s property in Bermuda. With every passing moment Dorothy continues to fear that this deal may be something she wants nothing to do with and her fears are justified when gunfire suddenly breaks out and the men she was just talking to fall dead right beside her. Trying desperately not to panic, Dorothy suddenly finds herself fleeing with a man named Will who she hardly knows. At the same time, she can’t help but realize that he is probably her only ally and hope for survival. As Will reveals to her about the Knights of the Templar and the importance of her safety she can’t help but be skeptical, as she has seen nothing but danger since Will dragged her from the cathedral. With each passing danger however, she comes to realize that Will is not in this for greed or personal gain, he is here to protect her and against all odds they become a team with a common purpose, find and protect the Holy Grail.

This is an absolute thrill ride of a book and I enjoyed every page of it! After starting the first chapter I put everything else on hold to finish it and read it in one sitting. The action starts almost instantly as Will and Dorothy are plunged into a dangerous mission that neither one of them completely understands, but they are forced to depend on each other to stay alive. Both characters are brilliant and it was not long before I was completely engaged in their situation. I immensely enjoyed seeing both points of view from each of their eyes as that gave the story a relatable quality. At first I was not sure if this book would hold my attention as I could tell it had elements of history in it and I was hoping I wouldn’t be bombarded with facts and dates. With immense pleasure I realized from the very beginning that this was going to be a thrilling story that brought history to life in a way I have not experienced before. I commend Christopher Grey for combining history with a truly engaging and extremely intriguing story. Not only was I learning facts I had never heard of before but I was caught up in the breathtaking story of impossible missions, hidden treasures, daring escapes, and non-stop action that can only come from an amazing book!

Quill says: This is a wonderfully exciting roller coaster ride of a book, and will have you hanging onto your seat until the end.

For more information on Will Shakespeare and the Ships of Solomon, please visit the website: pcoastcreative.com

Book Review - Compass: Creating Exceptional Organizations: A Leader’s Guide

Compass: Creating Exceptional Organizations: A Leader’s Guide

By: William F. Brandt, Jr.
Publisher: Winter Vale Press
Publication Date: May 2013
ISBN: 978-0-9883205-0-5
Reviewed by: Diane Lunsford
Review Date: January 26, 2014

William F. Brandt, Jr. delivers exemplary leadership knowledge and experience in his “Leader’s Guide” toward what it takes to create and develop a sustainable and exceptional organization.

Mr. Brandt enlightens the reader with an informative introduction that explains how to use his "Leader’s Guide." The Universe’s cup truly runneth over with ‘how to’ books on virtually any topic known to man. With such fierce competition, in my opinion, Mr. Brandt not only achieved, but delivered a winning formula in his book. Using American Woodmark (his company) as his model, he establishes credibility and therefore an immediate interest and engagement occurs for his readership. In the first chapter, Mr. Brandt shares his experience of leveraging the buyout of American Woodmark—a company he cofounded in 1980. This former kitchen cabinet division of Boise Cascade grew to substantial financial strength completely independent of Boise Cascade and did so through the guidance of Brandt and his adept team.

There is no ‘candy-coated’ writing in this book. Rather, direct, basic and understandable dialect is used as Brandt describes many high and equally low points of the company’s history. However, he consistently drives the message of the intrinsic importance and constant application of adjustment and engagement necessary for the evolving changes the people within the company must endure in order to soar.

The book’s chapters are broken down into distinct categories, in a logical process, beginning with: The Vision, The Leader, The Processes and Tools, etc. Mr. Brandt builds from one chapter to the next, always incorporating the message of the necessity of not only a quality product, but the strong attributes all team members must own and bring to the table in his or her role within the organization.
What Mr. Brandt’s book did for me was to provide clarity (and certainly hope) along with a sound understanding of how a successful organization should operate. I have been blessed with good health and the fortitude and ability to work in the corporate world for many years. After reading Compass, I have a newfound belief that if more books like this are written (and more importantly, read), perhaps the Fortune 500’s will include in their reporting stats the human contribution to the entire package rather than solely reporting on company profits and lofty bottom lines. I applaud Mr. Brandt for not only endorsing the importance (and reality) of turning a profit as being foundational, but to impart the wisdom often that such end results come from the value, support and super qualities of a committed and cohesive team of people propping it up. Ultimately, the success of any company is the team who delivers such a winning formula. Bravo Mr. Brandt for your precise wisdom and knowledge in not only having such vision, but sharing it with the business world as well.

Quill says: Compass: Creating Exceptional Organizations: A Leader’s Guide is THE guide for those with a vision toward achieving overall and recognizable greatness for the Company through the engagement and sound abilities of its people.

For more information on Compass: Creating Exceptional Organizations: A Leader’s Guide, please visit the publisher's website at: www.WinterValePress.com

Book Review - Throw in the Trowel

Throw in the Trowel: A Flower Shop Mystery

By: Kate Collins
Publisher: Signet
Publication Date: February 2014
ISBN: 978-0451415509
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: January 27, 2014

Abby Knight only had one worry in the world and that was to remember to add the name “Salvare” to the end of hers. Life was good and being married to Marco made it even better. After their honeymoon to Key West, settling down in New Chapel for a lifetime of wedded bliss was perfect. It almost seemed providential to have been clunked out of law school and dumped by Pryce Osborne II (thank goodness!). With their three-legged canine, Seedy, they would make a perfect family. Now if she could only keep Marco’s mother, Francesca, from reorganizing her flower shop, Bloomers, and her mom, Maureen “Mad Mo” Knight from trying to sell her creations there, she’d be all set.

Marco’s only problem concerned plumbing in the basement of Down the Hatch Bar & Grill. Abby and Seedy headed down to check out the latest fiasco. Seedy decided she’d help out the gang by digging up the dirt floor. After all, Stan had already dug up most of it. The real fiasco began when Seedy presented Abby with a little “twig” as a result of her dig. “Marco, that’s not a twig. That’s a finger bone.” Clogged pipes were one thing, but skeletal remains were quite another. It wouldn’t be long before crime reporter Connor MacKay showed up for the scoop and Seedy unearthed yet another clue.

This whole mess was going to make Maureen’s latest creation, “Nutter and child” look good in comparison. Just who was lying in that dank, dark basement? Convincing Marco to take on the case with her wasn’t going to be easy, but doable. Clues were pretty sparse, but there was an “arc-shaped indentation” in that skull, an old key ring to go on, and the mysterious disappearance of Kermit Cannon years ago. Parthenia Pappas, a loose cannon, who had been seeing Kermit and Rusty Miller, who once owned Down the Hatch, were telling taller tales than Marco had ever heard in that bar. New Chapel dirt was being unearthed by the truckload and things were beginning to disappear, including those bones!

Abby Knight Salvare is once again digging up mounds of old dirt and bones. There are great touches of humor in this cozy mystery, but also a good, solid plot. Cousin Jillian is on hand for a few laughs, as usual, but I really liked the layer upon layer of mysterious clues Abby had to unravel. This was as if Discovery ID entered the cozy mystery world and no one was going to find out whodunit until the last minute. Kate Collins was dangling little clues in front of me until I was practically convinced I knew not only who those bones belonged to, but also who clunked that corpse on the noggin with that trowel. Wrong. And then there’s yet a new PI in the making in this one!

Quill says: Everything's coming up roses and bones in this fabulous Flower Shop Mystery!

Book Review - Digger and Daisy Go on a Picnic

Digger and Daisy Go on a Picnic

By: Judy Young
Illustrated by: Dana Sullivan
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Publication Date: February 2014
ISBN: 978-1585368433
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: January 2014

Digger licked his chops as he carried an overflowing picnic basket while he ambled behind his sister, Daisy. Yum! Going on a picnic at Barkenton Park would be lots of things. “Daisy likes to look at things. Digger likes to smell things. And he has a very good nose.” Yes, indeed his nose was very good at smelling those nice big lemons on a tree and the flowers in a garden at the park. Digger leaned way over to stick his nose in the flowers, but bzzzzz, watch out! Daisy warned him by saying “Look out! That bee will sting you!” Bzzzzz, be careful Digger!

Daisy and Digger kept on walking and the next thing Digger's nose smelled was something very tasty. That yummy smell was even better than anything in Digger’s picnic basket. That smell was coming from that little yellow house and it was a pie! “Digger puts his nose in the window,” but watch out because that window is coming down. No pie for nosy Digger. Daisy and Digger kept walking through the park, smelling all kinds of interesting things. They found a hole and Digger’s nose went right on in. When it came back out there was dirt up his nose. Oh, no! Digger couldn’t smell anything at all. What was he going to do?

This is a fun, humorous tale of Digger and his big nose young readers will love. Digger is certainly a curious little brother and his older sister, Daisy, is ultra-patient with him. Like many youngsters, Digger is insatiably curious and loves to explore new things. Fortunately his big sister Daisy keeps an eye out for him. There’s an adorable twist at the end of the book that will make young readers chuckle at Digger. The artwork it bright, colorful, and has that Digger ‘n Daisy spunk I saw in the first book in the series. Digger and Daisy are a brother and sister team that will definitely be a hit series for beginning readers.

Grades K - 1

Quill says: The very youngest readers will love the new sister and brother team, Daisy and Digger, as they are off on their second adventure in the series!

Book Review - Otter Out of Water

Otter Out of Water

By: Kathy-Jo Wargin
Illustrated by: John Bendall-Brunello
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Publication Date: February 1014
ISBN: 978-1585364312
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: January 2014

The little otter’s eyes widened in surprise as he looked at the sign the ranger had posted. Even the gnarly old roots of the tree looked as if they couldn’t believe it. Nope, all the otters had to stay in that water. Not even so much as a paw could come out. A rule was a rule, but the little otter had other ideas. His tail whirled around as he twisted and turned in the water. Splash! Splash! A little girl and boy with their dog crawled toward the river bank to take a peek at the little otter. “But what if that otter / jumps OUT of the water? / Would you shout hip-hooray? / Would you ask him to play?” Hmmm, just what were they going to do?

Mud began to fly as the children slid through some on their bellies as the little otter looked on. Next they started down the path home and he hopped and bopped and jumped behind them. It sure did look like that little otter wanted to come along. No thanks. They hid in the bushes, but that crafty little guy knew they were there. Surprise! “And what if that otter is right on your heels? / Will you run, will you jog. / will you jump like a frog? / Will he follow you through an old hollow log? What if that otter is right on your heels?” It looked like trouble because when they arrived home he opened the screen door to let himself in. What on earth were they going to do with an otter in the house?

This is an adorable story of an otter out of water that little ones will love. The mischievous little otter, who just didn’t want to follow the ranger’s directive to stay in the water, was a real charmer. The wide-eyed children simply don’t know what to do when that little guy begins to follow him around. There’s a delightful twist at the end that young and old will love. The artwork is lively, whimsical, and is very appealing. This tale, especially if read by someone with an expressive voice, would be perfect for circle or story time. This story in rhyme is fun, full of action, and just the tale for real live mischief makers!

Quill says: This delightful tale of a little otter out of water will make your little ones laugh as he rambles through the pages of this book!

Book Review - Human Views and Equine Behavior

Human Views and Equine Behavior: Self Fulfilling Philosophies and Communicating with Horses

By: Janice Ladendorf
Publisher: CreateSpace
Publication Date: October 2013
ISBN: 9781493542789
Reviewed By: Kristi Benedict
Review Date: January 2014

The book Human Views and Equine Behavior by Janice Ladendorf gives the reader much to think about when communicating with horses. With her chosen discipline of classical dressage and years of working with her own horses, Ladendorf has experienced and observed many of the interesting and intriguing behaviors of equines. Both in wild herds and domesticated horses certain recognizable behaviors have been noticed and studied over the years and with this book those are well described. She gives another look at these unique animals and conveys information that is great for anyone interested in horses to know and that experienced horseman have seen time and time again.

In addition to describing the behaviors of horses, Ladendorf also shows how these behaviors affect training and then continues to show some methods that can be used to gain the most out of a relationship with your horse. Along with extensive descriptions of training techniques there are also diagrams and pictures accompanying the text that help the reader to understand how each technique can work for their particular horse. Different types of equipment are also mentioned to show that there are many alternative solutions to effectively train your horse or work on a problem area.

There were some good points in this book and for the most part I did enjoy reading about each of the techniques and ideas that Ladendorf wrote about. However, I also found many of the chapters to be a little repetitive and caused me to feel as if I was reading the same chapter over again. I understand that when writing a non-fiction book there will be some points that will be repeated but with this particular book I honestly think fewer words would have made the information more interesting for the reader. In regards to the content of the book I was glad to see this author give equal time describing the different views of equine behavior and the options of training techniques. Many times when reading about horses, I get the impression that the author has one way of thinking and that is the only way. To my surprise, most of the writing in this book did not do that and I was glad this author continued to show that there is not just one sure fire way to work and train horses. She successfully conveyed that each horse and situation will be different and each rider/trainer has to make the decision on what they want to achieve with their horse and how they want to reach that goal.

Quill says: Here is a book that gives many views on equine behavior and options of training to achieve the best relationship between horse and rider.

Book Review - Find Momo

Find Momo

Author/Photographer: Andrew Knapp
Publisher: Quirk Books
Publication Date: March 2014
ISBN: 978-1-59474-678-9
Reviewed by: Amy Lignor
Review Date: January 26, 2014

Yes, there is a ‘Waldo’ out there that appears in pictures, and his only reason for being is to see if readers can find out where old ‘Waldo’ is hiding. However, now that Momo has come along - a border collie who is the sweetest creature readers have seen in a long time - ‘Waldo’ will definitely have to take a backseat to the beauty and creativity of this book.

The photographs that Momo plays hide-and-seek in range from exterior landscapes to interiors; the photographs that Andrew Knapp has put together are out of this world. Cityscapes, fields of snow, deserted back roads, football stadiums; some that are so colorful and so full of brightness and light, it will most definitely take you a while to find that border collie. (Thankfully, Mr. Knapp added some hints for the really ‘busy’ photographs so that Momo can eventually be found.)

Not only does this book truly offer honor to our canine friends, which may be just about the most honorable animals in the world, but it also gives readers a look at the beauty that this world still has to offer us. With so many negatives that the news and life emit each and every day, it is a breath of fresh air to have a book like this in hand. Andrew Knapp has made sure to show one and all that our surroundings, family, Mother Nature, and the glorious fun and comfort of a companion like Momo - are all privileges to love and admire.

Momo stories, his travels, his bio and more, are also offered so that the reader gets the full spectrum of enjoyment that this lovely border collie has to offer. Although ‘Waldo’ may be fun, Momo is most definitely the one who will find a place in your heart for a good, long time to come.

Quill says: Unique and stunning. By meeting, traveling and ‘finding’ Momo, you will definitely rejuvenate your spirit!