Back on Track

New reviews coming soon! I'll be importing my work from the past two years, but in the meantime,
I'm reclaiming my small place on the web.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Fiction Review

The Totality of All Being, Volume 1: Lucifer's Experiment
By Jane Joyce
ISBN-10: 0741441756
Review by Heather Froeschl


Free will…is it what makes us human? How did we come to have this choice to guide our lives? In “Lucifer’s Experiment” by Jane Joyce, it was the archangel Lucifer that gave us free will, in an experiment of earthly proportions. But Lucifer is not who most think he is. Is the trial a success? Or is it time for the earth to be resurfaced once again?

Incarnated as a young girl named Cameron, the archangel Lucifer conducts his experiment. Can the humans of earth ascend and heal the damage that they have done? The people of earth put out negative energy that affects the souls of other entities throughout the universe. The angelic beings gather to decide whether or not it is time to cancel the experiment and wipe clean the surface of the earth. Perhaps another flood or maybe a nuclear disaster would do the job but Lucifer appeals to the One Source and the beings of it to give earth a little more time. Incarnated as Cameron, the work begins to help humans become enlightened. Seeming miracles are performed and a plan is set into motion.

Can the healing of earth begin with a creation of a satellite planet named Lunar? Two scientists are part of the plan, set forth before they were even born, to create an atmosphere on the moon and develop living plantlife that can withstand the harsh environment. This will hopefully create a harmony with the earth that will begin to heal the negativity in the universe. But will the humans of earth embrace such a plan? Cameron begins to be seen as first an anti-Christ and then as a Messiah herself. This love is the seed that was needed. Will it continue to grow and flourish? And will it be enough to balance with another presence that is spreading over the earth as well?

Jane Joyce offers a voice of wisdom with messages of intellect, love and hope. In this fictional tale that could be seen as science fiction, fantasy, and even religious or zen, there is a message of enlightenment and universal acceptance. “The Totality of All Being” is the beginning of the title but it is also the underlying message of the book. This isn’t just an enjoyable read but one that will leave you thinking of possibilities you may have only dreamed about. I enjoyed connecting with some passages that have been thoughts of my own and being happily surprised that I was not alone in my thinking. I anticipate the release of any further writings of Jane Joyce. Weaving poetry and philosophy into an exciting work of fiction is an art form that this author is practicing, much to the delight of this reviewer.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Self Help/Inspirational Review

Eastern Wisdom for Your Soul
by Richard A. Singer
ISBN-10: 0979790808
Review by Heather Froeschl



Buddha said, “Although I showed you the means of liberation, you must know it depends on you alone.” Surely these must be the thoughts of author Richard A. Singer, Jr. regarding his latest work, Eastern Wisdom for Your Soul. Singer has done it again, offering guidance, and reminding us all that enlightenment is found within.

Through 111 meditations, inspired by quotations from eastern teachers, Singer shares with the reader his understanding of the wisdom imparted. Each meditation pairs with a real life application – a how-to for you to put the principle into action. These are shared under 11 core sections, such as Our True Nature, Unity, Compassion, and Enlightenment. A few of my favorites are: Change - your greatest ally in your personal journey. “It is possible that you may be moving rather quickly, but not truly going anywhere.” Unity/Oneness – “No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive,” said Gandhi. And Anger and Resentment – Buddha said, “Some people are like big children, harming others without even seeing it. Staying angry with these fools is like being mad at fire because it burns.”

Singer is not trying to preach a religion. His sharing of the eastern philosophies, such as found in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism, is an offering of ancient wisdom that each reader will interpret differently and in the way they are personally meant to. His use of quotes is a tool to bring home the thought behind it and have the reader connect to the principle. We all have thoughts on being mindful, change, truth, death, and simplicity. This book is an outreach to help readers to find their own truth, leave their ego behind, and be in the now.

In a twelfth chapter, Richard shares 111 thought provoking quotes so that you can continue to meditate in the fashion the book introduces to you. A final chapter outlines the popular 12 steps of recovery, but in eastern terms. We are all recovering from the thought processes that society has instilled in us. If we follow the ancient thoughts of eastern wisdom, we may just find ourselves within ourselves, and that’s a good place to be.

This easy to read and understand book is a breath of fresh air. It is a reminder of what is truly important. Singer may not wish to be the guru on the mountaintop but he is a fellow traveler and a guide, found on the beaches of the Cayman Islands. Thank the universe for his trail markings, like Eastern Wisdom for Your Soul.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Fiction Review

John Lazoo
by John Reyer Afamasaga
ISBN 978-0-9803486-0-6
Review by Heather Froeschl

When we re-create ourselves, are we more like actors in a play than we imagine? Or are we who we really are supposed to be? It is difficult to say which of our selves is the real us. In "John Lazoo," by John Reyer Afamasaga, readers will see the process of evolution within one man.

James Elton, born into the world with hardly a chance to survive, becomes a man by the age of seven when he works for his daily bread. His young mother does whatever she can to get by, living in a cottage on a farm owned by the man who will change her son's life. She reads James her own poetry as they sleep in the same bed, and she smells of her own homemade soap. At age nine, James enters a whole other world of incarceration, one which he will never truly escape. His soul becomes jailed and he learns to do what he must to survive.

Leaving the physical jails, James makes his way to NYC where he was born in a shelter before his mother ran for the fresh start of clean air. The city holds many dangers and opportunities for a young man who has no skills, no identification and cannot read. He begins to reinvent himself. What he becomes, his mother surely would not like. The devil is in the details of this tale and the deeds done are a form of hell on earth. James, now John, falls in love and hopes that it will save him. In the end, he may need to save her too.

This work is masterfully poetic. It reads much like a work of art, and leaves the reader to decipher the resulting impressions. Confusing at times, chaotic, yet carefully scripted, it is a highly interesting read.

Friday, October 19, 2007

Religious Thesis Review

The Curs-ed Net
By Byron LeBeau and Richard Stout
ISBN-10: 1604771496
Review by Heather Froeschl



Often, when the mention of UFO’s is made, eyebrows are raised and the skepticism rises. Often, when mention of demons is made, the same thing occurs. In “The Curs-ed Net” by Byron LeBeau and Richard Stout, readers will come to understand the authors’ intentions to share their thoughts on both eyebrow raising issues and contemplate what the two have to do with one another.

The foundation of the thesis is the Ethiopian Book of Enoch and some of the writings of the Old Testament and deals with the Fallen Angels and their intentions to catch humans up in their own cursed net. And so the authors warn readers to watch for demons disguised as aliens, abductions and hybrid production, mythology of the stars, worship of the heavenly bodies, and the messages spread by mediums. It is a lot to take in! There are many observations, speculations and contemplations to consider here. The authors mention many other books that relate to their particular points so that in effect, readers could feasibly have much homework to do in this particular course of study.

Logically laid out and described, the text is not light reading. It is a well thought out and presented thesis and superbly written as such. However, it isn’t an engaging dialogue or particularly captivating entertaining read, at least not to me. Eyebrows may be raised higher than the usual UFO subject brings about. You might not agree with what the authors have to say but word of mouth should move this title along very nicely with whispers of what has become a large part of popular culture.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Personal Growth/Inspirational review

Through the Veil
by Jerry M. and Richela A. Chapman
ISBN-10: 1432704141
Review by Heather Froeschl



Twin souls, reincarnation, sacred relationship, metaphysics…these are all terms that are prevalent in Jerry and Richela Chapman’s book, “Through the Veil.” It tells the story of how their souls came to be, how they grew, and how they united and grew all the more. It is a book that demonstrates the trials and tribulations, the joys and happiness that is the spiritual journey called life.

This is not about a mythical, wondrous experience of Hollywood soul mates. There is no angelic music playing in the background as two star crossed lovers kiss and live happily ever after. However, this book IS about the plan our souls are on, the guidance we receive, the work it takes to create our life situations and to learn from them, and about the sacred relationship that two people ultimately reach. Sacred relationship is not about religion, but rather it is about the joining of two souls who are bridged to the divine through the self. The over spirits of the two rejoice through the lessons learned and experienced and the end results.

Throughout the book, starting in the 40’s and continuing to the turning of the century, readers are given tidbits of written history to set the stage. Through school days and drug haze, troubled relationships and finally finding each other, then finding each other again through the ups and downs of their relationship, we witness the birthing of two spirits, or rather, the rebirthing as each lesson is learned. What readers take away from this book is sure to be individually varied, as it should be.

The writing is much like a memoir but told as a story. It exudes personal experience and emotion, but also power and compassion. There were times when I felt it moved a little slowly but other moments that were page turners; as a result, it has a decent balance of pace. Like life. I very much enjoyed it.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Author Interview: CG Walters



A mystical journey through different dimensions, it was my recent pleasure to review a book titled, “Sacred Vow” by CG Walters. I felt drawn to find out more about the author. What follows is a brief biography and then my conversation. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

“I was born and raised on a farm in the middle of NC. While I have always enjoyed stories and been drawn to the mystical, I spent a lot of years without managing the focus to bring the two interests together in any meaningful way. So what happened? Well . . . sooner or later the Powers That Be call a person to stand for the reason they came.

“Personal lore is a dubious drink, for the flavor changes each time you bring it to your lips. Given enough aging--from my own experience--the product is more fiction than fact--but what fact is not ripe for becoming fiction?--I find that if I scrutinize any moment's ramble of my past, the story often breaks down into a mix of dreams I've had, past conversation, and maybe something I read or heard. A person might say that something such as daydream is not real, and certainly not biographical. I would have to disagree. How can one come to an understanding of the tangible without the ethereal?--Personal myth.

“In dream, I found myself looking next door, up at the 2nd story sleeping porch of an older home on a tree-lined Southern street. There I saw a circle of nine basinets. In each basinet rested a white swan, head tucked down. After taking a moment to consider my location and situation, I returned my attention to the porch to find the swans had become nine brightly dressed old women wearing wide-brimmed Sunday sun hats (my muses, of course), standing side by side, smiling down on me and gaily talking among themselves.

“Dream is fever to the conscious mind, inducing illusion. Illusion? Or, enlightenment? They are one, except by perspective.”

Heather: “‘Sacred Vow’ is about parallel realities coming together to heal a rift in the Collective Consciousness.” But it is also about soulmates, meditation, astral projection, and living life, is it not?

CG: It is all those things, Heather. Ian and Katerina, the main characters are soulmates, but unaware of each other as the story begins—because they live in different dimensions, parallel universes, and their love has not yet manifested in either of their primary worlds.

Ian, who lives in our world, has long followed his intuition as a guide in his life but has never taken time to really understand why it leads him where it does. He is also a long time meditator and has come to realize many ways to find his center, that internal place of his spiritual sanctuary. In this place where “the mind does not know that it cannot not know,” he follows his heart connection into another world to this woman who he has never met but is so instantly familiar.

Heather: The book is fiction, but do you believe these things to be possibilities?

CG: What we see in Sacred Vow is a truth to me. My writings have almost always presented themselves as fiction. I do not see fiction as non-truth, but rather as something more like an extended mantra…a means to comfortably invite the reader (or writer) into opening up and allowing their personal truth to present itself through the story—a living, ever-progressing truth, perfectly fitted to the need of the reader at that time. This is the nature of a myth or a spirit story.

Heather: Do you feel that anyone could train themselves to travel in soul form or do you believe it takes a “sisterhood” and sacred vow to make it possible?

CG: As we believe, so it becomes. Each person’s need is personal and whatever that need, it is perfect. If one feels best pursuing the path in the structure of an order, there is a reason and it should be listened to. I tend to do best most often with a more personally customized path. The path will open to you whatever way you come to it, as long as you come in the manner that is true to yourself and to your request to enter the path.

On the how—focusing mostly on the ‘train yourself’ method since I imagine that I am more familiar with this—there have always been many methods to assist in such travel. I think “travel beyond the generally accepted confines of this reality” is one of those things that we do not so much need to “learn” something new. To make it possible, we need to release the learning that we have already accepted—the learning that has told us that we cannot travel this way, that we alone occupy this space that we imagine our physical world to inhabit.

We are interconnected and interact with many beings of many worlds, but our conscious minds most often filter the experience out because our learning has defined what we perceive as “noise.” We have wrongly learned that “real” experience should present itself in only certain ways.

The best training I know for expanding the possibilities of our experience is spending more time at our “center.” This can come from any activity that makes your more connected with your higher self.

Heather: Was your first goal, in writing this book, to write a work of fiction, or did you have a higher purpose?

CG: For over 20 years I have written as a spiritual practice. Whenever it seemed I could not or would not learn my next lesson otherwise, it would come to me as a story. All I had to do was follow along with an open mind, heart and spirit…like remembering, actually ‘living’ the story. For all that time, I learned my lesson and then I hid the resulting story away. I must admit that I was afraid to bring the works out, but knew that a time would come when I would be expected to follow through with what should come after the writing.

One of my lessons, an unpublished work called “Strike a Chord of Silence,” included a little instruction: “Sometimes the truth comes before the strength to live it.”

I have known all along that at about this time in my life I would have to bring my writing out. In fact, I was warming up to the task with some short stories when “Sacred Vow” first introduced itself to me. I was surprised that this new work would force its way out first, but have come to realize that this sequence is necessary because our own world is in much the same crisis as that of Ian’s and Katerina’s world—a rift in the Collective Consciousness. People are dissociating one from another, from the world they live in, from other life forms, and from the impact of their very thoughts on reality.

Heather: I love your example of the teacher becoming the student and the student becoming the teacher. Have you personally undergone this change and been able to recognize it?

CG: Yes I have, Heather. I have always sought a traditional teacher to provide me with truth, teach me knowledge—that rarefied being, flawless and wise. Many times those efforts have brought me back to the realization that in all instruction—especially subtle mysteries like wisdom and the spirit—the student/teacher relationship is not linear, but more amorphous. One moment you are comfortable in the role of a student and then you are scared to death to realize that the roles have reversed, and then back to being student, and then reversed again.

What I have found is that in such things, a true teacher does not impart wisdom or learning, but draws forth the student’s own wisdom. The act of who is drawing forth, and not any defined role, shows us who is teacher and who is student at that moment.

Heather: What was your most enjoyable part of the writing process? Outlining, conceptualizing, research, actually writing?

CG: As my muses have always been kind to me, Heather, I would say that actually rough drafting a story is my favorite. When it is time for me to write, I am drawn to spiritual consideration—an opening image of reality that does not match what I have assumed before.

I sit in my little 3 foot by 5 foot room and I relax, much like meditation, definitely coming to my spiritual center. At some point, if I am lucky, I get to that place where my conscious mind no longer knows that it cannot know the magic that unfolds before it…so mind, heart and spirit follow.

“Sacred Vow” was rough drafted in two months. Three weeks of that two months was spent writing 10-12 hrs a day, seven days a week. It was like a very intense, deep meditation. For the impact on my body, mind, and spirit—I was living that story. Whenever I would come into the house, my wife said I radiated with a glow.

Heather: Will we be seeing more works of fiction from you?

CG: There are at least three thematic sequels, including the one I was writing when “Sacred Vow” decided it should come first. Each of these books focus on one facet of the multidimensional nature of our loves, our relationships. There are another half a dozen other books around the house in various states of development, and the endless scraps of base outlines starting with “Book Idea: Consider this.” These don’t even take into consideration whatever lessons along the way that my muses may decide it is time for.

Thanks CG! It is a true pleasure to know you.

Interested readers can read the first three chapters of “Sacred Vow” online at http://sacredvow.dragonsbeard.com or they can get a free PDF of the three chapters by sending a request to kathmandau at dragonsbeard.com

They can also keep up with CG’s spiritual musings until the next book, in his blog called “Into the Mist” at www.cgwalters.com

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Author Interview with M.J. Rose


Having recently reviewed a book that I just didn’t want to put down, I sought out an interview with the author, M.J. Rose (it wasn't enough to have her guest blog on my http://spiritualvisitations.blogspot.com site!). The following is from M.J.’s webpage, www.MJRose.com, and nicely sums up “The Reincarnationist” experience,

“Writing a suspense novel is very much like uncovering gardens that have been hidden and secreted away. The secrets in my newest novel, THE REINCARNATIONIST, revolve around a subject that has deep significance for many people --- reincarnation. My fascination with this topic began when I was a child and it's a book that I’ve been working on for more than nine years.

“In my research I discovered I was in good company: Believers in Reincarnation throughout history include Carl Jung, Rudyard Kipling, Einstein, Ben Franklin, Napoleon, Mark Twain, General George Patton, Louisa May Alcott, Tolstoy, Henry Ford, Goethe, the Baal Shem Tov, Nietzsche, Gandhi, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Albert Schweitzer, Walt Whitman, Wordsworth, Levi ibn Habib (the Ralbah), Rumi, Thoreau, Socrates, Jesus Christ in the Gnostic Gospels, Voltaire, Josephus, Balzac, Gauguin, Pythagoras, Kabbalists, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians.

“I've learned that there currently are over 26 million people who are believers in reincarnation --- and I've created a blog as a hub for "reincarnationists" (http://www.reincarnationist.org/wordpress/ ) where you can find news related to reincarnation, read reviews of books on the subject, and discover links to other blogs and websites on reincarnation and related intriguing topics.

“I love reading page turners that give you something to think about, something that resonates and matters. I hope that’s what this novel does for you.”

It absolutely does. And now, here is part of my conversation with M.J.:

Heather: “The Reincarnationist” is quite an in-depth look at reincarnation, yet tells a story that is absolutely compelling. You have honored both goals as a writer, but which was more important to you in this case?

MJR: The story first, but I was committed to the research and presenting the subject fairly. Thanks for the comment, though.

Heather: I’ve been a longtime student of reincarnation but my research pales in comparison to what you must have done for the writing of "The Reincarnationist." I suspect you found it an enjoyable subject to explore?

MJR: Fascinating. But I’ve really been studying it for a long time. In one way or another since I was a child.

Heather: Can you tell me what your favorite source was?

MJR: I’ve read over 60 books on the subject and offer a whole bibliography in the back of the novel. But “The Phoenix Fire Mystery” is a great source book. It’s chronological and contains writings through time on the subject.

Heather: My feeling is that reincarnation is more of an obsession than a passing interest with you. Is this so? And now that the book is done, is it still something that niggles your brain a great deal?

MJR: It used to be an obsession but writing the book solved that. I’m writing a series of books on this subject so it has become more or less integrated into my thinking.

Heather: Are there souls in your life whom you feel you have had past lives with?

MJR: Yes, absolutely. I first became aware of that in my twenties and that first awareness is one of the inspirations for this book.

Heather: Have you spoken with them about this idea and do you think that people should if the other person is not a believer in it?

MJR: I have with some people and not with others and I only would seriously discuss it with someone I knew very well. If you chose to discuss it with a non believer - you need to be prepared for the other person to scoff and call you silly – if you don’t mind that – then by all means.

Heather: Have you felt a deep connection to a place, timeframe, object, or culture that leads you to believe you were involved with it in some past life?

MJR: Yes, several. France is one. Paris specifically but I’m not sure when. Egypt in the time of the pharos. I believe I was a lowly slave. And up around Salem, Mass. In fact I’m going up there in a few weeks to explore.

Heather: Have you personally undergone a past life regression?

MJR: Yes, over a period of six months I worked with a Reincarnationist. It started out as research. Writers have great excuses to do anything and everything.

Heather: The church plays an interesting role in “The Reincarnationist.” Do you feel this view is what might really happen, has happened, or does happen?

MJR: The role the church played in ancient Rome was exactly what happened. That was all based on history. The church was afraid of reincarnation theory. And to this day they are against it.

Heather: Have you had any negative feedback in this regard?

MJR: A few people have tried to engage me in very serious theological conversation… I smile politely and explain I’m a novelist not a theologian.

Heather: The archaeological subject matter in the book is fascinating. Is this another special interest of yours?

MJR: I have been interested in it since I was a kid. One of the many occupations I had on my short list of what I wanted to become.

Heather: This book seems to be quite different from your other work. What is next for M.J. Rose?

MJR:It’s the next book in the series that began with “The Reincarnationist.” It’s called “The Memorist.”

Heather: Thank you MJ for taking a few minutes to chat. I’ll look forward to your next release!

Want to know more about M.J. Rose?
http://www.mjrose.com
http://www.authorbuzz.com
http://mjroseblog.typepad.com/buzz_balls_hype/

Friday, October 5, 2007

Military Memoir Review

Iraq in My Eye: Memoirs of a Navy SEAL
By Chuck Bravedy
ISBN: 1-4241-7689-1
Review by Heather Froeschl



Every day since the war in Iraq began, Americans are shown what the media is allowed to share about the statistics, the causes, the costs, the plans and the hopeful outcome. But do we really know what is going on; do we understand what the war is like? Chuck Bravedy shares his understandings from a veteran’s point of view in “Iraq in My Eye: Memoirs of a Navy SEAL.”

Who knows better what the war is like than someone who has been deep in the thick of it? To understand this military action, one might sit back and let the media tell you what to believe, or you might take a look at one man’s personal experiences. Bravedy starts the book with descriptions of his Navy SEAL training and what it takes to make it through this endurance test of the highest form. SEALs get respect, no doubt. And then begins his assignment in Iraq. Trained for nighttime covert operations, Team 3 was forced into the daylight and in plain sight for the insurgents to recognize; they were vulnerable. Quickly adapting to the surroundings and demands placed upon them, the team began flushing out insurgents and detaining them to gather information. The daily reports we see on IEDs is nothing compared to what is going on. The understanding Bravedy shows of reasons behind the placement of these devices is one most American’s could not have. The drive for making money to survive is great. Most Americans would also be clueless to the fact that detained insurgents are paid for their time to compensate for “wrongful detainment.” Most are set free rather than face any judge, only to be watched yet again by our servicemen for suspicious behavior. It is a vicious cycle. Bravedy goes deeper into the mindset of the terrorist and what instigates and propagates their behaviors. From this understanding he has formed his opinions of how we should be progressing and what America’s role should be.

From the heart of a Navy SEAL, we can begin to see the whole picture. Many might not agree with Bravedy’s ideas and political stance but it is an option to have understanding of the subject at hand. A short memoir of a portion of one man’s life as well as political commentary, “Iraq in My Eye: Memoirs of a Navy SEAL” will leave readers thinking.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Children's Poetry Review

A Cat Named Fat
by Marie Gebel
ISBN-10: 1420871463
Review by Heather Froeschl



Fed up with morbid nursery rhymes, Marie Gebel tickled her tongue with new poetry for the youngest of people and published it. “A Cat Named Fat” is a delightful book to read aloud to a child, complete with colorful artwork and memorable thoughts.

Kids love rhythm and rhyme yet new poetry for very young children is sometimes hard to come by. Marie Gebel offers such delights as A Cat Named Fat about a feline who grows into his name, and Jack and the Mirror in which young Jack plays and waves to his friend inside…a game almost all babies play. Her poems are based on things a young child knows about, like love, Santa Claus, birthdays, and butterflies, Mom, and the magical moon. These happy poems are sure to make a child laugh and smile. An early exposure to poetry may infect a child’s life, for life, and such a chance is one we all must take.

Simple and sweet, this collection is one that will likely be read over and over again. Even the youngest of listeners will be enticed by the beat of the spoken words and the vivid illustrations. In time, adults will be listening to the same poems being read back to them by kids who have developed a love for verse…all thanks to “A Cat Named Fat” and Marie Gebel of course.

Poetry Review

Ordinary Poems for Extraordinary People
by Marie Gebel
ISBN-10: 059541897X
Review by Heather Froeschl




In verse, through which to speak her mind, Marie Gebel writes to everyone. Her collection of poetry, titled, “Ordinary Poems for Extraordinary People” is said, in her own words, to be for those who are kind, insightful, offbeat, and compassionate. Here you will see yourself and people you know, detailed in poetic style.

I know several teens that would love this book and relate to many of its poems, from Fashion Plate, the very first poem in the book, about being an individual rather than taking on assigned style, to Used to Be, which ruminates with memories of younger days. Yet readers of all ages will adore the works like, Pieces, where a person recognizes the various aspects of being human, and My Mind, in which the most valuable thing to cherish is the mind and not the possessions.

Poetry is often full of deep meanings and open wounds, and this collection has its share. Marie’s subtitle for the book is “An Undressing of the Soul.” It can be argued that it is also a mirror for the soul, since readers will be sure to see themselves within the words. The works are easy to read and understand, but what’s more is that they are easy to feel. The sense of emotions that come through is precisely why I enjoy reading poetry. “Ordinary Poems for Extraordinary People” is a delight.

Poetry Review

Mockingbird Come Home: A Book of Poetry
by Stephen B. Wiley
ISBN: 0-9766251-1-3
Review by Heather Froeschl


“Poetry cannot be made of words alone.” How very true, and being a poet, Stephen B. Wiley offers so much more than words in his wonderful collection, “Mockingbird Come Home.” The pages here are filled with memories and moments, emotions, settings, and paintings artistically created with words.

“Mockingbird Come Home” is what poetry is meant to be. Depicting a moment in time, a place in the heart, he writes of “Where We Live” and “Who We Are,” the two sections of the book. The “where” is about places I know personally, not that it matters, for the settings described in Vermont, Florida, and New Jersey are easily seen with the imagination, helped along with Wiley’s words. From a low-water Lake Champlain to the colorful vibrancy of Key West, the memories of places he shares are more personal than postcards. The “who” is even more endearing, with tales told so eloquently of gnarled and vein mapped hands, the grandparent naps before dinner, and the poet who becomes the poem.

Reading the verses of Stephen B. Wiley is a joy to be compared with spending a day in an art gallery. The admirer will see different aspects of each work of art, perhaps what the artist/poet intended, but maybe something else entirely. The joy is in the discovery. “Mockingbird Come Home” is a poetic delight of excellent work.

Spiritual Fiction Review

Sacred Vow
by C.G. Walters
ISBN-10: 0977427145
Review by Heather Froeschl



Can the wind of a butterfly’s wing effect climate on the other side of the world? Can the love of two souls heal a great wrong in the universe? C.G. Walters’ novel “Sacred Vow,” offers compelling thought to consider, and a page turning delight to cherish.

Ian Sarin enjoys his cup of tea but lately the ritual of it brings other delights. Visions of a woman play out in his perception, beckoning further visitation. Everything in the room must be just so, with teapot, caned chair, and Ian in place. He cannot hear her speak, but can see her mouthing words, sharing her life. Is this just a vision or is it something else? His reality soon becomes less important than the alternate one that he visits. Ian’s health becomes affected and soon he needs help. While visiting an old friend in the mountains, he is introduced to Djalma, an interesting man whose presence comes into play in a large way. He will interact in Ian’s life in ways he couldn’t have imagined. The visions of Katerina become more intense and play out like episodes of a movie he has seen before. The question so important… why are the visits happening? The answer awaits on a scrap of paper that Ian had tucked away, a remnant of a dream, years before. He was chosen for this…but what exactly is this?

Reincarnation, collective consciousness, and life purpose all play large roles in this book. It is a deeply thoughtful and provocative tale that I could not put down. I so enjoyed the read that I simultaneously couldn’t wait to get to the last page but also dreaded it ending. The author evokes a great understanding of these topics and the mysteries of the universe, yet shares his perceptions in a wonderfully easy to comprehend tone. Readers will come away wonder-filled and satisfied to have read “Sacred Vow.”

Monday, October 1, 2007

Self Help Non-Fiction Review

Put Your Big Girl Panties On and Deal With It…
by Roz Van Meter
ISBN-10: 1402208820
Review by Heather Froeschl



Have you ever had a girlfriend who just got you and could make you see that you were overreacting but would also make you feel completely at ease with your idiosyncrasies? Aren’t they the best? Roz Van Meter offers her psychologically qualified yet girlfriend-friendly advice in her book, “Put Your Big Girl Panties On and Deal With It…” and it’s just like having that special girlfriend by your side or a life coach with a fantastic sense of humor on speed dial.

It’s a no-nonsense guide to getting what you want, but it’s also a little book of inspiration to getting what you need. Roz shares her own stories to relay some messages and also those of people she knows. It’s the latest thoughts on self help psychology, marriage, relationship and sex therapy, and life coaching, but it is done in such a light hearted and easy going tone that you don’t realize you’re getting a bigger message until it has already sunk in. The book is made light and fun by the analogy of knickers in every form and relating them to what you want in life. For instance, figuratively (or literally) putting on those practical, comfortable, business like panties to get a goal attained, or sliding into that risqué g-string when the lights go down in the city for some fun. Humor aside, the book offers advice on everything from how to say no and mean it to how to say yes and feel free enough to enjoy it. It explores ways in which you can reconnect with your inner child and nourish her and also take control and know when to get that kid out from behind the driver’s wheel. This book is about organizing your life, one drawer at a time, learning to laugh at yourself, being a friend, and charging head on into passion for life.

Roz Van Meter is a psychotherapist, but she writes like that best friend who spells it all out for you in a fun and endearing way. Buy a copy of “Put Your Big Girl Panties On and Deal With It…” for yourself, one for your husband (who just might learn a thing about the female persuasion), and one for every close girlfriend you have. You’ll be looking at yourself and your underwear drawer in a whole new light.