Reaching Home
by Ron Breazeale
ISBN-10: 1931642060
Review by Heather Froeschl
What do terrorists hold over us? Is it their weapons, their knowledge, or is it our own fear? They elicit terror, and when we allow ourselves to be afraid, we give them power. Our fears can control our lives in many ways. In Ron Breazeale's novel, "Reaching Home," we are brought face to face with the fears that many of us cling to.
Dr. Lee Brazil left the south for the open arms of Maine. He's raised a daughter, and lived life, despite his own demons of fears. While back in the south, doing research for a book in Pine Grove, Tennessee, and a meeting of SOMAP - Save Our Mountain and Our People, Lee falls victim to an accident at the Pine Grove Lab incinerator for nuclear waste. This accident is mistakenly believed to be a terrorist plot and Dr. Brazil is taken into protective custody. The fallout sickness not being enough to deter him, Dr. Brazil escapes and hitches a ride in the back of a truck hauling port-a-johns. Thus the journey begins, and develops into a discovery of how people will help a stranger, and how they either live by or face their fears.
Things get quite heated when a second incident occurs at Pine Grove. The FBI is looking for Brazil, and a terrorist cell is being tracked in Boston. Emotionally, Lee is dealing with old feelings of lost love, nightmares of terrors, and an unquenchable thirst to return to Maine. Will he make it home? Will the real terrorists realize their terrible quest?
Breazeale's novel is an enticing, captivating read. Set in the very near future, the book rings true with many current public fears. This work of suspense also holds deeper messages of love, life, and understanding our demons. The plot is tight and well planned, and the characters are undeniably human. Easy to read and impossible to put down, "Reaching Home" is bound to be a great hit!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Testimonial Book Review
Dying to Live: A Call to Joy - The Power of a Testimony
by Hope Joy
ISBN-10: 143030846X
Review by Heather Froeschl
Do you know someone who feels a deep joy, no matter what is going on in their life? Hope Joy's offering, "Dying to Live" is an explanation of her personal joy.
After enduring years of depression, Hope finds herself in the unfortunate situation of hearing terrible news from her doctors. She faces a life threatening illness and has to undergo surgery. It is during her ordeal that she comes to realize her joy at living, and finds the source of that joy in her God.
This short book is a testimonial; it is one woman's moment of truth and her desire to share the joy she feels with people. In a no-nonsense, straightforward tone, Hope shares her tale, details her feelings and invites readers to develop their own testimonial through a workbook section at the back.
This work should be a help to some readers, a confirmation of beliefs for others.
by Hope Joy
ISBN-10: 143030846X
Review by Heather Froeschl
Do you know someone who feels a deep joy, no matter what is going on in their life? Hope Joy's offering, "Dying to Live" is an explanation of her personal joy.
After enduring years of depression, Hope finds herself in the unfortunate situation of hearing terrible news from her doctors. She faces a life threatening illness and has to undergo surgery. It is during her ordeal that she comes to realize her joy at living, and finds the source of that joy in her God.
This short book is a testimonial; it is one woman's moment of truth and her desire to share the joy she feels with people. In a no-nonsense, straightforward tone, Hope shares her tale, details her feelings and invites readers to develop their own testimonial through a workbook section at the back.
This work should be a help to some readers, a confirmation of beliefs for others.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Christian Non-Fiction Review
Dying to Live: A Call to Joy - The Power of a Testimony
by Hope Joy
ISBN-10: 143030846X
Review by Heather Froeschl
Do you know someone who feels a deep joy, no matter what is going on in their life? Hope Joy’s offering, “Dying to Live” is an explanation of her personal joy.
After enduring years of depression, Hope finds herself in the unfortunate situation of hearing terrible news from her doctors. She faces a life threatening illness and has to undergo surgery. It is during her ordeal that she comes to realize her joy at living, and finds the source of that joy in her God.
This short book is a testimonial; it is one woman’s moment of truth and her desire to share the joy she feels with people. In a no-nonsense, straightforward tone, Hope shares her tale, details her feelings and invites readers to develop their own testimonial through a workbook section at the back.
This work should be a help to some readers, a confirmation of beliefs for others.
by Hope Joy
ISBN-10: 143030846X
Review by Heather Froeschl
Do you know someone who feels a deep joy, no matter what is going on in their life? Hope Joy’s offering, “Dying to Live” is an explanation of her personal joy.
After enduring years of depression, Hope finds herself in the unfortunate situation of hearing terrible news from her doctors. She faces a life threatening illness and has to undergo surgery. It is during her ordeal that she comes to realize her joy at living, and finds the source of that joy in her God.
This short book is a testimonial; it is one woman’s moment of truth and her desire to share the joy she feels with people. In a no-nonsense, straightforward tone, Hope shares her tale, details her feelings and invites readers to develop their own testimonial through a workbook section at the back.
This work should be a help to some readers, a confirmation of beliefs for others.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Poetry/Relationships Review
Forever Sentimental Vol. III: Agape Love
by Kenyatta
ISBN-10: 0595396933
If you're looking for a sort of poetically styled relationship advice book, "Forever Sentimental" by Kenyatta, is for you. Taking the art of relationships to a lighter, artful form, the book offers sound advice and mixes it with loving words of caring.
The book is broken into sections titled, Cherish the Love, Heartbreak, Hopelessly Romantic, and Agape Love. Each section offers Life Lessons and a piece of verse for each one. Loosely correlated to each other the topics of verse and advice include everything involved in relationships, from finding someone to connect with, to putting an end to a bad relationship, being comfortable with yourself first, to making a major commitment.
Honestly, I prefer verse to feel more poetic than greeting card-like, but the honest heartfelt emotion in the works is obvious. The advice is well founded and thought out, and is presented in a straightforward and helpful manner. All in all, the book is an insightful exploration of love.
by Kenyatta
ISBN-10: 0595396933
If you're looking for a sort of poetically styled relationship advice book, "Forever Sentimental" by Kenyatta, is for you. Taking the art of relationships to a lighter, artful form, the book offers sound advice and mixes it with loving words of caring.
The book is broken into sections titled, Cherish the Love, Heartbreak, Hopelessly Romantic, and Agape Love. Each section offers Life Lessons and a piece of verse for each one. Loosely correlated to each other the topics of verse and advice include everything involved in relationships, from finding someone to connect with, to putting an end to a bad relationship, being comfortable with yourself first, to making a major commitment.
Honestly, I prefer verse to feel more poetic than greeting card-like, but the honest heartfelt emotion in the works is obvious. The advice is well founded and thought out, and is presented in a straightforward and helpful manner. All in all, the book is an insightful exploration of love.
Interview with a poet, Stephen J. Dodds
Stephen J. Dodds
Publisher: 1st World Publishing
Interviewed By: Heather Froeschl
Heather: This is your first attempt at poetry? I can't believe it.
Believe it.....surprised me too.
Heather: Did you ever, in your life, try it before? Maybe on a paper napkin, or in a secret journal? Did you take any classes in poetry?
No, no and no. My only real experience, if any, was writing business plans, marketing plans and copy/text for packaging. Other then that I have zero formal experience where writing is concerned. That said, I have always had a good grasp of the English language, thanks to my momwho started me reading at a very early age. She was a stickler on grammar, likely because she didn't want me to grow up speaking "Geordie" slang.
Heather: What has been your greatest influence to write?
I'm an avid reader of everything from history books and autobiographies to mainstream fiction where I am a huge fan of Tom Clancy. With each book he writes I am forever amazed at the way he can bring his characters to life, not only as fictional characters but as truly believable characters. This a result of his tremendous research. While my writing style is far from Clancy's he is a big influence, nonetheless. I am also a huge fan of cleverly written TV sitcoms such as Seinfeld and All in the Family. Both carefully andskillfully marry words and phrases with perfect visuals (actors) to deliver their messages - some hidden and some straight on. Add Bill Maher to the list. While I disagree with him as often as I agree I think he uses the English language brilliantly to get his point across. I hope this makes sense.
Heather: Tell me about the book cover.
The title "Life, and everything in between" is described with the globe, and withthe oyster shell represents the old phrase....the world is your oyster.
Heather: Will there be more collections of poetry from Doddsy?
There will be more of something I suppose but maybe or maybe not poetry. It may sound odd but I really don't see myself as a poet. Rather, I see what I wrote as a kind of inspirational writing of sorts. I simply tried to convey to the reader my thoughts on topics thatinterested me or on topics that are close to me, somehow my style came across as poetry. Regardless, if in doing so I somehow caught the reader’s attention, good, bad or indifferent then I totally accomplished my task. In this regard if the mood strikes again, then I will certainly write more "poetry," if not then a short story islikely my next attempt.
Heather: What is the hardest thing about creating your work?
Definitely finding the perfect words to fit what I wanted to say. On occasion I changed the same word over and over and over again until I got it right. Even at that there's always a word or two that I might still rewrite if given the chance. It all depends on my mood.
Heather: What gave you the idea to pair your poems up with famous quotations?
Understanding that I am a total unknown when it comes to writing I tried to think of ways to marry my messages/writings with the thoughts and/or writings of others. I thought that by doing so I just might catch the interest of the reader to read on. Some of the quotes came obvious to me, such as John Lennon's "imagine." It tied perfectly towhat I wrote about my travels, and the feelings that my travels evoked in me. Another great quote was from my dad. The night he died he left me a telephone message which said, "Stevie, son, I gave it my best shot." I am forever grateful for the life he gave me and I wanted to honor him. My piece "respect" does just that.
Heather: It is rare for a poet to reveal what he was really thinking about when he was inspired to write a particular piece. You've openly shared some of your intentions. Did you plan to do that in the book or was it something your fans insisted upon?
Actually it was my intention all along. In fact if I have a criticism of my book it's that I didn't expand on this section even more. Actually I get a lot of questions about this.......wow, do I have fans?
Heather: Have you been back to visit England?
Many many many times, though as I write in my piece "respect" the best return of all was the first one back with my parents. Wecame to Canada on a boat with nothing and returned to the UK via British Airways - first class......my parents thanking me for the tickets......ironically perfect. Need I say more.
Heather: I like to know what a poet sounds like when reading their work, so I can "hear" their voice in my head. Do you have an English accent or are you sounding more like a Canadian these days? Or perhaps you've picked up the Californian dialect?
It depends on how many pints I have had. All kidding aside I'm a crazy mix of Canadian and US. Not so many "ehs' any more and way too many "hey dudes." Oddly enough, however, the Geordie always returns 3 or 4 days into a trip back to Newcastle – maybe on purpose...who knows.
Heather: What has been the best part of being a published author?
Certainly not the money. In truth, the pride of accomplishing a goal and most definitely the pride of pleasing my mom with my efforts. She was thrilled with the book in all regards. Last, the fact that people actually seem to like what I have to say. I pinch myself a lot.
Heather: Tell us something that we might be surprised to learn about you.
Wow, that's a tough one. I guess the fact that I really have an "oxi-moron" kind of personality. I like hockey fights yet I write poetry, my dad was a millwright yet I can't change a tire, my mom is introverted while I am type "A" extrovert personified, I listen to AndreBoccelli, Johnny Cash and Led Zeppelin.....kind of sums me up best.
Biography:
Stephen J. Dodds was born in Newcastle, England in February 1961. An only child, he emigrated to Canada with his parents before his fourth birthday. Steve spent most of his youth in Long Branch (Toronto) Canada, playing hockey and lacrosse, and enjoying everything the 70's had to offer. An entrepreneur, Steve now resides in Orange County, Southern California with his beautiful wife, Alexandra. His friends call him Doddsy. This is Steve's first literary effort.
Books: Life and Everything in Between
Publisher: 1st World Publishing
Interviewed By: Heather Froeschl
Heather: This is your first attempt at poetry? I can't believe it.
Believe it.....surprised me too.
Heather: Did you ever, in your life, try it before? Maybe on a paper napkin, or in a secret journal? Did you take any classes in poetry?
No, no and no. My only real experience, if any, was writing business plans, marketing plans and copy/text for packaging. Other then that I have zero formal experience where writing is concerned. That said, I have always had a good grasp of the English language, thanks to my momwho started me reading at a very early age. She was a stickler on grammar, likely because she didn't want me to grow up speaking "Geordie" slang.
Heather: What has been your greatest influence to write?
I'm an avid reader of everything from history books and autobiographies to mainstream fiction where I am a huge fan of Tom Clancy. With each book he writes I am forever amazed at the way he can bring his characters to life, not only as fictional characters but as truly believable characters. This a result of his tremendous research. While my writing style is far from Clancy's he is a big influence, nonetheless. I am also a huge fan of cleverly written TV sitcoms such as Seinfeld and All in the Family. Both carefully andskillfully marry words and phrases with perfect visuals (actors) to deliver their messages - some hidden and some straight on. Add Bill Maher to the list. While I disagree with him as often as I agree I think he uses the English language brilliantly to get his point across. I hope this makes sense.
Heather: Tell me about the book cover.
The title "Life, and everything in between" is described with the globe, and withthe oyster shell represents the old phrase....the world is your oyster.
Heather: Will there be more collections of poetry from Doddsy?
There will be more of something I suppose but maybe or maybe not poetry. It may sound odd but I really don't see myself as a poet. Rather, I see what I wrote as a kind of inspirational writing of sorts. I simply tried to convey to the reader my thoughts on topics thatinterested me or on topics that are close to me, somehow my style came across as poetry. Regardless, if in doing so I somehow caught the reader’s attention, good, bad or indifferent then I totally accomplished my task. In this regard if the mood strikes again, then I will certainly write more "poetry," if not then a short story islikely my next attempt.
Heather: What is the hardest thing about creating your work?
Definitely finding the perfect words to fit what I wanted to say. On occasion I changed the same word over and over and over again until I got it right. Even at that there's always a word or two that I might still rewrite if given the chance. It all depends on my mood.
Heather: What gave you the idea to pair your poems up with famous quotations?
Understanding that I am a total unknown when it comes to writing I tried to think of ways to marry my messages/writings with the thoughts and/or writings of others. I thought that by doing so I just might catch the interest of the reader to read on. Some of the quotes came obvious to me, such as John Lennon's "imagine." It tied perfectly towhat I wrote about my travels, and the feelings that my travels evoked in me. Another great quote was from my dad. The night he died he left me a telephone message which said, "Stevie, son, I gave it my best shot." I am forever grateful for the life he gave me and I wanted to honor him. My piece "respect" does just that.
Heather: It is rare for a poet to reveal what he was really thinking about when he was inspired to write a particular piece. You've openly shared some of your intentions. Did you plan to do that in the book or was it something your fans insisted upon?
Actually it was my intention all along. In fact if I have a criticism of my book it's that I didn't expand on this section even more. Actually I get a lot of questions about this.......wow, do I have fans?
Heather: Have you been back to visit England?
Many many many times, though as I write in my piece "respect" the best return of all was the first one back with my parents. Wecame to Canada on a boat with nothing and returned to the UK via British Airways - first class......my parents thanking me for the tickets......ironically perfect. Need I say more.
Heather: I like to know what a poet sounds like when reading their work, so I can "hear" their voice in my head. Do you have an English accent or are you sounding more like a Canadian these days? Or perhaps you've picked up the Californian dialect?
It depends on how many pints I have had. All kidding aside I'm a crazy mix of Canadian and US. Not so many "ehs' any more and way too many "hey dudes." Oddly enough, however, the Geordie always returns 3 or 4 days into a trip back to Newcastle – maybe on purpose...who knows.
Heather: What has been the best part of being a published author?
Certainly not the money. In truth, the pride of accomplishing a goal and most definitely the pride of pleasing my mom with my efforts. She was thrilled with the book in all regards. Last, the fact that people actually seem to like what I have to say. I pinch myself a lot.
Heather: Tell us something that we might be surprised to learn about you.
Wow, that's a tough one. I guess the fact that I really have an "oxi-moron" kind of personality. I like hockey fights yet I write poetry, my dad was a millwright yet I can't change a tire, my mom is introverted while I am type "A" extrovert personified, I listen to AndreBoccelli, Johnny Cash and Led Zeppelin.....kind of sums me up best.
Biography:
Stephen J. Dodds was born in Newcastle, England in February 1961. An only child, he emigrated to Canada with his parents before his fourth birthday. Steve spent most of his youth in Long Branch (Toronto) Canada, playing hockey and lacrosse, and enjoying everything the 70's had to offer. An entrepreneur, Steve now resides in Orange County, Southern California with his beautiful wife, Alexandra. His friends call him Doddsy. This is Steve's first literary effort.
Books: Life and Everything in Between
Poetry Review
Life, And Everything in Between
by Stephen J. Dodds
ISBN-10: 1595409750
It takes a certain talent to create poetic verse that truly evokes an image or feeling. Stephen J. Dodds demonstrates his abundant ability in his book, "Life and Everything in Between."
This wonderful collection of works covers many topics and is aptly named. I found the perfect description for the book within one of the poems, "Random thoughts adorn the page, like a jig saw, connecting not in context, but adjoining perfectly, in concert." Though many of the poems do connect in context, it is the overall feeling of one man's thoughts on life that pulls the book together so nicely. Each poem is accompanied by a quote that compliments it and completes the feelings evoked by the verse. Each poem is demonstrative of an ability to pull imagery and feeling together and weave them into carefully chosen words. I especially enjoyed "the bath" as it brought to mind the relaxed sensation of my favorite evening event and the peace of mind one feels watching troubles go down the drain along with the bubbles.
Typically I will ponder if I've read the author's intentions correctly when reading poetry. Dodds takes the mystery from that question with the addition of an explanation at the end of the book, regarding what brought many of the poems to be. This adds to his outreach to his readers as we can truly look into the mind of the artist.
Stephen J. Dodds has found a place in my mind as a talented modern poet for every walk of life.
by Stephen J. Dodds
ISBN-10: 1595409750
It takes a certain talent to create poetic verse that truly evokes an image or feeling. Stephen J. Dodds demonstrates his abundant ability in his book, "Life and Everything in Between."
This wonderful collection of works covers many topics and is aptly named. I found the perfect description for the book within one of the poems, "Random thoughts adorn the page, like a jig saw, connecting not in context, but adjoining perfectly, in concert." Though many of the poems do connect in context, it is the overall feeling of one man's thoughts on life that pulls the book together so nicely. Each poem is accompanied by a quote that compliments it and completes the feelings evoked by the verse. Each poem is demonstrative of an ability to pull imagery and feeling together and weave them into carefully chosen words. I especially enjoyed "the bath" as it brought to mind the relaxed sensation of my favorite evening event and the peace of mind one feels watching troubles go down the drain along with the bubbles.
Typically I will ponder if I've read the author's intentions correctly when reading poetry. Dodds takes the mystery from that question with the addition of an explanation at the end of the book, regarding what brought many of the poems to be. This adds to his outreach to his readers as we can truly look into the mind of the artist.
Stephen J. Dodds has found a place in my mind as a talented modern poet for every walk of life.
Monday, November 6, 2006
Spiritual Thriller Review
Song of the Universe
by Robert Veres
ISBN-10: 0595402275
Review by Heather Froeschl
I had an epiphany years ago; some would say my ideas were not unique and some would say that they were just downright wrong. To me though, they answered the questions that were floating in my head. Many of those ideas are addressed in "Song of the Universe," by Robert Veres. This gives me comfort to know I am not the only one to have thought such things. So what were the ideas? I can't give away the book's plot, but part of it has to do with the energies that our souls are and what we could ultimately hope to achieve with our little spark of stardust.
The book is told from the viewpoint of a father trying desperately to reach out to his adult daughter after a time of estrangement. He is writing her a very long letter in attempt to reveal what he has been through and learned as of late, and that is a very good deal. Adam Zakar is a securities broker, but he's one of the good guys. He's one that can truly be trusted. He isn't out to line the company's pocket by stealing the fleece out his customers'. So when he is enticed in the most influential way by his boss to become involved in a huge real estate transaction, he becomes slightly wary and suspicious. The first task is to vacate the "vagrants" that are living in the warehouse he has just purchased on paper. When he meets these people, he is oddly welcomed as one of them. This group of spiritual seekers opens his eyes to the spectrum of the soul, the invisible parasites that cling to negative energy, and the power to heal the spirits who are in need. Will he kick them to the curb or will he come face to face with the one they call The Master? Will this group of avatar students be able to spread the word of their experiences and have opportunities to share the healing power of the Universal Awareness? Or will they be stopped by the evangelical power that has come to recognize them as a threat?
This novel is powerful in that it opens up the reader to the possible path of what is termed "New Age." This Spiritual Thriller's plot is tight and flows with a crescendo that keeps readers turning the pages. Conflicting feelings of greed, caring, hate, love, power mongering, and open giving are all parts of the whole. The characters are rich with personality, and the author's ability to create dimension, whether on this physical plane or in an alternative one, is outstanding. We should all be blessed to meet characters like Adam Zakar. I am happy enough having made the acquaintance of the author.
by Robert Veres
ISBN-10: 0595402275
Review by Heather Froeschl
I had an epiphany years ago; some would say my ideas were not unique and some would say that they were just downright wrong. To me though, they answered the questions that were floating in my head. Many of those ideas are addressed in "Song of the Universe," by Robert Veres. This gives me comfort to know I am not the only one to have thought such things. So what were the ideas? I can't give away the book's plot, but part of it has to do with the energies that our souls are and what we could ultimately hope to achieve with our little spark of stardust.
The book is told from the viewpoint of a father trying desperately to reach out to his adult daughter after a time of estrangement. He is writing her a very long letter in attempt to reveal what he has been through and learned as of late, and that is a very good deal. Adam Zakar is a securities broker, but he's one of the good guys. He's one that can truly be trusted. He isn't out to line the company's pocket by stealing the fleece out his customers'. So when he is enticed in the most influential way by his boss to become involved in a huge real estate transaction, he becomes slightly wary and suspicious. The first task is to vacate the "vagrants" that are living in the warehouse he has just purchased on paper. When he meets these people, he is oddly welcomed as one of them. This group of spiritual seekers opens his eyes to the spectrum of the soul, the invisible parasites that cling to negative energy, and the power to heal the spirits who are in need. Will he kick them to the curb or will he come face to face with the one they call The Master? Will this group of avatar students be able to spread the word of their experiences and have opportunities to share the healing power of the Universal Awareness? Or will they be stopped by the evangelical power that has come to recognize them as a threat?
This novel is powerful in that it opens up the reader to the possible path of what is termed "New Age." This Spiritual Thriller's plot is tight and flows with a crescendo that keeps readers turning the pages. Conflicting feelings of greed, caring, hate, love, power mongering, and open giving are all parts of the whole. The characters are rich with personality, and the author's ability to create dimension, whether on this physical plane or in an alternative one, is outstanding. We should all be blessed to meet characters like Adam Zakar. I am happy enough having made the acquaintance of the author.
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