Enjoying the Ride
by Win Straube
ASIN: B000BLS0VO
Review by Heather Froeschl
Is the purpose of life the end result or is it enjoying the journey? Win Straube will entice readers to come to this question on their own with his book "Enjoying the Ride." Readers will feel as though they have made a dear friend or perhaps been introduced to a distant, yet friendly relative.
Beginning with the roots of his life and ending the book on tips to enrich your own, Straube tells the tale of who he is, who his family is, what the world is like from his perspective, and so much more. With vivid detail of the bombing days of Germany, the massive struggles afterward, his coming to America where the Statue of Liberty welcomes the tired and poor, building a business in Canada, and building a life with his wife Hildegard, Straube passes on the stories that we all should learn from. To have this history is an intense thing, to share it with the world is his legacy, and he has done it well.
Written in such a friendly tone, the book is an ease to read. Pages will be turned in effort to learn more of first hand history, romance, life lessons, and personal thoughts. Readers will become immersed in the mind of a man who is the portrait of the American Dream. I've come away admiring Win Straube and I am sure countless others will too.
This well written autobiography is a gem. Win Straube shares his life, and even his current pleasure in Hawaiian music with the CD that comes with the book. Who could ask for more from any author?
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
True Story/Paranormal Review
House of Spirits and Whispers: The True Story of a Haunted House
by Annie Wilder
ISBN-10: 0738707775
Review by Heather Froeschl
Some houses call to us and we just know it will become our home; some houses have spirits that do the calling. Can a haunted house be home? Of course it can, and probably more so than some others if you can get along with the previous residents. After all, the spirits don’t want to leave their home so it must be the perfect place! Annie Wilder finds out just how haunted her new home is, and shares her experiences with readers in her book “House of Spirits and Whispers.”
Leon was the previous owner of the house and he wasn’t ready to move out when he passed on. It seems Leon was quite picky about who was to move in because out of all the people who were shown the house, Annie was the chosen one. She respected Leon’s presence right from the beginning and in the end was grateful for his being there. A good number of spirits frequented Annie’s house. Some were former residents of the 100-year-old home, and others were just passersby, perhaps visiting from the funeral home across the way. Annie gives testament to the numerous goings on that she and her children, and her friends and family experienced.
From knocks on the wall in the middle of the night, to whispers coming through the radiators (even in the summer), from a timely touch on the shoulder to appearances at parties, spiritual happenings were frequent. Through the years Annie developed her own abilities and even astral traveled in the house only to meet up with two sister spirits who apparently disapproved of her practice. If you realize that you live among spirits you become more attuned to them, and Annie certainly did.
The story is quite interesting. Who doesn’t wish to discover the secrets of their home? The author openly shares what she finds and right from the beginning readers will be hooked. A fascinating tale, well told.
by Annie Wilder
ISBN-10: 0738707775
Review by Heather Froeschl
Some houses call to us and we just know it will become our home; some houses have spirits that do the calling. Can a haunted house be home? Of course it can, and probably more so than some others if you can get along with the previous residents. After all, the spirits don’t want to leave their home so it must be the perfect place! Annie Wilder finds out just how haunted her new home is, and shares her experiences with readers in her book “House of Spirits and Whispers.”
Leon was the previous owner of the house and he wasn’t ready to move out when he passed on. It seems Leon was quite picky about who was to move in because out of all the people who were shown the house, Annie was the chosen one. She respected Leon’s presence right from the beginning and in the end was grateful for his being there. A good number of spirits frequented Annie’s house. Some were former residents of the 100-year-old home, and others were just passersby, perhaps visiting from the funeral home across the way. Annie gives testament to the numerous goings on that she and her children, and her friends and family experienced.
From knocks on the wall in the middle of the night, to whispers coming through the radiators (even in the summer), from a timely touch on the shoulder to appearances at parties, spiritual happenings were frequent. Through the years Annie developed her own abilities and even astral traveled in the house only to meet up with two sister spirits who apparently disapproved of her practice. If you realize that you live among spirits you become more attuned to them, and Annie certainly did.
The story is quite interesting. Who doesn’t wish to discover the secrets of their home? The author openly shares what she finds and right from the beginning readers will be hooked. A fascinating tale, well told.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Fiction Review
If Only I Could...
by Greg M Sarwa
ISBN-10: 0976620235
Review by Heather Froeschl
Fate is sometimes undeniably cruel, at others, a gracious soothing mother to us all. When faced with harsh truth should we fight back with all we are worth? Or is it sometimes better to let fate take over and accept the outcome? What if the love of a soul mate is involved? Should we jump at a chance at happiness? Greg M. Sarwa addresses these questions and more in the novel "If Only I Could...."
John Kadel is an old man, living in a nursing home, accepting of the mistakes he has made in his life, but not accepting of the fate his doctor has advised him of. Time is growing short. Funny that Fate would also step in to shove his long lost love into his back, sending him sprawling to the sidewalk. Their lives were crossed since early childhood; they were destined to be together, but a few very bad decisions left them apart. Is it too late now? At what cost is happiness found at last?
This novel is the best soul mate story I have ever read. Well-written and balanced in descriptive scenes, dialogue, and plot, it is a page-turner I didn't want to put down. But then, neither did I want the tale to end. Greg Sarwa is a talented author to keep an eye on.
by Greg M Sarwa
ISBN-10: 0976620235
Review by Heather Froeschl
Fate is sometimes undeniably cruel, at others, a gracious soothing mother to us all. When faced with harsh truth should we fight back with all we are worth? Or is it sometimes better to let fate take over and accept the outcome? What if the love of a soul mate is involved? Should we jump at a chance at happiness? Greg M. Sarwa addresses these questions and more in the novel "If Only I Could...."
John Kadel is an old man, living in a nursing home, accepting of the mistakes he has made in his life, but not accepting of the fate his doctor has advised him of. Time is growing short. Funny that Fate would also step in to shove his long lost love into his back, sending him sprawling to the sidewalk. Their lives were crossed since early childhood; they were destined to be together, but a few very bad decisions left them apart. Is it too late now? At what cost is happiness found at last?
This novel is the best soul mate story I have ever read. Well-written and balanced in descriptive scenes, dialogue, and plot, it is a page-turner I didn't want to put down. But then, neither did I want the tale to end. Greg Sarwa is a talented author to keep an eye on.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Children's Fantasy Review
Seareach: Power of the Waves (Seareach)
by Gregory Kreis
ISBN-10: 1933626054
Review by Heather Froeschl
Fantasy once again comes to life in novel form. In the first of a promising new series, "SeaReach: Power of the Waves," by Gregory Kreis and Caroline Morrison, the epic begins with enchanting events and enticing detail.
In the magic filled world of Anoria, the Great Crystal has been muted by the evil lord Korack. That very night, four babies were born to the dying queen as her King died in the battle to save them all. The children were secreted away to another dimension, Earth, each with a piece of crystal and power over the four elements of Air, Water, Earth and Fire. Upon their twelfth birthday, the quadruplets must return to Anoria, restore the Great Crystal and defeat Korack once and for all.
Learning who they are, and what they are meant to do, as well as discovering their magical powers, the children are thrust into a reality that is all fantasy to them. Wizards, giants, demons, elves, banshees, dragons, and so much more await them on this journey. One child does not make it to Anoria as the crystal he relates to is silenced under Korack's evil attack in that portion of Anoria. He must wait for his siblings, whom he has never met, to help him begin his trip. Another child accidentally returns to earth and cannot journey back to help in the battles until her crystal recharges. The remaining two siblings must do what they can to restore the magic in Anoria.
In the tradition of Tolkien and Rowlands, the authors have embarked on a mystical fantasy journey that is sure to enchant young readers. The writing is superb and the plot well planned. Characters are as realistic as could be, making them relatable and likable. It is a fast paced, adventurous tale that is full of mishaps, danger, and good overcoming evil. Not all is as evil as it would appear, leaving me with a satisfied feeling of open-mindedness. Well done!
by Gregory Kreis
ISBN-10: 1933626054
Review by Heather Froeschl
Fantasy once again comes to life in novel form. In the first of a promising new series, "SeaReach: Power of the Waves," by Gregory Kreis and Caroline Morrison, the epic begins with enchanting events and enticing detail.
In the magic filled world of Anoria, the Great Crystal has been muted by the evil lord Korack. That very night, four babies were born to the dying queen as her King died in the battle to save them all. The children were secreted away to another dimension, Earth, each with a piece of crystal and power over the four elements of Air, Water, Earth and Fire. Upon their twelfth birthday, the quadruplets must return to Anoria, restore the Great Crystal and defeat Korack once and for all.
Learning who they are, and what they are meant to do, as well as discovering their magical powers, the children are thrust into a reality that is all fantasy to them. Wizards, giants, demons, elves, banshees, dragons, and so much more await them on this journey. One child does not make it to Anoria as the crystal he relates to is silenced under Korack's evil attack in that portion of Anoria. He must wait for his siblings, whom he has never met, to help him begin his trip. Another child accidentally returns to earth and cannot journey back to help in the battles until her crystal recharges. The remaining two siblings must do what they can to restore the magic in Anoria.
In the tradition of Tolkien and Rowlands, the authors have embarked on a mystical fantasy journey that is sure to enchant young readers. The writing is superb and the plot well planned. Characters are as realistic as could be, making them relatable and likable. It is a fast paced, adventurous tale that is full of mishaps, danger, and good overcoming evil. Not all is as evil as it would appear, leaving me with a satisfied feeling of open-mindedness. Well done!
Friday, April 14, 2006
Autobiography Review
To Nam And Back
by Randall Juge
ISBN-10: 1595263160
Review by Heather Froeschl
Randy Juge ends his book with the line, “Think of all those names on a memorial wall that can’t tell their story.” And so he took the time to tell his. “To Nam and Back” is one pilot’s tale of his role in the Vietnam War.
Questioning, “Why me?” in regards to why he survived while so many did not, is surely something most veterans of wars do. Randy Juge examines the “whys” in every chapter of his book. He relates the story of his Purple Heart incident, when a bullet passes right through his flight helmet, luckily just grazing his skull when it could have killed him. He shares tales of having to wait for another helicopter to land and watching as it hit unseen wire only to crash, and of a fist-sized hole in his tail-rotor shaft, which could have easily taken him down. He jokes about his using many of “this cat’s” nine lives. And he tells the tales of men who he lived side by side with in the war, men who he joked with, made bets with, trained with, and flew with. Juge explains why he has trouble with authority figures thanks to Colonel Chicken Shit, his feelings about the Vietnamese people, and the power of forgiveness.
Besides the war stories though, Randy Juge tells his readers about his family, and how the war affected those in his life. He shares the American Tale of a veteran. This is a personal story of a very public war. It is well written, in a personable tone. It is likely near to what many Vietnam veterans would share if they were asked to tell their own story. If only more of them would, so that we will never forget. I applaud the author on a job well done.
by Randall Juge
ISBN-10: 1595263160
Review by Heather Froeschl
Randy Juge ends his book with the line, “Think of all those names on a memorial wall that can’t tell their story.” And so he took the time to tell his. “To Nam and Back” is one pilot’s tale of his role in the Vietnam War.
Questioning, “Why me?” in regards to why he survived while so many did not, is surely something most veterans of wars do. Randy Juge examines the “whys” in every chapter of his book. He relates the story of his Purple Heart incident, when a bullet passes right through his flight helmet, luckily just grazing his skull when it could have killed him. He shares tales of having to wait for another helicopter to land and watching as it hit unseen wire only to crash, and of a fist-sized hole in his tail-rotor shaft, which could have easily taken him down. He jokes about his using many of “this cat’s” nine lives. And he tells the tales of men who he lived side by side with in the war, men who he joked with, made bets with, trained with, and flew with. Juge explains why he has trouble with authority figures thanks to Colonel Chicken Shit, his feelings about the Vietnamese people, and the power of forgiveness.
Besides the war stories though, Randy Juge tells his readers about his family, and how the war affected those in his life. He shares the American Tale of a veteran. This is a personal story of a very public war. It is well written, in a personable tone. It is likely near to what many Vietnam veterans would share if they were asked to tell their own story. If only more of them would, so that we will never forget. I applaud the author on a job well done.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Fiction Review
Moonlight in Vermont: a novel
by John Hilferty
ISBN-10: 059535839X
Review by Heather Froeschl
The tale begins with the frozen body of a skier riding to the top of a ski lift in Vermont. After a typically wicked blizzard the night before, it is no wonder that the man froze to death. The question is, what was he doing on the lift after it had been cleared for shut down?
And then we begin the examination of the life of Ethan Atwood, World Cup skiing athlete. Taking the world by storm on the Italian slopes, embracing the joy of the hometown mountains in Vermont and paying homage to ski gods of the Colorado Rockies all comes naturally to Ethan. Coming out of his personal shell is another matter. He is somewhat shy and very much focused on what needs to be done when he straps on the skis. When a fan club invites him to dine, he cannot refuse, and the wheels of fate are set in motion. After a terrible accident, Ethan finds a twisted comfort in one fan's attention. This time in his life will have drastic affects on his future, and dealing with the injury he sustains is only the half of it. Will the love of his life see him through?
This novel so immerses the reader into the atmosphere that is Vermont. I cannot praise the author enough on this aspect of the book. Vermont weather is not simply put up with, it is experienced, and it is obvious that the author lives in it. The intensity that is downhill racing is sent to the reader's mind in images so vivid you will feel the rush of wind and ice crystals on your cheeks. The feel of the ski town comes right off the page and is as real as it gets in a novel. The descriptive writing here is absolutely well done. Characterization, plot and pace are all masterfully executed in John Hilferty's, "Moonlight in Vermont, a Novel." From the very beginning, readers will be hooked and the last few chapters will not allow you to out the book down.
by John Hilferty
ISBN-10: 059535839X
Review by Heather Froeschl
The tale begins with the frozen body of a skier riding to the top of a ski lift in Vermont. After a typically wicked blizzard the night before, it is no wonder that the man froze to death. The question is, what was he doing on the lift after it had been cleared for shut down?
And then we begin the examination of the life of Ethan Atwood, World Cup skiing athlete. Taking the world by storm on the Italian slopes, embracing the joy of the hometown mountains in Vermont and paying homage to ski gods of the Colorado Rockies all comes naturally to Ethan. Coming out of his personal shell is another matter. He is somewhat shy and very much focused on what needs to be done when he straps on the skis. When a fan club invites him to dine, he cannot refuse, and the wheels of fate are set in motion. After a terrible accident, Ethan finds a twisted comfort in one fan's attention. This time in his life will have drastic affects on his future, and dealing with the injury he sustains is only the half of it. Will the love of his life see him through?
This novel so immerses the reader into the atmosphere that is Vermont. I cannot praise the author enough on this aspect of the book. Vermont weather is not simply put up with, it is experienced, and it is obvious that the author lives in it. The intensity that is downhill racing is sent to the reader's mind in images so vivid you will feel the rush of wind and ice crystals on your cheeks. The feel of the ski town comes right off the page and is as real as it gets in a novel. The descriptive writing here is absolutely well done. Characterization, plot and pace are all masterfully executed in John Hilferty's, "Moonlight in Vermont, a Novel." From the very beginning, readers will be hooked and the last few chapters will not allow you to out the book down.
Friday, April 7, 2006
Ficition/Sci Fi Review
The Cattle
by Greg M Sarwa
ISBN-10: 0976620219
Review by Heather Froeschl
Big Brother has never been watching more closely. Under the guise of terrorism counteraction, the United States government embarks on a whole new frontier - the National Identification System. Your social security number is no longer enough - the government wants your DNA.
Every person in America will be implanted with a Radio Frequency ID chip, that when accessed, will authenticate information such as your date of birth, SS number, fingerprints, and DNA profile. You cannot refuse, and the process begins very soon. The computer programmers and Law Enforcement have already been implanted since they are on the front of the terrorism war, and the final days of testing the system are commencing. But something goes wrong, and someone discovers the real purpose of the implants. There is a deeper, darker side to these chips and it goes much further than the details of your DNA. Will the public learn the truth before it is too late? Is this the terror filled world that we now live in? What is the price of living in the land of the "free"?
This fast paced, well-written story is an intense ride. One of the best conspiracy theory books I have ever read, I am betting that it will take the world by storm. I cannot find a bit of fault with "The Cattle" except to say that there might be readers who believe it to be true. The possibility of it all is the scariest thing. I highly recommend Greg M. Sarwa's book, "The Cattle." Outstanding!
by Greg M Sarwa
ISBN-10: 0976620219
Review by Heather Froeschl
Big Brother has never been watching more closely. Under the guise of terrorism counteraction, the United States government embarks on a whole new frontier - the National Identification System. Your social security number is no longer enough - the government wants your DNA.
Every person in America will be implanted with a Radio Frequency ID chip, that when accessed, will authenticate information such as your date of birth, SS number, fingerprints, and DNA profile. You cannot refuse, and the process begins very soon. The computer programmers and Law Enforcement have already been implanted since they are on the front of the terrorism war, and the final days of testing the system are commencing. But something goes wrong, and someone discovers the real purpose of the implants. There is a deeper, darker side to these chips and it goes much further than the details of your DNA. Will the public learn the truth before it is too late? Is this the terror filled world that we now live in? What is the price of living in the land of the "free"?
This fast paced, well-written story is an intense ride. One of the best conspiracy theory books I have ever read, I am betting that it will take the world by storm. I cannot find a bit of fault with "The Cattle" except to say that there might be readers who believe it to be true. The possibility of it all is the scariest thing. I highly recommend Greg M. Sarwa's book, "The Cattle." Outstanding!
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