Ruth of Moab: Triumph of a Daughter’s Love
by Author Wright
ISBN 978-1-6024747-03
Review by Heather Froeschl
What might have really happened in the lives of those in the Old Testament? Can we ever know the stories that weren’t told? We can speculate. “Ruth of Moab: Triumph of a Daughter’s Love” by Author O. Wright is a novel of speculation told with an outpouring of admiration.
What happened to the family of Elimelech after his emigration to Moab, as told in the Old Testament? In Wright’s novel, Naomi, Elimelech’s wife, is grief stricken at the death of her husband. She seeks comfort and understanding. Her two sons grow and eventually marry women of Moab. She begins to teach them about her God. When, tragically, both sons die as well, Naomi feels that she must return to Bethlehem. Her daughter in law, Ruth, refuses to be left behind. Out of dedication and love for her Mother in law, Ruth accepts the possible consequences and hardships they will face. It is in Bethlehem that Ruth shows how gentle and kind her heart is, and is recognized for it. Naomi’s prayers are answered.
This depiction of events is heart touching. The language is reminiscent of biblical times and offers an added enticement to imagine things happening in this way. Wright is a gifted author who immerses his readers into the given situation. A touching and compelling read.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Friday, September 7, 2007
Children's Book Review
The Candy Shop War
by Brandon Mull
ISBN-10: 159038783X
Review by Heather Froeschl
Never take candy from a stranger! Brandon Mull, New York Times bestselling author of “Fablehaven,” likes to use the messages we all hear as kids, like, “Drink your milk,” and this traditional warning to stay away from strangers bearing sweets. The similarities to anything you’ve heard before stop there. “The Candy Shop War” is something completely new and different, and I might add, something fantastic and full of action.
Brandon Mull has created a whole new world where special candy can make kids float, shoot electric shocks from their fingers, and even enter the land of wonder through the looking glass…but it isn’t anything wonderful in there! Nate is new to the neighborhood, having just moved in, and the friends he makes in the first days will become the truest sort he can hope for. They will come to rely on each other in ways they never could have imagined. The kids start doing after school chores for the owner of a new candy shop in return for special treats. Here’s where that warning comes in to never take candy from people you don’t know. The chores turn into assignments, which turn out to be quite dangerous and progressively wrong. The temptation might seem sweet but Nate and his friend Trevor decide to hang in there for other reasons. There is a mystery to be solved, and it turns out that there is a rival candy seller who has an interest in what is discovered. A great legend comes into play, and while talking dogs and horses are very cool, what is going on is becoming terribly bad. It’s up to Nate and his friends to put a stop to it, if they aren’t eaten by giant black widow spiders, or turned to bones and dust first.
This middle grade reader is fantastically full of adventure and fun of a completely different sort. While there is magic and wonder involved, it isn’t like anything published in recent history. The underlying messages are well thought out, while the characters steal the show. Kids aged 8-12 will see themselves as Nate figures out what to do to save the day, and even as he bounces from rooftop to rooftop. Who wouldn’t love to give their teacher fudge in order to make her forget about assigning homework? The writing is, as always, a pleasure to partake of. Brandon Mull is a gifted author who knows how to reach out to his readers even when giving them those important reminders to drink milk and not take candy from strangers. I will anxiously await even more published work from this author, and Shadow Mountain.
by Brandon Mull
ISBN-10: 159038783X
Review by Heather Froeschl
Never take candy from a stranger! Brandon Mull, New York Times bestselling author of “Fablehaven,” likes to use the messages we all hear as kids, like, “Drink your milk,” and this traditional warning to stay away from strangers bearing sweets. The similarities to anything you’ve heard before stop there. “The Candy Shop War” is something completely new and different, and I might add, something fantastic and full of action.
Brandon Mull has created a whole new world where special candy can make kids float, shoot electric shocks from their fingers, and even enter the land of wonder through the looking glass…but it isn’t anything wonderful in there! Nate is new to the neighborhood, having just moved in, and the friends he makes in the first days will become the truest sort he can hope for. They will come to rely on each other in ways they never could have imagined. The kids start doing after school chores for the owner of a new candy shop in return for special treats. Here’s where that warning comes in to never take candy from people you don’t know. The chores turn into assignments, which turn out to be quite dangerous and progressively wrong. The temptation might seem sweet but Nate and his friend Trevor decide to hang in there for other reasons. There is a mystery to be solved, and it turns out that there is a rival candy seller who has an interest in what is discovered. A great legend comes into play, and while talking dogs and horses are very cool, what is going on is becoming terribly bad. It’s up to Nate and his friends to put a stop to it, if they aren’t eaten by giant black widow spiders, or turned to bones and dust first.
This middle grade reader is fantastically full of adventure and fun of a completely different sort. While there is magic and wonder involved, it isn’t like anything published in recent history. The underlying messages are well thought out, while the characters steal the show. Kids aged 8-12 will see themselves as Nate figures out what to do to save the day, and even as he bounces from rooftop to rooftop. Who wouldn’t love to give their teacher fudge in order to make her forget about assigning homework? The writing is, as always, a pleasure to partake of. Brandon Mull is a gifted author who knows how to reach out to his readers even when giving them those important reminders to drink milk and not take candy from strangers. I will anxiously await even more published work from this author, and Shadow Mountain.
Non-Fiction Ghost Story Review
Ghosts? I think so!
by Sue Sereno
ISBN-10: 1424117968
Review by Heather Froeschl
Virginia has its fair share of ghosts roaming around. A lot has happened here! I’ve always loved a good ghost story; Hans Holzer is one of my favorite paranormal authors. Sue Sereno authored “Ghosts? I think so!” to share the story of her own haunted home.
Over 30 years of living in a house can bring you pretty close to it. You get to know every little inch of your home, and also every little thing that doesn’t seem quite right. Sue began to notice things right away though. The small house in southern Virginia has a bit of history that Sue discovered along the way, with property deeds going back to 1873. Some history had other ways of making itself known to her. Sue tells of things happening from bodiless footsteps, whispers in the woods, phantom cars crunching gravel in the drive, to EVP’s, cold drafts, and even ghostly scents of baked goods. There seems to be a female presence that tucks visitors into bed, and a male presence in the woods that likes to play tricks. Sue and her husband just live with the spirits around them and so have many stories to tell of their interactions. Their visitors in human form tend to have more stories than they care to. Her book is an open door to experience some of those things along with them.
The writing is honest and friendly and feels like you are sitting down with a friend over coffee. It is a fast read, made all the more so by such fascinating events. This non-fiction title would make an excellent addition to a ghost story collector, and an even more perfect book to curl up with for Halloween.
by Sue Sereno
ISBN-10: 1424117968
Review by Heather Froeschl
Virginia has its fair share of ghosts roaming around. A lot has happened here! I’ve always loved a good ghost story; Hans Holzer is one of my favorite paranormal authors. Sue Sereno authored “Ghosts? I think so!” to share the story of her own haunted home.
Over 30 years of living in a house can bring you pretty close to it. You get to know every little inch of your home, and also every little thing that doesn’t seem quite right. Sue began to notice things right away though. The small house in southern Virginia has a bit of history that Sue discovered along the way, with property deeds going back to 1873. Some history had other ways of making itself known to her. Sue tells of things happening from bodiless footsteps, whispers in the woods, phantom cars crunching gravel in the drive, to EVP’s, cold drafts, and even ghostly scents of baked goods. There seems to be a female presence that tucks visitors into bed, and a male presence in the woods that likes to play tricks. Sue and her husband just live with the spirits around them and so have many stories to tell of their interactions. Their visitors in human form tend to have more stories than they care to. Her book is an open door to experience some of those things along with them.
The writing is honest and friendly and feels like you are sitting down with a friend over coffee. It is a fast read, made all the more so by such fascinating events. This non-fiction title would make an excellent addition to a ghost story collector, and an even more perfect book to curl up with for Halloween.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Children's Book Review
Where Peace Lives
by Debbie Robins
ISBN-10: 0978721373
Review by Heather Froeschl
Where does peace come from? It isn’t something born of war, or won through argument. Author Debbie Robins explores peace and finds three keys to it in her book, “Where Peace Lives.” A book for all ages, children and adults, it is sure to become a classic along the lines of “The Little Prince.” More than that, it is a delightful read, and a tool for spreading some very valuable lessons.
The narrator is worried about the world and wonders why everyone can’t just get along. One night, a visitor comes and insists that the angel, Peace, needs to be set free. Peace is trapped in a glass box and three keys are needed to open the lock. They need to find the keys, and they begin by looking in the City of Right and Wrong. There, terrible things are happening. The residents are divided and each side insists that the other side is wrong. What’s even worse is that the Cube of Bitterness hovers above and devours those who are the “right ones”. Donkeys and elephants play tug of war, only it isn’t a game. It looks like there is no hope for peace. However, Mister Buddha, a poetic cat, is sharing a potion called Acceptance, and so there is hope after all.
Mister Buddha introduces our narrator to the concept of acceptance and the fact that kindness begets kindness, and also to his best friend, Mahma. The adventure continues with a story of understanding and Oneness, and then on to the Sea of Forgiveness, where two orangutans, Chris and Mo impart more wisdom. Through a desert and to a waterfall, and up a mountaintop, the keys are sought. Will they be found in time to set Peace free?
A parable, the story can be taken at face value, with lessons still understood. Upon further reflection, deeper meanings come to light and the reader can see how important choices are. The colorful characters’ teachings are inspired by and reflect those of Ghandi, Jesus, Buddha, Mohammad and Martin Luther King. With exquisite illustrations, a delightful cast of characters, and a most important plot, “Where Peace Lives” rates my highest recommendation. Additional biographical information on these key people is included at the back of the book, as well as journaling space and an exercise to “strengthen your peace muscle’. Well written and enjoyable to experience, this book is a must read for everyone you know.
by Debbie Robins
ISBN-10: 0978721373
Review by Heather Froeschl
Where does peace come from? It isn’t something born of war, or won through argument. Author Debbie Robins explores peace and finds three keys to it in her book, “Where Peace Lives.” A book for all ages, children and adults, it is sure to become a classic along the lines of “The Little Prince.” More than that, it is a delightful read, and a tool for spreading some very valuable lessons.
The narrator is worried about the world and wonders why everyone can’t just get along. One night, a visitor comes and insists that the angel, Peace, needs to be set free. Peace is trapped in a glass box and three keys are needed to open the lock. They need to find the keys, and they begin by looking in the City of Right and Wrong. There, terrible things are happening. The residents are divided and each side insists that the other side is wrong. What’s even worse is that the Cube of Bitterness hovers above and devours those who are the “right ones”. Donkeys and elephants play tug of war, only it isn’t a game. It looks like there is no hope for peace. However, Mister Buddha, a poetic cat, is sharing a potion called Acceptance, and so there is hope after all.
Mister Buddha introduces our narrator to the concept of acceptance and the fact that kindness begets kindness, and also to his best friend, Mahma. The adventure continues with a story of understanding and Oneness, and then on to the Sea of Forgiveness, where two orangutans, Chris and Mo impart more wisdom. Through a desert and to a waterfall, and up a mountaintop, the keys are sought. Will they be found in time to set Peace free?
A parable, the story can be taken at face value, with lessons still understood. Upon further reflection, deeper meanings come to light and the reader can see how important choices are. The colorful characters’ teachings are inspired by and reflect those of Ghandi, Jesus, Buddha, Mohammad and Martin Luther King. With exquisite illustrations, a delightful cast of characters, and a most important plot, “Where Peace Lives” rates my highest recommendation. Additional biographical information on these key people is included at the back of the book, as well as journaling space and an exercise to “strengthen your peace muscle’. Well written and enjoyable to experience, this book is a must read for everyone you know.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Fiction Review
Blue Turquoise, White Shell
By Virginia Nosky
ISBN-10: 1932695583
Review by Heather Froeschl
Fate has a way of putting us where we are needed and when we pay heed to that urge, beneficial things happen. Fate had a helping hand in Virginia Nosky’s latest novel, “Blue Turquoise, White Shell,” by a sense of karma; the result being, varying degrees of satisfaction with life. The human will though, is a strong adversary to fate. Which will win in the end?
Lily Cabot Chase is the granddaughter of Cabot W.W. Chase. Both became doctors and both feel a sense of honor to fulfill a destiny they aren’t quite sure of. The elder feels responsibility to a fellow soldier who’d died saving his life back in WWII, and young Lily Cabot is asked to spend a year doctoring on a Navajo reservation as a payback for her grandfather putting her through Harvard Medical School. The story centers around the young Cabot and her goal of finding her passion as a doctor on the reservation. She is surprised to discover more than her own passion, but a mutual one between herself and handsome Nicholas Nakai who is running for the seat of a newly mandated US Congressional district. He would be the first Native American Congressman. The battle for votes is intense, but his mind if torn to commanding thoughts of Cabot.
Meanwhile, another story plays out in the same setting. In 1862, Daago, a Navajo headman’s daughter, is destined to be wed to the medicine man’s apprentice of the neighboring tribe. She is apprehensive at first, but knows it is her duty. When she is captured by a slave trader, she becomes determined to eventually escape, no matter what the burden. Captain Nathaniel Cabot is a medical officer for the army who is new to the inhumane treatment of the native people. When he “wins” Daago in a game of poker, he is planning to set her free; however, Daago is desperate and cannot understand what he tells her. She only knows that he wants her and she will use that to her advantage.
Perhaps destiny was set for Cabot and Nicholas back in 1862, or maybe their fate was sealed by their own desires.
Virginia Nosky has a flare for weaving Native American customs into her books. This has a desirable effect, creating a vibrant setting that I just want to dive into. Her treatment of the 1862 portions of the book are spectacular and pulse with life. Her modern Navajo scenes are rich with traditions and the political race demonstrates truth. It is her understanding of human nature that really draws the reader in though. You will see yourself and your loved ones in the characters and know that this is a good read.
By Virginia Nosky
ISBN-10: 1932695583
Review by Heather Froeschl
Fate has a way of putting us where we are needed and when we pay heed to that urge, beneficial things happen. Fate had a helping hand in Virginia Nosky’s latest novel, “Blue Turquoise, White Shell,” by a sense of karma; the result being, varying degrees of satisfaction with life. The human will though, is a strong adversary to fate. Which will win in the end?
Lily Cabot Chase is the granddaughter of Cabot W.W. Chase. Both became doctors and both feel a sense of honor to fulfill a destiny they aren’t quite sure of. The elder feels responsibility to a fellow soldier who’d died saving his life back in WWII, and young Lily Cabot is asked to spend a year doctoring on a Navajo reservation as a payback for her grandfather putting her through Harvard Medical School. The story centers around the young Cabot and her goal of finding her passion as a doctor on the reservation. She is surprised to discover more than her own passion, but a mutual one between herself and handsome Nicholas Nakai who is running for the seat of a newly mandated US Congressional district. He would be the first Native American Congressman. The battle for votes is intense, but his mind if torn to commanding thoughts of Cabot.
Meanwhile, another story plays out in the same setting. In 1862, Daago, a Navajo headman’s daughter, is destined to be wed to the medicine man’s apprentice of the neighboring tribe. She is apprehensive at first, but knows it is her duty. When she is captured by a slave trader, she becomes determined to eventually escape, no matter what the burden. Captain Nathaniel Cabot is a medical officer for the army who is new to the inhumane treatment of the native people. When he “wins” Daago in a game of poker, he is planning to set her free; however, Daago is desperate and cannot understand what he tells her. She only knows that he wants her and she will use that to her advantage.
Perhaps destiny was set for Cabot and Nicholas back in 1862, or maybe their fate was sealed by their own desires.
Virginia Nosky has a flare for weaving Native American customs into her books. This has a desirable effect, creating a vibrant setting that I just want to dive into. Her treatment of the 1862 portions of the book are spectacular and pulse with life. Her modern Navajo scenes are rich with traditions and the political race demonstrates truth. It is her understanding of human nature that really draws the reader in though. You will see yourself and your loved ones in the characters and know that this is a good read.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Non- Fiction Spiritual Review
Courageous Souls
Do We Plan Our Life Challenges Before Birth?
By Robert Schwartz
ISBN-10: 0977679454
Review by Heather Froeschl
Why me? It is a question so often thought, cried, moaned, or screamed. Blame is placed on higher powers as surely as emotion is felt. Isn’t it possible though, that our trials and tribulations, our painful experiences, are full of purpose? What if an author would share with you that your own soul actually planned for these things to happen? That there is indeed a reason for it all? Robert Schwartz, author of “Courageous Souls,” shares his view that we plan our life challenges before birth. This is a must read book with my highest recommendation.
Robert begins by explaining his research of his own, very personal experiences with his spirit guides, and then the research he did with the help of four gifted mediums and channels. Through the life experiences of ten people, with the help of his team, Robert relays how those interviewed went through various life challenges, including drug addiction, accidents, physical illness, and the death of loved ones, and why. He interviews these people, shares their stories, then has the medium or channel delve into the pre-birth planning done by the soul. Here, the reader comes to understand the soul groups, soul mates, akashic records, spirit guides, and planning of the challenges and lessons we are on earth to face. Discussed in great detail is the fact that we are here on earth as personalities and that when the body dies, the soul goes on, and on, and on. We may have lived in a completely different part of the world before, with other souls who are now our husbands, parents, or children, and were then our friends, business partners, or even tormentors. As a soul group, the life is planned, with tremendous challenges that provide opportunity for growth.
I’ve always loved that quote, “"We are not human beings on a spiritual journey. We are spiritual beings on a human journey." - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. How very true that is, and I believe it is the main point of Robert Schwartz’s book, “Courageous Souls.” Eloquently and purposefully delivered, the book is one that will help readers to understand these concepts, begin to understand why events in our lives take place, consider that things that happen to us are part of our lesson plan, replace the anger or guilt felt over situations with forgiveness and peace, and begin to recognize the patterns that are in your life that revolve around your own soul’s goal for you.
For anyone who has ever asked, “Why me?” and anyone who has ever felt that there had to be a reason for this life, I recommend “Courageous Souls.” For anyone and everyone, I say, please read this book; you’ll be absolutely enlightened.
Do We Plan Our Life Challenges Before Birth?
By Robert Schwartz
ISBN-10: 0977679454
Review by Heather Froeschl
Why me? It is a question so often thought, cried, moaned, or screamed. Blame is placed on higher powers as surely as emotion is felt. Isn’t it possible though, that our trials and tribulations, our painful experiences, are full of purpose? What if an author would share with you that your own soul actually planned for these things to happen? That there is indeed a reason for it all? Robert Schwartz, author of “Courageous Souls,” shares his view that we plan our life challenges before birth. This is a must read book with my highest recommendation.
Robert begins by explaining his research of his own, very personal experiences with his spirit guides, and then the research he did with the help of four gifted mediums and channels. Through the life experiences of ten people, with the help of his team, Robert relays how those interviewed went through various life challenges, including drug addiction, accidents, physical illness, and the death of loved ones, and why. He interviews these people, shares their stories, then has the medium or channel delve into the pre-birth planning done by the soul. Here, the reader comes to understand the soul groups, soul mates, akashic records, spirit guides, and planning of the challenges and lessons we are on earth to face. Discussed in great detail is the fact that we are here on earth as personalities and that when the body dies, the soul goes on, and on, and on. We may have lived in a completely different part of the world before, with other souls who are now our husbands, parents, or children, and were then our friends, business partners, or even tormentors. As a soul group, the life is planned, with tremendous challenges that provide opportunity for growth.
I’ve always loved that quote, “"We are not human beings on a spiritual journey. We are spiritual beings on a human journey." - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. How very true that is, and I believe it is the main point of Robert Schwartz’s book, “Courageous Souls.” Eloquently and purposefully delivered, the book is one that will help readers to understand these concepts, begin to understand why events in our lives take place, consider that things that happen to us are part of our lesson plan, replace the anger or guilt felt over situations with forgiveness and peace, and begin to recognize the patterns that are in your life that revolve around your own soul’s goal for you.
For anyone who has ever asked, “Why me?” and anyone who has ever felt that there had to be a reason for this life, I recommend “Courageous Souls.” For anyone and everyone, I say, please read this book; you’ll be absolutely enlightened.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Fiction Short Story Collection Review
American Cool
by Susan DiPlacido
ISBN-10: 0595448771
Review by Heather Froeschl
Life is about taking risks…if you don’t take risks you end up lonely and afraid of change, and what fun is that? Well, it is safe. In Susan DiPlacido’s latest book, “American Cool,” her characters are risk takers and they’re making life changes all over the place. This book is hot!
A collection of short stories, “American Cool” is not for the faint of heart who cringe at steamy love scenes or shudder at the prospect of taking a step over the line. This is a hot summer read that you will return to in the cold winter months to warm up with. More than a good read, the tales offer a good bit of edge. Take Marie, the main character in the story I, Candy. She’s a guy’s best friend, a hard worker, and she’s seemingly pretty plain looking. Then she makes some changes…gets her nose done, some inches added up top, and all of a sudden she’s getting free drinks at the bar. Is this what she wanted? Not exactly. But what she gets in the end is something she could have had all along. She made some changes, and made some realizations at the same time. In Bloodlines, young Paula becomes involved with some very iffy business. She’s always admired her Uncle Dean, right from the first time he laughed at her blatantly disobeying her parents by climbing up a tree. As the years go on, she ends up helping him keep track of his “sports records” and making collections in the middle of the night. She gives him an alibi when the cops show up one evening. She gives up her chance to get out of the life in order to stick around for the family. In the end, she takes family commitment to a place it shouldn’t go. She warns her father not to ask questions he doesn’t want the answers to. Coyote Blues has Rita all hot and bothered. She can’t make up her mind about what she wants in her life. She’s torn between the allure and gamble of Vegas and the tortuous affections of her man. She can’t exactly have both, and she can’t live without either of them. Witnessing her come to terms with her needs is a steamy read!
Combining tales of minor league baseball, mob family traditions, taking poker to a new level, Las Vegas, and a girls’ first time with a very uncool guy named Miguel, “American Cool” is a fine example of a short story collection. The writing is tight and fresh; the tales hot, raunchy, and entertaining, if not disturbing. It’s over the top and just the way I like a fast read. I always look forward to more of Susan DiPlacido’s work, so as always, I am anxious to read more. This book is for adults, and while I hate to claim being one, I highly recommend it!
by Susan DiPlacido
ISBN-10: 0595448771
Review by Heather Froeschl
Life is about taking risks…if you don’t take risks you end up lonely and afraid of change, and what fun is that? Well, it is safe. In Susan DiPlacido’s latest book, “American Cool,” her characters are risk takers and they’re making life changes all over the place. This book is hot!
A collection of short stories, “American Cool” is not for the faint of heart who cringe at steamy love scenes or shudder at the prospect of taking a step over the line. This is a hot summer read that you will return to in the cold winter months to warm up with. More than a good read, the tales offer a good bit of edge. Take Marie, the main character in the story I, Candy. She’s a guy’s best friend, a hard worker, and she’s seemingly pretty plain looking. Then she makes some changes…gets her nose done, some inches added up top, and all of a sudden she’s getting free drinks at the bar. Is this what she wanted? Not exactly. But what she gets in the end is something she could have had all along. She made some changes, and made some realizations at the same time. In Bloodlines, young Paula becomes involved with some very iffy business. She’s always admired her Uncle Dean, right from the first time he laughed at her blatantly disobeying her parents by climbing up a tree. As the years go on, she ends up helping him keep track of his “sports records” and making collections in the middle of the night. She gives him an alibi when the cops show up one evening. She gives up her chance to get out of the life in order to stick around for the family. In the end, she takes family commitment to a place it shouldn’t go. She warns her father not to ask questions he doesn’t want the answers to. Coyote Blues has Rita all hot and bothered. She can’t make up her mind about what she wants in her life. She’s torn between the allure and gamble of Vegas and the tortuous affections of her man. She can’t exactly have both, and she can’t live without either of them. Witnessing her come to terms with her needs is a steamy read!
Combining tales of minor league baseball, mob family traditions, taking poker to a new level, Las Vegas, and a girls’ first time with a very uncool guy named Miguel, “American Cool” is a fine example of a short story collection. The writing is tight and fresh; the tales hot, raunchy, and entertaining, if not disturbing. It’s over the top and just the way I like a fast read. I always look forward to more of Susan DiPlacido’s work, so as always, I am anxious to read more. This book is for adults, and while I hate to claim being one, I highly recommend it!
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