RebeccasReads

False Convictions

Tim Green is a lawyer, footballer and author extraordinaire. Though I like the author, I cannot claim to be a big aficionado of all his works. I like only the lawyer Casey Jordan series of novels, especially "The Letter of the Law" and "Above the Law" and thus it is with great expectations that I picked up my copy of "False Convictions."

High profile lawyer Casey Jordan is basking in glory following her success as a lawyer. Her success and popularity has caught the attention of Freedom Project, a charity organisation dedicated to providing free legal help to persons whom they believe are wrongly convicted. Thus when Casey is called upon to take the case of a poor and indigent black man by name Dwayne Hubbard, Casey just considers it routine.  He is serving sentence for the rape-murder of a college student. But some new DNA evidence shows that Hubbard just might be innocent. And it's up to Casey to secure justice for Hubbard.

But Casey faces indifference throughout. She finds herself becoming the target of death threats and assassination attempts. Is there more than what meets the eye; or is it just that the community wants the blood of Dwayne Hubbard?

What follows is legal thriller at its best. The novel is in part an ode to Harper Lee’s "To Kill a Mockingbird" and in part homage to the Innocence Project started by Green’s fellow lawyer author brethren Scott Turow and John Grisham. A good novel, a fiery and thoughtful read, this sure is goanna be a bestseller of 2010. Highly and heavily recommended.

False Convictions
Tim Green
Grand Central Publishing (2010)
ISBN 9780446401524
Reviewed by Narayan Radhakrishnan for RebeccasReads.com (11/09)

Freeze Frame: The Fourth of the Enzo Files

Whenever a book starts with chapters seemingly unrelated to the plot, it is that nagging desire on the part of the reader to connect them to the storyline.  Such is the case of “Freeze Frame” by Peter May.  A fleeing man in Germany in 1951 and an earthquake in Morocco in 1960 are somehow tied to a murder on an island in Brittany in 1990.  Enzo MacLeod, a Scottish forensics specialist teaching in France, who boasts he can solve cold cases of crimes showcased in a book written by journalist Roger Raffin is up for the task.  There are seven of them and this is the 4th in the series.

Adam Killian, a sixty-eight year old retired professor of tropical medical genetics and an entomological hobbyist was found murdered in his study on the Ile de Groix 20 years ago.  Events surrounding the crime are quite puzzling. Just prior to his murder, he placed an alarming call to Jane, his daughter-in-law, imploring her to leave his study untouched in the event anything happens to him.  He has left his son Peter a cryptic series of clues that would reveal his attacker’s identity.  Peter unfortunately is killed in an accident before his return and Jane still continues to honor the request that the study remain intact.

Enzo arrives on the island with hopes of solving the mystery.  He finds the community replete with secrets and resentments. He discovers that innocuous Adam was rapidly dying of cancer and that belligerent Kerjean, the man tried and found innocent of the murder, is still a suspect in the minds of the townspeople.

Jane allows Enzo to stay in the house’s annex where Adam had his study so he could immerse himself in the untouched scene of the crime.  Bit by bit he starts to put pieces together connecting the clues and the people to their shaded pasts while exposing his own personal struggles as well.

The title of this book, “Freeze Frame,” is clever as it describes the scene of the crime frozen in time, but also unexpectedly as it relates to one of the clues.  The twist reflects the mystery itself.  Just as the reader thinks he has it, there is a surprising turn of events. This mystery is rich in story development and characterization.  While the crime is solved in the end, Enzo’s past is slowly revealed and his future hinted at, enticing the reader to become a fan of this cerebral series.

Freeze Frame: The Fourth of the Enzo Files
Peter May
Poisoned Pen Press (2010)
ISBN 9781590586945
Reviewed by Enid Grabiner for RebeccasReads.com (11/09)

An A-Z Guide to Healing Foods: A Shopper's Reference

“An A-Z Guide to Healing Foods: A Shopper’s Companion” is a wonderful book filled with tons and tons of useful and interesting information about different kinds of foods.  In the Introduction, Collins states, “Surrounded by processed, junk, and fast foods in grocery stores, on the job, and at the corner café, we are challenged to choose vital, minimally processed, healing foods.  This guide strives to inspire through scientific research, ancient wisdom, common sense, and an increasing base of knowledge of therapeutic foods.”  (p.2)  Indeed, I did find the book to be inspirational and will pay more attention to the food choices I make in the future.  I love knowing exactly how a certain food benefits me and my family and have been known to look things up on the Internet for that very reason.  Now, I can just look it up in this handy guide!

The facts presented in the book are quite interesting.  For instance, did you know that “acai berry extract exposed to human leukemia cells killed between 45 and 85 percent of the cancerous cells” or that oregano might help you fight off a cold?  These two tidbits of information are just the tip of the iceberg.  Collins has compiled a great assortment of food items and their accompanying health benefits.

At the end of the book there is also a section that tells you what foods to eat to treat certain ailments and to maintain health.  For instance, for dry skin one of the groups of food that would be beneficial to consume would be yellow/orange fruits and vegetables.

I absolutely loved this book and think that anyone who wants to take an active role in improving or maintaining his/her health would also enjoy “An A-Z Guide to Healing Foods- A Shopper’s Companion.”  The only part of the book that could use improving is the cover.  It looks very old-fashioned and like it is a book that was printed 40-50 years ago.  I had to double-check inside to verify the copyright date.  I am afraid that people may see it on the shelf and think that it is an older publication that doesn’t contain the newest and up-to-date information when in fact it is a 2009 publication.  Other than that, I think that Collins’ book is fantastic and will prove to be extremely useful.

An A-Z Guide to Healing Foods: A Shopper's Reference
Elise Marie Collins
Conari Press (2009)
ISBN 9781573244190
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebeccasreads.com (11/09)

The Divine Theory of Everything - Book 1 Wanderer

In Robert D. Berger’s book “The Divine Theory of Everything” I was hoping for a great book, mostly because I like the title.  I would have to say that book “The Divine Theory of Everything” is good very good.  The book starts off in a world full of dwarves, elves, and other creatures.  The author starts out good in the first chapter, he tells us of a great battle against an all encompassing evil being trying to stomp out good.  The story then leads you from this ancient world and suddenly you are aboard an airplane that crashed into the ocean.  It takes several pages until you are able to tie the two stories together.

The book starts out a little slow, but by chapter three I was involved and did not want to put the book down.  The main character is Steve Morgan, just an average guy leading a normal life.  That is, until he was selected to perform a special job or function.  As you follow along Steve is in a plane crash and being dragged to the bottom and about to die until he is plucked from the cold water.  Everyone else on the plane is trapped inside as it sinks, sending them to their deaths. You find out that Steve was selected to fight evil by a Goddess of good.  The author has you follow along with Steve’s training.  One of my favorite characters in the book is Steve’s teacher or Master.  He is a very likable person, but you never really learn very much about the “Old Man” as Steve calls him.

The plot of the book is not new, but the author’s angle on it works exceedingly well.  The author has set out to have the main character, Steve, to learn magic when he is from a world of science.  So many books will try to take you through the magical training and try to make you learn strange words or incantations.  The author does not bore you with trying to pronounce strange made up words.  I would have to say that the book did stop at an odd place in my opinion.  Don’t get me wrong, I liked the book very much and I think you will too.  I believe that this is the author’s first book and with that said, I think he has a lot of potential.  I look forward to his next book; after all, this one is subtitled “Book 1 Wanderer”.  Robert D Berger’s book “The Divine Theory of Everything” I believe will be a success and a hit with everyone who reads it.

The Divine Theory of Everything - Book 1 Wanderer
Robert D. Berger
Llumina Press (2009)
ISBN 9781605942841
Reviewed by Randy A. Lakin for RebeccasReads (10/09)

The Stories of Devil-Girl

“The Stories of Devil-Girl” by Anya Achtenberg is Book #1 in the Reflections of America Series of books published by Loving Healing Press.  This series “highlights autobiography, fiction, and poetry which express the quest to discover one’s context within modern society.”  Achtenberg’s book fits the series description to a tee, completely embodying the entire statement.

The book is “dedicated to all who were easily discarded, demonized, and widely underestimated.”  It is explained that the stories are prose fiction with much being autobiographical.  A lot of the content is sad and disturbing such as the author stating that her first memory is of someone trying to strangle her in her crib when she was a baby.

Achtenberg’s style of writing is quite unique and just to give you a feel for her originality here is an excerpt from one of the stories entitled “Pictures”:  “There are things that even I can’t say, Devil-mouth, Devil-tongue, from the dictionary of barb and heat and nakedness.  Born in a cab, but I can’t get one these days.  My harpy cry of ‘Taxi!’ falls flat, as if being born once- in the big old Checker- were enough.  One look back at my costume, and most know I am no paying customer.  Pouches of pockets swaying open with shadow.  Soles of my shoes racing to catch up with my stride.  Others raise one arm and the journey swings open the door to its sweet center, but all I can do is turn my back and allow the world its ride.” (p. 41)

The entire book is composed of artistic passages such as this one.  Each individual story is filled with intensity and depth.  Achtenberg’s writing is powerful and really commands the reader’s attention.  The poetic language can be difficult to decipher at times and I did end up re-reading a few stories here and there to try and fully comprehend the author’s meaning.  I really enjoyed the originality though and if you are looking for something different, not another “cookie-cutter” book, then “The Stories of Devil-Girl” would definitely be one to try!   

The Stories of Devil-Girl
Anya Achtenberg
Loving Healing Press (2009)
ISBN 9781932690620
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (10/09)

Worst Case

Which is the gravest sin one can ever commit...rather which is the deadliest among the various sins? If you are the evil guy of James Patterson’s latest novel, "Worst Case," the answer would be self indulgence.

In Detective Michael Bennett’s third outing the authors create a deadlier villain than ‘The Teacher’ (whom we encountered in “Step on a Crack.”). This guy has only one grievance. He hates the rich and the wealthy, or for that matter, whoever indulges in luxury. And when the children of the rich and wealthy become targets of a killer, Bennett must act. Himself the father of ten,  and a recent widower, Bennett faces an uphill task. His side-kick this time round is Agent Emily Parker of the FBI. Together they must find the killer before they create more chaos.

However, it is not the plot or the storyline that makes “Worst Case” enjoyable. It’s simply the sheer force of narration, powerful and suspense oriented, any reader would face a tough time putting the book down once you have started it. James Patterson’s series protagonists have attained cult status across the world, be it Alex Cross in Washington, DC or the Women’s Murder Club in San Francisco. Now Detective Michael Bennett joins these ranks and New York has now got its number one fictional detective.

A grandiose work, I am eagerly awaiting the next Patterson novel to hit the stands.  Highly recommended and a must read for the James Patterson fans across the world.

Worst Case
James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge
Little, Brown (2010)
ISBN 9780316036221
Reviewed by Narayan Radhakrishnan for RebeccasReads (10/09)

Worth Its Weight in OLD: A Karen Maxwell Mystery

Karen Maxwell, divorced mother of two, delves into her second foray as a private investigator for her brother Dave’s company.  Sick of office management duties, she relishes the opportunity to probe into a case for an antique dealer whose gallery has been vandalized.  Items of furniture are broken and paintings have been cut.  Karen goes undercover as a salesclerk at the Blue Moon Art and Antiques Gallery in order to inspect the scene and the employees.  Her suspicions become heightened as she gets to know Vicki, a noticeably wealthy young clerk who is overly concerned with the arrangement and rearrangement of the paintings in the store, and Eric, the strange young porter who is so obviously besot with Vicki.  Even the owners’ actions become suspect.

Trying to balance the investigation of the defaced items along with her duties at Dave’s office, her responsibilities as a mother and her relationship with new boyfriend Brian leaves Karen in a state of chaos.  Brian appears to be more focused on rehearsals for his church youth group play than on her. Her own kids are surly.  Dave has hired a new office manager who is incompetent and is creating havoc in the workplace.  Compounding all of that, the owners of the gallery fire Karen because her progress is so slow.  She however is determined to solve the case and keep the rest of her life control.

This is an easy fast read with a very minimal mystery.  It is infused with remarks that are corny and forced rather than witty, diminishing the narrative.  Hays’s strength does lie in the very realistic confrontations between Karen and her children. They seem very genuine. Also bothersome are religious references to the goodness of God and his works which seem inappropriate and superfluous to the story.

Worth Its Weight in OLD: A Karen Maxwell Mystery
K.D. Hays
Heartsong Presents - Mysteries (2008)
ISBN 9781602601314
Reviewed by Enid Grabiner for RebeccasReads (10/09)

Israel is Real

“Israel is Real” is a captivating history of Jews and Israel. The events described start two thousand years ago and finish with current affairs. After reading the book, I was amazed by how well it is written. The text flows very smoothly, making it an easy read, grabbing interest of the reader, and making him or her finish it to the end. I have encountered plenty of very informative, but very dry history books, this one, however, is not dry at all and still very informative. I loved reading this book, which made me raise some curious questions and forced me to think about the existence of Israel and how it came about.

One of the main points that Rich Cohen introduces is his belief that after creation of Israel, Jews came back to the more physical way of practicing Judaism, which is similar to the one present during the existence of the Second Temple, destroyed in 70 A.D. During the Temple’s existence, the practice of Judaism revolved around the holy place, but after the Temple vanished, Judaism became less physical, not requiring a specific place for practice. Jews began to pray anywhere they could manage to pull it off. There was no more specific need for the holy city or single holy place of worship. Judaism could be practiced outside of the walls of Jerusalem, making it easier for Jews to move around the world. After the creation of Israel, the holy place re-appeared, creating one physical place for all Jews and to-be Jews and not be afraid of it. However, nothing comes easily, and the place of Jewish freedom became a cradle for continuous war and violence.

“Israel is Real” revisits Jewish history in order to better understand the position that Israel is currently in. It retells the story extremely well, drawing upon many specific examples and episodes from people’s lives. It is a great read, which I recommend to anyone interested in Israel and Jewish history. Rich Cohen shows his love for Israel, but at the same time is not afraid to be its biggest critic. This book made me look at some issues in a different way, making me reflect on them. It is a real page-turner with lots of useful information!

Israel is Real
Rich Cohen
Farrar, Straus, Giroux (2009)
ISBN 780374177782
Reviewed by Andrey Bilko for RebeccasReads (10/09)

Chakra Foods for Optimum Health: A Guide to the Foods That Can Improve Your Energy, Inspire Creative Changes, Open Your Heart, and Heal Body, Mind, and Spirit

In “Chakra Foods for Optimum Health,” Deanna M. Minich, Ph.D., C.N. presents to the reader the correlation between the different chakras and different foods and draws out plans to help us achieve a balance.  “After all, chakras are energy centers in the entire being, and food provides energy to feed these aspects of ourselves.  Chakra Foods gently walks you through the journey of your energetic landscape and gives you creative tools and insight as to how foods and ways you eat can heal, brighten, balance, and strengthen parts of you that need not only physical, but spiritual nourishment.”  (p. xii)

The book begins with a chakra assessment in order to help you determine which of your seven chakras needs the most attention:  the root chakra, the sacral chakra, the solar plexus chakra, the heart chakra, the throat chakra, the third eye chakra, or the crown chakra.  For each statement listed you rate how much it applies to you.  The area that has the most points is the area in which you should begin your focus.  What follows are individual chapters addressing each of the chakras and the foods to eat to help balance them.

For instance, one of the areas of mine that needed more balance was the Solar Plexus Chakra.  Apparently this is a common one to have issues with, at least in the Western world.  Some of Minich’s advice for correcting this imbalance includes knowing when you are hungry and being aware of food energy.  Then she presents different food charts listing foods that sustain, balance, and nourish this chakra.

It is obvious that a lot of time and work went into the making of this book.  Every concept is thoroughly explained and there are multitudes of charts for easy reference and to further drive home the points being made.  There is even a recipe section at the end of the book which I found to be helpful as some of the foods I had never even heard of before, let alone knew how to use.    “Chakra Foods for Optimum Health” is a very interesting book exploring the chakra/food relationship and I believe that the advice given would be useful to anyone interested in achieving a better life balance.

Chakra Foods for Optimum Health
Deanna M. Minich, Ph.D., C.N.
Conari Wellness (2009)
ISBN 9781573243735
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (10/09)

The Black Minute

In this easily readable, but deceptively intricate mystery, John Santana, homicide detective for the St Paul police force, is assigned to investigate the murder of a young Hmong woman found on Harriet Island.  It proves not to be a simple crime, but one that involves the Hmong community, drug trade to finance weaponry, and political involvement at high levels of government.  As he struggled to solve the crime, Santana also has to face his own demons while remaining unbiased.  Can he trust and protect his partner?  Can he also trust and protect the woman with whom he is falling in love?  Can he protect the President?

John Santana’s Columbian background is a constant menacing companion that prevents him from making close personal connections.  The layers of his past are slowly revealed as the story unfolds. The parallel between him and members of the Hmong community prove to be universal in themes of the immigrant tied to his homeland while trying to assimilate in a new environment.  The past remains a phantom reminder of why they fled.

There is not one reason why this book isn't a winner!  Everything about it screams success.  The book is masterfully written with a tightly-woven plot, visually detailed settings and well developed characters.  Valen has done his homework enriching the mystery by providing abounding facts about the Hmong and Columbian cultures, the Twin cities area landmarks and tunnels, the 3M Company and even the weapons and explosives.  Nothing is left unexplained in this extremely satisfying read.

The Black Minute
Christopher Valen
North Star Press of St. Cloud, Inc. (2009)
ISBN 9780878393329
Reviewed by Enid Grabiner for RebeccasReads (11/09)

Murderous Intellectuals- German Elites and the Nazi SS

Jonathan Maxwell’s “Murderous Intellectuals: German Elites and the Nazi SS” takes a detailed look at the top leaders of the Holocaust and tries to identify the reasons that this horrific event occurred in an attempt to help prevent future similar events.

After starting out by presenting a short history of the Holocaust beginning all of the way back in the late 1800’s and continuing through the orders for “the final solution” to be carried out, Maxwell spends the next six chapters taking a closer look at the key players.  He first looks at the group of people that he terms “The Desk Murderers” or those who were not actually out on the fields doing the killing, like Heinrich Himmler and Alfred Rosenberg.  Maxwell then moves on to paint portraits of the SS Doctors, the Nazi Scientists, the Nazi Educators, the Nazi lawyers, and the Nazi soldiers.  After offering profiles of these key individuals, the author presents a number of theories that attempt to explain why these individuals acted in the manner that they did.  Some of the theories proposed include “the Autocratic Nature of German Society,” “Racism and Ethnic Hatred,” and “Excessive Reverence for the Opinions of Social Elites.”

Maxwell’s book looks at the events that took place from an interesting perspective.  His book is unlike any other that I have read on the subject of the Holocaust.  This fresh glimpse into the lives of the key players in this tragedy and the speculation as to what made these people do the things that they did was quite intriguing.  I recommend “Murderous Intellectuals: German Elites and the Nazi SS” to anyone interested in learning more about the figures behind these mass murders and what might have motivated these people to carry out the terrible acts of violence that they did.  

Murderous Intellectuals- German Elites and the Nazi SS
Jonathan Maxwell
Millennial Mind Publishing (2009)
ISBN 9781589825635
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads.com (10/09)

Mommy, Draw Stars on My Tummy

In the Introduction to “Mommy, Draw Stars on My Tummy,” author Martine Groeneveld tells us about the role positive touch plays in her family.  She had searched for books on the subject of combining touch with play but was unable to find any other than those about infant and child massage.  Therefore, she decided to write her own book on the topic.

Her work is divided up into four parts:  Rhymes, Games, Songs, and Stories.  All of the sections are fairly similar as each involves reciting or playing with your child and gives instructions for the accompanying positive touches for each activity.   At the end of the book, Groeneveld presents research studies supporting the theory that touch is beneficial to children.  Some of the benefits are that it stimulates brain development and improves cognitive performance

One of my children’s favorite activities is in the Rhyme section and is entitled “Five Little Caterpillars.”  To give you an example of how it works here is the text with the accompanying touches in parenthesis:  “Five little caterpillars crawling by my door. (Stroke with your whole hand down the back.) (Light stroke up.)  One walked away, (Walk with two fingers down the back.)  then there were four. (Light stroke up.)”  The rhyme continues on until the last caterpillar walks away.  Groeneveld offers variations to use for different age groups.  For instance, for two-year-olds you can let your child fill in some of the words and for four-year-olds you can encourage them say what number comes next.

There are so many great activities in this book that I could go on and on with wonderful examples but I will let you discover them for yourself!  This truly is a fun book that will strengthen the parent-child bond and promote healthy child development.  I don’t think that there was even one activity in the entire work that my children did not enjoy.  In fact, they have wanted me to repeatedly do certain sections over and over and over.  “Mommy, Draw Stars on My Tummy” is definitely a hit in our house and I will be purchasing more copies to give as gifts!  I highly recommend this creative book!

Mommy, Draw Stars on My Tummy
Martine Groeneveld
PT Book Publishing (2009)
ISBN 9780982295908
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebeccasreads.com (11/09)

Fragile

“Fragile” by Chris Katsaropoulos focuses on the lives of three main characters:  Amelia Geist, Holly Schneck, and Tris Holloway.  All are in some way broken.  Amelia is an older lady who is still a virgin as she has been saving herself for Tris, the man who left her over fifty years ago.  Tris is married and the decision that he made to abandon Amelia still haunts him after all of these years.  Holly, who is a hairdresser with issues of her own, becomes a part of the story after Amelia comes in to get her hair done for her fiftieth high school class reunion.

The style in which the book is written is very unique.  It is presented in broken fragments linking all of their lives together.  At first as I was reading I got a little confused when I was reading about Amelia going in to get her hair done and then all of a sudden mid-sentence the setting changes and the book is now talking about Tris.  Each time the author shifts to a different character he starts a new indented paragraph so it is easy to see when the story is going to jump somewhere else.  The way that Katsaropoulos makes the transition is kind of neat as although the focus shifts mid-sentence, it flows smoothly.  There were some instances though where I did find the shifts to be a little distracting and found myself stumbling and re-reading to regain focus.

Katsaropoulos does a wonderful job of developing the characters and intertwining all of their stories.  The tale which he creates is intriguing and attention grabbing.  If you are interested in reading a book unlike any that you have ever read before then I recommend giving this author’s first novel a try!

Fragile
Chris Katsaropoulos
Luminis Books (2009)
ISBN 9781935462279
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebeccasreads.com (08/09)

Along the River that Flows Uphill: From the Orinoco to the Amazon

Until I began reading this travel book I had never heard of the Casiquiare River, let alone that it flows uphill!  The author introduces the reader to a world many have never heard of and even fewer will ever visit.

"Along the River that Flows Uphill" is not just a story but a real life adventure that takes twists and turns along a remarkable stretch of water that remains nearly untouched.  The authors not only give a stunning account of their adventures but provide intriguing background information as they go through the journey.  From slight sidebars to detailed accounts of jungle, rivers and bugs, the reader feels as though she joined the authors on the trip.

I was very impressed with the knowledge of past explorers like Humboldt and Pierre-Simon de Laplace as well as Stanley and Livingstone.  The authors provided much of the background information that really draws a reader in and makes the book near impossible to put down.

Starks' adventure takes him from Caracas to the Columbian border and along the way he and his companion (and co-writer) Miriam Murcutt meet riveting characters, from a wanna-be entomologist to local fisherman to a Yanomami they refer to as Y.  The authors have their own preconceived ideas of what each of these people should be only to find their perceptions aren’t necessarily the reality.

This is an extremely intelligent book that leaves the reader feeling wiser for having read it and more aware of the fragility of the world, as well as a bit of disgust at the corruption that plagues the political arenas.

A very well written book that has a few surprises on the way.

Along the River that Flows Uphill: From the Orinoco to the Amazon
Richard Starks & Miriam Murcutt
Haus Publishing Ltd. (2009)
IISBN 9781906598327
Reviewed by Melissa Koltes for RebeccasReads (11/09)

A Deadly Vineyard

“A Deadly Vineyard” is Book 7 of the Mitch and Al series of books written by Glenn Ickler.  In this newest installment, Mitch, a newspaper reporter, goes with Al, a photographer, Dave, a cartoonist, and their wives, to Martha’s Vineyard on vacation.  However, it soon turns into a working vacation when they arrive at Dave’s Uncle Walt’s Victorian cottage only to find that Walt is missing.

Walt, a writer, had just interviewed a treasure hunter named Wade Waters.  Shortly after the interview, Waters was found dead in Nantucket Sound.  The autopsy results show that Waters death was a homicide and the search is on for the murderer.  Waters’ treasure chart which shows the location of a sunken ship has also gone missing.

Mitch, Al, and Dave get completely drawn into the story.  People looking for the chart assume that they know where it is and Mitch’s cat is even kidnapped and held for ransom.  In the book it is stated that in one of Ickler’s previous novels Mitch had a harrowing experience in Martha’s Vineyard, and this visit will prove to be no different!  So much for a vacation!

“A Deadly Vineyard” is the second of the Mitch and Al books that I have read, the other one being “Out at Home (Book 6).”  As with the previous book, “A Deadly Vineyard” works very well as a stand alone novel and you won’t be lost if you read this one before any of his others.  However, after “meeting” Mitch and Al, you most likely will want to go back and read more stories involving them.  They are quite the characters and trust me when I say there is never a dull moment!

Ickler’s newest novel is jam-packed with humor, including a very interesting scene at a nude beach.  Once you start reading you will be hooked and not want to put it down.  I recommend “A Deadly Vineyard” to anyone who enjoys humorous mysteries.  You will love Mitch and Al!   

A Deadly Vineyard
Glenn Ickler
Sterling House Books (2009)
ISBN 9781563154584
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebeccasreads.com (08/09)

Think and Make It Happen: The Breakthrough Program for Conquering Anxiety, Overcoming Negative Thoughts, and Discovering Your True Potential

We have all heard that in order to improve our lives we have to put our mind to use and make ourselves happy.  But doing that has not been explained very well.  "Think and Make it Happen" actually teaches the reader, step-by-step how to change the way we think.  But be warned this is not a quick read and then move on.  Dr. Augusto Cury begins by stating this is a process and should be taken slowly; preferably by reading a chapter a week, putting what you have read into practice during that time before moving on to the next section.

"Think and Make it Happen" is not a book to teach you how to get all the material possessions that your heart desires nor is it written to help you get that special someone.  This book teaches us about how our minds work, how the way we process memories and experiences can either help or hinder our outlook on life and situations.  And Cury does it all in layman’s terms and does not use jargon that would make it difficult to understand.
The author takes the reader through a process of analyzing how we think, why we think in certain ways and how to overcome mental baggage.  He provides examples, explanations and stories to help make his points.

Cury also uses a historical figure as an example for each of us to follow, Jesus.  For those of you that are not religious or fear that this book will be preachy – it is not.  The author uses Jesus strictly from a clinical/historical aspect.  The examples are demonstrations on how each of us can think correctly and how that was displayed by Jesus.   The use of Him as an example is fascinating reading even if you do not follow Christian ideology.

"Think and Make it Happen" is not a book that just tells you to start thinking positively.  It explains how the negative thoughts can manifest and how each thought builds on the next to create poor circumstances.  Dr. Cury gives the reader tools to follow that when put into practice can alter how we perceive people, situations, fears and anxiety.  At the end of each chapter are items to help facilitate the practice of the tools you have been given.  He also gives discussion questions should the book be used in a group setting.  This was a fascinating book that I know I will use in the future as a tool to help me understand how my thinking can affect my life. 

Think and Make It Happen
Augusto Cury
Thomas Nelson (2009)
ISBN 9780785227816
Reviewed by Melissa Koltes for RebeccasReads (10/09)

Powerboat Racers (ebook)

One afternoon in July, newspaper owner Harry Jacobson receives a call from a sheriff’s deputy informing him some kids out fishing had found an old boat and this might be of interest to Harry.  Harry heads out to the Great Wilderness Swamp and knows there must be something big about this particular boat because of the people that are at the scene.

After digging a little into the history he finds out the boat that was found is named the “Black Duck” and it had belonged to a black man named Walker James.  This information really didn’t mean much to him at first as not being from the area he did not know the significance of the discovery.  Once he probes a little more he finds out that there is quite a history around the story of Walker James.  James had disappeared a couple of decades ago after allegedly setting a fire which resulted in the death of two white women.

However, the mere mention of James’ name and the events surrounding his disappearance stir up quite a bit of racial controversy and Harry is torn whether to dredge all of this up again in the paper.  He needs people to buy ad space and if he prints controversial news he may lose advertisers.  Harry also has received threats such as the note left on his car telling him that “Yankee reporters who play with fires get burnt.” (p.40)  The discovery of the “Black Duck” has opened the existing racial gap in the small town even further.

Author Thomas Hollyday is skilled at crafting an interesting story.  The characters in the book are memorable and intriguing.  I really liked the premise behind the book and I enjoyed reading as the main character Harry unearthed all of the information about the events that took place thirty years ago.  Although a work of fiction, the story actually reads as a somewhat realistic one.  The text could have benefited from further editing as there were a few grammatical errors but other than that   “Powerboat Racers” was a worthwhile read.   

Powerboat Racers (ebook)
Thomas Hollyday
Solar Sipper Publishing with Lightning (2009)
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (10/09)

The Green Monster: A Johnny Denova Mystery

In “The Green Monster,” Johnny Denovo takes on his second mystery.  In this installment he is hired by a man in the bio-tech industry who wants Johnny to find out who is blackmailing him.  The case ends up being much more complicated than it first appears and Johnny is drawn into a plethora or conspiracies, threats, and plots.

“The Green Monster” has a baseball theme running through its entirety.  Each of the thirty-three chapters is cleverly named with related titles such as “Curveball,” “Double Play,” and “Caught Stealing.”  Just to give you an idea of Kent’s style of writing here is an excerpt from the opening pages at the baseball game where Denovo meets his new client:  “Suddenly, there was a loud retort, and the crowd gasped in surprise and anticipation, craning forward as one to see the effects from the violent interaction.  Heads turned skyward and cheers began to percolate as thousands of hopeful brains rapidly and instinctively calculated distances and trajectories.  Neuronal networks millions of years old pursued their natural ends – stereo vision resolving misaligned information, neurotransmitters bridging connections, and a common realization slowly emerging in the mix of consciousness and instinct each fan possessed.  They stood higher as one, hands tensed in anticipation as the ball knifed into the crowd down the right field line with a dramatic arc.” (p.7)  I bet you have never heard a baseball commentary described so eloquently before!  Kent has a very intellectual slant to his mystery writing which I find to be quite enjoyable.  However, it is a novel where your full concentration is required so that you are able to keep up with all of its intricacies.

I had the pleasure of reading Andrew Kent’s first Johnny Denovo mystery which is entitled “Spam and Eggs.”  When I finished that book I was looking forward to reading more as I enjoyed Kent’s unique and intellectually stimulating writing style.  Therefore, I was very excited to see this newest Denovo mystery, “The Green Monster” and after reading it I can say that it certainly held up to, if not passed, the high standard mark that was set by his first book. 

The Green Monster: A Johnny Denova Mystery
Andrew Kent
Dog Ear Publishing (2009)
ISBN 9781608441150
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (10/09)

Welcome to the Company or what it's really like working here

This book is a fake employee handbook for Gordon Wiggins Group, a bogus company, which is a leader among the fluorocarbon and industrial gas industries. The “handbook” is divided into eight sections: company overview, our people, our benefits, office communications, professional behavior, company policies, frequently asked questions, and closing thoughts. Each section pokes fun at the corporate and work environments and policies. It is quite funny in most places, making the reader realize how ridiculous, corny, and common sense some of the entries are in the actual employee handbooks. "Welcome to the Company" ridicules how employees do not pay any attention to the rules described in their handbooks, causing the lack of essential knowledge of what to do at certain times. It ridicules everything and everyone, who is involved within a company, no matter the seniority or position; there is always something to laugh about.

"Welcome to the Company" by Eileen McVety is a very fast read, making the reader chuckle once in a while and remember when similar situations took place at their own job. This book would make a great humorous gift to your boss or colleague, something an office worker could proudly display in his or her cubicle. Maybe, if employee handbooks were humorous like this one, employees would actually read them, instead of just taking the binder or fat brochure and stuffing it into the bottom desk’s drawer, forgetting about it a day after getting it. Be ready to be entertained with some office humor!

Welcome to the Company or what it's really like working here
Eileen McVety
Inkwater Press (2009)
ISBN 9781592993956
Reviewed by Andrey Bilko for RebeccasReads (10/09)

Looking for Closure: The Theresa Ferrara Story

For anyone that loves a great mystery "Looking for Closure" will keep the pages turning.  The story of Theresa Ferrara is one shrouding in confusion & intrigue.  A beautiful, young beautician goes out to make some fast money on a February day without her coat or keys and disappears into oblivion.  Her niece (author Maria Stewart) discovers that the woman she thought she was best friends with was leading a double life.  Could she really have had information on the notorious Lufthansa Heist?  Was she an informant for the cops?  Could it have been the FBI that whisked her away into Witness Protection Program?

For over 20 years Maria Stewart tried to put the pieces together of what happened that afternoon.  They had found partial remains and were told that it was her aunt but they were never sure.  The pieces of the puzzle are scattered and Maria along with help from friends and family are determined to sort it out.

The ending of the book was not what I was expecting as all the evidence leads us down a road only to find that even with the answers handed to us, we still have no closure.  I can only imagine how the family is dealing with all the information they have acquired.  I believe there is much that the family still doesn’t know and may not ever find out.
I was very impressed with Maria Stewart and how she pulls everything together for the reader.  I was engrossed in "Looking For Closure" from the beginning and finished in an evening.  However, die hard readers must keep in mind this is the author’s first book and it was a bit choppy.  She often repeats herself, sometimes using the exact same wording which makes it a bit of a rough start.  However, she chronicles the story beautifully and does not add fluff just to take up pages.  Her insertion of actual articles that give credence to her true crime tale only make the story more compelling.

Looking for Closure: The Theresa Ferrara Story
Maria Stewart
Outskirts Press, Inc (2009)
ISBN 9781432730260
Reviewed by Melisa Koltes for RebeccasReads (10/09)