RebeccasReads

Dobie, The Canine Saint

Paul Greenbaum
iUniverse, Inc. (2007)
ISBN 9780595421268
Reviewed by Leslie Storey for RebeccasReads (6/08)

The author, Dr. Paul Greenbaum, is a chiropractor and acupuncturist and is in the process of writing several other books about healing.

This is a true story based on a specific time in Dr. Greenbaum’s life beginning in 1985.  He had recently lost his dog, Big Pal, and was visiting a friend to go camping, when this friend showed him puppies that lived next door that were not being cared for, or at least not very well.  His friend encouraged him to take one so it would have a better life.  Paul resisted, but something told him to go ahead and take the female puppy, Vicious, home with him.  Vicious was misnamed; she wasn’t vicious at all, in fact she was very scared of everything around her, as Paul quickly realized on the car ride home. 

Eventually the puppy was renamed Dobie and what followed for the next 13 years was nothing short of a miracle for Paul.  Dobie overcame her fears and phobias and Paul learned what it meant to truly love someone.  While he helped to heal Dobie, Dobie returned the favor and helped Paul heal and learn how to truly love.

This isn’t a long book; it’s only 127 pages, but what is in those pages had an impact on this reader.  I have always loved dogs, and know that there is something to be said for the unconditional love that a dog shows for its owners.  This is one of my favorite quotes from this book and I think that it sums up what the author is trying to convey:

“Love is more powerful than death.  In fact, love transcends death.  When the sacred chord is struck that opens two hearts to pure love, it matters not if they’re together for the full cycle of a lifetime or for just an instant.  It is something that exists for eternity.”

If you love dogs or have a special connection to any animal, I recommend this book.  You will appreciate your pet even more and perhaps create the same type of bond that Paul had with Dobie.

Shadow of Power: A Paul Madriani Novel

Steve Martini
William Morrow (2008)
ISBN 9780061230882
Reviewed by Narayan Radhakrishnan for RebeccasReads (6/08)

This Martini left me both shaken and stirred.  That’s how I would describe the latest Steve Martini legal thriller, cliché-wise of course. And just like you enjoy and relish a perfect Martini, with its fine blend, a fine blend of suspense, intrigue and conspiracy makes you enjoy and relish this Martini novel.

Ever since I read “Compelling Evidence” and “Undue Influence,” I was hooked on Steve Martini, and he became a must read for me alongside John Grisham, Scott Turow, Richard North Patterson and Lisa Scottoline. The legal suspense keeps you at tenterhooks, and as a lawyer myself, let me tell you, the author knows the courtroom intricacies really well.

This time round, Martini’s series protagonist, Paul Madriani, is called on to participate in a case that might just have international ramifications. The murder victim was a lawyer, more a legal scholar, by the name of Terry Scarborough.  Scarborough had recently published a book titled “Perpetual Slaves: The Branding of America’s Black Race,” which provided new insight into the historical legacy of slavery in the nation. Scarborough argued that the vestiges of the concept of slavery are still retained in the U.S. Constitution. The book had proven to be a bestseller and the author was already working on its sequel.  Then, Scarborough revealed to his literary agent, Bonguard, that he was in possession of a secret letter supposedly written by Thomas Jefferson regarding slave issues, which just might change American History as we know it today.  Scarborough was planning to spill the beans as a guest on an upcoming episode of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”

On the day of the show, Scarborough is brutally murdered with a hammer. All evidence leads to Carl Arnsberg, an employee at the hotel where Scarborough’s body is found. Arnsberg’s parents enlist the help of Madriani. Madriani faces an uphill task and soon into investigation, begins to suspect that there is more to the case than meets the eye, and Arnsberg might just be a scapegoat.  What follows is rollercoaster of a ride of courtroom action, culminating in a finish… a finish that only Steve Martini could think of. This is a fine, fine work, a must read and a must buy for the connoisseur of legal thrillers.

Big Brown Bag: Stories

Mark D’Anna
Ex Machina Press, LLC  (2007)
ISBN 9780977276356
Reviewed by Mary Durfor for RebeccasReads (6/08)

“Big Brown Bag: Stories” is a collection of twelve short stories, which can only be described as haunting, weird, macabre, and bizarre. Nevertheless, the book is strangely compelling to read. Some of the images created by the author stay with the reader long after the book is closed, and are disturbing to recall, yet difficult to forget. They are reminiscent of Poe’s The Pit and the Pendulum and The Tell-Tale Heart, haunting images that will stay with the reader forever.

The title story is a strange tale of the journey of two young people, Leila and Eck, who are striving to reach a destination: the home of Peter Twiss. Leila is desperate for work and has pinned all her hopes on the unreachable Mr. Twiss. Eck’s limbs begin to fall off, leaving a bloodbath along the road, and as the big brown bag fills up with his body parts, the destination becomes more and more impossible to reach. The story is exhausting. The next story is The Elephant Factory, where we are subjected to all the mean and disturbing thoughts of the first-person storyteller, yet taken in by the otherworldly spinning, dancing lights that he and his date, Delia, observe while on the roof of the Elephant Factory. Another story, Robotics, follows a husband and wife who are observing their neighbor constructing a robot in his garage, while they await the return of their son, Jack, who was horribly injured in the military, and who will be encased, hooked up to, and inextricably bound with so many machines when he returns home that he, too, will be like a robot. In the story, The Baby Vanishes, a pregnant woman deals with the stress of her third pregnancy by screaming, a technique which she had used in her first two pregnancies with good results. However, this baby chooses to leave them before being born, and they react to the event quite uniquely. By this time, the author has us in a state of mind that simply accepts his stories of the bizarre without question.

This is Mark D’Anna’s first published book. The reading audience cannot be too squeamish, and must allow leaps of faith while reading the collection. The writing is crisp and intimately descriptive, and I found myself immediately drawn into each story, as unique and different as they were. I look forward to reading future publications from Mr. D’Anna. For now, some of his characters are burned into my consciousness.

Try Darkness

James Scott Bell
Center Street (2008)
ISBN 9781599956855
Reviewed by Gina Holland for RebeccasReads (6/08)

Ty Buchanan was once a great lawyer who was engaged to a woman he truly loved with all his heart.  Jacqueline was his heart and soul, and then she was murdered. Ty was the prime suspect in her murder and proving his innocence in court was extremely hard. He was eventually found innocent and went on to live his life without Jacqueline, but his life as a lawyer changed drastically. No longer willing to practice for a large firm, Ty decides that he wants to use his services to help poor people who cannot afford the services of expensive lawyers. Ty’s life was about to take a most drastic turn.

Ty's new office is a seat at a local coffee shop called the Freudian Sip. He lives out of a trailer on the grounds of St. Monica's, a very nice community church. In this place, Ty feels peace for the first time in a long time. He has friends here: Father Bob and Sister Mary Verita. Father Bob occupies the trailer next to Ty's, so if Ty needs to talk, Father Bob is only a minute away. There’s nothing better than having a priest right next door when you need to talk.  Sister Mary is a confidant, a helper and beautiful nun.

One day, Ty receives a visitor who claims to need his help. Her name is Reatta and has a beautiful daughter named Kylie. She seeks Ty's help for she is living in a place where they will not allow you to stay week after week. She has the money to pay them but they will not accept it. It's basically a place where homeless people and ex cops and ex veterans stay when they have nothing left or no place else to be. Ty decides that he wants to help her and so he begins to try and find out what is going on. As Ty begins to investigate the situation, he dives into a world of murder once again. Now he is in charge of a small child, and he is falling in love with someone who he should not be, and who should not love him back.

This thriller is so fantastic. Ty is a very interesting character and very funny as well; I sometimes found myself laughing out loud. Sister Mary also had some very humorous things to say. Father Bob was very knowledgeable and very wise.

James Scott Bell shows us how different people can be friends as well as enemies. I wish I could have given this book more than 5 stars.

JFK, LBJ, and the Democratic Party

Sean Savage
State University of New York Press (2004)
ISBN 9780791461693
Reviewed by Gina Holland for RebeccasReads (6/08)

"JFK, LBJ, and the Democratic Party," written by Sean J. Savage, is a fabulous book for people everywhere who want to learn more about what happened in the days of Kennedy and Johnson.

The 1958 election was an affair of rivals and allies.  As a country, we were looking for greater support on different issues such as economics, agriculture, education and heath care. This book includes some very extraordinary photos of Kennedy and Johnson, and there are also photos of Robert Kennedy, Hubert H. Humphrey and many more. I love the photo section and Mr. Savage did the book great justice by including the photos he found during his research.

I think it’s very important for the children of today to learn about the elections of the past.  Some of the issues discussed can teach students how we have come a long way to our current Presidency, in politics and the White House. The Kennedys were very popular people and even though John F. Kennedy was killed, his legacy lives on and on in the minds of the people of the United States.

Readers of this book will discover details on the elections of the 1960s, and how they relate to the world today. I really appreciate the details in this book and how much I actually learned from it.  It is very hard to put into words the gist of this book, so I highly recommend it.

Stay Healthy, Live Longer, Spend Wisely: Making Intelligent Choices in America's Healthcare System

Davis Liu, M.D.
Stetho Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9780979351204
Reviewed by Randy A. Lakin for RebeccasReads (6/08)

In Doctor Davis Liu’s book “Stay Healthy, Live Longer, Spend Wisely,” he helps the average person get a better grip on the healthcare industry and the health insurance industry.  Dr. Liu explains the different types of health insurance plans and he goes on to give details of how a health savings account works.  Dr. Liu uses real-life examples to show why it’s so important to have insurance.

Dr. Liu also talks about “Mastering the Ten-Minute Doctor Office Visit.”  Did you know that the average amount of time the doctor will wait before interrupting you is “twenty-three seconds?”  One study even shows that nearly 70 percent of the time, physicians will interrupt patients within the first fifteen seconds of a visit.  One of the many great things about Dr. Liu’s book is that he explains how to get the most out of your office visits with your doctor. 

I know personally that if I’m in the room talking to a doctor for more than five minutes face-to-face, I’m doing great.  Dr. Liu even explains why that is: it seems that insurance companies pay less to the doctor while charging us more to be there.  It’s no wonder that they have to get as many patients in and out as possible to make their money.  I know that everyone complains about all the money that a doctor makes, even I do.  After reading this book, however, I now know how to get the most from an office visit.  It’s true I’ll have to pay the doctor, but at least I know I’m getting my money’s worth.

In one section of his book, Dr. Liu focuses on different types of doctors, what their specialties are, and what types of patients that they see, including the special tests and procedures that they might run.  I personally read this section several times; besides being very informative, I found it very interesting.

So, in conclusion, I think Dr. Davis Liu did a great job of explaining how the health system works and how the health insurance industry needs to be reworked.  This is one book that everyone should have in his or her house.  I highly recommend this book to everyone; it’s a winner.

Yoga for Fibromyalgia: Move, Breathe, and Relax to Improve Your Quality of Life

 

 

Shoosh Lettick Crotzer
Rodmell Press (2008)
ISBN 9781930485167
Reviewed by Randy A. Lakin for RebeccasReads (6/08)

Shoosh Lettick Crotzer’s new book hits the spot for those suffering with Fibromyalgia.  The combination of her knowledge of training in Iyengar style Yoga that she began in India in 1974 and her master’s degree in diagnostic education has enabled her to write this book that covers different poses for those in pain.  When most individuals think of yoga they think of someone standing on their head stretching their limbs in all sorts of shapes.  “Yoga for Fibromyalgia” is not one of those books.  Shoosh has done work for the Arthritis Foundation and the National MS Society.  Through this experience she understands how hard it is for many individuals to exercise and she understands the body’s need for exercise.

Though her continued work with students and their fibromyalgia symptoms has enabled her to develop the adaptive yoga poses used in this book.  These sets of yoga asana (poses) that she has laid out in her new book have taken traditional yoga and transformed it into something that everyone can use, no matter what the level of pain may be.  In my personal opinion, I think this book will be great for anyone with fibromyalgia, arthritis or low back pain.  After five back operations I tried nearly every asana and exercise personally and was able to do them all.

The book itself is laid out so it is easy for anyone to follow.  The pictures clearly show what the asanas (poses) look like and the descriptions of each asana or exercise make it so you can do these on your own.  After a few weeks of doing the yoga set out in this book I think you will see a difference.  Trust me I know what it is to live your life in constant pain.  If not for yoga, I would most likely be in the wheelchair that the doctors told me I would end up in five years ago.  You cannot go wrong with Shoosh’s book; this one is a winner for those in pain from fibromyalgia. It’s a must for the bookshelf of anyone who would like to be healthier, but is in need of help.

Mrs. Perfect

Jane Porter
5 Spot (2008)
ISBN 9780446699242
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (6/08)

“Mrs. Perfect” centers on the life of super mom Taylor Young.  She appears to have it all: she is married to her handsome, successful husband Nathan, has three beautiful girls, and lives in a gorgeous and pricey mansion.  Definitely an alpha-female, she is very competitive when it comes to volunteer opportunities at her daughters’ school.  So, determined to procure all of the spots that she deems worthy, she even e-mails the teachers before the start of the year explaining to them why she is qualified to be a room mother.  To further try to solidify her front-runner position she also purchases welcome gifts for the teachers. 

Normally everything works out in her favor and she is assigned the duties that she wishes, but this year is different.  When she sees the room assignments she realizes that another parent has been chosen over her to be one of her daughter’s class room mothers.  If you didn’t find the character of Taylor to be slightly annoying up until this point of the book you definitely will now!  She has a sense of entitlement to her that just eats at you.  I think everyone knows a “Taylor” in real life, a person who thinks that they are better or more deserving than everyone else.

However, you don’t have to dislike her for much longer, as soon into the novel her world as she knows it is about to change drastically and she is going to be hit with a dose of reality.  While out dining with a friend her credit card is declined when she goes to pay the bill.  She then finds out that her husband has been keeping numerous secrets from her and that she will no longer to be able to maintain her current standard of living.  This fact terrifies her and we watch as she struggles to keep her head above water while trying to act like everything is the same around her friends.

This is the first of Jane Porter’s novels that I have read and I really enjoyed.  “Mrs. Perfect” is a fast read and would be the perfect novel to enjoy at the beach.  The four hundred and seventeen pages fly by so quickly that I read the book in one day.  Porter’s novel is full of memorable characters, and they stick with you long after the last page is turned.  I look forward to going back and reading her previously published work.  I am also eagerly anticipating her next novel, which is scheduled for a July 2009 release!

Keys of Destiny

Adin Kachisi
iUniverse, Inc. (2008)
ISBN 9780595507603
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (6/08)

“Keys of Destiny” begins in New York City with Richard Mingler, who is a member of a secret society called the Illuminati Order of Kingu, standing by the remnants of the giant Sphere by the collapsed World Trade Center.  He then proceeds to carry out his given task of pouring a vial of blood onto the cement and plunging a dagger into the ground.  After a few seconds the ground begins to open up and a monster-like creature, Zamarial, a Nephilim Beast, emerges from the hole and inquires whether or not Richard has the keys.  Richard replies that he does not have them yet and the beast rips out Richard’s heart with a single swipe.  “From that moment on, Zamarial wreaked havoc around the planet, relentlessly killing and causing disasters.” ( p.4)        

Dr. Kazra Moore is a professor at City College in New York City who is plagued by the number eleven.  He always seems to look at the clock just as it reads 11:11, and if you break down all of the relevant numbers in his life, including his birth date, social security number and phone numbers and add the sums you will end up with eleven.  Moore also has an extreme interest in the year 2012, which he regards as the “apocalypse, the end of everything.” (p.9)  

One morning, one of his students calls him at 11:11 and suggests that he and the professor take a trip down to see his uncle who is deeply interested in the same type of “mystical stuff” that Kazra is.  They travel down to a Creek Indian Neighborhood in Georgia where Kazra is introduced to Elder Yuccah and is let in on some of the secrets that he holds.  In the process, Kazra finds out that his birthmark is in actuality a perfect replica of the stone tablets that are being held by Elder Yuccah’s family.  This mark apparently brands him as the person who needs to travel the world in search of the Keys of Destiny that will save the world from impending doom.  The rest of the book chronicles his dangerous adventures traveling from continent to continent in an attempt to save the world.

Adin Kachisi’s writing is very creative and fast-paced.  He definitely possesses an immense amount of knowledge of history and the topics of which he writes, giving his writing a unique edge over other novels in the same genre.  Combining fact with a very active imagination allows him to provide us with a novel that is very interesting and intriguing.  Not only was I taken on a great adventure by reading this book, I also felt I learned a great deal.  I think that anyone who enjoys action/adventure books or science fiction novels will enjoy this book!    

The Coyote Oak: Burgeoning Wisdom

Carlisle Bergquist
Reality Press (2008)
ISBN 9780979175060
Reviewed by LuAnn Morgan for RebeccasReads (6/08)

James Davidson had a dream. That doesn’t seem unusual at first glance, but when he finds out that his wife, Andrea, and hundreds of others had the same dream, it begins to strike him as just a little odd.  It gets even stranger when he is confronted by huge talking birds from another world, and then he meets two of the people he dreamt about.

As James begins to transcend dimensions and learns more about the creatures he encounters, his own world is turned upside down. Others who join the group that have gathered on his farm seem to have a connection to the events that is rarely questioned.
Although James is the main person the aliens have focused on, Andrea takes the events more in stride than he does. She develops an almost extrasensory connection with the bird-like beings that appears spiritual in nature.

“The Coyote Oak” is a fascinating study of what transpires when what we have is taken for granted. The reader is taken on a journey that is unforgettable. We learn that everything we do has an effect on the people, plants and animals around us. We also learn the meaning of helping others and the effect that also has on others.

This is a book of compassion, concern and responsibility. Weaving Native American tradition, spiritualism, philosophy, parapsychology, quantum physics and other knowledge and beliefs, Carlisle Bergquist creates a fantastic adventure of the will to survive when the elements are against us. He uses an extraordinary imagination to weave a tale that makes one pause and re-evaluate their own life and the world around us.
Myth and reality combine to bring the reader to a new level of understanding.

“The Coyote Oak” was a difficult book to read. Each page makes you pause and reflect on what Bergquist is teaching you through the characters in this engaging story.
He could very well have created a tale that could rival some of the accounts told by Stephen King, Ray Bradbury and others who have, in the past, woven unique and rare stories.

Made in the U.S.A.

Billie Letts
Grand Central Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9780446529013
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (6/08)

Fifteen-year-old Lutie McFee lives with her eleven-year-old brother Fate and their dad’s ex-girlfriend Floy Satterfield in the small town of Spearfish, South Dakota.  Their mother died a long time ago and their father has left them, escaped to Las Vegas, and they haven’t heard from him since.  While not the picture perfect life, they still had Floy to take care of them.  That is until they are shopping in Wal-Mart one day and three-hundred-pound Floy falls dead after buying a National Enquirer at the cash register.  When the policeman inquires as to who they have to take care of them Lutie tells them she has an aunt named Julia Roberts who gets off work in a couple of hours.  She also lies to the police officer and tells him that she has her driver’s license as she proceeds to drive Floy’s car home.

Lutie knows what is going to happen if they remain in their home and, rather than becoming wards of the state, they decide to take off in Floy’s car in an attempt to locate their father.   After encountering some scary situations along the way they come to realize their father is not where they think he is and they discover that the world is a rough place especially for naïve and vulnerable children.

The first novel that I had read that was written by Billie Letts was “Where the Heart Is,” which was an Oprah’s Book Club Selection.  Amazingly enough that was ten years ago already!  I remember how much I enjoyed that novel and her writing style.  When I first started reading “Made in the U.S.A” I thought that if this new novel even came close to the quality of ‘Where the Heart Is” then I would enjoy it.  I was definitely not disappointed!  I noticed that there were a lot of similarities between the two books.  The author seems to have a thing for Wal-Mart, small towns, and unique character names.  It is exactly these things that make her novels so readable and enjoyable.

I think there are some parts that are a little unrealistic, like when unlicensed driver Lutie leaves Wal-mart in Floy’s car as the policeman is watching, and proceeds to bump across a divider, jump a curb, squeal to a stop, and then hit a bumper guard.  I think in real life there is no way that a policeman would let her keep driving but I guess since it is fiction after all, these things can happen!  All in all, Billie Letts delivers another moving and unforgettable novel that fans of her past work and readers who have just discovered her are bound to love!             

The Woman's Field Guide to Exceptional Living: Practical Steps for Living a Big, Bold, Beautiful Life!

Corrie Woods
Morgan James Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9781600373954
Reviewed by LuAnn Morgan for RebeccasReads (6/08)

Have you ever felt like you were missing something vital in your life? Maybe you haven’t lived up to your full potential or maybe you feel overwhelmed by day-to-day living?  Then, this is the book for you!

Corrie Woods offers a series of practical steps to living the life you’ve always wanted to live. Easy to follow suggestions lead the reader through a series of lessons and guidelines that promise to be life changing.  From celebrating life to self-courtship to personal retreats to learning from the past, Woods will lead you on a journey to help you be the woman you’ve always wanted to be.

Woods credits her grandfather with planting the seed that made her decide to live her life to the fullest. She wanted to be able to end her life (whenever that may be) with the words, “If I had my life to live over again I wouldn’t change a thing. No regrets!”
After reading “The Woman’s Field Guide,” I truly believe that can be accomplished by following Woods’ advice … but it won’t be easy. These are steps that will force you to look honestly at yourself and how you perceive your life. Then, you have to actually complete the assignments she gives you in order to make some key changes.
The lessons aren’t difficult, but they are designed to be thought provoking. The only way you will accomplish these tasks is to look inside your own soul and listen to your conscience.

I enjoyed reading this book. Woods has a wonderful style of writing that makes you feel as if she is talking one-on-one with the reader personally.  Because this book was read in order to do this review, I didn’t have the opportunity to give it the time it deserved or to try any of the assignments. I do, however, intend to pick it up again in the future and do just that.

A Guitar and a Pen: Stories by Country Music's Greatest Songwriters

Robert Hicks, John Bohlinger and Justin Stelter (edited by)
Center Street (2008)
ISBN 9781599950648
Reviewed by Gina Holland for RebeccasReads (6/08)

"A Guitar And A Pen" is very unique; it’s a collection of short stories that were written by some of country music’s most talented songwriters. I have always enjoyed country music, and I really enjoyed reading these stories. The collection proved that these artists’ abilities swell beyond their songwriting talents. Each story was written well, and I found them all a joy to read. In contrast to listening to the artists’ hit songs, I was able to actually sit down, read and absorb what I was being told.

Many of the stories really relate to the world around us today. There is joy, sadness, happiness, death, life, and a lot about family!   Some of the writers are well known today in the world of Country Music.  Among the writers are Kris Kristofferson, Charlie Daniels, John Hadley, and Marshall Chapman, and many, many more.

"A Guitar And A Pen" is a very good blend of fiction and non-fiction. Some of the stories written are so poignant that they feel as though they are real. That songwriters wrote this book makes it even more worth the while of reading it. Anticipation is one thing that keeps us going in this life. I suggest you read this book. Once you read it, you might want to read it again and again. It is definitely a collectible. Thanks to all the songwriters for taking time out of their busy lives to put together such a wonderful collection.

Four Wives

Wendy Walker
St. Martin's Press (2008)
ISBN 9780312367718
Reviewed by Gina Holland for RebeccasReads (6/08)

Love, Marie, Gayle and Janie, friends for life, are "Four Wives" with four different lives. Friends for life, what does that mean? And what happens when friendships are broken? Broken by infidelity, trust, and anything else that life throws at them. "Four Wives" is the story of these four friends, married to very wealthy and handsome men. We meet these women’s children, we learn about their parents. We learn what it means for a marriage to go bad. What happens when feelings go away?  Should a marriage be saved at all costs, or should the people involved move on to something new?

Love is very happily married to Bill, a doctor who is a very caring husband and a devoted father. Bill is also a very devoted Doctor, and works hard to take care of his family. Somehow, that is not quite enough, and the money is not as good as it should be. Love begins to feel a certain pain after she hears from her estranged father, and it won’t go away. He is writing a book about their life, and Love is afraid that some terrible things from her past will come out. The pain gets worse, and Love becomes sad, lonely, scared and desperate.

Janie is not so happily married to Daniel.  She goes through life unfeeling, scared and doing things that she should not. Janie is having an affair, but Daniel is not a bad husband. They have simply lost their way in bed. Janie is a beautiful woman, who has had some help from plastic surgery, but she seems to lack confidence. What will become of her marriage, if the affair is found out? Will her husband leave her? Janie hopes he never has to find out.

Gayle is the wise one, and is married to Troy, who is very domineering. They have a son named Oliver, who for some reason is very quiet and very subdued, and he seems scared a lot of the time. Troy loses control at times. Is this good for Gayle and Oliver? Paul works for Gayle and Troy. He is a loyal servant. He worries about Gayle. He paints Gayle. Is a in love with her? Or he is just loyal? Will Gayle and Paul move towards a lustful affair? Will Gayle's husband find out?

Marie is happily married to Tony, a golfer. Maybe they are not so happy.  Marie is a prominent lawyer and a mother, and strives to be successful. She hires Randy, a young law student who wants to become more than just Marie's assistant. Will the temptation be too much for Marie? Will she go through with an affair with Randy?

The novel first takes us through each of their lives so that we understand what is going on inside their relationships. The women stick together through thick and thin; they are there for each other in times of trials and tribulations. But when it all comes to a head, and the dirty secrets and lies come out, who will remain friends?  Wendy Walker takes us inside the women's hearts, minds and lives. Her novel, "Four Wives," was beautifully written. It has purpose and meaning and is so true to life that I wanted to read it over and over again. I believe the story is a great one.

The Adventures of Slim & Howdy: A Novel

Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, with Bill Fitzhugh
Center Street (2008)
ISBN 9781931722827
Reviewed by Gina Holland for RebeccasReads (6/08)

"The Adventures of Slim and Howdy” is a novel full of humor, mystery and thrills. The novel’s namesakes are two young men who meet fortuitously in a used car lot; both are trying to sell their cars so they can head towards bigger and better things. Howdy wants to sell his car for enough money to get himself to Texas and a career in music. Slim wants rid himself of his car, because it never gets him to where he needs to be. In the midst of things, the men end up coming to a surprise resolution: Howdy keeps his truck, seeing that it is in the best shape of both cars, and he and Slim decide to split the money for Slim's car and take off together, vowing to put both names on the pink slip of the truck. I wonder if anything like this ever happens in real life.

Slim and Howdy both love music, and plan on making it their career. Howdy is the outgoing one.  He has something lined up pertaining to music at a honky-tonk in Texas. Slim is the quiet one. He doesn't talk much and Howdy gets pretty frustrated with Slim on the trip. His answers are very few and far between, and Howdy wonders how this will all work out.

Slim has to make one quick stop before they head out. He has to rescue his stolen guitar. This is when they meet Crystal and Tammy, two wild girls, thieves if you will, who almost get them into a lot of trouble, and nearly killed.  So much for luck.

After Slim retrieves his guitar and shakes the troublesome duo of Crystal and Tammy, and then the cops, he and Howdy finally head towards Texas. There, they meet Skeet Duvall, the owner of the Piggin' String. He gives them the chance that they were looking for: Freedom to sing and play and be something very special.

After their time is finished at the Piggin' String, they move on to another place where things heat up and become more than the guys may be able to handle. A place where a lost love for Howdy becomes the target of someone's anger and greed. Howdy and Slim must save this lost love before its too late.

Brooks and Dunn have written a fantastic novel about two young men on the road looking for fame and fortune. Just like anyone looking for the same things, the men find themselves in several dilemmas. I had so much fun reading this novel. I really hope there will be a sequel, as I would love to find out where life takes Slim and Howdy. Brooks and Dunn have brought to us the lives of young people who are struggling to become something that they want to be; how hard it is to get there, and what can happen once they do. A job very well done. As a bonus, they include a CD in the back of the book called, "Gotta Get Me One Of Those,” which is great.

The Deal

Adam Gittlin
Oceanview Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9781933515137
Reviewed by Leslie Storey for RebeccasReads (6/08)

Jonah Gray was on the fast track to success.  Growing up, his family owned and managed real estate in the Northeast and now he worked for a commercial real estate company and was brokering some of the best deals of his young life.  So, when family friend offers him an investment opportunity in Big Apple real estate, it seemed like too good of an opportunity to pass by.  Sure he only had three weeks to make the deal of a lifetime, but that’s what made the request a challenge.  Everything seemed perfectly normal until a series of incidents that led him to dig deeper than he’d ever imagined.  Was the family friend on the up and up or was there more involved?  And would his life ever be the same when it was all said and done?

I am familiar with commercial real estate and so was interested to see how the author brought this in as a part of the storyline, especially since this is something the author is involved with personally.  While there are references to buildings in NYC, it was not heavy on the details, which could be good or bad depending on what you were expecting. 

There were times when the chapters lagged and I felt like there were too many details for a scene at a club or restaurant.  There was also more foul language than I normally prefer, however I was able to read past that part.  Once the main character found a Fabergé Egg in his possession, everything changed and the pace of the story picked up and it kept me engrossed until the very end.

There are many twists and turns that I did not see coming.  Who was his father and what had he not told him over the years?  And what about his old family friend, Andreu?  Was his story about needing to purchase the real estate legitimate?  And why the rush?  These questions are all answered as Jonah digs deeper and deeper into his family history.

Take a chance on this book, it is a good read and it just might surprise you.

Daily Intentions

Ann Blakely Rice
Robert D. Reed Publishers (2007)
ISBN 9781931741200
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (6/08)

“Daily Intentions” consists of 365 inspirational passages, one for every day of the year.  In fact, when the author, Ann Blakely Rice, penned the book she only wrote one entry per day and this is also how she intends for the book to be read.  I found her writing process to be unique and interesting.  She followed a ritual every morning where she asked “for Divine Guidance and Inspiration” and then set flame to a white candle before beginning writing that day’s entry.  In fact, every time I read an entry I can’t help but to think of Rice following this process.

It should also be noted that her “references to an all-loving Supreme Power are used merely to simplify, rather than to claim as the only names for one’s higher power.  The reader is openly invited to insert any reference(s) terms that they call their own highest source of goodness” (p. viii).  The use of this general term or concept opens the book up to all people regardless of their belief system or religion. 

Each entry starts with a simple thought and then three or so small paragraphs follow expanding on that idea or concept.  For instance, the February 29th entry reads:  “Concentrate until you become One with what you are doing” (p. 61).  Rice then goes on to give us some ideas on how to regain focus on those days where we feel that our minds are being pulled in all different directions. 

“Daily Intentions” is a wonderful spiritual guidebook.  The daily entry format does not require a huge time commitment on the reader’s part which is a definitely a positive attribute in today’s busy world.  Reading each daily entry is a very simple step to take in helping us to achieve our full potential and to lead more peaceful and fulfilling lives.  I have found that Rice’s writing definitely has a calming effect on me that is not an easy feat to perform since I have two very active young boys who keep me running.  Each entry is very inspirational and uplifting and I believe that this book will have a positive effect on anyone’s life.   

Flanders: Bits of Belgium

Kathy Noltze
Magnum Travel, Inc. (2008)
ISBN 9780980157208
Reviewed by LuAnn Morgan for RebeccasReads (6/08)

In “Flanders: Bits of Belgium,” Kathy Noltze combines history, culture and travel to create a book that is every bit a joy to read. Beautiful pictures and writing give the reader a true sense of the country.

Noltze begins the journey with her arrival in Oostende, shows what to expect while traveling and goes directly into the history of the city.  She then explains what to expect when in a foreign country, the best way to get from place to place and how to interact with the people there.

The author chose Flanders because Brussels, its largest city and the capital of Europe, is a melting pot of cultures from around the continent.  The area is also centrally located along the coast of the North Sea and provides easy access to the surrounding area. Travel is convenient and makes sightseeing a treat.

Noltze takes the reader on a pleasant journey through city after city, explaining the similarities and differences of each place she stops along the route.  Her writing style makes for a book that allows the reader to kick back and simply enjoy the words and photographs. And what lovely sights she shares! The centuries old architecture is magnificent and Noltze captures the scenery at its finest.

In addition to Oostende, we also get pictures and stories of De Panne, Veurne, Knokke and other wonderful places.  Noltze also introduces the reader to the royal family and explains how the government works in this rather unique place. She ends the book with a few stories to demonstrate the pitfalls and joys of travel.

Flanders can only be described as a gift from this author to the reading community. She manages to pack a lot of information into the 97 pages to give the reader an extraordinary lesson.  This book is recommended reading for anyone planning a trip to Belgium. Yet, it is also a wonderful addition to any home library.  Lay it on the end table and watch the smiles you receive from guests who pick it up out of curiosity!

Childsong

Thor Polson
Athena Press (2007)
ISBN 9781844017317
Reviewed by LuAnn Morgan for RebeccasReads (6/08)

Thor Polson wrote this exploration of youth in the early 1980s and waited twenty years to publish it. The story revolves around a group of students at a small college in the Midwest U.S. and details how their selfishness, jealousy and despair affect their thoughts and actions.

The book begins with Clifton, the egotistical jock who thinks he has the world at his beck and call. This is the young man who all the girls and boys love. He’s self-centered and thinks the world revolves around him. He’s also rude and self-serving, yet that doesn’t stop others from looking up to him and coveting what he has.

The other main character seems to be Thomas, a student who has the potential to do great things, but circumstances have gotten in his way. He wants to be a poet, yet never seems to finish anything he starts; if he does finish something, he ends up wadding it up and tossing it into the trash. He’s afraid to share his work with others for fear of rejection, and the few poems others have read are difficult for them to understand. The “Me Generation” mentality of the 1980s prevents his peers from seeing past their own ideas and ideals and grasp what Thomas feels.

Other students include a girl every boy wants to love, another girl who is actually worthy of every boy’s love but not pretty enough to draw the attention.  There’s a boy struggling with feelings of homosexuality, and a boy who feels cast aside by his peers.

Polson’s writing is unique. Combining narrative, prose and creative writing, he has meshed a conglomeration of techniques into a book that forces the reader to slow down and confront what the cast of characters is facing.  It’s indeed an interesting style of writing and one I’ve never encountered before. 

Although difficult to read at times, “Childsong” does stir the reader’s emotions. Polson creates a storyline that makes you are angry, sympathetic, empathetic and sad all at the same time.  This is a creative book – to say the least – and one that will require your full attention.

A Million Is Not Enough: How to Retire with the Money You'll Need

Michael Farr
Springboard Press (2008)
ISBN 9780446582230
Reviewed by Sandie Kirkland for RebeccasReads (6/08)

Michael K. Farr is a professional financial advisor who manages his clients' portfolios and gives them advice on how to grow their savings so that they can enjoy a stress-free retirement.  In A Million In Not Enough, he gives the reader the advantage of his advice and expertise.  Farr divides investors into three groups: The "Core Boomers" are those in their early to mid-fifties;  "End Boomers" are those in their early to mid forties, and are representatives of the last of the official Boomer generation; while those in their early to mid-thirties are the "Neo-Boomers," and could even be referred to as the older "Generation X".  Each group needs a different strategy to be successful in the goal of accumulating enough capital to fund retirement.  “End Boomers” tend to have more assets, while “Neo-Boomers” tend to have more time.  Each is important, but needs differing strategies.

A concept Farr uses throughout the book is the theory of “Abundance Guilt.”  That is the conflict over material success that many in the Boomer generation have, due to unprecedented success, incredible work ethics and the hard-driving pace this generation tends to set for themselves.  Farr insists that rather than feeling guilt at the success and material goods an individual has been able to attain, they should be proud of their accomplishments and the ability to fund retirement and leave a legacy to their heirs.

This book is full of excellent investment advice, guiding the reader through calculating their net worth, deciding how much risk they can handle, setting a budget, determining ways to save more, and ways to avoid taxes.  There are multiple charts and tables, showing various scenarios.  There are two specific concepts Farr advocates.  The first is the magic of compounding, and the other is the superiority of the stock market as an investment vehicle; over time, it has proven to outperform any other.  Farr gives a detailed explanation of how the market works, different ways of investing depending on the individual's desire to be in control, and how to research stocks.  He even gives specific recommendation on which stocks might be good to own, and which mutual funds tend to be top performers.

This book is recommended for anyone who doesn't have a good grasp on basic financial concepts, and shows how to apply these concepts to make sure that investments and retirement are successful.  The book has a forward by P.J. O'Rourke that I found jarring as it attempted to discuss the topic humorously, but outside of that, I found this book well worth reading.