RebeccasReads

To Kill the Duke

Having recently finished reading the fictional story “To Kill the Duke” by author Sam Moffie I can safely say this book truly gave me a “unique” look back in time to the 1950s as well as an “interesting” perspective of Joseph Stalin. While I wasn’t riveted to my seat and biting my fingernails as I read; my attention was definitely captivated.

“To Kill the Duke” is set in the fifties; right smack in the middle of the Cold War. On the one hand we have the story of Ivan Viznapu – a loyal communist who yearns to make films rather than struggle through the hardships of his current life in mother Russia. On the other hand we have Dick Powell – an actor, who became a producer and then finally a film director who works for none other than the incredibly wealthy yet amazingly eccentric Howard Hughes. What do these two lives set thousands of miles apart actually have to do with one another? The answer to that question can be summed up in one name: John Wayne.

Apparently Hughes wasn’t the only over-the-top eccentric personality of his time. It seems that Stalin was right up there with him – at least according to the tale found within the pages of “To Kill the Duke.” Hughes planned to star Wayne in a movie he was making while Stalin was determined to kill him and thereby make a statement to the world. However, I’m going to let you read the rest of story for yourself rather than relay the crazy antics of the “elite” Russian spy squad or the sometimes disturbing idiosyncrasies of billionaire Howard Hughes.

For the most part I found “To Kill the Duke” to be an entertaining read although, at times, I did have trouble with the character of Hughes. Having seen the movie “The Aviator” which focused on the life of Howard Hughes there were passages and references that seemed to mirror scenes I had previously seen in “The Aviator.” I’m chalking these similarities up to the fact that Hughes was so rich and so eccentric that everyone knew everything about him; both private and business.

In closing, definitely a fun read although not really intended for the below eighteen crowd…


To Kill the Duke
Sam Moffie
CreateSpace (2012)
ISBN 9781461147060
Reviewed by Charline Ratcliff for RebeccasReads (2/12)

Hitler’s Silver Box

Dr. Bruce Starkman is the Chief ER Resident at Cook County Hospital in Chicago.  His being was once thoroughly consumed by his career, but Bruce’s life changes drastically after his Uncle Max’s mysterious death.  So many things about his uncle’s death just do not add up causing Bruce to become suspicious about the circumstances.  As he digs deeper he finds many intriguing elements in his uncle’s past, most particularly surrounding the time his uncle spent in Theresienstadt concentration camp about fifty years ago.  Once Bruce realizes the significance of his uncle’s secret he determines that he needs to follow the clues that his uncle left in order to stop an impending Nazi resurgence.

I was immediately drawn in by the cover of “Hitler’s Silver Box.”  The cover image and the title are one that would definitely stand out in a book store setting.  I would certainly pick up the book to learn more about it.

As I read Malnak’s novel I became thoroughly absorbed in the events taking place.  Malnak writes in a very captivating manner.  I was pleased to find out that the contents of the book matched the expectations that I had formed from the cover.  I found it hard to find a place to stop as I found that I wanted to read more and more to see what happened next.  The novel is fast moving and certainly will hold your attention.  The characters in “Hitler’s Silver Box” are quite intriguing and well developed.  I recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in reading of events of the Holocaust or to anyone looking for a gripping, fast-paced novel.


Hitler’s Silver Box
Allen Malnak
Two Harbors (2011)
ISBN 9781937293369
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (2/12)

The Tides of Avarice: A Sagaria Legend

“The first thing you notice is the smell.  It hangs like an almost visible miasma in the sluggish air of Darkwater- or, at least it does here, in the meanest, rottenest and generally most lethal part of Darkwater, the only town on Booty Island and, in its turn, the meanest, rottenest, and generally most lethal part of the Toxic Archipelago.  Darkwater is probably the only town in the whole wide world of Sagaria where murder isn’t a criminal offense:  in the local terminology it’s called ‘justifiable homicide.’  The men here will slit your throat for free and send a selection of your bodily organs to your loved ones for no more than the cost of the postage stamp.

The women are worse.

And the kids?  Don’t even ask.” (p.9)

This intriguing passage is part of the Prologue of John Dahlgren’s novel, “The Tides of Avarice: A Sagaria Legend.”  The four hundred and sixty two pages that follow are equally as entertaining.  One thing that struck me when I was reading Dahlgren’s work is how unique and creative the settings and characters he created are.  While reading I was reminded of “Pirates of the Caribbean” but with mainly non-human characters, most specifically lemmings.  In fact, the main character is librarian Sylvester Lemmington, a lemming.  The “Pirates of the Caribbean” vision comes in because Sylvester ends up with a treasure map and there is a pirate captain out there who is determined to get it back.

Although the book appears to be written for a Young Adult audience, I think that this story, like many other fantasy novels before it, would appeal to an adult audience as well.  “The Tides of Avarice: A Sagaria Legend” is an overall fun read. Be prepared to have a large time slot available to read it in because it is a book that is hard to put down and a lengthy one also!  I look forward to the next book in the series, “Sagaria.”


The Tides of Avarice: A Sagaria Legend
John Dahlgren
Editions Didier Millet Pte Ltd (2011)
ISBN 9789814260534
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (1/12)

Jarred Into Being

I’m unsure where to start in my review of “Jarred Into Being” by Pat Lawrence…

The premise of “Jarred Into Being” is this: the book’s main character, Eva Lange, has the idyllic life from infancy until age thirteen. She was that “miracle baby” that her parents tried to conceive for four years; she was a beautiful infant and child and due to her parents social circumstances Eva never had to want for anything. That is until she turned thirteen and her parents died in a horrific car accident…

Eva was left with a small trust once all of her parent’s assets had been sold and her only living relative was a twenty-three year old aunt from the maternal side of her family who had been branded as “wild” and “unreliable” by Eva’s mother. This is the home to which Eva went; now that this new chapter in her life had been started and life with her aunt from then on was anything but a fairytale.

From this point Eva’s life begins to spiral steadily downward; the straight A’s she used to get in school have now become non-existent and Eva has turned into a truant  student and has even been expelled from school for fighting. Her aunt Loretta has lost her job; is supporting herself with Eva’s trust money and to top everything off has just announced to Eva that she is pregnant and that the father has no intentions of staying around.

We continue following along through “Jarred Into Being” as Eva plays mom to Loretta’s baby Tina and then is left to fend for the both of them when Loretta runs off to avoid the mess of a life she created that Eva is now thoroughly embroiled in. Eva has a strong will and is determined to create a better life for herself yet it seems as if every time she attempts to pull herself out of that yawning abyss someone else comes along and takes advantage of her naiveté.

While I wouldn’t say that “Jarred In to Being” was a fantastic book – it was at least readable. Unfortunately, the writing itself, while honest and sincere, left much to be desired as far as depth of story and the true pain and emotion that should have been ever present in a tale as shocking as this one.


Jarred Into Being
Pat Lawrence
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432778842
Reviewed by Charline Ratcliff for RebeccasReads (1/12)

Burned

This arresting Norwegian thriller is a fun and fast but intriguing read.   In his debut novel, "Burned," Thomas Enger introduces physically scarred and emotionally damaged Juul Henning, an investigative crime reporter for internet newspaper 123News.  Hesitantly returning to work after a long absence following a fire which left his face badly burned, his young son dead, and his marriage dissolved, Juul has much trepidation facing old colleagues and old routines in the workplace.  Unsure if he still has the impetus to succeed, he quickly finds himself thick into the investigation of what appears to be a radical Muslim ritual death of a young white woman.  He is unfortunately paired to work with Iver Gunderson, the handsome and revered reporter who happens to be ex-wife Nora’s new lover.  Conflicting work style and personal jealousy heighten the tension.
The unclear “honor killing” echoing Sharia law draws attention to the Muslim community, but the unlikely victim and the implausible motive of the crime seem to draw Henning in other directions.  With tips from a resurrected source and good old fashioned gumshoe reporting, he sets out to solve the crime. The reader is provided with surprising and often incredulous twists and turns.

Like Larrson’s "Blomkvist," Juul Henning is a reporter with a troubling past out to unravel the unsolvable case.  Also a bit of a loner, he attempts to maintain journalistic integrity and avoid pulp reporting. Driven by past damage, each is set on a quest.  Both explore social issues as the basis of their stories. Enger regrettably does not develop his locale with rich description of Norway as Larrson did Stockholm, nor does he develop the tension within the complicated relationships of his major characters.  It may seem a bit unfair to compare the authors, but the obvious similarities help create that association.  With that said, Henning is really a very heartbreaking but likeable character.  He has to deal with personal demons but we root for him to succeed, to take that step closer to recovery.  He has the potential to become a recurring central character in more books to come.


Burned
Thomas Enger
Atria (2010)
ISBN 9781451616453
Reviewed by Enid Grabiner for RebeccasReads (1/12)

The Tesla Formula

I just finished reading “The Tesla Formula” and I must say…great book; kudos to author Nicolas Kublicki. The book’s main character, Patrick Carlton, reminds me of the main character in Clive Cussler’s books and I would say that Kublicki has definitely brought action / adventure / intrigue / espionage novels to a whole new level.

Some of you may be familiar with the Serbian-American inventor Nikola Tesla who, for starters, brought us alternating current (AC) which is used in everyday life around the world. To put it succinctly, Tesla was a genius.

Tesla, the holder of 272 patents in 25 countries died quietly in a New York hotel room sometime during the night of January 7, 1943. His nephew, Sava Kosanovic, found him the following morning and also discovered that his uncle’s scientific papers had been gone through and that a black folder labeled “Government” was missing. Kosanovic immediately contacted the FBI who came and removed all of Tesla’s documents, papers and notes.

In 1943 our country was thoroughly embroiled in WWII and the FBI, seeking any kind of edge possible, ordered Special Agent in Charge P.E. Foxworth to review thousands of pages of Tesla’s papers. Amazingly enough Foxworth found something and it was such a significant discovery that Foxworth would only reveal it in person to the nation’s president: Franklin D. Roosevelt. However, FDR was in Casablanca meeting with Churchill and Charles de Gaulle. That didn’t stop Foxworth though; he boarded a military plane bound for Morocco but somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean the plane exploded and the secret was lost forever. Or was it?

The book’s introduction is true; the story itself is fictional however, with events from this day and age and with the author’s consistent use of real world facts and quotes “The Tesla Formula” reads like a non-fiction book. And if you want to know how it ends I suggest you get your own copy…

As for the writing… Kublicki does a phenomenal job. I daresay his words will hold readers riveted and keep them sitting on the edge of their seats; an amazingly interesting and realistic story without becoming over embellished. A solid five star read…


The Tesla Formula
Nicolas Kublicki
Rellihan Satterlee (2011)
ISBN 9780984935208
Reviewed by Charline Ratcliff for RebeccasReads (1/12)

Ruth

“Friday 14th December 1956 had arrived at last.  Fed up with boarding school, Ruth’s final day couldn’t come soon enough.  She longed for the familiar lush, green landscapes of Papua with myriad flowering trees and vibrant, cascading orchids.  And, of course, seeing Tommy.  She hoped he’d missed her as much as she had missed him, and wondered if he had changed over the last year.  Ruth knew she had changed.”  (p.1)

So begins Marlene S. Lewis’ novel, “Ruth.”  When we first meet the title character, Ruth, she is on her long journey home from school.  The different settings for the novel I am not very familiar with (Sydney, New South Wales, etc.) so keeping track of the landscape was a little challenging for me.  After hours and hours of travel, she boards a small plane to take her on the final stretch of her journey to her home.  The plane ride though, is anything but routine, and has a terrifying conclusion.

Once that harrowing experience is in her past she finds out that there is more in store for her at home.  Her mother is acting differently and she is unsure what is going on.  Then there is also her relationship with the mixed-race Tommy to think about.  Ruth’s life would never be the same again after that journey home for Christmas.

I enjoyed the roller coaster ride that was Ruth’s life.    At first when incident after incident began happening to Ruth, I thought that the book was going to be a little far-fetched.  However, as I kept reading, I found that it actually worked well and made for a good read. The protagonist certainly ends up going through a lot and Lewis did a wonderful job of keeping the reader engaged in her life.  The characters in the book were all very well developed and the storyline flowed smoothly from start to finish.  “Ruth” is a worthwhile read.


Ruth
Marlene S. Lewis
Matador (2012)
ISBN 9781848766235
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (1/12)

My Top 40 at 40: Making the First Half Count

A few years ago when I was still a “newbie” writer I remember doing some “suggested” reading so that I would have a better understanding of  the “Industry.” My first mistake was listening to this person’s “helpful” advice; my second was actually following through with it. When you’re just starting out as a writer; working on getting your books out and published the last thing you really want or need to hear is all the over-the-top and dramatically negative comments about how difficult this industry is. I mean really…don’t we already know that? If it were easy, I daresay there would be a lot more books lining library shelves.

Anyway, I remember coming upon this three or four page rant written by a woman with a very high opinion of herself; a self-decided expert in the “Industry” who was providing tips on what people should and shouldn’t write. One of her suggestions was: “Don’t write your own biography; everyone does it and unless you’re someone interesting like Mick Jagger no one really cares.” I wasn’t writing a biography but I did file those words away for future reference because…I guess I could see her point.

However, after reading “My Top 40 at 40” I will most definitely need to forget this woman’s haughty suggestion because “My Top 40 at 40” is one of the most interesting books I’ve read so far this year. I will admit it helps that author Kari Loya has led an interesting life. Loya has been unafraid to live life to the fullest and he writes his story with just the right amount of humor and sarcasm to make the experiences he chooses to share fun to read. Finding a book that makes me smile much less laugh out loud doesn’t happen very often but when I’m lucky enough to happen across one of these rare finds I definitely keep and treasure the book.

In summary, “My Top 40 at 40” was an amazingly fun read. This memoir / biography is well-written and an easy read for all as it is a compilation of very short stories. Great as a gift, a great pick me up on a bad day, a great coffee table conversation starter or...great bathroom reading material for all your dinner party guests. Just make sure it doesn’t walk out the door with them when they say good night…


My Top 40 at 40: Making the First Half Count
Kari Loya
XK Productions, LLC
ISBN 9780984763702
Reviewed by Charline Ratcliff for RebeccasReads (2/12)

Oracle: Sunken Earth

“Jaret turned to face the fighting.  When the smoke had cleared momentarily, he could see an old man, with a long beard and white staff, contending against a young man whose complexion was fair and radiant.  Each of them had one hand on a small sphere, which they were desperately clinging to and striving to pull away from the other.”  (p.2)

Jaret is a Coast Guard Captain who is battling a hurricane to try to aid those on a ship that he sees as is in distress.  The above paragraph is the scene that he stumbles upon when he boards the vessel.  He learns that the object that the two are fighting over is called the Oracle.  The old man ends up striking the boy with his staff and knocking him out.  The sphere rolls over to Jaret who picks it up and engages in brief combat with the old man before attempting to rescue the boy.  Once the boy is in the raft, the fighting continues resulting in the sphere being thrown in the ocean, Jaret perishing, and the boy and the raft motoring away.

This Chapter 0, as it is headed, lays out the backstory and groundwork for “Oracle:  Sunken Earth,” C.W. Trisef’s first novel.  Although the story line was unique and entertaining, there were some areas that were a little disjointed and didn’t flow well.  As Trisef is a first-time author, refinement in these areas will come with experience.  He definitely has the fundamentals and groundwork in place though to be a successful author.

I found the cover art to be quite visually appealing.   If “Oracle: Sunken Earth” were on a display table in a book store setting, it would definitely be a book that would grab my attention and prompt me to pick it up to see what it is about.  Once I opened the book and began reading, I was not disappointed.  The characters are intriguing, as is the subject matter

“Oracle:  Sunken Earth” is the first in a series.  I am looking forward to the next installment and watching the author grow as a writer.  If you enjoy science fiction and fantasy and are looking for a unique new series, then give Trisef’s first novel a try.


Oracle: Sunken Earth
C.W. Trisef
Trisef Book, LLC (2011)
ISBN 9781463559212
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (3/12)

The Frugal Book Promoter

This is a second edition of the book, which was first published in 2004. The fact that the book is published once again with multiple updates already speaks of its success. Within its 400 pages, the author presents a myriad of marketing tips that are both easy on the wallet and do not consume too much time. With internet ruling our lives, book promotion can be easily done with this modern medium of information and communication. It is possible to get your name and your book out there without paying extraordinary fees to publicists. Many useful and critical steps can be taken with little or no cost to the author, only requiring committing one’s own time to the cause.

"The Frugal Book Promoter" is clearly written with easy-to-follow advice, touching on many specific details, like what is the best way to take a photo, which will appear on the book’s back cover, for example. There are many basics that may be overlooked by a new author, and this text is very helpful in covering those. Preparing a media kit, getting reviews in various places – online and in-print, keeping a blog, offering a free glimpse inside your book, are just some of tips offered. One of the more important ones, in my opinion, is offering an electronic version of the book. With many people reading from e-readers, tablets, and computers, it is very advantageous to have an option of purchasing an electronic text. Getting the book is instantaneous and cheaper in most cases. And virtual bookshelves are expending at incredibly fast rate.

Overall, an audience of writers fresh to the business and want-to-be writers would greatly benefit by reading this book. It is full of down-to-earth advice and tips for succeeding in marketing one’s written work. The author is very knowledgeable on the subject and has a great writing style, presenting comprehensive information in succinct and logical way, while paying attention to key details.


The Frugal Book Promoter
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
HowToDoItFrugally Publishing (2011)
ISBN 9781463743291
Reviewed by Andrey Bilko for RebeccasReads (3/12)

A Life Lived Ridiculously

I’ve just finished reading “A Life Lived Ridiculously” by author Annabelle R. Charbit. It was a good book; well-written and the story / characters drew me in from the get go.

The premise of “A Life Lived Ridiculously” is this: Maxine (this story’s main character) is a Jewish girl with a serious case of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Of course she doesn’t realize this; she’s done all the research on this particular ailment and none of its symptoms correctly fit what she experiences on a painful minute by minute basis. Her parents are constantly on her case to find a man; get married and settle down after all, what woman really needs to hold a PhD in anything? Her younger brother Claude, who has always been her best friend and confidante, has apparently met “Miss Perfect” and has turned his back on his earlier days of debauchery which unfortunately also includes Maxine.

One night at a family dinner party Maxine meets Sam… Sam is a boney stick of a man who comports himself like someone who is fifty not thirty and Maxine is instantly repelled by him. However, time moves on and Sam, desperate to win Maxine’s affections, is ever present in her life until one day she does the unthinkable and actually falls in love with him. It’s at this exact moment that Sam vanishes off the face of the earth. Maxine is frantic; she worries that Sam is dead and she finds herself obsessing about him and becoming more depressed by the day.

I’m not going to give away anymore of the story but suffice it to say that “A Life Lived Ridiculously” was a page turner in a dramatic and very true to life way. I guess my only beef with this book was its title: “A Life Lived Ridiculously.” Throughout its entirety I never felt that any of this fictional tale was ridiculous in fact, more often than not, I found it to be extremely sobering. I know there are people and situations that mirror this story in real life. Regardless, “A Life Lived Ridiculously” was a great read and definitely worth four stars. Probably a “must read” for most single women too…


A Life Lived Ridiculously
Dr. Annabelle R. Charbit
Firefly Publishing & Entertainment (2012)
ISBN 9780984642861
Reviewed by Charline Ratcliff for RebeccasReads (2/12)

When We Get Back Up: A Generation will Change

From the Introduction of “When We Get Back Up: A Generation Will Change,” author Sandra D tells the reader, “After emerging from a period of darkness where even a dream vacation became a personal nightmare, I patiently wrote this book based on actual events.  I give personal accounts of real life experiences.  In so doing, I use my real name while changing the names of all others.  While reading, you may laugh, sigh or shake your head in disbelief as some of the challenges I faced were very unusual.  You may even nod your head in agreement, having faced similar challenges.”

Each one of the 29 Chapters in the book begins with a positive inspirational quote such as “I am grateful for the lessons I have learned within my family.” (p.80) and “I allow love to find me.” (p. 252)

Sandra D does not hold anything back when telling the story of her life.  All of the details are there and one can vividly picture the events taking place around her.  She does an incredible job of relaying her experiences to her readers.  Her hurt and pain can be felt permeating throughout the pages of the book.  However, also coming from Sandra D’s writing, is the sense of inspiration, the feeling of hope, and the promise of healing.

I commend Sandra D for telling her story and think that “When We Get Back Up-:A Generation Will Change” would be an excellent resource for those suffering, or having suffered, from abuse.  It is also an eye-opening book for those who haven’t been through such trauma, to get a glimpse inside others’ struggles and develop a sense of empathy for those scarred by situations in their past.  As Sandra D states, writing this book was therapeutic for her.  I believe that the contents within will also help many others who are, or have been, in similar situations.


When We Get Back Up: A Generation will Change
Sandra D
MeetSandraD (2011)
ISBN 9780615436128
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (3/12)

The Writer’s Guide to the Courtroom: Let’s Quill All the Lawyers

I am a lawyer; I like legal thrillers- (read at least 30 + legal thrillers per year) and yearn to be a ‘lawyer oblique novelist’ one day. Veteran writers always say that you should write about what you know. I know a bit of law- and have a plot of a legal thriller in mind- but what refrains me from going ahead is the fear that I might write something which is not…..verisimilitude (yup, I also like playing with biggie words). And that’s the biggest mental block I have to go full steam ahead.

It is at this juncture, I got hold of lawyer oblique author Doanna Ballman’s marvelous work “The Writer’s Guide to the Courtroom: Let’s Quill all the Lawyers.” The title says it and this I believe is the definitive work so far as legal fiction writing is concerned. From the nuances of civil to the procedural intricacies of criminal law- the author explains in clear, pristine words- of what one should do…and more importantly what one should not do while writing a law novel, screenplay or story.

The author starts with the simple things that writers (including lawyers) get wrong- like the mode of courtroom address- whether it’s “Mister Justice” or “Your Honor” and steadily goes onto other finer points of legal procedure like interrogatories and subpoenas. A writing guide always has the risk of falling into a rambling text. And the author must be appreciated for not falling into that pit. Frankly, this is not a guide per se…its more of a reference to the would-be legal fiction novelist/ screenplay-ist. You need not by-heart this book line by line- but it’s the Bible to be had- the immediate reference for one seriously writing a legal background story.

 Of course, this book is meant for the serious author who wants the research to be perfect (and by a serious author I mean those who follow the Scott Turow, Richard North Patterson school of thought);  and for those who really want to a make a mark in the world of legal fiction. If you are an author who stretches the scope of ambit of literary license to the extreme, this book is not meant for you.  And of course such an author must also take the risk of his book/ movie being lambasted by critics.  The choice is yours.

I am confident that I am a good lawyer, and after reading this book, I am confident I can also be a good author. My dream of becoming a “bestselling legal thriller author” has just got 10 steps closer.


The Writer’s Guide to the Courtroom: Let’s Quill All the Lawyers
Donna Ballman
Behler Publications (2011)
ISBN 9781933016535
Reviewed by Narayan Radhakrishnan for RebeccasReads (3/12)

Thorns on Roses

Tom Jeffries is a former member of Special Forces but now is a private investigator working freelance for a large law firm in Florida.  After saving one of the law partner’s daughters from a gang of thugs he has an ally of sorts within the firm.

When Tom’s best friend’s daughter is raped and murdered he takes the law into his own hands.  As a cop in Dallas, his own sister had been murdered and her killers allowed to go free on a technicality.  He vows this won’t happen again.

As Tom begins his plan, he calls in the debt from the law partner.  This sets off concern and Tom is “assigned” a lawyer to keep an eye on him and make sure he does nothing to embarrass the firm.  This lawyer is one of the toughest litigators in the firm, smart and beautiful.  She begins to follow Tom to try and learn about him but soon finds that she is falling for him.

While she suspects what he is doing she doesn’t completely want to know.  He falls for her and doesn’t want to lose her because of his mission.

The plot is well fleshed out and the storyline is superb in "Thorns on Roses."   I truly enjoyed meeting the characters and seeing them come to life.  There were a few hokey lines here and there but they almost served as comic relief.  The love twist was well written without being too sappy or crude; very well balanced.

This is a very enjoyable book and I look forward to reading more from the author, Randy Rawls.


Thorns on Roses
Randy Rawls
L&L Dreamspell (2011)
ISBN 9781603183758
Reviewed by Melissa Koltes for RebeccasReads (3/12)

The Quotable Libra

Astrology is a curious field (I cannot call it a science). It is very entertaining to read your horoscope in the morning, anticipating what is in store for the day. Even though, horoscopes are very generic and do not actually provide a window into the future, it is a lot of fun to skim through them. A positive horoscope can even raise one’s mood and make the day more enjoyable. There is more to zodiac signs, however, than just daily horoscope. There is a multitude of books written on the qualities and characteristics of zodiac signs, describing human personalities, habits, etc. There are articles about especially strong bonds between certain zodiac signs. There is love advice and much more. “Stars know and can tell everything,” according to astrologists. The only secret is to find out what exactly they are saying.

"The Quotable Libra" is unique in combining descriptions of Libra’s personalities with quotations describing these attributes shared by famous Librans themselves. For a person, who is a Libra, or closely knows one, it is very entertaining to read these quotations. The author has gone through books, articles, interviews, carefully choosing words, which can relate with certain Libran traits. For example, there are sections on peace, justice, partnership, charm, smiles and laughter, living in the moment, and idealism, all of which are talents of Librans, according to the text. Each such section starts with the descriptions of traits, then goes on with interesting quotes, and often finishes with some examples of celebrities, which fit with the topic being discussed.

This book is a perfect gift for a Libran or a spouse of one. It is definitely a fun read for those, who enjoy reading celebrity quotes. The topics are often quite general, and quotations can be used not just in relation to the zodiac sign. Overall, a fun read, whether the reader is a Libran or not. Chances are, we all know some Librans, and it is quite amusing to read about their qualities from famous people.


The Quotable Libra
Mary Valby
Quotable Zodiac Publishing, LLC (2011)
ISBN 9781936998074
Reviewed by Andrey Bilko for RebeccasReads (3/12)

Nothing Left to Lose

“…She slit open the envelope with her finger and pulled out the single type-written page, her eyes blurring over the words, we regret to inform, but gritting her teeth, forcing herself to read the rest, sure that he was dead.

And then stunned that he was not.

She stared, uncomprehending, at the words, missing in action, and felt herself suddenly suspended somewhere in the awful barren space bounded by grief on the one side and hope on the other.”  (p. 24-25)

The telegram that Anne had received from the Department of Defense was regarding her son Josh, a Marine overseas in Vietnam.

As a mother myself, I found that I was completely engulfed in the mother Anne’s emotions.  I could imagine how much hurt and pain she felt upon receiving this news and in trying to comprehend it.  At least she had the hope, the hope that her son may still be alive, but what a frightening, life changing experience this would be.  The emotional tugs of this book do not end here and continue to ring throughout the entire novel.

“Nothing Left to Lose” is the captivating story of the effects of war on families.  It shows the emotional costs and provides insight into the sacrifices and hardships that these individuals face.  The book not only has characters that went to war, but also contains elements of the anti-war movement.  Johnson does a wonderful job with character development and drawing the reader in on a personal level.  The book is well-written and one that you will find difficult to tear yourself away from once you start reading. 


Nothing Left to Lose
Allan G. Johnson
Plain View Press (2011)
ISBN 9781935514947
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (11/11)

Adventures in Political Theory

"Adventures in Political Theory" embarks the reader onto a journey through time to learn about the most influential Western thinkers and philosophers, from Socrates and Plato to Michel Foucault and Jacques Derrida. The author explains the importance political science plays in people’s lives and every day world, its urge to try explaining the “unexplained” and rhetorical questions - those, which have been troubling one generation after another for many centuries.

The logic and deductive reasoning, wisdom and praxis, are all integral parts of the prospering world. Great thinkers of the Western world are key players in shaping hundreds of years of human existence. From Ancient Greece to modern times, each chapter in the book tells stories of particularly important and groundbreaking thoughts and movements, which changed the society, politics, and how the world operates for many years.

Moving along the chronological timeline of human progress in political thinking, the reader finds out the historical circumstances leading to the formation of particular ideas, is presented with clear description of those powerful statements, while also being exposed to the critiques. It is not just a one-sided argument, but a collection of ideas presented from different angles, based on which the reader can make up their own mind, without being blindly guided by the author.

This is an easy-reading, clear text about essential historical figures and their theories, which have shined their never-dimming lights onto the world. These thinkers have shown the power of the human mind and extraordinary dedication to serving and influencing the society. A perfect introduction into the world of vibrant political science! This book is very enjoyable and educational, containing a lot of information presented in an efficient and succinct manner. Concurrent themes are brought together. Main concepts and commentary are presented. It is a wonderful anthology of major influences which shaped and are still shaping the Western world. It is unbelievable how much a single idea could change the way things operate, sometimes irreversibly. And the author makes it ever so clear! There is a lot to learn on this exciting journey, therefore get started with no time to waste!


Adventures in Political Theory
Norman Patrick Peritore
Outskirts Press, Inc. (2010)
ISBN 9781432750190
Reviewed by Andrey Bilko for RebeccasReads (11/11)

The Keya Quests: The Battle for Shivenridge

Had Glenn Skinner known that I would be the person reviewing his book “The Battle for Shivenridge” I think he might have contemplated requesting the review be cancelled rather than chance receiving another scathing review from me. I initially became acquainted with Skinner’s writings when I read the first book in “The Keya Quests” fantasy / epic line: “Three Souls Destiny-Bound.” That particular book was a very difficult read and I was extremely explanatory of why in its subsequent review.

In all honesty when I saw “The Battle for Shivenridge” was available for review I cautiously weighed whether I wanted to tackle it or not. I hoped that Skinner had taken some of my previous review advice to heart but I was afraid that his writing style would be unchanged and I would be forced to write yet another harsh critique. I definitely didn’t want that; I don’t enjoy writing bad reviews, however, my curiosity got the better of me, and I went ahead and requested it.

Upon receiving “The Battle for Shivenridge” I looked it over, front and back, and decided that it looked much more interesting / appealing than its predecessor had. Finding a quiet spot a day or so later I cracked the book open and began to read. I was happily surprised. Skinner’s writing style had improved…dramatically…and as I turned the pages I found myself lost in the tale and several hours slipped by without my noticing their passing.

To sum up quickly: “The Battle for Shivenridge” is the continuing story of Keya and her faithful friends / family as they travel through a magical portal in order to return to Keya’s home world and save her people from the insidious evil that remains even after Lord Randar’s previous defeat.

I don’t want to give any parts of this story away; suffice it to say that “The Battle for Shivenridge” is well worth the read. It is interesting and entertaining and while there are still some minor problems with the writing they are small enough not to hinder the reader’s enjoyment of the story.

Kudos to Skinner for a much improved book and I’m truly looking forward to reading (and hopefully) reviewing the next one.


The Keya Quests: The Battle for Shivenridge
Glenn Skinner
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432773625
Reviewed by Charline Ratcliff for RebeccasReads (11/11)

The Analyst

David Heart is caught in a quandary.  His grandfather needs a costly surgery and his mother is panicked by her inability to cover the costs.  Facing eviction she turns to David for help.  David is a young investment analyst who secured his position based not on expertise but by nepotism, a favor for Uncle Charley.  Inexperienced and naïve he becomes coerced into changing research positions on a biotech drug company and then taking the blame when the report proves to be wrong.  Easily bullied and intimidated, he is taken advantage of by predator Sandy Allen, a savvy and unscrupulous trader.  On the pretense of mentoring him, she uses David to facilitate an illegal insider trading scheme.  The further into it she gets, the lower she drags David down as an unknown accomplice.  As he tries to extricate himself, he learns life’s lessons the hard way.

Dawkins presents a very interesting tale of a sheep headed for slaughter.  David is a good-hearted but immature young man placed in a precarious position by trusting the wrong people.  At first, I found him to be a likeable schlemiel, but became irritated at his dependence on other people.  If he would have acted on his own instinct instead of allowing other people to lead him, his circumstances might have been different.

David developed his own strategy to succeed using the acronym “PERK” when referencing it.  The whole concept of infusing this philosophy into the story actually diminished it for me.  The reader will find this tactic unsuccessful and clearly annoying.  The story can stand very well without it.

Also nicely woven into the novel is the chronicle of Alexei Baikov, the CEO of Baikov Biopharma, whose company is the focus of the SEC investigation.  His history and motivation are well developed as are those of the other characters portrayed.  The author is careful to show that there are often hidden circumstances that drive one’s action.  It is those shades of gray that make “The Analyst” so good.


The Analyst
P.T. Dawkins
llumina Press (2011)
ISBN 9781605947235
Reviewed by Enid Grabiner for RebeccasReads (11/11)

A Bitter Truth: A Bess Crawford Mystery (Bess Crawford Mysteries)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book hoping all along that Masterpiece Theater will choose to do a series on this wonderful character Bess Crawford, a strong, confident nurse serving in World War 1.  The rich historical backdrop helps to layer the stories within the small English village mystery and expand them to settings on the warfront.

On Christmas leave from duty, Bess arrives home to find a chilled, frightened woman in her doorway.  She takes her in as she clearly has nowhere to turn.  Her houseguest, Lydia Ellis, confides that her husband Roger, who has returned from war after three years, is a different man.  During a recent argument he erupted into violence and hit her, driving her to flee.  After much contemplation she now would like to return home to Vixen Hall in Sussex but wants Bess to accompany.  Reluctantly Bess agrees.

Bess finds herself in a home of mourning as Roger’s brother died of war wounds and the memorial service is about to take place.  Family and friends gather, and as you would have it in any good English mystery, a houseguest is murdered.  Their silence becomes self-imposed as relationships between family members are exposed. Time and separation forced by circumstance of war seems to have impacted everyone and implications of secret affairs cloud the atmosphere.  Distrust and jealousy pervade as talk of a rumored orphaned child of Roger’s in France surface. 

Back at the warfront, Bess begins a journey to find the child, uncertain what she will do if faced with her discovery.  Collaborating with newly made friend, Australian Sgt. Larimore, they set out to recover the child without much forethought to the end game!
More murders create more mysteries and as the murderer begins to show himself, the reader learns “the bitter truth!”

In addition to the detailed story line, there are so many rich diverse characters to both love and hate.  Beyond the goings on of the family in the village we are treated to more far-reaching moral, geographic and historical issues that individually impact the actions of each.  The novel becomes thought provoking long beyond the close of the story.  Multilayered in plotline and rich in the study of human behavior, "A Bitter Truth: A Bess Crawford Mystery (Bess Crawford Mysteries)" becomes thought-provoking well after one closes the book.


A Bitter Truth: A Bess Crawford Mystery (Bess Crawford Mysteries)
Charles Todd
William Morrow (2011)
ISBN 9780062015709
Reviewed by Enid Grabiner for RebeccasReads (11/11)