RebeccasReads

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)

Treedom

The author of "Treedom," Takashi Kobayashi, had a great idea about documenting his story as Japan’s foremost Tree House Builder.  I was looking forward to get his book, however I was very disappointed when I opened the book’s cover and started to read.  The book was laid out in the same fashion as one would expect if it were written by a 1960’s hippie while on a bad trip.  The page backgrounds clash with the text printed on them making them hard to read.  The premise on the book was a good one, but it was targeted for someone in the upper west coast grunge movement.  I think the book will have limited appeal with anyone over the age of forty.

The book comes with a DVD and it does not fare any better than the book.  I would like to point out that the DVD does have some good photos and videos of the author’s work on his tree houses.  However I have to say I think the author missed the mark with this book.

So in summary, the author, Takashi Kobayashi, is unequaled in his field of making tree houses, but writing is not his forte.  The text in the book clashes with the background colors and images.  None of the photos have any descriptions about them so you have no idea about the story in the photos.  The author in real life might be a wonderful person, however in the book he comes off as a depressive radical from the 1960’s Woodstock era.  So I have to say the book was a disappointment to me.  Sorry, I do not recommend buying this book.

Treedom
Takashi Kobayaski
One Peace Books (2009)
ISBN 9780978508463
Reviewed by Randy A Lakin for RebeccasReads (06/09)

Daniel X: Watch the Skies

Lights On…
Action….
Cut….
That  ‘endertainment’ is for you. Nope what I wrote is ‘endertainment’- it's no typo. And endertainment is the word to describe the newest intergalactic game show, the biggest to hit the universe in a long time. The contestants are humans, the viewers are aliens, and after the end of the show- after the end of the entertainment, the contestants are killed of.

And Daniel X, the prodigious alien hunter who brought to book the devious alien Seth Ergent (Alien No. 6) in his first outing “ The Dangerous Days of Daniel X” has now the task of bringing to book the mastermind and director behind this endertainment- Alien No. 5. Whether Daniel X succeeds in his new venture or not forms the plot of the novel.

This is James Patterson’s sixtieth published work and 52nd novel. Having read most of the novels by James Patterson (we know that he is an institution and not a person), there is something we expect from Patterson. The Maximum Ride series covers a wide range of subjects, each plot is different from the earlier; The Alex Cross series is spectacular, each novel being a stand alone in itself. However, I couldn’t find anything different in this book compared to the earlier. The characters are same and I felt safe for the name of the villain, there was not much different from the earlier Daniel X novel. Of course, the first time Daniel X reader would enjoy this one but for a seasoned James Patterson fan; this book would not be upto the mark.

However, James Patterson fans have a lot to cheer about. 2009 is packed with JP novels- with “Witch and Wizard”, ‘Swimsuit”, the new Alex Cross thriller all coming our way the next six months. “Daniel X; Watch the Skies” is all in all a good book, but not a grand book. 

Daniel X: Watch the Skies
James Patterson & Ned Rust
Little, Brown, & Co. (2009)
ISBN 9780316036184
Reviewed by Narayan Radhakrishnan for RebeccasReads.com (7/09)

Torn

“TORN”  by Amber Lehman begins as 14-year-old Krista moves to California and finds that life her at the public school is much different than the Catholic School that she went to back in Ohio.  She quickly becomes friends with Carrie and Brandon and as they become closer the experimentation begins.  In a simple juvenile game of Truth or Dare, a dare to kiss another girl causes her to question herself and her friends.

The “Note from the Author” at the start of the novel tells us that the author herself had a difficult childhood and this heightened her sensitivity to stories that were shared with her throughout her life.  Instead of writing a book of “case studies” she chose to fictionalize the people involved.  “By placing the characters in positions to interact with each other, it makes us care for them and for their hardships as multidimensional persons, and not just case numbers or studies.”

In the book there are a lot of different relationships among the characters and each one is interesting in itself.  Lehman does a wonderful job presenting each individual’s story and conveying his or her thoughts and emotions.    “TORN” is a story about young teenagers however the target audience for the book is for people over the age of eighteen which is very fitting due to the sexual nature and descriptive sexual scenes depicted throughout the novel.  Unfortunately the experiences with alcohol, drugs (like cocaine and marijuana), and sexual experimentation presented in the book are a reality in many teenagers’ lives and this book could definitely serve as an eye-opener to some parents.  However, in itself, “TORN” is a very readable and engaging novel even if you want to read it and enjoy it purely as a work of fiction.

Torn
Amber Lehman
Closet Case Press (2009)
ISBN 9780979593369
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads.com (09/09)

The Dyodyne Experiment

As a result of the professional business backgrounds of these two authors, “The Dyodyne Experiment” presents a well thought-out novel of the exploration of biotechnological options in the fight against crime and terrorism.  James Doulgeris was involved in the healthcare industry and V. Michael Santoro in biotechnology.  They obviously have the expertise in portraying a story involving the development and advancement of a system, DaNA, which can imbed a computer chip in a person through transmission of a virus and then track his movements.  Dyodyne Labs, the company that advanced this process, with the cooperation of Homeland Security, hopes to test this theory by tracking a known criminal to his accomplices in hopes of bringing down a drug cartel.

As they are working out the bugs in that operation, an unexpected terror attack on the city of New York on September 11th (an alternate scenario from that of 2001) creates a panic in the wake of the physical devastation and the perceived threat of the unknown.  It is discovered that there are more hidden bombs in the US.  In a race to find them and uncover what appears to be a global conspiracy, Homeland Security enlists the aid of Dyodyne Labs. As terrorist involvement spans many countries, the task to hunt them down seems impossible.  The virus system, not yet perfected, is their only hope of pursuing these radicals, but the virus is mutating and quickly challenging their success.

The interpersonal relationships between key characters and the contrived situations in which they are placed are difficult to accept as realistic.  The real strength is the use of biotechnology in this tale of espionage.  Logical and well thought out, "The Dyodyne Experiment" presents a gripping and frightening situation of the collision of science and terrorism.  This tracking system does not seem outside the realm of possibility.  Is Big Brother watching?

The Dyodyne Experiment
James Doulgeris & V. Michael Santoro
Synergy Books (2009)
ISBN 9780982160121
Reviewed by Enid Grabiner for RebeccasReads.com (09/09)

Tightening the Knot

Amanda Hamm was born in Ohio and now lives in North Carolina with her husband and children.  Writing has been a life-long dream for Amanda and has written several books including Dear Jane Letters and Zero Station:  A Science Fiction Novella.

“Tightening the Knot” begins with Meredith Donnor sitting in an attorney’s office contemplating filing for divorce.  At some point she realizes that she doesn’t want to be there and walks out before getting very far with the process.  Meredith has been married to Greg for six years, but at some point over the last year they stopped really talking to each other due to a sensitive subject, fertility and her inability to get pregnant.  As the months go by, the communication decreases and Meredith is frustrated because Greg is not interpreting her hints at restarting communication.  Then Greg signs them up for a Tightening the Knot marriage seminar through church; could this be the help they need to get back on track and rekindle their marriage?

This is not a very long book at all, but it does a good job of reflecting how many relationships sour, what causes the decline and what could turn the relationship around.  Meredith’s “hints” and Greg’s inability to read between the lines is typical of many male-female relationships.  Too many women don’t say what they think or want or need and men just can’t figure it out without the direct approach.

As I was reading the book, I was reminded of the movie “Fireproof” in small ways.  When Greg started doing nice things for Meredith I immediately thought of the principals of that movie.  However, the book changed direction and I was glad that it would be different.

When Greg and Meredith decide to attend the marriage seminar, I wondered if it would help their relationship.  The description of the exercises they did together did seem strange but they were good principals that every married couple should remember in their day to day relationship with their spouse.  As it turns out, the seminar has a positive effect on Greg and Meredith and was what their relationship needed to turn it around.

Along with Greg and Meredith’s story line is Meredith’s friendship with Jenna.  There is also Tom and Ellie – Meredith’s brother and future sister-in-law.  Greg’s mother, Judy, also arrives for a visit and creates some tension.  These are all minor story lines but play an intricate part to the story as a whole and add sufficient background to give the reader a larger picture of why Greg and Meredith are in this situation.

Tightening the Knot
Amanda Hamm
Lulu (2009)
ISBN 9780557056583
Reviewed by Leslie Storey for RebeccasReads (9/09)

My 70’s Book

It is amazing to me how the good old days seem to be creeping up the century.  The fifties used to be “it” but now the 70’s are prime old time.  This walk down memory lane is a fun nostalgic recollection of Darryll Sherman’s past youth during those disco days!!

He reminisces about the freedom of youth, playing outdoors, camping, and riding a bike with his friends.  He talks about the strengths of family values, lack of fear roaming the streets late at night, and respect for teachers and adults. He laments the loss of non-programmed summers of imaginative play, family meals, and the open door policy of neighbors.  Growing up in the 60’s in Chicago, I already started to see that disintegration much earlier on.  What he describes reminds me more of the 50’s.  Perhaps his growing up in the Puget Sound area accounts for his time warp.

The author’s musings over the television programs, commercials, movies, music, toys, clothing and cars, etc. are all memories easily related to.  Who doesn’t remember Dirty Dancing, The Brady Bunch, Hot Wheels, The BeeGees, bell bottom pants and of course, the Camaro?  Take out your photo albums and look at the non-digital, yellowing snapshots of your past.  Bring out your old CDs and listen to Billy Joel when he was also young. Use that old princess phone to call an old friend to reminisce.

This is a very quick, fun read. It is not meant to be a study of the time period, but simply one man’s glimpse of the era.  If you place this book in your bathroom, you might wonder what happened to your guests!

My 70’s Book
Darryll Sherman
Dog Ear Publishing (2009)
ISBN 9781598586909
Reviewed by Enid Grabiner for RebeccasReads.Com (9/09)

Easy Reflexology

“Easy Reflexology” by Pauline Wills focuses on presenting how to do a complete reflexology treatment through the feet.  For those unfamiliar with what reflexology is, here is the author’s definition from the Introduction of the book:  “Originally known as reflex zone therapy, reflexology is a holistic healing method which involves pressure and massage of the reflex points found on the feet and the hands.  It is an extremely effective way of relieving stress, tension, and fatigue and alleviating a wide range of aches, pains, and common ailments, and is also highly beneficial used as a preventative measure to guard against ill health.” (p.4)

In the book, step-by-step instructions are given as well as very detailed and easy-to-understand diagrams.  I found the information to be fascinating.  I really enjoyed looking at how all of the different areas on the foot correspond to certain parts of the body.  After the general foot layout is presented, each page focuses on how to do treatment on the specific areas.  Once you have mastered the detailed instructions in the book, the inside of the dust jacket has a handy chart that serves as a less detailed reminder to aid you in performing the complete treatment.
This compact little 128 page book is packed full of information and definitely would be beneficial to anyone wanting to try reflexology.  Wills writes and presents the instructions in a wonderfully basic and easy-to-follow format.  “Easy Reflexology” is a great book and I look forward to giving the techniques described within it a try

Easy Reflexology
Pauline Wills
Connections Book Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9781859062654
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads.com (09/09)

The Test

Paul Parnell, the billionaire patriarch to a dysfunctional family, dies of cancer. He realizes too late in life that his focus on work and finances dearly cost him alienation from his family.  With no time left for self-redemption, he implores his progeny to take a close look at their own lives and rethink their goals.  He leaves a will that stipulates that his children read a personal note he has written to each and abide by the request he has set forth.   He puts each to “the test”.  A year is the time frame set to change things and escape the corrupting power of money.  Hopefully, each will rise to a higher moral standard creating a legacy of which he or she can be proud.  Success will be judged by the executor of the estate.

As the book unfolds we are introduced to a complex family dynamic. We meet children who are plagued by avarice, drugs, hubris, health issues, accidents, and even a speech impediment!  Of course, this is only the beginning.  Sudden unexplained deaths, invasion of outsiders, pregnancy and the attack on the World Trade Center are all complications that must be faced.  Not one challenge imaginable is omitted in this novel.  With time running out and the family threatened, changes become inevitable.  Will it be the hoped for outcome or the destruction of a dynasty?

Alert to Lifetime:  A perfect story for a made-for-TV movie!  "The Test" is contrived and almost silly, yet guaranteed to hold attention of the reader.  As he becomes immersed in the plot, the next chapter beckons.  This book screams soap opera plot, imploring the reader to read to the conclusion. 

The Test
Patricia Gussin
Oceanview Publishing (2009)
ISBN 9781933515199
Reviewed by Enid Grabiner for RebeccasReads.Com (9/09)

Voice of Conscience

Behcet Kaya’s novel “Voice of Conscience” begins in 1962 in Atamkoy, Turkey and focuses on the events surrounding the marriage of Erin Ozcomert.  Erin is the village beauty and although she fully intends to marry Turkel, in which she has her own family’s full support, another family in the village has other plans.  The Elder Korucu and his sons come to the Ozcomert house seeking Erin’s hand in marriage for his grandson instead.  When Korucu is refused is when the trouble really begins.  Erin’s family moves up Erin’s wedding date in an attempt to prevent anything from happening, but it is not enough to stop the impending acts of violence.

Ramzi Ozcomert, Jr. (Erin’s brother,) though not a major player in the opening segments, becomes the key focus of the book after the rest of his family is brutally slain.  The remaining portion of the novel follows Ramzi as he embarks on his life journey, haunted by the harrowing events of his past.

“Voice of Conscience” is an impressive and riveting debut novel.  The portrayal of rural Turkey and a culture so far different from our own was eye-opening.  I found the traditional customs surrounding a wedding to be quite interesting and thought-provoking.  For instance, traditionally the job of handing out wedding invitations was given to the poorest family in the village.  When the person from the family passed the invites out, he received gifts like meat and baked goods from the family that he was giving them to.

The author’s storyline was solid and compelling and I could not pull myself away from the novel.  The characters and settings were portrayed so vividly and developed fully.  Kaya writes in a very classic style and I truly believe that this book is destined for literary greatness.  I am quite confident that we will see many more works from him in the future and I highly recommend this current novel.  

Voice of Conscience
Behcet Kaya
Authorhouse (2009)
ISBN 978144901453-7
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebeccasreads.com (10/09)

The Girl in the Lighthouse

Since birth, Lillian Arrington has lived isolated from society at a lighthouse station with her mother and father.  When her father is transferred to a new station she is excited because there is another family that lives there and they have two sons, Ayden and Heath.  Before meeting them she had never known children around her age nor had any playmates.  Finally she gets the opportunity to have a somewhat normal childhood.

Tragedy soon strikes though as her mother Amelia’s mind begins slipping away.  Amelia is bedridden most of the time and keeps talking about people and places that Lillian knows nothing about.  All of this confusion will soon become clear as Lillian discovers the family’s deepest secrets in a not-so-pleasant way.

While reading Roxane Tepfer Sanford’s “The Girl in the Lighthouse” I found her writing style to be very similar to V.C. Andrews’ earlier books.  “Flowers in the Attic,” in particular, echoed in the back of my mind as I was reading the novel.  As Andrews was one of my favorite authors, I really enjoyed Sanford’s style and I think that all fans of Andrews’ earlier works should give Sanford’s writing a try.  I believe that you will be pleasantly surprised with the similarities.

The plot is very intriguing and full of surprises and twists.   “The Girl in the Lighthouse” is certainly a page turner, especially the last part of the book.  It is a very easy book to finish in one sitting.  I look forward to reading more of Sanford’s novels in the future and I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fast-paced, engaging read. 

The Girl in the Lighthouse
Roxane Tepfer Sanford
Llumina Press (2009)
ISBN 9781605942384
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads.com (10/09)

Attitudes of Gratitude: How to Give and Receive Joy Every Day of Your Life

In M.J. Ryan’s “Attitudes of Gratitude: How to Give and Receive Joy Every Day of Your Life,” Ryan tells us that “One of the incredible truths about gratitude is that it is impossible to feel both the positive emotion of thankfulness and a negative emotion such as anger or fear at the same time.  Gratitude births only positive feelings – love, compassion, joy, and hope.  As we focus on what we are thankful for, fear, anger, and bitterness simply melt away, seemingly without effort.”  (p.27)  The main idea of the book is a very simple, yet effective concept.  

I think that the best way to read Ryan’s work is to not read the entire book at once but to read one of the short 2-3 page passages daily.  By reading the book in this manner you are able to reflect more on the quotes and the essays and overall will get more out of them.  Ryan has chosen many wonderful quotes from such figures as Albert Einstein and C.S. Lewis that are certainly worth the time to think about more in depth.  

“Attitudes of Gratitude- How to Give and Receive Joy Every Day of Your Life” is one of those positive, feel-good books that you definitely can’t go wrong with.  Ryan’s writing is very uplifting and inspirational.  The essays are therapeutic and interesting.   I recommend this book to anyone who wants to add a little more happiness into their daily life.  It is amazing how such a simple concept can change your life for the better!

Attitudes of Gratitude: How to Give and Receive Joy Every Day of Your Life
M. J. Ryan
Red Wheel/ Weiser LLC (2009)
ISBN 978-1-57324-411-4
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads.com (10/09)

The Desert Hedge Murders

"Desert Hedge Murders" is a fun book.  I realize that saying a murder novel is fun seems a bit odd.  However, the story line is truly well written.  Most mystery novels have a young, attractive hero or heroine that somehow manages to save the day.

This story is a bit different.  The characters in the book are all senior citizens and active seniors at that!  A group of ladies that are in their golden years still travel, still love football and make it a point to get out and live life.  This alone would have made the story interesting but the author did so much more than just remind the reader that we don’t have to get old just because we age.

The women go to Nevada on a vacation only to find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation.  As if that isn’t bad enough, another murder happens and of course the old gals can’t help but investigate it for themselves.  Our heroine is the daughter of one of the ladies in the group and a 60-something former member of the FBI and former judge; just enough experience to know what to do and to get into a bit of trouble.  Her brother is a sensitive and picks up on his mother and sister’s situation.  Along with his father, he leaves Florida in a poorly thought out plan to get to Nevada and help.  Their adventure alone was an amusing depiction of Murphy’s Law.

What I truly enjoyed about the novel was although the author gives quite a bit of detail and information, this was not a book that was quickly figured out.  The mystery was intriguing and delightful.  This book does keep you guessing.
The only problem I had with the story was when the author switched between first and third person.  The story is initially told from Sylvia’s (the main character) perspective but switches to a narration when her brother is the focus.  This became a bit of an annoyance but one that was necessary to keep the story flowing. 

The Desert Hedge Murders
Patricia Stoltey
Five Star (ME) (2009)
ISBN 9781594147852
Reviewed by Melissa Koltes for RebeccasReads (10/09)

The Murder of King Tut

So much controversy surrounds the mystery of King Tut.  His discovery and excavation by Howard Carter brings to light much information of the existence of the Egyptian king. Years of consequent archeological research based on body x-rays, drawings in the tomb, and treasures buried within give rise to a mystery yet unsolved.  Who was Tut?  How did this young boy become King?  How did he die?  Had he simply passed of natural causes or was he murdered?  If the latter, then by whom?  So many people surrounding him with aspirations of ascension appear to be blameworthy, but who could be the true culprit?

In alternating chapters the authors focus on the Tut’s rise to power, his marriage to his half sister, and the threat of takeover by those who surround him, with that of the story of Carter,  an archeologist plagued by problems of his own as he embarks on his greatest find.

As a young man, Carter is invited to join an Egyptian exploration group as an artist who copies drawings on expeditions for later study.  He later becomes Inspector General of Monuments, supervising archeological finds in the Nile Valley.  Ultimately funded by his benefactor, Lord Carnarvon, he makes the discovery of a lifetime, the well hidden tomb of Tut.

The development of both these stories simultaneously brings to life the history of each time period.  Historically well researched, Patterson and Dugard use this information to present their fictional interpretation of the facts as a possible construal of true crime. I generally love to read Patterson books because they are easy compelling stories with good characterization and plots. He always writes in short chapters, challenging the reader to read just one more!  This book also is written in the same style.   Because it appears as a simplistic imagined account of the discovery and legend of King Tut, it doesn’t exact the same kind of respect and intellectual indulgence a scholarly analysis might demand of the reader. 

The Murder of King Tut
James Patterson & Martin Dugard
Little, Brown & Company (2009)
ISBN 9780316034043
Reviewed by Enid Grabiner for RebeccasReads.com (10/09)

Amigoland

Estranged brothers, Don Fidencio and Don Celestino, the oldest and youngest of a large Mexican American clan are in their declining years.  Don Fidencio, 91, is confined to Amigoland, a nursing home.  He feels stripped of his independence and is resentful that he is forced to cope with the mortification of incontinence, insomnia and memory loss.  Don Celestino, decades younger, is recovering from a heart attack and living on his own, but is also aware of his own diminishing physical abilities.  Self-reliant now, he sees his future with its impending indignities of old age and illness looming over him.

Don Celestino has recently become enamored of Socorro, a younger Mexican housekeeper who cleans for him.  She is warm and compassionate and longs for a relationship. His caring advances help to initiate an affair between them.  She encourages him to reconnect with his brother, which he reluctantly does.  They visit Don Fidencio at the nursing home and exchange old memories.

Most intriguing is the tale Don Fidencio insists is fact. He insists that a group of Indians raided the family’s Mexican ranchito while the residents were enjoying a circus.  Most of the people were murdered and scalped.  Their grandfather, just a young boy at the time, was kidnapped, but eventually was dropped on the other side of the river, left to fend for himself.  He found an uncle who raised him and he never returned to Mexico.

Although skeptical of the veracity of the legend, the brothers and Socorro set out to find the truth.  As they take Don Fidencio on a journey back to Mexico, the three each discover things about their past as well as their present as they test each other along the way.  They learn to accept their own humility and to respect the needs of each other.
There is much humor in this book, but at the same time Casares compassionately makes so vivid the realities of advancing years and declining health.  Old age can suck!

Amigoland
Oscar Casares
Little, Brown & Company (2009)
ISBN 978031615969
Reviewed by Enid Grabiner for RebeccaReads.com (10/09)