Twenty Second Affirmation

 

This morning,

as the grogginess unfolds from your mind,

Before your feet touch the ground;

Prepare the prologue.

Give it twenty seconds.

Patiently.

Like those last few kernels of popcorn--

Think about the coming day, and all the letters, words and sentences you will use in a positive manner.

Plan your day like a story with a happy ending.

Remember there’s a beginning, a middle and an end to this unique day, and you are the main character.

Don’t even look toward the window, in case the weather influences your outlook.

Be it cloudy, rainy or windy, let your mind float into a place where your voice is heard, your smile appreciated, and your touch treasured, as if it were a blessing.

This is your day.

A short delightful chapter in the eloquent, exciting book of your life.

Beyond the Story with Author Sandra Jackson

 

 Gorgeous Giulia

I have a question for some of my writer friends. Have you ever come across a character who was annoying and obnoxious from the moment they popped into your head?

Let me introduce you to gorgeous but naughty Giulia. This is a character I don’t know much about but she sure knew how to start trouble in my novel. When author Sandra Jackson asked to interview one of my characters, I thought it would be hilarious to find out more about Giulia.

The best part of the interview is that Sandra seamlessly was able to read between the lines of my vague responses. Giulia is Juan’s sweetheart, but her heart is all over the place, as you'll see in this funny and entertaining interview.

Sandra Jackson's Blog--Expressions

Sandra J. Jackson

Stream of Consciousness Writing On the Anniversary of 911

 

There’s a virus among us. It came from far away and is now everywhere. We’re supposed to stay home and when we go out, we’re supposed to wear a mask, like Zorro. And, there are fires all over California. People with asthma can’t breathe. People are sad. There are riots all over the place and a few peaceful protests that end up being taken over by mobs. I think God turned up the heat on the chaos in the streets. Bad folks don’t like 120 degrees either.

I don’t like people who act like animals.

Those people who flew into the tower—they were animals.

 I guess it’s all perception. Maybe people who tend sheep in New Zealand think the world is a peaceful place. Being a shepherd near Wellington sounds idyllic.

I love my dog. Like a border collie, she has come out of retirement to watch the neighborhood. Her nose twitches from the scent of smoke. She loves our neighbors. Every night she watches the news with us and she can tell something is wrong. She is on high alert. Not bad for being 15 years old! Right now, she stares from the window, her eyes scanning the street. Finally, after many years, she recognizes the postman and figured out she doesn’t need to bark.  Right now, nothing looks out of the ordinary, but she is ready. Ready to love and kiss everyone. Ready to protect.

I love animals who act human. Pinky loves everyone.

My book, The Happy War is about a couple who will risk their life for peace. It’s now available in a hard cover version too. I think that’s pretty impressive, if I may say so myself. 😊The reviews I’ve received, so far, are awesome. I am honored by the kind words. Just wow!

 There needs to be a real, legal way to create happiness. At least my characters tried something unethical and immoral to fight hate. But it’s fiction, and their perception of things is skewed by me, the author. In other words, I lived my dream of peace on Earth vicariously, through the lives of my characters. When you read a book, doesn’t it take you on a journey somewhere? Don’t you feel better when reading a book? I guess that’s one of the reasons I wrote this book. If even one person finds my novel entertaining, during this maelstrom called life, then I did something right.  In a desperate world, we hold onto hope. We hold onto every morsel of beauty and love.

Join me in silent prayers...

For those who lost their homes. For those who have Covid.

And, let us never forget those who died on September 11^th.

 

Friends, I wish you peace. Stay safe.

A Time To Read Books!

I don’t care what anyone says, my hair is supposed to be a long and tangled mess. This selfie displays my first attempt at trimming my bangs and it's from way back in April. I know it's funny, but you should see me now! 

In the kitchen, I ran out of a few spices and made some substitutions, heck, it still tasted good, didn’t it? So, hubs got involved, making crusty bread which turned out delicious.  We had help from a friend, who air-dropped packages of yeast over the garden gate. It seems his idea wasn't unique. Everyone bought up all the bread-making ingredients in the county! For awhile, flour became as rare as toilet paper.

Anyway, the Fed-Ex guy is fast becoming a friend and, the Instacart people do their best, but sometimes we still have to sneak off to the store to find what we really need. We plan for the journey as if going on vacation: masks, gloves, wipes, and whatever else fills my homemade crocheted tote bag.

Did you know yarn is in short supply? Who knew? My crochet club friends are ordering skeins from far off places like Turkey! I bought the last roll of red at Walmart. 

Yes, we have breathing and immunity issues, so we’re extra careful during these strange and turbulent times.  Fortunately, even with a full lock-down going on, there are books on our shelves and a slew on my Kindle. Of course, that's when I’m not writing, or trying to figure out which sanitizer to use. Here’s a few recent reads, and my reviews. 

Me

True Colors by Kristin Hannah

What started out as a family saga, turned into romance, mystery and an exciting drama about racism. Hence, the name of the book. Beautiful descriptions of trees, Washington State mountains and the ocean are woven into a story of three very different sisters who try to stick together, through difficulties stemming from love. Their children and soulmates play major roles, but Clem and Renegade, a couple of horses, have helped see them through the harshest days. Sadly, even a loving, happy family can’t change the heart of one of the characters, making the novel realistic. When hope is lost in fiction, however, it is rather disappointing. Still, it’s a great book with many exciting moments that will surprise and satisfy even the most voracious reader.

Sea Cliff by Mary Deal

This book grabbed me by the collar, as if I were there, experiencing the deep emotions felt by the main characters. Lovely Rachel, is a bookkeeper, novelist and the owner of a stunning home perched above the bay, called Sea Cliff.

Handsome and hunky Matthew Knight wants to sweep the redhead off her feet, but wasting time with some guy who might be playing the field, isn’t her style. Before she gives away her heart, Rachel has to make sure he’s the one. Her past is riddled with hang ups about her father and bad memories. The more time she spends with Matthew, the more these memories play with her mind. Plus, there’s Linda, Britt and old boyfriend scars from a guy called Rodney.

Without giving away too much, I have to shout praise to the author for sublime, poetic descriptions of the Sacramento River, earthquakes, a car collision, even New York and San Francisco.

Meanwhile, Rachel needs to free up her mind, clear away the internal clutter and study some books she picked up at the San Francisco Public library. Only then, can she finish writing her novel, also titled, Sea Cliff. Will it be a bestseller? Read this book and find out!

The Mink Wrap in the Attic by Laverty Sparks

Though Elena Polson is a fictional character, there were so many parallels with my life, I couldn’t help but love the book and adored the outcome. As a childless, ex-copywriter, who fell in love with a man who came with a family, I could relate to everything. The emotional load, the desire to fly off with the geese, and a desire to crawl into an attic where happy memories are stored. I enjoyed the author’s use of descriptive and beautiful analogies, “Even her emotions mimicked a frayed cloth with uncut lines.”
Elena is kind, forgiving and unlike me, thoughtful to a fault. Her superhuman feeling to ‘fit in’ makes her go to heart wrenching lengths to forgive Britni, Decker and Hunt for all sorts of bad behavior. When Hunt compares his beloved to horrible vices, by saying she became a habit he didn’t want to break, I wanted to kick him. “I won’t say you were a bad one, just a habit.” How infuriating. Just a habit? That’s when I thought Hunt is not worthy of such a wonderful woman. But, her unconditional, unwavering love continues on every page, because destiny has unexpected plans. Will Elena’s martyrdom be rewarded? Will one woman’s love be enough to save the Klyce family? Maybe. You’ll have to read The Mink Wrap in the Attic and find out!

The Paradise Gig(Key West Capers) Laurence Shames

A friend recommended this hilarious and well-written novel about the good guys, the bad guys and Nacho. Part crime-caper/cozy mystery/adventure and part Rom-Com with emphasis on the comedy. There’s a stinky trail that only Bert and his tiny dog can sniff out regarding something that happened way back in 1964. Pete, Callie and Sarge weren’t even born yet. Of course, neither was Nacho, but when that little dog smells something rotten, he makes sure everyone hears about it.

The problem is Marco. But don't let me ruin the fun. This is retro Key West at it's best.

Shames not only writes humor, but he does it well. You’ll laugh at the dialogue between Bert and Mr. Dictionary— (aka Pete) and the shenanigans created by the singing 'goombahs'. Meanwhile, Nacho describes all this excitement from his perspective and I have to say, the descriptions are extraordinary. I’m convinced you’ll enjoy Paradise Gig, whether you like small dogs or not.

Divorcees.Biz: A Contemporary Romance by Eileen Thornton

“We created something with-class,” says Connie, near the end of Divorcees.Biz. I think I nodded in agreement. Actually, it was the author, Eileen Thornton who created a wonderful novel, rather ‘something with-class’. This book is truly an enjoyable read, filled with unique characters and ‘classy’ romance.
Four friends, Lucy, Sadie, Jenny and Connie have been friends for ages. They plan to start up a small dating agency in the posh section of London. Each day they learn new things about business, and a little too much about each other. Still, they thrive, while making the best of unusual circumstances.
There’s so much going on that the novel kept my attention the entire time. Thornton weaves her clever dialogue through pain, heartache and laughter. Amid the wild outfits and free-flowing champagne, there are brutes and floozies that need to be put in their place. Will the business fail? How about love? Will love save them all?

Where Shadows Fall by Natalie J. Case

This is a story about four tribes called the Shadows, Sages, Shades and Shifters who are being discriminated against by the United States government. The 8th Battalion is formed to round them up, putting them into camps. Meanwhile, the main character, Alaric has to figure out a way to get back at those who killed his close friend Mason. “At the end of that journey, he would have his vengeance,” says Alaric early in this mythological fantasy that includes Maddie who shifts into a cat when necessary and Evan who is a hawk. Alaric, being a Shade, has the ability to step into someone’s mind to find out information. It looks like the man he’s after is called Shallon. The Shadows put up shields to protect the thoughts in their mind. The Sages control elements such as fire, water, air and earth. The author writes a fascinating story with vivid characters and tons of action.
“Congress is divided and aside from passing emergency legislation to force Shades into custody, they don’t agree on anything,” says Zero the daughter of Vice President Rede. But, there’s a legend about a way to overcome the strange, dark figure she calls daddy, and it entails stitching the power of four tribes into one. Can they do it? Read Where Shadows Fall and find out!

Hope you're staying busy too.What have you been reading? 

Impatient Characters

Sometimes, the story is carried by dialogue, and at other times the story is breezing through required narrative. Then something happens. You are thinking about a certain way to phrase something and can’t come up with the exact way to describe it. What shade of blue? There are hundreds to choose from. Cobalt? Turquoise? Cornflower?  Are the trees the color of junipers or multi-colored like jasper? Is it a golden or yellow sunset?  Pink or peach flowers? Lavender or Lilac?

Sometimes, the details can be left to the reader’s imagination. Everyone knows that roses are red. But not your roses. These are special roses and you have to figure out how to describe each petal. The way they might glisten with morning dew. The way the sun has darkened the edges during a heatwave.

Simply greens and blues?
Lapis? Blueberry? Navy?
 Teal? Sage? Chartreuse? 

Maybe there’s a wretched phone call. It takes you away from your manuscript for several days. Possibly weeks. Even months.

By the time you return to the story, you feel different about everything. You like the plot, but your characters, the ones you invented, have turned into mush. You can’t relate to them, and you’re not even sure you like them anymore.

Yesterday, they woke you from a deep sleep, with all sorts of promises. They are willing to die for you, if only you’ll get back to writing. They become sort of dramatic at four in the morning.

So, you humor them, at least until the next time you get up from your desk and walk away. You write two hundred words, maybe more. Your characters are back with a vengeance. They are stronger, better looking and sexier. It’s like you needed to go away and return to make them better. Then it happens again. The message, the letter, the appointment that creates a hiatus.

It’s four in the morning and the fiends are hopping around again, looking for a way to drag you back to your writing chair. Day after day, you begin to hide under your pillow. Stronger now, they have strange, often scary ideas that make you mad. Tired of it, you mentally threaten to delete them from your hard drive. They gather at the edge of the mattress and sob. They don’t deserve you. Let them wait.

Kidnapped by Great Books

Kidnapped by Great Books and

 Still Reeling from National Novel Writing Month.

Everyone has an excuse but I have some good ones. Really. The best ones are listed below. There are links to each book so you can get sucked in too. Trust me these are worth it.

Sorry, that I haven't posted to my blog in a long time but once you read my reviews, you'll know why. First, there was that November Novel writing craziness. Then, add in some cooler weather, a few exhausting holidays, drops of rain, and not unlike Tom Hanks in Castaway, I had to crawl onto a couch with a book, or two or three. Okay, more like ten.

Help! I'm stuck in a writer's imagination

eBook or otherwise, help! I almost drowned in a sea of humor, excitement, fantasy and the clever turn of a phrase. Take a look at the following beauties, you won’t be disappointed. 

The Last Voyage

  Arch Font

Last Voyage is the final book of the Jerry Slider adventure trilogy. An escapade that will have you either laughing or sitting on the edge of your seat, probably both. This is a fictional journey that pulls you into the jungle and onto a sailing yacht while surprising you with ‘enough mishaps to last a lifetime’. Font has woven a humorous nightmare, using well-developed characters from his first two novels, but adding new, fascinating characters like Jonas, Koop, Mavis and Titus Attah.
As I turned the pages, I felt like a stowaway, eavesdropping on excellent dialogue, not wanting the book to end. I liked the creative characterizations, the quips, and the mere idea that something like this could possibly happen to people living on a quiet street in San Diego. This author has quite the imagination and yet, based on my own perils while travelling, this tale felt painfully realistic.
And while Rhonda, a close friend of Helen, Jerry’s wife, may have planned the Eco-cruise to South Africa without doing too much research, how can anyone blame Rhonda for the Ebola scare, the manic Vicar and his revenge-seeking wife, the wild chimpanzee in camp, the greedy owner of the Sea-Witch or the pirates holding Ak-47s? How are poisonous snakes, pygmy hippos and hungry leopards Rhonda’s fault? Ask Jerry, because he’ll be happy to share his innermost feelings over a dinner of oatmeal crepes while discussing his Last Voyage.
If you’re looking for entertainment, get on board, because your ship has come in.

The Trojan Project

Eileen Thornton

This is a novel about biological weapons, and how one family survives a giant leak in their neighborhood. Sarah is a witness to the catastrophe, which wipes out neighbors and animals grazing in the fields. Fortunately, her children are safe but Pete, her husband, is up in nearby hills tending to the sheep. When the military is called in to squelch any reports to the media, Sarah finds herself running from the law.
The author spins a believable, heart-stopping tale of intrigue and excitement with interesting characters, notable English landmarks and political larceny. A few horrific scenes might make you think of Stephen King, but the dark side is balanced with a story of unrequited love, such as you might find in Emily Bronte or Edith Wharton.
Eileen Thorton will take you through the English countryside on a fascinating journey that you’re sure to enjoy. Find out what happens to Sarah and the children. Will she be safe at her father’s house in London? Will she find Pete? Read The Trojan Project and find out!

The Patriotic Pony

Suzanne Saunders

What a delightful young-adult story about Shannon, an eleven-year-old and her cousin Jake’s pony. The author not only does a great job of immediately pulling the reader into the excitement of the upcoming Veteran’s Day parade but she also describes the unique qualities, characteristics of each horse, as a knowledgeable and consummate equestrian. If you’re looking for an easy-read as a gift for anyone who loves animals and wants to learn about horses, this is the perfect short book.

Thunderlands

Stewart Bint

There are so many gems in this adult book of mesmerizing tales, that I can hardly select one to rave about. I mean how could you not want to be a fly on the wall at The Trial of Santa Claus? What if you found a brass lamp at an antique dealer and a genie popped out? It happens to Reginald Todd in The Fourth Wish. If you like collecting stamps, you’ll have to read Money to Burn. And I loved being fooled by Honest Don. A Timely Murder had a few great twists too. There are even poems in this book! Several stories are about aliens, time travel, lonely ghosts, even monsters who slurp up children and cyber bullies who deserve to be punished. Well, I’ll admit my favorites are the Silent Witness and Second Time Round, but I’m not going to tell you why. You’ll have to read this wonderful, entertaining collection yourself. Seriously, if you’re looking for a gift for someone who prefers short stories— science fiction, or fantasy, Thunderlands will be a hit!

Middle-Aged Crazy

Lynne Spreen

I’m convinced that everything this author writes is interesting. These stories are riveting. Some gritty, splashed with a dirty painful truth and others have surprise endings, hidden secrets and laughs. They are intended to entertain and to inspire. To make sure we are on the cover of our own magazine. Many of the locations, such as Palm Springs, Newport and Laguna Beach pulled me in immediately. These were my stomping grounds and I could relate while turning pages. The stories have amazing characters such as Doris in Boarding House or Amanda Westfield in Bad Advice. Each one has a sensible lesson or piece of advice woven into the narrative and all of them remind us to do something before it’s too late.

The Silver and TheGreen

Mari Collier

“For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver.” -Martin Luther

There’s a thread of unity amid battles, gunfights and arguments that is woven through this Sci-Fi Western novel from the beginning until the end. These factions are Silver or Green, something the inhabitants of Tonath find disheartening, because the disagreements about the correct star path leads to war and suffering. One character by the name of Brother Amos persists. As a Seeker, he’s rather impartial to war. In his opinion, a good map of the stars will provide clear answers and the best Pathway. Only time will tell which side, is correct about their assumptions. There are so many stars that need to be charted and many things to learn. We find him traveling with a group of Wayfarers, moving as far away from danger as possible. Among the Wayfarers is Venta, a single woman with a dream about building a refuge for divorced women called the Haven--and Jack Donald--a man with two hearts--from Thalia—another planet--who loves her. They need to escape the Green Marauders, Bentz and the Mechs so that Brother Amos can build an institute of his own and say, “We are neither Silver, nor Green. We are the Silver and the Green.”

There’s also a baby named Marika and unexpected plot twists that kept me reading until the last page.

Collier paints a Western diorama for her readers about life on a different planet. Having grown up watching Western shows such as Little House on the Prairie and Bonanza, some of her story almost sounds familiar and made me forget about our everyday troubles on Earth. Near the end of the book there’s a sentence that says ‘We are all Tonathians,” and I almost believed it. This gifted author will take you on a world-building journey that will leave you hungry for more if not thirsty for hot chicolet.

Alicia and The LightBulb People

Barbara Roman

Rarely does an uplifting story for children seem equally adequate for adults, but 'Alicia and the Light Bulb People in Star Factory Thirteen' touched my heart this holiday season on many levels. As fate would have it, I read it on Christmas Eve and our responsorial psalm in church was about the great light which came upon the Earth, on this day!

But don’t worry, even though it’s about lights and light-bulbs, this isn’t a religious book at all. It’s a story about characters like Flood, Three-way and Twinkle and how they might fulfill their dreams to become stars. The author’s creative style makes it a good book to read out loud as a non-scary bedtime story.

Alicia is a little girl shopping with her mother in a department store when she notices a beautiful Christmas tree on display. The brilliant display of colorful lights and the breathtaking star on top create a magical portal to a special place, where it’s always today. ‘Because, as soon as it’s tomorrow, it’s today.’ That’s where she meets Carelia and the other characters who are working on getting ready to open another mysterious door. But they have to be ready.
Magnificent artwork contributes to the otherworldly aspect, creating a fantasy world that will make you want to reread this adorable story every holiday season.

Have you read a great book lately? 

Those of us looking for more excuses, I mean books, would love to hear your latest suggestions. 

Creating Memorable Characters

Inventing Characters

First, we hear characters:

Some of my early childhood memories involved piglets, and toes. Remember, ‘This little piggy went to market and this little piggy stayed home? This little piggy had roast beef and this little piggy had none? Finally, this little piggy cried wee, wee, wee all the way home.”

Then there were the three pigs who lived in a straw house, that was blown down by the huffing and puffing wolf. I loved that story but can’t remember if they even had names. I always thought it was a Grimm fairy tale, but after searching for the author’s name, there appears to be a dispute. Seems understandable, since it is a story that has survived the oral tradition of the ages. Who wrote it down first?

Shy at first, this one approached me a minute later.

Second, we see characters in movies and on television:

There was Porky Pig. He hung out with Bugs Bunny in the cartoons. So cute.  

How about the clever pig, Babe? He corralled the sheep better than the dogs.

Third, we read about characters:

Trying to tell me something at the local dairy.

Wilbur is a ‘Terrific Pig” according to Charlotte, in E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web.

Are you a fan of the more recent Peppa the Pig?

How about Piglet?

Remember the intelligent Squealer from George Orwell’s Animal Farm who becomes the supervisor on the farm? After all, “All Animals Are Equal / But Some Are More Equal Than Others."

I'm not sure if this mama is pregnant or out of shape. 

Last, we create our own characters:

As writers, we can make characters do, or say, anything we want them to do or say. It is a power unlike any other. First, we make up their personality. We usually start with the hero, which is the main character, also called a protagonist. Then, we create supporting characters and minor characters. We also create an antagonist, or the bad guy. Usually, the antagonist makes the protagonist look good.

When creating characters, we might ask ourselves some of these questions:

Are they cuter than newborn pigs?

How do they look? Are they ugly on the inside and the outside?

 Are they mysterious and if so, what made them that way?

 Is there some sort of psychological problem that’s going to bubble to the surface? Are they annoying? Do they have unusual peccadilloes or bizarre fetishes?

 Are they sweet, gentle and impressionable?

Should we get rid of them half way through the book? How should we get rid of them?

Will they be slaughtered? Will they leave a legacy?

Do they have character flaws?
What are the obstacles they must face? Will they triumph when faced with adversity?

How do we name them? Someone once suggested phone books, but no one uses those anymore. I prefer making names up as I go along, and the baby naming sites on the internet.
(Here's a tip I've never used, but want to someday: At the end of foreign made films, the credits go on and on with fascinating names. Combining the first name from one, with the last name of another, could make a great character name.)

Acting?

It’s a lot of fun, and best if you can pretend to be each character as you write. Wear a cowboy hat while writing a Western, or  something sexy while working on your romance novel. Maybe oink a little when writing anthropomorphic farm scenes. You think I’m kidding, but reading your dialogue out loud makes it sound realistic. And if you’ve ever acted in local theater, or in high school plays, your method acting can come in handy. Whether it’s a children’s book or science fiction, your characters need to have emotions to keep  readers interested.

Let’s Meet!

This upcoming Saturday morning, 9:30-11:30, this little piggy, meaning me, will be part of a panel discussion at the Hemet Library, which of course is located in Hemet, California. Here's a link. We’ll be discussing tips on crafting compelling characters.  I hope to see you there.

Have any tips for creating great characters? 

Seven, Five-Star Book Suggestions That Will Keep You Reading Past Your Bedtime

Three of these books made me laugh. Some of them made me laugh so hard I cried, and the rest of them were profoundly intriguing, providing valuable and memorable entertainment. Do you like fantasy? Mystery? Had a hard day and want to chuckle like you’ve never chuckled before? Take a look at my reviews and then hop on over to Amazon to order any of these in print or in eBook format. 

Wrath of Rhonda: 

One Cruise and So Much Trouble

Arch Font

         Somehow, Jerry Slider manages to sweet talk everyone in this book, even Rhonda the title character, who seems to despise everyone, forgives no one, is pathologically self-absorbed and cranky to a fault. Helen, Jerry’s wife tells him she doesn’t want to go on a cruise and suggests he should go with her friend Rhonda. The problems stemming from this outrageous suggestion commence in the beginning, setting the tone for this entertaining book. Imagine going on a romantic thirty-day luxury cruise from San Diego to the South Sea Islands with this unfortunate, insecure woman. Jerry however, is a desperate, determined man with some vague ideas on how to keep the peace. Some of those far-fetched notions will have you crying tears as if you were slicing onions. Whether Jerry is searching high and low for Rhonda’s future boyfriend or enjoying the panoramic vistas of Bora Bora, the author makes sure to lure you in with excellent descriptions and hilarious gags. In fact, there’s a bit about the thermostat that had me in stitches.
Anyone who has read my book, Penniless Hearts, will also enjoy this comedic adventure, which tours much more than the Hawaiian Islands but continues on to the Society Islands. The vivid details recounting lush volcanic reefs and lagoons are sensational, as are those of the sea spray onto the deck at night, even the scent of freshly baked French bread. I enjoyed the chauvinistic male viewpoint, which by the way, doesn’t go as far as misogyny because it is funny and in many cases probably true. The author hilariously criticizes women’s fashion, bathroom clutter and even makeup better than a standup comedian. When Jerry goes snorkeling, he finds out that the biggest shark encounter he’ll have is with the woman sharing his cabin. Will Jerry be able to use his negotiating skills to keep Rhonda from erupting like a volcano? Will diplomacy work? Read Wrath of Rhonda and find out!

Whatever Became of Sin?

Barbara Roman

The character of Harvard educated attorney Michael Warren, returns to a town that fills him with horrid memories, where he faces the most lecherous, evil men willing to do anything for profit. This is the unexpected bottom-feeding political underbelly of the otherwise happy town of New Orleans, Louisiana. A place that at one time, had an upscale housing development where he once lived with his wife Elaine and young daughter, Dominique. This time, Michael meets the beautiful temptress, Dr. Celia Stone who is smart, seductive and not as honest as she appears.
Near the very end of the book, the riverboat captain asks Michael what it will serve for him to re-open Pandora’s Box, but by this time, it’s too late. The box filled with treachery has spilled openly out into the Mississippi in “a plot so heinous that the devil would most certainly warm up a special place in Hell for him,” referring to Hardin Westwick, a ruthless developer who pays off the right men to get his way. Roman’s book however contains so much more than just a juicy scandal. Filled with sex, betrayal and the shameful racist behavior that makes mature men talk passionately about their pure bloodlines and how to maintain them, even resorting to calculated, perverse plans that include murder. The author uses names and phrases familiar to life in the South, to pull you into a Bayou shack, even cleverly displaying the colors, sights and sounds, even the smell of cooking to make you feel you are closing in on danger. There are so many intriguing moments that will have you turning pages faster to find out what happens, not to mention, there are shocking and unexpected surprises. If you like captivating and exciting stories, you’ll love Whatever Became of Sin?

  

Show of Hands: A Novel

Andrew McCarten

If Show of Hands were on America’s Got Talent, I can imagine Mel B’s enthusiastic, “Oh My God, I loaved it,” response and a smug Simon smiling from ear to ear. McCarten nails the stereotypical, slimy dealer with this story about a promotion at a car dealership. It’s the type of whacky public relations brouhaha I used to dream up for new car dealers while I worked in advertising; may heaven help my repentant soul. McCarten delves deep into our subconscious to lay out a story with incredibly interesting characters and enough twists to keep us guessing and laughing at the same time. The hilarious and clever moments won’t disappoint, may actually inspire and may even keep you awake. You’ll read until you feel akin to the stubborn contestants in this modern day battle, all of whom are riding into a dark figurative valley for a chance at winning a new car. You’ll keep one hand on the cover while you’re turning pages, because you’ll want to find out what happens to Walter, Betsy, Tom and Jess. Keep your hands on the book at all times and be rewarded with mind-blowing scenes involving Matt, Tayshawn and the two characters with the most to lose—Nat and Terry Hatch. Trust me on this one. You’ll love it!

The Misery Manifesto: 

A Self-Help Parody for the Self-Absorbed

Barb Best

When I reached the end of this book I tried to rework Barb Best’s Misery Manifesto using my own name, and came up with: “Brace before you fall--Always stand tall--Let no one see you weak--show them your gall.” Miserable, huh? Trust me--her version is much better. Anyway, I looked at my Medic Alert bracelet and it didn’t say anything about being a flake or a liar so here I am reviewing a fabulously hilarious book. “Let’s face it,” she writes, “Life is one long dusty Via Dolorosa.” From that point, I knew I was in for a true ode to misery. The talented author weaves stories and creates lists about things that make us miserable. Things many of us can relate to such as: attempts at being vegan, spandex, computers, smartphones, travel, pets, reality television, self-checkouts, moms who hover and more. Her shocking and satire-laced advice should be reason enough for mature readers to pick up this e-book and the smiles will make everyone pick it up again again, just in case they missed something. Did she really suggest private meetings with college professors with a lucrative goal in mind? What was that about goats? Does the word budget really come from Pig Latin and does it really mean “stop spending money on fun stuff?” If you’re looking to tickle your funny bone, then look no further. Maybe thaw out a piece of fruitcake, get comfortable and “outsource your worrying.”

Blood Sister

Kenna McKinnon

I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry after finishing this enjoyable crime-mystery, because it deals with the serious difficulties of mental illness. Kenna McKinnon uses her special perspective to portray the boundaries of sanity in a light-hearted manner. The author uses her main character Annie, as a way to shed light on the voices, medications and visions accompanying schizophrenia, thus educating readers while being entertaining at the same time. My favorite parts were the clever metaphors, similes and allegorical comparisons throughout the novel, pulling the reader down into a rabbit hole, into a work of true creativity.
After her father took up with a woman from Curacao and her mother passed away, Annie ended up alone and on the streets of Serendipity Island. After getting in and out of trouble, she finally receives medication and a job working undercover for the Justice Department. This time the case is a double murder and everyone’s a suspect, especially her Sudanese boyfriend Samir and his cousin Pepsi. But those awful, distracting voices make her doubt everything, until they hire a special investigator called Mark. That’s when she calls Tess the Avon representative with Attention Deficit Disorder for some coral colored lipstick. Annie’s working hard on the case but she has a newfound interest in her clothing and looks, which help develop confidence while dealing with condescending people who have known her for a long time. With Viking blood coursing through her veins, she knows she’s strong and faces all her fears. Will she crack the case? Read Blood Sister and find out.
Lines such as “You’re crazy as a rabbit with its ears caught in a sewing machine,” or “The sergeant was grinning like a dog eating cat turds,” had me laughing aloud.
This talented author not only pulled me into her story, but also into the scariest place of all: her mind. In other words, it’s a great book and I recommend it.

The Seasiders

A.J. Griffths-Jones

Thank you A.J. Griffith-Jones for taking me back, albeit virtually, to a lovely memory of a short visit to The Queen’s Hotel in Portsmouth, England. Though my stay was in the midst of a frosty winter, I still managed to walk along the shore savoring the views of the Isle of Wight. The Seasiders transports readers to a fictional beach hotel called The Sandybank Guest House where families and single travelers go to unwind while enjoying the hospitality of Grace and Dick Thomas. The rapport between the husband and wife landlords is stellar. He’s off for a pint and she needs help because it’s Thursday and the beautician Maureen is waiting to style Grace’s hair at the salon. There’s a plot device used here I rarely see, where the reader is pulled along a somewhat mundane daily routine only to end up in a whirlpool. The characters are charming and the language artistic and brilliant. The author uses words like twaddle and phrases such as “Jolly smart cravat too,” or chiller and cold store instead of refrigerator. Delightfully British in a Fawlty Towers meets Rosemary and Thyme sort of way. There are fantastic characters with side issues such as Elliot Moss, Hilda Price and Oscar Renfrew that I still haven’t figured out. But I don’t want to spoil anything by giving away too much, because there are subtle clues all the way through that I never picked up while enjoying the creative narrative, which eventually led gullible me over an unexpected cliff. When I had finished reading this novel, it reminded me of the short cartoon called Bambi meets Godzilla where Bambi is out walking on a lovely spring day, enjoying the flowers and the butterflies. A classic piece of music by Grieg is playing in the background to draw us further into a false sense of security. That’s when Godzilla shows up to flatten Bambi and the audience is completely flabbergasted. If you like surprises, you’ll love reading The Seasiders.

Vines: A Gripping Tale

Suzanne Y. Saunders

We’ve seen the Potter movies and of course fell in love with every Disney princess, but move over J.K. Rowling because Suzanne Y. Saunders is coming to town and if any DreamWorks producer is looking for something new, I would highly recommend “Vines: A Gripping Tale”. I can almost envision the gnarly, oozing vines on a billboard in Hollywood on Sunset and Vine! What a great marketing idea. But this story is no superficial little fairy tale. In fact, I see blockbuster written all over it. It’s a well-constructed piece of art complete with fairies, a sorcerer and supernatural intruders. There are damsels in distress, a handsome young blacksmith’s apprentice called Lance and a fascinating, original plot.
Saunders uses delightful and well-researched words to make the dialogue seem old without bogging readers down with ancient syntax. Painting the colors, the sounds and the smells of the Forbidden Forest, the author pulls us into deep dark woodland filled with dangerous vines. Hidden among the twisted and overgrown branches is a mysterious cavern with many life-threatening traps. With clever twists, you’ll come across the lying Vera who uses potions to stay beautiful and the evil Manix. You’ll meet the nobleman Terrence who owns a special protective sword and other wonderful, enchanting characters such as Milly, old man Bailey and Rennick.
“Rats and bats,” once you start reading you won’t be able to stop because Saunders casts a spell that will take you through the woods, leaving you breathless and wanting more!