With Just A Little Faith...

With just a little faith, we can do the impossible!  

All that matters is that we try and try again...

"Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe.”

( Voltaire)

The Haven by Suzanne Woods Fisher, Book review & Giveaway

Publisher: Revell
ISBN-13: 978-0800719883

Synopsis:
 

When Sadie Lapp steps off the bus in Stoney Ridge after being in Ohio for the winter, she is faced with a decision--one that goes against her very essence. Yet it's the only way she can think of to protect a loved one.

Schoolteacher Gideon Smucker has been crazy about Sadie since boyhood. But his response to her surprising decision undermines his own reputation--and his relationship with Sadie.

College student Will Stoltz is spending the spring at the Lapp farm as a guard for a pair of nesting Peregrine Falcons--courtesy of the Lancaster County Game Warden. Will needs to get his life back on track, but his growing friendship with Sadie threatens his plans.

The lives of these three individuals intertwine, and then unravel as unexpected twists create ripples through the town of Stoney Ridge . . . and through Sadie's heart.

Once again, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher intrigues and delights with a story that explores the bonds of friendship, family, and true love. Readers will enjoy every surprise in Sadie's story as they search for the truth hidden within these pages.

My thoughts:

As a reviewer there is a definite blessing in being introduced to good authors.  
Suzanne Woods Fisher's writing is warm and friendly and reading her novels is like meeting an old friend!  You just know you are going to catch up with the latest 'news' and be in for a treat.

In her description of the Amish world, Suzanne brings us a kaleidoscope of colour and such an array of feelings, we are reminded not all is as it first appears!
Then too, there is always this feeling God is near her when she writes her stories, steady and never disappointing! There is such a joy which transients in her novels!

'The Haven' is Book # 2 in Stoney Ridge Seasons series and like # 1, 'The Keeper' (see review here) is as solid as the series name!
This author leaves nothing to chance and introduces us to Sadie and her family giving the opportunity to 'see' each character's attributes. Like a tableau, you visualize each, discovering their strength or weakness, and anticipate a well written plot.
Nothing dull in her stories either! Younger sister M K is such a character I often have to chuckle at her antics. I cannot wait to see where Suzanne is taking her in the future. Next comes Fern, the 'stern' housekeeper and the heart and soul of the family!

In 'The Haven' Suzanne's skilled storytelling lets us enjoy a little romance in the Amish World when Sadie befriends Will, an Englisher. Gideon the schoolmaster is also in love with Sadie and his resentment towards the Falcon keeper leads to much misunderstanding!
Listening to our heart and doing the right thing is never easy. Leaving it in God's capable hands however makes the choosing the only way to go.

Readers will enjoy the author's description of the wide variety nesting in this part of the world and her careful research on Peregrine Falcons will introduce some fascinating aspects of bird watching!

As to what happens to Sadie, Will, Gideon and all her family and friends...Well now, you don't want me to spoil it for you, do you? Read it and enjoy!

Susanne, we hope you will let us know 'the rest of the story' very soon!

5 Stars of course! 

About the Author:

This is my favourite photo of Suzanne Woods Fisher! Find out more about this lovely lady on her website (here) including the opportunity to find out about her SAR interests, her talk show and future giveaways!

Celebrate the newest book in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series with Suzanne by entering her 4 eReader Giveaway and Facebook Party and RSVP for the Live Video Chat on 8/30! 


See what folks are saying about The Haven!

Four grand prize winners will receive:

• A Brand new Kindle Fire or Nook Color 
• $25 Amazon.com or Barnes&Noble.com Gift certificate 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 29th. Winner will be announced at Suzanne's Live Author Chat Party on 8/30. Suzanne will be hosting an author chat (party will start on Facebook AND then be Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and several Burt's Bees® Nourishing Radiance Kits!!

So grab your copy of The Haven and join Suzanne on the evening of the August 30th for a fun chat (both on Facebook and via Live Video), trivia contest and lots of giveaways. 

Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 30th!

I received this book free from LITFUSE as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

 

Curly Sue?

Warm lazy days of Autumn nearing...

We have many visitors in the morning! Even a tiny brown squirrel in search of a few nuts perhaps? (so tiny he/she could fit in the palm of your hand!)

Rutting season is approaching and we now have new faces on the island, this one is 'Alex's friend.

New face (and hairdo?) for the handsome buck below.

We named him 'Curly Sue'! 

Bucks (and does) swim across the inlet often to check out mates on the island during the season.

They have begging down to an art, trust me!

On a more serious note, our thoughts and prayers goes to the many who are feeling the wrath of Hurricane 'Isaac'. 

Described as a Category 1, experts concerns are flooding and extreme storm surging along the (Gulf) coast.

Our heart remains with all the people stranded in its path! God speed!

.

Last Of Our Summer Days...

There is now a constant breeze in the air.
Birds and bees are busy gathering for the season ahead...

Even the trees seemed to lean towards the storm season...
There is something in the air which tells us it will not be long...
From Labour Day to Memorial weekend, it is very quiet here.

Cottages everywhere on the island are closing up, bringing the bliss of peace and quiet!

Reading, knitting, beach combing and stargazing (weather permitting...drat the clouds!), our favourite pastimes!

We are blessed!

Blue skies over the island none the less and we enjoy every moment without the constant Pacific NW rains...

Once it starts, it will not stop until next Spring...

A tad blurry, and no, this photo is NOT of the Loch Ness Monster...Just a Herring Run...

Seals and Eagles made short sport of it...

Of course, our veggie garden yields a few things despite its late start (Rain, rain and more rain...you know the drill and above average cooler temperatures did not help either!)

This is the fourth time we harvest beans this Summer and happy we are! 

Hardly worth canning of course...but still, nothing beats fresh from the garden!

Earth's Bounty: Blackberries, fresh crusty bread and raisin buns...
We are happy!

Over The Edge by Mary Connealy, Book review & Giveaway

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

ISBN-13: 978-0764209130

Synopsis:

Bestselling Author Mary Connealy Delivers Her Trademark Historical Romantic Comedy

Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he's never been the same. He was always a reckless youth, but now he's gone over the edge. He ran off to the Civil War and came back crazier than ever.

After the war, nearly dead from his injuries, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he's got a lot of excuses, but his wife isn't happy to find out Seth doesn't remember her. Callie has searched, prayed, and worried. Now she's come to the Kincaid family's ranch in Colorado to find her lost husband.

Callie isn't a long-suffering woman. Once she knows her husband is alive, she wants to kill him. She's not even close to forgiving him for abandoning her.

Then more trouble shows up in the form of a secret Seth's pa kept for years. The Kincaid brothers might lose their ranch if they can't sort things out.

My thoughts:

I'll begin by stating the absolute truth...'Over The Edge' drove me...a tad over the edge!

I have always been eclectic in my choice of reading material: Tomes detailing exotic lands, mysterious plots, fascinating details about long ago history, intriguing characters  inspires all sorts of  imaginary visions for a dreamer.

Then again a good storyteller relies on vivid characters, intricate plots, settings, colours, the suggestion of romance and so much more. I will be the first to say that humour usually saves the day but to give credit to this author's lusterless writing skills was difficult. 

I struggled, opened and closed the book, sighed and wished I had a bigger box of chocolates (a handful always help to sweeten a story!). 

I suddenly woke up this morning wondering if women out West liked to be called a critter?!

'Over The Edge' is Book # 3 in the 'Kincaid Brides' series and I suggest you read the books in order. Perhaps then the plot might be more attractive. A few lines as recap in the front of each novel would have also helped those of us who came in the midst of this western slap comedy!

The cover should have warned me (reminiscent of the Coca Cola kid) of course but I always enjoy a good Western a la "Louis L'Amour" (which this definitively is not!) hence this review.

Not even seeing Tom Selleck or Sam Elliott on the cover would have sweeten this book!

'Callie made a sound Seth had never heard from a human being before. Sorta like a wildcat crossed with a wounded grizzly bear during a Civil War battle in a cyclone - in hell.'

'It struck Seth that if Heath (newfound brother) qualified as a wise man and Audra and Ethan (Sil and brother) as shepherds, they were about one burro and a couple of sheep away from being a Nativity scene.'

'Audra the Dandelion Fluff Woman gave Seth a look...?'

I made it to page 140...

Despite the endless revolving and often confusing characters (who are all these people?), the plot might have been interesting with a few descriptions of the breathtaking scenery out West, the hardship which always instills a healthy respect for the courageous settlers of the West and the lives they carved for themselves in the wilderness.

You cannot fail to feel a certain affinity with the lone cowboy leaving the scene to ride into the sunset. You hear the creaks of the saddle as he shifts in anticipation of the long dusty trail leading to the next water hole, leaving his sweetheart behind to care for the homestead until the next time...

I failed to enjoy this story but I suggest you grab all 3 books and judge for yourself!

After all, this is only my opinion and you know what they say: Opinions and colours are never to be argued over!

Rated at 2 stars for a couple of laughs?

About the Author:

'Mary Connealy writes fun and lively "romantic comedy with cowboys" for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters series, and her novel Calico Canyon was nominated for a Christy Award.'

For more on this author, please visit her website (here). 

As part of a blog tour for this book, I would like to invite readers to check these reviewers (here).

            Celebrate with Mary by entering to win a Nook Color 
                                      with GlowLight!

See what folks are saying about Over the Edge!

One winner will receive:

• A Nook Color with GlowLight
• The entire set of Mary Connealy's The Kincaid Brides series

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 28th. Winner will be announced at the "Over the Edge" Author Chat Facebook Party on 8/29. Meet Mary, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and more. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group.)!

So grab your copy of Over the Edge and join Mary on the evening of the August 29th for a chance to connect with her and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!

 

I received this book free from LITFUSE as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Story by Steven James, Book review

Publisher: Revell

ISBN-13: 978-0800720650 (new Ed. published in 2012)

Synopsis:

Recapture the mystery of God's story!

With stunning imagery, powerful poetry, and real-life drama, Story is an inspiring journey from the creation of the world to eternity and everything in between. 
Consummate storyteller Steven James threads together familiar scenes from Scripture that will awaken your faith and inspire you to live in the reality of Christ's sacrifice. As he untangles the intricacies of the whole story of the Bible, you will rediscover the majesty and the mystery you've been missing.

My thoughts:

A compelling narrative written by a Master with perfectly flowing tales and exquisite poetry, I present you 'Story': Our Journey of Heartache and Grace from Eden to Evermore! 

A keeper, one I would have loved to own when ex-RAF hubby worked with youths I found myself 'journeying' with the author through well known biblical events only to realize the meaning behind the stories.

Rated 5 stars of course (albeit worth much more!) and meant to be shared with loved ones, friends and anyone you care about it! 

This genuine storyteller infuses real life drama with his love for God beginning with Genesis all the way to today, quoting familiar scriptures and opening our eyes to their true meaning, thus quenching our thirst for the Word!

Like any wanderer he walks along, helping you to rediscover the mystery behind the story, never preaching but always inspiring! A journey you will enjoy!

This 'Story' will reach you in ways you have not yet imagine! 

Describing life with Jesus along His travels, Steven James allows you to experience the reality of the dusty roads, the fish smells and the amazing feeling which overtook the vast crowds who came to see and hear Him. Your senses come alive as you comprehend the reasons behind the story.

In his words, Steven James tells you: 'The more I learn about Him, the fewer coincidences I see'.

To illustrate  his description of a thirty year old Jesus, who had spent a decade as a carpenter, and had now become a Rabbi, James tells you: 

'He was baptized, went on a retreat, prayed, fasted, withstood temptations from the devil, recruited a handful of followers, the sort of stuff attributed to a religious leader... 

What then? 

Does he found a church? No. 

Apply for nonprofit status? (this one had me in stitches) No. 

Go door to door to peddle his worldview? (this one was the best for my part!) No.

Instead he chose to kick off his public ministry by taking his buddies to a week long wedding celebration, and when needed, turned 150 gallons of water into the best wine money can buy, just to keep the party going...'

Steven James ends this short story with 'That's my kind of Rabbi.'

Simply, Christ came to offer 'wine' to thirsty souls and give new hope! 

As the author tells us, the party has just begun, the best is yet to come! 

Faith, that's what it is all about!

As believers we can chose betwixt faith or sight, abandoning our faith or learning to trust in the dark.

This is our choice as these words scrawled on a concentration camp's wall reminds us:

'I believe in the sun, even though it doesn't shine.

I believe in love, even when it isn't shown.

I believe in God, even when he doesn't speak.'

Let your imagination allow you to feel the silence and quiet Jesus experienced as He sought His Heavenly Father, His fear and His tears, the unbearable pain experienced in His final moments. 

And you will find yourself holding your breath with the beauty of it all.

God's story...

An absolute treasure, 'Story' is a book you must experience for yourself!

Note: This book is available August 2012  at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 

About the Author:

 

'Critically acclaimed author Steven James has penned 30+ books spanning the genres of psychological thrillers, dramas,YA fantasy, and more. 

Steven has received wide critical acclaim for his work, including four Storytelling World Honor awards, two Publishers Weekly starred reviews, and 2009, 2011 & 2012 Christy Awards for best suspense. 
His thriller, The Queen, won the 2012 Christy Award for Best Suspense Novel, the 2012 ECPA for Best Christian Novel, and it was a finalist for an International Thriller Award. 

His first novel in the Patrick Bowers series, The Pawn, was optioned by ABC Studios in 2010.

Steven earned a Master's Degree in Storytelling from ETSU in 1997 and is an active member of International Thriller Writers, The Authors Guild, Mystery Writers of America, and International Association of Crime Writers.'

Here is the website to find more on this interesting author:  http://stevenjames.net/index.cfm

I received this book free from BAKER/REVELL as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Autumn's First Sign...

The one red leaf, the last of its clan,
That dances as often as dance it can,
Hanging so light, and hanging so high,
On the topmost twig that looks up at the sky.

(S. T. Coleridge) 

Autumn is on its way...

The Jewel of St Petersburg by Kate Furnivall, Book review

Publisher: Berkley Trade

ISBN-13: 978-0425234235

Synopsis:

Russia, 1910. Valentina Ivanova is the darling of St. Petersburg's elite aristocracy-until her romance with a Danish engineer creates a terrible scandal and her parents push her into a loveless engagement with a Russian count.

Meanwhile, Russia itself is bound for rebellion. With the Tsar and the Duma at each other's throats, and the Bolsheviks drawing their battle lines, the elegance and opulence of Tsarist rule are in their last days. And Valentina will be forced to make a choice that will change not only her own life, but the lives of those around her forever...

My thoughts:

Something compels me to reach out for anything which describes Russian life, before, during and after the revolution of 1905 and 1917.

In this regard Kate Furnivall's novels satisfies longings for learning more about this dark and troubled time. She skillfully describes this era by weaving a story that will appeal to any romantic with the harsh reality which encompassed decades ruled first by Tsarist power than by the Bolshevik revolution. 

As I referred to the synopsis I could not but reflect it does not describes the whole of 'The Jewel of St Petersburg' unless it is to allude to the superficial. The cover chosen by the publisher was scarcely more enticing.

Far more interesting is the Tsarist Russia revealed behind the love affair for history buffs. 

From the incredible wealth displayed by a mere one thousand ruling families and their lives seemingly never ending pleasures to the poverty stricken millions who served them, theirs a thirst for justice a tangible goal!

To the splendors of the Imperial court, the colourful gowns and exotic jewelry, the distinct rivalry betwixt the ministers offices, the unquenchable thirst for warring of the Imperial officers and the ever treacherous reach of the Ohkrana...to the riots in factories and mutiny aboard ships and of course Grigori Rasputin's mystic power...This book has it all!

Amongst all this, Valentina Ivanova is an extraordinary young woman only in so far she reflects the identity of other such young women of the era, women who learned to survive the horrors and trials of the period, be they rich or poor. 

Her wish to become a nurse at a time when no well bred young woman worked is an interesting factor in this story.

The love affair hinted at makes this novel the more attractive as we all want to believe in faery tales and there is no doubt Kate Furnivall excels at these rich narratives. 

A fascinating storyteller who knows how to put pen to paper, she draws her readers in her novels with unmistakable flair and good research.

You might find some of her descriptive too realistic if you are of a delicate nature but there is warmth and hope to be discovered always in these heartbreaking tales.

Survival is everything and time and time again, this author brings you to a threshold of hope: In 'The Jewel of St Petersburg' Valentina and her family will endure anything to stay together.

With her careful attention to details and vivid characters, Kate Furnivall allows her readers to feel and experience these uncertain times.

In this insistence we discover a not so well known area of St Petersburg's city: the underground tunnels for water and sewage. It might not seem so fascinating to some readers but history tells us the lack of development of this system was a direct contribution to the state of the area slums, the regular typhus epidemics, food and fuel shortage etc... 

This particular subject (Internet libraries are a wonderful source! ) peaked my interest from the first.

And after all this, let me just say this author has a knack for throwing us a curve...Just as you think you are reaching the end of her tale, she introduces you yet to a new phase...'The Jewel of St Petersburg' does not end there:  it follows with an introduction to yet another story, this time of Valentina's daughter, Lydia...

Find out more in 'The Girl from Junchow'.

For all those of you interested in these fascinating stories, Kate Furnivall introduces favourite characters from one story to another. Somehow it all becomes part of a giant tapestry...

As a fan, I am looking forward to see where she will take readers next!

5 Stars!

Note to readers: Adult thematic contents suggests this to be more appropriate to mature readers!

For  more on Kate Furnivall visit her website (here) Don't miss her Historical notes!

And of course, a reminder: This review was not requested and reflects only my opinion!

Happiness is...

Happiness is...'Home in the Dale in the Shire in the Land in the Kingdom'...

Isn't this a lovely way to introduce a post?

I happened to stumble on Fiona's blog called 'Marmalade Rose' on one of those Pacific North West dreary days...you know, when it is so overcast, it looks to be 1900 hours instead of 0900, it is raining cats and dogs (now where did this saying come from?) and you feel as if nothing will ever be dry again.

One look at her photos and I knew this lovely Yorkshire lady was a true artist, inspired obviously by her surroundings, happy and content with life if one is to judge from her creativity and ramblings. In short someone who lifts you up with a photo or just a witty turn of a phrase.

I felt drawn to her choice of colours from the first!

I  never told Fiona but I spotted her blog name because it reminded me of my MIL: Mum loved both marmalade and roses and the latter was a passion with her...On the walls, cushions, linens, china, pinnies and even her perfume smelled of old world roses.

Cabbage Roses were her favourite...To date our daughter still identifies roses with her GrandMa!

A few weeks back I decided to indulge my nostalgic side and asked Fiona if she could design a brooch for me. It appears her genuine creative talent came to life when I asked her to provide me with a bit of memorabilia:

Flag, Blue Bells, Poppies and of course a RAF reminder (for hubby) for a start. Brooches are a favourite of mine as I hate anything dangling and it dresses up any outfit in no time!

A short while later and on time for me to sport for the Jubilee and the Olympics, a wee parcel arrived and here you have it!

You will notice in the first photo another brooch as well...What can I say? I could not resist it and probably will part with that one (if I can let myself!) and offered as a gift!

Take a moment to discover for yourself the intricate details this lovely lady instills in her creations. One would think the faeries helps her!

For anyone interested (and yes, Fiona will post overseas as of last notice) here is her website address:

 http://marmaladerose.blogspot.com/

Her posts will help you discover the beautiful Yorkshire Dales!

Note to readers: This post reflects my thanks to this lovely lady and was not solicited. All photos are the sole proprietary of Marmalade Rose and/or this blog. 

Even In Paradise...

Soaring temperatures of 40.5 degrees C (105 F) brought hardship even in our little Paradise the last two days...

Starfish left behind after low tide...

Some will survive...

Nature can be cruel at times...

But not as much as humans...These two orphans raccoons hide in the tree canopy after a careless (inebriated) island guest sped on a gravel road above the 15 mile per hour limit and killed their mother...

Even in Paradise...

Temperature today: 16.6 degrees C (62 F) and breezy...

Being Tranquil...

(O. Plam)

A tranquil mind is a gentle soul who can speak what is in the heart of others without saying a word.

Beautiful!

The Searchers by Joseph Loconte, Book review

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

ISBN-13: 978-1595554468

Synopsis:

 

Never before had they known such hope.

In a world drenched in violence and oppression, here was a man armed with a message of peace and freedom. Into lives nearly overwhelmed by grief and sorrow, he brought compassion and healing and the deepest joy. To people who felt like outcasts and aliens, he showed the way home. And then, in one devastating night, all their hopes collapsed.

This is where our story begins—in the valley of despair. It is a tale of two friends, a stranger, and a search for truth in a world gone mad with doubt.

My thoughts:

'The Searchers: A Quest for Faith in the Valley of Doubt' by Joseph Loconte describes what happened on the road to Emmaus and what it means to believers or non-believers.

Most Christians know the story of two friends traveling on the road to Emmaus to a place of safety after witnessing the crucifixion of Jesus. Joined by another traveler whom they do not recognize as the Lord, they share their fears, despair and disillusionment (Luke 24: 13-53).

What ensues is skillfully described by Joseph Loconte as he depicts this amazing journey during a most difficult time for Jesus' disciples. Using quotes, literary excerpts and biblical passages, we are shown a compelling historical look at the emotional torment these followers of Christ experienced upon losing their charismatic leader.

In 'The Searchers' the author compares today's often trouble times with those events with feeling and compassion for any of us 'traveler'. You might say each chapter is almost a book in itself with in depth notes guaranteed to answer any question about faith.

The chapter 'Rumors of Angels' was most intriguing. You find yourself delving in angelic figures such as those who appeared to the devoted women who discover the absence of Christ's body in the tomb and J.R.R. Tolkien's portraying of Gandalf the Grey in The Lord of the Rings. Joseph Loconte tells us Tolkien's Christian beliefs were clearly shaped by his understanding of the divine as he referred to Gandalf as an 'angel incarnate' in his correspondence. I will have to add the Lord of the Rings to my (never ending) list of books to read and see it for myself!

With unmistakable taste Joseph Loconte shows us how the Old and New Testaments are bound together in a singular, coherent story of how a world of breathtaking beauty fallen in ruins was rescued with divine love.

That is the true message received by the Emmaus road travelers: Hope, He has risen!

British scholars Hoskyns and Davey agreed: 'The story of the death and resurrection of Jesus records historical facts which demand the consideration and judgment of every man and woman.'

If the Christian story is true, then human life has a meaning and a destination. As believers we are being given a way to the Truth and with it, we are set free. 

Compelling and well worth 5 stars, this is an engaging book most promising for those of us who seek spiritual answers!

About the Author:

'Joseph Loconte, PhD, is an Associate Professor of History at The King's College in New York City, where he teaches Western Civilization and American Foreign Policy.

Loconte is the author of The Searchers: A Quest for Faith in the Valley of Doubt (Thomas Nelson, 2012). His other books are The End of Illusions: Religious Leaders Confront Hitler’s Gathering Storm (Rowman & Littlefield, 2004) and Seducing the Samaritan: How Government Contracts Are Reshaping Social Services (The Pioneer Institute, 1997). His commentary on religion and democracy, human rights, and international religious freedom appears in the nation’s leading media outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New Republic, The Weekly Standard, and National Public Radio. He is also a regular contributor to the London-based Standpoint Magazine and Italy’s La Stampa.

Loconte has testified before Congress on International Human Rights and served as a Human Rights expert on the 2005 Congressional Task Force on the United Nations.'

For more information see (here)

I received this book free from THOMAS NELSON/BOOKSNEEZE as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.