Reading And Writing...

(Photo courtesy of Swagbucks - Original source HERE)

Every reader finds himself. The writer's work is merely a kind of optical instrument that makes it possible for the reader to discern what, without this book, he would perhaps never have seen in himself.

~Marcel Proust~

A Fresh Approach...

Memories takes us back

Dreams takes us forward!

I have lived long enough to know each new year brings an influx of resolutions for many of us. Most of us are realistic enough to aim for only one as we face our limitations. I have been blogging five years and thought a little more about my reasons for writing posts now and then and wondering where it will take me. I have seen many blogs dropped lately for one reason or another.

Being the dreamer I most certainly believe myself to be, I often look at life through rosey coloured lenses. I prefer to write about good things, don't you? I also realize it is not always possible.

When blogging I do not aspire to attract followers or comments (albeit much appreciated! I am human folks!) but to share something with readers.

My love of reading is clearly the best thing I may offer at this time (and if I ever learn to walk on my hands I promise to share it with you!).

I might post a photo or two of the island, share the antics of Mac the Corgi, Maira the Cat or even a special dish (I happen to think I am not a bad cook) but I am pragmatic enough to know my limits. I am not a photographer, crafter, decorator etc... I value my privacy (and those of my family) fiercely and thus you will not find me on Facebook or Twitter. Book reviews are shared on Amazon because of their wider range of distribution. Just my preference of course! (and I love to hear that my review helped someone purchase a title).

In the past I strove to read a broad array of novels which at times felt something of a let down,
Keeping in mind the time and efforts an author takes to write, the many genres available and finally readers' tastes and comments I am looking for a fresh approach.

I love to talk about literary findings and enjoy blogging, a great conduit to pass on the word as a review! For me memories and dreams is what it is all about!
However I noted that some of the titles I chose to review were featured on so many other blogs, it feels same old, same old...

Ah! Here is where I must mention to anyone who has not realized it yet I get bored easily...

So, what happens now?

Well I streamlined my choices to be sure I READ QUALITY MATERIAL versus QUANTITY. I enjoy enormously sharing with readers titles and authors I discover, sometime in unlikely spots, and I will continue posting about my finds and rate each accordingly. 

Rest assured that being an avid reader, there will be no less reviews posted here, in fact perhaps the opposite! 
Kindly keep in mind though I am NOT a professional reviewer and share ONLY my opinions.
When I share my thoughts, a book's rating according to my preferred scale (see right sidebar) and any forewarning of what I encounter in my reading (i.e. thematic contents/offensive language etc...) please remember that's all I hope for.

I also prefer not to be 'another' review on a long list posted on a specific day and will slowly wean myself away from those. It is most important for authors to have their name put forward but how many of those reviews can anyone read?!

So here we go Folks, the only types of books (occasional DVDs) reviews to be found here will be based on:

- Christian Fiction
- Historical fiction (Biblical, Medieval, Renaissance, Regency, Civil War (US), WW1, WW2 and a few contemporaries)
- Religion and Spirituality

There are many genres in the literary world I prefer not to delve into for personal reason!

Providing it fits in these categories and I believe readers will enjoy those novels as much as I do, I will be happy to post about them. Sources will include Publishers and their representatives, libraries (thank goodness for those!) and my own shelves.

Occasionally I'll be happy to promote giveaways and you will find a few of those in the near future. It is a pleasure to work with authors and PR folks to bring you these opportunities.
If the giveaway is only featuring a link for readers to enter, it is all I will post! (No more graphics and fancy words).
That said if the giveaway is for one of MY readers, I will be more than happy to display it with fanfare and trumpets!

Finally I will not post a list of eventual titles/reviews...I like surprises, don't you?!

Happy 2014!

The Key To The Middle East by Derek Prince, Book review

• Publisher: Chosen Books - Reprint edition (November 5, 2013)
• ISBN-13: 978-0800795559

SYNOPSIS:

(From the back cover)

One Nation Holds the Key to the Destiny of Mankind
Though it may seem distant from our modern lives, the drama playing out in the Middle East on the world stage has consequences beyond what we can imagine. And in the tumult of it all, one tiny nation will become the watershed of world events, affecting us all. 

In this accessible, behind-the-scenes guide, internationally renowned teacher and scholar Derek Prince goes beyond the headlines and immerses you in what the Bible has to say about Israel. Tracing her long, astonishing history, he offers insight into the mounting tension and exposes the destructive enemy now stalking this war-torn land.

Accessible and fascinating, The Key to the Middle East also reveals God's plans for all nations--and what our future could look like. Prince's depth of understanding and interpretation of Scripture will challenge and encourage you. But above all, you will be brought face-to-face with the God who remembers, honors and lovingly guards His promises to His people.

Here are my thoughts:

Broadcasts highlights the Middle East daily as you well know and as a nation Israel features prominently in these news. 

First in print under the title 'The Last Word On The Middle East' than as 'Promised Land' Derek Prince's The Key To The Middle East was written more than 30 years ago yet is even more relevant today than at its first edition! 

Why will you ask? Because it offers such a scopic view of the sequence of events which ultimately (at least in the opinion of those familiar with the area) will influence the outcome of the world we know.

Bible prophecies are at best a difficult subject as depending on whom we are we interpret these often with blinders on! Derek Prince however offers readers a rich insight on those documented Middle East's events linked to numerous prophecies of Israel's past, present and future. 

It is interesting to note that decades ago the author was keenly aware of both sides' point of views, Arab and Jewish and perceived how explosive the situation in the Middle East would become. 

If you acknowledge what has already passed you know those events soon to unfold bears once again the imprint of God's plans for his chosen people and the world in general.

Covering both the historical perspective and the prophetic fulfillment of Israel this book is easily understood, filled with substantial facts and related scriptures for those wishing to understand a little more more of the future, The Key To The Middle East is well worth 5 stars and a great addition to any personal library!

Meet The Author:

Derek Prince was born in India of British parents in Bangalore, India, in 1915, into a world and a way of life that no longer exists. Kings, queens and emperors ruled over vast domains, and the British Empire exceeded them all. 
The British army and civil service governed the colonies, and India was the brightest jewel in the imperial crown. 
Derek says, "I was born into a family of 'empire builders'. My father, Paul Ernest Prince, was an officer in the Queen's own Madras Sappers and Miners, his commission signed by Victoria's own hand. 
My mother, Gwendolen, also born in India, was the daughter of Major General Robert Edward Vaughan. Her brother, a Punjab Lancer, later became a brigadier."

He was educated at Eton College and Kings College, Cambridge.

At the time of Prince's death in September 2003 he was the author of over 50 books, 600 audio and 100 video teachings, many of which have been translated and published in more than 100 languages. 
Some of the subjects that are covered in his teachings are prayer and fasting, foundations of the Christian faith, spiritual warfare, God's love and marriage and family to name a few.

More (HERE)


I received a copy of this title from CHOSEN - BAKER PUBLISHING GROUP to review . 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. 

City Of Women by David R. Gillham, Book review

• Publisher: Amy Einhorn Books/Putnam (August 7, 2012)
• ISBN-13: 978-0399157769
• Also: Thorndike Press Large Print Historical Fiction
• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Large Print Press; Large Print edition (May 17, 2013)

SYNOPSIS:

It is 1943, the height of the Second World War. With the men away at the front, Berlin has become a city of women.

On the surface, Sigrid Schröder is the model German soldier s wife: She goes to work every day, does as much with her rations as she can, and dutifully cares for her meddling mother-in-law, all the while ignoring the horrific immoralities of the regime.

But behind this façade is an entirely different Sigrid, a woman of passion who dreams of her former Jewish lover, now lost in the chaos of the war. But Sigrid is not the only one with secrets she soon finds herself caught between what is right and what is wrong, and what falls somewhere in the shadows between the two . . .

Here are my thoughts:


From City of Women: "Nobility is nothing more than an invention of the living to eulogize the dead. The dead are not noble. They are simply decaying in their graves."


At the suggestion of a young author (who knows my penchant for historical facts based stories) I read City Of Women but I'll admit with mixed feelings. There is no denying however David R. Gillman's prose is worthy of notice. He has done his research and this first novel shows promise. 

City of Women is a testimonial to the endurance of women on the German home front in it itself. There are some striking similarities betwixt their daily life and the women of Great Britain for i.e.. Neither were 'occupied lands' in 1943, both strives to keep moral up, suffers rationing and endure enemy bombings on a regular basis. Their men are fighting for their future, many of these women will never see their loved ones again and those who make it home are either physically or mentally (or both) maimed.

David R. Gillman's plotline highlights more the personal side of his characters than their political affiliation. Yet it is impossible to separate in my opinion. Germany was after all the aggressor in this conflict. There is a fine line between right and wrong in wartime and as such it is impossible for anyone to know their reactions when faced with life or death decisions. 

I might add that in retrospect the extensive documentation of WW2 of the German home front as well as the battlefields is bound to influence readers opinion yet Sigrid's character is so realistic it is hard to dismiss her just because she happens to be on the enemy's side.

David R. Gillman has reached out across time to describe her emotions, first her apathy followed by the adrenaline rushes when confronted with the other side of the coin...War is after all war but the atrocities committed in the name of the Fatherland weigh heavily on her conscience until one day she is faced with a choice. Once committed there is no turning back.

The men she loves, Kaspar her soldiering husband, Wolfram the Mischlinge officer and Egon the Jew are part of her and therefore cannot be ignored. With each of these characters an unmitigated side of 1943 Berlin reveals itself leaving you the reader little choice but to see your emotions involved at some level. 

As a reviewer I try to be fair taking always in consideration the extent of a writer's research and the time and efforts taken in writing a novel. I also try to give the opportunity to the 'other side' to explain (if such can be accomplished in view of the documented horrors perpetrated!)

That's said I have an easier time reading about children involved in such conflicts (i.e. in the Book Thief) than adults, and this novel demanded I see a side I choose not to dwell upon. 

In the end you see, I sat here cheering as the author describes the R.A.F proneness for bombing on clear nights. Any emotions involved only the safety of the young pilots who fought bravely to defend our freedom from the manacles of a mad man and avenge his victims whomever they might be (Germans or others). 

4 Stars (for reasons stated above and those below)

Note to Readers: For mature readers only due to thematic contents including offensive language.



Meet the Author:

From the author's website:

 “My connection to history has always been palpable, especially to certain times and places.  When I write about a place like Berlin in the 1940′s, I feel like I am walking around its streets.  I feel at home there, at least in my head. "

More (HERE)

Note to Readers: This was a library loan and reflects ONLY my opinion!

Letter to Dogs...

If you checked my sidebar or read posts about 'The Shadow' you know a Corgi rules this house!
I'll credit my daughter for introducing a love for Corgis in this family along with Tasha Tudor's books (you had to know there were books somewhere in this story!)

I am a dog lover first of all (albeit we also have a Cat - who rules EVERYONE of course!) and will spend a considerable amount of time checking favourite blogs who feature their four legged friends. Granny always said to trust a human by the way they treat their pets!

Despite his serious look 'Mac' the Corgi is as mischievous as any of his breed and provides us with daily chuckles with his antics. A ball, Frisbee and treats keeps him happy. His capacity for understanding what we discuss - even when we spell the words - is still a puzzle to us! Nothing gets by him!

The following 'Letter to Dogs' was sent to us by a dear friend, another dog lover of course and is probably known by some of you but here it is none the less just because...well, where would we be without our furry friends?!

Aimed mostly at those of us who have more than one dog (but applicable to any combination of pets, trust me!)

Dear Dogs:

When I say to move, it means go someplace else, not switch positions with each other so there are still two dogs in the way!

The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain YOUR food. The other dishes are mine and contain MY food. Please note placing a paw print in the middle of MY plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming YOUR food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help, because I fall faster than you can run!

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king size bed. I am truly sorry about this. Do not think I will continue to sleep on the couch to ensure your comfort!
Look at videos of dogs sleeping, they can actually curl up in a ball. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible.
I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space used is nothing but doggy sarcasm!

My compact discs are not miniature Frisbees!

For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, to try to turn the knob, or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered.
In addition I have been using bathrooms for years and canine assistance is not mandatory!

The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dogs butt. I cannot stress this enough. It would be such a simple change for you.

Then we get to the rules for non-pet owners who visit and...like to complain about our pets:

1. The dog lives here. You don't!
2. If you don't want dog hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture.
3. I like my dog a lot better than I like most people.
4. To you she's (he's) a dog. To me she's (he's) an adopted daughter (son) who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and does not speak clearly.
5. Dogs are better than kids are. They eat less, don't ask for money all the time, are easier to train, usually come when called, never drive you car, don't hang out with drug-using friends, don't smoke or drink, don't worry about buying the latest fashions, don't wear your clothes, don't need a gazillion dollars for college, and if they get pregnant, you can sell the pups.

Just so you know: the same applies to cats, except they ignore you until you are asleep.

The Ruby Ring by Karen Rees, Book review

• Publisher: Crosslink Publishing (June 13, 2013)
• ISBN 9781936746460

SYNOPSIS:

The Battle Begins. The year is 1524. William Tyndale makes the fateful decision to produce an English Testament without Church permission. He knows that a vernacular scripture will free the common people from spiritual domination by a corrupt and ignorant Church. If Tyndale is caught, he'll die at the stake. So will anyone found assisting him. 

Owen Alton, a London grocer's heir, catches Tyndale's vision. But if he helps Tyndale, he'll be disinherited and lose Jane Horne, the minor-knight's stepdaughter he loves. 
Jane has defied her family in her desire to wed Owen. If he now should leave her for Tyndale.... As if she didn't have enough troubles, Jane discovers the shocking secret behind her mother's ruby ring.

Here are my thoughts:

For my first 2014 book review The Ruby Ring is truly a fine example of historical fiction woven around actual facts. 

Author Karen Rees combines mystery, romance and a great amount of period details as she explains the absolute power the Church held over the common man and the amazing courage of those who set out instead to bring the Word to anyone!

Amongst those is Owen Alton, once an aspiring priest who becomes one of Tyndale's acolytes in his ultimate battle to bring the Truth to the masses. 

Once a childhood friend, Jane Horne is in love with Owen and very much fears for him as he fights, risking even his life with other 'heretics' like himself to pursue Tyndale's quest to translate the Bible in the English language.

Persecuted, Tyndale leaves for the Teutonic countries to continue his work. When Owen follows him to the continent to assist him in his endeavour, Jane entrusts her lover with her mother's ruby ring...

A richly period detailed story of love and compassion in a time of absolute power, The Ruby Ring's 24 chapters has surprising twists guaranteed to please a wide audience and spans from June 1515 to September 1527!

5 Stars, well deserved!

Note to Readers: Recommended for teens and adults (and those of us who take the Bible for granted!)

Regarding the Author:

This is Karen Rees' first novel and as such promises to be the beginning of a successful career!

I received a copy of this title from BOOKCRASH to review . 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. 

A New Beginning

2014!

There is no one like Anne of Green Gables to pass on a few wise words:

“Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” 

and

“...Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world. It wouldn't be half so interesting if we knew all about everything, would it? There'd be no scope for imagination then, would there?” 

Welcome to a New Year!

P.S. I have been blogging for five years! Wow! 
What better way to celebrate than having a GIVEAWAY?
So watch in the next few weeks for details and be sure to enter!