Broken Wings by Carla Stewart, Book review

Publisher: Center Point; Large print edition (August 1, 2011)

ISBN-13: 978-1611731538

Publisher: FaithWords; 1 edition (June 3, 2011)

ISBN-10: 0446556564

Synopsis:

Onstage, the singing duo of Gabe and Mitzi Steiner captured America's heart for more than two decades. Offstage, their own hearts have throbbed as one for sixty years. Only now, Gabe has retreated into the tangles of Alzheimer's, leaving Mitzi to ponder her future alone.

On the other side of Tulsa, everyone believes Brooke Woodson has found the perfect man--a handsome lawyer with sights on becoming Tulsa's next District Attorney. If only Brooke felt more sure. If only her fiancé could control his anger. If only love didn't come with so many scars.

When an accident lands Brooke in the hospital where Mitzi volunteers, the two women quickly develop an unlikely friendship birthed by providence and bathed in grace. And with Mitzi's help, kindness, and insight, Brooke learns how to pick up the broken pieces of her life.



Here are my thoughts:


In 'Broken Wings' Carla Stewart  reaches this time the heart of her fans and new readers with her loving approach to two subjects many of us would prefer to sidestep given half the chance: Alzheimer and physical abuse.

Written from the prospective of 81 year old Mitzi, half of a singing duo and thirty something Para legal Brooke, this novel hints at such a depth of compassion, you essentially know deep in your heart this story is filled with Christian love! 
Carla Stewart's work rises to a new level for me as I discovered rich characters, an emotionally charged plot and a few lessons to boot.

'Pink lady' Mitzi knows instinctly the younger woman in ER is the victim of abuse and cannot step aside without offering some sort of help. Reaching in her pocket, she pulls a lemon coloured card featuring a tiny sparrow hovering at the edge of a nest...Printed on the back is the chorus to one of her favourite songs:

I sing because I'm happy,
I sing because I'm free
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Brooke is in denial and scared, and hopes to deflect any outburst from her volatile fiance in the future. Handsome and debonair Lance' plans includes a promising political career and wants Brooke by his side. His anger is always followed by sweet promises, but Brooke comes to realize the danger he represents and feels drawn to the safety of Mitzi's home. 

Sweet Mitzi with her Pink Salsa lipstick is still caring daily for the love of her life, her husband Gabe, now living at the Guardian Light Alzheimer's Unit. Together now for 61 years, their singing careers spanning two successful decades, Mitzi focuses on each day with Gabe, finding each precious moment a gift from God.  His body ravaged by his condition, Gabe might  no longer recognizes her yet she still hums their favourite songs hoping to reach him.

This is Mitzi's and Brooke's stories, each finding the will to go on, one day at a time, dealing with the past and the present. 

Through these two spirited survivors and the loving people who stands by them, Carla subtly weaves a heartfelt message for those of us who might just face similar circumstances. 
A story you will once more feel drawn to from an author who continues to surprise! The mark of a talented storyteller? 

Don't miss it! Worth every 5 stars!


Note to readers: I deliberately chose to feature both covers as my heart reached out to the first despite the obvious appeal of the second, perhaps more easily recognized by most fans!



Meet the Author:

(Carla Stewart with fellow Author Sarah Sundin) - (Source HERE)

Carla Stewart's writing reflects her passion for times gone by. Carla launched her writing career in 2002 when she received the coveted invitation to attend the Guidepost's Writers Workshop in Rye, New York. Since then, her articles have appeared in Guideposts, Angels on Earth, Saddle Baron, and Blood and Thunder: Musings on the Art of Medicine.

Her debut novel, Chasing Lilacs, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, was an Oklahoma Book Award Finalist, the trophy winner for the 2011 Best Fiction Book for Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. and received 2nd place honors in RWA's Inspirational Readers Choice Award for 2011. Carla loves to hear from readers and invites you to contact her and learn more about her writing at www.carlastewart.com.

Second note to my regular readers: Shall I admit to a pre senior moment as I couldn't remember whom brought Carla's work to my attention?! One look at the above photo and voila! (Ask and you shall be given...)

Finally you know the drill...unless stated otherwise, reviews reflects only my opinion and were not requested!

Of Bears And Butterflies And Others Things To Dream By...

(Embrace II, The by Robert Bissell - Source HERE)

I knew nothing of this artist's amazing talent when I first spotted a bear surrounded by blue butterflies but I have a feeling it must have been titled Embrace I! 
It is said that in Robert Bissell paintings, the world of animals is a mirror for human existence, self-definition and self-reflection. His studio's name just happens to be Dreamstudio! Perfect!
On 1 June 2013 his one man show at Borsini-Burr Galeries offered 18 new originals and I only wish I could have attended!
If you are a book lover and appreciate art, know that his book entitled 'HERO' is breathtaking! Take a moment to visit his website (HERE) to understand what I mean.

(Solo by Lori Preusch - Source HERE)

Lori Preusch offers paintings you can easily loose yourself into as you dream (and I am so good at it!) I discovered her paintings one day on the Internet and never looked back! For those of you who are regulars on this blog you probably have seen many of her paintings! 

(Kindred Spirits - Lori Preusch)

Lori says: "Many thought this was my interpretation of the characters in the children's books… the Chronicles of Narnia…but the truth is I had never heard of the books when I painting this.
…She is finding warmth, protection, security tucked into the lion… Kindred Spirits… as one."

This painting has a special meaning for me but then I like all of her artwork!

(Quill by Lori Preusch)

"Intelligence... a child embed with wisdom... this painting epitomizes that idea.
I like to show the wisdom filled child... capable and owning fully the depth of who they are and with an insatiable appetite for what ever their desire... be it scholarly pursuits, studying, discovery, inventing, creating...."

Quill reminds me of my daughter who loved to write poetry and has always displayed a fondness for Ravens!

Note: Mentions of both artists and gallery were not requested! Like many admirers I follow through newsletters but thought you would appreciate their talents!

Chasing Lilacs by Carla Stewart, Book review

Publisher: FaithWords; 1 edition (June 17, 2010)

ISBN-13: 978-0446556552

Synopsis:

It is the summer of 1958, and life in the small Texas community of Graham Camp should be simple and carefree. But not for twelve-year-old Sammie Tucker. Sammie has plenty of questions about her mother's "nerve" problems. About shock treatments. About whether her mother loves her.

When her mother commits suicide and a not-so-favorite aunt arrives, Sammie has to choose who to trust with her deepest fears: Her best friend who has an opinion about everything, the mysterious kid from California whose own troubles plague him, or her round-faced neighbor with gentle advice and strong shoulders to cry on. Then there's the elderly widower who seems nice but has his own dark past.

Trusting is one thing, but accepting the truth may be the hardest thing Sammie has ever done.

 

Here are my thoughts:


This is one of those books I read, closed after the last page and said 'Wow!.  Carla Stewart's debut novel offers not only masterly turned prose, it features an impressive plot which left me wanting more of the same! 
'Chasing Lilacs' was on my list to read for awhile thanks to another Christian author's recommendation and I can't wait to read Carla's next novel 'Broken Wings'! 
(Since I am catching up, please note her latest novel 'Sweet Dreams' was just released this month!)

Set in the late 1950's in a small Texas town, Chasing Lilacs is akin to the coming of age of a young  girl faced with home problems no child should have to deal with! Never the less, the author draws you in, balancing every emotions so that the story just grows on you!
In short, you cannot but want to read 'just one more page!'.

Having grown up in a different era thousand of miles away, I found the descriptions provided by the author singular yet somehow also familiar (songs of Patsy Cline, Bobby Darrin and an image of James Dean astride his motorcycle came to mind!). 

Carla Stewart shines in her descriptions of Graham camp's community and inhabitants, a small town not even worth a dot on a map but she is magnificent in relating the haunting feelings teenager Sammie experiences as life gives her one challenge after another. 

A beguiling novel with poignant stories about friendship, hope, filial love and redemption it is perhaps better suited to the older young adult/mature reader.

Chasing Lilacs is essentially a story to discover for yourself and I shall refrain from giving any spoilers! Be prepared to hold your breath, cheer and even tear up, it is that good!

Suffice to say, I give it 5 stars!

Note to Readers: Chasing Lilacs also includes A Reading Group Guide.

Meet the Author:

Carla Stewart's writing reflects her passion for times gone by. Carla launched her writing career in 2002 when she received the coveted invitation to attend the Guidepost's Writers Workshop in Rye, New York. Since then, her articles have appeared in Guideposts, Angels on Earth, Saddle Baron, and Blood and Thunder: Musings on the Art of Medicine.

Her debut novel, Chasing Lilacs, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, was an Oklahoma Book Award Finalist, the trophy winner for the 2011 Best Fiction Book for Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. and received 2nd place honors in RWA's Inspirational Readers Choice Award for 2011. Carla loves to hear from readers and invites you to contact her and learn more about her writing at www.carlastewart.com.

Note: This review was not requested by author/sponsor and reflects only my opinion!

Birthdays Are For Remembering...

Memory is a child walking along a seashore. You never can tell what small pebble it will pick up and store away among its treasured things.

(Pierce Harris) 

Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you've got to start young!

(Fred Astaire)

Another year going by...
Grateful for all the memories...

The Scroll by G. R. Jeffrey and A. L. Gasnky, Book review

Publisher: WaterBrook Press (September 6, 2011)

ISBN-13: 978-0307729262

Synopsis:

One last dig.  One final descent into the twisted tunnels of ancient Jerusalem.  Will the truth be found among the treasures that lie beneath the holy city?

Dr. David Chambers, leading archaeologist, has spent his professional career uncovering the facts in the artifacts. His work sets the standard for biblical research in the Holy Land. But surrounded by the evidence, David has sunk into an abyss of doubt. A painful experience with a seemingly unresponsive God has left him without hope.  The Old Testament scriptures that used to fi ll his mind with wonder now drive him to frustration. His unanswered questions have ripped him from both his academic pursuits and the love of his life, his fiancée, Amber.

An old friend and mentor reaches out to David, enticing him with the riches described in the enigmatic Copper Scroll. Losing ground with his peers, his love, and his faith, David Chambers has a choice to make. Will he undertake one final dig to unlock a secret that could alter the course of history? Do the mysteries of the Old Testament hold the key to the political turmoil of the Middle East?

In a world where faith has been eclipsed by the allure of doubt, The Scroll offers a different journey: a gripping adventure to find truth worth dying for.

(The Copper Scroll - 3Q15 - Source HERE)



"In the fortress which is in the Vale of Achor, forty cubits under the steps entering to the east: a money chest and it [sic] contents, of a weight of seventeen talents." So begins the first column of the Copper Scroll, one of the most intriguing, and baffling, scrolls to be found among the collection known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. Sounding like something out of an Indiana Jones movie, the text of the Copper Scroll (3Q15) describes vast amounts of buried treasure.
It was found in 1952 in Cave 3 at Khirbet Qumran on the shores of the Dead Sea, one of the few scrolls to be discovered in the place where it had lain for nearly 2,000 years..."
 

Here are my thoughts:

It will not come as a surprise that the subject alone of this fictional narrative hooked me very quickly! History has a way to grab your attention, particularly these days with the new and extensive methods archaeologists uses in lands we know still to be rich in artifacts. 
Since these areas are also often in countries rifled with conflicts, I pray we can expend our discoveries before humanity destroys these rich finds!

Back to 'The Scroll'! In his duties as leading archaeologist Dr. David Chambers uses his extensive Biblical knowledge as well as modern science to uncover facts in artifacts. In his private life however his decidedly lack of faith following a painful experience leaves him struggling. 
Lured by Abram Ben-Judah his old mentor to participate in one more dig, David returns to  Jerusalem and finds himself facing new and old demons.
 
Featuring mesmerizing details of actual artifacts including the Copper Scroll known as 3Q15, found in 1952 in the caves of Qumrun along the west side of the Dead Sea, 'The Scroll' clearly shows the authors' extensive knowledge of the Middle East, its customs and the area's delicate balance betwixt multi faith and volatile politics. Entertaining with well developed characters it also includes solid christian values.

There is a clear twist in the arresting plot line as both authors grabs your attention with The Scroll's prologue in 2012, only to end with its epilogue in the Spring 2015! 
 
Let me end by saying The Dead Sea Scrolls have captured the imagination of scholars, archaeologists and scientists all over the world for decades so when the narrative gives you the opportunity to imagine 'what if' or shall we say 'when' the Temple is rebuilt, take a moment to immerse yourself in the splendor of this very possibility in the near future and its possible repercussions. 

In my opinion 5 Stars!

Meet the Authors:

GRANT R. JEFFREY is an internationally respected Bible teacher of prophecy/eschatology as well as biblical archaeology. Jeffrey's more than two dozen books have sold millions of copies and have been translated into more than twenty languages. 

ALTON L. GANSKY has written or collaborated on more than thirty novels and nine nonfiction works. He has been a Christy Award finalist for A Ship Possessed and an Angel Award winner for Terminal Justice.

Note to Readers: You know the drill...unless stated otherwise, reviews are not requested and provide only my opinion!

Doing What I like Best...Reading of course!

 

A few of my titles for this week...

Quan Yin, Lady of Compassion and a rose from our garden: The Lincoln

 

Poppies are my favourite but this stunning colour cannot be ignored!

 

However after spotting photos of Himalayan Blue Poppy on Sew Sweet Violet, I just might have to grow some of these! Do visit to see what I mean!

(Above Photo Source: http://seattletimes.com/html/picturethis/2018262962_bluepoppies_052012.html)

 Meanwhile, somebody is so bored! Rain, rain, go away! I want to play Frisbee!!

Catch A Falling Star by Beth K. Vogt, Book review and GIVEAWAY

Publisher: Howard Books; Original edition (May 7, 2013)

ISBN-13: 978-1451660272

Synopsis:


Is life about accomplishing plans . . . or wishes coming true . . . or something more?

Dr. Kendall Haynes’s plans to have it all—a career, a husband, a family—are eluding her. Now that she’s thirty-six, she needs to stop wishing upon a star and face reality: Some dreams just never come true.

Air Force pilot Griffin Walker prefers flying solo in the air and on the ground—until a dangerous choice ejects him from the cockpit. His life becomes even more complicated after the sudden death of his parents makes him the guardian of his sixteen-year-old brother. There’s no way his life will ever get back on course now.

When their lives collide during a near tragedy, Kendall and Griffin must decide if they can embrace the unexpected changes God has waiting for them.

 (USAF - A10)


Here are my thoughts:

Beth K. Vogt might very well call herself a non fiction author but her heartfelt prose shines with love, hope, humour and a good amount of  faith! 
'Catch A Falling Star' is about imperfect relationships, the deeds we wish we could see undone and the courage we must find to redirect ourselves when God has other plans for us!

At 36 years old, Dr. Haynes might just be more dynamite than USAF pilot Walker has had to deal with in a while. The petite physician has a thriving clinic in Colorado Springs and the respect of her community and has a few dreams of her own. Her faith is important to her and all her employees know it firsthand!

Rugged Griffin Walker is flying a desk at the Academy, dealing with a teenager's somber moods following their parents' death and carries a chip on his shoulder when it comes to marriage. He has a few home truths coming his way and it is all Griffin Walker can handle. He is also a man of faith.

But for being Griffin's young brother's physician, Kendall Haynes and the strong silent pilot's only common ground seems to be their mutual love for jeeps!

Beth does a superb job of casting a mentor for Griffin Walker, their relationship a stabilizing point for the pilot. I found also the inclusion of adoption related problems, allergies and non approved FDA products, and in particular the idea of vertigo most interesting. It is the little details Beth incorporates in her novel which made it all the more a joy to read for me! (Beth, the story behind the ring(s) and the tattoo were priceless!)

This might only be Beth K. Vogt's second novel ('Wish You Were Here' -  review HERE for those of you who missed it) but she proves once again 'there is more to happily ever after than the faerie tales tells us'.

A delightfuly book to be enjoyed by one and all!

5 Stars!!

(USAF Academy Chapel)

 

Landing page: 

http://litfusegroup.com/author/bvogt


About the Author:

Beth K. Vogt is a nonfiction author and editor who said she’d never write fiction. She’s the wife of an air force physician who said she’d never marry a doctor—or anyone in the military. She’s a mom of four who said she’d never have kids. She’s discovered that God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” 

Vist her website (HERE)


Celebrate the release of Catch a Falling Star (Howard Books) with Beth K. Vogt by entering to win a Romantic Weekend Getaway and RSVPing for her June 4th Author Chat Party.

  One "lucky" winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Cash Card (Perfect for a weekend stay at a hotel or B&B!)
• Catch a Falling Star and Wish You Were Here by Beth Vogt (Swoon-worthy!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 3rd. Winner will be announced at the "Catch a Falling Star" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 4th. Connect with Beth for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Beth will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Catch a Falling Star and join Beth on the evening of June 4th for a chance to connect 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 fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

 

 

I received this book 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.