The Secrets of Mary Bowser by Lois Leveen

 

The Secrets of Mary Bowser

Lois Leveen

copyright 2012 Lois Leveen

HarperCollins publisher

ISBN 978-0-06-210790-9

 

A fantastic tale of a young slave girl in Civil War era Richmond, who is freed by her mistress. She is sent north for an education.

 

Mary then becomes a part of the infamous underground railroad, helping to liberate those less fortunate than herself. But when the Civil War breaks out things are going to change for this heroine.

 

Based on the life of a real person, and upon real events, The Secrets of Mary Bowser brings home the tragedy that slavery was. And brings to light both black and white individuals who assisted in bringing about freedom for those whom it had been denied for far too long.

 

I give this book....

...Five Stars and.....

 

 

 

...a big Thumbs Up!

 

 

 

****DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by Amazon Vine in exchange for an independent and non-biased review.

 

Beyond Sugar Shock - Connie Bennett

Beyond Sugar Shock

The 6 - Week Plan to Break Free of Your Sugar Addiction & Get

Slimmer, Sexier & Sweeter

by - Connie Bennett, CHHC, CPC, ACC

Foreward by Joshua Rosenthall, MScEd

Copright 2012 by Connie Bennett

Hay House, Inc.

ISBN 978=1-4019-3189-6

 

It isn't for me to admit this....however, I feel I must.

 

This book has been sitting on my shelf for a few months now. Why?

 

I couldn't face up to my own sugar addiction.

 

Yep. I am a sugar addict. [Why is it I feel I need to say this in some kind SA [sugar addict] support meeting?]

 

Hello, my name is Texicanwife, and I am a sugar addict!

 

I was prepared for a lot of "Blah, blah, blah.... Yackety, yack, yack".

 

You know what I mean. The same ol' same ol'!

 

Instead, I got insight. Truth. And honesty.

 

The reasons "why" we become addicted to the stuff [sugar], and why it's so hard to break the addiction are first and foremost addressed. Then the reasons why we should attempt to break that hold the white stuff has over us.

 

I was impressed with the many exercises included in the text that assist us in seeing why we are addicted; what triggers our need; and none of it is "sugar coated". Straight to the point.

 

I found this one of the best health related books I've read in a long while.

 

I give this book Five Stars and a big Thumbs Up!

 

 

****DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by Amazon Vine in exchange for a non-biased and fair review.

90 Days Thru the Bible - with Chris Tiegreen

90 Days Thru the Bible

A Devotional Journey From Walk Thru the Bible

with Chris Tiegreen

Copyright 2012 Walk Thru the Bible, Inc.

Tyndale Momentum

ISBN 978-1-4143-5309-8

233 pages of daily encouragement, sessions, to get you to challenge yourself to not only read through the entire Bible in only 90 days, but to also understand its deeper meaning. Start to finish.

Discussions and lessons that challenge you, encourage you, and teach you of the true meaning of the Scriptures.

Not for the weary or faint of heart, but for the person who truly wants to challenge themselves to a complete read. But not to a speed reading session! Anyone can do that! But to 90 days that will improve you and enlighten you.

I am so heartened to have found this book! Encouraged to fight the fight and finish the race with greater understanding of what has past, and what is to come.

I give this book Five Stars and a big Thumbs Up!

****DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by Tyndale in exchange for an independent and non-biased review.

The Science of Good Cooking - Cook's Illustrated

The Science of Good Cooking

by Cook's Illustrated

copyright 2012 by the Editors at America's Test Kitchen

Brookline, MA

ISBN 978-1-933615-98-1

I am a connoisseur of good food, and good cookbooks. I am of the opinion, one can never have too many good cookbooks!

However, this one, this marvellous piece of cooking knowledge, I so wish I'd had those 30+ years ago when I first started out on my own! Do they still teach 'Home Ec' in high schools? [If so, this should be required curriculum!]

Not only is this book filled with fabulous recipes, but the science that makes the recipe work! Yes, you read that right.... the "science" behind the recipe that makes it a success. [I was in my 40's before that light bulb moment of realizing that cooking was science and chemistry, before my real love for it took off!]

Different areas of science are spelled out, followed by several recipes in which that particular area of science makes the recipe such a successful dish. And there is no shortage of recipes to try out! [400-plus!]

By 'Cook's Illustrated' so it's a trusted book to be sure! This would be a wonderful addition for every newlywed, as well as anyone just moving out on their own for the first time. And it's making a grand addition to this 'old-timer's' kitchen shelf as well!

I give this book FIVE STARS and a big THUMBS UP!

Highly recommended!
****DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by Amazon Vine in exchange for an independent and non-biased review.

The Lincoln Conspiracy - Timothy L. O'Brien

The Lincoln Conspiracy

Timothy L. O'Brien

copyright 2012 by Timothy L. O'Brien

Ballantine Books

ISBN 978-0-345-49677-5

 

When Temple McFadden ends up with some rather odd diaries, he is immediately thrown into a series of (mis)adaventurs that will take him to, and through, some of the most notorious people of the 19th century, and surrounding the assassintion of one of America's most beloved presidents.

 

Just who really was behind the murder of the man known as "Honest Abe"?

 

McFadden is the man, with a little help from his wife and many friends, that is going to find out.

 

I found this book a joy to read, if one can see uncovering the plot to kill a president a joy to read! But O'Brien's writing is definitely a treat!

 

I found this work of fiction one that kept me wanting to hurry and get to the next street corner, through the next corridor, beyond the next door, to see what lay beyond.

 

And most importantly, when the book came to a rousing climax and completion, I simply didn't want it to end!

 

I give The Lincoln Consiracy  a big

 

...Five Stars and...

 

 

 

...a big Thumbs Up!

 

 

****DISCLOSURE: This book was provided through the Early Reviewers of the Library Thing in exchange for an independent and non-biased revew.



Flame of Resistance - by Tracy Groot

Flame of Resistance

by Tracy Groot

Copyright 2012 Tracy Groot

Tyndale Publishers

ISBN 978-1-4143-5947

An avid reader of all things World War II, I found Flame of Resistance a wonderful tale! Fiction interspersed with fact, drawing the reader into the French Resistance and the daring they performed for liberation by the Allies!

            One cannot feel that danger is imminent at every turn. And when that danger becomes very real, one wonders how the Resistance will hold up to interrogation, and even torture.

            A vivid look into how one American and a small handful of the Resistance changed the course of history for one area.

            I give Groot’s writing style a high five! Her storytelling is captivating and keeps one on the edge of their seat. And when the book comes to a genteel end, one is left wanting more!

            I give Flame of Resistance 

 FIVE STARS and a big

THUMBS UP!

****DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by Tyndale Publishers in exchange of an independent and non-biased review. Apologetically, this book was supposed to be reviewed as part of a Book Tour, but illness prevented me from doing so in April.

The Boiling Season - Christopher Hebert

The Boiling Season

by

Christopher Hebert

Copyright 2012 Christopher Hebert

HarperCollins Publishers

ISBN 978-0-06-208851-2

Alexandre spent his childhood in the slums of a Caribbean island rife with political unrest. Determined he could be so much more than those about him, he struggles everyday, for his entire life, to be better.

But eventually, the strife about him catches up, and he finds out his roots aren't that far from the worst about him.

I couldn't put this book down. I found myself hoping for the best for this young man. Feeling empathy toward him. Wanting him to succeed.

I give this book...

....Five Stars and...

...a big Thumbs Up!

****DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by Amazon Vine in exchange for a non-biased and independent review.

The review copy was an uncorrected proof, and as such may differ from actual sale copies.





The Gospel of Damascus - Omar Imady

The Gospel of Damascus

by Omar Imady

Copyright 2012 MSI Press

ISBN: 9781933455105

An excellent fictional account of the events leading to the coming of the Christ in Damascus.

Transcending religions and denominations, we are drawn into a realm of celestials who lead and guide humans to the Will of the Divine.

I simply couldn't put this one down!

I give this book Five Stars and a big Thumbs Up!

***DISCLOSURE: This book as proviedby Library Thing's Early Review forreview.

Wednesdays Were Pretty Normal - Michael Kelley

Wednesdays Were Pretty Normal - a boy, cancer and God

by Michael Kelley

Copyright 2012 Michael Kelley

B & H Publishing Group

ISBN: 978-1-4336-7169-2

When their two-year-old son is diagnosed with leukemia, Michael and Jana Kelley's life screeches to a halt as they devote themselves one hundred percent to his care and cure. What ensues is an emotional and spiritual realization, an awakening, that literally builds a firm foundation with the One who sees and knows all.

Kelley leads us through his journey, and how an incredible three years with his son's illness brought him to where he is today.

I give this book Five Stars and a big Thumbs Up!

****DISCLOSURE: This bok was provided by Amazon Vine in exchange for an independent and non-biased rview.

This book was completed on 5 July 2012.

Carry the One - Carol Anshaw

Carry the One

by Carol Anshaw

Copyright 2012 Carol Anshaw

Simon & Schuster

ISBN: 978-1-4516-3688-8

***This  was an advanced readers copy, so final printing may differ from review.

A wedding. Too much booze. Too much drugs. And a long drive home. When a young girl is killed, hit by a car, bounced from the windshield, and lies dead by the side of the road, each passenger, and the driver of the car carries a bit of the dead girl away.

Guilt harbors within, and each require the others just to survive. An elite club if you will.

This is an excellent story of a violent death and the mad race to try to outrun its shadows. Spanning several years, it examines love, obsession, siblings, political convictions, the struggles of an artist, drug addicton, and homosexuality.

This book seaks to the heart. I didn't want to put it down!

I give this book

Five Stars and

a big Thumbs Up!

****DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by Amazon Vine in exchange for an independent and non-biased review.







The Emerald Storm: An Ethan Gage Adventure

The Emerald Storm: An Ethan Gage Adventure

by William Dietrich

Harper Collins Publishers

Copyright 2012 William Dietrich

ISBN: 978-0-06-198920-9

***Note this review is from an uncorrected proof, so the actual final print may be slightly different than the reviewed copy.

I absolutely adored this book! [I think I know someone who is so like the main character, Ethan Gage!]

This fast paced thriller takes you from Paris to the tropics. From historical characters with names you're sure to recognize to the un-named heroes of an era long gone.

One is swept up with Ethan Gage as he struggles to keep his family together and protect his fortune. Only to lose both. Then scrape and fight to get them back.

A strange attempt to uncover a lost treasure, only to lose it in the storm of the century. Along with the two family members aboard a ship, where someone will once more be lost.

Despair to hope and back again. Passion. Adventure. Tribal ritual. Voodoo. Military encounters. And so much more will keep you on the edge of your seat!

If you enjoy adventure... you won't want to put this one down!

I give this book...

...Five Stars and....

...a big Thumbs Up!

****DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by Amazon Vine in exchange for an independent and non-biased review.

Isaac a modern fable - by Ivan G. Goldman

Isaac

a modern fable

by Ivan G. Goldman

The Permanent Press

Advanced Readers Copy

A lively tale that follows Biblical Isaac in the 21st Century!

How does a man, more than a few thousand years old, deal with that old devil Satan. You'd think with the wisdom of the ages, wouldn't you?

But Isaac, who goes by the name Lenny, finds himself emotionally immature and falling in love. With  a woman named Ruth. The pair must make some difficult decisions. Ones that will effect not only them, but others about them.

Will they choose wrong? Or will, somehow, they best that old temptor, Satan who calls himself Borges.

Uh uh uh! I'm not going to tell!!!

You'll want to get this book, hold on tight, and prepare for a wild ride. Full of nuance, wit and passion, I can do no less than give Isaac a modern fable...

...five stars and...

...a big Thumbs Up!

****Disclosure: this book was provided by Early Reviewers in exchange for an independent and non-biased review.

Swiped - by Evan Angler

Swiped

By Evan Angler

Copyright Evan Angler – 2011

Published by Tommy Nelson

ISBN 978-1-4003-1836-0

Okay, so I learned a lesson the hard way here….

don’t volunteer to read books for teens if they don’t interest you! Ugh!

Swiped really is an excellent book, although a bit drawn out for my taste. And just about the time it had me hooked… I come to the end of the book and find I’ve got to purchase the next in the series to find out what happens to our hero and heroine! [Not something I have ever been a fan of! Cliffhangers are simply not my cup of tea!]

Based in a post third World War America, unlikely teens join forces to discover why some teens who test for getting the ”mark” don’t return. Both with ulterior motives of their own.

Unfortunately, I began reading the book expecting it to be a post-rapture work where everyone must have the “mark” to buy or sell. The unknowing teen will be totally at a loss. And I am afraid Angler leaves them without a proper ending to this particular segment of the story! You are literally left hanging on the line at the end of this book, knowing nothing more than what you started with. Not a lot.

Perhaps when the series is completed, and if read one right after the other, the reader might make heads or tails of the story.

I don’t believe the average teen will be hooked by this single edition.

I have to give Swiped only….

…three stars, and a …

…thumbs down.

***DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by Book Sneeze in exchange for an independent and non-biased review.

Happy Day!

Naughty Needles -Nikol Lohr

Naughty Needles

Sexy, Saucy Knits For The Bedroom and Beyond

by Nikl Lohr

Potter Craft

Copyright 2006 Nikol Lohr

ISBN-13: 978-0-307-33737-5

A light hearted romp through the bedroom with your knitting needles!

Okay, so this 50+ year old woman was simply looking for a pattern to knit panties, when she came across the listing for this book. And this woman [dare I say it…. Me!] was so intrigued I simply had to purchase it!

Fun patterns for everything from the naughty little negligee to a ball gag!

Patterns to play the dominatrix, and patterns to play the bedroom – uh hum, whore.

Patterns are written in standard American English style, and appear simple and easy to follow. They range from the absolute beginner to the intermediate knitter, so that there is something for everyone!

I love Lohr’s writing candor, and saucy attitude!

So… right now, I’m looking to knit the sheer negligee with a pair of striking panties to match. I’ll let you know how well I do….. errr…. How well Texican enjoys the outcome! [Hey... just because there's snow on the roof.... doesn't mean there isn't a fire in the furnace!]

I give this book…

…Five Stars and…

…and a big Thumbs Up!

****DISCLOSURE: This book was a personal purchase, and as such was under no obligation for review.

My Way How Elvis Presley became Elvis!

My Way How Elvis Presley became ELVIS!

by Sherry Lee Hoppe

Wakestone Legacy Series

Volume 2

Wakestone Press

Copyright 2011 by Sherry Lee Hoppe

ISBN 13..........978-1-60956-013-3

Written as though every person picking up the book will already know about everything there is to know about Elvis Presley, Hoppe vacillates between denigrating a legend and building it up.

Written for the young adult crowd, I felt it was almost childish at points, and I have the sense that young people will get the impression that they are being treated as imbeciles. Sensitive subjects are treated every which way but sensitively. And the long history of substance abuse, as well as food addiction is treated way too casually.

If a young person is a true, die-hard Elvis fan, they might get a kick out of this book. Otherwise, I’d tell them to leave it on the shelf.

I give the book 3-Stars.

*** DISCLOSURE: This was book was provided through Library Thing Early Reviewers.

Beckon by Tom Pawlik

Beckon

by TomPawlik

copyright 2012 Tom Pawlik

Tydale House Publishers,Inc.

ISBN 978-1-4143-3873-6

Few books grab me in the first pages and don't let go. Beckon is just such a book!

Fast paced suspense that keeps you turning the pages as fast as you can. Breathless and breath-stopping the entire novel's length!

Think Steven Spielberg meets Stephen King, and you'll get the idea.

Lost Indian culture with weird shamanic practices that can promise miracle healing and the fountain of youth. Throw in giant blood-sucking, flesh eating, crustacean-like arachnids, and you've got a tale that will make your little heart jump around in your chest!

Love, love, love this book.

Great read! Highly recommend it for the pleasure of an exciting novel! Rate this T for teens and older. [If you like Indiana Jones movies, you'll love this! Hey Mr. Pawlik, when can we expect to see this in a film! I'll be the first to purchase a ticket!!!]

I give this book...

Five Stars and....

...my Thumbs Up!

****DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by Tyndale Publishing in exchange for an independent and non-biased review.

The Coming Revolution - Dr. Richard G. Lee

The Coming Revolution

Signs From America's Past That Signal Our Nation's Future

by

Dr. Richard G. Lee

copyright 2012 Richard G. Lee

Thomas Nelson, Inc.

ISBN 978-0-8499-4829-9

The Coming Revolution is an extraordinary look back at where our Country has been, and those men and women who shaped it. As well as a look into where this Country may be headed if it does not heed the warnings, and live up to the ideals, the founding father's had hoped for, dreamed of,  and set the path toward for today.

Lee tackles the not so PC [politically correct] move away from Christianity, and what that means to the America on which our founders based our Country.

A great book for anyone who fears the direction in which America is headed. I think this would make a great study book for group reads, especially in church groups. And would be a good impetus for classroom debate as well.

I give The Coming Revolution....

...Five Stars and...

...my Thumbs Up!

****DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by Book Sneeze in exchange for an independent and non-biased review.



Lustfully Ever After - Edited by Kristina Wright

Lustfully Ever After

Edited by Kristina Wright

Copyright 2012 by Kristina Wright

Published by Cleis Press, Inc. - Berkley, CA

ISBN: 978-1-57344-787-4

I found this book a delight to read. although it strayed far from my normal bookshelf find!

Childhood fairy tales are brought into adult-themed, erotic short stories that will leave one quaking in delight!

An absolute  thrill to share with your significant other before bed, as the stories are short and told by a variety of authors.

Wright's collection of fable erotica is a must have.

I give this book....

...Five Stars and...

...my Thumbs Up!

[Due to the nature of this book, it is not suitable for young readers.]

****DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by Amazon Vine in exchange for an independent and non-biased review. The copy reviewed is an Advance Reader's Copy and as such may vary in cover and content from the final printed edition.

The Deep Zone - James M. Tabor

The Deep Zone

by James M. Tabor

Copyright 2012 by James M. Tabor

Ballantine Books, an imprint of The Random House Publishing Group

ISBN: 978-0-345-53061-5

It all begins with the war in Afghanistan and a young soldier is shot. Medic care is provided immediately. Everything looked good.

But something went horribly, horribly wrong, and a strain of bacteria that would make Eboli look weak threatens to take out the US military forces.

If you like a good book, take a deep breath, you're about to go on a wild ride that won't let you put this book down until you've consumed it. And I seldom say that about any book these days.

Tabor tells a story of espionage at a level that's gonna make you shiver with fear, and become so angry you'll want to spit in someone's eye! Then take you to plummeted levels of despair and dying. Only to raise you up to newfound love. And through it all, courage is born. Over and over.

Fraught with suspense [don't try to read a bit and then attempt to go to sleep.... you'll be too wound up!] you'll find yourself tensing at every turn. And quaking in fear at the possibilities of what you might find around every corner, or stalagmite [or is that stalactite?]

I give this book...

...Five Stars and my...

...Thumbs Up!

I highly recommend this read for anyone over the age of 15. Younger teens might be okay with it if they can handle some violence. Parents should make that decision before allowing them to read this.

****DISCLOSURE: The copy that I read was an "Advanced Reader's Edition" and as such may vary from the actual finished edition. The cover above is on the Advanced Reader's Edition, the actual sale copy may differ. The book will debut and begin selling on April 3rd. This copy was provided by Amazon Vine, in exchange for an independent and non-biased review.

The Mill - by Mark West

The Mill

by

Mark West

copyright 2011 Mark West

Published by Greyheart Press

The Mill visits those who are bereaved in their dreams. It calls to them.

Michael hears the call after losing his wife, Nicola. Others hear the call.

A supernatural story, with a chilling end.

I give this Kindle e-Book...

...Five Stars and...

... my Thumbs Up.

****DISCLOSURE: I received a copy of this e-Book from Greyheart Press in exchange for an independent, non-biased review.

Lion Eyes by Victor Villasenor

Lion Eyes

by

Victor Villasenor

Copyright 2011 by Victor Villasenor

Published by Hay House, Inc.

ISBN: 978-1-4019-3200-8

This is the true story of one man's journey through an extraordinary life of service and love. Along the way he discovers the meaning of true love, and that God and Spirit are one.

A journey that takes him from a very young boy, coming face to face with his Totem spirit, and as an older man learning how to truly laugh, the carcajadas.

Here is a man beaten, his limbs twisted and broken; run over by a vehicle; his fingernails pulled from his fingers; his friends and those he taught and loved killed; and yet, somehow, some miraculous way, he never lost his faith. Faith that melded Christianity with Native Indio beliefs.

I found myself captivated with Jan Milburn. Wishing, at times, I could be Jan Milburn! Brave enough to face the demons of the world, and come out victorious on the other side.

I highly recommend this book!

I give Lion Eyes by Victor Villasenor...

...Five Stars and....

...my Thumbs Up!

***DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by Amazon Vine in exchange for an independent and non-biased review.