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.

Lyon's Bride - The Chattan Curse - by Cathy Maxwell

Lyon's Bride - The Chattan Curse

by Cathy Maxwell

copyright 2012 by Catherine Maxwell

Avon Books

HarperCollins

publishers

ISBN 978-0-06-207022-7

It's been a long while since I read a book purely for pleasure. Lyon's Bride is just such a book.

Like any good romance, Maxwell takes Lyon's Bride from tears to smiles, from dispair to ever lasting love.

When Lord Lyon meets up with an old childhood friend by chance, that old friend becomes so much more.

Widow Thea Martin is determined to raise her two sons to be more than their father, whatever it takes. Even if it means finding a bride for the man she really loves.

What ensues will bring you through more emotions than you could stir up with a stick!

Oh, and did I tell ya, there's an evil curse that has dictated the Lyon's for over 200 years? To fall in love, means death. Sooner rather than later.

Lyon's Bride is well worth the read! And will leave you panting for the next volume in the series! [Which won't be out till Fall 2012! I can't wait!!!]

I give Lyon's Bride The Chattan Curse ...

...Five Stars and...

...my Thumbs Up!

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

The Founders' Key - Larry P. Arnn

The Founders' Key - The Divine and Natural Connection Between the Declaration and the Constitution and What we Risk by Losing It

by Larry P. Arnn

copyright 2012 by Larry P. Arnn

Thomas Nelson, Inc.

ISBN 978-1-59555-472-7

While at times I found this book a little difficult to follow, and it required me to read it in solitude, without distraction in order to follow and understand, I fully admit that I am NOT a student of politics, nor of our judicial system. However, this is a read that I believe every American of voting age should read! And I believe it should be a mandatory read for High School and collegiate students, as well.

With our political arena as corrupt as it is today, and the very future of our personal rights at stake within this country, Arnn points out just what our founding father's wished for the future of this great nation, as well as our firm foundation of belief in God.

Speaking of the Declaration and Constitution, Arnn writes: "The Founders understood the documents to be connected, to supply together the principles and the details of government, to be persuasive and durable unity." He further writes, "The words of the Declaration have a way of continuing to ring across the ages."

One of his closing statements reads: "Because of the principles that our country serves, and the institutions by which it serves them, have a beauty hardly matched in all history, they sound a call that all can answer. In their attraction and in our response is the hope for a free people. That is the Founders' key."

A few years ago, I purchased copies of the Declaration and the Constitution to read. I had come to the point to believe that our Country was lost and without hope. Arnn uses those very documents to show us the path that was layed out for us in 1776, and even before that with Almighty God, for a Nation that would be self-governing, and with an endless supply of hope, and future never ending.

I give this work...

Five Stars and....

...my Thumbs Up!

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

Skirmish at Pearisburg by George A. McLean, Jr.

Skirmish at Pearisburg

by

George A. McLean, Jr.

copyright 2012 by George A. McLean, Jr.

Blackwell Press, Lynchburg, VA

ISBN: 978-0-9830482-9-9

Having a strong love for all history close to my native home, here in Monroe County, West Virginia, I was terribly pleased when McLean offered to present me with a copy of his work on the Battle of Pearisburg, which took place in early May of 1862 in nearby Giles County, Virginia. And which members of the 22nd Virginia Infantry were engaged in. My great-grandfather, as well as several of his brothers were in this battle, which few ever learn of today. And so it was with great anticipation I awaited McLean's work.

I was not to be disappointed! McLean tells the facts, both sides, in both technical, and personal, manner. This brings the struggles and the battle to us in such a way that we can understand the "Why Pearisburg?", questions many would ask. [It wasn't until McLean's explanation that I took the time to look at a topographical map of the Peariburg/ Narrows area, and realized what a major coup this truly was for either side to win!]

One feels drawn, sympathetically, into both sides of this battle.  And the author certainly clears up a lot of local myth regarding the battle as well! [In West Virginia History in high school, we were taught that the Union were carried away for burial by the cartloads. Simply not so.]

I am highly impressed with McLean's work, and think that anyone with an interest in the battles of the Civil War, as well as Giles, Bland, and Tazewell Counties in Virginia historical interest, as well as neighboring Mercer, Raleigh and Monroe Counties in West Virginia , will find this book a treasure to read.

McLean writes concisely and to the point. Reflecting equally on both the Union and Confederate Armies. And touches on the lives of the battle's leaders after the Civil War. [Two future U.S. President's were involved in this battle, among other notorious Civil War heroes.]

I give this work....

...Five Stars and my Thumbs Up!

***DISCLOSURE: This book was a gift of the author, but was under no obligation for review.

Where Has Oprah Taken Us? - by Stephen Mansfield

Where Has Oprah Taken Us?

by Stephen Mansfield

copyright 2011 by Stephen Mansfield

Thomas Nelson, Inc.

ISBN: 978-1-59555-308-9

Mansfield explores the national phenomena known as Oprah Winfrey in this book.

Having once been a close television follower of the icon, and later disillusioned by her, I really wanted to see how a Christian writer would interpret her.

I am pleased to see that we share many of the same views.

Mansfield writes: "And so we have examined four pillars of Oprah Winfrey's religious worldview and seven principles of her philosophy and I have disagreed with all of them. I can do no other. I am, as I admitted in the introduction to this book, a Christian, and what Oprah Winfrey believes cuts across every major doctrine of the Christian faith. In fact, it cuts across nearly every major doctrine of nearly every major traditional faith except Hinduism and a few other Eastern religions. Beyond my own perspectives, though, what she believes is illogical, inconsistent, arrogant, destructive, and amazingly naive."

Mr. Mansfield, those of us who truly follow the beliefs as set out in the Scriptures can only agree with you.

I would hope that every pastor in America would keep a copy of this book in his or her library, and share with those individuals who seem to have fallen in to the Oprah trap.

That being said, the woman does teach a lot of good as well. Charity. Understanding. And love. But in the mistaken identity of her own narcissism and god-head.

I give this book...

....Five Stars and...

...my Thumbs Up!

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

The Book of Unholy Mischief - Ellen Newmark

The Book of Unholy Mischief

by

Elle Newmark

Atria Books

Copyright 2008 by Elle Newmark, Inc.

ISBN 978-194165-9054-5

An awakening of the culinary senses, as well as the cerebral awaits the reader with Newmark's novel of  15th Century street urchin Luciano.

Literally brought from the gutters of Venice's foulest streets, "Maestro" Chef teaches Luciano more than he ever dared.

Luciano learns to live in the moment.

Luciano learns that being a chef can mean so much more than ever imagined.

In the end, Luciano becomes a "Guardian", a keeper of knowledge.

This beautifully written story brings the reader to a new appreciation for the powers of food. And what it means... to grow from unknowing boy, into a man.

I give this book...

...Five Stars and...

...my Thumbs Up!

***DISCLOSURE: This book was a private purchase and was under no obligation for review. - cbh

The Race - Clive Cussler

The Race

An Isaac Bell Adventure

by

Clive Cussler and Justin Scott

Copyright 2011 by Sandecker, RLLLP

G.P.Putnam & Sons

ISBN 978-0-399-15781-3

When a big newspaper mogul, in 1910, sponsors a flying machine race from New York to California, and a prize of $50,000 is at stake, some pretty unsavory characters are bound to get involved!

For Harry Frost, that means attempting to murder his traitorous wife, Josephine.

Isaac Bell, and the Van Dorn agency intervenes to protect the Sweetheart of America as she takes to the air.

But who will win? And who... will lose more than just the prize?

This is a non-stop thriller that will keep you turning the pages. Another great action-packed novel by Cussler!

I give this one...

...five stars and...

...my thumbs up!

****DISCLOSURE: This book was a private purchase and was under no obligation for review.