The Stories of Devil-Girl

The Stories of Devil-Girl
Anya Achtenberg

Modern History Press (2008)

ISBN 9781932690620

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (6/08)

The Devil-Girl was raised to believe that she had the devil in her, or at least he was at work in her life. Her abusive mother taught her to believe that she wasn’t worth anything. Throughout her childhood and young adulthood, Devil-Girl encountered perverts and sadists that cared only about using and abusing her. The Devil-Girl was never heard. She didn’t have a voice that was believed worth listening to. This is a really painful story to read. It made me fear for all of the “Devil-Children” out there who don’t get heard.

Achtenberg has a talent for writing scenes in vivid detail which brings them to life for the reader. It also makes the pain the Devil-Girl is suffering more real. It is inspiring to see the character turn her life around and use her experiences to help other Devil-Girls out there. This is a very good way to inspire others who are being abused to make something positive of their lives and not allow the current situation to ruin their futures. I think that it will also make people take a closer look at what is happening in the lives of people around them, especially children’s.

The Stories of Devil-Girl is the first book in the Reflections of America Series. This series “highlights autobiography, fiction, and poetry which express the quest to discover one’s context within modern society.” If The Stories of Devil-Girl is any indication of the quality of the books to follow in this series, readers will be thrilled to have access to some excellent works. If nothing else, this book is one tough act to follow.

Book Reviews Published in Writing Newsletter

Narrow Lives
Tyler R. Tichelaar
Marquette Fiction (2008)
ISBN 9780979179037
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views

Tyler R. Tichelaar’s novel “Narrow Lives” is a collection of short stories, all of them connected by one character – Lysander Blackmore. While Lysander might not appear much in some of them – and in others he’s already dead, he has greatly influenced the lives of all characters who tell us their stories. Their lives – for various reasons – have not been lived fully; hindered by various character flaws or simply by lack of confidence.

All of the stories, seven in total, are written as first-person narratives. They are united by the central figure of Lysander Blackmore, but they are also connected and very much defined by their locale, the town of Marquette. Marquette provides the perfect backdrop for the everyday humanity and the struggles we all face daily.

It would be difficult to decide which of the stories touched me most deeply, since I connected with every single one of them. It did not matter whether the narrator was young or old, male or female, rich or poor—all of their stories resonated with me. They also all made me vow that I will not be stopped in my endeavors and that I will try to live my life as fully as possible – each and every day. Reading about other people’s regrets, misgivings and misfortunes made me all the more determined not to falter.

Tyler R. Tichelaar’s writing is rich and powerful. Even the shorter stories pack a powerful punch. The longest of them, Scofield’s story, which takes up nearly half of the book, is a novel in itself. Well-rounded, believable characters and life situations which sound familiar, yet fresh, guarantee reader’s enjoyment of this charming collection of stories. The very helpful “Principal Characters” section helps the reader keep all of the numerous individuals straight, something that would probably be impossible without that handy section.

“Narrow Lives” is a great book about human nature and the influence some people have over others, this book would probably be even more enjoyable for the readers who are familiar with the U.P. of Michigan. If you aren’t one of those, it might make you want to go there and explore. And if you just decide to do some armchair travelling, this is a good book to do just that.

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Stolen Fields: A Story of Eminent Domain and the Death of the American Dream
Jean Boggio
Colerith Press (2008)
ISBN 9780979933042
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views

Stolen Fields is a story of the American Dream gone wrong. It is a story of hatred, bitterness, ambition, and greed. It is also a story of “What If” and “If only.” What if eminent domain had not taken the Cole property? If only Grandfather Cole had been able to build his prosperous ventures?

Jean tells of growing up as a descendant of the strong-willed and vibrant Cole family. In the first few chapters she gives the reader a glimpse into the historic heritage and of the hard working Coles and the economic success of the fertile farm on Neville Island near Pittsburg. The Cole farm on Neville Island was known as “The Market Basket of Pittsburgh.”

Jean Boggio consistently and fairly shared two sides of a story. I felt bonded to the family as I listened as Jean shared lighthearted gossip through the stories handed down from one generation to the next, fairly reporting on two completely different perspectives of the perceived facts.

During the years of 1918 and 1919 toward the end of WWI, the United States government came up with a plan to rival the German Krupps Works that provided munitions for the German juggernaut. Neville Island was selected to be the site for the project. The government officials invoked the process of eminent domain to seize the property for public use. The project had only begun when the Armistice was signed. The government no longer needed the land. It was put it up for public auction.

The Cole family, distraught by loss of the home that had been in the family for over a hundred years, held out in an attempt to negotiate a fair market price. After a great deal of harassment and the fear of arson they were forced to accept the government-determined price.

Family accounts, newspaper research, and historical sources, as well as her own memories provided Jean Boggio with the material for this remarkable account of the Cole’s of Neville Island and the impact of eminent domain on the dreams of her parents, their children, and ultimately on the generations that follow. Although there were feelings of hatred, and bitterness by members of the Cole family, theirs is a journey that resonates with a sense of accomplishment, pride, and promise.

This is more than a leisurely nostalgic stroll down memory lane. Jean’s vivid descriptions draw the reader into the experience of being a part of her childhood at the Sandy Lake farm. She has the amazing ability to turn everyday circumstances and events into entertaining, often humorous, stories that resound with simplicity, warmth, and reality. Jean uses flashbacks depicting scenes from her childhood. She reveals details of her relationships with her sister, her parents, her grandparents, Aunt Gladys, Uncle Robert, Uncle Ned, and her cousins. These colorful characters provide dramatic word pictures bringing an excitement to the otherwise routine life for the Cole’s from Neville Island. Family photos are included throughout the book to illustrate the events. These pictures add another dimension and a sense of relationship to the Cole family.

I especially enjoyed Jean’s openness in relating college relationships and her early experiences in New York City. As an aspiring actress she was sympathetic to the beatnik culture. I appreciated her positive writing even in light of romances gone awry, family relationships gone amok and personal goals unattained. Jean gained a broad range of work experiences in corporate offices, in the field of education, and ultimately in the medical field as a nurse.

Strong writing, thorough research, and an objective look into the avarice that often accompanies the process of eminent domain make “Stolen Fields” a significant contribution to the history and future restructuring of a process often misunderstood and abused.

As a memoir writer Jean Boggio is a gifted storyteller. Her vivid descriptions and characterizations insure that the enjoyment of her writing will linger long after reading the final chapter. “Stolen Fields” is a rich and entertaining reading experience.

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Book reviews submitted to this blog are also published in Writers in the Sky Newsletter. You may subscribe to the writing newsletter and submit your book review.

May Book Reviews

Each month, Writers in the Sky Newsletter publishes a selection of book reviews. The newsletter is provided at no cost and is filled with items submitted by our readers. Would you like to submit an item? Why not subscribe to our newsletter and become part of the community?


Here are the book review for May 2008:

Living to Tell About It, A Pursuit of Normalcy
Author: Amy Y. Martin
ISBN Number: 978-1-4357-1449-6
Publisher & Date: LuLu.com, 2008
Genre and Target Market: memoir; women; personal medical issues
Book Length in Pages: 149
Reviewer: Sarah Moore

When young men and women leave for college, they anticipate the newfound freedoms and responsibilities that will come with life away from home. Like all teenagers, Amy Martin likely felt invincible as she prepared to take on the world. However, in her first endeavor as an author, Mrs. Martin shares with her readers an amazing series of health crises that took her down roads she never could have anticipated. Her story is one of strength and survival, and her determination to live a normal life leaves each reader as her personal cheerleader.

Amy Martin’s first medical nightmare started at the age of nineteen when she experienced a stroke upon exiting the pool on her college campus. As she writes in the first chapter, “I came up to the surface and experienced an excruciating pain above my right eye … Little did I know this would be the beginning of a long journey.” As Mrs. Martin shares with the readers, she was an athlete who appeared the picture of health. Who thinks of a teenager as being prone to a stroke while swimming laps in the pool? This striking scenario of the first chapter automatically reminds the reader that nothing in life can be taken for granted.

Living to Tell About It goes on to explain Amy Martin’s struggles with a partial and later a full colectomy, a resulting MRSA infection, head trauma from a severe car accident followed by intensive and lengthy physical therapy, Graves’ disease, gallbladder surgery and the death of her mother. Amy’s story unfolds in a chronological fashion, meeting the readers during her freshman year at North Carolina State and bringing us to her current life nearly twenty years later as wife and mother of two sons.

While brief explanations of the diseases are given and resources are provided for those who wish to learn more about each condition, details about Graves’ disease or colon cancer is not the focus of the book. I do not believe the author ever intended to thoroughly inform us of the specifics surrounding each medical crisis that she experienced, as a much longer book would have been needed to do each episode justice!

Instead, the most compelling aspect of Martin’s book is the sense the reader gets of her unending battles to keep her body and mind healthy. As each page is turned, Martin experiences a new, unexplainable symptom or prepares for another surgery. She makes us feel the exhaustive repetition with which each new hurdle was met and conquered. As I progressed through each chapter, I kept reminding myself, “This is all actually happening to one person!” Just when you think you will get a chance to take a deep breath and enjoy a sense of normalcy with Mrs. Martin, another episode knocks you out of complacency.

I am drawn to how relatable Amy Martin becomes through the course of her memoir. Through all of the compelling problems of surgeries gone awry and life-threatening infections, Mrs. Martin uses ordinary details to help us feel connected to her extraordinary life. The sports store where she met her high school boyfriend, the time she played hooky from physical therapy to enjoy some chocolate and a soap opera, the songs played at her wedding–all of these moments could be written by us or the people we love.

Amy Martin has a casual, storytelling style with her writing that makes her approachable to the reader. We are introduced to her parents, her boyfriends and eventual husband and the healthcare workers who were integral players in her recovery. She takes the time to proudly share the military service of her father and grandfather and still feels an amazing bond to a therapist with whom she has had no contact in years. Through Mrs. Martin’s emphasis on the other people in her life, she reminds us that relationships are tested and strengthened when tragedy strikes. None of these illnesses is faced in a vacuum.

The first offering by Amy Martin, Living to Tell About It, A Pursuit of Normalcy is an amazing story of faith, family and survival. By getting to know Amy, I am now drawn to learn more about the various conditions she has endured through her life. It is obvious that the author has a passion for the care and well-being of others, and has offered her story as testimony to others who may be feeling despondent over their own life situations. As she tells us, she will never return to “normal” but she spends each day working towards the general sense of normalcy. With the many trials she has faced in this process, I am certain that Amy Martin has more powerful stories to share through her writing in the future.

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Title: Fire Your Financial Planner
Author: Ron Firmin
ISBN: 978-1-4327-1695-0
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Paperback Pages: 125
Price/Currency: U.S. $19.95
Reviewer: Yvonne Perry

Boomer or Busted?

If you are one of those fortunate souls born in the fifties or sixties, you are precisely who Ron Firmin has written his new book, Fire Your Financial Planner for. Many of us were never taught financial management for everyday life, let alone having the foresight to prepare for the future. “Baby boomers were taught that they should get an education, acquire a job, and make money. We weren’t taught that we must set aside time to manage that money.” Now, Baby boomers are faced with the dilemma or realization that they may have not prepared themselves adequately for retirement. What actions can this generation of consumers take to prevent future financial uncertainty? Ron Firmin has some answers.

Firmin presents the story of his life from humble beginnings to multimillionaire. He built successful companies in several industries and has managed a mortgage banking operation. Currently, Ron Firmin is a financial planning consultant and in-demand speaker, who resides with his wife in Tennessee. Along the way, he describes real life situations where lessons are sometimes learned the hard way. Throughout the book, Firmin conveys the wisdom gained from parents, family and associates and how to correlate those teachings with sound financial advice. He proposes twenty-one lessons including “Any job worth doing is worth doing well,” “Form useful habits,” “The stock market is a two-edged sword,” “Buy land,” “Learn the Rule of 72,” “Never give up the quest for knowledge and understanding” and many others that will help ensure your future prosperity.

The Employee Benefit Research Institute, based in Washington DC determined 32 percent of workers above the age of fifty-five have less than $25,000 saved. The author reminds us that it is never too late to start over. We, as consumers are responsible for our PRA, (personal retirement account), and we must take charge of our finances and do whatever is deemed necessary to fulfill our goals. Firmin states we must educate ourselves to understand the investment opportunities available, the need to diversify, the risk and rewards associated with the stock market, and mutual funds and form a strategy and a plan for success.

Firmin presents up-to-date information on new ways to utilize the stock market, references multiple Websites for accessing information, provides charts for personal financial use, and teaches how to use and understand amortization tables, and introduces The Rule of 72. The book describes all types of mortgages in detail, offers a list for supplemental reading, and gives resources to assist with financial planning.

Whether you’re a first time financial info seeker, a novice investor, or a prosperous financial guru, Fire Your Financial Planner has something for you.

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Title: Hidden Laws: Ultimate Tools for Divine Co-creation
Author: Ulla Jacobs
ISBN: 1412082145
Publisher: Trafford

Hidden Laws: Ultimate Tools for Divine Co-creation offers spiritual principles for self-empowerment as old as time. In ancient times, mystery schools offered this knowledge to only a few. Hidden Laws examines the existence of five cosmic laws. These laws can be used to our advantage by being aware of their power and understanding the impact they can have upon daily interactions. The Hidden Laws are:

The Law of One Vibration: Existence of ‘One’ power that provides a connection of all living things with the universe. We are all connected to each other by this force.

The Law of Cause and Effect: What goes around comes around. You get what you give. This law is the karma creator.

The Law of Attraction: How to use this law in order to attract anything and everything into your life.

The Law of Free Will: The freedom to make choices, taking charge of your destiny.

The Law of Creation: Creating reality via the thought process and language used, on a daily basis. Are your thoughts and speech sabotaging your life? Are you creating a discordant energy flow?

The Law of Transition: About death, this law governs the transition process as the soul leaves the body and goes home. It explores the support and guidance we receive from spirit guides.

Each of the Hidden Laws is presented and explained in simple terms. Examples are shown to indicate the way each law impacts the lives of various people.

A brief history of the author’s personal journey is outlined in the opening chapter “The Struggle Back To Health.” This journey led Ulla on a spirit quest which, in turn, led to the discovery of the Hidden Laws and the existence of life-after-death.

The information presented can be used to effectively take charge of many aspects of daily life.

The potential for empowerment exists by using these tools of divine co-creation.

The author invites you to explore these cosmic laws that were recognized by only a few in ancient times when they were taught in special mystery schools. Examine the principles offered by Hidden Laws in order to understand their powerful impact. These are the laws of the universe that govern all of life.

Ulla’s bio is available at: www.hiddenlaws.com/about. The link to purchase the book is: www.hiddenlaws.com/buy-hidden-laws. You can also read excerpts of the book at: http://www.hiddenlaws.com/about-hidden-laws

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Title: Finish Line
Author: James Ross

Did you ever wonder how to deal with the mischievous actions of an adolescent boy? As a parent, have you ever thought of what it might take to get your point of view across? How could any of that relate to the wonderful game of golf?

Follow the journey of two teenage boys, Justin Ventimiglia and Keith Pucchio, after they get caught committing a petty act of vandalism on one of the first days of their summer vacation. Experience what happens after their misstep lands them at Prairie Winds Golf Course on the east side of St. Louis.

Can the professional staff at the course mold the character of the boys? What on earth can a growing cast of golfing misfits show the lads? How will the characters deal with the deadly cancer disease? What role does a single-parent household play in all of this? Could a dysfunctional family situation solve the dilemma?

Enjoy the special relationship between a pseudo-Big Brother and an impressionable child in an enjoyable, heartwarming story about life and death. What can the old-timers that hang around the clubhouse teach the young boys? How will the kids react? And where do the lessons from the game of golf fit into all of this?

Finish Line is due to be published in late May 2008 from Xlibris. It is the second novel by James Ross set on Prairie Winds Golf Course. Feel free to visit his Website at http://www.authorjamesross.com for more information.

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Book Title: Money and Manifesting
Author: Dyan Garris
ISBN Number: 978-0977614066
Publisher: Journeymakers
Where available for purchase: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0977614069 and www.voiceoftheangels.com
Reviewer: Tamara Ignatieva www.theangellistener.com

"I have finished the book. It is amazing, As I said it shifts the energy, it makes one think, and it has very definite energy in it, which starts to work as soon as you open the book and start to read.... This is amazing, as usually, most of the books do just one thing, and this one is doing the complex of the things. Another thing, which struck me, and gave an extra cleanse to the third eye is your suggestion of centering, I mean the scenery of this...Being in this ball of Light, sitting on the throne there...That is just amazing, it feels so safe there, so secure, and so very, very right.

During the day, I went to make my chakra balancing meditation as I always do, but now, without forcing myself whatsoever, I just saw with the third eye the yantras from the book...It was an amazing experience. The yantras in the book are just amazing, as they are not only beautiful to see, but they appear to be extremely powerful, and I have experienced myself, that they have immediate and powerful effect on the chakras by themselves. Just watching them is healing on itself, and if you find the time to actually do the meditation as outlined in the book, their power is even much more."

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Title: Book Promo 101 - Learn the Basics of Book Promotion
Author: Nikki Leigh
ISBN: 978-1594314698
Publisher: Write Words, Inc:
www.amazon.com/Book-Promo-101-basics-Promotion/dp/1594314691 and www.nikkileigh.com/books_4_sale.htm

In Book Promo 101 of her Basics of Book Promotion Series, Nikki Leigh has done it again, she’s written a book that is invaluable. Not only is the book instructive with a surplus of useful information, it's an attitude-changing, goal-oriented dissertation on advertising, promotion and publicity. Authors, especially 'newbie' ones, could use all of the suggestions made in the book, which include how-to, why-to and where-to. At the same time, Ms. Leigh allows the readers options to choose what suits a particular person's way of working. My hat is off to Ms. Leigh for the very beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary series--something much needed in the book industry and one I'll use again and again.

Dorice Nelson, author of: Clan Gunn: Gerek; Lost Son of Ireland; Saratoga Summer: 1863 www.DoriceNelson.com

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Title: Ethnic Presidency
Author: Earl Ofari Hutchinson
ISBN: 978-1881032250
Publisher: Middle Passage Press
Available for purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Ethnic-Presidency-Decides-White-House/dp/1881032256 and www.ethnicpresidency.com
Reviewer: Nikki Leigh - www.nikkileigh.com

I've never really kept track of the political process. I have my own opinions, but I never really understood the process of primaries, caucuses and so on. So, I had never noticed how various ethnic groups vote in specific ways. After reading The Latino Challenge and The Ethnic Presidency I have learned so much about the electoral process and the deeper ways that the issues affect various ethnic groups.

The Ethnic Presidency delves into the democratic and republican parties, the various candidates and the parts they are playing or have played in the primary process. It gives a large number of examples from past elections which show techniques that have brought in votes from all ethnic groups.

In the introduction to the book, Earl Hutchinson explains why this topic involves more than the fact that there is a woman and a black man running for president this year. That makes the 2008 election more unusual, but throughout the years the same elements and principals have come into play in many elections and that even applies to the elections when two white men were running for president.

For anyone of any ethnic background, any age or any gender who wants to learn more about how race, gender and ethnic background play a big part in the election process - this is a must read. This year, more than any other, race, gender and ethnicity will have a major impact on the presidential election.

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Title: Island Life (Five Star First Edition Mystery)
Author: Michael W. Sherer
Five Star Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9781594146336
Reviewer Danielle Feliciano for Reader Views (4/08)

In “Island Life,” we are drawn into the world of Jack Holm, suddenly single father to his two children after his wife suddenly goes missing. Jack’s relationship with Mary was on the rocks before her disappearance and with her job as a flight attendant, he does not report her missing for a few days. This puts the story in motion as the police arrest Jack for Mary’s murder, Children’s Services takes his children and begins their own investigation, Jack’s mother-in-law files for custody, and Jack realizes he has no one to rely on but himself to solve the mystery of what happened to his wife before he and his children become the next victims.

Interspersed with the narration are snippets of conversations between Jack and his therapist. These conversations give great depth to the story as they are the only times you are truly in Jack’s head. In his day-to-day life, he is going through the motions, just doing his best to hold on for the sake of his kids. With his therapist, however, Jack truly lets go of pretending and opens up like he does to nobody else. These interludes give “Island Life” a voice of originality that you don’t see often in this genre.

There is nothing perfect about Jack and that makes it all the more wondrous that you find yourself rooting for him. He admits to affairs, has ignored the problems in his marriage, and does things that many parents would never think of (dragging his children to Las Vegas while he goes after the killer). It is exactly these imperfections that make him so real. He is tortured, he makes no excuses for the choices he has made, and while he makes a few questionable parenting decisions, he truly believes those decisions are what is best for his children.

“Island Life” was truly gripping. I read it in one day, as I kept finding myself lost within the books. It does fall apart a bit towards the end, where it feels as though the author tries too hard to attain action and thrills rather than staying at the same pace as the rest of the book. Sherer quickly redeems himself, however, and leaves the reader feeling satisfied.

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The Four Little Children: A Likely Story

Larry Michalove
iUniverse (2005)
ISBN 9780595347995
Reviewed by Mathew Feliciano (age 8) for Reader Views (3/08)

The story “The Four Little Children” is about four siblings named Lisa, David, Stacy and Karen. They go on wild adventures with their imaginary friend Ramor. Ramor takes the children on the coolest adventures ever!!

Ramor was going to take care of the children since their father was at war. Every day he takes the children on a new adventure. The first adventure was over the Pacific Ocean and into a secret cave where they found a pirate ship. All of the pirates were trying to find somewhere to bury their treasure. After the pirates buried their treasure, they went to a hidden city beyond the cave and all of the pirate children ran to greet Lisa, David, Stacy, and Karen. Some of the other adventures the children went on were being in the circus, going to the North Pole and learning how to drive a dog-lead sled, and riding on a polar bear.

Reading this book was like doing all of the things the children did right along with them. It was easy to imagine myself being there and having the same experience and doing the same thing. “The Four Little Children” was a lot of fun to read and was like being in another world.

April Book with a View

Stories at the Edge of Time
Author: Alan Robbins
Publisher: iUniverse (2007)
ISBN: 9780595471072
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (1/08)

I’ll be the first to admit that short stories usually cannot hold my attention for very long. More often than not I’ll read one or two in a collection; then decide that they are all the same anyhow and I’ll give up. Well, this was not the case with Alan Robbins’ collection of science-fiction short stories Stories at the Edge of Time. The nineteen stories held my attention throughout the entire collection and I enjoyed them immensely.

The stories are diverse and extremely engaging. Most of them seem to deal with time, be it the passage of time, the relativity of it or some other aspect of it. They are all fresh and very different from each other, yet linked by superb writing and boundless imagination. It would be a tough call to decide which of the stories could be my favorite. Part of me would be in favor of “Sudden Insight,” the story of a mathematician on the brink of a huge discovery – which never happens. Or maybe it could be “The Dead Got It Good,” of the “suave detective and hard-nosed dame” genre that I’ve always enjoyed so much in the vintage detective novels. But wait, we cannot forget “The Time Phone!” Would it not be nice to be able to telephone into the future? Or would it be? Then we have “Uncle Jack Eats a Mummy,” a very insightful story about immortality. If this one does not make you stop and think, you are probably beyond help. While all of those stories I’ve just named, as well as all the rest of them, enchanted me, amused me and made me wonder, I would probably pick “The Edge of Time” if I truly had to pick one only. As an avid reader I love the premise of stories and reading being able to change our fate – and that’s exactly what happens in “The Edge of Time.”

So – pick Stories at the Edge of Time and immerse yourself in it – I am pretty certain that your universe will experience a little shift as well.

Book Reviews for March 2008

A Huge Story of Redemption
Title: Woman Redeemed
Author: Christine Blake
ISBN: 978-1-4327-1583-0
Publisher: Outskirts Press, Inc.
Paperback Price/Currency: $13.95 USD
Pages: 271
Reviewer: Barbara Milbourn (2/08)

It was during Christine Blake’s pursuit of her masters in Cross-cultural Teaching at the University of San Diego that a book idea began to emerge. Now, in her historical novel, Woman Redeemed, she transports us to the rich and colorful region created and dominated by the Romans in the first century, and introduces us to Mary Magdalene in first person.
We meet Mary in a small boat with her brother Lazarus and her sister Martha as her story cleverly unravels in a series of remembrances that occur as she looks upon the disappearing shore of her homeland.

As a child, Mary believes she’s vastly different from her sister, her mother, and the other women in the fishing village of Magdala. She’s curious, with “too much spirit to satisfy [herself] among the required duties of [her] sex.” She gravitates to the marketplace like her father, and idolizes Cleopatra for her power and allure.

Three significant meetings occur in her childhood that will change the course of her life: One on a stop in Nazareth during a return trip from market, when she is given a wooden box by an elderly carpenter. Another, during Passover in Jerusalem, where she meets the mother of Jesus telling stories to a gathering of children, and finally, during this same time she meets Jesus, who is around the age of her brother.

Christine Blake, through Mary Magdalene, tells the story of every woman’s self-doubt, temptations, pain, and startling experiences against a backdrop of political ambition, splendid architecture, industry, and traditions. She brings together the intersecting lives of the Jews and Romans, fishermen and prophets, women in community and women rebels. She plants us for a while in lands and seas whose names have changed but whose struggles continue. She revives the Bible stories of our youth and stays historically accurate to both Roman and Jewish records.
While this book may look small on the outside, Christine Blake has no problem delivering a huge story of redemption on a grand historical and societal stage. Celebrate womanhood in Woman Redeemed.


Deception’s Legacy
Jacqueline G. Randolph
Fultus Corporation (2008)
ISBN 9781596821026
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (1/08)

I think that whenever an author commits to writing a series, they really have to work hard to try to make each one better than the previous one. Jacqueline Randolph has managed to do this again with “Deception’s Legacy.” I was blown away at how well she managed to capture my attention with this story. As a matter of fact, I was held captive whenever I wasn’t working, so that I could keep reading!

Deception’s Legacy” once again revisits the family of Skye and Rhys. The story covers three different time periods. The Spanish Inquisition, in the 1400s, is introduced into the story. An evil Spanish family that was involved with the torture of non-Catholics holds roles from this time on through the 2030s. Another part of the story follows what happened in 1966 when US nuclear aircraft mysteriously crashed in Spain. Members of Skye’s family are actually introduced at this time. They are heavily affected by the evil family. The effects carry forward to the year 2030. Skye is now 64. Her son Tristan has followed in her footsteps as a DEA agent. He is still a rookie at this time. He is sent to Seville to help solve an intriguing mystery regarding the same Spanish family’s influence on events that are happening at this time.

A series of events reveals a huge family mystery to Skye. Her mother is unwilling to provide her with answers that she is desperately seeking. As she ventures out to get answers on her own, she discovers links between her family and the evil Spanish family, and ties to historical events. Discovering that their son Tristan may be involved with more than he can handle, Skye and Rhys once again go undercover to unofficially assist the case.

Having read the first two books in the “Deception’s” series, Skye and Rhys have felt like family to me. I was thrilled to be able to read more about their lives, especially now that they are nearing the end, and their children are taking on their own roles in the story. You can read this book alone, and you will understand everything, but I believe that if you read the books in order, you will be more affected by the emotional intensity of the storyline. The characters will be much more known to you.

I really admired how Randolph was able to tie in the different time periods without making the story too convoluted or confusing. It was absolutely fascinating. I highly recommend “Deception’s Legacy!” I eagerly await the upcoming fourth book in the series.


Poodles, Tigers, Monsters & You
L.W. Lewis
Red Pumpkin Press (2007)
ISBN 9780971157217
Reviewed by Maya Landers (age 10) for Reader Views (12/07)

“Poodles, Tigers, Monsters & You,” by L. W. Lewis, is a funny book full of poems that both my brother and I enjoyed fully. Humor is prevalent throughout the book, making it an entertaining read.

This would be a great read-aloud book, because the rhythm is enjoyable, and there is ever-present humor in all of the verses. Also, most of the poems are short, making it wonderful bedtime book. When you begin to read a poem, it appears serious, but there is always a funny twist at the end, making the poem seem much more comical than at first glance.

The illustrations are laugh-provoking, showing the offspring of a poodle and a tiger, pictures of green-toothed monsters, and a barbequed Barbie, and many, many others, all just as hilarious.
One of Lewis’s poems, titled “The Lion and the Zebra,”goes like this:

“The lion and the zebra got married,
And the wedding turned out fine.
But they weren’t married very long,
Only until dinnertime.”

This shows how the book would also be good for beginning readers, because they could enjoy the poem without having to work too hard. Some of the poems are longer, but they are just as easy to understand.

As I read these poems, I was reminded of Shel Silverstein, because at first glance the verses look like nonsense, but then they start to make sense—not in a serious way, of course.
There is no consistent plot or character that runs throughout this book. For instance, we do not see the same characters repeating, and some poems are in first person, some in third person, and some even in second person. The characters are not consistent, but they do all have the same voice--humorous and amusing, with a communicative aspect that will please all readers.
If you have read and enjoyed “The Tickle Tree,” also by L.W. Lewis, you will love this book. I couldn’t say that it was funnier, but it was just as entertaining.

I would recommend “Poodles, Tigers, Monsters & You” to my friends as an alternative to more serious literature, or to my younger brother or one of his friends as a beginning reader book.


Count the Part that’s in my Head
Book Title: Some of the Parts
Author: Gerry Rzeppa
ISBN 13: 978-1-934478-01-1
Publisher: Sunray Publishing
Pages: 45
Reviewer: Yvonne Perry www.yvonneperry.net

Have you ever struggled to open one of those bottles that have a child-safety cap? Sometimes we adults have trouble opening the bottles designed to keep children from getting into something harmful; even though what is contained inside may be for their benefit if properly administered. The topic of death and afterlife is something most people do not wish to discuss with children. In fact, they do not wish to discuss it at all, with anyone.

Some of the Parts is a book written for children, but its very grown up message will not be grasped by everyone. Even though the poetic, rhyming book only takes a few minutes to get into, the benefits will last a lifetime—and not just this lifetime. The book is about life after death told in the form of a riddle that creates an entertaining story. Maker allows us free will to choose our own path. Maker shows us wisdom to guide our daily lives. Maker is there for us when we leave this body of dust and ash and will teach us what is really important.

The illustrations in the book are simple but they help to convey the meaning, or perhaps they are there to hide the secrets of the soul. What are the chips of tile supposed to represent? Who is the old fool? What tray is furthest to the south? What are the staff, cape, and beard supposed to mean? Can you solve the math problem? Was the storm real or imagined? Whatever your interpretation of the message, you can rest assured that you will take from the pages more than your logical mind can absorb. Its message speaks to the ever-living spirit.

Even the book’s title is a play on words. If said aloud, “Some of the Parts” could be heard as “sums of the parts.” The book is divided into parts: first part, second part, third part, the sad part, the better part, and the future part. The message is the sum of the parts.

That’s not all that is concealed in the book. I love the hidden picture of the baby boy. It only took a few seconds before his sweet face appeared. The face is that of the author’s son. He was born to him by his wife when she was nearly 60 years old. That in itself is a mystery—a miracle to remind us that anything is possible to those who think it is.

Some of the Parts is a deep, intricate work of art. The expensive stock and quality printing provide a backdrop that allows Rzeppa to tell a story, without telling the reader what to believe. He only tells what is possible. He allows the reader to make up her own mind about death, life and all its mystery.

Even if children do not understand the entire story, they will be touched by the spirit of love in which it is written. “You’re never by yourself, my son, as long as you are known. That which never dies is fashioned out of thought.” Our loved ones are only a thought away.

It's a beautiful hardcover book I will want to read again and again. Its rhythmic and lyrical style is fun to read aloud. I can't wait to share it with my grandson and hear what he has to say about it. To a child, so much is taught; from a child, so much is wrought.

Writers in the Sky Flying High with Contest Winner

Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services based in Nashville, Tennessee presents cash prize to Alan B. Robbins Reader Views Literary Awards contest winner for the Best Creative Writing of the Year.

On March 19, 2009, the finalists who participated in Reader Views Literary Awards hosted by Irene Watson, the owner of Reader Views, were presented with awards and cash prizes totaling over $6,000.

New York author Alan B. Robbins won the $100 cash prize awarded by Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services (www.writersinthesky.com). His book, Stories at the Edge of Time (ISBN 9780595471072), was published by iUniverse in 2007.

“When Irene approached me last year about participating, I was delighted to present an incentive to encourage self-published writers to submit their work for review and critique,” says Yvonne Perry, the owner of Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services. “Contests are a great way for writers to gain merit for their skill and generate public interest in their books.”

The team of professionals at Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services provides editing, ghostwriting and proofreading for individuals and businesses.

Each book, whether it gets a review or not, will be issued a critique in the form of a tear sheet that the author may use for marketing purposes. The reviews are posted on Reader Views www.readerviews.com as well as Reader Views’ weblog and amazon.com. The nineteen attention-grabbing stories of Robbins’ book held the interest of reviewer Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson throughout the entire collection and met the criteria required for the award: that the book have original, imaginative and creative use of words that create vivid mental pictures of scenes and characters.

“The stories are diverse and extremely engaging,” writes Olivera. “Most of them seem to deal with time, be it the passage of time, the relativity of it or some other aspect of it. They are all fresh and very different from each other, yet linked by superb writing and boundless imagination…all of those stories… enchanted me, amused me and made me wonder.” You may read the entire review for Alan's book at http://www.readerviews.com/ReviewRobbinsStoriesAtThe.html. You may read an interview with the author at http://www.readerviews.com/InterviewRobbins.html

Reader Views Literary Awards accepted fiction and nonfiction submissions from authors regardless of residency; however, the books had to be published in the English language and targeted for the North American market with a 2008 copyright date. Work published by major book publishers, their subsidiaries, or their imprints were not eligible.

“Reader Views reviews more than 2,000 books per year from budding authors who have worked hard to achieve their dream of being published,” Reader Views Managing Editor Irene Watson says. “Our Annual Literary Awards recognize the very best of these up-and-coming authors, all talented writers who we know have very promising writing careers ahead of them.”

All initial judging was done by reviewers from Reader Views who are experts in their fields as well as avid readers. Judging criteria included content/originality, presentation/design, innovation, social relevance, and production quality. Five semi-finalists in each category were determined by a point system. Final judging was determined by a jury of judges. Three semi-finalists were chosen in each fiction and non-fiction category. First and second place winners were awarded in each category. Third place received an honorable mention. One finalist, the top score in each area, was chosen in each regional and global category and received a certificate.

The contest is an annual event. Authors interested in Annual Literary Awards 2008 contest may download a registration form on Reader Views’ website: http://www.readerviews.com/Awards.html.

January Book Reviews

The Mango Tree Café Loi Kroh Road
Author: Taryn Simpson & Alan Solomon
Author Web site: http://mangotreecafe-loikrohroad.blogspot.com/
Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQD0R5IXOhs
ISBN-13: 978-1430325222
Reviewer: Barbara Sharp Milbourn
Purchase at http://www.lulu.com/content/1019489 or Amazon.com

Alan Solomon and Taryn Simpson, in The Mango Tree Café Loi Kroh Road, present the life of Larry. We both meet and say goodbye to Larry as an old man sitting in his cane chair on the veranda of his Chiangmai home peering into the past and future. What’s in-between is an entertaining and sensitive story of a man’s awakening to find and serve the truth.

Larry, a teenager, heeds the words of his father to leave the small New Zealand village so that his achievement will be greater than “. . . watching the grass grow and releasing the pressure from the udders of cows. . .” His travels take him to Thailand, “Land of a Thousand Smiles” and to the fertile beauty of the Mae Rim region where the solitude of the jungle stands in sharp contrast to the noise and bustle of Chiangmai’s Loi Kroh Road. On this famous and hypnotic road, the powerful and the powerless come to wash bad luck away in drink, prostitution, and anonymity.

In one of its bars, Larry has a vision (not his first) that points him to partake of the road and feed it a different food, to experience a different kind of love, and to acknowledge and embrace his purposefulness.

I’m convinced that roads like this and their seedy, gritty dynamic exist around the world. What I especially liked about The Mango Tree Café Loi Kroh Road is that it places us in the pocket of Larry’s shirt closest to his heart. We are standing with him in the press of his life, peering into and out of the café, seeing it for what it is, meeting its characters, smelling its smells, tasting its strange humor and barely disguised grief.

We move back and forth through time and reality to the accident scene, and eventually come to rest as the realization of who he is and why he is here presents itself. Through Larry we are reminded of how little we are really known and understood by others—and often ourselves—and how his seeking is hardly different from our own if we will but stare into its face. Enjoy The Mango Tree Café Loi Kroh Road.

Hear author Taryn Simpson in an interview with Barbara Milbourn by clicking on Taryn’s name on the right side bar at http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com.


A Trial Of One
Author: Mary E. Martin
Author Web Site : http://theosgoodetrilogy.com/home.html
Reviewed by Jaimie Bell
FRONT STREET REVIEWS HOME PAGE

Although the third book in the Osgoode Trilogy, A Trial of One can definitely stand on its own. Henry Jenkins is the executor of the vast but missing fortune of declared mental incompetent Norma Dinnick. As attempts to locate and retrieve the Elixicorp shares for his devious client advance, Henry finds someone else is also searching for her millions.

Dr. Robert Hawke insists the funds belong to his institute, which developed Emerituus, a miraculous drug that claims to reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Michael O’Hearn is unaffected by Hawke’s astonishing presentation and magnanimous offers designed to manipulate the greedy and ambitious medical staff. Though determined to uncover the hoax and expose Dr. Hawke as a fraud O’Hearn has yet to learn something more sinister is afoot at Hawke Institute and that the Doctor will stop at nothing to achieve his diabolical goal of the trial of one.

As this drama was set in motion, lonely widow Dorothy Crawford finds some startling letters that hint her philandering husband, law partner to Henry Jenkins, did not die of natural causes. Ignored by police, she sets off to investigate the identity of the person only known as Q. Crushed under the weight of a loveless marriage, she finds new strength in her skills as an amateur detective.

The story heats up as Jenkins races to Venice for the precious bank code with Hawke’s thug hot on his trail and spies seemingly everywhere in and around the dark channels.

A thriller, murder mystery, and romance novel rolled into one, Martin is an excellent storyteller who created compelling multi-faceted characters. Wading into the dark waters of Alzheimer’s she presented various stages of the disease, from mild dementia to mania, through her use of minor characters. The contrast between those unfortunates and the fully functioning Dorothy Crawford was a nice touch. Intriguing references to the first two books in the trilogy made them seem a terrific read as well. The fast moving and tense buildup led to a very satisfying conclusion. A Trial Of One is an iUniverse Publisher’s Choice.


Stop Being Pushed Around!: A Practical Guide
Author: Lynda Bevan
Loving Healing Press (2008)
ISBN 9781932690453
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (12/07)

Lynda Bevan’s “Stop Being Pushed Around!” is Book #3 in the 10-step empowerment series. The first two books in the series are “Life After Your Lover Walks Out” and “Life After Betrayal,” so a practical guide for victims was obviously a logical next step.

This seemingly slim volume delivers plenty of information, written in an easy-to-understand and easy-to-follow style. It starts with an introduction, which makes it clear that this book could be helpful to you if you are either a victim or living with one. Afterwards Ms. Bevan lays out a ten-step strategy, leading one from recognizing one’s role as a victim and how one became a victim to the question about wanting to change and how to achieve that. Filled with real-life stories as well as comprehensive lists of factors and examples, the book guides one through the process of identifying the problem and solving it. The suggested changes are doable and sound realistic.

There are also two added chapters in the book, the Appendix A –Bullying in the workplace and Appendix B – Emergency contacts. The first one of those would definitely be helpful to anybody who is in a threatening, victimizing situation at work and the second one has a list of two dozen contacts both in USA and abroad.

Another rather interesting feature is a poem, included in the book, called “Victim.” It is chilling, yet encouraging at the same time. Make sure you read it!

A book like this would definitely help an emotionally insecure person feel less alone and less strange, which would be a great first step on the road to recovery. Breaking the process down in ten steps makes it look less daunting for sure and the encouraging words of Ms. Bevan should assist one in seeing the situation as less overwhelming. Ms. Bevan’s down-to-earth writing and sensible advice make this book a valuable tool and an asset in every victim’s library. And, for those of you who are not victims, but know somebody who is – buy a copy of “Stop Being Pushed Around!” for them. It just might save somebody’s life.


Winter Blossoms: and other poems
Mamata Misra
iUniverse (2007)
ISBN 9780595443727
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (10/07)

“Winter Blossoms” is a collection of poems depicting the inequity faced by women who are caught in a cross-cultural journey. These women are destined by society to experience the complexities of indignity, hostility, and domination. Mamata Misra has captured a yearning for change, and a call for understanding. In a courageous bold voice she uses her poetry to speak loudly with a message of hope to these courageous women.

The illustrations by Indira Chakravorty vividly reinforce the message of the poetry. These poignant words and pictures tell the story of the restlessness of communal violence, offer a prayer for peace, describe the loving presence of a mother, and relate the bravery of Seetha walking into fire to prove her chastity to prove her worthiness to be queen.

The book is arranged in a topical format. Pen and ink drawings coinciding with the words of the poem impact and enhance the message conveyed through the written word.

The topics include “Mother and Child,” “War and Peace,” “Questions and Answers,” “Hope and Despair,” and “Sound and Silence.” The final chapter entitled “Poems and People,” includes a brief background on each of the poems, the time and circumstances of its origin, and a brief comment or two regarding the message being conveyed. A biographical sketch of the author and the illustrator are also included.

The poems in “Winter Blossoms” reveal the amazing insight, of the author, into the nature of the struggles faced by South Asian women. Mamata Misra brings to the forefront the need to speak out against the reality of family violence, and abuse. She faces squarely the incongruity of the power struggle of war in the guise of establishing peace. I was deeply moved by the poem, “Despair.”

Sticky Fingers: A Tess Camillo Mystery by Morgan Hunt

Sticky Fingers: A Tess Camillo Mystery (An Alyson Mystery)
Morgan Hunt

Alyson Books (2007)

ISBN 9781593500030

Reviewed by Cherie Fisher of Reader Views (6/07)

I had a sleepless night thanks to Sticky Fingers. First, the book was so good that I could not put it down until I found out what happened, and once I finished, I could not get the images of snakes out of my mind! Morgan Hunt’s wonderful writing style will engage you from the first page and keep you turning pages until the very end.

The main character, Tess Camillo, is just that, a real character. She is not a detective but a middle aged woman employed in an okay job in San Diego. She shares a house with her ex-lover, Lana, and is currently not in a relationship. The current love of her life is her Welsh terrier, Raj.

The mystery begins when Tess finds a rattler in her bedroom. The police chalk it up to coincidence but the story takes an ominous turn when someone else in the gay community is brutally murdered by a poisonous snake. As Tess becomes friendly with the murdered woman’s partner, Darlene, the danger increases and she becomes a target herself. Instead of being scared off the case, she turns into an amateur detective who will not rest until she solves the mystery. I am usually good at figuring out “who done it” in mystery novels, but this story had so many twists and turns that I was surprised at its hair-raising conclusion.

Tess not only has to face her mortality when she faces snakes, but she also has a major health crisis that could end her life. Her naturally inquisitive nature helps her research her disease and her friends give her the wonderful support she needs to face up to this health crisis. Morgan Hunt’s familiarity with breast cancer shows in the sensitivity, fear, strength and dignity that she gives to Tess throughout her ordeal. The author, Morgan Hunt, has a wonderful sense of humor which comes through again and again through her quirky characters. I also had the feeling that the author and Tess share many similar qualities -- “Criminitlies!” is an expression that Tess uses throughout the book that seems to have no meaning. This is a great book. I highly recommend Sticky Fingers to all open-minded mystery readers. I would also recommend it as a great read to anyone recovering from cancer surgery. I definitely would not recommend it to anyone with a snake phobia!

A Song for the World: The Amazing Story of the Coldwell Brothers and Herb Allen: Musical Diplomats

A Song for the World: The Amazing Story of the Colwell Brothers and Herb Allen: Musical Diplomats

Authored by Frank McGee

Many Roads Publishing (2007)

ISBN 9780978794804

Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (7/07)

Award-winning author Frank McGee has compiled his remarkable story, A Song for the World, from hundreds of letters, documents and scores of interviews. This is the story of the Colwell Brothers and Herb Allen, musical diplomats to the world.

The book details the careers of these men, which span a period of over fifty years. As entertainers and songwriters they demonstrated courage, commitment, and vision leaving behind the comforts of home, promising careers, and budding romances to introduce a new concept for changing the world through the power of music. They touched the lives of millions of people worldwide with their songs. Their songs are written in dozens of languages and dialects.
The format of the book is eye-catching in design with hundred of photos giving detailed descriptions of the location, the events or persons. The text includes important sidebars for emphasis of important details. Each chapter contains a song, poem or composition written by one of the men.

I personally enjoyed the “The Amazing Music History Quiz” at the end of the book which highlights some of the early audacious adventures of the Colwell Brothers and Herb Allen. I also appreciated the complete index and bibliography included.

Working with “Up with the People” the team traveled six continents. They faced the dusty roads of India, the revolution in the Congo, the strife in Ireland, and the closed door of China. They presented a message of hope and peace. The “Up with the People” team produced the half-time show for four Super Bowls, viewed by over 90 million people on television.

“Up with the People” worked with twenty thousand cast members from over sixty countries over a period of forty years. They performed in Munich, Madrid, Watts, Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, Moscow, Beijing, and numerous other important locations and national and international events.

Direct quotes from Herb Allen, Paul, Ralph, and Steve Colwell reveal the depth of their dedication,and sacrifice to the cause of peace. The book is a tribute to these four men and the cause for which they dedicated their lives.

Frank McGee’s writing is crisp and descriptive. The book has a natural flow which includes historical events, musical diplomacy, and examples of organizational leadership.

McGee’s writing is informative, interesting, and compelling. A Song for the World is a book for anyone who wants to impact change in today’s world.

Irene Watson of Reader Views on Writers in the Sky Podcast

TGI Friday! I have uploaded a new show to my podcast this week!

Irene Watson of Reader Views will be joining us today on Writers in the Sky Podcast October 12th, 2007!

Irene was born in Northern Alberta in Canada. Irene's career took her from career counseling, to business ownership, to working in management for a police force, to spiritual counseling, to teaching at a college, to retreat/seminar/workshop design and facilitation to her most recent - owning/managing Reader Views. She obtained her B.S. in psychology at St. Edward's University in Austin, TX and her M. A. in psychology from Regis University in Denver, CO.

Click here to listen to the interview with Irene...

After retiring in 2003 Irene authored an award winning memoir, The Sitting Swing, which was published in October 2005. Having a hard time getting reviews for her book, she started Reader Views on a whim. Within a month it exploded to a full time business. So much for retirement! Irene's hobbies include genealogy and reading. Irene lives with her husband, Robert, near Barton Creek in Austin, Texas - the best of two worlds - she has the city out the front door and the country out the back door. They are parents of two children, Juanita and Daryn, as well as in-laws of Christine, and grandparents to Kyle, and his siblings Kaitlyn and Keifer.

Reader Views is an Austin, Texas, based company. They started late December 2005 as a book review service. Shortly after the company's birth they expanded into offering publicity and editing services to authors.


Their reviews appear on amazon.com, in USA Today Reuters, NBC and in newspapers such as Austin American Statesman and The Sacramento Bee. As well, their reviews appear on many online websites and blogs. They review books for well known authors such as James Paterson and those that are unknown, self-published or published by a small press.


But, they do more than just reviews. They provide services for authors such as publicity services and editing, as well as coaching to write book proposals. And, they will act as an agent for you and send your proposal to a traditional publisher on our list.


Check Irene's Web site http://www.readerviews.com/ for more information. Hear an audio introduction by Irene http://www.audioacrobat.com/play/WyPT40PX


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You may subscribe to Writers in the Sky RSS feed or listen online at your convenience by going to http://feeds.feedburner.com/audioacrobat/ZOhd

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Next Friday I will upload Barbara Milbourn's 2-part interview with Jordana Ryan.

Book Reviewer Irene Watson Joins Yvonne Perry on Podcast

Irene Watson will be Yvonne Perry’s guest on Writers in the Sky Podcast October 12th, 2007!

Irene was born in Northern Alberta in Canada. Irene's career took her from career counseling, to business ownership, to working in management for a police force, to spiritual counseling, to teaching at a college, to retreat/seminar/workshop design and facilitation to her most recent - owning/managing Reader Views. She obtained her B.S. in psychology at St. Edward's University in Austin, TX and her M. A. in psychology from Regis University in Denver, CO.

After retiring in 2003 Irene authored an award winning memoir, The Sitting Swing, which was published in October 2005. Having a hard time getting reviews for her book, she started Reader Views on a whim. Within a month it exploded to a full time business. So much for retirement! Irene's hobbies include genealogy and reading. Irene lives with her husband, Robert, near Barton Creek in Austin, Texas - the best of two worlds - she has the city out the front door and the country out the back door. They are parents of two children, Juanita and Daryn, as well as in-laws of Christine, and grandparents to Kyle, and his siblings Kaitlyn and Keifer.

Reader Views is an Austin, Texas, based company. They started late December 2005 as a book review service. Shortly after the company's birth they expanded into offering publicity and editing services to authors.

Hear an audio introduction by Irene http://www.audioacrobat.com/play/WyPT40PX

Their reviews appear on amazon.com, in USA Today Reuters, NBC and in newspapers such as Austin American Statesman and The Sacramento Bee. As well, their reviews appear on many online websites and blogs. They review books for well known authors such as James Paterson and those that are unknown, self-published or published by a small press.

But, they do more than just reviews. They provide services for authors such as publicity services and editing, as well as coaching to write book proposals. And, they will act as an agent for you and send your proposal to a traditional publisher on our list.

Check Irene's Web site http://www.readerviews.com/ for more information.

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You may subscribe to Writers in the Sky RSS feed or listen online at your convenience by going to http://feeds.feedburner.com/audioacrobat/ZOhd

October Podcast Guests

Here's the line up for October Writers in the Sky Podcast.

Vickie Decoster will be interviewed by Yvonne Perry on October 5th. Vickie is the award-winning author of The Wacky World of Womanhood: Essays on Girlhood, Dating, Motherhood, and the Loss of Matching Underwear (iUniverse, 2003) as well as Husbands, Hot Flashes, and All That Hullabaloo! (iUniverse, 2006). She shares her publishing experience and some great marketing tips during this interview.
Click here to hear an audio introduction and get an idea of what this show is about.

Irene Watson will be interviewed by Yvonne on October 12th. Irene is owner of the well-known book reviewing service Reader Views. Learn about Irene's method of helping authors showcase their book to the reading audience. Check Irene's Web site www.readerviews.com for more information. Hear an audio introduction by Irene http://www.audioacrobat.com/play/WyPT40PX

Eddie Baker will be interviewed by Suzanne Lieurance October 19th. More info forthcoming.

Jordana Ryan will be interviewed by Barbara Milbourn on October 26th. More info forthcoming. Her book No Matter What...

Discounted Rate for Authors at PreViews

Over the past few months we have been in full production making PreViews – similar to movie trailers and they have been a great hit! To celebrate the success of the PreViews and our new producer, Jamieson Wolf, coming on board, we decided to give our authors a discounted rate. This special rate will only be in effect until end of August.

Check it out: http://www.readerviews.com/PreViewsServices.html

Questions? Please ask.

Irene Watson
email: admin@readerviews.com website: http://www.readerviews.com/
Kid's book reviews: Reader Views Kids http://www.readerviewskids.com/
Live author interviews: Inside Scoop Live http://www.insidescooplive.com/
Live author forum: Authors Access http://www.authorsaccess.com/

Book with a View August 2007

Sentinel of the Seas: Life and Death at the Most Dangerous Lighthouse Ever Built Dennis M. Powers
Citadel (2007)
ISBN 0806528427
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views

“Sentinel of the Seas” reads like a novel. Dennis Powers has written another classic masterpiece which chronicles man battling the sea. As in his earlier works “Treasure Ship” and “The Raging Sea,” Powers has thoroughly researched his work. He spent five years in preparation, searching archives, ori