Friday, April 20, 2012

Flame of Resistance



WW2 like all other historic events, even recent ones, makes for exciting books of all genres and this one is no exception! FLAME is a French resistance cell that operates like all other cells, undercover in plain sight. Tom is in the USAAF and is shot down shortly before D-Day. He is met by a Frenchman who questions him briefly about many things to make sure he is who he says he is. Once Tom passes the test, he is left in the care of an elderly woman until he heals from his wounds. All Tom knows about this grand lady is that she has hidden and cared for many Allied soldiers. Is that all there is to this lady or is there more to her story?

Since Tom resembles a German soldier he is recruited by the resistance to infiltrate and carry out a mission that has direct implications for D-Day. All Tom wants to do is get back in the air as a pilot, until he meets a woman in a brothel. Her name is Brigitte. She has inherited the house from her grandfather and turns it into a brothel as she figures it is the only means to survive since she lost the love of her life along with everyone else while waiting for freedom.

Braun is a German officer of sorts who shows his true colors later in the story in a way that is a surprise to the reader. Inside a building is where the SS takes its prisoners to extract information from them in some very torturous ways. Is there no one in France with a heart of compassion? Where is the faith and fight of the people? Keep reading the novel as there are many important characters, scenes, twists and turns to this work of fiction.

The characters are from many different backgrounds; seemingly some operate one way only for the reader to discover something else. At different times in the suspenseful telling of the story, the reader won't be able to quit reading because of the spellbinding tale presented. You will find yourself at the edge of your seat, waiting in suspense to turn the page and find out how different difficulties are handled by spies, allies, and ordinary people during the occupation.

Prepare for a rollercoaster ride when you begin this novel of suspense, mystery, and more as history unfolds in the pages of Flame of Resistance. The author does a superb job of weaving many threads together into a work of art that captures both the heart and the imagination of readers. It is a 5+ star rating from beginning to end. Well done!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Cottage by the Sea, a Wonderful Novel

"The First and the First Lady" is first and foremost a fictitious tale about how President Obama and the First Lady met and fell in love. It's a sweet love story with a strong comedic flavor, a step above the typical romantic comedy.

From the very beginning, readers are immersed in the titillating story of Barack Obama as he tries to convince the women in his life that he is worth so much more than great sex. That topic alone may have been enough for a different kind of writer but not Michael David and Sarah Box they have a few tricks up their sleeves.

"The First and the First Lady" follows a young Barack Obama as he learns to stand up for himself, speak his mind and pursue what's important to him. The story catapults to greatness with the introduction of Dr. Berry. Dr. Berry is quite funny as the quack psychologist who is obviously more in need of therapy than his patients. He gives us outrageous and bizarre characterization that leads to clever dialogue and gives the tale the edge and uniqueness that we so love and admire.

This romantic tale is not just about romance. It's about something much more important empowering yourself and going for what you really want at all costs. Barack Obama, a hopeless romantic, is convinced that the world is populated with sex-starved women. Throughout his days and nights, he is bombarded with vivacious, sultry women, visiting his apartment, even accosting him on the street. Though he shares some enjoyable moments with these women, Barack grows tired of the overwhelming attention. It has gone on long enough and he wants so much more.

When Barack finally meets the girl that he believes is like no other, we learn the true meaning of pulling out all stops. Just when we think the story has come to a successful conclusion, the writer throws us a curve, proving once again that true comedy is totally unpredictable.

Michael David and Sarah Box's story picks up hot and heavy steam in the middle and hurtles to a memorable, feel-good conclusion. With the authors' infused dialogue and charged action, Michael David and Sarah Box make it clear in no uncertain terms that they are a major new voice in the literary world.

"The First and the First Lady" is a unique story filled with quick wit and many surprises and there are no lulls in this screenplay, so get comfortable because you will read it all in one sitting. It's easy to read without being overly descriptive, and the characters are people we would love to meet. Readers will be impressed by this comedy in so many ways.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Skip Rocks Shallow by Jan Watson

The year is 1908, and the setting is in the coal mining mountains of Kentucky. At this time in history and in this area, there weren't a lot of modern conveniences and the people weren't "up with the times" according to the society at that time. Will the character adapt or run for home?

Lilly Corbett has just graduated from medical school in Boston and has agreed to a short 3-4 month stay in Skip Rock as the coal company's physician. The old doctor has passed away so she is just filling in until a permanent replacement can be found. She has her fiancé waiting for her in Boston. He is a surgeon and from a wealthy family. Lilly grew up in the mountains not far from Skip Rock. She has her life all planned out and can't wait to get back to Boston. At first, she is unwelcome by the town's people because she is a female physician and no man is going to be treated by a woman! Then, it is discovered that the man who has been working as her assistant is in fact her cousin. He lets everyone know she is his kin, and Lilly becomes much more welcome. She begins to treat more and more people and develops a love for this town and its' people.

Tern Still or is it Joe Repp? Whatever his real name is, he is a coal mine worker who reminds Lilly of someone familiar. Who does he remind her of? Where could she have met him? Why has he shown up here in this small town? Is he following her? Tern has eyes only for Lilly and begins to spend time with her in hopes that he can reveal to her the truth about himself. He has strayed from being a practicing Christian and he has no prayer life. In the midst of tragedy, does he remember what his mother taught him about God?

Lilly receives a letter from her boss asking her to commit to five years as physician at Skip Rock. The town desperately needs a physician and she is already there and begun to be accepted by the people. What should she do? Should she stay? If she stays, will her fiancé support her decision? Will they still have a relationship? How does she really feel about Tern/Joe? Will Lilly obey what she knows the Lord has put on her heart or will she follow her head and continue with her well-laid plans?

Jan Watson does a nice job showing the interactions between the characters and gives them a depth so they are not just surface characters. There is a great supporting cast of characters. I loved the character of Armina! She is sassy, but also a hard worker, and caretaker. So come and spend some time with the characters of Skip Rock.