Elizabeth Mahlou grew up in an abusive home.  She tells of her mother stabbing her brother with a knife in the buttocks, and her father throwing a pitchfork and stabbing him with it.  Taking an airplane ride had a whole new meaning in this family.  The abuse was physical, emotional, and sexual. “The wounds were in the heart and mind and covered parts of the body.”  Like most bullies, their mother blamed them for the pain she inflicted. 

Did Mahlou’s mother have PMDD?  Possibly, however, medicine was not available at that time.  Elizabeth knew that she had a problem with rage.  She took it out in different ways.  She did not beat her children.  She believes that rage can be inherited.  Perhaps it can, or perhaps it is a learned trait. 

I can hardly blame her for the sermon the young Elizabeth unleashed on the congregation of her church.  She must have seen them as evil to sit by and allow the abuse to continue.  She saw them as hypocrites.  Mahlou turned her back on God, because she thought he had turned his back on her. 

Mahlou continues to share bits and pieces of her adult life, including her stint in the army.  She speaks of her handicapped children.  Mahlou fought for equality for her children.  Time after time, things happened that many would call coincidences.  Eventually, Elizabeth Mahlou came to know them as blessings from God.

One of the most astute statements in this book is “There is a clear difference between an easy life and a good life.”  Elizabeth’s life has not been, easy but her adult years have been good.

Blest Atheist is an unusual book.  Elizabeth Mahlou has led an unusual life.  It is easy to see how intelligent she is.  2/3 or more of this book is spent discussing her childhood.  I hope that putting all of that terrible time on paper gives her closure.  Many would never be able to forgive such abuse.  As Elizabeth has discovered, with God all things are possible.  I wish her well and all of God’s blessings.

K Lynch offers readers an escape to the tropical island of Berneau, where love awaits and danger encroaches.  Lynch begins his trilogy with a brief history of Berneau.

The Million Dollar Therapist

Carol Lindsey is the daughter of farmers who becomes the wife of a successful attorney. The marriage is not all that she expected. She and her husband divorce. This is where the genuine story begins. Carol uses her intelligence and her need to help others to become a marital therapist.  However, with one of her first clients, she makes an ethical decision and finds herself in grave danger.  Debt is mounting, Carol is desperate, and the IRS is investigating her finances.  She and her young son take an unplanned trip to the island of Berneau, where she is safe and protected. A romance with the unofficial governor of the island, Jacques Berneau, now takes place. In the midst of all this, the reader sees a true character in Carol. She is a woman who makes decisions for herself and her son without any hesitation.

The Other Side Of The Horizon

Dr. Jack Eisner was at the end of his twelve-hour shift when a motorcycle accident was brought in. He quickly assessed the patient and started a line on him before sending him to surgery. The patient dies. Accused of negligence, the hospital board suspended Eisner permanently.

Disillusioned, Eisner set sail in the open seas. He had no plan other than escape. He spent the time looking back on his life. What he did not know was that his lawyer had argued his case before the state board, and they sided with Jack. Accidentally, Jack wondered onto a Cuban shore, where he was arrested and jailed.  After he escapes imprisonment, he escapes to the sea once more only to be shipwrecked on the beautiful shores of Berneau.

The Revenge of the Rinellis

Carol Lindsey-Berneau, the wife of Jacques Berneau, the unofficial governor of Berneau, finds herself facing an enemy from someone else's past. She just happens to be the only connection from that past. In this third book of the series, the author paints a portrait of revenge, fear, courage, and cunning. He also incorporates his knowledge of medicine, as he has done in his other two books in the series. Carol fears for her son, her husband, and their lives together. She and her friends fight for what is theirs, and they fight for what is right.

K Lynch is a talented author.  He takes the reader on a journey to a tropical island where love, friendship, and danger await.  The connecting thread in this trilogy is the island Berneau. The tropical paradise offers pleasure, but even in paradise evil has a way of insinuating it.  Lynch’s medical expertise adds much reality to this plot.  Love, passion, perfect setting, action, and a tightly woven plot builds to a crescendo ending.  Not allof this book is fiction.  It is up to the reader to determine truth from fiction.

I eagerly await the author’s next venture into the world of fiction.  What about it Dr. Lynch?  What will you entertain us with next?

Have Your Been Royally Screwed?

Myron Z. Bernstein

Kambs Publishing

9780982206904

5

Debra

How to Get What You Deserve by Making People and Companies Deliver on Their Promises, Products, Goods and Services…

Have Your Been Royally Screwed? May sound like a comical title but this is a very serious  topic.  Most of us can answer this question with a resounding YES!  Myron Z. Bernstein is a consumer advocate.  Did he plan to be one…I am not sure but I don’t think so.  I think he became an advocate out of necessity.  Everyone needs to be an advocate.  Despite the term Customer Service, few companies care about you.  Their goal is to make money even if they means cheating you.  Bernstein exposes the abuses and the schemes behind warranties, insurance, contractors, rebates, and a number of other consumer “services.”

The reader will be shaking their head yes while reading some of the examples in this book.  Myron is sharing situations most readers have faced.  The difference between most consumers and Myron is –HE FIGHTS BACK—and he WINS.  I admire Bernstein’s tenacity.  Have Your Been Royally Screwed? Is filled with wisdom and expertise.  The next time I deal with a customer service representative I will be armed with Bernstein’s strategies and techniques. 

Bernstein writes in a interesting, easy to read and understand style.  I felt as though I was sitting across the table, sharing a cup of tea with a good friend as he shared his vast knowledge with me.    Don’t be victim to customer service again, purchase you copy at Amazon.

Dreams Of  Beauty
Aubrie   Dionne
Publisher: SynergEbooks    http://www.synergebooks.com
ISBN: 0-7743-1097-0
Tweens
Purchase:
Website:

Almost every night Emme sees the man of her dreams.

Reviewed by Lynn for ReviewYourBook.com

Almost every night Emme sees the man of her dreams.  She has no idea who he is. He seems so real.   Davian is trapped in Emme’s dream.  He was cursed by a Sorceress a hundred years ago, destined to live in a dream until a kiss breaks the curse.

Davian’s niece, has assumed control of  the Hawthorn  Estate.  She had a plan to get rich quick.  The whole village with be disrupted if she follows through with her plan . There was only one way to stop the evile woman from destroying the village, Davian.  Emme set out to rescue Davian and the village.

 Dreams of Beauty is a delightful read.  I was reminded of a reverse Sleeping Beauty.  The characters are well developed.  The plot is strong, flows smoothly and will delight teen/young adult readers.

How To Train A Rock

Paul Steven Stone

5 stars

9781442117211

Debra

Paul Steven Stone is a talented author.  In his latest book, How To Train A Rock, he shares his insight and perspectives on a variety of topics.  For approximately twenty-five years, he wrote a syndicated column, “A Stone’s Throw.”  In his own words, the column was quirky.  How To Train A Rock is a compilation of those columns.  Most of the entries will leave you smiling and contemplating wisdom within the article; a few will leave you with tears.

Pet Peeves discusses allowing pets to leave droppings on other’s lawns.  Stone discreetly points out the rudeness without personal attacks.  My favorite entry was 1-800-Stomes-Throw, where he addresses the annoying trend toward automated answering services.  I become so frustrated with the list of  Press 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.  What button do I push to talk to a real person?  The Song Bird and Me is a look at happiness, with profound wisdom.  “There is a part of me that wants to hold onto the things that bring me happiness; to them in my hand so they won’t fly away.  However, there is also a part of me that knows you have to free all songbirds and let them fly away—if fly away they must.”  His ode to little girls will touch the hearts of fathers.  “Little girl there’s no need to rush into the future.  There’s no one there who can’t wait a little longer.”

The reader will find deep thoughts, a unique way to look at life, and profound wisdom.  How To Train a Rock is a book you want to savor.  Do not rush!  Read one or two a day and ponder the author’s true meaning behind each column.

Winter Queen - Seasons of Fantasy
Aubrie Dionne
Publisher:
ISBN:
Sci-Fi / Fantasy
Purchase:
Website:

all good things come to an end

Reviewed by Kira for ReviewYourBook.com(17 years old)

We all have our reasons for who we are and what we do in our lives, in the past the Winter Queen had been a princess in a powerful family with all the riches of the world. Everything in her world had changed when she fell in love with a commoner, who held her heart.  But all good things come to an end, her love then broke her heart into pieces with a great betrayal, which would never be healed. Now the Princess is controlling the cold winds that come across the lands and those who are in her way feel the wrath of the heart that was once whole, but now broken. To heal the coldest, most fragile heart in life all it takes is the kindest in a person’s heart.

Winter Queen by Aubrie Dionne reminds the reader that everyone has an appearance that we don’t want to show to others.  We chose to show a side that everyone hates so that we wont let them get close to our hearts, and if we can never feel the pain of a loss again. Winter Queen also reminds the reader that we have to take a risk in life, every person is not the same, and that one person can heal our hearts and make something better for our lives. This story is amazing and will help people realize that with a big risk comes a great pleasure.

Gambling  For Good Mail
Evelyn Cole
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing
ISBN: 1419691090
Our lead character, Felicia, is a middle aged housewife addicted to shopping. 

The setting is southern California.  Our lead character, Felicia, is a middle aged housewife addicted to shopping.  She arduously studies mail order catalogs, searching for the illusive item that will give her satisfaction.  Sadly, the material items bring no fulfillment.   Her search for happiness has filled her home with objects and left her near penniless

Read the rest of the review at http://reviewyourbook.com/component/simple_review/?review=1629-Gambling-For-Good-Mail

Red Sky Morning
Andrew Rafkin
Publisher:Outskirts Press, 2008
ISBN:978-1-4327-1942-5
Autobiography/Biography
 How could I not love Red Sky Morning? My love of fishing goes back to my childhood. The fact that my experiences are in farm ponds did not stop me from enjoying Andrew Rafkin’s adventures.

Read the complete of the review at http://reviewyourbook.com/component/simple_review/?review=551-Red-Sky-Morning

Creating Madness
Andrew Rafkin

978-160693-866-9, 978-60693-866-5

Fans of Cussler and Clancy will want to add Andrew Rafkin to their list of must-read authors

 After a dirty bomb was detonated in the harbor of Galveston, Texas, Andre Petrov forms a team of elite specialist to protect the United States coast. The Oceans Reconnaissance Commission and Associates, O.R.C.A, team includes Commander "Reef" Johansson and Alexis Mikos. North Korean, Kim Su Hong, has a insane plan to extract vengeance on the United States. O.R.C.A faces a continuing challenge when Hong teams up with Muslim extremes.

Read the complete of the review at:
http://reviewyourbook.com/component/simple_review/?review=1699-Creating-Madness

Or So It seems

Paul Steven Stone
Publisher: createspace 2008
ISBN: 978-1438207698
Incredibly funny…

Paul Peterson--divorced father, advertising agent--is on a journey of self-discovery. Through a sort of meditative state, Peterson revisits past events in his life. He does this in a short period of time. However, the reader should remember time is relative. Traveling with Peterson (besides the reader) is A Hindu Holy Man known as The Bapucharya. Few authors could take this plot and make it a successful book. Paul Steven Stone manages to weave in and out of time yet keep the plot smoothly flowing.

Read the complete review at  http://reviewyourbook.com/component/simple_review/?review=1054-Or-So-It-Seems

http://reviewyourbook.com/component/simple_review/?review=81-calitare-restored

http://reviewyourbook.com/component/simple_review/?review=10-calitare

http://reviewyourbook.com/component/simple_review/?review=219-calitare-restore

Calitare:   Restore
Alixandria DeSpain, Lucinda Laughlin
Publisher:Xlibris, 2008
ISBN:978-1-4363-4625-2

 I recently received a copy of Calitare Restore in my mailbox. Alixandria DeSpain and Lucinda Laughlin sent me a copy of their book and requested I consider it for review. I added the book to my ever-growing stack. It took me a few weeks before I pulled it from the shelf. I had no idea the adventure that lay ahead of me; if I had, I would have immediately opened the cover.

DeSpain and Laughlin have created a delightful land called Calitare. Mermaids and magic abound. Willow, Evadne,and their adopted brother, Gustave, live happily with their father the King. Then war threatened the inhabitants of Calitare. The sisters stand strong in the midst of battle, relying on God for strength and salvation. 

I found this story amazing. Calitare is Christian romance and fantasy. The love story is one of purity and innocence. The authors manage to share the gospel with readers. I am reminded of C.S. Lewis. In their own way, they have described the relationship between humans and God. They demonstrate salvation, forgiveness, and grace in a way that is easy to understand. They manage all of this without being preachy. Their tale is filled with enough adventure to keep the reader eagerly turning the pages. Calitare will appeal to all ages. This is the first book in this series. I will be watching closely for the names Alixandria DeSpain and Lucinda Laughlin. I think we will be hearing much more from them.

Incomprehensible Demoralization An Addict Pharmacist’s Journey To Recover
Jared Combs
Publisher:Xlibris, 20089781436353557
ISBN:
Autobiography/Biography
Purchase:
Website:

Courageous…

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for ReviewYourBook.com

 We have an erroneous vision of what an addict looks like. The person sitting next to you in church could be an addict. It could be your doctor, lawyer, postal worker, or the little old lady that lives next door.    Incomprehensible Demoralization drew me in and held me captive. Jared Combs describes the life of an addict, namely his own life. It is with much courage that he shares the tale of his life. He was a drug addict and pharmacist.  His marriage was deteriorating, but the pills were more important. Through the Lord, his church, the support of his family and AA, he has become a recovering addict. Combs seizes every opportunity to help others.  Share his witness.

Title: My New Brain; Memoir of a Brain Injury

Author: Lori Williams

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 978-1-4327-2599-0

Genre: Not Fiction; Personal Memoir

Pages: 116

Reviewed By: Lynn- 3-15-2009

Rating: 5 Stars

Blurp: In a instant her world changed forever. While on  active duty in the U.S. Army, Lori Williams-Just your average American young woman- sustained a severe traumatic brain injury in an automobile  accident. For the next 22 years, what would occur is transformation.

Before the army and the accident Lori was your average 18 year old, going off to college. The normal girl who had her friends and shared walks, talks  and parties.

Lori meets Jeff , also in the army and they soon were married. Actually a marriage you could say was not made in Heaven.  After the accident he no longer wanted to be with her.

From here we follow her through her adjustment in life, The Physical Changes,  The Emotional Changes.

Not just outward changes but inward changes. The Spiritual Changes. .

Follow her  through life as she works  toward a college degree , working outside the home, the rejection from other workers. How many times have we ourselves, if we are honest ,have brushed off someone because of a mental disorder, not really knowing the whole story, The shame they must feel, thinking what did they do wrong. The depression that comes along with the shame .

This is a small book, but to get the underlying aspect of what she went through, really it needs to be read at a slower pace, to better understand. For what she has been through I see a very intelligent woman  despite her disability.

A quote from the book…”If the writing of this book helps just one couple save their relationship, it will have been time well spent.”

Life Interrupted: It’s Not All About Me, by Chris Tatevosian, is an autobiographical account of the author’s life with Multiple Sclerosis; it is written from the heart. The author shares how he was diagnosed at a time in his life when he had dreams and expectations for his future, how his life was affected by MS, and his struggles to remain a healthy and active individual. That’s just the beginning of the book. The second part of the book focuses on how MS affected not only him but his relationship with his wife at the time.

Mr. Tatevosian shares the mistakes he made and describes his “poor me attitude”. The author does not gloss over his mistakes but is brutally honest with his emotions, thoughts and behaviors. This is a book not only for those with a chronic illness or disability but for anyone who needs to gain a better understanding of how words and actions can destroy relationships. Mr. Tatevosian makes a great impact on addressing the “poor me attitude” in a book of only 147 pages. It seems like a short read, but there is so much insight from the author that it is a must have.

Thank you, Chris Tatevosian, for sharing your life story with us.

 Blood On The Tartan is a enchanting romance; the tale of one woman uniting her people.  The setting is the Highlands of Scotland, 1854.  Catherine Ross is one woman uniting her people to the stand together against those that cared more about the money sheep would provide than the lives of the common people.  Catherine was only a child when her family and friends were evicted from their homes.  The owners tore down the homes and leased the land to sheepherders.  Catherine stayed in the Highlands while friends and relatives moved to Canada.  She married a British soldier.  He died in India and left her to raise their son alone.  She realized how lonely she was when she met Constable Ian Macgregor.  Their love slowly blossomed.  When Catherine witnessed once again the greed of landowners, she determined she would find a way to stop them.  Ian’s emotions and sensibilities were in conflict.  He was sworn to uphold the law, but he loved defiant Catherine.  He had a decision to make…Was their love strong enough to survive?

Blood on the Tartan is based on actual historical events.  The plot demonstrates the honor and resolve of the Highland people.  The Scottish inflection is a little difficult to decipher at first.  Once I got into the rhythm of it, I enjoyed the book.  I have never been to Scotland but have it at the top of my wish list.  Chris Holmes transports his readers to the past.  He carefully explains the events that unfold on the pages.  Holmes has increased my desire to see the Highlands, to hear the brogue with my own ears.  Holmes conveys the atmosphere of an era unsurpassed in history. Holmes captures the essence of the Scottish culture.  The Scottish citizens were never known to back down from a fight.  They stood their ground regardless of the threat of death.  Blood On The Tartan reminds readers of a blood era in history.  I suspect Chris Holmes has deep Scottish roots.  His passion for the country and the history shine through in his text.  Holmes provides the reader with secondary characters that are appealing.  I became so involved in this book I felt as though I was reading about dear friends.  Romance, history, drama--what more could a reader ask for?

Catherine Ross unites the village to oppose the land owners. The owners can make more money by raising sheep. Ian MacGregor is deeply in love with Catherine. He must decide whether to stand with her or to uphold the law. 

Chris Holmes researched Scottish history thoroughly. His book, Blood On The Tartan, accurately describes the harsh life of the Highlands.  The contrast between the gently growing love and the unforgiving life of the peasants is brilliantly effective. Holmes writing style is perfect for this genre. His text sounds Scottish.

I sat down to read Shattered Realit,y expecting to read it in one sitting. I had to lay it down several times, do something, anything; I had to move. After a deep breath, I again returned to read “Shattered Reality.”  

This book brought me anger, frustration, and sadness. Kimberly Cheryl is a courageous mother. Rather than sweeping this under the rug, she has become an advocate for her daughter and for other victims. Despite a few proofreading errors, I am giving this book 5 stars. I am begging and pleading for the world to read this book.  Ms. Cheryl, it is my prayer that your family heals. I pray that this monster is taken off the street, so that he cannot harm anyone else. Parents, grandparents, teachers, law officers, everyone should be required to read this book.

Written by:  Phil Chalmers

Published by:  Barbour

Reviewed by:  Stephanie Rollins and T.J. Rollins (age 15) for ReviewYourBook.com 11/2008

ISBN:  1-59310-489-8

“Perfect for individual study or group study” 5 stars

Abortion, alcohol, pride, modesty, divorce, it is all in here along with every other topic teens are faced with.  Each section is about 3 or 4 pages in length.  It has a brief story, recanting the lessons adults have learned the hard way.  Also, it has Bible scriptures that explain the Christian view point on each subject.  At the end of each section, God’s desire is described and summarized. 

As the title implies, this is not a beat-around-the-bush book.  It is important, though.  Grace is a theme that ties all the personal stories together.  These topics are what teens are facing.  Parents and youth leaders will find this book as a refreshing way to bring up the hard topics.  Perhaps after reading this, they will not have to learn the lessons the hard way.

T.J. read the book in small intervals, as it is supposed to be read.  He appreciated knowing why Christians believe as they do.  When asked if his friends would like the book, he stated that they would.   Get a copy for your teen.  Read it with them.

A Full House—But Empty is a story that will bring a smile to your face and tears to your eyes. Angus Munro writes with great humility. I found myself respecting him more and more as I read his memoir. 

He calls himself a neat freak. As a child, he was responsible for cleaning the house, cleaning up after poker games, and after the many frequent guests. As an adult, he never felt himself above cleaning the office on weekends. I know some neat freaks.   Most complain the whole time they are cleaning up after someone else. Munro does not appear to have that type of personality. He sees something that needs to be done, and he just does it. His mantra is “Whatever you do follow through.” His work ethic is one that is to be admired. Rarely in this day do you meet someone that believes it is a privilege to have a job.  

His father’s mantra of “do the right thing” has play a big part in Munro’s life as it should in all lives. It is an honor to recommend A Full House—But Empty to fellow readers. I commend Mr. Munro for living a life worth looking up to. There are not many heroes left in this world, but I deem Mr. Munro a hero.

Written by:  Isabelle Drake

Published by:  Cerridwen Press

ISBN:  9781419917493

“Fell Short” 2 stars

Victoria buys a ranch to prove that she is a capable woman—not a spoiled, pampered rich girl.  Lang, a cowboy, happens onto the ranch.  There is stubborn attraction between them from the beginning. 

The banter, the indecisiveness between the characters, and the emotional turmoil of the characters distracted me.  I just never became hooked on this story.  I never connected to the characters.  The heat between them fizzled almost every time I was geared up for a steamy scene.  This is a dud.  There are many better books from Cerridwen.