author
The Ghost Chronicles – Marlo Berliner
Michael Andrews has his very promising young life cut short just as he is about to graduate high school. We get to journey with him as he learns how to live in the afterlife, continues to visit his family and girlfriend, and meets others like him in the afterlife. Except for his father, who died well before Michael. Did his father go to Heaven?
He has many questions, but is not getting the answers he wants. Why didn’t he cross over? Do people really go to Heaven, and is there a Heaven? Michael meets Sarah, who also suffered an early death. The two teenagers grow close, even though they have been warned of the dangers of a relationship.
To make matters worse, Michael is being chased by demons who are after his soul. He does not know why they are after him, but it becomes clear that someone he met knows more than they are telling. Can he find the answers he so desperately wants, and keep himself and Sarah safe as well?
You can visit the author’s website here: Marlo Berliner Website
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The Lincoln Conspiracy – Timothy L. O’Brien
I found this book while I was wandering up and down the aisles of my library looking for a different book. Most of you probably know I am a HUGE Lincoln fan (I may have a problem!), so I always like to read books that revolve around him, his family, or his presidency.
This one did not disappoint. Temple McFadden is a Detective in Washington D.C., and happens to find himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. From the beginning to the end, Temple, his wife Fiona, and their friend Augustus are doing everything in their power to protect two diaries. One is Mrs. Lincoln’s; the other belonged John Wilkes Booth.
They have assistance from some other friends, are double crossed, and every day seems to bring a new battle. It is believed that both diaries contain information on the possible real reason Mr. Lincoln was assassinated. Many want to see the diaries destroyed, in order to protect themselves and their business interests.
I always try to avoid spoilers at-all-costs, so I will have to leave this review here. If you enjoy history, this book is a must-read!
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Night Mask – William W. Johnstone
Well, I know for a fact I have never read this horror story by Mr. Johnstone. When I bought it, I noticed many of the reviews discussed the high level of violence and depravity in the story. I was expecting it to be much worse than it was. It was right in line with most of the other horror novels he had written. I am guessing that those reviewers have likely not read anywhere near as many of Mr. Johnstone’s horror novels as I have.
It is a rather lengthy story, but it certainly engages you right from the get-go and keeps those pages turning. I will not get into too many details since it really is quite graphic, and I always try to avoid spoilers whenever possible.
The main thing to remember about these stories is that they were written before there were computers in every home, DVD players, and cell phones. It is definitely part of the charm of why I enjoy these books.
Lani and Leo are police officers who are put on a case that will change their lives. What seems like one gruesome incident is just the tip of the iceberg. They are about to discover a killing club that has been active for decades.
As more and more bodies are discovered, more help gets brought in to assist the two officers. They soon realize there are people everywhere whom they should not trust, even in their own department.
Someone is using the local radio station to introduce subliminal messages to the listeners, who in turn fall under the control of a very evil pair of twins. What begins in one small town takes you from the East Coast to the West Coast, with a body count so high, it is the worst in history.
There are many characters involved in the story, so you definitely need to pay attention to all the different angles going on. In the end, it all comes full circle, and everything is tied together.
Definitely an intense read, but well worth the efforts!
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If You Could Have Dinner With an Author?
Before I post my author, and I will tell you, I was arguing with myself for days; if you could have dinner with one author, living or not, who would it be?
I am expecting some familiar names, and please do not let that stop you from posting, because I would honestly love to have dinner with JK Rowling, Stephen King (hold the meal), or Mr. Patterson.
I would have loved to have had a face-to-face with Mr. William W. Johnstone, whom stoked my fire for writing when I wrote to him as a young teenager, obsessed with his books, and he replied, and we had a friendly relationship for several years.
That book right there; Sweet Dreams, put me on the path to loving books for the rest of my life!
And now I have a personal library in my house, and I am constantly hunting for the books I loved as a child. Alfred Hitchcock and the Three Investigators? They are gold now, because I cannot find a single one under $30.00, and my local library does not even carry them anymore 😦
So about that dinner…..who is it?
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Carnival – William W. Johnstone
I am sure this is one of the few, if not only, William W. Johnstone horror novels I did not read as a teenager. If I did read it, I do not recall it. That does not happen with Mr. Johnstone’s books.
Martin Holland and his family live in Holland, Nebraska. A sleepy farming town where not much happens. At least, not much since that carnival about 50 years prior. That carnival that went down in flames, literally, killing over 100 carnival workers. Unfortunately, the residents of Holland were responsible for those deaths. Vengeance based on lies that were covered up by 3 powerful men who basically ran the town.
Vengeance against the carnival that did nothing wrong.
The carnival has returned, seeking vengeance of its own.
Martin has seen the changes in his wife, Alicia, and many others in the town. They were drawn to the fairgrounds where the carnival was being set up. Staring at the tents being set up, and the workers getting things in order.
Nabo was in charge of the carnival. The same Nabo that was burned to death in the carnival of 1954.
The closer the carnival gets to opening day, the more peculiar the town becomes. Martin and Doc Reynolds both sensed what was coming to the residents of the town. Martin discovers he has the “Insight”, something that has been in his family for generations.
Now it is up to Martin, and a small group of friends, to set things right in Holland, and put an end to the evil the carnival has brought to their town. Good versus evil, God versus Satan, and a small few versus so very many.
Although I started reading these books when I was 11 or 12, just a note that they are very, very gory. I am working my way through purchasing all of Mr. Johnstone’s books that I had as a teenager, so I can again enjoy these great horror stories.
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Writer’s Problems…
… I am not a writer, but I know many authors who can probably relate to this!
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My Either – Or Book List!
Let’s have some fun! I am curious to see how many agree with some of my choices, and how many disagree (vehemently, I am sure!). When books are important to a person, they take everything about them very, very seriously 🙂 If I had to decide between the options below, and whatever one I do not choose would not exist; what would I pick?
1) Paper or Digital?
Paper
2) Romance or Sci-Fi?
Sci-Fi
3) History or Current Events?
History
4) Hercule Poirot or Sherlock Holmes?
Sherlock Holmes
5) Twilight or Hunger Games?
Twilight
6) Jane Eyre or Anna Karenina?
Jane Eyre
7) Harry Potter or Narnia?
Narnia
8) History or Biography?
History
9) Stand Alone story or Series?
Series
10) Dante or Tolstoy?
Tolstoy
11) Sauron or Jadis the White Witch?
Jadis
12) The Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew?
The Hardy Boys
In all fairness, I could have come up with about 100 of these questions. I figured I would start with this, and I cannot wait to see what your thoughts are! Let’s all play nice, as we really do not have to choose one or the other; Thank Goodness!!
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Magic Realized: and Other Poems on the Human Spirit – Louis Alan Swartz
As someone who is not a huge fan of poetry, I once again found much joy, comfort, and peace in the poetry of Louis Alan Swartz. There is something here for everyone; and by everyone, I truly mean everyone. This is volume two to the book of poems titled Constructed of Magic. You can find that book here: Constructed of Magic paperback book
On to Magic Realized, and look at this beautiful cover!
As no two people will read the same poem in the same way, or take away the same meaning, it can be difficult to express what these poems mean to me. Surely they will mean something different to you? Of course they will; your experiences are different than mine! That is what makes poetry so meaningful, and important.
Some of my favorites?
He Loves. The things a man sees and experiences at different points throughout a day, and how they bring him joy, and love.
When We Played with Wooden Toys. A reminder of times much simpler, more than they could ever be now. Don’t we all want to go back, just one more time?
Street Scene. The bare honesty that we can only truly get from a child.
He Never Began to Live. Relatable. Seen this more times than I care to remember.
Drawing Out the Magnificence. Everyone should be required to read this. A little understanding and empathy goes a long way.
Creations. This poem made me feel warmth; I could picture, smell, and feel every description as if I were experiencing it right at that moment.
There are so many beautiful poems here, on life, love, living, family, and relationships. How to love, live, and let go when necessary.
Do you write or read poetry? Who is your favorite?
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Sunday Funnies
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