writing

Wrong Place, Wrong Time-David P. Perlmutter

Angela6 Comments

Wrong Place, Wrong Time is a fast paced true story that you will not be able to put down!

Wrong place book cover image

David Perlmutter takes you along on his harrowing experience while traveling to Spain. One life changing decision at home sent him on a vacation to Spain where he hoped to clear his head and get away from it all for a while. When he makes that one decision to help out others caught in a hotel fire, his life will never again be the same.

I always try to avoid spoilers, so I am going to have to leave this review at that. This story is very detailed, putting you right in the middle of it all. It is easy to read without any of the extra filler you sometimes see in books.

You can find it on Amazon here: Wrong Place Wrong Time Book

I hope you get a chance to read this and let me know what you think!

My Christmas Book Wish List!

Angela10 Comments

Are there books you would love to have, but will not buy for yourself? Me too! Yes, believe it or not, there are some books I just cannot justify buying for myself…

There are 14 total Wizard of Oz books written by L. Frank Baum. I would love to have this hardcover set for my library. Would I read them? Doubtful, as I have read them all before. I think it would look fantastic on a shelf in my library.

ozbookstore.com
MyAntiqueMall.com
commons.wikimedia.org

Another is anything ever written about Abraham Lincoln. I believe most of you know my feelings about our 16th President … I own numerous books about President Lincoln, but there are so very, very many out there. Biographies, Fiction, Civil War books, and the list seems nearly endless. I can honestly say there is probably not a book currently in print that would have any information about Lincoln that I do not already know. So, there would be no sense in me buying them. I would still like to have them though! Below are some of my favorite pictures taken in Springfield, Illinois.

It seems innocent enough
President Lincoln lying in State.
One of many debates

Finally, I would love to have the new Harry Potter illustrated novels that are being released. I absolutely love this series, but I would not ever spend that kind of money on these illustrated editions. Honestly, I am perfectly content with having my mixture of hardcover and paperback novels of the 7 books. I also have not read The Cursed Child, and wouldn’t unless if someone gave it to me as a gift. For me, Harry Potter ended after book 7, and I prefer to leave it that way.

HP Illustrated POA Cover
photo courtesy of amazon.com

What is on your Christmas wish list? It will be here before we know it!

Judas: The Iscariot Warrior Series (Book 1) – Roy Bright

Angela3 Comments

Disclaimer: This book has grammatical and punctuation errors throughout. I talked to the author personally, and the book is currently undergoing a 2nd edit. It is nothing unbearable that does not allow you to read the book; I have seen far, FAR worse than this. I loved this book so much I am recommending you read it before the 2nd edited version gets uploaded if you have the time.

I am not sure where to even begin. Have I ever insisted you buy a book? I do not recall that I have. Well; I am now. This book is f-a-n-t-a-s-t-i-c! I would label this story as an action and adventure novel. I am also going to try to avoid giving away any spoilers, while at the same time describing just how great this book is.

Judas Book 1 cover image Roy Bright

The plot and descriptions are well written: you get the right amount of descriptions to see the scenes in your mind, without any areas that feel long-winded, drawn out, or just way more descriptive than necessary. There is plenty of action, it is fast paced, and keeps you from wanting to put the book down. I’ll give you fair warning that there is plenty of foul language throughout the story, but it suits the story and is a necessary part of the theme throughout. I also have to add that this is not a “religious” book as you might expect it to be. Hopefully I’ll be able to explain that in the following paragraphs 🙂

Judas Iscariot, thee Judas who was responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, has been alive and wandering the world for all of these centuries. He did attempt suicide as we are all aware, but was cursed by God for his sin to live forever, never being able to benefit from anything good, enjoy anything in life, or experience love.

While he has performed various tasks for God throughout the years, he is tasked with the most important one of his life. Charlotte Hope, the 2nd child God is sending to Earth, needs to be protected from Lucifer and his armies until she turns 7 years old, and saves the world from their path of destruction. Luckily for Judas (or unlucky?), this is happening in a time frame of hours versus weeks or months.

Judas is told that the usual restrictions he has been bound with have been lifted, and he can protect this child by whatever means necessary. Also; that if he succeeds he will no longer be punished as he has been for the past centuries. 2000 years of pent up frustrations are about to be let loose, and with the help of a few key characters along the way, Judas is literally in for the ride of his life.

I will say no more, as this truly is a book you need to read for yourself. I have put some important links below, and if you are lucky enough to read this story, I hope to hear what you thought of it!

You can purchase this book at the following links:

From Amazon US: Judas Book 1 (USA Customers)

From Amazon UK: Judas Book 1 (UK customers)

You can visit his personal website here: Author Roy Bright

 

Happy Birthday to the King of Horror!

Angela11 Comments

I wonder how many of us Mr. King has put on the path of reading, that we may otherwise had not found without his writing?

Were you reading Carrie, or It, or The Shining, when you knew if your parents had any idea of what was in that book, they would hit you upside the head with it?

Which book by Stephen King made you decide you absolutely had to be a writer?

And which book have you read over-and-again?

I’m going to spare you the biography on him, as I see there are a lot of posts in honor of Mr. King today. I will say I have read many of his books, but not all of them; yet.

My favorite:

From a Buick 8 Cover Image

I cannot explain what it is about this book that makes me love it so. It could be the actual story; it may be something that was going on in my life at the time I first read it that it gave me an escape from. There really is no other connection within the characters, plot, or even environment where it takes place that would connect with me. But I absolutely love this book the most!

The time Stephen King made me cry:

Bag of Bones cover image

Yes, this book made me physically, ugly-sob cry, and I would never have thought he could do that to me, and it came out of no where! Some of his best writing, in my humble opinion. I have not read this one in quite some time, so I am thinking a good reread over the  Thanksgiving holiday is due.

My Favorite Series:

Yes; I devoured this series by getting each book the day it was released, and having it read within 24 hours. I am currently experiencing extreme sadness that I have no access to the station showing the television show.

So Stephen King, I sincerely wish you the happiest 70th birthday, and cannot thank you enough for the countless hours of joy you have brought me for the past 33 years since I discovered your writing. 

Oh: and for scaring the shit out of me on many occasions where I sat up in bed for the night, with the lights on, and my tv playing loud so I couldn’t hear the noises inside my house. You are truly a master at your art, and for that, I am forever grateful!

 

Night Mask – William W. Johnstone

Angela1 Comment

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.

Night Mask Cover Image

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!

Carnival – William W. Johnstone

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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.

Carnival Cover Image

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.

Magic Realized: and Other Poems on the Human Spirit – Louis Alan Swartz

Angela12 Comments

 

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!

Magic Realized Cover Image

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?

When I am Not Reading or Editing…

Angela10 Comments

…or raising girls, or working, or homeschooling, or making bookish gifts for my Etsy store, or trying to squeeze in time with my amazing boyfriend, or going to college… I take pictures! I love nothing more than getting in my car before the sun rises, and getting pictures. I love nature, flowers, plants, wildlife, and macro pictures are my favorite!

But Autumn in West Michigan is definitely my favorite time of year!

Gale’s Pond, Shelby, Michigan, 2017
Gale’s Pond, Shelby, Michigan, 2017
Gale’s Pond, Shelby, Michigan, 2017
McGraft Park, 2016