Flaming Tree by Phyllis Whitney is a 1985 publication.
Well, my goodness-
This was not Whitney’s best book by a long shot! I’m not even sure where to sFlaming Tree by Phyllis Whitney is a 1985 publication.
Well, my goodness-
This was not Whitney’s best book by a long shot! I’m not even sure where to start here. In the beginning there is a slow burn drama surrounding a tragic accident that left a mother unable to walk and her young son comatose. Kelsey, a woman who is recovering from her own tragic loss, is commissioned to work with the boy, which puts her into the middle of a strange family dynamic where secrets and deceptions keep her emotions on edge as she searches for answers that could aide in her treatment of the child…
While the thread involving the child making progress under Kelsey’s tutelage is compelling- Kelsey didn’t spend that much time with the boy. Instead, she’s more interested in an old murder mystery, in unearthing family secrets and trying to deny her attraction to the boy’s father- all of which was fairly boring and very slow moving.
‘Gothic’ novels by the mid-eighties had fallen out of favor- but Whitney continued to write beyond that trend- sticking to a romantic suspense formula. (This book has some Gothic labels- but there aren't enough Gothic elements here for that label to apply.) When this book was published, PW was in her early eighties- (she lived to be 104!). Though the paranormal elements associated with the Gothic novels of the sixties and seventies had waned significantly, Whitney forced some ‘perceptions’ and ‘fortune telling’ into the book, perhaps thinking her readers expected those elements, at least to some extent- but it added nothing to the story whatsoever and was mostly a distraction.
Not until the last few chapters did things get interesting and then it turned into an illicit, forbidden drama that I suppose might have shocked some audiences back in the mid-eighties- especially for those used to reading standard RS with more straightforward crime elements. Mostly, I was just ticked off that I’d patiently put up with a subpar story only to have it end on that note.
Overall, I have a nice little collection of PW’s novels and will certainly feel the urge to read one of them again sometime in the future, so this experience won’t deter me. That said, this is the most disappointing effort I’ve encountered from this author.
*Note: There is an emotional author’s note at the end of the book. The author expresses the need to consider alternative therapies for traumatic events and to never give up hope. This storyline and the therapies used in the treatment of comatose patients was sadly a very personal one for Whitney. Her remarks and the content in this book did prompt me to do a little research on the topic of nutritional therapies, which I found very interesting- and helpful for those patients-even if they aren’t as effective as Whitney believed them to be.
Freefall by Jessica Barry is a 2019 Harper publication.
After a handful of sub-par thrillers, I was a bit leery about picking this one- but thankfullyFreefall by Jessica Barry is a 2019 Harper publication.
After a handful of sub-par thrillers, I was a bit leery about picking this one- but thankfully, it turned out to be a solid effort, as it goes.
A dual narrative between an estranged mother and daughter, Maggie and Allison, after the latter is thought to have died in a plane crash, was a compelling setup. The story moves at a fair clip and was interesting enough to keep me engaged. There were a few issues here and there, plus one big eye roll. *See note
That said, this one did have some suspense, a bit of survivalist adventure, and a nice mother and daughter dynamic that was at the heart of the story. Overall, though better than the usual popcorn thriller, it's an average midlist effort- but for the most part it kept me entertained for a few days and that's about as good as it gets right now in this genre.
3.5 stars rounded up
*Note
There was one issue I had with the author and while skimming through the reviews, I noticed I was not the only one that took offense to the suggestion that older adults required help from their adult children to set up a FB account and were probably internet impaired. (And I was pleased to see them call it out) Are you kidding me? Well, that’s not true- at all- In fact, my adult children often get a few hints from me. Heck, even MY parents who are in their eighties are competent enough with the basics of smartphones, Roku’s, and Alexa products. Geez! I didn’t dock the author for this offense- but please authors- DO BETTER!...more
The Essential Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners 2024 by Kimberly N. Bains is a 2024 publication.
My DH and I have been on this diet for about
The Essential Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners 2024 by Kimberly N. Bains is a 2024 publication.
My DH and I have been on this diet for about 8 months, and we love it! I’m always looking for more recipe ideas, so when I noticed this cookbook in the KU program I couldn’t resist.
This book has thousands of recipes so surely there is something here for everyone who is interested in the Mediterranean way of eating. It also includes recipes that utilize the insta-pot or pressure cooker- which I’ve come to rely on more and more often- so that was a big help for me.
For beginners there’s a 30-day meal plan to help you get started. From there the book is sectioned off into categories as most other cookbooks- but there are a few hiccups.
The biggest one is the lack of photographs- which is sort of a big oops. Not every recipe, due to simplicity, needed a photo, but photos are necessary- at least a smattering of them per category- in my opinion.
The other issue was the sheer volume of recipes. It was just overwhelming, and some great recipes could get lost in the shuffle or overlooked. Honestly, the popularity of this diet would certainly allow for this volume to be broken down into at least two, maybe three or four even, segments. The inclusion of photos would help fill it out and encourage people to try the dishes and meal plans.
Other than that, this will give the beginner an idea of how many different ways one can incorporate fresh vegetables, whole grains, and fruits into their diet using their favorite cooking methods and without too much extra time in the kitchen.
If I Go Missing by Leslie Wolfe is a 2024 Bookouture publication.
In the vein of the 'If I go missing' TikTok thing- I don't have an account- so, untiIf I Go Missing by Leslie Wolfe is a 2024 Bookouture publication.
In the vein of the 'If I go missing' TikTok thing- I don't have an account- so, until I came across this book I was unaware of it- this novel takes the hashtag and runs with it- but with some mixed results...
In this case, Alana comes up with the idea of creating a binder that holds all the deeply personal information that one might need in the ‘unlikely event’ that you go missing- details investigators would have to wade through a lot of red tape to acquire while the clock is ticking.
One should create, update, and keep this binder hidden in a place where only a person that knows you really well will be able to find it… Sounds like a practical idea considering an experience Alana once had. Her idea even gets a little press attention…
But after a televised interview, people in Alana’s life start to go missing…
I got into this one for a while. It was sort of original, it was twisty, and held my attention, but the ending just went off the rails- Once the plot was explained, and I put all the pieces together, it didn’t make much sense, and the last paragraph was… confusing?
It felt like being led on a wild goose chase- which obviously made me feel like I had just wasted a lot of my time for nothing…
I’m an outlier on this one- the book was mainly well-received- but unfortunately it fell flat for me.
The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson is a 2022 Delacorte publication.
When Alice’s boyfriend, Steve, dumps her and starts dating her best frThe Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson is a 2022 Delacorte publication.
When Alice’s boyfriend, Steve, dumps her and starts dating her best friend, Brooke, Alice pulls a disappearing act. Now that’s she is back home, she needs help getting caught up with her schoolwork and is assigned a tutor….
Enter Iris- a super smart girl with a secret troubled life who is desperate to scrape up enough cash so that she and her mother can leave town.
But when Brooke goes missing, and Steve becomes the prime suspect, Alice and Iris team up to find out what really happened to Brooke….
This book has been on my TBR list for two years. I honestly can’t remember what prompted me to add it- except maybe the ‘Agatha Christie’ theme- because everyone knows I usually avoid anything that reeks of teen/young adult material.
The story is indeed a homage in a way to Agatha Christie and I thought it was pretty cool that a book targeting a younger audience was featuring the great ‘Golden Age’ mystery writer. The mystery is solid and has some very nice, well-timed twists. The surprise ending was a nice touch, only deflated a bit by the rather thin motive.
Overall, this was a pleasant surprise for me-mystery-wise- and a nice diversion and change of pace as well.
3.5 stars rounded down because of the adult content in a YA book.
END OF REVIEW
Note:
*My understanding is that this book is recommended to ages 14 and up. I'll have to respectfully disagree and say sixteen-maybe even seventeen and up- due to language - ( A PG13 movie can only have one F-bomb- or else it gets an R rating- and if a movie is rated R- then one must be seventeen or older to see it and this book had multiple F-bombs),and very adult topics that might land a trigger warning even in adult novels- including domestic violence, and date violence, as well as talk of sex tapes and teenage drinking, and foul language- as mentioned before- these are not mild swear words.
Anyone following my reviews over the years can tell you, I have a running objection to adult content and language in books marketed to younger audiences. I no longer leave these rants in the body of the review- but I will always, on the rare occasion I read one of these books, include my thoughts on this topic.
Authors feel by including this material the story depicts teens in a more authentic way- but... just a thought... not all young people mature emotionally at the same pace. It would be nice if books geared to this audience were written with all people in mind. Pushing adult language and themes on teens before they are emotionally capable of handling it- though, they may seem more mature- is a missed opportunity to set a better example- giving them a bit of accountability instead of offering up disclaimers for their bad behavior - and give them a break from the flood of images and material thrown at them from all directions these days... a safe haven, if you will- as books were for me when I was this age....more
The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate is a 2013 Tyndale publication.
This is the first book in the Carolina Heirlooms series and is centered around Tandi Jo The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate is a 2013 Tyndale publication.
This is the first book in the Carolina Heirlooms series and is centered around Tandi Jo Reese, a woman with two children running from an abusive marriage.
Tandi is renting Anne Poole’s cottage which sits across from Anne’s large Victorian home. When Anne passes away suddenly, Tandi is invited to help get the house cleaned up for a little extra food and money. In desperate need of funds, she readily agrees, which leads her to the discovery of a prayer box belonging to Anne Poole. Realizing that Anne had been misunderstood and that her story needed to be explored, Tandi begins piecing together bits and pieces of Anne’s life, and the old woman gradually becomes a powerful inspiration.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s a gentle story that addresses difficult family dynamics, overcoming one’s past, and realizing your self-worth. Tandi’s journey is gradual, and her old habits and self-image continues to haunt her- but Anne Poole’s prayer box, a friendship with her son’s teacher, and a new job working for some special ladies all help guide her to a much better place.
The only quibble I had was that the conclusion felt a little too open-ended or abrupt. Looking into the next installment I see there is a novella that is a continuation of this story- so maybe that will help me come to a firmer feeling about Tandi’s future.
Overall, a lovely story anyone and everyone can enjoy! There are still a few weeks left of summer and this would be the perfect book to pack in your beach bag! ...more
The Night She Went Missing by Kristen Bird is a 2022 Harlequin MIRA publication.
I have SO many Psychological Thrillers on my Kindle I need to weed thThe Night She Went Missing by Kristen Bird is a 2022 Harlequin MIRA publication.
I have SO many Psychological Thrillers on my Kindle I need to weed through. I know some of them are… shall we say… ‘B movie’ caliber stories- but sometimes I’m in the mood for just that kind of quick, soapy PT that won’t require a lot of effort on my part and for entertainment purposes only- if you will. This one looked like it would probably fit the bill… so I plucked it off my ‘virtual’ shelf and dove in.
It pulled me in right off and held my attention for a good while… but then it just went completely off the rails. While my expectations were not especially high to begin with, I was a little disappointed that after the strong start, it fizzled out so spectacularly.
Unfortunately, the story got more ridiculous as it went and while I can overlook some of that for the sake of entertainment, this was more than even I could tolerate. Still, it is my understanding that this is the author’s debut effort and as such, one can see she shows promise and let’s be honest… there is a large audience for these books, and I think Bird can build on the momentum she gained with this effort.
Overall, while I wasn’t looking for greatness, this one was just a bit too over the top for me to give it a stronger rating.
The Sea Glass Sisters by Lisa Wingate is a 2013 Tyndale House publication.
I discovered I had a book in this series on my Kindle- but it was the seconThe Sea Glass Sisters by Lisa Wingate is a 2013 Tyndale House publication.
I discovered I had a book in this series on my Kindle- but it was the second book in the series- so I decided to go back and read the first book- which is when I discovered there was a prequel, if you will. Though this book was published in between full-length installments, I decided to start with this novella then read ‘The Prayer Box’ after that.
This story features a 911 operator, Elizabeth Gallagher, who is going through a rough patch. A trip with her mother to visit her aunt, finds the island preparing for a hurricane and her aunt dealing with a serious health condition.
Yet the time away from home gives Elizabeth a chance to reflect on her rapidly approaching ‘empty nest’, her marriage, and her future…
This novella gives me a feel for the kind of series this will be, and I can tell it’s right up my alley. I loved Elizabeth’s realistic issues, the reality of her job, her home life and her perspective on living on an island that is so prone to hurricanes and floods.
After reading Wingate’s ‘Before We Were Yours’, I promised to read more books by this author. I was surprised by how many books she had written before I discovered her. It’s taken me awhile to find my way back to her, but I’m glad I finally did! I’m very much looking forward to this series!!
The Doctrine of Prayer by T.W. Hunt is a 1986 publication.
This is another book I picked up from my parents’ collection. I grabbed this one because I The Doctrine of Prayer by T.W. Hunt is a 1986 publication.
This is another book I picked up from my parents’ collection. I grabbed this one because I had read one book on prayer and l always like to get various perspectives on a subject.
This book was obviously intended to be used in a church classroom setting as it has a workbook included and a place for one to answer questions about the chapters read and studied. That said, if one can locate a copy, it will be a great personal guide. (This book is available at Amazon.com- but only in paperback as far as I can tell- it's a bit pricey- but if you stumble across it a the library or used bookstore, you might consider it)
Some of the topics covered are:
Personal prayer, prayer as a married couple, and family devotions.
Praying without selfishness, within God’s will, intersessions, supplications, praise and thanksgivings.
This is a quick, but thorough, go at your own pace, prayer study, with scriptures included and personal examples that Hunt experienced in his own life, in his marriage, and with his family.
Overall, compared to the last book I read on this subject, I'd say this one is geared more toward your normal church member, and not aimed towards the theology student.
The 1986 publication date, means there are a few dated photographs and an outdated list of distractions that do not include current technologies- But, God doesn’t change-so all these lessons still hold true and always will. So, find, or make, the time to pray alone, with your spouse, and with your family. It will be worth a few missed TikTok videos, or social media scrolls.
If You Will Ask: Reflections on the Power of Prayer by Oswald Chambers is a 1963 publication.
This is a thin volume focused on prayer written by OswaldIf You Will Ask: Reflections on the Power of Prayer by Oswald Chambers is a 1963 publication.
This is a thin volume focused on prayer written by Oswald Chambers who is best known for his devotional book, “My Utmost for His Highest”.
While not very long, the book really packs a punch. I've never read a book solely devoted to prayer, and Chambers brings out some truths that I’d never really considered before.
The reason I mention that is because, though I pray often, but I’ve never thought about how I approached it or what it cost God for me to pray- making me realize what a privilege it is to pray.
Chambers, though, well versed on the subject- with only a few exceptions, is mostly down to earth enough for anyone, no matter where they may be on their spiritual journey to understand his message.
There were a couple of passages in which I’d have to respectfully disagree, but overall, this is a very good place to start if you want to learn about the power of prayer and its extreme importance in your daily walk with the Lord.
4 stars
*Very old book, but amazingly, it is available at a reasonable price in the Amazon Kindle store- at this writing. I own a copy- gifted to me by my parents. ...more
Love at First Bark by Dana Mentink is a 2017 publication.
This is a super short and sweet contemporary romance novella- a part of the ‘Love Unleashed’Love at First Bark by Dana Mentink is a 2017 publication.
This is a super short and sweet contemporary romance novella- a part of the ‘Love Unleashed’ series. The story is about Marcy, an author, who gets a taste of unexpected success, but must now meet deadlines… and her heart just isn’t quite in it. One of her many distractions is a cute dog who showed up out of the blue...
Enter cowboy Jackson Parker who seems to recognize Marcy’s dilemma and gently leads her to a few realizations making her think about the direction her life should go going forward.
This is a cute ‘lunchbreak’ read and a nice introduction to the series. Who can pass up a cute dog and a handsome cowboy?
Notes on a Silencing by Lacy Crawford is a 2020 Little Brown & Co. publication.
This is a raw, searing memoir chronicling Lacy Crawford time attendingNotes on a Silencing by Lacy Crawford is a 2020 Little Brown & Co. publication.
This is a raw, searing memoir chronicling Lacy Crawford time attending St. Paul’s Academy and the all too familiar story of a horrifying sexual assault that resulted in physical illness and psychological damage, but was also covered up by a school that protected its reputation and male students at all cost.
Lacy finds her voice years later when the school finds itself under investigation... Finally.
An elite school with powerful allies manages to silence Crawford… or so they thought. This memoir holds nothing back and paints an appalling picture of crime, double standards, bullying and blackmail. It is also a tale of lost innocence, of a time when even parents failed to see obvious signs of distress, leaving a young girl to cope in a viscous world of harassment and entitlement.
This is not an easy book to read, and it goes without saying it is one long trigger- so prepare yourself. Still, it’s an important book- one that needs more attention now that some of the fire from the “Me Too” movement has cooled down. We still need a reminder, as we can’t be so naïve that we believe all that toxicity has magically cleared up now. Today, as we speak, there’s a Lacy Crawford out there somewhere… and she needs us to keep up the pressure, to insist on accountability, to protect these young people from abuse, coverups, harassment and years of unnecessary pain and heartbreak.
There were a couple of quibbles- I understand the author has the absolute right to tell her story, her way. But this is not a blog. It’s a professional book- published by a respected publishing house and as such, I would have preferred the use of more professional language - which would have left a deeper impression, I think.
The only other issue: Because this is a harrowing story and no matter how mentally healthy one is, it is emotionally draining, which made me feel it might have been a bit overlong. By the end, I was exhausted.
But other than that, this is a powerful memoir, that if you can handle the subject matter, it is well worth the emotional toll it takes. Lacy has endured much, and I’m glad she found the courage to step forward and tell her story. I think I’ll remember this one for a very long time to come....more
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whittaker is a 2024 Crown publication.
DNF – 32%. When I read Whittaker’s “We Begin at the End”, I struggled with All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whittaker is a 2024 Crown publication.
DNF – 32%. When I read Whittaker’s “We Begin at the End”, I struggled with the idea of young people dropping filthy language in front of adults with a shocking regularity. I mimicked my peers, giving the book a very positive review, focusing on the storytelling, as everyone else seemed to, but now I do remember being very conflicted about it.
Going back and re-reading my glowing review of that novel, I did mention my issues and the language, but I still gave it four stars. I wish now I’d been firmer as this novel also features very young people, in a time that is my era, one I remember well, and I certainly never heard of such behavior- dropping hardcore language, for its time, in front of adults in a rude, disrespectful way, no matter what their circumstances,( I shudder to think what would have happened if I'd said F-you to an adult- or anyone else for that matter, if overheard by an adult), and adults matching it by also using strong language in front young, impressionable, vulnerable teens... and treating them almost as peers at times.
But, this time, I’m not going to condone it, go along with it, etc., to keep from being the preachy outlier. It’s a shame I’m the only one who struggles with this aspect of the author’s writing style- which is not all THAT impressive. In fact, I don’t have a single regret about pulling the cord on this one…....more
A Hunger to Kill: A Serial Killer, a Determined Detective, and the Quest for a Confession That Changed a Small Town Forever by Kim Mager is a 2024 St.A Hunger to Kill: A Serial Killer, a Determined Detective, and the Quest for a Confession That Changed a Small Town Forever by Kim Mager is a 2024 St. Martin’s Press publication.
This book doesn’t read like most true crime stories. This is a first-person narrative from the perspective of Kim Mager, the investigator who conducted the interviews and interrogations of the serial killer-Shawn Grate- in Northern Ohio, in 2016.
He was initially brought in for a kidnapping and rape charge after his victim escaped. Little did Kim know, at the time, that this interrogation would morph into the horrifying realization that she’s sitting across the table from a serial killer…
A good police interrogation can be riveting on television or in books. They have the benefit of an author’s finesse, a screenwriter’s talent for creating an atmosphere, a knack for drawing in the audience, as well as a professional group of actors portraying the good and bad guys effectively.
In real life, watching enough true crime and recorded interviews with suspects, it’s not always as suspenseful. In some cases, it’s straightforward- sometimes it challenges our ideals of ethical tactics- But, sometimes the detectives manage to set clever traps that lying criminals step right into- but they are rarely as spit and polished as they are in fiction…
Which is something you’ll want to keep in mind before you start reading this book. I found it fascinating to hear a firsthand account of how Mager handled her interview with the suspect. She had to glean specific details from him, see if he would lie, if she could also get him to open-up about a missing woman that might be connected to him, all while building his trust in her. Tricky. Not sexy, though- like on TV. Still, as the events unfolded and Mager and others working the case began to realize the situation they were dealing with, the narrative could be quite chilling.
The problem, I think, is that the interrogations were written out a bit like a police report- or transcript one might use in court. While the information is horrifying- and Mager is obviously very good at her job- it’s too dry to capture the dark, gritty reality of what was transpiring in that interview room, and some readers might struggle with the sparseness of the writing.
That said, Mager did a great job dealing with Grate, drawing him out- despite some of his creepy mind games. The case is more than unsettling, and I thought Mager handled things just an officer should- though there were a few times when, like some her colleagues, I thought there were some risky tactics employed- but thankfully no one was hurt… or worse.
An investigator, as Kim Mager is, does not typically add profiling to their list of duties- and Kim, frankly, didn't have time for that stuff- though she was pretty skilled at deaing with Grate on a psychological level. This all transpired in a relatively short period of time, and frankly, I’m amazed that she managed to get Grate to confess- and uncover the truth of what happened to several missing women in that short time frame.
Five murders solved- and justice served- I'd say that was more than a little impressive.
But this is also a personal story- Mager’s family and her community were all affected by this case and forever changed by it.
I think if you want an up close and personal look at how these things work in real life, this is a fine example of a day in the life of an investigator… not one who plays one on TV or a part of an author’s imagination- it’s real life and reads as such.
Is it the most polished book? No, the writing is raw and I stated earlier, it's a sparce, no frills account- no long unnecessary pontifications, or sermons- no in-depth analysis or profiles of fellow officers, no fillers- and no intention of adding entertainment value to the story- just a straightforward testimony of a law enforcement officer recounting a horrifying and notorious murder case, the art of interrogation, and a job well done - without all the self-glorifying ego- which, frankly, I found refreshing.
Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time's Journey Through Rock & Roll History by Bill Janovitz is a 2023 Hachette Books publication.
I honestly hav Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time's Journey Through Rock & Roll History by Bill Janovitz is a 2023 Hachette Books publication.
I honestly have no idea how to even begin here.
This is a very comprehensive biography. The author has done an incredible job here with organizing all this material on Leon’s life. Of all the biographies I’ve ever read, this one might have been the most complicated- because Leon was complicated.
A musical genius misdiagnosed most of his life with a variety of mental health issues, he was great at music- but bad at relationships, bad with money, bad with his health. After helping so many other artists in his life, he was often forgotten about in his later years…(despite a resurgance in 2010- and his induction into the RHoF)- but in his prime…
Leon was a mystery, a bit spooky, a little intimidating. He was wild, but introverted, living in his head and in his music. He worked with so many people in his life- just an incredible list of people who wafted in and out of his orbit.
It is no wonder that he made such an impression, made such an impact on music- for others and himself. It was crazy reading about all the work he did, his methods, the way his mind worked all while he moved around a world of musical innovation. Fascinating, really.
Now when it comes to Leon’s personal life things could get sticky and Leon was not always easy to like or understand. He was, to say the very least, eccentric- not always the warmest person on earth and didn’t have a filter, either. But he also liked having all his people surrounding him despite his tendency to be absent-either physically or emotionally.
I’m really not sure how Janovitz managed to get through all the family drama portions of the book as it was often confusing and convoluted, but he did an amazing job on this herculean task.
That said, if you aren’t as familiar, as the author is, with Leon Russell, or if you aren’t a child or prodigy of Leon’s generation, some of this material could be tedious. I knew many people spoken of in this book, but there were just as many I did not know. Sometimes the process of creating the music went straight over my head and I admit to occasionally skimming some sections as this book is extremely long for a biography. In fact, it might have been a good idea to have broken this book up into two sections as is the current trend for some memoirists these days. I was tempted to put the book aside for a while, actually, as it was definitely dense at times, and I have been so busy it was hard to stay focused on some sections of it- and with the length of it I'd started to crave a little fiction. But- this didn’t diminish my absolute respect for what the author has put together here and the obvious labor of love that it was is beyond impressive.
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