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Powell's Staff:
Five Book Friday: In Memoriam
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Every year, the booksellers at Powell’s submit their Top Fives: their five favorite books that were released in 2023. It’s a list that, when put together, shows just how varied and interesting the book tastes of Powell’s booksellers are. I highly recommend digging into the recommendations — we would never lead you astray — but today...
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Brontez Purnell:
Powell’s Q&A: Brontez Purnell, author of ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt’
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Rachael P.:
Starter Pack: Where to Begin with Ursula K. Le Guin
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Customer Comments
Diane Walters has commented on (14) products
Sharpbrains Guide to Brain Fitness
by
Alvaro Fernandez
Diane Walters
, August 20, 2014
The SharpBrains Guide to Brain Fitness The reason I wanted to read and review this book is that brain science is a very important subject to me. I’ve had three serious jolts to my head, all were life altering. Brain science is still a subject that needs a lot more study and investigation in my opinion. The brain goes through so many changes in a lifetime: car accidents, sports accidents, kids falling down hitting their heads, hormonal changes, diet, old age . . . it’s a wonder we survive all of this trauma. The big problem is that when these injuries occur, most people don’t realize any damage has been done. They just know that people suddenly are reacting differently to them, they can’t do math any longer, they lose control of their spending habits, engage in risky behavior, or they can’t perform as well as they were able to before. That is why this company is so important to all of us. They’ve been tracking brain health and neuroscience research since 2005. They’ve gathered a lot of information from the top scientists around the globe to make us more aware of how to take care of our minds��"to make us wiser in how to change our brains and gain the specific function we have lost over the years. The book is divided into nine chapters. Eight of the chapters include interviews from some of the top brain scientists from around the world. Over 100 brain researchers have contributed to this volume providing invaluable information on the subject. In chapter one, “Start with the Brain in Mind,” the text goes into detail about how the brain functions with a focus on memory, attention, emotions, perception, motor skills, visual and spatial processing, and executive functions. The explanations give real-life examples, so that a person can easily relate to the different areas of function. Neurons are clearly explained, areas of the brain and functions, like memory, attention, etc., are lightly touched upon. Neuroplasticity is explained and how to improve learning capabilities. In chapter two, “Be a Coach, not a Patient,” some of the advancements in brain health are brought to light. There is a breakdown of a survey taken about what the average person is most concerned with in their brain health. Various new studies are examined and explained, plus a few tips that are theorized to help cognition. In chapter three, “Mens Sana In Corpore Sano,” physical exercise is examined in detail ��" new studies that show the benefits to the brain through exercise and how it can slow the progression of brain atrophy as we grow older. In chapter four, “You Are What You Eat and Drink (Up to a Point),” as the chapter title reveals, there is much talk about diet and how it effects the brain. Further discussion is included on antioxidants, supplements, caffeine and alcohol, diabetes and smoking, and how obesity affects the brain. (We all better get on those diets now!) In chapter five, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go,” different types of mental activity are mentioned and the importance of continuing to learn new information. Crossword puzzles are discussed and why they aren’t enough, and how they lose value over time. Another important subject is brought up: how to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s, and the importance of lifelong learning to buy more time. What education, board games, and playing cards have in common. And, a few video games are highlighted as helping various brain functions. In chapter six, “Oh, the People You’ll Meet,” explains the importance of brain health and social relationships. The more social connections one has the healthier the brain is. In chapter seven, “Manage Stress, Build Resilience,” There is good stress and bad stress. Chronic stress causes serious changes in the body chemicals and the brain. A section of lifestyle adjustments are suggested with highlights on the benefits of the various options listed. At the end of this chapter is a long section with many specialists explaining the effects of stress and the changes we can make to improve our brains and bodies. In chapter eight, “Cross-train Your Brain,” Brain training is explained in detail and how to get the most from the training you choose, as well as brain training games, biofeedback, cognitive behavioral training, and a SharpBrains recommendation on the top brain training programs. In chapter nine, “How to Be Your Own Brain Fitness Coach,” is a chapter to put everything in the book into a workable plan. There are personal stories explaining how various people can deal with improving their brains and life in general. Overall, “The SmartBrains Guide to Brain Fitness” is full of valuable information. Whether you want to target a specific area in your life or whether you want to just tune-up the whole brain-body connection, this book has so much to offer. It takes complex principles and puts them in simple language that is easy to understand, and it offers a deep understanding of how our brains work, and what we can do to make it better��"even as we age. This is a must-read for anyone concerned about their brain health. I told someone that I would let them read this book when I am finished with it. I don’t want to let this go now. I think I’ll buy them a copy of their own. I’d like to thank the authors for this complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
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Time and Again: Book 1 in the History Mystery Series
by
Deborah Heal
Diane Walters
, August 24, 2013
“Time and Again”--Charming! Quaint! Clever! Time and Again is a good, wholesome, old fashioned story with a modern twist. This charming tale touches upon many of the hard issues that kids have to face today��"depression, bullying, weight issues, absentee parents, abandonment, self-esteem, and young love. It is written in such a way that these issues, which seem so momentous at first, gently blend into the background and simply melt away as the relationship between Abby and Meredith develops and they become fast friends. Both girls are embarking on new adventures in their lives. Abby just graduated from college, has taken a summer job��"her first job, as a live-in tutor. Meredith recently moved to the lonely, empty little town of Miles Station with her mother to an old historic home she inherited. Determined to make a new life for them, her mother must work all sorts of crazy hours, which leaves Meredith with nothing to do. She is feeling angry and dejected, and the last thing she wants is a babysitter hanging around, pestering, her all day long. Naturally, the story does not end there . . . the old house promises some mysterious, quirky surprises for the two as they delve into its history and of the presently defunct town of Miles Station. Ms. Heal did a marvelous job in addressing some of the confusion that children have in growing up while trying to understand the adult world. In this, the book turns an enjoyable story into a chapter by chapter mini life-lessons book for teenagers. Her teaching style is crafted in such a way to make you think you are just reading a fun story. She offers so much in the way of learning history, relationships, people, and in surviving the turbulent teenage years, that you will want to read it time and again. Note: I would like to thank Deborah Heal for this lovely copy of her book, and to Review the Book.com for the opportunity to review it.
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Shimmering Tales of Tremora Book 1
by
William Westwood
Diane Walters
, July 24, 2013
FUN! The Best Fantasy Book I’ve Read This Year! I nominate this as my “Book of the Year!” “The Shimmering” is a wonderful fantasy story of fourteen year old Michael who, on his birthday, strikes out into the forests of the Cascades to search for his father who has been lost for a year. By accident, Michael wanders into a “ripple of time,” which is called a shimmering, and lands into the magical world of Tremora. People have compared this to “Harry Potter” and “The Chronicles of Narnia.” I say, “Phooey! And, Phooey again!” There is no comparison��"because, this story is delightfully unique in its own right. And, I just can’t wait for the movie! (Hollywood? Are you listening?) Michael’s free-loving, gypsy-type mother slips a note into his backpack the day he leaves. When he finds the note he learns that his mother has been to Tremora many times. She isn’t at all the normal housewife Michael thought she was. She’s been an important figure in Tremora . . . actually, she’s been many, many important figures in Tremora��"for a long, long time. She also knows that this is exactly where her husband is. She just hopes that Michael doesn’t accidently kill him. On Michael’s arrival to this special place he is greeted by a little green man named Tracker. (No, he’s not from Mars.) This Tracker fellow was sent by high order of the king to escort and protect Michael on his journey. From the very beginning, Michael is warned to “Be careful��"there is danger everywhere.” He wants to know why, but Tracker tells him he will find out when they get to the wizard’s meeting. It’s driving Michael nuts that he doesn’t understand all this. He doesn’t want to go to the wizard’s meeting��"he just wants to find his dad! Tracker presses on and tells the kid that before they can do anything about his father Michael has a serious job he has to perform. He’s got to save Tremora. And, of course, like you or me . . . the boy is thinking, ‘Me? Yah, right! This guy has some serious mental problems.’ But, he has to humor Tracker so that he can find out more about this land and where his father might be. The characters in this book are alive, exciting, and just plain fun. There are no copycats here. (To my knowledge there aren’t.) I mean, who has ever heard of camelops, wazalops, shape-shifting friendly trolls, or fluster birds. Speaking of fluster birds, Michael actually gets to meet one, and that is special because they are believed to be extinct in most parts of Tremora. Now, check this out��"even the prose is creative and fun. “The bird went berserk. It waved its wings wildly, turned summersaults, blustered, and sputtered��"feathers flew everywhere as it chirped, whistled, and spun like a spinning wheel firecracker. It then plopped down with a thud on Michael’s upturned hand, legs splayed, eyes crossed, and small tongue hanging to the side. Even so, in the midst of it all, it still managed to grab the twig with one small foot (p. 131).” I say, “Bravo, William Westwood! Bravo!” This book should be in every home and school library in America. And, I can’t wait for the movie. . . . (Are you listening, Hollywood?) Although, I do read books for the purpose of review--that in no way has any bearing on my opinion about this story. I, like the fluster bird, am spinning and wildly waving as I run through the streets screaming, “Hey? Have you read this one yet? You gotta read it! It’s really, really good!” My thanks to the author for this lovely copy of “The Shimmering,” and to Review the Book.com for this opportunity to share my thoughts on what I believe is the best fantasy book of the year. P.S. On the latest news . . . “The Shimmering” has won the Mom’s Choice award for friendly-family content and has been chosen for recording by the National Library Service audio books division and by Audible.com. (Psst.--Hollywood . . . any takers?)
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Unclaimed Legacy: Book 2 in the History Mystery Series
by
Deborah Heal
Diane Walters
, July 16, 2013
Another Great Book by Ms. Heal! “Time and Again” was a great introduction to Abby, Merri, John, and all the others living about in the Miles Station’s neighborhood. By the time I had turned to that last page I felt like I had made some new friends. “Unclaimed Legacy’s” genuine warmth and down home spirit turned those new friends into my old friends--people I’d grown up with in my old neighborhood. You know . . . the ones who make you feel like you were a part of their family. And, what is more fun than having a summer adventure with your pals from the old neighborhood? This time, Eulah and Beulah need to solve a long-time mystery in their family tree and there is only one way that Abby, Merri, and John can help them. Of course, by now . . . you know what that is from reading “Time and Again.” “Unclaimed Legacy” really has great character development and character interaction. There is a little love-play tension between Abby and John throughout the book. The history of Eulah and Beulah’s bloodline dances around a great mysterious tale that only can be solved through the odd and quirky computer program that has intrigued our three friends from the beginning. Adding the new characters gives a bit of depth and suspense to the mystery. But, I really appreciated the way this author weaves all the history of the area into the story. I’m not a great history lover but in this book there is nothing glaring or boring with dull facts that will cause you to nod off. I was almost through reading the whole book before I realized how many historical tidbits were presented. With the little I know of the third story and my experience with the first two, I am really excited to get into the last one of the trilogy. It is so refreshing to just have a good story to kick back, relax, and unwind from a trying day. Every night I read it before hitting the hay and the worst part of that is the book is done. It was really something to look forward to in ending my day. The good news is I have the last book of the trilogy left to read. And, I can’t wait! I’d like to thank Deborah Heal for this beautiful copy of “Unclaimed Legacy” in exchange for an honest review.
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The College Student's Guide to Writing a Great Research Paper: 101 Easy Tips & Tricks to Make Your Work Stand Out
by
Erika Eby
Diane Walters
, February 06, 2013
Worth the Investment! I like this book. The outside cover is colorful, attractive, and inviting. Inside the book, there are pictures of happy, smiling students that would cheer up anyone��"even those who aren’t writers. The font is large and easy to read. Each chapter has tips, examples, samples from people in the field, and explanations about why each suggestion works. The writing is clear and easily understood without talking down to the reader. The chapters cover preparation, organization, writing tricks, research, thesis statements, plagiarism, and citations for MLA, APA, and Chicago Style. In the back of the book is a small resources section that could prove very handy. I’m in my third year of college and there is quite a bit of information packed into this little volume that I’ve never heard of before. Overall, I am quite pleased with the book and believe that it is well worth the investment for someone who wants to do well in school. I’d like to thank Erika Eby for this lovely copy of the book, and also, Review the Book.com for the opportunity to review this book.
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Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station
by
Deborah Heal
Diane Walters
, December 26, 2012
Charming! Quaint! Clever! Time and Again is a good, wholesome, old fashioned story with a modern twist. This charming tale touches upon many of the hard issues that kids have to face today . . .depression, bullying, weight issues, absentee parents, abandonment, self-esteem, and young love. It is written in such a way that these issues, which seem so momentous at first, gently blend into the background and simply melt away as the relationship between Abby and Meredith develops and they become fast friends. Both girls are embarking on new adventures in their lives. Abby just graduated from college, has taken a summer job . . . her first job, as a live-in tutor. Meredith recently moved to the lonely, empty little town of Miles Station with her mother to an old historic home she inherited. Determined to make a new life for them, her mother must work all sorts of crazy hours, which leaves Meredith with nothing to do. She is feeling angry and dejected, and the last thing she wants is a babysitter hanging around, pestering, her all day long. Naturally, the story does not end there . . . the old house promises some mysterious, quirky surprises for the two as they delve into its history and of the presently defunct town of Miles Station. Ms. Heal did a marvelous job in addressing some of the confusion that children have in growing up while trying to understand the adult world. In this, the book turns an enjoyable story into a chapter by chapter mini life-lessons book for teenagers. Her teaching style is crafted in such a way to make you think you are just reading a fun story. She offers so much in the way of learning history, relationships, people, and in surviving the turbulent teenage years, that you will want to read it time and again. Note: I would like to thank Deborah Heal for this lovely copy of her book, and to Review the Book.com for the opportunity to review it.
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A Footpath in Umbria: Learning, Loving & Laughing in Italy
by
Nancy Yuktonis Solak
Diane Walters
, December 04, 2012
Good Friends, Good Food, Great Holiday! My trip to Umbria, Italy lasted only about a week; and I never even had to get out of bed. It was a wonderful journey as I followed Nancy Yuktonis Solak on her year long vacation to the center of that passionate and romantic land. Her lovely book, “A Footpath in Umbria” is peppered with pictures of the spirited ebullient people she met and of the historic places she and her husband had visited. Her day to day experiences were so much fun to read about as she and her husband took long walks meandering around the city, having dinner with friends and neighbors, imbibing in a little wine, and sharing in long leisurely conversations with the locals. It seemed no matter whom they met . . . everyone turned out to be a friend welcoming them into their homes and families. She shared bits and pieces of Italian culture and noted the differences between theirs and ours. There were visits to the library, markets, and the different Internet cafes available where she could catch up on emails and phone home. It was interesting to note the hearty stock that Italians are and how they brave the cold weather; even in the dead of winter no one had a cold over there. The only thing I didn’t like is . . . my adventure is now over; the house seems a little more quiet and empty than it did before I picked up this book. But, now I know, if I ever want to return to visit with Nancy or the people of Umbria, it is just a bookshelf away. I’d like to thank the author for this beautiful copy of “A Footpath in Umbria”, and also to Review the Book.com for the opportunity to review this book.
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A Footpath in Umbria: Learning, Loving & Laughing in Italy
by
Nancy Yuktonis Solak
Diane Walters
, December 04, 2012
Good Friends, Good Food, Great Holiday! My trip to Umbria, Italy lasted only about a week; and I never even had to get out of bed. It was a wonderful journey as I followed Nancy Yuktonis Solak on her year long vacation to the center of that passionate and romantic land. Her lovely book, “A Footpath in Umbria” is peppered with pictures of the spirited ebullient people she met and of the historic places she and her husband had visited. Her day to day experiences were so much fun to read about as she and her husband took long walks meandering around the city, having dinner with friends and neighbors, imbibing in a little wine, and sharing in long leisurely conversations with the locals. It seemed no matter whom they met��"everyone turned out to be a friend welcoming them into their homes and families. She shared bits and pieces of Italian culture and noted the differences between theirs and ours. There were visits to the library, markets, and the different Internet cafes available where she could catch up on emails and phone home. It was interesting to note the hearty stock that Italians are and how they brave the cold weather; even in the dead of winter no one had a cold over there. The only thing I didn’t like is . . . my adventure is now over; the house seems a little more quiet and empty than it did before I picked up this book. But, now I know, if I ever want to return to visit with Nancy or the people of Umbria, it is just a bookshelf away. I’d like to thank the author for this beautiful copy of “A Footpath in Umbria”, and also to Review the Book.com for the opportunity to review this book.
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She's My Dad
by
Woulff, Iolanthe
Diane Walters
, November 16, 2012
Intriguing! Honest! Refreshing! My first thought when I saw the high ratings for “She’s My Dad” was the author must have a lot of friends--the book cannot be that good. And, even though I do review books I am happy to report that all the reviews are accurate. There’s no fudging on this one. “She’s My Dad” is not what I expected it to be. It is not a journey of mismatched sour romances; nor it is a book of soul searching, familiar movies, or transsexuals. Even though the book does have a transsexual person in it, it is not about the process or the whys and whatnots. It is a modern day allegory that shows the inside truth of people set in a northern Virginia college town. The college openly accepts everyone through their doors who wants an education; but, there are some people who were bred in Southern tradition and are set about what they feel should be right and proper . . . and, they are not happy about Windfield College. And, they plan to do something about it. This book is as fun as it is smart. It is not written in the typical fifth-grade English that most novels today are. Actually, there are interesting words that pique one’s curiosity of how the characters interact with each other; however, not so many as to bog down the flow of the storyline. In addition to the intelligence of the book, it is witty, clever, and engaging~full of suspense and mystery. Ms. Woulff has an amazing ability to paint the character portraits with incredible sharpness and clarity so you don’t lose sight of who is doing what. What further surprised me was the interesting storyline. I certainly was not expecting sub-plots that involved big ugly brutes and wealthy crime bosses who were involved in home-grown terrorism. There are many interesting side stories that puzzle into the main characters’ lives and plot of the book. Every one of them is clearly defined and is woven ever so carefully into the climax of the novel. Normally, this type of literature (crime, guns, things that go boom, etc.) does not interest me; but, this was so well written I could not put it down. The more I read, the hungrier I got. Be forewarned that there are a few characters that use foul language occasionally; and, there are some scenes that are briefly sexual. That being aside, considering the sensitive nature of some of the material, I felt, it was handled with great care. Overall, I absolutely loved the book! Loved it! The message it brings us is so important~so necessary, that I wish it were in every library, college, and bookstore in America. Better than that . . . it really needs to be a movie. Note: I'd like to thank both Iolanthe Woulff for this lovely copy of "She's My Dad" and Review the Book.com for this opportunity.
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Things Your Dog Doesnt Want You to Know Eleven Courageous Canines Tell You What Your Dog Wont
by
Hy Conrad, Jeff Johnson
Diane Walters
, November 04, 2012
This is a darling book and I was thrilled when it came in the mail. My initial reaction when I started reading the book was one of confusion. I was expecting essays of a more serious/personal nature, perhaps, with a little comedy on the side. I did not realize that the book was going to be full of comedy sketches. Once I tuned in on that aspect--I had great fun with it. The graphic design is excellent! It is brightly colored in the style of a scrapbook. Each dog has its own page design and font for the letters he/she writes to you. Every personality has a different voice and story to tell. The authors did a great job in matching the personality to each breed. The breeds are: Yellow Lab, Border Collie, Boxer, Chihuahua, Bull Dog, Cocker Spaniel, German Shepherd, Miniature Schnauzer, Mixed Breed, Long Haired Dachshund, Blood Hound. Some books you read and can’t wait to give them away. This book? You’ll want to pass on to other people, but only with a new copy because you won’t be able to part with its perky design and the delightful little stories. It is a great little coffee table book, great for a gift, great for the holidays, and just a lot of fun all the way around. Be forewarned . . . if you dare take it to work to show your colleagues--I guarantee you’ll never see it again. **Note to Orson . . . "don’t eat any more grapes. They are toxic to dogs. You’ll get sick and maybe die. I’d like to thank the authors: Jeff Johnson and Hy Conrad, and the art director Dean Stefanides for this beautiful copy and all the joy they have provided with this adorable book; and, to www.reviewthebook.com for this opportunity to--review the book.
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Penny Necklace
by
Kathrine Grey
Diane Walters
, October 16, 2012
Penny Necklace Oooh! This was just like fine candy. I so needed a break, a rest, a nice long train trip. Clickity-clack. Clickity-clack. The train runs down the track. . . . I tried hard to parcel out this story. You know . . . take a little time to enjoy and savor. I did pretty well, too, until I got to the middle of the book. Then, I couldn’t stop. It was too much fun! I had to eat up the rest of the whole story all at once. This was a romance with a dream; a dream a 15-year old girl would have when she met a boy that drove her to distraction. He was an older boy--just passing through town--"decided to stay a while and woo a pretty young girl. It was that summer that Aisley Sullivan fell in love with a boy who wouldn’t tell her his name; he just said, “Call me David.” Little did she know she would be dreaming of that summer for most of her young adult life. And, what was so good about this book, what it had that captured me--is that it was all believable. It wasn’t the mushy, sappy type of romance that makes you either swoon or puke. It was more nostalgic; the kind of story that brings sweet remembrances of a time long ago when your emotions are so strong and alive and everything is brilliant like the sun. It kept reminding me of the risky things I did at that age, like having a boy/girl slumber party and everyone told their parents that they would be at their “friend’s” house for a sleep over. It was dangerous and exciting--"well, exciting back then . . . but all we did was play music, kiss, and everyone kept their clothes on. We thought it was dangerous and exciting, though. Somehow Katherine Grey knew what I did when I was a young girl of 15. She knew how I felt, and how powerful a brand new love can be at that age. She’s managed to take me back there tonight and has put a smile on my face with her simple sweet story. Thank you Katherine Grey and Review the Book for this complimentary copy of Penny Necklace. It was so nice to get away for a little bit. . . .
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The Organ Grinder and the Monkey
by
Sam Moffie
Diane Walters
, October 03, 2012
The Organ Grinder and the Monkey has a lot going on. It is a busy story in the lives of three very different people. Seymour Petrillo, from Steubenville, Ohio, grows up in an Italian family who has enough problems to be a soap opera in itself. The one rock in his life and who he looks up to as a family figurehead is his grandfather Carmen Antonucci. Constance Powers’ family came from a fortune that had trickled away through the generations by the time she came along. Money and joining the Rockettes are her strongest desires in life. She will do anything to achieve her dreams. Officer Irving Hanhart, a learner of life lessons, shares a great deal of advice as he protects the streets of New York City. Determined to find the answers he hangs onto a lead in his criminal cases and won’t let go. Author Sam Moffie weaves us an intriguing tale as these three people grow up in a humorous maze of love, lust, and murder. The book is filled with great dialog, bits of trivia from old movies, and really good bands from decades past. Even Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis have a bit part in this story. If you enjoy a fun read with a lot of detail to puzzle out, then take some time to join Seymour, Constance, and Irving in The Organ Grinder and the Monkey. This complimentary book was provided to me by the author through www.reviewthebook.com.
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Full Circle
by
Brenda A. Barrett
Diane Walters
, September 02, 2012
A funny, romantic, suspenseful, mystery--that won’t disappoint. This book is addictive. The author is witty, smart, and cunning in how she draws you in. And even though you think you know what is going to happen throughout the book, is that “really” what is going to happen? I haven’t been able to put it down, and I’m really eager to find out the answer. Here is a brief beginning to the story. Is it ever enough to grow up in a loving, financially stable home when you know your birth mother gave you away? You remember her. She was very pretty and wore her hair in a long braid. You remember five of your brothers and sisters; the other two were gone by the time you were born. Even though there was never enough food or money, there was love there; and that is truly the place you remember as home--your beginning. Diana Boyd’s grandmother told her not to go back to Jamaica. She warned her! She said she would only get hurt digging all that mess back up. Twenty-four year old Diana waved her off explaining her need to find her own history--her own story. So she went. At the airport, intent on her mission, fate intervened--the most handsome, tall man with gorgeous green eyes approached her. Oh why now . . . she thought. This is no time for a romance; I’ve got to find out about my family. But, as intent as she was she could not shake him, or even the thought of him. She’d never felt like this before about anyone she’d met. He was so good looking and those eyes of his were so penetrating her energy just drained out her toes and was replaced with a delicious, warm sense of well-being. She just melted when she thought of him and the reasons why she shouldn’t just faded away. Little did she know that Robert Cassidy was so close in Negril, Jamaica. Little did she know what this two month vacation was going to bring to both of them. The passion, the romance, the unanswered questions of Diana’s family and home all bring to life a story full of love, fun, fear, and mystery. Sit back, grab a snack, and get ready for a trip to Jamaica. *Full Circle was a complimentary gift from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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The River Witch
by
Kimberly Brock
Diane Walters
, September 01, 2012
The River Witch--Thoroughly Enjoyable! The River Witch is a love story. Not a love story in the conventional sense; but, it’s a story about the love of lost things, new things, things not known, and things learned. It’s a love story of life, living and, of a young girl and her family on an island off the coast of Georgia. It’s the story of a learned renewal of spirit when a dancer loses everything she has known and counted on in life. It’s a story you will want to read. . . . Roslyn Byrne, after an accident, secludes herself on an island off the coast of Georgia to heal from not only her physical wounds, but her emotional ones as well. She will never dance again. She will never star in a famous dance company again. She will never be able to count on the one thing she knows best--ballet. Or will she? Damascus is a ten-year-old who has lived more than a young life should have at her age. She runs wild most of the time on the island. Her father doesn’t know what to do with her since the loss of his wife; and he too, is trying to figure out for himself the whys and reasons that come with a deep, despairing grief. That leaves little time to be there for a young girl who reminds him so much of the thing he is grieving most. The River Witch is a novel flavored with bits of voodoo, alligators that tell tales, and magical summer days that teach what it means to be alive and how to live and love again. Why not join them in their quest . . . ?
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