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June 07
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Christina
made a comment on
The Clan of the Cave Bear:
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March 08
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Christina read and liked a piece of writing titled "Vote for Whale Song for 2007 Book Cover of the Year"
by Cheryl
"IT’S TIME FOR THE BIG VOTE!
The voting page for 2007 BOOK COVER OF THE YEAR at erinaislinn.com is now ready, and WHALE SONG is awaiting votes.
Every voter will be entered in a drawing"
...read more »
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Christina
read and liked
Cheryl's
review of The Dollmaker:
"4.5 out of 5 stars
ISBN-10: 0778324281 and ISBN-13: 978-0778324287
Publish date: March 1, 2007
Mass market paperback; 384 pages; $6.99
Fiction, Suspense
The Dollmaker is satisfyingly creepy.
The cover of The Dollmaker was what first drew...more
4.5 out of 5 stars
ISBN-10: 0778324281 and ISBN-13: 978-0778324287
Publish date: March 1, 2007
Mass market paperback; 384 pages; $6.99
Fiction, Suspense
The Dollmaker is satisfyingly creepy.
The cover of The Dollmaker was what first drew me, its shadowy blue and green tones, and the doll’s face, particularly the eye. I found it mesmerizing and was drawn to it many times before I bought it. And when I did, I wasn’t disappointed. It’s a story about tragic loss―the abduction of a child and the resulting destruction of a marriage.
Claire Doucett’s life spins out of control from the moment she glimpses a doll that looks exactly like her missing daughter Ruby, right down to an identical birthmark on the doll’s arm. To complicate matters, no one believes her and the doll mysteriously disappears.
Then Claire’s ex-husband Dave, a former cop and alcoholic who is investigating the murder of a stripper, comes back to town. He’s looking for answers in the stripper’s death, but also searching for resolution in a cold case―one that has haunted him because it is linked to his daughter’s disappearance.
The plot lines are woven meticulously, connecting then separating, making for a very interesting read. The New Orleans setting is perfect (especially with the Katrina references and haunting visuals), the characters are compelling and flawed, and the pacing is dead on, until the end where I felt that the resolution was a bit rushed. Everything happened so fast, I lost a bit of the emotional connection, which is why I didn’t give this book 5 stars.
Regardless, Amanda Stevens has penned a spine-tingling story about love, loss, lies, guilt and family secrets. This is a great read for that cold winter night. I highly recommend it! And I’ll never look at a doll the same way again.
―Bestselling author Cheryl Kaye Tardif, http://www.cherylktardif.com
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February 20
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Christina
gave
to:
The Clan of the Cave Bear (Paperback)
by Jean M. Auel
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my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
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February 17
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Christina
gave
to:
Blood Web (Perfect Paperback)
by Gary Starta (Goodreads author!)
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my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
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recommended for: Those who like suspense and speculative fiction
read in November, 2007
Christina said:
"BloodWeb
Gary Starta
Charles River Press 2007
541 Long Lane, Casper, Wyoming 82609
http://chalresriverpress.com
SC 387 pages, $16.95
ISBN# 1-9791304-8-5
Review by Christina Francine
...more
BloodWeb
Gary Starta
Charles River Press 2007
541 Long Lane, Casper, Wyoming 82609
http://chalresriverpress.com
SC 387 pages, $16.95
ISBN# 1-9791304-8-5
Review by Christina Francine
Searching for a novel to read that addresses the evil of humankind today and its problems? Certainly the domination of Americans is a topic of concern; and has been before. The horrifying fact is that technology will make domination easier. One only needs to stumble upon that last link; a way to control every man, woman, and child.
Agent Caitlin Diggs had every reason not to go back to her job. After losing, Geoffrey, the man she loved to an undercover assignment gone bad, she did not feel stable. Work would help however, even though her parents insisted she finally retire from police work. When FBI Assistant Director, Andrew Dudek phoned her, Caitlin purchased an airline ticket right away. She could get lost in her work and possibly catch a lead on Geoffrey’s killers. What she did not know was that she was about to embark on one of the most challenging and dangerous cases of her career. Caitlin knew her assignment involved capturing the nation’s latest serial killer, but not one that would decide the fate of the nation.
When the young blond drifter placed the arrowhead pendant against his chest, the crystal liked itself to him; sealing his fate and possibly the nation’s as well. Not only did a change come over the teenager named Shenk, but also over the crystal too. Shenk’s less than positive qualities, along with societies, affected the crystal tainting and turning it evil.
Starta did his homework. With each chapter his research showed depth. Add to this a powerful imagination and the result is a heart-pounding mystery. BloodWeb is the first of a series, Starta claims, that will feature the FBI Special Agent Diggs.
This book is enticing and a gripping tale that reflects a possible reality with a paranormal aspect intertwined. Starta’s story lures readers into an Internet that transcends fiction and enters a resemblance to actuality. Timely.
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Christina
gave
to:
Miss You, Pat (Paperback)
by Sharon Watts
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my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
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recommended to Christina by:
The author
recommended for: Anyone who needs inspiration, Those interested in 911, Those who need to know heroes still exist
read in December, 2007
Christina said:
"Miss You, Pat
Sharon Watts
S. Watts Illustration 2007
44 Masters Place
Beacon, NY 12508
SC 247 pages, $19.95
ISBN# 978-1-4303-2704-2
Review by Christina Francine
Some events should never be forgotten. Some people should not be either. Wh...more
Miss You, Pat
Sharon Watts
S. Watts Illustration 2007
44 Masters Place
Beacon, NY 12508
SC 247 pages, $19.95
ISBN# 978-1-4303-2704-2
Review by Christina Francine
Some events should never be forgotten. Some people should not be either. What love has a man? One that is selfless. He paves a path to excellence.
911 – Tape released August 16, 2006
“I’m on the 35th floor, okay, okay? Just relay to the command post we’re trying to get up. There’s numerous civilians at all stairwells, numerous burn injuries are coming down. I’m trying to send them down first. Apparently it’s above the 75th floor. I don’t know if they got there yet. Okay, Three Truck and we are still heading up. Okay? Thank you.”
---Captain Patrick J. Brown
Captain Patrick Brown was a highly decorated firefighter. He was a Vietnam veteran, a yoga student, and his courage is legendary. Pat was a hero long before 911 occurred, but this day proved that. He had been one of eleven men from his squad of twenty-seven. They were last in the twin tower collapses. Pat died in the North tower. Watts’ book is a tribute to this special human-being who reminds us that heroes in fact do exist today. They are real and fight the odds. Some hear our calls and then respond; give all they have – even at the cost of themselves.
The dictionary describes a hero as, “A man of distinguished courage or ability for his brave deeds.” Such a man lived in New York City and died on September 11, 2002. His name was Captain J. Brown of the New York Fire Department.
The author of Miss You, Pat heard from so many people who were touched by Pat, that she began writing everything down and compiled all of it. Then, when she was the enormity of letters and pictures placed at Grand Central Station, she realized the size of the paths Pat crossed; Watts decided moments needed space in a book. People share their knowledge and use words like “remarkable,” “modest,” “strong,” “empathetic,” and “generous” to describe Pat in Watts’ book. She also shares that she and Pat were once engaged to be married.
Pat not only went above and beyond the call of duty as a fire-fighter, he impacted people’s lives in other ways too. For example, he volunteered giving time to teach blind people self-defense. Roxanne Bebee Blatz, Sensei at Seido Karate, had this to say, “Pat could be tough on the students. They loved him,” however. “Too many people patronized them. He gave them encouragement and hope.” Another example comes from Steve Baker. “Pat was my AA sponsor. He didn’t judge me. He gave me strength.” Still another example comes from a yoga instructor named Felise (Shivadasi) Berman. She reflects on Pat and what he did. “When I move into a down-ward dog, a warrior, a crow, or a wheel, I think about you, Pat, wherever you are. Bye, Pat.
Pat has appeared on 60 Minutes, Dateline, in Yoga Journal, Time Magazine, NY Times, and on local NYC TV. A documentary has also been made about him called, Finding Paddy.
Many readers have never been to New York City. Some view the place as insensitive and filled with cold characters. Those whose lives Pat touched know this is not the case. Numerous citizens share their thoughts about Pat in Watts’ book. Many show that not only good people live in New York City, but also heroes do.
Firefighter, Mike Moran said this in Watt’s book, “Paddy had pretty detailed instruction if he should ever die in a fire on what he wanted done. He had his place in Central Park picked out where he wanted his ashes spread.” Since Pat’s body could not be found, a tree was planted in his honor.
The books’ layout includes multiple photographs of Pat, an author’s note, Watt’s journal entries, exerts from published work about Pat, and shared thoughts from people who knew Pat. There is also a note which says, “Proceeds of book sales will go to Bent On Learning, a not-for-profit program that brings yoga and meditation to NYC public schools and youth centers. For more information go to www.bentonlearning.org.” The book was published on Pat’s birthday, 11/9, and is to be included among the archives at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center.
Just when we have begun to lose our faith in humankind, a larger than life hero steps up for the fight. Miss You, Pat is a haunting book that promises to restore your confidence; to have you thinking of Bonnie Tyler’s song, I Need a Hero. Pat’s nobility demonstrates the best of our humanity. In an era where we seek for ourselves, Pat distinguished himself by giving the greatest measure of love one can give. What love has a man? Sacrifice of himself for another. A highly recommended read.
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New comment on Cheryl's review of
A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose
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January 28
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Christina made a comment in the group Gary Starta Author—favorite paranormal writers - books? topic:
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January 16
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Christina made a comment in the group Gary Starta Author—What's more popular - Paranormal or Sci Fi? topic:
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