MaryAnn Bernal's Blog, page 334
December 29, 2013
Phil Naessens Top Ten Books of 2013
http://www.philnaessens.com/apps/blog/show/40227290-my-top-ten-books-of-2013
2013 has been an amazing year for me personally and over the next few days I’ll be counting down some of my favorite memories in the form of a top ten list. Below are my personal top ten favorite books of the year!
10). Hollywood Shakedown by Mark Barry
This book has a bit of everything in it and while it’s fiction I can believe stories like this happen everyday, especially in Las Vegas. This is another book with incredible dialogue, believable characters and a storyline that makes this book hard to put down.
9). Innocent: Confessions of a Welfare Mother by Barbara Morrison
This book was amazing. It isn’t easy being poor anywhere but in America being poor and a welfare recipient is the equivalent of being a lazy bum who doesn’t want to work. Morrison shoots that typecast down in a blaze of extremely powerful yet humorous stories about being a mom on welfare.
8). A Reason to Tremble by Bob Mustin
Bob Mustin is an incredible writer and this mystery novel had me at hello. The dialogue in this book is absolutely incredible and I hope more people read his work because Mustin can write.
7). Manson by Jeff Guinn
Charles Manson was and is a nut but this book attempts to explain why he’s a nut. It’s a very good and easy read.
6). Undisputed Truth: My Autobiography by Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson was one of the best ever and just like his fighting style he hits hard, is brutally honest and downright hilarious. He also takes full responsibility for everything except one thing. You’ll have to read the book to find out what that is.
5). Long Shot by Mike Piazza and Lonnie Wheeler
I’m not the biggest fan of Mike Piazza but I did appreciate this book for its honesty. I now understand Piazza much better than I did before and have a greater respect of his accomplishments as he truly was a long shot.
4). The Patriarch by David Nasaw
I’ve always assumed Joe Kennedy was nothing more than a bootlegger that got lucky. That’s only a sample of the patriarch Joe Kennedy. Nasaw filled in the rest and I was lucky to read this book. If you are like me you will gain a greater understanding of Kennedy and what really made him tick.
3). The Briton and the Dane Concordia by Mary Ann Bernal
I’m a fan of Historical Fiction and after reading this book I became a fan of Bernal as well. This book was well researched and easy to read with believable story lines and characters. If you would like to be taken back in time and read story lines that still happen today this is the book for you.
2). Sweet Scent of Justice by Debbie Wilson
This is a faith based true crime thriller that blew me away. Wilson decides after 20 years to find out the truth about what happened to her sister and winds up helping authorities catch her killer. The ending is absolutely shocking and something we don’t see every day.
1). Skater in a Strange Land by D.W. Frauenfelder
I like a dream come true and this fantasy based ice hockey story filled that for me. I could identify with the main character Sherm in so many ways I thought he was writing about me. The book has everything in it and if you like fantasy, mystery and ice hockey than I suggest you read this book.
2013 has been an amazing year for me personally and over the next few days I’ll be counting down some of my favorite memories in the form of a top ten list. Below are my personal top ten favorite books of the year!
10). Hollywood Shakedown by Mark Barry
This book has a bit of everything in it and while it’s fiction I can believe stories like this happen everyday, especially in Las Vegas. This is another book with incredible dialogue, believable characters and a storyline that makes this book hard to put down.
9). Innocent: Confessions of a Welfare Mother by Barbara Morrison
This book was amazing. It isn’t easy being poor anywhere but in America being poor and a welfare recipient is the equivalent of being a lazy bum who doesn’t want to work. Morrison shoots that typecast down in a blaze of extremely powerful yet humorous stories about being a mom on welfare.
8). A Reason to Tremble by Bob Mustin
Bob Mustin is an incredible writer and this mystery novel had me at hello. The dialogue in this book is absolutely incredible and I hope more people read his work because Mustin can write.
7). Manson by Jeff Guinn
Charles Manson was and is a nut but this book attempts to explain why he’s a nut. It’s a very good and easy read.
6). Undisputed Truth: My Autobiography by Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson was one of the best ever and just like his fighting style he hits hard, is brutally honest and downright hilarious. He also takes full responsibility for everything except one thing. You’ll have to read the book to find out what that is.
5). Long Shot by Mike Piazza and Lonnie Wheeler
I’m not the biggest fan of Mike Piazza but I did appreciate this book for its honesty. I now understand Piazza much better than I did before and have a greater respect of his accomplishments as he truly was a long shot.
4). The Patriarch by David Nasaw
I’ve always assumed Joe Kennedy was nothing more than a bootlegger that got lucky. That’s only a sample of the patriarch Joe Kennedy. Nasaw filled in the rest and I was lucky to read this book. If you are like me you will gain a greater understanding of Kennedy and what really made him tick.
3). The Briton and the Dane Concordia by Mary Ann Bernal
I’m a fan of Historical Fiction and after reading this book I became a fan of Bernal as well. This book was well researched and easy to read with believable story lines and characters. If you would like to be taken back in time and read story lines that still happen today this is the book for you.
2). Sweet Scent of Justice by Debbie Wilson
This is a faith based true crime thriller that blew me away. Wilson decides after 20 years to find out the truth about what happened to her sister and winds up helping authorities catch her killer. The ending is absolutely shocking and something we don’t see every day.
1). Skater in a Strange Land by D.W. Frauenfelder
I like a dream come true and this fantasy based ice hockey story filled that for me. I could identify with the main character Sherm in so many ways I thought he was writing about me. The book has everything in it and if you like fantasy, mystery and ice hockey than I suggest you read this book.
Shattered Reality (Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles) [Kindle Edition] by Brenda Perlin is now $0.99
From author Brenda Perlin Shattered Reality is really a story of an unhappy bride. It's also a coming-of-age story that I think many of you can relate to. There is no holding back. Just a story about a girl. No one too extraordinary or famous. Just me!
I may not make myself look so great but this is my life and hopefully I have learned a thing or two from my mistakes and even forgiven myself. I hope you will too! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CKBWWIU/?tag=viewbookat0e-20
Free ebook of The Man of My Dreams by Gladys Quintal
#FREE eBookEver since the death of her parents at the age of 17, Cassie has been dreaming about a dark haired man. He always comes to her in times of trouble to comfort her and help her through the toughest of days. But now after the deva...stating break up with her boyfriend, Cassie struggles with separating reality from her dreams.
During a trip to her family beach house, her dream man becomes her lover and Cassie finds herself longing for this man to be in her life. But trying to find out the truth about him leaves her questioning her very existence and sanity.
She is convinced her dream man is real and connected to a string of macabre murders over the last 20 years. Fearing for her life, Cassie prays she is right about him and that he can save her before it is too late.
Note from author: WARNING : This book mentions an episode of sexual abuse.
Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Man-my-Dreams-Dream-ebook/dp/B005P2DQJ0
allromance https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-themanofmydreamsbook1inthedreamseries-607690-140.html
Amazon UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Man-my-Dreams-Dream-ebook/dp/B005P2DQJ0
Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-man-of-my-dreams-gladys-quintal/1106997199?ean=2940032808183&itm=1&usri=gladys+quintal
iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/man-my-dreams-book-1-in-dream/id476453611?mt=11
Kobo http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-man-of-my-dreams-book-1-in-the-dream-series
Book Trailer http://youtu.be/CtGPCn5pH7U
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Kindle editions at 99 cents from author Kim Scott
2014 is coming and this great price will be changing. Grab yours quick, before its too late!
http://www.amazon.com/Kim-Scott/e/B008A57LUE
http://www.amazon.com/Shuttering-Manning-House-Family-ebook/dp/B00H4LM4VQ
http://www.amazon.com/Manning-Family-Kim-Scott-ebook/dp/B00HGXKPL8
The Manning Family has lived in the mansion overlooking the Atlantic for more than 200 years. With wealth and power, they enjoyed lives of privilege beyond reason. But 1929 is looming, and dark clouds are gathering. This is a story of exceptional loyalty between devoted friends and the dark side of survival. Kim Scott’s highly anticipated tale of historical fiction, told in her uniquely tantalizing style, will take you back to the end of the 1920s on the coast of Maine. Listen to the waves breaking on the beach, smell the salt in the air, and taste the smooth, aged Whisky.
5 Star Review of 'What Happened to Alex Manning?'
"Starting from his ancestry of the beginning of the heritage of the Manning Family, we learn the importance of what it is to be a Manning. Furthermore, we learn the importance of what it is to be a male at the reign of the Manning heritage.
Alex Manning was born into such a role, and as if conquering the feats of life wasn’t enough, he was traine...d to become successful enough to rule a powerful family and all their jealous entrapment, cruelty of nature, jealously, and the haunting of wrongful doings. But the hauntings become just too much for Alex’s own father who was overcome by it all. Through blindness of guilt, Alex’s father sends his beloved son into a world of which no Manning has ever experienced. The real world.
Raised to be a leader in high places, will Alex Manning survive this twisted fate in the cruel, cold world of the early 1900′s? With no money in his pockets will find his way on the humble streets of despair, hunger, brutality and thievery? Can he rise above even from the rat infested sludge of the unthinkable row house?
With historical times of Maine, Kim Scott paints a historical fiction setting that you will feel yourself step right into the shoes of a commoner in the cold, damp, dark 1800′s- 1900. From riches beyond dreams, to hunger day after day and let’s not forget about love and family as well, you will follow through Alex Manning’s life and his dream to correct the Manning name.
I understand that there is a sequel coming out! I can't wait to get a copy!"
Best Years of Our Lives (bullying sequence from Ultra Violence) by Mark Barry featured in Green Wizard Publishing's anthology, Reality Bites
Excerpt from Best Years of Our Lives
You are thirteen and it is your turn today.
You don’t know why it’s your turn today but all you know is that it is. The atmosphere has been building up for weeks. Those little incidents. Brief encounters. Minor skirmishes.You’ve never experienced anything like this anticipation before and you’re scared. Your stomach is turning over as if you’re staring down the side of a skyscraper. You are tense and dizzy and you wish you hadn’t had seconds in the dinner hall. Manchester Tart. Two slices.You’re thirteen, sitting at a large school desk, your satchel packed and blazer on. Five boys are staring at you. You know it’s your turn. You’re paralysed. Panic. You cannot move. You’ve never known a feeling like it. Trepidation courses through your veins. Your body is charged and you want to cry. But you don’t. Weeping will only make things worse. You wish it isn’t your turn today but it is. You pray. That’s what they taught you to do at Primary School. Pray. When in trouble. Pray. God will provide. God will save. They taught you to pray before they taught you to read, those nuns. You really need him now but as you’ve long suspected, he isn’t there and somehow even if he is out there, you know he isn’t going to help. You’re on your own.
Amazon US Link - http://www.amazon.com/Reality-Bites-Green-Wizard-Publishing/dp/1484077113
Amazon UK Link - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Reality-Bites-Green-Wizard-Publishing/dp/1484077113
History Trivia - Thomas Becket murdered in Canterbury Cathedral
December 29
1170 Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered while at vespers in Canterbury Cathedral by four knights of King Henry II. Acting on the frustrated outburst of King Henry II, four knights entered the Cathedral and struck down the Archbishop. The knights fled. Henry would later do public penance for his ill-considered words that ultimately ended the quarrel between one-time friends.
1170 Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered while at vespers in Canterbury Cathedral by four knights of King Henry II. Acting on the frustrated outburst of King Henry II, four knights entered the Cathedral and struck down the Archbishop. The knights fled. Henry would later do public penance for his ill-considered words that ultimately ended the quarrel between one-time friends.
December 28, 2013
Ophelia written by Claire Appleseed featured in Green Wizard Publishing's Anthology, Reality Bites
Excerpt from Ophelia
One of the memorable incidents was the bath night. He’d gone out for a game of poker and I ran a deep bath; it soothed and relaxed me. He came home early and the moment he walked in to the bathroom I realised I was in trouble.Before I knew it his hand was on my face, forcing my head under the water. I thrashed about, floundering like a man on fire; body lurching in pain, contorted with fear, gasping for breath. To imagine the fear, you couldn’t, it’s impossible.
Be smart, the voice said inside my head, Be smart, the voice repeated.
I lay still in the water not struggling, eyes opened and waited.
Praying.
Hoping.
A thought, brief in its intrusion, Did I look as beautiful as Millais’ image of Ophelia floating in the river just before she drowned? Open arms and upwards gaze. Saint or martyr …? Was that my choice?
He removed his hand and I gasped for breath, coughing and spluttering for air. He got up and walked out of the bathroom. I sat in the bath hugging my knees to my chest whilst the water emptied. The cold forced me to get dressed.
He knew he’d gone too far. Breakfast in bed and the promise of a trip to the seaside was his way of saying sorry and erasing the guilt. He grovelled again, asked for forgiveness and sobbed in my lap.
“I can fix this,” he would say to me.
How could I not forgive him? After all he said he was sorry. He said it wasn’t his fault; it was the booze and a bad night of poker.
I believed him. Like a fool, I believed him.
Amazon US Link - http://www.amazon.com/Reality-Bites-Green-Wizard-Publishing/dp/1484077113
Amazon UK Link - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Reality-Bites-Green-Wizard-Publishing/dp/1484077113
History Trivia - Westminster Abbey consecrated
December 28
418 Boniface I became Roman Catholic pope.
1065 Westminster Abbey in London, built under the auspices of Edward the Confessor, was consecrated. The Benedictine monastery had been re-endowed and enlarged under the oversight of Edward the Confessor, but the King had been too ill to attend the consecration ceremonies. He was buried in the abbey after his death on January 4, 1066.
418 Boniface I became Roman Catholic pope.
1065 Westminster Abbey in London, built under the auspices of Edward the Confessor, was consecrated. The Benedictine monastery had been re-endowed and enlarged under the oversight of Edward the Confessor, but the King had been too ill to attend the consecration ceremonies. He was buried in the abbey after his death on January 4, 1066.
December 27, 2013
Out of the Depths by Mary Ann Bernal featured in Green Wizard Publishing's Anthology, Reality Bites
Excerpt from Out of the Depths
When did I first suspect that Helen had been unfaithful. To be honest, I never suspected; I had to catch her in bed with her lover before admitting the truth to myself. I remember coming home unexpectedly to find her in our bed, our marital bed, which is sacrosanct, with Trevor, her boss, of all people! I could not believe Helen could betray me like this, especially after making love to me earlier that morning in the very same bed.
What hurt the most was her lack of remorse. She even laughed at my pain, her hurtful words a floodgate of loathing. While I thought our relationship was fine, and that we would survive the storm, she, on the other hand, was seething with rage and resentment. She was tired of supporting me, physically, mentally and financially. She had had enough, but why did she not tell me. Perhaps she tried, and I did not listen. You think I was at fault, that my drinking pushed her away, do you not? You have no use for my self-pity, do you? Ah, what makes you so righteous? You think you would have behaved differently. I dare say, not! You would have wallowed in self-pity just like I did, only your way of dealing with your demons might have been different. Instead of alcohol you might have turned to drugs, or threw yourself into your job, or took up religion. How do you know what you would have done until you have actually experienced the pain? Amazon US Link - http://www.amazon.com/Reality-Bites-Green-Wizard-Publishing/dp/1484077113
Amazon UK Link - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Reality-Bites-Green-Wizard-Publishing/dp/1484077113
