Here you will find Christian Books. Mostly Bibles, Devotions, Childrens Books, Gift Books and a few Fiction will be added here as well. Hope you enjoy our reviews of the awesome books. We are just beginning, so tell all of your friends about us.
Join us for this tour from August 10to August 21, 2020!
Don't forget to read the awesome abd interesting Author Interview as well as the Guest Post Dorothy Rosby has so generously provided for us!!
Book Details:Book Title: Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About, Humorous Essays on the Hassles of Our Time by Dorothy Rosby
Category: Adult Non-Fiction (18+) , 355 pages
Genre: Humorous Essay
Publisher: Unhinged Press
Release date: April, 2020
Content Rating: G - appropriate for general audience as defined above
Book Description:
"Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About, Humorous Essays on the Hassles of Our Time" is a low-brow look at high-minded living, a good-natured (mostly) rant about some of the challenges we face and some of the annoyances we deal with just because we’re alive and trying to thrive at this moment in history. Part comedic call to arms and part tongue-in-cheek tirade, "Alexa’s a Spy" goes after, among other things, spammers and scammers, clutter and litter, intrusive technology and uncivil discourse. Too much stuff, too much noise, too much to worry about. Not enough patience, not enough kindness, not enough…chocolate?
As a syndicated humor columnist, Dorothy Rosby has been ranting for more than 20 years in publications across the West and Midwest. If her latest book doesn’t change the world, and most likely it won’t, we’ll at least go down the tubes together, knowing how really foolish we’re all being.
Interview with Dorothy Rosby, Author Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About
What’s the book about?Alexa’s a Spy is part comedic call to arms and part tongue-in-cheek tirade about some of the annoyances of modern life. It’s a collection of humorous essays that go after, among other things, spammers and scammers, clutter and litter, intrusive technology and uncivil discourse. Too much stuff, too much noise, too much to worry about, not enough patience, not enough kindness. In other words, it’s about all those things we used to be anxious about back when we could still buy toilet paper and leave the house without a mask. How would you describe your style? I write observational humor. That is I look for the absurd in aspects of everyday life. I’m your basic stereotypical, mild-mannered Midwesterner—chronically nice, unfailingly polite and just a wee bit passive aggressive. So I seldom pick on an actual person, but if I do, he or she really has it coming. I’ve written about the CEOs of Equifax and big pharma, but I don’t think they read what I’ve written anyway. And normally, I don’t do that. I tend to go more for self-deprecating humor which is about observing myself and my own foolishness and making light of it. When you write self-deprecating humor about everyday life, you make the assumption that other people are like you in some ways. There are lots of reasons that self-deprecating humor is my chosen method for writing humor and not just because that way no one ever comes after me with a crowbar—at least not for writing about them. For one thing, it’s like shooting fish in a barrel. When you decide to spend your life examining your faults and foibles, you’ll never run out of ideas. At least I haven’t. But the best part is, it makes what you write relatable to your audience. I often have readers tell me they’ve made the same mistake I admitted to making. It’s definitely a window into my life. But it’s also a mirror for my readers. I tell my stories and they’re reminded of theirs. Why is humor particularly important now?Anytime you can bring joy to someone, that’s a good thing. And I do hear from readers who tell me that a good laugh is just what they needed at that moment in their life, or that my admitting my goof ups so publicly reminded them they’re not the only one who has done this or that. I’ve read that laughter is good for health, that it boosts immunity, lowers stress hormones and decreases pain. Laughter is so physical. It releases tension, helps us relax. But even if that weren’t true, it just makes life more fun. And I think particularly during these difficult times, it has some added benefits. It gets our mind off things. And it can give us all some perspective. For example, the world is falling down around us and I’m worrying about how I look in my mask. Actually I’m learning to like it. It hides my nose and nobody knows when I’m talking to myself. I might keep wearing it when this is all over. What were your influences? I grew up reading Erma Bombeck and I’m sure she was an influence. But a bigger one would be growing up in a large family. I’m number 9 of 10 children. We had 12 people in a house with three bedrooms and one bathroom. You need tools to survive that and wit is a weapon in a large family. Also my father had a great sense of humor, though I didn’t always think so when I was a teenager. Humor was important to him and making him laugh was a way of standing out in the crowd.Where do you get your ideas? Everywhere. Every conversation, every experience, bad and good, everything that gets under my skin or makes me smile. But the annoying experiences—the dying appliances, technology fails, and embarrassing moments—make the best stories. I remember being stopped for speeding once—okay more than once. But one of those times, I took my notebook out and made notes about speeding tickets while the officer went back to his car to check my outstanding warrants or whatever they do back there. I didn’t have any. But it’s those kinds of things that make the best stories because people can relate. Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About and my other books are made up of those kinds of st
.MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Has life got you down and you just need a good laugh? "Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About: Humorous Essays on the Hassles of Our Time" may just be the medicine you need! This book is hilarious! I think I laughed on just about every page in this laugh until you cry book. Syndicated humor columnist Dorothy Rosby hits on just about every subject imaginable as she tells story after story in this oh so funny book about our favorite voice, Alexa! Anywhere you go, this is an amazing book to take with you. I'm sure going to take it on my next Dr. visit to read while I'm waiting for hours. One thing about it, this book will take the frustrations of waiting. And in today's world where everything has been so unsettling and unpredictable lately, everyone needs a bit of humor in their life, and this is the best book out there I have read on hilarious humor!!
When this book came up for review on iREAD Book Tours I almost didn't join the tour but I am so very glad I did. And I am thrilled to be introduced to this book and this author. This one is for sure a Keeper for me. And I'll be telling everyone I know about Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About. And if you find yourself needed a good pick me up, I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy of this book. Today. Don't wait!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I get more phony phone calls than real ones these days—and by a wide margin. I’m afraid one of these days, I’ll hear a voice that reminds me of Elizabeth from the Resort Rewards Center and I’ll march up to some poor stranger in the grocery store, grab her by the collar and scream “Leave me alone, Elizabeth!” She’ll say, “My name is Joan,” and have me arrested.It’s not bad enough that I spend half my work day deleting spam emails. Now Phone Scam Sam and Fraud Call Franny are taking up the other half. Phony phoners and spam are just two aspects of modern life I discuss in Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About, Humorous Essays on the Hassles of Our Time. How could I leave them out? They’ve brought out the worst in me.One day I lost my temper, picked up my vibrating phone and screamed into it, “Get a real job!” It was my husband. But I’ve never been the same.A few days later I asked a caller if his mother knew what he did for a living. I told another that I’d give her my credit card number if she’d give me hers first. I held the phone away from my ear during one call and, as loud as I could whisper, said to the empty room, “I’ll keep him on the line while you trace the call.”One day I even called a scam number back. When a real person answered, I stayed quiet while he said, “Hello, hello.” Then I did it again—six times. To his credit, each time he answered in that polite way you do when you want to bilk someone out of their life savings.The experts say that you should hang up quickly when you realize it’s a scammer calling. Do not engage. But I’m no expert.They advise you to put your name on the Do Not Call Registry, which does stop calls from legitimate organizations you don’t want to hear from. But I figure anyone who makes a career of grand theft won’t be deterred by a little law forbidding calls to numbers on the Do Not Call Registry.Still, you should listen to the experts. Don’t behave like I have. I feel bad that I’ve let robo robbers and cuckoo callers bring out the worst in me—and confirm that my number works. But I can’t stop myself.One day I answered a call from a scammer, held my phone next to the wall and started knocking and saying in a mournful voice, “Let me out. Let me out.” I could hear the scammer saying, “Hello? Ma’am? Hello.” I was enjoying myself immensely until a coworker walked into my office and asked if I was okay.No, probably not.
Meet the Author:
Dorothy Rosby is a syndicated humor columnist and author of two other books of humorous essays "I Used to Think I Was Not That Bad and Then I Got to Know Me Better" and "I Didn’t Know You Could Make Birthday Cake from Scratch, Parenting Blunders from Cradle to Empty Nest." She’s working on her fourth and hoping to give it a shorter title—something like "Wow" or "Best Seller." She lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota, 20 miles from Mount Rushmore, something she’s very proud of even though she’s not on it. Yet.
Connect with the Author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ goodreads
Silver Moon(By the Light of the Moon #3)By Jenny Knipfer Christian Historical Fiction Paperback & ebook, 411 Pages June 30, 2020
A tale of courage and hope in the darkest of times...
Silver Moon, the third book in the series: By the Light of the Moon, paints a stunning and poignant picture of life on the home front in Webaashi Bay, Ontario, and of three men who are a part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during WWI.
Shamed into joining the war, the tide turns for Luis Wilson when he is steered into the depths of espionage. Injured and presumed missing, will he lose his heart to the very woman who presented him with a white feather?
Oshki and Jimmy offer a grim perspective on life in the trenches. They despair of ever returning home to the women who hold their hearts.
Meanwhile, Lily fights for the cause in her own way and rallies the female troops at home as prejudices run high and the local cafe owner is accused of being a spy.
Will the women of Webaashi Bay receive their men back unscathed? Can the power of love win out over insurmountable odds? All this drama and more plays out under the light of a silver moon.
Fans of WWI historical fiction, Christian historical fiction, and literary fiction will find Silver Moon a moving, powerful read!
Praise for the Book
Taking an original angle on a tumultuous time in history, Silver Moon by Jenny Knipfer is a sparkling slice of historical fiction. Ambitiously detailing a diverse collection of characters, this World War I story bounces across space and time, delicately filled with vivid descriptions, nuanced moral dilemmas, and authentic relationships..." --Self-publishing Review
"Silver Moon is a highly recommended read for fans of historical wartime fiction, powerful emotive drama, and excellent atmospheric writing." --Readers' Favorite
"I am stunned by the amount of detail the author gave in this single story. On one hand, we have powerful characters... and on the other, we have a plot that demands all our attention. Jenny Knipfer pulls no punches and holds nothing back." --Readers' Favorite
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Silver Moon is the third book in By the Light of the Moon series by Jenny Knipfer. Being set in WWI, the story is a bit heart wrenching at times because the men are off at war while the women and family staying behind find themselves struggling at to survive as they await news from those at war.
I enjoyed a visit with the characters from the first two books, as well as the new characters we are introduced to. There are lot of characters and a lot going on in this story and it was hard when I had to put this book down because I wanted to keep reading! I enjoyed the way this author weaves together everything in this story, the characters, history, plot, and gives an ending that we were waiting for. I also enjoyed how faith had a vital part in this story. Patients and forgiveness is sure a big part of this story.
Though this is part of a series, it can be read oo as a standalone. But reading the books together gives you a better outlook on the series, as well as helps with all of the characters in this book, Silver Moon. There are lots of characters, but each has their own unique part in the story and they all play their parts so well. This is a very well written book. Jenny Knipfer is a new author for me, one I will definitely keep contact with. And I can't wait for the fourth book in this series, Harvest Moon! If you enjoy historical stories, war stories or both, you are covered here. Ms. Knipfer does her research well and it shows on every page of this book. And I have to say, throughout reading this book, I kept singing By the Ligjt of the Silvery Moon! The song is still in my head!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Jenny lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Ken and their pet Yorkie, Ruby. She is also a mom and loves being a grandma. She enjoys many creative pursuits but finds writing the most fulfilling.
Jenny’s education background stems from psychology, music, and cultural missions. She spent many years as a librarian in a local public library but recently switched to using her skills as a floral designer in a retail flower shop. She is now retired from work due to disability.
She authored and performed a self-published musical CD entitled, Scrapbook of a Closet Poet.
Jenny’s books, Ruby Moon, Blue Moon, and Silver Moon earned five-star reviews from Reader’s Favorite, a book review and award contest company. Their praise: “Ruby Moon is entertaining, fast-paced, and features characters that are real. Blue Moon continues a well-written and highly engaging saga of family ties, betrayals, and heartaches… Silver Moon is a highly recommended read for fans of historical wartime fiction, powerful emotive drama, and excellent atmospheric writing.”
She holds membership in the: Midwest Independent Booksellers Association, Historical Novel Society, Wisconsin Writers Association, Christian Indie Publishing Association, and Independent Book Publishers Association.
Jenny’s favorite place to relax is by the western shore of Lake Superior, where her novel series, By The Light of the Moon, is set. She has self-published the first three books, Ruby Moon, Blue Moon, and Silver Moon, in her four-part series. One more novel to complete the series is planned for 2020. She is currently writing a new historical fiction series called, Sheltering Trees.
One winner will receive ebooks of all three books in the By the Light of the Moon series by Jenny Knipfer (Ruby Moon, Blue Moon and Silver Moon) and a $25 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally to those who can use one of Amazon's branches Ends September 9, 2020
What inspired you to write DARLING HEDGEHOG GOES DOWN A FOXHOLE? My author friend, Kathy Joy, had been visiting, and for a thank you when she went home, she gave me a card with a little stuffed hedgehog in a pink tutu. Well, I put it on my window ledge and that meant that I saw it there every time I opened my eyes in the morning. It really made me smile. One morning as I was slowly coming awake, the beginning of the story just came to me. I'd never written a children's book, but I thought I'd like to try. Also, it is just in my nature to be a little quirky. I've also been known to give people out-of-the-box advice. All of these elements come to life in this story.
If you could sum the book up in one sentence, what would you say? Be careful out there! (And that is basically how I autograph the front page.)
What challenged you about writing this story? Things that I thought were written clearly, but when we talked about the images, I realized that a couple of different things I had written could be imagined in a way that I hadn't expected. So, I had to make sure the story and images were complementary. When I imagined writing this ending, I lay in bed and rolled in laughter until the tears fell down. I knew in my heart that this story wasn't a feel-good look-into-the-sky-and-see-rainbows kind of children's book, but I also felt deeply that it was a valuable teaching tool. Playing a trick in the storyline made me feel naughty and I had to accept the risk that some parents wouldn't appreciate it if I went in that direction. Still, I couldn't help but giggle uncontrollably. My young artist was not as amused as me. She wants to be a vet and became irritated at having to draw caged animals in the fox's pantry.
What was the illustration process like? My artist, Julia Swezy, is such a talented gal. She was in ninth grade. Julia's mother agreed to do the layout of the book for us as she is a graphic artist. So, after her mother passed along the general proposal, I went over to Julia's house and offered her a contract without seeing a single image. I'd been her babysitter, and I'd followed her artwork for years, so I felt confident. However, when she sent over the first image, I just fell in love with Darling Hedgehog in a very big way like I'd fallen down the foxhole myself. If I asked her to do an aerial perspective, she did it. If I asked her to make cut-outs of certain images, she did it. Nearly every single picture Julia sent to me was excellent, but she had projects and finals to finish at school, so I had to wait for the finished product. Waiting gave me time to tweak the story and clarify some things. Also, when I changed up the ending, there was a bit of a disagreement, but we made it through. Her mother actually did one of the final proofreads as we were compiling the final layout, and added the chapter headings for me.
What do you hope readers will take with them after they’ve read it? Kids seem to take to the story right away. It is a story about opposites with opposite appetites. In our world, we are encouraged to love everybody, and then, we are lectured about being naive. But let's be honest, some people do not have our best interests at heart, so it is better to learn personal boundaries earlier than later in life. In this case, the fox is naturally looking for small rodents to eat, but the little hedgehog's winsome ways catch the fox off guard. They do try to be friends, but folks, this is never really going to work, especially as dinner time approaches. It is the adults who tend to overthink the story and worry about it. I believe children can learn subtle things quite well, and this story is all about using your natural strengths and learning about your limitations by using your own intuition even if you don't know the full extent why. It does have a crazy race to the end and a happy ending is found at that.
When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing? If alone, I love taking pictures as I take walks. It is especially fun to explore the State of Colorado with my husband. I also love my friends and family and I love to read. I'm involved in a book club, and when my family comes to visit, we cook, eat, and play board games for hours.
Darling Hedgehog: Goes Down a Foxhole By Auralee Arkinsly
Darling Hedgehog goes on an adventure to look for her parents who dropped out of sight. Darling Hedgehog learns about the animal nature of things in high humor and carefree, cute, and winning episodes. Learn about opposites, homophones, and similes as two animals in nature roll into fantasy land. For children 4-8 or preschool and kindergarten, as a read-to-me picture book, and first grade and second grade as a chapter book. Darling and Miss Fox come to life as Darling introduces herself to the strange animal who is Miss Fox. Miss Fox gives her gifts so that Darling is distracted from her mission. The two animals look for things to do together in fantastical attempts to be friendly. When Darling enters Miss Fox's kitchen, she realizes that by nature, not all strangers are good for you. Will Darling save the day when it's already dinner time? Pictures similar to Charlotte's Web and the Mercy Watson series are characterized and painted in full-color, though the pages are set up like a chapter book. This book helps to train children in natural wisdom, analysis, and discernment. It helps to balance the teachings of acceptance of everyone and friendliness to all. There may be good purposes for everyone to exist under heaven, yet all purposes may not be good for a child. So, beware, and flee from crafty foxes especially when they are holding your parents in the pantry.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Darling Hedgehog: Goes Down a Foxhole is about Darling falling into a foxhole and meeting Miss Fox while looking for her parents. But she forgets her parents when she meets this stranger. I think the meaning if this story is to teach kids about talking to strangers, but it looses readers in the beginning by having Darling forget his parents because if a stranger. It is explained better over in the pages of the book. But there are still some things that are a bit strange. The pictures were cute, and they did fit the story. And the book cover is adorable with Darling in her tutu.
Hopefully the author can rework some of the story that readers are having problems with. It is a really cute story with great potential.
A special thanks to the author/publisher and Prism Book Tours for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Auralee Arkinsly writes in good humor about serious subjects because kids of all ages can learn a lot from laughing. Since opposites exist, she believes children can learn to identify the nature of things and get out of a risky situation. "Good Laughter sparks the mind." She reckons if she can save some from the bumps and bruises, then she has done a good day's work.
One winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card Open internationally to those who can receive the gift card through one of Amazon's branches Ends September 2, 2020
Book Title: Life in the Camel Lane: Embrace the Adventure by Doreen M. Cumberford Category: Adult Non-Fiction (18 +), 288 pages Genre: Memoir Publisher: White Heather Press Release date: April, 2020 Format available for review: print, mobi (for Kindle), Gifted Kindle, PDF Will send print books out: Internationally Tour dates: August 24 to September 4, 2020 Content Rating: G. There are no offensive scenes or language.
I highly recommend reading the really wonderful Guest Post and Interview with Doreen Cumberford. Especially if you want to know more about this book!
Book Description: Life in the Camel Lane: Embrace the Adventure is what Doreen Cumberford, a Scottish author, calls her learnoire! It is a combination of her story and the stories of other expats learned while living in Saudi Arabia for 15 years as expat employees or spouses. The book takes the reader through the four stages of culture shock: arrival, honeymoon, frustration and adjustment stages to final acceptance followed by the return journey back to their home country – mostly the USA. From Saudi weddings, to falconry, to the inability of women to drive at that time, the book seeks to familiarize us with the Saudi culture, lifestyle, and deep traditions of hospitality, generosity and tolerance from an insider’s perspective. There are also chapters on the experiences of 9/11 in the terrorists’ home country and the “Terror Years” of internal terror tactics from inside Saudi Arabia designed to drive the expats out of the country and destroy the Saudi government. Full of examples, stories and compelling honesty the author describes their most challenging journey and many of the lessons learned in the process together. Designed to provide useful insights and inspiration to anyone considering living abroad, Life in the Camel Lane shines the light on the subject of building a new identity and home while abroad, and the difficulties of the journey home.
GUEST POST FROM DOREEN CUMBERFORD
Empty Nesting – Phooey!
In Life in the Camel Lane: Embrace the Adventure, I described some of the feelings of loss and grief that I experienced when I returned from the US having placed my fifteen year-old daughter in boarding school.
One of the most courageous things I have ever done was send my only child to boarding school on the other side of the world.
Now this boarding school had been examined under the microscope, compared to about thirty others and we had visited schools in four countries before supporting Lynsey in making her choice – and it was clearly her choice.
Even though we had gone to these lengths to know that she was in the best possible place, the sensation of loss some days was staggering. I carried it around inside my DNA the very cells of my body cried out for my only child.
Today I have friends who are becoming empty nesters as their children have been dropped off at boarding schools or colleges around the country during this very unsettling time. The protocols and procedures are striking with Covid-19 tests, isolation in tiny groups, social distancing rearing it’s head in the form of chairs placed six feet apart on a football field for opening ceremonies.
Yes, it’s a very different time. But the thing about empty nesters is that these nests are far from empty. My friends will be returning to homes that are feel large and are missing the sounds and laughter of their kids today. But when we are empty nesters we are still living in the same nest. I think it’s a time to think contrarian, to do the opposite of what’s expected of us, to rebel a bit if that’s your thing.
I remember it seemed to take me weeks to turn the page, but time turns the page slowly for us, on our behalf. But when I did turn that page, I discovered all sorts of new activities and became busier than ever. I tackled the house first. I maintained two small part-time commitments to bring structure to my life. I was a bus monitor, basically there to provide security to the kids on the bus and also I was the school photographer and yearbook editor.
My water aerobics, tai chi and spinning were all plugged into this structure.
A few ideas for stabilizing yourself in your nest:
Make future plans for future reunions with the kids;
Take up a hobby that consumes your time and energy – something that expresses your longings and uses your talent – writing, painting, dancing, yoga!!
Reach out, build connections, develop a social life – even if it’s online. Build courses, take Zoom trainings – whatever it takes – even in the age of Covid it can still be done.
Finally putting your focus on yourself, make YOU count, reconfigure and rebuild your nest around you and your preferences. Yes, you are capable of processing these feelings while taking action. May your nest become a sanctuary for you and a welcome rest-stop for your kids.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
In Life in the Camel Lane: Embrace the Adventure, Doreen Cumberford tell about her family living in Saudia Arabia for fifteen years. As I read this book, and even though there were so many struggles, I was still in awe of how they adapted so well with this culture. It is interesting how she describes the women of this culture and how she found unique ways to interact with them, especially since the freedom of woman is far from what it is in the US. I can't even imagine how different it was to be in this situation, the culture shock from living in the US and starting a life in a country such as Saudia Arabia. But yet for me I think it would be fun to live among these people, learning their way of life, and meeting these ladies that will teach so much about their culture. But since I can't so that, I loved reading about it in this special book. And I am so grateful to this author for writing this book. Her vivid descriptions of Saudia Arabia and it's people are so well crafted, it made me feel like I was there, living the life with them. This is a book I plan to keep for a good while, just to pick up and read through some of the parts that are special to me.
And oh, I can't forget about awesome cover. I love the camel, the sand, the sunset, it is all so beautiful. Camels always fascinate me, and I love this cute little fellow on the cover. If you want to read a book that's a bit different, for me anyway, and gives you perfect insight into another part of our world, I recommend this book for you! You can read it all at once, or just a little at a time. But most of all you will enjoy your trip to Saudia Arabia!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
.INTERVIEW WITH DOREEN CUMBERFORD
What is your next project?
My next project is “Home Again, Home Again, Jiggedy Jig….A Guidebook to
Returning Home Well After Living Overseas”
For people who have never moved overseas and then returned home, this book might seem redundant. After all what is there to be done other than packing, putting your body on an airplane and disembarking at the destination – right? – sorry wrong answer!
In this case reality is so far from the truth that we might as well start by speaking another planetary language. The subject of Repatriation is wide and deep. A variety of people are affected by international moves, including, but not limited to, the military, State Department employees, Non-Government Organizations, Charities, Corporations, Peace Corps, Global Nomads and location-independent populations.
Home Again, Home Again will be a combination of stories of people who have moved home and suffered through the challenges of Re-entry, and is designed to give people a coping system by which to manage the process and recreate a new adventure back home.
This book will contain exercises, questions and processes by which Returnees can process
their overseas experience and ultimately build happier transitions. The longing to reverse course and move back overseas to what had become familiar and natural is common.
My purpose in creating this work is to document my stories and the stories of others who have walked this path and unveiled the hidden gems along the way. It’s also my heart’s strongest desire to support this community during these transitions with love and grace.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia forbids the sale and use of alcoholic beverages. How did you get along without it?
We did not do without. We just adapted, like all good expats do. This short article explains how we coped with the alcohol prohibition. As a preface to this story, you must be aware that corporations employing western expats have dispensations from the government allowing them the freedom to make alcoholic beverages, but not to sell or transport it, even within the western compounds.
Memories of the Blue Flame
Back in the 1970’s some creative soul, a chemical engineer probably, wrote a document that was to become part of the holy grail of Aramco history. The Blue Flame has become legendary in many circles. Because Saudi Arabia has very strict laws regarding the production, drinking and possession of alcohol, the Blue Flame is an instructive manual on how to produce booze effectively at home.
Most of our homes had garages with an extra space, like a storeroom, except it was built with cinder blocks and was reinforced with a drain in the floor. Air conditioning and water hook ups were piped into this room.
The natural ingredients for booze, or siddiqi (meaning friend in Arabic) were easily available at all grocery stores and even at the Commissary on the compound. Many people had their own stills and a built-in sales business.
While we didn’t own a still, we were able to buy the raw siddiqi. We also purchased and imported flavored wood chips which we would toast in the oven then soak in the raw liquor for weeks or months, or until at least the next party or occasion. This created a kind of flavor liquor similar to American whiskey. Many of these beverages were delicious and to this day many Aramcons prefer their “brown” to commercially made liquor back home.
In our household we tried our hand at winemaking. This was in my opinion a grand failure. About one out of every three bottles was reasonably drinkable, our reds were barley palatable, it was always a delightfully serendipitous moment when we managed to achieve a good wine.
Champagne, now that’s another story. My husband applied himself more to brewing champagne than any other beverage and he was reasonably accomplished with it. The recipe was simple, basically sugar, yeast, grape juice and water. Each bottle was encased in a plastic grocery store bag in case of an explosion.
Yes, explosions were frequent. The bottling factory was under the sink in our daughter’s bathroom, we occasionally heard pow – pow in the middle of the night. We all learned to quickly go back to sleep.
There are layers of folklore, expat culture and history involved in the manufacturing and consumption of alcohol within the Kingdom. Over time the original people who wrote the Blue Flame have assumed almost mythical proportions, the recipes, methods and advice has been handed down across the Aramco generations.
We frequently had fund raisers for one of the “morale groups,” another name for faith or religious groups who gathered on campus – another occupation which was banned out in the communities but tolerated and indeed facilitated by Aramco. Someone had offered up a huge glass paperweight in the form of a blue flame, along with an original copy of the Blue Flame booklet. It was approximately seven inches tall on a five inch wide base. I was flabbergasted that it was auctioned off for the princely sum of five thousand dollars….here was someone who really put a great deal of stock in company traditions.
The closest I ever got to using the Blue Flame was copying a few recipes from probably twenty something year old copies; I might even have them somewhere in my memorabilia. I tried a few liqueurs which were relatively tasty. Homemade amaretto was made with almond essence, kalua used melted mars bars with coffee, Baileys was made by melting chocolate bars and adding condensed milk, vanilla and chocolate.
Many of us look back fondly on these deprivations and laugh about the amount of time and energy we spent circumventing the rules and the joy of rebelliousness. Without those hardships the entire lifestyle might have been dull, with them it was anything but!
Do you ever get writer’s block? What helps overcome it?
Oh yes baby! I have three remedies for writer’s block.
I am a huge believer in movement, both physically and emotionally. One of the best ways for me to jump-start my thinking and there my writing is to physically go somewhere. I can be bicycling, walking, hiking, paddle-boarding or playing pickleball and I think much more clearly during and after the activity.
I am obviously a big believer in travel. Be it by ship, airplane, car or my personal favorite – train.
Growing up in Scotland I started traveling by train as a little girl. My Mum would take me on a real steam engine (1960’s) to see my grandma every Monday down in Dumbarton. I remember the pulsing pure excitement as I held her hand and walked down the Queen Street Station in Glasgow. The great iron horse of a train would be belching, blasting and erupting steam. I would be terrified, until we boarded the train and set off.
A change of environment, an external stimulant or a piece of music, all of these can work to jog our memories and our brains which helps with writing.
On a Friday morning I am to be found in a speed writing group with women from all over Europe. I love this group. The different voices, vocabulary and turns of phrase really help me get in touch with the English language on a differing frequency. Keeping our vocabulary tuned up and growing really helps us as writers to capture the ideas and concepts we would love to convey.
Finally, running water. Sitting by a river, lake or stream – in fact any body of water, instantly helps me get into a better gear in life. I do believe in the concept of flow. Here’s a recipe, if you are at home, feeling jaded just run some water over some misshapen objects in the sink. Next, close your eyes and let your mind drift….I bet something will happen, if nothing else you will get to laugh at yourself and laughter is also a terrific energy booster.
Here’s to your success in overcoming writer’s or any other block you might have.
If you could ask one successful author three questions about their writing, writing process, or books, what would they be?
One of my dreams is to sit down and have an afternoon tea party with J. K. Rowling.
Growing up in Scotland I can clearly see the threads of culture, language and imagination that tied together J. K. Rowling’s books. I have ridden real steam engine trains, spent time in Victorian railway stations, and so many time walked the streets of Edinburgh as she did. But I have never sat down with a very famous live author to have a conversation, and I believe that Rowling and I would have much to chat about.
I have drunk tea in The Elephant House in Edinburgh, now famous because Rowling wrote there frequently. The café itself is a bit nondescript from the outside, but inside it’s like being on a scavenger hunt for Rowling and her thought process.
Like thousands of cafes in Scotland, The Elephant House serves the usual fare of sturdy breakfasts, amazing cakes and several authors like Alexander McCall Smith all found solace in this place. I am a big believer in how place affects writing and, naturally, like the thousands of other authors who have sat in that atmosphere, I wondered if I could possibly channel such brilliance.
Edinburgh can be a “dreich”, meaning dull or dreadfully gloomy and usually associated with rain tipping down. I imagine that Rowling sat there for many a day tenaciously writing, building images, concepts and even yes, magic into her books for hours.
I would ask her how she held onto her vision for all those years. She shopped her book around to twelve publishers and suffered dissuasion, discouragement and I am betting some distraction along the way. Yet, she is the very epitome of a real author who held onto her dream, lived fully into her vision and ultimately triumphed.
Any hobbies? or Name a quirky thing you like to do.
The Joys of Pet and Housesitting
My husband and I love to pet and housesit! My husband retired in 2015 and shortly afterwards we decided to take a few trips. At the time we had a dog and we explored and found housesitters, which led to us asking the question “could we do this” and “where would we love to go”? Voila, a new revived passion for travel combined with a mission to serve became our next perfect adventure.
Four years later we have traveled to ten countries to pet and housesit for people for more than 500 days. We have thoroughly enjoyed meeting individuals we would never normally come across in our daily lives. The fabulous pets we have encountered have brought us so much joy not to mention health and entertainment.
Last year, 2019, we spent six weeks in Mexico, then one month in Hawaii. When we arrived back home we started to pare down our belongings and after a crazy six week purge, we rented our home and off we went for a five month trip to Europe.
We spent over a month in Spain, Belgium, France and almost two months back to my home in Scotland and England. In total we completed six long housesits in these countries taking care of dogs, cats, fish, gardens and one Fred, a robotic lawn mower.
After returning home, with our house still rented, we took off for San Miguel de Allende, Mexico where we housesat for three months before Covid set in.
Misplaced on the Mexican side of the border, while it closed, and airlines stopped flying left us with no alternative but to be patient. We rented a house and a car and enjoyed an unexpected four extra months in Mexico for a total of seven months.
Housesitting has the potential to take us around the globe in the future, however for the moment we are parked safely at home in Denver, Colorado for the next four or five months due to Covid-19 restrictions, quarantine and no-fly policies, and then back to places unknown.
The pet sitting homes have varied from 15th Century manors in the south of England, to straw-bale houses in Durango, Colorado and everything in between. We have cared for a wide variety of historical properties in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and across the south of England.
Last year alone we took care of a historical bungalow in Mexico, a modern condominium in Hawaii, an Edwardian maisonette in London and Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian homes across the UK. We enjoy the variety and the stimulation that this lifestyle provides.
Stay tuned for the next book which will be a documentation of our adventures of Life in the Housesitting Lane!
How does the writing process work for you? Do you schedule a time every day, work madly when inspiration hits or ?
I meet with a group of other writers twice a week, at 6:00 a.m. in the morning on Mondays and Thursdays. Believe me, it’s sometimes a chore and I have been known to skip on cold Colorado winter mornings, but generally for the last five years you will find me on a Zoom call with fellow authors twice a week.
Currently, my most favorite writing time is on a Friday morning with I meet with my speed writing group. This group is a very disparate group of women. We are differing nationalities: one gal is Singaporean but lives in DC, one gal is English and lives in the Netherlands, one gal lives on the Isle of Man, another gal is French living in Germany and I am Scottish living in Colorado.
We choose really simple prompts, write for ten minutes then listen and offer praise. The turn of phrase, together with the wild and visceral writing complete with a vocabulary that could fill several dictionaries emerges through these women’s voices. I hear language and content in an
environment that I could never recreate here in Colorado.
This is my most favorite and fun writing every single week.
As an author - what do you enjoy most about writing process? What feels like a chore?
I enjoy the moments of inspiration. When that idea lands and seems to explode with energy and delight – that’s my favorite moment in the writing process. I do also enjoy the excuse to sit by a stream, a river, a lake – or pretty much any body of water, with a purpose. Flowing water helps my words flow onto a page.
My least favorite is the tedious part of editing, then re-editing and the process of moving large pieces of text around. I find that I lose my place when moving pieces of text and large swaths of writing and I need the help of a terrific editor to partner with me on those tasks.
Doreen Cumberford is a Scottish expat author who has been global traveler for more than four decades. In her 20s Doreen left her home in Scotland and drove down to London to become a member of Her Majesty’s Diplomatic Service, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Her first posting was as the youngest and most junior British Embassy staffer in Cameroon, West Africa. Later she moved back to London and took a position with an American oil-field construction company based in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. After moving to America, living in Louisiana then California, two extremely different cultures in the USofA, Doreen and family moved overseas to Japan then spent the following 15 years in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With 13 major moves under her belt, she understands the value of moving, building a new life and handling inter-cultural hurdles. One constant has been her ability to explore through the lens of adventure. Her stories are full of multi-cultural intelligence, messy multilingual communications and multi-global perspectives. Doreen is currently based on Denver, Colorado although spends most of the year living adventurously in the Housesitting Lane, which takes her around the globe. Currently she is doing her best to install Spanish in her brain which previously had French and smatterings of Japanese and Arabic. She is passionate about cultural intelligence, global heartedness and life on the road. Featured in the Anthology: Empowering Women, and a co-author in 2018 of Arriving Well: Stories About Identity, Belonging and Rediscovering Home After Living Abroad. 2020 sees the publication of Life in the Camel Lane: Embrace the Adventure. Honest, compassionate, full of wisdom and inspiration, Life in the Camel Lane comprises stories mostly from women and men who lived in Saudi Arabia from 1950s onward. This memoir contains expert advice sage wisdom and stories that all globally mobile families can use to navigate their international journey. The principles in this book will also encourage anyone who is embracing a more adventurous life, or considering taking the leap to move overseas.
Book Title: The Spiritual Adventures of Russell the Dog - A Blend of Truth, Fiction and Inspiration from the Other Side by Trisha Watson Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 284 pages Genre: Dog Story, Inspirational Publisher: Stone & Light Publishing Release date: January 20, 2020 Format available for review: print, mobi (for Kindle), Gifted Kindle, PDF Will send print books out: USA Tour dates: August 24 to September 4, 2020 Content Rating: G for General Audiences https://www.youtube.com/embed/h8eBszrriWY
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Book Description:
By reading this newly released book for the dog lover’s soul, you are about to take a remarkable journey through the eyes of Russell the dog. At times you will find that reading about his spiritual adventures takes an open mind, and a willingness to laugh and cry. By choice, Russell has come into this life with a unique dual purpose: to experience his present lifetime as a dog and to review his previous lifetime as a man. His journey is multidimensional; taking him through numerous challenges triggering a spectrum of emotions which he resists. One of his special abilities is to telepathically hear and communicate with other animals, his Spirit Guides, and even people when necessary for his growth. In the process, Russell learns about reincarnation, karma, grace, unlimited thinking, and forgiveness - all from a dog’s point of view and that of a soul who has had many previous human lifetimes.
.MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
What a unique visit with the life of Russell the dog! In this book is the story of this dog's journey through life. Sadly Russell's journey didn't start off so well, but his struggles were to only make him stronger in life. I was both laughing and crying at time as Russel took me on his the different parts of his journey, and as he met his struggles and the fun he had head on. I was especially intrigued reading this story through the eyes of Russell and getting to see and understand the lessons he's learned through his life journey. I wasn't sure about this book when I first saw it but I am so glad I read it. It is not only an amazing book to read, it left me loving my little doggie even more. And I've many times wondered what she's thinking, which this will have me wondering even more. This is a fun book to read, getting inside Russells head, and one I think any animal lover will love and appreciate.
A special thanks to the author/publisher and to iREAD Book Tours for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
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And now Trisha Watson so graciously gives us more insights into this special book. Be sure to read these questions and answers about the writing of Russell!
Q. Your book is The Spiritual Adventures of Russell the Dog. The second part of the title is A Blend of Truth, Fiction, and Inspiration from the Other Side. Tell me more about the second part of your book’s title?
Well, it is a blend of truth and fiction. Of the three, the most important element proved to be the inspiration from the other side. Almost every moment I spent engaged in writing or thinking about this book came from a guided part of myself that was inspired by intuitive influences.
Have you ever been moved to do something that comes from a hunch or gut feeling? So far, everyone I’ve met has experienced this type of intuition.
Q. So it was a hunch that motivated you to write The Spiritual Adventures of Russell the Dog?
As it turned out, it was much more than a hunch. I would describe it as a constant nagging, with relentless inner urgings that would not leave me alone. I believe our spirit guides communicate with us through our inner voice, which we believe to be our own thoughts. Often, we disregard our intuitive ideas as the ramblings of our mind. And if the intention is not positive, or of a helpful nature then those thoughts should be disregarded. But very often it’s our spirit guides encouraging us to reach for higher levels of our potential in this incarnation. Spurring us to move beyond mediocrity or being stuck to a state of forward motion with our highest and greatest good as the goal.
A key factor here is that I didn’t want to write a book! And I resisted doing so for close to two years. Maybe it was laziness, but I had a good idea of the huge project writing a book would be and I didn’t want to take it on. Partly because I didn’t consider myself a writer or have the confidence that I could become an author. Still my inner voice wasn’t interested in my fears. I learned over the years, if I didn’t follow the urgings my guides were pushing me to do, I’d likely regret it.
So, for the first two years, I reluctantly began writing things down, telling my husband and friends I was writing a story. By using my own life experiences and family memories, I blended fiction and the inspiration I received from the other side. Over time, the combination poured through my mind slowly developing the plot, characters, dialog, and spiritual principals shared in the book.
Q. With unlimited choices for a lead character, why write a story from the point of view of a dog, named Russell?
Russell was one of my most beloved dogs. His precocious, stubborn, peculiar, personality traits frequently caused me a great deal of stress. Even so, I often found myself laughing about his antics. I grew to understand how his complexities that tested my patience also brought me immense joy, which is perhaps why the story started to form around him. At the time my inner stirrings began, Russell had been in spirit for almost three years. Because he was such a strong personality, from the start, I liked the idea of Russell telling this amazing story from his point of view.
Q. Your path with this story has been interesting. Was there a defining moment that made you decide to make the commitment to move from writing a story to writing a book?
Yes, I have always felt my purpose, in this lifetime, centers around being helpful to others. If I can be of service to all beings; human, animal, and the beingness of the planet, then I am living my purpose. As the story unfolded, I realized it was a spiritual guidebook. It could be beneficial to those who read it. My reluctance gave way to trusting my guidance with the faith to follow it through to completion. I knew this is what I had to do and then I was able to embrace it.
Q. There are many books out there about spiritual growth. What makes yours different?
The plot is unique, which I suspected at the time it fully formed. However, with so many books written every year I wasn’t sure it already hadn’t been done. The story is about a dog (Russell) who finds he has come into his current incarnation with an unusual dual purpose. The first reason is to experience his lifetime as a dog. His second is to review his previous incarnation as a man named Pete, whose life ended tragically. As Pete, he refused to let the review of his lifetime take place.
After he discovers his twofold purpose for coming into his lifetime as Russell the dog, his spiritual adventure rapidly unfolds.
Various spirit guides, two in particular, teach him about the many aspects of being a soul in a body encouraging him towards his main purpose of finally reviewing his previous lifetime as Pete. He also explores other previous lifetimes relevant to his current repeating traits. Another essential key to Russell’s growth is the love of the woman who adopts him. Her role turns out to be multi layered with a surprise twist. We all have many life lessons encased in our personal spiritual adventure. The discoveries Russell finds along the way can inspire an expansiveness for those who read the book.
One message is resistance causes pain. Currently, everyone on the planet is challenged by the unexpected pandemic. The more we resist this unchangeable reality the more pain we will suffer. Accepting the reality of the pandemic removes the pain of resistance, so we may focus our energies on solutions to grow beyond it, collectively, and as individuals.
I hope all who share in Russell’s journey will be inspired to experience life on a larger canvas of possibilities.
Q. Your book reviews are glowing. What is your next project?
Now that I realized I can write a book, my next inspiration is The Spiritual Adventures of Maggie the Dog – A Blend of Truth, Fiction, and Inspiration from the Other Side. Sadly, Maggie, who was going on fifteen, recently made her transition to spirit. My husband and I, along with our other dog, Cooper deeply miss her as we adjust to being without her. The theme of reincarnation will also flow into Maggie’s book, told in her voice, sharing her spiritual adventures.
I honestly believe, we are all each other’s students and teachers, including animals and especially our pets.
Trisha Watson has a reverence for life, nature, and compassion for those in need, including, and especially animals. Of course, that encompasses pets too, and thus all her dogs and cats over the years were rescues or strays. Because of her passion, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each book is donated to different animal rescue organizations. Twenty years of self-employment helped her develop a can-do attitude. When asked about the process of writing a book she said, “This story wouldn’t leave me alone, much of it flowed easily. Some of it I don’t remember writing, which at first was spooky, but later made complete sense as the story revealed itself. My intention with this book is to perhaps provide a source of inspiration and healing for those who read it.” At sixteen, Trisha began her spiritual journey. Over the years she has delved into many facets always with an open mind and a dash of healthy skepticism. Never looking back, she keeps moving forward in her own spiritual adventure, seeking to learn and share her experiences with others. Trisha was born in Rhode Island. A few years later her family moved to the “Mile High City” Denver, Colorado where she grew up. As an adult she was drawn to the mountains eventually settling in Evergreen, a small mountain town outside of Denver. It is there she’s built a life with her husband Mark and their two dogs, Maggie and Cooper.
Release Date: June 30, 2020They know the power and peril of the ocean.
But as they get closer to the deadly truth…
An even greater danger lurks just beneath the surface.
When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker on the first drilling platform off the North Carolina coast, Coast Guard investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are sent to take the case. Tensions surrounding the oil rig are high and the death has everyone on edge. Environmental activists are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the structure from being completed, while rumors are being whispered about ancient curses surrounding this part of the ocean.
Mounting evidence shows the death may not have been an accident at all. Was he killed by one of the activists or, perhaps more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only a plethora of suspects, but also their own past and attraction to each other.
Just as the case seems like it’ll break open, worse news arrives. A tropical storm has turned their way and soon they’re cut off from any rescue–and right where the killer wants them. It’s a race to discover his identity before he eliminates the threat they pose.
MY REVIEW
Author Dani Pettrey has written another top notch suspense thriller that will have you on the edge of your seats biting your nails! I love, loved every page of this book. The more I read, the better it got and the more I didn’t want it to end.
I was so glad to see Mason come on board, and even happier to hear he and Rissi had a past. I fell in love with Mason, and Rissi was a favorite from book one! The Crushing Depths has a little bit of it all. The heart wrenching suspense, enough thrills to last me until the next book, drama, romance though subtle it may be, murder, all kinds of tension running everywhere, and of course the bad guys. I did not have this one figured out. When I thought I knew the bad guy, another twist, another surprise and I was at square one again. One thing for sure, this is an author that keeps you guessing. And I love that about Dani’s writing. I also love and appreciate the Christian life that Ms. Pettrey writes into the lives of her characters, and she does it in a way that is so natural. If you enjoy a really good clean suspense, this us a must for you. This book deserves way more than the five stars I give it. This is when the star system needs to be different. I think you get my message. I love love love this book!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has sold more than half a million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today). She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband. Their two daughters, a son-in-law, and two adorable grandsons also reside in Maryland. For more information about her novels, visit www.danipettrey.com
More from Dani
Enjoy this special recipe for a Lavender and Honey Latte that makes a special appearance in my book!
Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has sold more than half a million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today). She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband. Their two daughters, a son-in-law, and two adorable grandsons also reside in Maryland. For more information about her novels, visit 
