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.
Book Description:
Melanin Brown is a girl far beyond her years who observes a brand new student being bullied at her school because of his ethics. This causes her to feel distressed, uncomfortable, and the treatment does not sit right with her. As she is given guidance from her parents, friends, and teachers, she also leans on her desire to treat people in the same manner in which she would want to be treated. Melanin finds how to confront disparate difficult situations while simultaneously navigating her own sense of truth and justice.
Melanin is the friend we all wish was in our group when we were in school. Kind, sincere, and smart, Melanin is a leader for our times whose compassion knows no bounds. Open these pages and accompany Melanin on her path to self-confidence!
Meet the Author:
Candice Davis is a middle school Special Education Teacher in Washington, D.C., with a background in film. She started her career in education as a Curriculum and Personnel Specialist, writing grants and proposals. Due to her desire to have more of a direct impact with disadvantaged students, she transitioned into teaching. This is Davis’s debut book. She holds a M.Ed. in Educational Psychology with a focus in Social Foundations from the University of Virginia and a BA in Film and Video
Studies from George Mason University.
Book Description:
1776: Benjamin Franklin sails to Paris, carrying a copy of the Declaration of Independence, freshly signed. His charge: gain the support of France for the unfolding American Revolution. Yet Paris is a city of distractions. Ben’s lover, Marianne Davies, will soon arrive, and he yearns to rekindle his affair with the beautiful musician.
Dr. Franz Mesmer has plans for Marianne too. He has taken Parisian nobility by storm with his discovery of magnétisme animale, a mysterious force claimed to heal the sick. Marianne’s ability to channel Mesmer’s phenomena is key to his success.
A skeptical King Louis XVI appoints Ben to head a commission investigating the astonishing magnétisme animale. By nature, Ben requires proof. Can he scientifically prove that it does not exist? Mesmer will stop at nothing to protect his profitable claim.
The Wisdom of The Flock explores the conflict between science and mysticism in a time rife with revolution, love, spies, and passion.
The Wisdom of the Flock: Franklin and Mesmer in Paris by Steve M. Gnatz is and interesting view of Franklin sailing to Paris with a copy of the Declaration of Independence, and the time he spent in France. There is a lot to learn here and the author gives his thoughts on what it was like. I found the characters well thought out and crafted and I think they all played their parts well as the story unfolds. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of historical France the happenings there and all that went on as he told Benjamin Franklin's detailed journey in France. Each scene crafted was told with expertise and detail throughout the places there during that Era. Gnatz takes us on an interesting journey with a compelling story that is mixed with true facts as well as a bit of fiction made up through the mind and eyes of this author.
Being a musician, one thing I especially enjoyed was Marianne Davis and her love for music. Though I know how glass can be musical, I had never heard of the glass armonica Franklin built for Marianne. How I would love to hear Marianne play the glass armonica today. I enjoyed learning even more about this instrument in the interview from the author published here. I encourage you to read this wonderful and interesting interview. I enjoyed this book very much, though it was pretty long, and for me I think it could have been shortened a bit if a lot if the unnecessary words could have been taken out. All in all it is an interesting read. The author's extensive research is evident here as well as his love and knowledge for the historical icon Benjamin Franklin. I encourage others to check The Wisdom of the Flock: and Mesmer in Paris by Steve M. Gnatz out. Whether you are a history buff or maybe just wanting an interesting historical story.
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.
And now an interesting interview with the Author Steve M. Gnatz
What is a glass armonica and how does it figure in the book?
Ben Franklin invented the glass armonica. The story goes that he was familiar with the musicians who used “musical glasses” to produce sound. This practice had probably been around nearly as long as glass itself. Ben observed in 1761, after seeing Marianne Davies perform on the musical glasses, that despite how beautifully she played, she appeared to be in pain from the activity. He devised an instrument that featured sequentially sized stacked glass bowls attached to a rod at their center and bathed in a tub of water. The rod was turned by a treadle mechanism, keeping the turning bowls bathed with water. The musician could then gently apply her finger to the appropriate bowl to produce the note she wanted – resulting in music without any pain. Ben had the very first glass armonica built for Marianne. Historians have questioned the nature of the relationship between them - but very little is known. For a time, Marianne was quite successful as a musician using the instrument that Franklin had invented for her. Later in her career though, in a letter featured in The Wisdom of the Flock, she lamented that Franklin no longer seemed to want to protect her “franchise” and that many other musicians were able to compete. I took advantage of the lack of detail in the historical record to create a relationship between Franklin and Marianne Davies that was already in place at the beginning of the book - but then also to explore how their relationship changed over time, ultimately leading to her disenfranchisement.
How was Mesmer involved with the glass armonica?
It is historically accurate that Mesmer obtained his copy of Marianne’s instrument during a time that she was playing in Vienna prior to the opening of The Wisdom of the Flock. But any romantic relationship between Mesmer and Marianne is a presumption, as there is no historical record one way or the other. Nonetheless, the glass armonica has a haunting, ethereal quality that Mesmer found useful in his seances. He is known to have played it very well himself. The glass armonica fell out of favor in the early 1800’s (but is recently enjoying somewhat of a revival) as it was felt to be associated with melancholy and madness. Some have theorized that this association was due to high lead content in the glass bowls. Mozart and many other composers wrote music for the glass armonica in its heyday – which can still be heard performed today. Of course, modern glass armonicas do not use leaded glass!
Are there other examples of the role of music in The Wisdom of the Flock?
Franklin was a music lover. He is known to have played the glass armonica, but mostly he was known to appreciate music and musicians. He is said to have loved listening to anyone playing Scottish Aires. I used the knowledge of Franklin’s love for music to help inform his relationship with Marianne. It is also known that he befriended Madame Brillon (an accomplished musician) and also a potential love interest, while in Paris. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was in Paris around the time of the book and makes a cameo appearance playing at private showing of the Beaumarchais play The Marriage of Figaro. The blind pianist Maria Paradis is featured, both due to her special relationship with Mesmer – for he is purported to have helped her (temporarily) regain her sight using magnetism animale – as well as her playing of a concert in Paris during Franklin’s time there. And Marco (a fictional character) and his merry band bond with Marianne and the others on the Seine in singing folk songs that they all instinctively know.
What about the setting of your book? Have you been to Passy?
I’ve been to Paris many times, but the area where Franklin stayed in Passy has changed significantly over time as the city expanded. In the late 1700’s, Passy and Auteuil were outside of the city gates of Paris. They were suburbs, if you will, or even perhaps more like separate country towns outside the walls. Today, you can see a small plaque not too far from the Eiffel tower that denotes the area where Passy and Auteuil used to be. The home of the Leray family (the Hôtel de Valentinois), depicted in The Wisdom of the Flock and where Franklin stayed during his time in France, is gone. The Kingswoods is now a city park. The Louvre was not a museum yet, but a government office building. The Tuileries Gardens and the Place Vendôme are very much the same as they were. In fact, I used my own recollection of the shadows among the colonnades of the Place Vendôme in creating the scenes of Mesmer’s quarters there - especially in the way people (such as Marianne) could drift in and out in a ghostly fashion. The Ile de la Cité and the Pont Neuf are still in the same places, but no doubt considerably more crowded than during Franklin’s time there. Still, it is fun to walk across the bridge and think about how Marianne might have scurried at night!
The Wisdom of the Flock seems to be about human relationships, is it?
Yes and no. I tried to use the narrative to weave a tale using historical characters (real and fictional) and give them personalities and qualities that would make them feel human to the reader. I wanted to tell the story using their dialogue. The superficial story does have a lot to do with my characters falling in (and out) of love. But my goal was also to tell a deeper story of the power of love and hope. As Ben reminds us - a definition of hope is a common vision of a better future. Perhaps at a subconscious level if we can envision a better future (whether it is in human relationships, the birthing the United States, or in health/wellness) we will see our hopes come to fruition.
Meet the Author:
Steve Gnatz is a writer, physician, bicyclist, photographer, traveler, and aspiring ukulele player. The son of a history professor and a nurse, it seems that both medicine and history are in his blood. Writing historical fiction came naturally. An undergraduate degree in biology was complemented by a minor in classics. After completing medical school, he embarked on an academic medical career specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. There was little time for
writing during those years, other than research papers and a technical primer on electromyography. Now retired from the practice of medicine, he devotes himself to the craft of fiction. The history of science is of particular interest, but also the dynamics of human relationships. People want to be good scientists, but sometimes human nature gets in the way. That makes for interesting stories. When not writing or traveling, he enjoys restoring Italian racing bicycles at home in
Chicago with his wife and daughters.
connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ goodreads
Format available: print, ebook, and audible
Content Rating: R. VIOLENCE, CRIME SCENE PHOTOS
Book Description:
OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF SERIAL KILLERS by author Mary Brett is as close as you will ever come to discovering the answer ... and in the killer’s own words! In this one-of-a-kind book, author Mary Brett corresponded with some of America’s most evil convicted serial killers and asked just one question: WHY? Their return letters give an insightful look into the dark mind of each killer. The reader also will be able to scrutinize direct quotes, unedited, from interrogation statements, trial testimony, media interviews, and parole hearing inquests 75 Serial Killers are included in the book, some only known to the unfortunate victims’ family, friends, and community, while others are the most infamous in the annals of serial killers. All bios feature the crime, the capture, the victims, and background facts. Crime scene Photos, some graphic, are featured.
Out of the Mouths of Serial Killers by Mary Brett is an interesting book to read. Brett contacted about 75 serial killers to get their reasoning of why they took the lives of many people. Only a few wrote back, but it was interesting to read what they had to say. The answers were scattered, some not admitting to be a killer at all, some told exactly what happened and some really didn't give an answer at all. There were many that were deceased. Brett did an excellent job of researching each person and had all of the info about their life, early childhood, growing up, and the crimes they were convicted of and those that didn't have enough evidence. There are quotes from most of them from different publications.
I am glad I read this book, knowing how some of these criminals felt at the time the murdered their victims. I wish there had been more direct letters to hear more from the actual serial killers. Letters were the most interesting part. All in all, I sometimes read true crime books and this is a good one, it is well written and extensive research was done in order to obtain all of the info in each book. If you enjoy stories such as this, I encourage you to try Mary Brett's 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.
Meet the Author:
I have just finished my 4th book, OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF SERIAL KILLERS. Iwrote to convicted serial killers asking just one question: Why? Their letters back to me formed the basis of what I hope is a fascinating read as well as a chilling look into the mindset of 75 psychopathic killers who walked among us. WildBlue Press is the Publisher and I thank them and their amazing staff for producing my book in both paperback andKindle format. In presales, my book hit #1 on Kindle in VIOLENCE IN SOCIETY. I am a Virginia native, living in Florida. I hold a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University.connect with the author: amazon
Book Title: Lets Talk! A story of Autism and Friendship by Lisa Jacovsky Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 32 pages Genre: Children's Picture Book Publisher: Lisa Jacovsky Release date: July 2020 Formats Available: hardback, ebook Tour dates: Mar 29 to Apr 16, 2021 Content Rating: G.
Book Description:
Harper, a seven-year-old little girl that is typically developing, meets a new friend one day at the pool that is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. They both love to swim at the pool and want to play together however, Emma has little communication skills. Emma can make sounds and
not words and flaps her hands when she is excited. When Harper realizes she cannot communicate with her new friend she becomes determined to find a way to. She begins to learn about Autism Spectrum Disorder and the different ways that Emma can communicate. Once she does the two become inseparable. Harper introduces Emma to all her friends and teaches them how to communicate with Emma. Harper and Emma become the center of their circle of friends and have more many more adventures
NOW LETS HEAR MORE ABOUT THIS BOOK FROM THE AUTHOR
There are many books out there about autism and/or friendship, What makes yours "different?
There are books out there about Autism or with a main character that has Autism. I think what makes my book different is that the book is based off my real-life experience in my career. I work in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and was able to bring a lot of my experience to what I wrote in the book. Emma uses a specific technique to communicate which her key ring of cards with words on it she can read and point to. This is called a PECS or Picture Exchange Communication System and I don’t think many people would know that or know of the use of cards to communicate. There are many different variations of a PECS system but I chose the one I did because of how easy and versatile it is. It Is something I recommend regularly to the families I work with in my career, and it is quite successful. I feel like it brings a realness to the book and something people have not seen before.
Also, the fact she can read and write I think makes this book stand out. I do not think many people realize how smart little ones with Autism are. By having her be able to read and write I am already pushing the boundary that Autism means little ones cannot communicate. I feel like it shows Autism in a different, more positive light Also, being able to read and write is inspired by a real-life client I had. I have worked with many little ones with Autism that can read and write perfectly well. I think bringing this real ness to the character sets my book apart. I think it shows families if she can do it then their little one can to.
Meet the Authors:
Lisa
Jacovsky currently is a doctoral level student at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is excited the possibilities having her Doctorate degree will bring her. She has been in the field of ABA since 2014. She began working with children with Autism in 2018 and is currently working in Early Intervention. It is her experience with children that inspired her to finally fulfill her dream of writing a book. Lisa began writing short stories when she was seven years old.
Writing is her passion and one of many things she enjoys. She is excited for the future of her series Lets Talk!.
FORGIVENESS: YOUR KEY TO HARMONY AND INNER PEACE by Laura Throne will take you on a fascinating journey through the author's real-life experiences as she provides practical advice to achieve a more intentional, conscious and aware approach to life. It will show you how accepting change and facing the unknown can create wonderful new opportunities.
This memoir details the author's own wake-up call about how she restored her emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing after a devastating, miserable marriage, and regained her physical health after a chronic disease. Her story will help you discover small miracles in your everyday life you can be grateful for. See how difficult life situations and challenges can help your soul grow and evolve so you can reach your true potential.
FORGIVENESS will help you to remember that you are loved, worthy and complete. In the same way, you are valuable, powerful and significant in this world. Practicing forgiveness liberates your soul and sets you free, and kindness fills your heart with joy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EXCERPTS (Exclusive Excerpt):
Most people think if they move to a bigger house, a different country, save more money, change jobs, start a business, get married, buy another car, go on vacation, buy more clothes, etc. they will be happy. I was no different. I fantasized that moving to a new country, living in a big house and taking fancy vacations — all these materialistic things — could make me happy.
I was wrong. Believe me. I felt a big emptiness inside. I was so unhappy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Laura Throne lived in four different countries between 2005 and 2020, and now resides in Canada with her two children. Forgiveness is her first book. By writing her memoir she hopes to inspire people to connect to their heart and soul. She hopes that her personal story will help you to remember that you are loved and worthy. In the same way, you are powerful and significant in this world. Practicing forgiveness liberates your soul and sets you free, and kindness fills your heart with joy.
Book Title: Whenever a Child Is Born by Nancy Diedrich Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 30 pages Genre: Children's Picture Book Publisher: WestBow Press Release date: July 2017 Format available for review: print (USA), pdf Tour dates: Mar 15 to Apr 9, 2021 Content Rating: G for everyone.
Book Description:
In his 2014 homily for the Feast of Holy Guardian Angels, October 2, Pope Francis told those gathered for daily mass to be like children who pay attention to their "traveling companion. No one journeys alone, and no one should think that they are alone.
"According to Church tradition," the pope said, "we all have an angel with us, who guards us . . . It is what God said: 'I send an angel before you, to guard you, to accompany you on the way, so you will not be alone.'"
In this children's book, angels wait anxiously and with great excitement to see which one of them will be chosen to be the guardian angel of a child that is to be born. This delightful book depicts the joy of all God's creations anticipating the birth of another precious child. The sun shines brighter, the moon has a shinier glow, flowers grow taller, birds tweet more sweetly, and angels dance and sing with bliss, as all creation awaits another baby girl or boy.
Whenever a Child Is Born offers the perfect message for parents as it charmingly tells the story of how all of heaven and earth react to the news that a child is about to be born. The story comforts parents with the knowledge that their baby is a special gift from heaven to them, and that they will never be alone raising their child, and that their child will never ever be alone in life.
Parents never worry. No one journeys alone through life because whenever a child is born, he is given a guardian angel.
Whenever a Child Is Born by Nancy Diedrich is a sweet story about what could happen when a child is born into this world. It is a beautiful book inside and out. The story is sweet and comforting to parents of new babies. It tells of the excitement of new little ones to their families as well as in Heaven.
And I can leave out the gorgeous and amazing illustrations created buy Chris Diket. I love the whimsical, fairytale look and they tell the story oh so well. Children everywhere will love getting their hands on this book. Babies and little ones will love having the book read to them, and older children can read the book themselves. And little ones will have a blast picking out all of the different characters and making up their own story. This sweet book is a good one for all children everywhere.
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.
NOW AN INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR
And now let's find out more about Nancy Diedrich
Question #1
What made you write a book about whenever a child is born?
Answer #1
One of the other “career hats” that I wear, is Marriage and Family Therapist. In my counseling practice, I often work in group therapy, and it was in a group that consisted of young mothers, that I realized the topic of “having a new baby” was a worthy subject about which to write. The ladies discussed how they would tell their families that another baby was on the way. They especially addressed the issue of informing their children that they were going to have another sibling. These ladies found it difficult to find an appropriate message for their children.
This is when I realized that the joy of a child coming into the world needed its own narrative. The story of how all of creation might respond to hearing that a new baby is about to be born, needed its own story, so that children could experience joyfulness and excitement whenever they hear this delightful news.
Question #2
What advice would you give budding writers?
Answer #2
I have had a few people ask for advice on writing a book. Most of the time I ask if they have ever written anything before, such as a magazine or newspaper article. That is how I got my feet wet in writing. After writing for local magazines for a few years, I realized I was comfortable with the process, and wanted to venture into more. I advise budding writers to experiment with some type of public exposure writing, if possible. I also tell them to be ready to work hard. Getting to the end of writing a book has many challenges, and the words, “The End”, are nowhere near the actual end. That’s where the creative writing slows down, but it is also where the publishing, sales and marketing begin. A writer needs to know in advance that there is a huge business component attached to the artistic process of writing. But, in addition to the hard work and challenges, I always tell them about the pleasure and sense of fulfillment that comes with seeing their own personal work in print. It brings a feeling of accomplishment and achievement, regardless of whether book sales are through the roof or in the basement! You create it, and it’s your triumph.
Question #3
Do you have another profession besides writing?
Answer #3
After college, I taught high school English, and even though this was a very rewarding part of my career, after ten years of teaching, I went back to school to broaden my career. Following graduate school, I have had a private Marriage and Family Therapy practice for the past 28 years. Working with families and their lives, behaviors and emotions for that many years has offered me a wealth of inspiration and thought for writing. Each of my career moves seemed to feed the next one.
Question #4
How long have you been writing?
Answer #4
I wrote for local magazines for about five or six years, and that experience got me interested in possibly writing a book. Writing for magazines, I got over the fear of criticism and someone editing my work. I also learned how good it felt to do my best and to see my words in print.
Five years ago, I wrote a children’s book for each of my seven grandchildren, where each of them was the hero of his very own book. That was the push that I needed to get started on my first published book. After my first book was published, I wrote two more. All of my books are children’s books, and I am having so much fun writing for young children. Being invited to school and libraries for Author Visit is so enjoyable, as well as, fulfilling. There is nothing like reading to a wide-eyed child who is hanging on every word. Children are a priceless and precious audience.
Question #5
What genre do you write and why?
Answer #5
I write Children’s Fiction because I love the imagination of a child. It is gratifying for me to write for children, where storylines can entertain, as well as, inform curious young readers. I believe this genre offers children an opportunity to fall in love with reading for the first time. Children’s books expose children to morals, values and social skills, while their reading and cognitive skills are strengthened also.
I always bring a banner with me to Book Readings that says, “Today a reader; tomorrow a leader”. And I believe that.
Question #6
What is your favorite book that you have ever read?
My hands down favorite book that I have ever read is Harper Lee’s amazing work, To Kill A Mockingbird. I have actually read it multiple times. I admire the character, Atticus Finch, and how he teaches compassion and respect for all, through his deliberate words and humble actions. His children learn to be civic minded, socially just, considerate of others and empathetic, by simply watching their father live his life through each chapter of this wonderful book. The teacher in me, loves the lessons taught in this remarkable book; the counselor in me is comforted by the compassion and respect felt by the characters, and the author in me is always astounded by how Harper Lee accomplished so much in one incredible book.
Meet the Author:
Nancy Diedrich was born and raised in South Louisiana, where storytelling was not just an art form, but an authentic way of communicating. Everyone had a tale to tell! This was, more than likely, where her love of communication developed. With undergraduate degrees in English and speech, and graduate degrees in psychological counseling, Nancy learned that words can educate; they can entertain; they can inspire and they can heal. In Nancy’s career, she has been a teacher, a counselor and an author, where the power of words always guided her in interaction with her students, clients and readers. Nancy’s value for genuine communication extends beyond her career, to the anchors of her life, which are her faith, her family and her friendships.
Whenever A Child Is Born is Nancy’s first published children’s book. In it, the reader gets a glimpse of this author’s compassion for family, and her gift of faith, as the story tells how all of heaven and earth react to the news that a child is about to be born.
Mom's Choice Award Winner (Gold)Reader’s Favorite Five-Star Recipient
Book Description:
When Princesses Rosalie and Scarlet went to bed on a warm summer night,
they didn’t expect to awake to such a fright.
Their father the king’s scepter was taken by a thief.
The royal family was in utter disbelief!
The princesses sneak out of bed and find a clue.
Their mission is clear, they know what to do.
Along their journey, they meet friends who help them track the thief down.
Will they find him and return the scepter to their father who wears the crown?
Julie
Dinges lives in Hilliard, Ohio with her husband, two daughters, one
dog, and several fish. She loves being outside, cooking, traveling,
watching science fiction movies, and reading fantasy books to her girls.
Julie spent many years as a technical writer before shifting focus to
website design.
One of Julie’s greatest ambitions was to write a
book. She is excited to share her first published creation, and hopes it
sparks imagination and inspiration for all who read of the princess’s
quest.
connect with the authors: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads
Content Rating: PG-13. The novel includes violence in war scenes and non-explicit sex scenes, but
not f-words, religious profanities, or crude terms as described.
Book Description:
From the multiple-award-winning author of To Tuscany with Love comes a captivating story of the epic tug of war between honor and duty, the irrepressible power of love, and the concept of family.
In 1945, Will Mills and his fellow soldiers in the 10th Mountain Division scaled Italy’s treacherous Riva Ridge in the frigid night to break through the nearly impenetrable German line of defense. Severely wounded, Will was rescued by Italian partisans and one, a beautiful girl, tended his injuries until he had the strength to rejoin the U.S. troops.
Tormented and haunted by his decisions and actions during wartime, Will knows he has unfinished missions in Italy to complete. The passage of time and years of carrying this unfulfilled need have molded Will into a bitter, angry man.
Seventy-five years later, Will’s spunky thirty-two-year-old neighbor, Sophie Sparke, faces disaster in her life. Everything is going wrong—her job, her love life, even her dog. Part of the problem is that confident and fiercely independent Sophie lets her quick mouth get her into trouble.
Grouchy, mean-spirited Will finagles Sophie into traveling with him to Tuscany to find the partisan who saved his life. Will also secretly hopes to confront the demons his wartime actions created. Sophie and Will comb enchanting Tuscan hill towns on an improbable and unfolding mission with few clues to aid them. Will’s passionate tenacity drives their quest and in the process exposes their darkest secrets. The journey alters the course of their lives, and Will and Sophie find more than they had imagined in the hills of Tuscany.
Will is still troubled about his severe injuries in the war, Will take his quirky neighbor into going to Tuscany with him to find the partisan who saved his life, and hopefully confront the demons he has fought since the war. It was a blast following the two on their journey. With Will's grumpy old mean spirited attitude and Sophie's spunky self mixed together there was a lot of humor thought this story. The author does an amazing job detailing their journey to make readers feel like they are there in the moment. I love the vivid descriptions of the scenes in Italy. I'll never be able to go there but it was sure fun to dream and imagine I was there while listening to the descriptions of the different places. The supporting characters were well thought out and created as well. Over all this is a interesting book to read, while some parts were fun and exciting, others were not so much.
I was able to listen to the Audible copy of this book and I want to comment Susan Fouche on the fabulous job reading this book. Her voice is smooth to listen to and the different voices for the characters brought the story to life in a real way. I appreciate listening to someone who does such a beautiful job. I have to give this one a Five Stars because it's so good.
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 Gail Mencini, author of It Happened in TuscanyHi Gail! Thank you for being willing to share some of your writing life with us.What inspired you to write, and how did you get started?
My husband and I vacationed in Key West, Florida, in the perfect month to travel there–July. People know Key West for sunsets, water sports, Jimmy Buffett, boozy celebrations, and Ernest Hemingway.
We toured Ernest Hemingway’s house in Key West. I stepped over six-toed cats, and a bizarre thing happened. Prickles ran up and down my body! I grabbed my husband’s arm. “Don’t you feel it?”
“Feel what? It’s hot. It’s humid, and I need something cold to drink.”
“No. Don’t you feel it—in the air? On your skin?”
“It’s July. In Key West. It’s hot.”
“That’s not it. It’s the ghost of Ernest Hemingway.” My secret spilled out later that night. I confessed what I had told no one. “I’ve always wanted to write novels.”
“Then do it.”
So I did. I learned the craft from books and workshops and started writing.
In both To Tuscany with Love and It Happened in Tuscany you included a character with breast cancer. Why?
I’m many things–wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and breast cancer survivor. I’m also a dreamer and a writer. All these characteristics are an integral part of who I am.
My husband, a radiologist specializing in breast imaging, read my mammogram in 2009 and found my cancer. Breast cancer became intensely personal for him. He saw how lost and afraid I would have been without his help to plan and navigate my course of treatment. He vowed to start a Breast Center of Excellence at St. Anthony Hospital in Denver and create a Breast Network to serve and guide patients throughout their journey, which is exactly what he did. When he shares that his wife is a survivor and thriving, it helps give his patients courage.
A screening mammogram saved my life. Early detection is a vital key to beating breast cancer. I had a mission: if my novels had one or more characters affected by this disease, I could highlight the importance of regular mammograms while entertaining my readers.
But first, I had to be published so people could find my books and read my words.
The only thing holding me back was me.
I made a vow to believe in myself as a writer. I asked myself: if not now, when?
The belief that it would happen made all the difference in the world.
What is the most troublesome part about writing for you?
Research. I have to fight myself from being too complete and too detailed with my research. I write fiction, but want it to be authentic, even if not one hundred percent historically or geographically accurate.
For example, I researched hairstyles, fashions, what songs were at the top of the charts, and what colleges held semester abroad classes in Florence, Italy as part of my To Tuscany with Love 1980s research. I did extensive research for the war scenes in It Happened in Tuscany. It pleased me when one reader, who is a retired Army officer, commented with excitement that I got the weapons and bombs exactly right, for both the United States and German soldiers.
Both your characters and scenes are realistic and well-formed. Do you do this work as you write the novel, or before you start?
I do extensive setting and character building before I write the manuscript. I create files in Scrivener, a writing application. My research files and character sketches include photographs, webpages, maps, descriptions, and other research. The character sketches detail physical descriptions, history, motivations, background, and stock photographs. I also include timelines to keep events and time periods consistent.
When you’re writing an emotionally draining, sexy, or sad scene, do you do anything special to get in the proper emotional mood?
I acted in and directed plays during high school and part of college. When I write, I “become” the characters as I would if I were acting.
For the sexy scenes, I know the characters and their motivations well, so it isn’t difficult to “put myself in the scene.” For emotionally draining or sad scenes, I do the same, but draw on personal experiences as needed. Without giving away plot details, there are scenes that take place in cemeteries in It Happened in Tuscany, and To Tuscany with Love. I have visited some of these cemeteries and wanted to incorporate them in the novels for important plot reasons. When writing, I drew on my personal experiences in cemeteries and at funerals.
Thank you for a glimpse into your life, Gail!A note from Gail:
Thank you for this interview! My goal in writing is to entertain and for a brief time, transport readers to another world. If you read It Happened in Tuscany, I sincerely hope you enjoy it. When you finish the novel, please consider leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads, or a shout-out on Facebook. I love reader comments, they inspire me to continue writing!
You can learn more about my novels at: www.gailmencini.com, on Facebook: @GailMencini.Author, and Instagram: @gailmencini.
Meet the Author:
Gail Mencini is the acclaimed author of It Happened in Tuscany and To Tuscany with Love, both of which are Denver Post #1 bestsellers and
award winners. Gail grew up in DeWitt, Nebraska, graduated from Wartburg College with a BA in Accounting and Economics, and earned a master of taxation degree from the University of Denver. A frequent visitor to Tuscany and a homegrown gourmet cook, Gail has toured Italy by car, train, bus, Vespa, and foot. She lives in Colorado with her husband.
Connect with the author:Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~Instagram ~ Pinterest ~ Goodreads
It’s a new world for the first fifty, ever-created, Angels.
They have been brought to life for one reason. To fight evil. But no one knows what evil is or where it's going to come from. The story takes place in Heaven another newly created estate, under construction as the Angels begin training, under the watchful eye of the Archangel, Michael, to become Guardians on a yet to be created planet called Earth. Heaven is something to behold. The Angels are mystified as they take their first tour through the new city. Incredible architecture (Skyscrapers made of seashells and white sand), birds of every color (Golden Eagles), and a city made of libraries (For those who like to read), are just a few of the sights the Angel's experience.
We follow Adlay, one of the Angels, from his first breath, through extensive physical training, his Humanities class with Jesus, and his Worship class with a beautiful Angel named Lucifer, who immediately gives Adlay a foreboding feeling. The Angels work hard for months to improve and graduate from training. Adlay excels above everybody else in training but quickly discovers Lucifer is planning something. What he finds out, makes him question if he actually knows what is right or wrong. As the Angels near their big day, Adlay must make a difficult choice. Does he care only about graduating and moving on or does he risk everything to discover if Lucifer and evil are synonymous.
Tom Bruner appreciates books. Over one thousand read. Really. Growing up in Southern California, Tom has had a passion for reading books since his early teens. It’s all about the story is what he believes. Tired of the same vanilla spoonful every time he opened a Christian Fiction book, he decided to write, A Divine Conspiracy. This book is set in the newly created estate of Heaven. It tells the story of the creation and training of the first Angels ever to be. We follow Adlay, a newly created Angel from his first breath, through physical training and classes with Jesus and Lucifer until the day Heaven falls apart. It packs a punch. There is not a dull moment.
Tom considers taking a motley group of boys from the 7th grade through the graduation of high school with Lifegroup a church program to be his greatest accomplishment so far. That and U.S. Air Force Basic Training. That and fraternity initiation. Oh, and running a marathon without training. The boys and Tom met once a week throughout each school year. Spending six years with the same boys going through that period of their life a great adventure. Tom, an avid Christian, volunteers on Sundays at his church in the junior high ministry. Please pray for him.
Tom is a Southern California guy through and through. He loves the beach and writing books. A Divine Conspiracy is the first book in a trilogy. Tom hopes to have the second book out in six months.
The Wisdom of the Flock: Franklin and Mesmer in Paris by Steve M. Gnatz is and interesting view of Franklin sailing to Paris with a copy of the Declaration of Independence, and the time he spent in France. There is a lot to learn here and the author gives his thoughts on what it was like. I found the characters well thought out and crafted and I think they all played their parts well as the story unfolds. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of historical France the happenings there and all that went on as he told Benjamin Franklin's detailed journey in France. Each scene crafted was told with expertise and detail throughout the places there during that Era. Gnatz takes us on an interesting journey with a compelling story that is mixed with true facts as well as a bit of fiction made up through the mind and eyes of this author.
Being a musician, one thing I especially enjoyed was Marianne Davis and her love for music. Though I know how glass can be musical, I had never heard of the glass armonica Franklin built for Marianne. How I would love to hear Marianne play the glass armonica today. I enjoyed learning even more about this instrument in the interview from the author published here. I encourage you to read this wonderful and interesting interview. I enjoyed this book very much, though it was pretty long, and for me I think it could have been shortened a bit if a lot if the unnecessary words could have been taken out. All in all it is an interesting read. The author's extensive research is evident here as well as his love and knowledge for the historical icon Benjamin Franklin. I encourage others to check The Wisdom of the Flock: and Mesmer in Paris by Steve M. Gnatz out. Whether you are a history buff or maybe just wanting an interesting historical story.
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.
Ben Franklin invented the glass armonica. The story goes that he was familiar with the musicians who used “musical glasses” to produce sound. This practice had probably been around nearly as long as glass itself. Ben observed in 1761, after seeing Marianne Davies perform on the musical glasses, that despite how beautifully she played, she appeared to be in pain from the activity. He devised an instrument that featured sequentially sized stacked glass bowls attached to a rod at their center and bathed in a tub of water. The rod was turned by a treadle mechanism, keeping the turning bowls bathed with water. The musician could then gently apply her finger to the appropriate bowl to produce the note she wanted – resulting in music without any pain. Ben had the very first glass armonica built for Marianne. Historians have questioned the nature of the relationship between them - but very little is known. For a time, Marianne was quite successful as a musician using the instrument that Franklin had invented for her. Later in her career though, in a letter featured in The Wisdom of the Flock, she lamented that Franklin no longer seemed to want to protect her “franchise” and that many other musicians were able to compete. I took advantage of the lack of detail in the historical record to create a relationship between Franklin and Marianne Davies that was already in place at the beginning of the book - but then also to explore how their relationship changed over time, ultimately leading to her disenfranchisement.
