Book Review: Repairing Rainbows

 

Repairing Rainbows: A True Story of Family, Tragedy and Choices
Lynda Fishman
978-0-9866074-0-0/304 pages/$18/Memoir/PB
Publication Date: June 15, 2010

© Lynda Weinberg Fishman

ABOUT THE BOOK (back cover)
At thirteen years old Lynda's life comes to a disastrous halt when her mother and two younger sisters are killed in a plane crash.  Her father, overcome by despair, simply continues to exist, in a state devoid of hope.  After burying a wife and two young children at the age of 44, the overwhelming responsibility of raising a daughter alone completely immobilizes him.

Teetering on that tender brink between childhood and adolescence, Lynda faces the responsibility of a father in a complete state of shock, a house to take care of and hundreds of decisions about how to proceed with their shattered lives.

In Repairing Rainbows she candidly describes the agonizing memories, deafening silence and endless hardships that are the fallout of incredible loss.  As we follow her through marriage, motherhood and her own spiritual journey, Lynda reveals her complex feelings of hope, anger, pity and determination.  Most importantly, she learns the crucial difference between truly living and the existence that is so often mistaken for being alive. 

A true story, written by a woman whose normal and abundant life hides a terrible past, Repairing Rainbows is loaded with lessons that will undoubtedly touch the hearts of its readers.


MY THOUGHTS
Lynda Fishman writes a memoir that is sure to break your heart and bring tears to your eyes.  Keep your handkerchief handy while reading this story.

I can't imagine the pain that Lynda suffered.  As she writes about her loneliness and the silence in the house after the death's of her mom and sisters your heart splits in two and you want to reach into the book and hold her hand.  Lynda is an amazing woman and the strength that she has is incredible, she has struggled and come out on top with a beautiful family, but I'm sure her memories will haunt her forever.

Lynda's book is sure to remind you that you never really know if you will 'come back' and you really don't know when your good-bye is going to be forever.   A must read that could change your life.

For more information or to purchase this book visit HERE


For an excerpt go HERE



*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Tribute Books, I was not compensated in any other way for my honest thoughts and/or opinions.

Book Review: The Colonel's Lady

About the Book: (back cover)

Roxanna Rowan may be a genteel Virginia woman, but she is determined to brave the wilds of the untamed frontier to reach a remote Kentucky fort.  Eager to reunite with her father, who serves under Colonel Cassius McLinn, Roxanna is devastated to find that her father has been killed on a campaign.

Penniless and out of options, Roxanna is forced to remain at the fort.  As she spends more and more time with the fiery Colonel McLinn, the fort is abuzz with intrigue and innuendo.  Can Roxanna truly know who the colonel is-and what he's done?

Immerse yourself in this powerful story of love, faith, and forgiveness set in the tumultuous world of the frontier in 1779.

My Thoughts:

This was another enjoyable read.  Roxanna has some serious determination and I loved how she could stand up against the best of them even though she was a genteel woman!  She was not afraid of much at all.  There is a mystery lurking in this book which makes it more interesting and keeps you on your toes as you try to figure out who the traitor(s) is/are.  While Colonel McLinn could have been quite easy to like given his temper, the author made him very likeable and it was fun reading how even the most tough can be softened.

Chalk this one up for a fun end of summer read.

“Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing, I was not compensated in any other way for my honest thoughts or opinions.

Left-Handers Day!

WOW....when I logged into Yahoo this morning the side bar caught my eye. Did you know that today is Left-Handers day? To all of you right-handed people it probably doesn't matter, but I'm a lefty and I thought it was kind of neat!

Here's an entire site dedicated to those of us! http://lefthandersday.com and below is a song I found on the site!

Left-Handers Lament by Ian Radburn

Now here's the story of my life,
I've had fun but lots of strife,
For I was born left-handed, but I'm proud
To be one of the elite, right-handers we can beat
We're the 10% that stand out from the crowd!
But as a little lad, oh the problems that I had
Winding clockwork toys was just a mystery
Tying laces was a pain, couldn't get it in my brain
Everything was back-to-front it seemed to me
Chorus
We're the Cack-Handed Kings, we're the LEFTIES
You right-handers just haven't got a clue
'Cos if you'd been through what we've been through
Then maybe you would feel superior too!

At 5 I started school where I was treated like a fool
Being left-handed I stood out from the pack
And learning how to write was not a struggle - more a fight
For I had my left hand tied behind my back

"Now get it in your head" the sympathetic teacher said
"You use the right and not the Devil's side"
Those supposed men of vision caused me pain and such derision
Is it any wonder often times I cried?

We're the Gibble Fisted Friends, we're the LEFTIES (repeat chorus)
Time then came when my voice dropped
And my face was one big spot
But I was glad to see my teenage years arrive,
Because I use my left, I was different from the rest
And the girls saw me as something of a prize!
I learned some handy tricks in the back row of the flicks
It used to drive my girlfriends all berserk
For their eyes would keep apace of my right hand - just in case
And they never saw my left one go to work!
We're the Southpawed Princes, we're the LEFTIES (repeat chorus)
Well I'm married now, worst luck
But my wife has given up
Asking me to help with chores like peeling spuds,
Or trying to cut the bread, I'll get a 4 x 2" wedge
Lose three fingertips and half a pint of blood
I would love to be a dad, but we've hit a little snag
If you can help please tell us what to do
The problem simply said, is that I'm a left-hand thread
But my wife you see, now she's a right-hand .....OH, YES WE'RE THE
Scrummy-Handed Heroes, we're the LEFTIES (repeat chorus)
Now we reach today, where you stand and watch me play
And yes, I play right-handed it is true
For the very simple fact is that I've had to adapt
Something all we southpaws have to try and do

We have trouble tying ties, writing cheques out, using knives
and scissors made for use in your right hand
And when it comes to sport once again we are left short
In hockey and in polo we are banned
We're the Cuddy Wifter Winners, we're the LEFTIES (repeat chorus)
Now I've finished off my song and as you move along
Please bear in mind the things I've had to say
And please show some respect for your friends who use the left
Thanks for listening to me this Left-Handers Day.
Copyright: Ian Radburn, 2004

In honor of left-hander day I'd love to hear some stories, if you're a lefty tell us about it, if you're not, I'm sure you've encountered one of us, any funny stories?!

I'll start:  This isn't a funny story, just something that always annoyed me.  In school I ALWAYS had pen smudges all over my pinky finger due to the fact that when I write the rest of my hand follows the pen as opposed to right handed people who's hand goes before the pen!  Also, remember the desks, you slide in from the left and the writing table/arm rest in on the right?  Well, I spend all of my time in high school with my elbow flopping in the wind while I did my writing, drove me crazy!

Book Review: Dael and the Painted People

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Allan is an artist, teacher, actor, author, historian, gardener, and former Boy Scout.  He has published articles in The Art Bulletin, Art History, English Literary Renaissance, Studies in English Literature: 1500-1900, Notes and Queries, and Colby Quarterly.  He was also Art and Music Bibliographer for Shakespeare Quarterly.  He has had many letters in various newspapers, including a dozen in The New York Times.  Allan taught the history of art at the University of Northern Iowa for three decades.  He now lives and writes in St. Louis.



Allan is an artist, teacher, actor, author, historian, gardener, and former Boy Scout. He has published articles in The Art Bulletin, Art History, English Literary Renaissance, Studies in English Literature: 1500-1900, Notes and Queries, and Colby Quarterly. He was also Art and Music Bibliographer for Shakespeare Quarterly. He has had many letters in various newspapers, including a dozen in The New York Times. Allan taught the history of art at the University of Northern Iowa for three decades. He now lives and writes in St. Louis.

From the Back Cover:

The whole time the shaman was speaking, he shook a bony finger at his enemy-a finger that was almost doubled in length by the long nail.
"Did you dare to strike my brother?"  Mlaka demanded, not without an evident note of sadness.
Dael did not answer.  His eyes were fixed on an empty corner of the chamber.  Something back there was bothering him, and he looked more closely.  His vision was blurred and he was a little dizzy.  Who was that standing apart in the shadows?  Dael stopped listening to the voices around him and intently focused on someone he only gradually recognized-a wrinkled, haggard old woman that nobody else could see.  She had glazed eyes, and a spear in her breast.  It was Hurnoa, dead and yet alive!

When Dael, guilty and tormented, came to live with the painted people, he longed for peace and restoration; but without knowing it he made a powerful enemy.

A story of conflict, healing, hate, and love.

MY THOUGHTS:
This is the 3rd book in the Zan-Gah series and the 3rd book that I have read in the series!  Each book has been as entertaining as the last and you do not have to read the prior books to enjoy or understand the 3rd, although if you love adventure I recommend reading each of these 3 wonderfully amazing books!

Now, mind you, these are not written for adults, but for young adults/teens, but yet I find these books quite fun!  I always had a difficult time finding books for my son, books that would keep his interest and I know these would have done the job.  A girl would enjoy these stories just as well.

Dael and the Painted People is Dael's story.  Dael leaves his clan to live with the Painted People and goes through a time of healing and just as he begins to be 'himself' again he finds himself faced with an enemy in a tribe that is really quite peaceful.  This book will keep you and/or the young adult in your home quite entertained!







*  I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Earthshaker books, I was not compensated in any other way for my honest thoughts or opinion.

CFBA Book Review: A Most Unsuitable Match

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Most Unsuitable Match Bethany House; Original edition (August 1, 2011) by Stephanie Grace Whitson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls "playing with imaginary friends" (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four homeschooled children Nebraska history, she was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie's fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year.

Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends. Her passionate interests in pioneer women's history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.

ABOUT THE BOOK

An unlikely attraction occurs between two passengers on a steamboat journey up the Missouri River to Montana...

She is a self-centered young woman from a privileged family who fears the outdoors and avoids anything rustic. He is a preacher living under a sense of duty and obligation to love the unlovable people in the world. She isn't letting anything deter her from solving a family mystery that surfaced after her mother's death. He is on a mission to reach the rejects of society in the remote wilderness regions of Montana. Miss Fannie Rousseau and Reverend Samuel Beck are opposites in every way... except in how they both keep wondering if their paths will ever cross again.

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Most Unsuitable Match, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS:
If you love to read historical books with spunky women who use what they can to get across boundaries then this is the book for you!  I don't fully agree with the description that Fannie is self-centered, she seems to be a bit sheltered and hasn't needed to do much for herself, but when push comes to shove she digs right in and does what she must.  Fannie also see's the good in people and I loved the drama in the book, it was quite an entertaining read which once again kept me up all night as I read the book cover to cover!  (for the sake of my daytime life I really must stop doing that!)



*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinion, I was not compensated in any other way for this review.
 

CFBA Book Review: A River to Cross

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A River to Cross Bethany House; Original edition (August 1, 2011)

by Yvonne Harris

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Yvonne Harris earned a BS in Education from the University of Hartford and has taught throughout New England and the mid-Atlantic. Unofficially retired from teaching, she teaches writing at Burlington County College in southern New Jersey, where she resides. She is a winner and three-time finalist for the Golden Heart, once for The Vigilante's Bride, which was her debut novel.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Texas Ranger Jake Nelson patrols the U.S.-Mexico border, protecting the settlers from cattle rustlers, outlaws, and bandits. Sparks fly when Manuel Diego stirs up a revolt against the government, which leads to the murder of a newspaperman, who is the son of a U.S. senator, and the kidnapping of his sister, Elizabeth Madison, a journalist in the making.

With Elizabeth's photograph in hand--a dark-haired beauty with smiling eyes--Jake rides over the border to find her. After the Rangers defeat the marauders and rescue Elizabeth, Jake is surprised to learn she's not the spoiled daughter of a senator that he was expecting. In fact, he finds himself taken by her. And she by him.

But the Mexicans won't give up that easily, as Elizabeth becomes the target of an all-out hunt. Leaving Elizabeth back at Fort Williams, Jake and his men set off again, this time to go after Diego himself--to apprehend him and his renegades and bring them all to justice.

Meanwhile, Jake knows what's begun between him and Elizabeth is undeniable. Amid all the turmoil, Jake finally admits how much he loves her. She tells him the same. Until now, they've lived in different worlds, yet it is those differences that drew them together.

If you would like to read the first chapter of A River to Cross, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
This book is written in a setting that I have not read in the past and it was quite an exciting read from the startling abduction of Elizabeth straight through to the very end!  I thought the characters were full of energy and quite believable for the time period and I really enjoyed reading of the Wild West's fight with the Mexican border.   A fun and entertaining quick summer read that should be on your list!



*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA

CFBA Book Review: Out of Control

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Out Of Control Bethany House; Original edition (August 1, 2011) by Mary Connealy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.

The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.

The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.

Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.

The Sophie's Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.

She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she's one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Julia Gilliland has always been interested in the natural world around her. She particularly enjoys her outings to the cavern near her father's homestead, where she explores for fossils and formations, and plans to write a book about her discoveries. The cave seems plenty safe--until the day a mysterious intruder steals the rope she uses to find her way out.

Rafe Kincaid has spent years keeping his family's cattle ranch going, all without help from his two younger brothers, who fled the ranch--and Rafe's controlling ways--as soon as they were able. He's haunted by one terrible day at the cave on a far-flung corner of the Kincaid property, a day that changed his life forever. Ready to put the past behind him, he plans to visit the cave one final time. He sure doesn't expect to find a young woman trapped in one of the tunnels--or to be forced to kiss her!

Rafe is more intrigued by Julia than any woman he's ever known, but how can he overlook her fascination with the cave he despises? And when his developing relationship with Julia threatens his chance at reconciliation with his brothers, will he be forced to choose between the family bonds that could restore his trust and the love that could heal his heart?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Out Of Control, go HERE.

Watch the book trailer:



MY THOUGHTS:
WOW...loved this book, I have dark circles under my eyes from staying up too late last night finishing off the story!  This is a book that is packed full of adventure.  Mary Connealy has you going from the first page and you keep right on going straight through to the very last page!  I love the characters...feisty, wiley and yes, out of control!  As I read through the book I couldn't decide who was more bossy, Rafe or Julia...they are made for each other, as least for squabbling!  As for the spook in the cave, as you read you feel as though you know who it is, but is it really?  You're never quite sure if there is one or two of them!  There really are not very many characters in this book, but each character is so 'large' that they are quite entertaining, you're going to love this book!  Since it's the first book in the Kincaid Bride series I cannot wait to read book 2, I only hope the wait isn't too long!



*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA.  I was not compensated in any other way for my honest thoughts or opinion.