Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
When I was still managing a Waldenbooks store, I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced reader copy of Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen. While I have a hard time sometimes remembering the correct title, I'll never forget the story. For some reason, I nearly always try to put the word charmed in the title, and I suspect that is because I was. Charmed, that is. I read that book and fell in love with the author's mind and writing talent. I also loved the town she wrote about, in no small part because I used to live in an area of the world that is so very much like the village in the story. Allen is from Asheville, North Carolina, and her stories so far are all set in that part of the world. I am easily drawn into these fictional towns because I spent eight years of my life living in and around Asheville. There is a small town feel about her locations and characters that draws you in and make you feel that you too are part of the community. I love the way the author uses some magical element to the plot that causes the reader to think and feel outside of the box of linear thought. Allen is a master at character development and the plots are entertaining from beginning to end. I just recently finished a third novel by her and have one more to read. I look forward to starting that one too, but not to finishing it, since she doesn't have any others published yet as far as I know.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
One of my all-time favo(u)rite books is still The Hobbit, and I'm delighted to see it in Kindle format. While I'm unlikely ever to give up my collection of J.R.R. Tolkien traditional books, which includes several different versions of The Hobbit, I am delighted to know that if I'm far from home, I can still crack open the Kindle cover of The Hobbit and read those oh-so-famous words, "In the hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit." I'm not sure if I'll invest in the Kindle version of The Lord of the Rings, but I couldn't resist The Hobbit. I discovered this book in junior high and have read it several times in my life. There's a certain comfort in knowing that even if I find myself in another part of the world, thousands of miles away from my personal library, I will have access to that story as long as I have internet access.
Lynn Ames' Eyes on the Stars
I confess that I read Lynn Ames' book, Eyes on the Stars, as a courtesy because we were becoming friends. I wanted to know what her work was like. Those of you who have read her books will be shaking your heads at me as though I were crazy. You will already be acquainted with the quality of her writing. Lynn Ames is a consummate professional. Her writing is excellent, and her stories are engaging. While this story was not exactly a light-hearted foray into lesbian fiction, as I suspected it wouldn't be, it was one of the best lesbian novels I've read to date, and I'd have to say as well that it is one of the best novels of any genre that I've read. Frankly I wouldn't even classify it as lesbian fiction. This particular story had a lot about it that smacked of American and women's history to it. It's apparent that the author did her homework when writing about the Women's Air Force Service Pilots (a.k.a., WASPs). Although there is a love story interwoven throughout the narrative, it is by no means a simple love affair or a happily ever after romance. It's true to life, somewhat gritty, and often gut-wrenching. When you strap yourself in and go for a ride with the women in this story, you'll find that their account stays with you long after you have touched down again. Thank you, Lynn, for a most excellent read. I look forward to reading more of your work.
The Calluna Series by Lesley Davis
Made up of three books: Keeper of the Piece, Constellations of the Heart, and Woven in Life's Tapestry, these lesbian fantasy stories are nothing short of charming, and that's not a word I typically use for books. I used to work for and be published by the publisher of these titles, so I am more acquainted with them than the average reader. I read them several times before I was finished with them. While there are shortcomings in the actual publication of the works, which is the reason both of us have moved on to new publishers, there are no shortcomings in the stories themselves. If you enjoy fantasy and particularly lesbian fantasy stories (as in Sci Fi/Fantasy rather than erotica), you will enjoy these tales. While there are steamy moments in the books, the writing focuses on character and plot development rather than relying on sex to sell the books.
It's a bit of a challenge to review a book you never finish reading. I've been reading one particular book for several years now. Yes, I have read it from cover to cover at least once, but I will probably be reading it for some time. It's one of those devotional 365 days a year kind of books, only the main difference with this one is that it's worth reading over and over again. I've read a few that were good but not really worth a second much less a third read. Because I have two different editions of this one, I have my place marked in two places. Therefore even if I read in both of my copies, I'll get a different message. Don't ask me why I started this practice because I have no clue. I just know that I enjoy reading it whenever I do read it and it may take the rest of my life to feel as they I have really gotten everything out of it. What better teachers to listen to every day than the angels themselves? Thanks, Doreen, for being such a good listener and for following through on writing so many helpful books. I recommend this one in any and every format you can afford, and, yes, I have the Kindle version and the oracle cards.
Although this is hardly a new book, like every other book I've ever read by Maya, it made me think and it made me smile. It's a combination of self-revealing tales and poetry that is sure to satisfy readers who want to read stories about this woman who has lived life to the fullest.
I enjoyed reading this slim book at bedtime. It was somewhat basic, but then I've read a lot of spiritual/metaphysical books over the years. I thought it was very good information and a confirmation and reiteration of information I already knew. I recommend it particularly for people who are interested in reading more but don't have time to read thick volumes on the subject. It was concise and well written.
If you read her book, The Miracles of Archangel Michael, then you'll know what to expect: stories about the specific archangel involved. This type of book is really good to read before bed I've found because they are comforting. They are also good stories to read when you don't have time to get involved in any heavy thinking. They are inspiring stories that are neither time nor attention intensive. All of Doreen's books are good reads, but a number of them require you to pay closer attention to them because they are for the purpose of teaching you about the angels and their connections and benefits for us. These books are more for inspiration and they meet that need perfectly without requiring you to think really hard or do any deep spiritual/emotional work. I also recently got the oracle cards of the same title and will review those too when I get a chance to work with them a little. I use Doreen Virtue's oracle cards a lot since I am a certified Angel Therapy Practitioner® through her training course. I've already gotten a lot of interaction with the Archangel Michael cards and love those.
0 comments:
Post a Comment