Bridge of Fire by Thomasina Burke

Sequel to ‘Magic Fire’.

 

Bridgette Decker lives an interesting life filled with adversity. A brave woman, Bridgette returns to Honduras where she changes an orphaned girl’s life.  

Back home in Arizona, we witness Bridgette’s skills as a volunteer firefighter and nurse as she assists with The Gladiator Fire in Crown King.  During the battle, she ends up an accident victim flown to Phoenix for emergency care. Does the accident result in suffering for a lifetime?

We share Bridgette’s unexpected love experience after losing her husband in Magic Fire.

The outstanding scenery descriptions of Roatan and Phoenix remain a bonus throughout the story.

I recommend Bridge of Fire by Thomasina Burke for anyone who enjoys adventure and stories about true friendship.

Treasure of La Dura by Robert Cawley

A Deadly Appetite

 

La Dura possessed the treasure to save the protagonist, Maria Ropero, from ruin. She was the last of a proud Spanish family and the sole owner of a giant cattle empire along the Arizona/Mexican border. About to lose everything, she contacted a group of unsavory men to cross the border with her, into Mexico, in search of the treasure of La Dura.

Aware the dangers of the mission were life threatening, didn’t keep Maria from seeking the riches to make her the wealthiest woman in the world. As Maria begged for her life, she cried, ‘You stupid fool. I am Maria Ropero. I own La Dura.’

The story is violent, as expected on such a quest. The men hired to find the gold are the worst of the worst, and their disgusting behavior proved it during the hunt for treasure. There is one exception, Flynn O’Neil, a hero from the Iraq/Afghanistan War. He and Maria fell in love, which I found unnecessary in the midst of the story, with awkward love making scenes.

Treasure of La Dura by Robert Cawley, is an action adventure, with an unpredictable ending sure to surprise readers.

 

 

The Flower Who Wanted A Name by Christina Louise

Less is More

A story about how little flower finally received a name. The key word - ‘finally.’ In his quest for a name, little flower asked for help from all the flowers he met on his path through the garden. He was so eager; the other flowers wasted no time directing him to King Dandy Lion, the king of the garden.

Once he found the king, he received a name suited just for him. To find out the name the king of the garden granted to little flower, you will have to read the book.

Christina Louise’s clever approach to illustrate each flower to match the specific name was brilliant. The Flower Who Wanted A Name is short and sweet, a perfect story for young children.

Want to Be a Writer? Then Do It Properly by Albert Jack

Want to be a Writer? Then Do It Properly by Albert Jack

 

Better Late Than Never

 

Discovering Albert Jack’s book of advice for new writers came too late for my first book, but perfectly timed for my second. Packed with information and guidance, I took copious amounts of notes before concluding I needed the book in print, so I ordered a paperback.

 

I found the most appreciated recommendation about writing narrative: to get the plot and ideas down first, and then add dialogue. This relieves my current struggle of interrupting the flow of ideas while trying to write dialogue, the simple fact to write first and add dialogue later, works. I’ll try a chapter at a time, but the way my mind works, I’m confident in success.

 

Unaware all submissions should be presented with 1.5 line spacing surprised me, I thought 2.0, double spacing.

 

Consider reading, Want to be a Writer? Then Do It Properly by Albert Jack, because it includes easy and significant approaches for writers to develop their skill.

 

 

Vandalism of Words by Derek Haines

I can’t praise this book enough. It is hysterical. After purchasing a copy, I thought it looked like the perfect read while waiting in the doctor’s office. Not only was I laughing out loud, but I ended up sharing the title and author with the person next to me, my doctor, and his nurse.

Vandalism of Words is a compilation of blogs written by Haines. There’s no common sense or thread of reasonableness, which makes reading the entries mindlessly hilarious. However, there’s a surprise if you read between the lines, because it will leave you with food for thought.  

A great combination of entertainment and hidden messages, what more could a reader want?

On Self Publishing by Derek Haines

A seasoned writer and early publisher of his own books, Haines gathers his thoughts to share his experiences in the publishing world. Writers will find invaluable advice on self-publishing, writing, and book promotion, delivered in the unique style owned by Haines.

Explanations are in depth regarding the advantages of blogging, creating websites, and the principles of social media. Sprinkling his words of wisdom with humor makes learning about the world of self-publishing a pleasurable read.

I recommend On Self Publishing by Derek Haines, for passionate writers who are searching for sensible advice and useful suggestions about writing and self-publishing.

Loss, Limbo, Life and Love: A Poetic Journal by Derek Haines

Deciding which is more powerful, the Forward, or the verses of the journal, is subjective. The poems expose the deepest of inner pain suffered by the author over a specific period. The Forward is preparation for the emotional ride.

Relating to ninety percent of Derek’s personal hell may be the reason his words hit home.  The poems are moving and evocative. After reading each one, and choosing a favorite, I would change my mind as I read the next entry.

‘The Clown’ is an outstanding piece of writing. A poem that will linger in your heart, as it will forever in mine. I have substituted the word ‘woman’ for ‘man’ and the matching pronouns for personalization. Including the poem in this review, I urge you to do the same to appreciate.  After reading ‘The Clown’, there’s no doubt you will crave Loss, Limbo, Life and Love: A Poetic Journal by Derek Haines.

The Clown

Everybody’s happy, I’m everybody’s clown,

 I always wear my smiling face, even when I’m feeling down.

 No one sees the tears I shed, every single day,

 “Make me smile, I’m feeling sad”, all the world does say.

 

And so I make them laugh, and warm them from within,

 They all think they love the clown, but I let no one in.

 My grease paint smile, always there, for that is all they see,

 Everybody loves the clown, but no one will love me.

 

It’s not because some haven’t tried, but they have tried in vain.

 I am so unsure that I can love, without causing pain.

 The gift of love is the power to hurt, and so hurt, I must be,

 That now I flinch in fear almost, when love approaches me

 

I crave the warmth a woman brings, as any man would do,

 But lying deep within me, is the fear I will hurt you.

 So if you want the man that lies beneath the wide smile charm,

 Be prepared to bring with you, a very soothing balm.

 

For it will take a woman, with patience, warmth and care,

 To wipe away the grease paint smile, and find me under there.

 And when she finds the man I am, and sees the wounds I bear,

 Will she have the courage, to take me in her care?

 

And will I have the strength I need, and trueness to the core?

 To return her love and care, and make her all I’ll live for.

 I live in hope that just maybe, this special woman lives,

 And we can share the happiness, that true love always gives.

 

Alas, I fear I’ll never find the happiness I seek,

I lick my wounds but always find a reason to be weak.

So anytime I hear the words, “Oh My Clown, I love you.”

I cringe and find my hiding place, then run to somewhere new.

 

Written by Derek Haines