Chicago city girl meets Montana Big Sky cowboy. Abigail is a workaholic expose writer who decides to expose Wade, the handsome cowboy, in an effort to save her mother’s magazine in Chicago. Circumstances get in the way and the article is never printed for the public.
It’s the circumstances that draw the reader to enjoy this western style romance. There is a spiritual message about redemption and forgiveness. The characters wrestle with these emotions and it’s their decisions that compel the reader to reflect on our own decisions.
Denise Hunter describes her main characters, Abigail, Wade, and his daughter Maddy, with amazing detail. The reader feels part of the family from beginning to end. At times we experience ambiguous feelings as they struggle with their decisions.
I recommend A Cowboy’s Touch to readers of all ages, definitely for the young adult ladies. Wade’s daughter, Maddy, is a spunky character the young reader will thoroughly enjoy. It’s a nice way to spend an evening, and a bonus if you like cowboys!
I am a member of BookSneeze.com
www.booksneeze.com
Book review by Mary Crocco
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
Louis, by Derek Haines
Derek Haines describes his friend, Louis, as an enigma. He reflects how Louis was someone who taught him how to imagine. Haines engages his readers to travel alongside Louis to all parts of the world. At the end of the trip, we all wish we were friends of Louis.
Teremum was born in Cairo. As a young boy, his almost non-existent family contributed to a perfect resume for being a spy in the British Secret Service. As a spy, Louis led a secret life where he used both his Egyptian and English heritage to his advantage. He used different names to match his secret identities. He was a compassionate man who completed his missions with integrity. As a spy, he had to kill and also be a target. We feel his triumphs and his pain as we travel with Louis.
Louis is a historical fiction, and the author shares his secret life during both World Wars. Readers feel the emotions, the ups and downs, that Louis experiences. One of my favorite phrases in the book is . . . his mind started to wander the corridors of his life again. Derek Haines’s words sum up how Louis felt after suffering a severe stroke. Throughout the book, Derek once again makes us feel his characters true to life.
The ending was abrupt. I selfishly wanted the last chapter expounded. Without spoiling the ending, I am thinking, maybe a sequel Derek?
Book Review by Mary Crocco
www.Mrc-bookreviewer.blogspot.com
Teremum was born in Cairo. As a young boy, his almost non-existent family contributed to a perfect resume for being a spy in the British Secret Service. As a spy, Louis led a secret life where he used both his Egyptian and English heritage to his advantage. He used different names to match his secret identities. He was a compassionate man who completed his missions with integrity. As a spy, he had to kill and also be a target. We feel his triumphs and his pain as we travel with Louis.
Louis is a historical fiction, and the author shares his secret life during both World Wars. Readers feel the emotions, the ups and downs, that Louis experiences. One of my favorite phrases in the book is . . . his mind started to wander the corridors of his life again. Derek Haines’s words sum up how Louis felt after suffering a severe stroke. Throughout the book, Derek once again makes us feel his characters true to life.
The ending was abrupt. I selfishly wanted the last chapter expounded. Without spoiling the ending, I am thinking, maybe a sequel Derek?
Book Review by Mary Crocco
www.Mrc-bookreviewer.blogspot.com
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Fighting the Devil,by Jeannie Walker
Misplaced Efforts
After reading this true mystery murder, I realize Jeannie Walker is a much better person than I am or ever will be. This is the story of a woman who was abused physically and emotionally by her husband, yet when he dies, she takes on the burden of solving her ex-husbands death. It is believed he was murdered, poisoned over time, by his new wife and his book keeper.
I don’t understand her reasoning. Yes, she has two children by this man, but the things he did to her, including the fact that she had to give up custody of her son and daughter when they were young, just doesn’t equal her efforts in my mind. I also don’t buy into the fact he was going to change after many, many years of being a bastard.
The story takes place in Texas. After years of living low, Jeannie makes her husband’s dreams come true (in the midst of abuse) and they become wealthy. Actually he alone enjoys the wealth because he throws Jeannie out. He only remarries to have a domestic slave.
The gist of the book is about Jeannie’s efforts trying to prove his wife and book keeper poisoned him to death. The book keeper does do time in prison, but the wife never gets charged to this day.
If anything, the book should leave the reader extremely angry with the justice system.
It’s hard not to feel sorry for Jeannie Walker. But it’s because of the abuse she endured by her ex-husband, not because she is still involved in getting justice served. I will never understand why she took this burden upon herself right from the beginning. However, today, her children are no longer young and could resume this painful burden, and Jeannie be there for support, but it always was and is just misplaced efforts on her part. The man, as her husband, wasn’t worth it. As Jeannie describes him as a father, she shows he wasn’t much to be proud of either. At this time, if an investigation is imminent, it makes more sense for the children to be at the helm.
Book review by Mary Crocco
m.crocco@yahoo.com
After reading this true mystery murder, I realize Jeannie Walker is a much better person than I am or ever will be. This is the story of a woman who was abused physically and emotionally by her husband, yet when he dies, she takes on the burden of solving her ex-husbands death. It is believed he was murdered, poisoned over time, by his new wife and his book keeper.
I don’t understand her reasoning. Yes, she has two children by this man, but the things he did to her, including the fact that she had to give up custody of her son and daughter when they were young, just doesn’t equal her efforts in my mind. I also don’t buy into the fact he was going to change after many, many years of being a bastard.
The story takes place in Texas. After years of living low, Jeannie makes her husband’s dreams come true (in the midst of abuse) and they become wealthy. Actually he alone enjoys the wealth because he throws Jeannie out. He only remarries to have a domestic slave.
The gist of the book is about Jeannie’s efforts trying to prove his wife and book keeper poisoned him to death. The book keeper does do time in prison, but the wife never gets charged to this day.
If anything, the book should leave the reader extremely angry with the justice system.
It’s hard not to feel sorry for Jeannie Walker. But it’s because of the abuse she endured by her ex-husband, not because she is still involved in getting justice served. I will never understand why she took this burden upon herself right from the beginning. However, today, her children are no longer young and could resume this painful burden, and Jeannie be there for support, but it always was and is just misplaced efforts on her part. The man, as her husband, wasn’t worth it. As Jeannie describes him as a father, she shows he wasn’t much to be proud of either. At this time, if an investigation is imminent, it makes more sense for the children to be at the helm.
Book review by Mary Crocco
m.crocco@yahoo.com
Sunday, February 27, 2011
A Bug Collection, Hermie & Friends, 3 Complete DVDs.
A great way for young children to learn about prayer, good behavior, and getting along with others. These three DVDs are set up using an outstanding lesson plan as a model. Max Lucado introduces and closes the stories with his young audience in mind. His tone and mannerism is perfect in delivery. He never condescends to children.
The voice of God was the only injustice done to children. Young minds may look for the voice when asking for God’s help.
The stories include smidgens of adult humor, which serve as pleasant extras for the adult who will undoubtedly watch the DVDs more than once.
There are many bonuses following the DVD stories themselves, such as; sing-a-longs, quizzes, and a before bedtime story.
There is an added bonus choice; to use the DVD on TV and/or a computer.
The voice talents chosen for the cute characters are outstanding. Children and adults of all ages will enjoy these three DVDs with lifelong lessons to learn and relearn.
I am a member of BookSneeze.com
www.bookSneeze.com
Book Review by Mary Crocco
The voice of God was the only injustice done to children. Young minds may look for the voice when asking for God’s help.
The stories include smidgens of adult humor, which serve as pleasant extras for the adult who will undoubtedly watch the DVDs more than once.
There are many bonuses following the DVD stories themselves, such as; sing-a-longs, quizzes, and a before bedtime story.
There is an added bonus choice; to use the DVD on TV and/or a computer.
The voice talents chosen for the cute characters are outstanding. Children and adults of all ages will enjoy these three DVDs with lifelong lessons to learn and relearn.
I am a member of BookSneeze.com
www.bookSneeze.com
Book Review by Mary Crocco
Milo Moon, by Derek Haines
Derek Haines book, Milo Moon, is a story that has a ring of familiarity. It touches on the sci-fi with a hint of political suspense. The author’s strength is the fun he has creating his characters. Any reader will enjoy the adventures of Milo and Mary, which is the compelling reason to finish the book.
The prose and dialogue are simple which makes for an easy read. There are a few occurrences which automatically categorize the book for adults. Without these scenes Milo Moon could have been enjoyed by young adults, obviously, not the author’s choice for this story.
I recommend Milo Moon for the sci-fi audience. I could see a fan wondering what Milo and Mary would look like on the big screen.
Book review by Mary Crocco
m.crocco@yahoo.com
The prose and dialogue are simple which makes for an easy read. There are a few occurrences which automatically categorize the book for adults. Without these scenes Milo Moon could have been enjoyed by young adults, obviously, not the author’s choice for this story.
I recommend Milo Moon for the sci-fi audience. I could see a fan wondering what Milo and Mary would look like on the big screen.
Book review by Mary Crocco
m.crocco@yahoo.com
Thursday, February 17, 2011
February The Fifth, by Derek Haines
February The Fifth, by Derek Haines
February The Fifth, is the first book I have read by Derek Haines. It was an easy read with slight touches of science fiction and comedy throughout. There was no shortage of characters, some of whom the reader would most definitely relate to thereby making the book more enjoyable.
I think young adults would be the target audience for Derek’s book. The learning curve for the characters unexpected responsibility and out of this world (literally) adventures would be enjoyed most by middle-school age children. I can picture the variety of favorite characters and the childrens' reasoning for their choices as a productive writing project. The book is rich with description for both characters and places that would undoubtedly spark children to improve their writing skills. What a great compliment to an author!
As an adult and aspiring writer, I was greatly impressed with the ending. Derek’s words in his last paragraph, his last two sentences, could not have been written more perfectly to end this entertaining story.
The most loyal of loyal readers.
The Very End
Book review by Mary Crocco
www.mrc-bookreviewer.blogspot.com
February The Fifth, is the first book I have read by Derek Haines. It was an easy read with slight touches of science fiction and comedy throughout. There was no shortage of characters, some of whom the reader would most definitely relate to thereby making the book more enjoyable.
I think young adults would be the target audience for Derek’s book. The learning curve for the characters unexpected responsibility and out of this world (literally) adventures would be enjoyed most by middle-school age children. I can picture the variety of favorite characters and the childrens' reasoning for their choices as a productive writing project. The book is rich with description for both characters and places that would undoubtedly spark children to improve their writing skills. What a great compliment to an author!
As an adult and aspiring writer, I was greatly impressed with the ending. Derek’s words in his last paragraph, his last two sentences, could not have been written more perfectly to end this entertaining story.
The most loyal of loyal readers.
The Very End
Book review by Mary Crocco
www.mrc-bookreviewer.blogspot.com
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Long Way Home, by Bill Barich
Long Way Home, by Bill Barich
A quick and easy read
Long Way Home, by Bill Barich, left me wondering if the book would be more entertaining if written at a different time in history. The idea for his cross-country journey was sparked when Barich unexpectedly came across the book, Travels in Ireland. He decided to return to the U.S. and chronicle his journey while talking with Americans about the state of the country, much like John Steinbeck’s, Travels with Charley.
Barich is critical of some small town Americans. He seems to take too much pleasure in writing about the shortfalls of those he interviewed. On the other hand, he does highlight other Americans and shares their positive stories and views, also taking pleasure in his research.
I thought there would be more thought provoking stories in the book. I find it difficult to review because there was not much substance to it. When I finished reading it, I have nothing to think about it. I find that undesirable.
I would recommend the book for a quick read if you had no other book available. It is an okay read, but not very stimulating.
Book Review by Mary Crocco
m.crocco@yahoo.com
A quick and easy read
Long Way Home, by Bill Barich, left me wondering if the book would be more entertaining if written at a different time in history. The idea for his cross-country journey was sparked when Barich unexpectedly came across the book, Travels in Ireland. He decided to return to the U.S. and chronicle his journey while talking with Americans about the state of the country, much like John Steinbeck’s, Travels with Charley.
Barich is critical of some small town Americans. He seems to take too much pleasure in writing about the shortfalls of those he interviewed. On the other hand, he does highlight other Americans and shares their positive stories and views, also taking pleasure in his research.
I thought there would be more thought provoking stories in the book. I find it difficult to review because there was not much substance to it. When I finished reading it, I have nothing to think about it. I find that undesirable.
I would recommend the book for a quick read if you had no other book available. It is an okay read, but not very stimulating.
Book Review by Mary Crocco
m.crocco@yahoo.com
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