Tuesday 8 December 2015

Two love stories.

3800120Star Gazing, by, Linda Gillard.  
I loved this book.  It has been such a long time since I have read anything worth recommending to you.  But this one is way up there on my list of favorites.  I think I may go buy a few copies just to hand out as gifts.   It touches on all the subjects I love: trees, and nature; music and love.  Seeing the world through the eyes of another person.  It was spell-binding.  So hard to put down.  So sad its over.  Can't wait to read anything else written by this well-versed lady.  Kudos.




95693The Blue Castle, by, Lucy Maud Montgomery.  I know this is a really old book.  And the cover looks so corny you think you could plant it and get a crop out of it.  But it is my all time favorite book.  It reminds me so much of the other book I posted here, I just had to put them together.   Ms. Montgomery had such a way with words.  When she talks about nature I am right there rambling through the forests and meadows...if you've never read it, give it a read.  You will be surprised... Love it.  

Really, I am not much into love stories.  I really shy away from the vivid descriptions.  I just think its so tacky.  That's why these two are so high up there on my list, I guess.  Not for the love story.  But the way the writers draw you in, and hold you spell-bound.  With wonderful well thought out characters, surrounded by the beauty of nature.  My soul can expand and breath deeply here.








Wednesday 4 November 2015

Hilarious

16181775The Rosie Project, by Graeme Simsion.  This book is so funny, I couldn't put it down.  Such a delightful, quirky character.  Trying to find a wife, seems an impossible task for this fellow.  If your looking for some light- hearted, intelligent reading, with a very dry sense of humour, you will enjoy this book.  I know I did.




23492671The Rosie Effect, by Graeme Simsion.  I don't know how Graeme Simsion does it.  I thought the second book with the same quirky character would get old real soon.  But he is just as funny and un-put-downable as the first book.  Gosh I wish I could write like this.  Such a lovable character.  Wonder where he gets his material?


I can't read just anything.  Not romance, with the descriptive steamy scenes.  Makes me feel nauseous. 

No sex and no violence, please!

One more gum-shoe detective, who has a drinking problem, that nobody loves, will make me hurl.

Vampires were all the rage for awhile.  But they leave me cold.

My husband has stacks of Westerns, he politely offered to loan.  But these too were lost on me.

I want to be entertained.  Swept away.  With believable characters and settings.  Not some made up language that you need to keep checking the built-in dictionary.

About hero's, and adventures.  About love, and food.  Sunsets and dragons.  History and time travel.  Ok, I know I'm getting carried away.  Those well written, well researched books, are hard to find, and hard to put down when you do come across one.  Enjoy your reading. With a lovely pot of tea and a cookie or two. 








Monday 26 October 2015

Fall is coming, the days are getting shorter, and the trees are glorious

9465920Wild Wings, by Gill Lewis.  What a great story.  I felt like I was flying, Gill Lewis was so descriptive of the Ospreys in flight.  I really enjoyed this book, and was looking for anything else written by this author.  But, this is her debut novel, so will be looking forward to seeing more of her work, hopefully in the near future.



8619814The Emerald Atlas, by John Stevens.  Book one, the book of beginnings.  This was well written, with well developed characters and story line.  I really enjoyed it.  I kept thinking, oh that's the end, this is where it will all resolve, and let off the tension, but it just keeps going, tension just keeps building, taking so many unexpected twists and turns.  And I loved having the girl as the hero, that's just the icing on the cake.  Yummy.

So I did my pitch at the Surrey International Writer's Convention on the weekend.  What an amazing weekend I had, such great speakers.  And listening to Jack Whyte read from people in the audience first page of their book has to be my absolute favorite thing about it.

Well being able to pitch my book was pretty great too, but I'm afraid I was so nervous, I was just a big screw-up.  Oh well, there's always next year.

Oh my goodness, my dog is driving me absolutely crazy.  She will not sit still, keeps getting up and drooling all over me.  Constantly pacing.  I know, she's in pain.  But for goodness sake go to bed. 
She broke a nail off, past the quick, about 2 weeks ago.  How long will it take to heal?  Going crazy!









Friday 2 October 2015

Getting ready for my pitch at SIWC to Tradewind Books. EEEEK!!!

10545759Black Dog, Dream Dog, By Michelle Superle.  This was a well done little book for middle-grade readers.  I really enjoyed it.  Made me almost want to go out and get another dog.  Cause this one seemed like a perfect angel, knowing instinctively what people needed.  Who doesn't want that.  The artists depictions, done by Millie  Ballance were a treat.  She can be my illustrator too. 


24675654Where I belong, By Tara White.  This was quite different.  Well done, with well developed characters.  The plot moves along nicely too.  About a First Nation's girl adopted by a white Family.  Lots going on in here.  Loved it.

Well, I'm supposed to read three books for submission to Tradewind Books.  I'm still working on the third book, but I was so eager to blog about my upcoming Pitch session at the Surrey International Writers Convention.   We are off to Hollyhock on Cortez Island, where I have signed up for master artist classes with Robert Bateman.  The day after we get back I'll be at the convention.  Pitching my book to David Stephens of Tradewind books.  Can you tell I am a little bit excited?  I am over the moon.   I think I'm more excited than a kid at Christmas, waiting to open their presents.


Saturday 12 September 2015

All about Angels

6870698The Crowfield Curse, by Pat Walsh.  This started out a bit dark, and a little scary.  But then we get an angel or two and it really changes things.  I found this book really well researched, with well developed characters.  Love the little hob character, wish I had one of my own, a little pet that can talk.


21394797Pewter Angels, The Angelic Letter Series, by Henry K. Ripplinger.  I think I would have really enjoyed reading this as a teenager.  It gives insight into the mind of a teenager, and the problems they face.  Plus gives positive solutions.  The characters and story line are well thought out.  Maybe needed a bit tighter editing.  But still, I can't wait to read the next one in the series.  


I'm always looking for books about Angels, trying to learn more about mine.  I look for signs all the time that they are watching over us.  I love it when I'm listening to the traffic report on the radio in the morning, "no stalls or accidents to report."  That's when I thank our guardian Angels for getting us all to our destinations safely.  I know they are working extra hard taking care of us. 



Saturday 5 September 2015

Not the usual review

690872The Illuminator, by Brenda Rickman Vantrease.  So well written.  Well researched.  Love this period.  There is so much going on with the Catholic Church.  Yet it seems an age of innocence as well.  People believed what the church told them, that they would die and spend an eternity in hell if you didn't follow their teachings.  You weren't allowed to think for yourself, or question anything.  It was the law.  Very scary times.  I'm glad we live where we do and can have our freedom of expression.


154651The Mercy Seller, by Brenda Rickman Vantrease.  I loved this story.  It is the sequel to the Illuminator, but I happened to read this one first.  It is a stand alone book.  Such in depth characters, and so well researched.  What a scary age, being tortured and killed for being different.  We have come a long way.  I wish there was a sequel to this book.  Fell in love with the characters and Brenda's writing.  You can happily lose all track of time in this book.


I too was brought up a good little Catholic girl.  Attending Immaculate Conception School and their church.  Taught by nuns.  My mom was actually going to be a nun, like her sister and her Aunt.  But I think my mom liked to laugh and talk and socialize too much.  It must have been hard living in the convent with all there rules and restrictions, after living in a noisy busy home.  With her 9 sisters and 5 brothers, I imagine it was quite chaotic.  But there was always someone to talk to and help you with your chores.  Lots of love in that house.  That seems to be a very important thing in families.  Having a mother and father that love you.  Encourage you.  That's what I try my hardest to be.  Loving, caring and supportive.  So my kids and grandkids, can be the best they possible can.  Then I know I have succeeded.

Friday 28 August 2015

Up and running again

Got the new laptop, and managed to get the WIFI up and running, so we are in business.  Woohoo!

I've been thinking about my mom today.  And how I am close to the age she was when she passed away.   At the time I thought she was so old.  That her life was about over.  What did she have left to accomplish anyway.  But looking at it now, I wonder what dreams she had that she wasn't able to fulfill.  Because I know now that life is not over; that I still have lots of things I want to do.  Books to write.  Paintings to create.  Places to explore.  I'm not done yet, not for a long time...hopefully.

WHAT I'M READING FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL READERS:
2426371Elissa's Odyssey, by Erica Verillo.  Book 2 in the Phoenix Rising Trilogy.  It was good.  Not as good as the first book.  I think I was expecting more, as the first book really hooked me.  I think I love the whole talking to animals thing, really was hoping for much more.  Still a good read, the story really moves along.  Off to find the next book in the series.  Love the artwork on the front cover.


23208482The Rabbit ate my homework, By Rachel Elizabeth Cole.  This is a fast paced book, that really moves along.  I learned a lot of things about rabbits I never knew.  But the main character in the story is unknown.  I have no idea what grade he is in, how tall he is, what color hair he has.  I know one thing for sure, I will never get a rabbit.   Get your child to read this book if they are pestering you for a pet.  Sounds very labour intensive.  Little housewreckers.