MBR: The Fiction Shelf
Midwest Book Review
The Days Of Abandonment
Elena Farrante
Europa Editions
116 East 16 St, New York NY, 10003
1933372001 $14.95 www.europaeditions.com
A welcome addition for community library general fiction collections,
The Days Of Abandonment by Elena Farrante is a compelling and shocking
novel of a mother abandoned by her child's father, deemed to live the
life of single parenthood. The Days Of Abandonment depicts the
sensitive and troubling subject of a mother gone overboard with
obligations, responsibilities and eventually the inevitable solitude.
Readers will be treated to an original and deftly written plot that
carries them into the world of Olga and her controversial actions that
lead to an ultimately enlightening climax. Strongly recommended
reading.
All I Ever Did Was Love A Man
Sharon Denise Allison-Ottey
Hilton Publishing
PO Box 737, Roscoe, IL 61073
0976444348 $16.95 www.hiltonpub.com
Sabrena Collins divorced her cruel and abusive husband in order to give
her daughters a happy and secure home. Sabrena has a good-paying job
and Steve -- a new man in her life that she loves and dreams of
building a future with. But Steve is unreliable and untrustworthy. When
the doctor informs her that she has contracted AIDS, Sabrena must
struggle with her fears of the unknown and discover how she became
infected. With the help and support of her best friend, Sabrena learns
how to cope as a single mother with AIDS. All I Ever Did Was Love A Man
is a superbly crafted and realistic novel that will simply rivet the
reader's attention from beginning to end as they come to know and
identify with the kinds of issues that women must face in today's world
when they or those they love are at risk for or infected with HIV/AIDS.
Kathryn's Beach
Nadine Laman
Infinity Publishing.com
c/o Buy Books On The Web
1094 New Dehaven Street, #100, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2713
0741428326 $15.95 www.amazon.com www.nadinelamanbooks.com
As her career-based life as a lawyer fell apart, Kathryn abandons the
comfortable familiarity of Los Angeles. After five years of a
self-imposed exile in rural Nebraska, she must face her personal demons
and learn the meaning of the cryptic letter Judge Jones left for her
just a few hours before be took his own life. Kathryn discovers more
than the meaning of the letter - she uncovers what went wrong with
her last court case, a simple matter wending its way through the
judicial system only to end in murder. Very highly recommended reading,
Kathryn's Beach clearly documents Nadine Laman as a superb author with
the ability to engage and hold the reader's rapt attention from first
page to last.
Toby Ryker
Steven Merrill Ulmen
Privately Published/Lulu.com
3711 Willow Heights Drive SW, Rochester, MN 55902
1411660390 $10.95 www.amazon.com
The debut western novel of author Steven Merrill Ulmen, Toby Ryker is
the story of a colorful, likeable old ex- cavalry scout, and former
mountain man who drifts into Laramie, Wyoming, only to get himself
involved in a saloon brawl (which he stirred up just for the fun of
it!). Toby wins friends by offering to pay for the bar room damages and
buy drinks for the house. He then departs only to moments later
collapse from a heart attack. Waking up in the office of the town
doctor, Toby is informed that he is dying and must adopt a quiet,
peaceable way of life for what time remains to him. The trouble is,
Toby is wanted for a murder in Deadwood, Dakota Territory, has a price
on his head, and a rather nasty bounty hunter named John McQuiston
after him. Toby Ryker is a smoothly written and generally terrific
novel that will leave the reader eagerly looking forward to Steven
Ulmen's next foray into western fiction.
Cottonwood Fall
Gary Slaughter
Fletcher House
PO Box 50979, Nashville, TN 37205
097442603 $24.00 www.fletcherhouse.com
Cottonwood Fall by Gary Slaughter is an especially engaging
biographical novel recalling a vivid depiction of America during the
difficult year of 1944. Slaughter's unique writing style is sure to
consume the readers attention as Cottonwood Fall follows two
ten-year-old boys through their adventures in a small town, Riverton
Michigan, as they encounter vengeful POWs, Thomas E. Dewey and FDR.
Cottonwood Fall is highly recommended to the general reader, especially
those intrigued by the post-World War II lifestyle of the American
citizen. Also a highly recommended book by Gary Slaughter is the
prelude to Cottonwood Fall, Cottonwood Summer.
Don't Let The Good Life Pass You By
Mary Verdick
Publish America
4-1 Canterbury Court, Middletown, CT 06457
1413759807 $19.95 www.maryverdick.com
Don't Let The Good Life Pass You By by Mary Verdick is the intimate and
inspirational story of how a tragedy might become positive when Kitty
Maddox's husband is killed in the same auto accident that renders her
12-year-old daughter paraplegic. Don't Let The Good Life Pass You By is
a fascinating tale which carries the reader through the depiction of a
cherished lifemates death, recovery, and the overcoming of other
resulting misfortunes as Jamie, Kitty's daughter, becomes evermore the
excitable child she once was when once again she learns how to ride
horseback. Don't Let The Good Life Pass You By is a strongly
recommended book to all readers looking for a moving and heartwarming
story.
The Last Thylacine
Terry Domico
Turtleback Books
PO Box 2012, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
1883385156 $13.95 www.turtlebackbooks.net
The Last Thylacine by Terry Domico is a gripping tale of Matthew Clark
who, upon claiming he has a supposedly extinct and especially
mysterious animal (the Thylacine) is fired from his job for such a
frivolous assertion. The Last Thylacine brings thrill-seeking readers a
sufficient read, as Matthew eludes and conquers the many dangerous
encounters throughout this enthralling story. Highly recommended for
the reader with an interest in nature and wildlife. The Last Thylacine
is a surely invigorating read for all.
Art Tracts
Barbara Roethe Merin
Costal Village Press
PO Box 6300, Beaufort, SC 29903
1882943252 $14.95 www.coastal-village.com
Still troubled by his mother's unexplained murder, Greg is a
30-something man with a sound medical career as a pediatric oncologist
and an relationship with his office nurse that goes beyond the
boundaries of professionalism. Leitha is a young woman who escaped from
the chaos of her native country, coming to America in pursuit of her
own career as an artist. Enthusiastically recommended reading, Art
Tracts is the story of these two diverse people and how their
complicated lives unexpectedly converge. Author Barbara Merin first
established herself as a gifted novelist with "Quest For Life". Now
with her second foray into fiction with "Art Tracts", she clearly
documents an ability to provide her readers with memorable characters
involved in thoroughly engaging scenes and stories that are deftly
orchestrated to hold the reader's rapt attention from beginning to end.
Mockey's Revinge
Mark Louis Lehman
Little Possum Press
6740 Elbrook Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45237
0977032620 $14.00 www.littlepossumpress.com
Mockey's Revinge by Mark Louis Lehman is the intriguing and fun story
told from the perspective of an eight year old seeking to fulfill
revenge upon her stepfather. Mark Louis Lehman's unique euphonics and
misspelled phonetics make Mockey's Revinge a sensibly hilarious tale
that will encourage the reader to never put it down from first page to
last. Mockey's Revinge is very highly recommended for its clever and
interesting depiction of a young woman's comedic perspective.
Young Female, Traveling Alone
Anne-Marie M. Pop
iUniverse
2682 Serbrooke Est, Montreal, PQ H2k1G4 (author)
0595360246 $12.95 www.iuniverse.com
Young Female, Travelling Alone is a highly amusing and quite engaging
tale well told by author Anne-Marie M. Pop. The reader will dive into
the life and explorations of lead character Anna as she discovers
herself throughout the varying appeals and locations. As Anne-Marie Pop
has experienced the situations she authors Anna to have, readers will
find Young Female, Travelling Alone not only grand entertainment, but
insightful and intriguing as well. Very strongly recommended --
especially readers of nature-oriented fiction particularly in eastern
Asia.
Quarterdeck
Julian Stockwin
McBooks Press
520 North Meadow Street, Ithica, New York 14850
1590131150 $24.00 www.mcbooks.com
Quarterdeck, an intriguing novel by Julian Stockwin, is the fifth book
in the "Kydd Sea Adventure" series. Readers will continue to follow
Thomas Kydd through his newest adventure as he steps foot onto the
64-gun battleship, the Tenacious. Characterized by hazardous battles
and enigmatic heroism, Quarterdeck is a very highly recommended novel
for general readers partial to action/adventure on the high seas, as
well as a "must" for those already following the Kydd Sea Adventure
Series.
Force From Under
Daniel Adams
Vantage Press
419 Park Avenue South New York, 10016
0533149215 $13.95
Force From Under by Daniel Adams is a fictitious tale based upon
historical happenings of the depths traveled and journey taken by an
american submarine, the SS Sawfish, during the near to final days of
the second world war. As America entered the World War II, they
released the SS Sawfish, herein, Force From Under grippingly describes
in fantastic detail the interpretative results of the war patrol log of
that very ship. Daniel's work reveals much of the war otherwise
unheard, and may best be viewed by contemporary readers as an
introduction to the yesteryear realities of World War Two showcased in
a very highly recommended novel.
Fusion
Bruce Huntly
iUniverse
2605-55 Charles Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2W9, Canada
0595671373 $29.95 www.iuniverse.com
A compelling and entertaining read from beginning to end, Fusion is a
thrilling page-turner of a "near future" suspense novel. Author Bruce
Huntley's well written and riveting tale revolves around a
controversial plot consisting of hydrogen fuel and emissions, as well
as communication and computer progress which, in combination, thicken
the intrigue of Fusion's basis and grant the page-for-page readability
for readers of all favor. Fusion would make a popular addition to any
community library collection.
Instructions From Seville
Peter Smith
iFabbri Publishing
225 Montgomery Street, Newburgh, NY 12550
0976249103 $27.50 ifab...@aol.com
Instructions from Seville is an historical novel by Peter Smith set in
a Rome in 1506 A.D. when the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church
decided to demolish the original, ancient basiciica that marked St.
Peter's tomb to make way for a new and grander cathedral. As author
Peter Smith deftly explores the everyday life of the principle
characters involved, a significant and dramatic political conflict may
be found as the significant incentive for the building project becomes
ever more pressing. Instructions From Seville is an entertaining read
and strongly recommended for community library Historical Fiction
collections.
The Winners Circle
Christopher Klim
Hopewell Publications LLC
PO BOX 11, Tituscille, NJ 08560-0011
19334502x $15.95 1-609-818-1049 www.HopePubs.com
The Winners Circle by Christopher Klim is a clever and witty depiction
of just how winning the lottery may not have strictly beneficial
factors for the winner. For unemployed Jerry Nearing, winning the
lottery seems to be the perfect resolution to many of the problems in
his life that need solving. Perhaps though, to his surprise, winning
the lottery seems only an excuse for the karma coming toward him for
some kind of cosmic payback just when everything seems suddenly so
perfect. In losing his money to con artists, and other complications,
Jerry may lose what is more important to him -- the love of his life.
Clearly establishing author Christopher Klim as an author of
considerable storytelling talent, The Winners Circle is perfect reading
for those who enjoy the irony of satire.
Fire On Mount Maggiore
John Parras
The University of Tennessee Press
293 Communications Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0325
www.utpress.org
1572334452 $32.95 1-800-621-2736
Based on events in the author's life while fighting forest fires in
Italy, Fire On Mount Maggiore is a novel about a firefighter plagued
with survivor's guilt after a terrible blaze slaughters five men in his
brigade. Caught amid rumors and suspicions of flawed firefighting
operations, corruption in the management of state lands, serial arson,
and influence of the criminal underworld, he embarks upon an
exploration into the conspiracy. Winner of the 2004 Peter Taylor Prize
for the Novel, Fire On Mount Maggiore blends the realism of firsthand
experience with a suspenseful saga of adventure, danger, and a glimpse
into the darkness of men's hearts. Highly recommended.
Dreams Or Reality
Susan Shaw
Ulverscroft Large Print (USA)
Box 1230, West Seneca, NY 14224-1230
1846170974 $32.50 1-800-955-9659
Dreams Or Reality is the complete and unabridged large-print hardcover
novel about a teenager in the permissive 1960's who grows up into a
confused young woman. Experiencing an abusive marriage and bearing
three children, she convinces herself that material possessions are the
most crucial component to obtaining happiness. Yet even though she
obtains all the possessions she desires, her world continues to
crumble, until she is forced to make life- changing decisions about
what is truly valuable in her life. A compelling story about the
insufficiency of money alone and the endless quest to find meaning.
Between The Flowers
Harriette Simpson Arnow
Michigan State University
1405 South Harrison Road, Suite 25, East Lansing, MI 48823-5202
087013759X $24.95 www.msupress.com
Between The Flowers by Harriette Simpson Arnow is an intuitive
depiction of the cultural themes that dictate the lives of modern life,
the appeal to traveling and the actualities of residing in a
traditional community regardless of global positioning. Intriguing for
its theme, Between The Flowers is an inspired and inspiring work of the
earlier, realist based writings, informing the reader of the latent
differences between men and women, and the difficulties in
communication between them in both the artificial and traditional
gender community. To be given high praise for its fundamental
structure, storyline and content, Between The Flowers is strongly
recommended to the literature enthusiast, particularly those in study
of the realist mentality and influence.
ISIS Publishing Ltd.
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print (USA)
Box 1230, West Seneca, NY 14224-1230
1-800-955-9659 www.amazon.com
Three large-print hardcover novels published by ISIS are a welcome
addition to public libraries or the personal collections of visually
limited readers. Heidi by Johanna Spyri (0753174596, $32.50) is a
flawless translation of the timeless classic about a young girl whose
spreads kindness and brings out the goodness in others' hearts. The
power of miracles worked through human compassion is a theme that
resonates profoundly into the modern day. After Midnight by Susan
Sallis (0753174-677, $32.50) is a mystery surrounding the past of a
woman, her cousins, and the mysterious stranger who comes in their
midst, all tied to an old railway coach in the forest that once
witnessed the blooming of first love. Sex And Other Changes by David
Nobbs (0753174693, $32.50) a wry and dramatic novel about a happily
married couple, Nick and Alison... until one day Nick reveals that he
wants to become Nicole, and Alison, though shocked, supports him
because she wants to become Alan. Can both partners in a marriage
change sex and preserve their marriage? How will their children and the
rest of their family adapt? An unforgettable "what-if" exploration of
the dynamics of gender relationships. All three novels are highly
recommended.
Solomon's Wisdom & Other Stories
Roberta Kalechofsky
Micah Publications, Inc.
255 Humphrey Street, Marblehead, MA 01945-1645
0916288056 $15.00 micahbooks.com
Solomon's Wisdom & Other Stories is an anthology of ten historical
fiction stories grounded in Middle Ages, biblical, and Jewish themes.
Author Roberta Kalechofsky further broadens the implications of the
stories, laying additional significance and drawing out new
interpretations; for example, in the title story "Solomon's Wisdom",
the two women who claim the same baby symbolize Judea and the northern
tribes, who are rebelling against Solomon and his cravings for glory
that overrule their need for justice. A profound reinterpretation of
classic parables, that will leave readers of all backgrounds musing
upon its implications.
Crazy Quilt
Paula Paul
University Of New Mexico Press
PO Box 25061, Albuquerque, NM 87125-0061
082633704x $15.95 www.unmpress.com
Crazy Quilt by Paula Paul is the entertaining, original and engaging
story of Flora Adams, a cancer patient who, in the midst of a
recuperation leave, stumbles upon an old man who becomes both an
annoyance and an infatuation to her. Readers will be delighted as
author and former journalist Paula Paul's intricate plot and an amusing
spectra of characters ranging from Jillian, a young punk-rocker, to
James Willie, the Texas town's sheriff. Enthusiastically recommended
reading, Crazy Quilt is superbly crafted, fun and entertaining novel.
Winter Passage
Paul Raymond Cote
Constantina Mitchell
Behler Publications
22365 El Toro Road, #135, Lake Forest, CA 92630
www.behlerpublications.com
1933016191 $14.95 1-800-830-2913
Winter Passage is co-authored by Paul Raymond Cote and Constantina
Mitchell. The result of their talented collaboration is a brilliant
novel depicting the lives of an heir to a Quebec City mansion and the
demented history of the young and damaged woman he encounters when
first arriving to the New World from his home in Europe. Winter Passage
elegantly combines history and highly personal drama to produce a
modern masterpiece of the colonial era. Well written for an ultimately
superb read, Winter Passage is a confidently recommended and
entertaining from beginning to end.
A Thread Of Gold
R. Reed Johnson
Western Reflections Publishing
219 Main Street, Montrose, CO 81401
www.westernreflectionspub.com
1932738126 $19.95 1-800-993-4490
A Thread Of Gold: A Three Century Search For A Colorado Gold Bonanza is
the fictional and historical interpretation of a three century, three
state tale of three brothers searching for an ultimate gold reservoir.
In the midst of their search, however, the three brothers find
themselves in various significant landmarks of the old western era.
Although fictional, A Thread Of Gold provides an interesting and
informative history of western America's history which is highly
recommended for students of American history. A Thread Of Gold is a
very educational as well as highly entertaining read and quite
appropriate for personal, school, and community library collections.
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