Book Reviews

Book Reviews

Second Chances by Dannye Willamsen

I am not too much into reading about the paranormal but I am glad I started reading Second Chances. The first few pages hooked me and kept my attention until the last page. Freddie Marsh is haunted by visits from a shadow person and asks the classic question, "why me?" Instead of running from the problem, she tries to find the answer. Darian, the one trying to communicate with Freddie, cannot understand why she is not more accepting of his presence.

On the surface, Second Chances is a classic tale of good verses evil but as the story progresses, Dannye Williamsen expands that concept so that it is not so cut and dry. There is good/evil in all of us but it is a personal choice as to which is predominant. The author makes the reader think by taking us through Freddie's struggle of how to handle the power she has always tried to ignore but now has to comes to terms with.

Dannye Williamsen's style of writing is very intriguing and well developed. I like the way she uses descriptive writing to set the scene and make the reader see what is happening and become one with the story. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to read the sequel, The Threads That Bind.

The Threads that Bind by Dannye Williamsen

The Threads that Bind is more than just a title to this novel, it is the theme that ties all the characters and plot together in this book. Dannye Williamsen started the tale in her first book, Second Chances in which the protagonist, Freddie had to confront her misguided and “evil” brother, Darien. Darien and Freddie both had the psychic ability to manipulate others; Darien in a negative manner, Freddie used her talent rarely but in a positive way. Instead of the usual good verses evil, good destroys evil type of plot, the author showed how love can overcome the worst in of all people.

In The Threads That Bind, Freddie’s granddaughter, Jillian discovers that her closest and dearest friend, Mandy had been a associate of Jillian’s grandmother. Another one of Jillian’s friends/allies is actually Darien’s son who also knew and admired Freddie. As the story progresses, the threads bind together as the characters discover the ties associated with their past. They use their knowledge and abilities to pick up the task initiated years earlier by Freddie to overcome the blatant misuse of psychic power, but now it is in Jillian’s time. The true beauty of the story is the way in which the protagonists go about that task without destroying any lives.

The story is very well written, with good character development and a fast pace that keeps the reader glued to the story. The author created a very believable tale with a moral that can be carried over into our everyday lives. We can all learn a lesson from this story; we have a chance in life to change our path and make a difference no matter what is expected by others because love underlies everything.

I highly recommend Dannye Williamsen's novels to all readers.

Kiwi in Cat City by Vickie Johnstone

Do you ever wonder where your cat goes when he/she disappears for a few days? Vickie Johnstone gives a clever explanation to this mystery.

Kiwi, a very clever cat takes a couple of kids with her as he takes a trip to Cat City where they all get involved in helping the police in solving a crime.

Vickie makes what some folks might think is just a children’s story into a tale that is enjoyable for all ages. The interplay between the characters keeps the story fresh and makes the reader want to keep going to the next page to see what happens.

The names and places such as Mr. Katz, Meow Café, Insurance in a Whisker and Inspector Furrball do not let you forget where you are at and adds to the imagery of Cat City. This is a most enjoyable story and I’m waiting for Kiwi volume two.

Kiwi and the Missing Magic by Vickie Johnstone

The second book in Vickie Johnstone’s “Kiwi” series is just as engaging as the first. I truly enjoyed the way the author makes an imaginary tale come to life.

Kiwi, the cat, the two children, James and Amy along with a pet hamster and a mouse prevent Cat City from being destroyed. Of course, there is a lot more to the story than that such as new characters being introduced but it takes reading the story to see how it all fits together into one very nice package.

The “Kiwi” series is intended for kids but grownups such as myself will love the book as well. I highly recommend the whole series.

Kiwi and the Living Nightmare by Vickie Johnstone

Book three in the “Kiwi” series, Kiwi and the Living Nightmare continues the exploits of Kiwi the cat, Amy and James, a host of characters from Cat City along with some critters from our world.

It was very appropriate that Vickie published the book just before Halloween because that is the time frame the story takes place. Kiwi and the kids have a dream of another cat crying out for help and discover that the haunted house where the stranded cat is at can only be entered on All Hallow’s Eve.

I like the way the author introduces new characters into book three yet draws on the previous books for the characters that I already know and love.

Kiwi and the Living Nightmare has just the right amount of scary bits along with humor to make it a very enjoyable read for kids of all ages.

There is Hope by Helmy Kusuma

There is Hope has two short stories that are very entertaining and fun to read. The first short story, “Six-inch Claws” starts out with an attention grabbing first few pages then…I cannot tell you what happens because it will spoil the story, but it was something I was not expecting. I would love to see this short story expanded into a novel.

The second story, “Polka Dots” takes an interesting look at people and the shirts they wear. Is it true that you can tell what a person is like by the clothes he/she wears? Is there a prejudice towards others that dare to be different? Helmy explores these questions in a light very descriptive manner.

I truly enjoyed reading There is Hope and for a nice, light, quick and easy read, I would recommend this book.

Angelo’s Journey by Leland Dirks

Angelo’s Journey is a wonderful account of a kidnapped dog and his long journey home. The canine counselor touches and changes the lives of the humans he meets along his way home in a very moving and heart wrenching manner.

Leland Dirks has a special relationship with his border collie, Angelo and clearly narrates the possible impacts that his four legged companion could have had on people he came across during his five and a half week sojourn home.

Angelo’s Journey proves that dogs are the intelligent members of the family and we better pay attention to what they try to teach us.

Seven Dogs in Heaven by Leland Dirks

Leland Dirks’ view of heaven is a little different than what I had been taught. I like his version better. Dogs have been a big part of my life and that’s probably why I enjoy Leland and Angelo’s books so much.

Our four-footed companions should be the ultimate judge of our life on Earth with their no nonsense approach to what is right and wrong. I just hope my furry friends rate my life worthy of an afterlife in Heaven.

A Death in Calgary by Mary Brown Daugherty

A black Cadillac hearse pulls into a small quiet community. Within just a few hours, the lone occupant of the vehicle becomes the talk of the town. He has a mission to accomplish but doesn’t quite know who, what when or where. His occupation - Death.

Mary Daugherty masterfully crafts a story around the occupants of a small sleepy town named Calgary from the local gossip queen to the diners in the greasy spoon to the ultimate object of the loner’s attention. The author’s descriptive style of writing holds the reader’s attention and gives a little twist to the plot that is unexpected but welcomed.

A Death in Calgary is well worth the time to read and may possibly give you something to think about for a while after you finish the book.

Remember…In Your Dreams by Alex Canton

Alex Canton is a very loving, caring grandfather who wants to start his newborn grandson on a positive journey through life. Through astral travel and a glass ball, the two make trips back in time to show the newest addition to the family his heritage and to introduce family members past and present.

It is a lovely collection of short "memories" that gives the reader an insight into who Alex Canton really is and appreciate the author's achievements.

Sweat, Glamour and Light Sins by Alex Canton-Dutari

Sweat, Glamour and Light Sins takes place in a gym or what some would term a health or exercise club. That is not a setting most people would find very interesting but Alex weaves a wonderful story around the people he meets during his daily workout.

Everyone has a unique story and together make a very entertaining read revolving around a fashion show for larger women. It amazes me how the author can take a rather mundane subject and with his sense of humor make a very interesting story.

I am a big fan of Cirque du Soleil and the aerial silks performance in “Quidam” is one of my favorite acts. Alex includes a version of the aerial silks in his book that really grabbed my attention. I highly recommend this book.

Upgrade by Stephen Hise

Stephen Hise’s idea of enhancements to a person’s outward appearance made me start thinking, would I like this or not? It did lead his central character, Brent, into a very sticky situation, actually several sticky situations.

I enjoyed reading this novel even though it is not in the genre I usually choose my books from. The characters are well developed and I truly felt sorry for a couple of the ladies in Brent’s life, while not being too fond of another one.

The ending was a surprise. Even though I tried to guess what was going to happen, I was not totally prepared for the final outcome. I recommend Upgrade to anyone who likes a different approach to getting the perfect lover.

Tales from the Beyond by Kristina Jackson

Tales from the Beyond is comprised of a series of short ghost stories. The five tales are all different and very entertaining. Kristina has a great way of setting up the reader for a totally unexpected ending. I especially liked the last story, “Afraid” where the scared character actually turns out to be someone I would never have dreamed of. This collection of stories is just what a person needs when he/she wants a short easy to read book.