The Bamboo Mirror by Faith Mortimer

The Bamboo Mirror
by Faith Mortimer 5 Stars
Title: Very Good.

I really enjoyed The Bamboo Mirror. The short stories were well-written and each had a good twist at the end. Very refreshing. I particularly liked The Cast Party. I thought Linda was going to get fired, but instead I was surprised to find out… well, you’ll have to read the story for yourself. No spoilers here.

Enjoy the five short stories. They’re well worth the read. Entertaining!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Bamboo-Mirror-Anthology-ebook/dp/B005967A26

An Extraordinary Read

 
A Luminous Future
by Teodor Flonta 5 Stars
Title: Extraordinary read!


Teodor’s memoir of living in Romania during the Communist era was so gripping and well told that I could almost feel his pain. I say almost because I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to live the life he has lived. The effect of Communism was brutal, and how he survived at all is amazing. The suffering his family endured was heart breaking, but just goes to show that a family’s love for each other can survive just about anything, even the worst cruelties imaginable.

Sometimes I laughed, but at other times I wanted to throw my Kindle against the wall after reading about the way he was treated, the hardships and misery he faced.

An excerpt from the book (something his father told him) still sticks with me:
“… a regime that talked to people as if they were stupid or blind, always telling lies, did not have a future. No amount of rifles and bayonets could stop people from rising against it eventually.”

I was glad his father lived long enough to see the fall of Communism.

A Luminous Future is a very descriptive account of Teodor’s life, and was a compelling read that I just couldn’t put down. There’s too much to this book to summarize further in a review, so I’ll just say thank you Teodor Flonta for sharing your life with us. Your book is one I might go back and read again—something I never do. It was extraordinary.

http://www.amazon.com/A-Luminous-Future-ebook/dp/B007DCBN7W

Let Freedom Ring

We Will Never Forget

9/11/2001

 

United We Stand

Celebrating

I always visit my mother on her birthday. She lives three hours away, but distance doesn't matter. I'm going to be there to help her celebrate. This year she turned eighty-three. 

My sister Jan, me, and Minnie my mom

 

 

 

Happy Birthday and many more, Mom.

One Always Tries to Get Away

Never put all your eggs in one basket, or in this case—chicks.

One always tries to get away.

The same can be said for life. Something to think about.

Seven Chicks Just Waiting

Seven chicks to add to the roost.

Tom and I have been trying our hands at hatching eggs, and the outcome has made us very happy. 

The first set of incubated eggs only produced three chicks, but the second time around we had seven that hatched.

*In the pic, the chicks look smaller than they really are, but I'm sure that has something to do with the operator. My camera skills need to be updated, or maybe I just need new glasses... 

My very talented husband has built a second coop to house the ten chickens. The first three are already living in it, and the remaining seven will be ready to move out of their wooden box in a couple of weeks. I'm sure they'll be glad to live in a bigger home and be able to breathe the fresh mountain air.

Rooster Cogburn (who hates me) and our grown hens are Americanas. Their off-springs are beautiful. Thanks, Rooster Cogburn & ladies. I can't wait to see the babies full grown! 

#colormehappy

Here's What I Think

 

I've read several books lately, and here's my opinion of a few of them—and as I always say—it's just my opinion.

Her Cracked Heart
by P.A. Estelle 5 Stars
Title: Charming!

A woman loses her husband and daughter, goes into seclusion, finds another man, and then starts all over again. A typical story that could’ve been boring, but it wasn’t. It was sweet, charming, and drew me right in. I especially liked it when the little girl told Stephanie she had a cracked heart. Can’t wait to read more by P.A. Estelle!

http://www.amazon.com/Her-Cracked-Heart-ebook/dp/B00DZ34T0G

Cold Feet
by Jess Butcher 3 Stars
Title: Good

I enjoyed this story, but I was confused at the end. I felt as if there was a missing paragraph or something that would explain the ending better. Up until then, I loved the tale, but the ending left me shaking my head.

http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Lexington-Avenue-Express-ebook/dp/B005DVJSKO

Short Cuts
by Erik Bowman 4 Stars
Title: I liked it!

This collection of short stories was a very good read. The writing is outstanding and kept me glued to the pages. Erik Bowman has a wild, vivid imagination that draws the reader in and doesn’t let go until the very end.

However, there were a few glitches in some of the storylines, but all in all it was well worth the time I spent reading the book. Good work, Erik Bowman!

http://www.amazon.com/Short-Cuts-Collected-Stories-ebook/dp/B005X9UNJ6

American Goddesses
by Gary Henry 5 Stars
Title: Brilliant!

I really enjoyed this book. I also love a good comic book, and this story reminded me of one. Super powers and control—who, in the real world, wouldn’t want that?

The writing is excellent, making this book a fun and delightful read. And, I love a happy ending. I highly recommend Gary Henry’s American Goddesses. I didn’t know what to expect, but this book turned out to be a real page-turner. Brilliant!

http://www.amazon.com/American-Goddesses-ebook/dp/B0086XGFTS 

Shadow People
by Jo Robinson 5 Stars
Title: Very good!

Fantasy/Sci-fi/Paranormal, this one has it all. It was well written with very good character development, and it held my interest all the way through the book. A heroine who turns into a dynamo is always a good thing. I will be looking for more of Jo Robinson’s books.

http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-People-ebook/dp/B00BCL91EC

Always Sign Out

Most people don't bother to log out on Facebook, Twitter or their blog, but after finding a video that had been added to my latest post, you can bet I will from now on. I don't know what the video was about since I couldn't get it to open, but I'm willing to bet it wasn't nice. Hackers don't post good stuff on your site.

Shut down, log out, and sign off to keep hackers at bay.

Reviewer Gets Slammed

 Grams wrote a review of Corpus Christi—The Legacy Chronicles, giving it one star and saying she hadn't read the book.

And then all hell broke loose.

Folks pounced on the reviewer. All have asked the same question: "How can you give the book one star when you haven't read it?"

They also let Amazon know the review should be removed because it was inappropriate and unfair to the author. I even put in my two cents' worth.

But then I started thinking about something. Perhaps Grams felt compelled to write a review right then, not realizing that even though Amazon sends out emails asking people to rate a book, you don't have to do it right then. You can and should wait to post a review until after you’re read the book, or at least given it a try. There’s plenty of time.

After reading the review a couple of times, I think this might be the case here. The review seemed rushed as if Grams felt she had to say something.

I’m not taking up for Grams. I’m just saying she might need to be told how important a review is and that she doesn’t even have to post one unless it’s an honest review of a book she’s actually read.

And we all know it’s not mandatory to post reviews.  

Any way you look at it, Amazon should do the right thing and pull the review.

Read the review and comments:
http://www.amazon.com/Corpus-Christi-Legacy-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00BM5C8O8

Note: Amazon has removed six comments (one of them being mine). I shouldn't have commented in anger. I was ugly, and I do feel bad about it, so in reality, Amazon did me a favor.

Has your comment been removed?

We Love Our Hats

If my mother knew I posted this picture of her on the net...

I laughed at the hat. She loved the hat. I laughed harder when I found out she was serious. I love her, so who cares about the hat?

The mother in my books is my mother in real life, Minnie Crumpler a.k.a. Minnie Watson. If you've read my books, I need say nothing more, but I would like to ask—do you think Minnie Watson would wear that hat?

And what do you think my mother thought of my hat?

Note: She's too much of a lady to laugh.

Just My Opinion

I write, but I also love to read. Here are a few books I've read and my opinion of them.

Fosgate’s Game
by David C. Cassidy 5 Stars+
Title: Tops my list for best writing!

The storyline was interesting and I really enjoyed it, but I was most impressed with the author’s writing ability. Mr. Cassidy’s writing was so tight it was as if he chose every single word with great forethought. There were no useless fillers in this tale.

The setting was perfect—a stormy night with two men sitting around playing a game that not only is evil, but deadly. Sounds like a tale straight out of a Stephen King or Dean Koontz book… only the writing was much better.

I believe David Cassidy could write in any genre and have you glued to the pages. His talent is that amazing.

Thanks for such an enjoyable read. I’m ready for the next one!

http://www.amazon.com/Fosgates-Game-Supernatural-Novella-ebook/dp/B00C8PDRMI

Deadly Money
by Anthony Kinner 1 Star
Title: Needs a proofreader!

I really wanted to like this book. I met the author a couple of weeks ago, and he’s such a nice guy, but after a few pages, I had to put the book down. I can’t even tell you what the story was about. The writing was awkward, choppy and riddled with spelling and grammar errors.

I overlook a few mistakes, but this was just a mess. Please fix. I gave him one star for effort.

http://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Money-Casey-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00BKOG018

Mouth of the Rat
by Peggy A. Edelheit 5 Stars
Title: Another excellent read!

As usual, Ms. Edelheit does not fail to entertain. I love Samantha Jamison and her kooky friends. Who says little old ladies can’t be fun? I was sucked right in from the start and enjoyed ever twist and turn. Fun, entertaining, and well-written.

Terrific! Can’t wait to read the next one.

http://www.amazon.com/Samantha-Jamison-Mystery-Volume-ebook/dp/B009G1WQB0

The Witch, the Princess and the Dragon
by S.T. Matthias 5 Stars
Title: Very good.

This was a cute, simple fairy tale complete with your typical characters—a princess, dragon, witch, King and Queen, and lots of knights. It was a good read for its target audience.

http://www.amazon.com/witch-princess-dragon-Fairy-ebook/dp/B00AH0YHZM

Closing Costs
By Jess Butcher 4 Stars
Title: Good!

When I think of this story, I have visions of a slicing machine being used to cut up the annoying bad guy. What a way to close a deal. Way to go, Jess Butcher! Can’t wait to check out what else you have for me to read.

http://www.amazon.com/Closing-Lexington-Avenue-Express-ebook/dp/B005N0PT76

**Feel free to tell me what you think. I welcome your opinion.

Happy reading!

How You Like Me Now?

I bought this Lincoln Town Car from our friend Bill Kerr (who owns Camryn Limousines in Charlottesville, Virginia) when he switched over to Cadillacs. All I can say is—how you like me now? You dumped me for a Caddy, but that's okay because I found a good home. Even got a little sprucing up! Now I have a name!

Thanks for a job well done, Performance Signs—Ruckersville, Virginia
434-985-7446

Hey, if David Hasselhoff can do it, so can I!

Recess Time

Took the babies out to play yesterday and they were very well-behaved. Now if I can just find a stroller for them...

We all need a good laugh, and I thought that was funny. What do you think?

Just being myself...

Three Chicks

When I said three chicks, I bet you thought this post was going to be about three women. Well... it is in a way. Kinda. Unless these chicks turn out to be roosters. Heaven forbid! What will I do with three roosters? I already have one, and one's enough.

One man around the house is all a woman needs.

Peep Peep!

One More Mouth to Feed

Our first egg hatched this morning and now we have a baby chick.  Three more scheduled to hatch today. So excited!

Lots of chirping going on from such a little creature. Life is good.

Two of a Kind

My pony met a handsome Mustang in the grocery store parking lot. 

The green one is mine.

 

You Can Always Tell

You can always tell how good a man is by the way animals love him.

Donkey just loves Tom Mullen. Me... ah... not as much. What's that all about? I'm a good person and a good donkey caregiver. Just ask Belle and Sable.

Hee-Haw!

Need a Ride?

When it comes to our kids, as parents, we'll do almost anything for them... even carry them on our backs if we have to. This pic was on the front of the Father's Day card our son gave his dad. I think it pretty much says it all.

Hee-Haw!  

Review of The Marionette Heart Poetry

The Marionette Heart Poetry

by Jane Walsh 5 Stars

Title: Excellent!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Marionette-Heart-Poetry-ebook/dp/B00BNHX4KW

Before I bought The Marionette Heart Poetry, I checked out the author, read the reviews, and clicked on the book to read a sample chapter of poems (like I always do). Knowing this was a collection of poems from a survivor of child abuse, I expected a lot of despair, hopelessness, and many visits to dark places.

Well, I got that and more—the pleasure of getting to know a strong woman who survived it all. Good for you, Jane Walsh. Your poetry is sad, but beautifully written. I almost cried at the dedication page. What does that tell you?

We've Crossed Over

That's right. We're now offically farmers. Tom and I raise donkeys and chickens and now we're growing more chickens. We borrowed an incubator and we'll have baby chicks in twenty-one days.

The incubator was in the dining room, but it was too hot by the window for the eggs, so we had to move it. They're doing well. I can't wait to see what happens when the eggs hatch. Stay tuned.