Have you ever longed to live in another time and place? Joe and Linda Murphy found a beautiful 3-story Victorian house that they decide to restore to its original splendor. As the restoration continued, the family decided that maybe 1909 was a better place to live than where they were now.
Three years later, the day after they installed the last item bringing their renovation to completion, they were shocked to find that they really had traveled back to 1909, when the house was built.
They could remember their lives in 2009, but were living in the same house in the same town in 1909.
Completely Restored is a wonderful story by Robert Kerr that shows what happens when a family who has drifted apart must either pull itself together or continue its downhill slide.
Filled with historical facts and people, Completely Restored was a fairly easy read and one I had trouble putting down. I hope you get a chance to read this book. If you are interested at all in time travel, you will love the care that Mr. Kerr took in recreating 1909 Marshalltown, Iowa and its inhabitants. You may also find someone you recognize.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Book Reviews Offered on This Blog
Recently I decided to open this site to non-mystery books related book reviews, mostly in the contemporary or romance area. Still fiction, but just not the mystery/murder/police procedural/cozy mysteries I have been doing as Mystery Books Editor on BellaOnline and the reviews I post on Amazon.
If anyone is interest in having a book reviewed on this site, with a similar review on Amazon, please let me know. I enjoying reading and writing, and writing a book review helps me do just that.
In the meantime, I'll also write about writing and anything to do with how to write, when, where, etc. Basically, whatever ideas come to mind that have to do with the craft of writing. I know there is a ton of information on the web, so I hope that I can offer something unique in some way.
I feel like this blog keeps changing gears every once in a while, but ultimately, it will end up where it is supposed to go.
Take care, everyone. Hope to hear from you soon.
If anyone is interest in having a book reviewed on this site, with a similar review on Amazon, please let me know. I enjoying reading and writing, and writing a book review helps me do just that.
In the meantime, I'll also write about writing and anything to do with how to write, when, where, etc. Basically, whatever ideas come to mind that have to do with the craft of writing. I know there is a ton of information on the web, so I hope that I can offer something unique in some way.
I feel like this blog keeps changing gears every once in a while, but ultimately, it will end up where it is supposed to go.
Take care, everyone. Hope to hear from you soon.
Becoming a Better Blogger and Writer Through the Creation Process
As I travel around my Blogger blogs today, I see I have failed to update the sites with posts and images. Part of the reason is the numerous niche sites I have been working on such as How to Throw a Party. With Halloween coming up this weekend, I have added a number of posts about Halloween, costumes, party ideas, and much more.
On the sidebar you will find a link to The Niche Blogger. Also, a post not to long ago gives a more detailed explanation of this great learning tool. Amy Bass has done a great job in leading us, day by day, through the challenge of setting up our own niche website and quickly beginning to earn money from that site.
Besides my main website, Elder Care Cafe.net, I now have four niche sites and will link them on the sidebar as they are ready for public viewing. Hopefully, by this time next year I will have more.
Through this whole process, I find I enjoy creating new websites. What a blast to start from scratch and watch something grow into a beautiful creation that hopefully helps others in some way. All of my niche sites are geared toward helping others and that seems to be part of the fun for me.
Hopefully, I will return here often as I would like to write more about writing, blogging, reviewing books, and other areas of writing that I am involved with.
I really hope, if you are reading this, that I can encourage you to step out and try something new. Looking at the past two years reminds me how far I have come as a writer, and certainly how much farther I need to go and can go to become ever better. As much as I love blogging, I seem to love the process of learning how to be a better blogger even more.
That's it for now. My hope is that I can come back often to update this blog and let everyone know what is happening. If you get the chance, you can visit:
How to Throw a Party
I will add more as they become viewer-friendly. All are in various stages of growth.
If you are interested in creating your own niche website, don't hesitate to check out Amy Bass and The Niche Blogger by clicking on the ad on the sidebar. You will be glad you did when you see what you can create in just days and weeks. I had my first niche blog up and running within a week or two - no kidding. I just started The Niche Blogger course in June of this year and already have four sites.
I am also still writing with BellaOnline Mystery Books and you are welcome to join me there as well. We have a growing number of book reviews in all mystery book categories. Sign up for the newsletter and join us in the forum while you are at it.
Please leave a comment and let us know what you are working on, and hopefully we will see you again very soon.
On the sidebar you will find a link to The Niche Blogger. Also, a post not to long ago gives a more detailed explanation of this great learning tool. Amy Bass has done a great job in leading us, day by day, through the challenge of setting up our own niche website and quickly beginning to earn money from that site.
Besides my main website, Elder Care Cafe.net, I now have four niche sites and will link them on the sidebar as they are ready for public viewing. Hopefully, by this time next year I will have more.
Through this whole process, I find I enjoy creating new websites. What a blast to start from scratch and watch something grow into a beautiful creation that hopefully helps others in some way. All of my niche sites are geared toward helping others and that seems to be part of the fun for me.
Hopefully, I will return here often as I would like to write more about writing, blogging, reviewing books, and other areas of writing that I am involved with.
I really hope, if you are reading this, that I can encourage you to step out and try something new. Looking at the past two years reminds me how far I have come as a writer, and certainly how much farther I need to go and can go to become ever better. As much as I love blogging, I seem to love the process of learning how to be a better blogger even more.
That's it for now. My hope is that I can come back often to update this blog and let everyone know what is happening. If you get the chance, you can visit:
How to Throw a Party
I will add more as they become viewer-friendly. All are in various stages of growth.
If you are interested in creating your own niche website, don't hesitate to check out Amy Bass and The Niche Blogger by clicking on the ad on the sidebar. You will be glad you did when you see what you can create in just days and weeks. I had my first niche blog up and running within a week or two - no kidding. I just started The Niche Blogger course in June of this year and already have four sites.
I am also still writing with BellaOnline Mystery Books and you are welcome to join me there as well. We have a growing number of book reviews in all mystery book categories. Sign up for the newsletter and join us in the forum while you are at it.
Please leave a comment and let us know what you are working on, and hopefully we will see you again very soon.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The Second Savior
Just as Kinks, a Crip drug kingpin, exits a local convenience store, he is apprehended by LAPD homicide detectives Rick Dover and Falcon. Suddenly, a drive-by staged by a rival gang, the Bloods, leaves one dead and several wounded. Dover's life is saved by one of the carpenters who took three bullets in the back.
Before the detectives can figure out who the carpenter is, he walks out of the hospital and disappears. As Kinks lies near death, Dover and Falcon continue their search for those responsible for the shootings.
When their key witness, Kinks, is boldly assassinated in his hospital room before they can interview him, the detectives are stunned.
Eventually they locate the missing witness and he agrees to help them out and the pieces start to fall in place. However, before they can put the case to rest everything goes awry during a climatic shoot-out. The witness again mysteriously disappears leaving behind two surprised detectives.
Author Mark Bouton is a former FBI agent whose years of experience bring much to the story. The Second Savior is a true page-turner that stays on pace throughout. The well-developed rapport between Dover and Falcon shows Bouton’s love towards his characters.
He allows the reader to understand the motives of those on both sides of the law, no matter how vile the characters may be. It is obvious the author took the time to get to know his characters and understand their motives. Even the bad guys have a depth not usually seen in this type of novel.
Because the story is set in LA, Bouton takes the opportunity to insert a touch of humor by allowing the detectives to drop the names of the rich and famous with abandon throughout the book.
The Second Savior is a worthy follow-up to Cracks in the Rainbow. Here’s hoping for more stories starring the homicide detective duo, Dover and Falcon.
You can purchase The Second Savior at Amazon.com.
Before the detectives can figure out who the carpenter is, he walks out of the hospital and disappears. As Kinks lies near death, Dover and Falcon continue their search for those responsible for the shootings.
When their key witness, Kinks, is boldly assassinated in his hospital room before they can interview him, the detectives are stunned.
Eventually they locate the missing witness and he agrees to help them out and the pieces start to fall in place. However, before they can put the case to rest everything goes awry during a climatic shoot-out. The witness again mysteriously disappears leaving behind two surprised detectives.
Author Mark Bouton is a former FBI agent whose years of experience bring much to the story. The Second Savior is a true page-turner that stays on pace throughout. The well-developed rapport between Dover and Falcon shows Bouton’s love towards his characters.
He allows the reader to understand the motives of those on both sides of the law, no matter how vile the characters may be. It is obvious the author took the time to get to know his characters and understand their motives. Even the bad guys have a depth not usually seen in this type of novel.
Because the story is set in LA, Bouton takes the opportunity to insert a touch of humor by allowing the detectives to drop the names of the rich and famous with abandon throughout the book.
The Second Savior is a worthy follow-up to Cracks in the Rainbow. Here’s hoping for more stories starring the homicide detective duo, Dover and Falcon.
You can purchase The Second Savior at Amazon.com.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Blogging Money - Full Time Passive Income Is Easier Than You Think
Earning blogging money is a lot easier than you think. Your first, and most important, step is to create a solid plan of action if you truly desire to make a good income from your blogs.
Many people think it's enough to just place a blog on the internet and the money will start flowing into their bank account! Not so.
So, how do you go about finding a plan of action so that you, too, can earn as much money as possible?
The fact is, one of the best sources I've found is called "The Niche Blogger!" This is a unique and complete program that was created to help people new to blogging to get their start.
This easy to follow course will cut down on your learning time and help make sure you don't make mistakes that will prevent you from making money.
When you join The Niche Blogger, you will need to dedicate your time and energy to complete the course, but when you do, the results are well worth it!
One of the problems people have when trying to earn money by blogging is that there are so many different methods available. Do yourself a favor and don't fall for the get rich quick schemes.
If you choose a good blogging model right up front, you will save yourself hours of frustrating and fruitless time and energy. It will be easy to dedicate yourself to the model because you know you will be able to succeed.
You should also realize that even though you can start earning money very quickly, you won't become rich overnight.
Blogging money will no doubt start trickling in and then will build upon itself over time. Before you know it, you will be earning a great part or full-time income from your blogs.
The great thing about blogging is that once you get your blog set up, it is a realitively pass income stream.
Every once in a while you may need to tweak your blog site and add posts along the way, but for the most part, your blogs will be your 24 hours a day, seven days a week "salespeople."
Earning money from blogs can literally change your life for the better. In fact, you might find you can quit your day job and become a full-time blogger.
All you need to do is to make sure you follow The Niche Blogger instructions, and that you dedicate yourself to it until you are successful. You will be glad you took the first step.
Here is a link so that you can get started today. You really will be glad you gave it a try.
The Niche Blogger - Make Money Blogging
Many people think it's enough to just place a blog on the internet and the money will start flowing into their bank account! Not so.
So, how do you go about finding a plan of action so that you, too, can earn as much money as possible?
The fact is, one of the best sources I've found is called "The Niche Blogger!" This is a unique and complete program that was created to help people new to blogging to get their start.
This easy to follow course will cut down on your learning time and help make sure you don't make mistakes that will prevent you from making money.
When you join The Niche Blogger, you will need to dedicate your time and energy to complete the course, but when you do, the results are well worth it!
One of the problems people have when trying to earn money by blogging is that there are so many different methods available. Do yourself a favor and don't fall for the get rich quick schemes.
If you choose a good blogging model right up front, you will save yourself hours of frustrating and fruitless time and energy. It will be easy to dedicate yourself to the model because you know you will be able to succeed.
You should also realize that even though you can start earning money very quickly, you won't become rich overnight.
Blogging money will no doubt start trickling in and then will build upon itself over time. Before you know it, you will be earning a great part or full-time income from your blogs.
The great thing about blogging is that once you get your blog set up, it is a realitively pass income stream.
Every once in a while you may need to tweak your blog site and add posts along the way, but for the most part, your blogs will be your 24 hours a day, seven days a week "salespeople."
Earning money from blogs can literally change your life for the better. In fact, you might find you can quit your day job and become a full-time blogger.
All you need to do is to make sure you follow The Niche Blogger instructions, and that you dedicate yourself to it until you are successful. You will be glad you took the first step.
Here is a link so that you can get started today. You really will be glad you gave it a try.
The Niche Blogger - Make Money Blogging
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Paper Butterfly Review
Paper Butterfly is the second novel in the Mei Wang series written by Diane Wei Liang. Liang was born in Beijing of parents who were consigned to a remote labor camp during part of her childhood. In 1989, she was involved in the protest in Tiananmen Square. Those two experiences provided her with insider knowledge put to good use in Paper Butterfly.
The story begins with Lin, sentenced to eight years in a work camp in Gansu Province at the age of twenty due to betrayal by a childhood friend. His time at the camp cost him his youth, his sweetheart, and almost cost him his life. He served his time and was released with very little: the clothes on his back, a brand new Mao jacket, and a small amount of money. The reader follows his trail as he slowly makes his way back, physically and emotionally, to civilization.
When Mei Wang suddenly resigned from the Ministry for Public Security, she decided to open a detective agency. Although private detectives were banned in China, her title “information consultant” brought her great success with a nice apartment and new car. At thirty-one, she was still not married, a situation she heard much about due to the oft- vocal disappointment of her mother and highly successful, and very married, sister, a TV talk show host.
The president of a record company hired Mei to find a rising pop star who has gone missing. Kaili had disappeared for several days when Mei agreed to a discreet search into the troubled singer’s life. Although the police think her disappearance was related to robbery, Mei began to search into Kaili’s past. As she searched Kaili’s apartment, she found a stack of love letters tucked away years ago signed only by “L” and a homemade paper butterfly. She had no idea they might hold the key to the case.
After Kaili was found dead, Mei was dismissed from the case. Unable to let go of Kaili’s life, Mei decided to continue on her own. She soon found herself receiving threats and her life at risk. As Mei traveled throughout the city, the reader was drawn into her world, a world of promise and of danger.
Paper Butterfly was written by Diane Wei Liang, a woman who has strong insider knowledge of Beijing, its history and politics. A woman who brings her past and present into the story by deftly weaving personal experience into the narrative providing a heartbreaking tale of love lost due to the political strife of the times. The author shows how once one’s course is set, it is almost impossible to return to the old way of life.
Liang writes with poignancy, drawing on the sights, sounds, and smell of a city teeming with life. She has created a modern day female detective struggling with a mix of the new ways and the old traditions of her family. This unique mixture together with Liang’s life experiences combine genuine mystery and mystique into one thoroughly enjoyable story.
You can buy Paper Butterfly at Amazon.com.
The story begins with Lin, sentenced to eight years in a work camp in Gansu Province at the age of twenty due to betrayal by a childhood friend. His time at the camp cost him his youth, his sweetheart, and almost cost him his life. He served his time and was released with very little: the clothes on his back, a brand new Mao jacket, and a small amount of money. The reader follows his trail as he slowly makes his way back, physically and emotionally, to civilization.
When Mei Wang suddenly resigned from the Ministry for Public Security, she decided to open a detective agency. Although private detectives were banned in China, her title “information consultant” brought her great success with a nice apartment and new car. At thirty-one, she was still not married, a situation she heard much about due to the oft- vocal disappointment of her mother and highly successful, and very married, sister, a TV talk show host.
The president of a record company hired Mei to find a rising pop star who has gone missing. Kaili had disappeared for several days when Mei agreed to a discreet search into the troubled singer’s life. Although the police think her disappearance was related to robbery, Mei began to search into Kaili’s past. As she searched Kaili’s apartment, she found a stack of love letters tucked away years ago signed only by “L” and a homemade paper butterfly. She had no idea they might hold the key to the case.
After Kaili was found dead, Mei was dismissed from the case. Unable to let go of Kaili’s life, Mei decided to continue on her own. She soon found herself receiving threats and her life at risk. As Mei traveled throughout the city, the reader was drawn into her world, a world of promise and of danger.
Paper Butterfly was written by Diane Wei Liang, a woman who has strong insider knowledge of Beijing, its history and politics. A woman who brings her past and present into the story by deftly weaving personal experience into the narrative providing a heartbreaking tale of love lost due to the political strife of the times. The author shows how once one’s course is set, it is almost impossible to return to the old way of life.
Liang writes with poignancy, drawing on the sights, sounds, and smell of a city teeming with life. She has created a modern day female detective struggling with a mix of the new ways and the old traditions of her family. This unique mixture together with Liang’s life experiences combine genuine mystery and mystique into one thoroughly enjoyable story.
You can buy Paper Butterfly at Amazon.com.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Wife of the Gods Review
When the body of a popular young woman was found in the forest near Ketanu in the Volta Region of Ghana, local police quickly realized the sensitivity of the situation and called for regional help. Little did they know their request would be kicked up to Headquarters in the capital city of Accra. Maverick Detective Inspector Darko Dawson was assigned the case because he could speak the local Ewe language.
Treated as an accidental death by the locals, when Dawson realized the beautiful young volunteer for the Ghana Health Service AIDS outreach program was murdered, local authorities quickly arrested a young man for her murder. Although Samuel adamantly denied having anything to do with her death, he was jailed and repeatedly beaten until he was willing to confess.
The assignment brought Dawson in contact with family members who still lived in the area where his mother had disappeared twenty-five years before. Her body was never found. Dawson often found himself struggling with dreams that she was trying to reach him.
Dealing with anger issues, and the mishandling of the case by local authorities, Dawson doggedly probed into the murder. Frequently clashing with the locals and their superstitious ways, the local fetish priest, and the outdated religious customs of the region, Dawson found support in surprising places as he struggled with unexpected challenges.
Dawson is admittedly a flawed man who has a penchant for marijuana. He also has a strong wife and a sickly son who love and support him no matter what the circumstances.
Wife of the Gods probes the horrifying practice of families offering their young daughters to fetish priests as trokosi, or Wives of the Gods, essentially becoming slaves to the priests for the rest of their lives.
Wife of the Gods author Kwei Quartey takes an intriguing look at the life of a man who lives in a large urban area, and who struggles with the belief systems and centuries-old rituals found in the rural Ghana. It quickly becomes apparent to the reader that Quartey has firsthand knowledge of the area.
Using the scenic beauty of Ghana as a backdrop, Quartey brings his characters to life. The plot sizzles and the pace never slows providing a surprising finish. Hopefully, we will see more of the intriguing and likeable Detective Inspector Darko Dawson.
You can order Wife of the Gods from Amazon.com.
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