Book Review Under the Silk Hibiscus by Alice J Wisler

Under the Silk Hibiscus 

By Alice J Wisler

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas

© November, 2014

ISBN: 978-1941103302

Ebook .99 currently at Kindle; $3.99 Nook

Pbook 9.95

Historical fiction

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From the publisher

During World War Two, Nathan and his family are sent to Heart Mountain, an internment camp in Wyoming for Japanese-Americans. Nathan’s one desire is to protect the family’s gold pocket watch, a family heirloom brought over from Japan. He fails; the watch is stolen. Struggling to make sense of his life in a bleak camp as the only responsible man of the household, Nathan discovers truths about his family, God, and the girl he loves.

My review:

Wondrous and warm coming of age story set during an America out of control.

Told in a style reminiscent of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Wisler’s latest novel is ultimately about trust, betrayal, and forgiveness. Teenaged Nathan Mori is the one the family counts on after the American-Japanese family is uprooted from their comfortable life in San Jose, California. Papa is removed to another refugee camp, Mama dies after giving birth, Aunt Kozuko does the best she can, younger brother Tom struggles with the after-effects of polio, and older brother Ken works out his frustration and anger through fights and girls and taboo camp items. With few other household goods to their name besides an heirloom Nathan is charged to protect, its loss forces Nathan to face his failure, to look at how prejudicial people of European descent have become and to recognize the loss of innocence.

What was the purpose of the internment camps, ultimately? To protect people of Japanese descent, or to keep potential US enemies contained? Once the war is over and the little family returns to San Jose, Nathan asks why weren’t others, like those of fascist Italian descent not subjected to the same treatment? Suspicion changes people’s nature, but Nathan must still be responsible for his family. With the help of the neighborhood church and a lot of faith, some truths learned, and an example of forgiveness, the Mori family battles its way back to dignity and self-sufficiency.

I was especially interested in this book because I had visited the Heart Mountain site when only a small simple monument had been erected. It gave me chills to be there; the only other place I feel such a displacement is at Little Bighorn.

Told in first person from Nathan’s viewpoint, readers grow up along with him, face his fear, confusion, resentment, and resilience; and come to grips with his belief in himself and his heritage along the journey to adulthood, love, and forgiveness. Those who enjoy recent American history and stories of multi-generational family heritage and strength will enjoy this story.

About the Author

Alice J. Wisler was born and raised in Japan as a missionary kid. She is the author of Getting Out of Bed in the Morning, and five novels. Rain Song and How Sweet It Is were Christy finalists. Ever since the cancer death of her four-year-old son Daniel in 1997, she has found solace in writing from heartache and teaches Writing the Heartache workshops across the country.
She lives in Durham, NC with her husband and children where they have a wood carving business, Carved By Heart. Visit her website at http://www.alicewisler.com.

Redemption in Big Fork Lake

Redemption in Big Fork Lake

 Mary L. Ball

Inspirational Romance

$3.99 eBook/$13.99 print

ISBN: 9781940099897

"I love Mary's writing style. Characters are well-written and seem so very real to like."

                                                                                                             A Farage, Amazon Review

About the Book:

Can he be forgiven?

Only after Robert Turner hurts a woman does he realize how much of a hold alcohol has on his life.  

 For Robert, a chance meeting with an Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor offers hope. A new devotion to the Lord and a relationship with Belle McBride gives him expectations for a better future.

His life appears to be on the right track, until he comes full circle with his past and faces the one mistake that haunts him daily. Can forgiveness-free Robert? Or will heartache drive him to return to the life he once had?

Purchase links:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

All Romance Books

Book Review: Once in a While by Linda Ellen

Once In a While 

The Cherished Memories Series book 1

Linda Ellen

Paperback: 482 pages

November 2, 2014

ISBN-13: 978-0990904403

Ebook 2.99

Paperback 14.99

Fiction, Memoir, Historical Romance

From the Author:

Victor Matthews is a down on his luck young man, frustrated with his life and his inability to find gainful employment. 

Louise Hoskins is a young woman content in her life with her family and friends. Her biggest concern is her upcoming lead part in a play. 

One rainy night, they meet...and both are forever changed. 

Neither could foresee that the world as they know it is on the precipice of experiencing the now famous ’37 Flood, and that daily life is about to be transformed into a bone chilling waterlogged state of affairs. But as that harrowing experience fades and their lives return to normal, the two young lovers embark on an unforgettable courtship - that is, until a terrible argument and a tragic misunderstanding tear them apart. How will they survive the separation? And why does one special song have the power to instantly transport the sweethearts back into the realm of cherished memories?

My review:

Set against the turmoil of the Great Depression and the CCC, hard luck Vic Matthews meets the girl of his dreams...only she's holding a secret that blows everything sky high. If it's not the weird weather and flood of the century interfering...it's major miscommunication and self-sacrifice for the family that keeps these lovers apart. But it's a sweet reunion that actually leads to more family revelation and more surprises.

Second chances and a lot of love make this intriguing and touching family story of a contemporary grandma's reminiscing over her past life and love after a move come to life. The author's recreation and fictionalization of her parent's drama brings reality to the story almost like an autobiography. For those who love Americana, Vic and Louise's choices, opportunities, hardships and triumphs set in Louisville, will be a delight. Well documented historically with unforgettable characters and dialog true to the era. Filled with food, movies, and music of the period. I have to knock off some points due to some need for editing, but otherwise, I recommend the book to those who enjoy reading about this period in history...along with some adventure and romance.

About the Author:

Linda Ellen is an historical romance writer who's making her debut with Depression Era romance, rich with history, love, heartache, and real life.

Linda was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, where she resides with her husband and youngest son.

Book Review: Colors of Feelings LaToya Watson Children's Picture book

Colors of Feelings

LaToya Watson

Children’s picture book

Publish America

ISBN 9781630844202

$5.99 ebook; paperback and hardcover editions available

c. January 2014

Buy on Amazon

Colors of Feelings is a great book about children who experience different feelings for each color of the rainbow.

My review:

Darling large format picture book with a four-stanza poem on the first pages and a longer one at the end. Features red (the color of my heart), orange, yellow (the golden sun), green, blue, pink, the color of a plum tree. Word choices are above most young readers, however the colors and simple illustrations format will draw your infant or toddler’s eyes and delight them; the rhythmic words create a pleasant sound, and the shortness will allow most readers to get through the story with a squirmy kid.

CrossReads Book Blast: In the Cleft: Joy Comes in the Mourning by Dana Goodman

In the Cleft: Joy Comes in the Mourning

By Dana Goodman

About the Book:

Author and Counsellor, Dana Goodman, shares her painful journey through heart breaking tragedy. After losing her 12-year-old son and 30-year-old husband to cancer, she must put back together the broken pieces of her life and her faith. Drawing hope from Christ, she describes how even the worst of tragedies can be rewritten into love stories so seeds of hope can be imparted to others. Ron Dart, Professor of Philosophy and Politics at the University of the Fraser Valley, says this about In the Cleft:

"I read the missive in a single sitting--was charmed and entranced, enthralled and captured by the poignant and evocative insights--- it's a burnished gold of a book---a real beauty---tragedy and hope, in an honest and raw way, jostling wisely and judiciously in your vulnerable soul--take heart---your well told and painful journey will bring healing and restore life to many---thanks for the sacrament and chalice of eternity so generously shared."

LINK to KINDLE | LINK to PAPERBACK

Dana Goodman, author and counselor, Dana Goodman, lives in Kamloops British Columbia. She wrote In the Cleft: Joy Comes in the Mourning as a tribute to her son after he died of an aggressive brain tumor called Glioblastoma Multiforme. His unquenchable faith gave her the courage to visit grief layers and find healing and life after unbearable heartache. Dana's greatest joy in life is Jesus Christ, even on the topsy-turvy days when he is hidden. She loves simple things like hot coffee, deep talks with girlfriends, journaling and having wonderful adventures with her family.

Follow Dana Goodman

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Enter to Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

Enter below to enter a $50 Amazon gift card, sponsored by author Dana Goodman! a Rafflecopter giveaway This book blast is hosted by Crossreads. We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads book blast bloggers!

A special Memoir of a Daughter, Bethany's Calendar by Elaine Marie Cooper

My dear writing friend Elaine Marie Cooper, whom I've also been blessed to spend face-to-face time with shares from her latest book. It's a family story, a family history of a sort, a saga like no other, one that no one hopes to encounter. Read Bethany's Calendar and find peace, hope, and love.

~Lisa

About the Book:

In January of 2002, Elaine’s world flipped upside down. What started out as a beautiful New Year for the mom of three, turned into a living nightmare when her 23-year-old daughter, Bethany was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor.

In the months to come, Elaine not only used her nurse’s training, she learned to recognize the hand of God on her daughter’s life. Bethany’s Calendar tells the story of Elaine and Bethany’s journey and the many ways God helped their family to survive.  It is a story of fear and faith, commitment and compassion, told with gut-wrenching honesty while sharing unwavering faith in God.

Print: $12.99 

170 pp
Release Date: December 12, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-936501-22-9

Link to Order

This was a deeply personal project for you and the family. What did you learn about yourself in the process?

I learned that it was OK to be transparent, as long as I didn’t hurt others in the process. Some of the things I shared in Bethany’s Calendar I had not shared in public before. It made me feel so vulnerable. Yet if I was not open and honest or if I glossed over the hard parts, I knew I would be doing a disservice to my readers. Others in similar circumstances could only be ministered to if I was honest about my struggles and pain.

What do you want readers to know after putting down your book?

That God is REAL and our very Source of comfort if we will lean on Him and HIS strength.

What tips do you have for others who’d like to write a memoir?

Always make yourself out to be the bad guy. I know that sounds funny but a memoir should not be an attempt to get back at others who don’t measure up. It should be a revelation of your own thoughts, feelings and responses to the stuff life throws at you. What did you learn? How could you do it better? What did God teach you during those difficult times?

Anything else you’d like to share?

Writing a memoir is a truly unique experience that I only recommend if you feel you MUST write it. There should be a reason to reveal. Otherwise, some stories should just stay hidden in your heart or shared with a friend. Our lives should not be Reality TV.

About the Author:

Elaine Marie Cooper has released her first non-fiction book, Bethany's Calendar. It

is a personal memoir of her daughter who died of a brain tumor and how the Lord was their strength during the darkest journey of their lives.

As a novelist, Elaine Marie Cooper has written Fields of the Fatherless and the Deer Run Saga. Her passions are her family, her faith in Christ and the history of the American Revolution, a frequent subject of her historical fiction. She grew up in Massachusetts, the setting for many of her novels. Visit her website at: http://www.elainemariecooper.com

Bethany's Calendar Book Review

Bethany’s Calendar review

Elaine Marie Cooper

Cross River

2014

ISBN: 978-1936501229

Nonfiction memoir

$12.99 paperback

Purchase on Amazon

See more about the Book and Author here, starting Sunday, Dec. 14

Poignant reflection and brave advice for the grieving.

From the author’s introduction of her family heartbreak, through the honest and vulnerable challenges of home and social life through this difficult time, to the joy of remembering, Bethany’s Calendar will touch every reader.

The one thing Elaine Cooper was certain she never do after she realized a dream of writing fiction based on family history was the write about the death of her daughter to cancer. It took a decade before Cooper heeded the gentle nudges and was able to put the story into perspective and make it more than a reflection, but also a guide to help others who are in grief. It is a story not just for a family suffering through trauma, but everyone who intersects with them. Advice on how to approach, when, or even whether, people who are in treatment, in pain, or caring for loved ones in pain, is offered with each of the 35 short chapters, as well as in an ending segment, Things We Learned.

The Coopers rejoiced when their daughter Bethany, a valedictorian and caring, resourceful young woman, went to college. The first three years were on task, as expected. The fourth was a strange struggle for her, as well as inexplicable changes in her personality. An attempt at independent living and work across country failed, as did a dream job at home. Drugs were ruled out, as was a psychotic break. Physical tests done after a bizarre episode at home which resulted in a police pick-up and subsequent several-day stay in a hospital psychiatric unit revealed the devastating news that Bethany had cancer in her brain.

While the author’s training as a nurse helped her understand the physical issues involved with treatment, and that there would be no recovery, the emotional distress for the family and friends is never something anyone can prepare for.

This is a book for anyone to read, whether caregiver, friend, or family of someone going through a loss, or if you’ve had or are facing loss, you will find some comfort and great advice.