Book Review of historical Far Away Bird by Douglas Burton

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Read about the book and review below.
On March 3 return to read a special article:Empress Theodora and the Origin of Women’s Rights

By Douglas A. Burton

Far Away Bird

Douglas Burton

Historical romance

February 2020

Silent Music Press

394 pp

ISBN 978-1733022101

Ebook $7.99

Print $16.95

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About the Book

Inspired by true events, Far Away Bird delves into the complex mind of Byzantine Empress Theodora. This intimate account deftly follows her rise from actress-prostitute in Constantinople's red-light district to the throne of the Byzantine Empire.

Her salacious past has left historians blushing and uncomfortable. Tales of her shamelessness have survived for centuries, and yet her accomplishments as an empress are unparalleled. Theodora goes on to influence sweeping reforms that result in some of the first ever Western laws granting women freedom and protection. More than a millennium before the women's rights movement, Theodora, alone, took on the world's greatest superpower and succeeded. Far Away Bird goes where history classrooms fear to tread in hopes that Theodora can finally take her seat among the greatest women in history.

Theodora seems impossible—yet her transcendence teaches us that society can't tell us who we are deep down. Before there was a legendary empress, there was a conflicted young woman from the lower classes.

And her name was Theodora.

My review

Great Rome has fallen a generation earlier, yet the Empire, the myth, undulates onward across Eurasia and Africa, a headless snake with the power still to crush. Burton sets his epic, heroine-centric, fictional biography of 6th century world-changing Empress Theodora in Constantinople, modern-day Istanbul, Turkey. The title’s theme echoes throughout the narrative as Theodora observes and bonds with the idyllic freedom of a bird.

Faithfully and lavishly researched, Burton brings these people to life in a way that is true to culture and time, yet without creating a history lesson for his readers. Please be aware that the author spares little when it comes to the sexual depravity of the era, and Theodora’s life as a prostitute. Especially because of this lifestyle, Theodora joins a political underground movement as an informer. With a frail emperor and even frailer empire, it would be easy to usurp power. Justinian, son of the man closest to the emperor, means to keep the succession to the throne in the best interest of the empire.

Justinian and his adopted father/uncle, Justin, rose to power from humble means. They don’t mean to flaunt that power nor abuse it and are willing to do anything, even hire prostitutes as spies, to ensure the empire isn’t splintered into the political factions that will ultimately destroy the centuries of Roman dogmatism. One of these prostitutes enlightens Justinian to the realities of common life; the true plight of the empire’s subjects. They are drawn to each other, yet Justinian attempts to keep his distance and focus on his mission. Theodora, however, isn’t content to let the world of powerful men subjugate women and through her circumstances begins to manipulate both the ruler and the rules of the world.

In her role as spy, Theodora attracts the attention of the nephew of the emperor, the weak Hypatius. Burton writes, “Theodora had two men who needed her, she thought, two men who loved her, yet neither man could touch her, one out of weakness, the other out of strength.” Hypatius has knowledge of an insurrection and agrees to meet with Justinian in exchange for protection.

Theodora’s understanding of the world is revelatory. Burton notes: “They called this devastating weapon (political control) democracy, the Greek way, the old way. And they used this ancient tradition to bludgeon any man who dared to wear a crown and declare himself their ruler. A Roman emperor was a foreign title, after all, brought into the East from a failed regime whose mother city of Rome was already dead. The eastern populace was mostly Greek, not Roman; they never asked to become a Roman capital; the people couldn’t have known that the West would collapse and they alone would be tasked with the survival of the Roman Empire. Many still resisted the idea of imperial order. And it was this resistance, this process, and these people that Theodora tried so desperately to understand in the late hours.”

Burton deftly weaves the known facts of Theodora’s life into a pleasing tapestry, melding her various dwelling stops about the empire into a triumph of maturity and ultimately Christianity through her interaction with the Alexandrian pope. Returning eventually to Justinian and Constantinople, Theodora proves that laws are not meant to be broken frivolously, but rewritten. She, a woman, fights for a more democratic society and the ability of people, men and women, to rise out of their circumstances, much as Justinian had done. This book is about Theodora’s early life. Although the reader is not left hanging and the story ends with an appropriate conclusion, the saga continues.

Told through Theodora’s eyes in distant third person, Burton never falls into dry staleness. The book itself is beautifully designed and a pleasure to read.

About the Author

Douglas Alan Burton is a speaker, author, and expert storyteller whose work depicts heroic figures and their deeper connection to the human experience. Doug blogs about heroes, heroines, and villains in pop culture with some unexpected and refreshing perspective. He grew up in what he describes as "the heroic boyhood culture of late Generation X" that has gone mainstream around the world. He also shares strategies with fellow writers for writing compelling heroic characters in fiction.

Douglas recently began outlining a breakthrough storytelling model that reveals a fascinating "heroine-centric" model for story structure he calls The Heroine's Labyrinth. He believes a powerful new archetype is emerging for women in fiction. His novel, Far Away Bird, which centers on the early life of Byzantine Empress Theodora, won the 2019 Manuscript Content for Historical Fiction from the Writers' League of Texas. Follow Doug on Facebook and Twitter and stay in the conversation, and follow his blog at www.douglasaburton.com

Douglas A. Burton is on a crusade to introduce Theodora to as many people as possible. His award-winning novel, Far Away Bird, which details Theodora’s early life, is available in paperback (Amazon, Barnes & Noble) and as an amazing audiobook (Audible.com, iTunes, Author Republic). Learn more at douglasaburton.com.

Jody Robinson and Money Messages

Money Messages: Get Out of the Red and into the Green, Emotional and Financial Freedom to Transform Your Life

Jody Robinson

non-fiction, self help, adult and continuing education

Robinson Publications, January 13, 2020

212 pp

$14.99 Print

$5.99 Ebook

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About the Book

This isn’t just a book about money, it’s a book about the emotional side of how we choose to live in relationship with our past stories and money messages we’ve internalized.

With Karen Putz (best selling author of Unwrapping Your Passion), Jody Robinson weaves stories, interviews, and practical exercises to reflect deep to understand your relationship with money and how it is present in your life today.

Stop listening to that voice in your head that says you’ll never make it. It’s time to transform your Money Messages to live your financial dreams.

Filled with Jody’s personal stories, her interviews with everyday people like you who have found financial freedom and happiness, and practical exercises to help you reflect on your finances and set financial goals, Money Messages is the book you should have been given in school. Once you open it, you will be standing on the brink of your new financial future. Get ready to dive in!

My Review

“Money is a sensitive topic,” Jody Robinson says. A self-described humanitarian and financial counselor, Robinson is a fiduciary, certified Accredited Wealth Management Advisor, former public school educator and librarian. Experience matters. Robinson shares from her heart and her past situations in a well-laid out interactive workbook to encourage her readers “to move to a better lifestyle and mindset with money.”

I found myself copying quotes every few pages. Robinson talks the reader through a series of lessons geared to encourage a positive and healthy, happy outlook on personal finance. Each chapter includes a section called Reflection and Soul search with a place to jot answers. Money Messages has three sections: Understanding Your Money Messages, Rewriting Your Money Messages, and Investing in You. The introduction defines money message as the perceptions about money that we’ve absorbed and developed throughout our lives. The reader is encouraged to not only ponder but write down how we view fulfillment, success, using money, and mistakes in money management. The goal is to think of our lives, our money, and our time “in terms of purpose.” While pegged as a financial management book, Robinson shows the reader how to understand our motives and take control of our actions.

Making use of lessons she has learned from other professionals both money managers, life coaches, clients, and even TV reality stars, Robinson says her happiest clients are those who can save and spend as they wish, are not jealous or lustful of others’ possessions or lifestyle, and are not in deep credit card debt. Little quotes pegged on the pages create pleasant visual callouts. A bonus section at the end includes advice when seeking a financial advisor, and includes other practical tips for making the most of what we buy.

Robinson’s friendly, folksy voice makes me trust her. From the first inkling of money awareness to planning our last days, she shares her own ups and downs, down-to-earth interviews, and client stories to get her message across. About debt, Robinson says “pay it off.” A simple set of charts help the reader visualize income and spending. If our expenses exceed our income…the message is clear but too often ignored: Find a way to make more money, or spend less. A few examples and exercises help the reader sort needs and wants.

Personally, I learned that I didn’t feel deserving of professional fees, even though I am proud of my work and do a good job. My clients are generally happy, but I will obsess over the one person who looks for a problem, or the one who doesn’t come back. I need to work on challenging my message of worth, and allowing myself to shift my happiness quotient. I feel confirmed in an earlier decision to begin scaling back and move on. Plus, plus, plus!

Money Messages is a great, readable book on developing positive life habits which encompass our financial habits. Highly recommended for everyone, high school and up, although parents who mind should be aware there is minor cussing and some sections more suitable to adults with established careers.

About the Author

An English teacher by training, Jody Robinson bumped around after quitting teaching, including janitorial work. She snagged a job at a top financial software company in the Silicon Valley during the tech bubble and bust. After moving to Chicago, the twists and turns in life led her to over a decade of financial advising in her own practice.  As a fiduciary, Jody addresses Money Messages (perceptions of money) so people can live their best lives.

Jody enjoys cooking, gardening, swimming, and enjoying audiobooks. You can also find her out walking her dog or singing like a crazy woman while driving.

New in the Uncharted series by Keely Brooke Keith

Uncharted Destiny

Book 7 in the Uncharted series

By Keely Brooke Keith

c. June 3, 2019

Near future sci fi/fantasy

$3.99 Ebook

Buy on Amazon

About the Book:

Bailey Colburn is safe in the Land, but her father figure, Professor Tim, never made it to Good Springs. When Bailey discovers Tim is lost in the Land’s dangerous mountain terrain and out of his life-saving medication, she sets out to rescue him. Even with the help of intriguing native Revel Roberts, Bailey faces an impossible journey to save Tim. The mountains are shrouded in dark folklore and full of deadly surprises.

Revel Roberts never stays in one place too long. No matter where he travels in the Land, he avoids the Inn at Falls Creek, his boyhood home and the business he will inherit. But when fearless newcomer Bailey Colburn needs Revel’s help to find her friend, he joins the mission and is forced to return to the place he’d rather forget.

Bailey and Revel’s friendship strengthens as they need each other in ways neither of them imagined. But nothing can prepare them for what awaits in the Land’s treacherous mountains.

Uncharted Destiny, the seventh installment in the beloved Uncharted series, weaves faith and adventure while delivering long-awaited answers in this inspirational story of life in a hidden land. 

My review:

Prolific serial author Keely Brooke Keith begins to answer some more of the questions about “over there” in this latest installment from the Land Uncharted. “Over there” as in the other side of the Land where a group of settlers sought refuge from the turbulence of 1860 United States; and “over there” as in what has been happening in those United States two hundred years later.

As with all the books, it’s best to read them in order, yet it’s also fine to pick up this story and become absorbed in the tale of future world meets yesteryear. Bailey is part of a crew from the dystopian remains of the near distant future who determined to seek a rumored utopia where a tree grows whose leaves have the cure for what ails a person. A former visitor to the Land managed to sneak out samples of the gray leaf tree, and Bailey, a pharmacological biologist, was sought to attempt to learn whether the tree can grow outside of the land, and learn about its magical medicinal powers. When Bailey learns that she is a descendant of long-lost settlers who once set out on a voyage to seek their own island of peace, she jumps at her friend and mentor’s suggestion they, too, journey to this land. Bad things happen upon their arrival, but as with all of Keith’s romantic stories, things aren’t as bad as they appear.

As a product of contemporary near future times, Bailey is not about to turn girly-girl and wear dresses and get the vapors at rumors of monsters on the other side of the island where she learns with delight that her friend and mentor crashed ashore. This book is about that perilous trip fighting self-doubt and weakness, family honor, and secrets to find Bailey’s friend. Some rumors are put to rest, while others are verified. When strangers put out for Bailey, she learns the depth of love and devotion these people of the land have developed. Even if she’s not ready for romance with the stranger who was behind the tragic initial landing, she learns that true friendship that survives any disappointment is the best place to start.

Recommended especially for fans of the Land Uncharted series, and also of those who like clean and wholesome adventure stories.

About the Author:

Keely Brooke Keith writes inspirational frontier-style fiction with a futuristic twist, including The Land Uncharted (Shelf Unbound Notable Romance 2015) and Aboard Providence (2017 INSPY Awards Longlist).

Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, Keely was a tree-climbing, baseball-loving 80s kid. She grew up in a family who moved often, which fueled her dreams of faraway lands. When she isn’t writing, Keely enjoys teaching home school lessons and playing bass guitar. Keely, her husband, and their daughter live on a hilltop south of Nashville, Tennessee.

Closing Circles with CC Fuller

It is my honor and DELIGHT to introduce debut author Carolyn Cody-Fuller. Dr. Fuller dreamed of writing a novel and worked hard to make it come true.

Closing Circles

Carolyn Cody-Fuller

Fiction

c. 12-8-2018

Hardcover or E-book format

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Amazon 

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About the Book

Years ago, life separated the sisters, Lavender, Hyacinth, and Oleander Sipp. Now, it seems that life has conspired to bring them back to the place where each of their stories began, their family farm in rural Georgia. After experiencing more than a few setbacks, Lavender, the youngest of the sisters has come home to do nothing . . . and that's just fine with her. She's soon joined by the oldest sister, Hyacinth, and all is right with the world. Just when Lavender and Hyacinth begin to settle into their peaceful routine, middle sister Oleander blows in with all the fury and bluster of a twister ready to lay claim on her part of the family land. Oleander brings with her old grudges, mainly against Lavender, and a boatload of big ideas as to what they should do with the farm.

As the Sipp sisters fight over the future of their family legacy, another battle from a distant relative is brewing and it may prove to be their biggest challenge yet.

My Review

I love family drama. I love being able to virtually plant myself in another part of the US to experience a different reality for a while. I love watching a story cycle around itself without absolute resolution, but also without cutting me off in the middle of a plan.

Closing Circles is anything but routine. Three sisters instinctively know that, despite rivalry between two younger siblings, home is their haven. The choices they made had both great joy and great despair, and when the despair side overwhelmed them, they came home, one by one. When middle sister, high-energy Oleander, decided she had spent enough time licking her wounds, she kicked an idea to revitalize the home farm into a relevant project. Lavender, the youngest sister who narrates the tale, has her own ideas. Together they soon learn their greatest challenge lies not in their own rivalry or current arguments, but in family. When the weave that holds their family together begins to unravel, they must choose whether to fight each other in the present or fight for the future.

Loaded with engaging characters in a setting the reader will want to call home, Closing Circles will stay with you, calling for you to examine your own choices and encourage you to rise above anything petty consuming your life.

While Closing Circles ends with the expectation of another adventure, I’m not left out of breath. I’m left wanting more, but in a good place while I’m waiting. I watched this novel come alive under the author’s dedicated fingertips. I am truly honored to share this wonderful story of family weathering life’s calamities and coming out stronger.

About the Author

Carolyn Cody-Fuller is a retired children’s librarian who enjoys writing, reading, and volunteering at her church, St. Philip’s Episcopal. Having spent her entire working career advocating for literacy and power of a good book, Cody is excited to publish her first novel, which is a reflection of her life growing up on a farm in small town in Georgia. She’s a member of the South Carolina Writers Association and has attended Novel-in-Progress Bookcamp for several years. In addition to writing, Cody believes in the power of community, and has served on numerous committees and advocacy boards for children and families.

New YA fantasy from R Chris Reeder

The Changeling’s Daughter

R. Chris Reeder

Young Adult Fantasy

Coming of Age/Quest

December 13, 2018

Black Rose Writing

Paperback $20.95

Buy on Amazon 

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About the book

Fourteen-year-old Brynn McAwber discovers a terrible truth about herself and her family and must undergo a perilous quest to another world, to save a friend and redeem her soul.

Unusual things have been happening to Brynn McAwber. A strange little man keeps showing up at her door. She's being watched by a mysterious woman with a sword strapped to her back. And her body keeps...disappearing.

When Brynn discovers the terrible truth about herself and her family, she embarks on a perilous quest, which takes her far from Indiana, far from the world she knows, into the Land of Annwfyn, home of brownies and bwbachods, xanas and zephyrs, goblins and gods.

This is the story of a girl who finds out she's supposed to be the villain, but decides to be the hero anyway.

My review

A most unusual and amazing anti-hero questing fantasy not just for young people has arrived.

Up front caution: although I could watch this story unfolding in epic technicolor and would recommend it to teens with an advanced reading level, I caution parents who care that a fair amount of profanity when a couple of shock value uses would have been enough, some gore, and a generous vocabulary boost this story into a tween/early teen caution level. Some parents may want to check it out first.

For the rest of us, Reeder’s maiden fantasy is a delight. I admit I intended to read enough for a good review, but didn’t look up except for touchdowns during the Packers-Bears football game until I was finished. Using an anti-hero, in this case a typically-misunderstood creature of folklore hiding in plain sight, as a champion certainly isn’t new, but the author’s ability to recombine fantasy elements into a true hero’s journey makes for a fresh, entertaining read.

Brynn’s family secret stems not simply from their traditionally accepted roles but also how they are perceived by others. When Brynn’s best friend Makayla suddenly turns against her, Brynn’s loyalty and character are tested in ways that help her understand and grow into the kind of person she’s meant to become. Makayla’s defection is not the only weird thing happening to Brynn these days. When faced with disaster, Brynn’s options are to do the right thing by her friend no matter the odds, or be the expected generic typecast of her kind. Knowing Makayla would never willingly abandon her gives Brynn the strength to fight not just for physical rescue, but for the decision to live a meaningful, positive family lifestyle.

Told through the eyes of Brynn, the fourteen-year-old main character, The Changeling’s Daughter is a lovely adventure for readers who enjoy a good old-fashioned questing tale with surprising heroes unafraid to challenge even themselves.

About the author

R. Chris Reeder grew up in the Pacific Northwest, attended college in Walla Walla, Washington, and has lived and worked across the country and around the world. 

He has had careers as a Shakespearean actor, an international courier, and a singing activist, but is now perfectly content in his current vocation of stay-at-home father. 

He currently resides in Madison, Wisconsin, with his wife, two children, and a cat named Monster Jack.

www.rchrisreeder.com
www.facebook.com/rchrisreederauthor

Southern romantic charm with Victoria Pitts Caine

Cotton

by Victoria Pitts Caine

Released October, 2018

full length romance 

Ebook $2,99

Print $12.99

Buy on Amazon

 

About the Book

Running from a life of poverty, 16 year old Cotton Ramsey escapes the Savannah River bottomland to New York. Twenty years later, she has changed her name and runs a large pharmaceutical company, which belonged to the family of her late husband. When Beau Simpson, her first love, arrives to deliver the news of her daddy’s untimely death, the life she struggled to leave behind calls her home.

My review

A little different take on the rags to riches story, Caine has created a fanciful tale with all the thrills of New York glamour. The story begins with a glimpse of the home life of poor share croppers in the rural south. Cotton is one daughter in a very large, struggling family growing, you guessed it, cotton. By the time she steals her opportunity to make a better life for herself, the story switches to decades later and another glimpse of the life she has won.

Alone, widowed, and running a company which we see very little of on her own, we learn that Cotton has cut ties so completely with her southern family that she doesn’t know of their own turnabout story. In fact, her beloved daddy had done well for the family after Cotton left. When she is informed of his mysterious death by none other than a lost love who also escaped into a glitzy world of unseemly wealth, she is ready to return to leave cold New York for her warm southern roots, no matter how welcome or unwelcome her long-lost siblings make her feel. But Cotton is still so uncertain of herself that she’s willing to let a soaring leap of willful misunderstanding drag her into despair. Along the way, Cotton learns how to appreciate the people around her and see life with a fresh outlook.

Told through two points of view, the reader sees both sides of the story through Cotton, and her love interest, Beau. Readers who love Jackie Collins and other writers of rich and famous romantic heroes and heroines will enjoy this story of learning what really matters.

About the Author

Victoria Pitts Caine resides in Fresno, California. Her first passion is her family, followed closely by writing and exotic gem collecting. Victoria is also an award winning author who has published both fiction and nonfiction articles in Seekers, Short Stuff, HI Families, The Front Porch and The Manzanita Literary Journal. She has also received an honorable mention at the William Saroyan Writer's Conference, special recommendation in the Writer's Journal poetry contest and second place in the Writer's Journal 2004 romance contest.