Reader Views

Until the Deep Water Stills: An Internet-Enhanced Novel

Wow! What an ingenious way to write a novel! Author Michael Robert Dyet has included blogs from each of his characters in “Until the Deep Water Stills” to give readers a better perspective and understanding of each character.  In addition to this, Dyet introduces readers to the four main characters a little at a time, which enables us to decide how each person interacts and relates to each other in the overall plot.

Our first characters are Jayce and Katherine (Kat) who are having difficulty communicating in their marriage. Kat is feeling fenced in and would like to go back to work, however, she agreed that if Jayce changed his job she would remain home until the children got into school. Their youngest child is experiencing some development delay problems, which adds more stress to the family. Jayce has a dark hidden past and doesn’t want it to come out, but he seems to be out of control with everything that is going on.

Bryan and Grace lost a daughter from a drug overdose at a rave party. Grace has tried to go on living and appears to be hard and critical. She refuses to go to her daughter’s grave once a year. Bryan lives daily with visions of his daughter and wants to talk about it. Ironically, Grace is Jayce’s sister.

Although the town would rather not see raves continued, one aggressive social activist named Faith is trying to hold them where drugs wouldn’t be allowed. This splits the town in half and leads to some interesting brawls.  She has no idea that more trouble is stirring from her actions.

“Until the Deep Water Stills” by Michael Robert Dyet was a fascinating read; readers can relate to the characters, their issues and demands. All of us have secrets we keep hidden from others, as do the characters in this book.

Until the Deep Water Stills: An Internet-Enhanced Novel
Michael Robert Dyet
Idiomatic (2009)
ISBN 9780981199504
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (11/09)

Inheritance

After Victoria Nguyen experiences a life-altering, traumatic incident, she discovers that she is pregnant.  Desiring to do what is right Victoria wants to make her own decisions about how to handle the matter.  Her mother, who is a controlling politician, would prefer that Victoria does what looks best, instead of what is best for both her and the baby.  With the support of her father, Victoria flees from the United States to London where she is taken in by a family who owed a debt to her father.  Meeting their son William, who is studying to be a deacon, Victoria finds a kindred soul.  Unfortunately, she has to stay on the move to keep out of her mother’s control.

As she continues to seek out peace, Victoria meets the Seymour’s who are from San Francisco.  Madeleine is a history professor who is studying the history of the church. Her husband Jack is a retired wine broker.  They are in England so that Jack can locate a property to purchase and create a home for orphans.  Madeleine also uses this trip to further her research.  The Seymour’s, especially Madeleine, wish to help Victoria, but also have concerns because she is a minor.  Brother Cristoforo, a Franciscan from Rome comes to assist the Seymour’s with their search.  He is also dealing with his own issues.  He does not feel compelled to follow the rules, he follows his spirit instead.  In spite of this, he proves to be a strong asset with assisting Victoria and the Seymour’s.

As time passes and the baby is close to being born, Victoria has to reach inside herself and pull strength from within.  Her relationships, with the Seymour’s and William and Brother Cristoforo, cause her faith to strengthen more and more.  In spite of the trauma that caused her to be in London, Victoria’s personal and spiritual growth is tremendous.  Each person around her is also evolving.  When she encounters her mother, she is able to tap into her new strength and stand up for herself.  Her new found faith helps her.  Along the way she also finds true love.

“Inheritance” tells an incredible story.  Even though the main character, Victoria, is young, she still teaches us a lot about faith and perseverance. She also gives us hope, as we read about what she has had to overcome.  The rest of the characters also offer interesting stories from which the reader will feel inspired.  I know that I did.  I also enjoyed reading about Mrs. Seymour’s research, which is heavily referenced in the appendix.  It added a great deal of interest to the story.  “Inheritance” by Christine Sunderland will be enjoyed by readers of faith-based stories.  I think that it also make a great selection for a readers’ group.

Inheritance
Christine Sunderland
OakTara Publishers (2009)
ISBN 9781602902190
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Readerviews (10/09)

Pink Slips and Parting Gifts

“Pink Slips and Parting Gifts” by Deb Hosey White is a work of fiction.  It says so on both the front and back cover of the book.  But if it is a work of fiction, why does the story seem so familiar?  Perhaps it is because there is no dearth of stories about mergers, acquisitions and bankruptcies in the papers these days.  At any rate, for the casual reader, “Pink Slips and Parting Gifts” makes for an interesting, informative, and even amusing read.  But for those lucky readers who are still gainfully employed in a mid-size or large corporation it is just plain scary!

The plot of “Pink Slips and Parting Gifts” is simple and direct.  The Easton Company was a Fortune 500 company that had been around for a long time.  Its late founder had employed thousands of people who believed as he did that the community was important and every employee mattered.  The company’s charitable works in the Washington, DC area were well known and had earned the founder the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  In short, The Easton Company was as American as apple pie---until its new CEO decided to sell the company.

There were a variety of reasons why selling The Easton Company was a very bad idea; but the CEO, Jeffery Elkins, had ninety-one million reasons to do so.  Ninety-one million dollars was the amount he would receive in benefits if the sale or merger went through.  It was an offer he couldn’t refuse; especially since he himself fashioned the offer.  It doesn’t take long to figure out where all this is going.  As a matter of fact, there is a major clue in the dedication page which reads, “For the generations of American retirees and workers who have unfairly lost employer-sponsored health benefits.”  This, in a nutshell, is what happened to employees of The Easton Company after they lost their jobs.

Author Deb Hosey White chronicles the demise of The Easton Company from a variety of points of view across the spectrum of its employees.  From the hard-working administrative assistants and mid-level managers to the maintenance personnel and even the corporate pilot, each had a story to tell and each were victims of the culture of greed and mismanagement that emanated from the front office.  Writing from several points of view is never easy, but Ms. White does so easily, moving with agility from one story to another, all the time retaining the readers’ attention. At the same time, her narrative has a “been there, done that,” feel to it which is no doubt due to her more than thirty years experience working for Fortune 1000 companies where she lived mergers and acquisitions from inside the conference rooms, cubicles and executive suites of corporate America.

So, who should read “Pink Slips and Parting Gifts?”  A paragraph on the back cover says it all, “An estimated one in five corporate employees has experienced a merger or acquisition.  'Pink Slips and Parting Gifts' is their story ---the one every corporate cubicle jockey, business-class road warrior and mid-level manager will want to read.”  I respectfully agree! 

Pink Slips and Parting Gifts
Deb Hosey White
iUniverse (2009)
ISBN 9781440158049
Reviewed by Ron Standerfer for Reader Views (10/09)

The Breakout Year

Author Vicki Williams has given readers a book they can’t put down. Her ability to make the characters so life-like that each of us is able to relate to what is going on. We get caught up in their lives and it brings back memories of those we know in real life. Maddie and Avalon, friends since childhood, have a lot in common; they both came from homes that were dysfunctional to say the least. The difference in the two, however, is quite apparent.  Maddie is beautiful, successful and has everything she wants, while Avalon is low on self-esteem, rather plump and has a non-existent life. Maddie rules the friendship, while Avalon’s job is to make Maddie feel better than she does.

For years Maddie has been telling Avalon she needs to get a life, make changes and be who she really should be. But Avalon is set in her ways and doesn’t want to make changes. That comes to an abrupt halt when Maddie dies of cancer from years of smoking. Little did Avalon know that her best friend has given her an inheritance – but, it has many strings attached - Avalon has to change: lose weight, get cosmetic surgery and a good life.  Avalon who is addicted to sweets and fat foods doesn’t know if she wants to make this commitment, however, she will give it a try.

Wallace Evans, the attorney overseeing the request of Maddie is handsome and intriguing. He captures Avalon’s heart right away. However, during the time of their friendship and stolen kisses, Avalon finds out that he is separated from his wife and has just as many problems as she does. Yet she can’t get him out of her mind.  Even if she moves into a new, richer neighborhood and finds a man attracted to her, she remains on the roller coaster of Wallace’s attention.

Right from the beginning of this book, the author has readers hooked. I read this book in one day as I couldn’t put it down. Readers are placed right in the real world of Maddie and Avalon. Each of us can relate to the characters.  Many readers struggle with self-esteem issues, weight problems and relationships; this is a book that readers can feel touched by.

Your task as a reader is to get involved with this reading. “The Breakout Year” by Vicki Williams will capture your heart and spirit.

The Breakout Year
Vicki Williams
Outskirts Press (2009)
ISBN 9781432739751
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (9/09)

Sanctuary

Lea Kostovic has been abandoned by her family during the war in the early 1990s and is rescued by a staunch military man, Major Ed Russell. Realizing that there is no way Lea can care for herself, the Major offers her a job and to live with him. Lea is very skeptical about why the Major wants or is concerned about her, but accepts the offer but only till the spring.

Lea finds that she has a lot to learn about the American military, their slang and treacherous ways. She has become the Major’s whore in the eyes of all the soldiers, except for young Forbes who is the aide to the Major. Although she doesn’t understand all the jokes that are made about her, she does know when someone is treating her badly. That particular person is Captain Harper who feels he should be the Major’s executive officer and not a trifling woman.

Little does Major Russell know, but he will fall in love with Lea and it will cause some problems with his Commanding Officer. Colonel Sloane is a very good friend of the Major but he feels that the Major’s feelings are getting in the way of him being a good soldier.  He directly confronts Lea and her attentions and states he believes she is just in the relationship to get the Major to take her to the United States.

Eventually, the Major and Lea marry much to everyone’s chagrin. Life in the United States is even more difficult than in the Balkans. Lea is thrown into military life for which she is not prepared and doesn’t understand. Part of being married to an officer is to host social functions and be courteous to other military spouses. Lea has no desire to do this. She just wants to be left alone to paint and read.
From the very first page, this book has captured the reader. The author has done an excellent job of presenting the knowledge of the military, protocol and events that occur during the war time. Readers will feel sorry for Lea, but at the same time might get angry because she is so distrustful of a kind man who really loves her.  The events, conversations and military lifestyle is one that is easy to understand.  “Sanctuary” by N.E. Julian is a book that readers will not be able to put down, even though it is quite thick.

Sanctuary
N.E. Julian
iUniverse (2009)
ISBN 9781440133091
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (10/09)

In and Out of Madness

“In and Out of Madness” is one of the most disturbing, yet also one of the most powerful books I’ve read in a long time. Carrying an intriguing subtitle of “A fictionalized account of a true experience,” it left me wondering what is it that propels some people into madness while others seem to benefit from the harsh experiences life deals them and simply careen into growing stronger and more resilient.

The book’s protagonist, Lee Thames, is somebody who seems to attract violence, be it physical or emotional, throughout her life. Having grown up with an abusive grandmother and no less abusive mother, she briefly seems to find solace in the arms of her first husband. That happiness does not last and his actions - as well as his inactions - push Lee into a series of affairs, which, although endorsed by her husband, certainly contribute to the demise of her first marriage. Her second marriage becomes her true undoing. Cursed with an honest desire to please her husband, and almost unbearably willing to trust him, Lee gets entangled in an intricate web woven by her husband Joe, a slick talker who lies, cheats and exploits her in every possible way. The one bright spot of her existence, which luckily remains consistent, is her daughter Jolly.

The book begins with Lee escaping from a mental facility after an unsuccessful suicide attempt. She decides to take revenge on her husband, Joe. Planning a perfect murder, Lee revisits the events that lead to this powerful decision, thus familiarizing the reader with the way her mind works.

N. L. Snowden’s writing is sharp, precise and powerful. The story grabs you quickly and most certainly does not let go. I found it strangely fascinating, somewhat akin to picking on a dried scab on one’s knee when we were children. Yes, it hurts, but... Reading “In and Out of Madness” was much like that. Parts of me wanted to put it down, feeling like I was intruding on somebody’s most private thoughts. My always inquisitive mind was dead set on finding what happens next. And I was not disappointed. This is definitely a book that I would recommend to anybody who loves solid, tight writing and to anybody who’s curious about the ways people’s minds work, especially in case of multiple personalities disorder coupled with a bi-polar condition. Enlightening, powerful and strangely uplifting, this is one of those books that will haunt you for a long time.

In and Out of Madness
N. L. Snowden
Sneakaboard Press (2009)
ISBN 9780977476770
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (10/09)

Waters of the Dancing Sky

Sometimes a novel comes along that weaves fiction, reality, desire and inspiration together into a beautifully bound escape into another world; “Waters of The Dancing Sky” is one of those novels.

The simple portraits, photos and drawings throughout the book keep the reader in a state of “belief.”  You know it’s a novel, yet you feel it’s the truth. You understand they are “characters,” yet you feel their presence. You read their pain, confusion and intense emotions and begin to lose yourself in them as you become one with the characters. It’s a rare ability for any author to be able to bring so much life to a novel and Janet Kay does it with ease. There’s generally more “fiction” than “reality” in most novels; while this time the exact opposite seems to hold true and the way Janet Kay brings it all together is incredible.

Beth Calhoun starts out as a character that you will find yourself thinking, “come on, can you really be this weak?” only to find that within a short time you see the true strength and magnitude of her character come out as she becomes a whole new and complete woman. Haunted by so many “ghosts.” past and present, Beth is forced to face many of them when she least expects it as a phone call to tell her the woman who raised her as a child, her Nana, is dying. As Beth rushes to her side, Nana brings Beth to face a reality that perhaps she should have faced long ago. She needs to know the facts, face ghosts of both past and present, and find strength from deep within - but how will she do it?

Beth was raised by her Nana after witnessing the drowning death of her own mother one day while swimming. Her mother never spoke of whom Beth’s father was and Nana never offered any real answers. As Beth moved on in her life, she disappeared from Nana’s life diving head first into an abusive relationship with a man she thought she loved. His constant verbal and physical abuse kept Beth at arms length from anyone. She had no friends, she kept her distance from the only ‘family’ she had and she was never more alone when he announced that he was leaving her for a younger, pregnant girlfriend he flaunted around. Was this a sign for Beth to finally move on, would she have the strength? She didn’t have time to question, as the phone rang calling her to the bedside of her dying grandmother.  But would Nana go to her grave with Beth never knowing the truth about her life?; or would she leave Beth with enough information to start over again, only this time stronger and even more full of life and desire?As time progresses, Beth finds herself not only being the strong woman she knew she could be, but she learns about her past and builds her future. Love wasn’t something that should hurt but was she ready to allow herself to be open to the possibilities?  Would she ever find out her true heritage? Could she find out who her father was and would he want to be a part of her life or she a part of his? Why was it all such a mystery?

The plot is intriguing, keeping you moving quickly through the 253 pages until you realize you’ve not only found the answers but have become a part of the characters. The setting is created in a beautiful, rural, Canadian town of Ontario with rustic lodges, beautiful lakes and simple beauty that brings out the hidden nature lover in all of us. The fact that the places mentioned are real and even brought out in detail to you both during the tale and at the end with a table of resources makes this book a piece of fiction with the perfect touch of reality.

When so much is at stake there’s no question as to whether you delve in full strength and to watch the main character, literally, turn into a new person with a new life and self-identity - an amazing journey to take. “Waters of The Dancing Sky” by Janet Kay will keep you intrigued, inspired and hopeful. The way the author intertwines reality with fiction simply leaves one to wonder if there aren’t such beautiful possibilities out there for us all.

Waters of the Dancing Sky
Janet Kay
Llumina Press (2009)
ISBN 9781605942780
Reviewed by Beverly Pechin for Reader Views (10/09)

Prussian Blue

“Prussian Blue” is a novel which includes international crisis, political intrigue, action adventure, military tactics, mystery, facetious humor, satire, and suspense. The story takes place in October of the year 2010 and centers around Dr. Rex Bent, emergency room physician and his wife Sharon, an emergency room nurse, both on the staff at the Carencrow Regional Hospital in Louisiana.

In the aftermath of an attack on the US fleet in the Persian Gulf and as long-range missiles have become a major threat from across the Pacific, several blue, bloated and hideously-disfigured Asian sailors are washed ashore.  They escape attention in the midst of the escalating crisis. These diversions make it possible for a North Korean cargo ship to enter Whiskey Bay, Louisiana to unload weapons of mass destruction without being seen.

More Asian sailors are stricken with the deathly illness after weeks at sea in close proximately to their deadly cargo. The critically-ill Asians are discreetly dropped off to be treated at the Carencrow Regional Hospital emergency room. Emergency room physician Rex Bent becomes suspicious and notifies the authorities. The Islamic extremists, working with the North Koreans, realize their ominous threat to the security of the United States is in jeopardy of failing. They quickly plot a plan of action to eliminate Dr. Bent and his wife Sharon.

The intrigue and suspense of the story picks up as Rex and Sharon are labeled traitors and are pursued by the North Koreans, FBI and the National Security Counsel, the National Guard, and local police. In desperation Dr. Bent and his wife determine to unravel the mystery of “Prussian Blue,” to clear their name, and save their lives in time to thwart this breach of national security.

Davis has developed colorful characters and caustic dialog to carefully move a complex plot. The pandemonium of the emergency department is reminiscent of the triage scripts in the MASH series with fast-moving action, diagnostic terminology, hospital procedure and cutting dialog among a cast of dysfunctional medical staff. However, these staff members are efficient, self-reliant, and highly-skilled in emergency technique, treatment plans, and patient care.

Prussian Blue
John A. Davis
iUniverse (2009)
ISBN 9781440156182
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (9/09)

Heads Deacon, Tails Devil

Right after Rachel marries Robert Grant, against her mother’s wishes, she immediately knows that she has made a huge mistake. Because divorce was not common in the early 1900s, Rachel is stuck with this abusive man. Having five children with him, his abuse extends to their children. Robert presents a charismatic, man-of-God persona to the outside world. Inside their home, he is the devil incarnate. Having some special intuitive abilities, Rachel’s mother recognizes Robert for who he truly is. She visits often to try to intervene with his bad behavior.

As time passes, Robert’s behavior becomes even worse. In addition to continuing to brutalize his wife and children, he also begins having affairs. The women in these affairs also don’t fair well with him. Rachel and her mother become desperate to protect her and her children. Drastic measures have to be taken to keep everyone safe. Unfortunately, Robert wins some of the battles. To survive, Rachel holds on to her faith and her love for her children.

"Heads Deacon, Tails Devil," is an incredibly intense novel. Knowing that the main characters were based upon real people related to the author, and that some of the story was based on true events, greatly increases the drama and suspense. As I read the story, I hoped and prayed that the man that Robert was based upon was really not as bad as the devil in the book. McCalla wrote her story in a manner that could easily convince me that he was. That is the scary part.

Having dealt with women who have been in abusive relationships really opened my eyes to how difficult it would have been for women back in this time. There were no restraining orders, easy-to-get divorces, welfare or women’s shelters. Even in our times today, it is very difficult to get an abusive man out of your life. This story really made me reflect on how hard it would have been to be in this time, especially when women had less rights. Because of this, evil men were probably even worse back in those days because they had less to stop them. McCalla really hit this issue on the head with her story. I think that readers will find it very eye opening and in spite of the harshness of the story, they will appreciate the relationship that Rachel has with her mother and her children. I highly recommend "Heads Deacon, Tails Devil" by P.J. McCalla.

Heads Deacon, Tails Devil
P.J. McCalla
The Elevator Group (2009)
ISBN 9780981971995
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (8/09)

Shakespeare Ashes: A Novel

Chris DeBrie has written a highly-entertaining, fast-paced book for readers. We follow the lives of four individuals through trials and tribulations of finding the right love; addressing gender issues and the all-encompassing racial issues.

The book is somewhat like letters and conversations exchanged between friends. With the elaborate descriptions of the characters readers will feel they know each one individually. The language is completely today’s language that you would hear anyone speak.  In his writing he starts each sentence with small letters instead of the usual capital letters, which I found intriguing. I might even compare this to a journal one would write.

Readers will find themselves rooting for each of the characters and disliking other minor characters in the book.  From the very first page readers will be captivated by the writing style and language.  This book is everything we experience in our daily lives, right down to the elderly lady with an open umbrella and cane trying to maneuver getting on public transportation.

The author has written two other books, neither of which I have had the pleasure of reading. If they are anything like “Shakespeare Ashes”- they are a must read for all.

Shakespeare Ashes: A Novel
Chris DeBrie
Infinity Publishing (2009)
ISBN 9780741454492
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (8/09)