Grace Rising by Becky Bookout Byrns

Depression, addiction, coping with life as a single parent.  Each of these topics are hard to tackle individually.  Becky Bookout Byrns takes each and weaves them into an intriguing tale of good and evil.

The main character, Grace Willow, has many obstacles.  Can she overcome any of them?  Seriously, what good could Grace do?

As the story unfolds, Grace’s support comes from some very unlikely sources.  Interesting conversations, casual meetings, and the death of a distant relative lead her down an unforeseen road.  But are the conservations with the mysterious man that “knew her parents before he died” real or conjured by her depressed pill fueled mind. What does the gentlemen that owns the antique store really know or want? How does her cousin dying and a mysterious gift affect her world?  What is this gift you ask?  The unveiling is too well scripted to reveal here.  Grace’s realization of the actual details of her world and what she could lose is a page turning, can’t put it down adventure.

My reaction to the subtlety unexpected details was, “Wait, What!” and “Wow!  That was awesome and unexpected”.  All the surprises added to the suspense and layers of the story.

I can see Grace Rising being made into a movie.  I am unsure when the next installment of Grace’s adventures will be released, but I will be one the first to purchase.

I originally wanted to read Grace Rising because the author, Becky Bookout Byrns, is a cousin of a childhood friend, Johnnie Kazy.  I was also intrigued by the concept of a book taking place in my hometown, Chattanooga, Tennessee. As each area of town is described, I feel drawn back to a city I have not visited in years.

Thank you for bringing the beauty and mystery of Chattanooga to the pages of Grace Rising! Great job, Becky Bookout Byrns!

Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams

Watching Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency on bbcamerica was a delightful rollercoaster ride.  There were so many twists and turns, but you never felt lost or left behind.  I originally tuned in because the characters are based on the book, of the same name, by Douglas Adams. Unfortunately, Douglas left us in 2001.  His ability to create other worlds and characters that stretch our imagination will be missed.  If you have never read Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy you have missed a treat.  For me his writing style takes concentration, but is worth the effort.  

Several months passed after the last episode of season one of Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency aired.  I was visiting my son and I discovered this book, the book, on my son’s bookshelf. He had randomly rescued the book from a trash pile.  I had told him about the television show, but he did not realize he had acquired a copy of the printed version.   I was anxious to visit the characters I had come to know on the show.  However, this was not to be.  The advertisement for the show did indicate the characters were based on the book, not a movie of the book. 

I was expecting to encounter Dirk in the first few pages.  He does show up, but much later.  This fact does not diminish the fact that the characters introduced are worth the time to get to know.  The mystery of the ghost, the Electric Monk, how did the silver salt cellar (salt shaker for those of us not from England) get in the 200-hundred-year old clay vase, an abacus and the question of just how old is The Regius Professor of Chronology.  Also, why is there a horse in the Professor’s bathroom? As you can tell there is a lot happening and a lot of questions to be answered.  Each chapter address a different character or time.  Sometimes the time and place change during a chapter.  Even with this jumping the plot is easy to follow. 

Does Dirk connect the loose and frayed ends?  I shall not say, just know that if you choose to ride along and see if the mystery is solved, bring a huge mug of coffee or for you English chaps, tea.  You are in for a wild and exciting adventure.

Favorite Quote: ………..we are concerned with …… the fundamental interconnectedness of all things. 

Senator by Richard Bowker

I give five stars to this reflective narrative which explores three ideas that naturally go together; politics, forbidden relationships, and secrets. The story is tightly woven with surprising yet believable twists. The author allows us to become intimate with the Senator's daily life. His handling of every issue of every minute of every day directly effects the outcome of his as well as others lives. He is fully aware of this weight. He has to pick and chose as he reveals different levels of truth.

This practice is not solely subscribed to by politicians. If we were honest, we would confess that we each do this. Did you tell you husband the amount you just put on the charge card? How do you answer your children when they ask about your teenage years? What reason did you give the officer for your speeding? The information we choose to share directly effects us as well others every day.

The information choices The Senator makes can be seen as both good and bad. A seemingly casual comment to a reporter, his staff or his family, can have a domino effect. Each comment made can either leave the hearer confident, questioning, or both. What is the connection with an old college roommate? With the reporter? With the political opposition? How does the Senator and others manipulate the events leading up to the election?
I came away with the realizations that whichever side of the political isle you are on, I realize both sides experience the same questions, doubts, and goals.

Favorite line, "Everyone is guilty, but everyone is innocent."

A Haunting Is Brewing by Juliet Blackwell

A most enjoyable match-up of Juliet Blackwell's delightful characters; Mel (Home Renovation Mystery Series) and Lily (Witchcraft Mystery Series). 

Halloween has its own creepy connotations, but add to that an innocent victim and an old house and the question of who or what helped the human join the ghostly realm and you have a perfect back drop to explore Mel and Lily's talents. The paring emphasizes Ms. Blackwell's talent for diverse character development. The differences in the two personalities and special abilities was consistent with their respective series.  However, the most noticeable addition was Lily's confidence.  Her role as Mel's teacher and guide was true to human nature.  Most of us lack confidence, but when faced with difficult situations, step-up to the plate.  Lily's gentle explanations and encouragement helped Mel's confidence to increase awhile  nudging her to see her own spooky gift in a new light.  We all have special abilities ranging from the hard to see; compassion, kindness and non-judgmental.  To the easy to see; doctors, lawyers, musicians. Whatever your special ability, when someone understands and actually listens, your path is a little smoother.  Mel and Lily's friendship is an example of a of positive supportive relationship.  

I look forward to the next encounter for each of the new friends in their own series and hopefully together again.

Fourteenth Protocol By Nathan Goodman

This story is quite different from my usual choices. I usually go for the vampire, fairy, time travel genre. Military and terrorism are not my go-to for entertaining.    However, this story is so well written I felt I was completing the mission with Jana. You can tell Nathan Goodman put a lot of time into researching the different locations where the story unfolds. His description of high-tech security as well as tactical strategy leaves you believing this scenario is possible. However, the details did not deflect from the story development. Each plot twist was not expected, but extremely believable. I genuinely care about what happen to each of the characters as well as the outcome of the mission. I truly hope a sequel is in the works.

After enjoying the FBI/CIA intrigue of this fast paced tale, I will be expanding by book choices.

Mr. Goodman, thank you for such an awesome, well executed  adventure!

Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Discovery of Witches is a page turning timeless tale of a young women’s discovery and reaction to her family’s rich history.  We are allowed to follow along as Diane struggles with this heritage and her willingness to be a participant.

 

Diane is taught at an early age, that vampires, demons, and witches should not be in a relationship, platonic or otherwise.  However, an accidental meeting with an other-worldly creature in the library along with a series of unexpected life events opens up her eyes.

Through these events and her unwillingness to bend to the prejudices of her family, she learns that by truly listening, communicating and watching those that are “different” we learn that they are truly more like us than we are taught.  Don’t get me wrong, there are those that the “stories” ring true and we should be cautious, but we should not judge others simply on what we have been told by others.  If Diana has acted as her family wished, she would not have the wisdom or prospective she gains from the vampires and demons she encounters.  I am not advocating rebellion, but advocating open mindedness and communication.

Deborah Harkness weaves a fast paced, action packed, heart-warming story of truth, hope, and love.  I am looking forward to reading the continuing story and watching Diana’s growth in all areas of her life.

(Fav Quote) Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Happiness is always louder than sadness