The Flip by Michael Phillip Cash

Reviewed by Carrie Anne

Julie and Brad Evans are house flippers.  They buy low, clean out the old occupant's junk, and try to make a profit.  Enter Hemming's House on Bedlam Street in scenic Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island.  Too good a deal to pass up, but with an ominous secret.  The old Victorian mansion has dwellers that do not want to be dispossessed.  As the house reveals its past, will the couple's marriage survive The Flip?  (taken from the back of the book)

This is the first book I've read by Michael Phillip Cash, but it definitely won't be my last.  I love a good horror story, good mysteries, and historical fiction.  This had it all - even romance- in an easy to pick up, quick to read story.

The characters were instantly recognizable and relatable.  Who hasn't gotten in over their head on a project, finding they aren't themselves under stress?  Of course, I doubt most of us have ghosts interfering!  In this case, we even know how the ghosts feel, a new twists on the horror genre.  I say  horror, but there's no gore, though the interactions between ghost and human are rather disturbing.

The descriptions of the home, and the secret treasures within, will make you want to start flipping, too, especially if you can find a home with hidden rooms and boxes of forgotten stuff.  How exciting!

I've already recommended this book.  I enjoyed it that much!  I'm also looking for a little input on the end of the book.  There are characters called the Sentinels that seem to be helping the ghosts move on, but I'm wondering if there's more to their story?  I'm even thinking about re-reading the book to see if I missed something, but it would be worth it.  It's not a story I want to just set aside and shrug my shoulders about.  I'd love your opinion if you decide to read it, too.
 

The Romantic by Hudson Owen

Reviewed by Carrie Anne

When I sat down to write this review, I read a few others first.  One of the other reviewers praised the magnificent cover of the book.  Unfortunately, my copy didn't even have that going for it.

Sebastian Cloud is a gladiator, though not in the ancient Roman coliseum.  He's in a futuristic world where he's fighting for his freedom.  Along the way, he crosses the wrong fellow and also falls for his wife, Virginia.  The story picks up as they fight to stay together as they fight to get away.

I am not a fan of long descriptive sentences, And this book had no trouble with that!  In fact, the narrative was so sparse, it didn't really grab my interest.  It's hard to develop a relationship with characters with so little to base it on.  Thankfully, there were a few humorous moments thrown in, and enough action to propel the story forward, even if it wasn't the kind I'm interested in.

I also got frustrated with scenes, such as the opening of the book, that just didn't seem to fit in.  Sebastian was in a virtual reality love scene in the past, thus the title of The Romantic.  Though he falls in love with Virginia, the opening felt disconnected, unnecessary.

While this wasn't my favorite story, it was short, 75 pages, and entertained me for an evening.  If you like futuristic action/love stories, you may want to give it a try.  Just try to find a copy with a cover.

Park Avenue to Park Bench by Michael Domino

"There are no problems only solutions."  -Michael Domino

Domino thrives in Manhattan.  He isn't just a writer.  He's a people watcher.  No, he's more than that.  He interacts.  He acts.

In this book, Michael tells short stories of his life.  We get to meet some really interesting characters and gain great insight  not only into who Michael really is, but into human nature as well.

That's seriously over simplifying it.

We all have those people that we see every day and don't interact with.  The guy who stands at the corner puffing on a cigarette.  The lady with the four lady children at the bus stop.  That short person in accounting who always looks angry.  Most of the time, we avoid these people.  We look at them, sometimes with sympathy or interest, but most of the time we don't even notice them.  When we do, we steer clear.  They're going to want something from us.  They might want to bum a cigarette or need a babysitter or want someone to hear all the negativity going on in our lives.  We have busy lives and our own problems to attend to.  I'm not judging.  I do the same thing, although I do usually wind up feeling a bit guilty for it when I realize it.

Michael Domino is different.  He realizes that every person has a story and he's eager to find out what it is.  Not only that, he's eager to share the burden to make someone's life easier.  He's not even always in charge.  Sometimes he stops and speaks to someone before he even realizes the words have been uttered.  Once he's engaged himself, though, he can't simply walk away.  He becomes involved.  He gives time and attention to someone who needs it.  Let's face it.  We all need it.  Domino takes the most precious gift that we've all been given and he gives it to others.  He shares his time.  To him, it's an afternoon on a park bench or a few minutes directing traffic.  To the person on the receiving end, it's a lifeline and a blessing.

That's what this book is.  It's a compilation of some of those people that Domino has met and involved himself with.  It's a bonus that he's a writer.  Each story is entertaining and interesting as well as pulling you into a world of thought.  Even if you just want a good way to while away a little time by immersing yourself in someone else's world, this is a great place to be.  Though there are lots of great lessons and so much interesting tidbits to study, you can just as easily sit back and tune out and enjoy.

The best part is that Michael is currently offering a FREE download of this book.  All you have to do is go to parkavenuetoparkbench.com and click on the little button.  If you think of it, leave him a message and say 'Hello!' while you're there!

Stop the Torment by Joyce Lillis

I am confused.

I picked this book up, believing that it was centered around teaching myself how to listen to my physical body for my nutritional needs.  Not only how to teach myself when I'm actually hungry, but training myself to listen to what foods my body actually needs.  Since this is something I've been working on as sort of a personal goal, I was excited to gain some insight.

Instead, I found several chapters on dieting, the history of dieting, and the reasons we eat incorrectly.  There are lots of personal stories inserted.  It was...entertaining and interesting.

I'm afraid I may have read and studied the book incorrectly because what I found inside, wasn't at all what I was looking for.  There are tools about learning how to tell when you're actually hungry and dealing with it, but nothing about learning what your body actually needs to eat.  Instead I found chapter after chapter of people who are doing the metabolism reset diet to lose the weight, while receiving therapy for their eating habits, and then choosing a different diet once they've reached their goal weight.

The part that really confuses me is that the book is supposed to be about not listening to your inner food voice.  You know what that is.  It's the little part of your brain that rationalizes about everything you eat.  I read repeatedly how dangerous that little food voice can be.  Then, however, I'm told that when a person fluctuates a few pounds, they just make an effort to make healthier choices and skip that bread or piece of cake until they're back where they want to be.  To me, the untrained eye, that appears to be still rationalizing what you eat instead of listening to your body.

There are some really interesting tidbits in here that shouldn't be missed, especially if nutrition and your weight are important to you.  Chapters ten and eleven are definites.  Chapter ten talks about nutrition for the body, and not just the type we consume.  Chapter eleven goes over metabolism.  We learn not only what it is, but how it functions.  Throughout the rest of the book, some of it honestly seems like a sales pitch, but if you can get around that, there's quite a bit to learn about your own relationship with food and the psychology behind diet and exercise.

Part Two of the book makes everything more personal by having you ask yourself a series of questions and really analyze your habits and your relationship with food.  If you're willing to take the time to eat nothing but grapefruit for two weeks, then take the time to read and fill out this section.  You WILL learn something about yourself, regardless of whether it leads you to losing weight or not.

Jackie by John Tammela

Jackie is based upon Tammela's experiences growing up.  It's the story of a sweet little boy who lives in Niagara Falls.  He has a loving, seemingly normal family and gets into all sorts of adventures.

What makes this book fascinating is comparing Tammela's childhood to the way I'm raising my own children. Perhaps I'm a bit too protective.  He seems to have turned out alright, despite some pretty hair-raising situations.

Not only that, this is a great time study piece.  Things have certainly changed since the 30's and 40's! Seeing what daily life was like back then was actually pretty neat.  We get a glimpse at everything from operations to bread carts!

What really surprises me about this book is Tammela's memory.  I barely remember a few scraps of information from my childhood, yet his memory spans back to when he was about a year old.  Each piece of his childhood is told with clarity and humor.

Now, for the bad stuff.  I hate the front cover.  That little boy is just as adorable as an be, but he looks so wistful and sad!  This is an uplifting and sweet story about life!  Where's the little boy with the mischevious grin?  Where's the little boy that's full of joy and life?  Why does this boy carry an expression so much different than that of what the main character, Jackie, usually carries?

You're not going to read all sorts of drama here.  Though there are snippets about Hitler, the book doesn't focus around  him.  This is the story of a little boy's life.  It's that simple.  It's a fun and adventurous read.  Honestly, it was a great break from all the horror and drama and romance that I usually read.  For awhile, I was able to sit back and just be a kid again.

The Adventures of Loriel the Wood Fairy by C.J. Walery

Loriel is worried by the lack of communication from her Grandfairy Cyce and makes a journey to her cottage in the Forest of Echoes, to find it empty.  Upon arrival she finds that Grandfairy Cyce has been kidnapped by a goblin.  This part of the story tells how Loriel, Padra (the house mouse) and Anya (the pet hummingbird) all help to save Grandfairy Cyce.

Loriel is frantic with worry because she knows that goblins must be dangerous (not to mention smelly) and she will need to make a plan that does not endanger Grandfairy Cyce.  (taken from the back of the book)

This is the perfect adult/child book.  It's captivating and sweet and a tale I'm sure a child would want told over and over. The characters aren't perfect, but they do mean well and they learn lessons from their mistakes.  There's a nice bit of humor tossed in that should make children smile.

What I enjoyed most was the strong sense of community.  Regardless of the situation, they all take care of each other and pitch right in.

Though I only read the e-version of this book, I can imagine how sweet it would be in hardbound.  The front cover is beautifully drawn and colored in a magical way.  There are a few pictures scattered throughout the book that add just a hint of whimsy to this original tale.

For me, it reminded me quite a lot of Fern Gully for some reason.  The story isn't similar at all.  The characters, however, have that same sweet yet strong feeling to them.


A must have for the fairy lovers out there, and a special treat for everyone else.

Invisible by Cecily Anne Paterson

Since the death of Jazmine's father, she's been doing everything she can to be invisible.  She keeps to herself and does whatever she's told...almost in an automaton fashion.  When she falls in with the wrong crowd, she's forced to make the choice between being suspended from school or joining the drama team.  What unfolds is Jazmine's rebirth.  When the girls who started the trouble to begin with return to school, it's all Jazmine can do to keep from panicking.  Will she be able to hold on to the new life she's formed for herself?

This was actually a pretty fascinating character study. Jazmine has a hard time being a part of reality after the loss of her father, but her road to self-discovery really pulls her out of it.  At least in the beginning.  Her tale is sad, but shared by so many.  Grief is something we all have to struggle with in our own way but when the person struggling is a mere child, it's so much more traumatic.

Although I wouldn't say I was riveted, I found myself pretty well drawn in.  It wasn't really a page-turner, but there's enough there to keep you involved in Jazmine's recovery and life.  Although I always enjoy bildungsroman books, this one had a few extra additives and at the same time was just ...Well it didn't have a passionate feel. It's almost as if the book had been polished and shined so many times that the heart of the writer became lost somewhere.

This is definitely worth reading, especially if you yourself are a grief survivor.  At times the conversation between the young people seems cliched, but it's not bad enough that it should really bother you.  Then again, I'm not a kid anymore so I could be way off on this one.  Perhaps kids do speak like that these days.  This is a great little character study that will keep your attention throughout.  Though it's sad in parts, it's not enough to make you cry.  Though it's joyful in parts, it's not enough to make you smile or laugh.  Over all, just an alright read for me.  Worth the read, but not one I'd put at the top of my list.

And, as you can see, I was pretty torn by this book.  I seem to keep repeating the same thing over and over but it's mostly in an attempt to figure out exactly how to word it.  It's a good story that had the capabilities of being great, but instead it wound up being just good.  I think I'm disappointed because as much as I liked it, I know I could have loved it had it not be rewritten to the point that the passion behind the writing suffered.

Now, it's currently free on Amazon in Kindle version.  There's no reason at all not to pick it up and give it a gander.  Also, I'm really interested to see what you guys thought about it, so if anyone does grab it, please let me know!