Witches Protection Program by Michael Phillip Cash

-Carrie Anne

Wes Rockville, a disgraced law enforcement agent, is given one last chance to prove himself and save his career when he's reassigned to a 232 year old secret government organization.  The Witches Protection Program.  His first assignment:  uncover a billion-dollar cosmetics company's diabolical plan of using witchcraft for global domination, while protecting its heiress Morgan Pendragon from her aunt's evil deeds.  Reluctantly paired with veteran witch protector Alastair Verne, Wes must learn to believe in both witches and himself.  Filled with adventure, suspense and a rousing good time, Michael Phillip Cash creates a tongue-in-cheek alternate reality where witches cast spells and wreak havoc in modern day New York City (taken from Amazon description)

I typically love Cash's books.  They usually have relatable characers and interesting plots, with a healthy dose of humor thrown in.  For some reason, this one fell flat for me.  The story did have its humorous side and the idea is clever; I think we'd all wish for a little magic in our lives.  Unfortunately, Cash never spells out the rules of magic in today's world.  There were times I thought "Just cast a spell already,"  though I didn't know if the witch in question really could.  Then there were the BIG spells that we were to assume could just be explained away from an unsuspecting public.  Of course, today's media can feed us any story they want...

I felt there were too many side characters and even side stories that were unnecessary to the plot.  The 'ah ha!' moments weren't for me.  At one point there was probably a major plot point presented and I was just scratching my head.  It was more of a 'huh?'  moment for me.  I think by that time I was just bored of the whole story.  My favorite character was Wes with Morgan running a close second.  I'd love to see Cash bring them back, with a longer story and more time to fully flesh out the people involved.  The Witches Protection Program is a good one, but I think it needs a different story for us to really get to know them.

Talking to Your Physician/Surviving Obamacare by Lawrence W. Gold, M.D.

This book is a comprehensive study guide to improve the patient/ healthcare provider relationship.

Going to the doctor is scary.  Obamacare changes are scary.  Knowing your rights, your obligations, and your coverage is pretty difficult.  Add to this a difficult relationship with your healthcare provider, and it makes for horrible healthcare.

I remember years ago, I attempted to switch doctors.  There was absolutely nothing wrong with the doctor I had, except that he wasn't the right doctor for me.  I had trust issues.  We couldn't communicate.  He was brusque and quick and did nothing to set me at ease.  Now, the rest of my family adored his no-nonsense 'do what I tell you to do' attitude, but it didn't work with my personality.  When I called the doctor's office and requested to be switched to another doctor in the facility, I was met with hostility and blacklisted from the facility altogether.  The thing is, it wasn't an attack on the doctor in any way.  I wanted a doctor I could trust and have a relationship with.  I wanted a caregiver that I could feel confident understood my health needs and could communicate with me how to meet them.  That wasn't happening.  Still, to this day, I do not regret my decision.  I never returned to the health care facility where my doctor was located.

Considering that health care is such a necessity, every person should take it seriously.  Every person becomes ill or injured at some point and having someone you can trust for your care is important.  Keeping that in mind, there are a x amount of doctors in the world and y amount of patients.  The numbers simply don't match up.  In a single day, a doctor can see so many patients that it becomes a whirlwind of activity.  Add to that the possibility of an emergency, which could set the doctor several hours behind on his already hectic schedule, and it's no wonder that most doctors don't take the initiative to dig deep into your medical history and remember every scar that you have.  It simply isn't possible.

This book is an incredible tool, and sadly, I haven't even really begun to study it.  I've read it, but that isn't the same thing.  There's so much information in here that I'll be pulling it out as it becomes relevant.  I remember in high school I had a B.E.R. and that was my English tool book.  It had everything that I needed to know and I could look it up and access it as needed.  This book is my medical B.E.R.

In this book, you'll find some great cartoons that are extremely relevant to being a patient.  They're light-hearted and humorous, but at the crux of them you'll find some pretty difficult truths.  There's an entire page of medical quotes (Mark Twain's is my favorite!)  There are several first-person accounts of doctor/patient relationships.  I particularly enjoyed these because it just makes everything more personal.  Not only does this book emphasize the importance of building strong communication, but also issues, statistics, red flags and when to fire your physician.  Coming from a doctor, this is awesome!  I feel validated in firing my doctor!

This isn't a book where Joe Bob Polyfreeze down the street starts on a rampage about what doctors should be like.  This is a comprehensive look at some of the most difficult parts in the doctor/patient relationship with an end goal of healing and strengthening it.  There is practical advice for any situation that you may be in.  I do believe that if all doctors held the beliefs and practices of Dr. Gold, I wouldn't be so terrified of seeking medical attention.

When Pain Has Stained a Peaceful Heart by Ann Henry

This is a first-person accounting of what it's like to be a mentally ill person that has been put into 'they system.'

Ann gave nearly a year of her life in an attempt to regain her sanity, though most of that time wasn't freely given.  Ann was institutionalized.  As her confusion and fear grew, she began to lash out, causing her to be moved from place to place.

Having seen the caregiver side of this equation, it was fascinating and heart-wrenching to see Ann's side.  When someone with mental issues is in your care, your number one priority is their physical safety.  Your second priority is their mental safety.  I've gone through the stages of having to force unwanted medication and restrain.  However, Ann's perspective doesn't see the necessity.  Not only is she battling her mind and hallucinations, but she's also having to battle against a horde of people that she just doesn't understand.  They cause her mental distress and physical pain, all in the name of trying to keep her safe.

This short book has been written in the form of poetry, because that's the easiest way for Ann to talk about the trauma she endured as a mental patient.  Talking about trauma and attempting to get past it is incredibly difficult and I applaud Ann in her efforts.

What she has accomplished here is the necessity for empathy in the caregiver system.  I've seen several nurses and doctors that have it in spades, but I've also seen the opposite.  In a career where you're dealing with violent and loud, confused people on a day to day basis, it's important that you find healthy ways of coping.  Too often it leads to an immunity and we no longer see what we're doing from the other person's point of view.

This is a quick and important read.  If mental illness has touched your or anyone you know, or if you deal in any way with the care of someone with mental illness, you'll find a fresh new look at things that can be integral in your relationships.

Keep in mind, because this is a first-person accounting, we only see one side of the story, Ann's.  This is not an attempt to discredit mental institutions or cast blame, but rather an attempt to get people to take a closer look at what's going on.  It's also Ann's way to try to make sense of this period in her life and heal and grow.

The Legacy of Skur by L.F. Falconer

No one has ever returned from Skur.  "It's a death quest,"  Fane is told, but this altruistic, starry-eyed young man chooses to ignore the legends, for according to the wizard Fith, hidden among the wealth of treasure atop the mountain of Skur is the key to eternal life.  Can Fane hope to steal it from under the nose of its guardian dragon?

Armed with little more than a sword and a magical talisman, Fane's misadventures upon the mist-enshrouded moutnain begin.  In this epic saga of love, betrayal, war, vengeance, and friendship, we follow the pawns who are shrewdly manipulated in an attempt to save a dying race within a celestial game of dominance.  It's survival of the fittest as the players are mercilessly maneuvered across the field, and these are their stories.  Fane, the wizard's apprentice.  Kael, the warrior.  And Elva, the legacy.  (taken from the back of the book)

Falconer is the most difficult author to review.  Let me tell you why.  When I first pick up a book, I approach it from the viewpoint of one of two avenues.  The first, that of Shawn the Reviewer.  If it's an author I don't know, normally I'm a little skeptical about the content.  I grab my sticky notes and pen, get comfortable, and delve in.  Since I don't know what to expect, I can spend most of the book having a grand time picking it apart.  The second avenue is that of Shawn the Reader.  In this case, I'm familiar with the author or the book looks particularly interesting.  In this case, I grab my sticky notes and pen, get comfortable, and delve in.  Since I have some idea of what to expect, I can sit back and enjoy the book a little more and only make notes as something really strikes me.  Falconer is in a league of her own.  I can't approach it as Shawn the Reviewer or Shawn the Reader.  As soon as I crack the spine, there is no Shawn.  I'm lost in a world that I have no control in.  It's not just the writing, or the suspense, or the twists and turns, or the fascinating way that she dives into the human psyche.  It's everything above and so much more.  I know when I pick up one of her books, I won't be picking things apart or taking notes.  There will be no dishes that need washed.  The house could catch fire and I wouldn't have a clue.  I'm no longer Shawn the Human, I just simply am.

I picked up Volume Two of Skur last night and began to read it.  I know ahead of time that I'll have a horrible time reviewing it as well.

So, here is the  necessary information.  If you like fantasy, this is a must-read.  If you don't like fantasy, you WILL like this fantasy.  Set aside some time to read it, because you won't be doing anything else until you've finished.  Volume One is set into three distinct books, all related.  If you have to take a break, that gives you a good point.  Use the restroom and refill your drink.  Change clothes and bathe if you must.  Possibly get food.  That's a lot to do though when you know you have the next section waiting on you!  Also, make sure that you have Volume Two on stand-by for when you've finished Volume One.  It picks up exactly where Volume One stops.You do NOT want to go through the waiting that I did!  Be prepared!  Be preeeepppppaaaared!

Also, I have it on good authority that there will be a Skur sale in May!

Melting the Blues by Tracy Chiles McGhee

Augustus Lee Rivers, a farmer and bluesman, has two obsessions:  his relationship with the Duncan family and his desire to leave small town Chinaberry to become a musician in Chicago.  When his plans are prevented by a devastating betrayal, Augustus is driven into the belly of the blues where he must reckon with his past if he is to move forward.  (taken from the back of the book)

This book is set in Arkansas in 1957, which will be a selling point for a lot of people.  That period in time, race was a big issue.  Those who are interested in history will find this to be a realistic portrayal of the time period.  For me, I've never given a fig for history, so we won't be focusing on that portion of the story.  Though it's incredibly relevant and important, it's not my forte.

This is a fascinating and gritty story about Augustus and his family.  Most of the book takes place within the span of a year.  We're given an in-depth look into the heart and soul of every character.  Not only does this make them more interesting, but it strengthens the bond between reader and character.  The best part is, McGhee's written this in such a way that you don't even realize you're bonding with the characters until it's already done.

The wording in this book is just beautiful, but the symbolism is what really caught me.  I don't normally comment or notice symbolism, but it's so prevalent in this book that you can't help it.  The sun is the most obvious one, but as you're reading, you'll notice everything from food to flags being used to help tell the story.  I cannot even imagine the hours McGhee spent perfecting this story and making every single item in her world tell part of the story.  It's one of the best-crafted stories that I've read in a long time.

That being said, there's definitely a downside or two here.  McGhee has done such an incredible job creating sympathy and empathy for the characters that one when erupts, it's a shock to the system.  Now, quickly you pull back and see where the character is coming from, but at the moment you find yourself stunned.  After that, you feel a return to sanity and a sense of wondering why you weren't looking at things in the same manner as the character that suddenly exploded.  My second issue comes with the epilogue.  The solution?  Skip it.  Not only is it unnecessary, but it took away from the story.  After this carefully crafted, beautifully worded story, I found myself wondering how such an egregious error could have been made in not cutting out the epilogue.  I still wonder, but when I read this book again, I'll just keep to my sticky note and stop before reading that part.

The Rector by Michael Hicks Thompson

Martha McRae is a widow living in a small Mississippi Delta town in the 1950's.  She's obsessed with the sudden death of her Episcopal church's young rector.  A murderer could go free if she doesn't investigate.  But Martha is torn.  If she pursues the suspect, her Bible study friend's awful secret could be revealed.  It would be devastating, and life-changing.  When the new rector arrives, she encounters a new puzzle to solve-one that takes her into Parchman Penitentiary where she comes face to face with evil.  (taken from the back of the book)

Martha is an incredible heroin and I adore her!  She's bright and sassy!  She tries to hold strong to her morals and at the same time, she has compassion for others instead of judging them.  She tries her best to protect everyone in her town, regardless of what the outcome might be.  Some would say that her insatiable curiosity is a bad thing, but it wouldn't stop Martha from searching for answers!  She's indomitable, unstoppable and darn sweet!

The last time that I fell in love with a town so deeply, it was when Jan Karon created Mitford.  These characters will completely capture your heart.  These are real characters with real struggles.  Most of them just want to be the best they can be and help each other.  Of course, we do have a few characters that just don't fit in.  They have their own agenda.  Every character is beautifully flawed.  This book captures human essence better than any cozy mystery I've read.

The mystery part is a little tricky.  The thing is, we have information that our sleuths do not.  Instead of wishing that Martha and her cronies would catch up to where I was, though, I found myself too immersed in the story to really care how far along they were in solving it.  Normally, a mystery of any kind for me is about the solving of the mystery, but here it was so much about just losing myself in the town and enjoying my stay.

There were a few real twists and turns here.  Twice (twice!!) I was so astounded that I began flipping back through pages looking for any suggestion that the shocking twist was about to happen.  Nothing!  You're riding along and picking up honey and hanging out with your friends over coffee cake, and BOOM!  What?  Where did that come from?  Now, it's not the type of shock that pulls you out of the story.  It's the type of shock you get in real life.  You're happily walking through an amusement park and your favorite singer walks by and says 'hi!'.  Well, of course it throws you off, but you're still walking the same path you were and headed in the same direction.  Not all of the twists are good in that manner, but you get the idea.  I almost used an analogy of a blown tire, but that really does derail you.  I was only  momentarily stopped from reading because I wanted to go back and look for clues :)  That's how I roll :)

Don't let the fact that this is a Christian murder mystery keep you from picking this book up.  Though there are some valuable Biblical references and a few fascinating thoughts, there is no point in this book where it gets preachy.  Thompson doesn't use his writing talent to force you to see things his way.  Instead, the characters talk about their beloved God and you can either take what they're saying and think about it, or discard it.  For those of you who are Christians, you might find some interesting insight.  It's definitely more 'leading' than it is 'forcing' though.

Bernie and The Lost Girl Coming Soon!

Mark your calendars!



Many of you know we were huge fans of the first book in Steve LeBel's Universe Builders series, Bernie and the Putty.  It's marketed for kids age 12-18, but us full-blown adults adored it!  Bernie has blazed a trail across school-aged children all over the country!  LeBel's first book has netted him 16 awards so far!

His next book is being released May 1st.  It's a prequel to Bernie and the Putty called Bernie and the Lost Girl.  In this book, a little girl named Emily is lost.  Though most of the villagers are afraid to go out into the woods to look for her, Bernie and his friends aren't!

I'm anxious to see what adventures Bernie gets into.  As of now, this book is available for pre-order for Kindle for only 99 cents!  I really wanted to put my pre-order in today, but I'm holding out for a print version.  I'll let you all know when it becomes available!