They Called Him Marvin by Roger Stark

They Called Him Marvin: A History of Love, War and Family by Roger Stark

“They were the fathers we never knew, the uncles we never met, the friends who never returned, the heroes we can never repay. They gave us our world. And those simple sounds of freedom we hear today are their voices speaking to us across the years.” Bill Clinton

Such a man was 1st Lt Dean Harold Sherman, B-29 Airplane Commander.

“They Called Him Marvin” is a history. A history of war and of family. A history of the collision of the raging politics of a global war, young love, patriotism, sacred family commitments, duty and the horrors and tragedies, the catastrophe that war is.

Review:

They Called Him Marvin by Roger Stark is a merger between American and Japanese events during WWII, and the very human reality of one American pilot and his love letters to his wife.  The candor in their loving correspondence, and the stark reality of war, clash against each other within the pages of this book.  Like the major and minor notes being pulled from an orchestra by a master conductor, history is brought to life and the full impact of war is felt.

I remember watching Tenco many years ago and weeping over the atrocities inflicted on prisoners in Japanese prison of war camps.  The horrors of it stayed with me and I often steer clear of anything to do with war in books or films these days.  However, I am so glad I came across this super book.  The author has met Marv – the son of Dean, whose love letters fill this book, and this brings everything to life, injecting real substance and making this book stand out from a lot of other war stories.  What I loved the most in this ‘almost-a-memoir’ is the view of the pilots from the Japanese perspective.  The story of Riku and his family is very moving, and I appreciate the accounting of history from both countries, it is thoroughly moving as well as educational.  Bringing the readers focus constantly back to Dean and Connie was an ingenious way to remind us that war involves real people, not just figures on a page.  This story is a beautiful account of a horrific time in history and should be read by everyone… lest we forget.

Roger Stark presents us with a very human experience of WWII.  This is the kind of book that should be on every high school curriculum.  It is awash with facts, but expressed in such a way as to grip the reader and hold their attention.  Packed with historical content, and portrayed with a vibrant pen, They Called Him Marvin by Roger Stark comes very highly recommended by Chick Lit Café.

Buy They Called Him Marvin by Roger Stark today!!

Strong As Steel (Caitlin Strong Novels) by Jon Land

Strong As Steel (Caitlin Strong Novels) by Jon Land

Synopsis:

Tough-as-nails Texas Ranger Caitlin Strong returns in this electrifying tenth installment of the series, by USA Today bestselling author Jon Land

1994: Texas Ranger Jim Strong investigates a mass murder on a dusty freight train linked to a mysterious, missing cargo for which no record exists.

The Present: His daughter, fifth generation Texas Ranger Caitlin Strong, finds herself on the trail of that same cargo when skeletal remains are found near an excavation site in the Texas desert. She’s also dealing with the aftermath of a massacre that claimed the lives of all the workers at a private intelligence company on her watch.

These two cases are connected by a long buried secret, one that men have killed and died to protect. Caitlin and her outlaw lover Cort Wesley Masters must prove themselves to be as strong as steel to overcome a bloody tide that has been rising for centuries.

Review:

Strong As Steel (Caitlin Strong Novels) by Jon Land tells a story that begins with Texas Ranger Jim Strong, who is consumed by a mystery that has dumbfounded the elite lawmakers from the start. In 1994 a freight train is found abandoned, with dead bodies in abundance and no cargo. The mystery begins as there appears to be no logical explanation for the deaths, there being no outward signs of injury and no evidence to point to the cause of death. Add to that the strange disappearance of a cargo that has no record of its existence, and Jim Strong begins his quest to find the answers.

Twenty-five years later, and Jim Strong’s daughter, Caitlin, finds herself asking the same questions as her father when more mysterious deaths occur that are suspiciously similar. Caitlin has followed in her father’s footsteps and is a Texas Ranger, and she has inherited her father’s determination and dedication to the job. She sets out to unravel the mystery of the elusive containers and to discover their curious contents, whatever they may be. But there are others at work with a similar goal but a different purpose. Enter Molinari, a religious zealot determined to protect the secret of the past using whatever means necessary to accomplish his task.

Then we have a little girl as the ring-bearer at her father’s wedding who witnesses a massacre that molds her life’s journey as she becomes the deadly yet revered Luna Diaz Delgado, determined to rule by fear. Such is the roller coaster of this novel, a reader’s journey of mystery, hatred, deceit and murder, yet interspersed with family loyalty, an enigma from the past, hints of the supernatural, and a man who talks to ghosts.

There is so much in Strong As Steel, the tenth book (no less) in the Caitlin Strong series that it leaves the reader breathless in anticipation and turning the pages with expectation that all will be revealed and then being thwarted as the mystery deepens. Caitlin is all that her name suggests; strong in character and mind, unafraid of the consequences of her actions, still desirous of making her father proud, and yet at times there are glimpses of someone compassionate and controlled.

If the synopsis for Strong As Steel does not capture your imagination, then just open the book and you will be drawn in from the first page. The fact that this is the tenth book in the series is testament to the standard and quality of the writing, the vivid mind of the writer, the strong and well-developed characters, the Individuality of the protagonists, and that’s before even starting on the suspense that is created within the pages, culminating in a satisfying yet surprising ending. This is one of those books that the reader becomes so engrossed in, the end comes reluctantly. Author Jon Land, writes with confidence and credibility and brings these incredible characters to life with ease. Chick Lit Café is proud to recommend Strong As Steel by USA Today best selling author Jon Land, an excellent 5 star read for lovers of mystery, action, suspense and adventure.

Purchase Strong As Steel by Jon Land @Amazon today!

Upscaling Life by Bert Bakker

 

Upscaling Life: A Pragmatist’s Guide to Setting and Achieving Personal Goals by Bert Bakker

In Upscaling Life you will learn how to create a life plan and set personal goals the right way. The author developed a model for personal development based on highly successful growth models and strategies for the business world.

And every reader receives these downloadable growth models for FREE with every copy purchased.

The book explains the model for personal development in a clear, structured and practical way. Everyone at any point in their life can use these models, strategies and tips for self-growth.

Scientific studies are described to explain why setting personal goals work. And positive psychology concepts are used to tie it all together. This combined with tips & tricks on how to improve your journey towards goal success guarantees that you will find some elements to help you reach the life you envision.

By setting goals, we create a roadmap of toward where we want to go, and we discover the right way to get there. French philosophical giant Michel Foucault once said:

“I don’t feel that it is necessary to know exactly what I am. The main interest in life and work is to become someone else that you were not in the beginning.”

Book review:

Upscaling Life by Bert Bakker is a pragmatic guide to setting and achieving personal goals, and is a definite ‘must have’ self-help guide.  It is contagiously enthusiastic, motivating, encouraging and inspiring!  I can’t wait to recommend it to my family and friends.

I’ve always appreciated that saying… he who fails to plan, plans to fail, even so the amount of times I’ve actually sat down and drafted out a plan has been few and far between.  This is about to change, thanks to all the inspirational and methodical advice offered in this great book.

As a self-help guide it is both thorough and easy-to-read.  The steps to helping you achieve your planned goals are straight-forward and easy to follow, and come complete with spreadsheets to help you on your way.  I appreciate very much the first third of the book that gets the reader to look at themselves and discover/acknowledge their core values and life missions.  Without doing this first it is pretty impossible to set down life goals which should be aligned with our values.  To be clear, this is about putting you on the right path to recognizing what both your values and goals are, no one can actually help you accomplish your goals, only point you in the right direction so that you can recognize, record, and then set out to achieve them.  This book will focus you with easy-to-understand language, motivate, and inspire you.  But lastly, once you’re on course (if you’re like me) you will receive an element of peace of mind – which is priceless.  The appendix at the end of the book is a super resource.

Bert Bakker has poured years of practical application, and his personal drive to encourage others, into this wonderful self-help guide.  I have been completely inspired and invigorated with the desire to make plans and to change my life 1% at a time.  Upscaling Life by Bert Bakker is both educational and inspirational, and comes highly recommended by Artisan Book Reviews. Book Review written by T N Traynor for Artisan Book Reviews & Promotion.

Purchase Upscaling Life: A Pragmatist’s Guide to Setting and Achieving Personal Goals by Bert Bakker today!!

Move Over Shakespeare: Tales from The Baron by Billy J Barnum

Move Over Shakespeare: Tales from The Baron by Billy J Barnum

I am a direct descendant of the famous Phineas Taylor Barnum, aka P. T. Barnum, the Greatest Showman on Earth. The reaction of people that have heard or read this poetry is mind-blowing, to say the least. It has been compared to Shakespeare numerous times, which is a huge compliment. It is suggested that everyone, everywhere, should own a copy of this book from literary and English educators as well as high school and college students and anyone who loves to read. Some poems may make you profoundly think, while others may make you sad, some may make you laugh, and some are faith-based. The hope is that every poem you read will inspire and feed your imagination and leave you wanting to read more. Buckle up and get ready for a wild adventure coming. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if just the first poem in the book is turned into a huge Hollywood movie!

Review:

The title Move Over Shakespeare, Tales from the Baron displays a certain je ne sais quoi.  Is the poet really comparing himself against the most famous sonnet writer of all times, and who is the Baron? Curious already simply from the title I’m ready to dive in and see what nuggets of truth or inspiration I might find, and to discover how tongue-in-cheek the title might be.

Though the spirit of poetry still enlightens many a poet, the standing in society of this most expression-filled form of communication, seems to be fading into history books.  It is a delight, therefore, when a new book of poetry comes before me.   I dove into the pages of Billy J Barnum’s book as one thirsty for something fresh, maybe even breathtaking.  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder of course, and never is that truer than when reading poetry.  I was not disappointed, for this is a bold poet who has opened his heart and mind and laid it before the world to peruse, digest and critique.

In every person and in men particularly, is a desire to be remembered.  For what is the point of all the pain, if there’s no gain? No love. No memory to claim. For me this life we live on Earth is but our school-days before going home.  Billy reflects on his life. What has he lost or gained? What beauty did he see, what lessons did he learn? More importantly, what can he leave behind? What wisdom can he pass on? For indeed there is a clear intent on forwarding on encouragement to any reader that comes across his poems. My favorite poem is My Hair, which displays the poet’s humorous look at himself.

Billy J Barnum is brave to bare his soul, to reveal his longing to be remembered. I found these poems insightful and reflective, and Billy might be pleased to know they opened my curiosity to know more, dig deeper. Should Shakespeare move over? I’ll leave that to you to decide, but I do believe that Billy has left his mark in time, and that’s what it’s all about after all.  Engrossing and thought-provoking Chick Lit Café is pleased to recommend Move Over Shakespeare: Tales from The Baron by Billy J Barnum.

Purchase Move Over Shakespeare: Tales from The Baron by Billy J Barnum today!

Heart of a Warrior Angel: From Darkness to Light by Lali A Love

Heart of a Warrior Angel: From Darkness to Light by Lali A Love

Synopsis:

Lali A. Love provides a supernatural thriller of metaphysical and visionary fantasy with her own revolutionary philosophy and unique narrative skills to produce this emotionally invoking, heart-wrenching and gripping tale of a family’s rise from poverty, oppression and abuse.

Lilac Noble must face the traumatic experiences of her childhood before she can conquer the dark entities that have wreaked havoc on her family. On this epic journey, Lilac undergoes the destructive process of spiritual enlightenment in order to lift the veil of darkness and shame that has obscured her youth. As Lilac unlocks painful memories of abuse, suppressed in her subconscious from years of fear-based conditioning, she uncovers menacing secrets feeding the evil within her generational bloodline. In an attempt to vanquish the sinister energies, Lilac finds the courage to discover her inner truth, vulnerability, and authenticity, as she awakens her divine light and overcomes her debilitating fears of the past. Lilac’s unconditional love for her family guides her through her process of healing and transformation, fueling her instinct for survival and her burning desire to illuminate the world.

Spanning two continents and three generations, this inspirational novel portrays the best and worst of humanity and shows how the “tiniest spark of light can overcome the darkness of any magnitude,” through forgiveness, compassion, and the most powerful force in the universe – Love.

Chick Lit Café Book Review:

Heart of a Warrior Angel by Lali A. Love is a haunting, emotionally-gripping story and I’ve not cried so much since reading Flowers in the Attic.  This is a tale on two dimensions: the first being the memoir of Lilac Nobel, and the second an introduction into enlightenment – the power by which humans understand the universe and improve their own condition.

I pondered whilst reading on why the author would choose to write a narrative with an absence of dialogue, after all most would contend that only short stories can carry off the lack of speech without boring the reader.  I feel now that I have finished and had time to reflect, that speech would have made it harrowing by making the people within the story even more real.  I was heartbroken by the first half of Lilac’s life and was only able to continue reading because of Lali A. Love’s clever and sensitive story-telling style, and I can assure you I was far from bored.  I was in fact gripped, fascinated, moved and unable to put the book down.

Although, we travel this novel through the eyes of Lilac, it isn’t only about her, but all the people she loves, especially her sisters.  The need to protect her mother and sisters from her father, even when that meant pain for herself, was so touching.  Love is the main message (I feel) behind this story, sacrificial love that puts others before self, but also the understanding of how important it is to love one’s self.

Lali A. Love has artfully crafted a mystical story that starts in Georgia in the 1950s and ends in Canada in the present day.  There is violence in this story, but it is neither graphic nor glorified, it is simply stated as what happened.  I think the title is very apt and also the lovely book cover clearly shows what type of book this is and will instantly attract people who love stories about the paranormal.

Lastly, Heart of a Warrior Angel is a must read for anyone with a traumatic past.  I am convinced that knowing we are not alone in our sorrows, understanding that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that we only have to move towards it, and learning about our own inner strength are all things that will inspire us to love without limits and to forgive when it hurts. Heart of a Warrior by Lali A. Love is a moving, thought-provoking read, and comes highly recommended by Chick Lit Café Book Reviews.
Reviewed by T N Traynor for Chick Lit Café.

Purchase Heart of a Warrior Angel: From Darkness to Light by Lali A Love today!