Through Hazel Eyes by Heather Hummel
Published by PathBinder Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 0-9776232-8-9
At the request of the author, a PB copy was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis: (from back of book): Through Hazel Eyes is a journey of life as seen through the eyes of Madison Ragnar, a high school English teacher who is struggling to recover from an emotionally abusive relationship. Madison’s speckled view of the world is seen through her troubled students, a fellow teacher, an intriguing man who enters her life, and a haunting past. Yet everything comes into focus when she learns to trust in herself for the first time in thirty years.
Madison discovers that the most commanding role played throughout out lives is fate. There are times when we embrace it, times when we curse it, and always times when we are blinded by it. As a result of blinding fate, Madison’s past catches up to her, and with the help of her students, she learns what a mockingbird is worthier than a diamond ring.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: One of my criteria as to if I think a book is good is when I can be transported into the story line and vividly imagine the characters, sense their emotions and can picture the setting through the descriptive words written by the author. And that happened when reading this book. I could sense Madison’s fear as she escaped from her boyfriend to start a job many states away. Her anxiety when she was always thinking he would find her. Her trepidation of starting a new relationship. Picturing her in her classroom teaching her students who she so much cared about. And the lessons she learned from her students as their young minds interpreted the classic, To Kill A Mockingbird. However, and this is my opinion only, I was a little disappointed that some parts of the storyline were not more extensive and detailed than it was. Some that I will not state, due to spoilers, but one example is her relationship with Michael, someone, who at one time, she thought was a stalker. Overall it was a likeable read.

DISCLAIMER
I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,
in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.

Finding Marco by Kenneth C. Cancellara
Published by Synergy Books
ISBN-13: 978-0-9842358-6-5
ISBN-10: 0-9842358-6-8
At the request of Phenix & Phenix Publishing, a HC was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (from book jacket): As a young boy running through the mountain valleys of Italy, Mark Gentile dreams of success-the kind of success that happens in a boardroom, far away from the country life. So after graduating from a prestigious Canadian law school, Mark quickly climbs the corporate and legal ladder eventually becoming CEO of a leading North American auto manufacturer.
  But after butting heads with company leaders, Mark fears he has compromised his ethics and decides to resign to determine the next phrase in his life. With his wife’s blessing, Mark returns to Acerenza, his birthplace in southern Italy. In the small village, he seeks out his childhood friends, spends time among the grapevines at his family’s vineyard, and recalls his mischievous adventures as a young boy named “Marco”. While enjoying the leisurely pace of the new life he’s found in his old home, however, Mark must make a decision” Should he abandon his roots for a second time and satisfy his innate hunger for the struggles and rewards of corporate life? Or should he embrace his native land and create a more balanced life for himself and his family?
  My Thoughts and Opinion: I accepted this book for review thinking that being of Italian heritage and having vacationed in Italy years ago that I would thoroughly enjoy this plot. From when I started accepting books for reviews, I set my threshold at a minimum of 100 pages to read to determine if a book pulled me in. Unfortunately, that was not the case and I quickly saw that this book was not a good match for me. This is my opinion, and only my opinion, but I found that the first 100 pages of the story line seemed to drag and had a very dry writing style. Therefore, I had to put this novel aside.

Finding Marco by Kenneth C. Cancellara
Published by Synergy Books
ISBN-13: 978-0-9842358-6-5
ISBN-10: 0-9842358-6-8
At the request of Phenix & Phenix Publishing, a HC was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (from book jacket): As a young boy running through the mountain valleys of Italy, Mark Gentile dreams of success-the kind of success that happens in a boardroom, far away from the country life. So after graduating from a prestigious Canadian law school, Mark quickly climbs the corporate and legal ladder eventually becoming CEO of a leading North American auto manufacturer.
  But after butting heads with company leaders, Mark fears he has compromised his ethics and decides to resign to determine the next phrase in his life. With his wife’s blessing, Mark returns to Acerenza, his birthplace in southern Italy. In the small village, he seeks out his childhood friends, spends time among the grapevines at his family’s vineyard, and recalls his mischievous adventures as a young boy named “Marco”. While enjoying the leisurely pace of the new life he’s found in his old home, however, Mark must make a decision” Should he abandon his roots for a second time and satisfy his innate hunger for the struggles and rewards of corporate life? Or should he embrace his native land and create a more balanced life for himself and his family?
  My Thoughts and Opinion: I accepted this book for review thinking that being of Italian heritage and having vacationed in Italy years ago that I would thoroughly enjoy this plot. From when I started accepting books for reviews, I set my threshold at a minimum of 100 pages to read to determine if a book pulled me in. Unfortunately, that was not the case and I quickly saw that this book was not a good match for me. This is my opinion, and only my opinion, but I found that the first 100 pages of the story line seemed to drag and had a very dry writing style. Therefore, I had to put this novel aside.

Living In The Hope Of My Imagination by William D. Simpson
Published by Thorncrown (Division of Yorkshire Publishing)
ISBN: 978-0-88144-488-9
At the request of Yorkshire Publishing, a PB copy was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (from back of book):  Exposing the Untruths of Moral Relativism in the Light Of Absolute Truth. Give to a person what they want and in time it will become an expectation. Left unchallenged that anticipation turns into habit and once trained, independence gives way to dependence. When People are reliant they become comfortable and at that moment, they are led astray. this defines American culture today.
  Wake Up People! You are happily being let do the slaughter and you don’t even know it. Self-indulgent political agendas and a systematic dismantling of moral ethics have created a way of life that has ruptured the foundation of who we are. Money, power and self gratification are now the heartbeat of a nation that once held human life in high esteem. We have become a people despised by our very own. For the people involved in everything from politics to education, science to medicine, entertainment, media and the arts, to false world religions and those who just don’t know, your time of accountability has come. It is time for change, but not the change they want us to believe.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: The author, William D. Simpson tells the story of his life, which includes physical and emotional abuse, years spent in prison, drug and alcohol abuse and how after many years,his faith helped him through. He states that he has had little education, he has never studied theology, nor is an ordained pastor. However, he does claim to be a Christian with years of studying the Bible. In this book he talks about The Revelations in the Bible and how it compares to our society today. I have read other books on this subject, so was familiar with the Scriptures taken from the Bible and the premise. It was, at times, a profound and difficult read, a very conservative take on the morality, political, medical, homosexuality and instant gratification of today’s world. There were some issues that he wrote about that I agree with but then there were others that I didn’t. I felt that even though I didn’t agree with everything he said, it was a thought provoking read.

Living In The Hope Of My Imagination by William D. Simpson
Published by Thorncrown (Division of Yorkshire Publishing)
ISBN: 978-0-88144-488-9
At the request of Yorkshire Publishing, a PB copy was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (from back of book):  Exposing the Untruths of Moral Relativism in the Light Of Absolute Truth. Give to a person what they want and in time it will become an expectation. Left unchallenged that anticipation turns into habit and once trained, independence gives way to dependence. When People are reliant they become comfortable and at that moment, they are led astray. this defines American culture today.
  Wake Up People! You are happily being let do the slaughter and you don’t even know it. Self-indulgent political agendas and a systematic dismantling of moral ethics have created a way of life that has ruptured the foundation of who we are. Money, power and self gratification are now the heartbeat of a nation that once held human life in high esteem. We have become a people despised by our very own. For the people involved in everything from politics to education, science to medicine, entertainment, media and the arts, to false world religions and those who just don’t know, your time of accountability has come. It is time for change, but not the change they want us to believe.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: The author, William D. Simpson tells the story of his life, which includes physical and emotional abuse, years spent in prison, drug and alcohol abuse and how after many years,his faith helped him through. He states that he has had little education, he has never studied theology, nor is an ordained pastor. However, he does claim to be a Christian with years of studying the Bible. In this book he talks about The Revelations in the Bible and how it compares to our society today. I have read other books on this subject, so was familiar with the Scriptures taken from the Bible and the premise. It was, at times, a profound and difficult read, a very conservative take on the morality, political, medical, homosexuality and instant gratification of today’s world. There were some issues that he wrote about that I agree with but then there were others that I didn’t. I felt that even though I didn’t agree with everything he said, it was a thought provoking read.

Muffins & Mayhem by Suzanne Beecher
Published by Touchstone A Division of Simon & Schuster
ISBN 978-1-4391-1287-8
At the request of Media Muscle, The Book Trib, a HC was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (partially from book’s jacket): Suzanne has had her own share of troubles to over-come. Left home alone at an early age, she struggled with difficult and distant parents, dealt with heartbreak, became a hard working single mom, and overcame two substance addictions and a physical impairment. But along the way, she found comfort in baking and sharing food with her friend and family. She learned to take the good with the bad, and here life is now inspiring proof that faith and persistence are the keys to her success.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: Where do I begin because there are many aspects of this book. Ms. Beecher, an only child of working parents, she took on the role of cook, house cleaner and oversaw all household chores at the early age of eight (8). Her love of baking and her many recipes is how she remembers stages of her life. She shares those recipes in each chapter along with her sense of humor, insecurities and neuroses. I have not tried any recipes yet, but plan to after my recuperation period. Her writing style made me feel that she was talking to me over muffins and coffee. At times, I found myself laughing out loud, the next chapter, rooting for her and the next feeling her emotional pain and empathizing with her. A few tidbits of a look inside this book. Again, the recipes, which I will share one with you. How her mother taught her to put clothes into the freezer straight from the wash before drying and then she could iron them (had never heard of that one). How she battled a physical disability, through her faith and a friendship with a 92 year old woman, Amy, who taught her some tips in the kitchen. And my favorite chapters, entitled In -a-Pickle where she describes incidents that are so funny, I actually was laughing out loud. I loved this book. It wasn’t the usual type of book that I read but thoroughly enjoyed it. Another positive was all the recipes that she shares, this book is going on my shelf with my cook books. Ms. Beecher had me wishing I knew her and could share stories over coffee.

This recipe makes 5 crusts. The name says it all; you just can’t fail when you’re making this piecrust. If you’re a beginner, this is the recipe for you.
4 c. all purpose flour, lightly spooned into a cup
2 tsp salt
1/2 c. water
1 TB sugar
1 3/4 c. shortening (not lard or butter)
1 egg
1 TB apple cider vinegar
Mix all ingredients well and divide in 5 balls. Slightly flatten each like a giant hamburger, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until cold if using right away. Or you can freeze for later use (To freeze, wrap each one in wax paper and freeze in a freezer bag-you’ll always have a piecrust on hand. This dough won’t get tough if you re-roll it).

Muffins & Mayhem by Suzanne Beecher
Published by Touchstone A Division of Simon & Schuster
ISBN 978-1-4391-1287-8
At the request of Media Muscle, The Book Trib, a HC was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (partially from book’s jacket): Suzanne has had her own share of troubles to over-come. Left home alone at an early age, she struggled with difficult and distant parents, dealt with heartbreak, became a hard working single mom, and overcame two substance addictions and a physical impairment. But along the way, she found comfort in baking and sharing food with her friend and family. She learned to take the good with the bad, and here life is now inspiring proof that faith and persistence are the keys to her success.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: Where do I begin because there are many aspects of this book. Ms. Beecher, an only child of working parents, she took on the role of cook, house cleaner and oversaw all household chores at the early age of eight (8). Her love of baking and her many recipes is how she remembers stages of her life. She shares those recipes in each chapter along with her sense of humor, insecurities and neuroses. I have not tried any recipes yet, but plan to after my recuperation period. Her writing style made me feel that she was talking to me over muffins and coffee. At times, I found myself laughing out loud, the next chapter, rooting for her and the next feeling her emotional pain and empathizing with her. A few tidbits of a look inside this book. Again, the recipes, which I will share one with you. How her mother taught her to put clothes into the freezer straight from the wash before drying and then she could iron them (had never heard of that one). How she battled a physical disability, through her faith and a friendship with a 92 year old woman, Amy, who taught her some tips in the kitchen. And my favorite chapters, entitled In -a-Pickle where she describes incidents that are so funny, I actually was laughing out loud. I loved this book. It wasn’t the usual type of book that I read but thoroughly enjoyed it. Another positive was all the recipes that she shares, this book is going on my shelf with my cook books. Ms. Beecher had me wishing I knew her and could share stories over coffee.

This recipe makes 5 crusts. The name says it all; you just can’t fail when you’re making this piecrust. If you’re a beginner, this is the recipe for you.
4 c. all purpose flour, lightly spooned into a cup
2 tsp salt
1/2 c. water
1 TB sugar
1 3/4 c. shortening (not lard or butter)
1 egg
1 TB apple cider vinegar
Mix all ingredients well and divide in 5 balls. Slightly flatten each like a giant hamburger, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until cold if using right away. Or you can freeze for later use (To freeze, wrap each one in wax paper and freeze in a freezer bag-you’ll always have a piecrust on hand. This dough won’t get tough if you re-roll it).

Returning Injury by Becky Due
Published by Due Publications
ISBN 0-9746212-3-4
13 ISBN: 978-0-9746212-3-4
At the request of Pump Up Your Book, a PB copy was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest review.
  Synopsis: (back of book):  Rebecca’s life just keeps getting better.  With Hack away on business, she’s looking forward to four days alone to work on her new client’s PR campaign to help women take back their lives.  But her past intrudes. Roy, the man who stalked and assaulted her years before, has been released from prison.  Home alone in their big, beautiful house out in the country, Rebecca has to learn to take back her own life while facing her fears and regaining her strength.  But will she be strong enough when she faces the ultimate test?
  My Thoughts and Opinion:   There were two (2) profound issues that I took away from this book when I had turned the last page.  One was what the term feminist meant and what a a simple explanation it really was, the equality of men and women, not in physical strength of the two but the equal rights and intellectual strength that should be afforded to both genders.  The second being the traumatic incidents that women face in this day and age and how that type of scarring affects and shapes a person’s heart, mind and soul.  The title of this book surprised me when it was conveyed in a sentence that Returning Injury was the definition for revenge.  However, the rest of the story line left much to be desired.  It was almost 200 pages of repetition about Rebecca and her dog, Lily, and their routine while Rebecca’s husband was out of town for a couple of days.  I felt that the first and last chapters were the only ones that contained what little suspense that there was in the entire book and even then it was of a simplistic nature.  There were settings, whereas the writer tried to convey the character’s emotions of anxiety as when there was a thunderstorm but even then the descriptions did not contain much depth.  I felt, and this is only my opinion, but that the writing style was simplistic, the characters one dimensional and the suspense lacking.