"Rise Of The Elgen" Reads With Lightning Speed & Delivers Early Christmas Gifts "Tied Up In Tinsel" & Ready For "A Winter Dream"

I finished off Richard Paul Evans' electrifying young adult novel, "Michael Vey: Rise Of The Elgen" today. I don't know if Richard Paul Evans intends to write a third installment to the series, but I hope he does!!!!!!!!!! In "Rise Of The Elgen," more of the electric children are introduced, and the Peruvian compound powered by rats is destroyed. And, yes, Michael mother was rescued! Sadly, the Elgen punished Jack by burning his house down! His father did manage to get out safely and went to stay with Jack's sister. It is at her salon that the action begins to unfold, leading Michael, Taylor, Ostin, and the rest of the Electroclan deep into the Peruvian jungle. To say more would be to spoil the story, although I will say that the story ended in such a way as to imply that a third "Michael Vey" book may be in the works! While I spend the next year waiting for this possibility, I plan to solve a yuletide mystery that is "Tied Up In Tinsel." Yes, it is the same one I was supposed to read last year and misplaced! Holed up at Hilary Bill-Tasman's manor estate for Christmas, Troy Alleyn is to paint the man's portrait and, while she's there, view the Druid Christmas pageant. Along with a pack of eccentric guests, Troy enjoys the festivities-- until one of the pageant's players mysteriously disappears into the snowy night. Did the hired help-- each a paroled murderer from the nearby prison-- have a deadly hand in this Christmas conundrum? Inspector Roderick Alleyn arrives to join his wife in finding the lost man- and unraveling the glaring truth from the glittering tinsel. I'm not sure if it will be the last book I read this year, or if I will be able to close out the year with Richard Paul Evans' forthcoming novel, "A Winter Dream." The book is slated for release on October 30! Joseph Jacobson is the twelfth of thirteen siblings, all of whom are employed by their father’s successful Colorado advertising company. But underneath the success runs a poisonous undercurrent of jealousy; Joseph is his father’s favorite and the focus of his brothers’ envy and hatred. When the father seems ready to anoint Joseph as his heir, the brothers make their move, forcing Joseph from the company and his Denver home, severing his ties to his parents and ending his relationship with his soon-to-be fianceé. Alone and lonely, Joseph must start a new life. Joseph joins a Chicago advertising agency where his creativity helps him advance high up in the company. He also finds hope for a lasting love with April, a kind woman with a secret. However, all secrets hold consequences, and when Joseph learns the truth about April’s past, his world is again turned upside down. Finally, Joseph must confront his own difficult past in order to make his dreams for the future come true. "A Winter Dream" is an ingenious modern retelling of the Old Testament story of Joseph and the coat of many colors by the master of the holiday novel. I'd better stock up on some Kleenex! Just reading this summary leads me to suspect that I may need one before the last page is read!

The Un-official End Of Summer, Ends "Beaches" and Begins To "Rise!"

Just in time for Labor Day, I finished reading Iris Rainer Dart's "Beaches," and it evoked the same response from me as the movie did; I found myself reaching for a Kleenex. (Or maybe it's because I have a summer cold! Ha!) However, I am composed enough to once again compare and contrast the book with its cinematic counterpart! In the movie, Hilary (called 'Bertie/Roberta'in the book) loses her mother before her childhood meeting of Cee Cee, while in the book, Bertie's mother doesn't die until Bertie is grown and married. Also, Cee Cee's father is alive in the book, while there is very little mention of him in the movie. There are a few more differences between the book and the movie, but I will say that Michael, Bertie's husband is a sonofabitch in both! I don't want to ruin anything for whoever decides to read the book and compare it to the movie as I did; I will instead talk about my next "Journey Through A Book!" What's next on my list? "Michael Vey: Rise Of The Elgen" by Richard Paul Evans! I previously read and blogged about the first book in the series, "Michael Vey: The Prisoner Of Cell 25." Michael was born with special electrical powers—and he’s not the only one. His friend Taylor has them too, and so do other kids around the world. With Michael’s friend Ostin, a techno-genius, they form the Electroclan, an alliance meant to protect them from a powerful group, the growing Order of Elgen, who are out to destroy them. The leader of the Elgen, Dr. Hatch, has kidnapped Michael’s mother, and time is running out. After narrowly escaping an Elgen trap, Ostin’s discovery of bizarre “rat fires” in South America leads the gang to the jungles of Peru, where the Electroclan meets new, powerful foes and faces their greatest challenge yet as Michael learns the extent of the Elgen’s rise in power—and the truth of their plan to “restructure” the world. I can't wait to be reunited with Michael, Ostin, and Taylor and to see where Richard Paul Evans, who just happens to be my favorite author, takes the story next!

Poolside "Grace"

I finished off "The Road To Grace," by Richard Paul Evans while sitting poolside on Sunday. During the course of his journey from Seattle, Washington to his ultimate destination of Key West, Florida (the farthest point on his map), Alan Christofferson meets several interesting people. There's the ladies of the Red Hat Society, and Analise, the checkout lady at the grocery store in Sidney, Iowa, and also Leszek, the Polish Jew who teaches Alan a lesson about forgiveness that he will not soon forget. To say anything more may spoil the story..... Sadly, I probably won't be starting Iris Rainier Dart's "Beaches" until my family's annual Fourth of July Barbecue. In the meantime, I've got to prepare for my great-uncle's funeral (Rest In Peace, Uncle Bennie!) Father God, Give me strength to get through the next few days, and grant my family peace, love, comfort, and the ability to comprehend your decision to call our beloved father, brother,and uncle to his Heavenly home. In Jesus' name, Amen. http://www.amazon.com/Road-Grace-Walk-Richard-Evans/dp/1451628188/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340854233&sr=1-1&keywords=the+road+to+grace http://www.amazon.com/Beaches-Iris-Rainer-Dart/dp/0553050818/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340854296&sr=1-1&keywords=iris+rainer+dart+beaches

"The Road To Grace" Leads To "Beaches"

I'm on the fence about almost being done with "The Road To Grace," by Richard Paul Evans. I love reading his books, but I hate getting through them so quickly! They deserve to be savored like a fine wine, not polished off like a couple of hors d'oeuvres! I'm beginning to think I was wrong when I assumed that the title was a double entendre; thus far, Alan has not met anyone named Grace. He did, however, meet a Holocaust survivor named Leszek, who takes Alan in after finding him on the side of the road having a dizzy spell. Leszek, who is Polish, shares his story with Alan; it is a story of survival and forgiveness. Leszek weaves a tragic story that Alan will not soon forget. He even convinces Alan to contact Kyle Craig, his former business partner who betrayed him during his wife's illness and death. What will come of that, I cannot yet say. What I can say is that I have decided that once I finish reading "The Road To Grace," I will begin reading "Beaches," Iris Rainier Dart's bestselling novel that was the inspiration for the movie of the same name that starred Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey.
"Loudmouthed, redheaded Cee Cee Bloom has her sights set on Hollywood. Bertie White, quiet and conservative, dreams of getting married and having children. In 1951, their childhood worlds collide in Atlantic City. Keeping in touch as pen pals, they reunite over the years...always near the ocean. Powrful and moving, this novel follows Cee Cee's and Bertie's extraordinary friendship over the course of thirty years as they transform from adolescents into adults. A bestselling novel that has become a hugely successful film, "Beaches" is funny, heartbreaking, and a tale that should be a part of every woman's library." I can't wait to see how it compares to the movie, though I can see some differences already, just from the summary. In the book, Cee Cee's friend is called Bertie, while in the movie, she is called Hillary. It has been my experience that the book is usually better than the movie, though I have to admit that the movie is a favorite of mine! It always brings a tear to my eye. I'm anxious to find out if the book will elicit the same response. Does anyone have a Kleenex?

From "Ransom" To "Road"

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Family cookouts provide a great opportunity to take a "journey through a book!" I finished off Danielle Steel's "Ransom" during today's Memorial Day barbecue at my aunt's house. I am surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did, considering that Steel deviated from her usual romantic storyline in favor of a more suspenseful scenario. I am happy to say that Sam survived the kidnapping, and was rescued during a mission almost as elaborate as the actual abduction. Some of the credit goes to Peter, who set him free. Sadly, Peter also ended up as a casualty, along with his accomplice, Carlton Waters. Fernanda sold her house to avoid re-living memories of the carnage that occurred in her kitchen when Sam was abducted. I had to laugh when Fernanda's attorney, Jack Waterman, proposed to her and she refused him, and then fired him. Ted Lee retired and gifted his badge to Sam. He also split ties with his wife, Shirley, after 29 years of marriage. I can honestly say that in spite of the deviation from a heavily romantic storyline, I ended up truly enjoying "Ransom." However, I cannot wait to continue along "The Road To Grace" by Richard Paul Evans, "a compelling and inspriing novel about hope, healing, grace, and the meaning of life." I actually managed to read several chapters during today's cookout! I found out the identity of the mystery woman who approached Alan at the end of "Miles To Go," and what role she played in Alan's life. At this very moment, my bookmark is holding the space before Chapter 8, ready for me to pick it up right where I left off!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's Just A Matter of Time Before Steel's "Ransom" Is Paid Off, And I Can Take A Journey On "The Road To Grace"

To date, I have read 15 out of 23 chapters of Danielle Steel's "Ransom." The overall plot of this particular novel involves a great deal of action and tension, leaving little to no room for Steel's usual romantic escapades. I was right when I suspected that Sam would be the one to be kidnapped and held for "Ransom." Fernanda's other 2 children, Will & Ashley, were sent out of town to avoid being kidnapped. Will went to camp, and Ashley was allowed to visit Lake Tahoe with some friends. I hope to finish "Ransom" by the end of the month, as I am eagerly anticipating the moment when I can join Richard Paul Evans on "The Road To Grace." The Road to Grace" is the third installment of Richard’s bestselling series, "The Walk," the ongoing story of one man’s unrelenting search for hope. Reeling from the sudden loss of his wife, his home, and his business, Alan Christoffersen, a once successful advertising executive, has left everything he knew behind and set off on an extraordinary cross-country journey. Carrying only a backpack, he plans to walk to Key West, the farthest destination on his map. Now nearly halfway through his trek, "The Road to Grace" takes him from South Dakota to St. Louis, Missouri. Alan covers more than 800 miles on foot, but it’s the people he meets along the way who give the journey its true meaning. Full of wisdom and hard-won truth, this is a moving standalone story as well as the continuation of the unforgettable series about hope, healing, and the meaning of life. I expect that this novel will compel me to shed a few tears,but that's OK. I've come to anitcipate needing a box of Kleenex when reading anything by Richard Paul Evans!

"Ransom" Isn't Adding Up For Me!

At the present time, I am close to the end of Danielle Steel's "Ransom." Reeling from the apparent suicide of her husband, Fernanda Barnes is struggling to keep her kids safe from the eventual fallout, financially. Above all, she is trying to keep them safe from what Detective Ted Lee, who meets Fernanda when a car is bombed in her neighborhood, perceives to be an abduction attempt. His suspicions are not unfounded, because that is exactly what Phillip Addison asked Peter Matthew Morgan to do--kidnap the Barnes children. It hasn't happened yet, but if and when it does, I suspect that Sam, the youngest son, will be the victim. He's the only one of the Barnes children who saw the alleged suspect of the car bomb planting. I feel sorry for Fernanda, but Peter is stupid for agreeing to plan something that could send him right back to prison, where he just finished a 4-year stint for cocaine posession and distribution. Honestly, this seems to be another Danielle Steel novel that will discourage me from purchasing her more recent novels. I'll stick with the classics!

Finished Felicia Mason's "Testimony". Time To Pay Steel's "Ransom!"

I finished off "Testimony" yesterday. Once again, I was shocked that I didn't enjoy this book! However, Felicia Mason tied up the loose ends fairly nicely. Sadly, I can't in good faith recommend this book. The end seemed a little rushed. Roger went to jail after turning himself in for a hit-and-run accident that occurred 12 years before the start of the book. Glenna died, but not before seeing her daughters. Margaret continued to do her "readings," and she got a job at the local college. I am thrilled to be done with this book, and can't wait to check out "Ransom" by Danielle Steel. It's been a while since I read on of her books, ever since the last one I read by her (Toxic Bachelors) left a bad taste in my mouth! I'm hoping that the long hiatus I took will change my point of view. Only time will tell!

Can't Testify About "Testimony". Maybe I'll Pay The "Ransom!"

About 6 or 7 years ago, I read a book entitled "What If God Were The Sun." It was written by that psychic medium John Edwards. The plot was horrible and left me thinking "Why am I reading this?" Sad to say, Felicia Mason's "Testimony" is leaving me with the same question.
It's kind of like "church folk." You have your liars, troubled marriages, drug dealers, and more....all in one choir! How would you react if you found out that not only was your wife not a virgin on your wedding night, but that she was also pregnant at the time??????????? Or maybe you're obsessed with tarot cards and psychic readings! If any of this rings true for you, then Felicia Mason's "Testimony" is something you should read. However, I am not enjoying it entirely and can't wait until I'm finished!!!!!!!!!! Then, I can begin my journey through Danielle Steel's "Ransom."
A violent crime brings together four lives in Danielle Steel’s sixtieth bestselling novel, the story of a mother’s courage, a family’s terror, and a triumph of human strength and dignity in the face of overwhelming odds.

Outside the gates of a California prison, Peter Morgan is released after four long years and vows to redeem himself in the eyes of the young daughters he left behind. Simultaneously, Carl Waters, a convicted murderer, is set on the path of freedom with him. That night, three hundred miles south in San Francisco, police detective Ted Lee comes home to a silent house; for twenty-nine years, he has been living for his job—and slowly falling out of love with his wife. Across town, in an exclusive Pacific Heights neighborhood, a mother tries to shield her three children from the panic rising within her. Four months after her husband’s death, Fernanda Barnes faces a mountain of debt she cannot repay, a world destroyed, and a marriage lost.

Within weeks, the lives of these four people will collide in ways none of them could have foreseen. For Fernanda, whose life had once been graced by beautiful homes, security, success, and stunning wealth, the death of her brilliant, brooding husband was already too much to bear. She simply couldn’t imagine a greater loss, until a devastating crime rocks her family to its core—and brings Detective Ted Lee into her life.
A man of unshakable integrity, Lee will soon become the one person who tries to save Fernanda’s family from a terrifying fate. Fernanda must draw on a strength she never knew she had. Racing against time in the underbelly of the criminal world, buffeted by the dark side of power, and unmoored by loss and betrayal, no one can predict where this tragedy will take them.

Honestly, I'm skeptical. I haven't really purchased any of Danielle Steel's novels in the last few years. I think that the last one I bought and read was "Amazing Grace." In my opinion, it wasn't one of Steel's best works, so I steered away from her to discover other authors. I guess it's time to veer my course back in Danielle Steel's direction. Especially after starting off the year 2012 with such a (so far) questionably entertaining book!

"Testimony" To Start Off 2012!

My 2011 literary year did not end as expected. I misplaced "Tied Up In Tinsel."
So, hopefully, I'll be able to read it during the 2012 holiday season! After much deliberation, I have decided to start off the year by reading "Testimony," by Felicia Mason!
After 18 years of firm faith, Roger McKenzie is questioning his calling as leader of the gospedl choir, The Triumphant Voices of Praise. Not only have the Voices failed to achieve the commercial and critical success he craves, relationships between the choir members are unraveling, turning the once harmonious group into disillusioned and bitter strangers. Tyrone Thomas, Roger's cousin, has always been his best friend and staunches supporter. So he can't understand why his own wife, Georgie, seems intent on driving a wedge between him and Roger. For Georgie's part, there's something about Roger she doesn't trust. And while she has the uneasy feeling he's hiding something, she's been keeping secrets of her own--the kind that could destroy her cherished marriage to Tyrone. Pampered, privileged Margaret Hall-Stuart has the voice of an angel, but her uptown airs alienate the other singers. Margaret's determined to make a play for Roger--until someone else in the group opens her eyes to a world she's never imagined. When Roger begins to receive hateful, anonymous messages, the whole choir is plunged into an ordeal that tests their spirits. It's only by facing their pasts, their demons, and thier limitations that each of them can overcome the obstacles within...and reach new heights of celebration and success.
Admittedly, it's a little different from anything I've read and documented in previous blog posts, but I don't doubt that the "journey" will be as equally enjoyable! That's my "Testimony," and I'm sticking to it!!!!!!