real-book-reflections

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What a great book on so many levels! I’m not going to try to add to the exceptional 5 Star reviews that have already been given...there is nothing much more I can say that will give it justice. The care, compassion, trust, and tender bond that develops between these two on this journey, is positive and heart-lifting, in an otherwise hostile and self serving world. After reading this novel, I’m definitely looking forward to the movie starring Tom Hanks, being released Dec 25, 2020. If interested, you can find the movie trailer by doing a google search. The trailer seemed very true to the book. Highly recommended for historical fiction genre.

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“The Devil’s Boneyard” by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnston. Loved it! Great classic western, well developed characters. Fast paced and witty writing, with just a touch of humor, easily envisioning to dusty Wild West in my minds eye as I read this great story.

Retired Texas Ranger, Ben Savage is a force to be reckoned with....especially if you steal his horse, ”Cousin”. There’s good guys, outlaws, bank robbers, horse thieves, a underhanded-greedy sheriff, and oh,  a special woman who is Ben's business partner back in Buzzard’s Bluff at a saloon called the Lost Coyote. Yes, Ben does indeed have his hands full, especially when a couple of the wrong types of fellas come to town to try to even a score with the town’s Sheriff, Mack. But they should of followed the rules and took off their guns, before trying to get something eat. Now all heck is gonna break loose!

What an enjoyable read! If you like Western genre, then you won’t be disappointed in this one.

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Who in the heck... what in the heck, is this deliciously beautiful, wicked woman, who can transport herself into a sort of chameleon, and then vanish into thin air after she murders a man? Witnesses at the crime scenes can't seem to agree from one description to the next. The one thing that all witnesses and crime scenes apparently have in common, is that no one knows who this woman is, where she came from, and why she has murdered a man. In fact, the death count is rising, with no apparent reason or similarities between the victims. What is the MOTIVE for her killing all these men? A police detective seeks the rationale between seemingly-unrelated murders, connected only by the appearance of a beautiful woman each time. Manner of death is always different. This is a fairly fast paced mystery that had me anxious to keep turning the next page as I savored what was on the last one. And then, BAM!! Part way through the story, I thought I figured it out, but I love a great TWIST, and there you have it -  BOOM!! I NEVER SAW that twist coming! I adore a book that can deliver like that! Absolute pure candy to read- what a treat. It focused on the chameleon stages of the woman, and then, her victim's various lifestyle and personality. (All different, with no seeming common threads.) Then there is the post-mortem talk after the deed is done, and the detective dialog after the crime re-examining the evidence and trying to make sense of it all.

No foul language, no sex, no graphic gore. If you're a fan of Agatha Christie, this is probably right up your alley. A cerebral mystery. “The Bride Wore Black”, by Cornell Woolrich, wholeheartedly recommended.

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Deadman’s Stagecoach by C.M. Oslund is a 1800’s Western who-dun-it. A lighter type western read, mixed with plenty of backstory on Adam, a passenger on a stagecoach, who was shot dead before reaching his destination.. Why? And who wanted him dead? Hired men? What about the other stagecoach passengers?

Overall, quick enjoyable western historical fictional read.. 3 Stars. Rated PG-13

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[real-book-reflections]

Bounce...Bounce...Bounce...........Bounce!!! Wow - this one keeps you guessing until the end - from one suspect to the next - and then there's still a twist at the end. Free selection in Audible Plus Catalog.

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AUDIO VERSION of The Windsor Knot by S.J. Bennett - Narration by Jane Copeland. YES!! This was absolutely lovely to listen to! So much fun! The 1st in a new cozy series: Her Majesty the Queen Investigates, the book starts out with a death right at that the beginning, taking place right under the roof of Queen Elizabeth, at Windsor Castle. With Queen Elizabeth II, being a primary character, she is flanked by Asst Private Secretary, Rozie Oshodi, who proves to be quite capable in her owns rights. Brilliant chemistry of mutual respect between all the characters, dominated by an intelligent, witty, often humorous, sometimes cheeky dialogue. I LOVED the few personal conversations between Philip and the Queen. (Phillip’s pet name for the Queen is “Cabbage”.) This was a wonderful portrait of some the Queen’s responsibilities, her family, staff, the public she has to deal with, and her beloved home, Windsor Castle. Coordinating all those things, she is using her wisdom and keen eye to guide the proper authorities to unmask the truth about the death of one of her guests, a Russian piano player. But questions abound - Suicide? Murder? Accident? A killer? Who? The narrator, Jane Copeland, is fantastic! Pitch, pace, power, accent(s), enthusiasm, and fluency were spot on. The narrator did this story justice, and brought life and authentic realism, making the listening experience even more enjoyable.

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Colorful and interesting,Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz, is a masterfully spun tale, the delicate story fabric being interwoven with historical-fiction-romance, pieces of real history, and Christian ideals.

The characters are believable, the atmosphere picturesque, the plot well-paced.

Tobacco brides were a commodity of trade that were imported from England to James Towne, VA, USA, via ship passage in the 1630's. A tobacco farmer could bid on a perspective bride in auction, and buy her for 150 lbs of prime good leaf tobacco, (an extravagance denied many), only after the women disembarked, were churched, then lodged in married households being looked after, until their choices of husbands were made. There was a courting period, and if the young woman was agreeable, she would give her dowry she had to marry the gentleman, becoming mistress of his manor.

However, as the time period depicts, it wasn't an easy life. Much life in Virginia was still an ongoing fight for survival, and there was all sorts of Indian unrest..

Ms. Frantz' notes at the end of the book are most fascinating. Alexander Renick's character was inspired by John Rolfe,  just as Mattachanna was inspired by Pocahontas. Helpful sources of research came from Pocahontas's own people.

Publication Date: JANUARY 5, 2021. This story would appeal to those who like the Christian-romance, Historical Fiction genres.

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Cover Your Tracks

I expected a story of survival according to the book’s front cover blurb; what I read/listened to, was all of that, and so much more!  OMG! Suspense, twists… Holy snowballs!  I’m trying to be careful not to give anything away, but the story line is really brilliant. However, that being said, the dialogue wasn’t always brilliant. A few lines were unbelievable in light of the supposed maturity and expertise of both characters. With that overlooked, a very memorable and poignant story is left with me.

Margo Fletcher, ER Doctor, is eight months pregnant. Former Special Forces Army Ranger, Nick Eliot, 42, is retired, and has served his Country well. Both traveling on the same train, but while passing through an isolated portion of the Rockies in blizzard conditions, the train unexpectedly brakes due to a deadly massive avalanche plummeting down the mountain. The conductor gives the order for the passengers to stay seated! But Nick, insists that survival depends on moving to the back of the train. He tells everyone, move to the back of the train. Margo is the only one to listen to him. Nick uncouples the last car just in time to avoid the avalanche. The rest of the train is hurled down the mountainside and is soon lost forever. Margo and Nick are the sole survivors.

When the weather turns violent again, the pair must flee the shelter of the passenger car and run for their lives into the wilderness. Fending off the deadly cold as well as predatory wild animals foraging for food.  But there is more than nature’s elements that threaten to destroy one or both of them.

Narrator, Allyson Ryan, does a good job with turning on emotional characteristics of the story. Only wish, her voice could have been deeper and more unique for the male character(s).

Cover Your Tracks is a chilling story of love and hate, the devastating power of nature, and the will to survive. 4.5 Stars.

Real Book Reflections Rating: PG-13

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[real-book-reflections]

Real Book Reflections Rating: PG-13

Spitting Devil

Audio Edition - Freeman is a wiz at capturing and holding a reader’s interest from beginning to end. A great twist is nearly always delivered. Had me guessing and changing my mind throughout the book. The narrator was excellent, and really kept the story moving at a great pace. This was a short audible  mystery at 1 hr 41 min. Earns 3.5 STARS, rounded up to 4, for the great narrative.

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Finding Her Way (Wildflowers #1)

Traveling from Boston to Oregon in 1848 by wagon train, can be a formidable task for anyone. For Corrine Temple, a seventeen year old young lady whose father has arranged a marriage for her in order to have safe passage on the trail so that they can reunite, well......it’s about to bring a whole level of hardship, trouble, heartbreak, and embarrassment she never imagined.

However, Corrine is soon making a name for herself among those she travels with in the wagon train, and with the Indians they meet up with, due to her knowledge and abilities of how to help people with flowers and plants she collects and makes into medicine to heals wounds or sickness. Her new husband is not so impressed; he isolates her from others, including her best friend with threats if she disobeys him, he calls her a child and expresses how foolish she is. Not only does Corrine face that ill mannered treatment that she must endure, but with it, all the emotional challenges of the Oregon Trail including accidents, illness, and death. How can she find her way and what waits for her at the end of this journey?

This is a powerful story of a young woman with high values, a future dream, and sheer determination that will evolve into greater strength in order to conquer the hardship of a loveless marriage, and the brutality of the Oregon Trail, with the deepest of love, and compassion for others along the way.

I listened to the AUDIO version of this story, and the narrator was absolutely brilliant. It was a well paced reading, enjoyable to listen to with character voices that were unique and distinguishable from one another.

I am pleased to recommend this historical fiction with a SOLID 5 STARS 🌟 Real Book Reflections Rating: PG

https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Her-Way-Frontier-Wildflowers-ebook/dp/B009Y92J5C

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https://www.amazon.com/Far-Journey-Timeslip-Survival-Oregon-ebook/dp/B00YANTEIW

Real Book Reflections Rating: PG13

The Far Journey: A Timeslip Novel of Survival on the Oregon Trail

I absolutely loved this book! Not at the beginning though….it was hard to read about this girl’s disrespectful behavior in the “Rude Girls Club” she was a member of. But fortunately, I kept reading and it was so much more than I ever thought it would be, touching my heart for the lessons learned and experienced by her. 

Honestly, the true praise I want to give to this book is hard to put into words.“The Far Journey” is a grand epic of love and tragedy, loyalty and betrayal, peril and survival. Through a mysterious time warp, 16 year old, very rude, but very pretty, Paula Masters of the 21st century, is transported back to the middle of the 19th century, on an Oregon Trail trek as Libby Quarles, plain, with a broken arm and a couple of missing fingers.  Not realizing where she is or how she got there, she initially believes that this is some sort of crazy elaborate lesson in discipline from her parents. It’s not.

Paula (as Libby) is about to be tested in body and soul, and to survive, she must discover the strength and toughness inside her. She’s about to embark on lessons that will impact her physically, mentally and emotionally for all time.

Extremely well written, often humorous, and the Audio Version is a wonderful treat to listen to.I’m proclaiming this book in my Top favorites ❤ for 2020, and wholeheartedly recommend it to any one who likes Time-Travel, Historical Fiction, Woman’s Fiction genres.

[real-book-reflections]

Cover Your Tracks

I expected a story of survival according to the book's front cover blurb; what I read/listened to, was all of that, and so much more!  OMG! Suspense, twists... Holy snowballs!  I'm trying to be careful not to give anything away, but the story line is really brilliant. However, that being said, the dialogue wasn't always brilliant. A few lines were unbelievable in light of the supposed maturity and expertise of both characters. With that overlooked, a very memorable and poignant story is left with me.

Margo Fletcher, ER Doctor, is eight months pregnant. Former Special Forces Army Ranger, Nick Eliot, 42, is retired, and has served his Country well. Both traveling on the same train, but while passing through an isolated portion of the Rockies in blizzard conditions, the train unexpectedly brakes due to a deadly massive avalanche plummeting down the mountain. The conductor gives the order for the passengers to stay seated! But Nick, insists that survival depends on moving to the back of the train. He tells everyone, move to the back of the train. Margo is the only one to listen to him. Nick uncouples the last car just in time to avoid the avalanche. The rest of the train is hurled down the mountainside and is soon lost forever. Margo and Nick are the sole survivors.

When the weather turns violent again, the pair must flee the shelter of the passenger car and run for their lives into the wilderness. Fending off the deadly cold as well as predatory wild animals foraging for food.  But there is more than nature's elements that threaten to destroy one or both of them.

Narrator, Allyson Ryan, does a good job with turning on emotional characteristics of the story. Only wish, her voice could have been deeper and more unique for the male character(s).

Cover Your Tracks is a chilling story of love and hate, the devastating power of nature, and the will to survive. 4.5 Stars.

Real Book Reflections Rating: PG-13

https://www.amazon.com/Cover-Your-Tracks-Daco-Auffenorde/dp/1684425506

[real-book-reflections]

Beginner's Guide to Whiskey: Traditions, Types, and Tastes of the Ultimate Spirit

So many wonderful things in this book - how it's made, what terms mean, geology of the products, grains, quality, taste properties, most expensive, best recommendations, Brand Ratings... there's too much to list. It was really interesting to read and it was easy to find information because it was very well organized. Highly recommend if you are wanting to know more about whiskey for yourself, and/or if choosing a certain type of whiskey to give to someone as a gift. It's an invaluable guide to keep in handy in the home bar.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=beginners+guide+to+whiskey&crid=36Q2XTLYVKJ25

[real-book-reflections]

Spitting Devil

Audio Edition - Freeman is a wiz at capturing and holding a reader's interest from beginning to end. A great twist is nearly always delivered. Had me guessing and changing my mind throughout the book. The narrator was excellent, and really kept the story moving at a great pace. This was a short audible  mystery at 1 hr 41 min. Earns 3.5 STARS, rounded up to 4, for the great narrative.

https://www.amazon.com/Spitting-Devil-Brian-Freeman-audiobook/dp/B00XRJA5FG