TALE OF THE PENITENT THIEF by Don Willis

 

Tale of the Penitent Thief  is a compelling concept. However, the book itself proved a disappointment. 

Writing historic fiction gives an author liberty to fill in gaps in the historic record, not the license to rewrite known facts. I was led to conclude that either the author is unfamiliar with Biblical history or deliberately chose to ignore it. For example, he has Joseph and Mary escaping to Nazareth with their newborn, Jesus. Doesn’t everyone know they escaped to Egypt?
 

In this book the Magi warn Joseph to flee rather than an angel as the Bible says…and they leave the same night Jesus is born! According to the gospel, Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after his birth to complete Mary's ritual purification after childbirth, and to perform the redemption of the firstborn, in obedience to the Law of Moses.
 

He later names Herod Archelaus as the father of his full brother, Herod Antipas. Are we to assume Archelaus slept with his own mother? The historical inaccuracies continue right up to the crucifixion. Death by crucifixion occurs by suffocation. A crucified individual does not have sufficient breath for the long, extended dialog the author places in their mouths.
 

In reality, Jesus also died before either thief, but not in this book. Recall they broke their legs to hasten death, but not the legs of Jesus? This verified scripture that “none of his bones were broken.” In this novel, Jesus receives the sword wound and continues talking. He was actually pierced after his death to verify he was dead.
 

As for the character twist at the end, it came as a surprise, but I found it too fantastic to be believable.
 

From an authorial standpoint Mr. Willis violates the prime directive of writing — Show, don’t Tell. The book is nearly all telling. The author has an active imagination and perhaps needs to study fiction writing and then find a genre without the constraints of Historical Fiction. I wish him well, but cannot recommend this novel. —Gail Lewis

I received a free Kindle copy for review from BookSneeze.
 

Product Details:
Source ISBN: 1449791956
Publisher: WestBowPress (April 29, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English

WITNESS, by E.G. Lewis is FREE to Download for next 5 Days!

WITNESS, Book One of the "Seeds of Christianity" Series, can be downloaded for FREE during the next five days (until midnight PST, Thursday, 1/10/12). Go get it at the Link Below, and tell your Friends! Smile.

Click Here to download free from Amazon.com

Includes romance, suspense, and amazing details, with characters you will grow to love. Read how the Christian church began, and what both Jewish and Roman life was like in the First Century. An accurate, historical novel, excellently written.

Try it, you'll like it!

Peace and Blessings.

HARVEST OF RUBIES, by Tessa Afshar

Ancient history with a modern heart.

For some reason, I expected Biblical fiction when I downloaded Harvest of Rubies. And sure, it touches an ancient Biblical figure (nope, you have to read it to find out who), but only as a minor character. Instead, I found myself immersed in a tale of ancient Mesopotamia, complete with intrigue, action, and romance--in short, everything a novel like this should have.

With her love of Persian history and culture evident on every page, Ms Afshar has crafted yet another delightful story that brings to life the spirit and soul of an era long dead. What's so great about this book, though, is that she's done so through the eyes of an unforgettable character, Sarah. The thing about Sarah is...how do I put this?...well, you love her to death, but you're not quite sure whether you love her as you would a wife, a daughter, a best friend, or a sister. Yeah, I know. Maybe it's because Ms Afshar portrays her so well in all of those roles.

Sarah is a gifted linguist and scribe, something unheard of in a woman of ancient Persia. Her cousin (the unnamed Biblical character) gets her an interview with the queen, who just happens to be in need of a senior scribe. Introverted, plain-looking, and self-deprecating, Sarah immerses herself in her work. She performs very well...too well, in fact. To thank her for a particularly insightful service, the queen arranges a marriage for Sarah to a very upstanding and promising nobleman. Sarah passes out when the queen announces the engagement, but not out of joyful surprise as the court interprets her reaction, but out of horror as her entire world--quiet, peaceful, solitary, and intellectually fulfilling--hits the floor as hard as she does.

The description of the disastrous wedding ceremony Ms Afshar delivers is priceless; the cover price of the book is worth that scene alone. But it's the ensuing story, after Sarah bottoms out, that she begins her journey of personal restoration and true fulfillment--not in abandoning who she is and what she loves for the sake of tradition--but in perfecting that tradition through who she is and what she loves. Traveling with a solid cast of supporting characters, Harvest of Rubies takes us on a journey framed around a character who will live in your heart on far beyond the turn of the last page.

Captivating story, skillfully crafted, delivered with great finesse. This is a sure bet for lovers of ancient history and personal triumph. -- Bruce Judisch 

PRODUCT DETAILS:
Paperback: 384 pages

Publisher: River North; New Edition edition (April 20, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0802405584

ISBN-13: 978-0802405586

 

THE DISCOVERY, by Dan Walsh

Had to review this one for two reasons. First, it's a hybrid contemporary-historical piece. I love those. I've written two of them.

Second, the historical part covers WW II, the Greatest Generation era. I love that era. I've written in 1.5 of them. But then, this isn't about me--no, really. I just have this weakness of wanting to identify with really good authors who write the kind of stuff I love to read, and with novels I'd really love to have written.

Dan Walsh and The Discovery fall very neatly into each of those categories, respectively. Here's why.

First, the book. Micheal Warner, an aspiring writer, has just lost his grandfather, Gerard Warner, a world-renown best-selling author. That's another reason I'd like to identify with this--(Stop it! Sorry, back to the book). Michael has inherited a sizable estate from his grandfather, including his historic house in Charleston, SC. It's not the real estate Michael values, though. It's the enduring spirit of his beloved--and reclusive--grandfather and writing mentor that pervades every room. But Gerard Warner has left his grandson something more than an aura. He's left a manuscript--yellowed with age, never before seen--for Michael to find. And read. And, well, discover.

Mr. Walsh takes us back to the historical period using a book within a book, a story within a story. Michael settles back to read with the notion of publishing it into what would be sure to be a best seller. I mean, a secret manuscript by a renown author coming to light after his death; how could it miss? But what lies between the age-tinged pages, revelation after revelation, urges Michael back forward in his seat. Why? To tell you more would spoil it. And you don't want me to do that.

Second, the author. Bravo to Mr. Walsh for penning so well an unforgettable tale with equally unforgettable characters. His gentle prose glides the reader along effortlessly; his writing voice, though unique, never interfering with the story. The tale delivers bittersweet poignancy and romance, but not without action, that settle on your mind and spirit in an emotionally satisfying way. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly recommended.

--Bruce Judisch

Product Details:

Language: English

Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Pages: 352
ISBN-13: 9780800719814                       

AT TABLE WITH THE LORD - FREE eBOOK PROMOTION

We are pleased to share with you that, for the first time ever, E. G. Lewis' eBook At Table with the Lord — Foods of the First Century will be free in the Amazon Kindle store beginning 08/06/2012 through 08/10/2012.

Starting Monday, 12:01 a.m. PST until midnight Friday

Click HERE to download your free copy of "At Table with the Lord." 

Derived from research for The Seeds of Christianity Series™, this easy to read book examines all major food groups as well as what they didn’t have. It also includes special chapters on ancient aviculture, apiculture, olives and olive oil, plus a new look at manna, and at a gladiator’s diet.

Includes numerous recipes to try at home. Fun and thoughtful, At Table with the Lord is an excellent resource for home-schoolers or Sunday School teachers.

This is a world-wide promotion. For those outside the USA, free copies  are available through all Amazon sites.

Download yours  and help us spread the word.  

E.G. Lewis is the author of the popular four-book series of novels "Seeds of Christianity." His research for them led to this book and several other fascinating non-fiction accounts of life in the first century.

Until next time, we wish you Peace and Blessings.

FREE eBOOK, WITNESS, via Amazon.com

For the first time ever the Kindle edition of the best-selling novel, WITNESS, will be available for free download at Amazon.com beginning all day Friday, July 6, (PST) through  Tuesday, July 10, 2012 (PST). For European visitors, WITNESS will also be available in the United Kingdom – Germany – France – and Italy. 

The book has been well-received by readers and reviewers throughout the world and has earned a Five-Star ranking on Amazon. The publisher, Cape Arago Press, is taking this opportunity to introduce Rivkah and The Seeds of Christianity Series™ to many more readers.  

About this great novel:

Reviewers say: “Fast paced and gripping…the author did a wonderful job of weaving history into fiction”...“This is a love story, and a good one”…“There’s a beautiful innocence to Rivkah and her thoughts, and the author has a gentle way with words”… “The writing is incredible”… “You will rejoice and cry…this is a novel that transports you to a different time and place”… “E.G. Lewis did a marvelous job…worthy of so much more than a 5-star rating.”  

WITNESS — An old tale told in a new way!

The events Rivkah witnessed changed history. As a young shepherd girl, she accompanied her father to a Bethlehem stable where she held the baby Jesus. She watched Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt, met the strange visitors from the East who’d followed a star to Bethlehem, and saw Herod’s soldiers kill the children of her village.

You can experience life in Roman Judea as the Jewish people struggle under the burden of Caesar's armies and Herod's cruelty. Watch false Messiahs rise and fall and see the fatal retribution that followed. Feel the pain of the innocent bystanders left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.

Meet Shemu’el, the young man Rivkah believed God destined for her. But Rome tore them apart. Divided by fate, united by love, these two young people grow to separate adulthood, each with their dreams and desires unfulfilled, while the world of Rome and conquest moves inexorably on.

Then, many years later, Rivkah finds herself in Jerusalem during the Passover. Trapped in a crowd, she is forced to watch three men being led to their execution. Her stomach drops when she realizes one of the men is Yeshua, the babe she held so many years before.

Witness it all through the eyes of one who lived it. 

Go HERE to download your free copy of WITNESS starting tomorrow. 

Peace and Blessings.

DECEMBER 1941 by CRAIG SHIRLEY

The concept of a thorough analysis of the facts and foibles leading up to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor is an enticing one. Mr.Shirley clearly did a lot of research and many of the facts and insights relating to the news media of the day are interesting. However, his execution fell short of his stated goal and the book is marred by its obvious lack editing and proof reading. Facts change from page to page and there are glaring spelling errors. The book opens with great expectations that dwindle away halfway through. Though interesting, the later portions of the book have the feel of a slapdash effort thrown together under pressure of an impending deadline.

Disclaimer: We received a review copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
-E G Lewis

EVERYBODY'S DAUGHTER by Michael John Sullivan

Thank you to the The B&B Media Group for offering us a free review copy of Everybody's Daughter.  I love time travel and Biblical fiction. Combine the two and I was excited to read this novel and jumped at the opportunity to receive it.

I recommend reading Michael J. Sullivan's first novel, Necessary Heartbreak, before this one. Everybody's Daughter can stand alone, however, I think I'd have enjoyed it more if I'd read the other book first. It takes Michael Stewart and his daughter, Elizabeth, on their first journey into First Century Jerusalem via the tunnel of an old church that unexpectedly appears. The second novel discusses events that happened in the first, but their second trip back via that same tunnel finds the two of them separated by two different time periods.

You meet the woman, Leah, that Michael fell in love with in the first novel, but they are not exactly reunited in this one. There is tragedy and heartbreak ahead for several of the characters and Elizabeth plays a very dramatic role.

In the first novel, Michael and his daughter are in Jerusalem during the crucifixion of Jesus. In this one, he meets Jesus before that and is present for the Sermon on the Mount.

The story is not just about the time spent in the First Century, however. Michael's present-day family is introduced, complete with family conflicts. Much of the book is about the value of forgiveness, and Michael's difficulty in doing so. And, because of Elizabeth's sudden disappearance, and a bit of her blood found in his car, Michael becomes a prime suspect in her disappearance. It's family and friends who protect him from arrest and aid in his return to the past in an effort to find Elizabeth. Does he? You'll have to read it to see.

An unusual story with a twist at the end. 

—Gail Lewis 

Product Details:

Paperback: 328 pages
Publisher: Fiction Std (May 16, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1936558440
ISBN-13: 978-1936558445
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches

MARTYR by E.G. Lewis

The organism of a literary series owns a curious personality. One may birth well, but struggle to keep its pace, its conclusion hinting that author was relieved when it finally ended. Another begins a little off-balance, perhaps from too much anticipation of its conclusion, but matures from volume to volume until it ends with so strong a finale, you sense the author wished it hadn't--and the reader empathizes. Others begin to languish soon after the beginning, dragging on from volume to seemingly endless volume until you give up and set it aside before you even find out what the conclusion might have been. Mr. Lewis' Biblical-fiction series, "The Seeds of Christianity," displays a unique personality as well: a solid start with Witness, acceleration and anticipation through Disciple and Apostle, finally a heart-wrenchingly poignant finale with Martyr. Just what you want from a series.

Mr. Lewis has novelized the founding and early growth of the 1st-Century Church with an excellent blend of meticulously researched fact, and well-written, imaginative fiction. Remaining true to the Scriptural account, we experience with Rivka and Shemu'el the Incarnation, Crucifixion and Resurrection, then travel with them to Antioch and finally Rome with Peter, Paul, Mark, Barnabas. Mr. Lewis provides us with fascinating renderings of the early church fathers, but he delivers the real joy through a solid supporting cast of fictional characters whose lives reflect the uncertainties, frailties, victories, and failures of our own--those to whom we can relate when the historical heroes of the faith seem so much bigger than life.

Martyr presents a very satisfying conclusion to the series, tempering the poignancy and sadness implied by the title with the certainty of hope we have not only through the arc of the story, but the knowledge of church history. Vividly portrayed, deeply instructive, emotionally satisfying; there is much to commend the entire series. It's a journey that will change you--for the better.

Martyr is available in both softcopy or in eBook versions. 

—Bruce Judisch

Buy from Amazon.com

Buy from Barnes & Noble

Buy from Cape Arago Press

Product Details:

Paperback: 330 pages

Publisher: Cape Arago Press (February 20, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 098259495X

ISBN-13: 978-0982594957

MARTYR by E.G. Lewis

 At last, the final novel in Ed Lewis’s Seeds of Christianity series has been released, and it’s well worth the wait. A fitting conclusion to this well-researched and deeply intriguing set of novels, Martyr creates a wholly plausible and enthralling picture of ancient Rome in the time of the first Christians. Favorite characters from earlier tales undertake the perilous journey by sea from Antioch while waves crash and timbers creak. Filled with the sights and smells of ocean and harbor, the hustle and bustle of market and the curious wonder of ancient feast day and procession, the novel’s worth reading just for this. 

Soon the family reaches Rome, where characters cope with trials and tribulations of decrepit buildings and corporate greed. History comes alive with real people in situations not so different from those of today. The obnoxious woman next door annoys. The Christian heroine forgives. And the rest of the Christians think she’s just as mad as they would in the present day. A church united by faith threatens to splinter under pressure. And a world united by powerful subjugation begins to fall apart. 

The horror of a city in flames, the panicked flight of civilians, the madness of a fallen emperor, it’s all in here, well-researched, beautifully portrayed, and even illustrated with truly engaging pictures at the end of each chapter. Did you know what an ancient amphora looked like or what it was used for? 

The author uses (and explains in his notes) just the right amount of poetic license to bring the familiar and unfamiliar of this time and its people into focus. History, geography, science and Bible research combine convincingly. The whole makes beautiful, tragic sense, setting the scene for the present day in well-drawn visions from the past, and building up to an awesome conclusion for a series of awesome scope. I almost wish it wasn’t over, and I’m ready to start reading Witness again and repeat the whole journey. 

Disclosure: The author sent me a free ecopy in exchange for my honest review, and I can only count myself blessed to have had the chance to read all four of these books.

—Sheila Deeth

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 TO BUY ON AMAZON.COM

Product Details:

Paperback: 330 pages

Publisher: Cape Arago Press (February 20, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 098259495X

ISBN-13: 978-0982594957

Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches

FREE to Kindle Users! PROMISES by E.G. Lewis

Wednesday, April 11, 2012 and Thursday, April 12, 2012, PROMISES by E.G. Lewis is available for download FREE to Kindle users from Amazon.com. This is a special promotion for two days only. The links below will help you find books by E.G. Lewis offered through Amazon.com. All his eBooks are inexpensive and most are also available in hard copy.

AMAZON KINDLE LINKS

The Seeds of Christianity™ Series:

WITNESS, Book One in US – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002WYJPIU

WITNESS, Book One in UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002WYJPIU

WITNESS, Book One in DE – https://www.amazon.de/dp/B002WYJPIU

DISCIPLE, Book Two in US – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003LBRL0W

DISCIPLE, Book Two in UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003LBRL0W

DISCIPLE, Book Two in DE – https://www.amazon.de/dp/B003LBRL0W

APOSTLE, Book Three in US – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004W4MM6U

APOSTLE, Book Three in UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004W4MM6U

APOSTLE, Book Three in DE – https://www.amazon.de/dp/B004W4MM6U

MARTYR, Book Four in US – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007BZ3I3S

MARTYR, Book Four in UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007BZ3I3S

MARTYR, Book Four in DE – https://www.amazon.de/dp/B007BZ3I3S

Nonfiction by E.G. Lewis:

At Table with the Lord, in US – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004C05482

At Table with the Lord, in UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004C05482

At Table with the Lord, in DE – http://www.amazon.de/dp/B004C05482

All Things Christmas, in US – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004DNWIHI

All Things Christmas, in UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004DNWIHI

All Things Christmas, in UK – https://www.amazon.de/dp/B004DNWIHI

 

In Three Days, in US – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004YKZO44

In Three Days, in UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004YKZO44

In Three Days, in DE – https://www.amazon.de/dp/B004YKZO44

Commercial Fiction by E.G. Lewis:

PROMISES is a commercial novel. Although the main character is moral, her "ex" is not. Expect suspense, humor and sex in this novel. Get it for free at Amazon.com for two days only, 4/11 & 4/12.

For PROMISES on Amazon.com

PROMISES, in US – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002S527E2

PROMISES, in UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002S527E2

PROMISES, in DE – https://www.amazon.de/dp/B002S527E2

LOST, in US – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005HZQ4GM

LOST, in UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005HZQ4GM

LOST, in DE – https://www.amazon.de/dp/B005HZQ4GM

MARTYR by E.G. Lewis

Summit Book Reviews is pleased to welcome author Zara Heritage as a member of our review team. For her first submission, she chose the novel MARTYR, a recent Cape Arago Press release by fellow Summit reviewer, E. G. Lewis. Zara’s debut novel, Cast Me Not Away, is currently undergoing its final edits and will be available in the near future.

*****

As a career writer I am sometimes critical of other people’s writing. When I see something outstanding, however, it makes me want to stand up and shout.

The Seeds of Christianity Series caught my attention with WITNESS, the first novel by E.G. Lewis. I eagerly read each one that followed and believe each book is better than the one preceding it. In MARTYR Mr. Lewis outdoes himself. I cannot recommend it more highly.

Although each novel stands alone, I suggest you read them all, and in order. You will fall in love with this First Century family and their interaction with Biblical events. History comes alive as Lewis weaves fact into fiction to create this memorable saga. The books themselves are not “preachy” as some Christian fiction tends to be.

In MARTYR the main characters, Rivkah and Shemu’el, are now grandparents. They relocate from Antioch to Rome with their adult children and their families. They all have to endure the horrible persecutions of Christians in that time period. However, there is also humor in this novel as well. Rivkah’s interaction with Nasica the rental agent evokes laughter while accurately representing what housing conditions were like at that time. At first, you’ll dislike their feisty neighbor, Severina, then laugh and cry as she transforms into a totally different person with  Rivkah’s influence.

You will experience Nero’s terrifying burning of Rome and their chilling escape thanks to the knowledge of their son, Yudah. His time as an aqueduct apprentice in Antioch serves them well. The autistic giant, Pavlos, introduced in DISCIPLE and a major player in APOSTLE, returns in this book too. Lovable Pavlos is quite a hero. If you don’t shed tears of joy and sorrow over him you are one hard-hearted soul.

Of course, Peter and Paul, Mark and Barnabas are in this book too. How could they not be? Yet, the book isn’t about them. It is about the lives of ordinary people who lived in the First Century and how they managed to survive, maintain and spread the Christian message. Whether you are Christian or not, you will find much to like about this series. It is truly entertaining, educational and inspiring.  MARTYR gets a five-star plus rating in this writer’s estimation.

−Zara Heritage

Click to buy on Amazon.com

PRODUCT DETAILS:

Paperback: 330 pages 
Publisher: Cape Arago Press (February 20, 2012) 
Language: English 
ISBN-10: 098259495X 
ISBN-13: 978-0982594957

YAHSHUA'S BRIDGE by Sandi Rog

After reading a review of The Master’s Wall by Sandi Rog, I bought a copy, and loved it. I was eager to also read the second in her Iron and the Stone series. When Yahshua’s Bridge was published, I bought that one too. Now, I look forward to the third book.

I recommend reading The Master’s Wall before Yahshua’s Bridge. Although it can stand alone, the first book will make the second more enjoyable. Of the two, my favorite is the first, but both are excellent.

In her depiction of ancient Rome, and the early Christian church, Sandi Rog does an excellent job. Her suspense and drama make you want to keep reading. She did, however, tackle one topic that few would. Perhaps because of her illness (mentioned by her editor in the forward of this book) she is no doubt more focused on the afterlife in this novel than her previous one. When a major character is martyred, she makes an attempt to depict that person’s experience with angels and the “bridge” to Yahshua. Her vision of Heaven is very different from my own, and I’m tempted to criticize her description. However, I admire her for the attempt. It’s nothing I would try to describe and it apparently led to the book’s title.

For the most part, this novel is highly engaging and enjoyable and is recommended.

—Gail Lewis  

Product Details:

Paperback: 360 pages
Publisher: DeWard Publishing

Language: English

ISBN-13: 9781936341177

THE MASTER'S WALL by Sandi Rog

I was caught up on my scheduled book reviews and recognized it as an opportunity. What had I wanted to read and not had a chance to yet? Remembering a review that Bruce Judisch did over a year ago and how much his review of The Master's Wall intrigued me, I decided, “Why not?”

With a new Kindle, I sought out The Master’s Wall. I bought it, read it on Kindle and thoroughly enjoyed it. As new books arrived in our mailbox, I wouldn’t open any of them until I’d finished The Master’s Wall.  Bruce Judisch calls it “a keeper.”

Well, yes, it is. But I also want to share it with everyone. It’s a delightful, fun, exciting and romantic story with a happy ending. The bad guys suffer and the good ones prevail.

Ms. Rog successfully paints vivid pictures for the reader. Let your imagination soar. It’s not to be missed.

—Gail Lewis

Mr. Judisch’s review can be found at this link:

Review by Bruce Judisch

P.S. I just purchased the second book, Yahshua's Bridge, in Ms. Rog's , Iron and the Stone series and look forward to reading it. Here's a link to her books on Amazon.com.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=sandi+rog&x=0&y=0

Product Details:
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 431 KB
Publisher: DeWard Publishing Company (October 26, 2010)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B0049B31EI

YESTERDAY’S TOMORROW by CATHERINE WEST

In 1954, Malcolm Taylor, a noted foreign-affairs journalist, kissed his daughter at the front door, said goodbye, and promised to come back. He didn't.

In 1967, Kristin Taylor, a budding novice journalist, followed her father's trail to find out why.

 

In Saigon, Kristin meets up − or rather, is forced into reluctant collaboration − with Luke Maddox, a photojournalist who irks Kristin in just about every way imaginable. And she reciprocates. Little do either of them know that Kristin's determination to follow through on a story her father had begun the previous decade, and Luke's hidden past are intertwined. Finally, her self-imposed assignment, an exposé on a secret war within a war, threatens to explode both of their worlds, which have now become one.

Professionally, Kristin excels in her honest portrayal of a conflict gone so wrong, endearing herself to the men she has come to respect and love. Personally, she doesn't do so well in shielding her emotions from the horror engulfing a nation she has also come to love. From the trauma of a blood-spattered field hospital, to the heat of battle at a forward fire base, to the precious and precarious existence of a Saigon orphanage, Kristin learns the hard way how to survive physically, mentally and emotionally in an environment man was never meant to endure.

Her love-hate relationship with Luke comes to a head, then Kristin is forced to return to the States. Like most veterans of that conflict, part of her she leaves in Vietnam, part of Vietnam she brings home with her. And life is never again the same.

Ms. West delivers an honest, compelling, and very well-written tale of war and the aftermath of war. But it's not a mere blood-and-guts story. It's one of hope. She shows us how love and faith have curious and unexpected ways of sprouting even in the most barren soil. Yesterday's Tomorrow will leave you very satisfied at its conclusion, but don't expect the path to be strewn with rose petals. Few paths to meaningful destinations are.

—Bruce Judisch

Product Details:

Publisher: OakTara
Format: Trade Paperback
Pages: 336
ISBN-13: 978-1-6029027-8-7

Congratulations to our Book Winner!

Congratulations to Michelle Vasquez who has won a new copy of Susan Meissner's A Sound Among The Trees.  The book is on its way from Oregon to Texas. Mailed USPS on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011.

http://summitbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/11/win-free-copy-of-sound-among-trees.html

ACROSS THE WIDE RIVER by Stephanie Reed

There are some books that, as soon as you hear about them, you know you must read them. For me, Across the Wide River was one such book. Having grown up in Southern Ohio and lived and worked in and around the Ripley area, I can validate Stephanie Reed’s accurate portrayal of the region.

Though a novel, Across the Wide River is loaded with factual information. Stephanie Reed presents history in a close-up, personal way. The main character, Lowry Rankin, and his family were real people involved in a true struggle against a pervasive evil of their time. Relying on their deep-seated faith and Christian principles, they chose to take a stand on the side of a disenfranchised and down-trodden people. By telling the story behind the story she highlights the motivations and risks individuals of that era faced.

Much has been made of the way in which Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, galvanized the abolitionist movement in the United States. While certainly true, this overlooks the fact that people like the Rankins were already on site and hard at work well before Stowe’s novel appeared. Driven by their sense of justice, they had banded together to form the loose federation known as the Underground Railway.

The book is rated YA, or Young Adult. This in no way bars an adult from opening the cover. Rather, it simply guarantees the book contains no offensive language, sexual references, or violent episodes that would make it unsuitable for a younger reader. Adults can, and should, read Across the Wide River. They’ll find it an enjoyable experience. Here’s a suggestion on how to go about accomplishing that. The book makes a great gift for a child or grandchild. Buy if for them and, if you’re lucky, they may let you read it when they’ve finished. —E G Lewis

Product Information:

Paperback: 176 pages

Publisher: Kregel Publications

Language: English

ISBN-13: 978-0825435768

THE LAND OF PAINTED CAVES by Jean M. Auel

With the exception of her first novel, The Clan of the Cave Bear, I bought all of Jean Auel’s novels as soon as they were released. Her series, Earth’s Children, is my favorite group of books and quite possibly always will be.  I do think she deserves nicer looking book covers, however. I don’t believe any of the artwork was detailed and exacting enough, or up to the quality of her writing.

If you’ve read her earlier novels, you will enjoy following the most recent exploits of Ayla and Jondalar in Jean Auel’s sixth novel, The Land of Painted Caves. If you haven’t read the others, don’t start with this one. Below this review are reviews for each of her other novels in this series.  The Clan of the Cave Bear is the first.

Here they are in order of their publication:

1. The Clan of the Cave Bear
2. The Valley of Horses
3. The Mammoth Hunters
4. The Plains of Passage
5. The Shelters of Stone
6. The Land of Painted Caves

Reviews for these books work their way forward, beginning from the bottom up. I was careful not to place any other book reviews between them.

Jean Auel visited many caves in France filled with ancient paintings, and does an excellent job of describing them in this novel. Have to admit though, that after a while reading about them isn’t the same as being there would be. Much of the book is a Cro-Magnon travelogue, but that’s not a bad thing.

Regrettably, wonderful, handsome Jondalar disappoints in this novel. His shining image is tarnished beyond repair. Although Ayla forgives him, I wouldn’t have. In fact, I wouldn’t have written it that way … I want my hero’s and heroine’s to remain upright in all regards. So, for that reason, this wasn’t my favorite book of the series. It ranks sixth on my list. As I mentioned in an earlier review, my favorite is The Valley of Horses, next is Plains of Passage, then Clan of the Cave Bear, Mammoth Hunters, Shelters of Stone and this one last. But, it is still worth reading just to see Ayla become a Zelandoni and witness Jonayla’s childhood. The Land of Painted Caves divides into three parts.  Sweet Jonayla grows a little older in each one.

Much of the conflict in this novel occurs because of Jondalar’s infidelity. There is another sad aspect to this book, but I won’t give it away.

Ayla continues to educate her new community, including the fact that babies can only begin if a man and a woman share “pleasures” together.  Ayla’s training to become a Zelandoni is enjoyable and fascinating. It takes tragedy for her to actually become a Zelandoni, however.

If you love the characters, Ayla and Jondalar, you should read this book. Although I enjoyed some of the others more, you might feel differently, and I did enjoy it. It is highly recommended after reading the others first.

—Gail Lewis

Product Details:
Hardcover: 757 pages
Language: English
Publisher: Crown Publishers, Inc.
ISBN-10: 0517580519
ISBN-13: 978-0517580516

THE SHELTERS OF STONE by Jean M. Auel

This is Jean Auel’s fifth book in her Earth’s Children series. It’s also my fifth favorite in the series. 

A year after leaving the mammoth hunting Mamutoi’s, Ayla and Jondalar arrive at his home. These Cro-Magnon groups shelter and make their dwellings in caves, some extremely large. Jondalar’s mother, sister and extended family members welcome his return, and we meet many of his extended family. Ayla faces embarrassment at the hands of a former girlfriend of Jondalar’s, and actually turns it to her advantage. As usual, she wins over most of his people and once again makes a place for herself as a valued member of their society.

Ayla educates them about the Neanderthals they call Flatheads, introduces firestones and much more. Jondalar brings his skills as a flint knapper and introduces them to the spear-thrower he invented. As hoped for, Ayla gives birth to their daughter, Jonayla, and everything concludes with a happy ending.

Ayla and Jondalar’s introduction to his family is fascinating, as are the customs of his people. However, hinted at potential conflicts never transpired. I expected more excitement, and was left wanting. This book lacks the action and intrigue of the previous four. That said, it was still fun to read about the ongoing lives of my favorite characters.

Jean Auel is also an accomplished poet as evidenced by The Mother’s Song, an epic poem the Zelandoni of all the cave communities use to explain their Creation belief and who that divine being is to them. Well worth reading after reading the first four books in the series.
—Gail Lewis

Product Details:
Hardcover: 753 pages
Language: English
Publisher: Crown Publishers, Inc.
ISBN: 0-609-61059-7
ASIN: B001LMZ035

THE PLAINS OF PASSAGE by Jean M. Auel

Jean Auel’s The Plains of Passage is one of my favorite books. It is her fourth novel, and my favorite … second only to The Valley of Horses.  Shortly after its publication, I had the pleasure of attending a writing seminar where Jean Auel spoke. She was inspiring and likeable. I had the good fortune to sit beside her at lunch, a very memorable event for me. Although I had a copy of all her novels with me, I only asked her to sign her latest one, The Plains of Passage. 

For excitement and suspense, this one can’t be beat. Ayla and Jondalar continue their travels toward his home, and the risk of death is often close at hand.  There are a number of very sexy love scenes between the couple too.  They make up for the last book when, to my dissatisfaction, they didn’t spend enough time together. In this one, they do.

By now, Jondalar also rides a horse. Whinny had a foal that Jondalar named Racer. The young stallion becomes his. The horses are also put at risk in this novel, and you won’t be able to quit reading until it’s resolved.  

Together Ayla and Jondalar amaze whoever they encounter. Not only do they ride horses, but they are accompanied by a wolf. The wolf cub that Ayla rescued in the previous novel is now her adoring, loyal companion. She nearly loses Wolf and risks her life to rescue him. Later, Wolf saves her life too after they encounter an evil community of women. True to the heroic characters they are, Jondalar and Ayla survive and transform that community into a healthier one.

The culmination of the book is that Ayla meets Jondalar’s father and his family before continuing on to the Ninth Cave of the Zelandoni, the home Ayla has dreamed of … literally. Don’t miss this novel. It is excellent!

—Gail Lewis

Product Details:

Hardcover: 760 pages
Language: English
Publisher: Crown Publishers, Inc.
ISBN: 0-517-58049-7
ASIN: B001HEC468