Advance Review of There and Back by Trisha Fitzgerald-Petri

Trisha Fitzgerald-Petri's Novel was not released at the time I was privileged to do an advance review of it.

Book Review: There and Back
Reviewed by Elena Dorothy Bowman
March 20, 2009

There and Back by Trisha Fitzgerald-Petri
Publisher: Wings ePress – 298 Pages


Trisha's novel There and Back is a mesmerizing tale of three Irish sisters and the complications that seem to dog two of them throughout their lives. Theresa Sullivan, the younger of the two, is a free spirit who believes all she ever dreams for would come to her naturally, which to her made her life more interesting if not perilous. On the other hand, her older sister, Gwendolyn has a more conservative view of life. Then, of course, there is Anna, the quiet one. From the beginning it is Gwen who copes with her sister's devil may care attitude, which causes a great deal of apprehension in Gwen's life. So much so that Gwen begins to believe it is her lot in life to look after her younger sister no matter what the consequences to her own desires and expectations.

Sprinkled within the story one can almost feel the atmosphere of the Irish Countryside. Trisha's description brings to mind the smells of the land, the food, the people's lives, all entwined as one. Traveling along the road through the villages one could actually believe that they are there in spirit if not in body. And behind this quiet, peaceful land, there is the threat of danger as Tessie manages to get herself into one pickle after another.

The many twist, turns and humor, in just the right places, take the reader from the land of the Irish to a different and strange culture and into the mountainous territory of Yugoslavia. Beneath the beauty of this troubled land bordering on the edge of war and suspicion, where earthquakes are as normal as the day is long, the precarious turn of events is heightened when Tessie manages to get herself entwined in the most dangerous and deadliest escapade of all. Tossing her own desires aside, Gwen, with the help of one of Tessie's discarded suitors rushes to her sister's aid only to find herself in a situation that is just as dangerous and deadly as her sister's and wondering if they will ever see Ireland again.

Trisha takes her time weaving this story together taking the reader deeper and deeper into the intrigue she so cleverly unwinds. She deftly exposes the depth of her characters' tribulations, and emotions, while emerging them into an environment that has all the intrigue and life–threatening danger waiting to engulf them. Although not a fast-paced novel, it moves at a steady pace, capturing the reader's attention and wondering where it would all end. It is without a doubt a page turner and well worth the read.

~~ Elena Dorothy Bowman, Author of:
The Sarah's Landing Series, The Legacy Series, Time-Rift, The Odyssey and The Imposter.

Review of Diamond Star - Catherine Asaro's Newest Release

Review of Diamond Star
Author: Catherine Asaro
ISBN#978-1-4165-9160-3
1-4165-9160-5
Publisher: Baen Books – 2009
Reviewed by: Elena Dorothy Bowman

Diamond Star, the newest novel in Catherine Asaro's Award-Winning Skolian Empire Series is the story of a Prince of the Ruby Empire who longed to be somewhere and someone other than who he really was, and to that end kept his true identity a secret. At the time his family returned to their own planet, he was not with them, causing his family to believe he was being held captive by Earth's Hierarchy. Feeling that his family would not appreciate his desire to stay on Earth and be a rock star, he kept that information from them. Intent on proving that he could do more with his talent than what was expected of him, he set about promoting his music and his voice. He soon discovered that he was entwined in the dark side of the holo-rock industry, with attempts on his life, people wanting to own him, use him, kidnap him, and enslave him. Not to mention the interstellar conflagration he could bring about between three civilizations: Earth, Skyfall, and the worst of them all—The Traders— if Earth couldn't protect him. Then, too, there was woman he loved, a love he couldn't or wouldn't believe possible. He did not want to cause his family any worry or anguish, but he had to do what he was born to do—sing. If only he could believe he was as good as everyone was telling him he was, that he truly was worthy of the talent he was given.

Catherine Asaro's Diamond Star will keep you turning the pages as she takes you from one world to another as easily as going to the corner grocery store. The vivid worlds she creates makes one want to sign up for the next flight to the stars. A romantic science fiction novel that will keep you thinking about it long after you've closed the book on the last chapter.
~~Elena Dorothy Bowman
Author of: The Sarah's Landing Series, The Legacy Series, Time-Rift, The Odyssey and The Imposter.

The Iman Speaks the Truth of his Faith - Very Scary

I just received this e-mail and I really want you to read it now!!!! Very scary and very true!!!

This is a true story and the author, Rick Mathes, is a well-known leader in prison ministry. The man who walks with God always gets to his destination. If you have a pulse you have a purpose.

The Muslim religion is the fastest growing religion per capita in the United States, especially in the minority races!!!

Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths, who explained each of their beliefs.

I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say. The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video.

After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers.

When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked: 'Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world and, that by killing an infidel, (which is a command to all Muslims) they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?'

There was no disagreement with my statements and, without hesitation, he replied, Non-believers!'

I responded, 'So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can have a place in heaven. Is that correct?'

The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy who had just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.'

He sheepishly replied, 'Yes.'

I then stated, 'Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Dr. Stanley ordering all protestants to do the same in order to guarantee them a place in heaven!'

The Imam was speechless!

I continued, 'I also have a problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me!

Let me ask you a question: Would you rather have your Allah, who tells you to kill me in order for you to go to heaven, or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to heaven and He wants you to be there with me?'

You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame. Needless to say, the organizers and/or promoters of the Diversification training seminar were not happy with my way of dealing with the Islamic Imam, and exposing the truth about the Muslims' beliefs.

In twenty years there will be enough Muslim voters in the U.S. to elect the President!

I think everyone in the U.S. should be required to read this, but with ACLU, there is likely no way this will be widely publicized, unless each of us send it on! This is our chance to make a difference...

FOR GODS' SAKE! SEND THIS ON!

And so I did and also decided to post it to my blog because it is too important not to.

Grand Opening Scavenger Hunt on March 20th

YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS! In celebration of the grand opening of the new Books We Love Reader's Group at yahoo, BWL_Readers@yahoogroups.com, we're asking you to get acquainted with some of our authors by participating in a fun scavenger hunt. We promise it isn't hard. You just have to follow the provided links listed on the loop the morning of March 20th and answer some really easy questions. The answers are all there...you just have to find and collect them all to be entered into a drawing for one of eighteen books. Some will even be personally autographed. You'll have two days, with the contest ending Saturday at midnight. All entries must be received by Ginger Simpson at mizging@gmail.com by noon on Sunday, 3/22. Winners will be announced shortly after.

Whether you come to play or not, we hope you will join us in celebrating the beginning of what we hope will be a stimulating and pleasant group experience. If you aren't familiar with us, please visit http://www.bookswelove.net and get an idea of who we are and what we're about. I'm sure you may have already played in a contest or two there. Jude Pittman has assembled a wonderful group of talent, but without readers, we don't have much purpose. Come join us, won't you. Remember, Saturday, March 20th.

Join us in welcoming Spring!

Messengers from God

Messengers from God
by
Elena Dorothy Bowman

Six-thirty every morning, Julia stood on the beach and watched her marine mammal friends frolicking in the ocean. She listened in on their banter as they dove in and out of the water splashing and crashing into the waves coming from the open sea and roaring toward the shore.
If anyone ever told her she would be communicating with these mariners on a daily basis, she would have looked at them as if they had lost their marbles. But, she was just as surprised as anyone else that the dolphins spoke to her, or rather that she could understand what they were saying.
This morning was no different than any of the others she spent watching her friends, except that the Christmas Season was upon them. It was their quiet time, she loved it as much as the they did. Usually not many people came to Makaha Valley on the West side of the Island of Oahu to see them. But those who did, would never forget the day they went swimming with the dolphins.
***
Julian and Karyn James, from Boston, Massachusetts were spending Christmas in Hawaii, and were the first to arrive. They stood on the beach alongside Julia and watched the young whales playing.
“Do they do that all the time?” Karyn asked.
“Every day,” Julia said laughing.
When the others arrived Julia gathered the group together and told them under no circumstances were they to touch the dolphins. They will swim alongside you, only inches away, but as much as you might like to, don’t touch, okay?”
When everyone agreed, Julia then said, “Okay everyone into the water.” She laughed, as they looked at her bewildered.
“We have to swim out to them,” she said, quietly, “they don’t come to you...well almost never. It’s only 300 yards out, come on everyone you can do it. The dolphins are waiting.”
Karyn looked at Julian. He laughed and nodded, “Don’t worry, if you falter, I’ll be close by.”
Karyn’s laughter was a bit strained. But she went in anyway. The dolphins waited until the people reached them, then started to swim alongside. Everyone marveled at the friendliness, beauty and grace of their companions. Later, they would swear their sidekicks were talking to them as well as to each other.
Sensing the people were secure with them, the cetaceans began playing games, chasing, tagging, and romping with the swimmers. Soon the aquatic mammals perceived the people were tired and herded them toward shore as they swam alongside. When the group reached the beach, the dolphins turned and went back out to their favorite spot.
Karyn and Julian loved every minute of it and wouldn’t have missed it for the world, they promised to return. Julia said she would look forward to seeing them again, and added, the dolphins would, too.
A few days before they were to leave to go back to Massachusetts, Karyn slipped on a wet floor and seriously injured her back. She was in agony. Julian thought about taking her home early, but she wanted to see the dolphins one last time. Reluctantly, Julian agreed and brought Karyn to the beach at Makaha Valley.
Julia greeted them and asked Karyn how her back was.
“How did you know?” Karyn asked.
"My friends told me. They said you were in a lot of pain and would like you to swim out to them."
“No,” Karyn said. “I wish I could, but I can’t. It hurts too much, Julian will go.”
“Julian can come along as well, but the dolphins want you to come into the water with them...look, they’re coming in for you...see!"
Karyn looked and was surprised to see the young dolphins dangerously close to the shore and making such a racket she had no choice but to go in and meet them. They swam alongside her, taking her further and further out. Julia and Julian went along as well. The dolphins kept Karyn close to them and she could feel the love, peace, and tranquility they transmitted to her. She felt at peace and was no longer in pain.
Tired, Karyn wanted to return to the shore and panicked when a giant Sting-Ray barred her way. Her dolphins came to the rescue. Swimming in front of, and encircling the entire group, they moved as one safely through the waters and past the Sting-Ray to the land beyond. When their charges were back on the beach, the dolphins signaled their good-byes and swam back out. The pain in Karyn’s back was completely gone, she could move about freely and she felt wonderful.
Karyn turned to Julia, “This is one Christmas I’ll never forget... how did you know?”
Julia smiled, “The dolphins told me. That’s why they wanted you in the water... where they could help you.”
“They are such beautiful creatures,” Karyn said. “Once with them I felt no pain, just peace and tranquility. I could feel their warmth engulfing me. The purity of their love and the tranquility they transmit is unbelievable.”
“I know,” Julia answered, “That’s why I call them my “Messengers from God!”

* * * * *

WWII Movie Stars

If this has been around, enjoy again! WWII MOVIE STARS Below are the patriotic and military accomplishments of movie stars including Audie Murphy so slow down when you read that section. Audie Murphy is a guy that the Post Office refuses to dedicate a postage stamp to. Think of all the silly things you have seen on our postage stamps, such as cartoon characters. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE WW II MOVIE STARS In contrast to the ideals, opinions and feelings of to day's 'Hollywonk', the real actors of yesteryear loved the United States . They had both class and integrity. With the advent of World War II many of our actors went to fight rather than stand and rant against this country we all love. They gave up their wealth, position and fame to become service men & women, many as simple 'enlisted men'. This page lists but a few, but from this group of only 18 men came over 70 medals in honor of their valor, spanning from Bronze Stars, Silver Stars, Distinguish Service Cross', Purple Hearts and one Congressional Medal of Honor. So remember; while the 'Entertainers of 2007-2008' have been in all of the news media lately I would like to remind the people of what the entertainers of 1943 were doing, (65 years ago). Most of these brave men have since passed on. 'Real Hollywood Heroes' Alec Guinness (Star Wars) operated a British Royal Navy landing craft on D-Day. James Doohan ('Scotty' on Star Trek) landed in Normandy with the U. S. Army on D-Day. Donald Pleasance (The Great Escape) really was an R. A. F. pilot who was shot down, held prisoner and tortured by the Germans. David Niven was a Sandhurst graduate and Lt. Colonel of the British Commandos in Normandy . James Stewart Entered the Army Air Force as a private and worked his way to the rank of Colonel. During World War II, Stewart served as a bomber pilot, his service record crediting him with leading more than 20 missions over Germany , and taking part in hundreds of air strikes during his tour of duty. Stewart earned the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, France's Croix de Guerre, and 7 Battle Stars during World War II. In peace time, Stewart continued to be an active member of the Air Force as a reservist, reaching the rank of Brigadier General before retiring in the late 1950's. Clark Gable (Mega-Movie Star when war broke out) Although he was beyond the draft age at the time the U.S. entered WW II, Clark Gable enlisted as a private in the AAF on Aug. 12, 1942 at Los Angeles. He attended the Officers' Candidate School at Miami Beach , Fla. and graduated as a second lieutenant on Oct. 28, 1942. He then attended aerial gunnery school and in Feb. 1943 he was assigned to the 351st Bomb Group at Polebrook where he flew operational missions over Europe in B-17's. Capt Gable returned to the U.S. in Oct. 1943 and was relieved from active duty as a major on Jun. 12, 1944 at his own request, since he was over-age for combat. Charlton Heston was an Army Air Corps Sergeant in Kodiak. Ernest Borgnine was a U. S. Navy Gunners Mate 1935-1945. Charles Durning was a U. S. Army Ranger at Normandy earning a Silver Star and awarded the Purple Heart. Charles Bronson was a tail gunner in the Army Air Corps, more specifically on B-29's in the 20th Air Force out of Guam, Tinian, and Saipan. George C. Scott was a decorated U. S. Marine. Eddie Albert (Green Acres TV) was awarded a Bronze Star for his heroic action as a U. S. Naval officer aiding Marines at the horrific battle on the island of Tarawa in the Pacific Nov. 1943. Brian Keith served as a U.S. Marine rear gunner in several actions against the Japanese on Rabal in the Pacific. Lee Marvin was a U.S. Marine on Saipan during the Marianas campaign when he was wounded earning the Purple Heart. John Russell: In 1942, he enlisted in the Marine Corps where he received a battlefield commission and was wounded and highly decorated for valor at Guadalcanal . Robert Ryan was a U.S. Marine who served with the O.S.S. in Yugoslavia . Tyrone Power (an established movie star when Pearl Harbor was bombed) joined the U.S. Marines, was a pilot flying supplies into, and wounded Marines out of, Iwo Jima and Okinawa . Audie Murphy, a little 5'5" tall 110 pound guy from Texas who played cowboy parts: Most Decorated serviceman of WWII and earned: Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, 2 Silver Star Medals, Legion of Merit, 2 Bronze Star Medals with 'V', 2 Purple Hearts, U.S. Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 2 Distinguished Unit Emblems, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with One Silver Star, Four Bronze Service Stars (representing nine campaigns) and one Bronze Arrowhead (representing assault landing at Sicily and Southern France), World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar, Expert Badge with Bayonet Bar, French Fourragere in Colors of the Croix de Guerre, French Legion of Honor, Grade of Chevalier, French Croix de Guerre With Silver Star, French Croix de Guerre with Palm, Medal of Liberated France, Belgian Croix de Guerre 1940 Palm. So how do you feel the real heroes of the silver screen acted when compared to the hollywonks today who spew out anti-American drivel as they bite the hand that feeds them? Can you imagine these stars of yester-year saying they hate our flag, making anti-war speeches, marching in anti-American parades and saying they hate our president? I thought not, neither did I! I hope you enjoyed this bit of history.

The Litchfield Literary Review

Guess I'm a little late in posting this, but with the holidays and all, it's to be expected...at least in my case it is. I recently had three short stories published in the Litchfield Literary Review entitled: "When Heroes Meet", "Summer Outing", and "Halloween Night in Waterville". The url for the Litchfield Literary Review is: http://www.thelitchfieldliteraryreview.com if anyone cares to take a look. Of course, there is my website where the reviews and excerpts of my novels are posted. http://elenadb.home.comcast.net.

Trust all have had a wonderful Holiday and looking forward to a better 2009.