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Recommend this book:
Flipping
An Uplifting Novel of Love
Eichin Chang-Lim
2018 Bronze Medal
241 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite
JonSun knew from the moment he caught a fleeting glimpse of her that his heart called to the mysterious woman in the library. Vigilantly he returned, hoping to catch sight of her again, and when he did, the unimaginable happened. Despite being far beyond his reach, she agreed to go on a date. Her parents wanted her to marry a doctor, but as time went on she only had eyes for him, and was willing to sacrifice a life of comfort, even her family, to be with him. Her father had told JonSun he would never be good enough. He was determined to prove him wrong, but knew the life he provided was less than she deserved. But this is not just their tale, and theirs is not the only relationship to watch.
Eichin Chang-Lim writes with an amazing talent and gift. In Flipping she takes the stories of two unconnected families and pulls you into their individual stories, their plights, desperation, and struggles, then brings them together. This isn’t just one story, it’s three, the tale of JonSun and SuAnn, the struggles of the McMeri family, and finally the third tale of Wynson and Christa. Each story is part of the whole and is a struggle against the odds. The plot is gripping, emotional, heart-wrenching, and most of all, believable. The writing and characters are filled with such emotion they bring the story to life. Eichin Chang-Lim has an amazingly polished, concise writing style that will tug at the heartstrings from beginning to end. If you enjoy romance, conflict, struggles, and uplifting tales, then this author is one to watch.
JonSun knew from the moment he caught a fleeting glimpse of her that his heart called to the mysterious woman in the library. Vigilantly he returned, hoping to catch sight of her again, and when he did, the unimaginable happened. Despite being far beyond his reach, she agreed to go on a date. Her parents wanted her to marry a doctor, but as time went on she only had eyes for him, and was willing to sacrifice a life of comfort, even her family, to be with him. Her father had told JonSun he would never be good enough. He was determined to prove him wrong, but knew the life he provided was less than she deserved. But this is not just their tale, and theirs is not the only relationship to watch.
Eichin Chang-Lim writes with an amazing talent and gift. In Flipping she takes the stories of two unconnected families and pulls you into their individual stories, their plights, desperation, and struggles, then brings them together. This isn’t just one story, it’s three, the tale of JonSun and SuAnn, the struggles of the McMeri family, and finally the third tale of Wynson and Christa. Each story is part of the whole and is a struggle against the odds. The plot is gripping, emotional, heart-wrenching, and most of all, believable. The writing and characters are filled with such emotion they bring the story to life. Eichin Chang-Lim has an amazingly polished, concise writing style that will tug at the heartstrings from beginning to end. If you enjoy romance, conflict, struggles, and uplifting tales, then this author is one to watch.
Recommend this book:
Paradise Bound
Rafaële Désiré
2018 Honorable Mention
300 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Ray Simmons for Readers' Favorite
Paradise Bound is one of the most balanced and well written romance novels I have ever read. Not only does Rafaële Désiré know a lot about the Yin and Yang of romance, but she knows a lot about life. The characters are so real you expect them to walk out of the pages and introduce themselves. The protagonist is Dr. Natalie Dorel, a beautiful, strong, caring woman just finishing her residency at a Paris hospital. Never have I seen the spiritual and emotional cost of being a physician written so well. Natalie is brilliant and she has attained her lifelong dream. She has it all, including a good man, so what’s wrong? Rafaële Désiré shows us page by page.
Paradise Bound is all the more impressive because it is Rafaële Désiré’s first novel. I am in awe. I love how the reader is shown the value of art. Like Natalie, a lot of us get caught up in things that are concrete and are expected of us, to such an extent that we neglect the spiritual side. This can be costly and very difficult to understand or correct. Everything in Paradise Bound teaches us the value of life and love. When a story can teach so much and be so entertaining, I consider it a success and I look for that author’s name in my future trips to the book store. Great dialogue, realistic people and situations, and a perfect rendition of the fights, misunderstandings, and hidden fears that come between friends, family, and lovers make Paradise Bound a compelling read. If you love romance, pick it up and start it, one Friday night when you’re not working the next day.
Paradise Bound is one of the most balanced and well written romance novels I have ever read. Not only does Rafaële Désiré know a lot about the Yin and Yang of romance, but she knows a lot about life. The characters are so real you expect them to walk out of the pages and introduce themselves. The protagonist is Dr. Natalie Dorel, a beautiful, strong, caring woman just finishing her residency at a Paris hospital. Never have I seen the spiritual and emotional cost of being a physician written so well. Natalie is brilliant and she has attained her lifelong dream. She has it all, including a good man, so what’s wrong? Rafaële Désiré shows us page by page.
Paradise Bound is all the more impressive because it is Rafaële Désiré’s first novel. I am in awe. I love how the reader is shown the value of art. Like Natalie, a lot of us get caught up in things that are concrete and are expected of us, to such an extent that we neglect the spiritual side. This can be costly and very difficult to understand or correct. Everything in Paradise Bound teaches us the value of life and love. When a story can teach so much and be so entertaining, I consider it a success and I look for that author’s name in my future trips to the book store. Great dialogue, realistic people and situations, and a perfect rendition of the fights, misunderstandings, and hidden fears that come between friends, family, and lovers make Paradise Bound a compelling read. If you love romance, pick it up and start it, one Friday night when you’re not working the next day.
Recommend this book:
Once Upon a Time, a Sparrow
Mary Kabrich
2018 Silver Medal
336 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Gaynor Lincoln for Readers' Favorite
Once Upon A Time, a Sparrow by Mary Kabrich is the poignant story of a successful school psychologist who discovers her Grade 3 coat in the bottom of her deceased mother’s hope chest. The coat brings back long buried and disturbing memories of that particular year in her childhood. These memories affect her relationship with her professional peers and drive Dr Mary to a therapist. Chapters alternate between the young Mary (Madelyn as she was then), and the adult Dr Mary. Madelyn's parents and teachers talk of her repeating Third Grade, and Madelyn is terrified she will have to leave her friends behind. The changing point for Madelyn, who had been classed as special needs because she had great difficulty learning to read, is when her teacher reads 'The Angel Fairy’s Gift' to the class. This is a magical tale full of encouragement, age old truths, and wisdom. Madelyn was so taken with this story that she passionately wanted to learn to read. It also caught her imagination and developed her storytelling skills. But reading is hard and Madelyn finds challenges and roadblocks along the way.
I loved the multiple layers of this book, the third layer being 'The Angel Fairy's Gift'. The author creates convincing characters in Madelyn, her classmates, and the members of her family. Just as Madelyn’s younger brother, Danny, became hooked on 'The Angel Fairy’s Gift', so did I. I even searched to see if I could purchase a copy online – no luck. It must be a creation of the author's imagination. The novel is skillfully written and quickly draws the reader into both Dr Mary's and Madelyn’s worlds. Being a teacher, I find the story vividly realistic and wonder if there is a measure of biography in this touching novel.
Once Upon A Time, a Sparrow by Mary Kabrich is the poignant story of a successful school psychologist who discovers her Grade 3 coat in the bottom of her deceased mother’s hope chest. The coat brings back long buried and disturbing memories of that particular year in her childhood. These memories affect her relationship with her professional peers and drive Dr Mary to a therapist. Chapters alternate between the young Mary (Madelyn as she was then), and the adult Dr Mary. Madelyn's parents and teachers talk of her repeating Third Grade, and Madelyn is terrified she will have to leave her friends behind. The changing point for Madelyn, who had been classed as special needs because she had great difficulty learning to read, is when her teacher reads 'The Angel Fairy’s Gift' to the class. This is a magical tale full of encouragement, age old truths, and wisdom. Madelyn was so taken with this story that she passionately wanted to learn to read. It also caught her imagination and developed her storytelling skills. But reading is hard and Madelyn finds challenges and roadblocks along the way.
I loved the multiple layers of this book, the third layer being 'The Angel Fairy's Gift'. The author creates convincing characters in Madelyn, her classmates, and the members of her family. Just as Madelyn’s younger brother, Danny, became hooked on 'The Angel Fairy’s Gift', so did I. I even searched to see if I could purchase a copy online – no luck. It must be a creation of the author's imagination. The novel is skillfully written and quickly draws the reader into both Dr Mary's and Madelyn’s worlds. Being a teacher, I find the story vividly realistic and wonder if there is a measure of biography in this touching novel.
Recommend this book:
The Dragons of Alsace Farm
Laurie Lewis
2018 Gold Medal
376 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
Noah has hidden from his family and life for ten years and has doubts about returning to his uncle’s home when he receives a request to return as soon as possible. Agnes is the neighbor he visits daily to help with chores. She is fighting with herself and slowly losing the battle to dementia. Tayte is Agnes’ granddaughter and the two have not seen each other for many years. Tayte is headstrong, very organized compared to her grandmother's disregard for order, and afraid of being rejected. As Noah, Agnes and Tayte work together, they face the enormous and impossible task of trying to live with and accept each other with all of their oddities. They have fun days going on picnics, and bad days fighting and feuding. Noah must also deal with his uncle being close to death, reuniting with cousins, and slowly becoming proud of the man he is learning to be.
The Dragons of Alsace Farm by Laurie Lewis is filled with secrets, doubts, redemption, love and forgiveness. The story is about the dragons that lie in our brains and hearts, the events that put them there, and the escape routes to set them free. I could not help but become involved with each character, and cried for their hardships and cheered with them for their happiness. There was much inspiration and faith written into The Dragons of Alsace Farm with great skill. I truly became part of the story, feeling the characters' pain and wanting to offer my advice. The Dragons of Alsace Farm is a thought provoking novel with a plot and characters that make this a fantastic read. I highly recommend this book and can promise that you will not be disappointed.
Noah has hidden from his family and life for ten years and has doubts about returning to his uncle’s home when he receives a request to return as soon as possible. Agnes is the neighbor he visits daily to help with chores. She is fighting with herself and slowly losing the battle to dementia. Tayte is Agnes’ granddaughter and the two have not seen each other for many years. Tayte is headstrong, very organized compared to her grandmother's disregard for order, and afraid of being rejected. As Noah, Agnes and Tayte work together, they face the enormous and impossible task of trying to live with and accept each other with all of their oddities. They have fun days going on picnics, and bad days fighting and feuding. Noah must also deal with his uncle being close to death, reuniting with cousins, and slowly becoming proud of the man he is learning to be.
The Dragons of Alsace Farm by Laurie Lewis is filled with secrets, doubts, redemption, love and forgiveness. The story is about the dragons that lie in our brains and hearts, the events that put them there, and the escape routes to set them free. I could not help but become involved with each character, and cried for their hardships and cheered with them for their happiness. There was much inspiration and faith written into The Dragons of Alsace Farm with great skill. I truly became part of the story, feeling the characters' pain and wanting to offer my advice. The Dragons of Alsace Farm is a thought provoking novel with a plot and characters that make this a fantastic read. I highly recommend this book and can promise that you will not be disappointed.
Recommend this book:
Forever More
A Love Story from the Edge of Eternity
Michele DeLuca
2017 Honorable Mention
319 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
Can one really love a dead man and feel him even more intimately than anyone living? In Forever More: A Love Story from the Edge of Eternity by Michele DeLuca, a mystical experience of love takes place, a love beyond the tomb. Rebecca has loved Sebastian with everything in her, and now the only thing that separates them is death. She’d have thought her feelings would die with his passing away, but a new form of reality unfolds in her. She discovers that they are closer now than ever and that his energy is more deeply felt than when he was alive. His frequent visits are exciting moments for Rebecca, but things change when they decide to use the body of a widower, a retired college professor, Albert, to bring Sebastian to a physical form and allow him to earn his redemption. The three are involved in an exciting experience, but then one of them will have to go? Who would that be?
I was intrigued by the originality of this story and by the idea that drives it. People do keep beautiful memories of those they have loved and lost, but in Forever More: A Love Story from the Edge of Eternity, readers are not just reading about precious memories, they are reading a mystical experience where a dead person maintains a powerful relationship with a living woman. This might not be an altogether strange subject, but many readers can relate to it, thanks to Michele DeLuca’s storytelling skills. The story is told in a compelling narrative voice that makes the reader feel like this story was unfolding before their gaze; the characters are well-crafted and the prose is great. I enjoyed the twist in the story and the complexity of the conflict in an unusual love affair. It was simply brilliant.
Can one really love a dead man and feel him even more intimately than anyone living? In Forever More: A Love Story from the Edge of Eternity by Michele DeLuca, a mystical experience of love takes place, a love beyond the tomb. Rebecca has loved Sebastian with everything in her, and now the only thing that separates them is death. She’d have thought her feelings would die with his passing away, but a new form of reality unfolds in her. She discovers that they are closer now than ever and that his energy is more deeply felt than when he was alive. His frequent visits are exciting moments for Rebecca, but things change when they decide to use the body of a widower, a retired college professor, Albert, to bring Sebastian to a physical form and allow him to earn his redemption. The three are involved in an exciting experience, but then one of them will have to go? Who would that be?
I was intrigued by the originality of this story and by the idea that drives it. People do keep beautiful memories of those they have loved and lost, but in Forever More: A Love Story from the Edge of Eternity, readers are not just reading about precious memories, they are reading a mystical experience where a dead person maintains a powerful relationship with a living woman. This might not be an altogether strange subject, but many readers can relate to it, thanks to Michele DeLuca’s storytelling skills. The story is told in a compelling narrative voice that makes the reader feel like this story was unfolding before their gaze; the characters are well-crafted and the prose is great. I enjoyed the twist in the story and the complexity of the conflict in an unusual love affair. It was simply brilliant.
Recommend this book:
Conversations on the Bench
Life Lessons from the Wisest Man I Ever Knew
Digger Cartwright
2017 Bronze Medal
304 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Conversations on the Bench: Life Lessons from the Wisest Man I Ever Knew by Digger Cartwright is an uplifting and inspirational book based on real life events. This insightful conversation is also an example of timeless friendship that transcends everything and motivates readers to look into their lives and effect positive changes that will make their living more interesting and fulfilling. The bond between Robbie and Sebastian and their words of wisdom will show readers how to live life using the basic lessons that we all are aware of but have forgotten to incorporate into our lives. It's a truly inspiring and moving story where Robbie and Sebastian give a new perspective on living a contented life to readers.
The interaction and dialogue between Sebastian and Robbie in the initial chapters set the tone for the rest of the book. The stories and the words of wisdom shared by author Digger Cartwright are relatable and readers can connect well with the author's words. All the lessons are valuable, true and useful and the friendship between two different people will inspire and motivate readers in different ways. Many of the lessons shared will make readers look within themselves. The story is original and the author is hopeful that the wisdom shared in the book will enrich, improve and inspire everyone's lives. These conversations shared on the bench will definitely be useful to all readers, to find a purpose in their lives and also guide them during their journey of life.
Conversations on the Bench: Life Lessons from the Wisest Man I Ever Knew by Digger Cartwright is an uplifting and inspirational book based on real life events. This insightful conversation is also an example of timeless friendship that transcends everything and motivates readers to look into their lives and effect positive changes that will make their living more interesting and fulfilling. The bond between Robbie and Sebastian and their words of wisdom will show readers how to live life using the basic lessons that we all are aware of but have forgotten to incorporate into our lives. It's a truly inspiring and moving story where Robbie and Sebastian give a new perspective on living a contented life to readers.
The interaction and dialogue between Sebastian and Robbie in the initial chapters set the tone for the rest of the book. The stories and the words of wisdom shared by author Digger Cartwright are relatable and readers can connect well with the author's words. All the lessons are valuable, true and useful and the friendship between two different people will inspire and motivate readers in different ways. Many of the lessons shared will make readers look within themselves. The story is original and the author is hopeful that the wisdom shared in the book will enrich, improve and inspire everyone's lives. These conversations shared on the bench will definitely be useful to all readers, to find a purpose in their lives and also guide them during their journey of life.
Recommend this book:
Growing Up Twice
Shaping a Future by Reliving My Past
Aaron Kirk Douglas
2017 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
Growing up Twice: Shaping a Future by Reliving My Past by Aaron Kirk Douglas is a powerful and memorable book. It’s a spellbinding, unusual memoir that explores the relationship between a middle-aged man and his teenage protégé, a book that is laced with wisdom and insight, both exciting and entertaining at the same time. Meet Aaron Kirk Douglas, a middle-aged man who selflessly undertakes the mission to mentor the son of an undocumented Latino. He has to be an elder brother to the boy and help him grow by being a role model for him. But it is more than that. The reader is transported into a world where brotherhood is defined, where fatherhood takes on a new perspective, and where friendship develops in the midst of harrowing trials. Can Aaron stay steadfast in his commitment until the end?
I enjoyed the many aspects of Growing up Twice: Shaping a Future by Reliving My Past. The story is beautifully written, insightful, and loaded with metaphors and a witticism that will interest readers. I enjoyed the fact that contact with the young boy could help the narrator look at his own upbringing and draw powerful lessons from it. I have read many memoirs, but rarely have I read something of this nature — a story that purely focuses on real friendship between two strangers. Readers will enjoy watching as the characters develop, gaining more wisdom and insight and contributing to each other’s personal growth. Mr. Douglas’ writing is stellar, his narrative voice compelling, and his story filled with emotional depth. This book will change the way we look at the less fortunate people we meet along the way, a powerful testimony that we can become the best we can be and, by so doing, become an inspiration for others.
Growing up Twice: Shaping a Future by Reliving My Past by Aaron Kirk Douglas is a powerful and memorable book. It’s a spellbinding, unusual memoir that explores the relationship between a middle-aged man and his teenage protégé, a book that is laced with wisdom and insight, both exciting and entertaining at the same time. Meet Aaron Kirk Douglas, a middle-aged man who selflessly undertakes the mission to mentor the son of an undocumented Latino. He has to be an elder brother to the boy and help him grow by being a role model for him. But it is more than that. The reader is transported into a world where brotherhood is defined, where fatherhood takes on a new perspective, and where friendship develops in the midst of harrowing trials. Can Aaron stay steadfast in his commitment until the end?
I enjoyed the many aspects of Growing up Twice: Shaping a Future by Reliving My Past. The story is beautifully written, insightful, and loaded with metaphors and a witticism that will interest readers. I enjoyed the fact that contact with the young boy could help the narrator look at his own upbringing and draw powerful lessons from it. I have read many memoirs, but rarely have I read something of this nature — a story that purely focuses on real friendship between two strangers. Readers will enjoy watching as the characters develop, gaining more wisdom and insight and contributing to each other’s personal growth. Mr. Douglas’ writing is stellar, his narrative voice compelling, and his story filled with emotional depth. This book will change the way we look at the less fortunate people we meet along the way, a powerful testimony that we can become the best we can be and, by so doing, become an inspiration for others.
Recommend this book:
Twelve Houses
Olga Soaje
2017 Bronze Medal
262 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Lisa Jones for Readers' Favorite
Twelve Houses by Olga Soaje is the story told from a widow's perspective. As Amelia comes to terms with the death of her soul-mate Nathan, her life seems unbearable. She could not contemplate life without him and cannot move on. After thirty-five years of marriage and two beautiful children, the prospect of being without him is too much to bear. Nathan had always shared a special connection with his daughter Chloe, one which sadly did not include Amelia. She struggled to understand her daughter throughout her childhood and into adulthood and her husband was always their mediator. Now that he was gone, the distance between them seemed further than ever. Desperate to get closer to her daughter, Amelia makes the decision to stay with her for a time to help her through a difficult pregnancy. As the days pass by, their relationship blossoms and they slowly become closer. Amelia begins to sculpt her art again as the biggest exhibition of her life looms and she also unwillingly finds love. She fights her feelings as guilt overtakes her, but it is as if her dead husband is there, willing her to live again.
This is a beautiful story in every sense and I found it very moving. The way it developed was inspiring and the many twists and turns were sublime. Each character was well developed and I felt as though I knew them, which is what every writer aspires to achieve. I found the astrological aspect that was incorporated into the novel fascinating. The stereotype that I already had about a widow of that age was the opposite of what I discovered with the help of this book. It has shown me that life is indeed precious and you must grab it with both hands and live it to the fullest. If you are lucky enough to find love again then why deny happiness out of guilt. Overall, this lovely little story filled me with hope and happiness. I would recommend Twelve Houses by Olga Soaje to everyone if they want an uplifting and emotional read.
Twelve Houses by Olga Soaje is the story told from a widow's perspective. As Amelia comes to terms with the death of her soul-mate Nathan, her life seems unbearable. She could not contemplate life without him and cannot move on. After thirty-five years of marriage and two beautiful children, the prospect of being without him is too much to bear. Nathan had always shared a special connection with his daughter Chloe, one which sadly did not include Amelia. She struggled to understand her daughter throughout her childhood and into adulthood and her husband was always their mediator. Now that he was gone, the distance between them seemed further than ever. Desperate to get closer to her daughter, Amelia makes the decision to stay with her for a time to help her through a difficult pregnancy. As the days pass by, their relationship blossoms and they slowly become closer. Amelia begins to sculpt her art again as the biggest exhibition of her life looms and she also unwillingly finds love. She fights her feelings as guilt overtakes her, but it is as if her dead husband is there, willing her to live again.
This is a beautiful story in every sense and I found it very moving. The way it developed was inspiring and the many twists and turns were sublime. Each character was well developed and I felt as though I knew them, which is what every writer aspires to achieve. I found the astrological aspect that was incorporated into the novel fascinating. The stereotype that I already had about a widow of that age was the opposite of what I discovered with the help of this book. It has shown me that life is indeed precious and you must grab it with both hands and live it to the fullest. If you are lucky enough to find love again then why deny happiness out of guilt. Overall, this lovely little story filled me with hope and happiness. I would recommend Twelve Houses by Olga Soaje to everyone if they want an uplifting and emotional read.
Recommend this book:
Breaking the Silence
Diamante Lavendar
2017 Gold Medal
134 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Tshombye K. Ware for Readers' Favorite
Breaking the Silence by Diamante Lavendar is a beautifully written story about a woman's experience of childbirth. The story opens in the hospital as Joan Eastman faces a past fear in which she lost a child. And now she sits, pregnant again, with thoughts of fear. From there the story takes you on an emotional personal journey, a testimony of deliverance and the blessing of grace. The story moves through experiences to bring the reader into the story from a firsthand point of view.
It takes courage to write a story like this. The cover itself conveys a profound message of barrenness, which flows brilliantly with the theme of the story. The author states that it's based on a true story, which in itself is a work of bravery. I loved the author's point of view. With the diary inserts, you get an up close and personal invitation into Joan's fears, regrets, and prayers.
Sharing personal things in a fictional or non fictional way leaves you vulnerable to opinions. Courage stands in the face of opinions, knowing that the seed of the message was presented. An insert taken from the book speaks volumes. These words of truth can be utilized by anyone who is a victim.
'Victims never forget. Somewhere deep within their memories lie the things that have happened. It takes strength, great fortitude, to be able to turn the negative into positive. But it is essential in helping victims to fight their demons. And with God, it is possible.'
I recommend this book to anyone seeking words of encouragement through a wonderful, illustrated testimony of deliverance. The ending is the ultimate climax, in which you shall experience the beauty of Angelica Faith.
Breaking the Silence by Diamante Lavendar is a beautifully written story about a woman's experience of childbirth. The story opens in the hospital as Joan Eastman faces a past fear in which she lost a child. And now she sits, pregnant again, with thoughts of fear. From there the story takes you on an emotional personal journey, a testimony of deliverance and the blessing of grace. The story moves through experiences to bring the reader into the story from a firsthand point of view.
It takes courage to write a story like this. The cover itself conveys a profound message of barrenness, which flows brilliantly with the theme of the story. The author states that it's based on a true story, which in itself is a work of bravery. I loved the author's point of view. With the diary inserts, you get an up close and personal invitation into Joan's fears, regrets, and prayers.
Sharing personal things in a fictional or non fictional way leaves you vulnerable to opinions. Courage stands in the face of opinions, knowing that the seed of the message was presented. An insert taken from the book speaks volumes. These words of truth can be utilized by anyone who is a victim.
'Victims never forget. Somewhere deep within their memories lie the things that have happened. It takes strength, great fortitude, to be able to turn the negative into positive. But it is essential in helping victims to fight their demons. And with God, it is possible.'
I recommend this book to anyone seeking words of encouragement through a wonderful, illustrated testimony of deliverance. The ending is the ultimate climax, in which you shall experience the beauty of Angelica Faith.
Recommend this book:
Naupaka Blooming
J.L. Eck
2016 Finalist
282 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Naupaka Blooming by J.L. Eck takes you through the life and story of a young woman on her path to self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of Hawaii, the story begins with Leilani who dislikes being the center of attention. Her father is the chief of the village, and on the night of the luau she glimpses a light eyed man who catches her attention. He is part of the hula dance and she is completely fascinated by him. Later that night, she goes for a swim and she runs into the handsome, light eyed man who introduces himself as Kanoa. Leilani's father is unhappy with her choice of man as Kanoa is a hula dancer. The story then shifts to modern islander Liz, who moves to Hawaii after inheriting her great-grandmother's house there. Liz runs into many things and people who take her back to her past life connections. Will she be able to break away from the losses of her past life and marry Aaron, the local man she meets in Hawaii?
The metaphor and myth of the Naupaka flower running through the plot are exotic, just like the Hawaiian folklore and culture depicted in the story. The connecting images drawn between past and present are intriguing and mysterious and make the story exciting. All the characters are well portrayed, making the story memorable for readers. The story has romance, drama, action, loss, and wonderful descriptions of Hawaiian culture that make it entertaining. The story is fast paced and the exotic setting and the exquisite references to the myth of the Naupaka flower make it an insightful read.
Naupaka Blooming by J.L. Eck takes you through the life and story of a young woman on her path to self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of Hawaii, the story begins with Leilani who dislikes being the center of attention. Her father is the chief of the village, and on the night of the luau she glimpses a light eyed man who catches her attention. He is part of the hula dance and she is completely fascinated by him. Later that night, she goes for a swim and she runs into the handsome, light eyed man who introduces himself as Kanoa. Leilani's father is unhappy with her choice of man as Kanoa is a hula dancer. The story then shifts to modern islander Liz, who moves to Hawaii after inheriting her great-grandmother's house there. Liz runs into many things and people who take her back to her past life connections. Will she be able to break away from the losses of her past life and marry Aaron, the local man she meets in Hawaii?
The metaphor and myth of the Naupaka flower running through the plot are exotic, just like the Hawaiian folklore and culture depicted in the story. The connecting images drawn between past and present are intriguing and mysterious and make the story exciting. All the characters are well portrayed, making the story memorable for readers. The story has romance, drama, action, loss, and wonderful descriptions of Hawaiian culture that make it entertaining. The story is fast paced and the exotic setting and the exquisite references to the myth of the Naupaka flower make it an insightful read.
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