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A Jolting and Thought-Provoking Finale

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Review of “Two Runs of Stone: Full Circle” (Book 5 of the saga)

By the time I finished the fifth book in this saga I felt as if I’d traveled along with the characters who’d endured a series of remarkable and often traumatic experiences living in the 19th Century. It included history and cultural lessons that had me hooked from the start.

The final chapter of the first section would have been more suitably labeled an epilogue since it summarized several events that followed and segued into the section section. The ending of the 19th Century portion was abrupt as well as shocking. Having read the previous four books, I could see it coming, but I didn’t like it. To explain would constitute spoilers so I’ll leave it at that.

The shift into the 20th Century to descendants of the original characters and the development of Cache Valley, Utah where they settled felt like the culture shock a time-traveler would experience jumping forward in time. Nonetheless, it was an important part to wrap up the saga. Anyone who hasn’t read the previous books would not appreciate it.

It amazed me how familiar I was with story locations, especially Cache Valley, Utah. I lived there from 1973-1988, which included some of the timeline in the story. The fictitious city, Torrent, was undoubtedly Logan. I’ve driven through Sardine Canyon and I remember times it was closed due to snow. Surnames of some of the characters were prominent there, e.g. Bingham and Wangsgaard. I smiled at mention of Strasbourg, France, which is where my grandfather was born and I visited in 2004.

It was almost eerie, how much in these books resonated in one way or another with my own experience.

Our ancestors were real people who are often forgotten. The foundation they built for us is taken for granted, as are the sacrifices they made so our lives would be better. Peter Jensen was the great-grandfather of the modern character. The razing of the house and mill were particularly touching, showing how nothing lasts forever and what constituted the life’s work of someone is easily dismissed generations later.

I am the great-grandmother to 16 children, some of whom I may never meet since they live in other states. Will they have any idea who I am? Know anything about me? Even know my name? Can you name your great-grandparents?  All four sets of them?

The saga left me feeling melancholy towards life and how quickly it passes. It seemed as if the modern-day section dragged a bit. Having read the previous four books, I knew what was likely to happen. Yet it was necessary to explain the descendants’ dire situation in sufficient detail to identify with them and appreciate the dramatic ending.

The author is a gifted storyteller and I loved these books, which had me so engaged that I read all five in under three weeks. I especially enjoyed the “Section Notes” that gave more historical and source information.

That said, I have one overall criticism: They desperately needed a competent editor! There were so many examples of using homonyms incorrectly (example, rein vs. reign; alter vs. altar; whetted vs. wetted, fowl vs. foul, etc. as well as the wrong word, i.e., continence vs. countenance) that I lost count. Dialog was seldom (if ever) punctuated correctly. In a less-gripping story I would have never finished reading a book, much less books, with so many editorial issues.

The typo “blood tasting facilities” vs. “testing” made me laugh out loud. A few characters changed names, which made my head spin. Krista’s daughter was Anna Katrina in the other books and became Anna Sophia while Elizabeth Anne’s son was August Peter Jensen in book 4 and became August Charles in book 5.

I know as an author of a science fiction tetralogy as well as a cross-cultural thriller trilogy that maintaining consistency is a challenge. But such things are often caught by beta readers, proofreaders, and should definitely be corrected by a competent editor.

Since I read the entire series so quickly the 5 books all ran together, which facilitated catching such discrepancies. I understand how such things can happen plus this probably stood out more for me than the average reader. Nonetheless, this wonderful saga deserved better. It’s on a short list of stories that I will remember for a long time and recommend highly, though I feel inclined to apologize for the poor editing.

[NOTE:–Book Four, “Wagons West,” as well as this one had numerous hostile encounters with Indians. I’m acutely aware of the other side of the story having written “The Curse of Dead Horse Canyon” saga with a Northern Cheyenne coauthor. Native Americans had their land stolen and somehow survived an attempt at genocide. Is it any wonder they attacked those taking possession of it?]

Moving Right Along. . .

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Review of “Two Runs of Stone: Wagons West” (Book 4)

If you haven’t already figured it out, I’m hooked on this series. The realistic details and historical accuracy bring it to a different dimension beyond that of just another novel. The characters are believable and feel like family.

The intensity of the Danish immigrants’ journey continues in this 4th book of the series. As with the previous books, this one offers a detailed and often painful description of the trials, tribulations, hazards, and heartbreaks encountered along the way by those whose ultimate destination was Utah.

Traveling a thousand miles in a covered wagon—or walking, pulling a handcart, no less–is incomprehensible to those of us born in the 20th or 21st century. Since this is part of our nation’s history it’s something we should all understand and appreciate, especially if any of your ancestors participated in this trek to populate the west.

The planning, logistics, and experiences are viewed through the eyes of the characters who populate this gripping series. Having read the previous three books, by this time they felt like family. They are split up in two separate wagon trains as well as another who is on a singular journey. The flavor of the era is captured so accurately it’s as if you are there.

While this book can be read independently of the first three, it has far more meaning and impact if it’s read in order so you understand the characters and what they’ve already been through. As with the other books, it’s historically accurate and further enhanced by the research notes included separately.

If you are LDS you have undoubtedly heard about this great migration to the Great Salt Lake Valley. This book relates the experience from the Mormon point of view, illustrates the organizational structure of leadership for the journey as well as other activities that were unique to this group. The author does an excellent job integrating the wealth of researched detail with the story.

You can get a copy in the format of your choice on Amazon here.

The “Two Runs of Stone” Saga Continues

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A Harrowing Journey

If you have relatives who emigrated to America from Europe in the 19th Century you should read this book. The suffering and sacrifice most endured to come to the New World is tragic and heartbreaking. The story continues from the first volume, where Peter and Maren leave Denmark for America. Their experience onboard a windship as passengers in steerage, crammed together with hundreds of other emigrants, is the stuff of nightmares. As I read, I often thought how well it fit the horror genre, but this was real life in the 1800s. What these brave souls endured is unimaginable. No matter how badly you think you have it, believe me when I say you have no clue.

The motivation for their journey was to gather to Zion with other converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There’s a lot of bad press and misunderstandings about the Mormons. This incredibly well-researched book presents an accurate picture of faith and determination during that time and what these early Saints went through. However, that is but a part of an intriguing and gripping story with glimpses into Danish culture, 19th Century life, and what it was like when it took months to get from Western Europe to the USA.

While modern life is beset with scams, fraud, and dishonest people, circumstances back in the 19th Century were no better, especially along the frontier when the USA was still in the process of being settled.

Getting a glimpse of what it was like for our ancestors is a lesson in humility and appreciation for what we have. The author of this series is a master at integrating vivid descriptions that not only enhance the imagery but are integral to the story’s substance.

The Section Notes are interesting as well, especially for history buffs, as they back up the various details in the story with research.

When I finished the first book in this series I knew I’d never look at a windmill much less flour the same again. After reading this volume, I’ll never look at life onboard a windship the same again. The complexity and hazards are astounding. He puts you there, using all the senses and details, technical and otherwise, that bring settings as well as characters to life. You love some, you hate some and hope they get what they deserve. These are living, breathing characters that feel like family.

I was talking with one of my grandsons and his girlfriend today about how schools fail to teach history in an enticing manner. When I was in school a long, long time ago, all I remember from history classes is having to memorize events and dates, something I didn’t do well as a visual learner with poor rote memorization skills. There was attempt to provide an accurate taste of the times involved, much less their context other than the dry narratives in the textbook. If a class were to do nothing more than read these “Two Runs of Stone” books during a semester, they’d learn far more that would actually make an impression that will last throughout their lives.

You can get your copy on Amazon here.

A Magnificent Historical Novel

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Review of “Two Runs of Stone: A Beckoning Call” by Steven D. Nielsen

I was gifted a copy of this amazing book many years ago and it sat on my shelf until recently when I came across it again. Oddly enough, I’m actually glad that it took me so long to read it. Had I read it when I received it I would not have appreciated it nearly as much as I do now.

Since that time I became an author myself who has written 8 novels and two nonfiction books. Thus, being familiar with the work involved in the creative and publishing process I can admire this magnificent story even more.

The author did an exceptional job crafting living, breathing characters, and placing the reader into 19th Century Denmark. The imagery was astounding and interwoven with the story in such a skillful manner that every scene comes alive. The necklace was a beautiful symbol on so many levels.

The book itself is a work of art. I’m disappointed that there is no mention of who did the gorgeous artwork or designed the cover  on this 2003 hardback, which is a perfect complement to the story within. The notes included for each section enrich the story with historical facts that contribute to the overall context.

This is truly a masterful work. I learned so much about Denmark, its history, people and struggles. Shortly after completing this story I came upon a beautiful flower-studded picture of a windmill. I beheld it for several minutes, having a new appreciation for the structure’s complexity and essential function. I’m also grateful that since I read this book years later that there are now several volumes that continue this gripping saga.

My criteria for an outstanding book is for it to make me laugh, cry, learn something, and see something in a new way. This book checked all the boxes. As an author and editor myself, however, there was one thing I found that kept this novel from absolute perfection. The copy editing was remiss in several areas regarding proper punctuation, especially for dialog, as well as a few minor typos. This spectacular story deserved better.

You can get a copy in any format you prefer on Amazon here.

Coming Out of the Shadows

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Review of “The Ultimate Self-Help Guide to Shadow Work” by Kim Woods

I knew I had a plethora of what I used to call “hang-ups” from how I was raised. I realize that my parents did the best that they could, which is generally true of most, but doesn’t mean that there aren’t scars. Big ones. In fact, reading this book I recognized many of the mistakes I made with my own children! And I also found a few I didn’t even realize were there.

Which was a good thing.

While I recognized these “shadows,” thanks to numerous self-help psychology books I’ve read over the years, I’d allowed them to still rule my behavior. They had a voice of authority I couldn’t ignore and still believed at the unconscious level.

The good news?

Somehow this great book gave me permission to set them aside at last! And that’s really saying something since I’m currently 78 years old!

Without talking down to you, the author explains shadows in very understandable language with lots of quotes from research to back it up, but without bogging down the information. She is definitely qualified to write such a guide and has a gift for bringing it down to a lay person’s level and not slowing it down with citations that the average person reading it won’t care about. I particularly liked the quote from Carl Jung that said, “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.” While I’d heard it before, I didn’t know it was Jung and its message is always a good reminder when someone gets on your last nerve.

The layout is easy to read and the “Reflection Prompts” at the end of many sections are very helpful. I originally read the book on Kindle Unlimited but I intend to buy the paperback because it will be easier to track and refer to as I continue to work on this.

I highlighted so many parts that it would probably constitute a copyright violation is I included them all here. One that really hit home said “You claim someone is arrogant, but secretly you’re afraid to own your confidence.” This also relates back to the Jung quote. People who are overly confident have always annoyed me and made me feel inferior. No doubt this shadow originated from being told “Don’t be a show-off” and “It’s impolite to brag” or “People won’t like you if you’re bossy.”

Not helpful when you’re an independent author uncomfortable blowing your own horn, right?

I typically back away from contention or arguments because I was always told I was “Just a stupid kid” plus my father’s nickname for me was “Nuisance.” I was never allowed to be right are rarely acknowledged. My parents undoubtedly went with the adage “Children should be seen and not heard.”

I think that “stupid kid” moniker motivated me to get a physics degree at the age of 39 to prove I wasn’t. Did I feel smarter with that B.S. degree in hand? No. Smarter after working for NASA for 21 years? No.

The section on emotional needs that went unmet made me cry, they were so familiar. Even at my age! Go figure. The reflection prompt for that section said, “Think back to a memory from childhood where you felt misunderstood or unloved. What did you need to hear in that moment? What would it feel like to say those words to yourself now?”

You know what? It felt damn good!

The statement, “Maybe your parent was critical, emotionally unavailable, perfectionistic, or simply overwhelmed” applied to both my parents as well as myself, who unfortunately picked up many of the bad parenting habits I was raised with. That’s the sad part, that these mistakes live on in subsequent generations. I’d really tried not to do that, yet fell into it too easily.

I have definitely been defensive as a result of these shadows as well as also wielding projection, all active for sure for most of my life. It’s comforting to know there’s a way to get rid of all these negative messages lurking in your unconscious mind that drive inappropriate behavior. The author’s emphasis on ditching the guilt trips and replacing them with self-compassion and forgiveness for being human, which enables you to move on, is so much more effective.

I could go on and on, but I’m sure this is already long enough for you to get the idea that it was very helpful. No matter how old you are, it’s never too late to “get a grip” and leave these self-defeating behaviors behind. This book definitely helped me already, but I plan to use it as a course of study to get rid of as many as I can. This book deserves to become a best seller because I believe it can help millions of people who are not reaching their potential because of being lost in their shadow. Many thanks to the author for her help in cleaning up some old messes holding me back.

Your can pick up a copy on Amazon Kindle Unlimited, Kindle, or Paperback

P.S. There are numerous books on the subject, but this is the only one I’ve read, which I can obviously vouch for.

“Duet” by Inger Margaret Foster

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Another wonderful story from the lovable characters in Beauville, NY. I love the ongoing characters like Meg and Mary, then folks cross their path and add another touching story to the series.

This book is actually two combined, “Mandy’s Dream,” and “The Rule of Thirds.” Warning, both are tearjerkers and so very touching! “Mandy’s Dream” is the story of Meg and a new character, Jessica, who’s a gifted young artist, helping a young girl named Mandy who has been mute since both her parents died in a horrible accident. Spending time with the girl and introducing her to expressing her feelings through art plus interacting with a special horse helped the girl to heal from her trauma. In the story they write a book for Mandy to express her feelings which is included with beautiful artwork and also sold separately for young children dealing with grief. Beautifully done on both literary and illustration levels.

“The Rule of Thirds” title relates to art design, yet in this story ties in how often a group of three has meaning in our lives. In this story, Jessica’s journey as an artist continues as well as a surprising and exciting development in her life. Saying anything else would be a spoiler so I’ll leave it at that.

I love this series and highly recommend it. While the main characters are high school age living back in the 70s, their situations are apropos regardless of the decade. The author has a gift for creating warm, relatable characters and touching situations most will encounter at some point in their life. I would have loved these books as a teen and do today as a great-grandmother. Highly recommended.

I’m extremely excited that “Elke’s Magic” in this series is a screenplay that is in pre-production! I can’t wait to see it on TV someday!

You can pick up your copy of “Duet” on Amazon here and available thru Kindle Unlimited.

Historical Fiction at its Best

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Cover of the book "The Wall Between"

Review of “The Wall Between” by Inger Margaret Foster

My binge marathon on Inger Margaret Foster’s books continues!

The point of historical fiction is to take you to some time in the past and live it. This story definitely does that and more! I’m old enough to remember much of what went on back in the 70s. I also remember when President Ronald Reagan told Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin wall. But never did it have the impact as it did in this amazing tale of a couple separated by it and the horrible policies that were in place when East and West Berlin were separated.

That was the situation at the end of WWII when Communist Russia got East Germany and the allies got West Germany. What it required to cross from one side to the other was solid identification, then being escorted by an armed guard who kept his eye on his watch to make sure the meeting didn’t go longer than it was supposed to.

I’m glad that I read “Elke’s Magic” first, though it’s not required. Nonetheless, it gives you a glimpse of the situation and you get to know the main character. You can also understand why Elke missed her idyllic little cottage back in the States. When she was washing dishes in her humble apartment in West Berlin and remembering the dried herbs hanging above her sink in her little house I could so totally relate! When I lived in Texas I was able to grow a multitude of fresh herbs that I dried in the house, just like that. I hope to be able to do so again, maybe next year, though some won’t survive where I live now in New York State, where it’s so much colder.

I absolutely loved this story and it touched me deeply. I read it in a single sitting, unable to put it down. Highly recommended to understand what the people in Germany went through during those dark and trying years.

You can get your copy on Amazon here, for free if you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited.

Review of “Elke’s Magic” by Inger Margaret Foster

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This first book in the Circle of Souls series is indeed magical. Fourteen year old Meg and her brother, Sam, meet Elke, a woman who lives in a small house in the woods. She helps their sick cat and introduces them to her horses. She teaches them to ride, much to their delight. However, the kids have been sneaking away without their mother’s permission, which ultimately results in trouble.

Misunderstandings abound, causing considerable problems that get more complex with the kids forbidden from seeing Elke or the horses again. Not wanting to wander into spoiler territory, I’ll just say that this story is intriguing and loaded with insights on dealing with a person who’s emotionally disturbed. When I was growing up, my mother was a lot like Meg’s so I could relate. I remember well being given the silent treatment without knowing what I had done wrong. As a teen it’s hard to understand why a parent acts like that and it can be very difficult to deal with.

Back to the story, Elke has a variety of secrets that add considerable depth to the story which contribute to a very touching, tearjerker ending. Her past ties back to WWII and the heartbreak caused by separations. I highly recommend this as the first book in this series and have already read another one out of order as I binge this series. I look forward to reading the next one to see what continues in the life of these many endearing characters in a fictitious town that reminds me a lot of the one where I grew up, right down to it’s geological location.

You can get your copy on Amazon here.

Touching and Inspiring

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Review of Inger Margaret Foster’s “June’s Song”

I absolutely loved this beautiful story. If you have (or are) a teenager, this is a book I recommend very highly. It’s important to note that it takes place in the 1970s, a time I remember well, yet is ancient history to kids today. Things have changed, a lot, and much of it for the good, especially in recognizing how people are traumatized and how they can be helped. Back then you were on your own. Even if you had the money for counseling, there was little known at that time about many of the problems people encounter today. Those that overcame were probably stronger, but no telling what scars they lived with. And what about those who didn’t?

June Adams is a 17 year old who is overwhelmed by numerous unfortunate events in her life which ultimately endow her with way too much responsibility. While she considers ending it all, fortunately this is averted and June steps up to what she must do. A good friend as well as a very special friend where she works help her hang in there. She finds time to pursue her talents and being a normal teen in spite of her many challenges.

This story is powerful on so many levels. Accepting things the way they are and just dealing with them while maintaining a positive attitude is so important, yet seldom easy. Dealing with loss is difficult, no matter what your age or experience.

One thing I love about this author’s books is the way they blur the boundaries between life and death. This book is part of her “Circles of the Soul” series, which I intend to explore in its entirety. Those on the “other side” are still there, caring about those they left behind. They are now in a better place and as much as they may be missed, the best way to honor them is to continue to embrace the life you have.

If I were a high school teacher I would make this story required reading, which would fit well for either English or Social Studies classes. Highly recommended for all ages.

Learn more about the author and her other books on her website here.

You can get your copy on Amazon here.

Review of “Seven Cats Of Kubbeli Evler” by John Rutherford

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Today, October 29, is National Cat Day. A while back I decided to post a review for a book about cats as part of the celebration, since I’m a devout cat lover. When I found this one it sounded interesting enough that I bought a copy.

I’m not sure where to begin reviewing it. I’ll start by saying that the ages 9 – 18 for which it’s listed is extremely inaccurate. There is no way some of the scenes in this story are suitable for a child. I’d set the minimum age at no less than 15.

Whether it involves people or animals, there are certain violent, gratuitous acts that a young child does not need to read about. The violent murder of one of the original human characters and the gang rape of a fox with a graphic description of her injuries were horrifying enough, much less for a child. Other sexual innuendoes were also very borderline acceptable for a nine year old. What was he thinking?

Supposedly this author has written other children’s books as well. I surely hope they’re not as graphic and inappropriate as this one. I found this the most troubling and why I gave it an abysmal one-star review on Amazon when combined with all its other flaws. I shudder to think of someone buying this book for their child or grandchild, much less attempting to read it aloud.

My overall impression is that it was dark, unpleasant, and at times downright disturbing. True, nature can be cruel, but who would impose this on a young child in the guise of an animal story? I grew up on animal stories by Paul Gallico and Robert Lawson that were not even in the same universe as this one.

Bad reviews are no fun for authors but I feel it’s only fair to explain why I gave it such a poor rating. Maybe the author will learn something from it. Sadly, this is another example of a self-published book that gives all independent authors a bad name.

So let’s take a look at my observations.

The cats’ names were those of the Sun, Moon, and planets, an apparent attempt to bring in an astrological theme. However, whatever personality they may have had is not particularly noticeable, much less related to the archetypes of the planets, with the possible exception of Neptune. One human character named Wicked was apparently named Wizard in an earlier version, the change not corrected in a few places. Why he had that name was not apparent because he wasn’t a bad guy.

The writing style was unique and has possibilities, but seemed a bit archaic. Besides that, the book as a whole is in desperate need of serious, I mean serious, editing. The plot, I suppose, was of the “quest” variety, but didn’t hit the mark there, either. He never explained as far as I could tell why the evil “eyes of the mountain” had it in for poor Pluto. Some paragraphs were a page long. Redundant statements littered the narrative throughout as well as typos galore and even wrong words, e.g. “mercifully” instead of “mercilessly.”

Sentence fragments are often used in fiction for effect, but rather than technique, this joined numerous other examples showing blatant ignorance of proper grammar. Punctuation of dialog was almost always incorrect and the speaker’s identity often in question. Subject-verb agreement was likewise often wrong. I guess the point of view was omniscient since many observations in the narrative were far beyond that of the animal protagonists the author claimed to represent. I suspect he was trying to pen an allegorical story steeped in symbolism that simply didn’t work. His original idea may have had something going for it, but he lacked the writing skill and knowledge of literary techniques to execute it successfully.

Besides the writing issues, there was also the matter of structure. The Prologue, which is normally a prequel to the story itself, was more of an Introduction.  And the Introduction was more of a combined dramatis personnae and glossary. If anything they seemed like a didactic attempt to spoon-feed the readers what the story was about, in case they missed the point.

This is probably one of the worst books I’ve ever read, all things considered from its inaccurate target audience to the plethora of editorial issues. At least I finished it, which I usually don’t bother to do if a book is so badly written it’s a total waste of my time.  I definitely won’t be reading anything else by this author anytime soon and it should be clear I don’t recommend this one. However, it does fit a variation of the old adage, “No book is ever wasted. It can always serve as a bad example.”

You can see the description on Amazon here.