Author: Bergers Book Reviews

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fantasy, romance

The Wizard’s Daughter

Bergers Book Reviews

wizardAuthor: Victoria Graydale
Publisher: Stargazer Press
Genre: Romance
ISBN: 0-9734940-7-7
Pages: 188
Price: $15.00

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A botched kidnapping leaves Adrian Gray with the wrong woman, and a price on his head. He has kidnapped Lady Milburga’s companion, Phaedra, rather than the lady herself. Forced to flee from his dastardly employer, he reluctantly falls in with Phaedra’s plan to bring Milburga to see the wizard – the man Phaedra suspects is her father.

As they spend time together in close quarters, Adrian and Phaedra find themselves attracted to each other. But Adrian has been burned by love before, and won’t let Phaedra have the opportunity to inflict any more pain. Phaedra’s sharp tongue is a source of misery for them both.

Danger awaits them on their journey as evil closes in on them at every turn, and an unexpected traveler turns into a most welcome guest. But when they reach the wizard, they find he knows exactly how to handle their situation, for the best of all concerned.

Delightfully warm and human, these characters are endearing in their frailties and foibles. Fantasy blended with romance and humor, The Wizard’s Daughter is a cheerful, lighthearted and uplifting romance.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

The DreamStarter Book

Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Jennifer Karin Sidford
Publisher: Cold Tree Press
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-58385-266-8
Pages: 80
Price: $12.95

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Children delight in using their imaginations, but seem to spend more and more time watching television and playing video games. One of the ways you can coax them away from pre-programmed entertainment is by using The DreamStarter Book.

This book is a collection of 50 story beginnings, designed to spark curiosity. Each story starter has a protagonist or two and a unique situation, like an open doorway to someplace mysterious, or a curious object. Once the setting is established, children are given the opportunity to take this story wherever they’d like, using their own imagination.

These story starters can be used as a replacement for the traditional bedtime story, letting the child participate in its creation. Or it could be used in a classroom setting, on long car trips, and around a campfire or the dinner table.

Using the imagination stretches the child’s ability to solve problems in other areas, since it gives them the flexibility to explore unseen options. Since this book can be used in a group setting, it also gives children a way to interact with each other in a healthy and productive manner.

The DreamStarter Book would be a wonderful addition to any child’s library.  A fun way for them to be creative, it encourages them to tap into their natural quest for adventure.  And although the author didn’t intend it as such, it’s also a great way for writers to stretch their imaginations – especially those who write for children. The story starters may not lead directly to publishable works, but they might spark some great new ideas.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

non-fiction

Voices: Reflections on an American Icon Through Words and Song

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: The Choral Arts Society of Washington
Publisher: Dalmatian Press
Genre: Tribute
ISBN: 978-140373984-1
Pages: 96
Price: $24.99

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Rarely does a man have an impact on society like Martin Luther King Jr. As an acknowledgment of his achievements, the Choral Arts Society of Washington has orchestrated a collection of hymns that were loved by Dr. King, and that represent the ideals he stood for.

In addition to the music CD, this boxed set includes a book of memorable quotes that describe him and his actions. Several of his most important marches and speeches are shared by those who witnessed them and supported him in his efforts.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s tragic death cut short his mission before it was completed, but his vision continued to carry others forward in working for equality. He and his dream should never be forgotten, and Voices presents a moving tribute to a truly great American.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

They’re Coming For You: Scary Stories That Scream to Be Read

Bergers Book Reviews

Author: O. Penn-Coughin
Publisher: You Come Too Publishing
Genre: Scary Stories / Children
ISBN: 978-0-9816836-0-7
Pages: 127
Price: $5.99

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Are you afraid to sit by the campfire and listen to ghost stories? Does hearing a scary story make you sleep with the nightlight on? If so, then you’re not ready for this book. Sorry, this book is for ages 9 and up – and it’s not for wimps.

But if you’re sure you’re ready for them, these stories will tickle your scary bone and give you “da chicken skin.” Cemeteries, voices without bodies, and other creepy things in the dark will leave you begging for more. That is, if they haven’t already gotten you yet.

The author, O. Penn-Coughin (a play on “open coffin”), is originally from Argentina, and he has blended some of his own culture into several of the stories. But he is kind enough to translate any of the Spanish words he uses, so none of the meaning is lost. A natural story-teller, he shares these stories with classrooms, and is available for speaking engagements.

Read this book if you dare. Oh, and don’t forget to SCREAM!

Reviewer: Alice Berger

memoir

Bringing Him Home

Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Aaron Cooper
Publisher: Late August Press
Genre: Memoir / Autobiography
ISBN: 978-0-9797926-1-8
Pages: 297
Price: $14.00

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A couple gives a lot of thought to adopting a child, and this decision is not made lightly. It’s even more difficult when the child involved is not a baby, and when the couple is two men in a committed gay relationship. So when Aaron Cooper and his partner, Eric, adopt five year-old Jon, they expect problems.

Jon is a handful from the beginning, having lived his first years in a home with no rules, so establishing order becomes the first priority. But as it becomes increasingly difficult to keep Jon from misbehaving, they finally realize they need to seek professional help for his ADHD.

In addition to dealing with his son’s behavior, the author must try to accept his family’s reaction to his coming out as a gay man and their refusal to accept his partner and son as part of the family. Aaron and Eric provide for all of Jon’s needs, despite the pain and anguish he causes them at times, making the commitment to their son in the same way they have committed to each other.

This memoir chronicles the story of how Jon joined the family, and takes us through his growing up years into young adulthood. The author shares it all – the good, the bad, and the ugly – as he reveals how difficult, but also how rewarding, it was to raise his son. A story of parenting, prejudice, and pain, but also of renewal and reconciliation, Bring Him Home is about real life, and ultimately about real love.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

inspiration

After the Fire

Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Robin Gaby Fisher
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Genre: Inspiration
ISBN: 978-0-316-06621-1
Pages: 224
Price: $24.99

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On January 19, 2000, a tragic fire raged through one of Seton Hall University’s dormitories, killing three students and seriously injuring many others. Two of the students critically burned were roommates Alvaro Llanos and Shawn Simons. After the Fire shares their story, as they attempt to recover and rebuild their lives.

What starts out as a senseless tragedy quickly turns into a story of hope. Shawn Simons is badly burned, but his strong will to survive carries him quickly through his rehabilitation with determination. But Alvaro Llanos is in much worse condition, and his life is threatened by his severe injuries. Despite the fact Shawn has only known Alvaro a few short months, he is deeply concerned about his roommate, and vows to be there for him during his recovery.

Dealing with scars, pain and disfiguration is difficult, as is not knowing who or what caused the fire in the first place. Family members are supportive, but at times suffocating in their deep love for their sons. And budding romance is tested by the trials these young men face. But they are fortunate to be cared for by one of the best burn units in the country directed by Hani Mansour at Saint Barnabas Hospital.

Author Robin Gaby Fisher invites us to get to know these courageous young men, as she shares their thoughts, their pain, and their deep devotion to each other. She writes with compassion and the depth of feeling that only comes from full empathy with what they both went through. Most of all, she inspires us with the faith and hope Shawn Simons and Alvaro Llanos embody as they gratefully embrace the life they’ve been blessed with.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

romance, teen

Amigas and School Scandals

Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Diana Rodriguez Wallach
Publisher: Kensington
Genre: Young Adult
ISBN: 978-0-7582-2555-9
Pages: 304
Price: $9.95

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After a summer vacation in Puerto Rico, Mariana Ruiz has returned to Spring Mills and her old life. But she’s brought home her cousin, Lilly, who is enrolling in Mariana’s high school. After only one day of classes, Lilly is an instant hit, and the most popular freshman in the school – and Mariana’s best friends are less than thrilled with her arrival.

Now Mariana needs to restore her strained relationships with Madison and Emily. Missing Madison’s Sweet Sixteen party over the summer was a faux pas she may never live down, until Madison talks her into having her own party for her sixteenth birthday. But Mariana doesn’t want a bash like Madison’s, so Lilly helps with a compromise.

Along with friend problems, Mariana still has family issues to deal with. Her estranged aunt wants to be part of the family, but Mariana’s uncles still hold grudges against her. And Mariana finds herself suddenly attracted to her locker buddy, Bobby, who had gone on a date with Emily over the summer. Emily won’t tell anyone about it, which confuses Mariana as to her friend’s feelings for Bobby – until the truth finally comes out.

Amigas and School Scandals picks up right where Amor and Summer Secrets left off, as Mariana leaves Utuado and her summer fling, Alex. But although summer is over, new dramas and tensions are just heating up.

Teens will easily relate to Mariana’s struggles to include her cousin Lilly into her circle of friendship, while doing all she can to keep her best friends, even if it means passing up a hot guy. Amigas and School Scandals will pull you into Mariana’s world and keep you hooked until the last page. I look forward to reading the final book in this series.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

A Happy Day

Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Louise Sheppa Lovett
Publisher: Tish & Company
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9793419-0-8
Pages: 32
Price: $18.50

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Louise Sheppa Lovett wanted a very special book for her daughter, Mary Louise, so in 1924 she created it for her in poems and watercolor. This darling book depicts a happy day in the life of that
little girl.

Life was certainly simpler when this book was originally penned. Pleasures like sweeping the floor, helping mother make a cake, and playing in the yard occupied a young girl’s days. Drawings of items used back then, like a Victrola record player, metal bath tub, and hand-pump kitchen faucet send us back in time with nostalgia.

Simple rhyming poetry is accompanied by pen and watercolor drawings, lovingly restored by the author’s granddaughter, Ellen Anne Chong, and bound in an attractive hardcover. What was once a family treasure is now available for everyone to enjoy.

A history lesson for kids who are playing video games by the time they’ve turned three, A Happy Day will offer a different perspective on childhood activities. And it will bring a smile to mom’s face as she wonders how we’ve slipped so far away from the simple pleasures in life.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

fantasy

Daphne (the penguin who wanted to fly)

Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Christopher Logan
Publisher: Lulu
Genre: Fantasy
ISBN: 978-1-4357-5038-8
Pages:145
Price: $18.95

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When Daphne’s mother mysteriously vanishes, Daphne is left with the responsibility of caring for her four brothers. She’s a good penguin and loves her brothers dearly, so she embraces this task cheerfully, providing a loving and nurturing home for them all. But secretly she wonders what happened to her mother, and hopes that one day they will see each other again.

As all penguins do, upon reaching their fourteenth birthday, Daphne must present her secret wish to the elders. This process terrifies her, since her wish is to fly, and this is something that is forbidden for penguins. But her longing is so strong – could it possibly come true?

Christopher Logan’s artistry shines in this book, as he paints the picture of black and white penguins collecting colorful objects to brighten the drabness of their everyday existence. The use of funny and clever character names is also endearing – especially the “Dusk Bunnies” and the names of Daphne’s brothers.

But it’s his message that we all have wishes that need to be fulfilled that’s at the core of this book. Told in a folklore manner, Daphne reveals to us that wishes can come true, if we want them with all our being. Full of magic and mystery, this heart-warming story will leave you believing miracles can happen in your own life.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

romance

The Governor’s Wife

Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Kate Rizor
Publisher: Stargazer Press
Genre: Romance
ISBN: 0-9734940-8-5
Pages: 191
Price: $15.00

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On the night Tanner Thornberg told his wife, Andra, that he wanted a divorce, she disappeared. For ten years he watched and waited for any news that she had been found, and he finally gets the call he’s been both hoping for and dreading.

Andie has no memories from before her visit to the hospital after a car accident. When she finds out the man with her has intent to harm her, she flees to the streets. Now she’s living as a homeless woman, trying to survive. After an arrest for taking a bottle of cough medicine identifies her as Andra Thornberg, she returns to live with Tanner as the wife of the governor of New York.

Though both feel the flames of passion that once burned between them, they’re also wary and distrustful of each other. Andie doesn’t even know this man who calls himself her husband, yet she’s drawn to him anyway. And Tanner hardly recognizes the woman who now lives with him. But as they both get to know each other again, will they fall in love once more?

A romance in every sense of the word, The Governor’s Wife sentimentalizes the plight of the homeless, painting a somewhat unrealistic picture of those who live on the streets. Tanner’s strong attraction to his wife also seemed unexpected since he gave no indication in the opening scene that he still had feelings for her.

But overall, I enjoyed this story, as it’s always reassuring to see a marriage pulled back from the brink of divorce. The Governor’s Wife is a nice, feel-good read.

Reviewer: Alice Berger