Saturday Snapshot 10/27/12 - Our Visit to Skagway, AK

I need to reply to last week's nice comments individually but I did want to make a global comment about my experiences with cruising.
My dad always had boats and we spent many summer adventures on the intracoastal, the Florida Keys and the Bimini Islands. I had an inner ear infection when I was in college which affected my equilibrium. Boating became most unpleasant for me. I tried the ear patches and they worked okay but more often then not I would just sleep on the trips. When my DH and I started cruising years ago I bought the cloth bands with the bubble pressure knobs to wear on your wrists. I have not had a single problem since! Even on the rough sea days I can go to the dining room while others cower in their rooms. :-)

We had no rough weather on our Alaskan cruise. The weather continued to be beautiful as we visited Skagway on day four of our trip.

As of the 2010 census, the population of the city was 920. However, the population doubles in the summer tourist season in order to deal with more than 900,000 visitors.

We took the three and a half hour train excursion to the White Pass Summit -- the train travels 20 miles from tidewater to the Summit of the White Pass – a 2,865 foot elevation.
The history is fascinating! Here are just a handful of the many pictures I took. 

And  of course I had to have a picture of the Bookstore. :-)

To participate in the Saturday Snapshot meme post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky hosted by Alyce of At Home With Books. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don’t post random photos that you find online.

Audio Book Review: The Magician's Apprentice by Kate Banks

WOW - this little story is remarkable - truly more than I expected!
The Magician's Apprentice
Author: Kate Banks; Narrator: Charlie Thurston

• Type: Unabridged
•  ISBN-13: 978-0-7927-8948-2 
• Package: 3 CD Audiobook 
• Length:  3 Hr 33 Min
• Publisher: AudioGO (December 11, 2012)

Genre: Fiction, Middle Grader Fiction (?)
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: August 7, 2012 | Age Level: 10 and up
Baz has always dreamed about leaving his dusty little town, so when a stranger comes to his family's home and asks him to be a weaver's apprentice, Baz is eager to start his journey. He and the stranger travel for several sunrises and sunsets until they reach the land of Kallah, where Baz starts his apprenticeship—and soon learns that his master is very cruel. Baz is disheartened, and when the master trades Baz for a sword to a magician, Baz expects no better from his new owner. But as Baz travels further into the depths of the desert with this kind-hearted and wise magician, he learns to re-examine his beliefs about people, the world, and himself, discovering that everything is connected in a continuous journey toward destiny and that no person or thing can ever really be owned.

•  Amazon link
• Listen to Sample at Audible

Reviews:
Baz is a young man ready to journey from home to be apprenticed for a new career.  He has no idea what the career will be but he anticipates the adventure. When the day finally arrives a stranger takes him away to deliver him to be a weaver’s apprentice. Baz is willing to do the job but his master is cruel; he takes the possessions of the students and practically starves them to death. After losing a friend and his small dog to the brutality of the master Baz plans an escape. Baz takes with him a small key he has treasured and hidden since he found it, but before he can succeed in his plans Baz is traded to another stranger.

Although Baz expects cruelty from his new master he soon learns that the old man is a gentle-hearted, philosophizing, wise magician.  They travel together through villages, across the desert and into the mountains where it is rumored no one ever returns. Along the way the magician shares and explains riddles of life and wisdom with Baz.

Ms. Bates is apparently an author of many children's books but I really hesitate to classify this as a Middle Grader genre.  The tale may appeal to a younger audience but it is much more than an interesting adventure. I found this story to be profound and wonderfully expressed. The writing is lyrical and the views on the meaning of life are thought provoking. The view encompasses a oneness of all beings and creation. Although that is not necessarily consistent with my Christian beliefs there is a part of me that can see all souls and physical elements of the world as being connected parts of God’s creation. There are many tidbits of wisdom that I found marvelous. These include recognition of the illusions of life, the idea of change being continuous and truth usually being broader than what a person first sees through their limited perception. These insights on the meaning of life are beautifully woven and shared through the journey and the friendship of Baz and his mentor.

AUDIO Observations:  The narration is exquisite. Absolutely perfect for the rhythm, mystery and unique synchronicity of the story. I am likely to look for more books narrated by Mr. Thurston as he did such a masterful job on this one.

This is a story I may want to get in print and it apparently has some simple drawings that add to the text. But, whether in print or audio, this is a keeper that I plan to enjoy again. I highly recommend this story and audio.

Words I noted while listening:
      Lyrical, riddles, profound, change, truth.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Quotes I noted:
(From Track 27)

“No,” said Todas. “Intention does not come from the mind, although the mind thinks it does. Intention comes from here.” Todas pointed to his heart again then closed his hands in prayer.

Baz asks

“Where do you come from?”
“Where we come from is not important,” said Todas. “It is where we are going that matters.

(From Chapter 7 Track 29)
Baz questions if magic is deception and dishonest; Todas replies:

“That's not how I see it. I am simply showing my audience that not all is as it seems.  The world is bigger, its secrets  greater. True magic is not just to amuse it's to bring people closer to the truth, to reality. The magician’s task is not to show power, but to dispel illusion. Power is nothing but an illusion. Magic represents the capacity for transformation and change inside all of us.  Is that lesson not worth something?"

I am thankful I had the opportunity to review this for AudioGo through AudioBook Jukebox.

I will add this to my New Author and Audio Challenge lists.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 26, 2012

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]

Happy Friday again! Yay - I think I need another weekend.  The majority of those who voted for the next book group chose pairs (two books by same author which count as one pick). But I couldn't resist including some Christmas titles too. So check out the newest group for pairs and singles. Pairs will get two books and Christmas singles will get a little Christmas extra.

Thank you to all who entered the October 19 Pick. There were Two automatic winners this week (the first and last comments :-) (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). Three books ARE STILL blocked - sorry :-(.

Elizabeth gets Shadow Rider
Mona gets Summer Light

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from October 19 Pick:

Carol N Wong chose a A Dangerous Devotion
and
Louisa (got lucky on the title switch!) chose The Body They May Kill

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual or sexy and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks.

I just had to use this image this week. 

Have you read any good scary books lately?

Image found at Novel Novice

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

 PAIRS:
Gena Showalter:
     The Darkest Kiss and the Darkest Night
Mary Balogh:
     Simply Perfect and A Summer to Remember
Tami Hoag:
     Ashes to Ashes and A Thin Dark Line (Both have spine creasing)
Dick Francis:
     10 LB Penalty and Risk
Tom Clancy:
     Op-Center State of Siege and Op-Center Mission of Honor
SINGLES - CHRISTMAS TITLES (Better sizes for international) 
*A Gift of Murder by M.D. Lake  (slight spine creasing)
*The Mistletoe Wager by Christine Merrill
*Deck the Halls by Arlene James (slight spine creasing)
*A Holiday Prayer by Deb Kastner  (slight spine creasing)
*A Family for Christmas by Kate Welsh  (slight spine creasing)
*A Regency Christmas Anthology - Lyn Stone, Carla Kelly and Gail Rainstorm



New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012

 Demon's Fire by Emma Holly
- Oops upside down book! NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one - A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley
The Gift by Constance O'Day-Flannery
The Days of Summer by Jill Barnett
Tangled by Mary Balogh
Please Remember This by Katleen Giles Seidel
Twice Upon Time by Nina Beaumont
Angel of Midnight  by JoAnn Power
Heart of the Hawk by Justine Dare
One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
Touchstone by Linda Hilton
Restless Hearts by Marta Perry
Rogue Stallion by Diana Palmer
The Boy's Tale (Sister Frevisse Medieval Mysteries) by Margaret Frazer
Calculated Revenge by Jill Elizabeth Nelson
A Delecate Deception by Jenna Jones


New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
I pulled some more books from several of my boxes.

In the Presence of Enemies by William J. Coughlin
Shattered by Dick Francis
Shadow Fires by Dean Koontz
Hard News by Jeffrey Deavers
Palindrome by Stuart Woods (spine creases)
Afterimage by Jay Brandon
Tall, Dark and Cajun by Sandra Hill
Hot Streak by Susan Johnson
When Lightning Strikes Twice by Barbara Boswell
Ice Blue by Anne Stuart
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
Thunder Creek by Jill Gregory
His Lady Mistress by Elizabeth Rolls
The Body They May Kill by Audrey Stallsmith
Beautiful Dreamer by Elizabeth Lowell
Summer Light by Luanne Rice

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
This time I pulled some books from one of my older boxes.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)

A Dangerous Devotion by Barbara Kyle

An Independent Woman by Candace Camp

Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham

Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander

Mistress by Amanda Quick - Audio Cassettes

*Long Time Coming by Sandra Brown

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

 

Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology

Winning Ways by Barbara Boswell

Gifts from the Heart by Jillian Hart

*One is the Lonliest Number - Tom Clancey's Net Force

*Close to Home by Carolyne Aarsen

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books suitable for international

Wanna Get Lucky? by Deborah Coonts

Sleeping Alone by Barbara Bretton

*Love and Other Four Letter Words by Caroline Mackler

*The Carousel by Rosamund Pilcher

New book Group #27 April 13, 2012
Some of the books on the right end are smaller and suitable for overseas mailing. :-)

Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris (spine damage)

*The Dream Horse by Virginia Campbell Scott

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)
These are Paired sets - two per author.
Four are parts of series the others are just singles by the same author.
Winners get both books if you pick these.


New Group #25 January 12, 2012---(All gone)

*Smaller books on the right would be okay for most international mailing.

*Shadow Rider: Apache Sundown by Jory Sherman

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)
(The only Thanksgiving title I found is a Harlequin I'd like to read someday so no Thanksgiving titles for November.)


New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October -
Halloween or dark minded.

Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

Emily's Good Nightmare by Cosmic Debris Cosmic

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011---(All gone)


New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011

There are eight mysteries and I have asterisked nine books that are smaller and would be good for oversea choices if so desired.

Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell

Stand by Me Anthology with Dallas Schulze, Roberta Leigh and Linda Randall Wisdom (spine creased)

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books

Group #20

Singles

Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books:

Group #19

Singles

Primary Colors - audio tapes

*Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone).

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways. 

I started Friday Pick in November 27, 2009 and in two years I  posted 26 groups of 16 books to find new homes! (March 2012)

I have periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want! I am happy to say that so far about 429 books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed.

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $5.00 and $6.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.

WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

1/14/11 New List
#17--- (All gone)

12/3/10 Book Set:

#16

Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

Here is set #13 of Used books!

Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix

This is a group of books I have had for several years but not gotten to read. Since it doesn't look like I will get to read them for another year (or more!) I am passing them on. Although as I type them part of me still says "But you may want to read that some day!" Yes, yes; along with the other 700 books I am housing! Must Let goooooo.....

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11

Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown

Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

Snow in April by Rosamunde Pilcher

Looking Back by Belva Plain

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4

Talking God by Tony Kellerman

Everything to Gain by Barbara Taylor Bradford

The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)

Pick #5

See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel

Misfortune by Nancy Geary

Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7

Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape

Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8

(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape

The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes

No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9

On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes

Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10---(All Gone)

Book Review and Download Giveaway: The Jupiter Chronicles by Leonardo Ramirez

This is a fun, fast children's read, complete with steampunk hot air!

The Jupiter Chronicles: The Secret of the Great Red Spot
by Leonardo Ramirez

• File Size: 399 KB
• Print Length: 54 pages
• Publisher: Leonardoverse (August 15, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B008Y65J1M

Genre: Children, Fantasy, Steampunk
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: August 15, 2012
It is the year 1892 and Ian and Callie Castillo have had to suffer the hardships of a single parent family since their father went missing five years ago. Since then Ian has refused to use the last gift that his father left the wounded boy; a telescope that sits collecting dust in the attic.
When Callie decides to peer through its murky lens it activates the device and sends the Castillos to the steam-powered floating cities of Jupiter to rescue their father and save the Jovians before the Martians launch their attack.

What follows is the beginning of an era that will forever be known by its strange name…Steampunk.

Review:
Ian is sulking as he prepares to celebrate his 12th birthday five years after his father disappeared. The night of his 7th BD his father gave him a wonderful telescope but by the next morning his father was gone without a trace. Ian has refused to look at the telescope since. Although he bickers with his younger sister, Callie, she tries to cheer him up for his birthday, as does his mother.

Nine year old Callie is a typical younger sister. She loves to write to her “Dear Journal” and she reads taunting entries to aggravate Ian. Having failed to cheer Ian, Callie slips up to the attic to look at the wonderful telescope. Ian hears her and follows. The next thing they know the telescope transforms into a space craft that beckons them. As soon as they sit down they are launched into space.

The ship takes them to Jupiter where they are awed by a Jovian world of giant cities powered by steam.  They are quickly surrounded by metal, geared robots with steam rifles. The Doomslayers identify Ian and Callie as the son and daughter of 'First Petros' and take them to the Martian Emperor, a large, formidable lizard creature.  The children are placed in a cell and meet another metal robot, Francisus Flatulus Ferdinand, who has a steam and hissing problem. The children learn that “Stinky Frank,” as they name him, is a friend of their father and he can help them to find him. Ian and Callie are sent into the arena to battle the Doomslayers. They manage to escape with the help of Stinky Frank and head out to locate special orbs to fight the Martian oppression forces on Jupiter.  Along the way they locate and rescue the First Petros, their father.

This is a story written for elementary age but it was sufficiently entertaining for me too. There is humor suitable for the audience level and the writing is easy reading.  There is plenty of action in the adventure as well as interesting ‘characters’ to make the story move well. This is a good, clean and fun science fiction for kids to enjoy or for parents to enjoy reading with their children. I'm looking forward to sharing this with my 8 year old grandson.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here is a description of the Martian leader:

Emperor Phobos was a large lizard with frills on the side of his head that looked like large, spiked fans. He had long fangs and claws that could easily cut through wood like paper. “Yesss, at long lasssst,” the Emperor spoke, in a raspy, reptilian voice.  Location 367.

Callie describes the Book of Worlds to her Journal:

Dear Journal,
The Book of Worlds is not one book. It’s a big round room with a bunch of floating books that make me dizzy. I might throw up on another planet.
Love, Callie
Location 517.

I received this title for honest review and a link for Giveaway from the Author's staff.

I will add this to my New Authors and Steampunk challenge lists.

JUPITER CHRONICLES: STEAMPUNK CHILDREN’S BOOK SERIES 

LAUNCHES THIS SEPTEMBER! 

WHAT: The Jupiter Chronicles Book One: The Secret of The Great Red Spot http://leonardoverse.com/the-jupiter-chronicles  http://www.facebook.com/jupiterchronicles
WHO: Written by Leonardo Ramirez with Cover Art by Poochie Mars, and Weapons-&-Orb Designs by Ronan Hayes.
WHEN: Released On September 15th, 2012.
WHERE: Purchase Online at http://www.amazon.com/The-Jupiter-Chronicles-Secret-Great/dp/0615633331/   http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-jupiter-chronicles-leonardo-ramirez/1111580778
WHY: To Share an Ongoing Steampunk, Sci-Fi Adventure Story About Family Love, Sibling Camaraderie, and Friendship, with Early Elementary School Readers (Grades 1 – 3).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Leonardo Ramirez is a writer whose joy first comes from being a husband and a dad and enjoying life with his family. Every Saturday morning is Dad’s turn to make breakfast with bacon, blueberry pancakes and cheese eggs on the menu. There’s nothing better in this world than spending time with family. Then it’s off to karate where he trains and teaches as a 2nd Degree Black Belt along with his family at the American Karate Academy.

Lenny has been writing for 20 years with his first published work released as a graphic novel titled, Haven. With books in hand Lenny made it a point to reach out to as many events as possible with appearances at GMX where he hosted numerous panels including one with James O’Barr (creator of The Crow), Nashville Comic Con, Outer Limits Comics, Fairy Tales Bookstore, Southern Festival of Books and Author’s Circle at the Williamson County Library. He also enjoys meeting with local high schoolers about their passion for creativity and reading for elementary aged kids. His work made one of the top ten best new releases for 2010 by Gelati’s Scoop and has been featured on Comics About Girls…by a Girl Podcast as well as The Columbia Herald, Playstation Comics, Megacomics Weekly, and many others.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for an eBook Download:

ENTRY FORM HERE FOR eBook
 

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website or blog and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open WORLDWIDE.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on November 2, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on November 3.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.   

Book Review: The Mine by John A. Heldt

This is a marvelously warm and completely engaging story.

The Mine (Northwest Passage)
by John Heldt

• File Size: 538 KB
• Print Length: 290 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: John A. Heldt (February 12, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0078S9B6G

Genre: Time Travel, Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: February 12, 2012
In 2000, Joel Smith is a cocky, adventurous young man who sees the world as his playground. But when the college senior, days from graduation, enters an abandoned Montana mine, he discovers the price of reckless curiosity. He emerges in May 1941 with a cell phone he can't use, money he can't spend, and little but his wits to guide his way. Stuck in the age of Whirlaway, swing dancing, and a peacetime draft, Joel begins a new life as the nation drifts toward war. With the help of his 21-year-old trailblazing grandmother and her friends, he finds his place in a world he knew only from movies and books. But when an opportunity comes to return to the present, Joel must decide whether to leave his new love in the past or choose a course that will alter their lives forever. THE MINE follows a humbled man through a critical time in history as he adjusts to new surroundings and wrestles with the knowledge of things to come.

Review:
Joel Smith is an adventurous college student in 2000 who detours to explore an abandoned mine. He finds a cave with a luminous glow and when he stumbles away from a rattlesnake, bumping his head, he walks out into a setting that is the not quite the same as he left.  Upon realizing the next day that he is in the year 1941, he believes he has missed the chance to return to his own time.

As Joel tries to adjust to a world of the past, he finds a group of friends who welcome him into their circle.  This group includes Joel’s own bright and innovative grandmother, Ginny.  But the most crucial and difficult thing is that Joel falls in love with Ginny’s best friend, Grace.

Grace is beautiful, smart and dedicated. She is a missionaries’ daughter raised in secluded towns and villages.  Grace has lived with her Aunt after the tragic death of her parents and it has taken several years for Grace to overcome her fear, trauma and shyness. She has recently become engaged to Paul who is on his way to Boston to train as a cadet.  Grace has everything nicely planned out for her future, but there is something that pulls her to the mysterious, mischievous Joel.

The story follows Joel as he creates a life in 1941 with no cell phones, no computers and no Television! These are simpler times when a family eats at the dining table rather than in front of the television. But Joel knows that his young friends are facing World War II and some of them may not survive. Does he have the right to engage the affections of another man’s fiancé? Will any of Joel’s actions impact the future, including his own birth?  Although there are difficulties in his situation, Joel loves Grace and he is beginning to plan out a future in 1941 when he discovers a chance to return to 2000. Should he return to his own time without the woman he loves? Should he stay in 1941 with Grace? Should he try to take her back to the future with him? What would you do?

This is a romance set in gentler, simpler times in 1941 before war encroached on Americans. Mr. Heldt’s writing is straight forward, smooth and with a light sense of humor. It fits the tone and setting perfectly.  The characters are diverse and although not overly in depth, there is sufficient substance to make them real to me. The friendships and the romance are an engaging story and the time travel  paradox creates an extra layer of interest.

This did make me think of Back to the Future and Blast From the Past movies with their suburban households, family togetherness and swing dancing.  The similarities are in the gentle tones of the time period not in the plots as each has its own unique focus. I want to recommend that readers who enjoy a warm old-fashioned romance give this story a read. I think you will enjoy it as I did.

Note thoughts:
               Wow, nostalgic, warm, cozy, touching, paradox.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Joel’s reactions when he finds himself in a strange time:

Joel thought about Marty McFly, the likelihood that this was all a nightmare, and turning that rattlesnake into sushi. Location 549.

He peered down the street in both directions and decided to head south, toward the downtown core. He entered his strange, new world with angst, disbelief, and wonder. Location 574.

Thank you to the author who provided this title for an honest review. This might not have been a title I would have picked up if the author had not emailed me and been persistent, for which I am glad. (With all the emails I get sometimes I mark a request and move it to a folder but don’t get to reply. Mr. Heldt’s third email finally got a reply from me.)

This is set in Seattle for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my ARC and New Author challenge lists.