For some time now I have been
writing a monthly book review column for the Senior News
newspaper. The Senior News is aimed to the 50 and over crowd with
news relevant to seniors regarding various issues, humor pieces, and my review column
among other things. The newspaper is a giveaway at doctor offices, stores, etc.
and can be received by via a paid subscription. There are multiple editions
across the state of Texas and therefore there is some fluctuation in content in
each edition.
My column every month focuses on
books of interest to the Texas audience. Therefore books selected for the
column, fiction or non-fiction, are written by Texas residents, feature Texans in
some way, or would have some other connection to the Texas based readership. At
least two books are covered each month in the short space I am given.
Below is/was my September 2012 column with the addition here of the
relevant book covers……
Available
Grace: True Short Stories of the Rewards of Intentional Living
Marianne
Cassell
Strategic
Book Publishing and Rights Co.
ISBN#
978-1-61204-608-2
Paperback
(also available in e-book)
283
Pages
The synopsis explains it best-- “Available
Grace: True Short Stories of the Rewards of Intentional Living is a
wonderful collection showcasing moments when the author, her family, and
friends experienced the grace of God in their lives.” As the Lubbock, Texas
author explains, “Because these are true stories, I have changed the names of
many people who were involved.”
Inspired by a bible study teacher who talked about
sharing God’s grace, the book is made up of six sectional chapters detailing
stories from 1964 to present day. Most of the stories involve the time period
when the author was young to middle age though some are at other points in life. Inspirational and comforting, this 283 page
book is about the power of God, faith, and the strength to deal with what comes
along in life. Texas Author Marianne Cassell has created a moving testimony to
her faith and the power it holds in her life and in so many others.
Murder
of a Beauty Shop Queen: A Dan Rhodes Mystery
Bill
Crider
Minotaur
Books (A Thomas Dunne Book)
ISBN#
978-0-312-64017-0
Hardback
(also available as e-book)
272
Pages
Blacklin County in East Texas is home to wild hogs,
a Wal-Mart, and more than a few murderers. It has happened again as Murder
of a Beauty Shop Queen” opens and Sheriff Dan Rhodes is on the case.
Lynn Ashton is very much dead on the floor of a local beauty parlor known as
“The Beauty Shack.” Found by the owner of the beauty parlor, Sandra Wiley, it
is clear that Lynn’s days of cutting hair are over. Lynn had a bit of a
reputation and more and move comes out that isn’t flattering to her or helpful
to solve the case as Sheriff Rhodes investigates.
No new ground is plowed in Murder of a Beauty Shop Queen
in terms of character development and none is expected in this excellent
long running series. After eighteen preceding books from Texas Author Bill
Crider, readers get exactly what they expect and want as Sheriff Dan Rhodes
will catch those responsible in another very good book in this series.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2012
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