I have just read Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir by Karen Ingalls. My review follows the author’s book blurb found on Amazon.

“When Karen Ingalls was diagnosed with Stage IIC ovarian cancer, she realized ho little she knew about what is called “the silent killer.” As Ingalls began to educate herself she felt overwhelmed by the prevalent negativity of cancer. Lost in the information about drugs, side effects, and statistics, she redirected her energy to focus on the equally overwhelming blessings of life, learning to rejoice in each day and find peace in spirituality. In this memoir, Karen is a calming presence and positive companion, offering a refreshing perspective of hope with the knowledge that “the beauty of the soul, the real me and the real you, outshines the effects of cancer, chemotherapy, and radian. It is a story of survival and reminds readers that disease is not an absolute, but a challenge to recover.”

I found Outshine to be quite inspirational in nature. Whenever one hears the ‘Big C’ from their doctor, a maelstrom of emotions start flying. Ingalls’ story is rife with hope, faith, love, and sorrow. I felt that there wasn’t much substance of the anger side of a diagnosis such as hers, and I had expected a little more on this side so that her true humanity would spring forth. For the most part, Ingalls’ went for the positives, and that makes this book more inspirational. God is present in abundance as well as a support system in place – so necessary when one is fighting this kind of disease. I honestly think I felt envious of what Ingalls’ had at her disposal when my son and I had nothing when we had our cancer battles. I didn’t have one home let alone two, we didn’t have money for expensive special nutrient rich drinks and such, and I’m glad the author had that, so I’m not sure what my real emotions are in relation to this. Having been dirt poor, and still living just above the poverty level, I felt like those with money could buy things to help them get well and maintain strength while those without the means had to suffer – so I think I felt true envy. I’m not happy that I felt that emotion, and I’m glad I no longer feel it. I always give an honest review and withholding my thoughts wouldn’t be honest. I am human after all. This book is well written and highly recommended this book.

Forest 

Golden Gate Bridge disappears in to the clouds…

Life

Thank you for looking at my works.

No truer words…

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I am shocked, happy, tearful, surprised, and humbled by finding out today that our book, The Big Cheese Festival, won the Bronze Medal in the Children-Adventure category at Readers Favorite. The graphic above is linked to all the winners in all of the categories. The review is found below.

 I truly have no words…

~  R A D I O   S H O W  ~

With Host: Tony Kay, President, Artist-First Radio Network

Featuring Independent Authors Since 1997

Last evening I was honored to be hosted on a 52 minute live radio show with Tony Kay, and I have the mp3 file for those who wish to listen! We had a great live chat and I want to share the link with you. Tony Kay has graciously placed our memoir, When Angels Fly, top, front and center on his website, and we have a rotating commercial indefinitely.

Radio Show Link

Things on a Tree by D.L. Finn

I finished this book today and my review follows the author’s book blurb found on Amazon.

“What a way to spend Christmas Eve! Thirteen-year-old Aimee is sick and missing her dad, who died in a car accident last year. While the rest of her family are outside playing in the snow, she is alone by their Christmas tree. Aimee sighs as the tears begin to fall. She wishes she still believed in Santa Claus. Then she could ask him to change the last year. Yeah, right, she thought. She turns away from the tree, and falls asleep. Later that night, Aimee awakens to a strange noise.

Clink! Clink! Clink!

Her fever must be higher than she thought, because she can’t believe what she is seeing running down her purple blanket! But everything happening to her is very real, including the fact someone wants her dead. Aimee is thrust into a world of magic, wonder and greed. Her journey takes her from her snowy rooftop, to the streets of New York and the North Pole with the promise to return her father to her family. Who could she trust when things aren’t always what they seem?”

I wasn’t sure of the age range for children when I first started my reading. As I read I realized that this book is one that I consider great for children aged 10 – 13 or grades 5 – 8.  Never have I read a Christmas story like this one. I am amazed at how cleverly Finn wove this story. The magic of Christmas comes back to those kids who have outgrown their belief in Santa. This is a well-written, well-worded fantasy story about Christmas with magic woven into the fabric and well laid out. The illustrations are cute. Definite five stars from me!