The Colonel's Lady: A Book Review

"The Colonel's Lady" is, without a doubt, the best book I've read all year.  Laura Frantz is an exceptional author.

The plot gripped me from the beginning, and the author lost no time revealing the book's theme of love, forgiveness, and war-time intrigue.  Colonel McLinn has accidentally shot his scrivener while on campaign in the Kentucke wilderness during the American Revolution.  His scrivener's dying request is for McLinn to take care of his only daughter, Roxie.  Imagine McLinn's surprise and heartache when he returns to his post at Fort Endeavour and finds Roxie there -- penniless, destitute and teetering on the edge of spinsterhood despite her beauty.  Her father was her only hope of a future.  What will happen to her now?

The characters came alive, causing me to care about what happened to them.  Even the main character, Roxie, had a refreshing personality!  I have read so many books spotlighting "cookie-cutter" heroines, where the writing focuses on her reactions to the hero and her circumstances, leaving her uniqueness as an individual in shadows.  Roxie is anything but "cookie-cutter", and by the time I turned the last page, I felt as if I knew her personally.  And the hero, McLinn!  He's more than the gruff but gentlemanly soldier.  He's haunted by his secrets, and an evil twin brother.  What I loved about him (besides his Irish heritage and good looks) is that even in the face of rejection, he allows himself to be vulnerable.

The pace was a bit slower that what I usually like, but never once did the story lose my attention, demonstrating the author's skill.  The day-in and day-out aspects of the story made it more real and life-like.  I was transported to the Kentucke territory during the time of the American Revolution, and I learned so much about how they lived.  What they ate.  What they did to pass the time in a lonely wilderness fort hemmed in by the danger of war.

I was blown away by the beauty of Frantz's writing voice, and her eye-opening descriptions.  How many times have I read a book and lost track of what the scene looked like during fast-paced action or dialogue?  Never happened in "The Colonel's Lady".  Just as I began to lose the scene in my mind's eye, Frantz would bring it back in riveting clarity.

My favorite parts of the story were "Fort Smitty" and "The Cribbage Game".  (That was for Laura and those who have read the book -- I'm not saying anything further. :-)

Five stars (if that wasn't already obvious).  I'm a new fan of Laura Frantz, and will be collecting all of her books.  She currently has two others out there: "The Frontiersman's Daughter" and "Courting Morrow Little", and she's currently working on a series entitled "The Ballantyne Legacy".  I can't wait to read them!

Why I Laugh at the 2012 Doomsday Prediction

Some are claiming the Mayans predicted that the world will end on December, 21st, 2012.

That isn't true.

The Mayans only came up with a complex and accurate calendar based on the planets and stars, which ends on December 21st, 2012.  There were no prophecies involved.  It was a conclusion of a time cycle.  (Yet, even if the Mayans had predicted the future for 2012, I would still laugh.  They were an evil people who practiced human sacrifice, so they certainly wouldn't have been hearing from God.)

I am apalled that some are trying to interpret the end of the Mayan calendar to mean that Jesus is coming back on December 21st, 2012.  Jesus warned us against predicting his coming in Matthew 24:36.  "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." 

Oh, and the tribulation hasn't happened yet.  (Do I sound a little sarcastic?  Maybe its because I'm flabbergasted that people are taking this 2012 doomsday thing seriously.)  How do I know the tribulation hasn't happened yet?  Well, Daniel 9:24-27 tells us that the tribulation takes place during the last "week year" of 70 week years.  (A week year being 7 years.)  The countdown of week years began approximately in 444 B.C, and the 69th week of years ended around the time of Jesus' ministry and death.  There is a 2000 year gap between the 69th and 70th week year, which is the age of the Church, or the time of the Gentiles. 

You're shaking your head at me, but it does make sense.  The 70 week years were declared for Israel -- no one else.  In Ephesians 3:4-10, Pauls references the time of the Gentiles as a mystery not revealed to Daniel.  We know when the tribulation or 70th week year will start, because it's marked by the antichrist's peace treaty with Israel.  (Zechariah 12:2-3, Daniel 9:27)

Here is a great breakdown of the tribulation and the scriptures that reference it: http://www.genrev.org/2010/02/05/overview-of-the-tribulation/

Revelation 21: 1-2 does tell us that the first earth and heaven will pass away, and be replaced by a new heaven and a new earth.  Then God's city, the New Jerusalem, will descend to the new earth, and God will dwell with His people forever.  But this happens after the millennial reign of Christ, and the judgement of all people.  So for all of you who are worried about the end of the word, it can't happen for another 1,007 years -- at least.

Cascade: A Book Review

Gabi convinces Lia to help her return to 13th century Italy, and this time, they have Mama with them.  Weeks have gone by.  They find Marcello and Luca patiently waiting for their return, and Siena anxious to celebrate their success against Florence.  But Florence is planning something of its own, and while Gabi wrestles with the question of forever in ancient Italy with Marcello, it becomes apparent that lives as well as hearts are at stake.

First off, let me say that Bergren is a talented writer, and her "River of Time" series deserves the high ratings.  It's a great series.  I love the story, and the characters.  Especially Gabi's 21st century humor and sarcasm, which is done so well in first person narration.  My apologies to all you die-hard Marcello fans, but I liked Luca.  But then, I always favor the funny guys.  (Hey, I married one. :-)

A few minor disappointments.  The writing style was a little sloppy in places, and lacked that polished shine I saw in "Waterfall", the first book of the series.  (This is my own little hang-up as a writer, and other readers may not notice.)  The black plague's role in the story was confusing, and didn't seem accurate to history.  Another disappointment was the lack of descriptions.  The author described clothing, weather, and nature, but she left a lot of the buildings and such to the imagination, and this was really disappointing when I was wanting to see what 13th century Italy looked like.  I did appreciate the description of a trap door in a bridge, and trap doors above a suspended cage, but this is all that comes to mind.  And hardly ever did I get a sense of what the place smelled like.

Despite these annoyances, it is a good book.  Great pace, action, and adventure.  If you dig action, battle scenes, great escapes, and lots of kissing, Cascade may be your cup of tea.  I didn't get bored in any chapter, and I stand amazed at how skillfully Bergren can do military strategy.  Seriously, I wonder if she's ever planned or participated in a battle in real life...

I'm giving it four stars. :-)

Merry Christmas!

I just couldn't let this week slip by without wishing my dear readers and blogging buddies God's rich blessings and a blessed Christmas!  :-)

So...

MERRRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Joy to the world, the Lord is Come!  Let earth receive her King!

(Traditional Christmas mug of the fam :-)

Okay, now for a little entertainment...(that's what you came here for, right? ;-)  *clearing throat*

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the manor

Life is silent and still, save a horse in light canter

Wounds barely healed, feeling every hoofbeat and jostle

John presses on, fearing Louisa's circumstance hostile


For she trusted a man, unaware of dark motives

Now Great Britain's at risk, and the air is explosive

God is able, God will keep us, John assures his anxious mind

And I will reach France and save Louisa in time!

(A precursor to my next chapter for your reading delight

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!)

LOL!  I'm not a poet...still, I couldn't bring myself to pass up Marji Laine's cool challenge to write my own C. Clement Moore poem highlighting my WIP.  Hope you enjoyed the laugh. :-)

Great Characters

I have television ADD.  I mean, seriously.  It's hard for me to sit down and watch a TV show or movie for long periods of time.  But every now and then, I come across an actor or actress who knows how to grab my attention and keep it.

1.  Hyacinth Bucket, played by actress Patricia Routledge.  If you haven't ever seen an episode of BBC's "Keeping Up Appearances", you haven't been entertained.  I don't know if this sitcom was meant to be the British equivalent to "I Love Lucy", but in my opinion, it totally supersedes.  What makes Hyacinth a great character?  She's ambitious, quirky, and a gentle-hearted snob!  Hyacinth makes watching a train wreck fun!  I love her facial expressions! 





2. Sir Percival Blakeney, played by actor Anthony Andrews.  I didn't much care for the old black-and-white version of "The Scarlet Pimpernel", but when I saw the movie staring Anthony Andrews, it was all over.  What makes Sir Percy a great character?  Just everything.  He is an English aristocrat who uses the cover of a flaky, shallow-minded dandy to hide his heroic ambitions to save the lives of French aristocrats during the French Revolution.  Plus he's super romantic.  Sink me, he's one of the best male characters ever. 





3. Susan Vance, played by actress Katherine Hepburn.  "Bringing Up Baby" is my all time favorite movie, and not because the story centers around a leopard (although that certainly helps).  What makes Susan a great character?  She's a both a charming, ditsy heiress, and a schemer capable of crazy impulse.  She's willing to steal clothes and dinosaur bones to keep an awkward paleontologist close to her. 





4. Miracle Max, played by actor Billy Crystal.  "The Princess Bride" is one of the best movies you will ever watch, because its a great romance/comedy packed with memorable, unique characters.  It was hard to pick one character that made the movie for me, but I decided that Miracle Max was the most unique and memorable (plus Billy Crystal is a pretty talented actor).  Miracle Max is a witty and grumpy old man.  He loves MLTs and can't stand the name "Humperdink".





What movie or TV characters left an impression on you?  What did you like about them?

Henry Kupjack's Miniature Rooms

I am so excited to find awesome replicas of 18th century rooms -- even a 17th century pirate's great cabin (which is my desktop picture now :-)  These fine miniature rooms are the work of Henry Kupjack.  I learned from a facebook friend that they have been moved from the museum in Instanbul, and can be viewed at the Art Institute in Chicago.  I so want to go and see these miniatures in person!

I have searched and searched for a way to contact Kupjack for permission to show the pictures of his work on my blog, but I haven't been successful.  Furthermore, the pictures I do like appear to be taken by someone who visited the museum and uploaded them to flickr, under an all-rights-reserved copyright.  So...I'm just going to post the links to the photos.  Enjoy!

Henry Kupjack's website: http://www.rmk-museum.org.tr/sergi-2008/eng-odalar.html


17th century pirate's great cabin

Louis XVI Dining Room 1785

18th century English pub 1795

Dauphine Dining Room in the Raleigh Tavern, Williamsburg, VA 1770

Montmorenci Stair Hall 1830

Biedemaier Library 1815

Okay...so they're not all 18th century...but they were too pretty not to share ;-)

Midweek Writing Challenge: Strange Footprints

"The children were playing on the beach when they found the strange footprints in the sand.  Their curiosity got the best of them and they decided to follow the tracks along the shore..."

Finish this story in 300 words or less.

*********************************************

“Sure, it looks like a duck’s print,” eight-year-old Trey Bradley acknowledged as he and Alex trailed the footprints, “but it can’t be a duck.  Ducks aren’t that big, and they don’t have claws.  Maybe…”  He wiggled his eyebrows under a shock of curly blonde bangs, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief.  “Maybe it’s the Loch Ness Monster!”

Five-year-old Alex Seth paled, then shook his head and narrowed dark brows at his friend.  “There’s no such thing, Trey!  Quit trying to scare me!”

“There is too.”

“Then how come I’ve never heard of a Loch Ness Monster?”

Trey shot him a crooked grin.  “Cause no one wants you to get scared.”

“I’m not scared!”

“Shhh!” Trey hissed, stopping at the edge of the sandy bank.  “I think I see it!”

Alex ducked behind Trey, his eyes darting wildly.  “Where?”

Trey pointed at the river and whispered in Alex’s ear for effect.  “There’s something in the water.”

Alex saw it.  Two dark lumps broke the surface of the water.  Dark, wet fur.  Small.  At least it was small.  He began to relax and squinted for a better look.

It started moving.  Gliding through the water. 

“That’s not a Loch Ness Monster!” Alex exclaimed, realizing.  “That’s a platypus!"

Photo by Arthur Chapman

http://www.flickr.com/photos/arthur_chapman/4487642049

The platypus was startled by his voice, and splashed in a jerky dive. 

Trey laughed.

 “It’s not funny!”  Alex crossed his arms and frowned angrily.  “You knew it was a platypus!  I’m telling your mum that you tricked me!”

“Sorry, mate.  I was just having a bit of fun.  Here, you can have my chocolate bar.”  Trey pulled a squishy, messy candy wrapper out of his pocket.  

Alex accepted the peace offering, his frown vanishing.  “Thanks!”

“Wanna see if we can find more tracks?”

“Okay!  But I get to say what it is this time!”