Title:

Waxing - Book Review

Word Count:

269

Summary:

"The excerpt in the opening page of Waxing, before all the credits and the title page, was fantastic! That little enticing excerpt compelled me to read on with energy. This compact, 204 page fiction could be classified as a paranormal romance fantasy... Contrary to many stories involving werewolves and witches, Waxing has a believable scenario, is action-packed with an interesting and complex romance between the main characters..."

Keywords:

fiction, fantasy, paranormal, action, werewolf, witch

Article Body:

The excerpt in the opening page of Waxing, before all the credits and the title page, was fantastic! That little enticing excerpt compelled me to read on with energy. This compact, 204 page fiction could be classified as a paranormal romance fantasy.

Author Megan Powell uses wit and pace to create a fun and suspenseful story. An alpha werewolf male is cursed and assailed from unexpected directions. In desperation, he turns to a solitary witch in hopes of righting wrongs and keeping peace within his pack. This is a story about obligations, finding love and balancing an underground life while intermingling with a society that must never know their kind exists.

Contrary to many stories involving werewolves and witches, Waxing has a believable scenario, is action-packed with an interesting and complex romance between the main characters, Derek and Liz. The author displays a rare talent in bringing the reader into the story at a deeper level by showing the thought processes of her main characters.

Having written her own books, participated in several short-story anthology books and currently editing two e-zines while doing book reviews for another e-zine, one could easily say that Megan Powell is an accomplished and busy writer. Her work tends to involve notes of magic, mystery and the intrigue of the unknown.

I enjoyed reading Waxing by Megan Powell. Actually the story reminded me of another enjoyable book entitled Shifter by J & G Reeves-Stevens - book one of the Chronicles of Galen Sword. Waxing, however, would be appropriate for young adult and adult readers alike.

ISBN#: 1-55410-263-4 (also available in e-book format)
Author: Megan Powel
Publisher: Zumaya Publications

Title:

Before Da Vince had a Code There was an Antichrist Code

Word Count:

738

Summary:

Who isn’t familiar with Dan Brown’s provocative book, The Da Vinci Code that stepped on, what Christians consider, very sacred ground? His absorbing tale of Jesus’ earthly lineage through Mary Magdalene sparked passionate debates around the world. Was Jesus married? Were original documents destroyed to keep his secret safe? Is his claim to divinity a charade? Before Da Vince had a Code there was an Antichrist Code that blows the Da Vinci Code out of the water.

Keywords:

antichrist,Da Vinci Code,Enoch,apostle Eric vonAnderseck,apostles,Dr. Eric vonAnderseck,code,Christian book,ancient mysteries

Article Body:

Who isn’t familiar with Dan Brown’s provocative book, The Da Vinci Code that stepped on, what Christians consider, very sacred ground? His absorbing tale of Jesus’ earthly lineage through Mary Magdalene sparked passionate debates around the world. Was Jesus married? Were original documents destroyed to keep his secret safe? Is his claim to divinity a charade? Before Da Vince had a Code there was an Antichrist Code that blows the Da Vinci Code out of the water.

The Blueprint of Deception

The Antichrist is known by many names all related to the same goal of discrediting God, reducing Jesus Christ to an ignoble prophet or do-gooder; but behind the masks there is one central character who has been with mankind from the beginning—the Antichrist spirit, who is Satan himself, spinning his web of lies.

Satan’s blueprint of deception and plot to destroy the human race can be traced to the ancient writings of Enoch and Adam. Adam had first hand knowledge of Satan’s intrusion into this dimension and quotes Satan as saying, “Inasmuch as we do not know the day agreed upon with you by your God, nor the hour in which thou shalt be delivered, for that reason will we multiply war and murder upon thee and thy seed after thee. This is our will and our good pleasure, that we may not leave one of the sons of men to inherit our orders in heaven” (1 Adam and Eve 57:8–9).

Breaking the Code

"Breaking the Antichrist Code: The Blueprint of Deception", authored by Drs. Eric and Maria vonAnderseck, delivers on its promise to uncover the truth that Satan has tried to hide. This Christian book uncovers the shocking depth of resentment Satan holds against God that directly spawned six thousand years of war upon Adam’s race. Satan’s wish to suppress the truth about himself and hide God’s original plan for Adam began the most strategic and successful disinformation campaign humanity has ever known.

Enthralled by the intrigue of mystery, many “holy grail” industries have arisen, seeking to unlock the secrets of life in many DNA codes. From the astrobiologists who examine microbes from Mars to unlock the mystery of “are we alone,” to alchemists who seek to escape the curse of death, everyone is looking for the “elixir of life.” Other such “holy grail” searches include the hunt for the chalice of the Last Supper, a variation of which hints at a blasphemous “royal” bloodline to Christ through Mary Magdalene. For centuries, humankind has been influenced by many Arthurian legends that enchant the mind with information that would lead to power over evil. Books like The Da Vinci Code demonstrate how the soul is fascinated with codes, mystery, intrigue, and the possibilities of unlocking a hidden power that can transcend mortal restrictions to experience the God-Code that intuitively rings true about our original creation and potential.

Uncovering the Truth

The authors conduct a complete step-by-step analysis of Satan’s code of deception that he has used for six thousand years to acculturate the world to his system. Central to their analysis is an examination of Satan’s psych history. The authors put Satan on the psychologist’s couch and picked his brain to uncover the truth about his expulsion from heaven and the cause of his madness. What made Satan step outside of the divine order that God had given to him? What prize did God seemingly withhold from him that drove Satan to countermand God and steal the prize for himself? Satan is said to have had his eye on the throne of God. If the throne of God was never promised to Satan, yet Satan aspired it, to whom did God make the promise to share His throne? The spirit of Antichrist dates back to that history. Uncovering the truth about that history also unlocks the mystery of good and evil, the fall of man from the grace of God, our changed reality, the human condition, and the motives of fallen angels’ intercourse, both spiritual and physical, with the human race.

With apostolic authority and precision apostle Eric vonAnderseck weaves together scriptures from the Bible, the books of Enoch, and 1 Adam and Eve to put together the most comprehensive study of human history ever written, answering deep spiritual questions that have plagued mankind since the dawn of time.

Title:

Sweet News-Strawberries Are Part Of A Heart-Healthy Plan

Word Count:

288

Summary:

The road to a healthy heart runs through the kitchen.

Keywords:

Sweet News-Strawberries Are Part Of A Heart-Healthy Plan

Article Body:

The road to a healthy heart runs through the kitchen. Just ask Joe Piscatella, who had coronary bypass surgery at the early age of 32. Told that he wouldn't live to see his two young children graduate from high school, Joe decided to take a crash course in heart-healthy eating and learned a few things along the way.

Thirty years later, Joe is now the President of the Institute for Fitness and Health and best-selling author of "The Road to a Healthy Heart Runs Through the Kitchen." Full of facts and sound advice, this book is an easy-to-follow lifestyle plan that combines the newest guidelines from the USDA with 300 easy and delicious recipes.

Joe knows the importance of eating foods that you love and explains how to include them in a heart-healthy diet. Take America's favorite fruit: the Strawberry. Strawberries are a superfood that Joe recommends to increase levels of folate, a B vitamin important for heart health. Studies have shown a reduction in artery-damaging inflammation and lower blood pressure after eating a serving of strawberries every day for eight weeks. Luckily for your heart, fresh, sweet strawberries are available year-round from California!

According to Joe, "This book is easy to follow and will engage your head along with your stomach in the quest for a lifestyle that will really make a difference."

Spinach, Strawberry and Walnut Salad

4 servings

4 cups of fresh baby spinach leaves

1/4 cup wine vinaigrette

1 cup thickly sliced California strawberries

1/2 cup blueberries

1/4 cup walnut halves, chopped

Toss spinach with vinaigrette. Add berries and walnuts. Toss again.

Nutrition Note: The antioxidants in strawberries and the omega-3 fatty acids in the walnuts help keep artery walls healthy.



You can include the food you love in a heart-healthy diet.

Title:

Kitty Fantastic in Manroe’s Art Adventure - Book Review

Word Count:

402

Summary:

There is no doubt that this is an excellent book and could easily be one of the best I have seen. The art is amazing - especially the backgrounds, which are full of colorful textures and blends. Another noticeable feature was the bright, almost realistic eyes of Pamela’s characters.

Keywords:

children, fiction, art, education

Article Body:

Kitty Fantastic in Manroe’s Art Adventure is a 40-page children’s book written by the accomplished and award-winning illustrator Pamela Key. Her intent in writing this book is clear in this passage from the book:

"If a kid does any kind of art at least three hours a day, three days a week, for a year he or she is four times more likely to win an award for writing or be recognized for academic achievement and three times more likely to be elected to class office or win an award for school attendance."

There is no doubt that this is an excellent book and could easily be one of the best I have seen. The art is amazing - especially the backgrounds, which are full of colorful textures and blends. Another noticeable feature was the bright, almost realistic eyes of Pamela’s characters.

Monroe, a curious little boy filled with questions, has a conversation with his artistically inclined mother about the many various forms of art. Everything from writing, music, pottery and painting are covered in their discussion. A lovable egomaniac cat is Monroe’s best friend and he appears on each scene with cunning comments. Fun activity sheets (four in total) mentally stimulate children and help develop the ability to focus on details.

The way the book is illustrated and written allows for plenty of dialogue between the reader and children. They can seek out images together and discuss what is happening. Also every-other page has a small box with extra historical facts. Such as: science-fiction author Jules Verne writing about air and water travel 100 years before it was possible; and the adventure of Dolly Madison who risked her life to safe important national treasures.

Kitty Fantastic in Manroe’s Art is a fun and stimulating book for learning historical lessons and as an introduction to art – and as such, the book would be ideal for groups of children at schools, libraries and even daycare centers. Children are not the only people that can be enlightened by this book - my husband and myself were both educated about "surrealism" and more. I was also particularly partial to the author making sure it is understood that each person has their own art and express thoughts and emotions through it in their own unique way.

I heartily recommend this book!

ISBN#: 0-9771971-1-5
Authored and Illustrated by: Pamela Key
Publisher: A Better Be Write Publisher

Title:

Finally-A Savory New Way To Lose Weight And Keep It Off For Life

Word Count:

390

Summary:

A new world take on an old-world way of eating can be better than the many diets that are extreme and difficult or expensive to follow.

Keywords:

Finally-A Savory New Way To Lose Weight And Keep It Off For Life

Article Body:

A new world take on an old-world way of eating can be better than the many diets that are extreme and difficult or expensive to follow, and gives results in just 10 days. It's "The Sonoma Diet" (Meredith Books, $24.95) by Dr. Connie Guttersen, R.D., Ph.D.

Ordinary weight loss plans can be uncomfortable or even unhealthy, asking you to cut out certain ingredients, and it can be hard to find out exactly what's in everything you eat-particularly if you want to eat out or at someone else's table.

Now there's a medically proven powerhouse program that has already helped countless dieters lose weight without counting calories or eliminating a single food category. This is the rejuvenating, sun-drenched cuisine you can savor without guilt while staying lean for a lifetime. It turns mealtime into a celebration, not a deprivation.

That's because across the Atlantic a timeless Mediterranean approach has consistently been linked with weight management and excellent overall health. Now the science behind these miracle foods has at last been translated to another sun-drenched locale closer to home: Sonoma County, California. The result is a proven, sane and completely savory way to stay fit for life.

Dr. Guttersen was a weight-loss counselor and nutrition researcher for many years and she is now on the faculty of the renowned Culinary Institute of America. She was inspired to develop a cutting-edge program that would reflect and perfect a celebration of food for people who love to eat and offers flavorful food good enough for guests. A recent study found that increasing carbohydrates with an emphasis on vegetables and fruits and grains, in fact does not promote weight gain. The Sonoma Diet doesn't call for any diet foods, just satisfying, easy-to-prepare meals that will actually program your body to lose weight. Flavorful recipes the whole family will love are portioned out so you won't overeat. Busy dieters can enjoy express salads even if they're always on the go.

You can enjoy such a carefree experience on The Sonoma Diet because Dr. Guttersen has done all the science for you. Her recommended meals offer a range of delicious "power foods" that deliver maximum disease-fighting nutrients, infused with robust flavors and plenty of variety. Eaten in the correct combinations, these power meals will keep you feeling full while shifting your body's metabolic levels into high gear.

Title:

The Road of Silk: Book Review

Word Count:

356

Summary:

The Road of Silk is an adventure fantasy, with mystical and magical elements and a high energy feel to it that any reader will enjoy. Although this novel is written for an adult audience, I believe anyone over the age of 10 could easily become immersed in its pages.

Keywords:

adventure, mystic, magic, fantasy

Article Body:

The Road of Silk is an adventure fantasy, with mystical and magical elements and a high energy feel to it that any reader will enjoy. Although this novel is written for an adult audience, I believe anyone over the age of 10 could easily become immersed in its pages. This is a co-written work between Matt Afsahi and Barbara Dysonwilliams, who have written many of their own books in the past. In The Road of Silk, they successfully combined their wide range of knowledge in journalism, art, archaeology, literature and languages into a wonderful piece of work.

Six main characters play important parts in this battle of good against evil - where there is little hope of survival. Running is not an option, as it would only result in a gruesome war. Queen Yasmin, a stunningly beautiful young woman, is more than willing to sacrifice herself and marry an evil King whom she cannot love for something bigger than herself - the safety of her people. For her, war is a tragedy to be avoided at all costs, even if it means sacrificing love and happiness.

Queen Yasmin finds love where she did not expect it, and learns hidden family secrets that alter her future forever. She discovers a great power within herself and the journey helps her to find the strength and confidence that will help her rule justly and wisely. Along the way a deep friendship develops between unlikely characters that breaks through belief systems and ingrained feelings of duty.

Forced to make choices in challenging situations helps the six main characters grow into better (or sometimes worse) people. They all end up facing their greatest fears and their choices will determine their fate.

The Road of Silk was definitely an entertaining read. It had a smooth story line with interesting characters and had a sense of fun and energy to it throughout. I felt the authors were trying to tell readers that friendship and honor will seek us out when we live consciously. Living is about choices, after all – and few of the choices are easy.

ISBN#: 0974764469
Authors: Matt Afsahi and Barbara Dysonwilliams
Publisher: Synergy Books

Title:

Valerie Hector: The Art of Beadwork: Historic Inspiration, Contemporary Design

Word Count:

290

Summary:

The Art of Beadwork: Historic Inspiration, Contemporary Design is a lavishly illustrated book on beading traditions. It combines articles on various historical traditions in beadworking with designs by contemporary artists inspired by these traditions.

Keywords:

beadwork, beads, bead jewelry

Article Body:

Valerie Hector's The Art of Beadwork: Historic Inspiration, Contemporary Design (ISBN 0-8320-0307-8) is an interesting combination of the historical and cultural analysis of various beadmaking traditions and the presentation of works by modern designers who were inspired by these traditions.

There are numerous books on contemporary bead designs, as well as many histories of beadmaking (which may go back as much as 75,000 years, see http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news
/2004/04/0415_040415_oldestjewelry.html

The book looks at a number of ethnic and historical beadwork traditions:

- Han Beadwork (Mainland China)
- Ancient Japanese Beadwork
- Kathi Beadwork (Guajarat State, India)
- Sa'dan Toraja Beadwork (Sulawesi, Indonesia)
- Straits Chinese Beadwork (Penang, Malaysia)
- Kenyah Beadwork (Indonesian/Malaysian Borneo)
- Ambai Island Beadwork (Indonesian New Guniea)
- Ancient Egyptian Beadwork
- Yoruba Beadwork (Nigeria)
- Maasai Beadwork (Kenya)
- Dinka Beadwork (Sudan)
- Xhosa Beadwork (South Africa)
- Ndebele Beadwork (South Africa)
- Msinga (Zulu) Beadwork (South Africa)
- Seventeenth Century English Beadwork
- J. M. van Selow Beadwork (1760s Germany)
- Wiener Werkstätte Beadwork (1920s Austria)
- Funerary Beadwork (France)
- Plains and Plateau Beadwork
- Achomawi/Atsugewi Beadwork (California)
- Huichol Beadwork (Mexico)
- Chimu Beadwork (Peru)

Each chapter has a short description of the historical beading tradition, sometimes with fascinating anecdotes (I liked the one about the "bead trees" that beads supposedly come from), followed by projects by contemporary bead artists based on each of these traditions. Each project is shown with photos and detailed diagrams.

The overall impression is one of awe at the incredible creativity of the human mind that has turned these small objects into dazzling and amazing creations in so many cultures and so many periods. Even if you are not interested in recreating any of the designs presented here, The Art of Beadwork is a fascinating book that you will most likely return to again and again.