Jezebel: a lesson and warnings in idolatry

Jezebel is a name that has become synonymous with a wanton or sinful woman. As a Phoenician princess, Jezebel was the daughter of the priest-king of Sidon and became queen when she married King Ahab. She was a woman of great conviction and unwavering devotion. She worshiped Baal, the pagan fertility and Asherah, the mother goddess (Ackerman, 1999). She was a religious woman who set out to spread idolatry throughout Israel. She was a powerful, cunning, and arrogant woman who actively stood up and opposed God. She knew how to enhance and use her power at the expense of others. Jezebel meets a gruesome end as her arrogance leads to a death unworthy of a queen. What is her story? What is the significance of idolatry in her story? And why does God warn us against idolatry? 

Jezebel was so determined to convert all of Israel that she hunted and killed all YHWH’s prophets and replaced them with 450 prophets of Baal and 400 of Asherah. One prophet escaped and became her most hated adversary. Elijah, whose name means “My God is YHWH”, and Jezebel would square off and it would be a battle to the death. Elijah prophesied to King Ahab that no rain would fall except by his word (1 Kings 17:1) and for three and half years, there was drought and famine. Elijah would challenge the prophets of Baal and Asherah to see which god would rain fire from heaven. For twelve hours, the prophets called on Baal and Asherah to light the sacrificial fires but nothing. To add emphasis, Elijah doused his sacrificial wood with water three times and then called on God to light the fire which happened immediately. Elijah then rallied the Israelites to kill Jezebel’s prophets. Jezebel would be outraged and vowed to kill Elijah (1 Kings 18:19-40, 19:2). Jezebel would also plot to kill a man simply because the king wanted his vineyard (1 Kings 21:1-16), Elijah prophesied Jezebel’s gruesome end (1 Kings 21:20-23) and it would come to pass as she was pushed from a window and devoured by dogs in the street (2 Kings 9:30-37). 

Idolatry is the worship of idols. It is usually an item that is worshiped as if it were the god. For example, an idol of Baal, which is in the image of the god, would be worshiped as if it was Baal himself.  Idolatry comes from the Greek, eidolatria, meaning “worship of idols” which appears to be borrowed from various Hebrew phrases meaning “strange worship” (Chrisholm, 1911). It is “humanity’s attempt to give material shape to religious ideals, symbols, and personages” (Lee, 2015). Today, it is also the extreme admiration, love, or reverence for something or someone. An idol is anything or anyone that supplants or placed higher than God in our lives. We need to be mindful of what could possibly be an idol in our lives. A few example of modern idols are sex, money, fame and even important people in our lives. Charles Spurgeon once said “If you love anything better than God you are idolaters: if there is anything you would not give up for God it is your idol: if there is anything that you seek with greater fervor than you seek the glory of God, that is your idol, and conversion means a turning from every idol.”

God’s warnings about idolatry are very clear. Exodus 20:3-6 warns against any idols before God or the worship of any of these idols. Leviticus 19:4 says “Do not turn to idols or make gods of cast metal for yourselves.” God would consistently remind the Israelites that the idols do not save them (Judges 10:14, Psalm 16:4, Isaiah 45:20, Jonah 2:8). The New Testament turns to warnings about physical and intangible idols. Paul warns us to stop (“put to death”) whatever belongs to our earthly nature including sexual immorality, evil desires and greed (Colossians 3:5 and Galatians 5:19-21). 1 Corinthians 10:14 and 1 John 5:21 instruct us to flee from idols. The question that remains is why no idolatry? I believe that the psalmist says it best in Psalm 135:15-18, “The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.” Those who worship idols become like the empty figures they worship. They cannot see or hear God and cannot speak of Him. Trust in God himself not an image or a lifeless figure. 

There is no doubt that Jezebel was an educated woman with particular astuteness for the political realm. She was also a woman who hardened her heart and suffered the consequences. She has become the worst queen and one of the Bible’s most infamous women. Revelation 2:20, 21 uses her name as an example of those who completely reject God. Many pagan women married Israelite royalty, bringing their practices with them. Jezebel being the most vocal and determined to see God wiped from Israel’s consciousness. However, God is bigger than one individual on earth. Idolatry causes us to lose focus from God the Father and Creator of all to the image made of earthly materials. Ask God to teach and guide you in all your days, so that you can gain wisdom and fight against the evil that surrounds you. 

Reference

Ackerman, Sarah (31 December 1999). Asherah/Asherim: Bible, Jewish Women's Archive. 

https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/asherahasherim-bible#:~:text=Asherah%2C%20along%20with%20Astarte%20and,found%20in%20the%20Israelite%20tradition. Retrieved March 21, 2022. 

Brenner, Athalya (31 December 1999). Jezebel: Bible. Jewish Women’s Archive. 

https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/jezebel-bible. Retrieved March 12, 2022. 

Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). Idolatry. Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 14 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/1911_Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica/Idolatry. Retrieved March 21, 2022. 

Lee, Dennis (29 July 2015). God warns us to stay away from idols. The Spectrum. 

https://www.thespectrum.com/story/news/local/mesquite/2015/07/29/god-warns-us-stay-away-idols/30851977/. Retrieved March 21, 2022. 

Second Chance Grill: small town drama and romance

Second Chance Grill by Christine Nolfi is the first book in the Liberty series. Dr Mary Chance needs a break from practicing medicine after the tragic loss of her closest friend. When the opportunity came to reopen her aunt’s struggling restaurant in Liberty, Ohio, she thought it was exactly what she needed. Unfortunately, reopening the restaurant wasn’t as smooth as she thought. She wasn’t prepared for the eccentric residents and one determined eleven year old girl. Blossom Perini is a girl who has been through hell, battling leukemia and has emerged victorious. Now she is determined to find a wife for her father, Anthony, and Mary is the perfect candidate. Mary can’t help being drawn to Blossom and Anthony but she tries to resist. But when Blossom faces another battle, Mary and the town will rally together for her and set in motion an outpouring of love from outside their small community. 

Second Chance Grill is touted as “an unforgettable tale of love, loss and second chances,” and while it was an emotional story, I closed the final pages conflicted. I have loved Ms. Nolfi’s books in the past and I expected to enjoy this one. Unfortunately, I did not. At certain parts, I was bored and even annoyed over the small town antics of its eccentric residents. And other parts, I was angry and not angry as I think Ms. Nolfi intended. While Second Chance Grill had all the elements of a great small town story that I usually love, however, I didn’t care for Mary, Blossom or Anthony and other characters really grated my nerves. The romance between Mary and Anthony started off fine, then morphed into something cringey. There were actions of some characters that bordered on the criminal with no consequences or at least any I saw. Unfortunately, Second Chance Grill wasn’t the story I expected. 

Second Chance Grill is available in paperback and eBook

Ismeni: a story of love, passion and fate

Ismeni by Tosca Lee is a prelude to The Legend of Sheba: Rise of a Queen. It is a story about a mysterious beauty born under a bad omen, a destiny set by the stars of her birth. Set in Saba (present day Yemen), Ismeni grew up feared by her people. Her beauty was considered unnatural and many were weary of her as they expected misfortune when she was around. But Ismeni prays for one thing: to live an invisible life. To live her life in relative peace. But it was not meant to be as she caught the attention of Prince Agaziah, the king’s youngest son. Through war and twists of fate, she becomes queen. 

I haven’t read anything by Tosca Lee and when Ismeni was offered to me, I was intrigued. I recently finished a bible study on the Queen of Sheba and her story was fresh in my mind. Ms. Lee writes a beautiful story that was so engaging I forget it was a short story and over before I was prepared. I am looking forward to reading The Legend of Sheba: Rise of a Queen to see if Ismeni’s wishes and dreams see fulfillment when her daughter comes to the throne. Ismeni is torn between the love of her heart and her societal duty. It is a story of love, passion and fate. I recommend Ismeni. 

Ismeni is available as an eBook

The Keeper of Happy Endings: a story about fate, second chances and hope

The Keeper of Happy Endings by Barbara Davis is a story about fate, second chances and hope. Soline Roussel is well versed in the business of happy endings. For generations, the women of her family kept an exclusive bridal salon in Paris. Where magic is worked into each stitch. It is said that every bride who wears a Roussel gown is guaranteed a lifetime of joy and happiness. When World War II arrives in Paris, Soline is faced with devastating loss after another. She arrives in America with one simple dress box. She places all her memories in it, stowing them away, determined to forget. Decades later, another young woman is dealing with her own tragic loss. Rory Grant is left reeling after her fiancé goes missing with no words as to his whereabouts or if he is even alive. When she comes across an old store front, she becomes determined to open her own art gallery. Inside the storefront, she discovers Soline’s old dress box. What happens is an unlikely friendship between Soline and Rory. While they both believe they were destined to meet, their connection would have a profound impact on their future. 

The Keeper of Happy Endings is my first book by Barbara Davis and it was widely praised and recommended. Now I can see why. It is a beautiful story of love, loss and finding hope when hope seems lost. From the very beginning, I enjoyed Soline’s story as well as Rory’s. Although there were a few twists and “aha” moments that I saw them coming before the big reveal. However, figuring out the twists didn’t take away from the emotional impact of the story. It is also more than just another historical story about war and love lost. It is about the eternal struggle between mother and daughter, the constant push and pull that they seem to be engaged in and the influence that one generation has on another. The Keeper of Happy Endings also serves as a reminder that hate doesn’t change with time. One of my favorite quotes is “People always find a way to justify their hate—and give others an excuse to fall in line. They put words in people’s mouths, plant them like viruses, then watch them spread.” Words that ring true today as they did over eighty years ago. I highly recommend The Keeper of Happy Endings. 

The Keeper of Happy Endings is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Happy Accidents: when a night of mistakes can turn your life around

The Happy Accidents by Jamie Beck is a story of friendship, love and finding fulfillment in the most unusual way. All Jessie Clarke wanted was a wild adventure to celebrate her upcoming 37th birthday. Her sister, Lizzie, and their friend, Chloe, agree to the birthday pact for one wild night. What a wild night it was! The next morning, they wake up to shocking consequences. A viral video throws Liz’s career in broadcast news and reputation into a downward spiral. Chloe loses at the craps table that threatens her seemingly solid marriage. She realizes that she wants something more. Jessie is desperate to unlock her artistic muse which leaves her with lift-changing choices. Each woman is at a crossroads, the choice they must make will test everything they know and love. Will their misadventure be a curse or a blessing in disguise? 

What could go wrong with a girls night out right? A lot as Jessie, Liz and Chloe find out. The story started off rough as I wasn’t sure if I cared for or could relate to any of these women. But I stuck with it and by the end, I could appreciate their growth even though I could not relate to them. I enjoyed seeing the growth in the supporting characters as well. More often than not, the consequences of our choices affect those around us as well as ourselves. It was refreshing to see that Jessie, Liz and Chloe not only changed for the better but also those in their inner circle, even resulting in closer relationships than before. Overall, I enjoyed following the aftermath of their misadventures and see them better for it. I recommend The Happy Accidents

The Happy Accidents is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. 

Everything We Give: family secrets, closure and moving forward

Everything We Give is the third and final book in the Everything series by Kerry Lonsdale. Award winning photographer Ian Collins seemingly has it all. National recognition for his work, his loving wife, Aimee, and their adorable daughter, Caty. Only two dreams elude him: a feature in National Geographic and finding his mother. He made one mistake in life that cost his mother her freedom and destroyed what family he had. Now he is estranged from his father and his mother has been living off the grid for decades. When his dream assignment appears to be coming true, his wife’s ex-fiancé, James, reappears in their lives with a message for Ian and leaves, putting a strain on their marriage. Ian is faced with a decision: which dream to chase after? Does he go after his ultimate dream with National Geographic or does he pick up his search for his mom? 

The first two books in this series were excellent with suspense, mystery and secrets. I was eager to finish the series. Everything We Give was good but did not have the same emotional impact as the first two books. I found the constant fighting and making up cycle with Ian and Aimee annoying. Especially when they seem to be fighting about the same thing over and over again. I also didn’t like the constant shifting topics in their conversations. They would be having a normal conversation and suddenly their fighting over a comment made. It was distracting. I also did not care for Aimee in this story. She seemed to be at odds with not only Ian but also her friends. She saw betrayals in everyone’s actions but couldn’t see her own. Overall, Everything We Give was a nice closure to Aimee and Ian’s journeys. I recommend Everything We Give and recommend The Everything series as a whole. 

Everything We Give is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Book 1: Everything We Keep is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Book 2: Everything We Leave Behind is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Finding Faith: a story of family cycles and love with humor and heart

Finding Faith is the first book in the Finding Home series by B.E. Baker. Mary Wiggin had a troubled childhood. Her mom walked out, leaving her and her little sister in their father’s care, who started drinking and never stopped. Mary became responsible for herself and her sister. Mary swore off alcohol and decided she was never going to have kids, just in case bad parenting is hereditary.. She grew up to have a great, rewarding career as an accountant and even more rewarding work as president of Sub-for-Santa, a gift program for low income families. Then she meets the hunky Luke and his goofy smile and good natured humor sends shivers up her spine. He’s perfect…almost. When she discovers he is a widower with two young kids, she finds herself trying to walk away. Can she open herself to the possibility that she is not her parents? 

Finding Faith is my first book by B.E. Baker and it won’t be my last. From the opening chapter, I was drawn to Mary and her desire to stop the familial cycle. I also loved Luke. He instantly warmed my heart and I knew he’d be the one to change Mary’s mind. Finding Faith is a very sweet, heartwarming story with lots of romance moments, big smiles and humor. It was such a fun story. I couldn’t put it down. The characters’ fears and pasts felt realistic and their defensive walls they put up were also very real. I enjoyed the supporting cast of characters as well and I am looking forward to the rest of the series to read their stories. Finding Faith had relatable characters with real hurts, humor and possibilities for love. I highly recommend Finding Faith. 

Finding Faith is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. 

It Takes Heart: a second chance at love amidst family drama

It Takes Heart by Tif Marcelo is the first book in the Heart Resort series. The Heart Resort, a private resort, has been a romantic getaway for couples. But for the Puso family, being owners of the resort is also a place for family drama. Brandon is the youngest of the four siblings. After a fall out with his eldest brother, he prefers life on his own as a licensed contractor in DC. After a hurricane devastates the resort, it’s all hands on deck to get it up and running. There he encounters Geneva Harris, his sister’s best friend and interior designer. She is also there to help out. Brandon and Geneva have a little secret. Years ago, they had a romantic relationship that ended in heartbreak. They agree to ignore their past and work together for the sake of the resort and his family. However, their attraction is still there and try as they might, they can’t deny it. Will history repeat itself or is this their second chance to get it right? 

It Takes Heart is my first book by Tif Marcelo. I enjoyed a story that features a Filipino family. I know a few Filipinos and it was great to see the culture represented. The story started slowly, loaded with Brandon’s and Geneva’s relationship issues and the familial interpersonal relationships and conflicts. At times I was confused by statements made by the characters referring to events that I wasn’t aware of yet. I wasn’t sure if I would care for the relationship between Brandon and Geneva or care for the other characters to want to read the rest of the series. But I was intrigued and I wanted to continue. By the end, I cheered for Brandon’s and Geneva’s relationship and their individual growth. I even enjoyed Brandon’s siblings and  look forward to reading their stories. I appreciated how Ms. Marcelo dealt with family dynamics that can transcend cultures as well as grief, guilt and familial pressures. It is a heartwarming story of love, family and being true to yourself. I recommend It Takes Heart. 

It Takes Heart is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Orchard: a coming of age story during the final days of the USSR

The Orchard by Kristina Gorcheva-Newberry is a coming of age story set in the final days of the USSR. Anya and her best friend, Milka, try to envision a free and hopeful future for themselves, like the one they are told happens in America. They spend their summers at Anya’s family dacha (country house) outside of Moscow and exploring the apple orchard there. When they are fifteen, the Soviet Empire is on the verge of collapse, they begin to spend time with two male classmates, Petya and Aleksey. Together, the four friends discuss history, politics and forbidden books, as well as share secrets and desires. As the world is changing, they soon find that their time together is drawing shorter and shorter. When the family’s apple orchard is threatened, Anya realizes that memories do not fade as they are the connection from our past. Inspired by Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard, The Orchard chronicles the lives of four Soviet teenagers as they struggle to survive. 

I was intrigued by the premise of teenagers during the last years of the Soviet Union. However, the story was very slow and I found myself drifting as I read. There was no beauty or poetry to the language used as the story did not flow. There was a lot of showing and not telling. All the characters are flawed; however, I found myself not caring about them or their growth, if they had any growth at all. There was a lot of focus on sex and the descriptions of their bodies. While I am not a prude, the vulgarity of the language used was shocking and a turn off. While inspired by Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard, any parallels between the play and the book were lost on me as I have not read The Cherry Orchard. I may read The Cherry Orchard and return to The Orchard to reread to find more similarities, symbolism and meaning. However, right now, it was a book I found hard to read. 

The Orchard is available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook

The Patron: a story of faith, forgiveness and family

The Patron by Tess Thompson is the second book in the Emerson Pass Contemporaries series. Crystal Whalen isn’t sure why she should move on. Two years after her husband’s death on a ski trip, she is still reeling from her devastation. She is further devastated when a fire destroys her mountain home. The fire has thrown her together with Garth Welte, the gorgeous former skiing Olympian turned lawyer, whose home was also destroyed. The two become temporary housemates as their mutual friends, Trapper and Brandi, offer them a room while their houses are rebuilt. However, Crystal’s attraction to Garth only fuels her grief and guilt. Garth has his own wounds. He was burned when his ex-wife took most of his money and he is determined to keep things casual with Crystal, unfortunately, his growing feelings are getting more and more harder to deny. As they deal with their respective wounds, will they allow themselves a chance at love one more time? 

The Patron picks up where the first book, The Sugar Queen, left off. The town of Emerson Pass is still dealing with the aftermath of the devastating fire. It is a sweet and heartwarming story of faith, forgiveness and family. I particularly liked Ms. Thompson’s treatment of Crystal’s grief. It felt very real and tangible as she struggles with moving forward. As a couple, I didn’t get the warm fuzzies with Crystal and Garth as I did with Trapper and Brandi, but honestly, I think it’s because I related to Brandi’s struggles more than I did with Crystal’s and Garth’s. There was a bit of a mystery that is revealed in the story. However, I figured it out very early in the story and it was nice to have an “I knew it!” moment as I read. Overall, I enjoyed The Patron and I look forward to reading more books in the Emerson Pass Contemporaries series. I recommend The Patron but first you must read The Sugar Queen. 

The Patron is available in paperback and eBook

The Sugar Queen is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Under the Golden Sun: a story of love and war

Under the Golden Sun by Jenny Ashcroft is a story of how one decision can change the course of one’s life. March 1941, England, Rose Hamilton is desperate for a change when, by chance, she comes across a want ad. A companion is needed to escort a young orphaned child to Australia. There are so many reasons she should ignore the ad but she is drawn to the plight of this poor child. On a whim, she meets with the child’s dying great-aunt and within weeks boards a ship on her way across the treacherous seas during wartime against the misgivings of her family and her fiancé. After the long journey, Rose and Walter arrive at his family’s cattle station home but their arrival isn’t as welcomed as she thought. Rose is determined to leave Walter when he is happy and settled and his wounded fighter pilot uncle, Max Lucknow, is the key. It becomes clear that she has grown to love Walter and his new family. How can she leave him behind when he isn’t the only reason she wants to stay? 

Ms. Ashcroft can be counted on for a beautiful story and Under the Golden Sun is no exception. I enjoyed each character as they are hardened by life’s harsh circumstances but through the magic of love and forgiveness, they find themselves softening and open to a better life. Though it doesn’t come easily, I liked the progression the characters go through as they face the demons they’ve been running from. I particularly like Rose as she battles feeling in limbo as she had suffered a terrible loss and life went on but she wasn’t the same. Even though the question of whether Rose stays or goes back to her life in England was fairly obvious; however, how it was answered was beautiful and heartwarming. It certainly brought a huge smile to my face. It was a hard book to put down as I was engaged in the family’s history and drama. I also enjoyed reading about the events of World War II through the eyes of another country. It isn’t just Americans or Europeans who experienced the war. I highly recommend Under the Golden Sun. 

Under the Golden Sun is available March 15, 2022 in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook. 

The Haunting of Brynn Wilder: a story of loss, grief and transformation

The Haunting of Brynn Wilder by Wendy Webb is a story of loss, grief and transformation. After a year of turmoil, ending with a devastating loss, Brynn Wilder escapes to Wharton, a small tourist town on Lake Superior. Her goal is to relax, reset and get ready to go back to her life. She checks into a local boarding house for the summer. She quickly becomes a part of the local community and the other lodgers. There’s Jason and Gil who are caring for the frail Alice, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s. LuAnn, the lovable owner of the inn, who watches over her lodgers like a caring mother. Lastly, Dominic, the handsome stranger who is covered in mesmerizing tattoos that he has earned the nickname, The Illustrated Man. Soon after her arrival, mysterious events begin to occur. Alice knows things about Brynn that she shouldn’t. Bad dreams, night whispers and an undeniable attraction to Dominic, a mysterious man who people know very little about and the suspicions follow him. Will Brynn discover the truth surrounding the mysterious events? 

With a gothic feel, The Haunting of Brynn Wilder has a lot of mood and atmosphere that sets the stage for a creepy and disturbing story. I had seen a lot of mixed reviews about this book so when it was my chance to read it, I had no expectations. From the opening chapter, I was hooked and I easily read the events surrounding Brynn after she arrived in Wharton. The story itself is not scary but has creepy and odd moments that will catch your attention and breathlessly ask “whaaaaat?” Ms. Webb touches on a lot of different themes and ideas but none of them fully fleshed out. It is as if she didn’t quite know what she wanted to do with them. The story was great until the ending. While not horrible, the ending seemed rushed and at a disconnect with the rest of the story. Overall, I enjoyed the story with the exception of the end. If you keep your expectations low and allow the story to just be, you’ll probably enjoy The Haunting of Brynn Wilder. 

The Haunting of Brynn Wilder is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

After the Romanovs: what happened to the Russian elites after the Bolshevik Revolution

After the Romanovs: Russian Exiles in Paris from the Belle Époque Through Revolution and War by Helen Rappaport is the story of Russians in Paris. Paris has always been the city of culture, fine wine and food, and the latest fashions. It also has also been a refuge for those fleeing persecution. For years, Russian aristocrats had enjoyed all that the City of Lights had to offer. Living lavishly Paris was their home away from home. However, with the rise of the Bolshevik Revolution and the fall of the Romanov dynasty, many Russians came to Paris, some with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Suddenly former princes become taxi drivers, their wives sewing for the fashion houses. It is a story of menial jobs, political plots, espionage and assassination with few success stories while many lived in a cycle of poverty. The one thing that joined them all was love of the land that they were forced to leave behind. 

After the Romanovs bring the human stories to the historical events. A very detailed account of those who left Russia, afraid for their lives, while hoping for the chance to bring Russia back to her glory. The interesting aspect of After the Romanovs is the cycle in which people can easily become “enemies.” Vladimir Lenin declared the bourgeois, enemies of the revolutions. But the bourgeois weren’t just the monarchy and the wealthy class but intellectuals, writers, and artists who influenced the country’s culture. Many of these individuals would have been considered “have-nots” but because of their professions, they were now enemies of the revolution.  I enjoyed reading what happened to those who fled Russia after the revolution and how they fared. Ms. Rappaport does not shy away from the nit and gritty facts of these individuals’ stories, beliefs and attitudes that contributed to their downfall. If you are interested in this area of history, I highly recommend After the Romanovs. 

After the Romanovs: 

Russian Exiles in Paris from the Belle Époque Through Revolution and War 

is available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook

Structuring Your Novel: writing tips for inspiring writers and curious readers

Structuring Your Novel: Essential Keys for Writing an Outstanding Story by K.M. Weiland is the third book in the Helping Writers Become Authors series and sets out to demonstrate how the structure of a novel is the foundation to successful stories. Through examples in books and films, the universal aspects that help build a powerful plot and character arcs. Proper story and scene structures are detailed to time a story’s major events with better pacing and progression. In Structuring Your Novel, inspiring writer will learn:

• How to determine the best methods for unique and personal visions for a story.

• How to identify common structural weaknesses and flip them around into stunning strengths.

• How to eliminate saggy middles by discovering the “centerpiece.”

• Why conflict on every page is not necessary

• How to discover the questions writers don’t want readers asking about the plot and writers do want readers to ask

As an inspiring writer with tons of story ideas, I have no idea how to get started. Structuring Your Novel is a wealth of tips and guidelines with real examples to illustrate how and why these tips work. Every book, regardless of genre, has the same base, the same skeleton which appeals to readers. All stories are about characters, a setting, and a conflict or conflicts. Once those are in place, the meat of a specific story can be added. While reading this book, I took tons of notes to look back on as I outline and plan my stories. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the Helping Writers Become Authors series. Even if you aren’t an inspiring author, this book will help everyone recognize story elements that are present in successful stories in movies and books and when they are not present is when the story fails. I recommend Structuring Your Novel. 

Structuring Your Novel: Essential Keys for Writing an Outstanding Story 

is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Listening Still: a unique gift that can be a gift or a curse

Listening Still by Anne Griffin is a story of a young woman who has inherited the family gift…or is it a curse? Jeannie Masterson can hear the recently dead and give a voice to their final wishes and revelations. Inherited from her father, their gift has helped the family funeral business thrive in their small Irish town of Kilcross. Jeannie made the decision to stay and help with the family business instead of following her teenage sweetheart to London. When her parents announce their plans to retire, Jeannie is jolted awake to the life she has been living. She finds herself at a crossroads once again. Does she stay in Kilcross with her comfortable marriage and the family business or does she take this chance to finally break free from a calling she loves and hates? 

Listening Still is billed as “a heartachingly honest look at what we give up and what we gain when we choose to follow our heart.” I was intrigued by the premise. It’s not every day that you hear about a book with the main character having the ability to talk to the dead. Unfortunately, Listening Still did not live up to its premise. From the very beginning, Jeannie is unlikeable. She whines like a child when she learns about her parents' retirement. Jeannie is very wishy-washy as she never really understands a question, leaving the other person with the assumed answer and gets upset when they push the issue. It seems even the most mundane decisions trip her up and she acts as if every decision is a life-altering decision. I found Listening Still hard to read. 

Listening Still is available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook. 

The Girl Behind the Wall: family separations and the Berlin Wall

The Girl Behind the Wall by Mandy Robotham is a story about two sisters separated by the sudden construction of the Berlin Wall. One seemingly ordinary day, Karin is rushed to a hospital due to a sudden illness. While she is recovering, overnight she becomes trapped behind the Berlin Wall in East Berlin, separated from her twin sister, Jutta and the rest of their family. For years, Karin and Jutta lead parallel lives, cut off by the Wall. As Jutta tries desperately to get Karin home, Karin finds one reason to stay. She has fallen in love with Otto, a man who has given her hope despite the brutal regime she now lives in. When Jutta finds a way in, the sisters have days together, always trying to convince Karin to come home. With each visit, their time becomes short as the Stasi has eyes everywhere. Karin is faced with a terrible decision: to flee to the West and be with her family or sacrifice it all for the love of her life? 

I was ten years old when the Berlin Wall came down in November 1989. The images of the wall collapsing are vivid in my memory. I remember seeing a slab of the wall at the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace in Yorba Linda, California shortly after and it left an impression on my young mind. When I came across The Girl Behind the Wall, I was intrigued because I haven’t seen many books about the Wall. Most books usually focus on the war efforts and ignore the aftermath. I applaud Ms. Robotham for writing about this time of upheaval. Her descriptions of the desperation and the sadness experienced by the families torn apart are heartbreaking.  The story itself is a slow build to Karin’s ultimate choice. I did expect more moments of heart stopping terror and the cruelty of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Overall, I enjoyed the story, a glimpse of life in the immediate aftermath of the Wall. I recommend The Girl Behind the Wall. 

The Girl Behind the Wall is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook, and audiobook.