My review of Replica by Lexi Revellian.

On the whole this was a good concept. Although the idea of a soulless clone is rather freaky! Because of that, I felt very little sympathy for Beth two, who is the clone of Beth one.
The original Beth has no idea her doppelganger is running around London, trying to keep one step ahead of MI5.
She runs rings around a totally inept agent called Nick, who's so busy getting cosy with the real Beth, he fails to catch the clone and deliver her to be studied and finally dispatched...allowing the real Beth to get on with her life.
Beth two constantly manages to elude him. In one way, that's what kept me riveted to the story, while at the same time I wanted to scream with frustration at him!
One thing I really liked...Beth Two was written in 1st person, while the rest of the book was in 3rd person. This worked really well, as I could distinguish between the two Beth's.
For me, the characters lacked depth, and I struggled to feel sympathy for any of them.
Also, the way the story ends, came as a bit of a shock...annoyingly so. Hence the 3 stars
Nevertheless, this is well written and has enough tension to keep one reading.

http://www.amazon.com/Replica-Lexi-Revellian-ebook/dp/B004VS6XFI/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_1

It’s not easy for an author to go into schools, these days. However, for any author wishing to do so, here are a few suggestions, that I hope may help.

I’ve been fortunate to have the privilege of going into local schools with my children’s book, A Rat and A Ransom.

 It’s so encouraging when the future generation enjoys reading. They are a delight to be with.

In most instances, I would meet the children in their class room; but at the last school I visited, a week ago, we were in the school hall. There were children from three class rooms, averaging around sixty pupils. They filed into the hall and sat in front of me, on the floor.

I always love their excitement and enthusiasm. It can be a little daunting at first, to have so many expectant faces focused on you; but I’m used to it now, and enjoy the experience.

The children had written down the questions they wanted to ask me; and considering the average age was nine, the questions were intelligent and sometimes challenging. They wanted to know about the publishing process, even editing, which came as a surprise…until the teacher explained that the children were doing their own writing and learning to edit. 

It thrills me when I hear children love to write, as well as read…some budding authors for the future I think!

The question and answer session was great fun, but reading to them is my personal favourite. The fact that I’m reading from my own book makes it particularly special.

The children are so attentive, overawed I guess by the fact that an author is in their school and reading to them.
It’s a real privilege, to be trusted with such an amazing responsibility.

 

It’s not easy for an author to go into schools, these days. However, for any author wishing to do so, here are a few suggestions.

The easiest option, and the one I was able to take advantage of, is to approach a teacher’s assistant. I was fortunate to be close friends with two, both work in different schools, in my area. They each took a copy of the book and showed it to the head teacher.

The one school invited me in right away, and I spent one afternoon a week, for a month, reading to the children and answering any questions they might have. This was a particularly nice experience, as over the month I built a relationship with the children and their teacher.
At the end of my time there, I presented the school with a couple of free books for their library.

 

The school I visited recently, were given a copy of my book, and for quite some time, I heard nothing, until my friend reminded the teacher.
We have to remember, teachers are extremely busy! She had no spare time to read the book, so gave it to one of her pupils to read.

He really enjoyed it, and to everyone’s surprise, he wrote a review, and a few days later I was invited to attend an afternoon session with the children.

I was so impressed with the pupils review; I presented him with a mug, bearing the image of the book cover.
A photographer from the local paper came and took photos.
 
A child, who excels in reading and writing, is definitely news worthy.

 It’s a good thing if local authors can go into schools. It encourages the children. They love to meet and talk to a real author, and I know from what the teachers have said…children are inspired to read more and try their hand at writing. So it’s a win, win situation.

 I would encourage all authors to go into schools if they can.

Find someone who has contact with the school.
Give the school a copy of the book to look through. They will want to check it is suitable for their children to read.
Don’t harass them, but if you don’t hear anything for a while. Get in touch through your contact working at the school, or if you don’t have one, pop in. Schools are busy places and they may well have forgotten.
Most times a personal approach works well.

 Also, if you have a friend, whose children attend the school, you would like to visit. Give them a copy of the book. The parent’s recommendation can open the door for you.

 Then there are the school governors. If you know such a person, give them a copy and ask if they would read it, and if they think it is suitable…recommend it to the school.

 And always offer some free copies of your book for the school library.

 I hope what I’ve suggested is helpful. Getting authors into schools can only be a positive thing!


A nine year old pupils review of A Rat and A Ransom.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/RTXDTUDH3JMWD/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B0077E3P0Y&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=266239&store=books

An Okay Read. I gave it 3 stars.

This is an okay read. However, I do get a little tired of angels depicted as wishy-washy and even weak! Whereas I believe from the Bible they are awesome, powerful, and definitely not to be messed with, characters.
The whole premise of the story was a bit weird at times, but on the whole, once I got into it, I did enjoy it enough to keep reading.
I liked, and on the whole could relate to the heroin, Jordan. Her character came across as feisty and strong; maybe at times too strong. There were instances when I would have liked to see her more vulnerable, feminine side.
Nevertheless, a good story, and well told.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Black-Parade-Kyoko-M-ebook/dp/B00E3HLHIK/ref=pd_rhf_pe_p_img_1

My review, of Back To Bienville by Melinda Matthews.

http://www.amazon.com/review/R2AR4QDCUG9IJA

 

  

This review is from: Back To Bienville, A Journey Into Wellness (Kindle Edition)

I met the author of this book, Ms Matthews on twitter, and found her to be a lovely, positive and encouraging person.

Her book, Back To Bienville, chronicles her traumatic journey through severe illness, into health and wholeness.
Some of her spiritual experiences are quite amazing, and certainly inspiring.
The books pages are packed with helpful tips, uplifting, and sometimes challenging scripture. Her bravery shines out of each page.

Having been recently told that I have a terminal illness, I was keen to read her book, and I’m glad I did, as in many ways,I found it most beneficial. For example, I learned that it’s best to drink filtered or bottled spring water, preferably not sparkling; which I am now doing.

There were however, a couple of points I questioned.
I may have read this wrong, or quoted it incorrectly; it’s hard to check something in an eBook. However, I’m sure the author said that all sickness and disease is spiritual.
Due to my own circumstances, this statement concerned me, so I spoke to my pastor. He reassured me that it is not true. If it were, the millions of people who are sick, especially Christians like me, would be living under condemnation.
We live in a fallen world, and there will always be sickness. Not only that, everyone has to die at some point.
As my Pastor said, sometimes Christians act as though going home to heaven is a punishment, whereas it’s the most awesome thing that can happen!
I have known some wonderful Christians, one I especially remember; he was such an inspiring preacher; yet at a very young age he died of throat cancer, leaving behind a wife and children.
Yes, I do agree with the author, we have a God who heals. However, Jesus didn’t heal everyone! It’s a sad fact, some of us who are sick, at some point will die. What’s most important is, where are we going? Where will we spend eternity?

The author mentions a book, the true story of a man who goes to heaven after a dreadful accident. He’s prayed for at the scene, and returns to a body which is broken and battered. Now he lives in constant pain.
Like Ms Matthews, one would ask, why did he come back? What’s the point of his suffering?
My humble answer would be. The book he has lived to write. The blessing and encouragement it is to the millions who read it. The testimony he shares on a daily basis.
Like the apostle Paul, he can say I have a thorn in my flesh. But when I am weak, through God I am strong!

Forgive me for going off like this, but in a way it’s a complement to Ms Matthews…the profound affect her book had on me, making me think and question so many things.

I liked the spiritual symbolism she explained from a film I love, the Wizard of Oz…fascinating!

Back To Bienville, is a brilliant book, written by a brave and courageous young woman. Her personal journey through suffering and pain is truly inspirational.
I recommend it to those who are well, but especially to those who like me, find themselves on a journey with only one outcome, unless the great healer Yeshua HaMashiach intervenes

A young persons review of A RAT and A RANSOM.

This review came as a pleasant surprise. :)

http://www.litpick.com/review/rat-and-ransom-review-bookgirl1289

Don't Give Up! Continue To Be Diligent.

On Thurs the 22nd Jan, I woke with the Gaither song KEEP ON CASTING YOUR BREAD UPON THE WATERS, going round and round in my head. It remained with me all day, in fact it's still with me today, so I know God was trying to tell me something.
Life is difficult at the moment; I have a serious health issues to face, among other things, and there are some days, I feel bereft of hope. Understandably, this effects everything I'm doing..my writing and life in general.
But as so often, God in His grace and mercy steps in and gives me the encouragement and tender push needed, to get back up, dust myself off, and get on with life.
After all, it's not over, till it's over. And that's for God to decide. He alone knows the beginning from the end. We none of us know what our futures holds, but if we know God, then we know the one who holds our future!

If you need encouragement at this time, for what ever reason. Take a moment to read this short post,
and listen to this song.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9s7id89Qsk&feature=youtu.be

God knows you, loves you, and has a plan for your future. TRUST HIM.

CONTINUE TO BE DILIGENT

 

Ecclesiastes 11

 Cast your bread upon the waters,

For you will find it after many days.

2

Give a serving to seven, and also to eight,

For you do not know what evil will be on the earth.

3

If the clouds are full of rain,

They empty themselves upon the earth;

And if a tree falls to the south or the north,

In the place where the tree falls, there it shall lie.

 4

He who observes the wind will not sow,

And he who regards the clouds will not reap.

5

As you do not know what is the way of the wind,[a]

Or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child,

So you do not know the works of God who makes everything.

 6

In the morning sow your seed,

And in the evening do not withhold your hand;

For you do not know which will prosper,

Either this or that,

Or whether both alike will be good.

 

Commentary by F.B.Meyer

 

Live not for today alone.

The casting of bread upon the waters is an illusion to the oriental custom of casting rice grains in the field, when they lie submerged beneath the annual inundation of such a river as the Nile. To the inexperienced eye, this would seem the prodigality of waste, but the husbandman knows full well that he will meet his seed again with abundant returns.

So it is in life, whether we befriend young boys or girls, or distribute tracts, or speak kind and loving words, or invest our money in philanthropic enterprise, we are casting our bread upon the waters to find it after many days in this world or the next.

But how wise the advice not to be always considering the winds and clouds v v 3,4.

There is considerable hazard in the life of the farmer. If he waits until all conditions are favourable, he will never begin. So with our work for God. We must risk something.

Often the word spoken at an apparently untoward moment will prove to be the word in season, while that spoken under the most favourable conditions will yield no return at all.

God gives it a body as and when and how it pleaseth Him.

Such a thrill, when a book you've written for children, is reviewed by a child.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/RTXDTUDH3JMWD/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B0077E3P0Y&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=266239&store=books

5.0 out of 5 stars extraordinary book, 20 Jan. 2015

By 

valerie williams 

This review is from: A Rat and a Ransom (Kindle Edition)

overall I think this extraordinary book is a "yes" to reccomend for our school.As soon as I started reading it I was hooked in.

My favourite part was the resolution after the second time he was kidnapped. Whith the character discription like it is,I know that Tom is a tough person.
Overall I would give this 5 stars out of 5
I have also noticed great illustrations, good language used (descriptive) and tremendous scene descriptions.

review by a 9 year old pupil of croft junior school