Pam's Picks

03/06/2023

My view of our shoulder to shoulder time. It's been so long since I've seen his eyes I forget what color they are.

12/02/2017

My Chrystal Ball – The Invisible Side of Parkinson’s
By Deborah Wilton McLoughlin

When I received this book as a gift, I wasn’t certain I wanted to read it. Like the author, I have Parkinson’s Disease. I try not to think about it. That wasn’t the case at first, but family and friend were tired of me talking about it. I wasn’t certain how to deal with it, so I tried to talk through it, hoping it would help. It did not.
I know my friend was trying to be helpful. She’s a loving person, and I know she cares. So, picked up the book and started to read.

I am happy that I did. Deborah understands in a way no one who doesn’t share a disease like this can. She has had this monster for twelve years, as of the writing of her story.

The book does not sugarcoat the disease. She shares an honest account of what PD has been to her. In many ways, it has been negative. Understandable. After all, it isn’t like having a cold or a headache. It doesn’t go away.

McLoughlin has found a way to share the most valuable lessons she has learned. In particular, never lose hope.

I recommend this read for anyone, not just a person with PD. Anyone with any neurological disease can benefit from her words. But not just them, caregivers need to read this book as a way to better understand what might be going through the minds of those they care for. I even recommend that despite their busy schedules, doctors who want to better understand patients with similar diseases should take the time to read this book. It offers an honest glimpse at some of the things a patient might not say.

If you don’t need this book, do as my friend did, buy it and give it to someone who does.

11/21/2017

Instead of a review, I'd like to post this cute story I read for my granddaughter.

Grammy reading a story for Sweet Emily. The story is Time for Bed by Mem Fox. Illustrated by June Dyer.

11/14/2017

ALL OF ME by Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku

The cover of this romance novel says it is a “Sweet & Steamy Romance,” while the inside page says it is a “Flirty & Feisty Romance”. I must say that All of Me is all of that.

My first disclosure is that author gave me this book to read. My second is that I currently am not as into ‘Steamy’ or ‘Feisty’ romances as I may have been when I was much younger. However, I also have to admit reading this novel was like a jaunt back in time.

In spite of the steamy feistiness of the story, I do have to admit I find the story main characters of this story very interesting. I believe this author is a talented writer in her ability to show her characters in vivid color, by that I mean, there is nothing flat about them. Both Roli and Jermaine come to life between the covers of this novel. A reader would have no problem seeing this a real life.

I admit to the fact that I really did my best not to like Jermaine. He started out as everything in a man I would not choose for myself. I think it is safe saying Roli felt much the same. Yet, by the end of this story, he had endeared himself to me in many ways. More so to Roli.

I especially liked the way Eromonsere-Ajanaku wove Roli into a realistically, flawed young woman. It was very easy for a not-so-perfect person like myself, to relate to Roli’s determination to protect herself from more heartache in life. She had known enough of that.

While I liked this story, I did have a problem with their flirtatiousness in spite of the fact both professed to be Christians. I would say they walked the line of l***y behavior without crossing it. However, I guess it just made them more human and susceptible to the desires of human nature.

If you like to read a novel where the characters may ignite at any moment, with a carefully woven plot that keeps you rooting for this couple, this novel may be for you. If every one of Eromonsere-Ajanaku’s novels is as well written as this one, I suspect she will quickly become one of your favorite writers.

12/20/2016

LOVE FOR ALL ETERNITY BY R.K. Relan

I am finding the above titled book, by R.K. Relan difficult to review. It was not the typical self-help book one would expect about learning how to find true love. However, I believe the writer had some very insightful things to say in this book.

Unfortunately, it became a struggle to read, partly because of the redundancy of the writer as he strived to make many of his points. Also, one could say I got more than I bargained for, far more than I was ready for. - I felt as though I should have acquired a degree for reading this book, yet I'm uncertain in what that degree would be.

Still, Relan made some very valid points, in which I wholeheartedly agree.

First, a healthier woman will make better choices in her life. That can mean both physically and psychologically healthier. These choices also include finding her one true love in life, which is the focus of this book.

I also agree with another point the writer makes that springs off the first; that a woman who is treated with love and cared for properly when pregnant, will have a healthier baby. And because of that her baby will live a healthier life. To prove this theory Relan goes into a lengthy discussion of DNA, which was far over my head.

While I agree with the basic theory in this, I personally would not go as far as Relan in saying that this child would grow up free of most diseases, including Cancer. For this theory to be proven, one would have to study several generations of multiple families, all born of loved and cared for mothers.

Relan also goes into a very lengthy discussion of "Primal Therapy", an intense process developed by Arthur Janov, where people are taken back to a time they may have experienced something so traumatic their mind repressed the memories to protect them from the pain. The therapy assists the person in regaining those memories so that they can feel the pain and learn to deal with it.

Since much of this book is based on Janov's work, and the writer's experience in going through Primal Therapy, it would pay one to search the Internet for more information on the subject before purchasing this book. There are some good articles about it, as well as links Janov's own sites.

Although I read the women's edition of this book, there are also a men's edition, teenage girl's edition and teenage boy's edition, plus other books available by this author.

You can purchase this book here:

12/20/2016

CIRCLE OF TIME XII By Debra Shively Welch

I must admit this novel was a surprisingly interesting read, that captivated me as its main character, Bridget Littleton traveled from 21st Century America to 16th century Tudor England. I am not much of a reader of historical novels, but this story had me entranced in the history of this period of time.

It becomes obvious Shiveley Welch has done her research into that period of history, not surprising when you learn she had a DNA test done that showed that her eighteenth-time first cousin was Henry VIII. What I know about Henry VIII could probably fill a coffee – or should I say – tea cup only halfway. So, I researched a few things on the Internet after finishing this novel and found that the writer was very true to the real history of the royal characters.

Of course, what made the story most interesting was how she intertwined Bridget Littleton into the story of Henry and Anne Boleyn. It turns out that Bridget Littleton was also a real character named Bridget Lyttleton, married to John Lyttleton. Aside from that the author uses much literary license. I mean, after all, who believes in time travel?

Whether you are a believer in such, or not, this story draws you in to the complexities one would face if they were to go back in time. One hint of something before it was to happen could change the entire course of history, and in this case, the very life of Bridget.

Shiveley Welch has created a fictional character in Bridget Littleton who is likeable and readers will find themselves sympathizing with many of the choices she must make, and sharing her sadness over some of the historical events that took place during Henry’s reign.

I would suggest this novel to anyone who enjoys either stories of time travel or of a historical nature. I would also suggest it to someone who just wants a good read that will draw you in as you acquire more intimate knowledge of its characters.

You will find this novel here:

12/19/2016

PERFECTLY PICKLED by Lizz Lund
This delightfully funny novel by Lizz Lund is the fourth in a series about Mina Kitchen who can best be described as a magnet for dead bodies. The story will put a smile on your face and a laugh in your belly; that is, if you are not overly concerned about political correctness.
PC aside, Mina Kitchen is a would-be chef/caterer and Jack - rather Jane - of all trades. The story begins with a job as a dog-walker, which she hopes will be short-lived due to several unfortunate, and wet, incidents. Unfortunately, the owner of the dog is short-lived, so her stint on this job may last longer than she hopes.
The story takes place in Lancaster, PA, though Mina’s favorite exclamation, “Yeshkabiddle,” may not even be understood by her Amish neighbors, or anyone else for that matter. It becomes obvious Mina has a penchant for making up words, as well as finding dead bodies.
Mina might be the prime suspect if not for the fact that the police are well aware of her ability to stumble across a murder faster than an Amish farmer stumbles across a pile of manure. Her first three novels about Mina’s escapades must prove that, though this stand-a-lone story will make you want to look back at those novels, too. I know it does me.
I must add that you need to remember to take a breath now and then as Mina’s movements both mental and physical are so quick you will find yourself holding your breath with each turn of the page. Especially, as her latest job, at a funeral home has her racing about learning the ropes, and experiencing things that might make a less determined employee submit their resignation - although eating and keeping a roof over one’s head is a pretty strong motivation to stay strong in even the most peculiar situations.
As I stated earlier, if you are strict on political correctness, this may not be the story for you. However, if you can stomach a few PC faux pas you will surely love the humor of this story.

You can purchase this novel here:

12/13/2016

CONTEST:

Hey I am in the mood for a contest. Read carefully to win! Sorry, no family on this one.
How many grandchildren do I have? The first person to PM with the answer wins a free download novel. I'll need your e-mail, too.
If you answer in the comments you will be disqualified. This is the read carefully part.
Get read. Get set. Go!

Hey I am in the mood for a contest. Read carefully to win! Sorry, no family on this one.
How many grandchildren do I have? The first person to PM with the answer wins a free download novel. I'll need your e-mail, too.

If you answer in the comments you will be disqualified. This is the read carefully part.
Get read. Get set. Go!