The Day the Angels Fell
By Shawn Smucker
Let me start off by saying that this book wasn't quite what I was expecting when I first picked it up. It has layers and nuances that make this a captivating read. This book is a reminiscing of the main character Samuel Chambers. Sam's thoughts turn to the past following the death of a close friend from his childhood. Abra was there for Sam the summer that everything changed - the year his mother died.
If the possibility to restore a life that was lost was given what would you choose? This impossibility is before Sam. When he sees something that he shouldn't he embarks on a quest to undo his mother's death. But how can Sam find the Tree of Life - the very tree that humanity has been denied since the moment that disobedience was chosen?
This is a story of good versus evil, one where hope in the impossible could be the draw that evil needs to succeed. But can a twelve-year-old boy make a choice that will not cost him his very soul?
This book has an underlying current that leaves the reader slightly uneasy as the story progresses but there are moments when the unease lifts. If given the chance to thwart death would you take the chance - the risk no matter the cost to your soul or the soul of the one you cannot let go?
Something about Shawn Smucker's writing reminds me a little of Billy Coffey's writing and yet there is a unique quality to it that makes it stand apart. One scene, in particular, involving Sam and Mr. Tennin brings to mind Pippen and Gandalf (Lord of the Rings) talking about what comes after this life. This an especially moving scene that discusses death and how it is a transition and not a destination.
I think many teens would be intrigued by the plot. Younger readers would be a more individual call based on the emotional maturity of the reader as there are some difficult and scary scenes in this book.
Evidently, this book will enjoy a sequel if the excerpt included is any indication. But this story seems complete in and of itself so that the reader is not left in suspense as to is to come. And if you have trouble getting into the book keep at it - this one is worth the effort. I feel that this is a book to be recommended to teens and up.
I was provided a complimentary review copy of this book by the publisher Revell with no expectations of a positive review - all opinions expressed are my own.
About the Book:
It was the summer of storms and strays and strangers. The summer that lightning struck the big oak tree in the front yard. The summer his mother died in a tragic accident--and young Samuel Chambers would have done anything to turn back time. Even today, he can hardly believe it all happened . . .
Prompted by three strange carnival fortune-tellers and the surfacing of his mysterious and reclusive neighbor, Sam begins his search for the Tree of Life--the only thing that could possibly bring his mother back.
His quest to defeat death will entangle him and his best friend Abra in an ancient conflict, forcing Sam to grapple with an unwelcome question.
Could it be possible that death is a gift?
Overwhelmed Writer Rescue
By Colleen M. Story
The Overwhelmed Writer Rescue is a book targeted to those who write, but the tips that author Colleen Story offers can be utilized by anyone who is feeling trapped and short on time when it comes to their own personal creative endeavors.
By Colleen M. Story
The Overwhelmed Writer Rescue is a book targeted to those who write, but the tips that author Colleen Story offers can be utilized by anyone who is feeling trapped and short on time when it comes to their own personal creative endeavors.
All too often we get caught up in the myth what our perfect life would look like and by focusing all our attention on this fantasy we sabotage our efforts before we can even get started. We dream of all the time we could have if we were solely dedicated to our art and didn't need to support it with additional employment.
Colleen provides tricks to change the mindset that is holding us back. Time is a matter of perspective and one that can be affected by our emotional state. Multitasking cuts into our time by providing distractions that thwart us from our goal. And the biggest distraction that compounds the trap of multitasking is ready access to technology. Disconnect and allow yourself to experience nothing and allow your mind free rein to explore and create.
By changing your thought processes you can achieve your goals. View time as money. Keep your goals realistic. Take care of yourself. The list of helps is quite impressive. And throughout there are exercises to help you determine your individual strengths and weaknesses and prioritize your time so that you can answer the calling that you have.
The cover has the following subheading Boost Productivity, Improve Time Management, and Replenish the Creator Within and I feel that this book does indeed offer much to help the reader to achieve these goals. And these tips can be used for any aspect of one's life whether in a creative endeavor or in the traditional workplace or even in one's home life. One can learn to prioritize the dreaded and endless to-do list and enjoy what lies beyond. What is the passion that you have pushed aside for your 9-to-5 job? Get ready to re-enter the creative life you've been dreaming about.
I was provided a review copy of this book by the author with no expectations of a positive review - all opinions expressed are my own.
Book Details:
Book Title: Overwhelmed Writer Rescue: Boost Productivity, Improve Time Management, and Replenish the Creator Within
Author: Colleen M. Story
Category: Adult Non-Fiction, 280 pages
Genre: Self-help
Publisher: Midchannel Press
Release date: Sept 3, 2017
Format available for review: print and ebook
Tour dates: Sept 4 to 15, 2017
Content Rating: G
Book Description:
FIND THE TIME, ENERGY, AND CONFIDENCE
TO MAKE YOUR CREATIVE DREAMS COME TRUE.
Do you feel like you’re always behind? Do less important tasks frequently flood your schedule and sink your creative motivation? Are you frustrated and out of touch with your inner artist?
After 20 years experience in the writing industry, author Colleen M. Story extends a lifeline to pull you out of the sinking swamp of “busyness” and back into the flourishing creative life you deserve.
Today’s demands on writers and other creative artists are overwhelming. Not only must you produce the work you love, but build and maintain a platform and market your finished products to the world—all while holding down a day job and/or caring for a family.
You teeter on the edge. What waits on the other side are burnout, exhaustion, and a complete loss of creative motivation.
"Overwhelmed Writer Rescue" provides practical, personalized solutions to help beginning and experienced writers and other creative artists escape the tyranny of the to-do list to nurture the genius within. You’ll find ways to boost productivity, improve time management, and restore your sanity while gaining insight into your unique creative nature and what it needs to thrive.
Ultimately, you’ll discover what may be holding you back from experiencing the true joy that a creative life can bring.
About the Author:
Colleen M. Story has worked in the creative writing industry for over twenty years. Her novels include "Loreena’s Gift," an Idaho Author Awards first place winner, New Apple Solo Medalist winner, Foreword Reviews INDIES Book of the Year Awards winner, Reader Views award finalist, and Best Book Awards finalist; and "Rise of the Sidenah," a North American Book Awards winner and New Apple Book Awards Official Selection.
As a health writer, she’s authored thousands of articles for publications like "Healthline" and "Women’s Health;" worked with high-profile clients like Gerber Baby Products and Kellogg’s; and ghostwritten books on back pain, nutrition, and cancer recovery. She finds most rewarding her work as a motivational speaker and workshop leader, where she helps writers remove mental and emotional blocks and tap into their unique creative powers.
Colleen is the founder of Writing and Wellness (writingandwellness.com), a motivational site helping writers and other creative artists maintain their physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being throughout their careers. Sign up for your free weekly email containing tips for living your best creative life at: www.writingandwellness/newsletter.
To find more information on Colleen and her work, please see her website or follow her on Twitter. She loves to hear from readers—feel free to use the “contact” form on either her website or Writing and Wellness to get in touch with her.
BOOK REVIEW TOUR SCHEDULE:
Sept 4 - Blooming with Books - review / giveaway
Sept 4 - The All Night Library - review / guest post
Sept 5 - Everyday Gyaan - review / author interview / giveaway
Sept 5 - Olio by Marilyn - review / author interview
Sept 6 - Library of Clean Reads - review / author interview / giveaway
Sept 6 - Self Help Daily - review
Sept 7 - A Mama's Corner of the World - review / giveaway
Sept 7 - Two Americans in China - review / guest post / giveaway
Sept 8 - A Holland Reads - review / guest post / giveaway
Sept 11 - From Isi - review
Sept 11 - Lovely Reads Publishing - review / guest post / giveaway
Sept 12 - Laura's Interests - review / guest post / giveaway
Sept 12 - This Mom's Delight - review / author interview / giveaway
Sept 13 - Books for Books - review
Sept 14 - Reading Authors - review /giveaway
Sept 14 - Simple Wyrdings - review / author interview / giveaway
Sept 15 - Create With Joy - review / giveaway
Sept 15 - Svetlana's Reads and Views - review
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Prizes: Win a copy of Overwhelmed Writer Rescue (ends Sept 23)