Christmas themes are not just christian

Well this morning I saw a post over on facebook dealing with A Christmas Carol.  Anyone who knows me knows that I adore this story.  I have read it, hunted down various versions and try to watch all the different movies that have been put out.

Yes Charles Dickens wrote this tale a very long time ago and yes Britain that time was pretty much a harsh place to live in.  The tale as we know is all about teaching a miserly person to see the where his life went wrong and where he will end up if he doesn't change.

Now yes I will say that this has a lot of so called Christian ethos in it but I am sorry but Dickens wasn't writing this to promote Christianity...he was making a harsh statement against greed and the self serving attitude that was prevalent then as it is now.

Scrooge is taken through his life from start to finish and we see what turned him into the man he is.  The focus on being sucessful and not seeing what you have before you is not new.  Thanks in part to my generation this story is even more appropraite.  Everyone is so focused on owning the newest gadgets or us against them instead of seeing what is before them.

There are so many who need help in the world but the scrooges outweigh those who would try and help.  Yes we have had so many tragedies this past year but we need to look around us.  How many of you have tossed a coin in the red bucket this year?  Or baked something for a bake sale for charity?  Made a mitten or a hat for those in need?  I bet not as many as we need.

Every year I make baked goods for people, knit or crochet up hats and mittens for the school comfort drive and drop what change I can into those buckets.  I don't do this because I am a Christian, because I am not.  I am a Wiccan and my hubby is a Buddhist.  There are so many simple ways to see those around you who need help.

This season has been celebrated for thousands of years by every religion on the planet.  Many of the things that are thought of as Christian Christmas are from much older cultures and religions. 

Okay I admit I am rambling here but all the keep christ in christmas and bring back this or that people need to take a long look at their religion.  Those things they hold so close to their heart came from outside their religion.  Christmas trees, presents, festivals of light, food, songs, all of it started outside of Christianity.  Even the date chosen is not the true date of Christ's birth.

I agree we need to take the consumerism out of the holiday but please remember that it is not a christian holiday.  It is a world wide holiday.  A reason to celebrate family, life and love.  But mostly life...for with the longest night of the year just days before the 25th we are celebrating that the year is turning.  So instead of complaining about religion go out, help someone and be a good person.  No matter if you are muslim, jewish or christian.  You all have a reason to celebrate this festival and should  go out and help someone, somehow.

Shovel your neighbor's driveway or sidewalk, donate to the soup kitchen, buy a present for toys for tots and give a homeless person a mcDonald's gift certificate booklet so they can eat.  Just remember that we are all human and we all need to care for our fellows

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving all my favorite people! I hope you have lots of love, food, laughter, food, fun and of course food today! May your pants be comfy, your turkey be moist and the fixings be filling. May laughter ring through your halls and may you feel the love you all deserve.

As always I have a nice review for you all to look over.

		Novel Ideas Price: $4.99
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful Yes one person can make a difference, February 5, 2013 This review is from: Novel Ideas (Kindle Edition) This book starts out almost like a modern day family drama but as you get into it you realize we are reading the future. Not as we hope it will be but the way it could be if bad things happen. Not bad enough for war but how one ideology can go wrong and still think it is protecting the people. The heart of this story is a relationship, that between a grandfather and his granddaughter. The incredibly prolific writer who becomes a recluse is almost cliche now a days but having an unknown child come into his life and change it and him is so worth reading. You come to care for these two character and the cast of secondary characters around them. While you might not agree with where the author took America and the rest of the world the story is very well written and the characters are enchanting. A fine read for a cold day.

An odd yet highly interesting tale from down under

As you can tell if you follow my blogs, I read a lot.  I don't just read one type of story or one genre.  The best thing about being online like I have been is that you get introduced to a lot of writers.  In most cases these are writers who have yet to make a huge mark on the reading public.  I hope that those i have featured here will gather more readers because they are really good. 

Today I thought I would put up my review of Jo Robinson.  She is a very nice lady who has worked on a number of the anthologies I have been a part of.  This review is of one of her stand alone works.

		Fly Birdie Price: $0.99
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful A sweet story of transformation, September 27, 2013 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Fly Birdie (Kindle Edition) When I started to read this I was convinced this character was lost, living in a place she did not understand. As the story unfolded the characters brought in started to change the heroine. From a sad, frightened woman she grew strong and loving. The care she lavished on the bird was sweet and wonderful. A great read.

The Traveler at OneTrueMedia.com

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Today's reviews are for a true animal lover

Rebecca Stroud writes deep little books that have a common thread, animals.  She is a tireless advocate for the care and rights of animals.  These books are well worth your time to stop and read.

		Devil's Moon Price: $2.99
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful Oh my word!, September 14, 2012 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Devil's Moon (Kindle Edition) I picked this up on a free promo and now i wish I had paid full price! This is one amazingly good story. In turns Rebecca had me laughing and crying. Devil is such a wonderful dog. Big and sweet and loyal. Just like he should be. Bambi, the villain of the piece, got what she deserved in the end. Yes it is sad to see a woman descend like she did but what she did to Devil and to Jane was wrong. I loved the relationship between Jane and Sam, the growing relationships between Jane and Danny and Danny and Lisa. I highly recommend this book. Not just to dog lovers but to all readers who want something that has depth and love and understanding, mystery and suspense. This is going on my favorite to be read over and over list for sure.

A Three-Dog Night Price: $0.99 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful two out of three, July 9, 2012 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: A Three-Dog Night (Kindle Edition) I liked this set of tales. Short and to the point..the only one I had issues with was the final one...it seemed rushed...otherwise solid little tales     Zellwood: A Dog Story Price: $0.99 2 of 3 people found the following review helpful joyful tears, July 9, 2012 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Zellwood: A Dog Story (Kindle Edition) This was sweet and touching. While my Loki was a cat and died nearly a decade ago it brought tears to my eyes in memory. Very well written!

A Rising star in Science fiction thillers

Jade Kerrion is a writer that has written some very intense novels.  I eagerly look forward to each new release she puts out and I have enjoyed them all so far.  As you can see by the reviews below:

		Earth-Sim Price: $2.99
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful And are they gods?, February 4, 2013 This review is from: Earth-Sim (Kindle Edition) Ms Kerrion has done it again. Another story that grips you from the start and makes you sit and read it in one sitting. This story starts out as a science fictiony college class story but quickly you come to realize that the world they are developing is one you recognize very well. The development of the planet through its stages is a fine back drop to the development between the two main characters of this story. The heroine Jem is much deeper than she seems and the more you learn about her the more I think many will like her. This story is closer to a YA than the rest of her work but it is light and good and has some depth that makes it great reading for adults. Once more, she knocked it out of the park!

Perfect Weapon (Book 3 of the Double Helix series) Price: $2.99 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful Even stronger than the last, January 28, 2013 This review is from: Perfect Weapon (Book 3 of the Double Helix series) (Kindle Edition) This series gets stronger and stronger with each book. The action is hard and fast paced and the characters are rich and draw you in. Yet again I find myself almost in tears at the things done to the hero of this series. Jade draws you in and makes you pray that this time someone will save him and understand him. His physical twin Galahad is outwardly what every woman would want but inwardly he never got a chance to grow understanding. I can't wait for the next installment which will hopefully be easier on poor Danyeal. The pain and emotional agony of this one character shows just how cruel and down right rotten most people are. That they rarely look into the eyes of those they despise to see the real person inside. Another amazing work of fiction. Lets get the next one out soon!   Perfect Betrayal (Book 2 of the Double Helix series) Price: $2.99 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful One nasty betrayal, January 28, 2013 This review is from: Perfect Betrayal (Book 2 of the Double Helix series) (Kindle Edition) The author has done it again. I read through this book in one sitting this morning and I can't wait to read the third book now. The main character Danyeal has so much to give yet everyone seems to take their fears out on him. He is a healer of unparallelled ability and yes has the same ability to hurt but refuses to use it. His shields cause most to have terrible reactions to him and just when you think he has one friend the author strips him away too. While the cruelty to this character is heart wrenching it is also compelling. Jade has made a book that you have to read and makes you want to pick up that third book once you put this one down. Very very talented author deserving more than five stars for sure.     Perfection Unleashed (Book 1 of the Double Helix series) Price: $0.99 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful The start of something amazing, January 24, 2013 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Perfection Unleashed (Book 1 of the Double Helix series) (Kindle Edition) Genetic manipulation, clones and mutants abound in this the first book of this series. We get the full range of scum and villainy and the heartbreakingly honest and clean heroes. As I read this book I keep wanting to cry at all the horrendous things that had been done to Danyeal. The more I got into the novel the more I wanted to take Zara's favorite option of kill the idiots. An Alpha empath, the strongest most likely on the planet and everyone has wants, desires and needs that just don't take into account this poor man's need of something as simple as someone caring for him. To feel so deeply from babyhood and to have them hate him or want to use him and to feel the physical side effects of their emotions? Whoa cruel but this book was hard to put down. Read it in one afternoon and I would recommend you make sure you have time to read it in one sitting. It is powerful and definitely worth the read.   When the Silence Ends (A YA Double Helix novel) Price: $2.99 5 of 5 people found the following review helpful Romping fun read, January 10, 2013 This review is from: When the Silence Ends (A YA Double Helix novel) (Kindle Edition) This book grabbed you by the throat and dragged you through one hell of a ride. Dee, the heroine of the piece, is a strong young human surrounded by those who are not. Almost a simple 17 year old, she is strong of spirit and opinion. Standing up to gangs, mutants, clones, assassins and her own brother she takes charge of her life and her brother's. The story built and built and just when you think it is all lost she kicks butt. Definitely how a mom would want her daughter to grow up. Strong, powerful in her own uniquely human way and loyal. This is a great book for both the young adults it is aimed at and adults who want something clean and fast paced. I highly recommend it. Buy it, read it and then go on for the rest of this very talented writer. My favorite part was how music became a form of communication.

Today we are going for the writer of News Thrillers...James Anderson

Mr Anderson is a Canadian who writes some interesting takes on the thriller genre.  Most books I have read in this field were set in the US of course.  He sets his in Canada...lots of fun as you can see

		Checkmate & Other Stories Price: $0.99
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful three very different tales, September 26, 2013 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Checkmate & Other Stories (Kindle Edition) I have read Mr Anderson's work before and expected a good solid read with these tales. The first tale was very different from what I have come to expect from this author. Written in present tense it jarred me at first but it fit the story perfectly. The oddness of this tale is the perfect creepy for a night time read. The second tale is more what I expected. With great research and an understanding of the Canadian presence in the war it was both touching and sad. The third tale was fun. I learned something about Canada that I didn't know about as a new resident to this country.    DEADLINE Price: $0.99 1 of 2 people found the following review helpful A good beginning, April 7, 2013 This review is from: DEADLINE (Kindle Edition) Having read the sequel to this book before I read this one I thought it would be a bit smoother. For a first book by an author it is a great look behind newspaper writers. The characters are rich and occasionally cliched but fun to read. The only real drawback to this fine read is that the two story lines in this book don't mess well. By his second book Mr Anderson has managed to mesh the multiple story lines much better. I wanted to learn more about Trevor and you will as you move through the series. While jerky in places this book shows that the author knew his topic. Spending years in the Newspaper business gave this story a feel that none of us looking in from the outside could put across believably. Read this book and move on to the next.     The Scorpion Price: $2.91 2 of 4 people found the following review helpful Bad guys and bombs, November 4, 2012 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Scorpion (Kindle Edition) At first I was a little confused. This is a new genre for me as I tend to watch spy thrillers, not read them. But as I was pulled into the story I came to feel for the newsman hero. Written in almost a diary like style with each day a heading, the story evolved, bringing in bits and pieces to a stuttering climax. The villain seems to be much like most of the modern villains, in it for the money but in the end you see what he really is. Mr Anderson tells the story like a true journalist and I can easily see this story being transformed to a movie. The ending came a wee bit too fast for me but over all a great effort with a current topic. I loved it being set outside of the US or Britain. Definitely an author I plan to read more of. Read him and see that not all political/spy/war games have to happen in the big three.     The third and final book in his series is out now.  I just have to find the funds to pick up a copy.  Try it out folks.  This series is fun.

Do you like YA fantasy or the lighter side of the end of the world?

Yeah that last part is a bit confusing but you will understand if you read Linell Jeppsen's work.  Her take on things like the end of the world while still sad is a lot lighter than the current take that is out there (Including the one I wrote!)  She is a great writer for those of you who want fiction that is less dark, less filled with violence and sex but still filled with a full well written story.  Here are the reviews of some of her work that I have done.

		The Beginning of the Story (Story Time Prequel) Price: $0.99
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful The beginning, October 31, 2013 This review is from: The Beginning of the Story (Story Time Prequel) (Kindle Edition) This prequel is the intriguing beginning to the end of the world. The depth of characters that Ms Jeppsen builds helps wet your appetite for the rest of the story. Pick up this short, read it and then you will be ready for the next step.

The Guardians - Episode 2 Price: $0.99 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful Racketting up the tensions, March 28, 2013 This review is from: The Guardians - Episode 2 (Kindle Edition) Part two of what is going to be a classic IMO. Creatures have come to Earth and they have plans that you just don't want to happen. Instead of a spoiler I would just say this. Pick up part one, read it, pick up part two, read it and beg for part three. This collaboration takes from the strengths of both of these fine writers. With Ms Jeppsen's strong characters and Mr Llyod find grasp of battle and science fiction you get something different and fun to read. This story feels like a throw back to the golden age of science fiction. Read it folks!   Tales from TOMORROW #4 Price: $1.48 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful a great fun read, March 27, 2013 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Tales from TOMORROW #4 (Kindle Edition) As always I find that Ms Jeppsen's work is well worth reading . The story she added to this collection worked well into the book which was a fun and fast read. Loved it     The Guardians - Episode 1 Price: $0.99 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful Fast paced pure science fiction, March 27, 2013 This review is from: The Guardians - Episode 1 (Kindle Edition) This collaboration between two vary different writers came out amazing. From the opening scenes with the tiny aliens to the climatic scenes at the end you are pulled in. This first installment of a longer set pulls you in and barrels its way to the end. It leaves you wanting more and luckily for us there is more! Can't wait to dive into the next installment.     Tales from TOMORROW #5 Price: $1.48 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful Another fun ride from the mind of John Paten, March 16, 2013 This review is from: Tales from TOMORROW #5 (Kindle Edition) I had read all of these so far and I am enjoying the ride. John's universe is filled with aliens and humans and monsters on both sides. The on going themes are throw backs to the glory days of classic scifi and enjoyable to fans. The inclusion of the companion piece to Ms Jeppsen's Story time was just the icing on the cake. Can't wait for more!     Tales from TOMORROW #3 Price: $0.99 3 of 4 people found the following review helpful Fast, classic scifi fun, March 14, 2013 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Tales from TOMORROW #3 (Kindle Edition) I have been enjoying this series immensely since i discovered it. These sort little tales are classic science fiction brought to a modern age. The tales are crisp and fun to read. Pick on of these up and you will want the rest of them right away. On to the next one for me   The War of Odds 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful Sweet and satisfying, January 30, 2013 This review is from: The War of Odds (Kindle Edition) While this book started just a tad slow for me it ended with a very satisfying punch. Clearly a wonderfully written YA adult fantasy tale filled with rich characters and lots of different magic. Many classic fae are seen in this story and the friendships that develop and grow under the pressure of an almost impossible quest are quite gratifying to watch. Highly recommended for the young teen, this book is also good for us die hard fantasy readers. Lighter than many of the books put out right now, it still has sadness and enough tension and battle to keeps even a video game loving teen boy reading to the end.     Story Time Price: $2.99 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful Reminicing on the end of the world, January 24, 2013 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Story Time (Kindle Edition) Now I don't normally read Christian fiction much. Usually I find them overbearing in their message but this novel is different. There is much of tolerance and love here. Like many of Ms Jeppsen's works this one starts slow but builds to a strong and satisfactory ending. There are many deep characters in this story, ones that you can love or hate and so very much going on. With the interweaving of different story tellers in the tale and the hopping from present to past it could get confusing but if you take your time you will find yourself happy that you read the book. For a bit I wasn't sure that having all the ecological disasters and evil men would fit with the alien invasion. I first I felt forced but as I went on it makes a wonderful kind of sense. Another fine read by a woman who is slowly becoming a master. Read this even if you aren't a christian. You will enjoy.     Detour to Dusk Price: $2.99 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful Vampires good and bad, January 23, 2013 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Detour to Dusk (Kindle Edition) Now I am an avid reader of vampire stories so I started this one out of curiosity. With the flashbacks you get a lot of the back story of Ms Jeppsen's version of the classic monster. They are a separate race from humans, older and not necessarily wiser. In this tale you have factions who know they need to turn humans to survive as a species and others who want to keep thinking of us are simply food to play with and eat. The characters are strong and some are quite compelling. Raphael is almost the classic hero vampire that has become popular but they are not sex objects like many have become. They are fierce warriors who have a culture of their own. The half bred Raphael shows both strength, loyalty and a type of kind understanding. While this story started a bit slow for me, like other works by this author, the end came in a rush of well written prose. You are left with a feeling of satisfaction and a bit of melancholy. A good book and recommended for the older teen and adult reader who are not looking for a sparkly vampire or a erotic one. Good solid story telling.   Onio by Linell Jeppsen Edition: Paperback Price: $10.79 17 used & new from $7.95 3 of 3 people found the following review helpful Read it, you will love it, November 26, 2012 This review is from: Onio (Paperback) This book is intriguing. Ms Jepsen picked a creature that is rarely used in story telling. She gave them a complete and in depth culture, with music and meaning and life. The Heroine of the piece was unusual in her own way and we do not have a clue how beautiful she is till much later in the book. The love story while a bit quick in places is lovely and understandable. Two beings who don't fit into their own worlds fit each other completely. The villain of the piece is both typical and unique. Many authors make the military their villain but in this case it fits and later in the book we see another side to both the villain and to the military. I highly recommend this book to readers. If you are looking for something different, something with tension and love and even a bit of war and rage this is the way to go. While not as dark as many books out there today, it has its dark moments and it is a good read for a cold and blustery day. Curl up with this and a good cup of tea. You won't be disappointed.

Reviews for a talented writer of scary fiction

LM Boeltz writes things that have the feel of Stephen King' early years.  Dark, twisted and scary, they are great reads for those dark and stormy nights.  Here are the reviews I have done so far:

		Road to Carnage Price: $2.99
We got it from the dogs, November 2, 2013 This review is from: Road to Carnage (Kindle Edition) A truly dark fate awaits mankind when the self important haves decide to reduce the amount of have nots. This novel reads like a Stephen King from start to finish. Well written and truly frightening in scope Ms Boelz has a talent for scaring her readers. I would recommend reading this in daylight and maybe, just maybe rethinking that flu shot

Author's Reference Guide Price: $0.99 Really useful!, August 18, 2013 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Author's Reference Guide (Kindle Edition) We all need a book like this. After all author's have to search all over. This just puts it in one place     Vampire Dolls The Legend of Adocinda Price: $2.99 1 of 2 people found the following review helpful pack them away far away, October 22, 2012 This review is from: Vampire Dolls The Legend of Adocinda (Kindle Edition) Oh my was this a fun ride. Ms Boelz vampires are far from normal. Who could resist a pretty little doll? Who wold think they held a monster inside. This rollicking romp through terror and blood is not for the squeamish but it you want something dark and seasonal buy it. It is more than worth the price