My Review - The Deepest Waters

THE DEEPEST WATERS by Dan Walsh is a remarkable story of faith and love, even amidst despair.

John and Laura Foster board the SS Vandervere for a honeymoon voyage to John’s family home in New York. When a hurricane damages the craft beyond repair, a ship comes to its aid. The Cutlass takes on the women and children, but when night falls they are unable to save the men of the sinking vessel.

Laura is forced to part from her beloved John, and soon realizes that though she was saved, John would be lost forever. Not knowing what her future holds, she tries to stay strong, knowing John’s family will be waiting for her when she reaches New York. When she reads a note John left for her she realizes not only does John’s family not know about their marriage, but that theirs and John’s relationship was at best estranged. Laura finds herself feeling utterly alone and unable to see any future without John.

John Foster keeps afloat on a piece of wreckage from the Vandervere. His thoughts are solely on his Laura, and his determination to once again see her and have her in his arms. As one of only fifty-three survivors who were able to stay afloat for days after the Vandervere sank, he tries to hold on. When they are rescued by the Angeline, and the Angeline takes them to Norfolk, John’s only thought is to get to New York to find Laura, but wonders how he will find her once he gets there.

THE DEEPEST WATERS was a fascinating read. I never felt edge-of-my-seat suspense even among the devastation because the characters were so even keel (no pun intended). They handled the disaster and drama surrounding them with such calm, I think it took away from some of the building drama the writer intended. That said, I still enjoyed the story and the information at the end of the book regarding what it was that inspired the author's story.

Book provided for review purposes.

“Available April 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Time with the Girls

I am caught in a quandary. I chide myself for living events through the lens of a camera hoping to get that perfect shot, and then I put the camera away and say, "No more!, BUT now I realize how few pictures I've taken since Jenn and the girls arrived in January. I hope to get some of the pictures Jenn has taken. But let it be said, pictures or no pictures, Walter and I are enjoying every moment. Walter has never been surrounded by so much estrogen. With Jenn, Lorelei, Addison, and Bella(the dog) in the house, Walter is completely out numbered (but loving it). I know we will look back on this time and an immediate smile will fill out faces. I love the few pictures I have, but I will cherish the moments I've stored in my heart.

My Review - Rugged and Relentless

RUGGED AND RELENTLESS was not as exciting as its title.

When four women head out to Hope Falls to regain their investments and set up a sawmill, they realize they need one more thing . . . husbands. So they post an add to kill two birds with one stone. Advertise for able-bodied men to help with the mill, and offer themselves as wives to the top three applicants.

Jake Granger heads to Hope Falls in search of his brother’s killer. His followed the man to Hope Falls and goes along with the ruse of looking for a wife. But, somewhere along the way, his interest in Miss Evelyn Thompson begins to pull at his heart more than avenging his brother’s death. Of course, knowing there is a murderer in their midst, he does all he can to keep the women of Hope Falls safe while he waits for the killer to expose his true identity.

Though the previous description sounds exciting, something was lacking in its presentation. There was really no drama to speak of, other than a bar fight here and there. The interaction between Jake and Evie was okay, but lacked the fire of a true, love/hate relationship. The other women in the mixed seemed to be just that– other woman, nothing amazing or outstanding. I was a little disappointed in its predictability and lack of action.

More Winter

So, this is what we’ve had to deal with for the last week. Snow, upon snow, upon snow! And, while it is beautiful to look at, it is a lot of hard work when you have to dig out your car on a daily basis, shovel your 16 ft driveway, and walk to work because no vehicles will make it up your steep street. Okay, so enough with the whinny. We need the water, and Lord willing this will set us up for an incredible, drought-free summer. But, I would be more than happy if this is the last time I have to hear the word “accumulation” in the forecast.

The PBR Comes to Fresno

Another great year at the PBR in Fresno, CA. It makes for a great weekend since the format changed to a two day event. With plenty of great rides, and no serious injuries, Walter and I enjoyed both events regardless of the rain pounding outside. Being a part of the PBR Fan Club had its advantages this year. With a meet and greet, and getting to go down on the dirt for autographs and photo ops, we had a great time. Looking forward to 2012.

My Review - The Jewel of His Heart

THE JEWEL OF HIS HEART was good, but not spectacular. The story had great potential, but somehow lost something in the delivery.

Juliana Brady has had a difficult life. Her father was lured away from her and her mother by the temptation of striking it rich mining. And then, her mother's death leaves her all alone. Juliana is determined to make it on her own independent of charity or handouts.

Josh McBride is single-minded in proving to his successful father that he can make it on his own. A sheepherder, Josh leads a simple life. When he finds some valuable stones, he is tempted by the world of mining, but he is also distracted by his infatuation with one Miss Juliana Brady. He must decide what he wants more, the wealth of mining or the love of one woman.

A good story, and good characters, but a little flat in presentation. I liked the hero and heroine, but at times I felt their emotions didn't run deep enough to keep my attention. The historical notes at the back of the book were interesting and an added bonus. I won't give up on Maggie Brendan all together, I just didn't feel this book had the oomph I was looking for.