The First Phone Call From Heaven: by Mitch Albom -- Review


Expert Book Reviews - 2013
    The First Phone Call from Heaven is a compelling, emotional read with a mystery that will keep readers intrigued and eager to see the story to its finish. Albom wraps the story up in a surprising way, giving readers a satisfactory yet thought-provoking conclusion. The novel is more sentimental than it is intellectually stimulating, but it does lead readers to question what makes a miracle, and question the importance of faith. Although it deals primarily with Christianity, people of all faiths will find that the story resonates with them. The First Phone Call from Heaven features relatable characters, each coping with the loss of a loved one. As you will learn in this review, Albom's writing style is simple and to the point, making it an easy read that will appeal to anyone looking for an inspirational novel. This review also gives you commentary from literary experts to help you understand where this novel succeeds, as well as where it falls short.

Ten Poems to Say Goodbye


Roger Housden - 2012
    But while the selected poems in this volume may focus upon loss and grief, they also reflect solace, respite, and joy.  A goodbye is an opportunity for kindness, for forgiveness, for intimacy, and ultimately for love and a deepening acceptance of life as it is rather than what it was. Goodbyes can be poignant, sorrowful, sometimes a relief, and—now and then—even an occasion for joy.  They are always transitions that, when embraced, can be the door to a new life both for ourselves and for others. In this inspiring and consoling volume, Housden encourages readers to embrace poetry as a way of enabling us to better see and appreciate the beauty of the world around and within us.

Revolution on Canvas, Volume 2: Poetry from the Indie Music Scene


Rich Balling - 2007
    'Revolution on Canvas' presents another collection of poetry from some of the country's most popular indie-rock bands, including Deftones, Fall Out Boy, Armor For Sleep, and Say Anything.

The Shooting of Dan McGrew and Other Poems


Robert W. Service - 1980
    Includes "The Spell of the Yukon," "The Heart of the Sourdough," "While the Bannock Bakes," and "The Squaw Man."

Green and Pleasant Land (Rachel Patten Dramas Book 2)


Teresa Crane - 1999
    Three women’s lives are about to change forever... Rachel Patten is an undoubted beauty, yet the only man she wants is the one who rejects her. But then rebellion takes her across strict class boundaries into the arms of her gamekeeper, Gideon Best…Daphne Underscar - plain, gauche, but far from stupid - knows full well that the ambitious Toby Smith married her for money. With love, and with courage, she is prepared to gamble her own happiness on the hope of a more fulfilling relationship. Meanwhile Philippa Van Damme has led a sheltered life, her childhood severed abruptly by a wrenching bereavement. Thrust headlong into an unstable post-war world, her hopes of a future with Hugo Fellafield are dashed by familial discord, and the threat of political scandal. From industrial London to the tropical landscape of Madeira, Green and Pleasant Land follows the three women in a triumphant sequel to Tomorrow, Jerusalem. Perfect for fans of Julia Quinn and Victoria Hislop.

The Ellie O'Conner Suspense Series: Books 1-4


Jack Hardin - 2019
    But when news of a horrifying murder shocks her sleepy fishing community, she’s compelled by a deep sense of justice to help track down the killer. And when an old friend offers her a chance to do it from behind a badge, she goes all in. Ellie’s investigation gets off to a rapid start, leading her into a hidden underworld of drugs, murder, and lies, where she quickly discovers that some of the locals may not have the cleanest of hands. Meanwhile, as deep pain continues to linger from the recent death of her father and a gaping hole left by a previous mission gone terribly wrong, Ellie discovers that it’s not so easy to outrun your past. SHALLOW BREEZE When a plane loaded with illegal drugs crashes into an iconic pier, the locals begin to wonder if any other secrets are about to fall out of the sky. After going to Tampa to search out a possible link between Hawkwing Enterprises and the dead body of a young boy, Ellie suddenly becomes entangled with an elusive drug lord and the former Navy SEAL working with him. On Pine Island, a local and beloved business owner is blackmailed into moving cargo that goes against everything he believes in, bringing his world crashing down around him as he begins to live a sinister lie. BITTER TIDE When local Matlacha artist Jean Oglesby confides to Ellie that her son may be in some trouble, Ellie steps in to help and is sent down a winding trail that leads her into deep and unexpected waters. A Category 4 hurricane has Pine Island in its crosshairs, and as the winds whip the mainland, it forces Ellie to make a choice: flee for safety or stay and hunt down the weapons smugglers that have kidnapped and tortured an innocent man. And when a friend from the past suddenly appears with unexpected news, she begins to wonder if the truth is even out there and if she will be forced to finally bend the rules. VACANT SHORE Ellie has encountered setback after setback, and this time is no different. When a former adversary comes back for revenge, Ellie discovers the crosshairs cover more than she ever could have imagined and locks her into a deadly battle that has already claimed far too many innocent lives. As she gets ever closer to unmasking the lies running rampant over her community, Ellie finds corruption at the highest levels of government, forcing her to reexamine everything she knew to be true. In this nail-biting conclusion to an investigation that began in Broken Stern, Ellie’s pursuit of justice takes her to the very threshold of death’s door, and what she finds leading up to it is nothing short of terrifying.

Freedom's Island


Sabra Waldfogel - 2015
     The town’s mayor, Jim Truehart, bought the land from his former master Hiram Little and transformed the Delta swamp into the best cotton land in the county. Now Little wants the land back, and he hires a man for the job that everyone in Willow Bend knows too well—former Klansman Benjamin Loveless, who carried out a massacre in the neighboring county ten years before. Byrd thought he was done with being a soldier. But his friendship with Truehart—and his love for Truehart’s eighteen-year-old daughter Bernie—pull him into Willow Bend’s fight. As danger comes ever closer, Byrd decides to join with Willow Bend for battle. Will it be a fight for freedom...or a massacre?

Storm Warrior XI: Return To Sioux Valley


W.L. Cox - 2014
    Marshal, track a gang of bank robbers that killed three unarmed citizens during their escape.Charles acquires his favorite horse, Wind Fire, for the journey.When they return from the manhunt Charles examines the ranches, and his new home that is under construction, and is pleased.Charles prays and realizes that he needs to return to the Sioux’s camp, the Sioux are having a hard time finding buffalo due to the white hunters that are killing the buffalo for their hides.The Sioux are prepared to go to war against the white hunters, and Charles wants to intervene and prevent a war between the whites and the Sioux.Charles realizes through prayer that the Indian nations are starving, and it is shown to him in prayer that he should drive 3,200 head of cattle 800 miles to supply the Indians with meat.After delivering the cattle to the Indians, Charles learns that a new Chief of the Sioux has taken over, and Charles is warned to have the white men off of the Sioux land in two days, or they will be killed.Charles says goodbye to his Sioux father that is lying on his death bed and receives a last request from his Sioux father that he isn't sure that he can fulfill.

Ellis Angels: The Nurses of Ellis Island Hospital


Carole Lee Limata - 2013
    Ellis Island Hospital has been closed since 1954. When Superstorm Sandy bombards New York Harbor in 2012, Ellis Island is left battered and flooded. During an extensive clean-up, a file cabinet is discovered in the long-abandoned, vacant hospital building. It is found to contain the files of a former Senior Nursing Superintendent. Filled with documentation of nursing procedures, notes, schedules, and pages from her 1924 journal, the tender tale of Ellis Angels was inspired from these rescued files. Newly-arrived immigrants are facing enormous physical and emotional challenges. The Stanescu twins are separated from their parents, and admitted for favus scalp infections. Fabiana Morales, a beautiful young woman, comes to America to be married, but is rejected by her future husband because of her unsightly goiter. Mrs. Ryan, pregnant with her fifth child, is hospitalized for pregnancy complications. Mrs. Brunne and her newborn are facing deportation because of the newly established Quota Law, and a teenager delivers her premature infant on the floor of the Women’s Detention Dormitory.During her orientation, Miss Angie, a nurse recruit, learns the routines of the Hospital. She meets handsome Dr. Goodwin who is, unknowingly, searching for the nurse of his dreams. Miss Adeline, an experienced and spirited nurse, takes Angie under her wing. The Nursing Superintendent, Sister Gwendolyn, is keeping a watchful eye on her staff of Ellis Island Nurses. Together, through their creativity and united efforts, the nurses and doctors of Ellis Island Hospital discover ways to help their patients follow their dreams. In the process, they achieve their own American Dream, as well.

September Starlings


Ruth Hamilton - 1994
    She fled from a tyrannical mother into the clutches of a sadistic man. She endured poverty, fear and pain. Then along came Ben Starling, older, wiser, who smoothed her path and gave her love and security. But now Ben has become a stranger who has slipped beyond her reach. As her stability threatens to disintegrate once more, a thin, waif-like girl from Liverpool thrusts her way into Laura's life - a girl who is to prove a link with the past. But no one can help Laura make the decisions that will alter the course of her existence. As the September starlings gather, Laura realises she must take courage and forge her own future.

The Manifestation of Caleb Lewis


Timothy D. Tims - 2015
    Caleb himself falls into a dark place. Brilliant, athletic, and charismatic, he begins to use his talents to manipulate those around him. Turning his back on everyone, Caleb descends into a world of drugs, sex, and violence. Rising to be the greatest college quarterback in the nation and playing for the National Championship, Caleb has power, wealth, and women but he continues to inflict pain on everyone around him until in the depths of despair he finds hope. THE MANIFESTATION OF CALEB LEWIS is a magical story of triumph, hope, love and perseverance

Something Blue by Emily Giffin Summary & Study Guide


BookRags - 2011
    70 pages of summaries and analysis, including Plot Summary, Chapter Summaries & Analysis, Characters, Objects/Places, Themes, Style, Quotes, and Topics for Discussion.

One Last Chase: A Western Adventure


C. Wayne Winkle - 2011
    He is enjoying his time with his family on his ranch. Little does his family know, he is suffering from Cancer. He has told no one as he does not want anyone to worry or better yet, make him bed ridden. He gets a telegram from his doctor up at Ft. Smith. When Micah gets to the doctor's office he finds out his doctor did not send for him. He high tails it back to his ranch and learns his granddaughter has been kidnapped.

The Cabin on Autumn Peak (Missing Pieces Book 5)


Danielle Stewart - 2021
    

This Green and Pleasant Land


John Andrews - 2014
    His life and his business collapse in a haze of sleepless, nightmare ridden nights and excessive drinking.As he attempts to rebuild his life, a spiteful character from his past comes back to haunt him and contributes to his downfall.With his home repossessed he moves to a flat on a council estate where through a series of random unrelated incidents Alex finds himself in violent conflict with the gang who control the area and most of the drug dealing in West Yorkshire.The story centres on the fight of good against evil and explains how each of the individual characters involved developed into the people they've become and how they interact with each other.