Greyhound Runners Turn Runway Fashion Models

Ask any greyhound owner to talk about their rescued greyhound and they will all have remarkable stories to share. When you take an athletic racer off the track to live in your home, you might expect that they need a lot of exercise. Not true. These former race dogs would prefer the couch and a couple of walks a day.  Proceed with caution....you'll have to hold on to the leash tight- especially when they see something of interest: moving car, squirrel, bird, plastic bag. I have a fenced 6' pen for those times when the chill in the air turns a midnight walk into a nightmare. 

I do confess they all have coats and pajamas or cozy blankets.  It's not to be cute really, they no fat layer and are all muscle with a very thin skin and short hair. Greyhounds are easily chilled and will overheat quickly in the summer. 

My current pack of three, B's Cowardly Lion (Lion), Red Bud Diablo (Wizard), and Full of Beans (Vincent Van Beans...or just Beans) love to go for walks. Beans,a former foster dog, is a young two year old. He is now officially part of my three-pack.  When I came across this You Tube video of adorable greys sporting fashionable knitted sweaters....I just had to share. 


I hope to knit one or two...oops, I guess now it'll have to be three. 

Check it out!


                                Greyhound Runners Turn Runway Fashion Models

This You Tube video came from a fun and informative website called Greyhounds4me. 


© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013].

Saturday Sagacious Insight & Reflection

Saturday Sagacious Insight & Reflection

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, 

people will forget what you did, 

but people will 

never forget how you made them feel.” 

― Maya Angelou

Review-Angelopolis by Danielle Trussoni

ANGELOPOLIS
Danielle Trussoni
Viking Adult-Penguin Group
March 26, 2013
9780670025541
Hardcover, 320 pp






Honestly I loved ANGELOPOLIS.  As a fan of Deborah Harkness, I was intrigued by this series by Danielle Trussoni.  The genre is not in my normal comfort zone.  However, after reading the novels of Harkness and Trussoni,  I am now a huge fan of  this category of historical fantasy and mythological magic.  This shouldn't surprise me, after all I was brought up on fairy tales and Greek Mythology.  Who doesn't love fairies and angels?  Danielle Trussoni 
will ensnare you in her richly imagined suspenseful world of fallen angels. Her writing style is absorbing, rich with imagery and realism.  Enchanting, enveloping and exotic. 

ANGELOPOLIS, is the second novel in this series, but easily stands alone.  For those readers who like this reviewer have not read Angelologist, a New York Times bestseller it is not too late to back track. I guarantee after reading book two, you will crave the next book in the series and should definitely pick up ANGELOLOGIST in the mean time. 

Highly recommended...plot was full of enough twists and turns. Characters were memorable, often chilling and some otherwise endearing. Verlaine is now an elite angel hunter and works for the Society of Angelology in Paris.   It is now ten years since his appearance in ANGELOLOGIST when he first saw the illuminating Evangeline descend from the Brooklyn Bridge.  Verlaine soon learns that Evangeline is still alive, and the discovery leads him to risk all to pursue her. Who knew there were bad angels among the good?  The angel hunters pursue evil, the fallen angels comprise an army of various species with distinct characteristics. 

Historical reference to Rasputin and the the Romanov's, along with a plot that includes the famous Faberge Easter eggs,made for Tsar Alexander III,  add  authenticity and mystery to the plot. Trussoni takes the reader from Paris, to St. Petersberg and finally Siberia-where underneath an off-line nuclear reactor the final showdown takes place.  

Don't miss ANGELOPOLIS...an enticingly tense and ethereal adventure among angels and angelologists where the line between good and evil is a fine line to cross.  




Angelopolis Book Club Kit



Disclosure: Angelopolis was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to : Jane Shim, Publicity Assistant

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013]. 

Houdini-Sweet Kitty-RIP

RIP Houdini

1995-2013

Thank you to all my FB friends who have sent 

condolences and cheer to me during this difficult time. 

Houdini-18 Years

I was so so lucky to have an intuitive cat as a sweet fur companion for 18 years. He has been my rock during difficult times. Whether I was in emotional or physical stress he sensed my discomfort and would not leave my side until I was better.   How he always knew when I had vertigo,  is a puzzle to me.  He would lay on top of me to ensure I slowed down, while he purred a soothing and healing mantra.

Luckily, Houdini was a healthy boy until the end. I think he just knew it was time to move on. He refused to eat or drink.  It has been so sad watching him waste away these past few weeks.

I was so lucky to be with him at the end.  He died in my arms, snuggled under my chin. He has joined his buddies, Mystery and Webster at the rainbow bridge.

I love you Houdini..you will be remembered and deeply missed.  -Mom xo

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013]. 

 

Review Blog Tour: The Turncoat by Donna Thorland

Penguin Group Blog Tour Presents

THE TURNCOAT
by Donna Thorland

THE TURNCOAT
Donna Thorland

Published by NAL-Penguin

March 5, 2013

Paperback 432 pages

0451415396
List: $15.00, Kindle: 9.99

If you were asked to name a memorable historical romance novel set in the American Revolutionary War, most would find it difficult to name one or two.   THE TURNCOAT, Book #1 in the Renegades of the Revolution series will without a doubt fill that void.

The year is 1777 and Kate Grey, a Quaker and other women of her church are packing up supplies for the Continental Army.  Her father is Arthur Grey, a successful military man who recently departed Grey Farm with important information to deliver.  Among the ladies is Mrs. Ferrers, a widow, who appears to Kate to be out of place, somewhat odd.  

Shortly, a British soldier and company,  requisition the Grey Farm. He has an important dispatch to deliver to General Howe.  The man is Peter Tremayne, Lord Sancreed a Regular in King George’s army.  Tremayne is handsome, more arrogant than not with an air of self-importance and superiority. His uniformed exterior is lined with a sexual allure that is intoxicating.  His eyes are set on Kate Grey, plain and innocent.  He discovers a hidden document left by her father.  With these compromising papers as a lure, Kate agrees to meet him later.  While Tremayne is distracted by Kate, Mrs. Ferrers, who is a rebel spy, switches his documents before he continues on his journey. Tremayne faces court martial and possible hanging, but is given a reprieve with an ultimatum. His mission is to uncover the spy who betrayed him and this leads him to Philadelphia.  When he arrives, he meets up with his cousin Caide, rivals for years and a notorious rake. As they catch up, Caide shares his news of his upcoming nuptials. When Peter turns to meet the lucky woman, he gazes into familiar eyes.  Before him stands a beautiful well appointed woman, who he’d know anywhere as the plain and simple Kate Grey.

Historically, the plot weaves around the events of Valley Forge and the two enemy commanders, General Howe and General Washington. The scale tips more toward romance in this passionate  rebellious spy adventure of the 18th century. Kate makes a conscious choice to work for Washington as a patriot spy, knowing her treasonous acts can lead to sudden death.  Her Quaker roots remain, although buried deep below the surface.

Donna Thorland fashions strong determined women characters pitted against men who exude the arrogance of entitled birth with enduring results.  THE TURNCOAT with plenty of sexual passion and perfidious turns promises plenty of hold your breath moments.  It will be a long anxious wait for the second book due out next year.  

Wisteria Leigh
March 10, 2013

 

  The Turncoat ....Book Trailer

 

www.donnathorland.com

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher
to submit an unbiased reviewfor this blog tour.  

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013]. 

I AM A 2013 WORLD BOOK NIGHT GIVER!!

Dear Wisteria....World Book Night friend,

Congratulations! 

You are a 2013 World Book Night giver!   

  

I just found out via e-mail that I will be a World Book Night giver again this year.  Yippee!!!!   As an avid reader and lover of books, I couldn't be happier.  Last year, was the first year for World Book Night.  It turned out to be an amazingly successful premier event and I was fortunate to be a part of it.

The book I gave to readers is a favorite of mine. THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS, written by Rebecca Skloot.  Those who received a copy were quite grateful and anxious to begin reading.  It was satisfying to hear so much positive feedback and discuss their opinions.  After the favorable response last year, I can't wait to be able to see more smiles when I pass out books to another group to my community this coming April 23rd.  http://www.us.worldbooknight.org/

Check out this  You-Tube clip from ABC News about last years event. 

I will share updates as we get closer to the event. 

http://www.razoo.com/story/World-Book-Night-Us?referral_code=share

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013].

 

Review: When We Argued All Night by Alice Mattison

 

WHEN WE ARGUED ALL NIGHT
Alice Mattison
Harper Perennial
Original edition (June 12, 2012) 
PB, 384pp
$14.99
978-0062120373.

Genre: Historical Fiction



 

Along a lake in the the Adirondack Mountains, near a cabin in the woods, Artie Saltzman and Harold Abramowitz friends since the third grade thought they had the place to themselves for a week. In 1936 they were 26 and had no money and no girls, but that was about to change.
Two women arrived claiming to be the daughters of the owner. Although a bit skeptical the two men agreed to share their cabin.  Better yet, the women have money and they leave with the promise to bring back dinner.

Mattison begins her story during The Great Depression, and the novel is a historical field trip through the decades with Artie and Harold two friends, witnesses who lived through it. Their cohesive bond of friendship seems eternal. They experienced World War II, and are shocked and weep when the chairman of the World Jewish Congress confirmed the extermination of approximately two million Jews in Germany. The year is 1942. Roosevelt dies in 1945.  When the Feinberg Law is passed in 1949 teachers are at risk; however, the Red Scare infiltrates the lives of Americans everywhere. It is during this time when Harold and Artie would argue all night.   Harold now a professor and Communist Party Member is at risk, but it is Artie who must face a difficult decision that would alter their friendship forever.  

As the decades pass, the air raid drills of the Fifties and the Civil Rights struggle of the Sixties are further anchors of history that add vivid realism to Mattison’s novel.  Artie and Harold could be anyone, male or female, young or old, who embrace the love of friendship and the power to forgive. Alice Mattison has a magic writing pen. Without a doubt readers will praise When We Argued All Night,  is an irresistible story with universal appeal.



This review appeared in Historical Novels Review November 2012, Issue 62

Disclosure: A print copy of this book was provided by HNR for review.

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013].

Review: A Soul's Calling, by Scott Bishop

 

A SOUL’S CALLING
Scott Bishop 
Wanderlust Publishing House
January 4, 2013
Print Version: 341 pages
0615695353
List Price $14.95 Paperback





Once in a great while a book lands in my lap that is breathtakingly beautiful and at the same time personally illuminating. Such is the case with A Soul’s Calling by Scott Bishop.  
This is the story of Scott who has the ability to communicate with the Other Side.  It is during his encounter with the Spirit World that he realizes his soul is in jeopardy.  As he grapples with this revelation, he makes a choice to travel to Nepal.  He expects a mythical adventure that will take courage, but his soul beckons him to go. He must face Mount Everest in hopes that the Spirits will help to mend his soul.

Scott is an attorney who is not exactly your typical experienced mountain climber.  He describes himself as conservative, predictable and responsible. Undaunted, he researches the feasibility of the trek and physically trains for the arduous journey.  He gathers a melange of symbolic objects and prayers with obvious personal significance.  He believes he will need these things when he reaches Base Camp.  Along with the requisite guide, (reticent and wary of the American) Scott is eager to begin the climb.  Soon he realizes his preparations have fallen very short of his actual needs and he must adjust.  The challenges begin early on as he must overcome his fear of heights and acclimate to breathing at high altitude.  On the ascent, each stage of the climb gets harder, with seemingly endless stairs and rugged terrain. Each day he feels weaker with increasing doubts and an ominous outlook.

A Soul’s Calling will take you where most will never go. The author builds drama and captures the nuances of the sweeping resplendent landscape.  He allows all senses to experience this man’s pilgrimage, the natural rhythm of his journey unfolds with fluidic imagery. The prose is rich with visual brilliance, words so carefully blended together. Scott Bishop captures the majestic and graceful soul of these virginal peaks.  He unveils the simple serenity and spectacular attraction of the Himalayan Mountains.  A Soul’s Calling is a humbling and reflective novel that will polarize most readers. 

Visit Scott Bishop's Homepage


Note:
Amazon Current Promotion
Currently $9.54 @ Amazon
Kindle $6.95,
Note: Prime Members may borrow Kindle Version at no cost.

Disclosure: The author provided a free digital copy of his book.  This review is submitted without bias.


© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013].

Review: Lenin's Harem, by William Burton McCormick

Lenin's Harem

William Burton McCormick
Knox Robinson Publishing
(2012) Edition: Reprint
Hardcover,  400 pages
190848344X
Historical Fiction

Lenin’s Harem takes place between 1905 and 1941 during the turbulent political and social struggles of the Russian Empire. The story begins with the Russian Revolution. Wiktor Rooks is the youngest son of a Latvian aristocrat with Baltic-German heritage. As a factory owner of considerable wealth, his father is a natural target for the local peasants. His older brother Otomars unsuccessfully tries to convince his father to hire guards. One night Wiktor’s home is set afire, and they must flee to safety.

In 1915, Wiktor, now 21, is forced to fight in the Russian Army against the Germans. One night, he steps in to save a couple of Latvian citizens from renegade soldiers and is critically injured. While recuperating, he is coerced by the Russian Army to act as a liaison and spy. His ability to converse in Latvian, German and Russian has not gone unnoticed. During this time he becomes a member of the Red Riflemen, otherwise known as “Lenin’s Harem.”

McCormick’s battleground scenes prove to be a gruesome lesson in man’s inhumanity to man. As Wiktor walks through the aftermath of destruction, the skillful, sobering imagery is equal to the best of any horror show. His observations of chemical warfare are detailed with grim precision: lifeless, stiff corpses, with gas seeking to hide in every crevice. Lenin’s Harem is an important historical fiction work that offers clarity to a complex and tumultuous time in Russian history. A prodigious and gripping read.

This review appeared in the February 2013, Issue 63 of Historical Novels Review .

Disclosure: Kindle edition was provided by HNR to furnish this candid review.

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013]. 

Review: Sons of Providence, by Charles Rappleye

  

SONS OF PROVIDENCE, The Brown Brothers,  The Slave Trade, and The American Revolution 
Charles Rappleye,
Simon and Schuster
Hardcover, 416 pages
0743266870.






John and Moses Brown, two incongruous brothers were loyal to Britain. Yet, when a series of revenue raising taxes descended on the colonies, the Browns saw it as economic servitude to England. Charles Rappleye presents a history of Rhode Island and the Slave Trade through his research of primary documents and through letters of correspondence between the Brown brothers. Most people would be surprised to read about the significance of the Browns, and the relationship Newport and Providence and all Rhode Island had in the slave trade.

John and Moses Brown were originally were collaborators in the slave trade, but their legacies would diverge and history would remember their roles differently. Where John was an avid proponent of slavery and compulsive capitalist. Moses turned Quaker and was equally an unshakable abolitionist and social reformer. They polar opposites in values and appearance and they were stubborn in their ideals of liberty.

The Gaspee incident in Narragansett Bay, was a significant event led by John Brown that would establish Rhode Island equal to Boston as a rebellious colony. Also, throughout New England, slavery was most widespread in Rhode Island and the slave trade would remain entrenched in their harbors for many years.

John and Moses Brown were prominent business leaders in many areas. John was an investor in real estate, Moses was credited with establishing one of America’s first banks and introducing textile technology that allowed New England to compete with England as the Industrial Revolution moved forward. They both collaborated to establish Brown University where it is today.

Rhode Island is a familiar setting to me and this history provided a valuable addition to my existing schema. Charles Rappleye humanizes this history lesson from two opposing viewpoints and the insight of first hand witnesses. Sons of Providence clarifies many misconceptions in history and furnishes a glimpse into the tenets of the time period. Highly recommended.


 Disclosure: This book was a self-purchase.

Awards: 

George Washington Book Prize 2007

 
© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013].




 Wisteria Leigh February 14, 2013