Saturday, February 23, 2019

Visit the Eternal White by T. Furuyama


 

Eternal White

By T. Furuyama


“So this is Heaven.” Hershel Byne, a math teacher observes his surroundings as he angrily enters the afterlife. Heartbroken, feeling he was snatched away from loving family and friends before his time, Hershel begins to explore what author T. Furuyama has waiting in the vastness of Eternal White. Is eternal peace as wonderful as its promise? And what of the connection with those left behind? What is to become of them? Can Hershel still help from the invisible beyond?

A glimpse into this man’s life on earth shows a typical father and husband, enjoying the joys and tribulations of raising teenage daughters with his wife, who is the love of his life. His friends are an interesting array of neighbors and acquaintances. He enjoys teaching math to his students. Busy with his life, he spends little time pondering prospects of death other than playing with math puzzles like Pascal’s Wager and Schrödinger’s cat, which he delightfully postulates. Then there is a sudden intrusion of fate.

Hershel’s life is over, and now he is confronted with an emotional journey filled with dangers to the heart and soul. The life stories shared by the people he meets along the way are gripping tales of woe and joy, desperation and love, and it is their experiences that paint the eternity that surrounds each of them. As Ben in Heaven muses, “That’s the thing about being human, we always want what we don’t have; and once we have it, we miss the time when we didn’t.” Hershel is not ready for eternity yet. He has caught a glimpse of trouble ahead for his daughter in the world of the living, and he is determined to do what very few in the Eternal White have ever done. He is determined to find the way to reach out and help her.

This refreshing story mixes a smart, fast-paced action novel with a thought provoking and sometimes emotionally charged exploration of deep life questions. Debates of these tantalizing questions bring on answers that generate even more haunting questions begging for response. You don’t need a background of mathematical study to appreciate this philosophical contemplation about the meaning of life, and questions about God and religions. At times very humorous, at times poignant, author T. Furuyama beautifully writes such very human characters and exciting situations.


Eternal White is this author’s second book. He has a PhD in genetics and conducted high profile research for twenty years. Now he delightfully applies to fiction writing both the magic of science and his awe of the natural world. Hershel’s discoveries will linger in the readers’ thoughts long after the final page. You can find more information about the author and his books at http://www.tfuruyamabooks.com

Sunday, February 10, 2019

Author Linda Hope Lee Books Murder Between The Pages

Murder Between The Pages

The Nina Foster Mystery Series
By Linda Hope Lee


Librarian Nina Foster cannot quiet her suspicions and theories when her hometown is shocked by murder. Nina’s concerns prompt her to get her nose out of the books and onto a hot trail of clues. Not so fast though, author Linda Hope Lee has some surprises in store for her protagonist cover to cover, as Nina discovers the dangers of researching Murder Between The Pages.

The town of Richmond, Washington which is a suburb of Seattle, is home to Seaview Library. This idyllic place embraces all aspects of the Arts and is a beautifully described setting right on Puget Sound. The literary community and its supporters are rocked by a murder in their midst. It’s truly a puzzler, and suspects are numerous. The reader has full access to all clues discovered, and information on the array of fascinating characters including their potential motives, opportunities, and means. Can the reader solve the mystery before the Librarian? Can the Librarian solve the mystery despite the life threatening dangers she faces?

The premise of a Librarian amateur sleuth is delightful. The Library is a community center of activities and residents’ interactions. There’s much to be learned. Nina Foster has an interesting background too that often influences her choices and can result in self-imposed difficulties. She has a warm and wonderful relationship with her dear grandmother who has a sparkling personality and among her many interests is a skilled pool player. Nina is also beginning a relationship with Stephen Kraslow, a widower who is a reporter newly moved to Richmond. They are combining forces on the investigation, to the chagrin of the police detective in charge. As Nina reviews her clues at hand with some frustration, Stephen is encouraging, “We’ll continue to keep our eyes and ears open. One thing I’ve learned in this business is that you can’t hurry the answers.” All is revealed in good time.

Author Linda Hope Lee writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense and mysteries. Also an artist, her skills working with watercolors, colored pencil, and pen and ink must have influenced the vibrant, detailed descriptions of settings and characters in her writing.


You can find more information about the author and her books at http://www.lindahopelee.com

Friday, February 8, 2019

The Magic of Unicorns A Reading Delight

The Magic of Unicorns

By Gina L. Grandi
Illustrated by Ximena Jeria
 

The  Magic of UnicornsWhat an enchanting Field Guide to Fabulous Creatures for the young and the young at heart. The Magic of Unicorns excites the imagination and engages young readers with stories joyfully authored by Gina L. Grandi and filled with delightful artistry by Ximena Jeria. Just open the cover to join this amazing journey around the world discovering unicorns and exploring special secrets about their history, legends, habits, and variety of powers and interests. Along the way you’ll also learn ways to find the magic of unicorns for yourself.

Did you know there are a big variety of unicorns around the world? They all look different and act different, but in their hearts they are each dear creatures with wondrous adventures. Now you can read about some of their incredible escapades. Enthusiastic, compassionate readers will also appreciate the descriptions of nature surrounding unicorns around the world on all kinds of different continents and ecosystems. This book shows not only information about magical unicorns, but also about their companions in nature including birds, insects, mammals, plants, and more.

What is the best way to find unicorns in the world around you? This book suggests some practical ideas and activities that may just attract one of these elusive creatures to you. As the author says, “the world might look ordinary, but there could be something unexpected and wondrous just around the corner.”

The text of this book is readable by elementary age readers. But I also encourage adults to seek opportunities to read this book out loud with children, enjoy the gorgeous pictures, and ignite everyone’s imagination together.

The author, Gina L. Grandi is also a teacher and theatre professor who shares her passion for these magical, mysterious creatures and their mystical powers. She has taught elementary and high school students, and is a self-proclaimed Unicorn Scholar.

Ximena Jeria grew up expressing herself through illustration and treats us to such fun pictures throughout this wonderful book. She studied graphic design at the University of Valparaiso, Chile and has worked for many publishers and design agencies both in Chile and abroad. It’s so apparent how much Ximena loves drawing. As she says, “I am also bilingual (Spanish and English), and I guess drawing was my third language, one that summed up what I really wanted to say.”


Enjoy this book with a friend, and remember to celebrate National Unicorn Day on April 9th – or go ahead and celebrate every day. “Unicorn magic will bring you luck and happiness. Even if you haven’t seen one . . . yet.”