Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts

Sunday, February 15, 2026

Book or Film Adaptation: Classic Thriller: Night of the Fox by Jack Higgins

This post is a recommendation of three (3) books written by British author Jack Higgins (1929 - ), who is aptly described as "...one of the best-selling authors of popular thrillers and espionage novels."  I thought the excerpt from one of those books was a great way to pique your interest. 



“Rommel.” Hitler smiled a ghastly smile that was almost one of triumph.
“So, the Desert Fox wishes to play games.”
“I’m almost certain of it.”
“The people’s hero,” Hitler said. “We must handle him carefully, wouldn’t you say?”
“Or outfox him, my Fuhrer,” Himmler said softly.
“Outfox him. Outfox the Desert Fox.” Hitler smiled delightfully.“Yes, I like that, Reichsfuhrer. I like that very much indeed.”
♦ The dialogue above is extracted from Night of the Fox, a novel by Jack Higgins.


Almost everybody knows Harry Patterson, better known as Jack Higgins. He is an international bestselling suspense thriller author who is among the world’s most popular writers. He is remembered by many for his novel, “The Eagle Has Landed” (1975), but his book “Night of the Fox” (1986) is equally impressive. Though his books are works of fiction, the writer’s efforts to research the historical events on which the plots are based were painstakingly real. For example, part of his research involved actually meeting with and reviewing the diaries of a woman who was trapped in Jersey during World War II.

The book,
“The Eagle Has Landed”, was adapted to film (1976), which also starred a few of my favorite actors: Michael Caine (1933 - ), Robert Duvall (1931-2026), and Donald Sutherland (1935 - 2024) disguised as Polish airmen. It was a plot to kidnap Sir Winston Churchill.  Intense!

“Night of the Fox”, was also made into a movie (1990), which starred two of my favorite actors, George Peppard (as American officer, Col. Harry Martineau) and Michael York (as high-ranking German officer, Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, the “Desert Fox”).

The book “The Eagle Has Flown” is a sequel to “The Eagle Has Landed”. Fans of novels by Higgins consider it worthy as a classic thriller; however, it was not adapted to film.

Nevertheless, if you are compiling a private library of WWII suspense thrillers, this 3-in-1 would be a great addition!

Jack Higgins: Three Complete Novels: The Eagle Has Landed (1975); The Eagle Has Flown (1991); Night of the Fox (1986)


Image credits: Photos found at Wikipedia. General Field Marshall Erwin Rommel in December 1943; and Bundesarchiv Bild 146-1977-119-08, Erwin Rommel with Adolf Hitler. Book cover at Amazon.





Friday, January 2, 2026

Books and Movies: The Beginnings of Science Fiction

Science fiction is a very popular book genre.

But sci-fi wasn’t always accepted as “real writing”.

Sharing an interesting fact about the beginning of science fiction, how it developed into a recognized and respected form of 20th-century literature. 



Though science fiction enjoys a wide audience of readers today, it’s not the type of story that suits my reading preferences. Would much rather watch a well-done film adaptation of a sci-fi novel. Why? Because a lot of the language in sci-fi books is too complicated for me. (Everybody’s brain works differently.) But to see an apocalyptic catastrophe on the big screen? I totally get it! Additionally, extreme relief washes over me to know that the event is just a product of a writer’s detailed research and his or her overactive imagination. Whew! So it’s great that science fiction book writers have a loyal fan base because, later on, their novels might be made into fantastic movies!

If you are a sci-fi book fan, this information likely comes as no revelation, but it was news to me! According to 
Kingsley Amis, there are three literary works thought of as precursors of OR that in some way created an opening for the Sci-Fi genre to find its way into the hearts of book lovers:
  1. Voltaire’s Micromégas;
  2. Shakespeare’sThe Tempest; and
  3. Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels.
Jonathan Swift’s Lilliputians? OK. I think a land of little people sounds like science fiction. But François-Marie Arouet, aka Voltaire, and William Shakespeare? Writers of sci-fi? Not so sure that I agree. At any rate, Amis published his survey of science fiction in 1960.

REF: Amis, Kingsley W. New Maps of Hell. New York: Ballantine, 1960.

Other Links of Interest:

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Books: Perfect Picks For Science Fiction and Fantasy Readers

They say that romance books are the bestselling genre. But sci-fi and fantasy books don't seem to do too bad when it comes to sales. If I were to choose, I would go with fantasy over sci-fi. But I'm not the one choosing. You are! So here are a few picks recommended by a professional reviewer and moi! Maybe you'll see something that interests you.

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Books: Reading List: Five (5) Popular Cozy Mysteries Published 2020 and Beyond!

When you checked out my previous post My TOP TEN (10) Best Cozy Mysteries to Watch During the Holiday Season, you may have thought: 'These are classics. But what about more recent cozy mysteries? 

OK! Need a festive reading list of 5 Popular Cozy Mysteries Published in 2020 and beyond!  Perfect for curling up by the fireside during the holiday season?

Cozy mysteries + holidays work: The contrast between cheerful seasonal settings and clever sleuthing creates comforting suspense — like Hallmark meets Miss Marple. (AARP)

reading

🎄 1. The Mistletoe Mystery — Nita Prose (2024)

Hotel maid Molly Gray (from The Maid) is looking forward to a peaceful holiday… until a Secret Santa twist and a light mystery about trust and gifts put her on the sleuthing trail. It’s heartwarming, gentle, and a lovely festive read with cozy vibes rather than gruesome crime. 


Author: Nita Prose: Canadian mystery author Nita Prose garnered major attention with her debut The Maid, blending quirky protagonists with warm mysteries; she brings the same charm to this holiday outing.


Tidbits: 

  • This title is short enough to enjoy in one sitting — perfect for a night in with cocoa and cookies! It’s part of Molly’s expanding cozy world, so fans of character-driven mysteries will adore it. 
  • Mistletoe Murders is a holiday mystery TV seriesnot a direct adaptation of one of the mystery books on your holiday reading list. It’s based on an Audible original podcast series rather than a published holiday mystery novel.  Even so, the series premiered on Hallmark+ on October 31, 2024, and later aired on the Hallmark Channel during the 2025 holiday season. Stars Sarah Drew as Emily Lane, a small-town Christmas shop owner who investigates murders around her town of Fletcher’s Grove. The series is based on a podcast by creator Ken Cuperus (not on a mystery book), though it carries the cozy holiday mystery vibe your readers will love. It’s been renewed for at least Season 2 in 2025, expanding the story and mysteries each year. 

REF: DeRenzo, Nicholas. “These Holiday Mysteries Offer Cozy Chills.” AARP, 15 Nov. 2024, https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/books/holiday-mystery-books/.

Herman, Joly. “Mistletoe Murders.” Common Sense Media, 31 Oct. 2024, https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/mistletoe-murders.

“Holiday Cozy Mysteries for the Festive Season.” PenguinRandomhouse.Com, https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/the-read-down/holiday-cozy-mysteries/. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.

🧶 2. It Came Upon a Midnight Shear — Allie Pleiter (2022) 

Libby Beckett’s yarn shop holiday celebration unravels when her ex turns up dead, and a rare luxury wool goes missing. As decorations go up, sleuthing begins, blending holiday cheer with small-town mystery. 

Author: Allie Pleiter: a bestselling cozy mystery author with dozens of books to her name and a special knack for knitting and craft-based mysteries. Her experience as a knitter and speaker adds heart to her cozy settings.

Tidbits: Knitting patterns are sometimes included in Pleiter’s books — a festive bonus for crafty readers! 

REF:  Allie Pleiter, https://alliepleiter.com/books/the-riverbank-knitting-mysteries/it-came-upon-a-midnight-shear/. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.

It Came Upon a Midnight Shear. 8 Nov. 2022, https://dianneascroft.com/2022/11/08/it-came-upon-a-midnight-shear/.

🎅 3. Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen — Vicki Delany (2021) 

In Rudolph, New York — a town that celebrates Christmas year-round — cozy sleuth Merry Wilkinson finds that even endless holiday cheer can’t hide a murder. A cheerful setting with holiday traditions on every page. 

Author: Vicki Delany: has written over 30 mysteries with heart and place-based charm, often featuring strong amateur sleuths in quirky communities.

Tidbits: This book launches the Year-Round Christmas series — great if you love holiday legend, season-long cheer, and a bit of sleuthing that never leaves the festive spirit. 

REF: “Holiday Cozy Mysteries for the Festive Season.” PenguinRandomhouse.Com, https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/the-read-down/holiday-cozy-mysteries/. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.


📚 4. The Thursday Murder Club — Richard Osman (2020)

In a retirement community, four friends meet weekly to solve cold cases — and suddenly they’ve got a live case on their hands. While not strictly holiday-themed, this cozy (and hilarious) mystery has the warm feeling of gathering with friends — ideal for the season. 

Author: Richard Osman:  British TV presenter turned bestselling author, Osman’s debut was a global hit thanks to its delightful characters, witty prose, and lovable amateur detectives.

Tidbits: 

  • This book became a Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller and is often gifted during the holidays for its charm and wit. 
  • The first book in Richard Osman’s beloved series (The Thursday Murder Club, 2020) was adapted into a major motion picture that was released in 2025.  It starred Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, and Ben Kingsley, among others, and debuted on Netflix after a theatrical run.

REF:  Contributors to Wikimedia projects. “Thursday Murder Club (Series).” Wikipedia, 1 Nov. 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thursday_Murder_Club_%28series%29.


🕯️ 5. Blackmail and Bibingka — Mia P. Manansala (2024)

In Shady Palms during Christmastime, Lila Macapagal must untangle family drama and murder suspicions involving her estranged cousin — all while navigating cultural holiday traditions.

Author: Mia P. Manansala: brings a fresh, multicultural voice to cozy mysteries, blending heart with holiday spirt, family themes, and sharp sleuthing.

Tidbits: The title’s fun wordplay and inclusion of bibingka (a Filipino holiday treat) make it an especially tasty read for food-loving mystery fans! 

REF:  “Holiday Cozy Mysteries for the Festive Season.” PenguinRandomhouse.Com, https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/the-read-down/holiday-cozy-mysteries/. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.


Fun Ideas

📌 Pair each book with a themed drink — check out the drink pairings on my foodie blog.

📌 More fun for the holiday?  Pick a “mystery reading night” and invite family and friends, book club members, etc.  They'll need a blanket, string lights, their favorite warm drink, and one or more of these books!


Sunday, December 14, 2025

Classic Books to Classic Films: 6 Shirley Temple Movies Based on Books

5 Facts About Shirley Temple: The Making of a Child Star

Shirley Temple is without a doubt one of America's most beloved child actresses. Here are five little-known bio facts about her life and career before her teen years.

1. She was professionally trained. She underwent formal dance training starting at age three at the Meglin Kiddies Dance School in Los Angeles. By age four, she could execute complex tap routines on cue.

2. Her breakout role came from a short-film series called Baby Burlesks (1932–1933).

3. Her famous curls were not natural. They were painstakingly engineered by her mother, Gertrude Temple, using rag curlers nightly. Studio contracts explicitly forbade cutting or brushing them out.

4. Between 1935 and 1938, she was Fox’s top box-office draw at age 6, making her the biggest child star in history at the time.

5. She worked under conditions no longer legal: 15-hour days, six days a week.

Heidi

Several Shirley Temple films were adapted from books.

Here are six (6) Shirley Temple movies that are book adaptations, which are marvelous examples.


1. Heidi(1937)

Adapted from: Heidi (1881) by Johanna Spyri

Heidi tells the story of a young orphan girl sent to live with her reclusive grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Despite his gruff exterior, Heidi’s warmth and innocence slowly soften him. Living close to nature, she befriends Peter the goatherd and thrives in the mountain environment. Her happiness is interrupted when she is taken to Frankfurt to serve as a companion to Clara, a wealthy but disabled girl. In the city, Heidi becomes desperately homesick, her health and spirit declining. Eventually, she is allowed to return to the Alps, where her joy is restored. Clara later visits Heidi and, inspired by the mountain air and Heidi’s encouragement, learns to walk. The novel emphasizes the healing power of nature, kindness, and emotional resilience.


Movie vs. Book:

The film is very close to the novel’s themes, characters, and emotional arc. Changes are mostly simplifications.

  • Movie Quote: “I don’t want a lot of things. I just want to be happy.”

  • Book Quote: “Wherever there is sunshine, one can find happiness.”


2. Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1938)

Adapted from: Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1903) by Kate Douglas Wiggin

Rebecca Randall is a lively, imaginative orphan sent to live with her stern aunts in the village of Riverboro, Maine. Though her Aunt Miranda disapproves of Rebecca’s enthusiasm and creativity, Rebecca’s optimism gradually wins over the community. She excels in school, forms close friendships, and develops a love for poetry and performance. Rebecca’s kindness and perseverance help bridge the gap between tradition and individuality. Over time, even her strict aunt grows to admire her spirit. The novel is a coming-of-age story focused on self-expression, emotional intelligence, and the importance of nurturing young talent rather than suppressing it.


Movie vs. Book:

The core character remains intact, but the film adds romance, music, and a more sentimental ending.

  • Movie Quote: “Things don’t happen the way you expect them to, but they happen the way they should.”

  • Book Quote: “Children are different, you know. There’s no standard pattern.”


3. Captain January (1936)

Adapted from: Captain January (1890) by Laura E. Richards

Little Star is an orphan girl raised by Captain January, a retired sea captain who works as a lighthouse keeper. The two live happily by the sea until officials discover that Star has wealthy relatives searching for her. She is taken away to be raised in comfort, but without the love and freedom she once knew. Meanwhile, Captain January falls ill and loses his sight. Eventually, Star’s relatives recognize the depth of her bond with the captain and reunite them, ensuring his care and her happiness. The novel highlights emotional bonds over material wealth and explores themes of loyalty, love, and belonging.


Movie vs. Book:

The movie is largely faithful in story and tone, though softened and musicalized for Shirley Temple.

  • Movie Quote: “I don’t care where I live, as long as I’m loved.”

  • Book Quote: “She had been rich before, rich in love and sunshine.”


4. Curly Top (1935)

Adapted from: Daddy-Long-Legs (1912) by Jean Webster

The novel follows Jerusha Abbott, an orphan whose education is secretly funded by a mysterious benefactor she calls “Daddy-Long-Legs.” Through letters, Jerusha describes her growth, struggles, and dreams while attending college. Over time, she becomes more confident and self-aware, questioning her place in society and her relationship with her unseen patron. Eventually, she learns his identity and confronts her feelings of gratitude, independence, and love. The book is notable for its humor, social commentary, and focus on a young woman’s intellectual development.


Movie vs. Book:

Only loosely inspired by the novel; characters, age, and story structure are almost entirely changed.

  • Movie Quote: “I don’t need money if I’ve got people who care.”

  • Book Quote: “The only way to be happy is to make somebody else so.”


5. Wee Willie Winkie (1937)

Adapted from: Wee Willie Winkie (1888, short story/poem) by Rudyard Kipling

Kipling’s original work is a short poem and related stories set in British colonial India, focusing on duty, bravery, and imperial life. The “Wee Willie Winkie” poem describes a child enforcing bedtime rules in military barracks, symbolizing order and innocence. Kipling’s broader themes often explore courage, loyalty, and the complexities of empire, though the original material is brief and symbolic rather than narrative-driven.


Movie vs. Book:

The film expands a short poem into a full narrative—essentially an original story using only the title and theme.

  • Movie Quote: “I’m not afraid. I just don’t like being brave alone.”

  • Book Quote: “He went through the dark with a lantern and a song.”


6. The Little Princess (1939)

Adapted from: A Little Princess (1905) by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Sara Crewe is a bright, imaginative girl sent to Miss Minchin’s boarding school in London while her wealthy father serves in India. Treated as a model pupil, Sara lives comfortably until her father dies suddenly, leaving her penniless. Miss Minchin strips Sara of her privileges and forces her to work as a servant. Despite hunger and hardship, Sara clings to her belief that “princesses” behave with kindness and dignity no matter their circumstances. Her imagination helps her survive cruelty and loneliness. Eventually, it is discovered that Sara’s father left behind a fortune administered by a friend who has been searching for her. Sara is restored to her rightful place and rewards those who showed her compassion. The novel emphasizes resilience, inner nobility, and moral strength.


Movie vs. Book:

Keeps the emotional core but significantly alters major plot points for dramatic effect.

  • Movie Quote: “Even if I’m dressed in rags, I’ll still be a princess.”

  • Book Quote: “Whatever comes cannot alter one thing. If I am a princess in rags, I can be a princess inside.”


My personal favorites are “Heidi” and “The Little Princess. The Shirley Temple films and/or books would make delightful additions to anyone's personal library. Paperback books are inexpensive, but the stories are priceless. 


glitter-graphics.com



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Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Books: "The Man Who Planted Trees" by Jean Giono

Searching for inspiration?  "The Man Who Planted Trees" by Jean Giono is a beautiful and inspiring tale about a man who single-handedly transforms a barren landscape through his dedication to planting trees.  It is a "timeless eco-fable about what one person can do to restore the earth."

trees

Story Summary:

Set in the early 20th century in the desolate and barren region of the French Alps. The narrator, who is on a walking tour, meets a shepherd named Elzéard Bouffier in a remote and lifeless valley.

Elzéard Bouffier is an elderly man who lives alone with his sheep and his dog. Despite the challenging and isolated life, he is determined to bring life back to the land. He starts by planting acorns, and over the years, he tirelessly plants thousands of trees. He tends to them with care and devotion, and as a result, a lush forest begins to grow.

The transformation of the landscape is nothing short of miraculous. The once-barren valley becomes a haven of greenery, wildlife returns, and the water sources flow again. The forest that Elzéard Bouffier has created is not just a symbol of nature's resilience, but a testament to the power of one person's dedication and commitment to a cause.

The narrator, deeply moved by Elzéard Bouffier's selfless work, visits him again several times over the years. He realizes that the shepherd's actions are not driven by any environmental movement or ideology but by a simple desire to make the land more beautiful for future generations.

The story ends with the narrator visiting the valley again many years later, during World War II. He is amazed to find the forest untouched and thriving, despite the destruction of the war. Elzéard Bouffier's legacy lives on through the forest he planted, a testament to the idea that individual actions can have a profound and lasting impact on the environment.

"The Man Who Planted Trees" is a heartwarming and inspirational novella with two (2) clear takeaways:

  1. the importance of conservation, perseverance, and saving planet earth; and 
  2. the positive impact one person can have on the world, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges.



(Content written with the help of the ChatGPT AI tool.)

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LINKS OF INTEREST:

Saturday, August 9, 2025

Timeless Pages: A Vintage Book Collection

I have always loved most things vintage, but I have to define “vintage” in case you happen to be about the age of one of my kids. Vintage for them might be circa 1980 or 1990, and they may think vintage for me would be circa 1880 or 1890. Not so.

  • Vintage, by my definition, is back in my day, the 1950s and 60s, or anything before that, but still in the 1900s.

Are we clear? Good!

One of my favorite things is “library trash”. Books that some public libraries throw away as trash because they do not have enough room on their shelves and have to make space for the “new”.

In my dictionary: old books = vintage books.

Of course, if it is left up to chance and you are searching for a specific book, the odds are not in your favor, and you may be waiting a while – wishing and hoping for that particular reading material to end up on the pile. Not all awesome vintage books are tossed by the head librarian.

Fortunately, there is a bookstore called Vintage Books, that has been around since 1954. It is physically located in New York, New York, but thanks to the wonders of information technology, you can peruse their bookshelf online. There are books listed by the usual genres from Art to History to Mystery to Travel. But you might find the selected works categorized in the Vintage Series worth examining. There are 5 different series: Civil War, Classics, Contemporaries, Departures, and International.

Vintage books are priceless additions to your own personal library and are great gift ideas. What is also great is that these published works are not very expensive, come in paperback or hardcover, as well as audiobook format or in the Kindle edition.

(NOTE: Vintage Books is part of the Random House/Knopf Doubleday network of book selling sites.)


Book Selections From the Vintage Series

♦♦♦♦♦♦

The Civil War Dictionary by Mark Boatner
(Vintage Civil War Library)

For almost thirty years The Civil War Dictionary has been the most complete, authoritative, and handy reference book on what has been called the Second American Revolution, 1861-1865.

Where Angels Fear to Tread by E. M. Forster
(Vintage Classics)

A young English widow takes off on the grand tour and along the way marries a penniless Italian. Her in-laws are not amused.


The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez
(Vintage Contemporaries)

A love story woven into a novel about hopes and dreams, and redefinition of what it means to be American.


Cuba in Mind: An Anthology
(Vintage Departures)

Explorer Christopher Columbus described Cuba as “the most beautiful country that human eyes have ever seen”. 31 writers – poetry, fiction and nonfiction – agree.


Bombay Stories
(Vintage International)

1930s Bombay provided the author with the inspiration for this collection of short stories.


Thanks for visiting!

If you’re gifting vintage books, might as well throw in some vintage bookends and a desk! :)

Decorative Heavy Duty Bookends – Metal Large Book Ends – Vintage Tall Books Stand

NOTE: Content previously published elsewhere on the web, however, the site shut down. 

Friday, August 8, 2025

Middle-earth Treasures: Unique Gifts for Tolkien Fans

Anyone who has done even scant research on John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1892 – 1973) knows that even though he was a very private man, there is no shortage of biographical information about this famous British writer and medievalist. Hardcover, paperback, digital and audio books, letters, and other materials abound. 


His son, Christopher Tolkien, was and still is extremely protective of the legacy of his father, and has only ever authorized one official biography. His father is highly respected as a literary hero and a myth maker, and he wants to keep it that way! Understandable, however, that did not stop others from publishing their unauthorized unofficial versions. (Even moi! Tried my hand at publishing an unauthorized biographical sketch.) 

These unapproved life stories (see listing below) are just as appreciated by Tolkien fans as the approved biography written by Humphrey Carpenter. Furthermore, the commercialization of “all things Tolkien” may have started with the success of the “Lord of the Rings” books, but when these works were adapted to film, Tolkien fever infected the masses around the world. A loyal Tolkien-ite can not only build their own personal library, but can purchase puzzles, games, collectibles, and more!!

Tolkien: The Authorized Biography

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Unauthorized Tolkien Biographies ( Name of Author )


More Gift Ideas for the Tolkien Enthusiast!💟

Asmodee The Lord of The Rings The Fellowship of The Ring Trick-Taking Game - A Cooperative Card Adventure! Strategy Game for Kids & Adults, Ages 10+, 1-4 Players, 20 Minute Playtime


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Take a look at this Lord of the Rings Collector Chess Set.

– The 32 playing pieces made in fine pewter bear an amazing resemblance to the characters in the film. The top of the board is plexi-glass; the rest of the board is made out of cold cast porcelain. Hero pieces have a green ring around the bottom and villain pieces have a purple ring around the bottom. A map of Middle-earth is mounted below the playing surface. Board measures 15 x 15 x 4.5 in.

Who would not want to keep this magnificent chess set in the family and treasure it for generations? Is it not the perfect gift for a collector, and an avid chess player who is also a devoted Tolkien follower?

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Memorable Quote:  "Even the smallest person can change the course of the future." — J.R.R. Tolkien


NOTE: Content previously published elsewhere on the web, however, the site shut down. 



Friday, August 1, 2025

The Dickens Junction Mysteries: Cozy Fun Reads: Crimes with Dickensian Twists

Are you an admirer of Charles Dickens and also a loyal reader of murder mysteries? The two books mentioned below come highly recommended by many readers, book club members, and book review bloggers who love murder and suspense thrillers and fictional crime series. These particular books are categorized under a genre known as “cozy mystery” or “cozies”.

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BOOK 1: The Christmas Carol Murders

(less than 300 pages)

BOOK 2: The Edwin Drood Murders

(less than 200 pages)

Both are quick reads, and based on book reviews published by bloggers like mysterysequels.com and travelingwitht.com, you probably won’t want to put the book down once you get started.

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The Mystery of Edwin Drood is a TV miniseries adapted from the work by Charles Dickens. The good thing about the Dickens Junction Mystery Series is that you don’t even have to know anything about Charles Dickens. The writer, Christopher Lord, puts a contemporary twist or spin on Dickens-style tales and his fun writing style and character creations seem to be the reason the books are gaining in popularity.

* Trivia: Charles Dickens last novel, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood”, is an unfinished work. More details can be found at charlesdickensinfo.com.


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Charles Dickens is, of course, famous for A Christmas Carol.     Many don’t know that’s not the only ghost story that he wrote. He has written several ghost stories which are perfect for the holiday season …
from Halloween to Christmas!


Complete Ghost Stories of Charles Dickens (Wordsworth Classics)


glitter-graphics.com

NOTE: Content previously published elsewhere on the web, however, the site shut down. 

Sunday, June 29, 2025

2 Books About God That Make You Think

Two books are suggested for those who are seeking truth, who are philosophers, who are religious, who are atheists, or who just like to read good books.


BOOK  1: The Signature of God

This book tries to convince the reader that God is the author of the Bible. The author, Grant R. Jeffrey (1948 – 2012), did research and presented his findings.

BOOK  2: The Existence of God

Three decades earlier, before Jeffrey's book was published, two other men, John Hick (1922 - 2012) and Paul Edwards(1923 - 2004) , presented the results of their research regarding "The Existence of God".

NOTE:  Content below a first published at Wizzley.com

Searching for the Truth?

Book suggestions for those searching, seeking, on a quest to find life's purpose and the meaning of truth; or for intellectuals, philosophers, or people who just like to read.

Many Seek Truth. Some Write Books About What They Find.

In Memory Of:

- Grant R. Jeffrey (1948 - 2012)

- John Hick (1922 - 2012)

- Paul Edwards (1923 - 2004)

Grant R. Jeffrey believed the Bible was the divinely inspired word of God because God signed it. There is no way it can be deemed a forgery, a fake, or uninspired. He wrote a book titled "The Signature of God" to present his proofs. 

Logic dictates that if there is a sole author of "the Book of Books", the author must exist or must have existed at some point. 

Three decades earlier, before Jeffrey's findings were made available to the public, two other men, John Hick and Paul Edwards, presented the results of their research regarding "The Existence of God".  It was an exercise in philosophical reasoning.

Jeffrey, Hick and Edwards - Believers and Philosophers

Ministers and Teachers

According to the results of research that took him decades to compile, Grant Jeffrey insisted that math, science and medicine, archaeology, and historical records provide indisputable evidence that the Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit of God. Oddly enough, one of his main indicators or proofs is the same claim made by President Abraham Lincoln, that is, anybody who reads the Bible will live and die a better person for doing so.

  • "I am profitably engaged in reading the Bible. Take all of this Book upon reason that you can, and the balance by faith, and you will live and die a better man." - Abraham Lincoln, 1863

It is clear in reading The Signature of God that Jeffrey's purpose is to persuade or convince non-believers that the truths presented from Genesis to Revelation are verifiable and come from a Higher Power who reveals Himself to all mankind through His Word. Jeffrey's work is the result of several years of research and study, the final product being presented to the public in book form in 1998. But if one is to accept his analysis and conclusions, one must first accept that God is real. Suppose the non-believers don't even believe a Supreme Intelligent is Being we refer to as God? Logic dictates that if there is a sole author of “the Book of Books”, the author must exist or must have existed at some point.

In 1964, two other men, John Hick and Paul Edwards, published the results of a project they had undertaken. They went on a quest to gather “available” information from the ancient Greeks to the present day (the “present day” at that time being circa 1960s) and share arguments representing both sides, i.e., FOR and AGAINST The Existence of God.

My Assessment and Opinion

Both books, in paperback format, are between 300 to 350 pages. So first, I'd like to say that the condensing of years and years and years of that kind of extensive research into publications that are less than 400 pages is nothing short of miraculous!!! Have you ever seen “reports” promulgated by the United States government? It takes 300 pages to present the summary of whatever it is that's being reported on! (O.o) 

RE:  The Signature of God

Are you trying to convince me that an extremely wise and intelligent Being is the author of one of the greatest books ever written?  Well then, quite frankly, I think that the mysterious Hebrew codes, the mathematical signature of God, and the "Undesigned Coincidences" are totally unnecessary convolutions.  The information and arguments presented did nothing to convince me that the Bible is God-breathed, inspired words.  Hey!  I'm a tough audience! 

RE:  The Existence of God

If one decides to tackle a topic like the existence of a Supreme Being, why start with the ancient Greeks?  There were many civilizations, nations, or people who lived and walked the earth long before the citizens of ancient Greece showed up.  Take one look at their mythology, and it's plain to see that they were a pretty confused set of folks.  They had gods that treated human beings like they were toys to play with, pieces on a chessboard.  I suspect that if one went back far enough in the history of mankind, they would probably find a point in time when all men knew the one true God.  His existence wasn't a question; it was a given. :)

*****

Are you an atheist? believer? student of philosophy? truth seeker? Then the combined reading of both books is highly recommended.


Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Books: American Author: Horatio Alger Jr. (1832 – 1899)

Horatio Alger Jr. (1832 – 1899) could be looked at as an American Charles Dickens; although his writings never reached the level of popularity where so many of his books were so good they were adapted to film and often quoted.  The similarity is in the subject matter of his books.

Horatio Alger Jr. wrote young adult novels about impoverished boys and their rise from humble backgrounds to lives of middle-class security and comfort through hard work, determination, courage, and honesty. Does that plot sound familiar?  You're right.  Charles Dickens often wrote stories like that.

Alger didn't just write juvenile novels. He also wrote novels for adults, poems, short stories, and biographies of famous people, such as American presidents James A. Garfield and Abraham Lincoln. His first work was published in 1849, and several of his writings were published posthumously after his death on July 18, 1899.  If you collect or read vintage books, Alger's writings are recommended.



Buy books written by Horatio Alger Jr.
(various formats: hard copy, paperback, audio, Kindle editions, etc.)


Monday, December 30, 2024

BOOKS: Romance Novels are the Best Selling Book Genre: Here are 4 Novels for Your Reading List

Did you know that: Romance is the best-selling book genre in the English language.

That being said, to explore the topic further, the question you must ask is:  What “type” of romance novel do you enjoy reading? 

My preference is historical romance, set in say the 16th to 19th century, in Europe, with an intense plot that keeps you engaged, a passionate romance that unfolds, and where you also learn little tidbits and trivia about life during that period of history.


Here are four (4) romance novel you should add to your reading list:

- A Rose in Winter - Set in 1792 England. Erienne Fleming's father forces her into an arranged marriage with the mysterious and disfigured Lord Saxton to settle his gambling debts. It's almost like a beauty and the beast tale. She begin to see the gentle side of her husband and is drawn to him, although she's never seen him in the daylight. But Erienne also meets Christopher Seton, a handsome American, and is attracted to him. Can she be in love with another man and betray her husband? She feels strongly toward both of them. But which one does she truly love?

- Shanna - Shanna Trahern, makes a desperate attempt to avoid an arranged marriage by contracting a marriage with Ruark Beauchamp, a condemned prisoner, facing the gallows. She reasons she’ll be a widow in a short time, and her father can not easily marry her off. As a widow, she has a certain liberty. However, Ruark does not die. He manages to escape and decides to find Shanna and claim her as his wife. She is legally his wife.

- Skye O'Malley - Skye O'Malley, is a beautiful and strong-willed Irish heiress, who is forced into a marriage with a brutish lout. On her wedding night, the lord claims the droit du seigneur ('right of the lord'), meaning he can be the first to bed the virgin. The lord wanted to do more than bed her, he wanted her for his own. But Skye's life is filled with dramatic twists and turns. She encounters several lovers. At the beginning of the novel, she was a young innocent teenager. By the end of the novel, she was 28 years old and had lived quite an adventurous life, pirates and all!

- The Velvet Promise - Set in 1502 England. A marriage is arranged between Judith Revedoune, a noblewoman, and Gavin Montgomery, a powerful and handsome lord. Their relationship does not get off to a good start, but once they worked through their misunderstandings, they fall in love. Finding their path to happiness is not easy, but once Judith and Gavin learn to trust and love each other, they develop a heartfelt and enduring romance.


(Book cover images found on Good Reads)





Saturday, December 28, 2024

Book Lovers ~ An Assortment of Books to Add to Your Reading List

Once stayed in a temporary residence when my family was being relocated from one state to another.  We stayed in this house for a few months until we found our permanent home.  What a memory! 

This house was right out a dream home magazine.  My favorite room in this house was the office/library.  Public libraries have always been one of my favorite places.  But I had never lived in a house that was big enough to have my own personal library where I could retreat to and shut off the rest of the world.  



If you had your personal library, what kinds of books would be on your bookshelves?  Here are some of the books you might find in my library.


♦ Picture Books for Children (or for grown-ups who never grow up)
  • "The Eagles Are Back" : Jean Craighead George tells the story of how the American bald eagle was saved from extinction.
  • "Annie and the Old One" : Written by Miska Miles.  It is an introduction to the customs and traditions of  the Navajo people and touches upon a very sensitive subject for children: explaining the death of a loved one.
  • "The Emperor and the Kite":  Jane Yolen tells the tale of a young child who saved a kingdom all because she knew how to fly a kite.  So the next time someone says to you "Go fly a kite!", just imagine yourself on a secret mission saving an empire.

♦ Hot and exciting reads. Suspense Thrillers or Romance.
  • FC Etier Writes Political Thrillers : "The Tourist Killer" was FC Etier's first novel; followed up by "The Presidents Club". Two novels written for those who enjoy a web of conspiracy and intrigue with lots of political overtones.
  • Two Thrillers and One Romance : Just the titles of these books should tempt you. "Power Of Persuasion"; "Trusting Evil"; and "All the Beautiful Sinners".  Which one do you think is the romance?  :)
  • Irresistible Historical Romance Novels : “A Rose in Winter” and “Shanna”  ~ Both books were authored by the late Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, the lady who pioneered the historical romance genre and should be credited with it being one of the most popular book genres, based on book sales in the USA.

♦ History or Mystery.

♦ Science Fiction or Fantasy.

Inspiring Biographies.




♥ ♥ ♥ 
Now that you've picked your book (or books), 
settle down for some good reading!  :)


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