Special Guest Post by Author Kim Upstone

Why Remain A Caterpillar When You Could Be A Butterfly?

“How does one become a butterfly? You must want to fly so much that you are willing to

give up being a caterpillar.” Trina Paulus

How often do we look up and see a beautiful butterfly soaring in the sky, notice their

gorgeous colors reflected in the sunlight with the backdrop of the blue sky above them

and envy their freedom. What a view of the world they must see. They seem to glide

so naturally and effortlessly on the most gentle of breezes. Do you wish you could be a

butterfly? No worries, no cares, what freedom they must feel. It must be wonderful being a

butterfly.

We may forget that they were once a mere caterpillar. Grounded, with a limited view of the

world, unable to see all the beauty that was available to them, opportunities that only the

view from the vast sky can provide. It took great courage to climb alone to the top of the

tree, leaving behind all their caterpillar friends. Everyone begging them not to take the risk.

Stay on the ground, remain in the safety of the low branches.

Of course the butterfly is an analogy for us. How often do we remain grounded when we

really want to fly? We can come up with so many reasons to remain grounded and not risk

flying. We have every excuse; I don’t have the time or the energy, I work too many hours, I

have children, family, friends that need me, on and on it goes. You think it would be nice to

fly, you may even dream of flying, but then the negative thoughts bring you back to earth.

You are not all that fond of heights, all your caterpillar friends aren’t flying and you would

be up there all alone. Why take the risk?

Each of the reasons that you shouldn’t try to fly will be eclipsed by one compelling reason

you should. All it takes is one reason. That one compelling reason combined with a change

in your thinking can motivate you to climb higher and higher in the tree. The higher you

push yourself the easier it is to see the vast horizon and the opportunities not available to

all the caterpillars remaining safely on the ground. You must trust that the wings you have

been working hard to strengthen will serve you when you need them most. Allowing you to

leap confidently from the top of the tree and soar in the wind.

Don’t worry about all the caterpillars that are still grounded. Once you have taken the leap

yourself and are strong you may choose to return to help motivate them. You can show

them that they have nothing to fear by climbing higher and taking the risk. You are now an

example of what you can do if you decide to keep trying, showing that there is no limit to

what you can accomplish with a compelling goal. Telling them that it does takes hard work

but the benefit of the unlimited opportunities and the freedom of flying is well worth the

risk.

You can share with them that you have met other butterflies that have ventured where

you haven’t, tried things you have yet to try and taken even bigger risks than you could

have ever imagined. Now that you can see the view of unlimited opportunities, you are

going to go even higher. You now know that your wings are strong enough to take you

anywhere you decide to go. You are no longer limited to the ground or even the top of

the tree, you can now see an endless horizon and are eager to begin new adventures.

Be careful not become so preoccupied yourself with flying higher and higher that you forget

to enjoy the beautiful view from where you are at each moment! Remind yourself often how

wonderful the wind feels and how lucky you are to have been born a caterpillar who was

given the opportunity to become a butterfly.

Decide today! Create a compelling reason you should become a butterfly! There is no reason

to remain grounded when you were born to fly. Show off your colors, trust yourself, leap

from the branch, soar with the wind!

Kim Upstone

All I Want is Everything

Genre: Self-Help/Women’s Issues
Publisher: Infinity Publishing
ISBN:0741458195

Bio:

Kim is one of 9 children born to a business entrepreneur father (still living) and a housewife (deceased). She has been married 32 years to her husband, Doug, who is a sports writer. She has I has two children, Melissa who lives in Hawaii, and Brent who is married and lives in Tempe, AZ and his wife.  They are expecting their first child, Grace, in August. Kim and her husband care for her sister, Debbie (who is 5 years older than Kim). She has special needs and they have Frank, their 4 year old cocker spaniel!  They  moved to Arizona seven years ago to get away from the cold.

Kim Upstone is the owner of A New Day A New Vision which is not only the name of her company, but her life philosophy. Kim believes that each new day we can create a new vision for ourselves, home and environment. As an author, motivational speaker and intuitive designer she resides with her family in Scottsdale, Arizona. With a background in interior design and interest into the effects of environment upon individuals, accreditation in staging and feng shui soon followed. In addition, she has studied  neuro- architecture. Her first book Step by Step To Sold and Feng Shui to Sell are reflections of those principals. Both books were written as guide for home sellers looking to prepare their home by combining Feng Shui and Staging techniques.

Feng Shui for Special Needs, her second book, is given out as a free ebook for people with life and learning challenges. Based on her own personal experience, the books  help those who work with special needs children and adults to make enhancements to their environments all in an effort to allow them to flourish.

Her new book All I Want Is Everything released in December 2009 is drawn from her life’s journey of searching how to find her everything and learning to dance in the storm. All I Want Is Everything is a guide to help women reclaim happiness and peace in the search for their everything.

About Kim's Book in her own words:

What do you want from your life? Do you want to discover for yourself what your everything is and then be able to live each day of your life with happiness and joy no matter what the circumstances. Do you want to have each day a realization of the gift you have been given to be here. Do you want to creating for yourself  the vision of who you want to be?

I wanted everything too and from the outside, it appeared that I had everything, a loving husband and two beautiful healthy children and strong faith. I have great house and all the things that go along with it. But even with all of those things I still felt something was missing. There was piece to the puzzle I needed to find. If I could locate that missing part I would then be complete and happy. 

My search lead me to look in many different directions, mostly outside of myself for the answers. It wasn’t until out of desperation I asked for guidance and received it that I learned all the answers were all within me waiting to be discovered.

All I Want Is Everything, A Guide to Love, Peace and Happiness is my journey to find my everything. What I found was so much more than I could have ever hoped for. They were the questions that lead me to the answers only I could answer. What I have created is a guide for your journey. Questions for you to answer that will lead you to your everything.  You too can discover the secrets hidden safely, waiting inside for you to choose to bring them into the light.

Website

http://www.anewdayanewvision.com

Kim's book is also for purchase on her website. Kim will give a donation for each book purchased to Global Orphans Project.

My Review of All I Want Is Everything http://authorsbyauthors.blogspot.com/2010/08/my-review-of-all-i-want-is-everything.html

Purchase book on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/All-Want-Everything-Guide-Happiness/dp/0984077227/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277916440&sr=8-1-catcorr

CONTEST by Destiny Blaine

Winning Virgin Devotion, Book Five in the Winning Virgin Series is coming to Siren Publishing on Monday, August 23, 2010. Pre-order your copy of Winning Virgin Devotion now through Sunday, August 22, 2010 and you could win a snazzy Winning Virgin T-shirt like the one below!
How to enter: Purchase your copy of Winning Virgin Devotion while the e-book is being offered as a pre-order selection: http://www.bookstrand.com/winning-virgin-devotion
Send a copy of your receipt to: destinyblaine@yahoo.com with TAKE A BITE OUTTA THIS in the subject line.
On Monday, August 23, 2010 ONE RANDOM winner will be chosen and the winner of the Winning Virgin T-shirt will be notified via email. Winner’s name will be posted at: http://destinyblaine.blogspot.com.
Please note: The only size we have in stock is an ADULT MEDIUM. Winner will not have the option of trading this prize for another future or past prize or swapping for a different size. Image on the T-shirt is WINNING VIRGIN PROMISES. In order to verify your purchase of Winning Virgin Devotion, please copy and paste your receipt in an email and follow the directions above. Without the c/p receipt, we’re unable to verify book purchase. This contest/sweepstakes is void where prohibited by law.
Front:

p>
Back:

Don’t Miss the Best of the Winning Virgin Series—Ghosts, Vampires, and an unforgettable shape shifter guarantee to keep the paranormal reader flipping the pages!


Contest ends at 12:01 AM PST on Monday, August 23, 2010.
Good Luck!
Destiny

http://destinyblaine.blogspot.com/2010/08/take-bite-outta-this.html

Review of Size Eight in a Size Zero World by Meredith Cagen

Size Eight in a Size Zero World is a witty and fun read. It is full of high society with name-dropping, elite fashion and money references that aren’t even conceivable to me. LOL! But, that is part of the fun, the inconceivable world of the rich and famous, connections and more connections, money speaking to money for favors to scramble to the top, those in the way be damned… What a world!  Through this backdrop, Lindsey gets herself into one big whirlwind after another as she goes through Plan A, Plan B, and even begins to contemplate a Pan C to get the one thing she wants – yes, a man J But not just any man, and this alpha male is one that just like Lindsey, the reader loves and hates, drools over and then eats ice cream to sooth a bruised ego. *giggles*

Re-invention is always a wondrous thing, and throughout this novel reading of the compliments on her weight loss, her new clothes, etc. I found myself wanting to do the same. Think I am due for a good diet, a new wardrobe, new hairstyle and new make-up anyway? *sighs* Anyway, while this is a novel with an ‘affair,’ it is more of a novel about a woman who stayed in a bad marriage far too long. And, the ending, well as I was still torn throughout the novel as to how I wanted it to end, so a ‘real-life’ ending was appropriate. I am thinking that just like the new “smart” movies that leave you thinking about life, this piece of chick-lit was the same way.

You can read more about Meredith Cagen at http://www.meredithcagen.com, or her novel at http://www.sizezeroworld.com/ And, stop back to Authors By Authors on September 6^th when I interview Ms.Cagen.

Click Here To Purchase At Amazon 

Guest Post by Diane Griffin

Today’s economy is one of the most difficult times in recent history to find work, and many people are not even making use of their college degrees as related to employment!  The number of people unemployed is staggering, and the overall lasting impact on our nation as a whole is, I believe, still not completely understood.  There is hope, however.

President Obama plans on hiring 270,000 people for federal jobs.  Many of those positions will require a security clearance.  These jobs will become available in varying fields, and encompass all types of skills sets.  The war on cyber crime has been declared, but our country is facing a shortage of computer professional holding valid security clearances, 

Federal jobs, as I am sure you know, provide an opportunity for a solid career path complete with its own set of benefits and rewards that are becoming less and less common as small business America is forced to spend less and less money on these things for its employees in a tough economy.  As I mentioned, most of the federal jobs that will be available for your students will require a security clearance of some type.  For those with the skills to obtain a high-paying or advanced position, higher and higher levels of security clearances will be needed.  This is nothing new, but with the changes that have taken place since the Patriot Act was enforced, the process is quite complex.  Many people are discouraged by this and end up taking jobs elsewhere as a result when they could be quite successful if they could just get past that initial phase of getting the security clearance. 

For the past 20 years, I have been walking people through this process and helping them get on the right path to security and success. My company, Security First and Associates, has assisted individuals, government contractors,   and entire companies in getting the security clearances they needed in order to get the job, be awarded that contract, or be able to continue working as a vendor to the federal government. 

Bio:    Diane Griffin, President and owner of Security First & Associates, says her motivation for writing Everything You Wanted to Know About the Security Clearance Process, But Are Afraid To Ask: Professional Guidance for Obtaining and Maintaining a Security Clearance came from the more than two decades of people she has assisted, both in her role as a private security contractor, and as the head of personnel or security within major governmental contractors, in finding their way through the complicated security clearance chain. Diane,  is nationally recognized as an expert in the design and delivery of security throughout the intelligence community and has worked with a variety of clients throughout the US Government and industry. Diane is a past membership chairperson and current secretary of the National Classification Management Society (NCMS) and is active in several professional security organizations.

Diane  received her B.S. degree in Human Resource Manager from Colorado Christian Univ. and  MBA degree in Management  from University of Phoenix. Author of several articles on  Security and she volunteers with shelters, collecting used Cell phones for Women of Domestic Violence. In addition, volunteers with the foster care program, creating a program called Bags & Bears for Foster care, collecting pack backs and teddy bears for children in the foster care program.  Diane is single again and has one child. 

Synopsis: If you have plenty of time to click around through myriad government websites and the patience to cut through red tape and make sense of confusing bureaucratic talk, you may be able to find some of the answers to your questions about the security clearance process,” Griffin says. “Chances are, however, that you will still be left with some of your questions unanswered, because there are some questions that the government just doesn’t address. So, unless you know someone who is well acquainted with the process from a first-hand perspective, good luck.

“What I sought to do was compile all of these answers into one easy-to-read compendium of advice and guidance, giving my readers signposts along the way to assist them in navigating through the clearance process. I believe I’ve come up with a volume that will greatly help its users, and being able to assist folks in working through this process is extremely gratifying to me.” GROUNDBREAKING SECURITY CLEARANCE EBOOK A ONE-STOP KNOWLEDGEBASE FOR THOSE CONFUSED BY THE SECURITY CLEARANCE PROCESS

Everything You Need to Know About the Security Clearance Process, But Are Afraid to Ask is now available for $19.95, from my website, amazon & lulu. 

Security First Associates

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5.0 out of 5 stars Actionable guidance in 65 pages, June 14, 2010

By	L. Evans "collaborative-action" (Pacific NW) -

This review is from: Everything You Need To Know About The Security Clearance Process But Are Afraid To Ask (Kindle Edition)

When I read an instructional book, I'm looking for help. That means it needs to be easy to understand and formatted in a way to quickly find what I'm looking for.

Diane Griffin's book, "Everything you need to know about the security clearance process, but are afraid to ask" does this and more.

She even adds a bit of humor that may address some people's real fears about the security clearance process.

... all in a fully-packed 65 pages of actionable instruction. Well done!

-Lori Leavitt Evans, Performance & Risk Management Expert
Abrige Corp. ([...]) & C-Secure Systems ([...])

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive Guide On The Security Clearance Process- Highly Recommended!,June 12, 2010

By	CFH "chillnhill" (Blue Ridge Summit, PA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Everything You Need To Know About The Security Clearance Process But Are Afraid To Ask (Kindle Edition)

"Everything You Need To Know About The Security Clearance Process But Are Afraid To Ask" is an excellent resource for individuals and companies that need to understand the often intimidating process of obtaining a security clearance. Back in the early 1990s I went through the Security Clearance process to get access to DoE and FAA facilities in order to work on Data Networks and truly wish that Diane Griffin's comprehensive book was availible to me at that time!

The book is easy to read, leaving out unnecessary jargon, and covers all of the questions that an applicant will have and many that I didn't think of on my own. The inclusion of sample forms was very helpful but most importantly, the chapter containing the "odd" questions Diane has been asked will likely put a few minds to rest about what will and won't be a considered an impediment to obtaining a clearance. 

Highly Recommended!

CFH

My Review of "All I Want Is Everything" by Kim Upstone

I was excited from the beginning when reading Kim Upstone’s “All I Want is Everything” when she took my favorite quote and expanded upon it.

No one can keep your light bright but you, and although a candle loses nothing by lighting another candle, you cannot keep another candle burning brightly by dimming yours.

And, I was not disappointed as I continued on reading.  Ms Upstone hit close to home with her poignant examples of the ways in which we set ourselves up for failure and unhappiness, keeping our spirits empty by the ways in which we scramble to fill them. She is right when she says that disappointment and unhappiness become the norm. I see it everywhere in many people.

I love when these books give you exercises, as I feel like they are involving me in my healing process – a doing instead of telling – a practical application of the lessons.  And, Ms. Upstone’s book is like chemistry for the real (social) world. I was so excited to see different exercises instead of the same old tried and true ones.  In fact, the first exercise alone, even though I struggled to do it, led me to a profound discovery in my own personal life. She took something I have always known, have read over and over in various books and yet was still unable to do, and she put it into words that I could finally understand. It made sense, and is going to become my new mantra!

Now, shocking me, rather than just giving me a bunch of fancy worded vague advice ( I have read a lot of self-help books), she gave me not only practical advice of what to consider, and what not to consider…but also practical applications like suggestions of how to respond.  Amazing.  Actual words with which to respond so that those I encounter cannot steal my spirit, my light. I have written it down and I am going to carry it around with me until I learn to react that way instinctively! I mean so many times I have read to not surround yourself with people who are dark spirits, and Ms. Upstone does say this to, but also gives us ways to deal with them when we have to.  It is really impossible to avoid them completely, I mean what about all the people you encounter just going to school events for your kids?

Well, now all this was written just after reading the first chapter!  To my delight, Ms. Upstone kept up this pace throughout the book.  In every self-help book there are things that touch each one if us depending on where we are at in our lives. And, this one touched me where I am out right now. Maybe not every word of it, but it was about the best I have read. I am putting her up there with my favorite, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer in effecting my life over-all. I have pages in my notebook of notes, exercise and now practical advice. Thanks, Kim Upstone!

Author Kim Upstone

Owner of A New Day A New Vision

Click Here to Buy All I Want Is Everything

FRIDAY FAVORITES with Isabel Roman

Favorite Genre(s): thrillers, romantic suspense

List of at least 5 Favorite Books in that Genre: Um…drat, I have to pick? Slave driver. Okay, okay, let me think. Nope, I thought about this for a month and I don’t really have favorite books I re-read. I love reading new stuff, there are so many books and authors out there I want to try them all. I can pick recently read books I really enjoyed, but I can’t say they’re my favorites. But I’d recommend them!

Wolf at the Door, Jack Higgins

Now You Die, Roxanne St. Claire

What You Can’t See, Allison Brennan

Spies of the Balkans, Alan Furst

The Red Pyramid, Rick Riordan

Favorite Author in that Genre, and Favorite Book by that Author: Currently it’s Alan Furst. I love his mix of romance (not like we read but there’s small things there) and WWII. Splices of life you never hear about. Plus, I just finished his latest, the Spies of the Balkans and really enjoyed it.

Favorite Book of All Time: Beowulf. What? I love romances, and primarily read them, but I adore the story of Beowulf. There’s something about it that draws me back.

Favorite Book Read Last Month: Rebecca by Daphne DeMurier. I hadn’t read it before, I’d seen the movie, but never read the book. Much as I love Laurence Oliver, the book is far superior.

Favorite Book You Wrote: It’s a toss up: Dark Desires of the Druids: Murder and Magick because it was my first. *wink* And Shadow State, my 1934 German werewolf story--sexy werewolves, hot sex, and Naizis.

Give Us One More Favorite Thing Beyond Books: Classic movies. My favorite? Arsenic and Old Lace. It cracks me up every single time. Cary Grant is timeless. There aren’t any actors today who can do such wonderful acting with a look or a wordless cry. If you haven’t seen it, rent it, it’s worth your time. Especially the scene when he’s on the window seat. Hysterical!

 Isabel Roman

 Hot romances with a paranormal twist.

www.isabelroman.com

http://authorisabelroman.blogspot.com

@ladyisabel

Sex and Subterfuge Blurb:

A master magicker, Morgana Blackthorne has a tenuous hold on her following. When a strange Englishman arrives on her doorstep with news of other druidic magickers, and magicker problems, she's intrigued but suspicious. There hasn't been contact between the American and European druids in over a hundred years. Plus she has her own worries and doesn't need the handsome earl adding to them.


Lucien, Earl of Granville, left England to seek out the Blackthorne Druid line and discover what they've been up to since contact was lost. Once he and Morgana meet, their mutual attraction distracts him from his purpose. Embroiled in her problems, he finds himself more concerned with her welfare than is practical for a passing affair.


When I invited you into my bed, it never occurred to me I wouldn’t want you to leave.


There are darker forces at work and the hunger of a weak magicker desperate for power. Will Lucien convince Morgana of his true feelings before things spiral out of control? Or will the surrounding subterfuge tear them apart?

4.5 Cherries from Whipped Cream Reviews

Excerpt:

The characters are all well defined and multi-faceted. Morgana is a strong woman, but one who is willing to give all to those she cares deeply for....I also appreciated the research that must have gone into this book to make everything so true to the time period. I respect the author’s time taken to get it right.

4 Stars from Manic Readers

... There is danger, treachery, romance and passion aplenty. Takoda, Morgana’s self-appointed body guard is an intriguing character I’d like to learn more about. All in all, a worthy follow up to the Murder And Magick.

4 Nymphs from Literary Nymphs

Excerpt:

Isabel Roman had done a wonderful job of telling this story about how strong the female line was in the American Blackthorne family. The simple fact that Morgana put everyone else before her wants and needs, including her trusted cousin, James, and friend, Takoda, told me she had a great concern for others. I cannot wait to dive into the next book to see what happens with the Magickers.

Sex and Subterfuge Excerpt:

[After Lucien and Morgana return from intimidating a French smuggler into handing over a case of dangerous and illegal venom used in making potions.]

“I need to speak with him,” Morgana said. “I’ll send him along later.”

James’s eyes narrowed at her, but he nodded. Even in company he barely tolerated, he’d never question her. Especially in company he barely tolerated.

Lucien watched her with a quizzical expression and she smiled. The parlor door closed silently behind her. They wouldn’t be interrupted by servants. Now was the time.

“Since we met,” she said confidently and closed the distance between them. “I’ve been attracted to you.”

He nodded, caressing her cheek with the knuckles of one hand. “I’ve felt the same way.”

“Good,” she whispered, voice husky, lips a breath from his. “Come upstairs with me.”

                Lucien tried to recall a time when a woman was bold enough to seduce him, and could not. Morgana was different from his previous lovers and far, far more daring. His entire being was focused on her, on her body. Thoughts of their night, the venom, and André’s mysterious buyer swept from his head the instant she kissed him.

Now, both half naked, his lips trailed down her thigh, over her knee, to her delicate ankle. Up the other leg, over the delicate swell of her hip. He looked at her in the dimness of the room. And in the shifting shadows, her eyes were a deep recess that drew Lucien in and captured him. In those interminable minutes before their lips touched again, he felt himself drowning in her; her taste, her scent, her very essence.

Their lips touched softly, gently at first. Flesh on flesh. Then she opened her mouth under his and drew him in. He watched her eyes flutter shut as she gave herself over and he pulled her closer, determined to have all of her this night.

Tiny, invisible tendrils wound around them, drawing them to each other, into each other and together they crossed that final barrier. He felt her hands move up his sides, over his shoulders to caress his neck, only to wind themselves around and pull him even closer, molding her body to his – perfectly.

Lucien thought he knew what it was to give into lust. To know that rush, and revel in it for as long as it lasted. Thought he’d experienced everything there was to experience when it came to matters of the flesh. As her hands tugged off his shirt, slowly roaming the bare flesh underneath, he discovered he was wrong.

Morgana sighed his name. “Lucien.”

My Review of "The Pack" by LM Preston

Product Description:

Shamira is considered an outcast by most, but little do they know that she is on a mission. Kids on Mars are disappearing, but Shamira decides to use the criminals most unlikely weapons against them the very kids of which they have captured. In order to succeed, she is forced to trust another, something she is afraid to do. However, Valens, her connection to the underworld of her enemy, proves to be a useful ally. Time is slipping, and so is her control on the power that resides within her. But in order to save her brother's life, she is willing to risk it all.

Review:

I was most impressed by the author’s world building abilities.  Mars felt real right from the beginning.  To me, as far as world building goes, the challenge is not really creating the world as much as sticking to this world.  Lm Preston did this masterfully.

The characters had a nice depth of emotion for this genre.  Shamira and Valens both had person investments in their goals, weaknesses they learned from, and ties that created conflicts.  I was easily pulled into rooting for them.  The complications of plot played out nicely, built suspense and resolved to a happy ending.  The twist of Shamira being blind and then having her eyesight surgically restored had twist that taught life lessons.  As a parent, I was impressed with all of the underlying 'lessons' in the book.

There was a lot of action scenes in this novel, and therefore, I gave it to one of my sons to read as well.  I was curious to get his opinion, given he was in the target audience.  Of course, while I knew he enjoyed the book, it is like pulling teeth to get a why!  He did tell me that “the fighting moves were interesting” and he thought “her sword and weapons were cool.”  I knew the fighting would draw him in J

Well Done, LM Preston! 

Product Details:

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Perfect Paperback: 316 pages

Publisher: Phenomenal One Press (August 1, 2010) http://www.phenomenalonepress.com/

About the Author:

L. M. Preston worked in the information technology field as a techie and educator for over sixteen years. Her first published novel, Explorer X Alpha, was the beginning of her obsessive desire to write and create stories of young people who overcome unbelievable odds.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE 

Ami R Blackwelder Reviews "Ton Ma" by Magnolia Belle

In Ton Ma by Magnolia Belle the reader is taken on a romantic adventure dating back to the 1800’s. We meet Lana, a seventeen year old girl, who proves to be brave beyond her years when she stands her ground against a Kiowa brave. The encounter sets the tone of her novel which is between foreigner and the native, between woman and man, between fear and bravery. Magnolia Belle elegantly describes the two separate groups of people with images of the Kiowa in braids of fur and mexican silver and the foreigners from a simple, but hard working background which leaves them exhausted in mind and body.

We learn that Ton Ma means water woman which is where Two Hawks, the Kiowa, first saw Lana. As romance blossoms between the two unlikely strangers, the tensions between the two families intensifies and the differences between two cultures could strain their attraction. Magnolia Belle paints the picture of their love and struggles beautifully with historical details and sincere feeling. Her words evoke passion and while the world is against them, the reader will find him or herself cheering for the two characters.

Beyond the families, Magnolia Belle explores further jealousies and pains felt by some of the Kiowa tribe because of Two Hawks attraction to a foreigner and when Corn Flower gets her chance, she declares with words and fists her detest of Lana. When Lt. O’ Connell arrives the threat between the two characters widens and the story twists into a unpredictable moment when the Apache appear. But as Two Hawks rescues the woman he loves, the Lt. O’ Connell proves to be a valuable acquaintance. But will the rescue of a foreigner create a chasm between the Kiowa and Apache who were friendly tribes with each other?

Complexities mount when the reality of Native living washes upon Lana’s life and she is faced with questions of Two Hawks hunting behavior and her own survival if she marries him. Love and life are often at different ends of the spectrum and if she choses love, will she have life and if she choses life, will she ever have love? Magnolia Belle uses this dilemma intelligently interwoven into the two lives of these two once strangers from different worlds with the biases of Lana’s family and the attentions of the Lt. O’ Connell while exploring the disparate cultures of the two main characters.

As the climatic ending approaches,  the resolution is found through a series of events soaked in truths, sorrows, pains, and poetic clarity which finally leads Lana to finding where her life is meant to take her and who she is meant to love. I enjoyed this original novel about Native  Indians and the foreigners they encountered while educating myself in their rich history and the passionate romances.

The book can be found on... Amazon. Kindle.Nook. Barnes n Noble and at her website: http://www.blackwolfbooks.com/

REVIEWED BY:

Ami R Blackwelder

http://hotgossiphoteviews.blogspot.com