The Death of Pie
A Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery with Recipes
Tamar Myers
Severn House
Sutton, Surrey, England
ISBN: 9780727883810
Hardback
$ 27.95
200 pages
The small Amish-Mennonite village of Hernia, Pennsylvania is a
traditional village. Families have resided here for generations and
sometimes have difficulty finding a distant enough cousin to marry.
The community welcomes outsiders but prefers their old ways.
Ms. Ramat Sreym visited the small community and was fascinated by
getting to know the people. She used this information to write a
best-selling novel. However most of the residents of the community
were not pleased with how each of them was portrayed in this novel.
A bit of truth can be vicious gossip.
While staying in Hernia, Ramat stayed at a local
bed-and-breakfast, The Penn Dutch Inn owned and run by Magdalena
Yoder. Unfortunately during Ramat's stay, she didn't become close
friends with the owner but did succeed at making enemies of most of
the community once her book was published.
Being that now the author is considered to be a celebrity, Ramat
was honored to be a guest judge at annual 110th Annual Festival of
Pies. The pies for this event are outstanding being made with the
natural foods, lard, salt and longtime family.
Ramat takes a bite of Magdalena's pie. She falls directly into it
as she dies. It was poisoned.
So who is the likely suspect?
Besides Magdalena Yoder running the bed-and-breakfast in this
Amish-Mennonite community, she is a wife to her Jewish husband who is
a respected cardiologist and mother to a young son and adopted
teen-aged daughter. Besides that she is the town mayor and the one in
town responsible for financing the needs of the community including
law enforcement.
How does anyone investigate the person paying their salary?
The new Chief of Police, Toy Graham realized that it was his
responsibility to discover who had poisoned the glamorous author.
Being that Toy quickly realized this conflict of interest since
Magdalena paid Toy's salary and had paid for his police car, he
wisely requested Magdalena to find the murderer. After all, he
believed that she was the murderer.
The Death of Pie is a fun-to-read cozy mystery whose story
is told from Magdalena's sarcastic but realistic point-of-view. As
the investigation meets dead-ends and searches for new leads, the
reader is with Magdalena as she questions each possible suspect. To
further complicate issues, Magdalena is related to the suspects and
also realizes that she is the most likely to have poisoned Ramat. It
was her pie even if she had not actually baked it.
Tamar Myers writes from her Amish/Mennonite heritage and has
written and published numerous novels and short stories many with her
protagonist Magdalena Yoder. Myers was born in the Belgian Congo
where her parents were American-Mennonite missionaries.
The Death of Pie is a delightful fun novel to read as are
all the books by Tamar Myers.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Monday, December 22, 2014
The Memorist
The Memorist
M. J. Rose
Mira Books
Ontario, Canada
ISBN: 978-0-7783-2584-0
2008
$ 24.95
460 pages
"People are part of one great cosmic awareness, her father had tried to explain in different ways over the years. And souls who'd bonded in several lives over time and grown together through the millennium were eventually able to communicate with each other without words through that awareness.- - But she never had truly believed it."
A cosmic awareness that can connect the past to the present explaining people's inner motivations and relationships which can explain and miraculously answer the questions of the past is a bit much for anyone to believe, but what a great story it combines into The Memorist.
Reincarnation, could it be true? Could people be in the cycle of being born and dying until for some reason, perhaps they have finally fulfilled their life's destiny?
Add to that the unique musical tone from a particular flute playing a mystical musical pattern that can unlock those parts of your brain. This could open those hidden memories of previous lives by listening to the circle of fifths played on an old bone flute. Could music actually have this power?
For Meer Logan, she has had a difficult past. Throughout the years, there have been times where she has not been mentally stable, even non-responsive to the world. After her mother's death, her father delved into his work leaving Meer to withdraw completely into herself. Through extensive thereapy, Meer has overcome her withdrawal. However, she still feels distant with her father. Being trained as a pianist, she still finds a closer music connection than human.
Ludwig van Beethoven was a brilliant pianist and composer. In this historical fictional novel, he is in possession of a special flute able to connect the thoughts of past lives to the present. As he nears death, he realizes that this flute should not be owned by those with unethical values. His plan is to hide it, possibly for eternity.
Is there some way that Meer could ever find it?
Award winning journalist, David Yalom watched as his family was murdered in a terrorist attack. How can anyone move past that? His plan is to destroy the world leaders meeting in Vienna during a concert. He has explored the massive tunnels and ruins under the buildings and streets of Vienna planning the perfect place for the explosives. In this act he would destroy the concert goers and himself while simultaneously sending his manifesto to worldwide news' agencies.
Sebastian is a member of the symphony. His son has withdrawn into himself splintering his marriage. He will do anything to save his son. What price will he pay?
A security firm wants to prove their excellence by providing safety for the international leaders and for the concert goers. However, they overlooked the area under the concert hall. Will they find the bomb in time?
Reincarnation, personality withdrawal, Beethoven's flute and the circle of fifths' melody, terrorism and security all combine into a riveting story creating The Memorist. This non-stop page turner combines history into a breathless tale by a master storyteller, M. J. Rose.
The author, M. J. Rose has written numerous novels both fiction and non-fiction while being a founder and board member of International Thriller Writers as well as AuthorBuzz.com.
The Memorist is an intriguing novel, fast-paced, and riveting making you wonder about what might be in your past.
M. J. Rose
Mira Books
Ontario, Canada
ISBN: 978-0-7783-2584-0
2008
$ 24.95
460 pages
"People are part of one great cosmic awareness, her father had tried to explain in different ways over the years. And souls who'd bonded in several lives over time and grown together through the millennium were eventually able to communicate with each other without words through that awareness.- - But she never had truly believed it."
A cosmic awareness that can connect the past to the present explaining people's inner motivations and relationships which can explain and miraculously answer the questions of the past is a bit much for anyone to believe, but what a great story it combines into The Memorist.
Reincarnation, could it be true? Could people be in the cycle of being born and dying until for some reason, perhaps they have finally fulfilled their life's destiny?
Add to that the unique musical tone from a particular flute playing a mystical musical pattern that can unlock those parts of your brain. This could open those hidden memories of previous lives by listening to the circle of fifths played on an old bone flute. Could music actually have this power?
For Meer Logan, she has had a difficult past. Throughout the years, there have been times where she has not been mentally stable, even non-responsive to the world. After her mother's death, her father delved into his work leaving Meer to withdraw completely into herself. Through extensive thereapy, Meer has overcome her withdrawal. However, she still feels distant with her father. Being trained as a pianist, she still finds a closer music connection than human.
Ludwig van Beethoven was a brilliant pianist and composer. In this historical fictional novel, he is in possession of a special flute able to connect the thoughts of past lives to the present. As he nears death, he realizes that this flute should not be owned by those with unethical values. His plan is to hide it, possibly for eternity.
Is there some way that Meer could ever find it?
Award winning journalist, David Yalom watched as his family was murdered in a terrorist attack. How can anyone move past that? His plan is to destroy the world leaders meeting in Vienna during a concert. He has explored the massive tunnels and ruins under the buildings and streets of Vienna planning the perfect place for the explosives. In this act he would destroy the concert goers and himself while simultaneously sending his manifesto to worldwide news' agencies.
Sebastian is a member of the symphony. His son has withdrawn into himself splintering his marriage. He will do anything to save his son. What price will he pay?
A security firm wants to prove their excellence by providing safety for the international leaders and for the concert goers. However, they overlooked the area under the concert hall. Will they find the bomb in time?
Reincarnation, personality withdrawal, Beethoven's flute and the circle of fifths' melody, terrorism and security all combine into a riveting story creating The Memorist. This non-stop page turner combines history into a breathless tale by a master storyteller, M. J. Rose.
The author, M. J. Rose has written numerous novels both fiction and non-fiction while being a founder and board member of International Thriller Writers as well as AuthorBuzz.com.
The Memorist is an intriguing novel, fast-paced, and riveting making you wonder about what might be in your past.
The Girl in 6E
The Girl in 6E
A Deanna Madden Novel
A. R. Torre
Redhook Books
Hachette Books
Hachette Books
New York, New York
ISBN: 978-0316404389
July 2014
$ 20.00
352 pages
"Hope is dangerous. Hope can be the loose thread that
pulls apart your sanity."
People are judged by how others view them. If you live next door to a librarian, you expect the person to be quiet and rather reserved. If your neighbor is a policeman, you expect a no-nonsense individual who has a strong few of right and wrong. What kind of neighbor would an internet sex performer be?
What would you expect if your neighbor was a recluse who received numerous packages and was never seen outside their apartment? Also, there is a lock on the outside imprisoning the occupant. Would you be curious? Would you attempt to make contact with this person or would you leave them alone?
This is the problem a delivery person has with the person living in apartment 6E. She has a nice voice and appears to be attractive. So why won't this person come out of their apartment? Jeremy, the UPS deliveryman slowly has a form of relationship with the resident in 6E leaving packages and forging her signature. That doesn't stop his curiosity. He wonders about the girl in 6E. He is intrigued by Jessica.
What about the occupant? Shouldn't they be entitled to their privacy? As long as no one is being harmed, endangered, and no laws are being broken, why can't people just leave others alone?
Who really cares if she earns her money through the internet via online sex sites?
Are the people on these sites moral, ethical, or even good people?
"I haven't touched another person in three years. That seems like a difficult task, but it's not anymore, thanks to the Internet. The Internet makes my income possible and provides anything I could possibly want in exchange for my credit card number. I've had to go into the underground world for a few things, and once in that world, I decided to stock up on a few fun items, like a new identity. I am now, when necessary, Jessica Beth Reilly. I use my alias to prevent others from finding out about my past."
The Girl in 6E is an intriguing novel with the protagonist/antagonist Deanna Madden/Jessica Reilly living a comfortable life in a self-enclosed prison of her own creation. This duality creates a novel that at times felt disgusting while at the same time slowly unveils the secrets of the main character, similar to pulling off each layer of an onion to find the soul with an assortment of supporting characters who you are never completely certain who is helpful and who is just plain evil. This constant weighing of love/hate or good/bad made for an unusual story.
The author, Alessandra Torre is a wife and mother living in the southern part of the United States. Previously she has written two erotic novels, Blindfolded Innocence published in 2012 and its sequel, Masked Innocence in 2013.
The Girl in 6E is not a novel for everyone, especially anyone under the age of eighteen. It is an adult novel but unquestionably is written by a gifted writer who can weave a character into an intricate and well-written story with numerous colored threads.
People are judged by how others view them. If you live next door to a librarian, you expect the person to be quiet and rather reserved. If your neighbor is a policeman, you expect a no-nonsense individual who has a strong few of right and wrong. What kind of neighbor would an internet sex performer be?
What would you expect if your neighbor was a recluse who received numerous packages and was never seen outside their apartment? Also, there is a lock on the outside imprisoning the occupant. Would you be curious? Would you attempt to make contact with this person or would you leave them alone?
This is the problem a delivery person has with the person living in apartment 6E. She has a nice voice and appears to be attractive. So why won't this person come out of their apartment? Jeremy, the UPS deliveryman slowly has a form of relationship with the resident in 6E leaving packages and forging her signature. That doesn't stop his curiosity. He wonders about the girl in 6E. He is intrigued by Jessica.
What about the occupant? Shouldn't they be entitled to their privacy? As long as no one is being harmed, endangered, and no laws are being broken, why can't people just leave others alone?
Who really cares if she earns her money through the internet via online sex sites?
Are the people on these sites moral, ethical, or even good people?
"I haven't touched another person in three years. That seems like a difficult task, but it's not anymore, thanks to the Internet. The Internet makes my income possible and provides anything I could possibly want in exchange for my credit card number. I've had to go into the underground world for a few things, and once in that world, I decided to stock up on a few fun items, like a new identity. I am now, when necessary, Jessica Beth Reilly. I use my alias to prevent others from finding out about my past."
The Girl in 6E is an intriguing novel with the protagonist/antagonist Deanna Madden/Jessica Reilly living a comfortable life in a self-enclosed prison of her own creation. This duality creates a novel that at times felt disgusting while at the same time slowly unveils the secrets of the main character, similar to pulling off each layer of an onion to find the soul with an assortment of supporting characters who you are never completely certain who is helpful and who is just plain evil. This constant weighing of love/hate or good/bad made for an unusual story.
The author, Alessandra Torre is a wife and mother living in the southern part of the United States. Previously she has written two erotic novels, Blindfolded Innocence published in 2012 and its sequel, Masked Innocence in 2013.
The Girl in 6E is not a novel for everyone, especially anyone under the age of eighteen. It is an adult novel but unquestionably is written by a gifted writer who can weave a character into an intricate and well-written story with numerous colored threads.
Monday, December 15, 2014
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Everyone one has secret dreams. "I've always wanted to be called Flash." Who would have this dream? The unlikely character of Charlie Brown from Charles Schultz's Peanuts shared his secret dream with Lucy. Of course she would keep his secret safe.
"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" focuses on the frustrations that almost everyone has felt while growing-up. Whether it is loneliness, tying your shoes, crushes on the little red-haired girl, Valentine's Day, or never winning a ball game, the issues although small to adults are reminscent of everyone's childhood.
"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" focuses on the frustrations that almost everyone has felt while growing-up. Whether it is loneliness, tying your shoes, crushes on the little red-haired girl, Valentine's Day, or never winning a ball game, the issues although small to adults are reminscent of everyone's childhood.
Last Friday and Saturday nights at the Chanticleer Theater as part of the Cabaret series six talented individuals became Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy, Peppermint Patty and Sally in the Tony Award winning musical "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown."
The purpose of the programs in the Cabaret series are fund raisers for only one weekend. This particular show was different for this series. Even with only two performances, this delightful family show introduced many new performers and audience members to Chanticleer.
Jack Erbs was wonderful as the socially-challenged Charlie Brown who has to eat lunch by himself and never being part of a winning ball team. While perfectly wearing the yellow t-shirt, the audience even occassionally had a glimpse of his marvelous singing voice. As the slightly overbearing Lucy, Elizabeth Huggins was marvelous ruling on the stage with her dreams of being the Queen. Darin Hemmer was a great dancing Snoopy even with a little acrobatics and moonwalking. Megan Lane was delightful as Sally, Charlie Brown's little sister. Linus portrayed by Eric Cavanaugh warmed everyone's hearts as he sang and danced with his blanket showing the vulnerability and brilliance of his character. Tessie Flower excelled in the role of Peppermint Patty in her down-to-earth wisdom with a beautiful singing voice.
The minimal sets were completely appropriate considering that the entire cast was on stage all the time. The lighting, music, sound and direction were outstanding in that the musical appeared seamless and smooth.
Naturally as in all shows there are favorite scenes. "The Kite" was outstanding with Charlie Brown singing about his frustration a kite that doesn't always want to fly. However the kite eating tree perfectly matched the song and the action on stage creating a humorous but honest viewpoint from Charlie Brown.
Another of my favorites is "The Book Report" where Lucy, Peppermint Patty, Charlie Brown and Linus are all to write a one-hundred word book report about Peter Rabbit. Varying from Linus's verbose report, Peppermint Patty comparing the book to Robin Hood and basing her report completely on that book. Lucy is focused on the one-hundred words and can finally approach the goal but only by listing the vegetables growing in the garden and over-using "very". Charlie Brown just keeps worrying about not being rested so he continues to procrastinates.
I applaude Chanticleer for taking a chance on a different fund-raiser that was family oriented, humorous, relaxing and enjoyable for everyone.
The minimal sets were completely appropriate considering that the entire cast was on stage all the time. The lighting, music, sound and direction were outstanding in that the musical appeared seamless and smooth.
Naturally as in all shows there are favorite scenes. "The Kite" was outstanding with Charlie Brown singing about his frustration a kite that doesn't always want to fly. However the kite eating tree perfectly matched the song and the action on stage creating a humorous but honest viewpoint from Charlie Brown.
Another of my favorites is "The Book Report" where Lucy, Peppermint Patty, Charlie Brown and Linus are all to write a one-hundred word book report about Peter Rabbit. Varying from Linus's verbose report, Peppermint Patty comparing the book to Robin Hood and basing her report completely on that book. Lucy is focused on the one-hundred words and can finally approach the goal but only by listing the vegetables growing in the garden and over-using "very". Charlie Brown just keeps worrying about not being rested so he continues to procrastinates.
I applaude Chanticleer for taking a chance on a different fund-raiser that was family oriented, humorous, relaxing and enjoyable for everyone.
Monday, December 8, 2014
Joyful Noise
"That's Christmas spelled C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S. X mas take on a whole different meaning when it's Christmas."
This quote is part of a program featuring the gospel choir from Salem Baptist Church with their program "A Joyful Noise: A Gospel Christmas” last Sunday at the Holland Performing Arts Center in Omaha. This program featured the Grammy-nominated Salem Baptist Church choir located in Omaha with their singers, band, dancers, children and special guests Lecresia Campbell, Jonathan McReynolds, Daniel Martinez, Eric Jordan and Elaine Stoner. This collaborative program combined Omaha Performing Arts with Omaha's Salem Baptist Church members and musical friends.
The choir along with the band was the foundation of this program which was essentially a variety gospel program. The band played various accompaniments while also playing an independent number of "Carol of the Bells' reminiscent of Mannheim Steamroller with "My Favorite Things" blended into this melody. A large screen provided background graphics for the instrumental group as well as the entire program.
The Salem Gospel Choir was amazing. They obviously knew the music which varied between unison and three-part SAB singing. Every member of the choir had their eyes on the conductor, not holding their music but knowing their music, barely blinking as every chorus member attentively watched for their cues and cut-offs while all being dressed beautifully in black.
Each solo performer was very different representing their own interpretation and style of gospel music.
Daniel Martinez played an amazing rendition of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" on his acoustical guitar. This was an invigorating and delightful arrangement. This international Flamenco guitarist is brilliant in his playing. He has recorded five solo albums.
Also performing was Jonathan McReynolds singing and playing a reflective song stating what many today believe with words such as "I want to be saved and be cool too." He sings with a lyrical voice relating to everyday life. He recently signed with Tehillah Music Group/Light Records label.
An unusual but meaningful selection was "Christmas Makes Me Cry" sung by Elaine Stoner and Eric Jordan. Christmas is not the same for everyone and this piece was wonderful for showing different perspectives.
Lecresia Campbell sang one song, "Holy, Thou Art Holy" which unquestionably demonstrated why she is considered as one of the best gospel singers in the country.
One of the most outstanding parts of this program was the integration of the children in the show with the dancing and singing while dressed in their holiday best. It was obvious the these young church members had practiced many hours to dance and sing their songs with such enthusiasm. The leadership is truly outstanding in allowing each child to be part of this exciting event while being close for the support and redirection if needed.
The dancers were usually from the pre-school aged through teenagers all of which were beautifully and tastefully costumed. What is seldom seen is that each dancer did not have to fit a particular stereotype. With their gorgeous and flowing costumes, you could tell that each dancer felt their steps as a reflection of their relationship with the music. Obviously much time was taken to work with the youth in this professional quality show with outstanding choreography, music and stagemanship.
The entire cast of this program exemplified stagemanship, respect, beauty, devotion, and professionalism in their performance with minimizing movement between acts and truly finding the beauty for each individual performer.
WOWT sponsored this program this year and along with other sponsors sees this as the beginning of an annual event which is entertaining, respectful, uplifting and puts Christ back in Christmas.
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