Casa de Naomi: The House Of Blessing, Book 2

I grew up hearing that Columbus was Catholic. That's why it shocked me when I heard someone in my church claim that Columbus was Jewish. That's when I began researching the topic and found these claims to be rooted in truth.

Though her story takes place much later Author Paula Rose Michelson begins her second book in the Casa de Naomi series, House of Blessing by laying this foundation. She examines the little known life of conversos who stowed away aboard Columbus's ship headed for a new world ripe with freedom and opportunity. Of course that freedom was short lived. With the Decree of Alhambra in effect for 500 years, these Jews were taught to keep their heritage hidden for fear of uprising against them in the new world. The onset of Hitler's movement and the rise of the KKK led to further withdrawal.  Often times these conversos where hiding in plain site, posing as Catholics while privately maintaining their Jewish traditions. If discovered they faced public disgrace and the threat of lost relationships.

That is exactly why Naomi keeps her heritage a secret.

This book begins with the trauma of Naomi leaving her home in Spanish Harlem after being discovered to be a Jew.

As the people of El Barrio express their shock and gossip ensues among the town establishments, Naomi's husband is left to deal with his own surprise and anger at her dishonesty.

Of course Naomi never meant to be dishonest. The lie was a protection. It kept her safe and paved the way for her to help others in her community.

With a prominant position in the area, Naomi was instrumental in rescuing high risk girls from deportation. Most of these girls, like her, were of Jewish heritage. You can read more about that part of the story in book 1.

Now the gig is up and Naomi has fled her life, her home and her new husband.

Taken in by a friend's family, she is introduced to a faith that is rooted in Jewish tradition while professing a Messiah that died for her and rose with full intention of returning for her. This Messianic concept is at first alarming, but then comforting.

Meanwhile, Naomi's husband is on a search that may or may not lead to the restoration of their marriage.

The writing is captivating, the message is faith building and the concept is educational and entertaining.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I really think you will too. Though book one and two can be read seperately, I suggest reading from the beginning and following it through the series. This saga-like tale will leave you anxious for more.

Casa de Naomi: House of Blessing is available at Amazon andBarnes & Noble.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

That Summer

That Summer is the first book in the Caney Creek Series and I, for one, am looking forward to reading more titles in this series from author Jo Huddleston.

Jim is tired of farm life, but more than that he's tired of his father's abusive behavior and the weight of responsibility he feels for his younger siblings and his mother.

When the pressure is too tough, Jim packs up and leaves home with no concrete plans except a plan to make it work in the city.

He's hoping to build a life and eventually win the heart of Louisa, a pretty girl he met at a fair one summer before leaving home.

Located in the Southern Appalachians, Caney Creek is a bustling city to Jim, filled with opportunity. Unfortunately it's also filled with fierce competition for a coveted job at the Hosiery Mill, the leading employer in Sanford County. A job at the Hosiery offers Jim some level of security, until he catches the eye of the owner's daughter, Callie.

Louisa moves to the city to stay with her older sister just about the time things heat up with Callie. You won't even believe the twists and turns this story takes. It will keep you glued until the last page.

That Summer is a mix of love triangle, relational drama, and coming of age tale bubbling with heart and flowing with a message of hope, healing and forgiveness.

I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read more as the series continues.

You can purchase your copy on Amazon.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Twisted Wolf

In Perry Perrett' s novel Twisted Wolf, readers are introduced to Josh Davis - a wounded army Lieutenant with a somewhat ordinary life who, in a miraculous turn of events, becomes President of the United states.

His story is a modern-day David story complete with the best friend blazing a trail of opportunity and a prophetic man who encourages him to balance his blessings with humility.

When pride gets a hold of his life the consequences are devastating. The reader is caught up in the drama of Josh's poor choices and watching to see what becomes of his life as a result.

The beginning of this book was riveting as Josh is out hunting and attacked by a bear. He later wakes up in a hospital bed afraid of how the brutal bear attack will impact his military career.

As the story takes shape the parallels to the biblical story of David becomes much more visible.  At this point the story sort of switches from being active to more passive with the author telling more than showing the events.

At points the story feels narrated and dialogue is infrequent. Stick with it to the end for a redemptive and hope-filled conclusion.

I think Twisted Wolf is a good first novel from Perry Perrett. I enjoyed his early characterization of Josh Davis and his fast paced writing style. His early chapters alone prove his knack for intensity and action in his fiction.

Overall I enjoyed this book.

You can purchase this book on Amazon and read other thoughts from reviewers at http://cwareviewcrew.com/twisted-wolf-by-perry-perrett/.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Peaceful Passage

In the midst of her personal grief at the loss of her Mother, Kim West knew she had wisdom to share with caregivers facing the journey she had she just completed.


Through her relatable and empathetic style Kim explores practical areas that a family member/caregiver need to consider in hospice situations.


Her book, Peaceful Passages, provides help for the patient by teaching the caregiver how to help them and prepare for a healthy exit from this life and a peaceful entrance into eternity.   She also offers a realistic view of the factors a caregiver needs to consider including: 

• Consideration of financial and legal matters
• Learning the levels of hospice care
• Examining the emotional toll
• Balancing marriage, family and work 
• Making decisions on pain management options
• Learning what to expect during the phases of death
• Preparing post-passage tasks like informing family, preparing a funeral and closing an estate

 . . . and more.

Each chapter includes workbook questions and journaling topics complete with space for writing in your thoughts and feelings.

Kim does a thorough job covering the needs of both patient and caregiver. This book should be a must read for anyone going through hospice care or struggling with the impending death of a loved one from illness.

Recently my husband lost his mother to cancer. During this time we were in another state and unable to be active providing for her day to day needs. Other family was on that task. Reading this book helped me to know how to pray for my brother-in-law and sister-in-laws who were close by and carrying the weight of responsibility. It also helped to understand the physical changes that occur near the end so we could prepare ourselves for our trip home and the last visit we had with her.  

Without a lot of planning to go on (people get your documents organized) I watched them struggle to figure out items like property ownership and taxes. There is so much to consider that it easily drains the family emotionally.

This book will strengthen you through this time and support you in your grief. It leads you to a new reality of life without your loved one and how you as an individual are better because of this journey of love and service.

The book ends with the author sharing personal journal entries and photographs from her mother's hospice journey.

I highly recommend Peaceful Passage.

Peaceful Passage is available for purchase online at  Amazon, however, you will find the best price here.

If you want to read other opinions on this book you can read them here.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.