Go Set the Watchman

“For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth.”- Isaiah 21:6. 

This post is not about the Bible, so why post this verse? Because it features the title of an upcoming book.

Harper Lee, the author of the Pulitzer prize winning novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” is publishing a second novel. Rumors have circulated for years that Lee had written another novel, yet after the success of her masterpiece, nothing had ever appeared in print. Lee retreated to her private life, rarely making an appearance. In a quiet meeting with Oprah Winfrey, the illusive author confessed that she was Boo Radley.

Yesterday, news broke that Lee was releasing a new novel entitled, “Go Set the Watchman” which features an adult Scout Finch leaving the big city and returning to her home in Maycombe, Alabama. Per Harper Lee and her representatives, “Watchman” had been lost and recently discovered. Interestingly enough, it was written before “Mockingbird,” but due to the persuasion of editors, it had been set aside in favor of what became one of the Great American novels.

On July 14, 2015, “Go Set the Watchman” will make its debut. I rarely buy new books, and when I do, I never pay full price. I usually wait until it comes to the library or buy it discounted. If it is possible, I am going out the day it is released to buy this book, that way I can have a first edition of what I hope is a new American classic. 

Still Around…

Gosh, I should really do something with this blog. Just too darn lazy, I guess. Okay, here are the list of updates of my life.

 We had to say good-bye to two of our little darling furbabies: Bingley and Darcy. They were two grey-striped tabby cats, ten years old. Each were failing and suffering. It dawned on us a few days before Christmas how unfair we were being to them and had them put to sleep. Strange as it may seem, for them both to go together was right. They came into this world together, came to our house together, lived and loved only each other, and now went to heaven together. Yes, I believe animals go to heaven. I mean, why not? Animals are far more innocent than mankind. The house seems empty without Bing and Darcy, even though we still have four other furbabies.

 

I had a birthday. Not saying which though. I generally dread birthdays and look upon them as yet another reminder that I have accomplished absolutely nothing. But that was an especially good day. I think I wore a smile for most of it. 

In June of 2015, I am going along with the C.A.N.D.L.E.S. Museum on their tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau and of the city of Krakow. Holocaust survivor and Mengele twin Eva Mozes-Kor will lead us. Her tour groups are the only ones with access to the infamous Block 10, where Mengele and the other Nazi doctors conducted their experiments. OH. MY. GOSH. So psyched. Words cannot do justice to my enthusiasm. I applied for my passport and have made a couple of down payments. Cannot believe a dream of mine is finally coming true. A part of me fears that I’ll wake up and it will fall through or something bad will happen.

Don’t forget, the 27^th of January is the 70^th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. No doubt there will be numerous documentaries and interviews on TV, but keep your eye out for Wolf Blitzer’s special interview with Eva Mozes-Kor.

That’s all for now. But I am sure I’ll be back with more information on the trip to Poland in the coming weeks. All for now!

Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

Don't you just love this song?

Yeah, I’m still here. The last month and a half has been crazy busy that I’ve slacked off from this blog. Sorry about that. I know you all are just on pins and needles about my life.

Let’s see…early October I went to the Emmaus Walk, which for those who aren’t familiar with it, it is a Christian spiritual retreat. I’ll be honest; I went in there with a sour attitude. The last thing I wanted to do was cry, do group hugs, sing and dance, etc. You get the picture. Well, I ended up doing all that and more. I actually opened up about my personal struggles with anxiety and depression, which is something I never do. I figured that I’d have nothing in common the ladies because they would be the perfect Christians and I am horribly flawed. I ended up finding my soul sisters in Christ. I came out of Emmaus a stronger person. Since then I have been more vocal and have taken risks. When they say it is a life changing experience, they really mean it. I think every believer ought to try it.

I was home for a little bit and then spent a couple weeks with my cousins and aunts. That may sound simple to you, but believe me, it is nothing sort of a miracle. Because of my anxiety and depression, off and on for about ten years I was agoraphobic (had issues with leaving the house). That’s not to say that I don’t still have struggles; I don’t think an agoraphobic is ever really cured. Anyway, I had a lovely time visiting and catching up with loved ones. Meanwhile, our kitchen is being remodeled. It should be complete next week sometime.

Still writing. HIDDEN PLACES (got a fan page for it on FB, though haven’t done much with it) is plugging along. Had to rewrite the ending. Currently working on a Regency Romance, so that has kept me entertained. And I am having two more short stories published next year: one on my beloved Basset Gracie Belle and the other on anxiety attacks. If anyone can write about anxiety attacks, it is yours truly. I am an expert on the subject. Well, at least my experiences can be fodder for my writings. More on those later. 

Oh, and awesome news: “Miracles and Moments ofGrace: Inspiring Stories of Survival,” has gone through its first edition!!! So, please check it out! Thanks all.

Until next time, lovelies. 

Femnista Sept / Oct 2014 : Underrated Tales

The newest edition of Femnista is out! Uncover stories, many you may have never heard before. The Painted Veil, Emily of New Moon and North & South, are just to name a few. Check out my article on Miles Franklin's forgotten classic: "My Brilliant Career." Enjoy!!!

To read it, click here.

Miracles & Moments of Grace: Inspiring Stories of Survival Book Review

Rating: Five Stars

Book Description:

In Miracles & Moments of Grace: Inspiring Stories of Survival, you'll find dozens of stories from ordinary people who have triumphed over extraordinary circumstances. Caught in Hurricane Katrina, attacked by a lion, facing a gunman, trapped in a violent marriage, losing the self to Alzheimer's--in the midst of their trials, these brave people discovered that God provides the grace to persevere in the face of life's greatest challenges. The stories they tell make the heart race, yet they also reveal the sustaining power of deep courage and true faith. Their stories will touch your heart and lift your spirits.

About the Author:

NANCY B. KENNEDY is the author of three previous books in the Miracles & Moments of Grace series: Inspiring Stories from Military Chaplains,Inspiring Stories from Doctors, and Inspiring Stories from Moms. She has written a book of weight loss success stories, as well as two children's books of science activities paired with stories of the Christian faith. Nancy is a member of the Authors Guild and writes articles and personal essays for books, magazines, and newspapers, many of which can be found at her website, nancybkennedy.com. She and her husband, John, live in New Jersey with their son, Evan.

My Thoughts:

This is the first book of the “Miracles & Moments of Grace” series that I have read, though I intend to read the others fairly soon. It is quite reminiscent of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series. I was moved to tears by several of the stories and inspired how many of the authors not only survived and then went on to thrive afterwards. All I can say is that God moves in mysterious ways.

I love stories of survival, especially those that show God as our rescuer. I can’t begin to describe how many times He has rescued me. Ironically enough, a short story by yours truly entitled, “A Shot in the Dark,” is featured in this book. I am very proud that my story was included and thank the author for selecting it. 

“The Winter Guest,” by Pam Jenoff

Rating: Five Stars

Description:

A stirring novel of first love in a time of war and the unbearable choices that could tear sisters apart, from the celebrated author of The Kommandant's Girl

Life is a constant struggle for the eighteen-year-old Nowak twins as they raise their three younger siblings in rural Poland under the shadow of the Nazi occupation. The constant threat of arrest has made everyone in their village a spy, and turned neighbor against neighbor. Though rugged, independent Helena and pretty, gentle Ruth couldn't be more different, they are staunch allies in protecting their family from the threats the war brings closer to their doorstep with each passing day.

Then Helena discovers an American paratrooper stranded outside their small mountain village, wounded, but alive. Risking the safety of herself and her family, she hides Sam—a Jew—but Helena's concern for the American grows into something much deeper. Defying the perils that render a future together all but impossible, Sam and Helena make plans for the family to flee. But Helena is forced to contend with the jealousy her choices have sparked in Ruth, culminating in a singular act of betrayal that endangers them all—and setting in motion a chain of events that will reverberate across continents and decades.

Author Bio:

Pam Jenoff is the author of several novels, including The Kommandant's Girl, which received widespread acclaim, earned her a nomination for the Quill Awards and became an international bestseller. She previously served as a Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. State Department in Europe, as the Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Army at the Pentagon and as a practicing attorney at a large firm and in-house. She received her juris doctor from the University of Pennsylvania, her master’s degree in history from Cambridge University and her bachelor’s degree in international affairs from The George Washington University. Pam Jenoff lives with her husband and three children near Philadelphia where, in addition to writing, she teaches law school. Pam would love to skype with your book club or library group!

My Thoughts:

Okay, this is not my first Pam Jenoff book; I’ve read a couple others and liked them pretty well. When I heard this was going to be based in Poland and about a simple Polish, I was psyched (one of my own WIP is based in WWII Poland and is about a Polish family). I had a feeling I was going to like it, but had no clue that I was going to walk away feeling different. Secular books don’t usually have that effect on me. Both Helena and Ruth were appealing characters, though I have to say, the character Helena struck a chord with me. I won’t go into detail, though I will say the ending of “The Winter Guest,” was bittersweet. There was enough sad to be realistic and enough happy to leave me satisfied for the characters.

The Big 10

Okay, I saw this on a literary agent’s Facebook status: name 10 books that have stayed with you. Well, here are my 10. Please, share yours with me. Ooh, by the way, I have a tumblr account now: http://veronicaleighbooks.tumblr.com. Follow me and I’ll follow you.

Now, here are my 10.

1. "I Capture the Castle," by Dodie Smith

2. "The Diary of a Young Girl," by Anne Frank

3. "Pride and Prejudice," by Jane Austen

4. "Sense and Sensibility," by Jane Austen

5. "To Kill A Mockingbird," by Harper Lee

6. "The Help," by Kathryn Stockett

7. "My Brilliant Career," by Miles Franklin

8. "The Hiding Place," by Corrie ten Boom

9. "In My Hands," by Irena Gut Opdyke

10. "Anne of Green Gables," by L.M. Montgomery