Reflections on current events.....

A serious post today because as  I've found myself watching the news, reading articles on the internet about all the horrific things going on in our world this past week; I've really struggled with what I've seen and read.
And I wondered about commenting on it in a public setting for several days.  I find myself sitting here at my computer telling myself,' how can you comment on any of this; will it make a difference to anyone?'  And then I think 'how can I not comment?  How can I keep silent when this voice inside keeps saying 'say something, do something!''

My heart was so sadden by the passing of Robin Williams.  He brought such joy to the world and yet he wasn't able to find that joy for himself.  Such a tragedy, such a loss.  I don't know too many people who haven't said at one time or another 'gee I'm depressed'; but we don't mean it in the way that Robin Williams was depressed.  Tomorrow or maybe even the next day it will pass and we'll go on with our lives; he wasn't able to do that.  And then to read that people were so mean to his daughter on Twitter that she shut her account down just made me feel sick.  The topper for me was today as I was scrolling through my newsfeed on FaceBook and there was a post shared by someone I know of an 'exclusive picture' of (supposedly anyway) Robin showing the marks around his neck from the belt that he used.  REALLY?  How sad that we, as a society have sunk so low.

The shooting in Ferguson, MO and the aftermath of that.  Will the protesting bring that young man back to his family?  No.  Will it take away the guilt the police officer will carry with him all the rest of his life?  No. Will threatening the officer and his family with violence do anyone any good?  No.  Will setting fires, looting, clashing with law enforcement do anyone any good?  No.  In fact it is causing more harm to people, to business', to that city, that state and to our nation.  I watch the news and see the stories on the internet and what I guess shocks me the most is the images of young children being part of the protests and I ask myself why.  Why are we teaching the our children that this is acceptable?  Why aren't we teaching our children acceptance, tolerance and love?  So many conflicting statements, so many speculations.  Did this young man rob a store, resist arrest, threaten a police officer?  Did the police officer do all he could to de-escalate the situation before firing his weapon?  All the answers may never be found; and the situation will never be resolved to the satisfaction of all.  Too much is unknown; but what we do know is that a young man has lost his life and another man will carry that load with him all the rest of his.

The Middle East/Eastern Europe and what is happening there truly scares me.  Genocide, Russia invading Ukraine, Iraq, Israel and Hamas, the kidnapping of innocent children, political unrest.  Well the list could go on for pages and pages.  Why does all this scare me?  Doesn't it scare you?  When are we going to come to our senses as a society and say 'ENOUGH ALREADY!'?????  God must weep oceans of tears everyday as He looks at His creation and what we are doing...and not doing.

So, how are we to change the world?  It has to start with each of us doing something.  One small thing is a start!  Do a random act of kindness for a stranger, send someone flowers just because, stick up for the underdog.  Just Do Something!
Check out this song by Matthew West...its been my 'theme' song if you will this summer.
http://youtu.be/b_RjndG0IX8

Agree?  Disagree?  Think I'm off my rocker maybe?  Leave a comment and let the discussion begin.  I only ask that you are respectful of the feelings and views of not only myself but anyone who comments.

Thanks for stopping by.  I do appreciate each of you.
May the Lord give us all His peace today-
Robyn

A book review

First let me say that I'm not a professional reviewer.  I'm a reader who loves books, loves finding new and interesting authors and stories to read.  Once in awhile I'll review a book and post it on Amazon...especially if I love it.

Do I recommend books to my friends to read?  Of course!  Its part of being a lover of books...you are compelled to share with others all the great and amazing stories you find!

A few weeks ago I was given an Advanced Readers Copy (also known as an ARC) for an anthology put together by 9 indie authors sharing stories in several different genres that was being released on July 30th.  In exchange for the ARC I was asked to give my honest review of the project and to post that review on e-retailer sites.  I thought that I'd share it here with the followers of my blog.
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Hot Summer Nights Anthology Review – 4 stars

I actually love the whole idea behind this book.  The group of authors involved have created an island paradise that includes a swanky resort, rainforest, an ancient mystery and lots of romance.  All the stories feature elements of the island and resort that these ladies have dreamed into existence. Please note that these stories contain language and sexual situations-some implied, others in detail.

Beauty and the Brain:  I have to say I disliked both the female and male main characters.  Chloe is a spoiled, rich brat; and Chase is a know-it-all who actually doesn't have much of a clue.  I found it hard to picture them as a couple.  I was actually more interested in one of the other characters Kinsley and would have loved to seen more of her.  2 stars

Laws of Attraction:  Jared comes to Dasia Island to work.  He’s not interested in the scenery or the resort; well at least not until he meets his temp Monica that is.  I enjoyed the way the characters developed and it was interesting to see Jared’s view of not only his work but the way he was living his life change.  4 stars

The Art of Losing Inhibition:  This is labeled a female-female contemporary romance.  I didn't find much of a romance in it.  Actually I didn't find much of a story here; unless you want to consider sexual encounters the story.  1 star

His Island Paradise:  This is a contemporary male-male romance.  Let me say upfront; don’t skip this one just because it’s in the same genre as the previous one…its nothing like it.  Gar is dragged to Dasia by his sister so that he could get over ‘the jackass’.  He doesn’t want to be there; until a chance encounter with Miko changes his mind.  Will he get his HEA or will the fickle hand of fate snatch happiness away?  4 stars

Life after Death:  Broken-hearted, pulled apart by the tragedy of their son’s death; Victoria and Jameson travel to Dasia Island with friends not knowing the other is also there.  A chance encounter on the beach will bring them back into each other’s lives and provide a way to healing.  Make sure to have a box of tissues nearby.  4 stars

Layover:  Michael and Gemma have eyed each other across the plane as they travel with their boss around the world.  Gemma’s ‘no dating co-worker’ policy has been the only thing holding Michael back from asking her out.  When an unexpected layover on Dasia forces them to share the last room available will they finally act on those long-held fantasies?  3 stars

Woman in the Mist: Poppy Drummond disappears in the mist near the ancient ruins on Dasia in 1965…. Present day: Kai is the heir to the Euthykhia Hotel and has befriended Poppy’s mother who has told him all about her daughter.  As Kai explores near the old ruins, suddenly the mist appears and he finds himself facing an impossible vision.  3 stars

Guide Me Gently:  This is a story about finding who you are and following the path of your choice not the one that someone else has laid out for you.  Alyssa is a highly regarded photographer-mainly of celebrities and the wealthy.  She dreams of exploring exotic locations; when an assignment finds her on Dasia she sets off with Ben, the only local tour guide who will take her into the rainforest.  Will they both find the freedom and love they look for?  4 stars

City of Sin:  This story follows River and Haven as they journey to the forbidden city as a major storm moves onto the island.  These 2 have a history that they’ll need to tap into if they want to make it out of the ruins.  3 stars

Overall, a good selection of stories and well worth your time to read.
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This anthology is available on all e-retailer sites and is currently just .99 cents!

So, the question for this week is: have you ever reviewed a book and posted it in a public forum like Amazon or Barnes & Noble or Goodreads?  If so, did you find it easy to do or difficult.  If you haven't, why not?

Sure, its scary to put your thoughts out there in the universe knowing that there is always gonna be someone who doesn't agree with you or your opinion.  But so what?  You most likely have read reviews and disagreed with the reviewer.  Take a chance and review a book.  Its a trip to get that notification from Amazon "a customer just told us your review helped them make a buying decision".  The first time I got one of those I was like 'Oh WOW!  Really?  How cool is that?'  And let me just say that for indie authors reviews are extremely important as it helps get the word out to others about their work.

Let me leave you with this challenge.  Take a book that you absolutely loved reading and think about why that was; now write your thoughts down; go to Amazon (or B&N or somewhere else); pull up that books page and leave a review, make sure you rate it (most use a 5-star system); and now post it.  And then come back here and leave a comment on what you reviewed and where so I can go check it out.  And who knows maybe you'll help me make a buying decision for a book I haven't yet read and you'll be the one getting that notification!

For now I'm going to go pour a fresh glass of sweet tea, and dive into one of the 6 new books I've got waiting in the to be read pile!
Thanks for stopping by and we'll chat again soon - Robyn