jbronderbookreviews

Two Dogs and a Parrot: What Our Animals Friends Can Teach Us About Life by Joan Chittister

(Excerpt from Goodreads) Joan Chittister, one of our leading inspirational writers, invites us to embrace and celebrate the deep bond between humans and animals. ‘Two Dogs and a Parrot’ offers both heart-warming stories and thought-provoking reflections about sharing life with an animal companion. The relationships we form with animals—with dogs, cats, horses, birds, rabbits, and other pets—are full of joys and rewards. Our companion animals draw us out of ourselves and show us what it truly means to be alive. They teach us to accept life’s struggles and to cherish its pleasures and the importance of being able to accept ourselves and respect others. They help us to find purpose and meaning in what we do, and to overcome challenges and setbacks. In our treasured animals we observe varying degrees of excitement and play, of love and fear. And we realize their beautiful uniqueness, their sensitivities and strong sense of purpose.

Whether we have an animal companion, long to have a pet or love someone who does, or cherish animals and nature, ‘Two Dogs and a Parrot’ will speak to us all. It illuminates the significance of sharing our lives with a pet and celebrates the great gift of animals in our world.

My Review

3 stars

Joan is a nun that has written other books that are very popular. This book is about two dogs, Danny and Duffy, and a parrot, Lady, and how they have taught her different things about life. Danny didn’t perform as he was expected to and helped Joan to realize that it was best to accept ourselves no matter what others thought and enjoy the process. Duffy was a love bug and would do anything for you unless he didn’t want to do it. Then Lady was good enough to repeat her own learned lesson.

I love animals, especially cats and when I see a book about animals I jump at the chance to read it. I admit that I thought this would be more of a book about stories with animals. It is not, you are going to be reading more about human psychology and how animals can help up learn more about ourselves. This is not a bad book, it is well written and has a great message. Although it was not what I expected it was still a good book.

To purchase Two Dogs and a Parrot make sure to visit Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Ghost Chaser: The Curse of Steel by Dedrick Frazier

(Excerpt from Goodreads) Dorian Steel is a lone wolf on a journey searching for an identity now that the orphanage in which he was raised in is several light-years behind him. Serving time in prison due to a jealous ex-girlfriend’s vendetta was not how he saw his life progressing, but through it all, he has finally found peace. Once the visions start however, his isolated world is shattered – leaving only the shards of glass for him to walk on.

The always quiet, unassuming landscaper quickly goes from a life of hiding in the bushes to the forefront of the battle lines for survival – facing an army of ghosts, demons, and human turncoats loyal to a demonic force intent on the systematic destruction of mankind as we know it. When the woman he has suppressed his feelings for re-enters his life, Steel realizes that if she dies, blood will be on his hands for the second time.

Dorian Steel will face a roller coaster of emotions ranging from fear, love, fear of love, and everything in-between. Whether it is demons, detectives, or the occasionally possessed vagrant, Steel’s life, as well as the lives of his loved ones’ are in serious danger – not to mention the fate of the world. However, he does have a chance to save everyone and everything important to him. It all hinges on the one thing Steel despises more than anything else – those damned psychic powers.

My Review

5 stars

Dorian had a rough start in life. He grew up in an orphanage and through the foster system. None of it was really helpful for him. Then a wrong turn leads him to jail time and distance from the one girl in his life that meant something. Now that he is out, he just wants a simple life as a landscaper. Then he starts having visions of horrible creatures, like the ones he had as a kid. Dorian doesn’t want to deal with this but he has no choice, he is the only one that can save the world from the demons.

I admit that the first couple chapters were a little rough as you start feeling out the story. But once you get caught up on the background of Dorian’s life, you will hit the ground running. I couldn’t help feeling for Dorian. He has had a trough start but finds his way until an ex-girlfriend gets him sent to prison. But the one girl that he has always loved hasn’t forgotten about him even though he wants to keep her at a distance and safe. When the demons drag him into this war he has no choice to do what he needs to do to keep her and the world safe.

This is a great story, it’s well written and developed. Once you get into the action there is no putting this book down. I had to force myself to stop reading so I could get some sleep. Then all I could think about is what is going to happen next.

If you like kick great thriller/paranormal stories this book is for you. I can’t wait for other books from Dedrick Frazier.

To purchase Ghost Chaser: The Curse of Steel make sure to visit Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads.

I received Ghost Chaser for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.

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