Opinioned Tannia Ortiz

Smokey Mountain Prayer is the latest romance from award-winning author Angela Pisaturo.

The story begins in Chicago with a farewell dinner for Dr. Margaret Kelly MacDougal who is returning home to Horseshoe Cove,Tennessee.

Having recently graduated from veterinary school, Maggie yearns to continue the successful veterinary practice of her deceased father, Dr. James MacDougal. However, she is received with strong resentment from the local farmers and Josh, her high-school sweetheart. The farmers of this secluded, Baptist-dominated country town are very traditional regarding family roles and are outraged about Maggie’s career choice. She finds herself in a bigger predicament once her conversion to Catholicism comes to light.

Maggie struggles to keep her animal clinic afloat amid financial hardship and the turmoil of World War II. During these difficult times she relies on the comfort and advice of her small circle of old-lady friends. Her faith keeps her strong as she attempts to follow in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron Saint of veterinarians.

As the story unfolds, a series of unfortunate events shows the residents of Horseshoe Cove that fanaticism, prejudice, and narrow-minded views disguised as traditions and values could affect a society and prevent its progress.

When contacted by the author to write a summary and review of the book, I was honored. For me, the summary was harder because I was restricted to 100—200 words. In writing it, I limited myself to highlighting only the important scenes in order to encourage the reader to buy this page-turner of a novel. I hope I achieved that goal.

I accepted the double challenge because I like Ms. Pisaturo's writing style. I knew what to expect, having enjoyed and reviewed her book, Treasures in Clay Vessels. Her romance novels are clean, well-researched, uplifting and entertaining while keeping the reader engaged throughout. In both novels, she tastefully relates the differences in religious views of her characters without bashing any.

I recommend Smokey Mountain Prayers to readers who are fond of romance novels with a twist.

The Ravine, by Robert Pascuzzi, is a novel of evil, hope, and the afterlife, inspired by a true story.

Tony and Danny Turner enjoyed many years of fame and glory as their high school football team's best players. Their dream of becoming professionals was crushed when they were not drafted. After graduation, stardom faded and they had to settle for a boring and tedious low-paying job at a local store.

The Turner brothers' attitude of entitlement took them down a criminal path leading toward the road to perdition. When one of their burglaries went wrong, they were caught and sentenced to several years in jail. Feeling ashamed, the family relocated to another city where the brothers' dad started a sporting goods business.

After their release from prison, the brothers worked for their father. Once their dad retired, Tony, the older one, took over the running of the family store and became a successful businessman. The Turner brothers integrated back into society, started families of their own, and became responsible citizens. However, Danny always felt like he was an underdog growing in the shadow of his brother. His dark side started creeping back to the point of no return.

One spring morning Danny's wife and older son were murdered at their home, leaving the entire neighborhood, close friends, and family in total shock.

As the story unfolds, the reader must keep an open mind to understand the root of the problem as it is gradually revealed by the homicide detective and a devout, spirited pastor helping the families cope with the tragedy.

The Ravine is a thought-provoking, page-turning crime story with characters and situations inspired by true events. It shows how the destructive power of evil, if left unattended, could lead to tragedy. On the other hand, it also shows how, for those who invoke His mercy, faith and trust in God's redemptive love defeats the power of evil and prevent eternal damnation.

I highly recommend this inspirational, life-changing story to readers who think they would like homicide novels entangled with unusual spiritual experiences. The end of the book will leave them wondering, Is that really possible?

The Prodigals is the second installment of the trilogy Giants in the Land, by award-winning author Clark Burbidge.

In the first book, The Way of Things, humans and giants had been living together harmoniously for many generations. Then, one morning, the humans were shocked to discover that the giants had disappeared and chaos reigned. Thomas, a farmer and an outstanding hunter, accepts the challenge of searching for the giants. During his journey he overcomes difficulties by using his skills and he trusts God to help him reach his final destination. At the end of the story, Thomas dies of old age and is buried in the Land of the Giants, as an honor for his extraordinary work.

The saga continues with The Prodigals. The author does not disappoint his readers and brings forth another engaging, page-turner adventure.

The story begins with Thomas awakening in the Land of the Giants. Because of his character, wisdom to discern the heart of men, and his ability to judge the immediate needs of others, he is promoted to the honored position of Forest Ward.

Meanwhile in his old village, Tommy, the son of Thomas's daughter Hope, is going through a phase of adolescent rebellion and growing pains. Although he is respectful and obedient to his parents, he dislikes farming and neglects his duties. However, he is an excellent hunter just like his uncle Samuel and his grandfather.

One day while Tommy is in the forest daydreaming at the top of his favorite tree, the village is attacked by a group of ruffians. His dad and uncle Samuel get injured trying to protect their families. While climbing down the tree, Tommy, too, is injured and is unable to assist his helpless younger sister Rose, who is taken captive by the attackers. After the ruffians leave the village, headed to the town of Westhall with Rose and some spoils, Tommy is helped by Marcus, a slave boy who escaped from the leader of the invaders. Feeling guilty for the series of unfortunate events his escape caused to the village and its people, Marcus offers to help rescue Rose.

News of this event reaches the Land of the Giants. The Giants had heard stories about the state of decadency in Westhall, an evil- centered, modest-sized town facing the Great Western range in the eastern lands, where slave trade is a normal affair. The giants send Thomas Forest Ward and Earthwatcher to investigate and to proceed according to the Way of Things. Upon arriving, Thomas Forest Ward assesses the situation and decides to create a rescue team comprised of himself, Earthwatcher, Tommy, and Marcus.

During their journey, they will encounter groups of captives being taken to Westhall to be sold as slaves to the higher bidder. Among those captives is the giant Herdshepherd, who lost his purpose in life, and Samantha, a strong-willed, spirited woman who is destined for great things.

As the saga unfolds, Thomas Forest Ward, Earthwatcher, Tommy, Marcus, Herdshepherd, and Samantha will keep the reader involved in their rescue mission and their individual development. At the end of the story, those who thought of others most have evolved to become wiser, leaders.

The surprising and unexpected end will leave the reader wondering about the odds of Thomas accomplishing his most challenging mission. But so as not to leave the reader at the edge of his seat, the author includes a sneak peek of the final installment, The Cavern of Promise.

The Prodigals is a story of courage, hope, mercy, and redemption.

I highly recommend it to adolescents, young adults, and to those working with them. And to those who, quoting the giant Forestmaster: “... have the gift to see in others their ability to become something more and the compassion to care for them to help them achieve it… who can find the giant within and bring it to the surface.”