 
MWSA
P.O. Box 669
Larkspur, CA 94977
2005 - 2009 MWSA
All Rights
Reserved
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MWSA Review |
Poems in the Keys of Life: Reflections of a Combat Medic
Author: Kerry “Doc” Pardue
Poetry
Publisher: PublishAmerica
$14.95
These poems are
a reflective journey to find healing after the War in Vietnam. 35 years ago
I was a combat medic. When I came home I was determined to put Vietnam
behind me. Somehow, deep within my heart, soul, and spirit Vietnam was a
part of who and what I became. Finally, my journey to healing began and
these poems are the result of that journey 35 years later. These are a
collection of poems about recovering from war and the effects of PTSD. They
will make you cry, laugh, and appreciate friendships. REVIEWS:
I will never forget the Vet buzz
over Doc Pardue's haunting poem, 'Welcome Home My Sisters', written to
honor the 10th Anniversary of the Vietnam Women's Memorial. Four female
Vet friends emailed me independently and said, "Steve, you HAVE to read
this..." Just a few lines in, and I could see why. ~
Steve Cain, author, "How To Appreciate A Vietnam Vet:
Dealing With The Myth Of The Unwinnable War"
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I could not put his book down.
Kerry's poetry is written in a style that tells a story and just grabs
you by the heart...his poetry will help other caregivers who served in
war. America needs to be grateful for men and women, such as these, who
served us so well in America's most unpopular war.~
Feature Editor, Mesa Tribune
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I truely loved this collection of
poems. Doc Pardue has a way to tell a story thru his poetry. It is an
important story that needs to be told. His poetry is clear and
heart-felt. I would rate him as one of greatest poets of his generation,
his poetry is profound and reaches out to others who served as a
caregivers. His book needs to be read and shared. I look forward to
reading his next book.~Tommy, New York, NY
2005 MWSA Gold Medal for Poetry
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QUADALAJARA: The
Utopia That Once Was
by Jack Tumidajski
Non-fiction, History,
Memoir
Hardcover,
394 pages
$19.95
Prior to World War II, Americans who suffered a spinal cord
injury had a life expectancy of one and a half years. After the war,
antibiotics and modern medicine combined to keep many fallen heroes
alive long enough to actually be discharged from military and
veterans' hospitals.
Hollywood movie makers first touched upon these issues in
The Men (Marlon Brando, 1950). Others,
Coming Home (Jon Voight/Hanoi Jane, 1978) and
Born On The 4th Of July (Tom Cruise, 1989),
would focus on paralyzed survivors of the Vietnam War.
QUADALAJARA --- The Utopia That Once Was
tells the story of a number of brave souls, among them veterans of
World War II, Korea, and Vietnam who ventured into uncharted
territory, leaving behind family, friends, the safe confines of
institutions, and a life expectancy of seven to however many years
in search of a second chance at life. They discovered sunshine and
paradise South of the Border in --- Quadalajara.
Honorable Mention Award at the 2007 Hollywood Book
Festival, "Celebrating books worthy of further attention from
the film and TV industries."
REVIEWS:
"Vietnam veteran Jack Tumidajski writes a very moving account of
his personal journey both in a wheelchair and in his soul. The
real story is however, all about a place and group of people he
found. His inspirational and historic book QUADALAJARA
--- The Utopia That Once Was brings to light a
history that most Americans were not even aware of. I know this
was all new to me...
The author does a wonderful job preserving the history of these
people and this subculture. Thanks to him, future generations
will not forget this American community that once was so vibrant
and active in the heart of Mexico. Jack shares not only his life
and lessons but opens up stories about others and sheds some
light on their experiences and memories.
You will never read a book like this. This is unique history
that he makes both entertaining and inspiring for the reader..."
Bill McDonald, MWSA
"In the fall of 1998, when I was a social work intern talking to
you, someone who had lived in Guadalajara, Mexico, I clearly
remember standing at your hospital bed and telling you, "You are
part of a remarkable moment in history. You should write a book to
tell this story. There's a screenplay in there." After reading parts
of that book, now I realize I had no idea at all about just how
truly remarkable that moment in history was. I knew it was very
important for you, as the youngster of the group, to tell the
story."
Mona Oge, Social Worker
San Diego VAMC
"My editor loved the story and I get the feeling that a lot of other
people read and liked it....You have a fascinating story and it's
worth telling.
Dave Casey
Pawtucket Times
"Jack Tumidajski came to Guadalajara in 1972. He spoke no Spanish
and knew almost nothing about the area. He just knew Mexico
represented independence, freedom, and a great chance to meet some
dark-eyed senoritas. Do you think you've heard this story before?
Not from this perspective..."
Alex Gesheva
Guadalajara Reporter
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MWSA Review |
Richard
O'Kane and the Sinking of the Forty-Nine
by James W. MacMeekin
Non-fiction, History, World
War II
Three Rivers Books
$12.86
Commander O'Kane revolutionized the offensive use of WWII submarines
from that of a reconnaissance and underwater attack vehicle of
opportunity, to that of a speedy surface vessel, capable of massive
destruction, and the ability to outrun pursuing Japanese
destroyer-escorts. His wartime record proves the efficacy of his
actions: 49 enemy ships rusting on the bottom of the mighty Pacific.
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The Rings of Allah
by Lee
Boyland
Fiction,
Iraq/Afghanistan
$18.95
MWSA
2007 SILVER MEDAL
Radical Islam plans a devastating attack on
the U.S. designed to bring the Great Satan to its knees,
triggering the Clash of Civilizations that has been building for 1400
years. An exciting, techno-thriller that shows the vulnerability of
western civilization to terrorists with weapons of mass destruction.
Yes, it can be done, and the Rings of Allah tells a thrilling
story of such a plan.
REVIEWS
Thank
Allah it's fiction, because it will scare the hell out of you!
Author Lee Boyland puts his
extensive special weapons background to use in spinning this completely
believable tale of al-Qaeda's next step after 9-11. Leftover Soviet
technology from the beginning of the Cold War falls into al-Qaeda's
hands, and they establish an intricate network in order to place five
atomic devices in five US cities. The US gets word of the attack, but
will it be in time? Boyland does a great job of mixing good character
development with great technical background in order to create this
story. Technical readers will appreciate his attention to detail as he
relates and educates the reader on the workings of gun-type atomic
weapons. Literature advocates will respect how he uses significant
events to develop his main characters. Many new writers fall into the
trap of trying to tell too much of the story, but Boyland avoids this by
jumping sometimes a year ahead in the story in order to keep things
moving. A great action story that is just a bit too possible, this is
definitely worth it for action and techo fans alike. - Rob Ballister,
MWSA
The
Rings of Allah is an exciting, at
times harrowing journey into the future.
The novel ensnares the reader and the ending is not for the faint of
heart. A must read.” – Joe Weber, New York Times best-selling
author
Beliefs,
values, insight and rings.......The
Rings of Allah" is a fascinating in-depth look into the world of radical
Islamic terrorism. The technical knowledge of the author comes through
in the minute detail of weapon systems and their use. The book, written
in a chronological sequence of the development of the nuclear industry,
gives the reader a detailed background of what we are faced with in the
future. The plot was believable and the characters realistic as their
lives were woven together in a tapestry of intrigue and human drama that
pitted the beliefs of radical Islamic terrorists against mainstream
American democratic values. The story keeps the reader connected to the
real-life events as they unfold in a suspenseful battle to save America
from nuclear holocaust. Even though this is a fictional plot, it is a
must-read for those who are interested in what we are faced with from
the radical terrorists because it can evolve into a morbid reality. The
ending is spell-binding and unpredictable, and will leave the reader
with an unspoken sense of what can happen in our country if we don't
take action.
– Philip W. Little, Author of Hell In A Briefcase
and Hostile Intent
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Rogue Avenger
By John R. Hindinger
Fiction, Adventure, Cold War
$25.95
Rogue Avenger is the sequel to Rogue
Trident, a Military Writers Society of America award winner.
After hijacking a Trident Missile submarine
in Rogue Trident, international arms dealer Pierre Renard and ex-naval
officer Jake Slate team up for nobler purposes in Rogue Avenger.
Pressured by a blockaded Taiwan, Renard agrees to lead a new
Pakistani-built Agosta submarine against Chinese Kilo class boats.
Refusing to join him, Slate hides in France where he is falling in love
with undercover CIA seductress Olivia McDonald.
As McDonald uses Slate to infiltrate
Renard's network and learn of the Agosta's anti-Sino mission, she also
discovers that a trusted CIA leader has betrayed her. She questions her
loyalties. Meanwhile, a Pakistani submarine has gone rogue with
genocidal intent, and the Pakistani Chief of Staff commissions Renard
and his Agosta to hunt the renegade boat.
A Virginia class submarine plays a vital
protective role, but only the improbable alliance of Renard, Slate, and
McDonald can protect hundreds of thousands of lives.
REVIEW:
“After reading Hindinger's extraordinary
debut novel, I had no idea how he was going to top his own performance.
Now I know. 'Rogue Avenger' … BUY THIS BOOK NOW!” - Jeff
Edwards, award-winning author, Torpedo.
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Rogue Trident
By John R. Hindinger
Fiction, Cold War
$23.95
The U.S. Navy makes a big mistake when it
thinks it can get away with sacrificing one of its own.
Naval officer Jake Slate survives an
explosion on a submarine, but the damage will haunt him forever. He
learns that the worst harm resulted from malice, and when politically
motivated naval officials bury the truth, they lock horns with the wrong
guy. Slate's vengeance will turn the Navy inside out.
Arms broker and French ex-submarine
commander Pierre Renard discovers Slate's situation and recruits him to
steal his Trident Missile submarine, the USS Colorado, and sell
its warheads to Taiwan.
Blinded by rage, unsure of his future, and
uncertain of whom he can trust, Slate is confident in one thing - nobody
can stop him from taking the Colorado.
He allies with Renard and begins a journey
that will define the fate of nations.
REVIEW:
“Rogue Trident
is
such a stunning action thriller that I devoured it all in one
gigantic and delicious bite…”Joe Buff, best-selling author,
Seas of Crisis.
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Secret of the Scroll
by
Chester Campbell
List Price: $15.95
Discount 33% at http://www.chesterdcampbell.com/Scroll.htm
When Greg and Jill bring a "souvenir" Dead
Sea Scroll back from the Holy Land, a Palestinian terrorist group
invades their home, taking Jill hostage. Greg finds himself with an
ancient Hebrew parchment worth millions, wanted by both Palestinians and
a radical far-right Israeli organization. When he tries to exchange it
for Jill's freedom, everything goes wrong. The police target him as a
suspect in his wife's disappearance, and he sets out alone on a perilous
chase to save her.
Reviews for Secret of the Scroll:
"A thriller in every sense of the word."
Midwest Book Review
"A superbly written book with an excellent
plot."
All About Murder Reviews
"This is a fast, exciting read. It grabs you
and won't let you go."
The Best Reviews
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See the
Dragon: One Wolfhound's Vietnam Story
by Don Arndt
History, Memoir, Vietnam
Paper
back…..19.95
Hard
Back……26.95
This is the memories of a drafted
Midwest farm boy’s tour in 1966 Vietnam. The author recalls his service
with the 27th Infantry Wolfhounds of the 25th
Division and the search for his buddies four decades after the war.
Reviews:
"I
highly recommend this book to anyone studying the Vietnam War or whose
family or friends were part of the valorous unit known as the 25th
Infantry Division “Wolfhounds.” - Tony Lazzarini, President, Military
Writers Society of America
"Incredible book. I couldn't put the
thing down." - SGT Brian Feild, 1st Cavalry Division
"If you were there, "See the Dragon" will take you back.
If you weren't, it will take you there." - Guy B. Hinton, Vietnam
1968-69
"I
can hardly put into words what I felt about what I read." - CPT
Patrick F. Field, 4ID(M)
"A book that any Vietnam Veteran
can relate to. Very moving. - John Babbitt, Vietnam 1967-68
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Shades of
Gray: A Novel of the Civil War in Virginia
by
Jessica James
List Price $27.99
Discount 20%
REVIEWS:
"Well written and expertly executed. You cannot leave
this book unchanged in your understanding of the souls of the Civil War"
says the Book Review Journal. Shades of Gray is a highly praised epic
love story that gives a balanced view of the Civil War while
transporting readers to a time when
honor was more precious than the blood spilled to earn it. This debut
novel by Jessica James has received critical acclaim from Civil War
authors and historians, as well as lovers of romance and historical
fiction.
"[James'] work stands out among the best of the historical novelists,
and is a worthy addition to the Civil War fiction line-up. Huzzah!"
Scott Mingus, Civil War Blogger
"Shades of Gray" is a beautiful story with a timeless message. It
touched my heart and soul." Catherine Bennett, Amazon Reviewer
" I haven't enjoyed a book so much in years! Shades of Gray is an
incredible achievement and a treasure." Virginia Morton, Author of
"Marching Through Culpeper"
"... Exciting, intense, romantic, and thrilling from start to finish.
The most balanced book on the War Between the States I have ever read."
Bob O'Connor, Author of "The Virginian Who Might Have Saved Lincoln"
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The
Shenandoah Spy
By Francis Hamit
Historical Fiction, Civil War
$18.95
This is a
fiction based upon the real life of Belle Boyd , who became famous as
The Rebel Spy and The Cleopatra of the Secession. This is the first
novel in a series about the Confederate Secret Service and the women who
worked for it. The time is July 1861. Belle, a 17 year old debutante, is
alarmed and distressed when her home town , Martinsburg, Virginia, is
invaded by volunteer Union Army troops. The man she'd hoped to marry has
been killed in battle. When drunken Union soldiers invade her home, dire
consequences ensue.
REVIEWS:
The writing is
truly gifted and the author is inventive with how he uses real and
fictional dialogs and narrative of people and events. I honestly do not
know Civil War history well enough to know one from the other. But I
would bet that the author has researched much deeper into this period
then one might realize. He captures this place and time in our history.
To me it was a very satisfying reading. I think I even learned something
about that war new. -- Bill McDonald, Military Writers Society of
America
Francis Hamit,
best known as a journalist, has a good grasp of historical fiction. His
writing is solidly based on the true story of Belle Boyd, including bits
of dialogue taken from historical accounts. What makes this good
historical fiction is that fact that he is able to fill in the "known"
with the "believable" in terms of actions and dialogue, filling in the
gaps and fleshing out the characters. -- Nick Smith, Amazon Reveiwer
PURCHASE HERE
The book is also available on Amazon.com and at fine
bookstores everywhere by special order. |
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Solemnly
Swear
by Joe Porrazzo
Fiction, Thriller
$26.95
After a career of
excitement and danger, former U.S. Air Force special agent Alex Porter
retires and looks forward to leading a simple, civilian life. He
celebrates the successes of his daughter, a college honor student and
pilot candidate in the ROTC program, and is just starting to dip his toe
into the dating pool again. But when he comes upon an accident turned
crime scene involving New England mafia don Vince Vionelli, Porter lands
in serious hot water.
REVIEWS:
Solemnly Swear is a page turner...I
enjoyed every moment and haven't been on the edge of my seat to the very
last page of a book in 15 years...awesomely written with an unexpected
payoff at the end!" -- Val H., Tucson, Arizona
“Awesome Book! I was hooked from
page one. I can’t wait to read more! This book is definitely a
winner!”-- Amanda J., Bushnell, Florida
“Solemnly Swear is an awesome tale
of murder, mystery and mayhem collaborating towards keeping you at the
edge of your seat.”-- Missi W., Tucson, Arizona
PURCHASE HERE:
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The Spy
with a Clean Face
By Russell Miller
Fiction, Intrigue
Beach House Books
Tradeback: $18.95, Large
Print: $29.95
REVIEW:
"Charley
Connelly, a career international sales executive, has become an
unsuspecting agent for the CIA and is now called upon to intercede in
a dangerous game for which he is ill prepared. Miller takes us on a
whirlwind romp through Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East to a
nail biting conclusion in the shadow of Chernobyl. Miller's insight and
experience have made him a master of his craft."
PURCHASE HERE:
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Strictly a Loner
By Kathy L. Baumgarten
Non-fiction, Memoir
$10.95
Softcover, bound, 112
pages; color cover, 32 b&w images. Non-fiction; Biography/Memoir.
ISBN 0-9713928-9-7.
In this off-beat yet personal memoir, Plattsburgh
author and retired Air National Guardsman Kathy L. Baumgarten
reminisces about "inheriting" a millionaire along with her purchase
of an old rooming house. The tale unfolds near the old Plattsburgh
Air Force Base in Northern New York State.
Over seven years, Earl, a quiet old loner and military retiree from
the South, slowly endeared himself to the new owners of his rooming
house. Sometimes just an amusing rascal, he by turns confounded and
tortured the author with his unusual habits, which she shares here
with readers. In this book you'll also learn how he made his
fortune. Always dignified, nonetheless he retained an air of secrecy
about his past, keeping his distance from the world. Truly, he was a
man that everyone saw, and no one really knew.
Told here for the first time is the true account of a retired Air
Force TSgt, reclusive hoarder and secret millionaire. Strictly a
Loner also serves as a vehicle to examine society’s attitudes toward
money, family, mental illness, and aging.
REVIEW:
"Whenever someone writes the story of the North
Country, it's always sprinkled with tales of the unique people who
have lived here but, surely, no one could have been more unique than
Earl, the star of STRICTLY A LONER. The stories that comprise his
life epitomize the
flavor of the unique characters of the region.
Kathy tells Earl's story with sensitivity, humor and love. You will
laugh, wonder and maybe even cry. You will compare Earl to people
that you have known, and, in the end, realize, as I did, that there
was absolutely no one like Earl." -Foxy Gagnon, hailed by the
Plattsburgh Press Republican as "One of the North Country's
best-known pundits, raconteurs and general characters." Visit his
blog at
www.PressRepublican.com and catch him- if you can! - on local
cable's "Fox On The Run".
PURCHASE HERE:
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Sunchon Tunnel Massacre Survivors
By Joyce Faulkner and Pat McGrath Avery
Non-fiction History, Korea
Soft Cover:
$17.95
Hard Cover:
$26.95
In October 1950, two hundred and fifty American POWs were shot in
North Korea. Less than 30 survived. Today, there are less than 12
still alive.
Sunchon Tunnel Massacre Survivors is the story of
how these men were captured, interrogated, tortured, marched for
hundreds of miles, and finally, taken out of a train on a cold autumn
evening and executed. Taken from interviews of those men who are
still alive, official debriefings, congressional testimonies, and other
historical sources, this is an important book that details a little
known event in America's Forgotten War, Korea. For the true
historian, there are a few surprises as well. For the families of
those lost in Korea, here's what happened to Valdor, Sherman, Ed, Bob,
George, Walt, Bill and Jim. REVIEWS:
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“An incredibly powerful and
important piece of history, masterfully written and researched.”
~ Dave Grossman, Lt. Col.
USA (ret), Author, On Killing and On Combat,
www.killology.com
For the families that still await
word regarding the fate of our lost loved ones, this chronicle
hopefully will educate and generate renewed interest in the
POW/MIA efforts. Thank you to the authors Pat McGrath Avery and
Joyce Faulkner and to the men who were brave enough to tell
their stories." ~
Robin Piacine,
President, Coalition of Families of Korean and Cold War POW/MIAs
"This story of the Sunchon Tunnel
Massacre, is an awesome combination of military history and
human memory, which provides a rare and powerful account of the
true vestiges of war.
~
Paul M. Edwards, Ph. D, Senior Fellow, Center for the Study of
Korean War, Graceland University |
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This Is the Place
By Carolyn
Howard-Johnson
ISBN: 1588513521
AmErica House
Fiction
“When you live amidst beauty sometimes you
don’t recognize discrimination
and, if you do, you prefer not to acknowledge
it.”
A young journalist realizes that because she is half Mormon and
half Protestant she is not suitable material for love. She
delves into her Mormon heritage and journals her way through
prejudice into redemption. She learns to mend her own life when
she finds she cannot mend her world. This novel, set in Salt
Lake City in the 50s, reveals not only complexities of the heart
but the secrets of what some consider a mysterious place and
culture. It is especially relevant since Mitt Romney has been
running for the Republican nomination and Warren Jeffs, a
polygamist prophet, is on trial in Utah. "This Is the Place"
has won eight awards including the Critics' Choice award.
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Tracings
by Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Poetry
$12.00
TRACINGS RECEIVED THE MILITARY WRITERS
SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2006 SILVER MEDAL FOR POETRY.
REVIEWS:
Carolyn Howard-Johnson is a
natural talent honed to a bright polish by years of practice and
exploration. "Tracings" is an example of her work at the height of her
poetic expertise and passion. Poems like "Perfectly Flawed" start out
with fiery word paintings and end up in a memory of childhood that moves
us to our own memories -- the lovely ones scarred by reality -- but
still lovely. Then there is "Earliest Remembered Sound" which also
harkens back to childhood memories of World War II images, traumas and
gallantry. And then there is "Mother in December" -- an ode to loss that
is gradual and inevitable and all the more heartbreaking for it's
seemingly endless duration.
This book is like gentle whiffs of Chanel #5 -- a perfect gift for
mothers to give daughters, girlfriends to give other girlfriends, men to
give lovers...poets to share with other poets.
-- Joyce Faulkner, Author of In the Shadow of Suribachi, For
Shrieking Out Loud and co-Author of Sunchon Tunnel Massacre
Survivors.
Carolyn is a masterful and
creative writer and this small collection of her poetry certainly proves
that to be true beyond any doubts! There is a fire of feminine spiritual
energy burning in her writings but also a powerful and steady hand of
control that gives these poems a special kind of feeling. You too will
notice that these simple poems are much more than what they appear to
be.
This book receives the MWSA's top book rating of FIVE STARS! --
Bill McDonald, The American Author Association.
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MWSA Review |
Two Brothers: One North, One
South
By David H. Jones
Historical Novel, Civil War
$24.95
Walt Whitman feared that the real war would
never get in the books - the true stories that depicted the
courage and humanity of soldiers who fought, bled, and died
in the American Civil War.
Exceptionally researched and keenly accurate
to actual events, along with the personages that forged
them, David H. Jones's novel spans four years in the midst
of America's costliest and most commemorated war.
The journey is navigated by the poet, Walt
Whitman, whose documented compassion for the wounded and
dying soldiers of the war takes him to Armory Square
Hospital in Washington, D.C., and finds him at the bedside
of William Prentiss, a Rebel soldier, just after fighting
has ended. As fate has it, William's brother, Clifton, a
Union officer, is being treated in another ward of the same
hospital, and Whitman becomes the sole link not just between
the two, but with the rest of their family as well.
The reader is taken seamlessly from Medfield
Academy in Baltimore, where the Prentiss family makes its
home, to the many battlefields where North and South
collide, and even through the drawing rooms of wartime
Richmond, where Hetty, Jenny, and Constance Cary are the
reigning belles.
Ultimately, Two Brothers -One North, One
South is a story about patriotism.
REVIEWS:
"If this
were pure fiction it would be a compelling read. The fact
that it is historically accurate makes it a must read.
Surely this book is a film waiting to be produced" 5-Stars
- R.H. "Bo" Hitchcock - February 2008
"If you are
a Civil War buff, make room on your shelf for this one; if
you love history, you don’t want to miss this one and if you
love an incredibly moving story indulge yourself by reading
Two Brothers: One North, One South." 5-Stars - Diane Snyder
- Armchair Interviews - February 2008
". . . a
highly charged emotional rendering. We rated this touching
novel five hearts." Bob Spear - Heartland Reviews
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