"Sun Dance" by Sigmund Brouwer (2000) - REVIEW

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"The B.B. Weekly Review"

This week's pick is the third novel in Sigmund Brouwer's 'Sam Keaton Legends of Laramie' series; 'Sun Dance'. Also check out my reviews of the first two books: 'Evening Star' and 'Silver Moon'.

Back Cover Blurb:
Someone wants Samuel Keaton dead. Naturally, ever since he pinned on a badge he's had to overcome lots of bad intentions. But this time the danger seems to be coming from the very officials who hired him to guide them to Sioux territory.
Too late, Keaton discovers that this is no ordinary expedition. And when Sioux women and children are slaughtered in a calvary raid, the finger of blame points squarely at him. Neither his honorary status as blood brother or the efforts of a chief's beautiful granddaughter can forestall the results of a Sun Dance-the legendary and gruesom revenge ceremony.
To survive means living through the darkest days of his fledgling faith. And unless Keaton finds the real culprit, the whole territory may erupt in senseless violence.

Review:
The third novel in Sigmund Brouwer's 'Sam Keaton Legends of Laramie' series brings Sam and his readers face to face with fear, shame, guilt, hurt and temptation. After agreeing to accompany a military expedition into Sioux country in hopes of reconnecting with his love and fulfilling his militray debt, Sam's world is rocked beyond comprehension. Death would be welcome and is only avoided time and again by God's grace and the help of faithful friends countless times. Will Sam be able to bounce back and continue with life in Laramie? This is another intriguing and fast paced novel that continues the adventures of Sam Keaton and keeps the reader coming back for a little more.

My Rating: 4/5

Have you read "Sun Dance" by Sigmund Brouwer? I would love to know what you thought!

Want to read it? Find it on Amazon!

Happy Reading!

"Silver Moon" by Sigmund Brouwer (1994) - REVIEW

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"The B.B. Weekly Review"

Today I am reviewing the second novel in Sigmund Brouwer's 'Sam Keaton Legends of Laramie' series; 'Silver Moon'. Also see my review for the first book 'Evening Star'.

Back Cover Blurb:
The fall of '74 was a bad time to start wearing a badge in Laramie. Try as he might, it seems to Samuel Keaton that, like his pay, too many things just don't add up. An unsolved bank robbery and a double murder only add to the frustration of knowing that many of the townspeople don't trust him.
To make matters worse, a fast-riding, hard-drinking band of ex-Confederate renegades sweeps into town, led by a bold outlaw as cold-hearted and tough as she is beautiful. And even if he can withstand her considerable charms, Keaton still faces the prospect of an explosive showdown-one that will test more than his skill as a gunfighter.
The stakes are high. So much is riding on the outcome and the only person who seems able to help is a doctor haunted by his struggles with sobriety. Now, as he considers his odds for survival, Samuel Keaton wonders if he'll still believe in the truth when all the dust has settled.

Review:
Life has changed for Sam Keaton and he now finds himself on the other side of the bars: as Laramie's new Marshall. A double murder and a bank robbery break in Sam's new career and nearly break him as well. Things heat up around town and good friends are made along the way including Doc and Jake, the newly hired, one-armed deputy. The more Sam digs, the more complicated things become. Will he lose his life and his new faith in the midst of everything? Though very predictable, that is what makes this 'cowboy' novel a fun read. I really enjoyed this second book in the 'Sam Keaton Legends of Laramie' novel and recommend it to all ages and genders.

My Rating: 3/5

Have you read "Silver Moon" by Sigmund Brouwer? I would love to know what you thought!
Want to read it? Find it on Amazon!

Happy Reading!

"Evening Star" by Sigmund Brouwer (1994) - REVIEW

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"The B.B. Weekly Review"

For the next several weeks I will be reviewing an author I recently discovered... well actually I bought the whole series of books about 10 years ago and didn't get around to reading them unitl this year, so recent is relative I guess!
This week's pick is the first novel in the 'Sam Keaton- Legends of Laramie' series by Sigmun Brouwer.

Back Cover Blurb:
Samuel Keaton wasn't looking for trouble when he rode into Laramie. Like so many other cowpunchers on payday, having a good time was uppermost in his trail-weary mind. But a few short hours later he was in the saddle again-this time at full gallop and trailing blood and a posse.
In the aftermath of a gunfight he hadn't provoked, Samuel rediscovers that life on the run is a long gamble with uncertain returns. Aided by an enigmatic Indian, he must summon all his resources to evade not only the law, but the vengeful brother of the man he shot, a slick New York detective, and a roving band of Pawnees.
His only hope for survival lies in unraveling the puzzling tribal legend of Morning Star. But Samuel is uncertain how much he should trust the beautiful woman who holds the key, or what she really wants from him. Complicating matter further are the feelings he just can't ignore, and the nagging sense that there has to be more to a man's life than what he can see or touch.

Review: A true cowboy novel! Full of gun fights, marshals, 'Injuns', horse chases and buffalo, yet honest about personal weakness and failure (Sam Keaton always talks about the 'dime novels' that portray cowboys as invincible and how he has to practice really hard to shoot two handed, etc). The novel also includes historical figures and events mixed with the exciting fictional qualities the 'Wild West' demands. Two worlds collide as Sam Keaton tries to escape his past and the law, while Rebecca Montcalm dives headfirst into an unknown world in search of freedom, family and answers. At times the language seems too 'formal' and forced for the setting, but an all around easy and interesting novel.

My Rating: 3/5

Have you read "Evening Star" by Sigmund Brouwer? I would love to know what you thought!
Want to read it? Find it on Amazon!

Happy Reading!

"Tahn" by L.A. Kelly (2005) - REVIEW

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"The B.B. Weekly Review"

Back Cover Blurb:

Trained in his youth to be a mercenary but troubled by the deeds of his past, Tahn Dorn must now choose between the commands of a master and the urgings of his own good conscience. When his latest orders instruct him to kidnap Lady Netta of the House of Trilett, Tahn realizes that following his conscience won’t be easy, especially with the lives of his young students at stake.

As Tahn’s struggle continues, neither he nor Lady Netta can foretell the series of events that will unfold and change both their lives forever. Wrestling to understand Netta’s God, Tahn is filled with doubt, and Netta herself wonders how such a man is willing to risk his life for a ragtag band of little children.

The bravery of an unlikely hero, the love of an honorable lady, and the innocence of each wayward child resonate throughout this gripping tale of courage, faith, forgiveness, and unconditional love.

Review: This novel was a little hard to get in to, but was easily finished. The initial wording and odd language choice took a few chapters to become rhythmic in my head, but once I was in the groove, the story was quite enjoyable. Sometimes, however, events and plot lines soomed to end abruptly or occur without enough cause which was distracting and disorienting. Overall it was an easy read and a good story.

My Rating: 3/5

Have you read "Tahn" by L.A. Kelly? I would love to know what you thought!
Want to read it? Find it on Amazon or check out the Author's website!

Happy Reading!

"Kathy Little Bird" by Benedict & Nancy Freedman (2004) - REVIEW

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"The B.B. Weekly Review"

I bought this book because it is a "Mrs. Mike Novel". I am not really sure what that means anymore, because it kind of disapointed my expectations. I enjoyed the book, it just was not what I was thinking it was going to be and sometimes expectations can really taint a book!
Description: From her Cree mother, Kathy Little Bird has heard stories of her grandmother, Mrs. Mike. She has also learned to sing in the Cree tradition. It is a talent that will serve her well-and soothe her shattered soul-when she becomes a famous country music singer in the 1970s.

My Review: "Kathy Little Bird" recounts the journey of a native girl trying to find herself and live her dreams- neither of which seem to coincide very often. She is a real life character who makes mistakes, screws up and has regrets. I was expecting  more or a romantic-feel-good novel- which is not what I got. Instead, I found a true to life story of mistakes that haunt the future, but eventually work together for good. Because I was in the mood for a feel-good book, I did not really enjoy this book to its full potential. Perhaps one day I will have to pick it up again...

My Rating: 3/5

Have you read "Kathy Little Bird" by Benedist & Nancy Freedman? I would love to know what you thought!
Want to read it? Find it on Amazon!

Happy Reading!

"One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" by Ken Kesey (1962) - REVIEW

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"The B.B. Weekly Review"

Review: This was a fairly good and interesting read. The novel wanders and details life in an insane asylum through the eyes of an inmate. Kesey details the everyday life and struggles of the patients against the "Big Nurse" and how their antics and lives change once R.P.McMurphy , a 'rough n'tough gamblin' man' enters the ward. The inmates journey towards freedom in a world where they are meant to be anything but free. It was a very interesting book, though I probably wouldn't read it a second time. There was some course language and subject matter, making it suitable for a more mature audience, but all in all a good read.  If you like different books, you will enjoy this one, but it is not for everyone.

My Rating: 3/5

Have you read "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" by Ken Kesey? I would love to know what you thought!
Want to read it? Find it on Amazon!

Happy Reading!

"The Catcher in The Rye" by J.D. Salinger (1945) - REVIEW

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"The B.B. Weekly Review"

Review: This is a great read and should be on everyone's 'to be read' list. It is a completely honest novel and reads as if a young man is talking to you straight from his heart. Holden Caulfield is living through extreme depression in which nothing seems to lift the haze. He gets kicked out of school and wanders around the streets of New York for a few days because he doesn't want his parents to find out. His view of humanity in general, as well as specific people he meets and knows is so cynical and skewed,...and yet, it is often the way many (most?) of us would really feel if we were honest. Holden's favourite words, 'phonÿ', 'lousy', 'sad', and 'depressed' are extrememly overused throughout the book... but they sure get the point across.
All in all, I enjoyed this book. There is, however, some foul language and mature content, and is suited for a more mature audience.

My Rating: 3/5

Have you read "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger? I would love to know what you thought!

Want to read it? Find it on Amazon!

Happy Reading!