Coffee with Thunderbolts

By Marianne G Petrino

 Here we follow part of the journey of Elena and her Aunt and mentor Rosemarian. The cast of characters who each play a role in this journey are interesting and magical. By magical, I mean in the literal sense, not just an adjective for a well thought out character. Elena feels that she has failed to live up to her mothers ambitions for her, and in fact she has. The most important aspect of this is that her mothers ambitions and Elena's are worlds apart, literally.

Elena and Rosemarian and company journey to some mystical areas of our country in pursuit of Mayan truths. The adventures they have along the way are well worth reading, but perhaps even more so the antics of the beings they encounter, both corporal and non.

I would say that this may not be a book for everyone, but really, what book is? And how do you know unless you give it a try? I enjoyed spending time with these characters and think that anyone who has a curiosity about the Mayans, 2012, magic, metaphysics, labyrinths or for that matter family dynamics will enjoy this story.

Broken Tees and Mended Hearts. A Life's Journey Serving Wounded Warriors and Injured Spirits

I found this book to be a truly inspiring collection of stories about a small group of people
who refused to allow a physical handicap to define them. Armed with courage and support of
friends and family, this group of athletes prove to themselves and others that you cannot allow
the opinions or doubts of others to keep you from challenging yourself. Not even if these naysayers are
medical professionals.

Having worked with special needs children and young adults for several years, I have been witness to many everyday miracles. This author has seen quite a few of her own and she shares them with her readers. I think this is a wonderful book for those facing physical challenges and their families. One cannot help but to be filled with admiration and respect for individuals profiled. Hopefully they will find the optimism and inspiration they need to create a miracle of their own.