Providence pond - book review

Author, Beresford McLean brings a new novel to his fans, this one delves into a time when British culture dominates over those within Jamaica. Providence Pond’s 500 pages are divided into four parts; each involves four generations of the King family between 1880-1920. The book closes with an afterword that provides insight into some of the issues in Jamaica over the years. Readers may want to read this section first, as it will definitely enrich the experience.

A mysterious Wiseman suddenly appears to a small group of seven individuals from Providence Pond just when matters were about to get out of hand. Asa, an aged shaman-like character, intends to begin a new branch of his “Family” within their community, and this scares some folks who are intimidated by the persecuting officials. But Asa leaves and does not return until much, much later – bringing Congo King and Miss Hene along with him. There are numerous characters in Beresford’s novel but Congo, the co-leader of the new branch of Asa’s Family, is the leading role.

When I began this project, I was under the mistaken impression that it would be about a cultural clash between two peoples. Instead, the story seems to be more about a small group of people in a rural area who have children and the children have children – the readers witnessing all the drama from adultery, romance, jealousy and greed.

Anticipation of a mistaken impression could have lead to my disappointment with some sections of the book. But the transformation of Detective Graham was something I wouldn’t have wanted to miss and I am glad that I read the book through to the end. I was certainly intrigued by the beliefs, culture and drumming – perhaps due to our home-based business, Drum-it Percussion. Sadly, the story did not delve deeply into these subjects. However, the brief glimpses were certainly bright points for me.

Providence Pond is Mr. McLean’s second novel – the first being Broken Gourds – and is currently working on a third book. He is a generous man, deeply involved in numerous charities. Beresford actually emigrated from Jamaica to the United States roughly 36 years ago, and so writing about his homeland obviously slips easily into his novels.

This book would certainly appeal to readers who enjoy rural romance.

Publisher: Anancy Books

ISBN: 0-9753297-1-5

The island off stony point - book review

Keith Sinteris and his wife Malena (the brains of the operation) hire three skilled accomplices (Stony, Bartolo and Duane) to kidnap three hostages from a monastery along with the holy tabernacle containing consecrated "bread". For all her planning, Malena had no way of knowing just how awry the hostage taking could go.

Detective Jessica Harding and FBI Agent Rob Dexter are on the case. Strong willed and quick witted, Jessica puts the FBI agent in his place from the moment the two were introduced. Intrigued, Rob cannot get her out of his mind. With so few clues, the odds are stacked against the two "good guys", yet they struggle on while the immense ransom demands continue to haunt the Catholic Church.

This is a well-told story line involving a mysterious home on an island that has a distinctive secret. The author uses scenes such as the fantastic cave hideout, the lung-busting chore of stashing loot and a magnificent storm to heighten interest.

There are several unique aspects to this suspense-filled novel over others in the adventure crime thriller genre. For one thing, the two women are the strongest characters - both leaders and quick thinkers, but on opposite sides. The Island off Stony Point certainly conveys the inherent goodness of people but also shows the great lengths that desperate and driven people will pursue. I also thought it was interesting that this is actually the second novel involving the leading hostage character, a Father Martin – who was in Regis’s first novel, The Oculi Incident.

Kudos to author Regis Schilken for this excellent novel!

Author: Regis Schilken

Publisher: Bridgeway Books

ISBN#: 1-933538-13-9

Pages: 220

Recipes cooks can trust and love

Many cookbooks these days are long on dazzle and flash, and short on good recipes that we can instantly trust and love.

New York Times best-selling author Phyllis Pellman Good gives us recipes that include ingredients we already have on hand or can easily buy-recipes that are easy, foolproof and will make our families smile.

Good's series of slow-cooker cookbooks, "Fix-It and Forget-It," sold more than 6 million copies! Now, her new "Fix-It and Enjoy-It! Cookbook" (Good Books, $15.95) offers readers even more tried-and-true, welcome-home recipes for stovetop and oven cooking.

A collection of more than 675 recipes submitted by at-home cooks from around the country, the "Fix-It and Enjoy-It! Cookbook" features mouthwatering favorites such as "10-Minute Meatloaf" and "Frozen Mocha Cheesecake." Each recipe includes its prep and cooking times.

Here's an appetizer recipe taken from the new book:

Cheese and Shrimp Strudel

Makes 16-18 slices

1 half of a 17.25-ounce package (1 sheet) frozen puff pastry, thawed

11/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion

1 cup (4 ounces) cooked shrimp, chopped, or 4.5 ounces canned shrimp, rinsed, drained and chopped

1 egg, beaten

On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed puff pastry to a 10" x 18" rectangle.

Place rectangle of pastry on a lightly greased, large baking sheet.

In a medium-sized bowl, stir together cheese, sour cream, onion, shrimp and half the beaten egg (about 2 tablespoons).

Spread the mixture length-wise down half of the rectangle. Brush edges of pastry (using pastry brush) with some of the remaining beaten egg.

Carefully fold dough over the filling and seal edges with the tines of a fork. Brush top and sides of strudel with remaining egg.

Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove from oven and cool 20 minutes before slicing. With a very sharp knife, slice slightly on the diagonal.

A cookbook with detailed directions, including prep and cooking times, can help even novice cooks navigate the kitchen with confidence.