A STORY TOLD WITH COMPASSION, FAMILY DYNAMICS, HOPE, LOVE, AND HUMANITY. LIKE I USED TO DANCE IS A MASTERPIECE. BY AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR BARBARA FRANCES

About Like I Used To Dance

“Our kids, my, my, Gracie” laughed Bud. “Where did we go wrong? One marries God, another a Jew and the last one, the devil!”

Texas, 1951. The Wolanskys—Grace, Bud and their three grown children—are a close-knit clan, deeply rooted in their rural community and traditional faith. On their orderly farm, life seems good and tomorrow always holds promise.

But under the surface, it’s a different story. Grace is beset by dark memories and unnamed fears, calmed only by practicing a secret obsession. Their son Andy has said no to becoming a farmer like his dad and, worse, has fallen in love with a big-city Jewish girl. Youngest child Regina is trapped in a loveless marriage to an abusive, alcoholic husband. Even “perfect” daughter Angela’s decision to become a nun unleashes consequences no one could foresee.

And then Ceil Dollard breezes into town.

Ceil—wealthy, sophisticated, irrepressible—is like a visitor from Mars. She’s a modern woman. She drives a car and wears pants. She blows away tradition and certainty, forcing Grace to face her fears and brave a changing world. Through Ceil, Grace learns about courage and pleasure—but at the risk of losing Bud.

Barbara Frances’ sparkling, richly human novel takes you back to a time when Ike was president and life was slower, but people were the same as now. You’ll encounter a cast of characters storm-tossed by change, held together by love. Written with compassion, humor and suspense, Like I Used to Dance will charm you, warm you and even squeeze a few tears, from its opening number to the last waltz. 

Enjoy this Texas treat !

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Ms. Frances has given us a rare treat. She writes of people and places she knows well....their traditions, their culture, their pleasures and their pains. We come to care very much for these characters and follow their interwoven stories, eager to learn how their struggles are resolved. Ms. Frances infuses her story with her special kind of humor while, at the same time, tugging on our heart strings as her characters, even the less likable ones, strive to overcome their unique challenges. You can feel the hot Texas sun, see the parched landscape, smell the barbecue in the air, because this writer knows and loves her setting. Better set aside time to enjoy this page-turner. It's a real pleasure! What's next Ms. Frances?

LIKE I USED TO DANCE

FRANCE HUNTER BECOMES STRANDED IN THE AMAZON JUNGLE WITH HER COMPANIONS - WILL THEY SURVIVE? THE ANGLE AND THE OWL BY AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR VIV DREWA

 

Before retiring France Hunter decides to go to the place where she found her first new
species of owl: The Amazon. Her group follows a well know angler, John Sinclair, and his team, along with a reporter who wants to do a story on Hunter.

Once arriving at the site, Sinclair leaves to go further up the river. He has a show to record and is hoping to catch an even larger fish this time. He hates having to leave France; he’s fallen in love with her but he has a show to tape and hopes to finish quickly to get back to her.

Hunter, and the group with her, run into a gruesome nightmare with the satellite phone
destroyed and one man fighting for life. Sinclair is not due to pick them up for another week.

Will they survive?

Martha A. Cheves

VINE VOICE

5.0 out of 5 stars Her family planned camping trips here in the past and she just loved it. Now that she graduated from the University ...

Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2016

France Hunter was excited about her first trip to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee. Her family planned camping trips here in the past and she just loved it. Now that she graduated from the University of Michigan, with a degree in ornithology, she was more than ready to study her favorite bird: owls. That is until the black bear decided to show up making her trip short in the wilderness and a bit longer in the hospital.

27 years later she finds herself in the Amazon where she is in search of her first new species of owl - the blue-ringed owl. What she didn't expect were the feelings she soon started to feel after meeting John Sinclair who was the host of the television show 'Sinclair's Adventures'. Rounding out the group was Cathy Birch who was gathering information for her latest magazine article.

Author Viv Drewa brings the search for the blue-ringed owl, the dangers of the Amazon and two people who have just met and their feelings for each other. This was a page turner which I actually finished in 2 nights. Very enjoyable.

AMAZON

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF - YOU HAVE SKILLS THAT YOU CAN MAKE MONEY EVEN IN A PANDEMIC - THE HANDYMAN'S GUIDE TO PROFIT BY AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR A. WILLIAM BENITEZ

Start making money now as a handyman using only your home repair skills. Twelve chapters of valuable how-to information teach you how to:
*Find new customers
*Price every job to ensure profit
*Get paid in full for every job
*Expand your skills for profitability
*Use the Internet to increase profits
*Keep customers coming back and giving referrals
*Handle your accounting and taxes
*Become a highly paid home repair expert

Everything you need to know to succeed financially as a handyman. No fluff or hype, just down to earth details on exactly how to make money using your present skills.

handyman

5.0 out of 5 stars Getting started in the right direction

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I researched a lot of books on this subject before I chose this one, and I'm glad I did. A family member bought me some books on starting a business and they didn't really cover any of the information I was looking for. This business is a business however you sell yourself and your abilities, not a product made somewhere else by someone else in a rented space. This book was informative and gave practical knowledge and experience that was easy to understand. I would recommend this book to those who are thinking about going out on your own, and those who already have...

HANDYMAN'S GUIDE

SOMETIMES IT TAKES A NONPROFESSIONAL TO HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD - RELATIONSHIP IS ONE OF THOSE BOOKS THAT TELLS IT LIKE IT IS. BY AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR A. WILLIAM BENITEZ

When I decided to write this book on relationship, my wife Barbara was surprised and cautioned me by saying that she would not dare write such a book because it was such a varied topic with so many nuances. That scared me because she is certainly more qualified to write about relationship than I am. I hesitated for a while.

Most of my writing had been on housing, business, woodworking, even publishing, but nothing on relationship. It's an expansive topic and I wasn't sure if my information would be of real value. I considered that all my books are based on first hand experience and realized that even though I'm not an expert, I have a life time of experience in relationship. Based on that I felt able to contribute something helpful to some readers and I feel good about this book.

Grady HarpTop Contributor: Children's Books

HALL OF FAMETOP 50 REVIEWER

5.0 out of 5 stars `Relationships are not about competition between partners. It should be about giving and taking.'

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A. William Benitez's career is not as a therapist (his work included the construction business, governmental housing official, woodworking, IT manger for Hyatt Regency, founder of Positive Imaging, LLC writing and publishing) and he succeeds in this book about Relationships because of the gentle manner in which he relates his insights. He has an innate understanding about relationships that work (he is currently happily married for 23 years in a very strong and sustainable marriage) and ones that fail (his first marriage of 17 years ended in divorce) and has the courage to admit that he is one half of each relationship - a gratifyingly honest approach to view life in retrospect as well as with introspection. Or as he states, `My goal with this book is that, as an individual, parent, grandparent, spouse, and lover, I might be able to share just a small amount of information you might find of value.'

As far as the structure of this warm book of supportive guidance is concerned the author states, `This book contains ten chapters entitled: What Is Love, What is a Good Relationship, Fostering and Nourishing Relationships, Harming Relationships, Mutual Respect, Boundaries, Marriage, Breakups and Divorce, Helpful Tips, and Final Thoughts. All the chapters contain information based almost exclusively on personal experience that I hope helps to create safe, happy, and healthy relationships.' And from that platform for discussion we join Benitez in a drawing room atmosphere of heart to heart conversations about each of the topics he outlines.

His highlighted phrases scattered through the book are gems to ponder, phrases like `Love is caring for another person enough to want for her what she wants for herself, even if what she desires is not in your best interest.' After making statements such as this, Benitez dissects it, amplifies it with either personal experiences or postulated ones until we understand the concept completely.

So much of what is shared here is not earthshakingly original: there are therapists and erudite textbooks that serve that purpose. The reason Benitez succeeds is that he is so open and straightforward in the way he discusses those elements of humanity that must be respected in every individual in order to bond with another individual. His suggestions on how to nurture a relationship are simple but so often forgotten (as in the infinitely important art of conversing), his explanation of how to respect boundaries is as solid as anyone has written, and his definitions of how relationships can be harmed is especially poignant (and he is not afraid to discuss spousal abuse openly).

A few other phrases that stand out: `Regard your partner with consideration, appreciation, and acceptance just as she is, not as you believe she should be. Accept and value your partner's point of view even if it differs from yours. Honor your partner's right to privacy by not intruding, interfering, or spying.' `Boredom and predictability can hurt relationships as can the lack of joy and spontaneity.' This is a book of wisdom from experience - one that will touch many aspects of each reader's viewpoints and hopefully will provide examples for change where change is needed. Grady Harp, August 14

Mr. Benitez’s book RELATIONSHIP helped me take a long hard look at what I could do better in all my relationships and in particular those with my husband.

What part do I play in the issues that arise in our marriage on a daily basis?

I found this book extremely helpful and insightful too.

Kudos to Mr. Benitez on writing this book and the work he had to personally do in order to bring it about.

RELATIONSHIP

LOTTIE'S ADVENTURE: FACING THE MONSTER - IS A SUSPENSE-FILLED THRILLING CHAPTER BOOK FOR THOSE 8 TO 108 - BY AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR BARBARA FRANCES

Lottie's Adventure: Facing The Monster, is an action-packed children's book written especially for ages 8 through 14. Children will enjoy this exciting read while also improving their reading skills. Twenty-nine chapters filled with twists and turns keep kids reading to discover the outcome.

Lottie, a lively ten-year old Hispanic girl, longs for something new and different in her life. Her summers up to this point have all been, more or less, the same. Then the arrival of a magical letter and a TV newscast transforms her vacation time in a high adventure.

Her great adventure includes trying to relate to a cold, estranged, and rich grandmother, freeing a kidnapped ten-year-old African American boy from a locked room, hiding him in a safe place, and then fleeing with him from a kidnapper who is always just a step or two behind.

Lottie's Adventure is a vibrant chapter book mystery for preteens that emphasizes the importance of intergenerational communication and love as well as the immense value of thinking beyond cultural stereotypes. To develop a new moral code or vision, both these elements are crucial. Perhaps the most striking quality of "Lottie's Adventure: Facing The Monster" is its powerful positive energy. Featuring a spunky 10-year-old Hispanic heroine, "Lottie's Adventure" keeps interest high and pages turning with exciting plot twists and turns and believable cliffhangers that just keep evolving. The author allows her characters to develop very naturally, with total authenticity. There are many excellent ideas embedded in the story, not the least of which is that people, even wise adults, can learn to admit they are wrong. "Lottie's Adventure" goes a long way towards building a viable alternative to prejudice, and for that and many other reasons, it is highly recommended juvenile reading for kids age 10 and up.

(Review from The Midwest Book Review)

While reading Barbara Frances’ chapter book Lottie’s Adventure: Facing the Monster, I was swept back to the books of my childhood. A place where tweens helped each other and became heroes without the use of make-believe or magic brooms. Just plain old smarts, ingenuity, and integrity.

I was engrossed in the story of Lottie, a Hispanic girl, as she helped Charles Ray a black boy, who had been kidnapped escape and confront the bad guy, outsmarting him, while facing their own fears. The friendship that grew between the two was a lesson in how people all want the same things out of life regardless of their upbringing, race, or nationality.

It is a compelling and wonderful tale that I’d recommend to both adults and the tween alike.

LOTTIE'S ADVENTURE

WAS G - G - DADDY A REAL PARANORMAL EXPERIENCE OR A FIGMENT OF ELAINE CHAUVIER'S IMAGINATION WHICH GOT WORSE AS SHE SUNK DEEPER INTO INSANITY - FIND OUT IN SHADOW'S WAY - BY AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR BARBARA FRANCES

 

Prepare to be spellbound. Barbara Frances' long-awaited third novel, “Shadow's Way,” takes you to the coastal, deep South, where the past and the present mingle in a gothic tale of insanity, murder, and sexual intrigue.

You'll meet the beautiful Elaine Chauvier, former actress and proprietor of Shadow's Way, her family's antebellum home; the esteemed Archbishop Andre Figurant and his fallen identical twin, Bastien; newly arrived Ophelia and Rudy, here to explore their Chauvier roots and their ties to Shadow's Way; and the mysterious Madame Claudine. Under a veneer of piety and graciousness, i.e., the questions: What is good? What is evil? What is reality?

Full of suspense, plot twists and turns, and unforgettable characters, Shadow’s Way takes you on a Gothic romp through the swamps and mansions of the 1980s South. It will entertain you and, at times, almost break your heart. Barbara Frances somehow weaves a page-turning story with humor and with social issues that could be grabbed from today’s headlines. A great read! 

Margaret Roberts

​Ms. Francis’ novel Shadow’s Way, had me enthralled from page one, it kept me reading until so late into the night that I used a flashlight in order not to wake my husband.
I’ve always enjoyed reading gothic tales, but this one went beyond most that I had read. The synopsis was correct, past and present mingled and left me on the edge of my seat. Was G – G – Daddy a real paranormal experience or a figment of Elaine Chauvier’s imagination, which got worse as she sunk deeper into insanity?
I loved the various characters that Ms. Francis brought into play as needed to heighten the story. They were well rounded and interconnected in ways that one has to keep reading to get the full picture.

SHADOW'S WAY

TAKE A JAUNT FROM THE DEPRESSION TO WORLD WAR II - IN LULU AND BETTY GROWING UP IN CHANGING TIMES - BY PATRICIA SAWYERS FISKE - ALL PROFITS GO TO THE UNITED METHODIST CHILDREN'S HOME IN DELTONA, FL

Our story about Betty and Lulu, who grew up in peaceful times, begins in 1933, during the depression, and ends in the early forties as prosperity returned, as our country began mobilizing for World War II.

I started this book because I thought it would be beneficial for young people, like my talented granddaughter, Maria, to contrast growing up during the past seventy-five years, with my formative years, a time of peace, from 1927-1941.

Our childhoods were so very different. I've watched my granddaughter entertain herself with technology from an early age. While she missed knowing about doodlebugs, she can always look them up on her I-Phone or laptop. From a very early age, she was aware of world events; whereas, I didn't realize that my back yard in Kerrville, Texas, was not the center of the Universe until I started to school.

All profits go to the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home in Deltona, FL.

Lulu and Betty: Growing Up In Changing Times

 

This book is a real joy to read. It follows all the personal experiences of two friends who grow up during the depression and World War II eras. Their many youthful experiences in this challenging era will take some elders back to another time and allow young readers to share a different world. Patricia Sawyers Fiske is no longer with us, but her story will touch you deeply.

M. M. Bishop Award-winning author and poet

5.0 out of 5 stars A REMARKABLE AND WONDERFUL READ

Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2020

I bought this book from the publisher at the recommendation of my friend and neighbor Bev, who passed away in 2019.
I loved Patricia Sawyers novel Lulu and Betty Growing up in Changing Times. It took me on a journey back through time, to the days my mother spoke of, when life was simpler, and children’s games were taken from nature, and the imagination could do wonders with just a little.
Reading of the meeting between Betty and Lulu and following them from childhood to young women when the world changed for everyone, and WWII happened.
It is a wonderfully written story, and one I believe is more of a memoir than fiction.
Kudos to Ms., Sawyers Fiske, I would have loved to have known her and sat with her for hours just listening. I know my mother would have loved talking with her too.

AMAZON

JO ANN JONES WROTE A JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE IN ECHOES FROM MY HEART. ALL PROFITS GO TO THE UNITED METHODIST CHILDREN'S HOME IN DELTONA, FL

 Echoes From My Heart is a compilation of poems Jo Ann Jones wrote over many years. A beautiful collection inspired throughout her life’s challenges and joys with continuous inspiration and encouragement from family and friends.  

The poems are divided into nine topics, so you can choose to read the poems in any order. Each topic page has a scripture to share God’s word for the upcoming poems. Read these poems at your leisure or when you need a reminder of God’s blessings and grace.

In addition to acquiring beautiful poetry, you will be contributing to a good cause as all the profits from the sale of Echoes From my Heart will go to the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home in Deltona, FL.

A PROFOUNDLY SPIRITUAL JOURNEY THROUGH POETRY

 

Echoes From My Heart by Jo Ann Jones is a beautifully written poetry book that takes us on a journey through life’s challenges.

It is also a look into the spiritual journey toward Christ’s teachings and helps us to forget our failings and learn to do better.

I loved this book and shall keep it near me, as I journey through life.

Thank you, Ms. Jones for your beautiful words.

AMAZON

ALONE WITH ONLY A SERVANT OF ILL REPUTE - ARTABAN SPENDS YEARS FOLLOWING HIS QUEST TO FIND CHRIST - WILL HE SUCCEED? THE LAST MAGI BY E.A. SHARPE

 Destined to be a Christmas classic, The Last Magi is the story of Artaban, the fourth Wise Man, who leaves his betrothed, the beautiful Rasha, to follow his fellow Magi to Bethlehem. Arriving too late, he sets out to find the child born under the star. Years pass as Artaban chases wisps and rumors across two continents. Weary and impoverished, the last Magi refuses to quit his quest, even as time is running out

​Awesome
This book is awesome. So many times in life people say give up, what's the point, you'll never do it. Artaban never gives up. I admire that. He has a job to do
and he keeps at it even though people call him crazy. It doesn't matter what they think. Don't give up. Don't take the easy way. So even though it's about things that happened 2000 years ago some things don't change. Be strong.
Ja'Kyraon

E.A. Sharpe wrote an absolutely wonderful story that will give you a lift and show what commitment to a goal will bring to you.

It is the story of a Magi who missed his fellow Magi on their quest to find the child whom the star and prophecy spoke of. Yet he sets out on his own, and through hardship, and delays he gives all he has to help those in need along the way.

Years later he feels he is too late, but is he?

I loved this short book of Artaban’s quest to find Christ and believe it is a story that is a great read at any time of the year, especially at Easter.

 

AMAZON

A WONDERFULLY WRITTEN CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE TO CHILL YOU ON THOSE COLD NIGHTS - PETITE - BY BRIDGITTE LESLEY

 

Heath and Gabe had a perfect relationship. She didn’t want to change a thing. Even if it meant not meeting with him. If they met he would see a tiny woman who didn’t size up to much.

Gabe and Heath had been friends for a couple of years. They chatted on the phone and had formed a strong bond and a meaningful relationship. Even though they hadn’t met each other they could discuss anything. He kept on pushing to meet with her. After so many years they had still not met for their first cup of coffee.

The holidays came and Gabe had a freak accident. His parents rushed him to the hospital. It wasn’t anything too serious. The doctor was so attentive and helpful and sorted out the problem. Only Gabe hadn’t realized who Doctor Winters was. He had noticed everything about her. Her gorgeous figure and the way her hands felt on his skin. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

As Gabe was leaving an ambulance flew in to the casualties entrance. They called for Doctor Winters by name. She was gone in a flash. Gabe could not believe his luck. He had met his Heath.

SMASHWORDS

Nigel is politically incorrect and swears like a trucker. Kristen is a by-the-book Police Officer. Can they work together without driving each other nuts before her stalker hurts Kristen? HOLMES IN AMERICA (BOOK 1) BY KAREN VAUGHAN

 

Nigel Holmes is a British Police Officer sent to Toronto after a witness was brutally murdered on his watch. Kristen Sherlock is a Detective who was framed for drug possession, and is being harassed by a dirty cop bent on ruining her. Nigel is politically incorrect and swears like a trucker. Kristen is a by-the-book Police Officer. Can they work together without driving each other nuts before her stalker hurts Kristen? Nigel, Kristen and her former partner, Craig, work to bring the stalker down.

SKY08

5.0 out of 5 stars A cheeky take on a foul-mouthed British detective exiled to a Canadian metropolis

Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2016

Can the Andrew Dice Clay of British detectives get in touch with his inner nice guy when banished to Toronto? One can only hope the renowned politeness of his new Canadian colleagues rubs off on him and quick once this defective detective opens his mouth to speak. The stream of inappropriate epithets is jarring, to say the least. It's no wonder he was exiled to [North] America by his Manchester superiors. Nigel Holme's is loathsome and, oh yes, he also let a serial killer escape after the man killed the woman he loved. Derilection of duty left him damaged personally and professionally. Needless to say, his new compatriots are not that thrilled to meet Nigel. He and his new partner, Kristen Sherlock [yes, Sherlock & Holmes] don't hit it off, but she deploys her niceness to correct and control the out of control Brit. Kristen's got trouble of her own, though. Not all Canadian police officers are nice and there's an especially nasty one who has it in for Kristen. Why? Well, that's part of what this 'whydunit' is about. Can Sherlock avoid becoming a victim of her vicious colleague's wrath? Can Holmes shed his barbarous ways so that he's a suitable colleague and partner for anyone, anywhere? You'll have to read Holmes in America to find out--tongue planted firmly in cheek.

M. M. Bishop Award-winning author and poet

5.0 out of 5 stars IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO LOVE THIS WHODUNIT

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When Kristen Sherlock is on probation and gets the job of babysitting British Detective Nigel Holmes all hell will break loose. The partnership between Sherlock and Holmes becomes an all-out war with a corrupt cop and his minions.
The tension mounts, villains come out of the walls, Sherlock and Eversley fall in love and a good friendship evolves between Sherlock and Holmes as he loses some of the last vestiges of his bad social skills.
I adored this book and can hardly wait for a new installment of the Sherlock and Holmes partnership, or do I say the collaboration between Sherlock, Eversley, and Holmes?
It’s impossible not to love Ms. Vaughan’s books. They are a definite go-to when one wants a good read, with a tad of romance, a lot of suspense, murder, and great plots.

AMAZON

CAN THE REBELS STOP THE ANDROIDS' REIGN OF TERROR OR IS THE HUMAN RACE DOOMED? NO REPRIEVE: AN A.I. THRILLER - BY USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR INGE-LISE GOSS

 

Can the rebels stop the androids’ reign of terror or is the human race doomed?

After escaping the grip of Pellegrin, a powerful android, and joining the rebels, Paislee Hobson is far from safe. Disguised as a recently-recruited employee of the courthouse, she goes undercover at Portland’s courthouse to dig up vital information.

But she soon discovers things aren’t that simple. With Pellegrin promoted to overseeing the entire west coast Institutes, Paislee must use all of her wits to avoid detection—only to find the android is one step ahead of her.

Back in L.A., Paislee is faced with her toughest challenge yet—to gain Pellegrin’s trust in order to infiltrate his high-security office and complete her mission.

As more humans fall victim to the androids and her cover begins to slip, Paislee knows that her time is running out…

Serenity...

HALL OF FAMETOP 10 REVIEWER

5.0 out of 5 stars ~~Multiple Missions/Mystery and Suspense...lots....~~

Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2020

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Lots of suspense, multiple missions and a mystery complete this novel.

Paislee Hobson has escaped and she goes undercover in Portland at a courthouse. She is coached by Tate ..as he is also a member of the rebels. Using an assumed name, Paislee has been given her first mission and that is to determine which judges may be androids. Is she paranoid or are events occurring to create this feeling?

Pellegrin has also been promoted ..now he is overseeing the West Coast institutes...Yes, the plot thickens with this promotion as Paislee has a new mission in LA. AHA...

When a reader is so engrossed in a novel that androids seem to be real, the author has created an excellent piece of work. In addition to the dystopian features such as the levels in this society and the manners in which the humans are controlled, the reader is drawn in to the story as though a magnet has been attached on their body.

For me, a fascinating glimpse into the controlling aspects ..microchips, listening devices, and visual devices all play a key role in this novel. Uncle Ward should also be mentioned as a person of 'interest'.

Definitely will read more by this author as she has a style of writing that I do enjoy. Clear, concise with excellent character development, a well defined plot and an intriguing setting which indeed compliments the writing.

AMAZON