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 Review #4043913 |
 | Invalid Item  [] |
| (5.0)  What compelled me to read "Invalid Item" Chapter 2? It is Mandy  's Anniversary!  First, the folder; "The Water Eater," and it's brief description, "Chapters of a Supernatural/Thriller,"was a draw. The photograph headlining "Water-Eater" is mysterious, and alluring. The face of the girl in the photo looks as if she is peering through ripples of water. "Invalid Item" is the first chapter. Seven people had already rated Chapter One, and since it is her fourth year anniversary, and I wanted to give something a little extra; deciding to review Chapter Two, I read both one and two. It was a pleasure. There are several things which strike chords with me in this title. I guess this is why some readers are drawn to Stephen King, while others identify with Evanovich; not that a reader couldn't love both. There is some level of connection, or kinship which comes through the lives of the characters in some story's; from a creaky old house of our childhood, to the scenery in a wilderness area once driven. Family structure shows up in fantasy, horror or wherever; luring the reader in, sometimes dragging and kicking. Successful authors can skillfully put into words and verse, the passion, needs, fear and hunger that mere mortals are unable to articulate. Mandy has done this within the realm of this tale.  Chapter 2 Celia has been given more gifts at a new life than she can count. Because of her Lily, she feels purpose. She does not really question the good fortune of Lily's unexpected arrival. There was someone to love, someone else to talk to. The departure of Dennis should have meant freedom, but it was not until Celia decided to leave, and start fresh back home at her brothers homestead, that she foresees a new future, a new hope. Characters: Lily is a unique being. She is left with Celia, bearing only a pendant around her neck. The infant is content. I love what the author says about Lily, "There was a presence, a knowing in those glorious orbs that were almost tinted violet. Celia decided that she was an old soul." Celia claims the child as her own, but some natural jealousy springs from the mind of Celia as she handles the Pendant. She wants them to start fresh, where no one will ever ask too many questions about Lily. It is professional story telling when a writer/teller can show the thoughts, and nuances of one person, it is extraordinary when they do this with two main protagonists: The following parts of paragraphs are illustrative of intent and thought. "It had become an ownership tag that Celia opted to ignore. Many times she’d considered throwing it into the woods, but she always weakened and tossed it back into a draw or an equally thoughtless spot, hoping it would disappear...Maybe it will slip out of my pocket... Lily chose that moment to wake. Her eyes opened and she stared up at Celia as if she was reminding her that the pendant belonged to her. Celia flushed with guilt. Lily didn’t know about her underhanded plans for the pendant...It was ludicrous to imagine that Lily knew what she'd considered doing with the pendant...it didn't stop the shame from reddening her cheeks."  + + = Dennis Celia's brother Cliff. By the end of chapter two, Cliff begins to take on extra breadth, filling in with bold strokes. He seems to be a gentle giant, who cares for his sister, and shows amazing support; "Your brilliant brother made a cot for your 'goddess in grooming'. Why don’t you go see if she approves while I make us a coffee.”  Description: There are many examples of description done very well, that has been pointed out in earlier comments. Using description and humor, this is a favorite; The tacky portrait of a Hawaiian woman with one exposed breast still had pride of place on the lounge room wall. This picture is one I can almost envision - it had been years since she visited, and this observation by Celia puts the icing on the cake; “It looks like you’ve ogled some of the paint off that picture.” Celia said, motioning to the frangipani-embossed maiden. “She looks tired.”   {bOverall: If this book were on a library shelf, I would read it. Had this been a review to consider the complete "Invalid Item" for the collection at our library, based on what I have read so far, I would recommend it for purchase.Happy Anniversary, and thank you for all you do, and how you have influenced me as a writer and reviewer.  ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **  My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
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You responded to this review 09/30/2014 @ 2:56am EDT