Debut Historical Fiction Novel Maintains 5/5 Star
Teresa K. Saari
February 03, 2005
The title of Shirley Roe’s debut novel spurs my desire to read and discover for myself, exactly what the fuss is about. Released in December of 2004, Of Dreams and Nightmares continues to maintain a five star ranking on Amazon, and upon reading the reviews, I’m certainly not surprised. I look forward to reading Of Dreams and Nightmares, and I am equally looking forward to book two, entitled A Call to Faith and Freedom, which is soon to be released. Reviews for both books can be found at the end of this article.
Shirley Roe divides her time between Ontario, Canada and north Florida. A freelance writer, her diverse writing skills have been rewarded with several awards for both poetry and business articles. Her business expertise stems from her career in the business administration/ accounting business that she has owned and operated for several years in Ontario, Canada. Shirley’s poetry is available in six volume Chap books. Shirley says that writing is her passion and Martha McGuire is just the first of many intriguing characters that we will be introduced to over the next few years.
Shirley has been the Managing Editor of Allbooks Reviews since 2000. She says that being able to support, encourage and promote new authors fulfills her "Life purpose". Being an author herself, she can empathize with author's problems and insecurity. Over the years Shirley has become friends and business associates with many of the authors through Allbooks Reviews. One of the fastest growing review sources in the industry, Allbooks Reviews owes its success to giving honest, forthright reviews as well as offering much needed support. The service fees are one of the best values in the review/promotion industry today. Integrity and good value for the author's dollar will lead to continued success for Shirley A. Roe and Allbooks Reviews.
For Review Copies, book signing info or an interview contact: Author, Shirley A. Roe at the following email:
theadmadv@aol.com or by phone: 850-233-6859
website www.booksbyshirleyroe.bravehost.com
Review: Of Dreams and Nightmares:
Roe introduces her characters in England during the 19th century when betrayal sends the heroine on an unwanted voyage to America. There, her real journey begins. Having lived a pampered life, she is continually challenged by pioneer life and a domineering husband she was forced to marry. She has lost all hope, but others still cling to it as they embark on a journey to free her from her misery.
Most of the characters are enjoyable, of a pleasant nature, and piqued my curiosity immediately—and of course, every book has its villain and Roe defined a doozy! I couldn’t put the book down because I was spellbound by the mission of each character and simply by their existence.
Roe’s unique style of writing includes descriptive words that flow smoothly as she paints a vivid picture. Her descriptions are so intense, so lively, there is a feeling of oneness with the characters; you’ll feel the chill in the air … the warmth of the fire … the dread of dire circumstances.
A beautiful read that is both entertaining and historically on target and highlights how individuals grow and find enlightenment through daily interactions with others—whether good or bad. Of Dreams and Nightmares is an intriguing tale and according to Roe, the first of many to come.
Reviewed by Kimberly Largent Christopher, Editor
Charge the Cannons Publishing
985 Forge Road
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 241-4484 Phone & Fax
KJLwrite@aol.com or
Chargethecannons@aol.com
Review: A Call to Faith and Freedom:
It is a fascinating book, with a powerful storyline, strongly drawn characters and vivid descriptions of the locations in which the action is set.
Anyone interested in matters Celtic should read this book, for while it combines romance and high adventure, it is wonderfully informative about the customs and mores of the Celts, and one comes away from the book feeling that not only has one just read a rattling good story but also that one has benefited from a most interestingly presented history lesson. Shirley Roe has a detailed knowledge of the intricacies of Celtic life, philosophy and religious practices, and sets the love interest in the context of a carefully observed portrait of sixth-century Scotland, when the native Celts were fighting to retain their land for their goddess, and the Druid priests and priestesses were ranged against the Christian invaders. Indeed, Shirley Roe graphically, and sympathetically, depicts a people under attack battling to retain their way of life. She paints a sharply executed picture of a feudal society in which the Lord and Lady provide shelter and a livelihood to those in their domain and expect total loyalty in return; when loyalty wavers, vengeance is quick and unequivocal. Life was simple and harsh, colored black and white rather than gray.
Yet, if there was savagery – with treachery being met with bloody reprisal – there was also tenderness, and the author brings alive four joyous love stories, and indeed the book ends with a spectacular scene of the recently united Archdruid and High Priestess standing together amidst the heather-clad Scottish mountains, exultantly worshiping the rising sun.
This book offers the reader an exciting tale full of suspense and variety. Shirley Roe is a skillful storyteller who keeps the reader hooked from the first page to the last; and moreover, in addition to being a novelist, she is also a poet, and woven into her narrative are small, dramatic poems that fit beautifully with the sense of Celtic spirituality and other-worldliness that pervades her book. I recommend this book as an excellent read.
Reviewed by Robina Williams, UK author of Jerome and the Seraph and Angelos
Shirley Roe divides her time between Ontario, Canada and north Florida. A freelance writer, her diverse writing skills have been rewarded with several awards for both poetry and business articles. Her business expertise stems from her career in the business administration/ accounting business that she has owned and operated for several years in Ontario, Canada. Shirley’s poetry is available in six volume Chap books. Shirley says that writing is her passion and Martha McGuire is just the first of many intriguing characters that we will be introduced to over the next few years.
Shirley has been the Managing Editor of Allbooks Reviews since 2000. She says that being able to support, encourage and promote new authors fulfills her "Life purpose". Being an author herself, she can empathize with author's problems and insecurity. Over the years Shirley has become friends and business associates with many of the authors through Allbooks Reviews. One of the fastest growing review sources in the industry, Allbooks Reviews owes its success to giving honest, forthright reviews as well as offering much needed support. The service fees are one of the best values in the review/promotion industry today. Integrity and good value for the author's dollar will lead to continued success for Shirley A. Roe and Allbooks Reviews.
For Review Copies, book signing info or an interview contact: Author, Shirley A. Roe at the following email:
theadmadv@aol.com or by phone: 850-233-6859
website www.booksbyshirleyroe.bravehost.com
Review: Of Dreams and Nightmares:
Roe introduces her characters in England during the 19th century when betrayal sends the heroine on an unwanted voyage to America. There, her real journey begins. Having lived a pampered life, she is continually challenged by pioneer life and a domineering husband she was forced to marry. She has lost all hope, but others still cling to it as they embark on a journey to free her from her misery.
Most of the characters are enjoyable, of a pleasant nature, and piqued my curiosity immediately—and of course, every book has its villain and Roe defined a doozy! I couldn’t put the book down because I was spellbound by the mission of each character and simply by their existence.
Roe’s unique style of writing includes descriptive words that flow smoothly as she paints a vivid picture. Her descriptions are so intense, so lively, there is a feeling of oneness with the characters; you’ll feel the chill in the air … the warmth of the fire … the dread of dire circumstances.
A beautiful read that is both entertaining and historically on target and highlights how individuals grow and find enlightenment through daily interactions with others—whether good or bad. Of Dreams and Nightmares is an intriguing tale and according to Roe, the first of many to come.
Reviewed by Kimberly Largent Christopher, Editor
Charge the Cannons Publishing
985 Forge Road
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 241-4484 Phone & Fax
KJLwrite@aol.com or
Chargethecannons@aol.com
Review: A Call to Faith and Freedom:
It is a fascinating book, with a powerful storyline, strongly drawn characters and vivid descriptions of the locations in which the action is set.
Anyone interested in matters Celtic should read this book, for while it combines romance and high adventure, it is wonderfully informative about the customs and mores of the Celts, and one comes away from the book feeling that not only has one just read a rattling good story but also that one has benefited from a most interestingly presented history lesson. Shirley Roe has a detailed knowledge of the intricacies of Celtic life, philosophy and religious practices, and sets the love interest in the context of a carefully observed portrait of sixth-century Scotland, when the native Celts were fighting to retain their land for their goddess, and the Druid priests and priestesses were ranged against the Christian invaders. Indeed, Shirley Roe graphically, and sympathetically, depicts a people under attack battling to retain their way of life. She paints a sharply executed picture of a feudal society in which the Lord and Lady provide shelter and a livelihood to those in their domain and expect total loyalty in return; when loyalty wavers, vengeance is quick and unequivocal. Life was simple and harsh, colored black and white rather than gray.
Yet, if there was savagery – with treachery being met with bloody reprisal – there was also tenderness, and the author brings alive four joyous love stories, and indeed the book ends with a spectacular scene of the recently united Archdruid and High Priestess standing together amidst the heather-clad Scottish mountains, exultantly worshiping the rising sun.
This book offers the reader an exciting tale full of suspense and variety. Shirley Roe is a skillful storyteller who keeps the reader hooked from the first page to the last; and moreover, in addition to being a novelist, she is also a poet, and woven into her narrative are small, dramatic poems that fit beautifully with the sense of Celtic spirituality and other-worldliness that pervades her book. I recommend this book as an excellent read.
Reviewed by Robina Williams, UK author of Jerome and the Seraph and Angelos
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