{"id":357,"date":"2017-10-18T07:08:30","date_gmt":"2017-10-18T07:08:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/alluringcreations.co.za\/wp\/?page_id=357"},"modified":"2025-11-17T15:30:29","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T13:30:29","slug":"your-reviews","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/alluringcreations.co.za\/wp\/your-reviews\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Reviews"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Here you can read the latest reviews of my historical, contemporary, poetry and kids books. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reviews are like oxygen for an author<\/span>. Without reviews, other readers might not find out about how wonderful a book is. If you enjoy an enjoyable read, please take a minute to summarize your thoughts. Below are some of the reviews I have received for my books from readers, bloggers, and the press.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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THIS COMMENT<\/strong>: “there are some authors that I would also recommend as they produce books that are always at the top of my preorder list as soon as I know they are available and no I don\u2019t even read the blurb \u2013 Angela Marsons<\/a>, LJ Ross<\/a>, James Oswald<\/a>, Rachel Amphlet<\/a>t<\/a><\/strong>, Patricia Furstenberg <\/strong><\/a>and absolutely anything written by authors published by Orenda Books.” (Mandie Griffiths, JenMen Book Reviews<\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

When Secrets Bloom<\/strong><\/em>, Book 1 in Blood of Kings, Heart of Shadows<\/em> historical fiction series – reviews:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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book series Blood of Kings, Heart of Shadows by Patricia Furstenberg set in medieval Transylvania<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

“I could fill this entire review with amazing quotes, and here is one more: \u201cTo me Father had always been a pillar\u2013weathered but unbroken. Yet in that moment, against the tide of self-interest, he seemed smaller. Not less, but alone. Like the last tower still standing after the fortress has fallen.\u201d This is just one example of how Furstenberg, throughout this work, displays her strong ability to use people, places, and nature itself to not only convey meaning, but to pull the reader in and show them the story.” (by Bobbie DeMoss, Reviewer, on Bonnie Reads and Writes<\/a>) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It\u2019s a well-constructed story, with convincing and compelling characters who interact in the present whilst influenced by their pasts, against the background of a medieval city pervaded by racial and religious tensions: a place where the impulse to trust is undercut by superstition and where it\u2019s not safe to walk after dark for fear of a literal stab in the dark which could mean a savage and sudden end. Author Patricia Furstenberg captures the atmosphere of the place in haunting detail.”(Laura Lyndhurst<\/a>, Author)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transylvania<\/em><\/strong>\u2019s History A to Z: 100 Word Stories<\/strong> <\/em>reviews:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThis book will take you on a journey through time<\/strong>.\u201d (5 Stars, Bonnie Reads<\/a> and Amazon Review)
\u201cAn informative history book<\/strong> and an imaginative and descriptive work of fiction.\u201d (5 Stars Amazon Reader)
\u201cAn excellent read<\/strong> for anyone like me who loves history!\u201d (5 Stars Amazon Review and on Paddy\u2019s blog<\/a>)
\u201cYou will always discover something new <\/strong>between the words.\u201d (5 Stars Goodreads Review and on Miss Judy\u2019s blog<\/a>)
\u201cI bought<\/strong> the paperback<\/strong> version of Patricia\u2019s book and was delighted by the photos<\/strong> and the short stories.\u201d (5 Stars Amazon Reader<\/a> and on Dawn\u2019s blog<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Reviews for contemporary fiction novel Silent Heroes<\/em><\/strong> – read the first pages on my blog here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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One of the first reviews I received for Silent Heroes came from the amazing Mandie Griffith blogging Jen Med Book Reviews<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mandie said: ” I have been a fan of Patricia\u2019s books for quite some time. The majority of what I have read has been children\u2019s books very much focused around animals. She has a great way of capturing their personalities and characteristics that engages the reader no matter what their age. Silent Heroes is another one of those books\u2026
<\/em>Although this is a work of fiction there are truths to it that will tug at your heart. For anyone who has not read one of Patricia\u2019s books then I would recommend this one.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Silent Heroes made the list of “Best Books of 2019<\/a><\/strong><\/em>” as compiled by wonderful book blogger Mani at Mani’s Book Corner. <\/em>She said: “I\u2019ve not read many books about soldiers and service dogs in the army, but this is a wonderful read.T” and “This was a great read. I loved every page. I also learnt quite a few interesting things.”
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You can read Mani’s review on her blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sally of Smorgasbord Book reviews<\/strong>, <\/em>always supportive and an avid reader wrote a heart-warming review that couldn’t be more true to the book. She said “I recommend that if you are unfamiliar with why and how the young men and women of our armies are involved in this conflict, that you read Silent Heroes. It is a way to honour their service, that of their canine brothers-in-arms, and the bravery of the Afghanistan population, trying to exist in a country torn apart by devastating conflict.” <\/em>You can read her thoughts here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A review that made my heart sing came from Jen from Books by Jen<\/a>:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I feel like, diving into this review, I need to give a little bit of my own background and viewpoint. My degree is in World History with an emphasis on the Modern Middle East. I was exceptionally happy to read a novel that dealt so expertly with terrorism in a way that avoided stereotypes and hatred. I applaud the research that went into writing, which speaks highly of the author herself.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The beauty of language is expertly navigated by Furstenberg. She weaves together the words in an almost poetic way despite the prose nature of the novel. The imagery weaves reality with an abstract view of the subject. She does this at multiple points and there were definitely passages I reread just for the pure beauty of the words.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I would also like to talk about Furstenberg\u2019s portrayal of the people of Afghanistan. She makes sure to show them as people. While the Taliban are in the forefront as the enemy, she doesn\u2019t hesitate to show how normal and, well, not evil the vast majority of these people are. First off, she makes sure to show that the people of Afghanistan actually condemn the actions of their Islamic extremists and that they are just trying to survive. They are mothers, daughters, sons, fathers, aunts, and uncles. They are people. It is far too common to portray Middle Easterners as all one unit of evil. It\u2019s always refreshing to see a portrayal of a group of people as not only diverse and not part of an extreme evil but as a unique people. She mentions different groups\/tribes in Afghanistan alone. It is so nice to see this exploration of a diverse culture that isn\u2019t stereotypical and full of extreme inaccuracies and prejudices.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The relationship between the dog handlers and their dogs was a highlight of the book. The dogs were given such strong personalities and their connection to their handlers was beautifully portrayed. The story revolves around these relationships and their importance. It gives a deeper level of humanity to the story when the dogs themselves are so full of generosity, love, and kindness. It is a perfect portrayal of the animal\u2019s spirit.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys reading war stories or who are animal lovers.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can read Jen’s entire review here<\/a>.
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Chrissu from Book Review Hub<\/strong> enjoyed the book so much that she created some amazing visuals to go with her review, here<\/a>. She thought: “Silent Heroes makes you value more everything that you have right now, everyone that is close to you. It definitely struck a chord inside me as my father is in the military himself. Bravery like that is extremely rare nowadays. Selflessness even more so. Read Patricia\u2019s book and think about it. Deeply and with honesty in your heart. Be true to yourself. You owe them that<\/em>.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have read both books. Very different from each other but equally great https:\/\/t.co\/kEH0AO9AiB<\/a><\/p>\u2014 Mandie (@mgriffiths163) February 22, 2021<\/a><\/blockquote>