2010 is coming to a close...

I hope you each had a great 2010 and that 2011 is even better. Stop back on January 1, 2011. I will be sharing my writing plans for 2011 - and I think you will be interested in following our progress here at: "The Homeplace Series" Blog.

Become a follower so you do not miss any updates.

As I approach the Spring 2011 publication of "The Homeplace Revisited," my second novel in the series, I hope and plan to make at least one post per week. I would appreciate your comments and suggestions as we move forward.

Happy Reading,

Bill  ;-)

Misha's Review of 'Back to the Homeplace'

Thank you to Misha Mathew for her recent review of 'Back to the Homeplace' -


Review:
Back To The Homeplace is a beautiful story of family. I love family sagas and stories about family secrets. Hence this book was a perfect read for me.

I could easily identify with the characters. If you've ever had a big family, you would totally elate to them. Every characters was so real. Their emotions, their problems were very realistically presented. Each character was so well-defined that I felt like I knew them.

William Smith's vivid and beautiful descriptions make the book even more compelling. There's even a suspense element to the story which just serves to make the  book even more intriguing. There are twists and turns which kept me on the edge of my seat. The author has even handled social issues like AIDS very well.

Back to the Homeplace is a captivating novel with an intriguing plot-line. I was unable to put down the book. Its a book that will strike a chord with every person who has ever felt those immense emotions that are hidden behind the one word - "Home".This is a heartwarming story about family, relationships and how family will always remain important no matte how far you leave them behind.

Overall:
Compelling and intriguing!

Recommended?
Yes! To all fans of family sagas and literary fiction.


See the full review at: http://books-love-affair.blogspot.com/2010/10/review-back-to-homeplace-by-william.html


"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

Latest Book Review - Back to the Homeplace

Book Review

My Review (by Jessica Manning), on her Book Loving Mommy blog:

I thought this book had an amazing storyline.  I started reading it and really couldn't put it down.  One of my favorite things about the book was the news blurbs at the beginning of each chapter.  I was only 9 in 1987 so I loved seeing what t.v. shows were on and what music was big!  It brought back a lot of memories from my youth.

The characaters were very real in this book.  The way their lives all twisted together was captivating.  The trials they faced were all very real.  I had a small issue with how everything bad happened all at once to various families.  I also thought the author could have used a less formal speech for the characters.  I sometimes thought the way they spoke was a little unrealistic but nothing that really bothered me.  

All in all, it was a wonderful book with realistic situations and issues.  The characters were well developed and it was an easy read.  I really enjoyed this book.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars!

Disclaimer:  The author sent this book to me free of charge in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Enjoy the Book Trailer for "Back to the Homeplace"

Book Trailer for "Back to the Homeplace"

"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

Get your Kindle copy of "Back to the Homeplace" today - low price!

Please note that following some marketing research, the price on Amazon.com for the Kindle Edition of Back to the Homeplace by William Leverne Smith has been reduced to $5.95.

We hope this will get some more readers, especially before the the second novel in the series comes out. Please check the Kindle Edition out now, and let us know what you think. Enjoy the Read!  ;-)

"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

Flora and Fauna Friday - Nine-banded Armadillo

Flora and Fauna Friday - Nine-banded Armadillo

The Nine-banded Armadillo is the most widespread of the armadillos. It is a solitary, mainly nocturnal animal, found in many kinds of habitats. It is an insectivorous animal, feeding chiefly on ants, termites and other small invertebrates. The armadillo can jump 3-4 feet straight in the air if sufficiently frightened, making it a particular danger on roads.



The following is from: http://stateoftheozarks.net/NaturalHeritage/Critters_Furry.html

Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)

Length: head and body, 15-17.5 inches; tail, 13-15.5 inches.
What to look for: bony plates on body, tail, and top of head; large ears; long, squarish snout.
Habitat: brushy or rocky areas; forests (pines in East).

— page 44, Wernett, Susan J., et al. North American Wildlife. The Reader's Digest Association, Inc., 1986.



"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

A Wednesday Recipe - Skillet Pork Hash

A Wednesday Recipe - Skillet Pork Hash

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb. boneless pork loin, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 (16-oz)package refrigerated cooked, peeled, and diced potato
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/3 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 20 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Heat oil in large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pork 3 to 4 minutes, until slightly brown. Stir in potato, onion, green pepper, garlic, broth, thyme, salt and pepper. Cover, lower heat, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. Place skillet under broiler 4 to 5 inches from heat source. Broil until surface of hash is crisp and golden brown, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley.

Cook's Tip:

Have some leftover pork roast and potatoes? Cut up and toss together for a hearty winter breakfast - or supper - treat. For dinner, serve with crusty hard rolls and a fruit salad. As part of a morning menu, serve with fresh fruit and muffins.

Courtesy of National Pork Board
via: Back to the Box Cooking 30-Minute Meals, Edited by Barbara Greenman
Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers: New York (2010)
ISBN 13: 978-1-57912-812-8



"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)