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Ring go Round Reviewed By June Maffin of Bookpleasures.com
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June Maffin

Reviewer June Maffin:Living on an island in British Columbia, Canada, Dr. Maffin is a neophyte organic gardener, eclectic reader, ordained minister (Anglican/Episcopal priest) and creative spirituality writer/photographer with a deep zest for life. Previously, she has been grief counselor, broadcaster, teacher, journalist, television host, chaplain and spiritual director with an earned doctorate in Pastoral Care (medical ethics i.e. euthanasia focus). Presently an educator, freelance editor, blogger, and published author of three books, her most recent (Soulistry-Artistry of the Soul: Creative Ways to Nurture your Spirituality) has been published in e-book as well as paperback format and a preview can be viewed on YouTube videos. Founder of Soulistry™ she continues to lead a variety of workshops and retreats connecting spirituality with creativity and delights in a spirituality of play. You can find out more about June by clicking on her Web Site.






 
By June Maffin
Published on December 30, 2011
 

Author: Patda Jim

Publisher: Warren Publishing Group

ISBN: 978-1-4276-3611-9


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Author: Patda Jim

Publisher: Warren Publishing Group

ISBN: 978-1-4276-3611-9



It is the night before my wedding.  I am frightened beyond words.”  And with these words of fifteen year old Marlene, the story of two women (separated by a hundred years, yet united by the story and existence of an antique ring), begins.

Forced into an arranged marriage in 1894, Marlene becomes the wife of a cruel and abusive husband, Paul van der Mehr, and is constantly under the watchful eye of both her husband and mother in law. Her future in the Netherlands seems bleak, even hopeless.  How will she extricate herself from this terrible situation?

Just when the reader is eager to learn more about young Marlene’s life, the author moves the reader to another century, another country, and another young woman. 

American-born and modern-day Marieke Whitteker is in Belgium on a business trip when she visits a jewelry store and is drawn to an exquisite antique ring and to Clemens, the store’s owner.  She remembers Mike, back home in the United States, loves and wants to marry her. She becomes conflicted and unable to make her choice between the two.  Then a terrible tragedy happens.

But, again, just when the reader is eager to see how the romance between Marieke and Clemens unfolds, the author moves the reader back to Marlene and her story.

A strong-willed and compassionate young woman, Marlene is determined to save herself and her children from an ugly life of suffering.  And then she encounters Leonardo who just may be what is needed for her to have a life that is no longer bleak or hopeless and who offers hope and promise of a good life for her and her children.

But then, the author takes the reader back to Marieke’s story.

It is this back and forth seamless switching between the stories of the two women that keeps the reader wanting to read more - not just about the lives of the two of them - but about the ring that somehow binds them together.

Author Patda Jim weaves a beautiful narrative of intrigue, mystery, romance and history with fully developed characters alongside wonderful glimpses of the history, geography and just-before-the-turn-of-the-century culture of the Netherlands.

Underneath the irresistible plot are the questions “What is the relationship between these two women?” and “How will Marieke discover the story of the antique ring?”  The answers are conveyed in an unexpected and creatively-written way. 

But, don’t sneak a peak; don’t, don’t, don’t!  This is a book you’ll want to savour.  This is a book you will want to take time to enjoy ... to picture the scenery - to imagine the settings - to visualize the characters who come alive because of the author’s skill - and to try to discover the connection between the two women and what role the antique ring plays in their lives.  The ending may surprise you - another delightful twist by a skilled and imaginative storyteller.


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