The Alley of Wishes (Book) - 3/15/2003 8:24:15 PM
I have had the pleasure of reading Laurel's amazing book in its entirety and I have to tell you...YOU ARE IN FOR A REAL TREAT!!! This lady is a rare talent to be sure! Love her and I lover her work! I know you will too. Fabulous Book...Fabulous Writer!
Hugs,
Victoria
The Alley of Wishes (Book) - 12/27/2002 1:37:38 PM
Reviewed by Kathy Bosworth for Denise's Pieces Book Review.
The Alley of Wishes is one of the finest pieces of literature I have had the pleasure of reading in a long time. The creativity of the author's beautiful words captured my interest from the first page. The characters are well defined and endearing.
This is a heartwarming tale of Beck; a disillusioned, broken man. Three years of fighting on the front lines during WWI have left this American with little hope. Cerise is a victim of abuse, which has left her spirits wounded. They find each other in war torn Paris. Can their love heal old scars? Will the adversity that has plagued each of them make them stronger?
The writing style of Ms Johnson made this story both believable and touching. The reader is transported to another era with ease. I felt the deep emotions of the characters. The angst and triumphs were written with an almost poetic beauty. The bombs exploding in Paris were real and frightening. This is a must read for people that want a glimpse into the horrors of war while experiencing the wonder and power of love.
This is an outstanding book and I give it my highest recommendation. I am sure that I will read this one again. It has all of the qualities of a classic novel that should be handed down from generation to generation and read over and over again.
Great job Laurel.
The Alley of Wishes (Book) - 12/9/2002 5:25:12 PM
Author Harvey Tate wrote me a story that told what he thought of my book. The name of his story is "Cooter Reads a Book". Find it under My Articles.
The Alley of Wishes (Book) - 11/16/2002 3:51:19 PM
So poetic and beautifully written. I'm in awe! Just from this small excerpt, I know this is a book that I want to read. I wish you luck with the Faulkner award - in my eyes, you truly deserve it.
The Alley of Wishes (Book) - 10/8/2002 5:48:51 PM
How much sorrow can the human Spirit endure? What is the limit of anguish that will finally destroy the life flow within us?
Cerise and Beck, the main characters of Laurel Johnson's novel The Alley Of Wishes, could answer these questions for you.
Meeting in the glamorous city of Paris, France, Cerise and Beck were two wounded souls that fate, or perhaps a God who loves us, brought together. Beck, a farm boy from Kansas had come to France to fight for the idea of liberty, not knowing the stark truth of war and death would sear his soul with scars so deep that surely he felt he could never be free.
Cerise, caught in the throes of an affair with a sadistic man, struggles to maintain life with a crushed and broken spirit, never allowing herself the thought that any man, other then the cruel heartless Paul,
would want her.
The Alley of Wishes is a story of tragedy and defeat, heartache and deep sorrow, but one that shows how love, reaching deep inside our being, can result in a meaningful life of happiness. Cerise and Beck share their past sorrows and struggle to overcome unsurpassing obstacles that life bestows on them as their spirits become one. The loss of a child, the loss of one's mind, are
only two of the many battles that they must overcome.
I have read and reviewed many a romance novel, but never have the characters stayed within my heart as Cerise and Beck have. A love affair that will draw you into its very essence awaits you in this outstanding read. War, lust, murder, love, hate and forgiveness all play a part in The Alley
Of Wishes. This is a story you will not soon forget.
The Alley of Wishes (Book) - 3/9/2002 9:05:38 AM
Thanks for letting me be one of the first to preview the draft. It is a wonderful
story told with such deep emotion. I couldn't put it down. I hope this isn't the
last we hear of Cerise and Beck. They became so real to me that I didn't
want to let them go. Another great job my friend!
The Alley of Wishes (Book) - 12/8/2001 5:39:35 PM
Holy smokes! Your words strung together are on fire! Sizzling....Sure got my interest with the excerpt. Good job!
Review of travel guide Long Island Alive (Article) - 9/24/2003 5:06:57 PM
Sound like a good guide. TY
Where Do We Go From Here? (Article) - 9/14/2003 2:31:05 PM
Outstanding Article, Laurel! Thanks for posting it!
Where Do We Go From Here? (Article) - 8/22/2003 3:11:55 PM
Eye-opening and cutting to the quick, this outstanding article brings to the forefront the obstacle at hand for talented, motivated, and ambitious authors. These writers hardly stand a chance in their field without the political move and sweeping endorsement of major power-house publishers. Sadly, these publishers do not play with a clean and unbiased plate. Too often, recognized writers are associated with major organizations of education and politics.
Many unknown authors are at the mercy of POD publishers in order to make statements with their talents. These are often the writers whom the public should notice more readily but are unaware. Flare and finesse are not uncommon traits in these authors and they are due their equal exposure. Little known and first time authors can easily bring a fresh sense of service, victory, acheivement, and interest in a powerful and motivating way which overrides the all too common themes of money, sex, crime, and politics.
"Where Do We Go From Here?" enlightens the need for education with the public regarding worthy books. I applaud Ms. Johnson in her well written and established efforts based on research in this matter. This article needs to be widespread as it is certainly stunning and revelatory.
"Excellence should be rewarded" is the high point and theme of any authors attempts. May the book buyers and reviewers industry sit up and take notice in considering the authors of today. Establishing highly talented and motivated authors with honor for their achievements must be a marked trend of the future.
by Stephanie S. Sawyer, author FACING ME
Cooter Reads a Book (Article) - 3/15/2003 8:20:06 PM
A talented writer to be sure! Thanks for sharing this, Laurel. Now I must read the whole story!
Hugs,
Victoria
Benediction (Poetry) - 1/9/2006 5:24:15 PM
Refreshing as an unspoiled mountain brook. B r a v a !!
Before I Die (Poetry) - 6/4/2004 11:02:29 PM
Laurel,
I love this poem and I trust you do get to see the Ocean soon :0)
Susan
Benediction (Poetry) - 1/24/2004 10:26:26 AM
Very wise and powerful in meaning. I can relate to this. Thank you for this offering, Laurel. Love and peace. Regis
Before I Die (Poetry) - 1/22/2004 10:10:02 AM
You are so effective, Laurel!
I was absolutely aching as I read this. I wanted to make all you desired come true for you and bring it right to your doorstep -- or rather, take you right to the ocean.
Your talent is truly, unmatched, and you must continue because, as you know, you have a gift.
From my heart to yours ---- Stephanie
Benediction (Poetry) - 12/15/2003 8:20:14 PM
Laurel this is a beatifully constructed poem - enjoyed it very much :0)
The Warming Shield (Poetry) - 11/29/2003 9:35:43 AM
The last poem I suggested be entered in the Author's Den poetry contest. Now I alter my suggestion. Your poems need to be compiled in more ambitious a form and offered as a literary force for a far larger audience. They are so deserving of it! This poem is like a scratched itch. Immediately so very satisfying. But you've got to keep going back to it!
Jay Squires
Intaglios (Poetry) - 11/29/2003 9:24:09 AM
Please tell me you haven't yet -- but will soon -- enter Intaglios in the Author's Den Poetry Contest! This is a winner in every way!
Jay Squires
Benediction (Poetry) - 11/29/2003 9:08:32 AM
"Benediction" is a study in poetic contrasts. You do a superb job playing the ugly and mudane against the sublime. Each succeeding line opens the eyes wider. Thank you for sharing it.
Jay Squires
Promise (Poetry) - 11/19/2003 9:03:31 AM
A nice poem indeed.
Greetings.
Goreja.com
Benediction (Poetry) - 11/9/2003 3:35:47 AM
What solace your writing brings to my soul, Laurel.
Reading your works is always like breathing fresh clean air.
Thank you for keeping your fans enlivened. - Stephanie
Benediction (Poetry) - 10/17/2003 10:05:53 PM
AMEN and Amen! Beautifully said, for life is as we choose to see it: the rest is an illusion, a temporary one at that. It reminds me of "Only God Created It," which can be read at my A/D pages. Good writing, Laurel, keep it up.
Love in Christ~~
Bonnie Q
Unicorn Haven
Benediction (Poetry) - 10/11/2003 5:14:34 AM
This poem is both wonderful and refreshing for it is both wonderful and refreshing to realize that the creation is so able to cleanse itself against all the impurities with which we contaminate it and to which it is subjected. What an amazing world we live in. TY for the nicely written reminder. Lonny
Benediction (Poetry) - 10/10/2003 7:25:04 PM
Beauty can out weigh the ugly.
An inspiring write Laurel
Have a beautiful night
.......Ron
Benediction (Poetry) - 10/9/2003 4:29:40 PM
Yes, we should be thankful that we can still find beauty amidst all the ills of the world. Very hopeful and beautiful message. Excellent.
Benediction (Poetry) - 10/9/2003 4:05:48 PM
This is a true breath of fresh air! Finding beauty among all of the ills.... it is amazing that people actually find beauty. It is out there, everywhere...even in the ugly :)...This was a very relaxing piece of poetry to read. I did enjoy. ~Applause~
Thank You,
Teresa Emilie
Before I Die (Poetry) - 10/8/2003 8:53:33 PM
This is extraordinarily well done. Unfortunately, you are right. Youth really is wasted on the young who haven't the experience
or the perception to enjoy it.
God's Viciousness Aside (Poetry) - 9/27/2003 9:21:48 PM
an excellent plucking on the heartstrings with the music of your words. this poem conveys a whole gamut of emotions. TY Londis
Full Circle (Poetry) - 9/27/2003 8:37:43 PM
I read this and felt I was reading about myself. amazing. TY Londis
Promise (Poetry) - 9/24/2003 6:26:37 PM
Your images are frightfully familiar. The words you speak are powerful to me...Thank You
Promise (Poetry) - 9/24/2003 6:23:24 PM
like the psychological intensity in this...
Promise (Poetry) - 9/24/2003 5:01:39 PM
Rip off the blinders! Great write.
Promise (Poetry) - 9/24/2003 3:55:21 PM
I've learned that as long as there is a breath to take, there is hope.
Promise (Poetry) - 9/24/2003 2:29:21 PM
"Dreams have been broken in secret places
so often that I've had to be anesthetized,
and yet I keep them mended somehow
because they are alive with promise."
Laurel, exquisite work! I can relate to this and I guess that's why I like it so much. But beyond that, your words are put together so nicely! Great job!
- J -
God's Viciousness Aside (Poetry) - 9/16/2003 4:10:45 PM
(((laurel)))
*tears* powerful, emotional write--well done
(((HUGS))) and love,
karla. :( this one made me cry
Before I Die (Poetry) - 9/16/2003 4:08:56 PM
(((laurel)))
haven't read you before, but i'm glad i stopped by your little corner of author's den
am i glad i did--this is an excellent, hopeful write--i hope all of your dreams come true
and i hope your book is turned to a movie or screenplay
(((HUGS))) and love,
karla. :)
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