Mary Ann Grossmann, book editor for the St. Paul Pioneer Press, wrote a smashing review for Delicate Armor, October 30, 2011. Here are excerpts. To read the entire review, here is the link: www.twincities.com/entertainment/ci_19207981#Tq66tjbJLvs
"Callie Lindstrom is one of the most appealing protagonists in this season's crop of debut novels by Minnesota writers.
"Feisty Callie is the narrator of Connie Claire Szarke's exceptionally well-written 'Delicate Armor' (North Star Press, $14.95).
"The story moves from 1952 to 1991, and that means Callie's voice must gradually mature. Szarke gets it right...
"It isn't unusual for local authors to receive endorsements from fellow writers in this supportive literary community. But Szarke is earning raves from an exceptional group, including poet/oral historian and environmental writer Joe Paddock; syndicated newspaper columnist, author and University of Minnesota senior fellow Stephen Wilbers; novelists Faith Sullivan and Pamela Carter Joern; and 'Minnesota Bound' TV host Ron Schara."
Dreamin’ Dreams is more than a collection of stories; it is a celebration of Irish life, adventure, and the unforgettable characters who make growing up in Ireland a journey worth remembering.
As deafness, illness, and demonic forces close in around him, Ludwig van Beethoven must summon his faith and genius to complete the Missa Solemnis—a sacred masterpiece he believes could bring divine light into a darkening world.
