Words from the Heart

A while back, I introduced a fellow New Englander and author, who grew up not too far from my hometown to my readers, Melissa Ann Goodwin .  Melissa had just released her book, The Christmas Village , which is a wonderful holiday tale (for all ages!) about a troubled boy and his adventures in finding himself. Of course, being a tale that takes place during Christmas, there is magic as well as adventure! At the time, I read the book and was just captivated.  I had wished the story had continued.  Well, wishes do come true!! Melissa is about to release her sequel.  In Return to Canterbury , Jamie Reynolds once again takes us on an adventure.  This time to solve the mystery of his missing father, who has been gone for a year. On his adventures, Jamie will meet up with some of the friends he made in The Christmas Village.  Can the find Jamie's father?  Can they save Canterbury? I, for one, cannot wait to read the sequel!  I highly reco...

Photo Credit: WikiCommons There are those who are born into this life with the destiny to lead.  Some lead only within their family circles, others become community leaders of great note, still others lead their countries through difficult times.  However, like a rare gem, there are those who are so multifaceted that they are able to lead the world. Nelson Mandela, lovingly called Madiba, Tata and Khulu by so many, was one such soul. Nelson Mandela was born to be a hereditary leader within the Xhosa people.  His birth name, Rolihlahla, given to him by his father, means "troublemaker."  On his first day of school, however, his teacher named him, Nelson, which was the custom at that time of colonization.  The honorific Madiba comes from his clan; it is a sign of respect as well as affection.  Tata means "father."  For many around the world, Mandela is a father figure.  Khulu means "grandfather" or "Great One."  This was the name most oft...