Inspiration Station

marcoujor: Reviewing the Works of Michael Friedman

9/17/2013

marcoujor

Childhood memories

I loved to watch The Waltons as a child of the 1970s. I never found it corny, even saying "Good Night, John Boy" along with every show's ending.

Forty years have passed since those days on Walton's Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The story was set in the 1930s during the Great Depression, so Mom had much to contribute from her own childhood memories.

Feeling at home

I met Mike Friedman on another writing site, quickly recognizing a masterful writer with a unique voice. As I started following Mike's work as mckbirdbks, I saw frequent and mysterious references to Emerald Wells Cafe. I knew I had to find this place and visit it soon.

I entered the story line of Emerald Wells Cafe at Chapter 19: The Wedding Invitation. As romance is right up my alley, I quickly became entranced with the characters, bonding with them like family. I guarantee you would as well...!

Like starting a beloved television serial in the second season, I backtracked as time permitted, reading the preceding chapters. I continued to enjoy keeping up with the ongoing action of these small town friends, until it came to a fulfilling and brilliant conclusion in Chapter 48: First Christmas.

The Emerald Wells Cafe

Over the course of this book, Mike takes us back in time to 1955 - 1956 to Emerald Wells, just off the crossroads and Highway 27 - Texas. The Cafe itself is the hub of all the town's action, where each Chapter begins and each beloved character enters and makes their memorable impact on the story.

All the Gang at the Emerald Wells Cafe

Earl, the man behind the griddle and the newspaper, a cowboy with quiet passion.
The Townsend brothers, named Blake and Henry, as opposite as night and day.
Carl, auto mechanic, with a penchant for a double scotch in his ice and Coke.
Harold, truck driver, salt of the earth - has a son with music in his blood.
Em, greets everyone at the Cafe with coffee, a delectable breakfast, and a smile.
Gabby, 'Let's Dress Up' is a way to sew for others, lacing her longing with smiles.
Rose, a creator, from mouth watering pastries to eloquently penned poetry for Speakeasy nights.
Dale is the Sheriff, with a heart as big as Texas.
Richard, a song in his heart, wants to be his own man.
Alturo Alverez, friend of Richard, pulls heart strings with his guitar.
Boots Copler, mechanic who came to town, broken down, with his sister.
Lee Ann, worked in a bakery, feels at home with Rose, arriving in town with her brother.
Mary Ann, sweet and young, ready to help with the babies or a broom.

What are you waiting for?

Do you ever find yourself thinking about when you were young, when times were simpler and kinder?

Do your parents tell about their childhood that make you wish you could step back in time?
Do you enjoy getting immersed in a good story to put the day's stressors behind you?

Purchase this e-book, step back in time with your favorite beverage and remember the nostalgia, peacefulness and heartwarming memories of times past.

Emerald Wells Cafe is available now through Amazon.

Author: Michael Friedman
Publisher: Mockingbird Books
Publication date: 6.22.13

Mockingbird Books

A sweet sampling of poetry by Rose

(A Senryu)

I cook for you dear
Spice makes all the difference
Your smile feeds my heart
The kitchen is warm
The center of our small house
We share our life here
We safely sit here
The scent of bread in the air
Wine served with hot soup
The dishes can wait
We break bread and laugh tonight
Near the fireplace, please.
(Michael Friedman )

The Branson Resolution (A Dystopian Tale)

Michael spins a futuristic tale of fiction that leaves a haunting taste of reality in the reader's mouth.

The story starts out in 2018, when 'anyone who is anyone' wants to reserve their spot on one of the Branson Arks for a one year intergalactic flight.

Yeah, the price is 'out of this world' but a return to a world cleansed of poverty, collapse and repression seemed well worth the investment...or was it?

Read` "The Branson Resolution".

You will be riveted to your seat from the first word to the last.

Mockingbird Books

I Should Have Died For My Country (A Dystopian Tale)

"I Should Have Died For My Country", a Dystopian tale, is an apocalyptical story written Michael Friedman style.

If you have not yet indulged in reading this author's talent, imagine a setting in what we know today as the Arizona border, gone completely wrong because of the actions of the New Territorial Committee.

The hero, a mix of Nostradamus and Clint Eastwood, might just have you cheering in your seat!

Mockingbird Books

Murder Once Done (A Short Story)

Michael Friedman is a master story teller, with a compelling and intriguing style all his own.

Murder Once Done is a supreme exemplar of his work.

Once you read this tale, I guarantee, you,ll be back for more...

Mockingbird Books

A Trilogy of Dark Flash Fiction

Written with Michael Friedman's tight and gripping and intense style, these three stories stand independently as outstanding examples of dark flash fiction.

"Ohio Tom"; "The Knock on the Door" and "Theodore Shade" each leave a lasting impression of heroism, the paranormal and suspense.

Mockingbird Books

Braids Angel's Field

Braids - Angel's Field is a journey to recover the guardian angel of a child named Hope. It is a journey for all of us who need Hope restored and secure. This is an adventure and a metaphor of undaunted courage.

I know Mike has only just begun to inspire us with his talents...in writing, illustrating and so much more. Check out his website, Mockingbird Books, for yourself to see what I mean...

Thanks for stopping by Inspiration Station.

Until next time,

mar

20 Comments

Mike link

9/17/2013 01:17:02 pm

Thank you Mar. This is so kind of you.

marcoujor link

9/18/2013 02:07:20 am

Dear Mike,
I could not have written this without you (LOL)! You are fabulous and you are most welcome! In the words of a very wise man, please keep writing...Hugs, mar

kimmie

9/17/2013 11:12:41 pm

Hello Maria this was truly so wonderful. I stand with you in shouting from the mountain tops how wonderful Mike Friedman is as a writer and friend. You did a lovely job here!

marcoujor link

9/18/2013 02:11:04 am

Hey Kimmie,

The mountain rangers called and told us to keep the racket down...
Oh heck, let's just keep shouting...maybe they will even buy a book!

Thank you for your loyal friendship...just realized I forgot to visit your latest after seeing it on GoodReads. Heading to your place soon and may have some sweet tea...! Love, Mar

Shauna L Bowling

9/18/2013 01:20:40 am

Maria, you did an awesome job of reviewing Mike's books. This post should certainly serve to boost sales!

marcoujor link

9/18/2013 02:14:57 am

Thanks, Sha, I sure hope so because this is some excellent reading!

Bill

9/18/2013 03:16:21 am

So nice of you to support this writer. I have seen his work and followed him from time to time...he is, indeed, a talented writer.

Have a great Wednesday

love,
bill

marcoujor link

9/19/2013 05:38:59 am

Thanks, you are so right...now it is my turn to wish you a happy Thursday, Bill! Love, Maria

Martie Coetser link

9/18/2013 06:41:09 am

Mar, you are not only one of the best editors I know, but also a superb reviewer of books. I love Mike Friedman's writing style; his talent to create and develop intriguing plots always amaze me and also his excellent characterization, dialogue and sharp, smart descriptions. I can clearly see his work on TV or dramatized on stage.

marcoujor link

9/19/2013 05:41:15 am

Martie,
Thank you for your beautiful feedback. I can absolutely see Mike's work on the big screen as well. Love you, Mar

Brenda aka Hyph link

9/18/2013 07:03:43 am

Your review of Mike Friedman's work took me back to when I read those chapters of Emerald Wells. I got excited when I received an email alerting me to a new release. I love the book compilation and wish everyone could read it. It would make a fabulous movie or television series.
I have never been disappointed in Mike's writings or in his generous heart.

marcoujor link

9/19/2013 05:42:59 am

Dear Hyph,
Thank you for stopping by. You are an excellent judge of character and I totally agree with your kind remarks. Hugs, Mar

Sannel link

9/26/2013 11:51:44 pm

This is a wonderful review of a wonderful book, Maria. I enjoyed "Emerald Wells Cafe" immensely. Mike Friedman is a very fine and gifted writer, and anyone who will have the fortune to read his work, will be truly inspired and blessed with a good time.
My love and hugs,
Sannel

marcoujor link

9/29/2013 03:03:01 pm

Thank you, Sannel. You are a fine judge of character, excellent writing and a very beautiful friend. Love, Maria

femmeflashpoint link

9/28/2013 02:24:20 pm

Mar,

Huge-whopping apologies for being late in commenting this post!

Mr. Friedman is ... wow .. he's awesome six ways from Sunday. :)

Everything I've read of his has been superb, however, I admit to having a favorite, being the Emerald Wells Cafe. I love all of the characters in it, and each time it comes to mind, for some reason, I always think of a good friend of ours, an adorable "jarhead" by name of Dusty Tibbs.

I doubt that would bother Mr. Friedman. If he's telling stories that smack of small-town America, pie, coffee, people with big hearts and military veterans ...

He's writing it right. :)

Of course, for those who have stars in their eyes, his work flows as easily on a spaceship as it does in a pick-up truck. He's not an artist who's lacking in versatility.

Thanks for this.

I love it when I can say with deep conviction that someone has earned their laurels and Mike Friedman has definitely done that, time and again.

femme

marcoujor link

9/29/2013 03:00:20 pm

Dear femme,

This is one of the coolest comments I have read in awhile and I am grinning like a Cheshire Cat as I read it. Mr Friedman may have earned his laurels, but I know for a fact that he is not resting on them.
And reading this, I feel a "dusty" star from heaven smiling down in gigantic approval. Thank you, girlfriend! Love, mar

Vicki

12/1/2013 12:28:07 am

Don't know how I missed commenting on this one, Maria, I thought I had done so when I first read it. This is just to say I agree with all that others have said, and I really appreciate being a part of the great team Legacy Scribes. It was so nice of you to write this, dear friend, and Mike is truly a generous star.

marcoujor link

12/2/2013 01:49:09 pm

Dear Vicki,
We all have so much on our plates and inboxes that it is easy for me to miss a lot. I am always happy when you visit.
yes, indeed our Mike is a "generous star"... well expressed.

Ruby link

5/18/2014 10:06:37 am

I don't know how i missed seeing this. You've just highlited one of the very best down-to earth writers that i've ever had the privilege of reading. He has the capability of bringing his characters into your heart and you refuse to let go. His book, ' Emerald Wells Cafe ' had me from the first chapter. When one of his characters passed away, it was like a family member. His writing wasn't the only reason so many people responded, he opened the cafe and everyone was welcome to come in. sit, have something to eat, sip some special tea, play the jukebox, dance and have a ball with friends. I am still hoping that his book will be made into a series like ' Walton's Mountain ' It is that good. Thank you Mar for having a site that gives people a chance to write true feelings about a writer.

marcoujor link

5/20/2014 01:09:08 am

Dear Ruby,

This is the most beautiful description of Michael Friedman and the impact his writing has on his readers and friends that I have seen.

As the expression goes: "You took the words right out of my mouth!"

I always love when you stop by and thanks for your ongoing support. Have a lovely day. Hugs, mar