Twice Is Nice

Book excerpt: Reviews Make the Clouds Cry In Make the Clouds Cry, author Jesse E. Corralez revives his animated characterization of Satan, but with a twist that focuses more on the behaviors of humans as opposed to Lucifer's influence over mankind. Human beings are held responsible for the chaos and pain they bring on themselves. Corralez covers morality and accountability issues in this story. Humans are challenged by Satan to look at the trouble they cause and to accept that the power to change the behavior lies in their own hands. It's interesting to hear this coming from the foul mouthed, always joking Lucifer, but it is an effective message. Make the Clouds Cry is an entertaining tale that offers suspense and moral conflict while encouraging introspection. South of Baton Rouge It is 1846 and twenty years old Clement Augustus Hope, professional gambler and former pirate, has won the deed to a plantation outside of New Orleans. The win marks the beginning of a new life for Hope and a complete transformation of the man he once was. South of Baton Rouge is a stunning work of historical fiction that burrows deep below the surface of a man's character to reveal the truth that resides in his heart. Corralez, the author of several novels, has once again created characters that require readers to stretch their perceptions about a person's background and his ability to change. The atmosphere of community and family that exists on the Hope Plantation represents unconditional love as it should exist. The residents worked, played, loved, fought and died as a unit demonstrating an intense loyalty that is hard to find in homogeneous communities. The author's penchant for detail brings the action in this story to life. His understanding of the depth of human character and all of its layers make the characters real and painful to lose when the purity of Hope Plantation is destroyed. South of Baton Rouge is a fantastic story rife with lessons that easily translate to modern times. I highly recommend it. Melissa Levine for Independent Professional Book Reviewerswww.bookreviewers.org