BryonySeries

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Community News: July 18, 2019

It's all about the food today!

If you live within the Herald-News' coverage area (most of Will and Grundy counties in Illinois), and you'd like to share your organization's news or upcoming events, email the information to new@theherald-news.com.

Troy students practice #STEM with egg drop

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/07/16/troy-students-practice-stem-with-egg-drop/a9vc48x/

Northern Illinois Food Bank honors Shorewood senior group

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/07/16/49a74a4f29de4bfc8b8b85792b2522ac/index.xml

RECIPES

Breakfast pizza makes an ideal dish for a brunch crowd

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/07/17/breakfast-pizza-makes-an-ideal-dish-for-a-brunch-crowd/aglvgwm/

For a creative chicken salad, get inspiration from Morocco

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/07/15/for-a-creative-chicken-salad-get-inspiration-from-morocco/a7utbe4/

This chicken and couscous dish is a winning weeknight dinner

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/07/15/this-chicken-and-couscous-dish-is-a-winning-weeknight-dinner/a39t3rx/

Get that sticky rice crispy chew that kids and adults love

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/07/15/get-that-sticky-rice-crispy-chew-that-kids-and-adults-love/a51wm1h/

How to turn chickpea fritters into a delicious burger

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/07/15/how-to-turn-chickpea-fritters-into-a-delicious-burger/a62zfku/

COOKBOOK

"Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'"

All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties at bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at bryonyseries.com/bbbs.

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: A Thought for Today

Friday, July 20, 2012
A Thought for Today
Some friends are studying Buddism so, in honor of their study, and because I believe the following lines echoes the Christians truths I espouse, I'm republishing the following advice from the Buddhist teacher Atisha Dipankara (980-1052 or 1054). Have a blessed day, everyone!

"The greatest achievement is selflessness.
The greatest worth is self-mastery.
The greatest quality is seeking to serve others.
The greatest precept is continual awareness.
The greatest medicine is the emptiness of everything.
The greatest action is not conforming with the world's ways.
The greatest magic is transmuting the passions.
The greatest generosity is non-attachment.
The greatest goodness is a peaceful mind.
The greatest patience is humility.
The greatest effort is not concerned with results.
The greatest meditation is a mind that lets go.
The greatest wisdom is seeing through appearances."

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Community News: July 17, 2019

Check out the awesome things people are doing.

If you live within the Herald-News' coverage area (most of Will and Grundy counties in Illinois), and you'd like to share your organization's news or upcoming events, email the information to new@theherald-news.com.

Joliet Junior College students earn dean’s lists for spring 2019

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/07/15/joliet-junior-college-students-earn-deans-lists-for-spring-2019/audhcas/

Joliet Junior College students earn dean’s lists for spring 2019

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/07/17/joliet-junior-college-students-earn-deans-lists-for-spring-2019/abi47w2/

Bolingbrook students receive 'Honor the Raiders' awards

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/07/15/bolingbrook-students-receive-honor-the-raiders-awards/aomp9um/

Bolingbrook High School student attends Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/07/15/bolingbrook-high-school-student-attends-honeywell-leadership-challenge-academy/aeoi3as/

Partnership brings driver's ed cars to Lincoln-Way high schools

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/07/11/partnership-brings-drivers-ed-cars-to-lincoln-way-high-schools/arl3slh/

LyondellBasell Recognized by ICCTA for Partnership with #Joliet Junior College

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/07/11/lyondellbasell-recognized-by-iccta-for-partnership-with-joliet-junior-college/a40fq9r/

Lockport school participates in technology conference

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/07/13/d0dc1a14e4804f798cfcd32b704d4f89/index.xml

Lemont school participated in state science fair

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/07/13/lemont-school-participated-in-state-science-fair/a44txg6/

Lemont school wins scholastic bowl

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/07/13/lemont-school-wins-scholastic-bowl/a3oh90/

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff

Open Mic Night 2019: Dale Hansen

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Community News: July 16, 2019

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Birthday Presents

Our family creatively approaches gifts.

We don't, generally, have wish lists or buy "wish" items. Instead, we keep interests and the element of surprise in mind and then give from the heart.

That said, here are some of the lovely birthday presents I received these last couple days.

A fish and water scene (left) and a mermaid (right) that my granddaughter Jessica made in Vacation Bible School. Note the heart shape in the fish scene near the bottom left. I love all the blues!

We don't each much red meat in our family, but I do like a nice steak a couple times a year. Timothy, who did all the grilling on Sunday, came home with a great one when he went to the store with Joshua. Both boys were pleased with their purchase. And since Timothy is a chef, he had to show me the raw beef and point out all its wonderful attributes that made it a great steak.

And, yes, because I'm a mom, I shared a few pieces with Christopher and Joshua, who both love steak and whose budgets haven't allowed for steak in years.

Jasmine and Rebekah made this BryonySeries cake, which I shared at The Herald-News yesterday. Yes, it was too much cake for me to finish, but Jasmine's goal is to own her own bakery, so any chance I can show off her efforts, I do.

Two employees did ask for her information, so I sent them the link to her Facebook page. Here it is:
https://www.facebook.com/sugarnspiceandeverything/

Jasmine and Rebekah also made me this cat blanket. Yes, I own cats (rather, they own us), but white cats are also a BryonySeries trope. The blanket is purrfectly soft and fits nicely on my bed.

This lovely purple rose preserved in glass came from Cindy and her son Justin.

Rebekah wanted to take me to a paint night at the Book and Bean Cafe last night to paint mermaids, but it wasn't in her budget. So she assembled this kit so we can have our own painting time.

These three grandchildren on the floor (from left: Riley, Jessica, and Ezekiel), called me at work to sing "Happy Birthday" along with Joshua and Amber (standing in the background, right).

The handsome young man on the stairs is another grandson, Micah.

And then Riley wanted to sing "Happy Birthday" to me, while I sang it to her, alternating the verses. The best part was when we got to "Happy Birthday, dear Riley," and then she sang in a sweet little voice, "Happy Birthday, Grandma Baran," and then we sang the last line together.

When I arrived home from work, this card from my sister, featuring a picture of me and Faith, was waiting for me.

Have a beautiful day, readers, writers, and BryonySeries fans. ;)

Monday, July 15, 2019

Community News: July 12 and July 15, 2019

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

The Greatest Gift

Three years ago today daughter-in-law Amber had her third Cesarean section. She had told me the previous Christmas Eve that her due date was near my birthday and, if possible, she would schedule the birth for that day.

In addition to sharing a birthday, Riley and I also share a middle name: Marie, the name of my maternal grandmother and her cousin, my godmother.

It's a gift that grows more precious with every passing year.

Saturday, July 13, 2019

Calkins Nature Preserve

Yesterday Colleen Robbins texted the following message to me:

I missed getting a picture as we drove past the Calkins Nature Preserve about 20 miles west of Cedar Falls, Iowa. Ed gets around.

I looked up the number so I could receive permission to use a photo of the preserve in this blog post, but I only reached the answering machine.

So here's a link to the Facebook page. It looks beautiful, doesn't it?

https://www.facebook.com/CalkinsNatureArea/

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Friday, July 12, 2019

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 30 through July 12

This week, I'd like to draw your attention to two stories.

One is a feature about the founder of a Plainfield animal rescue written by The Herald-News' summer intern Rachel Barks. It's Barks' first feature story, and she did a GREAT job! The rescue also has its annual pet fest and car show Sunday, so please check it out.

The other is a column I wrote two Sundays ago seeking information about Highland Park in Joliet. It's lesser known than Pilcher Park and not much exists in the way of photos, facts, etc. If you any of those, please message me.

Have a great weekend, readers, writers, and BryonySeries fans! :)

Non-bylined features:

Monday through Saturday I assembled my non-bylined works - brief posts and calendar listings - into one convenient file and posting them on Facebook in the evening, so readers can easily choose the ones they want to read.

One can also find those event listings, the Gotta Do It calendar, as well as the pets, health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars, under the sections tab on the left hand side of http://www.theherald-news.com/. Click on "features" and the topics drop down. Gotta Do It runs under "people."

Community news? Again, under the sections tab, under features, and by topic. Updates are posted on these days in print and web (and some only on web on other days as I have the time):

Social media:

Daily updates: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries at @BryonySeries. And assorted related content at www.facebook.com/BryonySeries. And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to jon WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/writeonminooka/?ref=bookmarks. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

Upcoming events:

Once Timothy Baran is done updating this page, these will listed here: https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts.

Check out the progress he has made so far. Each square is hand-built. And be sure to "hover" your hand over the first square. Note: this only works (so far) with the desktop version.

But he's also made A LOT of changes to the website. So be sure to roam around a bit.

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at www.bryonyseries.com. Again, Timothy is in the process of updating the website, so all titles may not appear. If you have any questions, email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Seeking information/photos for Joliet park

When I share my memories about Highland Park – even to longtime Joliet residents – I often receive one of two responses.

The first is "Really? I don't remember that." The second is, "I vaguely remember that."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/30/seeking-informationphotos-for-joliet-park/a1qstno/

An Extraordinary Life Joliet man was known as 'The Protector of St. Mary Nativity'

“Johnny said, ‘I lit the candle so he’s being prayed for,’ ” Pat Bosi said. “ ‘Any time you’re not there, that candle will be lit for the person who has cancer.’ ”

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/20/an-extraordinary-life-joliet-man-was-known-as-the-protector-of-st-mary-nativity/ajtxony/

An Extraordinary Life: Joliet couple's passion for culture enriched lives

Patricia Pedersen said her parents had high expectations for the children in terms of school grades and behavior. She recalled the story William liked to tell about a particular restaurant meal when the family was in Europe.

"The table nearby had kids that were misbehaving," Patricia said. "The parents looked over at our table and made an announcement: 'Why can't the kids behave like the Americans?'"

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/07/02/ca605ba4d77a4dfdaf78ae44203725df/index.xml

Joliet cancer survivor has 4 reasons to live
'If you keep praying to God, everything will turn out all right.'

"I'm not sad. I'm a happy woman," Carolyn Tucker said. "I've got a team working with me and they pray with me. What more can I say? I'm thankful for what they've done for me and what they continue to do for me."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/21/3a1b2ceb80ff4f5992fbb3f2510ed7b8/index.xml

Celebrate Historic John Lane Days
Lockport farm hosting fundraising to help preserve local history

Sylvia Zielke-Kuffel and Joe Kuffel are in a race against time to preserve a bit of Lockport history for the community.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/07/09/77e6e983624242cfab3a38eb32f74ed3/index.xml

Changing pets' lives one rescue at a time

“I have a love for animals and when I learned about rescue over 10 years ago, it was a no-brainer,” Terri Crotty said. “I wanted to help the animals.”

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/07/11/9fd2ef3489fa4fb099364f69a0d94a40/index.xml

Artworks: Hot Wheels Legends Tour comes to Romeoville

"It's having your creation, something you built with your own hands, being turned into a Hot Wheels," Ricardo Briceno, brand manager of Hot Wheels said about the tour's contest. "That's such a big honor."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/07/09/9830b26ca3f047349a5280f40e28e5de/index.xml?page=1

Actor Noel G to host comedy show Saturday at Joliet theater

“I did four years in prison. That messed me up a little bit,” Noel Guglielmi said. “When I came out, I realized enough was enough. I was facing 15 years in prison for attempted murder that happened with some gang activities. That was my wake-up call. That’s when I started taking acting more seriously.”

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/07/02/actor-noel-g-to-host-comedy-show-saturday-at-joliet-theater/aot0wdc/

LocalLit spotlight: Cyd Notter of Wilmington

Notter said: My book titled “The ‘Plan A’ Diet: Combining Whole Food, Plant Based Nutrition with the Timeless Wisdom of Scripture” will be released this year (the e-book was released Tuesday, and the paperback will be released Oct. 1). The book is available wherever books are sold, but signed copies are available now on my website along with a special prelaunch offer.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/07/01/locallit-spotlight-cyd-notter-of-wilmington/aj5tpp0/

LocalLit book spotlight: 'Emmet's Storm' by Ann Rubino of Shorewood

A Best STEM Book by a retired teacher. And it takes place in the nineteenth century.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/07/12/84046a6b3b534dd094d13d74227c504d/index.xml

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff

Thursday, July 11, 2019

Community News: July 11, 2019

It's all about the food today!

Ten recipes for you to try and one cookbook to order.

If you live within the Herald-News' coverage area (most of Will and Grundy counties in Illinois), and you'd like to share your organization's news or upcoming events, email the information to new@theherald-news.com.

"Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'"

All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. www.bbbswillgrundy.org

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Guest Post by Sarah Stegall: Change

Monday, June 16, 2014

The following is a piece Sarah Stegall, BryonySeries web administrator emeritus, posted on a small Facebook group called, Change, which consists of her, my other daughter Rebekah, and me.

Rebekah started the group to keep her accountable in her weight loss journey. One of the unfortunate side effects of my desire to cook good food is that my kids love to eat! Timothy, who at one point stood as wide as he was tall, has often told people he didn't become fat because of unhealthy food, no it was extra portions of homemade sausage and bean soup and half loaves of homemade buttermilk bread that did it.

At any rate, Sarah embarked upon a new eating plan and formulated an exercise regime over a year ago. For both girls, it's a real struggle, for they have weak ankles that give out when walking and flat feet and a host of other issues that most of us never face when getting out there and pounding the pavement.

Nevertheless, the progress Sarah has made has been astounding. As she strives toward her own goals, she encourages - and occasionally head thumps - Rebekah in her struggle, and it is an especial struggle for Rebekah because she loves food so much.

But this is just the background to the selection. The main reason I'm sharing it with you today is not just that its wisdom applies to any of us on life's journey, but the fact that my eldest daughter wrote it and that it's full of of the principals and attitudes I tried to exemplify and prayed my children would absorb during my years of actively parenting them.

I'm very proud this woman is my daughter.

"Change" post:

My shin splints have been killing me lately, which means no running. I googled and found a site that shows supination and other common foot stances. I definitely have terrible supination in my right foot. That being said, I'm saving for new shoes that should help the issue and get me back running soon.

Yesterday I focused on core and upper body since I can't do what is eat to work into my schedule. I did two ten minute workouts, one for arms, shoulder and back, and the other geared towards the different muscles in the stomach. As I'm starting to plateau, I'm finding I have to mix up my routine and start working to build shape.

The first part is losing weight, the second part is reshaping and building on your new foundation with strength training. I'm still losing weight, just more slowly now. I'm struggling to fatigue muscle groups, because let's face it, it's not easy.

We are programmed to touch painful areas and quit when something feels hard. If your muscles aren't contacting and then shaking from the fatigue, you aren't damaging the tissue to force new growth. Practice a plank or a push up and hold it until your body shakes and you collapse. That is a good place to see results. You'll notice over time your strength improves and your holding time lengthens. A good workout will leave you feeling like jelly. To see the most results, 10 to 30 minutes of cardio first will help circulate the oxygen in the blood stream if you are strength training and will burn calories as it's jumpstarting your metabolism. Anything that forces your heart rate up is cardio.

When you are mindful of your diet (not dieting) and what goes into your body, you will look at food more like fuel and energy, which helps make it easier in choosing smarter choices. I still battle portion control, which is why I find it easier to eat all day (or every two hours). My goals are my own and the struggle sucks. It's easier to eat junk and skip workouts, not to mention inner battles and false negotiation. "If I eat this now, I'll workout harder later." Yeah right! I eat it now and skip my whole workout, haha. I have to constantly remind myself that even though it satisfies the taste buds momentarily, it wrecks havoc on the body and will ultimately sabotage my results and progress.

In the beginning I started this journey alone. Now I have layers of support through co-workers and friends; however not everyone is on-board. I feel like there are two sides; the side that wants to see me fail and the side that is rooting for me. I remind myself that I'm a big girl that made unhealthy decisions and that I alone have to correct that. Nobody is going to put the effort in for me. I'm surrounding myself with positive people with like-minded goals, who encourage progress and are judgment free. Healthy people with healthy attitudes lift others up.

Find what pushes you and motivates you to your dream. Remember that results don't happen overnight and if you cheat, you are only cheating yourself. Rise to the challenge, dream big, have long-term goals, change your lifestyle, and remember that people love you, not food. Ask for help and accept advice with an open mind. Take pictures often and journal your experience; this is a good way to reflect when you feel your progress is slow. Seek healing outside of your comfort zone and don't wait for change to come to you. Live your days guilt free with no regrets and love yourself and your body each day. Even when you can't see what others see and feel discouraged, love you for you.

This is a science and if you follow the steps, success is inevitable. Love you always!

Posted by Denise M. Baran-Unland at 6:04 AM

Illustration of Sarah Stegall by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Community News: July 9 and July 10, 2019

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff

Open Mic Night 2019: J L Callison

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Gone

Back in the "good old days? people sometimes stayed glued to their house for hours at a time if they were expecting a phone call they could not miss.

The ease of virtual communication has erased that. Now we panic if you lose our phones.

This is not a rant against social media, etc. I love smartphones, and I love social media. I love the ease of convenient communication.

This morning, I've already answered emails, confident of return replies when the other people are available.

"When they are available." That's the key.

Ease of communication should never translate into 24/7 availability. We should always have off-radar time, the degree of which depends on our nature and how much we need.

Despite negative reports, social media is a tool that can foster connection. But as the ease of communication increases, we should become fierce in protecting the times we don't wish to be "on."

For me, micro bursts of it during the day keep me focused and productive. Larger bursts during the weekend and "days off" rests and rejuvenates me.

Unconvinced? Here's someone else who tried it - and liked it.

https://getpocket.com/explore/item/why-you-need-an-untouchable-day-every-week

Monday, July 8, 2019

Community News: July 3 and July 8, 2019

VIDEO: INSPIRED! live lit

Amy Curtis of Lockport shares the loss of her brother during a live storytelling event July 2 at The Gaylord Building in Lockport.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/afe06f34-720d-4188-9de8-a273cf686d5d.html

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!" Follow him at www.artworkbytopher.com.

Four Days Off

In a family that's had as many weird drug reactions as mine, the starting of a new medication, however temporary it may be, is enough to provoke sky rocketing anxiety.

When the medicine is necessary, but not an emergency, I try to start it on my own time. This way, if I have to address side effects, I'm not ruining someone's day or screwing up deadlines.

So I took a vacation day on July 5th and gave myself four days to swim or die.

I swam (so far) and wound up with FOUR DAYS OFF!

It was exhilarating. Here's how I spent it.

I saw two sets of fireworks (from a drawbridge on July 3 and a parking lot on July 4).

I edited and formatted the 2019 WriteOn Joliet anthology.

I made significant progress on Phyllis memoir, to the extent the first draft is about 85 percent done.

I'm almost through chapter six of Cornell Dyer and the Never Robbers (as I was basking in that, Timothy came up to me and said we should get the next book done before September; when did I have time to meet???).

I took two naps.

I ate too much ice cream (for someone who is prediabetic).

I spent some time with a friend who has cancer, who looked fantastic! (she's had a bit of a reduction in her cancer markers. No remission yet, but she's in there fighting).

I cleaned the house.

I hung out with three of my grandchildren (a bonus, because one had a medical emergency, and they stopped at the house after seeing a specialist).

I walked (but only at night. Because this new medication comes with a warning to stay out of the sun).

I met with a fellow WriteOn Joliet member to discuss one of his latest stories.

I did some work (because four entire days off is impossible, really).

I spent minimal time on social media.

Today it's back to work. I have my rides lined up (because, well, it's July and walking to work is a huge no-no on this medicine, and I do not own a car), and I am ready to switch back into other gears. Last night I closed out of all fiction (and side project) tabs, not to be opened again until this weekend.

Mostly, I'm thankful for freedom, and the courageous men and women who made it happen. The only thing I've fought, really, is my own fears.

But I did try to use some of that resulting freedom these last four days in the service of others...and to renew myself to try again to chip away at selfishness in order to be a better servant.

Friday, July 5, 2019

Just Had to Share

I wasn't going to post again until Sunday or Monday.

I have a few days off and a few writing projects I'd like to accomplish: reading through and formatting the submissions for WriteOn Joliet's 2019 anthology (spent yesterday working on it), Phyllis' memoir, the werewolf story, and Cornell Dyer and the Never Robbers.

But then my BryonySeries "super fan" tagged me in her review of the fourth installment of Before the Blood this morning, and I didn't feel like waiting to share. Enjoy!

5.0 out of 5 stars

This precursor to the Bryony series solves some mysteries and creates even more

July 3, 2019

Verified Purchase

Before the Blood – Henry Matthews” (BTB) is one of five sequels to the author’s “Bryony” trilogy - a series I’ve read multiple times.

Of all of the author's books I've reviewed, this one required the most thought. BTB is so many things and so filled with ideas that make you think it's difficult to summarize the book.

In the Bryony trilogy, Henry Matthews was a minor character with major influence, both on protagonist Melissa Marchellis and the reader. Though it’s technically correct to say Henry was a Victorian vampire, the term doesn’t come close to describing his complexity. Superficially, he’s charming, intelligent and debonair. Henry played the pretty boy well. However, his façade conceals a man with depth and unusual loyalty.

BTB solves the mysteries of Henry Matthews quite satisfactorily. It explains the dichotomy between his sophistication and his in-your-face brashness. In Bryony, the reader is given the impression that Henry is a well-to-do ladies’ man who hails from old money. And while that’s the truth, it’s certainly not the whole truth. This, I believe, is the crux of the book.

The prequel opens with a wealthy, young girl - Louisa Girard - being spirited away from her doting brother by a gypsy street musician. One moment, she’s there; the next she’s gone. Her brother, Lawrence Girard spends the remainder of his life immersed in guilt, blaming himself for the abduction and obsessing over her fate.

Meanwhile, Louisa and her gypsy, Harold Matthews, produce offspring who know nothing of their mother's illustrious past. She calls herself Caroline and never confides the circumstances surrounding their birth. In other words, their lives are a mystery and maybe a lie.

The Matthews family lives in abject poverty and Carolyn grows old and worn before her time. Yet, everyone who knows her describes Carolina as “always happy.”

Why the privileged child of a filthy rich family would voluntarily seek out a life of penury is part of the great mystery of this book. This very conundrum is shared in “Before the Blood: John Simons.” Still, in John Simons’ case we have a background story that provides a solid reason why he rejected his father’s fortune. In this tale, the reader is left to piece together nebulous clues.

Henry is born a sickly baby who grows into a sickly child. He's doted upon by his sisters and mother, as they struggle to keep him from safe from the Grim Reaper. The future is bleak for the family, and especially so for the scrawny, asthmatic boy.

Lawrence Girard never gives up on trying to find his sister. And one day, life changes drastically for young Henry. He learns his true identity and the circumstances of his parents’ “courtship.” He evolves into the Henry Matthews from the Bryony trilogy.

The tone and mood of this biography differs from the other three prequels. It’s a story that peels away the veneer of civility and gentility to reveal the animal nature that drives us all: rich and poor. Henry's appearance belies his depth. He hobnobs, flirts and immerses himself with the richest of the rich. In some respects he appears as nothing more than a flippant pretty boy. Yet, there are clues that reveal great depth and compassion. Henry is never exactly what he seems. He's always torn.

And like all primary characters in the series, Henry makes a fatal mistake.

The author brilliantly demonstrates that there really is no such creature as “The Good Old Days.” Societal issues we face today are no different from those of yesteryear. The book boldly and shamelessly addresses homosexuality, statutory rape, exploitation of the poor and other social issues that remain unresolved today.

Philosophically, this may well be the prequel with the most depth. There is nothing pretty or romantic about the poverty portrayed or the lengths some will go to escape. On the other hand, there are also those, like Carolyn, who just as desperately flee from a seemingly idyllic life. For that alone, this book is well worth a read for its own merit. As part of the larger Bryony series, it's absolutely priceless.