The Other Family by Joanna Trollope

I've always enjoyed English writers. I like their language, their nuances, I enjoy the differences yet similarities of everyday life. 

Joanna Trollope's book was no different. She has told an interesting story in "The Other Family."  One that will draw you in and cause you to choose sides!

"When Richie Rossiter, once a famous pianist, dies unexpectedly, Chrissie knows that she must now tell the truth to their three daughters: their parents were never married. Yet there is one more shock to come when Richie’s will is read. It seems he never forgot the wife and son he left behind years ago—Margaret, who lives a quiet life of routine and work, and Scott, who never knew his famous father. Now two families are left to confront their losses and each other, and none of them will ever be the same.

Witty, intelligent, and insightful, The Other Family is a story of modern family life from one of our most beloved authors of domestic fiction."

This book was easy to read and not difficult to empathize with the characters. Chrissie - the mother of three daughters was not easy for me to like. I got irritated at her pettiness with her youngest daughter and Richie's "other family" but at the same time could feel the pain she was feeling. I often wanted to tell her and the two oldest daughters to just grow up and move on.

Richie - although he was already dead at the beginning of the book - was still a great part of the dynamics of these two families. You had to wonder why so many people actually liked him - because of the way he treated those he loved. But then once you "got to know" him more and more you realized it was his charm that attracted people to him. Even though you could tell he loved his family - by the references his daughters made to his involvement in their lives, one could still tell that his most important priority/love - was himself.

Actually, overlooking age differences, I identified the most with the youngest daughter. She was much easier for me to understand. She had a maturity that even her mother didn't possess. 

"Joanna Trollope is the author of seventeen highly acclaimed bestselling novels including A Village Affair, The Choir and The Rector's Wife. She has also written a study of women in the British Empire, Britannia's Daughters and several other novels.

Joanna was appointed OBE in the 1996 Queen's Birthday Honours List."

You can check out Joanna Trollope's official web site H.E.R.E.


I really enjoyed this book and plan on reading more from this author.



 

The Memory Quilt by T.D.Jakes

I always try to read a "seasonal" book. Whether it's Christmas or Easter. I picked this book for two reasons only.

1. It's a Christmas book
2. It was cheap

I've never read T.D. Jakes before. I didn't know he wrote fiction. But for the right price - hey, I'll try it! - And I enjoyed it!

It was really more like a Christmas story rather than book. It reminded me of the "long" stories they used to put in Good Houskeeping magazines! It just took a few hours to read. Great for a Sunday afternoon!

"Lela Edwards wants nothing more than to spend the holidays with her family. But her husband of fifty years passed away recently, her daughters live far from their old Chicago neighborhood, and her granddaughter, Darcie, is avoiding her grandmother for fear Lela will judge her decision to get a divorce. Irritated and lonely, Lela concentrates on the lessons of the Virgin Mary with her Bible study group and begins to piece together an unfinished quilt she set aside long ago.

The cold winter brings some unexpected rough patches for Lela and her loved ones. The closer she examines the Scriptures, the more she realizes how quick she is to find fault with the people around her. Lela soon discovers she has woven the Virgin Mary’s lessons into the handiwork of the quilt, a reminder that by following the guidance of the cherished story we revisit every December to celebrate the meaning of Christ, she can learn from her mistakes and find favor with God.

Readers everywhere will find an uplifting message of hope in this heart-warming story."

For a very light read - this is a good story. Lela was grumpy and negative. But you could tell that life had left her lonely and disappointed and she quickly changed her attitude as she studied on Scripture. I'm not sure I will pick up more of Jakes books to read but I did enjoy this one for my Christmas book.

"Thomas Dexter "T. D." Jakes, Sr. is the bishop/chief pastor of The Potter's House, a non-denominational American megachurch, with 30,000 members, located in Dallas, Texas."

 You can check out his web site H.E.R.E.

 

 

 

 

Randy and Reading!!

Randy has finished his project of one book about each President of the United States. - A few he even read more than one. He is my go-to guy in trivia when there are US President questions!!!

Then he read the four books in the "Lonesome Dove" series. 

1.  Dead Man's Walk
2.  Comanche Moon
3.  Lonesome Dove
4.  Streets of Laredo 

Well these books got him interested in The Texas Rangers - so now he's reading about them in " Lone Star Justice: The First Century of the Texas Rangers" by Robert E. Utley.

 

I just can't convince him to take the time to write reviews!! BUT - if you want a book suggestion in any of these categories - give him a call, email him, ask him in person, OR just leave a message for him in the comments section of this blog.

 

Real Men Read!!

 

 

Sky of Red Poppies by Zohreh Ghahremani

You've heard me mention our friend Ron before. He often will send me a text - the only thing it will say is a title and author. But in Ron-speak, I know he's suggesting another book for me! So far Ron and I have a love/hate relationship with books... He loves them (that may be too strong of a  word) he likes 'em, I don't!! My theory is that it's fiction - do they have to end so badly??? Give me a happy ending, already.

Last week the text said: sky of red poppies by zohreh ghahremani.

I had just finished a book so I got this on my Kindle. Let me say - Ron redeemed himself as a suggester of books for me!! I really liked this one. "YAY, Ron"

"Sky of Red Poppies begins with a casual friendship between two schoolgirls coming of age in a politically divided 1960's Iran under rule of the Shah. Roya, the daughter of a prominent family, is envious of the fierce independence of her religious classmate Shireen. But Shireen has secrets of her own. Together, Roya and Shireen contend with becoming the women they want to be, and in doing so, make decisions that will cause their tragic undoing. In the unraveling of family secrets, Roya begins to question how she was raised and how to become the person she wishes to be. Set against the backdrop of a nation forced to mute its profound identity, Sky of Red Poppies is a novel about culture, politics and the redeeming power of friendships."

I thought the author did a good job of describing the lifestyle in this '60's Iran without totally depressing the reader. I have read other books written about suppressed countries that weighs heavy on my being while I'm reading them. This one was very well written and rather than totally depressing me, it caused me to think.

"Other countries are putting a man on the moon and we are dreaming of paved roads for our donkeys." 

Living here, in the United States, we often cannot comprehend the difference in lifestyles of suppressed countries. - Oh, we notice - from the news - when people are martyred - we are often aware of "their" politics - "their" governments - sometimes. But it's the everyday living we sometimes don't comprehend. Paved roads for donkeys? As a teen I would get irritated when I had to slow down to 35 (actually 45 - but my Dad taught me to go 35) on the dirt roads we lived on - in the car....

"My favorite teacher had stamped his name on all the good poems I was to read in the years to come and his voice would echo in many expressive words I might come across..."

I would hope each of us have a teacher that we think fondly of - one that really spoke to our hearts. No matter what country we live in.

"No one - and I mean no one - is worthy of your tears, because those who are worth it, will never make you cry."

No, I didn't agree with this statement at all. But it was something the main character, Roya, often thought of once it was said to her. - but I believe with caring - with loving - often comes tears.

From the end of the book is a note about poetry:

"Iranians' love of poetry develops throughout childhood: it begins with the poetic lullabies and verses sung to us in our youth and evolves in the classroom, where memorizing poems is mandatory. Therefore, poetry is a common denominator for us, and integral part of our culture. In conversation, all Iranians make poetic references, even the illiterate."

Their use of poetry in everyday life is apparent in this book.

I highly recommend this book. 

The Racketeer by John Grisham

I am a John Grisham fan. I know, I know, many readers say his books are all alike. I don't agree, I like them all. Of course, I love lawyer books, lawyer movies, lawyer tv shows! When I was a young girl, I would watch Perry Mason, sitting at the coffee table pretending to be the lawyer! But, no, I really have never had the desire to be a lawyer - I just like stories about them!!

Grisham's new book did not disappoint me. It even surprised me a couple of times!

"Given the importance of what they do, and the controversies that often surround them, and the violent people they sometimes confront, it is remarkable that in the history of this country only four active federal judges have been murdered.

Judge Raymond Fawcett has just become number five.


Who is the Racketeer? And what does he have to do with the judge’s untimely demise? His name, for the moment, is Malcolm Bannister. Job status? Former attorney. Current residence? The Federal Prison Camp near Frostburg, Maryland.

On paper, Malcolm’s situation isn’t looking too good these days, but he’s got an ace up his sleeve. He knows who killed Judge Fawcett, and he knows why. The judge’s body was found in his remote lakeside cabin. There was no forced entry, no struggle, just two dead bodies: Judge Fawcett and his young secretary. And one large, state-of-the-art, extremely secure safe, opened and emptied.

What was in the safe? The FBI would love to know. And Malcolm Bannister would love to tell them. But everything has a price—especially information as explosive as the sequence of events that led to Judge Fawcett’s death. And the Racketeer wasn’t born yesterday . . ."

It kept my attention and was a fast read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it. - If you are a Grisham fan or just like reading about lawyers!

John Grisham has a very interesting biography and you can read about him H.E.R.E.

The Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall Smith

I have read several books by Alexander McCall Smith. They were all from his series The #1 Ladies Detective Agency. I enjoy his writing so I decided to start his series The Sunday Philosophy Club. The first book is The Sunday Philosophy Club: An Isabel Dalhousie Novel.

"Nothing captures the charm of Edinburgh like the bestselling Isabel Dalhousie series of novels featuring the insatiably curious philosopher and woman detective.  Whether investigating a case or a problem of philosophy, the indefatigable Isabel Dalhousie, one of fiction’s most richly developed amateur detectives, is always ready to pursue the answers to all of life’s questions, large and small.

In this first installment, Isabel is attending a concert in the Usher Hall when she witnesses a man fall from the upper balcony. Isabel can’t help wondering whether it was the result of mischance or mischief. Against the best advice of her no-nonsense housekeeper Grace, her bassoon playing friend Jamie, and even her romantically challenged niece Cat, she is morally bound to solve this case. Complete with wonderful Edinburgh atmosphere and characters straight out of a Robert Burns poem, The Sunday Philosophy Club is a delightful treat from one of our most beloved authors."

It was an interesting book.  A bit wordy for me. I have a friend that will love it - she loves wordy books. I just get bogged down and catch myself skimming. But I do like Smith's stories, lots of words or not - he has an interesting mind! This book wasn't what I expected - the mystery I mean - so in that respect it was good. I always enjoy a book that doesn't end the way you think it will- or should.

"Alexander McCall Smith has written more than 60 books, including specialist academic titles, short story collections, and a number of immensely popular children's books. Referred to as our new P.G. Wodehouse, he is best known for his internationally acclaimed No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, which rapidly rose to the top of the bestseller lists throughout the world. The fifth novel in the series, The Full Cupboard of Life, received the Saga Award for Wit. The ninth book in the series is The Miracle at Speedy Motors (April 2008), and the tenth book in this series is Tea Time for the Traditionally Built (April 2009). The series has now been translated into 45 languages and has sold over 20 million copies worldwide. 

 

Another series, beginning with The Sunday Philosophy Club, about an intriguing woman named Isabel Dalhousie, appeared in 2004 and immediately leapt onto national bestseller lists, as did sequels, Friends, Lovers, Chocolate, The Right Attitude to Rain, The Careful Use of Compliments, and The Comfort of a Muddy Saturday. The sixth Dalhousie novel is The Lost Art of Gratitude (Fall 2009). 

 

McCall Smith was born in what is now Zimbabwe and was educated there and in Scotland. He became a law professor in Scotland, and it was in this role that he first returned to Africa to work in Botswana, where he helped to set up a new law school at the University of Botswana. For many years he was Professor of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh, and has been a visiting professor at a number of other universities elsewhere, including ones in Italy and the United States. He is now a Professor Emeritus at the University of Edinburgh. "

Read more about him and his books H.E.R.E.



 



 

Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber

I was invited to a book club meeting (YEAH) and during our tour of books at Target, one of the ladies asked me if I had ever read "Twenty Wishes" by Debbie Macomber. I hadn't but this weekend while I was fighting allergy's I wanted something "light" to read so I ordered it on my Kindle. I really enjoyed it.

"Anne Marie Roche wants to find happiness again. At thirty-eight, her life's not what she'd expected - she's childless, a recent widow, alone. She owns a successful bookstore on Seattle's Blossom Street, but despite her accomplishments, there's a feeling of emptiness.

On Valentine's Day, Anne Marie and several other widows get together to celebrate . . . what? Hope, possibility, the future. They each begin a list of twenty wishes, things they always wanted to do but never did"

I enjoyed the book because Macomber introduces you to her characters in such a way that you become friends. - Plus, even though I was never widowed, I was alone after my divorce and I could understand many of the emotions - the ups and downs, these women were facing.

It's not a heavy read by any means but if your wanting to pick up something light - that won't take you long to read, I recommend "Twenty Wishes." Then, tell me if your inspired to make a list of wishes!!

I didn't start a list of wishes, but I did begin a list of things I would like to learn! I want to take a cooking class. Would love to learn how to Line Dance!!! I have always thought I would like to knit  (since I can't seem to crochet!)  Anyway, I just like lists so this book appealed to me! You may remember my other blog about my lists! you can read it H.E.R.E.

"The #1 New York Times bestselling author is best known for her ability to create compelling characters and bring their stories to life in her books. Drawing on her own experiences and observations, Debbie writes heartwarming tales about small-town life, home and family, enduring friendships and women who knit. Every book features the delightful sense of humor for which readers around the world clamor. Not bad for a woman who is dyslexic and didn't learn to read until she was in the fifth grade."

You can read more about Debbie Macomber and her books on her web site H.E.R.E.


 

 

5 Pillars of the Gypsy by Lesley Fletcher

I am going to begin this blog with a disclaimer.... I do not read poetry. I have a dear friend, Debra, that writes poetry and I do read hers - because I love her.  Not sure when I decided I didn't like poetry - I don't remember ever liking it.. Unless you count funny stuff and limericks! : )

Anyway, my friend Jean Ann suggested I read "5 Pillars of the Gypsy" by Lesley Fletcher - a friend of hers!! (stay with me - this will get less confusing... I hope)

I love helping to promote new or less known authors but I will admit a bit of reluctance on my part concerning a book of poetry. But - Jean Ann is a childhood friend and so I decided to give it a whirl.

I have spent my adult life living as a Christian in a Crhistian environment. So, when I first started the book and saw:

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to kill and a time to heal" A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to love, and a time to hate; A time of war, and a time of peace."

-  but then noticed this author attributed this phrase to Prime Minister Rabin - I was taken aback. It was first penned in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 by King Solomon. So I googled Prime Minister Rabin and realized that she quoted a part of his speech given in an emotional voice on the White House lawn on September 14, 1993 on behalf of peace. What a beautiful stanza to begin any book!

Synopsis:

"Page after page bursts with vivid imagery, compassion and mystery. This book grants you permission to sing, to dance and to cry along the way. “5 Pillars of the Gypsy” is a collection of poetry and art that will awaken your spirituality and heighten your senses."

My favorite part of the book was the art! Lesley Fletcher is a wonderful artist. This book is woven together with art that is as emotional and energetic as her poetry. My favorites are "The Tango," "Join Me," and "Poppies."  - See, even the titles grab your attention and draw you in!!

Now on to the poetry! I really did like more of it than I imagined I would! I think my favorite was the first poem in the book, "The Mission." 

The last stanza of "The Mission" goes like this:

"...In doing so I was renewed,

As was my main ambition.

To sing and dance, rejoice in life,

... I accept this simple mission."

I also enjoy "Time." The first stanza:

"The hands of time are messing 

With this crazy head of mine

One minute time is racing by

Next minute quiet lull."

Leslie Fletcher is an author that has lived in our shoes and is able to put the experiences on paper - in a much more lyrical way than I ever could!

When asked what is a Gypsy? Fletcher answered:

"The true definition is often debatable but currently the Romanis hold the largest population of genuine Gypsies with a close following of the Pavee which are from Ireland and Tinkers from the UK. My definition for the purpose of this book is a person prone to wandering, unsettled and searching for answers which is more like a definition of a Gypsy Soul."

Some reviews I've read from others:

"Leslie has adapted a beautiful style of writing poetry. She uses a bit of the traditional style and a diverse technique of writing."

".....was this a good book! I loved every single piece of it. The amazing paintings just jumped right off the page and the words touched me down to my soul. After finishing this book I felt at peace and comfortable in my own skin for once in my life." 

 "I LOVE this book even though I thought I didn't like poetry. Les just blows me away with how her words create visions and stories that describe my feelings and growth over time. Each story/poem speaks to something in my life. I feel like I'm on the same journey and have travel some of the same roads. I'm reading The Healing at a friend's wedding on Sept. 7, 2012. Jean Ann French, DBA, MBA "

Let me share with you the gifts Jean Ann presented as wedding gifts:

Beautiful gifts with Lesley's art and poems.

 

Lesley Fletcher also says"

" I have been told on many occasions that it is a book that is kept by the bed-side, or near the reading chair and picked up, read and applied to the reader’s own personal journey in life. I think what they mean is it is quite soothing to have another share their own thoughts and beliefs. Very often people think they are alone when in fact many of us are not if we learn to connect with like-minded souls."

Okay, I'm going to be completely honest here. After looking through these poems, reading some of them to my husband, then rereading the ones I chose as my "favorites" I made a discovery about myself. I believe that I have never liked poetry because it exposes too much. I noticed that I picked as my favorites, the ones most removed from the the reader. The ones about time and happiness. You know, the peripheral.  The ones that made me the most uncomfortable were the ones about deep inner feelings, sex, lust. I realize I stay relatively "surface" in many ways. So, Lesley has opened my eyes to a part of my inner me.

 

About Lesley Fletcher:

"My travels and experience in life have had a profound effect on my writing and my art.In each book I strive to connect on a personal level with the reader, the same way I would if we met personally.
'5 Pillars of the Gypsy' is my latest release which combines art and verse and stands as a mixture of spiritualism and emotion.Each poem tells a story. Each story is meant to awaken and inspire the inner you to add meaning to your own events in life.
Over the past three years I have managed two trips with Habitat for Humanity - Global Village; one to Tajikistan and one to Jordan. Each of these trips included short stops in Istanbul. As a result I had the privilege of learning about Islam and its parallels with Christianity along with cultural customs.
As a volunteer with Literacy Unlimited I support and encourage education as a way to break barriers too, through knowledge and understanding. The adventurous laid back spirit in me has enabled me to become very adaptable to a variety of enjoyable experiences and delight in every one of them. My biggest pleasures are my biggest motivators.
'Prom Girls: A North American Rite of Passage' is my first book. Having gained valuable experience through my first publication has provided the ground work and motivation for her upcoming books.
My second book,' All I Want for Christmas Is a Wishmas Tree', tackles the ever more present problem of families integrating into a different culture and still retaining their own.
My third book is 'Hey Angel!' (www.hey-angel.com) which is an early reader that focuses on self-esteem. It is written in rhyme and has quickly become a favourite with the very young and their parents. Young readers along with their parents are invited to the accompanying website to 'ask the Angel' a question which is then answered on the site."

 

SECRETS BY LIZ SCHULTE

My friend Ron Briscoe told me of a book he wanted me to read. - He was wanting me to read it so we could discuss it. - It's like being a member of a 2 - person book club! If you recall he is the friend that suggested I read "Sentence of Marriage"  and it was NOT my favorite book. : )   But I decided to read this one anyway!

SECRETS, GUARDIAN TRILOGY BOOK 1

RELEASE: NOVEMBER 22, 2011

While Olivia Martin observed life through her camera, the abyss gazed back at her. She discovers mysterious men follow her around, people close to her are dying, and her dreams are no longer her own as she falls head over heels for a perfect stranger. A chance encounter leads to an obsession that could destroy everything she has ever known or loved. Olivia is about to find out there is a lot she doesn't know and sometimes what you don't know can kill you.

This is a book of good vs evil. Olivia is "good" she has been targeted to be a guardian - which would compare to an angel but she is attracted to Holden - a jinni who is connected with demons. Book 1 is a constant battle between good and evil. 

At first, I didn't think I was going to like it but it was good. It moved fast. It was interesting. Being a Christian, I was very interested in seeing if good would prevail. Of course, being book one of three, - I don't know yet! It is definitely an adult book.

Once I finished the book, Ron and Gale came over and we had a good discussion about it. Of course it is "theologically" unsound!! but a good read and could generate some good discussion for your book club. Ron has read all three but he was able to keep the end from me. [drats]

"Many authors claim to have known their calling from a young age. Liz Schulte, however, didn't always want to be an author. In fact, she had no clue. Liz wanted to be a veterinarian, then she wanted to be a lawyer, then she wanted to be a criminal profiler. In a valiant effort to keep from becoming Walter Mitty, Liz put pen to paper and began writing her first novel. It was at that moment she realized this is what she was meant to do. As a scribe she could be all of those things and so much more.

When Liz isn’t writing or on social networks she is inflicting movie quotes and trivia on people, reading, traveling, and hanging out with friends and family. Liz is a Midwest girl through and through, though she would be perfectly happy never having to shovel her driveway again. She has a love for all things spooky, supernatural, and snarky. Her favorite authors range from Edgar Allen Poe to Joseph Heller to Jane Austen to Jim Butcher and everything in between."

This information can be found with much more on Liz's web site H.E.R.E.

****

 
 

The Sweetness of Forgetting by Kristin Harmel

I was between books and a lady from church invited me to her book club!! "Yeah!!"  Anyway this is the book they are reading this month so I picked it up and read it.

This book was published August 7th, 2012.

"Hope McKenna-Smith, divorced mother of a surly not-quite-teenage girl, runs her family bakery on Cape Cod, but is starting to wonder what might have been. What if she hadn’t abandoned her dreams of law school? What if she hadn’t quit her job to raise her daughter? What if she hadn’t caught her husband cheating on her with a cliched blonde bimbo? When her aging grandmother, Rose, summons her to hear a long-held secret, Hope finally has the opportunity to stop thinking “what if?” and start thinking “what now?”

Rose’s memory is ebbing rapidly due to the onset of Alzheimer’s, and she knows she doesn’t have much time left to tell Hope the truth about a secret she’s kept for seventy years. Giving Hope nothing but a list of names, Rose sends her on a journey of discovery that takes Hope to a synagogue and a mosque in Paris, to a history buried in the Holocaust, and to a long-lost love with secrets of his own."

I enjoyed this book from page one. It is well written, easy to read and I finished it in 2 days. - Not because it's short or easy to read but because I couldn't put it down.

  

It tackles the Holocaust, religion, Alzheimer's, and family. Then ties all together with baking. The book also includes recipes from a rich history including several different nationalities. Hope owns a bakery and it's easy to get hungry while reading! This is one book that I plan on trying out some of the recipes!! They sound delicious. - except for the one with figs and dates - not a fan! :)

I hate to say too much in this review because I don't want to give the surprises away but I do want to encourage you to read "The Sweetness of Forgetting."

 Kristin Harmel Web-site

http://kristinharmel.com/

"Kristin graduated summa cum laude from the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications. She has lived in Paris, Los Angeles, New York, Boston and Miami and now resides primarily in Orlando, Fla."

I encourage you to go to her web site.

I highly recommend this book.

*****

  

Donovan's Trail by Ann Snuggs

Every once in a while, Holly, one of my daughter's, will send me an e-book. This is always a nice surprise and I love getting them.

This last week she sent me a text and said a friend of hers from Texas had written a book and she (Holly) had sent it to me via Kindle.

Well, years ago I got hooked on Louis L'Amour books and have always enjoyed them. I go back once in a while and re-read my favorites. Not long ago I wrote a review on one of my favorites and you can read it H.E.R.E

Now, one time - again years ago - I tried another western by another author and I did NOT like it. Louis L'Amour just had a talent for writing good clean westerns.

So when I received this e-book by Ann Snuggs - I was a bit reluctant. I told Holly if I liked it I would review it - but if I didn't I wouldn't because I wouldn't want to embarrass her with her friend.

I said all that to say this - I LIKED IT!!! : )

"Tom Donovan takes after his father, who was also sheriff of Sundown years ago and who possessed a strong sense of right and wrong. Unlike his father, however, Tom is alive. John Donovan, gunned down in Tom's youth by a man the boy looked up to as a hero, left a legacy of justice. But his murder left behind the need for revenge. Tom's moral fortitude is put to the test when his father's killer reappears years later. The man who once was Tom's hero but now was his bitterest of enemies has become one of the fiercest villains in the West. And this time his schemes threaten to undo the family of Tom's sweetheart, Katie. Tom, together with his father's old partner and now Sundown's deputy, Ben, must not only track and face down the most cold-blooded outlaw in his neck of the wild West, but he must also fight the urge to become a murderer himself. With Tom's relationship, the well-being of his friends and his own life at risk, the greatest stake of all is the soul of a good man."

It was easy and quick to read and was just a good old fashioned western. It caught my interest right away and kept it until the end.

It was easy to picture the towns, the hideouts and um-hum - the cowboys! As a young girl growing up in rural Oklahoma I was determined NOT to marry a cowboy... But, I don't mind looking at them - whether in books, movies or in person!!

Snuggs has a good story to tell and she tells it well. She throws in a small amount of romance but not too much to take away from the wild west story.

She takes good vs evil and lets us walk those dirt streets with Tom and Ben and we as we are cheering for the good guys we also understand many of the raw feelings of revenge and our nature of unforgiveness. 

This is an author to watch for. I believe she has great talent and I hope to be reading more from her in the future.

*****

Chop, Chop by L.N. Cronk

This afternoon while I was reading this book and crying, crying, crying, I thought to myself "I have GOT to start reading the synopsis of the book BEFORE I read the book..." OMGosh. This was crazy. Two books this week really have caught me completely off guard.

"Greg and Laci make it a regular practice to grow their hair long so that they can chop it off and send it to Locks of Love.  It's only one of the things that reserved, young David must tolerate as their friendship grows throughout the years.  As they near adulthood the three become closer not only to each other, but to God as well.  David finds himself content in every way, but when tragedy strikes, David must struggle to find his way back to God.

Don't let the fact that it's the first in a series scare you off - Chop, Chop is a complete, stand-alone novel that will NOT leave you hanging. The sequels, however, are very reasonably priced for those who wish to follow the characters further.

Often pegged as a "Young Adult" novel, demographics show that most readers of the Chop, Chop series are actually between the ages of 25 and 55 (and the sequels are definitely geared toward that age group).

Whether you're young or old, Chop, Chop is a true coming-of-age story about friendship, loss and forgiveness that is sure to touch your heart. "

First, I had no idea it was written for young people, I had no idea it was the first of a series, AND I had no idea it would have such a tragedy in it. For some reason I thought it was a simple mystery!

I did enjoy the book - once I recovered from all the surprises! It was easy to read - fast, I finished it in just a few hours.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about teens with such faith. They had such enthusiasm for God and all that He had for their lives. Reading about these young people reminded me so much of the youth I've worked with in the past. They reminded me of my kids when they were teens. The author did such a good job of describing their personalities, their friendships, their love of God that I really felt as if I knew them.

L.N. Cronk has written this series and has also written several other books. You can find her website H.E.R.E

I highly recommend this book.

I highly recommend this book for teens.

I highly recommend L.N. Cronk's website for
discussion guides, etc.

*****

In the Land of the Long White Cloud by Sarah Lark

Im Land der weißen Wolke 

"London, 1852: Zwei junge Frauen treten die Reise nach Neuseeland an. Es ist der Aufbruch in ein neues Leben - als künftige Ehefrauen von Männern, die sie kaum kennen. Die adlige Gwyneira ist dem Sohn eines reichen "Schafbarons" versprochen, und die junge Gouvernante Helen wurde als Ehefrau für einen Farmer angeworben. Ihr Schicksal soll sich erfüllen in einem Land, das man ihnen als Paradies geschildert hat."

The book was first written in German and was translated in 2012 into English.
 

In the Land of the Long White Cloud

by Sarah Lark

Translated by D.W. Lovett

(I apologize for the blurry picture of the book)

I got this book free from Prime on Amazon. I was looking for a free book, ran across this and thought it sounded interesting. 

"Helen Davenport, governess for a wealthy London household, longs for a family of her own—but nearing her late twenties, she knows her prospects are dim. Then she spots an advertisement seeking young women to marry New Zealand’s honorable bachelors and begins an affectionate correspondence with a gentleman farmer. When her church offers to pay her travels under an unusual arrangement, she jumps at the opportunity.

Meanwhile, not far away in Wales, beautiful and daring Gwyneira Silkham, daughter of a wealthy sheep breeder, is bored with high society. But when a mysterious New Zealand baron deals her father an unlucky blackjack hand, Gwyn’s hand in marriage is suddenly on the table. Her family is outraged, but Gwyn is thrilled to escape the life laid out for her.

The two women meet on the ship to Christchurch—Helen traveling in steerage, Gwyn first class—and become unlikely friends. When their new husbands turn out to be very different than expected, the women must help one another find the life—and love—they’d hoped for.

Set against the backdrop of colonial nineteenth-century New Zealand, In the Land of the Long White Cloud is a soaring saga of friendship, romance, and unforgettable adventure."

I very seldom read romance. However, once in a while I pick one up - for those of you that do read our American romance - this one is a bit different. It's a long book for one thing - you won't read it in an evening or even a day. The plot twists and turns which doesn't get boring.

The synopsis leaves out the twist of the orphan girls traveling with Helen. The church sponsors the orphanage and is sending the girls to work as maids in New Zealand. They add some interesting sidelines to the main story.

It's easy to read, historical and gives an idea of how settlers have a tendency to take land when it will benefit them. Most of us know the history of our country and their relationship with the native Americans - this gives you a look at the same problems in other countries.

For all the animal lovers out there - it has horses, dogs and sheep thrown in with the orphans, pioneer conditions, some sex, and love. Lark captures the attention of many different interests!

At first I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy the book, but as I got acquainted with the characters I was anxious to get back to it each time I had to put it down.

"Sarah Lark, author of several bestselling historical fiction novels in Germany and Spain, was born in Germany’s Ruhr region, where she discovered a love of animals— especially horses—early in life. She has worked as an elementary school teacher, travel guide, and commercial writer. She has also written numerous award-winning books about horses for adults and children, one of which was nominated for the Deutsche Jugendbuchpreis, Germany’s distinguished prize for best children’s book. Sarah currently lives with four dogs and a cat on her farm in Almería, Spain, where she cares for retired horses, plays guitar, and sings in her spare time."

I recommend this book.
**** 

The Mother-Daughter Bookclub by Heather Vogel Frederick

After finishing "The Man of Lawlessness" by Dr. David Reagan - which I blogged about H.E.R.E.  I decided I was ready for some "lighter" reading. I had picked up "The Mother-Daughter Book Club" not really reading the synopsis but knowing that I really enjoy reading books about friendships. Imagine my surprise when I discovered it was written for young girls! The girls in the book are in 6th grade. I thoroughly enjoyed the book!!

"Even if Megan would rather be at the mall, Cassidy is late for hockey practice, Emma's already read every book in existence, and Jess is missing her mother too much to care, the new book club is scheduled to meet every month.

But what begins as a mom-imposed ritual of reading Little Women soon helps four unlikely friends navigate the drama of middle school. From stolen journals, to secret crushes, to a fashion-fiasco first dance, these sixth-graders are up to their Wellie boots in drama. They can't help but wonder: What would Jo March do?

The Mother-Daughter Book Club will delight daughters of all ages in a novel about the fabulousness of fiction, family, and friendship."

I loved "Little Women" as a young girl and I still enjoy re-reading it every once in a while. The fact that the Mother-daughter Book Club is reading it as their first book club selection just made this book that much more fun for me. 

I have a granddaughter in 5th grade and I have come to the conclusion that although the "torment" may be different, young girls can be just as mean now as they were when I was a child - or even when "Jo March" was a child.  

This book can be enjoyed by all ages. Not only does Frederick tell the story through the eyes of the four 6th grade girls, you also get to meet the mothers and the struggles they face and the friendships they form through enjoying time with their daughters.

As Emma, Jess, Cassidy and Megan zip through 6th grade, Frederick lets you, the reader, gain an understanding of hurts, embarrassment, friendship and lots of fun. 

Of course as with every good book for youth, there is much to be learned from these likeable girls and their families.

About the author, Heather Vogel Frederick:

"Before I became a writer, I was a reader—and still am.

I was born in Peterborough, New Hampshire into a family of bookworms, and spent most of my childhood holed up in the library or in my bedroom, reading. My mother used to say that if Heather had her nose in a book, the house would have to burn down around her before she'd sit up and take notice! Those are the best books, though, aren't they? The ones that take your imagination by storm and spirit you off into a different world?"

Actually in going to Frederick's website I felt as if I had found a new friend!! I spent so much time reading all that was there - including her wonderful Blog, that I almost didn't have time to  work on my blog! You should stop by and get acquainted with her too!  You can find her  H.E.R.E   Take the time to get to know her!!

She has written 6 books in this series (plus several other books):
 

1	The Mother-Daughter Book Club
2	Much Ado About Anne
3	Dear Pen Pal
4	Pies & Prejudice
5	Home for the Holidays
6	Wish You Were Eyre

I am not only impressed by the books (I'm also reading the others) I am very impressed with Frederick's love of reading and the way she shares it with others. She is a great encourager of getting young people to read.

I highly recommend these books for all ages.

I also highly recommend you browse the author's web site.

Plus we both collect Tea pots!!!

AND a bookworm!!!

 What's not to love about this author??!!