Wednesday, September 19, 2012

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

"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.


*****

  



Monday, September 17, 2012

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.


*****

Friday, September 14, 2012

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.

*****

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

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.
**** 


Monday, September 10, 2012

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):
 
1The Mother-Daughter Book Club


 
2Much Ado About Anne


 
3Dear Pen Pal



4Pies & Prejudice

5Home for the Holidays


6Wish 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??!!
 

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

The Man of Lawlessness by Dr. David R. Reagan






"The Man of Lawlessness - The Antichrist in the Tribulation" by Dr. David R. Reagan is a book I didn't pick up lightly! 


"This book contains a survey of everything the Bible has to say about the Antichrist, presented in a down-to-earth, easy-to-understand style. One of its special features is a prophecy forum where the opinions of 22 Bible prophecy experts are presented concerning key questions about the Antichrist. It also features a series of in-depth essays about the Tribulation and the Antichrist.
221 pages."
  • Where will the Antichrist come from?
  • Will he be a Jew or a Gentile?
  • Could he be a Muslim?
  • Is he alive today?
  • Will he be killed and resurrected?
  • Where will his headquarters be located?
  • Will he actually control the whole world?
  • Will he be possessed by Satan?
  • Will Christians have to face him?
 "Dr. Reagan answers all these questions and more concerning the identity and role of the Antichrist, surveying his career from the beginning to the end of the Great Tribulation."

I hardly know where to start in reviewing this book full of information that is backed by Scripture. I am a reader that reads mostly to escape, relax, enjoy the stories woven by authors. - Do you picture me reading in bed? In an easy chair? While in waiting rooms? You should because that's a picture of me. But with Reagan's book, I read with my Bible beside me, a pencil at hand and my post-it tabs. If he made a statement I didn't understand or was unsure of, I looked up the Scripture he was using to substantiate his statements and to give understanding to what I was reading.  - However, let me add, it was very easy to understand his writings. He writes on the layman's level.

With this being an election year, I was intrigued by Dr. Reagan's statement in his forward:
"... I am neither a Democrat or a Republican. I am, instead, a Monarchist, because I have devoted my life to doing everything I can to help prepare the way for the return of the King of kings and Lord of lords who will reign in glory and majesty from Mount Zion in Jerusalem and whose reign will bring peace, righteousness and justice to all the world."
I have so many post-its in this book there is absolutely no way to give you all the highlights of this work.  I will say, Dr. Reagan Scripturally answers each of the questions that are listed above, plus more.

A part of the book is dedicated to the results of a prophecy forum composed of 22 Bible prophecy experts who also reply to the questions above. I really enjoyed reading the different views and opinions. 

I realize that many don't believe in the end times as described in the Bible. I understand that these same people don't believe in the Antichrist. I have no answers for you except to study your Bible with an open heart and open eyes to what God's indisputable Word says.

If you have any interest in Bible Prophesy, if you are one who studies end times and all that is ahead of us, I highly recommend this book. But also, if you just want to learn more and aren't sure what you believe this book has many answers and explanations. It is a book I plan to keep in my library for reference and for re-reading.

"Dr. David Reagan is the founder and director of Lamb & Lion Ministries. He hosts a weekly television program called "Christ in Prophecy" that is broadcast on several national networks that have access to over 80 million homes in the United States."
From Dr. Reagan: "For years I have taught that when studying or teaching Bible prophecy, the focus of attention should be on Jesus Christ and not on the Antichrist. Accordingly, I have produced several books that explore in detail what Bible prophecy has to say about the Messiah, and I have attempted to show how those prophecies were literally fulfilled in the life of Jesus.

I never expected to write a book about the Antichrist. But I felt compelled to do so when I began to notice a steady stream of books and articles being published about the Antichrist, most of which were very sensational in nature, and thus serving to divert attention away from Jesus Christ.

This book is an attempt to bring some balance to the subject. The Antichrist is a major topic of end time Bible prophecy, and as such, should not be ignored. But on the other hand, this nefarious character should not be an obsession. We must always keep in mind the words of Revelation 19:10 which say, "...the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." "
 

I have had the privilege of hearing Dr. Reagan speak, he is a man I highly respect. I have followed his ministry and read his work for over 30 years. His website is found here:
http://www.lamblion.com/ 

I also highly recommend his website and his newsletter.

I highly recommend this book
and
Dr. Reagan's website, newsletter and other books.

***** 



 





 

 

Thursday, August 23, 2012

The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver








The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver wasn't widely read until it came out in paperback on it's 10 year anniversary. When it was first published, however, its author was unknown. Word of mouth spread slowly among booksellers, librarians, critics and readers with a passion to share their favorite books. In The Bean Trees they found a spirited protagonist. It is now a standard in college literature classes across the nation and has been translated for a readership stretching from Japan to Romania.


"Clear-eyed and spirited, Taylor Greer grew up poor in rural Kentucky with the goals of avoiding pregnancy and getting away. But when she heads west with high hopes and a barely functional car, she meets the human condition head-on. By the time Taylor arrives in Tucson, Arizona, she has acquired a completely unexpected child, a three-year-old American girl named Turtle, and must somehow come to terms with both motherhood and the necessity for putting down roots. Hers is a story about love and friendship, abandonment and belonging, and the discovery of surprising resources in apparently empty places."

This was a short book and easy to read. I enjoyed the characters - as I do all of the creations of Kingsolver. You can't help but root for Taylor, Turtle, Lou Ann, Mattie and all the others. 

Even as a teen Taylor, who had changed her name from Marietta, liked bright colors and had decided if she couldn't dress elegant, she was going to dress memorable. She is a woman with spunk and a determination not to wind up having to stay in her poor situation because of getting pregnant as a teen. 

After experiencing a rather horrible day at the hospital where she worked, she threw up twice and decided she wanted to quit. But later, she decided she had seen the worst that she would ever see so there was no reason to quit now. A determined woman with gumption and personality!

Kingsolver touches on poverty, child abuse, friendship "but two of the greatest influences in The Bean Trees are the Cherokee Trail of Tears, the geographical trek that the Cherokee Nation was forced to travel when it was moved to the Oklahoma territory from the southeastern United States, and the Sanctuary movement, designed to help Central Americans flee oppressive governmental regimes and relocate — usually secretly and illegally — in the United States." [from cliff notes] 

I would suggest this book to any book club. The discussion could take so many different directions. 

"Barbara Kingsolver was born in 1955, and grew up in rural Kentucky. She earned degrees in biology from DePauw University and the University of Arizona, and has worked as a freelance writer and author since 1985. At various times in her adult life she has lived in England, France, and the Canary Islands, and has worked in Europe, Africa, Asia, Mexico, and South America. She spent two decades in Tucson, Arizona, before moving to southwestern Virginia where she currently resides."

You can find more about Barbara Kingsolver H.E.R.E.


She has 13 published books with a new one coming out in November 2012.

I have reviewed The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver H.E.R.E.

I have reviewed The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver H.E.R.E.


I highly recommend this book. 

 



 



Monday, August 20, 2012

The United States Presidents





If you know me at all, you know at least three things about me.

  1. I'm a mother
  2. I'm a reader
  3. I am incredibly fortunate to have met this wonderful man I married - and that I am very very happy!!
There are WAY TOO MANY reasons that I love this man for me to put them here in a blog - but I will tell you about one of the reasons!!

He likes to read! Maybe not as much as me, but he is a reader. Randy also likes history. Now he likes history as much as I like reading!! The best way for him to learn more history is by reading!!! A match made in heaven! : )   (We also enjoy visiting museums.)

 At the Watkins Museum in Lawrence, KS

We started picking up a few "history" books while we were shopping for our used book business. I have tried to talk him into doing some book reviews on these books but he isn't interested!! Takes him too much time and once he finishes a book he moves on to the next. No time to review!! A few that he started with are:

"Going Home to Glory A Memoir of Life with Dwight D Eisenhower" 
by David Eisenhower with Julie Nixon

"Dutch" by Edmond Morris
(@ Ronald Reagan)

"Lincoln" by David Herbert Donald

"Decision Points" by George W Bush

"The Family, The Real Story of the Bush Dynasty" by Kitty Kelley
 "My Name is America 
The Journal of Rufus Rowe
A Witness to the Battle of Fredricksburg, Bowling Green, Virginia 1862"
by Sid Hite

"1776" by David McCullough

"Truman" by David McCullough
 

"Mornings on Horseback" by David McCullough
(@ Theodore Roosevelt)

The Theodore Roosevelt Trilogy
"The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt"
"Theodore Rex"
"Colonel Roosevelt"
by Edmond Morris

By this time, my dear husband was hooked!





He decided he wanted to read a book about each one of our presidents. He had already read about George Washington, so he began with:

"John Adams" by David McCullough

"Thomas Jefferson" by R.B. Bernstein

"James Madison" by Richard Brockhiser

"James Monroe: The American Presidents Series: The 5th President 1817-1825"
by Arthur M Schlesinger and Gary Hart

"John Quincy Adams"
American Profiles by H.W. Brands

"Andrew Jackson: His Life and Times" by H.W. Brands

"William Henry Harrison: The American Presidents Series: The 9th President 1841"
by Gail Collins, Arthur M Schlesinger, Sean Wilentz, Gary May

"John Tyler: The American Presidents Series: the 10th President, 1841-1845"
by Arthur M Schlesinger, Sean Wilentz, Gary May

"Polk: The Man Who Transformed the Presidency and America"
by Walter R Borneman

"Zachary Taylor: The American Presidents Series: The 12th President, 1849-1850"
by Arthur M Schlesinger, Sean Wilentz, John Eisenhower

"Millard Fillmore: The American Presidents Series: The 13th President, 1850-1853"
by Arthur M Schlesinger, Sean Wilentz, Paul Finkelman

and he's now reading:
"Franklin Pearce: The American Presidents Series: The 14th President, 1853-1857"
by Arthur M Schlesinger, Michael F Holt, Sean Wilentz 

Well, as you can see, my dear husband has far out-read me!! He left me in the dust!! We're not sure how it happened but he skipped Martin Van Buren. So he will need to back track a bit at some point.

I think what amazes me most about Randy's reading is that I can pick one of these presidents out of the air and he can tell me about the book. I would be getting them all mixed up but he doesn't! 

So, we don't have a review of each book but if you are interested, message us and he will be glad to tell you his view about any President that you have a question about.




Saturday, August 18, 2012

The Unraveling of Reverend G by RJ Thesman


"The Unraveling of Reverend G" is RJ Thesman's first fiction book. It was just released this month, August, 2012.
"When Reverend G hears the devastating diagnosis — dementia with the possibility of early-onset Alzheimer’s — she struggles with the pain of forgetting those she loves and the fear of losing her connection with God. With the help of her friends at the assisted living facility, Bert, a farmer from Oklahoma, Roxie, the stressed-out activities director and Gabriel, a cat with the gift of forecasting death, she soon discovers there’s humor to be found in forgetting part of the Lord’s Prayer, finding her iron in the freezer and losing a half-gallon of ice cream. And she discovers that while the question she wants to ask is, ‘Why,’ the answer really is, ‘Who.’"
This is the second book of fiction that I've read about dementia - Alzheimers. The first one was several years ago and it was "Still Alice" - you can read my review of that book H.E.R.E.

That book was much different than Thesman's book. In "The Unraveling of Reverend G", you immediately feel like your reading about your mother or a dear aunt. It's as if you are right there with Rev G exploring this new life with her. 

My mother-in-law, Anne, suffered with dementia and I could see her in Rev G. They share a like faith. In the last year of Anne's life, she hardly talked at all, but she would hum and sing "Amazing Grace." I know it was a comfort to her to have that hymn in her mind - but it was also a comfort to her family, knowing that her faith was sustaining her.


I greatly appreciated Rev G's yearning for not losing her relationship with God. For her sincere, casual way of conversing with God. It's the way I talk to God so this book was very natural for me to empathize with.  At the beginning of her diagnosis she says to God "...  As this disease progresses, please don't let me ever lose the joy of hearing your voice. Do not let me forget you..." What an honest yearning for one knowing all they are familiar with may be lost. Rev G realizes she will forget people. Even people she loves. But she longs for assurance throughout the book that she will not forget God and all that He has meant to her. 

Thesman was able to let the reader appreciate the "comedic" relief that we need when coping with dementia. There were true to life people in Rev G's life that I enjoyed meeting. - And she had a cat!! Had to appreciate that a pet can bring such comfort to those in need of that comfort.

This is an exceptional job for RJ Thesman's first journey into fiction. Her book was easy to read and very well written. It's a good read and it's also a fast read. I would suggest it for book clubs just because of the discussion that it would generate. 

"RJ Thesman earned an education degree and taught at various levels. She is a Biblical counselor and a Stephen Minister. She has worked in a variety of nonprofits and has served as campus minister to international students. With a variety of communications skills, Thesman is always writing."
 You can read more about her and Rev G H.E.R.E.

I know RJ personally and Randy and I went to Lawrence last weekend for one of her book signings! She is the sister to one of my very best friends from High School!!


 

  We had a great time seeing Rebecca and 
getting our signed copy of "The Unraveling of Rev G."

You can read about our day in Lawrence H.E.R.E.


I highly recommend you get acquainted with Rev G.
 
 

Monday, August 13, 2012

The Dusty Bookshelf, Lawrence, Kansas



Before Randy and I got married, my brother-in-law Steve Larsen had contacted me and told me about this fabulous book store in Lawrence, KS. This is the first chance we've had to go and let me tell you - it did not disappoint. The most FABULOUS used book store I have ever been in. It has more books than any book store I have ever been in.



 These are just 2 of the several sections that I snapped for an example.


 They also had stacks and stacks of books.

But it was a very neat and clean bookstore. I've been in used bookstores before that I couldn't wait to get out of but this is an exception to the rule. The ambiance in this store was delightful. We could have probably spent days in here - but Lawrence had so much to offer we didn't stay for hours and hours!

Just hours!! : )

 
 I spent much of my time in this section!!

The books were very well sorted and each genre was very well marked. It was easy to find what you may be looking for. It was a very comfortable store. Lots of browsers!

After walking through each section, after perusing the areas I was interested in, we were just getting ready to leave and I spotted a book on a table by the front door.

 
I immediately fell in love with it and wanted it for my collection!
It's even autographed!!

So I bought it!!

If you ever make it to Lawrence, KS - 
PLEASE take time to visit

The Dusty Bookshelf


It will be well worth your time!!