I've Been Reading...

I'm sure you're surprised.  I've not been blogging.  Unfortunately since the coming of the iPad, the computer has been shunted to the side.  Not the iPad is unfortunate--I love it.  But even with a bluetooth keyboard, blogging is much less convenient.

Today is the last day of Summer Break.  (insert crying and gnashing of teeth here.  You might even include writhing around on the floor but I'm trying to stop that)  Yesterday, the next to the last day before I have to report for school was spent being miserable alternately on the couch, my red chair and in bed.  Summer flu--horrible.  So I didn't really feel like crying and all that because of the end of summer break.  I was crying for a different reason. And by the way (this might be too much information) no one tells you how important Kegel exercises are when it comes to throwing up.  That's all I've got to say about that.

So about the books.  I've read tons.  Lots of Kindle freebies.  Lots of sequels to Kindle Freebies that I had to purchase for a small amount of money (Unless you add it all up and let's not, ok?).  Thrift shop and garage sale purchases.  Also a few Advanced reader copies from publishers.

Zondervan (Christian Publisher) has a relatively new Young Adult book imprint, Blink.  The books are not "Christian" but are a great way for public and public school librarians to get their hands on great stories from a Christian Publisher.  I get monthly emails from them with choices of books to request!  I love it.  If you like YA books or know of a teen that does--sign up and read away!

Aquifer by Jonathan Freisen is set in the future where water is scarce and those who control it control everything.  Luca knows that someday he will take over his father's duties--he is the son of the Deliverer who is entrusted with the survival of the world by knowing the way to the underground Aquifer where he appeases the ratlike miners who control the world's water supply.  Luca's father disappears and he finds himself thrust into a role he isn't ready for.  Luca's inheritance reveals the true nature of perceived friends and enemies.  He discovers knowledge that is kept from the general population to keep them subdued and he also finds (of course) that he is stronger, braver and smarter than he thought possible.

Reality Ends Here by Alison Gaylin is the story of Estella Blanchard and her family who are the stars of the reality show "Seven is Heaven."  I thought this might be a fluffy "Hollywood" piece but was pleasantly surprised at the elements of mystery and the depth of some of the minor characters.  It includes a lot--a Christmas gift from a long dead father, a surprise friendship with a boy band star, sibling relationships, an attempted murder and high speed car chases.  And did I mention bedwetting and wrestling matches?

I received both of these books free to evaluate.  I must admit I'm a bit weary of the futuristic, dystopian direction of Young Adult Fiction but I did enjoy Aquifer and plan to purchase both of these novels (if I ever get any funding) for our school library.

I've got more books to read and review so I'll stop here.

By the way--it's 10 am and 72 degrees here on my back porch in Oklahoma.  What?  After the drought and heat we've had for the last three years, I was afraid Aquifer might become a reality but at last we've had rain and unimaginably cool temperatures!  Yay!    So I'm sitting here watching hummingbird wars, listening to the fountain in the pond, admiring the neighborhood squirrels gymnastic ability and wondering why I can't get rid of those darn moles whose tunnels are making my birdbaths list to the side.

Seriously, Read This Book.

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade. It was a free kindle download earlier this week but not now.

It's 12 AM. I just finished it. The reading included knee slapping, giggling, and antique envy. And a Kleenex or two.

Kate takes a three month break from her job to assist her Gran in renovating an old family home back east. The guy helping with the hard labor is a hunky ex-hockey player who has some deeply buried sorrows. The attic of the barn is filled with amazing antiques. Gran's childhood friends are delightfully endearing. And darn funny.

You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll wish you knew more about hockey and that there were more antiquing show on tv instead of all this mindless drivel about football. You'll wish you had downloaded this from Amazon while it was free.

But feel confident in your purchase of this book because it is. Just. That. Good.

I promise.

Read This Book! Prize of My Heart

Three years ago, at the height of the War of 1812, and just when he has been granted a Captaincy with his own ship, Captain Brogan Talvis's late wife informed him that she had abandoned their son Ben and refused to tell him where.  Three years ago, Lorena Huntley and her shipbuilder father became the loving adopted caregivers for an orphaned child they knew as Drew.

Now the war is over and Brogan, once a penniless orphan, is a wealthy and powerful man of the sea.  His relentless search for his son each time he is on land is at last successful when Brogan discovers him in the Huntley's care.  He doesn't reveal his identity but instead commissions a ship from the Huntley shipyards and conspires to steal back the son he has longed to find.  But first, he must win the trust of the Huntleys so that he can befriend the son who seems not to remember his father and eventually disappear onto the vast ocean with his precious child.

Brogan did not expect to find that the Huntleys had taken such good care of Drew and doted on him.  He also did not anticipate finding Lorena so beautiful and appealing or her father such a wise and friendly man.  And once he gains the family's trust, he certainly did not plan on giving up his freedom to rescue Lorena who has been kidnapped by a zealous suitor and forced to sail on a ship bound for England.


Brogan Talvis launches his new ship on her maiden voyage with his dream firmly in his grasp.  His son, Ben, is at his side and he is sailing away.  But he knows that he must find Lorena and confess that he is the boy's father.  And he must confess that he has fallen in love with her.

Read Prize of My Heart by Lisa Norato for a thrilling tale of pirating, kidnapping, and derring-do on the high seas.

Thanks so much to Bethany House for sending this free review copy of this delightful Christian Historical Romance.

Read This Book! The Girl in the Gatehouse

Mariah Aubrey is banished from her home for an unknown reason and sent to live in the gatehouse of her aunt's estate.  In order to support herself and her companion, she writes a novel and publishes it under a pen name.  Mariah survives threats from her (step)cousin, banishment from her home and estrangement from her family.  She soon becomes friends with a gentleman in residence of the manor house to which the gatehouse is attached and their friendship is on the verge of becoming more.  Her little gatehouse also becomes a haven for children and adults from the poorhouse across the road as she and her companion, Dixon, welcome them and other misfits into their little 'family.'

I loved how the different classes and groups of people were brought together under the roof of the gatehouse.  Despite her titled upbringing, Mariah and her companion and former nanny, Dixon welcome any and all visitors to their home.

I enjoyed this story but I must confess I was confused by the number of characters and references to past events.  I wonder if it perhaps was a sequel to a previous book but at last came to the conclusion that these references were meant to create intrigue.  Unfortunately, they only created confusion.

The message of God's love and forgiveness was threaded discreetly throughout this story.  As Mariah's secret shame is slowly revealed, so is the truth of God's enduring love and neverending forgiveness.

I would recommend this novel to fans of Regency novels but am not sure I will read another book by this author.  I had previously reviewed "The Silent Governess" and was less than thrilled by it but thought I just needed to get into the Regency Mode.

I received this book to review from Bethany House.

Read This Book! Sketchy Behavior

When I saw that the main character in this book excelled in sarcasm, I knew I wanted to review it!  She sounded like a girl after my own heart!

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy for Sketchy Behavior by Erynn Mangum from Zondervan yesterday in the mail.  I've finished it!  It's terrific and I'm excited to add it to our High School library's shelves.

Kate Carter's life is changed forever when her art teacher brings a plainclothes detective into class to talk about forensic sketching.  Kate's class room assignment sketch helps catch a wanted murderer and turns her into an instant celebrity.  Her life is altered when she's followed by a police escort, overwhelmed by floral offerings of gratitude and hears her name called out constantly in the school halls--a big change from her previous anonymous state.  Kate wants to believe that with the murderer in prison, her life should be back to normal, but then the criminal's friends appear to extract revenge and she finds herself in a living nightmare!

Kate's near brush with death makes her question the possibilities of eternity.  One of the detectives shares glimmers of his faith with her and a boy in her art class becomes a friend after they meet by chance at a random church visit Kate's mom engineers.

As the parent of artsy people, I loved that the protagonist was an artist.  As a librarian, I loved that the emphasis on this teen book for girls was the mystery, and as a Christian I loved that Kate is searching for life changing answers.  As a reader, I loved that this is the first in a series!

Sketchy Behavior isn't available to buy till September, but you can pre-order it from most book vendors.  If you like YA novels--even if you're not a young adult, pre-order this book!  You'll be glad you did!

Read This Book! Doctor in Petticoats

Mary Connealy is one of my favorite Christian authors and the the book, Doctor in Petticoats, did not disapoint.  It was a delight to revisit the McClellen clan with the daughters all grown up!  The novel contained all the humor, suspense, danger, love and faith that I've come to expect in a Connealy offering.

Beth, the oldest of the McClellan daughters is returning to her home in West Texas after four years back East training to be a nurse.  She is rushing home to be on time for her sister's wedding but one thing after another delays her journey.  She is only hours away from home when the stagecoach she is sharing with a drunk who has been passed out for days comes across another stagecoach wreck.  It turns out the drunk is Alex,  a doctor who is suffering from mental anguish caused by the trauma and blood he saw as a frontier doctor during the years of Indian warfare.  After patching up the survivors of the wreck, they barely make it to town to be confronted by is a constant demand for doctoring from the townspeople.  Alex is afraid to doctor and the townspeople won't accept Beth as one so the two must work together.  As they work together, Alex begins to regain his confidence and he and Beth fall in love.

Unfortunately, Alex is also a military deserter who is being pursued by a ruthless bounty hunter who is determined to collect the money by bringing his prey in dead or alive--preferably dead!

Can Beth and Alex and their love survive a dangerous trip across the badlands of West Texas?  Read Doctor in Petticoats and find out!  

Read This Book! Promises to Keep

When Roz and her family discover a strange old lady on their front porch one morning, they have no idea of the great impact she will have on their family!

Tillie is the former owner of the house whose children have consigned her to a nursing home and now she is determined to leave and return home.  Eventually, they allow her to move in with them and she is literally a God-send, fixing meals, baby-sitting and handing out advice while Roz' newly single mom works.

This is a story of a single mom who flees an abusive husband to save the lives of her children.  It is a story that deals with racism, run-aways and extended and created families.  This is the story of a man so desperate to get his family back, he will do anything.

Read Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock.  This story will resonate with you for a long time.

Read this Book! Heaven is for Real

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo is the story of his four year old son's visit to heaven.

Colton sees himself floating above the operating table during an emergency surgery and views his dad praying for him in the waiting room.  His family didn't know what to think about his story but as he continues to describe of his near-death experience, they believe that the impossible is possible--their little boy really visited heaven!  He told about meeting his miscarried sister, of whom he had no knowledge of before the incident.  He describes his great-grandfather who died long before he was born, the amazing horse Jesus rides and the really big chair God has.

I've been hearing about this book for awhile and when Les came home Monday and said we had to buy it, who was I to argue?  I downloaded it to Kindle and he has been engrossed in it since he read the first page (or should I say screen?).  I offered to be self-sacrificing and let him read it on my Kindle but he's been reading it on the Kindle app on his phone.  

I would normally never 'review' a book I haven't read myself, but I think if it is good enough to keep my "I hate to read" husband engrossed even in the checkout line at Wal-Mart, it's gotta be a pretty good book!  I even had to cook supper by myself cause he had his nose stuck in a book!

I guess the secret to raising a reader (at any age!) might be to get the cool format.

Oh--and find the right book of course!

Three Books about the West

Or "How the West was Won" but I think that title was already taken!

My Spring Break reading had a Western theme.  Not intentionally, but you know how one thing leads to another!

I peruse the Free Kindle titles list regularly and I did long before I had the actual Kindle.  In case you don't know, Kindle (and other e-reader's such as Barnes and Noble's Nook and Sony and Kobo) has apps for your phone, iPad, Mac and PC in case you want to read a book online.  The advantage of the handheld e-reader is that it is very reader friendly--e-ink is really easy on the eyes!  So anyway, I had quite a list of books before I had even decided to buy a Kindle.

 Letters of a Woman Homesteader by Elinore Pruitt Stewart is the story of a woman who came to Denver, Colorado with her small daughter after her husband was killed.  She eventually finds work as a housekeeper to a Scottish cattle rancher in Wyoming.  Stewart files on her own homestead claim to prove that a woman can win free land on her own.  This woman is a wonderful storyteller and her letter's apparently appeared in the Atlantic Monthly magazine.  You can read an excerpt of a book about her here in Google books.  I found her story fascinating.  Mrs. Stewart is an excellent storyteller and although she has lived a difficult life of poverty and hardship before she moved to Wyoming and hard work after she moved there, she looks on the bright side of everything.  She also does what she can to help out her fellow pioneer.  




When I was growing up, we lived about 25 miles from any town.  That wasn't that far, but I spent a lot of time alone in the summers and that is what I give credit for my love of reading anything.  I mean, just about anything!  One of the books I discovered in our bookshelf of Western novels was the story of Betty Zane by Zane Grey.  This is a fictionalized account of the last battle of the Revolutionary War.  Betty Zane, the young heroine of the book and of the actual battle, ran the gauntlet of fire from Indians and British Soldiers to get more gunpowder for the cannon in Fort Henry saving the Fort and countless lives with her daring.  This story is full of non-political correct references to Negroes and Indians alike but it is certainly a product of it's time of writing.  The author, Zane Grey, does however spend as much time writing about the noble savage as he does the Murderous Injuns.  This was Grey's first novel based on the diary of his ancestors and was turned down numerous times before it was finally printed.  Romance, Danger, Battle and Drama--I loved this novel as much this week as I did when I was about twelve!

Now for the one I wasn't so crazy about--the one I paid money for--the one I saw in an airport bookshop a few years ago and wanted to buy.  That is always so disappointing to me--to want a book and be willing to pay for it and be disappointed in it.  That is what happened with the book A Buffalo in the House  by R. D. Rosen.

This is the story of Charlie, an orphaned buffalo who is taken on as a bottle calf by Veryl Goodnight and Roger Brooks.  Veryl is a sculptor and wants to make a memorial to her grandmother, the wife of pioneer cattle driver, Charles Goodnight, who bottlefed six buffalo calves to start a herd in the Palo Duro Canyon area near Amarillo, TX.  Veryl and Roger put out requests for orphaned calves to use as living models to owners of buffalo herds and eventually they wind up with Charlie.  All of the information in the book is intriguing.  Charlie is a delightful but spoiled pet who doesn't know he's a buffalo.  Roger and Veryl are thoughtful wild-animal owners who try their best to return Charlie to his natural place within the herd and that is where the trouble begins.  Charlie is afraid of the other buffalo and runs headlong into a fence, injuring his neck.  There is heroic veterinarian and chiropractic assistance to restore Charlie to health.  I really liked Charlies story.  But to flesh out the book, the author added information about the importance of buffalo to the Indians, the environment, etc.  that eventually was boring.  Don't get me wrong--these parts in a magazine article would have been enjoyable.  In a novel-length book, not so much.  I found myself skimming these parts.  I'm afraid I was disappointed in the one book I read that I paid for!

Take a trip to the West--read one of these books!

Read This Book! A Rush of Wings

Read Kristen Heitzmann's suspense novel, A Rush of Wings!

Noelle St. Claire is on the run.  She's not sure why and she's not sure who she should be afraid of but Noelle knows she has to put as much distance between herself and her New York City home as she can.  She's fleeing her wealthy, pampered life with only a small suitcase and $5,000 to her name.  After blindly changing buses for several days, Noelle finds herself in tiny mountain town in Colorado and rents a room from Rick Spencer, horse trainer and dude ranch owner.

The beauty and serenity of the mountains calm Noelle's fears and she begins to paint watercolors of the majestic scenery.  Rick allows her to ride one of the horses and she goes out exploring every day, bringing back wildflower and mountain scenes captured by her paintbrush.  Noelle sells her paintings to tourists in a little shop in town to supplement her dwindling supply of cash.

Although Noelle feels safe on the Spencer  Ranch, she begins to have flashbacks of unexplainable terror.  Rick's brother, Morgan, attempts to romance Noelle, but his closeness frightens her. And Noelle has a new worry--when the tourist season is over, no one buys her paintings so she is without an income. Her fears for the future seem to be over when the shop owner offers to both find a place in the big city to sell the paintings and a house for Noelle.  Assured of a seemingly secure future, Noelle moves away form Rick's ranch in spite of his warnings that the shop owner is not what she seems.  Unfortunately, Rick's warnings come true when Noelle finds herself without food or money to pay her bills.  Rick rescues her from her cold home and takes her home with him.

Noelle now is confronted with her feelings of gratitude and perhaps more for Rick.  But she is afraid to be honest with him about her past--especially since she can't even remember what it is she should tell him about herself.

I enjoyed this novel.  It was somewhat predictable and sometimes melodramatic but I thoroughly enjoyed the escape from reality it provided.  And isn't that why I'm reading after all?  

Read This Book! The Emerald Atlas

As the forces of darkness drew near on Christmas Eve, siblings Kate, Michael and Emma were whisked from their parents and hidden away in an orphanage.  Now ten years later they find themselves in a remote and decrepit house--the latest in a long line of increasingly depressing orphanages.  The children know nothing about the threatening evil that pursued them when they were small.  Emma, the youngest has turned into a small ferocious animal, Michael is obsessed with taking pictures and Kate tries hard to keep the memory of her parents alive to her siblings who were too small to remember them when they were removed.

The children are shocked to discover that their newest 'orphanage' is a dilapidated mansion with cranky, but kind hearted servants and no other orphans.  The kids begin to explore their new home and soon discover a mysterious book and a hidden room....And that is where the real story begins!

A photograph dropped onto a page in the book sends the children into the past and although Kate and Emma manage to return to their time, Michael has been mesmerized by a beautiful but evil woman and is left behind.

Join Kate and Emma as they struggle to free their brother from the past and in doing so change the future of the world.  You will visit caves populated by evil monsters and friendly dwarves.  You will visit the forest of North America and discover Indian tribes and their medicine men.  You will be drawn into the never ending battle between good and evil and will be unable to sleep at night until you turn the last page of this book.

You will fall into the world of The Emerald Atlas  and lament the fact that the sequel will be so long time in coming!

Read This Book! Amy Inspired

Amy Inspired is the first novel by Bethany Pierce and I can hardly wait till she writes more!  This is the story of Amy--daughter, sister, room mate, list maker, adjunct writing professor, and aspiring author. She is a good Christian woman who feels she is doing all the right things without getting anywhere.

Throughout the novel, Amy deals with, job issues, a student who seems to be a stalker, a male house guest she is attracted to, the forthcoming marriage of her brother, and her relationship with her mom and dad.  The biggest dilemma in Amy's life is her writing.  She wants to be a writer.  She longs to be a writer.  She has planned since she was a little girl to be a writer. When her roommate has an article accepted for publication in a national magazine, Amy of course is thrilled for her roommate but struggles with jealousy.  And the more she thinks about writing, the fewer words she is able to produce.

As a wannabe/would be writer, I really identified with this part of the story.  I fell in love with Amy in the scene where she returns to her childhood home and her mom asks her to get something down from the attic. The attic is Amy's garret.  Just like Jo from Little Women, as a child, Amy had created a special place where she could go to be alone and write her stories.

I also loved the way Amy shares her love of writing with her students.  Really, I think this was the best written book that I have read in a long time.  It was entertaining--I'm all about that as a reader.  But it also resonated with me.  I identified with Amy on many levels.  It made me think about my own writing.

In one scene, Amy and a friend are discussing writing and the question is asked, "Would you still write if you thought no one would ever read what you had written?"  I thought about that a long time.  As the writer of this little blog, I have to say that I get discouraged when I don't get comments.  But as a writer in general, I love the thrill I get when words fall into place, gracefully and naturally, and convey exactly the mood I desire to portray.

Read it! Amy Inspired by Bethany Pierce.  You'll be so glad you did!

Read this Book: Within My Heart

I received a package from Bethany House today with three new books and realized I'd better get on the ball in telling about the previous books I have received.

Within My Heart by Tamara Alexander is the story of widowed ranch wife, Rachel Boyd living in Colorado Springs in 1877.  Her husband had been killed a few years before and she has been doing the best she can to make her ranch a success and raise her two sons.  Rachel is struggling.  In spite of a steady market for the beef she raises, the harsh winters have taken their toll on her cattle herds.  Even working dawn to dusk and beyond, Rachel can barely keep up with the neverending toil of both the house and the ranch.  She is constantly exhausted but the loyal support of her faithful friends, Ben and Lyda Mullins,  helps immensely.  When Ben Mullins, proprietor of Colorado Springs general store,  has a heart attack, Rachel is there to help he and Lyda as he recovers.  Unfortunately this puts Rachel in the path of a man she dislikes, the town doctor, Rand Brookston.

Now you know this is probably a romance so I won't bother to tell you that Rachel discovers that Rand is not as bad as she first thought.  And I don't want to tell you that Ben has congestive heart failure and no chance of eventual recovery cause that part might make you cry.

So I think I'll just stop here and let you read the book yourself.  It is part of a series, but it won't take you long to fill in the missing bits because I know if you're reading this blog--you're a smart and discerning reader!

Read This Book! The Vigilante's Bride

Another satisfying read from Bethany House.  I've never read a novel by Yvonne Harris before but I recommend her highly.

The story had a bit more danger than usual.  In fact, the hero of the story truly was a vigilante, living by the code of the Old West, upholding justice when there was no law to be had.  He had killed a few men, participated in the hanging of cattle rustlers, wore a gun everywhere and was prepared to display his fast draw to protect women, children and, of course, himself.

The heroine was an orphan--sent by the orphanage where she was raised to be the mail order bride of a cattle baron.  She was an unwilling bride, but circumstances forced her to accept her fate.

The vigilante rescued the orphan from a fate worse than death.  In fact it was a fate that could have resulted in her death, considering that the cattle baron's first wife died a mysterious death.

But fate (really, you know it is God) had other plans for our beautiful orphan.  When she is kidnapped from the cattleman's carriage by the vigilante, she is taken to another orphanage--the very one the vigilante was raised in!  And here, she becomes, not a recipient of charity, but a much needed teacher and helper.

Truly, you must read this book--It's not often a self-confessed murderer is the hero in a Christian novel!!!

Read This Book! Head in the Clouds

I love books!  I love getting books in the mail!  Especially  advanced reader copies that are not available in the store yet!  I've discovered several new favorite authors this way and now have a new one.

Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer will be released October 10 and you simply must get it!  This fun historical romance is written by a Texas native who blends history, romance and suspense into one fun read!

Adelaide Proctor, the heroine of our story, is a young teacher whose romantic heart leads her to quit her job and follow a travelling book salesman whom she hopes to be the answer to her dreams. She arrives in Fort Worth, eager and nervous, only to discover that Henry has been leading her astray--using his charm to sell books.  Addie discovers he is married with a child her first night in the busy town and is both heartbroken and in a panic.  Addie can't believe she fell for the salesman's flirtatiousness and gave up her secure, although lonely, life in a whim.  She cries out her loneliness and humiliation to God and asks him to guide her and direct her foolish heart and to help her get her head out of the clouds.

When she is at last empty of tears, Addie sits back to contemplate her future in a more rational fashion.  An advertisement for a governess on a remote ranch catches her eye and she sets out across the prairie in pursuit of the position.

Gideon Westcott is a younger son of an English aristocrat who is seeking his own way as a sheep rancher on the rugged American frontier.  His Texas home is efficiently run by an English butler and housekeeper and he is aided and advised in his sheep enterprise by Mexican sheepherders.  To this eclectic mix of people, Gideon has added Isabella, a little girl he befriended on the ship from England.  Her mother had died on the journey to America, naming Gideon her daughter's guardian on her deathbed.  Bella hasn't spoken a word since her mother's death and seems to draw into herself more each day.  Gideon hopes that the right governess will draw Bella out of her grief.

Danger, suspense, humor and romance abound in this delightful novel so really, you must....

Read this book!

And if you will please leave a comment between now and next Monday, I will use my online friend, the random number generator to choose a winner of this copy of the novel!

Read This Book! She Walks in Beauty

Oooh!  I have a new favorite author!  I admit my 'new favorite author' changes quite frequently because I read so much but I think Siri Mitchell is going to be my favorite for quite a while--at least until I read all her books!

Set in 19th century New York City, She Walks in Beauty is filled with all the glitter, glamour, money, and extravagance that you can imagine from the Gilded Age.  It is time for Clara's debut into society and although she has lived a life of sheltered wealth and privilege, she is surprisingly unspoiled and very naive.  Her mother is deceased and her father is a doctor and the inventor of a popular 'health' tonic.  Clara's aunt has come to stay and orchestrate the debut, but all Clara really wants to do is continue studying with her governess.   She is thrust unwillingly into society--learning how to converse about nothing, taking dancing lessons, attending endless parties, luncheons and teas and shopping for an appropriate and attention getting wardrobe for these social events.  She is also in direct competition with her best and only friend for the same wealthy, privileged and boring heir.

The theme of the Clara's mother's favorite hymn "Just as I Am" is as integral to this novel as all the descriptions of jewels and parties.  For Clara has discovered that not only is it necessary to conform to society's idea of what is proper concerning conversation, food and dress, but she must also conform and be literally conformed to society's idea of beauty. Upon being told of her imminent debut, Clara is immediately fitted for a corset.  And is not allowed to remove it until she achieves an 18 inch waist--whittled down vastly from her current 22 inches.  Every item of clothing is designed to make Clara appear tiny--from the too small gloves and shoes to the constant constriction of the corset that doesn't allow her to eat, sleep or even breathe very well.  Clara is left to wonder why she can't be loved "Just as I am" and searches for One who will see beyond what she is made to appear and be and embrace her real self.

Visit the world of wealth, power and privilege in She Walks in Beauty.  Discover for yourself the true meaning of beauty!

Read this Book! Sixteen Brides

Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson was another review book from Bethany House and once again, it did not disappoint! You can boo the villain and cheer for the ladies and laugh and cry your way through this delightful novel!

You will quickly become involved in the stories of these Civil War Widows and their quest for a new home and a new life out west.  Each lady has a reason for leaving the civilized East--personal circumstances, running from her past, mourning, fear, a change for the better.  Imagine their dismay when upon arriving in the Nebraska town of Plum Grove, they discover that they have been brought West and promised to a lonely frontiersman.  The adventurous ladies were leaving the East to better themselves and they discover they have been basically rounded up like cattle and sold to the highest bidder.  

It is a bit daunting when beginning the novel to keep track of all the ladies who sign up to move west and claim free land, but as you begin to see each personality emerge, you will discover that supper and possibly bedtime can wait till you conclude this tale. 

The story comes complete with an "Oklahoma" (the musical) style dance, a house raising, robber catching and villain threatening.

Although this review has concentrated on how entertaining the book was, the story was not without its poignant moments, it's heart-touching scenes and characters that you will want to see succeed in achieving their dreams.

Olive Kitteridge--Read this Book? I'm Not So Sure

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout is a collection of short stories set in a small town in Maine.  The main character throughout the book is Olive Kitteridge, formidable 7th grade math teacher, demanding mother, gruff wife.  Olive is a large woman with large opinions and a large circle of influence in the town since she has taught most of the inhabitants throughout her many years of teaching.  Several stories are about the formidable Olive or her family, some tell of villager's lives who have close interaction with Olive and some only mention Olive's name. 

I can't say I liked this book.  It has some beautiful prose and I admired the author's technique of centering the story around one villager while telling the tale of those she or her husband touched.  But the chapters were dark.  The last chapter in the book had a somewhat happy ending, but the rest dealt with such tragedy.  I must admit I was somewhat bored reading the book also.  About the time I was ready to quit, the author reeled me back in with her lovely language and the apparent promise of something better to come. 

I should have realized since it had won so many prizes, had been recommended by Oprah and had glowing reviews that I probably wouldn't really like it.  

The ironic thing is that while I must say that Strout's lyrical writing kept me reading, it was her vulgar language use that was what made me want to quit.  I do not understand the use of the 'f' word sprinkled throughout books.  Neither I nor my family uses it.  My friends don't.  My neighbors don't.  I don't hear it in line at the grocery store or at the convenience store or at work or anywhere else I frequent. 

I don't even find it in some of those trashy novels I read occasionally!  And those have some scenes I skip over!  

Is it an Eastern thing?  Has it been used so much that it's just a word?  I don't know and I'm not going to research it.  I suppose it's not considered any worse by some individuals than other words, but that one particular word is more offensive to me than just about any other and when an author uses it, I'm afraid I'm done with them. 

Read This Book! Hearts Awakening

It's always exciting to arrive home and find a package of  new books from Bethany House Publishers to review!

Delia Parr's new novel Hearts Awakening is set in 1840 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and opens with Elvira Kilmer,  thirty-ish spinster, trudging along the road in the early dawn to a new job.

As she walks, she thinks of other women her age.  Women with homes and husbands and children who are preparing breakfast near a warm fire instead of walking alone through unfamiliar territory on an icy morning.  Ellie is absorbed in prayer, once again asking the Lord to help her accept the position He has given her in life, when she is startled by a wild animal and falls, tearing her cape and staining her skirt and only pair of gloves on the wild blackberry brambles she has fallen into.  This was not the way she wanted to greet her potential new employer but she has no choice but to continue on the road to the home of the widower she has come to work for.

 Far from being put off by her bedraggled appearance, Mr. Jackson Smith is so relieved to see her, Ellie is welcomed into his home and soon she is caring for his children and cooking and cleaning his house as he works to bring in the year's apple crop.

For respectability's sake, Jackson proposes to Ellie.  He believes a marriage of convenience would be the thing to ease his children's grief and provide a safe and stable home for Ellie. 

The handsome Mr. Smith and his two boys are reeling from the sudden death of his wife six months before.  Plain Ellie is mourning her parents and her lost hopes and dreams of a family.  They both dare to dream of happiness but do these two lost and lonely, but very different people, have a chance together?

Ellie fears that she just might fall in love with her handsome husband and then she would be in trouble. Jackson is afraid of how Ellie might react when she finds out about his past. 

Join Ellie and Jackson on their journey to faith and love.

Read this Book! Three Cups of Tea

This book has been in my 'to read' pile since December.  I don't purchase that many books because I'm a librarian and it just seems like I should check books out for free instead of buying them.  But in the flurry of Christmas shopping and being in the buying mode, I was unable to resist stocking up on books for myself!

In 1993, Greg Mortenson becomes lost in Pakistan during in unsuccessful to climb K2, the second highest mountain in the world.  He eventually stumbles into a small mountain village, Korpha.  The villager's give Greg their best and as he begins to heal in body and spirit,  he discovers the village children scratching math problems in the dirt on top of a windswept mountain.  The government of Pakistan had promised each village a school, but in this remote region, there is only one teacher to be shared among the villages and no school building or supplies.  Once he is recovered, Mortenson leaves the village with a promise--to return and build a school to repay them for their hospitality and kindness. 

This is the story of Mortenson's ongoing quest to build schools all over Pakistan.  Journey with him as he raises money and has some hair-raising adventures in the midst of fundamentalist Muslim countries in his efforts to promote peace through education.

This book will enlighten you to people in a far different world than we live in.

Go on--what are you waiting for!  Read this book!


Three Cups of Tea