Friday, September 29, 2023

Reviewing A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson


...from the publisher...

 Adelaide Smith is too busy for fairy tales.
She’s been working hard to put herself through law school, and she’s determined to stay
focused on her goals.

 Then she receives a letter notifying her that she is a direct descendant of King Maximillian Konig V, the ruler of a small European principality called Montovia.
What? No. That’s the stuff of cheesy made-for-TV movies, not real life.
Still, curiosity gets the best of her, leading to a Christmas break trip chock-full of surprises, including a charming village, an opulent palace, family mysteries, royal jealousies, a handsome young member of Parliament, and the chance at a real-life fairy tale romance.

...my thoughts... 

Every year, Melody Carlson has a knack for writing a wonderful story to put us in the Christmas spirit.  This year is no exception.  A Royal Christmas is just such a story.  Meet Adelaide Smith, struggling law student, so close to finally finishing her degree she is leaving her barista job for good.  As fate would have it, she receives the letter that changes her life forever.  

This novella is heartwarming and yes, a bit enchanting but still contains a bit of intrigue and mystery.  All in time for the Christmas holiday season.  I enjoyed this story and  recommend this to all who enjoy a modern Cinderella story. This book, like all the other Christmas books I have by Melody Carlson will be read again and again.

Sunday, August 13, 2023

Revisitng a Classic! Miracles on Maple Hill.

 My 4th grade teacher read this book aloud to us many years ago.  I eagerly waited every day after lunch recess when she would read us just one chapter.  I enjoyed it then and was happy to find this book again.   The family in the story is adjusting to the return of their father, who had been a Prisoner of War, likely the Korean War, based on the publication date of this book in the 1950's.  As fate would have it, they went to Maple Hill, the home where Lee, the mother spent many happy days as a child in the home of her late grandmother.  The family is transformed as father stays behind, fixing up the place and working with a kindly neighbor, Mr. Chris.  They work hard together on the maple sugar harvest, which heals father and brings the family closer.

This is a wonderful story of family values.  This family inspired me then as it does today because when we work hard together, the rewards are great.  I like the old fashioned notion of strong families sticking together through tough times.  It reminds me of my own large family growing up in that era, working in the garden, preserving our food and each of us having a job to do in the process, no matter our age.  It was worth it and the memories are savored.

 Some would say that some of the traditional adjectives are outmoded but frankly, the words as written are as defined in the true sense of the word. 

The cover of this book was illustrated by Beth and Joe Kush, a husband and wife team who illustrated many children's books including the five United States editions of the  Borrowers series by Mary Norton

Publishers Summary

Marly and her family are moving out to the country, back to her mother's grandmother's house, back to where she would say: "Now scoot, you two, for goodness' sakes! Up here, there's all outdoors!"

Moving so her father can start recovering from his time spent as a prisoner of war, as Marly and her family learn about the country life from their neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Chris, they do start adjusting and becoming happier. When Mr. Chris suffers a heart attack during "sugaring time," Marly's family helps to repay the kindness shown them by pitching in to keep the fires going, keep the sap moving, and bring in that year's harvest of maple syrup...even getting the whole school to join in their efforts.

Miracles on Maple Hill won the 1957 Newbery Medal.

.

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Reviewing: The Orchard by Beverly Lewis

...from the publishers...

For generations, Ellie Hostetler's family has tended their Lancaster County orchard, a tradition her twin brother, Evan, will someday continue. Yet when Evan's draft number is called up in the lottery for the Vietnam War, the family is shocked to learn he has not sought conscientious objector status, despite their Old Order Amish belief in non-resistance. The faraway war that has caused so much turmoil and grief among their Englisher neighbors threatens too close to home.

As Evan departs for boot camp, Ellie confides her disappointment to Sol Bontrager, the brother of her best friend and cousin to her new beau, Menno. In contrast to Evan, Sol is a conscientious objector. Despite Ellie's attraction to Menno, she finds herself drawn to Sol's steady presence as they work together in the orchard. Suddenly, it feels as if everything in Ellie's world is shifting, and the plans she held so dear seem increasingly uncertain. Can she and her family find the courage to face a future unlike any they could have imagined?

...my thoughts... 

  This book touched my my heart in a unique way. I was a young teenager during the time this book was set and I had two brothers who served in this war, as did neighbors and friends. I remember when the lottery was implemented.  I felt for Ellie's brother Evan who had probably the worst shock of his life when he landed in the barber's chair at boot camp! I have read other works of Amish fiction where Amish men who served, but as orderlies assisting medics in field hospitals, not in combat. It was a terrible time for all of us but for an Amish family who wouldn't have a phone or a daily paper, they were very out of touch with what was going on.

I enjoyed reading Ellie's story and her love for the family orchard.  Her love for the orchard was personal.  She would have loved taking over the orchard when her father retired, yet as a woman, that would have been unrealistic in her culture.  Throughout the story she grows into a wonderful young woman who changed from a young woman with dreams.  She dreams of the orchard and dreams of her beau, Menno.  Her feelings are as natural today as they would have been for any young woman in the 1960s.  As a reader, it is satisfying when the story wraps up neatly just as we think it should go.  Beverly Lewis, has, time and again written beloved characters whose situation we can identify with, even though we are not Amish.  I recommend this book to all who enjoy immersing themselves into a good story.

 

Monday, May 8, 2023

It's True....Everything Tastes Better from Scratch!


Everything Tastes Better from Scratch and this cook book reminds the reader and cooks nearby that this is just what we need to get the family back around the table.  I loved this book and recommend it to all who want to cook better food for themselves and their families.  A treat for all.  Applesauce  Oat muffins, Taco Pie, Breakfast Casserole, yum!

Friday, April 21, 2023

 A Quilt for Christmas is a heartwarming story that will melt the heart of any Ebenezer who has turned their back on life.  Melody Carlson has a tradition of writing Christmas stories that put me into the spirit of the season.  This story has been added to my "To be read each Christmas:" list. Melody has the gift of finding just the right characters we love and although they are fictional, if you look around you, there will be that special child or mother who needs you. 

Enjoy

Monday, April 3, 2023

Reviewing: Remember Me by Tracie Peterson

 from the publisher:

From the Yukon to Seattle, the hope of a new beginning waits just around the corner.

Addie Bryant is haunted by her past of heartbreak and betrayal. After her beau, Isaac Hanson, left the Yukon, she made a vow to wait for him. When she's sold to a brothel owner after the death of her father, Addie manages to escape with the hope that she can forever hide her past and the belief that she will never have the future she's always dreamed of.

Years later, Addie has found peace in her new life as a photographer, training Camera Girls to operate and sell the Brownie camera. During the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo in Seattle, Addie is reunited with Isaac, but after the path her life has taken, she's afraid to expose the ugliness of her former life and to move toward the future they had pledged to each other.

When her past catches up with her, Addie must decide whether to run or to stay and face her wounds in order to embrace her life, her future, and her hope in God.
my thoughts: 
Once again Tracie Peterson  delivers a story of a golden era in the history of our west.  This time, the story begins in her beloved Alaska, introducing us to Addie Bryant.  Addie endures a hardship life in Alaska with her brutal brothers and a father who looks on her as a disposable piece of goods.  She overcomes the unthinkable brutality of her brothers after the death of her father, becoming a strong woman.  Her character, developed after years of abuse was not that of a cowering woman afraid of shadows but that of a woman who is driven by a vow to never be abused again.
This is a book that gives the flavor of Alaska when the gold rush brought ruthless men into the wild, chasing after the riches gold fever promises.  Some are smart, and know when to quit and go home.  Isaac Hanson left Alaska with his family after satisfying their successful run.  He left behind Addie, who remains in his heart.
Addie, a beautiful woman determined to be successful in her own right, escapes her brothers, leaving Alaska for Seattle and a new life.  In that life, she uses her initiative to become the top photographer at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo in Seattle.  Addie embodies the successful woman who creates a life using all her talents and gifts.  In her heart, though, there is Isaac, who was her long ago love.
I liked this book for the glimpses of Alaska and Seattle, areas of our country the author has researched and written about extensively.  The scenery and events are so well written, her books entice the reader, perhaps, for a visit.  I have never been to Alaska, but it comes alive in this book, as does the Seattle in days gone by.  But most of all, the people in this book emerge as  vibrant and alive. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys rich characters and beautiful scenery.  I had a hart time putting it down. 

 

Saturday, January 21, 2023

Sold On Love by Kathleen Fuller


Cute story for a dose of light fiction. Believable characters with struggles and joys. Friendships are valuable and sorting through true friendships can be a tough road. Kathleen Fuller has another entertaining book with a dose of reality on life's lessons. I enjoyed Harper and Rusty and their path through several hurdles to see each other for who they are. The blessings are that when the polish is wiped away, the person inside is even better than you originally wished them to be.

This is the third book in the series and this one leaves one more young friend in the C.C.'s group, and I hope Kathleen writes about her next. I am curious who will be the lucky young man in Maple Falls to discover her.

Saturday, October 29, 2022

Beyond the Desert Sands by Tracie Peterson

 ...from the publisher...


Accustomed to an opulent life with her aunt, the last thing twenty-five-year-old Isabella Garcia wants is to celebrate Christmas in her parents' small silver-mining desert town, leaving her handsome beau, Diego Morales, behind in California. Adding insult to injury, she must bear the company of Aaron Bailey, the


disapproving Santa Fe Railroad businessman her father has sent to escort her home, who clearly finds her spoiled.

But she is surprised to see how much the town of Silver Veil has grown and how fragile her father's health has become. Then a surprise visitor shows up with news that entirely upends the comfortable life she's been leading.

Faced with all these changes, Isabella struggles to sort through her future and who she wants to be. But trouble is brewing, and there are those who hope she stays just as she is, even if it costs her everything.

...my thoughts...

Beyond the Desert Sands, by Tracie Peterson, is book two in her Love on the Santa Fe  series.  Fans of Tracie will enjoy this book.  The story focuses on a young lady who I had a difficult time liking at first.  She was deceived by romantic notions that overshadowed reality of a life that truly blessed her.  

From the start, when she reluctantly left California to join her parents, she was resentful, spoiled and deceived by romantic notions of love. Her deceptions clouded her judgment about her parents and a young man who would be there through thick and thin for her and her family.  This young woman had so much to learn that I had hoped that she would come to see Diego for the person he was and that she would see how much her parents truly loved her.  

I recommend this book to all fans of Tracie Peterson and to all the new readers who may have heard of Tracie but have yet to pick up a copy of her books.

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Reviewing: Sea Glass Cottage by Irene Hannon

...from the publisher...

Christi Reece is desperate. The one-time golden girl's life has tarnished, and a cascade of setbacks has left her reeling. She needs help, and she's certain Jack Colby is in a position to provide it.

When she shows up in Hope Harbor, however, Jack wants nothing to do with the woman who betrayed him. He's built a new life on the Oregon coast--and there's no room in it for Christi, even after she takes refuge in a charming but mysterious cottage nearby. Yet it soon becomes apparent his opinion of her may need revising . . . especially when he ends up needing
her help.

Can these two hurting souls make peace with their past and open their hearts to a new beginning?

Come home to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon delivers another heartwarming and romantic story set in the enchanting seaside community of Hope Harbor that is loved by readers the world over. Once you visit, you'll never want to leave.
...my thoughts... 
Hope Harbor is one of those places you want to visit over and over again.   You can feel the sand in your toes and feel the breeze from the moment you arrive.  Once again, Irene Hannon has captured the heart of the healing power of being on the Oregon Coast. 
 Christi is a compelling character who, when she arrives, arouses a few suspicions for her motives.  You are kept guessing for a while and soon, you have become her champion.  Life has its twists and turns and what you do to recapture your life depends on the choices you make.  This is a story of forgiveness and second chances for Christi.  
I couldn't help but feel for Jack. He was a man who overcame poverty and loss only to have his heart ache for long ago hurts he thought he put aside.  His life is overturned and it is Christi who comes to his aid. He risked a lot to allow her to help him.  In the end, it all works out and once life in Hope Harbor settles in for the calm after personal storms.  I recommend this for all who long to be at the ocean and love to read about endearing characters.

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Reviewing: Stgrength in the Storm by Laurel Blount

...from the publisher...

 In this touching Amish romance, a brokenhearted woman and a steadfast man discover that the safest place to weather tragedy is in each other’s arms.


After the murder of both her parents, Emma Hochstedler returns to the small community of Johns Mill, hoping to resume her quiet existence. Reclaiming her place proves harder than expected—especially now that a movie is being made about her family’s loss. But then, an old friend offers her a lifeline that gives her new purpose.
 
Amish builder Samuel Christner is the biggest—and the strongest—man in town. In fact, the gentle giant has only one weakness—Emma. Even though she broke his heart, he won’t let his childhood sweetheart face her troubles alone. He hires Emma as a nurse for his elderly aunt…and finds himself falling for her all over again.
 
But while romance blooms, storm clouds gather. And when darkness falls, it will take all Sam’s strength—and all their love—to see them through.

 ...my thoughts...

I didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book; it is a new to me author and it started slow for me.  Once I picked the book up again, I found the story very compelling.  I really felt for Samuel, who lost his heart to Emma long before most boys begin looking at Emma. Not only was he strong, he was a force to be reckoned with.  As the story unfolded, he seemed to be everywhere he needed to be. 

Emma was such a timid young woman and understandably so after the tragic deaths of her parents.  She came into her own, however, once she became the full time caregiver for Samuel's difficult, spinster aunt. Emma's beauty, coupled with her unspoiled nature allows her to move into her new role, overcoming a past that has held her back since her parents' deaths.  She believed she too would become the spinster aunt  over time but God had plans for her that she least expected.

I enjoyed this wonderful book by Laurel Blount.  I didn't realize it was book 2 in a series but it was definitely easy to read as a standalone story.

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Reviewing: Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin

 ...from the publisher...


As the Nazis march toward Paris in 1940, American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite English-language bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape. Lucie struggles to run Green Leaf Books due to oppressive German laws and harsh conditions, but she finds a way to aid the resistance by passing secret messages between the pages of her books.

Widower Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to the States with his little girl, but the US Army convinces him to keep his factory running and obtain military information from his German customers. As the war rages on, Paul offers his own resistance by sabotaging his product and hiding British airmen in his factory. After they meet in the bookstore, Paul and Lucie are drawn to each other, but she rejects him when she discovers he sells to the Germans. And for Paul to win her trust would mean betraying his mission.


...my thoughts...

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a heart wrenching, suspenseful novel of such a time when the world was so uncertain. Times when worlds collided, and people were praying that the war would end and somehow the world could return to peace once more.

Until Leaves Fall in Paris, by Sarah Sundin is a compelling read, especially today. Full of wonderfully complex characters, once again Sarah has done impeccable research. Lucie did her best to keep Green Leaf Books open until she had to return home to the states. But until that time, she was creative in her ways to keep customers coming back to her little haven among the shelves. It was just that spirit of creativity that captured Paul's attention when he took his young daughter Josie to the story hour. Filled with puppets regaling children’s tales, Paul took notice in how Josie came to life at the bookshop and resolved to return each week to give her some joy. 

 It was amazing how Paul and Lucie found each other under trying circumstances as the situation became ever so dangerous in wartime Paris. To the outside world, they led double lives in order to survive. Their courage and love are captured by an author who can keep you in suspense while making you keep turning those pages until the very end.

I recommend Until Leaves Fall in Paris, a story as timely today as it was close to eighty years ago. A time when so many lives were changed forever by a world that was out of control.

Reviewing A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson

...from the publisher...   Adelaide Smith is too busy for fairy tales. She’s been working hard to put herself through law school, and...