Tuesday, December 31, 2013

New Release - Solomon's Song - Roberta Kells Dorr

Dear Readers,

As the Author description on the back says " Before Francine Rivers and Angela Elwell  Hunt, there was Roberta Kells Dorr."  They are now re-releasing several of her novels including Solomon's Song.

This book is about Solomon at a very young age.  He is the beloved son of King David and yet not guaranteed the throne.  His mother will do just about anything to make that happen and that includes making sure he doesn't marry the lowly shepherdess he has fallen in love with.

There has been a few books written about the beautiful woman that the Song of Solomon was penned for.  Who was she that make the wisest man to ever live write such a love letter?  Speculation has lead many to think it was a woman of his youth that he was not allowed to marry.  Now whether or not that is true, it makes the fiction writers very excited as those are the ideas that make for great fiction.

With a nod to Romeo and Juliet and all star-crossed lovers, the fiction writers run with the idea and pen books for us to enjoy.  If you didn't get a chance to read this one the first time around, now is your chance to learn about Solomon before he became king.

Happy Reading.

Monday, December 30, 2013

New Releases - Dec 23 - 28

Dear Readers,

The holidays are in a hold pattern.  With two major holidays happening a week apart it can make things over whelming.  We actually opened presents later this year with my kids, due to work schedules etc... we decided to wait until the weekend after Christmas.  Which work great for us and made for a little less hectic schedule.  I hope you had a wonderful Christmas.

Here are some new titles for using that gift card on.

Happy Reading,

Shadowed by Grace - Cara C. Putman - The story of the Monument Men - Rachel takes her newspaper's assignment in Italy to find a father she never knew.  While there her story gets her involved with Monument Men and their quest to save works of art and monuments from the Third Reich.

Beowulf - Ronie Kendig - Timbrel and her explosive detection dog are on a mission of their lives.  In Afghanistan Beowulf hits on a false positive and when Timbrel fights to prove him right it brings her face to face with her past.

The Vicar's Wife - Katharine Swartz - Jane is a city girl, so when her British born husband decides to relocate their family to a crumbly vicarage in a remote village in Britain, to say the least, Jane is not happy.  That is until she finds an old shopping list from the vicar's wife.

Game, Set, and Murder - Elizabeth Flynn - A Mystery for D.I. Costello - On the first day of Wimbledon and there is a dead body on court 19.  Much loved player turned coach is murdered, but no one can understand who would want him dead.

The Quaker and The Rebel - Mary Ellis - Civil War Heroines series - Emily tries to continue her parents Underground Railroad efforts, even while serving as a governess to a slave owner's children.  Alexander is the doctor's handsome nephew who finds Emily attractive, but doesn't have time to pursue her because of his secret work for the South.

With Autumn's Return - Amanda Cabot - Westward Winds #3 - Cheyenne Wyoming is not as excited about their new doctor as Elizabeth hoped.  Lady Doctors especially.  The wealthiest of residents are her biggest threat and she may have to team up with her neighbor to save the life of one of her patients, even at the risk of her heart.

Friday, December 27, 2013

New Release - No One to Trust - Lynette Eason

Dear Readers,

Lynette Eason established herself as a contender in the Romantic Suspense category a few short years ago.  Since then she has released 6 books with No One to Trust being her 7th book.  Her fans are always waiting for her books to hit the shelves and with the new series releasing they were ready to meet new characters and follow their stories.

The new series Hidden Identity starts out with the story of Summer who wakes up on morning with three strange men in her bedroom and a missing husband.  It turns out that her husband may not be who he said he was.  It seems his identity is  just a cover for a darker secret life.  One that she knows nothing about. 

Who can she trust?  Will she ever find the answers to her husband really is?  Why did he marry her only to discard her? 

Fast paced tale of lies and deceit, Lynette keeps you turning pages until you finally figure out who the bad guys are.  She has found a home in this genre and hopefully will stay for many years to come.

Happy Reading

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Tracie Peterson/Kimberly Woodhouse

Dear Readers,
 
Tracie Peterson is an author that I don't read often.  It really has nothing to do with her writing, which is very good, but because she is so easy to recommend.  She writes on the same level with every book she publishes, whether she is writing on her own or if she joins with another author and writes along side them.
 
In All Things Hidden Tracie teams up with Kimberley Woodhouse.   Kimberley has written a few fiction books, but she is best known for her two book series she did with her daughter, Kayla.  They were contemporary mysteries, so a bit different than what she has written with Tracie.
 
We return to one of Tracie's favorite places to write about, the Alaskan frontier.   I don't believe it will be a series as I don't see a series title. This is an interesting read about Alaska and how during the depression President Roosevelt had the great idea of sending families to Alaska to help settle the frontier there.  Families that had lost everything and needed a fresh start.  The problem was there was very little preparation and it almost became a great disaster. 
 
Gwyn loves Alaska almost as much as she hates change, but change is coming to their quiet valley, Matanuska.  Gwyn's father Harold is excited about the chance to have new families in the area and has begun the push for a hospital so they will be able to care for the families that are coming. 
 
Along with the good families that really do want to settle the valley and have a second chance, come the few bad seeds.  Families that demand things are done a certain way or fear the natives of the area.  They sow some unrest in the settlement and may cause the whole thing to fall apart.   Will Harold, Gwyn and a few others be able to save the new town or will a killer among them ruin everything?
 
I was reading this gentle little tale in between times of reading a very emotionally difficult to read book.  It was fun to learn a little bit of what it was like in Alaska during the depression, but also how hard it was to get any supplies to Anchorage and then on to Matanuska.  It was fascinating to see what people though of as important.  Not things we think of a important, but just the basics. 
 
Those settlers had to work hard to get ready for winter and that included building their own houses, but also there had to be some way to help them get enough food to survive the winter months, vegetables and meat which had to be canned or dried.  It truly was a community effort to get this little town up and running.
 
Like I said this was just a lovely little read and a great way to spend some quiet time in a completely different state and time.

Happy Reading

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas 2013

Dear Readers,

No review or releases today, just a wish for a happy day spent with family and friends.

Rest, relax and remember why we celebrate this season of love.

Happy Reading &


Tuesday, December 24, 2013

New Release - The Sinner's Garden - William Sirls

Dear Readers,

Those that read The Reason by William Sirls have eagerly awaited his next release.  We want to see if this is an author to add to our must read list.  The Sinner's Garden has finally hit the shelves and now we have quickly added the book to our Christmas lists with hopes it will be under the tree for us.

Andy Kemp was disfigured by an abusive father and has built a wall that no one seems to be able to penetrate.  When his Uncle, newly released from prison, announces he wants to mentor Andy they start a strange journey together because Andy says  he hears strange music coming from his ear phones his Uncle is sure Andy is hearing the voice of God.

Across town the police are investigating a strange break in.  Who ever broke in left thousands of dollars in gift cards.  When the investigation continues, there is the discovery of a strange garden and the gardener in charge.

William has the ability to tell a interesting, wonderful story that mixes the normal with the super natural with very little difficulty.  His characters are just average humans that make the story worth reading and even make you slightly jealous of what they experience. 

I am looking forward to a chance to get this one read to find out if it as good as the first.

Happy Reading

Monday, December 23, 2013

New Releases - December 16 - 21

Dear Readers,

The last big push is coming.  A week is upon us.  Do you have all your gifts?  Here are a few more ideas for those last minute gift ideas.

Happy Reading

A Match Made in Texas - Karen Witemeyer/Mary Connealy/Regina Jennings/Carol Cox - Four lovely funny romantic stories that will warm your heart. 

Dare to Love Again - Julie Lessman - Allison McClare is independent woman until she decides to explore the Barbary Coast.  Nick is stuck teaching her self defense, but who is defending themselves from whom?

Sabrina's Man - Gilbert Morris - #2 Western Justice series - Sabrina is tracking down the outlaw who kidnapped her younger sister.  She doesn't want any help, but she is going to need it from ex-criminal Waco Smith.

Solomon's Song - Roberta Kells Dorr - Solomon was once just a boy falling in love with a beautiful shepherdess.  His mother wants the throne for him and won't allow him to marry her. 

Sinner's Garden - William Sirls - Andy's life was never the same after his abusive father disfigured him.  Some one is breaking into houses and leaving gift cards instead of taking something.  Who is behind these break ins and who is the gardener of the secret garden Andy finds?

Friday, December 20, 2013

New Release - Sabrina's Man - Gilbert Morris

Dear Readers,

There is one genre of fiction that I get asked about that I have no answers for, Westerns.  There are very few good westerns out there and even fewer in the past couple of years.  The authors that were writing them have gone off to write other genres or have stopped writing altogether.  Expect one, Gilbert Morris.

Gilbert has over 6.5 million books in print and continues to release books a couple times a year, thankfully some of those are westerns and with book #2 in his Western Justice series, Sabrina's Man, Gilbert has made his western readers happy once again.

Sabrina thinks money will keep her happy and safe, that is until outlaw Trey LeBeau kidnaps her younger sister and no one seems to be able to catch him.  Sabrina takes matters into her own hands and teams up with reformed ex-criminal Waco Smith.  They travel west looking for Sabrina's sister and finding out that their unlikely union my spark more than the return of Marianne.

I have no idea how long ago it was that I read my first Gilbert book, but I do know it was one of the Winslow series, which went on to have over 40 books in the series.  I think of all of Gilberts book I have read I have not read any of his westerns.  Let me say this about the book, as soon I as I got a copy in, there were a couple of librarians looking for it because they are always looking for westerns for their male readers. 

Take time to travel back to America's past where rugged men and the women that stood beside them help make our country strong.

Happy Reading

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Charles Martin

Dear Readers,
 
Here is another one of those books that I saved reading until my book club read it.  Unwritten by Charles Martin.  I so enjoyed this book that I read it all in one day.  Of course the snow was flying, the temps were down and the book is a good story.
 
The two main characters are very flawed humans.  Neither one wanted to go on.  Sunday is a man who walked away from society years ago when he lost someone very close to him. That was when he decided he no longer wanted to get hurt.  Katie is a star, she is the Queen of the silver screen and she is tired of it.  There are too many secrets from her past and she is ready to leave it all. 
 
When these two hurting people are "put together like on a blind date" by the local priest, they find more than just a kindred spirit, but also healing.
 
I am not going to go on too long as this book has been out for a while and you have probably heard it all, but I have loved every one of Charles Martin's books. I have one thing to say to the person who told Charles that he writes like a girl...  "I for one am glad he does and I hope he never quits."  Don't read them if you don't like them. 
 
Happy Reading

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

New Release - All Things Hidden - Tracie Peterson/Kimberley Woodhouse

Dear Readers,

Reading a Tracie Peterson book is like coming home.  She is consistent, comfortable, and interesting to read.  She invites you into her home and tells you a lovely story of America's history.  Whether she is telling you about the settling of the west, or her favorite, Alaska, you will learn something new about our countries history.

In All Things Hidden, Tracie joins up with Kimberly Woodhouse, who is a well published author herself.  I personally have only read the series she wrote with her daughter and so didn't know a lot about her historical writing. 

Gwyn does not like change and when she finds out that change is coming to their little community in Alaska, she is not excited.  Her father on the other hand can hardly wait for the challenge.  Together they get ready to welcome the new neighbors.

All+Things+HiddenJeremiah flees Chicago in disgrace and with the threat of jail time because of the death of one of his patience.  When he arrives in Alaska to help with the new hospital and clinic, he does not tell anyone his secret.  They are so glad to see him, he just sets to work. 

So secrets, love and a new settlement keeps this book moving right along and is a easy recommendation for any fans of Tracie Peterson or historical fiction.

Happy Reading

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

New Release - A Simple Christmas - Melody Carlson

Dear Readers,

For some readers, reading a Melody Carlson Christmas book is almost as much a tradition as putting up the Christmas tree.  I have been asked here at the store as early as August when they will be arriving in the store.  She has written a different every year for the last several and they have all gone very well. 

A Simple Christmas Wish is no different.  I had customers eager to take the book home and to start getting into the holiday spirit as soon as it was on the shelf.

Rachel and her niece, Holly, are spending the holidays in the last place on the planet she expected to be, Amish country.  With family secrets leading her on, Rachel and Holly need to find out what has been hidden.  With a new love blossoming, Rachel knows she will do anything to make sure Holly has the family she needs.

There is something about a story about an orphan at Christmas that seems to strike a cord with everyone.  We all want to see them find a family that will love them and make sure they only have perfect Christmases after that.  A crackling fire, a cup of hot chocolate, lights on the tree to read by and this book sets the perfect atmosphere for a peaceful holiday night.

Happy Reading

Monday, December 16, 2013

New Releases - Nov. 25 -Dec. 13

Dear Readers,

Christmas is rapidly approaching.  With Thanksgiving being the last Thursday in November this year, it seems to have made the shopping season more frantic.   Here are some the newest titles to come in.  Hopefully they will give you ideas for that hard to shop for reader on your list.

Happy Reading

Tempest's Course - Lynette Sowell - Quilts of Love series - Kelly Frost is invited to restore a priceless Mariner's Quilt in Massachusetts.  While there she discovers a diary that reveals centuries old secrets about her family.

The Amish Miracle - Beth Wiseman, Ruth Reid, and Mary Ellis - 3 Amish novellas to pass the dark winter nights.  Always Beautiful - Beth Wiseman - Becky worries about her weight, when God gives her a miracle, Becky isn't sure she likes the results.  Always His Providence - Ruth Reid - Rosa may loose her farm because of back taxes, but she is to proud to ask for help.  Always in My Heart - Mary Ellis - Hope is asking God for a son, but not a baby, but the son she gave up 15 years ago.

The Painted Table - Suzanne Field - Saffee watched her mother move into mental illness as a child.  As her mother continued her decent into madness, she becomes obsessed with a family heirloom.  Saffee has now inherited the table which she never wants to see again. 

Carolina Gold - Dorothy Love - Charlotte is trying to survive after the Civil war.  One way is to try cultivating the Carolina Gold rice and to also take on the tutoring of her neighbor's daughters.  Just as things start looking up, Nicholas tries to prove he own her plantation. 

No One to Trust - Lynette Eason - #1 Hidden Identity - Summer wakes up with 3 strange men in her bedroom looking for her husband.  She has no idea who her husband is any more and is not sure who she can trust.

All Things Hidden - Tracie Peterson/Kimberley Woodhouse - Gwyn loves being a nurse for her father and hates change.  Their little town is about to have major changes to it and she isn't sure she is ready for it.

The Dancing Master - Julie Klassen - Regency romance - Alec is hoping for a fresh start for himself and his family in remote Devonshire as a dance teacher.  Julia's mother has an unwritten rule against dancing in their small village.  Both families have secrets that just don't want to stay hidden.

Friday, December 13, 2013

New Release - The Dancing Master - Julie Klassen

Dear Readers,

Julie Klassen's books are a great pleasure to read.  They are a gentle story that helps you relax and just enjoy the peaceful ride through the English countryside.  She write Regency romances and each one has made me want to visit that time of history, and I am a huge fan of running water, electricity and woman being able to do what they want. 

The+Dancing+MasterIn the Dancing Master, Alec has moved his mother and sister into his Uncle's house in the little village of Beaworthy in remote Devonshire.  His father has recently passed away and a scandal has chased them out of London.  Hoping to set up his practice as a dancing master once settled runs into a small snag when he finds out that dancing is forbidden in Beaworthy. 

Julia is ready to leave her home.  To get as far away from her mother who only seems to see the bad things that Julia does.  She knows she must marry, but is looking for someone who does not live in the area or is willing to take her away.  Alec is not it.  But there is something that they are both hiding, will it hurt their budding attraction.

Here the snow is blowing, the wind is up and all I want to do is stay home and read a good book.  Julie's books are the perfect for that.  Especially when she sets them in the spring time.  So pull up a chair, grab a warm blanket and a hot cup of tea and enjoy.

Happy Reading

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Brennan Manning/Greg Garrett

Dear Readers,
 
In April of 2013 the world lost a Ragamuffin.  Brennan Manning went on to glory and yet his legacy lives on,  in the books he had written and one that he dreamed of writing.  The Prodigal by Brennan Manning and Greg Garrett is a fiction title that Brennan dreamed of writing to reach those who for any number of reasons didn’t or wouldn’t read his Ragamuffin Gospel book.  He wanted to bring God’s grace to all in the world and this book just gives him another avenue to do that.
 
The Prodigal is a retelling of the Biblical story of the Prodigal son.  It goes more into what happens after the son returns and what life will look like then.  What happened when the neighbors found out he was back?  We all know the older brother’s reaction, but there are others to consider as this story is our own story many times over.
 
Jack Chishom is on top of his world.  He is a pastor of a mega-church, thousands listen to his sermons every Sunday.  The media has labeled him the people’s pastor.  He has it all which includes a loving wife and a beautiful daughter.  That is until he throws it all away with one night of betrayal in Mexico.  When the media finds out he first denies and then deflects.  He doesn’t ask for forgiveness and instead returns to the scene of the crime and decides to drown himself in the bottom of a bottle.  That is where his father finds him and says “Come home.”
 
There was nothing unpredictable about this story.  In fact making Jack a pastor made it easy for Greg to give the “sermons” that are included throughout the story, but it does work well.  This book is not written for those who are not struggling with their faith, but for those that are struggling where God is in the troubles, and for those that don’t know Him at all.  It is a book that I will gladly share with readers that need that encouragement.
 
Happy Reading.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

New Release - Carolina Gold - Dorothy Love

Dear Readers,

Civil war era books have been popular since Gone with the Wind hit the silver screens.  With the anniversary of the war happening this genre is even more popular.

Carolina Gold by Dorothy Love is set as the war ends and Charlotte Fraser has to decide what to do to make sure the family plantation, Fairhaven, stay afloat.  With no males to help her make decisions and the war has changed everything.  She decides to continue to cultivate their new strain of rice called Carolina Gold. 

She also takes over tutoring of her neighbor's young daughters.  Nicholas is recently widowed and is struggling to find his way.  When things look like more than a friendship might develop, Nicholas files a claim that he might be the rightful owner of Fairhaven.   What shameful secrets are hidden in her family's past?

Dorothy is known for her strong characters.  While reading her books you feel like you could be friends with the heroines and of course their enemies become your enemies.  Which makes for fantastic reading.

Happy Reading,

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

New Release - Merry Humbug Christmas - Sandra D. Bricker

Dear Readers,

Most of us look forward to Christmas all year round, usually for various reasons.  There are a few people out there that do not look forward to Christmas, also for various reasons.  Sometimes it is fun to look at what great lengths people will go to avoid a holiday they find annoying, to busy, or to painful to celebrate.

Merry Humbug Christmas by Sandra D. Bricker has two stories between the covers about different people trying to avoid the holidays (sort of).  With humor and fun Sandra reminds us all that the holidays are not always brightness and happiness for everyone, but also they are not all about us either. 

Merry+Humbug+Christmas%3A+Two+Tales+of+Holiday+RomanceIn the first story "Once Upon a Jingle Bells" Joss snow heads on a Bah! Humbug  Riviera cruise to avoid any sense of Christmas.  The problems arise when she is booked on the wrong cruise, a 12 days of Christmas extravaganza.  What is she going to do?  Until she meets a kindred soul and then the games begin.

Story #2 is "It Came Upon a Midnight Deer."  Reese feels guilty for abandoning Joss on their annual anti-Christmas cruise, but her engagement has trumped everything else.  Reese is going to meet her fiancé's family which is nerve racking enough, but when the hit a deer close to the cabin everything seems to go down hill.

So whether you are a fan of Christmas or not, these two delightful stories will quickly put you into that warm and cozy holiday feeling we all long for.  Even if we don't know it.

Happy Reading

Monday, December 9, 2013

New Releases Christmas books - 2013 - Part 2

Dear Readers,

I am not sure if this is a good thing or a problem.  More Christmas book titles which required a second list.  So many titles to try to read before the season is over.  Of course reading a Christmas book in January is aloud and it helps continue the feeling of the season into the new year.

Happy Reading

Twice Loved - Wanda Brunstetter - Christmas 1945 - Can two lonely and hurting people help each other find love again.  Bev is a new widow with a young daughter and finds a job at Dan's used toy shop.  He has vowed to never love again after his wife passes away.

A Pioneer Christmas - Lauraine Snelling, Margaret Brownley, Kathleen Fuller and more - 9 stories in one.  Each one is set in a different state or territory of America.  From the Mountains of North Carolina, the woods of Michigan, the plains of Oklahoma and the deserts of Arizona,  Christmas wasn't always about presents, but home, family and love.

Silver Bells - Deborah Raney - Rob and Michelle feel an attraction to each other, but office policy forbids them from dating.  Until a small Christmas miracle changes everything.

Mistletoe Memories - Jennifer Allee, Carla Olson Gade, Lisa Karon Richardson and Gina Welborn - 4 in 1 -Stephan Yost is a carpenter who vows to give Annaliese a home for Christmas, Marianne is thankful she never had children, until Ezekiel begs her to give an orphan a home for the holidays.  Olympia's only home was the orphanage and Theodore has plans to tear it down.  Joy is determined to keep the home for foster kids open, but that means asking modern day Scrooge, Evan, for help.

Plantation Christmas - Sylvia Barney, Lorraine Beatty, Cynthia Leavelle, Virginia Vaughan - 4 in 1 -Marilyn's world is completely reversed when she meets her daughter's future father-in-law.  Meredith is seeking inspiration for her writing and peace from her past, but finds help from the local history buff instead.  Devon and Sandra's twins are sure their parents are still in love and just need a special present to show them the way.  Wreath is a wedding planner even though she has given up on romance and love. 

Songs of Christmas -  Katherine Spencer - Thomas Kinkade's Cape Light - Lillian's beloved Ezra's health is failing and it taking Lillian's holiday spirit with it.  Will a storm change that all?  Amanda is at loose ends, but will a music director job lead to answers?




Friday, December 6, 2013

New Release - An Amish Miracle - Beth Wisemen, Ruth Reid, and Mary Ellis

Dear Readers,

An Amish Miracle is 3 in 1 book.  3 well know Amish authors got together and wrote a lovely story.  Beth Wiseman, Ruth Reid and Mary Ellis put together a book that can be used to pass those long cold dark winter nights.  It is 3 stories that will warm your heart with the hope.

An+Amish+MiracleBeth's story, Always Beautiful, tells us the story of Becky who struggles with self image.  She feels she is over weight and therefore unattractive and can't find a husband.  When God grants her greatest wish, the results may not be what she expects.

In Always His Providence we enter the story of Rosa who will need to learn the tough lesson of pride and how harmful it can be to us. Is she going to loose her house because she is to stubborn to ask for help?

Mary Ellis has us walk along side Hope as she longs to meet the child she gave up when she was a teenager in Always in My Heart.  When her husband wishes for a son, Hope struggles with the sorrow she carries for a child no one knows she carried.

Whether you are looking for a gift for someone on your Christmas list or just need a gentle story to curl up with during this busy holiday season, An Amish Miracle fits that bill very nicely

Happy Reading

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Judy Christie

Dear Readers,
 
Sweet Olive by Judy Christie is the sweet story of Camille Gardner.  She is trying to work her way into the corporate offices of her uncle's oil company.   She has been his "landman" for years and she wants to set down roots, big roots somewhere and work at an art gallery. 
 
Uncle Scott promises this is the last time she will need to go out and sign land owners to the leases of their mineral rights.  After that he tells Camille she will be able to come work in Houston and never have to travel again.  The problem is, the last job is in Sweet Olive, Louisiana, the place where she had spent the worse month of her life. 
 
Camille plans on getting in, getting the signatures she needs and getting out.  Of course she is not planning on falling in love with the community of Sweet Olive and a wonderful, quirky artist who lives there. 
 
This is very much a story of slowing down, breathing once and while and following your dreams.  There is a bit of the 'evil' corporate giant in the storyline, but it is not aimed at everyone.  Of course when you are talking mineral rights and drilling you have to have a bad guy.  What better bad guy than a huge gas company that is looking to endanger the local water and to get the mineral rights as cheaply as possible.
 
I had to stop this book twice because of deadlines I had on a couple other books, but I kept going back to it, because it was the kind of story that made me want to finish it.  I loved the story line, but it was mostly the wonderful characters that Judy created that made me want to move to Sweet Olive and take up art of some sort or another.
 
Happy Reading

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

New Release - The Painted Table - Suzanne Field

Dear Readers,

The Painted Table by Suzanne Field takes on a topic not many people like to talk about or read about.  One of the characters of the novel suffers from mental illness and when you bring up the subject, people right away cringe and then stubble over themselves because they seldom know what to say or do.  Suzanne wants to encourage families that have suffered through mental illness and to offer them hope.

The+Painted+TableSaffee watched her mother slide into mental illness.  An century old table became part of her slide as she obsessively paints and repaints the table.  Fearing the same future, Saffee must confront her mother's illness and the story behind the table.

The Painted Table gives a small glimpse into what it was like living with someone who is slipping closer and closer to insanity.  It is a life that is never stable, you are always guessing what is right or wrong and sometime what was right one minute is not right the next.  Saffee's character reveals the effects of that home life has on a child as they grow up. 

This will not be an easy read, but it will be informative.

Happy Reading

Monday, December 2, 2013

New Releases - Christmas Books - 2013

Dear Readers,

The official start of the holiday shopping has hit.  We have been getting Christmas shoppers in for a few weeks now, but even those wait until Thanksgiving to even think about starting are out and about in the stores. 

It can be a frantic time of year and to take the time to relax and refresh with a wonderful Christmas story is such a blessing.  I have included below the new titles that are available at the store.

Happy Reading

Merry Humbug - Sandra Bricker - 2 in 1 -Once upon a Jingle Bell - Joss is avoiding Christmas at all cost, so she books a cruise.  The problem is the cruise is the 12 days of Christmas holiday extravaganza. It Came upon a Midnight Deer - Reese' abandons her best friend to meet her new fiance's family.  After hitting a deer on the way to the reunion, everything continues down hill.

The Dawn of Christmas - Cindy Woodsmall - Sadie finds Levi in a field badly hurt.  They seem to be kindred heart in avoid marring as their families want them to.  But things begin to change as the weather moves towards winter.

Christmas at Harmony - Ann. H. Gabhart - Heather needs a place of refuge.  Stories she has heard of the Shaker village makes her know she will be taken care of, but she can't believe they will take her baby away.

A Simple Christmas Wish - Melody Carlson -Melody's Christmas novellas are looked forward to every year.  A young girl who needs a home. A woman searches for a home for her heart.  One Christmas that is all seems possible.

Love Finds you in Frost Minnesota - Judy Baer - Jack Frost is determined to reclaim his family's land, even if the town residence of Frost live there. Merry Noel Blake is just as determined to turn her new home town into a Christmas destination spot.

The Christmas Gift for Rose - Tricia Goyer - Inspired by a true story - Rose leave the man she loves because he sided with the Englisch during the war only to discover she is an Elglischer herself.

Love Finds you in the City at Christmas - Roth Logan Herne/Anna Schmidt - 2 holiday romances in one - Red Kettle Christmas- 1947 Mike and Karen's paths cross at the Macy's day parade. Manhattan Miracle - Max, newly returned from the Middle East has come home to spend the holidays with his family.

The Christmas Visitor - Linda Byler - After the sudden loose of her husband, Ruth isn't sure how they will survive.  Then boxes of food and gifts begin to arrive.  Who is behind all the generosity.

An Amish Family Christmas - Murray Pura -  Micah goes against the Ordung and becomes a medic in the war in Afghanistan.  When he returns he is shunned. Will other tragedies unity the community or tear them farther apart?

Annie's Christmas Wish - Barbara Cameron - Quilts of Lancaster County - Will the draw of the excitement and glamor of New York draw Annie away from the man she loves?

The Christmas Quilt - Vannetta Chapman - Quilts of Love - Annie is determined to finish her crib quilt for her friend Leah before the baby is born.  But as she works on each piece she finds out some times a quilt holds an far greater meaning.

Peace - Shelley Shepard Gray -  A Crittenden County Christmas Novel - Beth knows a relationship with DEA agent Chris will never work.  Amish women do not marry Englischer men.  But they can't deny the attraction they feel for each other.