New Release - The Sons of Isaac - Roberta Kells Dorr

Dear Readers,

Roberta Kells Dorr's books are being re-released by River North an imprint of Moody press.  The Sons of Isaac is the latest of these to hit the shelves and it has been fun to reacquaint myself with her wonderful writing. 

Rebekah receives news from God that she will bear Isaac twin sons.  The message is the youngest will be served by the older and Isaac is sure she has gotten that part of the message wrong.  When the twin boys enter their world, things will never be the same.  Not only for them, but for the rest of the world also.

A familiar Bible story once again re-written to help us remember that those that are written about in the Bible were real people, with lives of filled with hopes and dreams.  It is always good to be reminded of that.  Those in the Bible were really no different than us, not perfect, just those that followed God and his request on their lives. 

Happy Reading,

New Release - The Traitor's Wife - Allison Pataki

Dear Readers,

I don't say this a lot because you get funny reactions when you say that you like to read/study history.  It really was one of my favorite subjects in school and I still like to read an interesting historical book, whether fiction or not. 

The Traitor's Wife by Allison Pataki looks like it fits that bill to a 'T.'  Set during the Revolutionary War it is what some historians believe is the story behind Benedict Arnold's reason of treason.  They believe that because he was disillusioned with way the war was going and several other factors, she was easy to lead astray.

Written as a fiction book, I am not sure how much is actual fact and how much is made up, but that is easy to check against history and it does make for an interesting idea for a book.  There is nothing  like a book full of intrigue, spies, and treason to pass the hours away.  

Happy Reading,

New Releases - April 21 - 25

Dear Readers,

Spring is here, I just spent a Sunday afternoon sitting outside reading.  I love spring.  What makes it even better is when you get new books in that you immediately put on your to-be-read list.  I can think of more than one that will be put on the top of that list.

Happy Reading,

First Impressions - Sarah Price - An Amish Tale of Pride and Prejudice - The Amish Classics #1 -  With 5 daughters and no sons, the Blank family is looking to marry off the daughters to someone who will be able to take over the family farm.

Dixie Belle - Debby Mayne - #1 Uptown Belles - Cissy flees to New York to escape an abusive relationship.  When she meets her Uncle's competitor she feels an attraction, but her Uncle does not approve because even though Tom says he is a Christian, he doesn't act like it at work.

Bridge to Haven - Francine Rivers - After a 3 year wait Francine delights us with a  tale of Hollywood's golden age.

A Lady's Honor - Laurie Alice Eakes - #1 a Cliffs of Cornwall Novel - (from the back cover) - On the cliffs of 19th century Cornwall, a spirited, impetuous young woman is torn between the honor of her family and the longings of her heart.

The Traitor's Wife - Allison Pataki - We all know about Benedict Arnold and the most notorious act of treason in America's history, but did you know that he was drawn into the act by his much younger wife.  Peggy Shippen was loyal to the British, she is the one who hatches the plan to turn West Point over to the British.

The Sons of Isaac - Roberta Kells Dorr - Reprint - (from the backcover) - When God tells Rebekah that she will bear Isaac twin sons and the youngest will serve the older, Isaac is skeptical.  But that revelation will forever mark the lives of his family.

New Release - All My Belongings - Cynthia Ruchti

Dear Readers,

Cynthia Ruchti's book When Morning Glories Bloom kind of took the reading world by surprise.  I had read her first novel, They Almost Always Come Home, and completely was captured by the story line.  So when her third book was announced I was excited to see what she was writing about this time. 

In All My Belongings, Becca is on the run from her past and the father who brought shame to her family.  She changed her name and started a new life in California.  She loves her new job and the elder patient she is caring for.  But then her new life is threatened by a past that won't stay hidden.

How many of us have thought about running away instead of facing our problems?  It might sound appealing but is never the answer.  Cynthia has a way of taking on difficult subjects and writing a beautiful story around it so that you learn a lesson without even realizing you have done so.

Happy Reading,

Happy Anniversary

Dear Readers,

This is going to be a bit different.  It is not a review of a book or even really a review at all.

I wanted to take the time today to wish Baker Book House a Happy Anniversary.   The company is 75 years old this year and today at the store they are throwing a big party, by invite only. 

When I hear the story of why and how Herman Baker decided to start a book store it took a lot of faith and courage.   He stepped out in faith that he was doing the right thing and God blessed it.  He started in a small little store front that is now Brickroad Pizza on Weathly in East town Grand Rapids.  There were several growths that have finally moved them to their present locations in Ada and the East Paris Bookstore. 

The past 17 years I have had the privilege to work for Baker.  My youngest daughter does not remember me working anywhere else in fact.  We have been through much together, some the company knows about, expansions and remodels, retirements of long time managers, and the closing of the beloved Holland store.  Others were more personal and yet the Baker company stood alongside me and my family as these events impacted our lives.   When my daughter fought cancer twice, time off was granted without any questions, a house fire brought not only spiritual support but also financial support. Marriages, deaths, illness and times of great happiness – births of three grandchildren come to mind.  The Baker family and the company they represent have supported me and my family.

To me that says more about a company than any great success, they walk their faith.  No matter who you are, big or small, rich or poor, the Baker company cares for and about you and for that I thank them and wish them a hearty Happy Anniversary and here’s to 75 more. 

Happy Reading,

New Release - A Broken Kind of Beautiful - Katie Ganshert

Dear Readers,

 You will seldom hear me say this.  Read this book, A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert.  My review is coming in a couple of weeks and in some way I feel it is kind of mushy, but it is a book that lends itself to that type of review.  Don't get me wrong this is not a overly romantic book, it is just a tender story that will speak to your heart, that part of you that longs to be loved.

Ivy is only 24 but in the fashion industry it is considered old, especially when the newest models are younger every year.  Models that have the look that everyone is after.  But model is the only placed that Ivy has felt loved and worthy, what will she do if she no longer has that?  Is it worth continuing on? 

Davis gave up his photography career when one rash action cost his sister dearly.  Why should he pursue the thing he loves when she can no longer follow her dream.  Two very hurting people that need to be reminded that they are most important that what is on the outside. 

A book that you will want to share with others.  Everyone of us needs those reminders from time to time that we are loved no matter what.

Happy Reading,

New Release - Bridge to Haven - Francine Rivers

Dear Readers,

There are very few authors that generate as much excitement when it is announced they are writing a new novel as Francine Rivers.  I read Redeeming Love many years ago and it is a story that has stuck with me ever since.  I have read all of her books and there is not one that I didn't enjoy.  They have all had special messages in them and each have come to mean a great deal to me.

Bridge to Haven is the long awaited newest by Francine and it is one that you will get read quickly.  It is set in the golden age of Hollywood when every young teenage girl dreamed of being discovered and made into a star. 


Lena Scott is the brightest new star to hit the silver screen.  She is beautiful and every little girl dreams of being her.  But few know the price she paid to get where she is today and that she only dreams of going home again. 

Pastor Ezekiel Freeman knows who she is.  He knows all about the little girl that is seeking to just be loved.  He longs for her to come home again, but has no way to let her know all is forgiven.

Once again Francine will tug at your heart strings with a beautiful tale that is meant to remind us of God and his pursuit of us no matter what we have done.

Happy Reading,

New Releases - April 14 - 19

Dear Readers,

The new titles are still pouring in.  I can not read them fast enough to keep up.  I really need a job where I just sit and read all the new titles that come in.  *Sigh*  maybe someday, until then I will just have to try to do my best to keep up.

Happy Reading,

Mom's Night Out - Tricia Goyer - inspired by the movie of the same title - All Allyson and her friends want is one night of adult conversation, so they leave the kids with their husbands.  What could possibly go wrong in 3 hours?

Critical Condition - Richard Mabry - What is suppose to be a quiet dinner party turns into a scene of a murder when a stranger is killed on Shannon's front yard.  Now there is someone wanting to know what he said before the stranger died and he will stop at nothing to find out. 

Out of the Ruins - Karen Barnett - #1 Golden Gate Chronicles - (from the backcover) A shaky prayer, a shattered faith.  A city in ruins.  What - or who - will bring Abby back to God?

One Perfect Spring - Irene Hannon - Keith had no idea that the letter that lands on his desk will change everything for not only himself and the letter writer, but those around him also.

All My Belongings - Cynthia Ruchti - (From the back cover) Where to you turn when changing your name doesn't give you anonymity you want? 

The Pursuit of Tamsen Little John - Lori Benton - Tamsen escapes the life of hardship under her step-father and an arranged marriage with Jesse Bird.  What she finds is harder than she imagined, but maybe just what she is seeking.

Seasons of Tomorrow - Cindy Woodsmall - #4 Amish Vines and Orchards - As Ronda and the new community settle in it seems all is well.  Until Leah's involvement with an Englischer could up set everything.

A Broken Kind of Beautiful - Katie Ganshert - Ivy Clark has only known the fashion industry.  As her career seems to be coming to an end, will she be able to find herself in something besides her looks.

Amy Sorrells

Dear Readers,

How Sweet the Sound is Amy Sorrels debut novel.  If it is any indication of what is to come from her, we are in for a treat every time she releases a new title.   Her book is a wonderful combination of Southern charm and Southern crazy.  The characters come to life in a gentle manner that has you settling in for a good read and suddenly you find yourself in the middle of a dysfunctional family.   On the back cover it is called a “tender coming of age tale,” and in some ways I agree with that, but it is so much more.

 

The Harlans are a very respectable southern family, at least on the surface.  Underneath there are secrets, dark deadly secrets that they all try very hard to keep there.  One night it all ends with Anniston witnessing something awful.  Something that removes all thoughts from her mind that her family is normal.  There has always been something off about her Uncle Cole, and after that night she knows there is more to him than she ever knew. 

 

As her grandmother struggles to keep a normal that doesn’t, and maybe never did, exist,  Anniston is finding herself growing up quicker than expected.  Her new friend Jed has a whole different set of issues that make life even harder to understand. 

In some small ways I felt like I was reading a book that I could compare to the style of To Kill a Mockingbird.  It has that feel to it, there are bigger issues below the surface and it is a taking a child to find them and bring them to light.  The adults in the situation don’t seem to want a change or even to acknowledge that things are not right.

I don’t want to scare you away from reading the book, it is not an easy read, but it sure is a good one.  With a slight nod to the story of Tamar in 2 Samuel, you will find yourself wondering how Anniston and her family are doing today.   Amy does a good job handling what is a very tough topic.  It is not one many of us choose to deal with, but I also believe it is important to understand what it is like for family members and even the victims. 

I can’t say, pull up a chair and relax while reading this, but read this book.  You will thank me later. 

Happy Reading,

New Release - Sing for Me - Karen Halvorsen Schreck

Dear Readers,

Sing for Me by Karen Halvorsen Schreck is set in 1937 with a Jazz club as the backdrop.  Rose longs to sing more than the songs the Baptist church.  She has fallen in love the radio.  As a Birthday surprise her cousin takes her to a jazz club, which open a whole new world to her.  A world that is a foreign to her as the moon, but one that she can't wait to belong to. 

When one of the bands offers her a chance to be their singer, she is ready for the chance to do her heart's desire, but will it also be more dangerous that she plans.  When she finds herself falling in love with their colored piano player, Rose may find not only her faith tested, but her life at risk.

I have often found that one of the aspects of Jazz clubs, the races mingled freely and it seemed as if they were all equals.  That was until the lights dimmed and they stepped outside the club.   Because they have romanticized jazz clubs so much, I have seen where those relationships were tolerated, but in reality they were not. 

The roaring 20's followed by the depression era has always been a part of fiction, but because of the popularity of Downton Abbey, they have made a big resurgence again.  Much to readers excitement.  Take the time to visit an exciting time in US history, put on your flapper dress and pearls and enjoy.

Happy Reading,

New Release - The Pelican Bride - Beth White

Dear Readers,

 I think I am going to have to do some research and find out just how often mail - order brides actually happened in America's history.  The Pelican Bride by Beth White I #1 of the Gulf Coast Chronicles and is set in 1704 in the new world and once again the heroine arrives in the setting because she is a mail order bride of sorts.

Genevieve  and her sister board the small boat, Pelican, after agreeing to become brides for the men working to settle the Louisiana colony.  The sisters are fleeing persecution for their outlawed beliefs. 

Unrest and trouble between the colonist and the native people is growing and threating her new life.  Is her past part of what may cost the colony and its inhabitants their lives? 

It is fun to read a book about a time in our history that I know so little about.  I really don't know much about the settling of Louisiana and what becomes Mobile, Alabama.  That is what makes fiction fun, you can learn history without it seeming like you are learning. 

Happy Reading,

New Releases - April 7 - 12

Dear Readers, 

It is spring break around here.  Quite a few of the families in the area head to warmer weather for the week.  At the very least they take a few days to relax, rest and reset for the busy spring season.  It means that people are in looking for a few good titles to take along.  There are a couple goods ones on this list to fill that purpose.

Happy Reading,

Harbor of the Heart - Katherine Spencer - #5 Angel Island series - Daniel is thinking of returning to the medical field.  Liza doesn't understand why until she sees his skill in action.  But returning means giving up the love of his life.

The Last Bride - Beverly Lewis - #5 Home to Hickory Hollows - Tessie is the last of her sisters to marry.  She has her heart set on a man her father opposes.  The choices they make next effect Tessie in ways they never thought of.

Plots and Pans - Kelly Eileen Hake - (from the back cover) - Can a cranky cowboy and a clever cook stir up more than trouble?

Woman of Courage - Wanda Brunstetter - Amanda gives up on romance and decides to follow fellow missionary couple Rev. and Mrs. Spalding over the mountains.  Her first convert is the wife of a trapper who saves her life, but he and fellow trapper want nothing to do with Christians.

Sing for Me - Karen Halvorsen Schreck - Set in 1937.  Rose Sorenson longs for something more than just the hymns she sings at church.  Introduced to the world of Jazz clubs, she finds an exciting place that offers her what she wants.

Childless - James Dobson/Kurt Brunner - #2 in the Fatherless series - Book two is now available in paperback of this chilling realistic series.

Son of God - Roma Downey/Mark Burnett - (from the backcover) Grittily realistic, (this book) pulls no punches in conveying the harsh realities of Jesus' era. 

New Release - Visible Threat - Janice Cantore

Dear Readers,

Visible Threat is book the second book of the unofficially titled "Brinna Caruso" series by Janice Cantore.  She gains more and more fans in the tough romantic suspense field.  Her fast paced and realistic stories draws reads back for more.

Brinna want to save innocents no matter the cost.  She finds herself embedded in a murder that seems to point to a human trafficking ring.  Ivana and her sister leave Bulgaria with the promise of a better life in America, but shortly after arriving, they find out how wrong they were.  Brinna races to save them and others like them.  But the cost might be her own life.

Fast paced, "don't want to lay it down until the last page is read," is probably one of the best ways to describe Janice's books.  You will find yourself cheering for Brinna as she fights Goliath in a problem that is raging through out America.  This books isn't going to solve the problem for us, but it will give you a bit of an insight as to what the girls themselves go through, but also what our Police departments are doing to stop human trafficking.

Happy Reading,

Hillary Manton Lodge

Dear Readers,

First let me tell you I really enjoyed reading A Table by the Window by Hillary Manton Lodge.  It is a wonderful story about families and what it means to be part of a loud and loving family.  How sometimes it can be awkward when everyone tries to take care of each other.  Sometimes it can be frustrating when someone thinks they have a better idea for your life than you do and how no matter what choices you make, they will love you completely. 

Second I want to tell you, the recipes included in the text made me want to take a cooking class or two to learn how to make some of the items listed.  There were no easy cook in a couple minutes recipes, these were involved dishes that required time to make and then more time to enjoy with a group of family and friends.

 

Juliette’s family revolves around food.  Grandma moved from Italy after her husband passed to open her own pastry shop in Portland, Oregon.  Her parents own an Italian/French restaurant that seems to be on everyone’s list to go to.  Her brother is a chef and she herself writes for a food magazine. 

When her grandmother passes, Juliette inherits her prep table.  She remembers learning how to cook and make pastries at her grandmother’s side.  She loves this table and the memories it brings.   While cleaning the drawers she finds an old cookbook of Grandmother’s and it contains a picture of someone who looks strikingly like her brother. Who could it be?

I will let you discover the answer to that question, it is a journey you need to take with Juliette.   Between the family she has and the history that is part of their story, it is a hard book to lay down.  It isn’t because it is so fast paced, it is because you won’t want to leave them. 

So grab a pastry of choice and rich cup of coffee and enjoy.

 

Happy Reading,

 

New Release - The Amish Groom - Mindy Starns Clark & Susan Meissner

Dear Readers,

Two of my favorite authors have teamed up and wrote a book, YAY!  The Amish Groom by Mindy Starns Clark and Susan Meissner is book one of the Men of Lancaster county series.  So I can plan of at least a couple more by them.

I love Mindy's mysteries and those of you that read here regularly know how I feel about Susan's books.  The are both authors I recommend to other quite a bit.  Tyler's mom used to be Amish.  He is a military brat until his mother passes and he is sent to live with his Amish grandparents.  Everything changes for him.  Which world does he belong with?

Tyler isn't sure if he hears God calling him to be Amish and Rachel's husband or if he is being lead to become Englisch.  A visit to his father's confuses him even more after he meets Lark, who is about as opposite from Amish as you can be.

Each author brings something very different to any writing experience when they share a novel.  I always find books with two authors interesting as I love to find each of them in the writing.  Sometimes it is very seamless and you can't see the difference and sometimes it is very easy to find.  I am eager to find out how these to ladies did. 

Happy Reading,

New Release - The Fearful Gates - Ross Lawhead

Dear Readers,

There is nothing like a good Sci-fi book.  Of course the other is true, there is nothing so bad as a terrible sci-fi book.  Thankfully the Lawhead family writes the good stuff. 

The Fearful Gates by Ross Lawhead is book #3 in the Ancient Earth trilogy.  He is following in his father's footsteps by involving readers in a world that doesn't exsist, but most of us end up wanting to know better at the end of the series.

The last line of defense for the city Nidergeard is waiting for the army of giants, trolls, and yfelgopes to attack.  It is time for the dragons to released and the gates between the worlds to be opened.  Will Daniel and Freya and the faithful few be able to stand against them and save Britain and the rest of the world?

To find yourself locked in a battle between good and evil is one of the greatest pleasure in reading.  To loose yourself in that world and when you come up for air it takes you a second to realize there are not any dragons or trolls chasing you, that is what makes a good book.

Happy Reading,

New Releases - March 31 - April 5

Dear Readers,

Tomorrow is an all day event for me.  I know I have mentioned it before, but it is a chance for me to meet with many different librarians and talk about all the fiction that has hit the shelves in the past 6 months.  The list is so long I am not sure when to quit as I don't want to forget one good one.

If you had to tell me which one fiction book you would recommend, one that has just released what would it be?

Happy Reading,

Murder Simply Brewed - Vannetta Chapman - #1 An Amish Village Mystery - When Amber Wright finds her employee dead of a apparent heart attack, she isn't convinced that he wasn't murdered.  Amber and her new store manager decide to follow the clues on their own and it may cost them more than they expect.

A Promise in Pieces - Emily T. Weirenga - Quilts of Love - 50 years ago Clara promised a dying soldier to deliver message to his widow.  The young widow gives her a baby quilt, one that has gone on to give hope to countless newborns.  Now it is time to share the story, but the trip doesn't go as planned.

Whisper Goodbye - Myra Johnson - #2 Till We Meet Again - Mary has watched Gilbert in the Army Navy hospital for months.  He is struggling physically and emotionally and the only way she can reach him is if she tells him goodbye.  Will he ever return to her?

Simple Faith - Anna Schmidt - #2 The Peacemakers - Anja could save her Jewish family, but her beliefs make her want to save others.  She joins with fellow Quakers and the calling to save Allied airmen shot down behind the lines.  At first Peter seems to be just like the others, until Anja finds herself falling in love.

The Spymistress - Jennifer Chiaverini - Now in paperback - Inspired by a true story of Civil War espionage.

The Pelican Bride - Beth White #1 Gulf Coast Chronicles - Genevieve Gaillain agrees to be a bride to a man working in the new world to escape her painful past, what she finds is love and that nothing can be hide forever.

The Turning - Davis Bunn - Five very different people believe they were summoned by God to obey.  They are called to stand against the most powerful industry in America.  Will they be able to stand against the rising evil? 

The Fearful Gates - Ross Lawhead - #3 the Ancient Earth Trilogy - (from the backcover)  "The army is gathered.  The Alliance for good is holed up in the Langtorr.  The fate of Britain - and the world - will be decided in the events of a single day... a day when the Fearful Gates are finally opened, and the mystery that lies behind them is revealed."

The Kissing Bridge - Tricia Goyer - #3 Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors - Rebecca is abandoning her Amish community, but she needs to make it across country first.  He stop in West Kootenai, Montana may change she plans.

Librarians, authors and readings oh my

Dear Readers,

This next week at Baker is a busy week, with several very exciting activities and visitors.  On Tuesday we are hosting our Spring Librarian’s Day.  With book reviews, extra discounts and giveaways.   The store hours are 7 – 11, come anytime to resupply your library shelves.

Thursday we are hosting Suzanne Woods Fisher at 7:00p.m.  The first time I met Suzanne was at a sales conference for Baker Publishing group.  We ended up spending much of our time that day sitting in the basement hallways of the building we were in because of Tornado warning around town.  I don’t know if she remembers, but it made it a very memorable for me.  J

Suzanne is in town for the Faith and Writing at Calvin College and has graciously agreed to come over to the store to share some of her experiences in writing.  She will also be taking the time to sign her books and greet her fans.

On Friday at 2:30 a trio that is also at the Faith and Writing conference will be joining us for a reading.  Robert Foster, Luci Shaw and Carolyn Weber are all going to reading excerpts from their books.   What a chance to hear the authors read from their own books, especially such pillars of the Christian community.

Looking forward to seeing you at one or more of the events.

Happy Reading,

Lisa Samson

Dear Readers,

There has been something special about Lisa Samson's books.  When going through the list of her titles, I surprised my self how many of them I have read.  There were not many I hadn't read and they were all ones I want to read. 

 

She is one of those authors that no matter what subject matter she is writing about I find myself drawn into the story, even finding myself wishing I could find that neighborhood and live there with her lovable, quirky characters.

 

Runaway Saint is that type of book.  You want to meet Sara and her delightful husband Finn (and yes he is as perfect as his name). ;-)  As you learn Sara's story you heart begins to ache for her and the things she has lived with through her life and the strange and interesting family she is part of.

 

Aunt Bel "ran away" to be a missionary in Kazakhstan just after finishing college.  Sara never really knew the story behind the reason for her sudden departure and now 20 years later, Bel is back in town and nothing will ever be the same.

 

It is hard to go farther into the story line with out giving away some of the hidden secrets of this book.  I don't want to do that as it is what makes Lisa's books so very good.  They are full of hidden secrets and treasures that make them different from just about everything else on the market. 

 

This one is a good reminder that you should never judge a person until you know their whole story and why they are doing things the way they do.   We all come with backstories and that is what make families and friendships so great, you have someone to share that story with.

Happy Reading,

 

New Release - Circle of Spies - Roseanna White

Dear Readers,

I have no idea why I don't think of a good spy novel being set in the early part of America's history.  I guess I still fall back to what I was taught in school and it made it seem like more of a gentleman's war and of course everyone played by the rules. 

Roseanna M. White's series Culper Ring has changed that thinking.  Circle of Spies is book # 3 in the series and is set in 1865.  The Civil War is raging in the country and spies are already busy at work for both the North and South.  Marietta Hughes gets drawn in because of her family, It is not something she wanted to become, a spy.  She is determined to make sure the secret society of Confederates does not succeed to destroy the Union that her brother fought and died to save.

Spies, handsome men, and a secret society, what more can you ask for in a book?   There is something about a good spy novel that is just fun to read.  I am sure I would have made a rotten spy, but I sure do like to read about them.  How about you? 

With spring break coming to this area next week, everyone's reading list gets a bit longer.  Make sure you add a bit of excitement to that list.

Happy Reading,

New Release - Just 18 Summers - Rene Gutteridge/Michelle Cox

Dear Readers,

At the end of Just 18 Summers by Rene Gutteridge and Michelle Cox there is a note from Michelle.  It is a powerful story behind the title of the book.  She was in church and watching a baptism and as the pastor prayer for the couple and then as they left the stage the pastor said, " Don't forget... you have just 18 summers.  Take time to make memories." 

As much as that effected Michelle at the time, it planted a seed for a book. A book about what each stage of a families life is like.  Whether it is a family expecting their first child or the family that suddenly finds themselves empty nesters, they all are wandering through new territory for themselves. 

Butch Browning is in uncharted territory, he is trying to raise a 8 year old daughter with out a clue how to do it.  He is also trying to recover his own heart at the loss of his beloved wife.  How do you raise a daughter who like glittery ponies and you didn't even know they existed until a few short weeks ago. 

Beth is facing an empty nest.  He son is graduating from high school and her daughter announces her engagement all on the same day.  She has no idea how she will deal with it.  What is it going to happen when her life no longer will revolve around her children and their activities.

How will they use their "18 summers?"  Come pull up a comfy chair and find out

Happy Reading,