Melody Carlson

Dear Reader, 

Melody Carlson Christmas books are a tradition in many families.  Readers eagerly wait to see what delightful tale she is going to share with us.  One grandmother shared with me that she gets her hands on a copy as soon as possible so she can get it read more than once and then when her family gathers together for a Christmas weekend, she reads a bit each night.  The year she thought she would try something new, there was so many protest she never did that again.  

I love Christmas books for that reason alone, they have a way of bringing people together. 

Happy Reading, 

The Christmas Angel Project - Melody Carlson

Abby Wentworth is the glue that holds her book club together. So when she unexpectedly passes away on the cusp of the Christmas season, the rest of the women in the group are stunned, saddened, and sure that, without her, the group can't continue.

They gather "one last time" to open gifts Abby left behind, little knowing how it will change each of their lives--forever.

New Releases - November 21-26

Dear Readers,

The Holidays are upon us.  I am not ready, but that doesn't really matter does it.  :-)   Hopefully you are more prepared as it turns out that Christmas is less than a month away.  Yikes!!

Happy Reading,

Conspiracy of Silence - Ronie Kendig - #1 The Tox Files - Four years after a tragic mission decimated his career and his team, Cole "Tox" Russell is persona non grata to the United States. And that's fine--he just wants to be left alone. But when a dormant, centuries-old disease is unleashed, Tox is lured back into action.

Beast - Chawa Schroeder - For as long as Beast can remember, she has lived among her master's dogs. With them she sleeps. With them she eats. With them she fights and struggles to survive. But through hunger and cold she dreams of one day becoming her master's favorite, earning bones with meat and a place beside the fire.When her pack scatters after a surprise raid, Beast must defend herself against slavers, hunting down the loners. They are so strong, and she is only a beast . . . or is she?

The Time Before you Die - Lucy Beckett - A Novel of the Reformation - A powerful, beautifully written novel of loss, finding and being found, set in a very traumatic time in European history--the Protestant Reformation. The turbulent sixteenth century saw the disintegration of medieval Christendom as it was split into sovereign states. This was particularly destructive in Tudor England, where rapid switches in government policy and religious persecution shattered the lives of many.

Thanksgiving fun

Dear Readers,

Just incase you did not have enough turkey yesterday here are some fun facts for your Black Friday enjoyment.

Happy Reading,

Thanksgiving Fun  Your tax dollars at work: The first turkeys to earn a trip to Disney World were named May and Flower.  After being pardoned by President George W. Bush, they were flown to Florida to serve as honorary grand marshals in the Disney World Thanksgiving parade. The first cat balloon to appear in the Macy's Thanksgiving parade was Felix the cat.  (Sorry Garfield) File this under things you didn't need to know: Black Friday isn't just for shopping.  It's also the busiest day for Roto-Rooter. The first Thanksgiving football game was in 1876.  It was  not televised. Buckles didn't appear on pilgrim hats until the nineteenth century. Don't ever accuse a female turkey of gobbling.  Only males gobble.  Females cackle. What?  No green bean casserole? Not only were pilgrims deprived of this Campbell soup standard, they also missed out on turkey and cranberries. Bummer. This should go over big: Tired of guests texting during Thanksgiving dinner?  A cell lock-up might be the answer. It's a "jail" for phones and can be purchased on line.

What does a turkey eat on Thanksgiving?  Nothing.  It's already stuffed.

Thanksgiving

Dear Readers,

One of the local church librarians shared her display for Thanksgiving she made.
I love it and may think of making one myself.  Or maybe I should just ask her to make me one. :-) 

Happy Reading, 

New Release - The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill - Julie Klassen

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill - Julie Klassen - #1 Tales of Ivy Hill 

Welcome to the English village of Ivy Hill, where friendships thrive, romance blossoms, and mysteries await. . . .
The lifeblood of the village of Ivy Hill is its coaching inn, The Bell. When the innkeeper dies suddenly, his genteel wife, Jane Bell, becomes the reluctant landlady. Jane has no idea how to manage a business, but with the town's livelihood at stake and a large loan due, she must quickly find a way to save the inn.

Despite their strained relationship, Jane turns to her resentful mother-in-law, Thora, for help. Formerly mistress of The Bell, Thora is struggling to overcome her losses and find purpose for the future. As she works with Jane, two men from her past vie for her attention, but Thora has promised herself never to marry again. Will one of them convince her to embrace a second chance at love?

As pressure mounts from the bank, Jane employs new methods, and puzzles over the intentions of several men who seem to have a vested interest in the place, including a mysterious newcomer with secret plans of his own. With the help of friends old and new, can Jane restore life to the inn, and to her empty heart as well?

New Releases - November 14-19

Dear Readers,

As I put the finishing touches on this post the snow has started to fall here in Michigan.  Which means winter reading rules apply.  Of course they are very similar to the summer reading rules, you just do them inside.

Happy Reading,

Healing of the Heart - Loree Lough - #3 Secrets of Sterling Street -   When Ruby McCoy arrives in Fairplay, her ornate carriage is followed by an entourage who heft steamer trunks, hatboxes, and traveling bags into the hotel...where she has booked the entire second floor. Upon her notorious gangster father's death, the now–wealthy Ruby, hiding under her mother's maiden name, set out to right her father's wrongs. Ruby is determined to spend every penny of the inherited "blood money" on those who paid the price for her father's crimes. 

For the Record - Regina Jennings - Betsy Huckabee might be a small-town girl, but she has big-city dreams. Writing for her uncle's newspaper will never lead to independence, and the bigger newspapers don't seem interested in the Hart County news. Trying a new approach, Betsy pens a romanticized serial for the ladies' pages, and the new deputy provides the perfect inspiration for her submissions. She'd be horrified if he read her breathless descriptions of him, but these articles are for a newspaper far away. No one in Pine Gap will ever know.

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill - Julie Klassen - #1Tales from Ivy Hill - The lifeblood of the Wiltshire village of Ivy Hill is its coaching inn, The Bell. But when the innkeeper dies suddenly, his genteel wife, Jane Bell, becomes the reluctant owner. Jane has no notion of how to run a business. However, with the town's livelihood at stake and a large loan due, she must find a way to bring new life to the inn. 

Friday Funnies

Okay so this made me laugh right out loud. 

Irma Joubert

Dear Readers,

Irma Joubert rose quickly to one of the authors that is a must read with her book The Girl From the Train.  She has solidified that place with her second - to English- book Child of the River.  Her style of writing is not one that I would recommend for other authors, but is sure works for her.

Child of the River is set during the time in South Africa that caused the rise of Apartheid.  We meet Persomi, she is a quiet child, that deals with difficult situations by running away to "her" mountain.  She is the middle child of a dirt poor sharecropper family.  They survive on what they can scratch out of the unforgiving land and what they can beg from the main house.  Persomi's father takes any money that is earned and pours it down his throat.  Nothing about her life is easy.

When her family comes under the scrutiny of the welfare people and her small world falls apart, Persomi's life is changed forever.  What opens up instead is a world at large.  She suddenly has a future that she never dreamed of and isn't sure she can handle.

I know personally it took a while for me to warm up to Persomi, but as I learned her story I understood her more and more.  I find myself rooting for her in many different situations that life hands her.  She doesn't always make the right decisions, but works with what she knows and understands.  We get to watch her grow and learn about herself and others and become a strong women because of it.

Because of the time of history this book is set in, it made for an interesting to time to be reading it.  I was reading just before the election and was finishing it as the election was finishing up.  I am not going to comment on the winners or losers in the election, but this book reminded me that as citizens we must stand in the gap between a government who is overstepping and others who are not able to defend themselves.

A very interesting read, one that will not leave you comfortable with how easy it was for people to join a bandwagon movement even when they knew it was wrong.  I can hardly wait until Irma's next book releases.

Happy Reading,

New Release - Barefoot - Sharon Garlough Brown

Barefoot - Sharon Garlough Brown

The spiritual journey takes unexpected turns for the women of Sensible Shoes in this third book of the series, continuing on from the events of Two Steps Forward. Having been challenged to persevere in hope, can they now embrace the joy of complete surrender?

Mara: With two boys at home and a divorce on the way, can she let go of her resentment and bitterness and find a rhythm of grace in her "new normal"?

Hannah: With Nathan by her side, can she let go of expectations―and even her reputation―as she charts a new course?

Charissa: As her approaching due date threatens to collide with new professional opportunities, can she let go of her need for control and embrace the unknown future with trust?

Meg: With disappointment over broken relationships and unfulfilled dreams, can she let go of her fear and worry in the face of even greater challenges that lie ahead?


Join the women of the Sensible Shoes Club in a poignant story that reveals the joy that comes from laying our lives at the feet of God and standing barefoot on holy ground.Garlough Brown

New Releases - November 7 - 12

Dear Readers,

This list makes it hard to decide which one to read first.  All three books are by favorite authors and I am not sure which to read first.  Maybe I will just read all three at once. 

Happy Reading,

Barefoot - Sharon Garlough Brown - #3 in the Sensible Shoes Series - Mara: With two boys at home and a divorce on the way, can she let go of her resentment and bitterness and find a rhythm of grace in her "new normal"? Hannah: With Nathan by her side, can she let go of expectations―and even her reputation―as she charts a new course?Charissa: As her approaching due date threatens to collide with new professional opportunities, can she let go of her need for control and embrace the unknown future with trust? Meg: With disappointment over broken relationships and unfulfilled dreams, can she let go of her fear and worry in the face of even greater challenges that lie ahead? 

Shadow of the Storm - Connilyn Cossette - Out from Egypt #2 - Having escaped Egypt with the other Hebrews during the Exodus, Shira is now living in freedom at the foot of Mt. Sinai, upon which rests the fiery glowing Cloud containing the shekinah glory of God. When the people disobey Yahweh and build a golden idol, the ensuing chaos gives Shira an unexpected opportunity to learn the arts of midwifery. Although her mother wishes for her to continue in the family weaving trade, Shira's gifts shine brightest when she assists with deliveries. In defiance of her mother, Shira pursues her heart's calling to become an apprentice midwife.

Where Two Hearts Meet - Liz Johnson - Prince Edward Island Dreams #2 - In her kitchen at the Red Door Inn, executive chef Caden Holt is calm, collected, and competent. But when her boss asks her to show off their beautiful island to impress a visiting travel writer and save the inn, Caden is forced to face a world much bigger than her kitchen--and a man who makes her wish she was beautiful.

Every weekend

Holy Ground

Dear Readers,

I have been thinking about this post for a couple of weeks now.  This past month was a busy month here at Baker Book House.  We not only had our all day librarian event, we hosted several well attended events here.  Ann Voskamp, Lynn Austin, Sharon Garlough Brown to name a few.

I attended and worked at many of the events (I just can't make them all).  While working it is easy to miss those moments that happen during these visits.  I get busy making sure everything (along with every employee in the store) is moving smoothly. I get to visit while people enter the store and find seats.  The excitement builds and the joy on each visitors face brings all of us working energy.

But something struck me over and over again and I was honored to witness it more than once.  I was on Holy Ground during these visits.  God was very present each and every time when the readers and fans of these authors started sharing their stories and how the authors simple words made such a difference in their lives.

Tears were shed, smiles and laughter shared.  But every time I witnessed this I felt over overwhelmingly the present of God.

I am so privileged to work in a bookstore, but a Christian bookstore makes that even better.  I get to witness things that I would never see anywhere else.   Some times it almost brings me to my knees because of what I was able to be part of.  Other times it is just a silly conversation that leaves us participants smiling as we move on to the rest of our day.

Whichever it is I love what I do and prayerfully hope I can continue to walk on this Holy Ground for many years to come.

Happy Reading,

New Release - Wild Montana Skies - Susan May Warren

Wild Montana Skies - Susan May Warren - #1 Montana Rescue

Search and rescue pilot Kacey Fairing is home on leave in Mercy Falls, Montana, twelve years after she joined the military to escape the mistakes of her past. With a job waiting for her as the new lead pilot of Peak Rescue in Glacier National Park, Kacey hopes to reconnect with the now-teenage daughter she sees only between deployments. What she doesn't realize is that someone else is also back in town.
Ben King has been building his country music career since the day Kacey shut him out of her life. Now all of that's on hold when his injured father calls him home to help run Peak Rescue until he's fully recovered. It doesn't take long, though, to discover his father's ulterior motives as Kacey Fairing walks into the house and back into his heart.

With Mercy Falls in a state of emergency due to flash floods, Kacey and Ben are forced to work together to save lives. But when floodwaters turn personal, can they put aside the past to save their future?

New Releases - Oct. 31 - November 5

Dear Readers,

Happy November.  Thanksgiving is quickly approaching.  Time to think about what we are thankful for.  Me?  I am always thankful for new and exciting books.

Happy Reading, 

The Candidate – Lis Wiehl/Sebastian Stuart - Mike Ortiz is a dynamic war hero favored to win the White House. Standing by his side is his glamorous and adoring wife, Celeste. But something about this seemingly perfect couple troubles Erica. Is Celeste really who she seems? And most importantly, what really happened in that squalid Al-Qaeda prison where Mike Ortiz spent nine months?

The Captive Heart – Michelle Griep - Proper English governess Eleanor Morgan flees to the colonies to escape the wrath of a brute of an employer. When the Charles Town family she’s to work for never arrives to collect her from the dock, she is forced to settle for the only reputable choice remaining to her—marriage to a man she’s never met.

Wild Montana Skies - Susan May Warren - Montana Rescue #1 - Search and rescue pilot Kacey Fairing is home on leave in Mercy Falls, Montana, twelve years after she joined the military to escape the mistakes of her past. With a job waiting for her as the new lead pilot of Peak Rescue in Glacier National Park, Kacey hopes to reconnect with the now-teenage daughter she sees only between deployments. What she doesn't realize is that someone else is also back in town. 

Operation Zulu Redemption - Ronie Kendig - Zulu, the first all-female special ops team, was set up to take a devastating fall. Fearing for their lives, Zulu members vanished with new identities. Isolated and haunted by their past, they are terrified of being discovered.  Over the years, the brave women of Zulu have begun to hope they might be safe and the terrible tragedy forgotten.  Until two of them are murdered.

Interesting

Dear Readers, 

Here is an interesting fact for you.  I know I am very guilty of bringing books home knowing full well I will not get it read.  Does anyone else have this problem? 

The Japanese word ‘tsundoku’ means ‘buying a load of books and then not getting round to reading them’.

Happy Reading, 

Sharon Garlough Brown

Katherine Reay

Dear Readers,

Every time I read a Katherine Reay book I feel as if I have gone on a vacation with a favorite family member.  I love meeting her characters and getting to know them and working through the issues that are part of their lives.  Katherine understands that a mini vacation alongside a strong story line is very important to the reader. The Portrait of Emily Price is Katherine's newest release.

I wasn't sure I was going to like Emily Price when I first started reading this book.  She was very worried about making sure everything in her life and in her sister's life was perfect.  She needed to take care of everyone and making sure nothing bad happened and if it did, Emily would fix it.  But trust me, you will begin to understand her more as the book goes on and it is worth the journey to understand her.

Emily is sent to Atlanta to restore a family home and their valuables after a home fire.  She is very very good at her job and has no time for distraction as there are important things to get done and then hurry back to Chicago to make sure her sister finds a job once again.

Chef Benito Vassallo, Ben, is trying very hard to be that distraction.  It seems like love at first site, which is unusual enough for Emily.  But when she accepts his marriage proposal and moves suddenly to Italy.  Where she meets a family very different from her own.

Emily is not perfect and acts like the control freak when she arrives in her new home and that is where she really started to endear herself to me.  I kept trying to get her to stop, but she refused to listen to me.  I don't know what her problem was, I was just trying to help.  Okay okay I understand what I did there.  But that is what is great about this book, you will find yourself doing the same thing.

Also you get to run off to Italy with a dreamy Italian guy and live in a perfectly described village.  For me it was like visiting all over again.  Of course that only made me want to go a visit again. Thank you Katherine for giving me this chance to visit one of my favorite places on earth along side with a new family member.

Happy Reading,

New Release - The Cautious Maiden

New Release - The Cautious Maiden - Dawn Crandall 


Violet Hawthorne is beyond mortified when her brother Ezra turns their deceased parents' New England country inn into a brothel to accommodate the nearby lumberjacks; but when Violet's own reputation is compromised, the inn becomes the least of her worries.


 In an effort to salvage her good name, Violet is forced into an engagement with a taciturn acquaintance; Vance Everstone. 

As she prepares for a society wedding, Violet learns that her brother had staked her hand in marriage in a heated poker game with the unsavory Rowen Steele, and Ezra had lost. Now Rowen is determined to cash in on his IOU. With danger stalking her and a new fiance who hides both his emotion and his past, Violet must decide who to trust; and who to leave behind.