Friday, April 29, 2016

Quote

Image result for quotes from the storied life of A.J. Fikry

Dear Readers,

If you have not read this book, please do.  It is a wonderful journey into a life that most people never would learn about.  A.J. is a wonderfully rich character that most of us if we meet him on the street might never notice.  

Happy Reading, 

Thursday, April 28, 2016

New Release - Land of Silence - Tessa Afshar

Land of Silence - Tessa Afshar

Before Christ called her "daughter" . . .

Before she stole healing by touching the hem of his garment . . .

Elianna is a young girl crushed by guilt. After her only brother is killed while in her care, Elianna tries to earn forgiveness by working for her father's textile trade and caring for her family. 

When another tragedy places Elianna in sole charge of the business, her talent for design brings enormous success, but never the absolution she longs for. 

As her world unravels, she breaks off her betrothal to the only man she will ever love. Then illness strikes, isolating Elianna from everyone, stripping everything she has left.No physician can cure her.

No end is in sight. Until she hears whispers of a man whose mere touch can heal. After so many years of suffering and disappointment, is it possible that one man could redeem the wounds of body . . . and soul?


P.S. This is one of the women of the Bible that intrigues me.   

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Tosca Lee

Dear Readers,
 
When I first heard about the topic of Tosca Lee’s newest book, The Progeny, I was immediately interested.  Who would think to write a book, let alone a series, about the descendants of the most notorious female serial killer?  Well, Tosca of course. 
 
The+ProgenyEmily Jacobs has no idea who she is or why she decided to have her memory wiped.  She is learning to do things again, like functioning in the world, interacting with fellow humans and taking care of herself.  It has been a process, one that it seems she needs to thank her caregiver for helping her through.  As Emily starts to venture out on her own, she meets a good-looking guy at the Food Mart and strikes up a friendship.  Just as she think she can trust him, things quickly spiral out of control.  She is not sure who she can trust and she remembers nothing from her past life. 
 
This all happens very quickly at the beginning of the book. Almost quicker than you can get your feet under you with the story, you find yourself racing around the world.  There is much you learn right away, but it all builds on itself as you go along.  

I am going to say that the ending of the book made is what made me really want to read the second book.  The whole book kept my attention and made me want to continue on the journey with Emily, but that ending, oh my that got me excited for the 2nd book.  

I don't want to give anything away, as what fun is that for you.  But if you are into books that are well written, fast paced, with changes of direction and not knowing who can be trusted, then make sure you pick up Tosca's newest.  

Happy Reading, 

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

New Release - Sister Dear - Laura McNeill

Sister Dear - Laura McNeill 

All Allie Marshall wants is a fresh start.  But when dark secrets refuse to stay buried, will her chance at a new life be shattered forever?
Convicted of a crime she didn’t commit, Allie watched a decade of her life vanish – time that can never be recovered. Now, out on parole, Allie is determined to clear her name, rebuild her life, and reconnect with the daughter she barely knows.
But Allie’s return home shatters the quaint, coastal community of Brunswick, Georgia. Even her own daughter Caroline, now a teenager, bristles at Allie’s claims of innocence. Refusing defeat, a stronger, smarter Allie launches a battle for the truth, digging deeply into the past even if it threatens her parole status, personal safety, and the already-fragile bond with family.
As her commitment to finding the truth intensifies, what Allie ultimately uncovers is far worse than she imagined. Her own sister has been hiding a dark secret—one that holds the key to Allie’s freedom.

Monday, April 25, 2016

New Releases - April 18 - 23

Dear Readers,

The week this releases to you, I will be flying to Minneapolis, MN to talk about fiction for 3 days.  I am so excited to be able to spend time with the great team at Bethany Publishers, who are part of the Baker Publishing Group.  Not sure all the topics we will be covering, but it is sure to cover a huge variety of genres and authors.

Enjoy the new list.  There is more than one title that I am looking forward to reading.

Happy Reading,

Sister Dear - Laura McNeill - Allie returns home after serving 10 years for a crime she didn't commit.  No one believes her innocence, but Allie is determined to prove she is.  What she uncovers threatens not only her parole, but also her personal safety and her family.

A Flight of Arrows - Lori Benton - The Path Finders #2 - Years ago William stole a baby.  An Native American baby, one of twin boys.  Now many different people are paying the price.  Stone Thrower, the baby's true father, the boy's twin brother and William himself.  Will they all find peace?

Land of Silence - Tessa Afshar - Elianna is a young woman whom life has not always played fair.  She is taken into father's business only after her brother dies.  When her father dies she is put in charge, isolating her from more and more people.  When illness strikes, she is even forced away from everything.  That is until she hears about a Galilean who is healing people.

The Cairo Code - Glenn Meade - previously published as The Sand of Sakkara - November 1943 - President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill are meeting in Egypt to plan an European invasion.  Hitler gets wind of it  and plans to kill the President.  Based on a true story.

Friday, April 22, 2016

Breathing

Dear Readers,

I have often said that to me reading is breathing.  I am pretty sure that I could not live without the chance to read.  I know that is why the Book Thief had such an impact on me.

To read is to live.

Happy Breathing (Reading),




Thursday, April 21, 2016

Jane Two - Sean Patrick Flanery

Jane TwoA coming of age debut novel from The Boondock Saints and Young Indiana Jones actor Sean Patrick Flanery.

 A young Mickey navigates through the dense Texas humidity of the 70s and out onto the porch every single time his Granddaddy calls him, where he's presented with the heirloom recipe for life, love, and manhood. But all the logic and insight in the world cannot prepare him to operate correctly in the presence of a wonderfully beautiful little girl who moves in just behind his rear fence. 

How will this magical moment divide Mickey's life into a "before and after" and permanently change his motion and direct it down the unpaved road to which only a lucky few are granted access?

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Jane Kirkpatrick event

Dear Readers,

I wanted to talk about Jane's visit last week Thursday.  I had a chance to enjoy a time before the event at supper with her.  We did lots of visiting and talking about her life.  I have to say that she is a very interesting person.  She has had many wonderful adventures and loves to share about them all.

That evening when she was speaking, I kept thinking more people should be hearing this.  We had about 20, but I thought so many more should be listening.  She talked about how our memories are very different from each others.  She likes to write about those memories that were written and then search out the other ones to make the story complete.  What a wonderful and intriguing way to research stories, but also to tell our own stories.

I hope if you ever get a chance to see and hear Jane you take advantage of it.  She spoke for way too short a time, I could have listened to her for hours.  What she said was powerful and for one little shining moment, I thought to myself, maybe I could write that book.  :-)

Happy Reading,

P.S.  When she told me the story of getting a pistol to shoot a rattlesnake, I knew I found an woman that I could be friends with.  You will have to ask her about it when you meet her.

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

New Release - Code 13 - Don Brown


THE U.S. NAVY’S BILLION-DOLLAR CONTRACT FOR THE SALE OF DRONES LANDS TWO NAVY JAG OFFICERS IN THE GUN SIGHTS OF A KILLER.

 Caroline is just getting her feet wet at the prestigious Code 13, but is thankful for at least one familiar face—her old flame, P.J. MacDonald. He loops her into the assignment he is currently working on—the legality of a proposed drone-sharing contract with Homeland Security that would allow the sale of drones for domestic surveillance. The contractor wants a legal opinion clearing the contract for congressional approval. But the mob wants the proposal dead-on-arrival.
Code+13 
When P.J. is gunned down in cold blood and a second JAG officer is killed, one thing becomes clear: whoever is ordered to write the legal opinion on the drones becomes a target. Which is exactly why Caroline goes to her commanding officer and volunteers to write the legal opinion herself. She is determined to avenge P.J.’s death and trap the killer, even if that means making herself a target.

Monday, April 18, 2016

New Releases - April 11 - 16

Dear Readers,

So as I type this it is once again snowing.  *sigh* snow in April is not uncommon, but since we had 60's in March it is harder to take this year.  Hopefully the outdoor reading weather gets here soon.

Happy Reading,

The Rebel - Marta Perry - #3 Keepers of the Promise - Barbie Lapp is venturing out to the Englisch community.  As she finds the gruff exterior of Benuel Kauffman hides a heart of gold, she finds herself attracted to him.

Code 13 - Don Brown - #2 Navy Jag Series - Caroline is getting use to her new job at Code 13.  When her co-worker is gunned down in cold blood, she vows to find his killer.  As she starts to complete what he was working on, it becomes clear she is the next target.

Jane Two - Sean Patrick Flanery - When Jane moves into the neighborhood, Mickey forgets everything except Jane.  His grandfather doles out wisdom for everything, but how to deal with and talk to Jane.

P.S.  The outdoor weather is here!

Friday, April 15, 2016

Thursday, April 14, 2016

New Release - Miriam - Mesu Andrews

New Release - Miriam - Mesu Andrews

Miriam%3A+A+Treasures+of+the+Nile+NovelThe Hebrews call me prophetess, the Egyptians a seer.
But I am neither. I am simply a watcher of Israel 
and the messenger of El Shaddai.
When He speaks to me in dreams, I interpret. When He whispers a melody, I sing.


At eighty-six, Miriam had devoted her entire life to loving El Shaddai and serving His people as both midwife and messenger. Yet when her brother Moses returns to Egypt from exile, he brings a disruptive message. God has a new name – Yahweh – and has declared a radical deliverance for the Israelites.
 
 Miriam and her beloved family face an impossible choice: cling to familiar bondage or embrace uncharted freedom at an unimaginable cost. Even if the Hebrews survive the plagues set to turn the Nile to blood and unleash a maelstrom of frogs and locusts, can they weather the resulting fury of the Pharaoh?
 
Enter an exotic land where a cruel Pharaoh reigns, pagan priests wield black arts, and the Israelites cry out to a God they only think they know

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Sandra Orchard

Dear Readers, 
It is always fun to curl up with a fun, cozy mystery.  They usually have loads of humor and very little blood and gore.  Their mysteries are fun to figure out, kind of in the same way the game of Clue is fun.  You just need to collect the right cards/clues and suddenly you know who did it.
A Fool and his Monet by Sandra Orchard is just such a book, sweet and yet a fun mystery.  To make this series of books, titled A Serena Jones mystery, Sandra centers them around the art world.  Not a world many know much about.  
Serena Jones loves art and her passion is finding lost and stolen art.  She joins forces with the FBI Art Crime Team to not only hopefully catch those stealing art, but to also find out who murdered her beloved grandfather.  
Her mother believes Serena should be doing something much tamer and quieter, like meeting a nice guy and getting married.  But Serena is not quite ready for that, not to mention that she hasn't met Mr. Right yet.  When a local museum discovers their Monet is missing, Serena is on the case, much to her mother's horror.  
Like I said already, these cozy mysteries are filled with humor and funny characters.  I think because the characters are written with quirks and other "normal" issues I can relate to them quickly.  They always seem so welcoming and really don't mind if they have a problem that you find out about.  
So if you are looking for a book to read on a warm evening or one just for fun this book will fit the bill very well.  
Happy Reading, 

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

New Release - King's Folly - Jill Williamson

New Release - King's Folly - Jill Williamson

Cover ArtTheir Battle for the Throne Has Just Begun.
But Will It Matter if the World They Rule Collapses Into the Sea?

The gods are angry.

Volcanic eruptions, sinkholes, ground shakers--everything points to their unhappiness. At least that is what the king of Armania believes. His son Prince Wilek thinks his father's superstitions are nonsense, though he remains the ever dutiful First Arm of Armania.

When a messenger arrives and claims that the town of Farway has been swallowed by the earth, the king sends Wilek to investigate. But what Wilek discovers is more cataclysmic than one lost city. Even as the ground shifts beneath his feet, Wilek sets out on a desperate journey to save his people and his world. But can he do it before the entire land crumbles? 

This volume includes the first three parts of The Kinsman Chronicles originally released as ebooks.
Part 1--Darkness Reigns
Part 2--The Heir WarPart 3--The End of All Things

Monday, April 11, 2016

New Releases - April 4 - 9

Dear Readers,

This is a busy week for me and the store.  Not only is it our spring Librarian's day, but we are also honored with a visit from Jane Kirkpatrick on Thursday evening.  I have been reading Jane's books for years and am really excited about meeting her.

If you have time let me recommend coming and listening to Jane on Thursday night at 7.

Happy Reading,

The Reluctant Duchess - Roseanna M. White - #2 Ladies of the Manor - Lady Rowena Kinnaird struggles with self esteem and when a shocking attack she flees the highland forever.  Brice Myerston is not looking to find a wife, especially since finding a treasure others would kill for.  But the more they try to stay apart, the more they are attracted to each other.  But is Rowena in even more danger?

King's Folly - Jill Williamson - #1 The Kinsman chronicles - The gods are angry and after reports of a town being swallowed by the earth, the king of Armania send his son, Prince Wilek to investigate.  What Wilek finds is something much more cataclysmic that just one missing city.  Will he be able to save his country before the land crumbles around him?

Like Never Before - Melissa Tagg - Amelia arrived in Maple Valley to find a haven to heal her broken heart.  What she found instead was a wonderful newspaper, which is now in danger of closing.  She just needs one great story to convince the owner to keep the paper open.  Logan is in town just to sell the newspaper, but when he meets Amelia he knows he has to help her solve the one unsolved mystery in Maple Valley.

The Midwife's Dilemma - Delia Parr - #3 At Home in Trinity - Midwife Martha Cade has finally decided to marry Thomas Dillon when he gets back to town.  But other decisions are plaguing her yet.  She know she needs to retire soon, but who will take over as midwife?  Her daughter's growing attraction to the new doctor and where that is leading is a troubling development.  The town of Trinity is changing everyday it seems and Martha is not sure she can handle everything that is happening.


Friday, April 8, 2016

Reader's Bill of Rights - Daniel Pennac


“Reader's Bill of Rights

1. The right to not read 

2. The right to skip pages 

3. The right to not finish 

4. The right to reread 

5. The right to read anything 

6. The right to escapism 

7. The right to read anywhere 

8. The right to browse 

9. The right to read out loud 

10. The right to not defend your tastes” 

Thursday, April 7, 2016

New Release - Brush of Wings - Karen Kingsbury

Brush of Wings - Karen Kingsbury 

Brush+of+WingsDespite needing a heart transplant and against the advice of her doctor, Mary Catherine moves to Uganda to work at a new orphanage. Whatever time she has left, Mary Catherine wants to spend it helping children--especially since there will be no children of her own. The only problem is Major League Baseball player Marcus Dillinger, the man she never meant to fall in love with. Neither Marcus nor Mary Catherine's other friends--Tyler Ames and Sami Dawson--know just how serious her heart condition is. 

Still, Marcus is sure in the depths of his soul that something isn't right. Ultimately his correspondence with Mary Catherine leads him on a desperate life-or-death mission to rescue her and get her to a US hospital before time runs out. Meanwhile, Sami and Tyler struggle with issues of their own. In a season when Tyler plans to ask Sami to marry him, the very core of their relationship is in jeopardy.


The team of angels walking is busier than ever in this epic battle between life and death. "A Brush of Wings "is a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and the power of faith.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Jane Kirkpatrick

Dear Readers,
One of my favorite authors is coming to our store in a week.  April 14th at 7:00 p.m. Jane Kirkpatrick will be here signing her books and speaking about writing.  She is in town for Calvin College's Festival of Faith and Writing and graciously said yes when asked if she would be willing to visit our store.  I am so excited.  
The Memory Weaver is Jane's most recent book. She also has a new title due out in September.  The book club I belong to just recently read and discussed the book and we all figured out that we were born in the correct century.  It was so much work to survive back in 1800's out in the unsettled west. 
Eliza Spalding Warren was sent away to a school in a neighboring town while her parents continued being missionaries to the local Nez Perce Indians.  While she was there, a group of Cayuse Indians attacked and wiped out the men and boys, and took the children and women hostage.   Eliza is the only one who speaks the language and is the interpreter for both sides.  
Later in life, her husband wants to return to the area to live.  Eliza is not sure she will be able to follow him, but she does and she has to deal with more than her own memories.  
I am just fascinated by Jane's ability to find a small story, whether a line in a journal or just something a family has passed down to each other, and write a complete novel about it.  She has been doing this for years and each story tells a different tale of how our country was settled.   
She reminds us that it wasn't easy and it took a special person to survive.  Not everyone could do it and it cost many of our fellow countrymen and women their lives.  But we can learn something from them all and that is what makes our country great. 
Happy Reading,    

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

New Release - The Inheritance - Michael Phillips

The Inheritance - Michael Phillips

Cover ArtThe death of clan patriarch Macgregor Tulloch has thrown the tiny Shetland Islands community of Whales Reef into turmoil. Everyone assumed Tulloch's heir to be his much-loved grand-nephew David. But when no will is discovered, David's calculating cousin Hardy submits his own claim to the inheritance, an estate that controls most of the island's land. And Hardy knows a North Sea oil investor who will pay dearly for that control. 

While the competing claims are investigated, the courts have frozen the estate's assets, leaving many of the locals in dire financial straits. The future of the island--and its traditional way of life--hangs in the balance.

Meanwhile, Loni Ford enjoys a rising career in a large investment firm in Washington, D.C. Yet, in spite of outward success, she is privately plagued by questions of identity. Orphaned as a young child, she was raised by her grandparents, and while she loves them dearly, she feels completely detached from her roots. That is, until a mysterious letter arrives from a Scottish solicitor. . . .

Past and present collide in master storyteller Michael Phillips' dramatic new saga of loss and discovery, of grasping and grace.

Monday, April 4, 2016

New Releases - March 28 - April 2

Dear Readers,

April!  Spring, flowers, warm temps and outdoor reading.  My favorite time of the year.

Happy Reading,

Miriam - Mesu Andrews - Mariam has been known by many names, prophetess, seer, midwife and messenger, but she really is just a watcher.  One who is watching Israel and ready to understand what the Lord wants of them.  Until her brother Moses returns with a new message, one that will disrupt her and the entire nation's life.

Back in the Saddle - Ruth Logan Herne - #1 Double S Ranch - When Colt returns from his failed career at Wall Street, he finds things very different from when he left.  There is a new house manager, feisty Angelina Morales, his younger brother, Nick, isn't ready to have Colt meddling in the ranch's affairs and the town's people are none too happy with anyone from the Double S.

Bride of a Distant Isle - Sandra Byrd - #2 Daughters of Hampshire - Annabel Ashton is a teacher at a day school for young women.  She decides to visit her family home for a quick visit.  While there she finds herself at the mercy of her cousin.  To gain quick money he is going to sell the house and force Annabel into a marriage to a sinister man.  But is Annabel the true heir to Highcliffe?

An Unbroken Heart - Kathleen Fuller - #2 An Amish of Birch Creek Novel - Joanna's last words to her parents were words of anger.  They are argueing and her parents are killed in a hit and run accident.  She herself is physically hurt and is able to recover, but nothing is the same.  Including her relationship with Andrew Beiler.

The Young Messiah - Anne Rice - Originally published as Christ the Lord - now a movie - 7 year old Jesus and his parent make the journey back from Egypt.

The Inheritance - Michael Phillips - #1 Secrets of the Shetland - When Macgregor Tulloch passes away, everyone assumes that his grand-nephew will inherit the estate, but when no will is found it throws not only the estate into turmoil, but also the people that rely on them for jobs.  Will the true heir ever be found?  And who is this stranger from America that shows up suddenly?

Brush of Wings - Karen Kingsbury - #3 Angels Walking series - Despite needed a heart transplant, Mary moves to Uganda to work in an orphanage.  Marcus knows there is something very wrong with Mary's health, he just doesn't know how serious it is.  Will the angels among them be able to bring about the impossible?



Friday, April 1, 2016

Friday the 1st

Dear Readers,

I have decided to retire.  Enough is enough and books have just become to much work.

Happy Reading,

P.S. Remember what day it is today before you get upset.  :-)



Who else needs this bookshelf?