New Releases Nov. 1 - 13

Dear Readers,
As you can see once again not many books.  There are a couple good ones.  There are a couple good gift ideas also.

Happy Reading

Dining with Joy - Rachel Hauck
Blacksmith's Bravery - Susan Paige Davis

The Lost Testament - Brian L. Thompson
Sisters of the Quilt - Cindy Woodsmall - 3 in 1

Jan Karon

Dear Readers,
There are just certain books and authors that when you read them it is like coming home.  There is a certain amount of comfort and peace that goes along with reading these stories that it is just plain enjoyable to read them.  A cup of tea, a comfy chair and a big cozy blanket and let the world go by.

The Mitford and Father Tim series by Jan Karon have been that for me.  I just love them.  So when In the Company of Others by Jan Karon released I was just chomping at the bit to get to it.  I was in the midst of reading another book and couldn't finish it fast enough.  It has been a long wait since book one and I couldn't wait to see what adventures Father Tim and Cynthia have.

The long awaited birthday trip to Ireland starts with a couple of hiccups.  Walter and Katherine, who was going to travel with them, are delayed and have to join them later. After a breath-taking car ride, they arrive at their bed and breakfast to find the electricty out. After an intruder scares Cynthia, she twists her ankle and is to told not to travel for several days.  Which is a good excuse to stay and enjoy their time with friends from past visits.

While resting, Tim becomes embroiled in a family fued from many years past which leads to a missing painting and history that no one is willing to forgive or forget.
In normal Father Tim tradition he picks up many strange and quirky characters.  They all add so much to the storyline and make for such fun reading.  I so enjoy that part of Jan's stories, her wonderful characters that make her books a pure pleasure to read.

Of course now that I have finished this book, I have to start the long wait for the next one.
 
Happy Reading

New Christmas Releases 2010

Dear Readers,
A Simple Amish Christmas - Vannetta Chapman
Snow Day - Billy Coffey
Advent of a Mystery - Marilyn Leach
Mary's Son - Darryl Nyznyk
The Snowflake - Jamie Carie
A Prairie Christmas - Various including Tracie Peterson, Tracey Bateman, Deborah Raney & more.
A Plain and Simple Christmas -Amy Clipston
Christmas at Harrington's - Melody Carlson
Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball - Donita K. Paul
The Treasure of Christmas - Melody Carlson - 3 in 1 book
    -The Christmas Bus, The Gift of Christmas Present & Angels in the Snow
The Joy of Christmas - Melody Carlson
    -An Irish Christmas, All I have to Give & The Christmas Dog

Walter Wangerin

 Dear Readers,

Walter Wangerin changed how I look at and read the Bible.  Since I was born and raised in a christian family and attended the christian school, I have always known the Bible.  There was never any great discovery moment until I read the Book of God by Walter.  It showed me that the Bible is actuallly God's story to me.  He is telling me about himself in a form that I could understand.  Story, my favorite type of book.  Wow. 

To say that I was very eager to read one of my favorite Bible stories rewritten by him is a bit of an understatement.  I know some of you are wondering why I didn't release this review earlier, then.  I am sad to report that I had to tragically keep putting this book off and reading others that had deadlines. (Yes I said tragically, even though the other books were very good also. :-) 

Naomi and Her Daughters is the retelling of the book of Ruth, sort of.  As you read it you will understand that statement, as this story doesn't fit neatly into the story in the Bible.  Walter doesn't change anything from the Bible story, he just puts it in to the correct setting with what was going on in Israel at that time.  Israel was in chaos and the enemies on all sides are attacking.  Into this time in history a small story happens that prepares the way for the coming Messiah. 

This isn't just the retelling of the Bible story, but a story of a woman who feels God has turned his back on her and she will now take control of her life and live it out quietly in her home land.   Having just read Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar actually made this story even more poignant.  That is the story of Rahab who is Boaz's mother and here is the story of Ruth who marries him.  It is so beautiful to see the way those two stories of two very different families and people twine together to make the Book of God.

Happy Reading

New Releases Oct 25 - 29th

Dear Readers,

I will be out of the store the week this releases, but please feel free to order or contact the store.

Stronger than the Sword - Faith Cook
Long Time Coming - Vanessa Miller
Dining with Joy - Rachel Hauck

Happy Reading

P.S. I know it doesn't seem like many books, but Oct/Nov it is mostly Christmas book releases as you will see on next week Monday's post.

Sandra D. Brinker

Dear Readers,

To say this book is sweet is to use a very bad pun. Always the Baker Never the Bride by Sandra Bricker is also funny and cute. It has been a great read for on my lunch hours here at work. I actually read her other book The Big 5-oh on lunch also.

Emma Rae is an award winning baker who has never tasted her own creations. She loves what she does, but being a diabetic has restricted what she can and can't eat.

Jackson just wanted to fulfill his dying wife's last wish. He has bought the hotel she always wanted to own and turn into a wedding destination hotel. He doesn't really know what he is doing, but try he will . Thank goodness for the "hens" as he calls his sisters who are firmly on board to help him. Each with her own wonderful talents.

What happens is a funny, endearing story that is filled with very lovable characters. From Aunt Sophie who keeps showing up at the hotel in her tiara, lime green ballgown and bedroom slippers to Emma's parents who, though divorced, seem to still be interested in each other.

This is plain and simply a feel good story. You know that romance is going to bloom between Jackson and Emma, but not without problems. Not only will you have this wonderful little story to read, Sandra treated us with additons to the book like receipes and how-tos for wedding planning. They are just the perfect little additions to this book.

Happy Reading

                                                                                                  

New Releases Oct. 18-23

Dear Readers,

Couple of big titles this week.  Both Joel Rosenberg and long awaited Jan Karon's newest are on the shelves now.


The 12th Imam - Joel Rosenberg
In the Company of Strangers - Jan Karon
Mystery at the Inn - Grace Chapel Inn - Carolyne Aarsen