Cynthia Ruchti

Dear Readers,

All My Belongings by Cynthia Ruchti is a very good book.  I was first thinking that it was a book about having a family member that committed a crime and how that affects everyone, even well after the person is caught and put in prison.   But it is about so much more than that.  It has two very strong story lines and they blend together beautifully which makes the story all the richer.

The one I mentioned deals with family members who are criminals.  What is that like?  How do people react to you when they recognize you or you tell them who you are?  How do you forgive that family member?  All questions and issues that are dealt with and yet very few of us will ever have to deal with a murderer in the family.

The other story line was harder for me because it was about a mother with dementia.  I have mentioned before that my mother was diagnosed a year ago with it.  It is not an easy thing to watch, a parent slowly losing everything that makes them your parent. 

Neither topic is an easy one to read about, they each carry their own baggage, but they are also things that families deal with every day.   

Becca is moving half way across the country to get away from her family, especially her father.  What he did and her part in it is something she would like to never think of again.  She is hoping a new name and start will put that all behind her.  She wants to return to college and finish her nursing degree.  She dreams of being just another face in the crowd, but is California far enough away?

Isaac is drawn to Becca the moment he meets her.  He knows she is the one to take of his mother, who is suffering from Dementia.  He doesn’t have enough time in his schedule to take care of his mother and the temps he keeps hiring are not doing a good enough job, so when his Aunt recommends Becca, he jumps at the chance.  He knows she is hiding something, but how bad can it be?

I am not sure how else to describe a book like this.  It is one that I think is important to read to understand what families go through when they are in these situations, but it doesn’t always make for an easy read.  Sometimes it makes you uncomfortable, sometimes it hits too close to home.  But it also offers encouragement, there are others who are in the same place in life and they are ready to support you as you walk this journey also. 

Not a light summer read, but one that is a good read for anytime of the year.

Happy Reading,

New Release - With Every Breath - Elizabeth Camden

Dear Readers,

A few short years ago Elizabeth took historical fiction to a different place.  She writes a mystery in with the romance.  Except that it is very clunky to say, you could call it "Historical romantic suspense."  But what ever you want to call it, make sure you take the time to read her books.

With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden takes us on a journey into the life of the country's capital in 1891.  Kate Livingston's life as a government worker is not what she wants to do with her life, but that is what is available to woman.  So when a doctor offers her a job helping predict trends in health and disease she is more than ready to take the job.  The only problem is the doctor who wants to hire her is the awful Trevor McDonough, the last person on the planet she would want to work with.

The dog days of summer are rapidly approaching and I am always on the look out for a book that I can just pull up my chair, grab an iced tea and just relax with.  Elizabeth's books fit that to a tee and then you can add a bit of mystery to it that is all you can ask for in a book. 

Happy Reading,

New Release - Penny Wise - Neta and Dave Jackson

Dear Readers,

Most of you already know how I feel about Neta and Dave Jackson's book.  I love them.  They are about the only series I have read that has made me want to live in Chicago.  I then remind myself I would not like to live in Chicago, but I can enjoy the city through the books the Jacksons write.

The Windy City Neighbors series has been so fun to read because it brings you right into the neighborhoods that are so famous in Chicago.  Each little community has it own unique group of people living there.  They each have their own shops, stores and problems.  Penny Wise is book #3 in the series and is Neta and Dave's latest release.

Michelle Jaspers is just trying to make it through each day.  With 3 teenagers in her house, a full time job, volunteer work and church life she doesn't have to hang out with her new neighbors.

Harry and Estelle Bentley have reached out to the families of the neighborhood, but Michelle just doesn't know how she would deal with their needs when she can barely deal with her own family's.  So when suddenly her kids are the ones at risk, Michelle faces a crisis of faith and isn't sure where to turn.

Just as the Yada Yada Prayer group books made us all want to start, and many of us did, our own prayers groups, the Windy City books are reminding us that our neighbors need us as much as we need them.

Happy Reading,

New Releases - July 20 - 26

Dear Readers,

Warm summer breezes, a comfy chair, what else do you need for pass a warm July afternoon?  How about a good book.  Here are a few ideas.

Happy Reading,

Abandoned Memories - Marylu Tyndall - #3 Escape to Paradise - The new Confederate colony of New Hope is last chance at a new life for both Angeline and James.  Each for a different reason, but will they both find love and happiness in the jungles of Brazil?

A Bouquet of Love - Janice Thompson - Weddings by Design #4 - Cassi Papas just wants to work at the floral shop on Galveston Island.  She makes friends with local wedding coordinator, Bella to help business.  The problems start when her Greek family moves on to the island to start a new restaurant, one that is in direct competition with Bella's family restaurant. 

Penny Wise - Neta Jackson/Dave Jackson - Windy City Neighbors #3 - We meet the Jaspers, they are a normal urban family.  Busy with the many details of their lives, that is until a crises arises and they find something has got to change.

Crossroads - Barbara Cameron - #2 Amish Roads Series - Emma has always thought her and Isaac would marry and raise a family together.  Now that Isaas is in his Rumschpringe they are at a cross roads as he has seemed to turn his back on his family and faith and wants her to join him.

New Release - Captured by Love - Jody Hedlund

Dear Readers,

I don't know if you get as excited when a book releases that is set in the state you live in, but I do.  I enjoy learning about the different parts of Michigan and maybe even planning a trip to that area to see some of what is written about. 

Captured by Love by Jody Hedlund is not only a book set in Michigan it is the first of a series about different lighthouses of the great lakes.  Set in 1814 during the war of 1812 in the northern point of the lower peninsula, we step back into when parts of Michigan fell back under control of the British.

Pierre Durrant is a fur trader and doesn't return to Michilimackinac Island often.  When he returns to the island after years in the wilderness, he finds the British in control and the family under the control of the invaders.  All Pierre needs to do is get back in his canoe and leave, but can he leave his family and friends?  He is torn between the war and his love of his trading life style. 

I have been to Fort Michilimackinac and have seen the reenactment of the war of 1812.  It is always nice to be able to share this story with those who have never had a chance to hear it before or who may never get a chance to visit Michigan and make a stop at Mackinac island. 

I do recommend that you make plans now if you haven't already visited, just read the book first and the visit will be all that more interesting.

Happy Reading,

Robert Roush

Dear Readers,

One of the privileges that we here at the store have that I love is the chance to support local authors.  Now, sometimes that can be a very bad experience, but most times it is fun, exciting and one of the best things we can do.  There is something about an author coming in with a book they have written and then self-published and asking us to carry it for them.  It is their little baby and they are trusting us with the book.  It makes it a privilege and also something we do not take lightly. 

In the Image of Man by Robert Roush is just that type of book.  Robert was actually sent to our store by a fellow worker from the Holland Baker Book Store.  He told me that Robert had written a book and he had read it and enjoyed and would we at Baker be interested in carrying it for him.  I told him I would be glad to read it and see what we can do for him.

I really did enjoy the book, it is written just 6 years in the future and one of the main story lines is human cloning.  The book makes you wonder if we did start cloning humans, would they be born with souls, and if not, what happens to them then?

Chris Davis comes to the rescue of Sarah when a very strange man randomly attacks her on her own doorstep.  When he is finally able to wrestle the man under control and arrest him, Chris knows there is something very different about him. Later after the man is shot and killed after making an attempt on Chris’ life, the coroner notices some medical abnormalities in the man’s DNA.  As Chris follows more and more leads, it continues to lead him back to CeSiR Tech.  But Chris can’t seem to find the connection and every time he feels he is making headway, someone derails his investigation.

There is more going on behind the walls of CeSiR Tech than they are willing to admit or even they themselves know about.  There are dark forces at work to take over the little town of Arrow Springs.  Will Chris and his little band of believers be able to stand against them?

With a feel of a Frank Peretti and a bit of Science fiction, Robert writes a compelling story that will make you think about the shadows you see moving along walls.  Suddenly everything feels like a demon about to pounce.

There are few details that Robert could fix and tighten up, but overall this is a very interesting read.

Happy Reading,  

New Release - Miracle in a Dry Season - Sarah Loudin Thomas

Dear Readers,

I think the one thing that really intrigued me about this book is the year it was set in.  1954.  It is not an earth shattering year in America's history. The Korean war has ended, another little country south east Asia is just starting to make the news and color television is a brand new concept. 

With an endorsement from Debbie Macomber, Miracle in a Dry Season by Sarah Loudin promises to be a wonderful read.  It is not a book that is going to be a thriller, but one that gentle peeks into life in a sleepy little town. 

Perla arrives in Wise, West Virginia with as little fan fare as possible.  She wants to go unnoticed and settle into a quiet life for herself and her daughter Sadie.  Of course that isn't going to happen in a small community and the gossip is started to spread on Sunday Morning. 

Casewell was hoping to be married with a couple of kids by now, but guesses bachelorhood will be his lot in life.  Until he meets Perla, she is everything he has looked for in a woman, but what is she hiding from him? 


Happy Reading,