Dear Readers,
Sunshine and warmer temps, well ok it isn't below zero today. But sunshine makes me want to just curl up in a chair and read. Preferably with the sun shining on me the whole time. Summer or winter I love to sit in the sun and read. I am not sure what it is, whether it is because I am part plant and need the sun to survive or if it is just because it is warm. What ever it is, it is my biggest guilty pleasure.
There are several titles that have come in this week that have made that even a bigger pleasure. The smell and feel of a new book is the best. Okay the smell of an older book might be better, but really e-books are going to need some sort of scent added to them to replace books completely. I am amazed how many people when asked about hard copies of books and why they still read them, list the smell. We are creatures that are physical beings and still are driven by touch, taste (don't eat your books) sight and smell. Books do fill a lot of those needs.
I am wondering what you are reading now. Is it going to be one of those that stays on your shelf forever? I just read one that I will be putting on my shelf and not getting rid of for awhile. In fact when I do loan it out it will be with the strict instruction of "don't loose it or wreck it and I need it back!" Seriously, it should be crime to loose someone else's books.
Okay so I go that all off my chest. Thanks for listening.
Happy Reading,
Friday, February 27, 2015
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Susan Meissner
Dear readers,
Just over one year ago this week, I read a Susan Meissner book on a flight to Florida. So imagine my excitement that a new one was available to do that with again. Secrets of a Charmed Life released a couple days before we left and it was hard not to open the covers and dive in, but I managed to wait with most of the book. I will admit I read about 50 pages before we left but still read most of it on the flight.
"Secrets" is the story of a survivor of the blitz of London during WWII. Isabel has never shared her story with anyone, but has decided to tell it to a grad student that needs a thesis. Kendra is eager to get started, but little does she know what she is about to get into.
Emmy and Julia's life is not perfect. In fact their mother seems to have little time for them and it is up to Emmy to take care of her much younger sister. Emmy has dreams of her own and is willing to do just about anything to make them happen. On the cusp of adulthood at 15, she wants to get a job at the local bridal shop with or without the war interfering.
So starts the book that will leave you with a better understanding about what it was like to survive during that part of WWII. Bombs falling every night, people disappearing, and homes destroyed, life would never be the same for anyone. People were separated from family with no way of knowing where anyone was. Children were shipped off to the countryside. These are things we think of in horror and with little understanding of how anyone survived it.
I don't know if I am Susan's biggest fan, but she is one of my favorite authors. She once again hits it out of the park with a story of a coming of age during WWII. Not just any coming of age story, but one of a teenager who lost everything including her family.
I am looking forward to my next flight to Florida so I can once again read the next Susan Meissner book.
Happy Reading,
Just over one year ago this week, I read a Susan Meissner book on a flight to Florida. So imagine my excitement that a new one was available to do that with again. Secrets of a Charmed Life released a couple days before we left and it was hard not to open the covers and dive in, but I managed to wait with most of the book. I will admit I read about 50 pages before we left but still read most of it on the flight.
"Secrets" is the story of a survivor of the blitz of London during WWII. Isabel has never shared her story with anyone, but has decided to tell it to a grad student that needs a thesis. Kendra is eager to get started, but little does she know what she is about to get into.Emmy and Julia's life is not perfect. In fact their mother seems to have little time for them and it is up to Emmy to take care of her much younger sister. Emmy has dreams of her own and is willing to do just about anything to make them happen. On the cusp of adulthood at 15, she wants to get a job at the local bridal shop with or without the war interfering.
So starts the book that will leave you with a better understanding about what it was like to survive during that part of WWII. Bombs falling every night, people disappearing, and homes destroyed, life would never be the same for anyone. People were separated from family with no way of knowing where anyone was. Children were shipped off to the countryside. These are things we think of in horror and with little understanding of how anyone survived it.
I don't know if I am Susan's biggest fan, but she is one of my favorite authors. She once again hits it out of the park with a story of a coming of age during WWII. Not just any coming of age story, but one of a teenager who lost everything including her family.
I am looking forward to my next flight to Florida so I can once again read the next Susan Meissner book.
Happy Reading,
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
New Release - Heaven on Earth - Vanessa Miller
Dear Readers,
I have enjoyed several of Vanessa Miller's books. They are a different perspective on things and that makes for a wonderful read.
Heaven on Earth is the second book in the My Soul to Keep series. Tamara grew up in a mega church that was her father's empire, making her feel like a princess. Everything was perfect until the truth about her father and brother come to light and Tamara there is no reason to marry and trust a man.
Jonathan has loved Tamara ever since they met in college. He was stuck in the friend zone and is not sure how to move to something more. Nine years later their paths cross again, will Jonathan be able to take the next step?
Vanessa has been writing for years. She has several series already in print, but each book has a different issue. With love and marriage the main idea in most of them, and yet they all have another issue driving it. Whether it is trust, forgiveness, or any of the many problems and difficulties we face everyday, they all give you a chance to work through them with the characters and learn a little along the way.
Happy Reading,
I have enjoyed several of Vanessa Miller's books. They are a different perspective on things and that makes for a wonderful read.
Heaven on Earth is the second book in the My Soul to Keep series. Tamara grew up in a mega church that was her father's empire, making her feel like a princess. Everything was perfect until the truth about her father and brother come to light and Tamara there is no reason to marry and trust a man. Jonathan has loved Tamara ever since they met in college. He was stuck in the friend zone and is not sure how to move to something more. Nine years later their paths cross again, will Jonathan be able to take the next step?
Vanessa has been writing for years. She has several series already in print, but each book has a different issue. With love and marriage the main idea in most of them, and yet they all have another issue driving it. Whether it is trust, forgiveness, or any of the many problems and difficulties we face everyday, they all give you a chance to work through them with the characters and learn a little along the way.
Happy Reading,
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
New Release - My Heart Stood Still - Lori Copeland
Dear Readers,
Surviving the month of February around here takes some work and this year with the sub-zero temps and cloudy skies it has been harder than some years. A good book with a funny sense of humor quite often helps me brighten my mood a bit. My Heart Stood Still by Lori Copeland is the second in the Sisters of Mercy Falls is just such a book.
It all started when the McDougal sisters' wagon is attack and each sister is carried off by a different man. In book one, Sisters of Mercy Falls, you follow Abigail and her adventure. In book #2 you meet Anne-Marie. She is the middle sister and she is carried off by Creed one of the Crow warriors and it is loathing at first site.
With bandits on their tail looking to steal the cache of gold Anne-Marie and Creed are trying to hide and now the law after them, the will need to learn to trust each other. Will they be able to put aside their differences and work together?
Light, fun and story with a handsome leading man, what could be better on those last few cold and snowy days? I know I always enjoy a good book while cuddled into a warm blanket and a hot cup of tea.
Happy Reading,
Surviving the month of February around here takes some work and this year with the sub-zero temps and cloudy skies it has been harder than some years. A good book with a funny sense of humor quite often helps me brighten my mood a bit. My Heart Stood Still by Lori Copeland is the second in the Sisters of Mercy Falls is just such a book.
It all started when the McDougal sisters' wagon is attack and each sister is carried off by a different man. In book one, Sisters of Mercy Falls, you follow Abigail and her adventure. In book #2 you meet Anne-Marie. She is the middle sister and she is carried off by Creed one of the Crow warriors and it is loathing at first site. With bandits on their tail looking to steal the cache of gold Anne-Marie and Creed are trying to hide and now the law after them, the will need to learn to trust each other. Will they be able to put aside their differences and work together?
Light, fun and story with a handsome leading man, what could be better on those last few cold and snowy days? I know I always enjoy a good book while cuddled into a warm blanket and a hot cup of tea.
Happy Reading,
Monday, February 23, 2015
New Releases - February 16-21
Dear Readers,
Today is my first day back from vacation. My husband and I made our annual trek to Florida and relaxed in the sun for a week. It is always hard to make the transition back to the colder temps, but there is hope for our seasons here and it is already the end of the month.
To encourage you to spring, here is a list of titles that make those last few cold nights more bearable.
Happy Reading,
Keys of Heaven - Adina Senft - #2 A Healing Grace Novel - Sarah is learning to help heal people in her community with the herbs she grows. But one of the woman in her community needs more than herbs to heal what ails her, will Sarah be able to help?
One True Path - Barbara Cameron - #2 Amish Roads Series - Abram watches as Rachel enters her rumschpringe and move away from the life he hoped for them both. Rachel is enjoying her new found freedom, but an accident makes her wonder if home is a better place to be.
A Harvest of Hope - Lauraine Snelling - #2 Song of Blessing - Miriam is called back to Chicago because of her mother's illness. Her is able to continue her nursing studies after promising to return to Blessing, Miriam settles into take care of her mother. But she can't get Trygve out of her mind. Will she decide on her family or the man she loves?
Gift of Grace - Sharlene MacLaren - #3 Tennessee Dreams - After her fiancé disappeared 2 years ago, Grace decides there is nothing in Boston for her, so she agrees to head to Paris to care for her great Aunt. Love abounds again and marriage seems to be coming soon, until an unexpected visitor arrives.
Heaven on Earth - Vanessa Miller - Tamara has sworn off men. Her past experience had destroyed all trust she had in men. Then a friend from the past crosses her path in a professional way and he is willing to make their relationship more than what it was in the past.
My Heart Stood Still - Lori Copeland - #2 Sisters of Mercy Flats - When the wagon carrying the 3 McDougal sisters comes under attack, each sister is carried of by a different man. Anne-Marie is carried off by Creed a Crow Warrior and it is loathing at first sight. Will they learn to get along as they need each other to survive?
Today is my first day back from vacation. My husband and I made our annual trek to Florida and relaxed in the sun for a week. It is always hard to make the transition back to the colder temps, but there is hope for our seasons here and it is already the end of the month.
To encourage you to spring, here is a list of titles that make those last few cold nights more bearable.
Happy Reading,
Keys of Heaven - Adina Senft - #2 A Healing Grace Novel - Sarah is learning to help heal people in her community with the herbs she grows. But one of the woman in her community needs more than herbs to heal what ails her, will Sarah be able to help?
One True Path - Barbara Cameron - #2 Amish Roads Series - Abram watches as Rachel enters her rumschpringe and move away from the life he hoped for them both. Rachel is enjoying her new found freedom, but an accident makes her wonder if home is a better place to be.
A Harvest of Hope - Lauraine Snelling - #2 Song of Blessing - Miriam is called back to Chicago because of her mother's illness. Her is able to continue her nursing studies after promising to return to Blessing, Miriam settles into take care of her mother. But she can't get Trygve out of her mind. Will she decide on her family or the man she loves?
Gift of Grace - Sharlene MacLaren - #3 Tennessee Dreams - After her fiancé disappeared 2 years ago, Grace decides there is nothing in Boston for her, so she agrees to head to Paris to care for her great Aunt. Love abounds again and marriage seems to be coming soon, until an unexpected visitor arrives.
Heaven on Earth - Vanessa Miller - Tamara has sworn off men. Her past experience had destroyed all trust she had in men. Then a friend from the past crosses her path in a professional way and he is willing to make their relationship more than what it was in the past.
My Heart Stood Still - Lori Copeland - #2 Sisters of Mercy Flats - When the wagon carrying the 3 McDougal sisters comes under attack, each sister is carried of by a different man. Anne-Marie is carried off by Creed a Crow Warrior and it is loathing at first sight. Will they learn to get along as they need each other to survive?
Friday, February 20, 2015
Books
Dear Readers,
I am amazed the number of people who notice if you are reading a book. Not a E-reader of some sort, a book. Recently I was at the airport waiting for my flight and pulled out my book to get started on it. I had 3 different people comment on the book. One because they were surprised that anyone read real books any more and the other two because the recognized the author.
Of those two we had a lovely conversation about books, who we like to read etc... and then I returned to reading, but it got me wondering. Will we have conversations in the future if we all end up with e-readers. Nothing says I want to be left alone more than using any sort of device. You don't know if the other person is reading or doing something else. So you don't ask for fear of interrupting.
That idea saddens me as most of readers love to talk about story lines talk about why we would read it again, and talk about and argue over which characters we love and hate. It was something that connects us when we may have nothing else in common. It is a starting point for more than one friendship that I have. It is also the bases for what I do for a living. I have started more than one conversation with a guest at my bookstore with "that is a great book," and then going from there.
Books are a great conversation starter and I feel we are losing that. I know that e-readers are here to stay, but I wish the was a way to know what someone was reading so I could start a conversation with them also.
Happy Reading,
I am amazed the number of people who notice if you are reading a book. Not a E-reader of some sort, a book. Recently I was at the airport waiting for my flight and pulled out my book to get started on it. I had 3 different people comment on the book. One because they were surprised that anyone read real books any more and the other two because the recognized the author.
Of those two we had a lovely conversation about books, who we like to read etc... and then I returned to reading, but it got me wondering. Will we have conversations in the future if we all end up with e-readers. Nothing says I want to be left alone more than using any sort of device. You don't know if the other person is reading or doing something else. So you don't ask for fear of interrupting.
That idea saddens me as most of readers love to talk about story lines talk about why we would read it again, and talk about and argue over which characters we love and hate. It was something that connects us when we may have nothing else in common. It is a starting point for more than one friendship that I have. It is also the bases for what I do for a living. I have started more than one conversation with a guest at my bookstore with "that is a great book," and then going from there.
Books are a great conversation starter and I feel we are losing that. I know that e-readers are here to stay, but I wish the was a way to know what someone was reading so I could start a conversation with them also.
Happy Reading,
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
New Release - Anna's Crossing - Suzanne Woods Fisher
Dear Readers,
Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of the authors fans of Amish fiction look for, but she wanted to do something a bit different and maybe attract different readers. Anna's Crossing is the story of when the Amish were leaving the 'old' world to live free in the 'new' world.
Set in 1737 we will join an intrepid group as they board a merchant ship called the "Charming Nancy" bound for a new life. Anna Konig joins the group only as their translator as she is the only one in her community to speak English. Her plans are to return home again as soon as possible, of course that does mean surviving the dangerous ocean crossings twice.
Bairn resents these somber people on his boat. The 'Peculiars' as they are dubbed by his fellow crew hands, filled their lower deck with a quiet seriousness that unnerves the crew. Why do they not interact with the others? What makes them think they are better than those on ship with them? But there is that lovely lass that catches his attention. Why is she so different from the others?
This book could be called Amish fiction, but if you are a fan of historical, don't let that scare you off from reading this book as it is so much more than just Amish, it is part of our heritage in America. It is always fascinating to me to learn how our different groups arrived on our shores.
Happy Reading,
Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of the authors fans of Amish fiction look for, but she wanted to do something a bit different and maybe attract different readers. Anna's Crossing is the story of when the Amish were leaving the 'old' world to live free in the 'new' world.
Set in 1737 we will join an intrepid group as they board a merchant ship called the "Charming Nancy" bound for a new life. Anna Konig joins the group only as their translator as she is the only one in her community to speak English. Her plans are to return home again as soon as possible, of course that does mean surviving the dangerous ocean crossings twice. Bairn resents these somber people on his boat. The 'Peculiars' as they are dubbed by his fellow crew hands, filled their lower deck with a quiet seriousness that unnerves the crew. Why do they not interact with the others? What makes them think they are better than those on ship with them? But there is that lovely lass that catches his attention. Why is she so different from the others?
This book could be called Amish fiction, but if you are a fan of historical, don't let that scare you off from reading this book as it is so much more than just Amish, it is part of our heritage in America. It is always fascinating to me to learn how our different groups arrived on our shores.
Happy Reading,
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