"Becoming Mrs. Lewis" by Patti Callahan

"Becoming Mrs. Lewis" is the most beautifully penned story I have ever read. It's written much like a poem in how it takes you to places you have never been before. You will feel for Joy and Lewis as their relationship starts and continues to the last page.

Two people who love the written word, find each other and help each other. It is in this that their relationship is a poem.

Patti Callahan did an amazing job in taking us to their relationships and clearly showing us how one can help another even in their own passion.

This is an historical novel and is truly my favorite to date. If you like historical novels, please pick up a copy or go to your neighborhood library. You will be so happy when you have the book in your hands and open to page one.

Thank you, Patti, for sharing your gift with the world. I look forward to your next book.

Judy

"Summer on Blossom Street" by Debbie Macomber

What a delightful story. There's nothing like true love, pure joy and wonder. There's nothing like taking a foster child in and loving it as your own. There's nothing like a small town.

What a well written book. Debbie is a master wordsmith. 

"Summer on Blossom Street" is a must read.

"A Spark of Light" by Jodi Picoult

Each book that Jodi writes has a wow factor. This is no exception. So beautifully written. So strong. So emotional. So much more.

This is a book about the rights of women. In Mississippi, the abortion laws are very strict. This is a story about how abortion has affected women and how not having an abortion has affected women. The protestors. Parents who disown their daughter because of being pregnant and then killing it.

This is a book about how a father got so angry that he took it upon himself to see if he could make a difference. It was scary. It was horrific.

This book will move you and spark a light of hope.

It's a beautiful book. Pick up a copy.

"Sold on a Monday" by Kristina McMorris

It's 1931. A very hard time for many families. The stock market crash hurt millions. Prohibition didn't help. With so many enjoying a beer with friends and family to help them get a better perspective on their lives, they had nowhere to go....unless it was snuck in.

Out in the country families were in turmoil. Women were sole parents a lot of the time. There were no vaccines or good medicines at that time. A mother came down with a bad illness. She had two children. 

At the same time, a gainfully employed journalist drove by and saw a sign: 2 children for sale. It stopped him in his tracks.

This book is about how a kind man made the impossible possible. It's about love, respect, kindness and fighting for what's important. It's about helping those who can't help themselves.

A beautifully written book. Pick up a copy and start reading.

"Reunion Pass" by Emily March

Beautifully written small town story that will make you smile and worry. You will feel hope and despair. You will feel. The wonders of family and friends. The beauty of the scenery. The smells and tastes of the small shops along the main road. These are what make the book special.

There's a really wonderful character in the book that fills the book with magic. She's quite a delight. Her ways rub off on several of the other characters making it a town that's filled with magic.

Losing and gaining love. Joy and sorrow. These are the adventures you will go on when you read this book.

I highly recommend picking up a copy and losing yourself in the town of Eternity Springs. 

Thank you, Emily, for bringing light to a beautiful town with the most amazing characters.

Enjoy!

Judy

"Heartsong Cottage" by Emily March

Another wonderful book from Emily March. So much fun to read. This one has suspense as well as love and family and friends. It is set in a beautiful location. How I love the Rocky Mountains. 

To be so talented that one could renovate a home with such details is astounding. The tile work one character does is so amazing, you wish you could hire her to work on your kitchen or bath. She has a lot of wonderful qualities and you will enjoy her.

Family and friends is the center of the world in the Eternity Springs series. How wonderful is that!

I highly recommend this book/series. You'll enjoy it.

"Teardrop Lane" by Emily March

What a wonderful book. There's nothing like going to Eternity Springs and meeting the delightful people who live there. This book takes you on a journey where you will see how and why people change their lives to make them more fulfilling and loving. It will show you how hope and healing lead the way.

A fabulous book. Easy to read and such fun. I highly recommend this book.

"Dreamweaver Trail" by Emily March

LOVED this book! Great character development and storyline. What fun it was to read! How easy it was to read. When I came to the last period, I knew I had to keep reading the series. That's how good it was! 

If you want a beautifully written story with breathtaking scenes of mountains and the blues of the ocean, this is the book for you. By the way, this is a book in a series. Start wherever you want and then read on. I am going to!

Enjoy!

"Arthur Ashe" A Life"

"Arthur Ashe - A Life" is a brilliantly written book that takes you deep inside a life that still brings change today. This biography will open your eyes and heart. It will instill hope and dreams. It will give your brain a workout in what's going on today around the world and how things can change, when needed. It will prove to you how special one person is and how that person can help you see your dreams.

Pick up a copy and serve yourself a ball. Maybe it will bring you to your dreams.

"Rush" by Lisa Patton

Freedom and the ways of the heart are the soul of this book. "Rush" is filled with togetherness, friendships, loyalty, generosity and hope. It's a story about how our past shapes our future but doesn't have to. It's about learning what's really important and going for it. It's about doing for others because, in doing so, you're actually doing something for yourself. It warms your heart. This brings light to the lives of the house staff who, in all reality, are the amazing people who make the sorority house a place of welcome and love. Life in a sorority house provides feelings of being wanted, needed and appreciated. So, would you do something big for another? Would you change the laws so that others have the same gems in life as you? Life is filled with hatred. Life is filled with love.

I interviewed Lisa. Hi, Lisa.

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me. I am honored.

I’m honored! Thank you for inviting me!!

I have a few questions for you:

1.  How did you come up with the idea of writing a book about how the black people are treated differently in the south?

As you know, race relations in the South are an on-going issue. For me, it’s always been a sensitive subject because I was raised in the 60s and 70s in Memphis, Tennessee. Martin Luther King had been assassinated in my hometown, the Klan had marched on several occasions and the city’s children were bussed across town to attend public school – a resented attempt at integration from both sides. Many white families, regardless of their socio economic status employed black domestic workers. I fell in love with the ladies who worked for my family and also my friend’s families. Oftentimes they were kinder to me than some of my own people. RUSH is a love letter to the women who loved and cared for me, both in my home and in my college sorority house.  

2. I read that you attended the university and spoke with many people about the subject at hand. Did you meet with a lot of resistance? Were the people happy to help you?

Actually my alma mater is the University of Alabama. I only chose Ole Miss for the setting because Oxford has a more charming backdrop. I went back and forth on which location was best for my story, but it would have been the same story on any campus in the South. I spoke with all kinds of people – collegians, sorority alums, housemothers and most importantly, a lady who worked for a sorority house for several years. Many of the people were willing to be acknowledged as they agreed with my sentiments. Others who agreed with me still preferred to remain anonymous. I’m sure the resistance is yet to come. As far as the story goes it was important to me to paint a picture of redemption and hope. I believe racism is passed on from generation to generation. People act as they’ve been taught. In RUSH, I compare racism to a weed. It never stops reseeding itself until someone decides to pull it out by the roots and destroy it once and for all.

3. Are you worried about the ramifications of writing about Black America in the South? Yes and no. When I learned about the lack of living wages and benefits among the Greek staff members, who are predominantly black, I felt, without question, an overwhelming sense that I was there in that moment for a reason. I felt like God was calling me to write the story. Ironically I’m a people pleaser and stray away from conflict. Never would I sign up for controversy but that’s how much I believe in the hope for change. Plus the book took much longer than my others and I’ve experienced all kinds of conflict on the road to publication. I’m spending my own money to promote the book so all combined this is not a moneymaker. It’s my heart telling me I have to keep going. The biggest resistance is that I’m a white lady writing from the point of view of a black lady. Some have stated that Miss Pearl could not and does not exist today. That is simply not true. I know people exactly like her. The majority may be unlike Miss Pearl and I don’t profess to have gotten everything about her culture perfec,t but God knows I tried and my heart was in the right place. There are still many black domestic workers in the South and I know several of them personally. 

4. As a northerner, I see people as people. I was shocked at how there is still segregation issues to this extent. When you wrote the book, did you realize that all America does not know about this issue? I can say, for myself, that I am appalled. I see the book as an eye opener for all of us.

While racism definitely still exists here in a big way, I believe it’s all over the country. Perhaps it’s more covert in the South. I’m glad to know you don’t experience it where you live, though! My antagonist, Lilith is a bit of an exaggeration. I did that on purpose since she wasn’t a point of view character in the story. Although she would have racial bias in her heart, I’m not sure she would allow people to see that dark side of her in real life. Maybe some people would but most would not.

5. I LOVE how you wrote about hope and helping the staff. I LOVED the characters and would love to walk up the steps of The House and see it for myself. It's a land of change. Just what we need.

Thank you, Judy. Your words mean the world to me and make me think I’ve accomplished my goal! This is exactly what I was hoping to hear from my readers. 

6. I read that you almost did not finish the book. I am SO grateful that you did! You put together a story that moved me.

You’re right. I almost threw in the towel! Steven Pressfield, the author of THE LEGEND OF BAGGER VANCE has written an entire book called THE WAR OF RESISTENCE. He talks about the blocks that are thrown in a writer’s path when he or she is writing. It seems to be worse the more important the work is to the writer. All kinds of things happened while I was writing RUSH and they are still happening! I’ve had to gird my loins and strap on a coat of thick armor. People have different tastes when it comes to literature. Not everyone likes every book. I understand that. What I don’t understand is a person who sits behind a desk wearing a computer mask, and slashes a writer’s work to pieces. To me, that’s cruel, and unnecessary. There are so many ways to get in touch with authors these days. If someone doesn’t understand something they should send that author a note and give her a chance to explain.

Lisa, I LOVE your book and look forward to reading more of your work.

Again, Judy, thank you. These are the words I’ve been living for! The best takeaway I could hope for is that people would read RUSH and understand that no matter the circumstances we can all use our voices to effect change.

"A Holiday to Remember" by Susanne O'Leary

What a fun ride. "A Holiday to Remember" is an adventure of a lifetime. It's easy to read and so full of humor. The characters are delightful and the dog is special. The people they add to their lives are a work of art. Being able to take time off from the real world, two dear friends find true happiness.

Hello everyone! I started a new blog. Please visit me:

naturesaysitall.blogspot.com

I look forward to seeing you there!

Judy

"Good in Bed" by Jennifer Weiner

One of the most well written books I have ever read. It pulls you in and keeps you there. When you reach the end, you know how it goes on. It's a story that will make you smile and laugh, make you sad and cry. It's a book that will move your heart and open your eyes to how things are.

We get one chance in life. Live it to your fullest.

Jennifer Weiner is one of my FAVORITE authors. She brings humor and realities. She makes you feel good about yourself. She's one of a kind. 

"Lessons from Lucy" by Dave Barry

It's funny how life shows us different ways of looking at the world whether it's from your children, spouse, parents, or yes, dog.  We are sent from one school to another and then off to the job market before we can think and get so busy in our lives that we fail to broaden our perspectives.

Lucy is an amazing dog and does a remarkable job in helping her owner see life in a different light. It's very well written and has some very humorous parts which makes the book that much better. An easy read and one that you will want to share with your family and friends. 

Do you have a dog who shows you the beauty of life? Protects you from danger? Takes care of you when you're sick? It's with these thoughts in mind that Lucy showed her owner a different perspective.

A wonderful read. 

"The Factory Girls of Lark Lane" by Pam Howes

Liverpool, England. It was WWII and the men were called to war. When they left, the country needed bomber planes built and it was the women who stood up and made it happen.

The wonders of how people came together in a very difficult time. They helped each other out and shared what they could.

Life on Lark Lane was one of perseverance, loyalty, dedication, kindness and pulling together. It was a time of doing all you could to survive and keep your home as well as you could.

The Factory Girls of Lark Lane is a book where you find yourself screaming when the fighter planes go over and where you find yourself smiling and laughing when friends and family find ways of enjoying themselves. It's a book where, when the men come home, you smile and cry. The war is over. The men are back and everyone is ecstatic.

What a beautifully written book. Pick up a copy. You'll enjoy it

"Night Road" by Kristin Hannah

Tears fall as the last page was turned. Tears of joy. Tears of sorrow. Tears of loss. Tears of happiness. That's what "Night Road" has done to me. It moved me. It made me see how fragile life really is. It made me feel the love. It made me feel the hope and dreams. It also made me cry. 

There is nothing like a well written book. Wow. This is a keeper. Please pick up a copy and escape into a world where you'll laugh and cry and wonder and hope.

"The Great Alone" by Kristin Hannah

"The Great Alone" is a brilliant work of art. Kristin's writing style is so easy to read and describes the world around you as you read with beauty.

Life is a challenge for each and every one of us. How many of us would move up to Alaska (into the unknown) without first seeing where you were moving? The beauty of Alaska is astounding. I've been there but Kristin's descriptors make it more beautiful than I ever saw. I never saw the northern lights but they are in this book.

This is a book about life. This is a book about love and survival and more.

I loved this book. Wish it didn't end.

Pick up a copy. You'll be SO glad you did!

"Parade of Horribles" by Rhett DeVane

What a fun book to read! Rhett has done wonders with words. This story reinforces the word "friend". Life in a small town means that, yes, everyone knows everyone. They are there to help each other, listen to each other, and support each other. More like an extended family.

Enter the world Rhett has created. Relax and enjoy the people and the scenery. It's a beautiful town. I wish I could go down to Jake's flower shop and have him create a piece for me. He's so very talented! Yes, there's lots more.

Things happen to all of us. In this book, the parade of horribles is a list of things that happen. The wonders of what happens will make you smile, feel sad and anxious. I found myself laughing a few times. Now that's a wonder when reading!

Pick up a copy of "Parade of Horribles" and visit the town.

"Secondhand Sister" by Rhett DeVane

"Secondhand Sister" is a well written, get back to the basics kind of book. Rhett's humor comes through the book to the point where you laugh. The characters in the book are so well described that they come out to meet you. It's wonderful how they get together to work together and become a great big family.

I LOVE Rhett's writing style!

Sometimes you need a book to relax with. This easy to read book is one you can do that with. 

Pick up a copy and enter the world, laugh and wonder.

"House Rules" by Jodi Picoult

Do you know anyone who has Asperger's syndrome? This book takes you into the life of one teenager who has this syndrome. Learn about behavior, feelings, knowledge, aspirations from the side of one suffering from Asperger's Syndrome. Just because one has a medical condition, does not mean he/she is a bad person nor does it mean that he/she is unable to live a normal life. 

Jodi teaches us about Asperger's Syndrome. She shows the way to raise a child with Asperger's Syndrome and make that child feel good about himself. 

Life is challenging. Everyone has challenges. Open your eyes and learn more about Aspergers Syndrome.

Well written. So well written that you want to savor the chapters. 

A wonderful read!

Thank you, Jodi!

"Peony in Love" by Lisa See

It has been said that love can move you and change how you perceive your life. In China, in the 1600 and 1700s, falling in love was an oddity. No woman was to fall in love. Marriages were arranged. They were not to see each other until the marriage. However, Peony, was different. She was a loving individual. A person who enjoyed an opera so much that it became part of who she was.

This book takes you on an adventure where you will soar with happiness and cry with despair. It has everything in it. Teaches us how it was to live in China all those years ago. Another wonderful historical fiction, Lisa! Thank you for sharing your wonders with us. For that I am truly grateful.

When I think of peony, I think of a flower that needs help opening. Notice how the ants work to open the petals. Next time, take a moment to see how beautiful life truly is.

"Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" by Lisa See

Reading "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" felt as if I was in a special chamber where I heard, felt, saw, smelled and learned from the characters. What wonderful character development.

I can honestly say that I have never read a book that has made me feel engulfed and happily so. Through the wonders of life to the sadness of illness and death, I was there. Lily and Snow Flower's friendship teaches us how to treat or not treat each other, how to enjoy life and also learn how to survive life's hiccups.

This historical fiction teaches us how life was in the 1800s in China. As I read it, I couldn't help think about how life was here and how tradition really is what paves our lives.

"Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" is one of my FAVORITE books. I read a library copy but will be picking up a copy for my personal bookcase. I have to. I know I will read it over and over.

Pick up a copy for yourself and enter a world you may not have ever heard of.

"The Summer's End" by Mary Alice Monroe

Loved this book. Such a well written, down to earth book. A story of family. Generations. Learning from each other. Enjoying each other. 

Life is made up of differences. It's those differences that make us unique. Sharing differences is how we learn the other side of the coin.

Family. Bonds that bind.

This book is the last in a series of three. I HIGHLY recommend you read them in order. It's a wonderful series. Truly wonderful.

Pick up a copy and feel and see the wonders.

"Love Overdue" by Pamela Morsi

What a delightful read! This novel is filled with home town goodness. There's nothing like a good book. You are entertained and taken away from our part of the world. "Love Overdue" is one of my favorite novels to date. Why? It's a sweet love story that warms the heart.

Life is filled with choices. When D.J. received a job offer in Kansas to run a library, she jumped at the chance. Starting over, she and her silly dog took their new home seriously. She showed people that you don't have to put up with negative comments. She showed people how to see things in a different light. In return, the caring and support she received was overwhelming, at best.

Pick up a copy. Sit down with an afgan and go to Kansas. This book is wholesome. It's happiness. It's loss. It's family and friends.

Pick up a copy!

"The Tenth Circle" by Jodi Picoult

Has everyone read Jodi Picoult? If not, you might want to start reading her work. She is an incredible author who learns about the topic she's writing about and how it affects others before she puts pencil to paper. Her words are like syrup in that they make you want more. 

When you read Jodi Picoult's work, you enter a world filled with knowledge, caring, support and more. She is an excellent author. Her characters are well developed and her storyline is well written and read. You will be on the edge of your chair and, at the same time, relaxed. Jodi's one who gets your attention from the first page and never loses it. You are so engrossed in the book that you can't stop reading. On the other hand, you love her writing because it is so well done. After I finish reading one of Jodi's books, it's very hard for me to start another book until the next day. I am still thinking about the story.

This book was another well written book. Here you will learn about love of family, self doubt, teenage pranks, and more. You will learn how a person can go from innocence to an adult in the flicker of an eye. You will learn coping mechanisms to help you deal with life's handouts.

This book is about a small family who all have doubts. Don't we all? Their doubts affect each and every one of the family as well as the people they interact with. Don't our doubts do that? Well, this book beautifully shows us how to see and feel what others see and feel. When a father is the main caretaker of his child, his doubts come forth as you have never seen them before. The mother has her insecurities and doubts and this affects her husband and daughter. 

Survival is the key. How do you survive with life's cruelties? Our lives are filled with choices. Each time we make a choice, it affects others. Survive.

Pick up a copy.