"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.

"Porch Lights" by Dorothea Benton Frank

If you enjoy easy to read books, this is one for you. It's about how important family is. It brings out the true meaning of family.

Life is what we make it. As the characters in this book entwine their lives, you will feel the emotions and you will see and feel the ocean breezes. 

Enjoy.

"Leaving Time" by Jodi Picoult

This is by far my favorite book of all time. Here Jodi takes us into the world of elephants in their natural habitat. Go to Africa with her and see and feel the wonders of elephants. See their interactions and feel their emotions. 

It's hard to write about your favorite book. All I can say is: this is a brilliantly written book that moves you and teaches you more. You will put the book down and cry. Visiting the local zoo may become an impossibility. How can you when you've just read about them. 

I love leaving time. Take a nap and regroup.

Read Jodi's book. You won't leave time with it.

"Handle With Care" by Jodi Picoult

Jodi continues to warm our hearts, move us and teach us about things. This book, brilliantly written, is about the choices we have in life. It's about love of family and about the ease with which friends come and go. It's about learning who we are and accepting ourselves.

"Handle With Care" is about the birth of a girl with OI (Osteogenesis Imperfecta) and how she lights up the lives of her family yet breaks bones just by rolling over in bed. She breaks bones falling. The list is endless. The point is, the family was not informed at the ultrasound that they were giving birth to a daughter with OI. This book brings you in and shows you how a person with OI lives. It shows you the love and care with which her family treats her and, she in turn, treats them. 

So, the question is: if you were given a choice, would you end a pregnancy if you knew your baby was going to have OI and be in pain for the rest of her life? 

Pick up a copy of "Handle With Care" and enter the world of OI.

It's SO brilliantly written. 

"The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane" by Lisa See

Beautifully written book about the tea trade. Learn the conditions of the areas in China where tea trees are grown. Smell the aromas as you read about the teas. Feel, see, hear and taste the world of tea through the eyes of a young girl. Old traditions ring true. Learn about them and how they affect the lives of those living there as well as the people who come into their lives. Most of all, get lost in the most amazing book. It's a book to read over and over again. It's a book to give as gifts. It's a book to tell all your family and friends about. Drink tea? You need this book. Enjoy!