"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.