Sunday, June 24, 2012

The Sleeping Night By Barbara Samuel Review 65

Angel and Isaiah grew up together, they had loved each other most of their lives. But this was the South in 1946. Neither one had ever admitted it, even to themselves. Because She was white and he was black and that could get them both killed.
It is a heart wrenching story of love, violence, hatred and evil. Both in Europe and in Texas. A story that will chill you to the bone. Made worse by the fact that you know it could be true. I won't give away the end, but I know, this is one story you will never forget, and hopefully we will neither forget or forgive the things that happened  in our country, in Hitler's Europe, in the end both were born of unmentionable evil.

ISBN#978-1-66194-127-2

Friday, June 22, 2012

From Streetlights to Stars by Becky McGurrin review 64

how does an Irish Catholic Family end up as Mennonites? Not a question many folks would ever think to ask. But here is a book that answers that question in a most beautiful, simple fashion. It provides an insight into the Mennonite church from both an insider's and outsiders perspective. Fascinating and fun to read, it is a good chance to ponder the questions for your self "What do I believe and why"? We all can gain something important by taking time to do just that every few years. I think you will enjoy following this family as they travel down a path very little traveled by most.
ISBN #9781932676129

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Rum Punch Regrets By Anne Kemp Review 63

Abby was lost..or more accurately had lost...her fiance, her perfect wedding and now, her job. Then her sister Leigh calls and insists she needs to fly to the Caribbean to get her secret house ready for sale. A house that Abby had never heard of and neither had Leigh's husband! That "house" turns out to be an Inn, well maybe more of a B & B. With guests, staff and a renter!  The renter Ben, lives in the pool house. he's studying to be a veterinarian and none too happy when Abby ends up on an air mattress in his pool house! They both seem able to just rub each other the wrong way without trying. Nothing is turning out to be what it seems. Will the Inn ever get repaired enough to be sold? Will Abby find a good man? Will Leigh ever stop treating Abby like an irresponsible teenager? I won't tell. This is one sweet little drink of a book you will have to sip yourself..but don;t be surprised when it sneaks up on you with a punch!
 ISBN# 978-1-937957-70-4

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Tyler's Magic by Malcolm Ater Review 62

A true story about a boy who taught his Harper's Ferry community, and many others, what hope, determination, and honor can do.
Tyler Moore had Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disease that effects a child's ability to breathe, digest food, and fight infections.  Most children with Cystic Fibrosis never see their 20th birthday. All Tyler wanted was to be a normal kid. Then he realized he might be  part of something that would remain forever. Tyler led his Junior high wrestling team to 39 victories in one season, his team carried on for one more to be the only Junior High in the State to ever win 40 matches in one season. To do it, they had to fight prejudice, cheating the weather, and a curse! It's an inspiring story.
For me, it was a bit more personal. My next door neighbor's daughter died from Cystic Fibrosis at 12 years old. These kids have to pack so much living into every year. They truly shine from the inside out.
ISBN#978-1-4581-2645-0

Betty's Little Basement Garden By Laurel Dewey Review 61

Betty Craven had the perfect life. Well, that's what it seemed like to others. They never knew that she was empty inside and her house was emptying slowly as she surreptitiously sold her antiques and paintings. Her Husband was dead, Although if she were honest, maybe that was a small relief. Her son, Frankie was dead and that ripped her her out every hour of every day.
Betty hasn't created her perfect garden yet this year, her women's group meeting wasn't perfect enough to please her. Her neck was killing her. That drumbeat in her ear was driving her slowly insane.
What saves her sanity, love life, body and soul? Cannabis (don't call it "Pot" please, Betty would be offended) Not exactly what you expected is it?
Through the metaphor of weed, Betty teaches us what life can become when you let go of your fears, prejudices, misconceptions, and self doubt. A wonderful journey on Betty's discovery of herself.

ISBN# 978-1-61188-038-0

Sunday, June 3, 2012

THREAT OF DARKNESS by Valerie Hansen review 60


Samantha thought her life was settled. She felt like she was helping those least able to help themselves. Then Bobby Joe, a childhood acquaintance, showed up in the ER with a comatose child and suddenly her well ordered life was falling apart. Who shows up in response to the 911 call? John Waltham, her former boyfriend who had left her years ago to be a detective in Dallas. The last time they had seen each other she had been begging him not to leave. Well, she had no intention of doing any begging now!
Circumstances conspire against her as someone comes after her! Destroying her car, dognapping her old, treasured dog. Then a little boy in danger draws her even deeper into danger. John is there fighting her tooth and nail to let him help and protect her. Will his efforts be enough? I won't spoil the end, but it won't be what you expect!

ISBN # 978-0-373-44492-2

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Las Vegas Bandits by Jim Cartwright review 59

Sam Matthews and his gang prowled Vegas in the 80's when gangs still had a bit of honor and life held promises for the future. Young men on the verge of being 20-something, they were beginning to try to work out their place in the world, and still young enough to enjoy using a stolen gas pump to carry a message to a rival gang.
First loves and brushes with death all conspire to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Wanting to know what happens next, but a bit fearful of what it might be. Growing up a gay young man anywhere in the world of the 80's must not have been easy, but Sam makes it look at least joyful. I can't wait to read the next book and see where the future lies for Sam and his band of merry young men.

ISBN#978-1-4700-2482-6