Today I'm hosting an author interview with Wanda Brunstetter.
Yesterday we did the book tour for her newly released book:
White Christmas Pie
I asked Wanda if she'd answer 10 quick questions and she graciously obliged. Thank you Wanda for your time. My friend got me hooked on Wanda several years back. I love your books. Let's not waste any time. When did you first know you were a writer?
When I was in the second grade and wrote a poem about a moth. My teacher said it was good and that I had real potential.
From what I can tell she was right on the button. Good teacher to encourage you in this direction. Do you write only Amish setting books?
I write mostly Amish themed books, but have also done a few historical novels.
I have read most of your books. I try to keep up. Sometimes it's hard. I have read two of your historical novels they are equally as good. Still have some in my 2br pile too. I just can't stay ahead of the game. Why did you choose Amish setting?
I'm good friends with many Amish people and I wanted to show my readers what these wonderful people are truly like.
Now for a few fun questions. Since you wrote about a pie let me just ask what is your favorite pie?
Lemon Shoofly pie, found in my first Amish Cookbook, which is available at most bookstores.
I love the way you add a recipe to the books you write. That is so neat. I think cookbooks are my downfall or maybe it's just food in general. I don't have your cookbook but I eye it wherever I see it. Maybe Santa will get the hint, hint, hint....In your spare time, if you have that as an author, what is your favorite thing to do? (not counting reading)
I love to walk on the beach with my husband, Richard, looking for agates and shells.
You know there is something about walking on beaches that is so romantic or fireplaces. I'm not close to either one. What books do you like to read?
I like to read historical novels.
The historical are good. Mysteries are fun too. I know your Sisters of Holmes County series had kind of a mystery take on it with all the mishapps that happened to the Hostettler family. I have the third book in that series in my 2br pile. It needs to come to the top so I can find out who is pulling all the parnks on the Hostettler family. Like I mentioned earlier. I'm a little behind in my reading. Just too many good books out there. I've kind of given this time right now to Christmas books. I love the holiday season. Do you have anything in the works coming out in the future? What a question to ask an author. I'm sure you have something going all the time.
I'm presently working on another Amish cookbook, which will be out in July 2009. I also just finished Book 1 in my new Indiana Cousins series. Book 1, A Cousin's Promise, will be out in March 2009, and so will my new Amish-themed children's pictue/storybook, The Wisdom of Solomon. I also have two children's books coming out in December 2008.
Now I know I'm behind. I was reading about your new Indiana Cousins series coming out. I'm from South Bend, IN area so I'm real interested in that series. Yesterday I received a post card in the mail about your new books in the Rachel Yoder series too. My daughter and I have read the first two books. We have gotten our library to stock the books. We're waiting for them to get the 3rd & 4th books out. Sometimes they aren't as fast as we'd like. Now we'll have to request 5 & 6. They love us at the library and get many of the books we request. I try not to push the limits too much. I'm picky about what I ask them to get. Ok I could go on forever so better ask the next question. About how long does it take you to get a book completed. from your head (thoughts) to publisher: (Not including publish time). How long then from publish to store shelves?
Most of my full-length novels take me about 6 months, from beginning to end. Time from the publisher to store shelves is 6-9 months.
Wow, so that's a good year in advance. You have to be one step ahead. Is there a special scripture verse you'd like to give us?
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22
Ah, now that comes from your book A Merry Heart in the Bride of Lancaster County series. That was the first book I read of yours. I was hooked. I love the fact that you use the KJV verses in your books. That's my preferred version. Most use other versions and then I have to look the verse up to see what it really says. What thoughts would you like to leave with the readers of this interview?
Even though the Amish may dress differently than we "Englishers", drive a horse and buggy, and live more simply than we do, inside we are all the same.
Their simple way of life is so intriguing. You have a way of making me fell as though I'm living right there watching the story unfold as I read. I always think could I live that way? I think I'd miss the computer the most. It might be fun to ride a horse and buggy, but oh, so cold in our ND winters though. Thank you again Wanda for your time. There you have it everyone. I know you won't be disappointed with Wanda's books, Amish or otherwise. You can find Wanda at the following web sites. I'll have to check out her new solomom lapp site. The other two I visit from time to time to stay up on her.
This week I thought I’d do something different. And do a quick 10 question interview with the author of the book. Murder on the Ol’ Bunions.
Welcome Sandra tells us a little about yourself and your books.
I'm the author of the LaTisha Barnhart Mystery series. Book one, Murder on the Ol' Bunions, isavailable now, with Polly Dent Loses Grip available in February of 2009 and Eat, Drink and Be Buriedfollowing in late 2009. I live with an amazing dog, an even more amazing husband, and an even moreamazing-than-that child. We make their home in PA where Sandra is plotting her next crime story, Skin of the Teeth.
I’m looking forward to the other books in this series. I fell in love with LaTisha and Hardy.
Could you tell us a little known fact about yourself?
I write under the penname S. Dionne Moore because my editor had just contracted someone with thesame first name, so she asked if there was another name I'd like to use. Being that my middle name is not as common as my first, I decided to go with that.
That’s interesting.
Who influenced you most in the writing field?
I would have to say that Mary Higgins Clark's earliest books gave me a love for mystery, and I enjoyed her short, to-the-point style. Other influencers are B.J. Hoff, for her sweeping historicals, and my father, for his belief that I could do anything I put my heart to.
Which one character in the story can you most relate to and how?
I most relate to Hardy and LaTisha. I love LaTisha's sass, and I also love how Hardy tempers her sass with a bit of his own, though he is a much softer personality.
Yes, LaTisha is quite the character. And who wouldn’t fall in love with Hardy. He’s almost innocent. What is your favorite genre to read?
Definitely mystery and historical.
I love mystery too. Actually, it would be hard for me to decide. I just love reading.
Your favorite author to read?
Any of MHC's earliest books.
Your favorite food?
I have to name one? Probably a good French Onion Soup. With the temperature dropping, a nice bowl of Crab and Corn Bisque doesn't sound too bad either.
Now, most would reply CHOCOLATE without a doubt. Who can resist food esspecially a nice hot bowl of soup on a chilly fall day.
What if's ..... I know authors just love these.
What if. . .my husband is found dead and the police discover all my "research" books? Yikes!
That would be quite the YIKES!
Actually, what ifs aren't the way I begin framing my stories. I usually start with a character's secret and expand on that. Sometimes I start with a scene, the place the crime is committed.
Interesting. I always thought what if was an authors question.
If you could visit any where in the world where would it be and why?
The Mediterranean on a cruise, because I would love to see the ocean again and visit a vast array of exotic places in one trip.
Sounds fun to me.
If you could be any animal which would you be and why?
A chipmunk. Finally I'd hear, "isn't she so cute?" :)
You mean your husband doesn’t tell you that you’re cute?
Would you rather have bunions on your feet or boils on your face and why?
Definitely bunions. Boils are terribly painful.
I wouldn’t think bunions would be real joyful things to have either.
Is there anything else you'd like to leave my readers with?
I'm running a contest on my Website. Drop by and you just might win a "LaTisha" basket and an autographed copy of Murder on the Ol' Bunions.
There you've heard it everyone. Visit her site. I’ve been there and even answered the contest question. Have to read the book to answer the question. And I’m not telling the answer(s).
And now for the long-awaited Review. Sorry I had to put you through the suspense of waiting. What are mysteries for anyway but to keep you in suspense. Somethings though are worth the wait. I'm going to try something different too. I posted about the book from CFBA yesterday. First chapter link and all. If you missed it click here.
Today I'm going to post my review and Then come back tomorrow and I'll have a 10 question author interview posted. Now, how's that for stretching things out. I don't like good things to go unnoticed or come to an end and this book was GOOD! Dionne, middle name, wraps humor in the mist of murder and mystery. Now what a combination. I never thought mystery and death to be humorous, but she sure made me chuckle while reading this book. OH, MY LaTisha is quite the character and you'll love her within the first few pages of the book. Marion Peter's, LaTisha's former employer, is found dead and LaTisha is the one that finds her. This quickly puts LaTisha on the suspect list. Marion Peters was a very contrary, disagreeable person, with plenty of people having motives for wanting her dead. The town Chief therefore has his work cut out for him. There's another character that you'll grow to love ant that is Hardy, LaTisha's husband. Did I mention that the book has humor laced throughout it? Oh, now that was Dana's house that was decorated in lace. She's another suspect in the case. I guess you'll just have to read the book and find out where she fits into Marion's life. You won't be disappointed if you buy the book and read it.
I have done an author interview for the following book
Here is a short synopsis of the book:
Living with others in Mind: Beyond Me is an invitation to pursue true discipleship. Using sometimes humorous but always vulnerable and meaningful examples, Beyond Me ties together current, historical, and biblically documented insights and teachings to encourage you to aspire to the higher calling of true discipleship. Beyond Me is appropriate for individual or small-group settings.
Don't Compare~ It is when you compare that you despair. It is when you compare that you see all the bad & blemishes. So my advice: Don't do it.
Each family, mom, child, and situation is different and should be handled differently. It's only when we get our eyes off the target that we falter. Peter did when he walked on the water. For one brief moment he took his eyes off Jesus and looked around at his situation and was frightened about it and you know the rest of the story (if not read it in Matt. 14:22-33).
What one person is good at another person may not be. Why? Because that's the way God made it. We were created unique "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Ps. 139:14). We can't all be the eye, or the ear or whatever. We all work together to be one -- homeschool group. (I Cor. 12 - sure this scripture in I Cor. 12 is talking about in the church but it can apply to home, school, and organizations, etc.)
Everyone is different and learns differently. I have on daughter that loves being in the kitchen, sewing, crafts, etc.... Another daughter that could careless about learning to cook and stuff but she loves her music and is moving up the ladder in her job. She is 16 and a shift supervisor. And loves it! One is a very fast reader (speed reader almost) the other likes to read but is slow and steady. One loves history; One loves mysteries. One struggled getting the basic math facts the other picked it right up. So compare- They're different, But both must be loved and respected for who God made them to be.
So maybe they don't fold the towels the way I do, or put away the dishes or wash the dishes the same way as me, maybe they don't do things the way I do. It's been hard but I've had to learn to keep my mouth shut about how they do things differently than I. Just accept it and be glad they are putting in the effort and learning it. My way isn't the only way or the right way to do things which goes hand in hand with next point......
You can't do it all so let them do things their way to lighten your load a bit. It is very important to know the essentials be grounded in them and for a spice-of-life add some non-essentials. However, know the essential importance of saying, "No" when you need to. Everything don't have to be done by you.
Cherish those moments when everything is going well, and some one says, "You're doing a wonderful job." That's when you can smile to yourself and say "Thanks be to God". Let me tell you there aren't too many times you see the perfect picture of the REAL thing. When my girls were little I'd just keep telling myself at each changing stage "This too shall pass." Thank God that He has given you this moment. Cherish It!!
When I hear the phrase "Be Real" What do I think of? What does it mean?
• Not Fake
• Something you aren't
• Genuine
• Truthful
Everyone needs a close friend they can "Be Real" with not just homeschoolers. However, homeschoolers seem to fall between the cracks here when it comes to having genuine friendships. They seem to be off to themselves in a group. An understanding ear is what everyone needs. Yes, I agree learning can happen taking a fieldtrip, watching a video, etc. But we also need to be careful and not be running around with friends only to get lax in our main goal of educating our children. We need to be with like-minded people (as Anne of Green Gable would say "kindred-spirit.") I love it when I can get together with others of like mind but I do not sacrifice my kids education to do so.
The author lists many reasons why people homeschool then he asks why do you homeschool? Why do I homeschool? We wanted our daughters to have a Godly education. One where the Bible & God is the center not pushed under the table. We didn't want to send them off to school and then have to "de-program" them when they get home that would only make our job as parents all the harder. If they learned one thing at school and then we turn around and tell them something totally different as being true. This would be sending them a message that lying is OK and we tolerate it. Because their teacher told them something we we tell them something totally different than the teacher. Now, which one is lying?
We do use a a curriculum. This gives us our goals and something to aim for. We know where we're going and how we're going to get there. If you aim at nothing you'll it it every time. If you have no goal then of course you'll hit it every time so then educating isn't taking place. We like to see that we've accomplished something at the end of the day, week, month, semester, quarter and year. We have a curriculum to give us our base to work from. Testing isn't all that bad it tells you what you know and what you need to learn. I love the curriculum we use in that the girls have to get all answers right or they do them until they are right. They learn it. The teacher just doesn't hand them back their paper and they see what they got wrong and go on. Oh, well I got a "D" or "F" and mosey on their way. They re-work the wrong til it's right and they know what they did wrong and how to do it right when test time comes around.
First four lies discussed:
•Everyone's kids are better than yours
•Everyone's house is cleaner than yours
•Everyone fixes better meals than you
•Everyone is more disciplined than you and way more spiritual
I guess if I had to choose the one I would most identify with it would have to be
Everyone fixes better meals than you.
That is my down fall. I need to learn you to make weekly menus and think ahead. Most times I don't even know what I'm having for the meal I'm suppose to fix and have on the table in an hour. That isn't good cause that is generally the most common question ask I think in any household is what are we having to eat for..... lunch, supper, you name it? I was even asked yesterday what I was serving in two weeks when we have about 4 families over. ARGH!! I can't even say what I'm having today and you want to know what I'm having in two weeks. forget it! I'd love to think that far ahead and I know I can cause when my dd had home-ec we did for a month have scheduled menu, but I guess I'm just not that organized and thought out all the time. Though I did like it when I knew what we were going to have then I didn't have to sweat it 1 hour before mealtime trying to come up with a good meal to serve my family.
Why do we compare kids, houses and spirituality against others? Because of pride. It's all I can say. Watch out Pride comes before the fall. Why do we feel the need to brag? I guess that too is pride. We want our kids to look good, be accepted, have friends, etc. Who doesn't?.
I don't try to show that I have it all together. Because I know I don't there are lots of things that I need to work on and learn. We are all learn at least we should be.
My prayer request so far would be: Help me not to be proud because Lord I will fall.
Five more Lies:
•Everyone's marriage is better than yours
•Everyone else can do it all
•Every other mom loves to homeschool her children
•Everyone else is more capable than you
•You are the only one who is falling apart and feels the way you feel.
If I had to choose one of these lies it would be:
Everyone else is more capable than you
Why? there again it goes back to comparing with one another. Pride, and stress that goes along with the job. I think this especially when it comes to a subject that I'm weak in. However, I learn right along with the kids. When I get to feeling this way I just have to step back and think about the way God made it. You are God's Plan A for your children. God made the family first. We are to teach them from day one. When we wake up, lie down and as we walk. Hello, you taught them before you sent them off to school, what is so different now? You taught them the basics, how to talk, walk, get along with others, you name it, the hardest part is over..... I think. At least til it comes to geometry. There are times I feel I'm over my head when you throw some subject at me. Learn with them. No one said you have to know it all. But sometimes we believe the lie and feel someone else could do it better.
I have a opened a new blog page for my book reviews. I will be posting the book reviews for the most part over there at it. Check it out @ 4 the LOVE of BOOKS
Third book I read was The Other Daughter by Miralee Ferrell
Another good title for this book in my opinion would have been: There's an Elephant in the Room. Using this idiom would have totally summed up what David and Susanne Carson went through in this book. They had an important and obvious issue, which every character in the book became quickly aware of, but they wanted to skirt around the issue and pretend to call a truce per say. When theotherdaughter is discussed it is uncomfortable to all concerned. After Susanne finally realizes it is beyond her control and through the faith of her and David's daugher, Meagan, she lets God take control of her life and the elephant that seems to have visited their family. It is then that she was able to gain victory over the elephant that came to visit. This was my first time for reading Miralee and it was a very good read. I would not hesitate to read another of her books if they would come across my path.
As I was surfing the web on this book I found that Miralee is giving this book away if you go visit her site. So thought I'd add that tid-bit-o information for you. Just click Here to get to her site. Check it out
Will life ever be like always for Will and Merit Sullivan and their 3 children? They have given up the known for unknown: sercure job for a dream, so they thought, a run down resort. Mid-life crises - Is that what they call this time in their life? Will their faith bring them together or separate them? Son, Michael, has just returned from military duty in Iraq. Will things ever be like always again? The things that Michael along with his family has to go through will they prove to be worse than what he went through in combat?
This was my first book of Robert Elmer's. He held my attention. He wove some humor into the book along with the real life problems. I wasn't disappointed.
I found an on-line reading guide if you'd like to use it with your book. You may find it at Random House
Well, I've been reading up a storm. Started reading my four books for the judging contest I'm doing. Started first book last Thursday and finished it yesterday. (5 days not bad) Yes, book two was started. I have no time to lose.
Return to Me by Robin Lee Hatcher
Oh, what a book! I totally enjoyed this book. I had never read any of Hatcher's books before. I would pick up another one and read it if I had one in my pile. I wasn't disappointed.
Roxy Burke leaves her home town in Idaho to make a name for herself in Nashville. She leaves home on a bad note. After 7 years without contact to her family when things go south in Nashville does she dare go back home? Will they want her back? Will life go and as if she never left? The Prodigal daughter will she return for better or worse?
I just loved the way Hatcher weaved her story in the Prodigal story. She also uses back flashes of Roxy when she was young. I was really impressed thought this story was well done! It was a very easy read. Nice and relaxing. There are also discussion questions in the back of the book if you want to use the book for a book reading club or something. The cover didn't really impress me, but like they say "Never judge a book by its cover." and this is one of those.
"Hatcher never disappoints, and this book is no exception. Her unique twist on the prodigal son story (changed to prodigal daughter) focuses primarily on the ‘good’ daughter, Elena, who stayed home while her sister left. Readers will identify with Elena and her frustrations, and the book’s faith-building resolution will have them examining their own lives. Rarely do we see such a clear picture of God’s grace as in this novel.”
— Romantic Times Book Reviews
"What a great book. It really touched my heart. I could clearly see the correlation between this story and the Biblical prodigal and it gave me a renewed vision of God's grace and his love. The author did a wonderful job of showing how bad choices can affect the rest of your life, yet she is careful to show that healing can occur. It was an easy read, captivating from the beginning."
— Book Bargains & Previews
RETURN TO ME is another winner by bestselling author, Robin Lee Hatcher. Roxy’s story is all to familiar for Nashville hopefuls, and yet the reader can’t help but feel sorry for her, in spite of all her bad decisions. The story is very close to the Biblical story of the prodigal son; the faith message is very well woven in. Fans of Robin Lee Hatcher aren’t going to want to miss RETURN TO ME. The story will tug at your heartstrings.
— Faithwebbin' CB Reviews
"I finished Return to Me in one day. (I won't go into what I ignored on my To Do list that day!) It was such a good book. You took the story of the prodigal and rewrote it so it was up-to-date and realistic. I think your insight into Elena, Roxy's sister, was brilliant--giving readers an honest view of what the older brother in the biblical story of the prodigal would have struggled with. I also appreciate that Return to Me was not all pat answers and happily-ever-after. It was real life."— via email 7/24/07
"I just finished reading this book and I would say it is one of Robin Lee Hatcher's best. Once again she has an amazing way of explaining God's grace in such a simple way that it hits you right between the eyes." — via Amazon.com, 6/08/07
This week I finished two books and have been meaning to post about them but haven't had a chance. I have to return them to the library so need to get it posted.
Book 1 What Once We Loved by Jane Kirkpatrick. Book 3 in her Kinship and Courage Sereis
I had never read anything by Jane Kirkpatrick, but this book series caught my eye at the library so I had to give it a try. Read the first two during the winter book challenge. This is a wonderful series. I wasn't dissappointed. Sometime I want to get her other series that our library has, but not real soon I'm working on my judging books right now. Anyway this series tooks you along with a Wagon train of people moving west from WI to CA and some into OR. This series was well done it went through the many trials and mishaps and joys that came along. It had the good and the bad times and people mingled together. It kept me on my seat and wanting to keep reading to find out what would happen next. I didn't want the series to end I grew to love the characters.
Book 2 The Parting by Beverly Lewis. This is the first book in her Courtship of Nellie Fisher series.
Beverly has done it again. She just can't get them off the press fast enough. I hate waiting for the next book in a series when it is a good series. I think I have read everything Beverly has put out and haven't been dissappointed yet and this book is no different. Nellie has a hard time finding the love of her life now that she has found Caleb will decisions that their parents make bring about a wedding or will it keep them apart? The Fisher family lose of daughter, Suzy, was it part of God's plan? Suzy, was in her running around years. Was she hanging around with the right crowd? Suzy's diary she leaves behind tells her secrets will Nellie have enough courage to read the diary? Oh, I can't give it all away, you'll have to read and find out for yourself.
I may become AWOL for some time here. I'll try to post when I can but my 4 books for judging came today. I have six weeks to read them. One is 260 + pages and the other three are over 300 pages each so I think my waking hours are going to be spent alot in reading. However they look like very good books. I sure hope so. I started reading one this afternoon and it seems good.
DD and I will be working on our quilt blocks this evening some. Can't do all reading and nothing else now can I. "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy". Haven't had to spend money for material to make these blocks just using what I have on hand.
I wish quilting didn't cost so much. Every so often I'm picking up some material to make dd a quilt for her graduation. When I get it all I'll post pictures. The material is so beautiful. It will be a musical theme. I just fell in love with the material at Wal-Mart. I have 4 of the 7 patterns that I need may get one more next week. Want to get this one if they have enough of it it before they don't have enough. Hope they still do. I need about 5 yrds. as it is for the back and I'll make a pillow case with it too. If the quilt turns out half as good as I can picture it I'll be pleased. This is first big one I've made.
Well I must be off. Need to do some laundry and get back to my reading.
These are the books I'll be judging: I'll try to post about them as I can. This is the first I've done this so we'll see how it goes.
• Return to Me by Robin Lee Hatcher (started this one this afternoon)
• like always by Robert Elmer
• The Other Daughter by Miralee Ferrell
• Diva NashVegas by Rachel Hauck
Exodus 20:7 "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain."
What am I banning? Glad you aked. I don't like to recommend books that I haven't read and I fear I have done so. Many pastor's wives highly recommeded the Mitford series by Jan Karon to me and I have told a few of my friends about them. Well, I started this week to read book one in this series for the Spring reading challenge. I thought I would give book one some time. Well, I got half way through this book and have been so appalled that I won't be reading any more of it or this series or recommend her to anyone. She has used language in this book that I would not use. I can't believe we can call ourselves christian and take God's name in vain or hear someone else do so and not cringe. Cringe is what I have done everytime I came across the foul language or some word that I found offensive. Not only does she use God's name but also words that I'm sorry but I wouldn't use. I'm sorry to any that I have recommended this series to. I'm glad I didn't purchase the book just borrowed it from the library. It is going back and with no looking back. I don't recommend this series or author for that matter, because if one book is like this I'm sure her others are too.
As a child of God's we are to do all to glorify Him. I Cor. 10:31 "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." We are to be very careful as to what we put into our minds. Phil. 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Here is my list: The Parting by Beverly LewisReview is here
The Forbidden by Beverly Lewis Sister Test by Wanda Brunstetterread review here
Betsy's Return by Wanda Brunstetter
Dear to Me by Wanda Brunstetter
A Touch of Grace by Lauraine Snelling
Allison's Journey by Wanda Brunstetter Murder By Mushroom by Virginia Smith(review posted here) What Once we Were by Jane KirkpatrickReview is Here
I'm going on a Mitford high too:by Jan Karon
(was going not any more you may read my post : The Bann to find out why) At Home in Mitford
A Light in the Window
These High, Green Hills
Out to Canaan
A New Song
A Common Life: The Wedding Story
In This Mountain
Shepherds Abiding
Light from Heaven
Note: These will all have to be put on hold after I receive my books I'll be reading for a judging contest. I am due to get them in April and they all must be read by June so. I'll add them to my list once I know what I'll be reading.
As mom, teacher, homeschooler, scout leader, Sunday School teacher and Pastor's wife there are three magazines that I love and don't regret subscribing to. They are full of Kid Stuff. I go wild with the ideas and things that these magazines bring into my house. Just thought I'd put in this plug in case some of you are needing ideas. I suggested that my public library get two of these magazines about 13 years ago and they are still getting them.
One is Family Fun another is Pack-O-Fun never be left without ideas if you have these on hand. I used many of their ideas with my Girl Scout troop. They have food, crafts, science fun and more.
Then my girls loved the American Girl Magazine. Lots of fun things for girls to do and read.
We checked out the Cobblestone Magazine from the Library. This magazine was always full of history stories that my girls. Nice pictures and illustrations too.
Title: Thanks for the Mammogram!
Author: Laura Jensen Walker
This book was also another good one about one ladies' journey through the fight for Breast Cancer. I put it on my list of books to read to see if it was one my mom would like since she only likes true story books. Well, I will suggest that she read it. Very well done. Scripture isn't KJV but there is no offensive language printed in the pages of this book. It is just a good little book for anyone that is going through the breast cancer fight just to give them encouragement and hope on their journey. It is mixed with humor. Loved the part about her losing her prosthesis in front of a plubmer. Laura's husband also takes the time to write a chapter concerning his thoughts and what he as a husband went through during his wife's journey.
I have finished another book. Need to return it to the library so thought I'd hurry and do the book review. This book I read because of my mom being diagnosed a year ago with breast cancer. She likes to read real stories; not fiction, and before I recommend a book I read it or at least have read the author enough times to know their writing style. Anyway she asked if I knew of any she could read. I found this book at the library and thought she might like it but first I must read it before recommending it to her. So that's what I did.
Don't forget to click on the Breast Cancer logo in right column to make a free mammogram for someone. It is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Make your click count.
Book title: Nordie's at Noon
Authors: Patti Balwanz, Kim Carlos, Jennifer Johnson, Jana Peters
The title is what caught my eye at the library. Very catchy title and very appropriate for this book. I loved the way the four authors came together to put this book together. Each month they met for lunch and dicussed another chapter for their book. They each wrote about their own breast cancer journey. They each take you through the good times and the bad. A few times throughout the book they used language that I myself would not have used to tell how the treatments or whatever made them feel, but outside of that it was a very wonderful read to take the journey with each girl. I did cry in a few places as I read the book. You get to know each girl as you read the book. Yes, I have already recommended this book to my mom to read. I think she'll just love it.
We all must have a lighter side to us and I'm hoping that in my blogs to share crafts, game ideas, recipes, funny happenings etc. I have another blog with my quiet spiritaul thoughts as well.
I'm going to try something different too. I posted about the book from CFBA yesterday. First chapter link and all. If you missed it 
I don't like good things to go unnoticed or come to an end and this book was GOOD! Dionne, middle name, wraps humor in the mist of murder and mystery. Now what a combination. I never thought mystery and death to be humorous, but she sure made me chuckle while reading this book. OH, MY LaTisha is quite the character and you'll love her within the first few pages of the book. Marion Peter's, LaTisha's former employer, is found dead and LaTisha is the one that finds her. This quickly puts LaTisha on the suspect list. Marion Peters was a very contrary, disagreeable person, with plenty of people having motives for wanting her dead. The town Chief therefore has his work cut out for him. There's another character that you'll grow to love ant that is Hardy, LaTisha's husband. Did I mention that the book has humor laced throughout it? Oh, now that was Dana's house that was decorated in lace. She's another suspect in the case. I guess you'll just have to read the book and find out where she fits into Marion's life. You won't be disappointed if you buy the book and read it. 
