The Rockin' Chair, by Steven Manchester, is an emotional novel about family history and repairing the hurts the world can impose and those that we cause each other. John McCarthy, the patriarch of the McCarthy family, is at the center of this beautiful story. With his wife, Alice, he created a wonderful life and attempted to raise his son to the best of his ability. But people see history differently, and his son doesn't feel his father's love. That history is passed down to a third generation, and Grandpa John's grand kids have a world of hurt that is all their own. When his beloved Alice dies after a heartbreaking fight with dementia, Grandpa John realizes that he has work to do to repair his family before he can join his beautiful wife.
This story was incredibly touching and beautifully written. With the back drop of a picturesque Montana farm, Steven Manchester artfully weaves this family's tale told through both present time and each person's memories. As I read this book, and fell in love with this family, I found it amazing that two people who share the same experience can see it so differently. One believes he has done the best to show his son his love without making him soft, the other feels that nothing he can do is ever good enough and that he is a constant disappointment. A father who works so hard because everything he has will be his son's, and a son who doesn't feel his father's love. John McCarthy realizes the mistakes he made before it is too late though, and does everything he can to right the past.
The book is filled with an old man's wisdom, gained from a life time of experiences. It is wisdom that I think each of us can use to better our own lives. As I finished the last page, the words within had me thinking of my own experiences and my sometimes difficult relationship with my mother who had her own demons. It's too late for me to fix things with my mother, she died three years ago. It's too late for me to offer any kind of forgiveness to her, although I tried to show it in the last few weeks of her life as I cared for her. This book imparts the wisdom that showing it isn't the same thing as saying it, because many times our actions are not seen for what we mean them to be, unless we voice our thoughts along with them.
What I also realized is that I need to make sure my kids know every day that their parents are proud of them, and love them unconditionally. Otherwise they will receive the same legacy of always seeking approval and never feeling that they measure up.
This book is an example of why we should never stop reading. Reading is enjoyment but more than that, to read is to learn, even through the experiences of fictional characters.
Happy Reading!
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Trial by Fire
Trial by Fire by Nancy Taylor Rosenberg is a legal thriller. Ms. Rosenberg keeps you turning the pages with action, suspense and mystery. The final who done it reveal isn't until the last pages, making this a very fast read. Published 19 years ago, this novel is still a page turner today.
Stella Cataloni is a D.A that is rising to the top. She hasn't lost a case, and isn't about to start now especially since she is the one who has been accused. Being blamed for the fire that killed her parents when she was a teenager and for murdering the only other eye witness that fateful night, it is a race to find out who the real murderer is. But can Stella find out before her own life is taken? Ugly family secrets and a past that won't rest, combined with an blood thirsty adversary in the prosecuting D.A., this will be Stella's most difficult case to crack and its her own freedom that hangs in the balance.
This was a fast paced, quick read. Even though technology and forensic science have come a long way since the publish date, the novel's age did not detract from the story. If anything, knowing that there were not technology advances available to the investigation that would be available today, added to the suspense. This is definitely an enjoyable mystery, with plenty of action, violence, lust and suspense.
Happy Reading!
Stella Cataloni is a D.A that is rising to the top. She hasn't lost a case, and isn't about to start now especially since she is the one who has been accused. Being blamed for the fire that killed her parents when she was a teenager and for murdering the only other eye witness that fateful night, it is a race to find out who the real murderer is. But can Stella find out before her own life is taken? Ugly family secrets and a past that won't rest, combined with an blood thirsty adversary in the prosecuting D.A., this will be Stella's most difficult case to crack and its her own freedom that hangs in the balance.
This was a fast paced, quick read. Even though technology and forensic science have come a long way since the publish date, the novel's age did not detract from the story. If anything, knowing that there were not technology advances available to the investigation that would be available today, added to the suspense. This is definitely an enjoyable mystery, with plenty of action, violence, lust and suspense.
Happy Reading!
Thursday, May 14, 2015
The Job
Janet Evanovich's and Lee Goldberg's The Job is the latest in the series with FBI agent Kate O'Hare and con man Nick Fox. It is another fast paced, high stakes, fun romp with these two misfits.
In The Job, Kate and Nick must figure out who is impersonating him while pulling off art thefts across Europe. When they discover the perpetrator, the real fun begins in their plan to take down one of the most dangerous and elusive criminals known internationally. As with the other novels in this series, the plot is elaborate and unique. This one fell a little short for me, though. I thought the con job was thrown at the reader quickly and found holes I wanted the authors to fill. It wasn't as funny as the other novels in the series either. While you get glimpses of the cast of characters that readers are growing to love, it just wasn't enough. I felt like Janet's voice in this was overshadowed, as the book lacked the romantic tension and humor felt in her other works.
I still recommend it if you love the adventures of Kate, Nick and their band of assistants. It just isn't my favorite in the series.
Happy Reading!
In The Job, Kate and Nick must figure out who is impersonating him while pulling off art thefts across Europe. When they discover the perpetrator, the real fun begins in their plan to take down one of the most dangerous and elusive criminals known internationally. As with the other novels in this series, the plot is elaborate and unique. This one fell a little short for me, though. I thought the con job was thrown at the reader quickly and found holes I wanted the authors to fill. It wasn't as funny as the other novels in the series either. While you get glimpses of the cast of characters that readers are growing to love, it just wasn't enough. I felt like Janet's voice in this was overshadowed, as the book lacked the romantic tension and humor felt in her other works.
I still recommend it if you love the adventures of Kate, Nick and their band of assistants. It just isn't my favorite in the series.
Happy Reading!
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Up From the Grave / Bound by Flames
I devoured these two novels by Jeaniene Frost, both continuations of two series. Up From the Grave is the seventh book in the Night Huntress series, featuring Cat and Bones. Bound by Flames is the third in the Night Prince series, featuring Vlad and Leila. These novels did not disappoint, and if you are a fan of the series I recommend them. They are both action packed, with plenty of gore, revenge, battles and romance. If you are not a fan of the series, but enjoy paranormal romance with grit or vampire lore then I highly recommend this series to you. Observing the growth of these characters throughout the series has been fun. If you visit Jeaniene Frost's website, you can obtain the reading order for these two series and another spin off or two.
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
Monday, April 13, 2015
It Ain't All About the Cookin'
Paula Deen's memoir, It Ain't All About the Cookin', was a fascinating look into the private family and business life of the Southern restaurant and cooking show queen. This book was very personal, from getting her period, having sex, race relations in the South, mistakes she made as a mother...and that's all within the first 20 pages! It was also honest, and a page turner to the end.
Paula leaves nothing out and the reader feels as if she is simply sitting at Paula's kitchen table having a cup of coffee and a chat. One can hear Paula's Southern twang while reading all about her childhood, growing up during the civil rights movement, her close knit family, her difficult first marriage, the death of her parents and subsequent agoraphobia issues, raising her boys, taking risks to start her first business, all the way through the huge success she has become and finding her true love. Through it all the importance of family shines through, and her love of Southern food and cooking. Interspersed through the book there are personal recipes that hold a special significance, some of which have never been shared before.
I truly enjoyed reading this memoir, and it made me more interested in the genre. I was a little sad when the book was over, because it meant that personal time with Paula was over. If you have ever enjoyed her cooking shows or smiled when she says "butta" in her Southern drawl, I think you would enjoy this intimate look into her life and what makes Paula Deen the queen of Southern cooking.
Happy Reading, y'all!
Paula leaves nothing out and the reader feels as if she is simply sitting at Paula's kitchen table having a cup of coffee and a chat. One can hear Paula's Southern twang while reading all about her childhood, growing up during the civil rights movement, her close knit family, her difficult first marriage, the death of her parents and subsequent agoraphobia issues, raising her boys, taking risks to start her first business, all the way through the huge success she has become and finding her true love. Through it all the importance of family shines through, and her love of Southern food and cooking. Interspersed through the book there are personal recipes that hold a special significance, some of which have never been shared before.
I truly enjoyed reading this memoir, and it made me more interested in the genre. I was a little sad when the book was over, because it meant that personal time with Paula was over. If you have ever enjoyed her cooking shows or smiled when she says "butta" in her Southern drawl, I think you would enjoy this intimate look into her life and what makes Paula Deen the queen of Southern cooking.
Happy Reading, y'all!
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Defending Jacob
William Landay's Defending Jacob is a courtroom drama that includes family dynamics, murder and mystery. It will hook you right away and keep you tuned in until the last page, and even then doesn't let go.
Andy Barber is an Assistant District Attorney. He is at the top of his game, head of the class and loving his life with his beautiful wife and teenage son, Jacob. Then one day, with one case, his world starts to fall apart. One of Jacob's classmates is murdered and, as the title indicates, Jacob is charged with the murder. Suddenly, Andy is on the other side of the courtroom trying to keep his son out of prison. The book asks, "How far would you go to protect your child?" The decisions that Jacob's parents make throughout the book and the ways that they try to keep their family together engage the reader in a series of "what would I do?" moments.
Through a few flash-forward moments in the book, the reader begins to realize they are reading a story that is not just about this one murder. The story continues beyond the trial, even though the reader doesn't know how that trial will conclude just yet. Something else is coming. William Landay effectively makes the reader think that critical moment has arrived, but oh no, Dear Reader, he isn't finished with you yet.
This story left me shaken at the end. As a parent, as a mother, it affected me wholly. Defending Jacob is one of those books that when you close the back cover, you need to take a reader's break before opening up whatever is next up in you queue.
This was my first Landay read, and I will absolutely look for his other works. Highly recommend!
(My copy of Defending Jacob had an interview with William Landay included at the end of the book which was very interesting, as well.)
Happy Reading!
Andy Barber is an Assistant District Attorney. He is at the top of his game, head of the class and loving his life with his beautiful wife and teenage son, Jacob. Then one day, with one case, his world starts to fall apart. One of Jacob's classmates is murdered and, as the title indicates, Jacob is charged with the murder. Suddenly, Andy is on the other side of the courtroom trying to keep his son out of prison. The book asks, "How far would you go to protect your child?" The decisions that Jacob's parents make throughout the book and the ways that they try to keep their family together engage the reader in a series of "what would I do?" moments.
Through a few flash-forward moments in the book, the reader begins to realize they are reading a story that is not just about this one murder. The story continues beyond the trial, even though the reader doesn't know how that trial will conclude just yet. Something else is coming. William Landay effectively makes the reader think that critical moment has arrived, but oh no, Dear Reader, he isn't finished with you yet.
This story left me shaken at the end. As a parent, as a mother, it affected me wholly. Defending Jacob is one of those books that when you close the back cover, you need to take a reader's break before opening up whatever is next up in you queue.
This was my first Landay read, and I will absolutely look for his other works. Highly recommend!
(My copy of Defending Jacob had an interview with William Landay included at the end of the book which was very interesting, as well.)
Happy Reading!
Monday, February 16, 2015
A Discovery of Witches
Deborah Harkness's first entry in the All Souls Trilogy, A Discovery of Witches is one of my book club's picks. This novel, set in modern times between Oxford, France and New England, is an intriguing story of witches, vampires and daemons. Unlike many other supernatural tales of wizardry and vampires, this one is rooted in science, history, alchemy and ancient texts.
Diana Bishop, descendant of some of the most powerful witches, has hidden from her otherworldly talents for most of her life. Refusing to use them except on very rare occasions, she has built a solid reputation as a scholar of historical alchemy texts. On a research mission for her latest speaking engagement, she discovers an ancient tome that is enchanted. This particular manuscript is highly sought after in the world of wizards, vampires and daemons. Once it is learned that Diana has called this text, her life is suddenly in danger. One of the creatures most interested in the book is Matthew Clairmont, an ancient vampire. But soon his interest covers more than just the ancient text, and his life becomes about protecting that which is most important to him.
Fantastical, smart, scholarly, exciting, a bit gruesome at times...this novel has it all. Adventure and romance, but not of the trashy sort. This is one our book club unanimously enjoyed. The reader will fall in love with Diana and Matthew and the host of characters that surround them. I can't wait to read the next book in the trilogy.
Happy Reading!
Diana Bishop, descendant of some of the most powerful witches, has hidden from her otherworldly talents for most of her life. Refusing to use them except on very rare occasions, she has built a solid reputation as a scholar of historical alchemy texts. On a research mission for her latest speaking engagement, she discovers an ancient tome that is enchanted. This particular manuscript is highly sought after in the world of wizards, vampires and daemons. Once it is learned that Diana has called this text, her life is suddenly in danger. One of the creatures most interested in the book is Matthew Clairmont, an ancient vampire. But soon his interest covers more than just the ancient text, and his life becomes about protecting that which is most important to him.
Fantastical, smart, scholarly, exciting, a bit gruesome at times...this novel has it all. Adventure and romance, but not of the trashy sort. This is one our book club unanimously enjoyed. The reader will fall in love with Diana and Matthew and the host of characters that surround them. I can't wait to read the next book in the trilogy.
Happy Reading!
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