love to paint

Sometimes I wish I read books a little more slowly, but other times, it doesn't bother me.  Last week, I sat down with a new book by Tamera Alexander, A Note Yet Unsung . It is the story of a young woman returning to the south during the Reconstruction Era after the US Civil War.  The young woman, Rebekah, has been forced to return home from Austria, where she had been living for several years.  It was not by choice that she returns home, but rather because of the death of her grandmother.  She is a musician, but at the time women were not allowed to play in orchestras.  They were a male-only profession.  This fictional story is of her attempt to play and perform.  She becomes the assistant to the local Orchestra Conductor and an invaluable aid to his work.  Due to her home situation, she was also unable to return to her mother's home where her stepfather lives, but she finds a live-in position as a music instructor.  The main plot of th...

My mom told me recently that she loved Tracie Peterson's series set in Alaska.  It told her about an area of the United States that she didn't know much about.  She enjoyed the characters and plot.  My mom reads many Christian fiction books, so for one series to stand out to her--it had to be very enjoyable! Tracie Peterson is now publishing another Alaskan Fiction series with a co-writer, Kimberley Woodhouse.  The Heart of Alaska begins with Book One:  In the Shadow of Denali .  The story begins with team of men on a harrowing climb up Denali.  That's the prologue.  Skip ahead.  The team's guide and his daughter are working at a resort near Denali and the son of one of the men on the team comes to work there.  The story follows the son, Allan, as he tries to understand the mountain, the truth about his father's business, and the true character of the guide, John. Ms. Peterson always writes easy to read novels that flow well. ...

This past weekend I read a book by Sarah Loudin Thomas.  When I started reading it, I had no idea that it was actually the third book in a series.  There was no indication of this on the front or spine of the book.  Surprisingly, I didn't realize that it was the third in a series until I got to the end of the book and read the descriptions of other books recommended at the back by the publisher.  This book stood on its own without depending on the two that had come before it. The book is A Tapestry of Secrets .  The story centers on Ella and her grandmother Perla.  Ella got out of an abusive relationship with her boyfriend a year before the story begins.  Her occupation is creating art quilts.  Ella is the kind of young woman who loves tradition and is closely knitted into the fabric of her family so when Perla has a stroke, she moves home to help take care of her.  The book is the story of Perla's recovery and the secret that she wants to ...

A few years ago I started reading Jen Turano's Christian fiction novels and reviewing them.  I still remember how much I enjoyed the first one because it made me laugh.  Her novels have continued to do that for me.  Her latest one is the second in a new series she's written, titled In good Company . The first book in the series told the story of Harriet Peabody (After a Fashion).  This second book tells the story of one of good friends Millie Longfellow and her adventures being a nanny.  Millie has this peculiar habit of liking big words, carrying a dictionary with her, and often using those words incorrectly.  It's very funny, really.  My eleven year old daughter read the first two pages and told me, "Mommy, I like this one."  She's not going to read it, but she did appreciate the humor of it.  She hates romance and I wouldn't let her read it because it's not a kids book.  But, I did really enjoy it.   Millie is a nanny who ...

This week I read a fun novel called The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen.  I've read a few other novels by Ms. Klassen, so I was looking forward to this one. The story follows Abigail Foster, who unfortunately, is to blame for the loss of her family's fortune.  Her family must find a new, much more affordable home.  An offer comes in the form of Pembrooke Park, where they will be able to live for a very reasonable rent.  Abigail and her foster accept on behalf of their family and so begins the adventure.  Pembrooke Park has several secrets it's hiding. The characters of the story are fun to get to know.  There were a couple that annoyed me (as any good antagonist should).  But, I particularly enjoyed the main character of Abigail and her relationships to the other characters. The plot moves along at a steady pace and you do get to know the characters as Ms. Klassen tells the story.  I do enjoy Ms. Klassen's writing more than other...

My kids started soccer practice this week.  It has been interesting in so many ways.  I have been reminded to be thankful that I have the opportunity to homeschool.  One mom explained to me that two parents have to work today unless one parent makes an insane amount of money.  I could tell how much she loves her kids and cherishes her time with them.   I watched another set of parents juggle their kids and split duties as they adjust to changes in their family.  I saw this last year, too, when two parents had separated and had to juggle work and their kids' practices.   I walk around and meet all the parents.  I ask lots of questions and get to know them.  Last year, I was the new parent to soccer.  My older daughter's team had all played together for several years and then my middle daughter's team was over half returning kids who knew each other.  This year my daughters' team is half returning, half new.  My son's team...

This morning I finished reading Caught in the Middle , a new Christian historical fiction story by Regina Jennings.  My husband asked me last night what I was reading and I replied that it was just a typical Christian fiction book.  It is just that.  I often read what looks like typical Christian fiction, hoping for something different.  The last one I read by Ann Gabhart was.  But, this one by Regina Jennings is pretty typical. The story centers around Anne, aka Mrs. Tillerton, a young woman who has endured great suffering in her life.  Nick Lovelace enters the story as a businessman who knew her a long time ago, but only through his sister.  He owns a lumber company that is providing ties and materials needed to the railroads being built.  Ms. Tillerton gets stuck taking care of a baby whose mother has skipped town.  Her only connection is Mr. Lovelace.  And so the story goes... what will come of the baby?  Nick has seeds of...

Last week I read a book that who's author's writing was described by someone on the back cover as "comparable to Jane Austen's..."  The comment made me curious about the author and her new book, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall .   Julie Klassen wrote this book with an interesting premise--that is very reminiscent of Austen and the themes of her books.  A young English woman lives with her mother and stepfather in London.  Her stepfather is conspiring for his nephew to marry the daughter and take possession of her coming inheritance.  When she realizes these intentions, she runs away with her maid and faces the harsh reality of servants' lives.  She becomes a maid at Fairbourne Hall, the home of a man who she once rejected as a suitor.  Hmmm... Can you tell yet where the story is heading? If you've been enjoying Downton Abbey on PBS, then I think you'll enjoy the author's descriptions of the life of the servants in this novel.  I did.   A...