With four days off and a trip to the lake, I’ve had more days to read than normal. I could have used this time to write but I was on a mini vacation. Chuck Sambuchino, an editor and published author, spoke at the Kentucky Writers Conference and he advised unpublished writers to read new authors that have just been published to see what publishers are buying. My reading list is more weighted toward Christian fiction, because that’s what I’m attempting to write, but I love all genres. See below what I’ve been reading and my reviews:
When the Morning Glory Blooms by Cynthia Ruchti left me thanking God for situations I had considered trials. If there is a young woman in your life experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, or perhaps you know the mother of such a girl, this book should be shared with her. I was reminded of God’s gift of grace for all. I look forward to seeing more books written by Cynthia Ruchti and added her to my “Automatic Order” list of authors at the library so I won’t miss new books. I’ve given her 4 stars instead of 5 because at times, I had a hard time moving from one story to the next. It’s really 3 stories in one. I would have wished for a smoother transition. ****
Wishing on Willows by Katie Ganshert. I enjoyed the story and read straight through on a rainy afternoon at the lake. Her protagonist is a strong woman who might be a little too nice. The most interesting part of the narrative was the past of the man to whom the heroine is attracted. Katie Ganshert had all the right ingredients: family, woman friendships, romance, good food, and small town characters but I was left wishing for more drama or perhaps for the problems not to work out so easily. I think Katie Ganshert has talent and is one to watch. (3 stars) ***
A Wandering Heart by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer. I’ve enjoyed the Cape Light series and I’m sad a talented writer and artist is no longer with us to share his gifts. As the heroine almost loses her life in an early chapter, the authors describe the thoughts running through her mind and I had to wonder about the sudden death of Thomas Kinkade and his own last thoughts. I admired the secondary characters more than the main character. It was too much of a “cookie cutter” romance that reminded me of the romance books I read as a teen in the 70’s. **
Blue Moon Bay by Lisa Wingate kept me glued to my chair in anticipation of what was going to happen next. I’ve read Lisa Wingate’s books for years and have witnessed a good writer develop into a master. Her expressive writing makes me want to read sentences aloud. With her attention to detail, I could close my eyes and be at the lake. But wait a minute, I was at the lake when I was reading Blue Moon Bay. Her heroine is smart, likable and funny. Some scenes caused anxiety but I didn’t have nightmares. I loved a secondary character, Ruth, who had her own story and wisdom to share. There was more than one surprise as the mystery unfolded. This book included mystery, romance, and even a bit of history. A great read! *****
Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake by Anna Quindlen: Any woman who has juggled career and family, lost a loved one, and enjoying life after the kids have moved out will love Anna Quindlen’s memoir. Her candor and honesty revealed truths I hadn’t considered. Topics included: the women’s movement, breaking through the “glass ceiling,” girlfriends, marriage, parenting, aging, religion, death, and more. Her simple, straightforward writing style makes this book an easy read but it will leave you contemplating her comments long after you’ve finished the book. *****
My Life as an Experiment by A.J. Jacobs was a book club selection. One of the best benefits of joining a book club is that you’ll read books you never would have noticed. My Life as an Experiment reminded me of reality television. If you like reality television, you’ll like this book. I didn’t like his experiment with on-line dating and I felt sorry for the poor men who thought they were emailing a beautiful woman when in fact, it was A.J. Jacobs. This early chapter almost made me return the book unfinished. But because it was a book club book, I slogged on. After that first experiment, I liked the others. I didn’t want to like the book, but overall, I did. It made think. Could I go through a day and not tell a lie? I’d like to think I’m an honest person, but let’s face it, we all tell “white lies” so we won’t hurt others’ feelings. What would it be like to have my husband do everything I asked of him for a month? I will never know. The fact that I’m still thinking about some of his experiments leads me to give him a high rating. (4 stars) ****
