The Water Dancers - Terry Gamble

Rating: 4 out of 5

Pages: 275

Challenges: New Author, 20 in 2009, RYOB

Synopsis (from BN.com)

A stunning debut novel from a new voice in literary fiction, set on Lake Michigan following World War II, The Water Dancers limns the divide between the worlds of the wealthy elite "summer people" and the poor native population who serve them–and what happens when those worlds collide.

When Rachel Winnapee first comes to work at the March family summer home on vast and beautiful Lake Michigan, she quickly learns her place. Servants are seen and not heard as they bring the breakfast trays, wash and iron luxurious clothes, and serve gin and tonics to the wealthy family as they lounge on the deck playing bridge. Orphaned as a poverty–stricken young girl from the nearby band of Native Americans, Rachel is in awe of the Marches' glamorous life–and quite enamored of the family's son Woody.

Rachel is soon assigned the task of caring for Woody, a young man whose life has been changed utterly by his experience as a soldier in WWII. The war has cost Woody not only his leg, but, worse, the older brother he loved and admired. Now back at home, Woody cannot bear to face the obligations of his future – especially when it comes to his bride–to–be Elizabeth. Woody finds himself drawn to Rachel, who is like no one he's ever known. The love affair that unites these two lost souls in this Great Gatsby–esque portrait of class division will alter the course of their lives in ways both heartbreaking and profound.

Review

I really liked this book. For some reason it reminded me of the Great Gatsby (funny that the synopsis had the same opinion). I think because it doesn't explicitly tell you everything that happens you have to read some into it. It was a quick read and kept me engaged the whole time. I would recommend this book.

16 Lighthouse Road (Cedar Cove Series #1) - Debbie Macomber

Rating: 4
Pages: 377
Challenges: 1st in a series

Synopsis (from BN.com)
Olivia Lockhart16 Lighthouse Road Cedar Cove, WashingtonDear Listener,You don't know me yet, but in a few hours that's going to change. You see, I'm inviting you to my home and my town of Cedar Cove because I want you to meet my family, friends, and neighbors. Come and hear their stories - maybe even their secrets!I have to admit that my own secrets are pretty open. My marriage failed some years ago, and I have a rather . . . difficult relationship with my daughter, Justine. Then there's my mother, Charlotte, who has plenty of opinions and is always willing to share them.Here's an example: I'm a family court judge and she likes to drop in on my courtroom. Recently I was hearing a divorce petition. In Charlotte's view, young Cecilia and Ian Randall hadn't tried hard enough to make their marriage work - and I agreed. So I rendered my judgement: Divorce Denied.Well, you wouldn't believe the reaction! Thanks to an article by Jack Griffin, the editor of our local paper (and a man I wouldn't mind seeing more of!), everyone's talking.Cedar Cove - people love it and sometimes they leave it, but they never forget it!See you soon . . . Olivia

Review
This was a really good book! I liked all the characters and want to know more about them. She left some mysteries of the characters and what happens hanging so it makes you want to read more. Luckily I have the next book!

Fields of Gold - Andy Stanley

Rating: 4

Pages: 144

Challenges: none

Synopsis (from bn.com)

A practical and inspirational book based on the principle of sowing and reaping. If we sow fear, what will be our harvest? And conversely, if we sow faith, what will we grow? This book moves the reader beyond fear and guilt about giving and into confidence, security, and excitement. Andy Stanley unpacks our irrational fears about money, helping us to discover that generous giving is actually an invitation for our heavenly Father to get involved in our finances and resupply us with enough seed to sow generously throughout our lifetime.

Review

This book gave me a new perspective on giving. One of the concepts that made me think the most is Jesus having dinner. If Jesus was coming to dinner would you give him leftovers or would you go the the store and prepare a special meal? Most likely I would make a special meal, but if that is the case why do I give him the left overs of my money...and giving to the church is not the first thing I give my money to? It is a concept I have been mulling over and changing my perspective on. Andy Stanley really has a way of making you think about different perspectives. Listening to his lessons are always enlightening.

Twilight - Stephenie Meyer

Rating: 4

Pages: 544
Challenges: 1st in a Series, Stephenie Meyer mini-challenge

Synopsis (from bn.com)
About three things I was absolutely positive:
First, Edward was a vampire.
Second, there was a part of him–and I didn’t know how dominant that part might be–that thirsted for my blood.
And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.

“I’D NEVER GIVEN MUCH THOUGHT TO HOW I WOULD DIE– I’d had reason enough in the last few months –but even if I had, I would not have imagined it like this. . . . Surely it was a good way to die, in the place of something else, someone I loved. Noble, even. That ought to count for something.”When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret. What Bella doesn’t realize is the closer she gets to him, the more she is putting herself and those around her at risk. And, it might be too late to turn back. . . .Deeply seductive and extraordinarily suspenseful, Twilight will have readers riveted right until the very last page is turned.

Review
I am not sure if I rated this book as a 4 because I had high expectations. I liked this but I didn't think it was a you have to read this book. Maybe it's that I am not that into vampires. I am not sure I just didn't think it was fabulous. I am planning on getting some of the other books but I don't have to read them immediately.

Gods In Alabama - Joshilyn Jackson

Rating:4 Tell a Friend over a Derby Pie (ääää)

Pages: 320

Challenges: Summer Thing

Review (from BN.com)

When Arlene Fleet headed off to college in Chicago, she made three promises to God: She would never again lie, never fornicate outside of marriage, and never, ever go back to her tiny hometown of Possett, Alabama (the "fourth rack of Hell"). All God had to do in exchange was to make sure the body of high school quarterback Jim Beverly was never found. Ten years later, Arlene has kept her promises, but an old schoolmate has recently turned up asking questions. And now Arlene’s African American beau has given her a tough ultimatum: introduce him to her family, or he’s gone. As she prepares to confront guilt, discrimination, and a decade of deception, Arlene is about to discover just how far she will go to find redemption--and love.

Review

If you like books on relationships you will love this book! It's not your average relationship book. There is a love interest but that isn't the interesting relationship. There is also a mystery - what happened 10 years ago to drive Arlene away and why has she made a deal with God...and is the mystery really what she thinks it is? This is one of those books that is hard to put down. I enjoyed this one much better than The Girl Who Went Swimming.

Goose Girl - Shannon Hale

Rating:
Pages
Challenges: Once Upon a Time II tl;dr


Synopsis
Ani is a princess who is on her way to an arranged marriage with a Prince she has not met. Along the way her lady-in-waiting who posesses the power to manipulate convices Ani's soldiers to betray her and announce Sari as the princess. Ani survives by her wits and her "friends" animals and the wind who she can speak to. This is the story of what happens to Ani and how the incident changes her life.

Review
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters especially Ani and I loved seeing her grow in adversity. The book kept me guessing about what would come next which was great! This was my first Shannon Hale book and I will read more. I am glad that she has 2 other books with some of the characters from this one Enna Burning and River Secrets.

Songs for the Missing - Stewart O'Nan

Rating: 4 Tell a Friend over a Derby pie (ääää)
Pages:
Challenges: Pub Challenge

Synopsis (from BN)
An enthralling portrait of one family in the aftermath of a daughter’s disappearance
“It was the summer of her Chevette, of J.P. and letting her hair grow.” It was also the summer when, without warning, popular high school student Kim Larsen disappeared from her small Midwestern town. Her loving parents, her introverted sister, her friends and boyfriend, must now do everything they can to find her. As desperate search parties give way to pleading television appearances, and private investigations yield to personal revelations, we see one town’s intimate struggle to maintain hope, and finally, to live with the unknown.
Stewart O’Nan’s new novel begins with the suspense and pacing of a thriller and soon deepens into an affecting family drama of loss. On the heels of his critically acclaimed and nationally bestselling Last Night at the Lobster, Songs for the Missing is an honest, heartfelt account of one family’s attempt to find their child. With a soulful empathy for these ordinary heroes, O’Nan draws us into the world of this small Midwestern town and allows us to feel a part of this family.

Review
I really liked this book and think it would be a really good book for a reading group because there are some questions left unanswered that it would be great to discuss. I think different people who read it will catch different clues. Being a parent this is also a difficult book with the central plot being that a teen ager goes missing. But I thought it was realistic and interesting how guilt plaques people and how difficult the search is.

Family Tree - Barbara Delinsky

Rating: 4 Tell a Friend over a Derby pie (ääää)

Challenges: Spring Thing, A-Z Challenge (D Author)

Synopsis from B&N

Dana Clarke has always longed for the stability of home and family—her own childhood was not an easy one. Now she has married a man she adores who is from a prominent New England family, and she is about to give birth to their first child. But what should be the happiest day of her life becomes the day her world falls apart. Her daughter is born beautiful and healthy, but no one can help noticing the African American traits in her appearance. Dana’s husband, to her great shock and dismay, begins to worry that people will think Dana has had an affair.The only way to repair the damage done is for Dana to track down the father she never knew and to explore the possibility of African American lineage in his family history. Dana’s determination to discover the truth becomes a poignant journey back through her past and her husband’s heritage that unearths secrets rooted in prejudice and fear.Barbara Delinsky’s Family Tree is an utterly unforgettable novel that asks penetrating questions about race, family, and the choices people make in times of crisis—choices that have profound consequences that can last for generations.

Review

I really enjoyed this book. I really wanted to find out the mysteries that were going on around Lizzie’s birth. How was she born inter-racial while both her parents were white? It was interesting some of the genetics information. I also liked the knitting references and could picture the great knitting store. This book made me want to attempt knitting again! I can make a scarf but for now that is my skill level! This book was read by the book club I am in and it was a great discussion! It is interesting to debate on how we would handle the situation.

Raising Hope - Katie Willard

Rating: 4 Tell a Friend over a Derby pie (ääää)

Pages: 311

Challenge: From the Stacks, A-Z Challenge (Title R)

This book is about 4 women a grandmother (Maime), her daughter (Sara Lynn), Ruthie, and Hope. Hope was abandoned by her father to his sister Hope and his ex-girlfriend (not Hope's Mom) when Hope's Mom died. They moved in with Maime and Sara Lynn and the book picks up with Hope is 12. Their lives are changing and the book is how they are changing (I don't want to give anything away).

One of the things that I thought was really neat about this book is that it is told by all 4 women's perspectives in the first person without the benefit of the narrator's name at the beginning of the chapter. But it wasn't hard at all to follow who was speaking! Some would start and the end of the previous persons narrative and towards the end of the book you know the characters well enough that you know who is telling the story. The story also went from current time to the past and back and forth, but it made a lot of sense. I would love to be able to write like this.

I REALLY enjoyed this book and probably would have given it a 5, but I didn't like the ending. I felt like it ended without tying out a couple of loose ends. I wanted to know more about the characters after the book ended. I hope Katie Willard is working on a continuing book!! I looked on Barnes & Noble...nope no second book yet. UGH... This too shall pass...

The Wilde Women - Paula Wall

Rating: 4 Tell a Friend over a Derby pie (ääää)
Pages: 320
Challenges: A-Z Challenge (Title W)


When you start this book you think it is going to be about the Wilde Sisters (Kat and Pearl) who are not speaking because Pearl caught Kat sleeping with her fiance Bourne, but the book is also about the characters of the town. Pearl comes back to town to get revenge on her sister and to shake things up. And boy does she...


I really liked this book and all the people it introduced. I like how Pearl changed the town and the town changed her too. And how sometimes things are not as they appear.

I really liked both Kat and Pearl and a lot of the other characters in the town. This is one of those books you hope there is a second book telling about what happened to all the characters. I also really enjoyed the Rock Orchard by Paula Wall.

On Stirke for Christmas - Sheila Roberts

Rating: 4 Tell a Friend over a Derby pie (ääää)

Pages: 352

Synopsis (from BN.com)
At Christmastime, it seems as though a woman’s work is never done. Trimming the tree, mailing the cards, schlepping to the mall, the endless wrapping—bah humbug! So this year, Joy and Laura and the rest of their knitting group decide to go on strike. If their husbands and families want a nice holiday—filled with parties, decorations, and presents—well, they’ll just have to do it themselves. The boycott soon takes on a life of its own when a reporter picks up the story and more women join in. But as Christmas Day approaches, Joy, Laura, and their husbands confront larger issues in their marriages and discover that a little holiday magic is exactly what they need to come together. Sheila Roberts gives the best gift of all in this funny, heartwarming novel that touches the very core of Christmas spirit.

I enjoyed this book, but I don't think I would recommend reading it at Christmas time. I could really relate to the women in the book and how much women do versus the men. My house is no exception. So I think reading this book during Christmas made me very dissatisfied with my husband's participation in our family activities -- the planning and grunt work. I have thought about going on strike for a while - though my strikes are never successful. But in the book the husbands did get an appreciation for their wives and how much they did, but not without a lot of pain. But the women also learned lessons on not having to go all out and how they affect their children. It was a good book, but don't worry if you aren't reading it around Christmas! Plus there are recipes in the back of the book! Always a bonus!!

Hunger Moon - Suzanne Matson

Rating: ääää (4 Tell a Friend over a Derby Pie )

Fiction

Pages: 252

Synopsis (from BN.com)
When this novel opens, Renata, a waitress, has packed up her baby, Charlie, and taken off for the road. The baby's father and Renata's ex-boyfriend, Bryan, hasn't been told he has a son. Renata drives cross-country to begin a new life, hoping to stay free of emotional entanglements and the associations of a painful childhood. She ends up in Boston, living next door to Eleanor, a seventy-eight-year-old widow, who finds herself gradually stripping away the layers of complication in her life until she is living in virtually a plain white room. June, a young dance student, dangerously obsessed with thinness to mask her loneliness, is hired to look after Eleanor. These three women, from very different social backgrounds and ages, meet by chance and their lives become unexpectedly linked. When Bryan appears unannounced in Boston, Renata is forced to reconcile with her past and find a new meaning of family. The friendship among the three women transforms their lives.

My Thoughts

I liked this book a lot. It kept me engaged and I wanted to know what woiuld happen with Eleanor, June, and Renata. It was interesting how their stories mixed and how they influenced each other. I thought it was well written and I would read more books by this author. I would recommend this book!

1 done in "From the Stacks Challenge" - 4 to go!

Fortune Quilt – Lani Diane Rich

Type: Fiction
Rating: ääää
272 pgs

Synopsis
Carly McKay's life is going just fine until she produces a television piece on psychic quilt maker Brandywine Seaver and receives a quilt with an enigmatic reading telling her that everything is about to change. And it does. She loses her job and her best friend (who proclaims his unrequited love for her). And her mother, who deserted the family seventeen years ago, returns, sending Carly into a serious tilt.

Convinced it's the quilt's fault, Carly races down to the small artists' community of Bilby, Arizona, to confront its maker, and ends up renting a cabin from her. Carly even starts to enjoy her re-imagined life, until her old life comes calling. Now Carly has to decide what parts of each world she wants to patchwork in...and how much she's willing to leave to fate. (From BN.com)

What led you to pick up this book? The Novella Café book club had this as one of it’s possible books. It looked good so I reserved it from the library.

Summarize the plot, but don’t give away the ending! Carly is given a quilt with a fortune reading of things that are going to happen in her life. It’s not straight forward as in “You will loose your job and move” more along the lines of “take the taxi.” As her life is falling apart she re-invents a new life.

What did you like most about the book? It was an easy, fast read that kept me entertained. I really liked the characters. Brandywine (the quilter) was so laid back and easy going. I liked the fact that she made quilts and may not have me the person who she was making the quilt for. Carley’s quilt was made many years before she actually met her. I also liked the that quilt had pieces in it that would soon have significance…like frogs (she was later given a frog who helped revive a career).

What did you like least? There were a few characters that I would like to have seen developed more. There is an artist that comes into a shop that is her inspiration for a story. I would have liked to have heard more about what made him the way he was.

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of those books? I haven’t read any books by this author, but I would read other books by her.

What did you think of the main character? I thought she was very likeable and interesting. I liked her not accepting the mother that abandoned her and how she came to terms with this. I liked the general theme of forgiveness.

Share a favorite scene from the book. There are several scenes that I liked from this book. I liked the opening scene where the Carley McKay ex-fiancé crashes her sister’s wedding thinking the Carley is getting married. Also, Carley doesn’t approve of her Dad taking back the Mom who abandoned them 15 years earlier. I liked that because I thought it was true to her character – and how a majority of people would have reacted.