Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Love at First Flight: One Woman's Experience as a WASP in World War II by Cheryl J. Young

Elizabeth Strohfus is an amazing woman. She fell in love with flying after her first flight given to her by a local man who hadn't had his pilot's license for very long. After telling him one more time about 10 times, the guy had to land the plane cause he was sick. Elizabeth, on the other hand, was no where near air sick at all. She was a natural. Getting a loan from the bank wasn't easy but Elizabeth managed it so she could take flight lessons. In 1942, she joined the Civil Air Petrol. The rest is history. She sent in her application to join the WASP Organization. There was a lot of hard work ahead of her but it was all worth it in her eyes. She could fly pretty much anything that could go in the air for the most part. Also, she had a lot of training ahead of her whether in class or in the air. She stuck with it through it all!


Ms. Young did a great job painting such a vivid story through songs, pictures, and the words from Mrs. Strohfus' mouth. I am so proud that both women are from Minnesota. I may not have lived here all my life but that is so cool that a local woman had the courage to take on the risks that come along with flying. This is a story that anyone should read whether young or old. You get such a good glimpse into life for women in the military from the beginning. It took forever for them to be recognized but they were! Definitely something worth reading and it won't take a lot of time either. Yet there is so much to learn.

Cheryl J. Young/Elizabeth Strohfus/ Women Pilots/ World War II/ 72 pages/Non-fiction/ 5 out of 5

Monday, April 27, 2009

Something Rotten by Jasper Fforde

Thursday Next is back. This time, she wishes her husband Landon was around but he's been eradicated. So trying to get her life back to normal won't be easy. She has to explain her absence, get her job back, and figure out how to get rid of Yorrick Kane. Not to mention, someone wants her dead. There is a lot on her plate but all she really would like most of all is reliable child care.

Mr. Fforde does it again! I loved this series so far. It is pure genius and full of ideas that I could never come up with. I love how she can jump into books and interact with characters. She has problems to solve and she keeps her head on her shoulders. His characters may be from all sorts of places but they are ones that keep drawing you into the book. Mr. Fforde puts things together that I never would have thought of.

Thursday, being a single mom, deals with life and trying to keep her work at bay. Her family supports her even though her mother is a little bit misguided in her efforts. Joffy is back and being a good brother. She just wishes she could get Landen back for good. She doesn't like being on her own any longer than necessary.

This is one of the best books in the series and I am bummed that there is only one left to read so far. It sounds like there is another one coming in the series which makes me happy since it took me so long to pick up this series. I had heard of this author for his other series but will definitely check that one out in the meantime. Definitely a series for literature nuts and mystery fans a like.

Jasper Fforde/Mystery/Thursday Next series/416 pages/ Chunkster/ 5 out of 5

Never knew how tired I would be with this second pregnancy. I am hoping to read a couple more books yet this month. We'll see.

Monday, April 06, 2009

The Stamp of Glory by Tim Stafford

Set in the 1800's, this book is a glimpse into the Anti-Slavery movement and the impact one family has on it. Using some big names along the way, it shows every side of the issue. Yet change must be taken in order to move forward.

Mr. Stafford was a bit dry at times and the story lagged. I understand that it was a difficult issue then but it seemed like everything kept falling apart. It was a bit of a downer type book and I wasn't sure why I picked it up in the first place.

This is one author who disappointed me. I felt like so much was missing and there was a lot packed in which made the book lag. So all in all, if you like this type of subject, there is a lot of information. It's not graphic in the least, which only made the story get better. I just wish it would have lived up to my expectations. I might have to check out this author's other works.

Tim Stafford/Christian Fiction/ 1800's/Anti-Slavery Movement/ 3 out of 5

It took a long time to read but then I'm pretty tired. Onto the next one!

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

March Stats and Reads

Here are the books I read:
1.Leap of Faith by Queen Noor 02-26-09 through 03-02-09 A+
2.Domestic Affairs by Eileen Goudge 03-02-09 through 03-04-09 B
3.Dog on It by Spencer Quinn 03-04-09 through 03-05-09 A
4.Losing It by Valerie Bertinelli 03-05-09 through 03-06-09 A
5.The Last Mermaid by Shana Abe 03-06-09 through DNF
6.Fade Away by Harlan Coben 03-24-09 through 03-25-09 A

Stats:
Total Books I read: 5
New Authors: 4
Fiction: 3
Non-Fiction: 2
Chunksters: 1
Romance: 0
Mystery: 2
From the Stacks: 5
Books for Review: 1
Books I Bought:0
Total Pages Read: 1, 925

Being pregnant has definitely slowed me down in the reading department. lol Oh, well. I liked pretty much everything I read except for the one I didn't finish. I'll try it again another time.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Fade Away by Harlan Coben

Myron gets the chance of a lifetime. He gets to play basketball but there is a catch. He needs to find a famous basketball player before it gets out that he's missing. An alleged injury has taken the ball player out for now. But can Myron figure it out in time? Or is there more to this that even he cannot solve?

Mr. Coben does it again in the third book of the series. He moves the plot in a great way. The friendship between Myron and Win still cracks me up. The mystery at times had more questions than answers. Yet Myron never gave up and kept his obligations to the other players. Mr. Coben knows how to make you really believe in what is going on and keep you guessing till the very end. Or he does with me anyways.

I love Myron. He is a great character who I never get tired of reading about. His best friend Win cracks me up at every turn. He is a man you definitely would not want to cross. The man has knowledge that serves him well in any situation. Esperenza is a woman who speaks her mind and doesn't hold back. While sometimes that is good, it often drives Myron bonkers. Yet they find a way to still work together.

This is one series I don't want to see end. Though I know that time will come eventually. Mr. Coben keeps me turning pages and does little to disappoint me. I cannot wait to pick up the next one and plan on it soon!

Harlan Coben/Mystery/ Myron Bolitar series/ 384 pages/4 out of 5

I finished this one awhile ago. But being wiped out, I haven't had a lot of time on my laptop. I am hoping to finish my current book to add to my month's list. We'll see.

Saturday, March 07, 2009

Losing It-And Gaining it Back One Pound At A Time by Valerie Bertinelli

In this non-fiction memoir, Valerie shares her journey from beginning of her career as an actress to when she started on Jenny Craig and how that was successful. It delved into how her mind worked from the beginning and how she was able to change her way of thinking. She always made sure to mention it wasn't easy at first but the results she saw kept her motivated to keep going.

I admire Ms. Bertinelli for sticking things out. There was a lot of stress on her life maybe even more so than I can think of. Being an emotional eater certainly didn't help but she was able to work on it and work through it.

It's an every day thing that she works on. I really enjoyed her honesty. I do my best not to pry into other people's lives. Celebrities need their privacy too. Yet if it is blasted across the papers, it's difficult to ignore it. A lot of the book happened before I realized what was going on and I applaud for Ms. Bertinelli for sharing her journey. It definitely takes some guts. And now she is finally happy and knows that to herself she must be true.

Valerie Bertinelli/ Non-fiction/277 pages/ Memoir/4 out of 5

I finished this book yesterday but with work and everything never got a chance to write my review. This was a great book and I highly recommend it!

Thursday, March 05, 2009

Dog On It by Spencer Quinn

Chet is a loyal dog and his master Bernie runs a private investigator business. Their first case in awhile seems like just a routine missing persons case. Yet Chet can tell his master is bugged by something. There is more to this case than either one of them can imagine. But can they solve it in time so the young lady isn't hurt?

Mr. Quinn tells the story from Chet's point of view and I really liked it. It gave the book a different feel which is rarely found in books today. There is action, adventure, loyalty and a twist that I didn't even see coming. Seeing the characters through Chet's eyes, you can tell who is good and who has ulterior motives. It was a fun book and I couldn't get enough.

Chet is a loyal dog and I really liked him from the beginning. Bernie was a little rough around the edges but after all, he was a man who had been kicked down. He is picking himself off but he may have a long way to go. These two together make a good team even though they don't always understand each other but that's reality.

This is a book that is first in a series that the second one cannot come out soon enough! Mr. Quinn has a fantastic way with words that keeps you turning pages. I was impressed with the book from the beginning. Definitely an author to keep an eye on.

Spencer Quinn/ New Author/Mystery/320 pages/Dogs/4 out of 5

Great new mystery series but a great new author! Off to another non-fiction!

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Domestic Affairs by Eileen Goudge

Three women are portrayed in this book. Lila, who had everything and lost it all due to her husband's bad decisions and needs to start over. Abigail, who was best friends with Lila and whose mother was their house keeper till her mother made some bad decisions and they had to leave. Conception who worked in a factory and could not save her daughter from a fire that happened in the factory. She now wants revenge of the Senora who took her daughter's life. These women might just be the healing balm the other needs.

Ms. Goudge writes stories that grip your heart. Her characters have a lot of things that they need to process. The story grabs your attention from page one and doesn't let you go. The lives of all the characters involved might just change drastically if things are not taken care of. There is heart, humor, love and healing throughout the book. I was impressed with how well each delicate situation was handled and shown such tender care. Nothing was taken lightly and each action was thought out to some extent.

Lila was working on rebuilding her life. Abigail couldn't see what was missing in front of her while having her illustrious career. Conception just wanted to make sure that the Senora knew what her decisions had caused. Each woman had their motives and they just had to find their healing.

This was not an easy book to read at times but I was curious to see how it would all end. And while in my mind, it was a happy ending. I'm not sure if everyone would agree. Things were difficult and change had to happen. It would just have to be seen if the change worked well or not at all. The three women were strong of heart and had more courage than they realized. They just had to find it and embrace what was before them. Ms Goudge is an author I would definitely see what her other books are about and would pick them up in a heart beat.

Eileen Goudge/ New Author/ Relationships/ Friends and Family/ 437 pages/ 4 out of 5

This was a good book but difficult to get through at times. Off to another review book.

Monday, March 02, 2009

Leap of Faith: Memoris of an Unexpected Life by Queen Noor

Not knowing a lot about Jordan, I was taken captive by this book. The beauty of a country not known much about was just part of the book that was captivating. The Queen herself had such ups and downs in her marriage, I kept wondering if something was just going to fall apart. Yes, she had dedicated her life to serve her new country but that didn't mean she never wanted to give up. Though she never did say that anywhere.

The love between her and King Hussein was so beautiful. Each day they made sure that they were near each other though they never held hands in public. They kept all their emotions, feelings, and physical actions in private. Of course, the media ripped apart everything that they could get their hands on, which was very upsetting.

The whole journey that they had shared was amazing through supporting each other and knowing when to debunk rumors and when not to touch them with a ten foot pole. The relationship was so tried and true, it inspired me. I would love to visit their country and see some of the places that were described in this book.

This is one book that I won't soon forget.

Queen Noor/Non-Fiction/ Jordan/ Marriage/ New Author/Chunkster/ 496 pages/ 5 out of 5

I cannot say enough to how much this book impressed me! It was truly helpful!

Sunday, March 01, 2009

Monthly Stats and Reads for February

Well my hours went up and down and well other things have started to be dealt with so my reading time wasn't the greatest! But here we go. :)

1.The Messenger by Daniel Silva 01-30-09 through02-04-09 A
2.Darling Daughters by Debbie Macomber 02-05-09 through02-06-09 A+
3.The Book of Unholy Mischief by Elle Newmark 02-06-09 through 02-12-09 C
4.The Sanctuary by Raymond Khoury 02-12-08 through 02-23-09 A
5.Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult 02-23-09 through 02-25-09 A+
6.Love in the Fast Lane by Jenna McKnight 02-25-09 through02-26-09 B

Stats:
Total Books I read: 6
New Authors: 2
Fiction:6
Non-Fiction:0
Chunksters: 1
Romance: 2
Mystery: 1
From the Stacks: 5
Books for Review: 1
PBS Sent:0
PBS received: 0
Books I Bought:1
Total Pages Read: 2, 464 pages

No non-fiction, I just didn't finish it in time so will have to read a second one this month. :)

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Love in the Fast Lane by Jenna McKnight

Scotty Templeton loved being a race car driver. But an unexpected ghost threw him for a loop literally. He got injured and had to listen to the ghost or his life would never be the same. Maggie Cooper had her life all mapped out. Yet even her boyfriend felt lacking. When she meets hot headed Scotty, things heat up in more ways than one. The ghost wants something accomplished but Scotty wasn't sure he could keep his hands off Maggie and follow instructions. Each of them is determined who will win?

Ms. McKnight did her research with this one down to the tiniest detail. That impressed me as well as the characters that had me in stitches. From Grammy, Ruby, down to Coop (the ghost) himself. A lot of things were on the line but humor was still there. She played the serious parts very well as making sure that the humor stayed throughout.

Maggie's last desire is to fall in love with a race car driver after all her previous experience hadn't always been so great. Her dad was rarely there or they were on the road with him. Scotty was definitely hot headed but more than anything he wanted that ghost gone. Grammy wanted to see Maggie happy but knew that there was going to be a fight on her hands. Coop wanted to take care of some final things so his family could be set for life.


This book was one fast paced ride! I couldn't get enough of the heat between Scotty and Maggie. Yet I knew there had to be more than just heat to keep the two of them together. Ms. McKnight weaved a story that captured my attention from the beginning. Having chatted with her only made me more intrigued to read this story and am happy to finally take it off my to be read pile. The minor characters have a part to play as well and made the story so much more fun! Definitely an author I want to read more of her work!

Jenna McKnight/ New Author/Romance/ Ghosts/Racing/384 pages/ 4 out of 5

This is a great book and onto my non-fiction for the month!!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Change Of Heart by Jodi Picoult

Shay Bourne is convicted of killing a cop and his stepdaughter. Once brought to jail on Death Row, or what passes for it, since there hasn't been anyone sentenced to die execution style in a long time. The priest called to be spiritual counsel tries to understand what Shay wants. As well as a new lawyer, Maggie just wants to make sure she does what her client wants. But what he wants is to give his heart to the sister of the victim he killed. It's going to be a long up hill battle for all and it will add depend on June Nealon if she'll accept the heart on her daughter's behalf.

Ms. Picoult knows how to pick them. She takes a topic and truly makes you think. I wished at times to have Shay's perspective but then this book probably wouldn't have been so powerful. The different view points got a lot across and I was so enthralled with this book. It tested the limits of even my beliefs but I realized that is what she wanted to do. She wants to make you think about where you are and have you come to your own conclusion. She never says what is right or wrong and that's why I come back to this author time and again.

Maggie had to deal with the faith she had and a client who really didn't want help. He had things figured out just wanted to go through with them. Father Michael say things that even he wasn't sure were happening. Lucius, the cell mate next to Shay, was shocked by all that he saw. June doing her best to deal with the deaths of her loved ones wasn't sure she could accept the one thing that could keep her life going.

This is one book that will keep you turning pages from every point of view. It does test boundaries but like every other book I have read by her truly makes you think. This is definitely going on my list of favorites for just how open she is with all sides of the issue. I can say I am not for the death penalty but I can see in which instances it might be the only way. Ms. Picoult really does her work and it shows on each and every page.

Jodi Picoult/ Chunkster/ 480 pages/ Adult Fiction/Death Penalty/ Faith/ 5 out of 5

Monday, February 23, 2009

The Sanctuary by Raymond Khoury

An army team on a routine mission finds a lab that has horrible experiments taking place. Yet never finding the man who set it up leads to present day. Evelyn is contacted by her old friend that he may have something in his possession that'd she like a lot. But before it's all over, things could get interesting. Lives are at stake!

Mr. Khoury kept the level of suspense up very high. His characters are in depth and I love every minute I have with them. There are surprises around every corner. His writing may be fast paced but still very easy to follow. The jumps back and forth in this book between present and past were so much fun since a lot of things were explained. The idea of a long life has been touched on by other people. But yet it seems to have bad situations since you cannot tell everyone about it.

Evelyn wasn't sure what she was hearing. She wanted to find out what was going on since her dig in Iraq. Mia, her daughter, just wants life to go back to normal but the secrets she will find out will change her opinion. Possibly even the way she looks at life.

This is one book that will pull you in from the beginning. Though on a little bit different level than his last book, Mr. Khoury writes fantastic fiction that is griping. The idea of someone trying the experiments that they did during the time frame given didn't surprise me. It was just the lengths that they went to in order to try. Things weren't too graphic so the squeamish at heart should be okay reading this one.

Raymond Khoury, Thriller, Long Life, 432 pages, 4 out of 5

A lot has been going, and I'll do my best to update my blog as often as I can.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

The Book of Unholy Mischief by Elle Newmark

Luciano is taking off the streets by a chef in the house of the most powerful man in Venice. There are rumors of a book that not only has a love potion but a potion to make gold. Those who keep the book a secret may have to fight for it with their lives. Luciano's loyalty to his friends and a girl named Francesca will be tested. On his journey to the truth, it will uncover things beyond his wildest dreams.

Ms. Newmark had a fantastic premise in mind. The research she had to do to keep everything accurate astounded me. She lost me in the middle where you saw the end coming. That upset me to no end! I like twists and turns, a surprise a long the way. Even though you may see the inevitable coming, you don't want it given away.

Luciano has a lot of growing up to do. He must realize that there is more to life than what his friends hold dear. But can he accept what is being shown to him?

This book was up and down and while it engrossed me into the spell it cast. It fell short. The characters were wonderful but knowing the ending just ticked me off. If you like history and not minding knowing how the book ends, this is the book for you.

Elle Newmark/ New author/ 384 pages/ Italy/ Secret books/3 out of 5

I found it so entertaining but that one little thing I cannot let go. Maybe I'm weird.

Friday, February 06, 2009

Darling daughters by Debbie Macomber

Yours and Mine

Joanna Parsons is a single mother who insists that she will not get married again. Her 11 year old daughter Kristen has something else in mind. With her best friend Nicole's help, she wants her mom to get married to Nicole's dad Tanner. These girls are definitely determined but will it be enough?

This is a sweet story of two hearts that were broken and may just have found the right person to heal them. The girls are conniving but even they have stuff to work through. It's a heart warming story and I couldn't get enough.

Lone Star Lovin'

Cattle Rancher Cody Bailman never thought he'd love ever again. His daughter Heather has other ideas. When Sherry Waterman arrived in town early to check out the place, she never knew that she'd fall head over heels in love with a man who didn't know how to love anymore. Yet Heather thinks she is perfect for her dad.

This is another sweet story of two people who need to learn how to love from the heart. Sherry had seen all her friends get married and wanted her own romance. Cody didn't want nothing to do with romance. Sherry wanted to be swept off her feet and wouldn't take marriage lightly.

I loved both of these stories even though at times I wanted to bang the heads of the people who were getting set up by their daughters. I understand being stubborn and not wanting to give up your freedom but sometimes I never thought it'd happen.


Debbie Macomber/ Romance/ Daughters/384 pages/5 out of 5
This was a cute book off to read a review one!

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

The Messenger by Daniel Silva

Gabriel Allon is asked for help once more. This time though, lives are truly at stake. His boss Ari Shamron gets into his car only to be attacked by bomb. Gabriel is furious at the events and is determined to figure out who is behind it. The Vatican is under attack as well. There are plots inside that even Gabriel cannot even fathom. There just may be enough time to get people saved this time.

Mr. Silva is an amazing author and his books just keep getting better. The conflict that Gabriel deals with each time he gets asked for help. The research that must be done is incredible. Mr. Silva keeps the plot moving along at a reasonable pace.

Gabriel may finally be getting somewhere. Yet the past still keeps him back at some point. He must finally reconcile the things inside himself so that he can move on. Ari is there to help him but the majority of the healing must be Gabriel's own doing. Julian is also waiting in the wings to help Gabriel any way he can when it comes to art. Sarah is the new girl on the block. With her background, she'll be essential to solving the case.

This is one book that kept me on the edge of my seat. It seemed like every time you turned around someone was getting shot at or there was a plot that was being foiled. Mr. Silva knows how to entertain yet at the same time you learn so much. I was so impressed with the ability of the whole team to work together and salvage things if that is what is called for. I am sad to see this series end in a few books but love how it is progressing along.


Daniel Silva/ Mystery/Thriller/ Spy story/ 400 pages/ 4 out of 5

This was a really good book! I'm excited to start a new book tomorrow. :)

Sunday, February 01, 2009

January Stats and Reads

1.Glad Tidings by Debbie Macomber 01-01-09 A+
2.Murder with all the Trimmings by Elaine Viets 01-02-09 through 01-04-09 A+
3.Dana's Valley by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan 01-04-09 through 01-05-09 A
4.The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinsky 01-06-09 through 01-07-09 A+
5.The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells 01-07-09 through 01-13-09 A
6.19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult 01-13-09 through01-14-09 A+
7.No Angel by Penny Vincenzi 01-14-09 through 01-19-09 A
8.Other People's Business by Pamela Yaye 01-19-09 through 01-20-09 A
9.Fit To Be Tied by Karen Kendall 01-20-09 B
10.Nora, Nora by Anne Rivers Siddons 01-21-09 through 01-24-09 A+
11.A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick 01-24-09 through 01-26-08 A+ (fav this year)
12.If You Really Loved Me by Ann Rule 01-26-09 through 01-29-08 B

Total Books I read: 12
New Authors: 5
Fiction: 11
Non-Fiction: 1
Chunksters: 4
Romance: 2
Mystery: 1
From the Stacks: 12
Books for Review:
PBS Sent:
PBS received: 1
Books I bought: 3 (with gift card)
Total Pages Read: 5,255

I didn't finish the book I am reading. :)

Friday, January 30, 2009

If You Really Loved Me by Ann Rule

Most people would do anything for love. But would they go to the lengths where they would kill? That is the story of David Alan Brown and his fourteen year old daughter Cinnamon. His wife Linda was shot in her sleep by Cinnamon but first she said she did it, then she didn't remember but could she finally tell the truth. David was a powerful man with his data recovery program. Women fell at his feet. Cinnamon did finally confess and was sentenced to prison for twenty four years. Her world crashed around her and the one person she trusted seemed not so trustworthy anymore. There is more to this story than it first appears.

Ms. Rule truly delves deep into this one. She gives a lot of information that at times didn't seem all that relevant but at the end made sense. Intricate details were given and the pictures truly did help develop the story. She asked questions and got the answers she could. Looking into as many documents she could. I am not sure how much she had access to but with the things she was able to write about, there had to have been a lot.

That is definitely one thing I like about this true crime author, she never leaves a stone unturned. It may mean meeting with the people involved in the case if she is able. Obviously Linda was no longer around and that's so sad. I don't think I will ever understand what went on but I am okay with that. Ms. Rule truly does a wonderful job. This is one author who never disappoints and the after word was truly helpful. I may be noisy but I wish all that were involved that they find peace.

Ann Rule/ Chunkster/ Non-fiction/True Crime/Family/Murder/ 608 pages/ 4 out of 5

This was a good book and at times pretty creepy. Off to a thriller. :)

Monday, January 26, 2009

A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick

Evelyn Dixon gets the shock of her life when her husband asks for a divorce. On a whim, she drives to Connecticut to see the fall colors. While walking around town, she veers off the beaten path and finds this little court yard that the shops are mostly gone. But one of them used to be a quilt shop. Not sure what else she can do, she decides this will be the perfect thing to do with her new life! She wants to build a community with this shop most of all and she'll have to work on that one thread at a time.

Ms. Bostwick has enthralled me in this book. Being a quilter myself, I loved this from beginning to end. This is my second book by her and completely different plus a longer story as well. Her character development was really good in this one. I truly felt for the characters.

Evelyn Dixon finally may have her dream come true. But it's going to be a lot of work in the process. And things are just looking up when a challenge comes her way. Liza, Abigail, and Margot may just be the angels in disguise that she needs. As they all help heal each other, a friendship binds them together like no other.

I loved this book from the beginning. The surprises around every corner were nice. The four women had to learn to forgive in their own situations and if they didn't it might just hold them back from something greater. None of them were going to find it easy but once they did forgive, things would unfold in front of them in ways they never thought possible. This is one author who pleases from beginning to end. I cannot wait to get my hands on her other books!

Marie Bostwick, Friends, Quilting, 288 pages, 5 out of 5

This is a book that is heart warming and touching. I couldn't get enough of it! This is definitely my favorite this year!

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Nora, Nora by Anne Rivers Siddons

Peyton McKenzie doesn't want to share her life with her widowed father with anyone else. That is, until Nora comes to town in her pink Thunderbird, smoking cigarettes, and a red mane of hair. Her father seems to like her while her Aunt Augusta hates her which means she cannot be all that bad. It all changes when Nora takes a teaching position in the first integrated class at the local high school. Peyton feels something isn't right but isn't sure what. When it does come to light, the whole town will be throughly shocked and teach Peyton a lesson she'll never forget.

Ms. Siddons is a fantastic author. One who I'll read again not only for her small town humor, but for the way the characters make you delve into the stories till the last page. Nothing is easy but that makes this one close to life which I found refreshing. Fantasies are nice but real life is what is the most interesting after all.

Peyton had a life of simplicity and repetitiveness. Life had stayed constant even the pain till her cousin Nora came to town. She barely knew anything about and was surprised to even know she had a cousin in some aspect. Her life changed ever day cause of this woman in her life and not just cause what Aunt Augusta tried to do. Her father realized his little girl was growing up and that changed both their attitudes. Nora is a free spirit but is best at running. Once she settles into Lytton, things change and people are shocked by Nora's behavior. Nora just thinks that they need to change never seeing that there had to be some change in herself as well.

This is a book that is definitely coming of age for Peyton. Nora, on the other hand, had to realize her full potential but even that may not be enough to hold her still for long. The small town is in for a rude awakening but can they survive it?

Anne Rivers Siddons/New Author/ Chunkster/ Coming of Age/ 470 pages/ 5 out of 5

I thought I had read this author before but couldn't find it. lol I love this one and definitely will pick up the other one I have by her in my TBR pile. :)