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Come Rain or Come Shine–love the book!
Come Rain or Come Shine 
by Jan Karon
After somewhat disappointing results in her last book (see my previous post, a review of Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good), Jan Karon has once more hit the mark in her Mitford tale Come Rain or Come Shine. Readers are all invited to the wedding of Dooley and Lace and get to participate in the preparations as well.
The novels in the Mitford series are kind and gentle and this one is no exception. The characters are not without problems, and realistic, unfortunate situations do arise. Karon effectively uses a technique in this novel of sharing some of Lace’s journaling to show the reader her attitudes and the process she and Dooley had to go through to get to the point of marriage.
A new character, Jack Tyler, is introduced. It seems he will be important in future books as Karon continues to spin her magic with words as the younger Mitford generation becomes the focus. If you are not already a Mitford/Father Tim/Jan Karon fan, begin with the first Father Tim novel, At Home in Mitford. I strongly recommend joining the many readers happily anticipating the next events in Mitford.
Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good–love the title
Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good
by Jan Karon
Continuing the saga of Father Tim, an Episcopal priest, the book Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good was eagerly awaited by fans of the Mitford series. I have lived out of the U.S. long enough for this book and another in the series both to be published in paperback. I say this to establish that the intervening time lapse has genuinely caused me to forget many of the details of the various subplots of the series. Karon tries to draw enthusiasm from people like me as well as perhaps those who pick up this book as their first taste of life in Mitford. Honestly, I think Karon has created too many characters to be able to update them all effectively. Perhaps she should have pared down the ones included in this book. That part of the book only earns two stars; I don’t fault Karon’s writing, just her taking on an impossible task.
When the reader gets past the clumsiness of character updates, Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good becomes the delightful tale that Karon’s readers have come to expect–interesting, but soothing; realistic, but attaining a moral high ground. I love to see how the characters deal with life; I delight in the carefully crafted words and the beautiful sentiments. It is a treat, as always, to watch Father Tim deal with people who are not always lovable and to sort out his own problems while supporting the community members who have grown to depend on his Godly wisdom.
As a teacher and book lover, I enjoy the focus on the local bookstore, Happy Endings, and the way people come together in the story to support it. Readers who love books (especially children’s literature) will be attracted to the many quotes encouraging reading that Mitford’s citizens post in the bookstore.
As the remainder of the book, including the raison d’être of the title, pleased to capacity, I award a full five stars to Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good.
Fixin’ to Die–Good Try, but…
Fixin’ to Die
by Tonya Kappes
Fixin’ to Die is a murder mystery set in the small town of Cottonwood, Kentucky. It is the first novel in Tonya Kappes’ Kenni Lowry Mystery Series. My first impression as I was reading this tale is that I really liked the main character Kenni. She is the kind of person I could enjoy spending time with. That sense did not change as this young sheriff goes all out to solve her first murder case and the reader meets the quirky locals she interacts with.
Fixin’ to Die has many elements that aficionados of the cozy mystery genre relish–a strong feminine lead, a few handsome romantic interests, a plot with twists and turns, interesting townspeople, and a surprise ending. So why am I not a huge fan of this book? Mainly I attribute my attitude to a literary technique Kappes attempted: she creates the ghost of Kenni’s grandfather, a longtime Cottonwood sheriff himself, as a character who will aid in Kenni in her investigations. I applaud the effort, but it just didn’t work for me. Therefore I can not wholeheartedly recommend this book.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and Henery Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Tangled Lies–Will They Ever be Unraveled?
Tangled Lies
by Connie Mann
Sasha Petrov is a very likable main character in the book Tangled Lies. She is comfortable in the position of licensed boat captain, whether leading a chartered fishing tour, hauling cargo, or competing in a speed race. In fact, she is more comfortable in that role than in relating to family and potential romantic interests. Orphaned as a girl, her past hampers her current relationships but not her efforts to help those she loves.
Tangled Lies is one of those books you just don’t want to put down. The “tangled lies” make the reader want to return for more of the extreme adventure, mystery, and romance that would seem unbelievable for a small town setting. It is, actually, the unhealthy closeness of the denizens of little Safe Harbor, Florida, and its marina that make the playing out of this puzzle believable. As a reader, I wanted to know the answers to the odd intermingling of hateful attitudes and violent events in what was ostensibly pleasant small town America, but I was afraid to have the motives revealed.
Connie Man is a Christian author which, in this case, means characters who approach real issues in their lives without profanity and with self-imposed limitations on their sexual relationships. It more importantly means that they trust in God as their source of strength during difficult times. They have personal issues to work through, but they admit their weaknesses and try to do what is right.
Tangled Lies is Ms. Mann’s third novel. She is a boat captain in Florida herself, lending authenticity to this work.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to the publisher Waterfall Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Perilous Judgment–can a federal judge stay within the law and still save those closest to him?
Perilous Judgment
A Real Justice Thriller Series, Book 1
by Dennis Ricci
Perilous Judgment is the first book in Dennis Ricci’s Real Justice Thriller Series. I don’t know what Mr. Ricci’s plans for future books in this series are. I can envision his successfully either creating more tales revolving around his main character, Judge Edward Lamport, or departing from the characters in his first book to write more thrillers continuing to focus on the theme of real justice. Is justice achieved only through the law or can individuals define it as something found in a higher good, a morality above and beyond human created systems of rules?
Perilous Judgment is a story of federal laws, political struggles for power and money, and international narcotics cartels. The main characters have made mistakes in their pasts for which there are consequences. They have decisions to make which affect others and through prayer they try to decipher the will of God in their unique situations. Following the “real justice” theme, many tough but ethical people have to decide at what point there is a higher law to follow.
As a current resident of Mexico, I find reading about the violence of drug cartels difficult because their actions are at such odds with the individuals I have met in the general population. They are kind, friendly and eager to help others. They too dislike corruption in the government and fear the kidnapping and cruelty of gangs. Then as I look back to my home country, I wonder if we are so very different. The political corruption north of the border is more sophisticated and subtle, but is widespread. Large cities are racked with high violent crime rates. I look forward to Mr. Ricci’s next thriller and wonder if his search for real justice will have its focal point solely in the U.S. or if he will once again cross international borders.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to the publisher Waterfall Press for allowing me to read Perilous Judgment in exchange for an unbiased review.
Ghost of Africa– don’t miss this medical action suspense
The Ghost of Africa
by Don Brobst
Don Brobst has created a fast paced adventure set in Africa. Although The Ghost of Africa is fiction, Don Brobst’s background lends a definite authenticity to the story. Like his protagonist, Dr. Paul Branson, the author is a medical doctor who travels to Africa frequently to provide medical assistance. The reader can assume the comparison ends there as the fictional doctor becomes entangled in a deadly struggle over oil between local forces in North Sudan and South Sudan.
Although Waterfall Press publishes Christian fiction, this novel does not fall anywhere near the category of historical romantic fiction that can be so typical of fictional works from a Christian publishing house. The author has obviously thoroughly researched special forces and military equipment. The result is a very detailed and physical fight for survival with a ruthless antagonist. There is a Christian theme as Dr. Branson is viewed by the natives as The Chosen One, a label he struggles with and tries to put into perspective for the native population.
I strongly recommend The Ghost of Africa. It does have a strong element of violence, but it is not gratuitous. This book stands up well with other action adventures. It also provides a realistic look at life in Africa for the innocents who are caught up in others’ struggles for wealth and power.
I want to extend thanks to netgalley.com and Waterfall Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Perfect Chapter Book for Beginning Readers
As a teacher of early learners, K-2 in particular, I was always on the lookout for useful books for the classroom. I have found one that is great for students to read at home and at school. I am not a fan of the “guided reading” programs currently pushed in many school districts. A large number of the book selections are frankly boring. Reading should be fun! Pedro, First Grade Hero is a book young readers will enjoy. Its anticipated release date by Capstone Press is September 1, 2016, and I highly recommend it! I personally would use it in reading groups and then send it home for kids to enjoy there as well.
Pedro, First Grade Hero
by Fran Manuskin
Pedro, First Grade Hero, is a delightful “chapter book” for early readers. Children usually want to read chapter books like their teacher models for them. Unfortunately most chapter books are just too difficult for them to read independently. Pedro, First Grade Hero, however, comes to the rescue for the beginning reader. It is actually a collection of four stories, all about Pedro. The readability level, length of the stories, and interest level is perfect for first graders as is the focus of each story.
Pedro is a very likable little boy. In the first story, “Pedro Goes Buggy,” Pedro has to find a bug to write about in school. Discussions about the best bug ensue in the classroom and at home. Even his little brother Paco gets involved in the fun. The story has a nice resolution and ends on a humorous note. For the teacher who likes to integrate learning strands, language arts, math and science provide easy tie-ins.
“Pedro’s Big Goal” draws in boys and girls who love soccer. This chapter has “bigger is not always better” as well as “keep trying” as its themes. Children will enjoy the ending and teachers can help them appreciate the play on words.
Most people love a good mystery as do Pedro and his friends who form a mystery club in the third story, trying to find a missing locket and cell phone. Good vocabulary words include sparkle, locket, and chirping.
The final story, “Pedro for President,” teaches Pedro and his friend Katie Woo what is involved in being class president. As they ponder what they have to offer the class, little brother Paco “helps” with the election poster and Pedro creatively turns that effort into a positive. Pedro, who always encourages his classmates and promotes fairness in the election, is the obvious favorite for president.
The illustrations by Tammie Lyon are colorful, appealing, and depict well the characters’ emotions and reactions. Teachers interested in promoting multi-cultural cohesiveness in their classrooms will appreciate the inclusion of children of various backgrounds. At the end of this book are four pages of jokes in the riddle format that will delight first graders.
I would like to thank netgalley.com and the publisher, Capstone Press, for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Detective Gordon, The First Case
Move over Holmes and Watson! Move over Poirot and Hastings! Another Detective duo is in
town: Detective Gordon, the aging police chief toad, and his sidekick Buffy, a very young, energetic mouse. Use Ulf Nilsson’s book, Detective Gordon, The First Case, with readers who are ready for chapter books or to introduce mysteries as a read aloud. The story is a kinder, gentler type of mystery with easily understood messages. It also contains some word fun that students will enjoy exploring and repeating. For those who love drama, the characters are unique and lend themselves to creative expression. The illustrations are sweet, appealing, and as soft as the snow covered landscape of the book’s origins in Sweden.
Interested in World War II ? Dobryd is a good read!
The period known as the Holocaust is a frequent topic of books for both adults and young adults. The book Dobryd is different in that it does not focus on characters who are arrested or imprisoned. In fact most of the story occurs in the years following the war. Told in the first person, this story details the struggles of a five year old girl as she emerges from over two years of hiding in a space too small for a standing adult. Most of her family is dead, but she still has her mother and an aunt. The reader is soon absorbed by their relationships as they begin to integrate into a Poland that is very different from the one they hid from. Their rescuer is Yuri, a Russian soldier who plays a pivotal role in helping young Ann relate to her new world and provides stability for her. Dobryd shows us the best and the worst of people and how they have a long lasting impact on Ann and her family.
Dobryd is classified as an autobiographical novel as the author was very young when the story begins and much is retold from the memories of others. It reads like fiction, but has the authenticity of history. Dobryd would be an excellent addition to a unit on the Holocaust or World War II. It invites comparisons to books such as The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank that are typically enjoyed by students in learning about this period. Dobryd offers opportunities to feel with Ann the discrimination she experienced based on religion and her family’s former social standing. We get to learn of her rapidly disappearing Polish heritage and of the geographical struggles Poland underwent as a nation being divided by its neighbors as one of the spoils of war.
education pathways 