Sheila: Book Reviewer, writer and great lover of books...sharing her wonderful finds of fantastic authors, their books and also other things of interest to her and those following the blog. Thanks for visiting my blog. It would be great if you would become a follower of the blog. I also would love to have you leave a comment when you visit.
Was Mr. Darcy real? Is time travel really possible? For pragmatic Manhattan artist Eliza Knight the answer to both questions is absolutely, Yes! And Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley Farms, Virginia is the reason why!
His tale of love and romance in Regency England leaves Eliza in no doubt that Fitz Darcy is the embodiment of Jane Austen’s legendary hero. And she’s falling in love with him. But can the man who loved the inimitable Jane Austen ever love average, ordinary Eliza Knight?
Eliza’s doubts grow, perhaps out of proportion, when things start to happen in the quiet hamlet of Chawton, England; events that could change everything. Will the beloved author become the wedge that divides Fitz and Eliza or the tie that binds them?
Praise for Yours Affectionately, Jane Austen
O’Rourke creates a world that defies cynicism and demands suspension of disbelief – even in this age of doubt and hyper-realism. Sheer escapism at its best. Clever, charming and affectionate.
~Jocelyn Bury
…the reader must tenaciously read on rather than put the book down to satisfy their hunger for the story to resolve, which it does in characteristically Jane Austen fashion.
~Erin Murdock
In Yours Affectionately, Jane Austen, author Sally Smith O’Rourke creates a compelling story that investigates what and who might have inspired Jane Austen. While the story line is certainly far-fetched, it is a truly unique idea, one that captivated this reader until the very last page.
~Meg Massey
Sally Smith O’Rourke is a surgical scrub nurse at the City of Hope national cancer research hospital in Duarte, California and resides in the near-by Victorian village of Monrovia.
With her late husband, author Michael O’Rourke (aka F.M. O’Rourke) Smith O’Rourke owned and operated a medical advertising company where she used her diverse talents to produce and co-write teaching films and videos. Working not only with major medical and surgical manufacturing companies but also network television. These endeavors ultimately led to a collaboration on two feature films (direct to video) and three published novels.
The wife and husband writing team of Sally Smith and Michael O’Rourke, being long-time fans of Jane Austen, wrote The Man Who Loved Jane Austen released by Kensington Books in 2006. Kensington followed that very successful effort with The Maidenstone Lighthouse in 2007 and Christmas at Sea Pines Cottage in 2009, both also collaborative projects by Smith and O’Rourke. Published after her partner and spouse’s untimely death in 2001, the publisher chose not to use the names Michael O’Rourke and Sally Smith (as the manuscripts were presented), releasing all three books under Sally Smith O’Rourke.
Yours Affectionately, Jane Austen is Sally Smith O’Rourke’s first solo novel.
The two lucky winners of a pair of tickets to see the new movie Ephraim's Rescue are...
Kathee and Mary!! Thanks so much for entering! I have forwarded your names and email addresses to Deseret Book and they should be contacting you ASAP. Enjoy the movie!
A unique perspective to the battle of the bulge. Dr.
Aguila gets to the heart of the struggle with weight loss, then gives
practical solutions for overcoming that struggle and losing weight for
good. Wonderfully clear and simple steps to permanent better health from
a physician who has lived it.
My Review:
I have struggled with my weight all of my life. I have read countless book on losing weight. This is the first book that has truly touched something in me. It didn't focus on the "hows" to lose weight, but on understanding obesity and discovering the reasons we fail.
I also really liked how this book focused on making a lifestyle change. Dr. Aguila says right at the beginning, "Weight loss must coincide with a firm commitment to a healthier lifestyle for you and your family."
Another fabulous reminder for me that Dr. Aguila teaches in his book is this, "You can't be all things to all people.You have to take care of yourself first in order to be there for others. 'Sacrificing" yourself for your family is admirable, but what is going to happen to them when they don't have you?" I wrote down..."WOW! Great Reminder!!" on the side of the page when I read this.
Here are the chapter titles of the book. I wanted to include this in my review so you could truly see how different and wonderful this book is!
Knowing Why You Fail
The Cycle of Obesity
Rotations of the Cycle
Controlling Anxiety
Understanding Guilt
Failing to Break the Cycle
The Perfectionist Pattern
Psychological Phases of Obesity
Don't Choose a Diet, Choose a Transition
Here's To Your Health
Your Goal Is The Secret to Success
Unhealthy Habits and Vices
The Real You
Conquer the Cycle
Pulling Out The Root Cause
I'm so excited to use this book in helping me get and stay healthy, physically and mentally. Thank you so much Dr. Aguila!! I highly endorse this book for those wanting to get to the "real" reason why being healthy and conquering the obesity cycle has been evading them.
Other Reviews
"Why I Don't Lose Weight! is a refreshing and
original look at the root causes that keep you trapped in an emotional
eating cycle. I recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with his
or her weight." - John Gray, PhD, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus
"Dr.
Aguila's book Why I Don't Lose Weight offers a heart-felt,
compassionate approach to understanding weight loss. This is not a diet
book or a book of quick fixes. Instead it shows you practical ways to
change from the inside out." -- Marci Shimoff, #1 NY Times bestselling author of Love for No Reason and Happy for No Reason
"Dr.
A does a fantastic job of explaining how the Cycle of Obesity keeps you
trapped and, more importantly, he helps you get out of it!" -Dr. Mike Dow, Author of Diet Rehab And Co-Host of TLC's Freaky Eaters, CoHost of VH1's Couple's Therapy
"Why
I Don't Lose Weight is spot on! In it, Dr. A uncovers the real reasons
why obesity seems so hard to cure. This book treats the cause, not the
symptoms, empowering readers to lose weight, and more important, to keep
it off for good!" - Max Bolka, Co-Author: Success is a State of Mind; Co-Star: The Keeper of the Keys.
Wilfred Aguila, M.D. is a native of Florida and has served
communities in Florida since he graduated from the University Of Miami
School Of Medicine in 1991.
In Tampa, Dr. Aguila completed his
surgical residency at the University of South Florida in 1996 and was
Chief Resident in Surgery from 1995 to 1996. Dr. Aguila has been in
surgical practice for sixteen years and specializes in Bariatric
surgery. He founded Surgical Bariatric Centers, LLC which has grown from
one office in Tampa to several offices across Central Florida.
Struggling
for almost a decade with his own weight problem, Dr. Aguila gained a
personal understanding about the process of losing weight. He remembers
his battle with binge eating and the lessons he learned that allowed him
to finally break the cycle of overeating. He shares with his patients
these lessons so that they may break their own Cycles.
Dr. Aguila
is an author,nationally syndicated radio show host, and highly sought
after national obesity expert. He has appeared on numerous morning TV
shows and a regular expert segment on Telemundo. Dr. Aguila is the host
of the popular Dr. A Radio show. He is also a regular contributor to
the Huffington Post as well as other publications.
Through his
motivational speaking engagements, Dr. A touches the lives of those
suffering with serious weight problems and empowers them with the
knowledge that they need to win their struggle.
Dr. Aguila is
currently listed in Guide to America's Top Surgeons and Top Doctors. Dr.
A is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric
Surgery; he is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Synopsis
From T.C. Christensen, director of the sensational pioneer film, 17 Miracles,
comes the heroic true story of a simple man who was called to do the work of
angels. Ephraim’s Rescue relates the story of Ephraim Hanks: a rescuer of the
Martin Handcart company.
Follow Ephraim as his adventures lead him
to join the LDS Church and ultimately to one of the most heroic rescues in
American history. With a unique desire to help and strengthen others, Ephraim
learns that each choice we make can prepare us for what lies ahead. He discovers,
through it all, that decisions determine destiny.
Filmmakers T.C. Christensen
Producer/ Writer/ Director
T.C. Christensen is one of the brilliant minds behind the camera when it comes
to these family favorites:
17 Miracles (Excel Entertainment); Emma Smith: My Story (Morning Dew); Joseph
Smith: Prophet of the Restoration (LDS Church); Testaments (LDS Church); The
Work & the Glory (Manchester Pictures); Forever Strong (Go Films); Sea
Monsters (National Geographic); Roving Mars (Disney); The Buttercreme
Gang(Family Films); Rigoletto (Family Films); The Mouths of Babes (VTA);
Finding Faith in Christ (LDS Church); Treasure in Heaven: The John Tanner Story
(VTA); Only a Stonecutter (VTA).
T.C. has won over 270 national and international awards for his work in
directing and photography. In 2010 he was invited to join the American Society
of Cinematographers.
Ron Tanner
Producer
Ron Tanner has been managing Fort Union LLC and Titan Golden Eagle LLC, private
investment companies in Salt Lake City, since October of 2002. Recent
investments include film co-production, with T.C. Christensen, of 17 Miracles,
Treasure in Heaven, and Only a Stonecutter. Prior, Ron was managing director
and senior securities analyst for Legg Mason (Baltimore based securities
brokerage, asset management, and capital markets firm) for nine years. Before
that, he was an analyst at Goldman Sachs in New York City, and prior to that,
an analyst for Duff & Phelps in Chicago. Mr. Tanner also worked for
Southern California Edison for 10 years in investor relations and financial
planning.
Ron has also been a presenter at various utility industry and investment
conferences, and a guest lecturer in finance at universities in California,
Maryland, Missouri, Utah, and Wisconsin. He participated in numerous
television, radio, and newspaper discussions on utility investments. Ron is
married and has four children and four grandchildren, and resides in Cottonwood
Heights, Utah
Starring:
Darin Southam as Ephraim
Hanks Darin's passion for acting started with a play in his 7th grade drama
class and has evolved into a career, with roles that span from indie films,
such as Last Man(s) On Earth, to Disney's Halloweentown High, Discovery
Channel's I Shouldn't Be Alive, and Fox's 127 Hours. A former student of
Playhouse West in North Hollywood (Jeff Goldblum, James Franco, Michelle
Pfieffer, etc.)
Darin enjoys the method of digging deep into the characters he portrays. At
heart, Darin is a family man with a wife and 3 young children; he hopes his
performance as Ephraim Hanks in T.C.'s Ephraim's Rescue will elevate his
opportunity to pursue what he truly loves to do - act in film. More info about
Darin can be found at darinsoutham.com
James Gaisford as Thomas Dobson
James loves his "job"! He is so grateful for the blessing to be able
to pursue acting and to have met so many great friends and mentors along the
way. Some of his credits include, The letter writer, Disney channel’s Den
Brother, Cloud 9, Twelve dogs of Christmas part 2, and Shadow of Cabal.
Originally trained theatrically he Starred as Lt. Joseph Cable in South Pacific
among other stage productions. He has also been a stage combat director for a
production of Peter pan. He is best known for his collaborations with MAINSTAY
PRODUCTIONS a film group that produces short films on YouTube such as, Second
Quarter Quell, Finnick and Annie, and The Fault in Our Stars. James also enjoys
singing. He has been inspired by Thomas Dobson's story and hopes you will be
too.
Katherine Nelson as Alice Dobson
From commercials to stage to screen, Katherine Nelson is best known as her role
of Emma in both Emma Smith, My Story and Joseph Smith, Prophet of the
Restoration. Katherine has once again taken a strong role in T.C. Christensen's
most recent film, Ephraim's Rescue.
Among Katherine's wide range of talents runs her life-long passion for music-
singing/songwriting and currently performing her latest release and Nashville
recorded cd, Born Brave. She continues to find time to enjoy her many other
passions which include dancing, art, and above all being a mother to her four
children and wife to her husband.
Watch the Movie Trailer
I'm
thrilled to tell you that I have FOUR premiere tickets to give away, TWO to
each winner. Contest ends tomorrow, Friday May 17th, at midnight.
The winners will choose which screening they would like to attend.
Please leave a comment below with your email, telling me why you
would like to attend. Please leave an email address or new winners will be
selected. Special Screening Choices Monday, May
20th -- Gateway Salt Lake City 11:00 am Thursday, May 23rd -- Red Carpet Premiere in Centerville 7:00 pm Saturday, May 25th -- St. George, Pineview Stadium 3:00 pm Tuesday, May 28th -- Ogden, The Junction 6:30 pm Wednesday, May 29th -- Logan, University Stadium 6:30 pm Wednesday, May 29th -- Orem, Cinemark 6:30 pm
Ready for a new adventure? Are you a fan of fantasy, young adult, science fiction and action stories?
“No mercy, No rules - Welcome to the Trail of Bones!”
Run with Purpose – battle cry of the Shade Wolves
Magnus, the runt of a litter of Shade Wolves, wants nothing more than to be a loyal, strong member of the pack. But when an ancient enemy threatens his friends and family, he faces a choice that could tear him from all he's known and loved.
Born in captivity, the giant panther Kelor knows nothing but suffering and loss. He struggles to find his place in this world of terror, and he battles to protect his family without succumbing to the darkness lurking inside him.
Falling captive to the evil Warden, the two are forced to fight in the battle of the beasts known as 'The Trail of Bones'. How will Kelor and Magnus learn to work together? How will they escape a fate of despair and death? How will their choices affect their comrades? Their enemies? And the forgotten magic that could doom all life of their world?
Let the adventures begin!
A fun, exciting, clean read for teens, young adults, adults and readers of all ages. Pick up your copy of this fantasy adventure today!
Are you a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Robert Jordan, Orson Scott Card, Jim Butcher and other fantasy and science fiction authors? You’ll feel right at home with Trail of Bones. This fantasy story offers a strong moral message, suspense, action, and mystery, in a world full of magic, unlikely heroes, and devious villains.
Excerpt from Trail of Bones
“You’ve
seen a Shade Wolf? While the sun was overhead?” Chief Draghone asked. The boy
nodded. “Then you were too close to their dens. I thought we talked about this
Adolphus? You could endanger the entire village with your foolish desires.”
“But you said the Shade Wolves are
our friends. That they protect Thornmount and the forest just as we do,” the
boy said.
“True, but neither man nor beast
likes it when an intruder comes to his home uninvited. And with a new litter
coming, you’re lucky they didn’t tear you apart and feed you to the cubs for
their first meal.”
Surprisingly the boy did not back
down. Mildly irritated, the chief still admired his son’s conviction and
passion. “I did no harm, father, I swear it. He even spoke to me. He warned me
to go away,” Adolphus said with the excitement only a boy could display.
“And what did this Shade Wolf say?”
“He said run with purpose.”
“And did you?” the father asked.
“Of course. I’ve never run so fast.
When I made it back to the village, the wolf was gone,” Adolphus said
excitedly.
Thayne Draghone bellowed with
laughter, and put his massive arm around his son. They all fear what they do
not understand, he thought. That is why you are chief.
“You still have much to learn, young
one. Listen closely, son, for this is truth,” he said as he knelt next to his
boy so they could see eye to eye. “Run with purpose is not a warning, it is an
ancient wolf saying.”
The boy was perplexed; this was not
at all what he thought happened during his brief encounter with the wolf. “I
don’t understand. What does that mean?”
“Run with purpose. It means do not
waste energy, life, seasons. When you hunt, hunt until your prey is in your
jaws. If you fight, fight with all your strength until you win your enemy’s
throat. If you love, love until your heart stops beating. And if you must run, go swiftly until you run
with your pack once more. This is the way of the wolf. This is the way of the
warrior. And I pray to the gods it will be your way too,” the chief explained.
Adolphus looked back in the
direction of the wolves with a new understanding and appreciation. His fear
vanished, replaced with admiration and a sense of wonder. I want to see a
Shade Wolf again. I’ll be brave, he thought.
“Come boy, the night grows darker
still. Your mother will whip your hide… and mine if we don’t return to the
cooking fires soon,” said Thayne.
“Can’t we stay a while longer? I
want to listen. I wonder what they’re saying now, Father,” said the boy.
“When the sun rises I’ll travel to
their den and pay my respects. I will offer gifts of meat and dugan entrails in
celebration of new life. I was hoping my son could accompany me, but I fear if
he doesn’t find his bed soon, he’ll be too weary,” said the chief.
He barely finished his sentence before the boy scrambled down
the watchtower and scurried toward home. The father chuckled as he watched his
son dash away. Run with purpose, young one. Now you’re getting it, he
thought.
My Review:
Reading Trail of Bones was like watching a full length movie unfold in your mind. There were a lot of characters to first establish and be introduced to at the beginning. Once that was done, the action in this book never stopped. Author Chris Salisbury does a fantastic job of creating his world and characters. I was very impressed! His writing could be compared to other great fantasy writers like Brandon Sanderson and Orson Scott Card. That is just how well this fantasy is written. Another plus about Trail of Bones, I picked up this 300 page book and almost read it all in one night! I literally could not put it down! As I cooked dinner, I had my Kindle sitting right there to read. As I helped my kids with their homework, I kept sneaking some reading in. The ultimate...I stayed up late to finish the book even though I had to get up and work the next morning!!
There will be so many twist and turns in this book it will shock you. Pick up this book and I dare you to put it down. Trail of Bones hooks you from the first page and never allows you to go until the very end. I highly recommend this book to fantasy/science fiction/action lovers of all ages.
Editorial Reviews
Salisbury is a rising star in genre fiction. This book makes a unique and exciting contribution in the fantasy realm. The first of great things to come. --Jake Black, "The Authorized Ender Companion" "Smallville" "Ender's Game: Recruiting Valentine"
Amazon Reviews
Conclusion:
A fantasy adventure that features lots of action and intrigue that is geared to a YA audience.
There are moments in this tale that are especially well done... story telling at a level that I'd be interested to see what this author would do with an adult orientated fantasy work.
As a dedicated YA work... 5 Stars.
~ Ray Nicholson
The beginning of a great adventure!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first book of the Trail of Bones series. It is an unpredictable adventure, with heartwrenching acts of love and friendship. The story ended before I was prepared to put my Kindle down, and now I will wait anxiously for the second book to be published. In the meantime, I think I'll read it again with my eleven-year-old son; I'm sure he'll love it as much as I do. Give it a read!
~ HRLEnthralling story line that really pulls you in
…The characters were some that I will not easily forget because he explains their background in a way that makes the reader really connect and believe they are real. He creates a world that I long to see. I really grew to both love and hate different characters. I think that is a sign of a really great author when they can make us feel so much emotion towards a character.
~ Janason
About Chris Salisbury
Chris Salisbury has been writing fantasy, science fiction, suspense, and action thrillers for years in independent films. Now he’s expanded his love of good movies, such as Gladiator, Counte of Monte Cristo, Saving Private Ryan, Braveheart, Star Trek, to the world of books. Trail of Bones is the first book in a planned four part fantasy, young adult series targeted at readers of all ages.
The father of four enjoys a wide range of interests from scuba diving to softball, coaching basketball to playing Battlefield 3 on his Xbox 360 or NCAA Football with his sons. He is also a big advocate for literacy and reading for young boys. There seem to be few titles that appeal to young boys and young men to hold their attention, trigger their imaginations and create a love of reading. Chris is out to change that.
In addition to the Trail of Bones series, he also has a number of other titles in development including historical fiction, action, suspense thrillers, and several science fiction properties. There’s a lot more on the horizon, so enjoy Trail of Bones but be sure to look for more captivating titles from Chris Salisbury in the near future.
FTC FYI: I received a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Book Description: Set against the background of the exploration of the Aztec civilization,
Tides Across the Sea, opens in the year 1519, where the passion for
adventure and the lust for gold reign in the hearts of both young and
old. Fifteen-year-old Felipe is no exception, though his yearning for
adventure is tempered by his love for the beautiful Manuela. She wants
to marry Felipe, but she must first rid herself of the betrothal bands
her papa has accepted on her behalf to the local bully, who threatens
the life of the one she loves. When Felipe ends up on Cortés’ ship bound
for the New World, the young couple is pulled apart.
Felipe and
Manuela each must find a way to overcome the odds stacked against them
if they want to someday reunite. But the New World is filled with
danger, and Felipe may not escape the human sacrifices being made to the
Great White God, unless the young slave girl, Tia, who also yearns for
home, can help him escape and return to Manuela.
Tides Across the
Sea, a young adult novel from The Explorers series, is historical
fiction with a touch of romance in the style of Carolyn Meyer (Loving
Will Shakespeare) and Ann Rinaldi (The Coffin Quilt). Tides Across the
Sea will take readers on a journey to the New World with Cortés and into
the palace of Moctezuma (Montezuma) that will satisfy their own lust
for adventure.
Excerpt: Manuela Perez couldn’t stop the perspiration pouring across her brow.
The azure sky was crisp and clear above the piazza where the sun
radiated from the cobblestones, making the day seem hotter. But it was
more than the heat making her feel drained. The words coming from the
mouth of the boy she hoped to one day marry brought her great worry.
“A
New World. Just saying the words brings a fire to my belly,” Felipe
Marco said, reading from one of the many notices posted in the village.
Felipe’s fists rested on his hips and he pulled his shoulders back, his
lean torso enhanced by the muscles bulging from the sleeve above his
almond-colored arms. “To travel to a new continent across the Caribbean.
This—this would prove to your father that I am a man. Old enough to own
a bull and a piece of land, old enough to travel beyond the southern
shores of Santiago de Cuba, and to marry his daughter.”
“Oh,
Felipe,” Manuela said, sighing. Her tiny frame was almost hidden beneath
the orange, yellow, and green ruffles that decorated her skirt and
blouse. “What if you never return from this voyage with Cortés? Who
would I marry?” She placed her head against the woven fabric of his
tunic and touched her creamy palm against his dark curls. The noise of
the market swirled around them, but she paid no attention.
A smile played at Felipe’s lips as he embraced her. “A child as lovely as you need not worry about marriage.”
My Review: I haven't read a lot of stories about this particular time and events in history. I love history and learned many things I hadn't known before. Cortés and King Montezuma were both very evil men. This book does go into some of the depraved acts that were done to people; especially when Montezuma sacrificed people to the Gods. My stomach actually turned while reading about this(Just a warning for those who have weak stomachs like me!)
Tides Across the Sea has two stories going on, one with Manuela back in the home land waiting for her love Felipe. The other story is about Felipe who was kidnapped aboard Cortés ship and taken away from his home and Manuela. There is a lot of action as Cortés's men battle against the Aztec people. Through the enjoyable storytelling of Lu Ann Staheli, readers are taken to the new world. The harshness and reality of the life of an explorer is told vividly. Manuela's life back home is sad, but you truly cheer for her as she waits patiently for Felipe's return. This story is for older teens and adults. History buffs will love reading this story about the adventures and tragedies of the Cortés expedition and the Aztec people.
Lu Ann Brobst Staheli got her start as a celebrity
paparazzi-stalker-chick, which led to her award-winning career as a
ghostwriter for celebrity memoirs. A masochist at heart, she has taught
junior high school English for 33 years, moved to the school library
for year 34, and once spent two weeks summer vacation backpacking
through Europe with 15 of her students. She has won three Best of State
Medals—two for writing and one for teaching—but refuses to wear them
all at the same time because she’d hate to be known as a show-off. Her
published works include A Note With Taking, an award-winning MG novel
which is currently a Whitney Award nominee; When Hearts Conjoin, the
story of the conjoined Herrin twins; Psychic Madman about mentalist Jim
Karol; One Day at a Time: Teaching Secondary Language Arts; and Books,
Books, and More Books: A Parent and Teacher's Guide to Adolescent
Literature.
Title: Leona & Me, Helen Marie (A Small Town U.S.A. Novel)
Author:Lu Ann Brobst Staheli
File Size: 288 KB
Print Length: 102 pages
Publisher: Back Yard Press (January 30, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00B8DTP9K
FTC FYI: I received a review e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Book Description:
Seven-year-old Helen Marie Heffner has a knack for getting into trouble,
followed close behind by her older sister, Leona Mae. Whether it’s
walking the barn beams like a tightrope, fooling the neighbor boys into
thinking they’re being chased by a fiery jack-o-lantern, or making a
mess rather than transferring a pattern for Mama’s Christmas surprise,
Helen comes out the winner every time.
But life is not always
fun and games in 1922 for this southern Indiana family. In the wake of
the Depression of the previous two years, the girls and their mama are
often left alone in Hancock’s Chapel while their papa travels to find
work to keep the family finances alive. Lately, Mama’s been showing
signs of not feeling well, and Helen is stuck at home, missing the
entire school year while she recuperates from the rheumatic fever that
struck her the year before. Mama fears the worst is about to happen.
Everything from the barn owl, to the chicken thief, the stranger who
passed by one evening to a poor neighbor-boy who falls into the ravine,
all point to signs of trouble to come. And sure enough, it does.
Leona
and Me, Helen Marie, a middle grade novel from A Small Town U.S.A.
series, is hometown historical fiction in the style of Richard Peck (A
Long Way from Chicago, The Teacher’s Funeral, Here Lies the Librarian)
and Kate DiCamillo (Because of Winn-Dixie), with a touch of Laura
Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie thrown in for good measure.
Excerpt:
“Watch me, Leona. I’m Miss Tarantula, mysterious tight rope walker of
Madagascar!” I lifted my arms for balance and started across the wooden
beam in the barn loft, one foot in front of the other, imitating the
lady we’d seen at the circus in New Albany. After reaching the wall, I
made a little curtsey, trying to pull my overalls out like they were the
net skirt the trapeze artist had worn.
“Magnificent, Helen,”
Leona said, mimicking a ring master. She held onto a joist about thirty
feet away from where I’d ended my trip across the barn.
“With my eyes closed this time,” I said.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she said. Leona was nine, two years older than me, and liked to pretend she was in charge.
“Watch
me. Watch me,” I said, closing my eyes and turning around on the beam
toward the way I thought I’d come. My bare toes gripped the rough edges
of the wood.
“Helen Marie Heffner, you stop right now.” Her
voice sounded just like Mama’s when I’m gonna get in trouble, but I took
a step. Then another. On the third one, there wasn’t a beam under my
foot. My eyes flew open and my legs peddled the air, like a character in
the comic papers, trying to find a way to stop falling.
“Le—o—naaa!” I screeched.
My Review:
Leona and Me, Helen Marie (A Small Town U.S.A. Novel) was such a fun book to read. I was smiling through much of it. The stories in this book reminded me so much of the stories my own parents have shared with me through the years. It is so obvious the difference between life back then and life now. There was something special about life in the early 1900's. Life was so much simpler in many ways and much harder in others.
Lu Ann Staheli beautifully retells the stories of her mother and her aunt as they grew up in the South in the 1920's. There is a lot of humor as Helen, age seven, is living life with her rambunctious older sister. There were many adventures to be found playing outside. Kids today are truly missing out on the fun that most of us over the age of 40 had.
This book will be enjoyed by those that love a delightful book about siblings, family, and lots of love. There are some sad moments that had me crying, but there were many more that had me LOL! I highly recommend this book to all readers, young and old! I will be reading it again with my own children.
Tomorrow I will be reviewing another book written by Lu Ann called Tides Across the Seas (The Explorers).
About the Author:
Lu Ann Brobst Staheli got her start as a celebrity
paparazzi-stalker-chick, which led to her award-winning career as a
ghostwriter for celebrity memoirs. A masochist at heart, she has taught
junior high school English for 33 years, moved to the school library
for year 34, and once spent two weeks summer vacation backpacking
through Europe with 15 of her students. She has won three Best of State
Medals—two for writing and one for teaching—but refuses to wear them
all at the same time because she’d hate to be known as a show-off. Her
published works include A Note With Taking, an award-winning MG novel
which is currently a Whitney Award nominee; When Hearts Conjoin, the
story of the conjoined Herrin twins; Psychic Madman about mentalist Jim
Karol; One Day at a Time: Teaching Secondary Language Arts; and Books,
Books, and More Books: A Parent and Teacher's Guide to Adolescent
Literature.
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