Summer of Joy by Ann. H. Gabhart

Summer of Joy

Summary from back cover: 

For Jocie Brooke, the summer of 1964 certainly was eventful, but it's nothing compared to what's coming to Hollyhill, Kentucky, and the Brooke family next. The past is coming to call, threatening to destroy the relationships that everyone thought were so strong. Two people--one thought to be gone for good and the other no one's ever heard of--are making their way to the small town. And it promises trouble for everyone.

Review:

Ann Gabhart spins a pleasing tale of family, love, and small town life in Summer of Joy. Set in the 1960s while men go to Vietnam and the Beetles sing about love, David balances work, a congregation and an eclectic family. Leigh loves David and wants more than anything to join his lovable clan.

Hollyhill is full of quirky and lovable characters layered with lives of complication, compassion, and faith. I enjoyed meeting each one and watching them bloom. Ann does an amazing job creating the people in this small town. From young Jocie, the local archivist and wanna be journalist to Zella, romance reader and top notch Christian, readers will love the entertaining story lines as the folks are intertwined in each others’ lives. I enjoyed stepping back in time to a slower pace. Grab a cup of coffee and slip into this touching story, sprinkled with comedy and suspense.

Photos from http://www.annhgabhart.com/index.html

Spring!

Little Flower Bed

Little flower bed--
buried in brown leaves,
dead stems, and wilted fingers--
longs for bursts of fuchsia, gold,
India green and tangerine.

Melted snow
saturated the soil. Woke the roots.
The black-eyed Susan babies
(a friend shared last year)
race to break through.

My little garden dreams
of spring. Fresh buds, rubber-red peony sprouts,
gray lavender, drooping columbine,
jewel toned zinnias.

Soon, little garden, soon.

Honored to have an article in Southern Writers magazine

My article "Always a Tourist" is featured in the March/April issue of Southern Writers magazine.

A Stroke of Art

If you live near a city or an artsy town, you may have visited studios hosting painting parties. Friday evening, two of my daughters, my niece, and I spent the evening at Stroke of Art where art is a party. The cozy studio tucked into a corner in Withamsville, Ohio hosts painting parties, special events and art for children.

Our Instructor Carrie

When we arrived, our instructor, Carrie, greeted us with a kind welcome. She set us up with easels, canvas, paints, water, brushes and pallet knives. As a group, we selected the painting we wanted to create. Even though we followed the same idea, our choice of colors and our personal styles made our finished art unique.

As much as I appreciated the perfect set-up with generous supplies, I loved the laughter, encouragement and camaraderie with the girls. We snapped pictures, reminisced, admired each other’s work and just enjoyed being together.

No matter your ability, I highly recommend this fun experience.

Do you have an art studio where you can paint or have an art party? If you do, please share.

Spring is Coming

Tired of snow and cold weather? It’s almost March and soon we’ll see tulips blooming, trees budding, and daffodils dancing. Children will run outside and play, and winter coats will return to our closets. 

As much as I love winter, I also appreciate spring. I’m sure God knew we’d need a ray of hope towards the end of the white, cold winter. 

I hope this photo, I took near Travelers Rest, SC a few years ago, brings you joy and hope for spring.

The Dream Dress by Janice Thompson

The Dream Dress by Janice Thompson

Book 3 in the Weddings by Design series

Stitched together with love and laughter, The Dream Dress introduces us to Gabi Delgado, wedding dress designer. Trouble is she spends more time sewing hems, altering bodices and securing beads than sketching dresses. Has designing become a distant dream lost in the piles of satin and lace? Not if her friends can help it.

This romantic comedy has just the right blend of funny, lovable characters who take Gabi with them on their journey as they serve God. From Gabi’s rude and demanding boss to her attractive acquaintance, Jordan Singer, author Janice Thompson punches up their story with humor and romance.  I laughed out loud at this delightful tale of wishes and dreams.

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading about weddings, falling in love, the wedding industry or just a sweet read. Five stars.

Description from the back of the book:

A lowly seamstress at a swanky bridal boutique, Gabi Delgado dreams of doing more than ripping out seams and fitting dresses to doe-eyed brides. She wants to see her own original dress designs gracing the young women of Texas. But when Jordan Singer, reporter for Texas Bride magazine, visits the shop to do a feature, Gabi is humbled in his influential--and unnervingly handsome--presence.

Convinced she'll never get her dreams off the ground now, Gabi needs lots of encouragement--especially from her friend Bella Neeley--to take a chance and start her business. And as she gets to know Jordan, she discovers that she may have to take a chance on love as well.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of reviewing this book honestly.