While Love Stirs by Lorna Seilstad

Description from Revell web site:

As a graduate of Fannie Farmer's School of Cookery, Charlotte Gregory is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel, lecture, and give cooking demonstrations on the very latest kitchen revolution--the gas stove. And she certainly doesn't mind that the gas company has hired the kindhearted Lewis Mathis to entertain at her lectures.

Lewis encourages Charlotte's work, especially her crusade to introduce fresh, appetizing, nutritious food to those convalescing in hospitals. But young hospital superintendent Dr. Joel Brooks is not convinced any changes should be made--especially by this outspoken young woman.

When Charlotte and Joel are coerced into planning a fund-raising gala for the hospital, will this combustible pair explode?

Follow the second Gregory sister as she looks for true love and makes her way in a rapidly changing world in this breezy, lighthearted love triangle that will keep you guessing. 

My review:
Lorna Seilstad draws from history to create a realistic backdrop for Charlotte Gregory’s adventures in cooking. This spunky character faces challenges with hope and determination even when two handsome men distract and fluster her. Strong female characters surround Charlotte as she breaks into a new role. She’s not just a cook, she tries her hand selling a brand new product to the women of Wisconsin.

As much as I enjoyed Charlotte’s story of progress in the kitchen and love on the burner, too many details bogged down the story about two-thirds of the way through. I’m giving the book four stars because the author did a great job capturing the time period and drawing out interesting characters. If you enjoy historical fiction with a light touch, you’ll like While Love Stirs.

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

Wednesday Wisdom

One Perfect Spring by Irene Hannon

Book Description from Revell Books:

Independent single mom Claire Summers is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Workaholic Keith Watson is interested only in the bottom line--until a letter from Claire's eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk and changes everything.

As the executive assistant to a philanthropic businessman, Keith is used to fielding requests for donations. But the girl isn't asking for money. She wants help finding the long-lost son of a neighbor. As Keith reluctantly digs into this assignment in his usual results-oriented style, he has no idea how involved he and Claire will become--nor how unusual the results will actually be. Who could have guessed that a child's kindhearted request would bring love and hope to so many lives . . . including his own?

My Review:
Irene Hannon knows how to write romance. One Perfect Spring carried me to that place where nothing else seems to matter except the beautifully written story in front of me. Whether reading about Claire and her daughter, Haley, and the trials of everyday life or Keith’s journey to find peace and understand life, Irene’s well-developed characters and crisp descriptions kept me turning the pages.

As much as I enjoyed following Claire and Keith’s story, I loved Maureen and David’s tale of discovery. The stories are woven together like a colorful Jacquard tapestry. If you enjoy well-written stories about love and life, you’ll love One Perfect Spring.

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

Hello Spring!

Tulips welcoming spring

Crab apple tree enjoying the sunshine

Willow tree branching out

Easter Happiness, Easter Joy!

CC by Wordless Thursday

Easter comes as the flowers bloom and the earth wakes up with greening leaves and blooming buds. The beauty of the earth surrounds us and the promise of warm weather lingers on the edge of the day. Children search for eggs fashioned with colors and designs and even find baskets filled with treats. The fun of Easter blesses us with happiness. The joy of Easter fills us with hope. I praise God for his son and the love he showed us. I've posted an Easter devotion at http://encouragementjourney.blogspot.com/2014/04/he-has-risen.html. I'd love for you to read it then share an Easter blessing. 

Value of Libraries

I was asked to write a letter to the editor of our local paper. The branch manager at the library explained that the library levy was set to come up in May. I was happy to oblige. The letter was published in both local papers along with others who voiced the need for the levy to pass. I want to share the letter here because I believe that we need libraries in all communities. If your library is up for vote, please show support. As a reader and a writer, I appreciate what the public library has to offer.

Dear Editor:

When I was a little girl, I loved visiting the library. I’d roam through the stacks seeking a story that would sweep me into another time or place. Little Women, Ann of Green Gables, Marguerite Henry’s horse tales, including Misty of Chincoteague entertained me for hours. As an adult with young children, I took my daughters to the library for books, videos and music. We’d read stories together and pick out movies for family night. When I worked at a public library I loved matching patrons with books, especially children. Many of the senior population depended on the library’s resources.

Now this wonderful public service has evolved to offer not only books, magazines, and newspapers. They also have ebooks, DVDs, books on CD, digital downloads, large print books, homebound delivery, free programs for children, teens and adults, meeting rooms for public use, computers, and so much more. Many children look forward to the library’s summer reading program. The activities and challenges offer a wonderful way for kids to keep up their reading skills during the summer. One of my favorite aspects of the library is the web site. It offers easy access to books and items across the state of Ohio. I can place a hold on a book from a library in Toledo and the currier carries it to southern Ohio for me to check out. They also have the latest best sellers in fiction and nonfiction and offer assistance for job seekers.

In May, the citizens of our county will have the opportunity to renew the levy for the public libraries. What a privilege to be part of the renewal process. When the levy passes the average homeowner will pay less than the price of a quarter pounder (per month) for all of these offerings. I don’t know about you, but I’d love to see the levy pass. If you aren’t a library user, go to one of the branches and check out the incredible resources available to all users. Then show up at the polls and vote yes for our library.

What do you love about your library?

Book Review: What Follows After by Dan Walsh

Back Cover Summary:

In October 1962, Colt Harrison and his little brother, Timmy, hatched a plan. They would run away from their Florida home, head for their aunt's house in Savannah, Georgia, and refuse to come home until their parents got back together. But things go terribly, terribly wrong. Colt's mother and father must come to grips with years of neglect and mistrust in order to recover their beloved sons, their love for one another, and their broken marriage.

I loved this well-written page-turner written by an author who goes right to the heart of the story. Dan allows the reader a peek into the present, then sweeps them into 1962. I would have been five years old when the story took place. The memories I have from that era are confirmed by his thorough research and well painted picture of the times. He incorporates the American Dream, of those times, and the views on family and life as he tells the story of a broken family and their journey to recovery.

I finished the book in two days, which is rare for me. As a reader, I sometimes struggle with books written by male authors, but Dan has his finger on the pulse of the characters' emotions as he places them in a world of fear, faith, and love. If you enjoy well-written, fast-paced stories about family and faith, read What Follows After. Five + stars.