Is there a Small Town You Love?

I grew up near a small town and to this day, I'd say that's a good thing. 

We lived in the country and traveled to town for groceries at Woody's, named after the owner. Hardwood floors held metal shelves filled with items like the latest Jell-O-Dream Whip treat. My brother worked there and the butcher knew the cut of meat my mom wanted before I asked. 

My sister worked at O'Dell's drug store. Sometimes after school, I'd walk to the store to wait on her. He had the best comic book display in town. Down the street, stood the local library. Another place I spent many hours. One librarian kept the place running. Many a treasured stories went home with me, where I spent hours on the front porch with the characters, who rode horses, solved mysteries and lived in fascinating places.

As I write my own stories, I try to weave in some of the small town charm I remember. America still touts many villages and communities that offer folks a quaint, friendly experience. Check back to read about some our countries wonderful small towns and the delights of living there.

Is there a small town you love?  

Turtle Creek ~ Where I Live in My Imagination

In the series I'm currently writing, I've created the community of Turtle Creek, Ohio. I used elements from three towns close to the area where the imaginary Turtle Creek is located. Over the winter one of the small towns upgraded their downtown and created a lovely small town environment. Here are a few pictures of the beautification:

The majestic court house.

Black fencing with new trees.

I love the brick walkways-they sparkle.

Islands of foliage and flowers.

A hometown feel.

Blind Trust by Sandra Orchard

BlindTrust by Sandra Orchard

Kate Adams had no idea she was carrying counterfeit money and can't believe that it came from her sweet elderly neighbor. Or that it has landed her in the middle of another of Detective Tom Parker's investigations. Determined to prove her neighbor's innocence, Kate stumbles into a pit of intrigue far deeper than a two-bit counterfeit operation--and one that strikes too close to home for comfort.

As family secrets come to light, her world--and her budding romance with Tom--begin to crumble. To Kate, it's clear that she won't be safe until she uncovers all of Port Aster's secrets. But then will it be too late for her and Tom?

Review:
Kate Adams is in trouble again, and Detective Tom Parker wants to protect her. In Book 2 of the Port Aster Secrets series, Sandra Orchard sets the pace of this page turner in the first paragraph. As Kate struggles with accusations and the mystery that shrouds her father’s death, Tom works to catch counterfeiters. As the two become entwined in intrigue and secrecy, the story races to an intense end and leaves the reader anxious for book 3.

If you enjoy fast paced suspense with a bit of romance, you’ll enjoy Blind Trust.

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

Great Reads for Summer

I just finished Debbie Macomber's Blossom Street Brides. I've read the whole series and enjoyed every one.




The Shop on Blossom Street 2004
A Good Yarn 2005                                            
Susannah’s Garden (related stand-alone) 2006

Back on Blossom Street 2007

Twenty Wishes 2008

Summer on Blossom Street 2009

Hannah’s List 2010

The Twenty-First Wish 2011

A Turn in the Road 2011

Starting Now 2013

Blossom Street Brides 2014

Check them out from your local library.

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.