"The River" by Beverly Lewis

The River (Sept. 2, 2014) by Beverly Lewis.

Having never been baptized in their Old Order Amish church in [fictional] Eden Valley, Pennsylvania, in [factual] Lancaster County, formerly Amish sisters Tilly Barrows (née Lantz) and Ruth Lantz are not shunned by their family or community, but there remains no lack of guilt. The sisters left for completely different reasons. Tilly, eight years Ruthie’s senior, is racked with guilt over the death of her youngest sister, Anna, nine years ago. Tilly left Eden Valley eight years ago and never returned. Not for a visit, not for a nostalgic-yet-secret visit, not to introduce her family to her Englischer husband, Kris, or their now-four-year-old identical twin daughters, Jenya and Tavani. She also carries memories of a tough childhood, lacking the love her dad seemed to shower on everyone but her.

            Their parents, Lester and Sylvia, are about to celebrate a hallmark wedding anniversary (40 years). Celebrating such events, however big a milestone, is not a norm in Amish society, so the sisters are surprised at this. Then they find out that their father’s health is in decline. Modern medical advancements could help him, but he’s stubborn. Their father’s worrisome health prompts Ruthie to return to Lancaster County, but she doesn’t want to go without Tilly at her side for support. Ruthie never married after her failed courtship with Wilmer Kauffman, nor has she forgotten Will. Both sisters, while remaining God-fearing, faithful women, have their individual struggles with returning to their childhood home. They seek redemption, and, in Tilly’s case, maybe even the confirmation of love.

            When they left, they didn’t turn around and look back. What will transpire when they return? The past is past, but can members of the Lantz family overcome the tension of years ago in less than a week?

            Lancaster County seems like such an idyllic place, and it’s an actual county on the map. I love that, no matter what struggles the characters are facing, faith centers them and love fills them. Sometimes it must be re-discovered or strengthened, but it’s there. Lewis has created another heartfelt novel of love, forgiveness, facing the past and finding inspiration toward a brighter tomorrow. The journey through the story isn’t fraught with danger, but it is burdened by guilt and sorrow, love lost and love seemingly absent. Lewis is always good about tying up her stories with a nice bow, and I like that about her books, because there is always a great message to go along with it. Case in point: Life has thrown Tilly lemons, and while it seems that she’s made lemonade out of those lemons, she has in fact been harboring tart seeds of guilt for a long time. She doesn’t only need to forgive others, but she must also forgive herself. For how can she truly move forward when she’s dwelling on the past? How can any of us?

"Percy Jackson's Greek Gods" by Rick Riordan

Random piece of advice if you buy this book: Know where you’re going to store it. This book is just over nine inches wide and just over a foot tall. So if you think it’s going to fit nicely on your bookshelf, think again! (Unless you have a shelf specifically for oversized books, in which case I’m envious!) :-)

Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods (Aug. 19, 2014) by Rick Riordan.

What is the best way to describe this space-taking book? I wouldn’t really describe it as an encyclopedia, though it is, in a sense. However, it’s written from the perspective of Percy Jackson, who, for those unfamiliar with him, is a fictional character with his own series of books. And he isn’t just any fictional character, he’s a demigod. And calling this a fact list might be to take a few liberties. Although it’s based on plenty of research, it is research based on myths, so take that as you will. I’d like to call this a compendium. It’s a collection of the major Greek gods and goddesses with a sort-of pre-history, all explained in Percy Jackson’s words.

            Percy, if you don’t know, is a teen, full of sarcasm and smack talk, but also full of bravery and heart, not to mention the ability to control water. It’s a handy talent, but probably unsurprising for a son of the sea god. Percy is up to his usual ribbing of his, um, elders by helpfully informing readers of things such as “… this dude’s ego does not need to get any bigger,” when glancing on Zeus. And don’t forget great chapter headings such as ‘Demeter Turns Into Grainzilla,’ ‘Ares, the Manly Man’s Manly Man,’ and ‘Apollo Sings and Dances and Shoots People.’

            One of the main reasons this book is great is Percy Jackson’s perspective. Even more  than the Percy Jackson series or The Kane Chronicles, it seems like Percy talks to you, the reader, more than ever. It isn’t Rick Riordan talking about a bunch of super powerful old gods; it’s Percy talking about his super powerful, horrific, back-stabbing, twisted, ancient relatives in his usual snarky manner. It’s like the who’s who of ancient Greeks. (That would be a good title, actually: Who’s Who Among the Ancient Greeks? Someone work on that book, but remember to give me credit for that title! Ha.)

            If you know what I like to read, then you probably think that I enjoyed this book by default. That’s not true. I mean, I did enjoy this book. I even loved the personality of the book (even though I know it’s an inanimate object). A lot. I laughed out loud more times than I can count and didn’t care who witnessed it. But I didn’t declare I loved this book by default. I read it first. Because you never know when a favorite author will produce something that you don’t find favorable. However, readers have nothing to worry about with this book. It is hilarious, filled with sardonic flair, whip-smart storytelling and plenty of cheekiness. The Titans and Olympians are the gold standard when it comes to dysfunctional families. As Percy says in the introduction, “There will be blood.” Yes. Yes, there will be. And it seems to be a recurring theme …