Trondhjem's Pie & Ice Cream Social 2016

Thanks for tuning in to another one of my Social poems! I encourage you to read the lead comment below for an opportunity that you may want to participate in.  In fact, I hope you DO participate ... at least 25 of you!

Trondhjem’s Pie & Ice Cream Social 2016

Stop here on red. Green light. Now, go, go, GO

To Trondhjem Lutheran Church where fellowship is aglow.

The Pie & Ice Cream Social begins at 5.

On September 18^th, we’ll be as a bustling beehive.

The kitchen will serve up Linda’s sloppy joes.

As for dessert, I think few will oppose

A celebration of pies and fireworks of flavor,

The tricky choice being of which pie to savor?

Might you want apple, peach or heavenly cherry?

Chocolate, non-fruit or a meringue-topped fairy?

There will be an array of options quite vast

To ensure that we enjoy a tasty repast.

Be sure to check out the silent auction upstairs.

Which items will catch you unawares?

Not to be ignored is our buy-and-take sale

Where baked goods and other homemade foods prevail.

WELCA is raffling a quilt that’s king-sized

Featuring warm colors and a plush-backed surprise.

Donated by Mona with tickets a dollar apiece,

Buy more than one, so for your chances, increase.

Proceeds from the Social will for Haiti help fund

A birthing center and bin homes. It’s a good sort of stunned

For those at GoServ Global who deliver hope

And spread God’s love. They request bars of soap.

Please come on 9/18 in sunshine or rain

To a fond place amidst fields of grain.

We at Trondhjem await you to welcome you here,

But for now have a blessed huzzah and a cheer!

Rutabaga's Reads 2016: Part 1

It has been awhile since I’ve compiled a post featuring more than one book. Here is my first compilation post for 2016. I nicknamed it “Past Hodgepodge,” since the three books are from different genres and/or age categories, and I read them all a couple years ago.

A Change of Fortune (Nov. 1, 2012) by Jen Turano.

Historical Romance Christian Fiction.

After losing her faith, fiancé and fortune, Lady Eliza Sumner travels from London to New York City to track down her stolen fortune. Stripping herself of her outwardly noble appearance, she becomes known as Miss Sumner, governess-at-large for the Watson family. She is tracking down Bartholomew Hayes, who’s been living grandly off of her fortune under the false aristocratic name of Lord Southmoor. Unfortunately, her covert operations aren’t so inconspicuous when Agatha Watson (not one of her charges) invites herself along. Eliza ends up fired by Mr. Watson.

            Brothers Hamilton and Zayne Beckett are around when Eliza’s thrown out and so Hamilton invites her to stay at his home. He’s a widower with two young children: Piper (short for Penelope – age 5) and Ben (age 3), but as his mother, Mrs. Gloria Beckett, is also staying at his home, it is not improper that Eliza is staying there, too. Although he’s sworn off dating, he’s drawn to Eliza. That’s no small feat considering he and Zayne first meet her wearing a very ill-fitting puce dinner gown with a stuffed bodice and bad spectacles. Hamilton is seeking out a weasel as well, one Eugene Daniels. And it turns out that Bartholomew and Eugene are connected, which in turn connects Eliza and Hamilton (as far as the investigation goes). Eliza wants to find her fortune and return to England, though she is indubitably drawn to Hamilton.

            After reading the subsequent books courtesy of the publisher, I finally got around to reading the series’ first book, and I’m glad I finally did. This debut novel remains lighthearted despite the danger, and those believing in faith and prayer are never overbearing with their beliefs. “A Change of Fortune” is delightful and filled with adventure thanks to Turano’s strong-willed female characters. There are points to make one grimace, though, like when Eliza loses the skirt of her gown. Fortunately, she’s wearing trousers underneath, but still. *shudder* Hamilton and Eliza’s path to declaring love is not easy, of course, and is full of blunders and awkwardness, but we all know it’ll end well. A change of fortune is in store, after all, and surely it’ll be a happy one for the main characters!

            Book 2: A Most Peculiar Circumstance

            Book 3: A Talent for Trouble

            Book 4: A Match of Wits

Live to See Tomorrow (Apr. 29, 2014) by Iris Johansen.

Adult Suspense Fiction.

There’s always a madman. In this case, it’s Paul Kadmus, a monster with a god complex who’s obsessed with the idea of a Shangri-La (Shambhala). He thinks it’s his destiny to find it, and it all started with a lotus necklace. American journalist Erin Sullivan has one. Tortured in the mountains of Tibet, she’s rescued by CIA operative Catherine Ling. Catherine’s beautiful, lethal and mad-as-all-get-out. She’s mad (understatement) over what Kadmus has done to Erin and she’s mad that Venable’s sent her on an assignment that takes her away from her son, Luke, again. She has Hu Chang safeguarding her son in her absence, but that’s a small comfort when they both show up in Tibet. In Tibet with Richard Cameron. Cameron’s an unknown quantity to her with his Guardian title and unnerving ability to get inside her mind (literally). She needs to keep him around to help keep Erin and Luke safe, but she isn’t 100% sure he can be trusted. From Hong Kong to Tibet to San Francisco, they can’t keep Kadmus away indefinitely. Eventually they’ll have to confront him, but will it be on their terms? Or his?

            I like that Johansen has created an Asian female lead. Still, the novel is as predictable as her other novels. Not a lot of variation – just new names. At this point, I keep reading her books just because I’ve read so many of them. The novel is full of action and danger, but the content isn’t new. I don’t want to discourage you from reading her books, so know that I’ll likely continue to read them, at least as long as she keeps an Asian lead around.

            Keep in mind that this is considered adult fiction, so there are scattered expletives, and there are some provocative scenes in the book. At times, there was too much focus on the physical tension between the characters when there should’ve been more of a focus on Erin, Luke and ridding the world of one more bad man. Of course, that is my simple opinion. It’s also my opinion that these new and relatively new characters – Catherine, Luke, Hu Chang, Erin, Cameron – should live to see tomorrow and keep on living so Johansen will write more books featuring them.

Teardrop (Oct. 22, 2013) by Lauren Kate.

Young Adult Supernatural Fiction.

Crying is not allowed. That has been drilled into Eureka Boudreaux’s mind since she was a little girl. By her mother. Who’s dead. Now Eureka’s left with a father and stepmother who don’t understand her, half-siblings she actually loves even if her step-monster-mother doesn’t see it, Cat Estes (her gal best friend), Noah Brooks (her guy best friend) and Ander, a mysterious, blond-haired boy with pale skin and turquoise eyes “like the ocean in Miami.” He seems to know more than he lets on, and it weighs heavily. Eureka doesn’t know it yet, but Ander is a Seedbearer.

            There is a story about a girl who, so aggrieved, cried an entire continent into the sea. To Eureka, it is the stuff of fiction. But Seedbearers are purported descendents of those from the lost continent of Atlantis. The Seedbearers – with Ander as the exception – believe that Atlantis’  rising could only be an apocalypse and so they determine to kill the Tearline. The Tearline is always female, but one hasn’t been around since the 1930s. And it isn’t just the Seedbearers whose interest is piqued when a Tearline is born. The Atlanteans themselves notice as well, but they are evil (powerful, too). It will take awhile for Eureka to learn all of this information. For the moment, all she’s armed with is her mother’s legacy, which is confusing at best: a locket, a book in an odd language, a “thunderstone” and, best of all, a handwritten letter. And Ander. But what does it all mean?

            Despite this being a work of supernatural fiction, there is a sense of destiny for the main character. Destiny may seem strong for a seventeen-year-old, but it is there in her lack of tears and in Ander’s sudden involvement in Eureka’s life. A relationship is definitely blooming between Ander and Eureka, but that didn’t feel like the main point of this tale. The first in a new series, there is mystery and plenty of questions. I do wish Eureka had learned more about Atlantis earlier on in the story, but I understand the author is setting up her tale. The locale (Louisiana bayou) is very descriptive through Kate’s words, and her characters have a richness and depth which I appreciate when being “introduced” to new characters. It’s a brave new world for Eureka, at least, once she finds things out. A dangerous but exciting one, and one that can be washed away … with a good cry?

"The Storybook of Legends" by Shannon Hale

If you ever wander down the toy aisle, maybe you’ve noticed the Ever After High dolls from Mattel. This storyline was their idea. And if you like fairytales, it’s a very good idea!

            This review only covers the very first book in the first trilogy of the Ever After High series. The series continues with stories by Suzanne Selfors, all of which are as cutely enjoyable to read as those by Shannon Hale. I read this first book over 1 ½ years ago and had meant to review the three books by Hale, but since I never did, I thought I’d post the one-book review that I had written.

Ever After High: The Storybook of Legends (Oct. 8, 2013) by Shannon Hale.

Lately it seems that to be a fairytale villainess means you get to wear wickedly** awesome clothes. But Raven Queen doesn’t care. Hex no! She’s next in line to be the Evil Queen and poison dear, sweet Apple White – daughter of Snow White, of course – so she can be kissed by her own Prince Charming – whose name is Daring – and live happily ever after. Blah, blah, blah. The Evil Queen wants Raven to follow her gloriously evil example, but Raven has always been nice. Which is not hexcellent. The start of the school year is fairy-fail, as others around her are beginning to startle at the sight of her and even run the other way. As if that’s not enough, she has to chase down her advisor’s cottage just to get her class schedule and the one hextbook she wants she doesn’t have, because she was denied entrance to Muse-ic class on account that it’s not a villainous class. And this year is important for Raven, Apple, Daring and others. It is their Legacy Year, where they sign the Storybook of Legends and seal their classic storybook fates. Some will get their Happily Ever Afters. But for some others, like Raven, it has to be a Happily Never After.

            Or does it?

            I don’t care that this is a middle-grade novel; it is terrific fairytale fiction. Hale’s writing has depth, but not so much that it would confuse the target demographic (8-12-year-olds). Instead, she writes a wonderful plot, familiar in its utilization of fairytales, but focusing on their progeny instead, and unique in the presentation of the storyline. Her writing is full of humor and there is no limit on fairytale wordplay or the presence of magic. After all, it’s a fairytale-in-progress for these characters. Sure, there’s a bit of emphasis on clothes, but what do you expect? A princess’ wardrobe is important! (Besides, Mattel is never short on doll clothing and accessories.) This first book is fun but not completely juvenile, frothy and frilly but not without depth. It features a strong girl in a school full of the usual teenager angst, albeit with magical fairytale style, who wants to make her own choices. This story is good fun. Royally good!

** All puns are intended!

~   ~   ~   ~   ~

 Below are the chronological covers through 2016, NOT including companion novels.

 

"A Tapestry of Secrets" by Sarah Loudin Thomas

A Tapestry of Secrets (Aug. 2, 2016) by Sarah Loudin Thomas.*

Three generations of women, so different and yet so interconnected, are weighed down by their own minds. Perla Phillips has carried the burden of a heavy secret for six decades, and just when she’s determined to share the story, the opportunity is taken from her, not once, but twice. By keeping a secret born of shame and pride, has she missed the chance to reveal the story to those who matter most to her? Sadie Phillips has, at best, a strained relationship with her mother. She wants to ask her the identity of her birthfather, but stubbornness and deep-seated anger have kept her in a seething silence. Can her relationship with her mother be saved? Ella Phillips’ life is not fitting the dream she had in mind. She had a failed engagement, but now has two potential suitors. She also feels drawn to where she grew up when she goes to see her grandmother. Does Ella feel like she’s truly returned home?

            “A Tapestry of Secrets” is a Christian, contemporary fiction novel. At the heart of the book, to me, is the legacy of a family and how it has created deep roots throughout the generations. Character Seth Markley recognizes those roots and is drawn to them, not having deep roots of his own. Ella takes her roots for granted, as it is so easy for any of us to do, and struggles through much of the story with trying to attach herself to a physical object (her home church) instead of our Creator God, though she says that she’s a Christian. Loudin Thomas writes with warmth and nostalgia, but doesn’t forget to include trials of the past affecting actions and/or thoughts of the present. She weaves the story as well as Ella creates a tapestry.

            My negative in reading the story was Ella, and it’s a big one, because, unfortunately, she’s one of the main characters. It is clear that Ella has a big heart, otherwise she wouldn’t bother to care for her grandmother, nor would she be such a stout supporter of her church. But it goes back to attaching herself to a physical object. Change is almost never easy, and Ella really handled things childishly. She would pout, plant her hands on her hips and use an accusatory tone in meeting someone for the first time. She would stomp around, fling doors open aggressively and aim to pick conversational fights with others. She acted like an angsty teenager, and I almost hoped she was one. Instead, she turns 29 during the story. She redeems herself by the story’s end, but her undignified behavior was a real turn-off of her character for me, and I did NOT find myself rooting for her.

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Without Warning" by Lynette Eason

Without Warning (Aug. 2, 2016) by Lynette Eason.*
A Taste of Yesterday Restaurant’s owner, Daniel Matthews, is being targeted. Someone wants him out of business and him out of the picture completely, and this someone will go to any lengths to make it happen. There’s a dead body, gunfire, arson and bombs involved. It all makes for a very bad week. As a former Marine and Criminal Investigation Division (CID) agent, Daniel feels he’s more than capable of watching his own back. But there’s his niece, Riley, to keep safe, and she’s just as determined to be a keeper for Uncle Daniel.

            Though Katie Singleton of the Elite Guardians Protection Agency falls into the assignment, Riley also approaches her about hiring her to be Daniel’s bodyguard. With the threats and stalking, having Katie and her partners on hand is an asset. The Elite Guardians are adept at everything from self-defense to hostage negotiations to hand-to-hand combat. Katie is a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI), a Certified Explosive Specialist and now a bodyguard. The Guardians are all exemplary, but they’re not exempt from harm. They will all have to work together to halt the killer – and perhaps an accomplice – before more lives are lost.

            A Christian, romantic suspense fiction novel with an independent, capable and strong lead female character? A character that can defend herself and others with dexterity and strength? Yes, please! I will root for a strong lead female character every time and the fact that Katie is of mixed heritage is even more favorable. Although I’ve read a short story from Lynette Eason, this was my first novel by her, and I loved it. It was stimulating to read, as you took the clues in along with the characters. You paid attention. The novel starts off strong from the starting gate and only keeps building. This is the second book in Eason’s “Elite Guardians” series, and I definitely plan to purchase the first book, because this is a series I want to be in the know of! With her combination of exciting plot, three-dimensional characters and suspense, this is a story for anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel, though one without all of the graphic violence and gore. There’s inspiration as well, though not of the preachy variety. I’ll leave you with one of Riley’s beyond-her-seventeen-years quotes: “It helps that I know God’s motives are good even when he allows bad things to happen.” That is so true, and I know we all need that reminder from time to time, myself included!

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Part 1: A Picture is Worth ...

… Thousands and Thousands of Words! When I initially took this picture near the beginning of July, this was my pile of never-been-read books. As of today, I’ve gotten through three-eighths of them.

            The “props” of the display have special meaning. The clock was made by my grandfather. The So Many Books So Little Time sign was a gift from my coworker, Melisa M. You can’t tell it from the picture, but the border has eyeglass frames all over it, and no, my coworker did not do that herself (I understand she found it on Zulily). The significance of that is that we are both opticians in an eye care clinic. What great props and perfect for the staging of this photo!

            Happy reading, Everyone!