Rutabaga's Reads 2018: Part 7

Because it is my favorite category, I read a lot of YA (young-adult) novels. And because I have received them from publishers, I next read a healthy amount of inspirational fiction titles. Then I read a fair amount of middle-grade stories. I will read from any age category, though certain age categories hold more weight for me than others. This compilation features novels geared for adults. However, since I don’t read a lot of adult fiction, there are only two titles here.

No Easy Target (Apr. 25, 2017) by Iris Johansen.

*This is a standalone novel with occasional recurring characters.*

Some people say they like animals more than humans. Margaret Douglas would be one such person, but it’s for a far more unique reason: she has the ability to communicate with them and understand them in a way that the animal understands. She changes her name as needed and never stays in one place overlong. The violence in her past has a name, and it’s Stan Nicos. He knows her ability, and he wants to use it for nefarious purposes. She escaped from him once and vowed never to return to Vadaz Island. But John Lassiter found her. It took him far longer than he’d have liked, but found her he has. Someone close to him is a captive of Nicos’, and he’s prepared to use Margaret as bait. Naturally, she fights that, and the two try to outwit the other until something of a tentative understanding comes to light. They have a common enemy, so they need to match wits to outwit him.

            I’ve been reading Johansen’s novels now for so long, that I automatically preorder them when a mass market edition is available, but I do ask myself why I keep buying her books. They are action-filled thrillers with macho men and steely women. A splash of the supernatural (like with Margaret’s ability) is not uncommon. The bad guys are always the great evils of the books. The baddies never have a moral compass, and the word “ethics” is probably not in their vocabularies. It’s a lot of the same, but with different characters and different locales.

            Perhaps 2019 will be the year that I quit preordering her books. I do not read those she writes with her son, Roy Johansen, so I’ve got that going for me. Her books are not bad; they’re simply very predictable.

Two by Two (Oct. 4, 2016) by Nicholas Sparks.

*This is a standalone novel.*

Idyllic life for the Green family is about to fall apart. Russell has missed all the telltale signs. After he leaves his job (before being fired), entrepreneur Russ starts the advertising company he’s dreamed of: Phoenix Agency. But building a client base is slow-going, which prompts his wife, Vivian, to get a job. She quickly secures a well-paying job. Suddenly, Russ finds himself bussing London to her numerous activities (even though she’s only five/six), while trying to gain his first client. Vivian’s new job is demanding, and she’s often on overnight trips. When they’re together, she’s very hot and cold. Vivian’s also masterful at making Russ feel like the guilty party. Every. Single. Time. While it’s so obvious from a reader’s perspective, it comes as a shock when the 32-year-old Russ sees the fault lines of his life are cracks that cannot be repaired.

            Mr. Mom-type character. Good idea. Banter between Russell and his older sister, Marge. Great. Emily’s a strong character, though it takes awhile for her to be involved in the story. Overall, unfortunately, I struggled to read this novel. I was bored. I started this book months ago, and I’ve read almost 20 books in between. Perhaps I missed the lack of suspense as in his more recent novels. Or, and I can’t believe I’m saying this about a Nicholas Sparks novel, it could be that he created an over-watered storyline with lackluster characters. Russ is a needy, over-thinking, naïve, hopeless romantic. Vivian, while a good mother, comes across as vain, spoiled and only beautiful on the outside. Both have woe-is-me mentalities, which, if this were real-life and not fiction, I expect would be damaging in the long-term to London. You know what the outcome of the couple will be, so you can only watch them spiral out-of-sync. The story ended conclusively; it was even a bit emotional, but don’t expect surprises. The disappointment of this novel won’t stop me from reading the next one, but unless you’re a loyal Nicholas Sparks fan (*raises hand*), I’d pass on adding this one to your bookshelf.

"Everything She Didn't Say" by Jane Kirkpatrick

Everything She Didn’t Say (Sept. 4, 2018) by Jane Kirkpatrick.*

In 1877, Carrie Adell “Dell” Strahorn is a newlywed. With a doctor father, she was born into an affluent family. At 25 years old, it would be expected that she’d be a hostess within her own home, accepting calling cards and putting down roots in that new home. Instead, she’ll spend the next 25 years essentially helping to shape the American West with her writer/railroad-promoter/investor husband Robert Strahorn (27 years old). Unbeknownst to her, she’ll become the “Mother of the West” and “Queen of the Pioneers.” But Dell would’ve been thrilled just to be called mother to her own children (she never had children of her own, though she so wanted them). In this fictional tale, the author reads between the lines of the real life character’s memoir “Fifteen Thousand Miles by Stage” to interpret what Dell might’ve been thinking in many situations.

            “Everything She Didn’t Say” is a historical documentary in written form. It is enlightening and intriguing, as the author represents Dell as a woman who shares the rough and tumble times and not as the “happy-lane,” optimistic, pleasant and subordinate wife she often comes across as throughout the story and likely from her husband’s perspective. Dell is quite the actress, plastering on positivity for all outward appearances, but being constantly an adventurer and, initially, quieting her creativity is sapping her inner happiness. At least, that is the impression I got less than 150 pages in. I am struggling with this story. Clearly, I know 1877 was a way different time for women than 2018. Still, I can’t help but be bothered by the almost constant deference to Robert. I will eventually finish this book, but not by this posting. I have skimmed some ahead and came across lines of Robert’s when he states, “We can’t have everything we want. Desires aren’t a right. And when they conflict, well … [o]ne has to give in.” Expect Dell is always the one having to give in. Again, I know it’s a different time than now, even with the women’s suffrage movement gaining speed, but it still bothers me. It’s always Robert’s way, what Robert wants, what Robert says. And THAT is why I am struggling with this story; Robert frustrates me so, which means the author has done a very good job of characterizing him.

* 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.”

Trondhjem's Pie & Ice Cream Social 2018 continued ...

We are one week away from one of my favorite days of the year: Trondhjem’s Pie & Ice Cream Social Day! If you’re up on my blog, you’ll see that I posted my poem for this annual event last week. This post features a handful of photos featuring items that you can see if you, too, attend this year’s Social. The two quilts are the quilts starring in this year’s quilt raffle. The remaining photos spotlight items that will be up for bidding at our Silent Auction upstairs. If you’re able to come, please check out those items and so much more!

This is the larger of the two quilts donated by Trondhjem’s WELCA. It features primarily brown tones. Very neutral.

This is the smaller of the two quilts donated by Trondhjem’s WELCA. It features primarily gray tones. Also very neutral.

These Kate Spade sunglasses were donated by Family Eye Care Center of Austin, MN. The frame’s front is two-toned. The temples (a.k.a. bows) are darker like the top portion of the frame front. Card not included. :-) (The card prop is courtesy of my sister-in-law, Katie.)

The LuLaRoe leggings and gift card were donated by LuLaRoe - Megan Flatness. The leggings are one size. They will be separate auction items. So, if you’re not into leggings or one size isn’t your size, you’ll still have a chance at a LuLaRoe-related item if you so choose.

These books are from me. As in, I bought them and will be placing them on the Silent Auction. They will all be separate bid items. Not one, but four items. As you can see, they represent a variety of genres and aren’t specific to one age group. I have not read any of them, so be warned. Although I’ve bought them once, I’ll gladly buy them back!

Trondhjem's Pie & Ice Cream Social 2018

Trondhjem’s Pie & Ice Cream Social 2018

Knock, knock. Who’s there? We’ve got news to share

Of TLC’s annual social with flair.

It’s our Pie & Ice Cream Social day

On 9/16 at 5. Please come without delay!

Sloppy joes are a must, but what about pie?

Which flavor will make your palate sigh?

Do you have pumpkin, peach or pecan on your list?

Is it chocolate chip or cherry you can’t resist?

Go on upstairs and with the Silent Auction engage

In bidding fun no matter the age.

Might there be books, games or a basket of wine?

Let’s look for handicrafts of the creators’ designs!

Also upstairs are our baked goods tables replete

With buy-and-take goodies for you to yourself treat.

Come early for doughnuts, kolaches, lefse and more,

Then return later for a baked goods encore.

Our quilt raffle this year features not one, but two

WELCA-donated quilts to comfort and renew.

With two quilts to raffle, go on, take a chance.

Purchase $1 tickets for your odds, enhance.

Join us on September 16^th for a merry-go-round of flavor.

Place your bids and find edibles to enjoy and savor.

Our event is a tapestry of tastefulness too fun to diagnose.

Meet us at 5 for your annual Social dose!

Rutabaga's Reads 2018: Part 6

If you’ve perused my blog at all, you’ll notice – especially in the most recent years – that I read a lot of Christian/inspirational fiction. Most of them I have the opportunity to read thanks to the publishers. Those in this compilation are NOT books that I was expected to review.  They are novels which I purchased. All opinions continue to be my own.

Blind Spot (Oct. 3, 2017) by Dani Pettrey.

*This is the third in a series.*

There is a threat coming to American soil. The when is unclear, but FBI agent Declan Grey is working overtime to get ahead of the threat. He is certain something is going to go down in Baltimore, but tracking leads will also take him to Houston. While one major kingpin is behind bars, it appears that he worked closely with another whom they are trying desperately to track down. Declan is getting closer, but it isn’t without the help of a mysterious someone thought lost years ago and a woman he’s inexplicably fallen in love with.

            New to the FBI team is Tanner Shaw. Thanks to her tireless work with sex-trafficking victims at one organization and fighting “for the rights of the marginalized and oppressed” at another, she has landed with the Baltimore-based team as a crisis counselor. This means she works closely with Declan, giving them ample opportunity to follow through on leads, be put in harm’s way more than once and butt heads. She’ll realize she, too, loves him.

            Their other friends – Griffin, Finley, Parker, Avery and Kate – have come into an investigation that became alarmingly critical when someone they knew was murdered. They will undoubtedly solve the staged-suicide-homicide and then, surely, they’ll join the fray racing to stop the “wrath” that is purportedly coming.

            Pettrey writes so well, which makes my reader self very happy. Her story is to embark on a harrowing and gripping ride with strong, charismatic characters whose personal faith bases guide and strengthen them. All of Pettrey’s characters have distinct qualities, though they have their similarities, too (independent, resilient). I feel I’ve got to say, though, that I wish Pettrey would include a lead character one of these days – or in the next series – that features a diverse character, preferably Asian (only because I am). The intensity and action start in the Prologue and do not slow down until the book ends. Looking at the protagonists, it’s easy to see them as good and the antagonists as bad; they are love and the bad are hate. Love will conquer, for “Love defied logic, defied hatred, defied division.”

            Book One: Cold Shot (did not review)

            Book Two: Still Life

Out of the Ashes (Jan. 2, 2018) by Tracie Peterson & Kimberley Woodhouse.

*This is the second in a series.*

Sometimes, all one can do is rise like a phoenix out of the ashes, even though it won’t be easy. Jean-Michel (29 years) and Collette (19 years) Langelier are mourning the death of their father. Jean-Michel was driven to serve in the French army, and now he cannot escape the nightmare-inducing horrors of the Druze Revolt. He can’t escape in his sleep, nor his waking hours, as his leg is a constant physical reminder of what happened to him and of those he couldn’t save. Meanwhile, Collette yearns for adventure, and with Jean-Michel now looking after her, they take up an invitation to go to Alaska’s Curry Hotel at the foot of Denali. Collette is learning the hard way how selfish she has been, only thinking of herself and not of the pain of anyone else, especially her brother’s.

            There is a main reason Jean-Michel accepted the invitation, and it involves Katherine Harrison Demarchis (25 years). A young widow, she does not mourn her late senator husband. Instead, she is relieved, but she has much healing ahead of her as well. To trust any man now seems impossible. Unbeknownst to her, the Curry Hotel has a certain Frenchman in attendance for the summer, the very one from her past whom she still loves. Both have been broken by different faces of violence. Can they heal together, and, in so doing, rediscover the bond once shared?

            With Jean-Michel, Katherine and even Collette in their own wounded places, it’s intriguing and encouraging to watch them grow in faith in this story of hope and healing. The authors include a character battling through PTSD and another trying to heal from past domestic abuse. Seeking the Lord helped their characters immensely, which is not the route everyone in those situations would go to, but considering that this is an inspirational, historical fiction novel, this route worked wonders for their characters. I think it’s commendable that the authors went those routes with, not one, but two, characters, to tell us that any stigma that anyone may harbor toward either PTSD or domestic abuse is unfounded. Sometimes I thought the multiple-character perspectives were too many, but I still enjoyed this story. It’s heartfelt, but not without trial and tribulation. A bit busy, but I rooted for the new characters, even “that Scotsman” in Chef Daniel Ferguson. It was pleasant having familiar characters from the first book in this second in The Heart of Alaska series. I look forward to greeting them all again in the next book!

            Favorite quote: “But you mustn’t let worries over what might be steal the joy of what is. Life is full of both beauty and danger, and we must give attention to both, but we should never let worry steal our focus. Otherwise, we see neither the beauty nor the danger and suffer because of it.” – John Ivanoff to Collette Langelier (p. 107)

            Book One: In the Shadow of Denali

The Proving (Sept. 5, 2017) by Beverly Lewis.

*This is a standalone novel.*

Five years ago, Amanda “Mandy” Dienner was prompted by her mother to leave her home. She did and has been an Englischer ever since. But her mother has unexpectedly passed away, and so the now 23-year-old returns to her childhood home. In returning to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, she returns to the family she left behind, including her twin sister, Arie Mae. Once so close, Mandy turned away from her upon her sister’s betrayal. She needs to successfully run the Amish B&B for one year. There is handsome widower Karl Lantz and his adorable son, Yonnie, but why establish a relationship when she’ll be an Englischer again in a year’s time?

            25-year-old Catrina “Trina” Sutton finally needs a break. Although it’s been a year, she continues to heal after her fiancé was killed by a drunk driver. Possessing a point-blank personality, Trina has difficultly doing anything on a whim, but she signs up for a mystery trip. Instead of a sunny beach, she finds herself at The Butterfly Meadows Amish Bed-and-Breakfast during a snowstorm, where she meets regular guest Gavin O’Connor. He’s annoying and argumentative, yet she hasn’t scared him off. Could he be interested … in her?

            While I enjoyed this novel, I felt there was a different dynamic at play. The main characters, Mandy and Trina, are both refreshingly different than other main characters. Despite both characters having a strong faith base, Mandy struggles greatly with grudge-holding, and Trina has a demanding personality and she’s blunt to boot (the term “control freak” has been whispered behind her back). Although Mandy was never baptized into the Amish church, I noticed that the Amish neighborhood, including many of her own relatives, still seemed to shun her. While I know this is not an uncommon practice, I found it bothersome. They value church and family relationships, but only within the confines of what has been deemed okay? So, for those who do not conform, it is okay to be judgmental? Healing of all kinds is present in this story, as is the openness to love, and not just in the romantic sense.