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.

"A Defense of Honor" by Kristi Ann Hunter

A Defense of Honor (June 5, 2018) by Kristi Ann Hunter.*

After willingly turning away from London society over a decade ago, Katherine “Kit” FitzGilbert finds herself in the type of place she swore never to return to. A ballroom. In so doing, she has promised a dance to a potted shrubbery and encountered Graham, the Viscount Wharton, heir to the earldom of Grableton. She has not heard of him, which is to his credit, as she has spent these years avoiding ballrooms by dedicating herself to helping women escape the same wrath and disdain that fell upon her and her best friend, and they raise the innocent children that resulted. Kit has her ways of obtaining funds to raise the children at Haven Manor, and she isn’t alone in charge of the children. Daphne is the nurturing one, while Jess is the tough one. When Lord Wharton is stranded at Haven Manor because of flooding, he becomes the father figure all of those children are missing, and Kit sees he is not the despicable, wanton type of gentry she is accustomed to dealing with. Is it worth it to tell him everything, even as she knows he suspects the origins of the youth?

            After meeting Kit in a random ballroom, he cannot seem to get her out of his mind. But where does one begin to look for one who does not want to be found? It turns out, do not try at all. One of his best friends, Oliver, Lord Farnsworth, is desperately trying to locate his missing sister, Priscilla. It’s apparent that their father knows why Prissy is missing, but he has set a stubborn line and will reveal nothing. The only piece of information Oliver has is a strange, albeit legitimate, contract. Graham embarks on a search with Oliver and eventually finds himself at Haven Manor. The more Graham learns about Kit and the children, the more his eyes are opened. He wants to help, though he’s unsure exactly what he should do. But he doesn’t know Kit’s entire story. If he did, would he be repulsed by her past? Or the person she is now?

            Having enjoyed the previous book I read from this author, I was curious to see where this new series would go, and I was not disappointed. I felt this first story in the Haven Manor series read at a steady clip. I enjoyed how well Hunter introduced her main and supporting characters; they are well fleshed-out to be believable individuals and not carbon copies of other characters. I appreciate that flaws are visible even while characters are faithful. For example, Kit’s heart is in the right place, but the way she goes about obtaining and maintaining funds is misguided. No one likes a bully, after all. But flaws give her room to grow, just as our flaws give us endless room to grow.

* 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.”

Rutabaga's Reads 2018: Part 5

While it seems like such a small goal, one of my personal goals for 2018 is to be more active with my blog again. So, I’m presenting to you the fifth compilation of the year. It features YA novels, so if you don’t read and/or don’t like YA novels, stop reading right now! But if YA novels interest you, please read on and leave comments below regarding what you’re reading, if you’ve read any of the featured books in this compilation or if you have any recommendations or un-recommendations (you know, those books you read or tried to but don’t think anyone else should suffer through).

Caraval (Jan. 31, 2017) by Stephanie Garber.

*This is the first in a series.*

The governor of the Conquered Isle of Trisda is a cruel man who uses the punishment of others as a way to keep people in line, lest the other person – usually a loved one – be punished again and again. This includes his own daughters, Scarlett and Donatella “Tella” Dragna. Scarlett, the older of the two by just a year, lives in constant fear of his consequences. But she will soon be wed and plans to take Tella with her away from their father. With her impending wedding, she thinks this is her final chance to experience Caraval. It’s a legendary competition that is by invitation-only, and, miraculously, she receives three tickets: one for herself, one for Tella and one for her fiancé. Things go awry early on when it seems that Tella is taken as part of the game, and instead of her fiancé, she is stuck with a handsome sailor named Julian Marrero. Scarlett has oft heard that the game is nothing more than an elaborate performance, but she cannot help but get swept up in it. Those who are swept in too far go mad. But Scarlett must play the game now. She must find Tella before the fifth night of the game is up, lest she lose her sister forever. Or is it forever? After all, it’s just a game, right?

            Magical and spellbinding, “Caraval” is a performance I want to experience. I don’t want to be a player or a spectator; I want to be one of the performers. The mystique which surrounds the setting of Caraval and the enchantment that goes along with it reminds me of “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern, a novel which I also greatly enjoyed. Like that novel, “Caraval” is masterfully written. It isn’t just magic that happens to be in the air all around us. It is magic that tests. It tests one’s mind to differentiate between what is real and what is not. It tests what information you take from others and what you grant that they believe; it tests trust. It even tests the power of one’s love. The design of this story has been glittered in magic, like a fresh and unblemished coating of snow on the ground. But whereas snow may be the color of innocence and purity, what lies underneath could easily be vile and villainous. Are you ready to play?

These Vengeful Souls (Feb. 20, 2018) by Tarun Shanker & Kelly Zekas.

*This is the final book in a trilogy.*

It is London, England, in 1883. Too many continue reeling after the violent and tragic events of the ball days earlier. Evelyn Wyndham and Sebastian Braddock are both wrapped up in terrible guilt, but whereas Sebastian wants to hold it in and avoid others, Evelyn wants to wreak vengeance by murdering the evil mastermind “in thirty-six ways.” Unfortunately, Evelyn’s revenge-seeking often makes things worse by fueling the lies already being spread about Sebastian and their friends. Determined to undermine the one truly responsible for all of the lives lost, many plans are made, but they tend to backfire. Any ounce of good done seems to incite tons of bad from their adversary. What is the use of having powers in which they intend to do good when those that are bad twist and lie and manipulate to continually gain leverage over Evelyn, Sebastian, their friends and all of London?

            This book and the whole trilogy have given me many things I love in books: action, brisk pacing, droll dialogue, strong main and supporting characters – in which there’s a minimum of one strong female lead – at least one antagonist I love to hate, and intrigue. Useless bonus points are given for potential love triangles only when plenty of humor is present, as has been the case with this trilogy. While Evelyn’s rashness grated my nerves on occasion, the magic and the characters in this Victorian romance more than made up for it.

Wintersong (Feb. 7, 2017) by S. Jae-Jones.

*This is the first in a duology.*

What is it like to be a shadow twice-over? Maria Elisabeth Ingeborg “Liesl” Vogler may be the eldest of the Vogler children, but she’s ever in the shadow of beautiful Käthe and musically gifted Josef (a.k.a. Sepperl). She’s got the gift of music as well, though as a composer. Josef sees it, but Papa denies it. In Josef, he has nothing but praise: “… you have the potential to change music as we know it!” until he learns Liesl wrote it, then it becomes, “A decent effort. But you must be less lofty in your ideals, Liesl.” She is resigned to her fate as an “unlovely little girl” who dutifully helps at her parents’ inn and watches out for her siblings until Käthe is taken by Der Erlkönig (the Goblin King). He is exquisitely handsome, but tricky and dangerous. The rules are different outside the world above, and Liesl will have to fight her own mind, the old laws and time itself. Otherwise, the world may be shut to her.

            “Wintersong” abounds with magic, enchantment, trickery and darkness enriched with music that I imagined was haunting and ethereal. Jae-Jones has introduced readers to a main character who has been selfless for so long and sacrifices much in the name of love. Understandably, it makes Liesl very emotional, and that is the only area in which I struggled. I often found Liesl to be very annoying. Yes, she is young, but until that point, she’s appeared to have been dutiful and responsible. If the author wanted to contrast the girl seemingly put together before events swung into motion with one that came across as an immature basket case, then the effect was a success. I wouldn’t mind someday reading the next story in this duology, but for now, I am in no hurry to.

"Together Forever" by Jody Hedlund

Together Forever (May 1, 2018) by Jody Hedlund.*

As a placing agent with the Children’s Aid Society in 1858 New York, Marianne Neumann’s focus is on her young charges, those whom she has cared for and groomed in hopes of uniting them with new families. And she is focused on them, but her main objective in taking the agent job is the potential opportunity it gives her to seek her sister Sophie. But as she is an empathetic female agent on her first placing-out trip to small towns in Illinois, she can’t help but let her heart get attached to some of the children, dear as they are, and most with pasts too painful for even adults to bear.

            The male agent on the placing-out trip is Andrew “Drew” Brady. Marianne tries hard not to let her interest in him show, but fails. The former schoolteacher knows he’s handsome and charming, but he surprises Marianne with his easy way with the children, whether he’s being firm or tender and friendly, voicing instructions to behave or regaling the group with a story. He’s struck by Marianne, her competitive, yet sweet, spirit and her compassion for the children. But there is a part of him missing, the part he likes to keep hidden, as horrible guilt from a secret in his past threatens to drown him. Unfortunately, tragedy isn’t done with him yet.

            Hedlund’s inspirational fiction novel, which is the second in her Orphan Train series, tugs at one’s heartstrings as it stays historically grounded. The pacing felt a little slow to me at times, but I love the perspectives of the main characters. Hedlund gives us a fresh take when it comes to placing-out trips or “orphan trains.” Instead of honing in on the perspective of a child, the author takes us on a train ride from the viewpoint of placing agents. It’s stressful and tiring, and record-keeping then isn’t what it would be now. To say that Marianne and Drew make the best of tough situations is an understatement. While Drew walks by faith, he struggles with guilt and lacks inner strength for himself, though he puts on a positive façade. Marianne’s faith grows, but it isn’t without effort at first. There is healing and forgiveness to be done at present in hopes for togetherness and love for the foreseeable future.

* 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.”

GUEST POST: "Infinity" by Sherrilyn Kenyon

REVIEW BY T.J. BOTTELSON

A gracious thank you to my longtime friend, T.J., for writing a review of her own. T.J. and I have known each other since the year I entered high school. While I have proofread her summary and review, all opinions expressed are her own. I have not made any changes to the content of her writing. Please give her a warm welcome by leaving an encouraging/positive comment below!

 

Infinity (May 25, 2010) by Sherrilyn Kenyon.

Infinity is the first book in the Chronicles of Nick series.

            Born to a young, single mom, Nick’s life hasn’t been easy. Betrayed by those Nick thought were his friends, Nick encounters Kyrian Hunter (his story is “Night Pleasure,” an adult romance book, first in the Dark-Hunter series), who saves Nick and becomes his friend and boss.

Nick has more than his share of demons to deal with. While his life is rough, Nick has a good heart and is a genuinely good guy.  He’s not a douche or a player. He’s loyal, hardworking – a great guy to have in your circle of friends.  He knows what hardships life throws at a person and still gets back up, to fight another day. 

            Just when Nick thinks life couldn’t throw more at him, enter Bubba and Mark.  (There have been times when reading this series that I have had to put the book down, wipe the tears from my eyes as I’m laughing so hard, compose myself, take a breath, and dive back into the book.) There are so many twists, turns, and surprises in the Chronicles of Nick series that, as a reader, you want to find out what’s going to happen next.

            Read the books in order: Infinity, Invincible, Infamous, Inferno, Illusion, Instinct, Invision, Intensity.

Rutabaga's Reads 2018: Part 4

Always feel free to agree otherwise, but I feel like companion novels have become quite popular. I never got into them when they were featured as e-books you could purchase; I didn’t even own a tablet until one of my tech-savvy brothers gave me one a couple Christmases back. But when they are released as physical companion novels, I read them when they’re from series that I have followed/am following. A few are featured below.

            Please note that publication dates refer to the physical book and not the e-book, if an e-book was its first manifestation.

From Percy Jackson: Camp Half-Blood Confidential (May 2, 2017) by Rick Riordan.

Like navigating a new school for the first time, arriving at demigod training camp can be overwhelming. Sure, it probably beats surviving outside the magically protective border of Camp Half-Blood by yourself trying to outrun and outwit monsters that are attempting to kill you. Oh, wait. You’ll have to do that in camp, except it’s okay, because you have fellow campers trying to do the same thing, and it’s under the guise of training. Not helping? Ah, well. This guide is a demigod’s real source of what to expect at Camp Half-Blood under the guidance of Percy Jackson and with help from others, including his girlfriend (Annabeth), assorted friends and Pete the Palikos. You will learn the answers to important questions such as “‘Face death?’ Am I going to die?” and “What is an omphalus*?” Also, yes, fine, the god Apollo plays an important role in this companion novel.**

            It may be that Riordan employed the use of “extra-dimensional construction to create impossibly deep storage,” for there is far more wit and humor than one might think possible for such a slim volume. As it is a “guide,” it reads as such with delineated sections and subtitles within those sections. If you’re like me and like stopping in between chapters, this volume, if time doesn’t allow you to read it in one sitting, makes it easy to pause. This companion novel complements the Trials of Apollo series and is a lively extra to read while waiting for the next installment from Riordan.

* If you are the first to respond in the Comments section with the definition of omphalus, you win a card. But only if I happen to have your mailing address. If you are the second Commenter – or beyond – on this post, I may still send you a card (A) if I have your mailing address and (B) if I have extra cards.

** Credit given to Apollo so that this post’s author does not spontaneously combust when he is in godly form again.

Night of Cake & Puppets (Sept. 12, 2017) by Laini Taylor.

   Jim Di Bartolo, illustrator.

Small but mighty. That is Karou’s best friend, Zuzana, affectionately nicknamed the “rabid fairy.” On a tall day, Zuzana stands just under five feet, but don’t let her size sway you into a false sense of safety. Zuzana is as fierce as they come with a personality to fit (cigarette-butt-flavored coffee anyone?). But her personality isn’t the focus here. What she wants is to sweep Violin Boy (his name is Mik, and he really does play the violin; they both work at the Marionette Theater of Prague) off his feet, not in a milquetoast, I-will-bat-my-eyelashes-and-wait-for-you-to-come-calling sort of way, but in a ready-or-not-here-I-come sort of way. And she has a handful of scuppies on hand. In other words, she has a handful of magic wishes at her disposal, and she’s got a plan. Rabid fairy with a plan? Watch out, Violin Boy!

            While I did have qualms about wanting to read this book, it’s a companion novel to an impressively fantastical trilogy, and also, I needn’t have worried. Taylor has a way of writing that is as beautiful as it is creative. Instead of worrying about sappiness so sweet that it detracts the biggest sweet tooth, I read about the treasure hunt that Mik went on to find Zuzana, his treasure, the ‘X marks the spot,’ and the magic she used to help him wonder and believe (think “peacock footprints”). This companion novel to the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy is imaginative, snarky, magical and, yes, romantic.

            Fun fact (if you don’t know): The illustrator is the author’s husband.

Queens of Fennbirn (Apr. 3, 2018) by Kendare Blake.

In The Young Queens, there is something of a glimpse into the childhood journey of Mirabella, Arsinoe and Katharine. From birth to 13 years old, the young queens age closer to the teenagers first introduced in “Three Dark Crowns.” Triplet queens are born every generation when the Goddess decides it is so. From birth, Mirabella’s gift is strong, whereas the gifts of Arsinoe and Katharine feel weak. It is clear to outgoing Queen Camille (who leaves the island now that the triplets are born, never to see them again) that Mirabella will one day be the Queen Crowned. After spending their first six years together in the Black Cottage with Willa, the midwife, they are separated out to be raised within cities populated by those with related gifts. Those cities are Roland, Indrid Down and Wolf Spring. They are the elemental, poisoner and naturalist cities, respectively.

            The Oracle Queen showcases Queen Elsabet. Reigning 500 years before the newest queens, she was dubbed the “mad oracle.” It is said that she demanded the execution of three houses, along with a maid, for no reason. Strangely, all three houses and her maid were those she considered allies and a few were her best friends. Interesting, yes? To get the full picture of how Queen Elsabet allegedly went mad, this is a go-to account. There’s another Arron woman to be leery of (I don’t trust any Arrons), a war-gifted on the Black Council who’s jealous of a fellow war-gifted who’s commander of Elsabet’s Queensguard, and a despicable king-consort.

            A novella comprised of two short stories, there is new back-story if you already follow the trilogy. As in the first books of Blake’s latest trilogy, there is darkness of plot, and it is executed marvelously. The darkness festers and all manner of things come to light: anger, madness, rancor, jealousy and even loneliness. In seeing the young queens as children, we picture them when once they were of innocence and cared for each other. We see two of them struggle with their weak gifts. With Elsabet, we see chaos reign, though it isn’t all of her own doing. This is a sharp companion and a good addition to one’s Three Dark Crowns novels.

"A Breath of Hope" by Lauraine Snelling

A Breath of Hope (Apr. 3, 2018) by Lauraine Snelling.*

While the Carlson family still reside with Onkel Einar and Tante Gerd Strand, Signe and Rune have their own acreage on which to build a place of their own. Einar remains as difficult and ornery as ever. He won’t call Signe by her name, and anything that he can unfairly blame on her, he will. But the long winter has turned to the spring of 1910, and, though the work is as grueling and endless as ever, Signe and her family have found comfort and camaraderie with Gerd, the Benson couple, a neighbor and others from the local Lutheran church. When Rune and Bjorn are not busy helping Einar, they and the other two sons, Knute and Leif, labor on their piece of land to ready it for building a house. Einar, obsessed with his own interests, never helps.

            Signe takes heart, as two of Rune’s siblings are traveling to Amerika and to them in Minnesota. Nilda Carlson (also Signe’s best friend) and her younger brother, Ivar, are set to help on the Strand farm. Nilda is thrilled to go to America, though the transatlantic voyage leaves little to be desired. Nearing Duluth, they meet a fellow voyager named Petter Thorvaldson, who does not appear to be married and is going to Blackduck. There’s also Fritz Larsson, a teacher and organist who teaches English. He, too, is single. Might there be matchmaking in Nilda’s future?

            When a tragedy strikes, will the reason for Einar’s extreme anger toward the community come to light?

            How I enjoyed this story! As with the first story in the Under Northern Skies series, I was impressed with the realism of this inspirational historical fiction novel. The characters are all supremely hard workers; their toil is almost tangible as I picture Snelling’s words in my mind. Einar continues to frustrate me, only because I cannot imagine having such lumps of coal in my heart. I read this winsome story at a brisk pace. Because of all of the modern conveniences I’ve been privileged to grow up with, I am astounded by all of the hard work this family puts in to make a house a home and a farm their own. Through it all, there is a deep connection of faith, which makes love for one another all the stronger.

            Book One: The Promise of Dawn

* 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.”

"The Burning Maze" by Rick Riordan

Apollo. Lester.

A book blog post just for you.

Not a mockery.

The Burning Maze (May 1, 2018) by Rick Riordan.

Ah, what is that wafting on the unnatural breeze? The stench of hatred, frustration and hunger? The feel of a scorching temper? Of the essence of someone literally burning for revenge? Well, fie, what Greek/Roman god cares for such things? Certainly not Apollo! Er, actually, yes, Apollo. Apollo very much does care in his very mortal, current form as Lester Papadopoulos. But the monsters of the world do not care a whit. He’s going to identify the third undead-wannabe-deity, needs to rescue one of his oracles and will fight umpteen creatures all bent on his exceedingly painful destruction. So, you know, simply another quest in the lives of demigods and their friends. Apollo fights alongside Meg McCaffrey and Grover Underwood (conveniently summoned from a tomato patch), and they meet up with Piper McLean and Jason Grace, the latter whom, strangely, has been waiting for them. Coach Hedge, Mellie and Baby Chuck are around, as are many new dryad friends. Oh, yes, the Arrow of Dodona doth maketh appearances, and his ability to dodge and weave hearts beeth amazing. Dost thou not findeth the Arrow of Dodona exceedingly impressive? …

            Sorry, lost myself a bit there. Where was I? The characters meet some Big Ears. They are not friendly, but Crest is okay. Watch out, though. He hisses.

            There is a hard death in this story, and the reader in me who has long ago planted herself in this mythological universe created by Riordan is struggling with it. It’s not what I’d consider the hardest death of the characters we’ve all come to know, but I’m certainly not pleased with it. I also missed that Percy Jackson didn’t make any appearances with his snarky personality.

            Aside from that, I am happy to add this third story in The Trials of Apollo series to my bookshelf. And not just any bookshelf, but my bedroom bookshelf. I laughed (a lot), cried (a little) and growled (sometimes). All the bits you love and expect are there, such as cheeky comebacks, witty banter and nonstop, rollicking adventure within a mythological/real-world landscape. Likewise, all the bits you don’t love, yet still expect, are there, such as a terrible foe, violence-bent monsters and traps that lead to the protagonists’ supposed doom. If you’ve read this tale, maketh yourself known in the comments. I mean, make. Make yourself known in the comments. But please, no vile or villainous language.