"A Most Peculiar Circumstance" by Jen Turano

A Most Peculiar Circumstance (June 1, 2013) by Jen Turano.*

The year is 1880, and Miss Arabella Beckett is a progressive woman of her time. She’s an independent, fiery woman with a beautiful face that people remember, and she doesn’t see herself as a wife who’d sit demurely by and cater to her husband’s every whim. She is a strong supporter of the women’s suffrage movement, but finds herself in a jam that handsome private investigator Mr. Theodore Wilder gets her out of. Their personalities clash, to say the least. Theodore is soon away again on an investigation, while Arabella becomes very interested in the disappearances of ladies of the night. She wants to find the missing and help the night ladies find reputable occupations. She believes that it’s God’s will for her to devote her life to assisting women in need, but she’ll learn in frank conversations that she’s been judgmental. And the truth hurts. But likewise, others have been judgmental of her, and they learn that Arabella isn’t all fire and “masculine” thoughts, but is also full of compassion and feeling. However, it’s her fire that not only gets her in trouble, but steels her when her life is in danger. Will Theodore come to her rescue in time?

            I thoroughly enjoyed this Christian historical romance story. I found Turano to be an entertaining storyteller who combines honest faith, a thrilling plot and delightful humor to create a captivating novel. I definitely plan to read more from this author. Although Arabella has her damsel-in-distress moments, I still found her to be a strong female lead, and even the chauvinist can be chivalrous. Turano shows us in words that love just may be the most peculiar circumstance of all.

* 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.”

"Undeniably Yours" by Becky Wade

Undeniably Yours (May 1, 2013) by Becky Wade.*

When her father dies, Meg Cole returns to Whispering Creek Ranch to attempt to take over her father’s controlling share in Cole Oil. She doesn’t want it, not just because she’s in way over her head, but her heart does not reside in oil, no matter that its presence has made her a very wealthy heiress. Her sanity seems to be holding on by a mere thread, and she’s given her late father’s favored Thoroughbred racehorse farm six months to get its affairs in order before she shuts it down. Whispering Creek Horses’ (WCH) manager, Bo Porter, doesn’t want it to close. He’s performing his dream job on his dream ranch. He also feels responsible for WCH’s twenty employees, which include his brother. Bo feels he ought to resent Meg, but instead he can’t stop thinking about her. There’s a kindness and vulnerability about her that he didn’t expect, and it shows when Meg invites a stranger, Amber Richardson, and her toddler son to stay. Amber has a connection to Meg that takes her back to a dark time in her life five years ago. It’s one of the reasons Meg’s so guarded now, but she can’t stop thinking of Bo either. Can their relationship grow beyond friendship? Even when it’s tested in an anguishing way?

            “Undeniably Yours” is a Christian, contemporary romance, fiction novel. Meg and Bo are devout in their faith, and they trust God to see them through the toughest of times, though sometimes they must remember to give their worries to Him and take the time to hear Him. It is a pleasant novel that fuses faith, trepidation, romance, kindness and a touch of suspense. I thought the book’s pace was mostly steady. It didn’t gallop so much as trot along nicely.

* 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.”

"There's a 1st Grade Class"

The 2012-2013 school year has come to a close. I spent time volunteering in a 1st Grade classroom and concluded my time with the 1st Graders on a fun note by presenting them with a poem I wrote. It's a dedication to the wonderful students they all are, and, I hope, continue to be in the years to come. It's also dedicated to their teacher, who's now an official retiree!

There's a 1st Grade Class

There's a 1st grade class that's funny, smart and sweet.
In this room there are 16 pairs of feet.

    One time there was a day for Fancy Nancy,
    And they dressed up and looked trés, trés fancy!
    Some of the boys wore ties and looked like young kings,
    The queens wore skirts, tiaras and pretty, shiny rings.

        The class learned some history with the help of dolls
        Of lifetimes long ago when there weren't any malls.
        It's great that the dolls made them very chatty --
        Can they name the four they met before Addy?

There's a 1st grade class that is so much like yours.
They learn in a room that's without any doors.

    They received postcards in their Postcard Project.
    Each postcard that came was a special object.
    How exciting that they posted all 50 states,
    Plus D.C. and some countries -- so cool, so great!

        The students visited a place called Quarry Hill.
        They had fun even though the day was gray and chill.
        They saw an owl, snakes, fish, ducks, toad eggs,
        And many bees: a bee has how many legs?

I know a 1st grade class; I'm with them right now.
Their teacher, Mrs. Follmuth, is wonderful and wow!

    Gage runs fast like a Greyhound; it's a breed of dog.
    Weston's as fast as a cheetah when he's on a jog.
    Adalia and Whitney are little fairies.
    They fly with sparkly wings and are very merry.

        Landon's strong like the Hulk, but is his skin green?
        Mattix has a monster-scare-away machine.
        Sammy flies around like a graceful butterfly,
        While Taylor rides a dragonfly high up in the sky.

            Logan and Skylar are as tough as bears,
            And Maysen keeps a pet dinosaur upstairs.
            Avery and Ruby wear puffy, glittery gowns.
            Since they're princesses, are they wearing their crowns?

                Marshall has a hat that is shaped like a French horn,
                And Kennedy and Haylee have twenty unicorns.
                For you, 1st Grade, I give you this rhyming depiction.
                Can you say which part was fact ... and which part was fiction?

Thanks to Mrs. Follmuth, you've learned lots of things new.
I hope some of you become teachers like her, too!

Lisa "Rutabaga"

May 2013

Rutabaga's Reads 2013: Part 9

Welcome to this edition of Rutabaga’s Reads 2013! Lately, I’ve been giving my compilations nicknames, as I don’t always know on the first save whether the compilation will be Part 7 or Part 10 or Part 15. This compilation was nicknamed “Part Siblings,” because all four titles were given to me by my siblings (two brothers, a sister-in-law and a sister-in-law-to-be) for my birthday. I say, “Thank you! You’re super smart for knowing me so well!”

Alice in Zombieland (Sept. 25, 2012) by Gena Showalter.

Perhaps surprisingly, this was my first zombie book. Alice “Ali” Bell never believed in the monsters her father saw. She figured they were the byproduct of a man so paranoid and delusional that he was certifiably insane. Unfortunately for Alice, her dad was right. Monsters – zombies – are real, and she will strive to fight those undead to avenge her family. But how does she do that? There’s so much to learn about spirit form, Blood Lines and not speaking at certain times. Fortunately for her, there’s a fantastically well-chiseled hottie named Cole Holland, though he may or may not be of questionable character and act as the leader of a serial criminal group. Nice, right? Okay, so Cole’s not a criminal – he just looks like one, albeit a very handsome one – and he can help Ali. By learning, Ali’s home life with her grandparents and social life with her new friend Kat will suffer. But suffer she will, because she can’t tell them the truth. It all just bites.

            I am not a fan of zombies, and while reading this book didn’t catapult me into liking zombies, I did like this book. It is fun and flirty, push and pull, occasionally sappy and mostly fierce. It is part light-hearted and danger-dark, sad-morose and high-school-dramatic, delightfully-eccentric and action-packed. Showalter creates a new zombie mythology with its own set of rules. If you’re a fan of YA fantasy fiction, give this book a go. Don’t ignore it just because it has to do with zombies. Embrace it. Or at least give it a little taste.

Bossypants (Apr. 5, 2011) by Tina Fey.

Although I’d heard of this book and thought about reading it, I only this year considered putting it on a gift wish list. Thank you, Diane, for giving me the idea to put it on a list!

            It’s been awhile since I’ve actually read a non-fiction book and even longer since I’ve read a memoir. “Bossypants” chronicles various stages in Tina Fey’s life in humorous ways that end with making a valid point or an entertaining one. The book, which is roughly 250 pages long, is separated by chapters with titles such as “What Turning Forty Means to Me” (which contains two lines of text), “Sarah, Oprah, and Captain Hook” (which is thirty-seven pages long) and “My Honeymoon, or A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again Either” (which gives me another reason not to go on a cruise). Sometimes Fey’s words have you thinking that you’ve totally had that happen to you or you wish-you-said-that-out-loud-but-didn’t-because-you’re-that-nice/mature/grown up. A lot of the time her words have you laughing or cringing inwardly or wondering why she wrote that.

            I chuckled throughout the book, though not in one long laugh (because who could really laugh that long in one breath?). For those who like to know, choice words do come up in the book. “Bossypants” is at times and all-together witty, sarcastic, light-hearted, stone-faced, ridiculous, enlightening and funny. As entertaining as I found it to be, I know this won’t be for everyone based on reading interests, time and/or the known inclusion of vulgar words. If you take nothing else away from this review, know that she grew up middle-class and is more similar to us than not, but who happens to be far more publicly known than we are!

Clockwork Princess (Mar. 19, 2013) by Cassandra Clare.

[WARNING: SPOILERS -- if you haven’t read the previous books]

“The good suffer, the evil flourish, and all that is mortal passes away” is what immortal warlock Magnus Bane tells a rather distraught William Herondale, which explains the tone of much of the book. Will is a Shadowhunter of the London Institute, as is his best friend and parabatai, Jem Carstairs. With Tessa Gray, they all suffer together and as individuals. Will is torn over his love for Tessa, knowing she’s engaged to Jem; Tessa not only loves both Will and Jem, but she’s still being pursued by Mortmain; and Jem’s life is rapidly deteriorating, especially when the yin fen is nowhere to be found. Mortmain jumps in full violent force with his army of clockwork creatures (automatons) and his evil-bad self flourishes. For all that the Shadowhunters (a.k.a. Nephilim) are – angelic blood runs through their veins – they are still human and lead mortal lives. What would it be like to live eternally and watch all your loved ones die? How would you survive the deaths of the many you love?

            By the Angel, it’s all so dramatic (in a good literary way). Clare’s prose in the final installment of The Infernal Devices trilogy sparkles as brightly as a roomful of royal gems. I daresay that this trilogy is better than The Mortal Instruments (TMI) series, though I’m a dedicated fan of that series, for it came along first. “Clockwork Princess” includes multiple references to TMI, providing answers to questions you may or may not have had. It is rich in detail and deep in its measure of love and struggle, good and bad. For me, the conclusion offered a very satisfying end to a supernal YA fantasy trilogy.

            Book One in the trilogy: Clockwork Angel

            Book Two in the trilogy: Clockwork Prince

Sleep No More (Oct. 16, 2012) by Iris Johansen.

Sandra Duncan is not the motherly type, but she’s Eve Duncan’s mother, and she’s come to appeal to Eve’s because-you’re-my-daughter side. Sandra wants Eve to find Beth Avery, a woman only slightly older than Eve who’s been confined to a “behavioral health” facility for over a decade. Beth has recently gone missing, and the lack of information about Beth is mysterious. She enlists the help of Detective Joe Quinn and a very reluctant and snappish Dr. Kendra Michaels, who has the unique ability to find clues that others usually miss. Other characters abound as well, including a caregiver at the health facility, Jessie Newell. It seems that the more they uncover about Beth’s history – including the discovery that she was heavily sedated and kept more prisoner than resident-in-healing – the higher the body count rises. Who’s behind it all? A presence from the powerful Avery family? An assassin with his own agenda? Or are both groups intertwined?

            “Sleep No More” is a mystery-thriller that is classic Johansen. The “good” characters have heart, but there’s plenty of violence, vileness and hate. It’s very cat-and-mouse. For those familiar with Johansen’s thrillers, there are no surprises. She’s very consistent. Her Eve Duncan character is featured in many novels, but this could work as a standalone. I am intrigued by her new character, Jessie Newell. Not much is mentioned of his past, which I think could be colorful. I wouldn’t be surprised to see his character pop up in a future novel.

Rutabaga's Reads 2013: Part 8

Here is Part 8 of Rutabaga’s Reads 2013 and the second Past Reads edition. I read these books in the summer of 2011. They have been re-formatted from their original lengths (which were a lot longer).

The 3 Little Dassies (Sept. 21, 2010) by Jan Brett.

“The 3 Little Dassies” is a take on the “Three Little Pigs” story. (A dassie, also known as a rock hyrax, is a mammal. They are referred to as dassies in South Africa.) “The 3 Little Dassies” follows sister dassies Mimbi, Pimbi and Timbi. All grown up, they choose to move to a mountain area in the Namib Desert (in Namibia) where it will be cooler and less crowded. They want to avoid eagles, which prey upon them. Their cart is pulled by a turtle, and they befriend a handsome Agama Man (a red-headed agama lizard). He informs the dassies that the only ones living in the area are him and a family of eagles.

            What happens when the hungry eagle discovers the dassies? Does he huff and puff?

            Brett is a masterful writer and illustrator of children’s books. She does a terrific job laying out her stories, and her pictures are magnificent – so full of color and detail. Be sure to check out all of her illustrations, because she also utilizes the outer margins, thus creating further picturesque enjoyment for her readers!

Count the Ways (Oct. 2, 2009) by D. M. Ulmer.

This work of fiction is a military romance novel. Young computer scientist David Judge is called upon by his Great Uncle Keith Buhl to clear the cruel memory of David’s grandfather, LTJG Brendan Judge. Brendan has been missing in action since 1953. The novel takes place in the years 2000 and 1950. In 2000, David is tasked with finding evidence to vindicate his grandfather against allegations that he betrayed his wife, Carlie Buhl Judge. It is this betrayal that is thought to be the cause of Carlie’s tragic death.

            In 1950, U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman Brendan Judge finds himself on an Iowa farm in fictitious Northvale, ready for a tough summer of work in order to bring in income. When 24-year-old Brendan finds work on a farm, he finds resistance from Mr. Buhl, a mom in Mrs. Buhl, and their children: Ed, the eldest; Keith, age 14; Sarah, the youngest; and Carlie, age 23.

            If you’re looking for lots of action/adventure or fantasy, bypass this book, but don’t judge this book by its cover. It’s not as backroads-whimsy as the cover might suggest, and the romance is not excessive. It has a real pursuit quality about it with characters so vivid and alive, they might remind you of people you actually know. The past and present will have to meet with the right amount of information to vindicate Brendan, but I expect you’ll be rooting for him throughout the book.

Heaven is for Real (Nov. 2, 2010) by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent.

At the end of February 2003, three-year-old Colton Burpo’s appendix ruptured and filled his body with poison for five days. In addition, pockets of infection were removed from his abdomen in a second surgery. He was taken to the ICU with his life questionable, yet he was alert the following morning. A miracle child. On a Fourth of July trip that year, Colton finally told his parents about his “supernatural weird” experience. He remembered being in the hospital, for that was where the angels sang to him and spoke with him. He also sat in Jesus’ lap. He knew his parents’ locations through his surgery, though no one had told him they had been in separate rooms praying, making calls and, in Todd’s case, venting toward God.

            Colton talked of his visit to Heaven over a span of time. He told his dad he was only there for three minutes, yet he got to do so much. Like Alex Malarkey (“The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven”) Colton said he saw Satan, but unlike Alex, he would not describe him. Alex’s description, meanwhile, was quite detailed and ugly.

            “Heaven is for Real” was an intriguing nonfiction book to read. Colton talks of a painting that depicts Jesus’ face as he recalls it. It is Prince of Peace by Akiane Kramarik, who painted it when she was eight. Start off skeptically if you want, but please try to keep an open mind. There was one place in particular that simply warmed my heart like a steaming mug of hot chocolate warms one’s hands. Summed up, to exude childlike faith is exceptional.

Magic Under Glass (Dec. 22, 2009) by Jaclyn Dolamore.

In this debut novel, 17-year-old Nimira lives in Lorinar, but hails from Tiansher. She has dark skin and black hair where fair skin is the norm. She came to find success, but she’s considered no better than a beggar. When Nimira is approached by A. Hollin Parry (a young and wealthy sorcerer) to be the accompanying singer to his automaton, she has qualms about it, but figures it’d be a better occupation. She goes to Vestenveld Estate even amidst hearsay that the automaton is haunted. Nimira’s first encounter with the automaton is practical. The automaton, or clockwork man, is beautifully and intricately made. But on her next encounter, alone, the automaton moans and waves his hands over the pianoforte. She is startled, but begins to communicate with him (How?). He says his name is Erris. Does the automaton contain the ghost of a man? Is it enchanted to think on its own? Is it a trapped man?

            For Nimira, corresponding with Erris is tough, but there’s more. She doesn’t want to be caught talking to the automaton, not by Hollin and definitely not by Miss Rashten, Mr. Parry’s intimidating sorceress and head maid. She also dreads meeting Mr. Soleran Smollings, a condescending man who is head of the Sorcerer’s Council and Ambassador of Magic.

            Read this tale if you enjoy fantasy fiction; bypass it if you do not. I found it to be a swift read with clean content. It is light fare compared to other YA books out there, but it’s still a nice read. Any romance comes across as puppy love. Its sequel is "Magic Under Stone".

William and Kate: A Royal Love Story (Dec. 21, 2010) by Christopher Andersen.

This book details the ongoing royal saga about Prince William (Wills) and Catherine (Kate) Middleton and their often winding, oftentimes trying, road to togetherness. The beginning is centered on William’s parents and his younger years. He grows from a naughty, tantrum-throwing boy into a young man who worries about everyone but himself. Not surprisingly, there is much mention about the ugly details regarding the marriage of Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales.

            Kate grows up in a hard-working, middle-class family which grows into a millionaire household thanks to her mom’s (Carole) entrepreneurial drive. The subsequent chapters venture through the years of Wills’ and Kate’s time at St. Andrews University in Scotland. Carole pushed her daughter to attend the university. Kate already had three top university choices, and none of them included St. Andrews. But Kate finally caved into her mother’s almost incessant urging. Kate eventually found herself in Wills’ company through their initial mutual study of art history (he later switched to geography). Through many ups and downs, the book finally reached the point where Wills proposed to Kate. “Waity Katie” finally had her prince and, as we know, on April 29, 2011, the world saw a new princess.

            Since I lacked back story regarding the royal family, I found this story to be highly informative, sometimes even too much so. The eight chapters in this nonfiction account are well-focused and highly detailed. Prepare yourself for over-the-top and twisted events, often fraught with large amounts of neuroticism, scandal, overspending and showy fascinators. If those things don’t interest you, then leave this book on the bookshelf!

Rutabaga's Reads 2013: Part 7

Well, hello there! Thanks for checking out Part 7 of Rutabaga’s Reads 2013. My post contains a variety of age categories this time around. You’ll find children’s picture books, Christian fiction, adult fiction and a fiction chapter book.

Bently & Egg (Feb. 1, 1992) by William Joyce.

Who knew that being a good friend could involve babysitting an egg?! When Kack Kack, a duck, hears of her sister’s hatchlings, she goes to visit her. She asks her friend, Bently Hopperton, to watch over her precious egg. Bently is a musical and artsy frog who loves to sing and draw. Disliking the look of the “bland” egg, Bently decides to paint it beautifully. Unfortunately, it is “eggnapped” by a boy who mistakes it for an Easter egg. Bently embarks on a daring and amusing mission to rescue the egg. He encounters an elephant stuffed animal, a goldfish and a little girl, to name a few pieces of his adventure.

            Bently’s mission is over-the-top, but that’s partly what makes this tale so charming. One can’t help but like his subtle and humorous hero. Joyce’s illustrations are also charming. They are not bold and in your face, but gentle and muted. It’s an enjoyably adventurous tale for kids and the adults reading it to them.

Fancy Nancy: Aspiring Artist (Mar. 1, 2011) by Jane O’Connor.

   Robin Preiss Glasser, illustrator.

I had the fun opportunity to read this book (months ago now) to a 1^st Grade class on their appointed Fancy Nancy Day. It was all in good fun -- good literature-inspired fun!

            With her best friend on vacation, Nancy is glum, but her mood changes when her mom brings her a set of glitter markers. She finds inspiration all around her and even bases it on famous artistes. For example, Mrs. DeVine’s garden inspires her to create a Monet-inspired image. In true Fancy Nancy form, she creates artwork that is très, très fancy!

            The forces that are O’Connor and Preiss Glasser create another work of art, both in writing and illustrating. The writing is fun (and fancy, of course), and the pictures are bright and colorful. The students enjoyed the book; I did as well. And who knows, perhaps “Aspiring Artist” got their creative juices flowing, too!

The Guardian (Mar. 26, 2013) by Beverly Lewis.

Jodi Winfield is a 27-year-old Englischer house-sitting in the heart of Lancaster County’s Amish country. Imagine her surprise when she finds a distraught little girl who’s disheveled and speaks no English. Her questions about where the girl comes from lead her to the fictional area of Hickory Hollow. There, she finds a world that time seems to have forgotten. The People are humble, kind and God-fearing, though wary of Jodi’s worldliness. Despite her unfamiliarity with Amish customs, she is entranced by the area and enjoys running on the lesser-traveled back roads. Jodi’s spirit is in need of healing, and her life is in want of answers. Will Hickory Hollow provide the healing and solace she needs?

            Maryanna Esh is a widowed mother of four. It is her youngest, Sarah, who went missing. Maryanna has raised her brood and kept up the house, property and family business for three years. Still, how her heart daily misses her beloved Benuel! Her parents have outright told her that she needs a father for her children, especially Sarah, as Maryanna has been known to mollycoddle her. This favoritism hasn’t gone unnoticed, and it is frowned upon. Is Maryanna ready to accept another man’s love?

            This is the third book in Lewis’ Home to Hickory Hollow series, but it reads as a standalone novel. As I’ve come to expect from Lewis, it is very good on many levels. It’s well-written with the right amounts of tenderness, humility, faith, dissent and doubt. It is also carefully researched, so she stays true to Old Order Amish ways. At its core, it is a book about accepting others and keeping our hearts open to love and the Lord even amidst grief.

            Book One in the series: The Fiddler (not reviewed by me)

            Book Two in the series: The Bridesmaid

The Postmistress (Feb. 9, 2010) by Sarah Blake.

Thanks go out to my cousin, Megan, for lending me this book.

            The year is 1940. France has fallen, and The Blitz is ravaging the United Kingdom. Radio personality Frankie Bard is in Europe covering whatever she can, from the nightly bombings to the streams of Jewish refugees to stories of those around her that she cannot finish because she never sees them again. America is still cocooned at this point, and they aren’t invested enough to want to provide aid across the Atlantic. It seems that they figure, since the battle is not on their soil, then it isn’t their concern. Frankie wants America, not just to hear, but really listen. She wants them involved in the effort to help put a stop to all the pain and war.

            Postmaster Iris James hears Frankie’s broadcasts, but she can’t really understand what Frankie sees and hears, who she meets and doesn’t get a chance to say good-bye to, but she does hear Frankie when she says, “Pay attention.” Iris is as dedicated to her post as Franklin, Massachusetts’ postmaster -- “In England you’d be called a postmistress,” Frankie informs her -- as if it were her sacred duty. She believes that mistakes happen in her midst, but they have a reason, and she is always there to fix them. She believes she knows about pain and anguish, but does she? Does she really get what Frankie is trying to tell her, tell America?

            Emma Fitch is the new wife of the town doctor, Will. Something happens that prompts Will to aid those in London, and he leaves, telling Emma he will return in six months. He writes her letters every day, as she writes to him, but Emma struggles. She is angry that he left her and is at turns annoyed with Frankie’s voice and words and deeply moved by the brokenness and sadness in her voice. She’s waiting for news: Is it less painful to focus on what you hope is untrue or try to accept the plausibly inevitable?

            This is a book for book clubs, but it’s really a book to provoke anyone’s thoughts. Blake’s prose is quite compelling, and the three main women are so distinctive. They are each caught up in their own lives and have trouble grasping what they have not lived. In that sense, it parallels how most of us are today. It is hard to put ourselves in another’s shoes, and these women portray that powerfully. “The Postmistress” isn’t a sentimental book, and it is adult fiction, so expect that it’s for mature readers. It is moving, challenging, harrowing, dangerous, sad and lovely. It swept me away, as might the currents of the ocean, sometimes smooth-sailing and other times choppy and uncertain.

Saige (Dec. 27, 2012) by Jessie Haas. Sarah Davis, illustrator.

Meet Saige Copeland. She is American Girl’s Girl of the Year for 2013. Saige is a horse-loving painter who has just begun fourth grade. Fourth grade would be great if her best friend, Tessa, would spend time with her and art was taught in school every year (art and music are taught in opposing years). Fortunately, she makes a new friend, and she has her grandma’s place to look forward to most days. There, she can be with horses and paint with her grandmother. Her grandma, Mimi, suggests that Saige start an initiative to “save the arts,” which includes fundraising and the opportunity to lead the parade on Mimi’s horse, Picasso. When Mimi is hurt, Saige doubts that she can go through with everything she has planned, but she doesn’t want to let her grandma down. Can Saige fulfill her fundraising ideas to get art back in school and make her grandma proud?

            “Saige” is a chapter book that I’d recommend to girls at the intermediate reading level. Illustrations are few, but those that are there are beautifully imagined. Like any American Girl story I’ve read, the character is a believable young girl who has her own set of challenges to overcome. As a Girl of the Year, Saige is a modern girl, not one based on a historic time. If you appreciate good, clean books for any girls you know, I’d recommend “Saige” and the other American Girl brand stories. (Click Rutabaga’s Reads 2013: Part 1 for Caroline, an American Girl historical character.)

"A Noble Groom" by Jody Hedlund

A Noble Groom (Apr. 1, 2013) by Jody Hedlund.*

For Annalisa Werner, the notion of marrying for love is as far-fetched as the fairy tales her daughter, Gretchen, loves so much. Her marriage is a loveless, empty one, filled more with what isn’t there than what is. When her husband dies, it’s as though he’s failed her yet again, for now she has to shoulder a house, farm and family all on her own. As her vater says, “Annalisa must have a new husband.” Preferably someone who is strong and dependable and is a hard worker. That’s all Annalisa thinks she needs in a new husband, because who ever marries for love?

            Her father sends a letter to his brother, Matthias, who still resides in the Old Country (Germany). He asks him to send Annalisa a groom. The young man Matthias chooses has to wait until he has enough money for the travel fare – which in 1881 meant a long sea voyage in steerage with “ship-sized lice” – so he sends another man ahead to serve on Annalisa’s farm until her husband arrives. He calls himself Carl Richards. He’s supposedly a former schoolteacher, but he uses big words and speaks such impeccable English that Annalisa can’t help but wish she were brave enough to ask him more about his past.

            Carl proves himself to be a hard-working and inventive man of the non-complaining variety. He’s also endearing, gentle, considerate and as handsome as any fairy tale prince. Gretchen adores him and Annalisa just might, too. But that’s one thing Annalisa can’t afford to do, knowing her groom could arrive any day. Besides, she has enough to worry about with trying to pay off the farm loan and keep it out of the greedy hands of E. B. Ward. And with the severe drought, the entire Forestville, Michigan, area is like a giant tinderbox, ready to ignite with the smallest spark. Despite the hardships befalling her and those around her, can Annalisa see that she is worthy of Gott’s attention? And that He has enough love for everyone?

            “A Noble Groom” is a Christian fiction, historical romance novel. It is a winning blend of faith, romance and crisis. It is fraught with the adversities and perils of the historic time, but conversely, it is also filled with devotion and the realization that His love is ever present, even during one’s darkest days. Hedlund’s prose is easy to follow and a pleasure to read, and I thoroughly enjoyed her wit. Lines such as “The room grew silent enough to hear the lice he’d caught on the ship begin their daily symphony in his hair” made me laugh, cringe and want to scratch the imaginary lice in my hair all at the same time. (Fortunately, head-scratching is not required to read this book!)

* 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 "Luna Lovegood" Scarf

Winter in May!

"Luna Lovegood" scarf

Isn't winter great? Wait ... what? It's supposed to be springtime? That's what I thought! However, this provides me a perfect opportunity to do a little bragging. My birthday was last month, and my friend - Nicole C. - surprised me by sending me a gift. But nay, it's not just any gift -- it's a LUNA LOVEGOOD scarf! For anyone familiar with the Harry Potter books and/or movies, you will know who Luna Lovegood is. However, you won't recognize the scarf unless you're familiar with the movies. I know it's not a close-up, but isn't the scarf fantastic?! I'm rather in awe of it myself. I love it!
    When I got my scarf, there wasn't much snow left on the ground. "Should I have a photo taken anyway?" I thought to myself. I waited. I'm not excited to see snow on the ground in May, but it works out very conveniently with the scarf photo! :-)
    I want to thank Nicole again for the scarf and her generosity. The scarf is attractive and fabulous and awesome, and I want others to see it and know of your crocheting prowess, too!
    Easy trivia (for those familiar with Harry Potter): (1) What house does Luna belong to? (2) Which wizarding magazine is Luna first spotted reading upside-down?

National Poetry Month 2013

Did you know April is National Poetry Month? In honor of it, here, have a poem …

Itty Bitty Animal Ditty

Duck, duck, goose,

Cows are loose,

See Dot run,

This poem’s done!

---

No, no, not that one! Have this one …

Itty Bitty Snacking Ditty

Pickles and beets,

Delicious sweets,

Well-seasoned fries,

Such tasty pies,

Chili and cheese,

This ends with peas.

---

Kidding. Just kidding. Here’s the actual poem I want to share with you …

A Backwards Feeling

Do you ever have a backwards feeling

That makes you feel like your mind is reeling,

Dizzying your thoughts so all is fiction

Due to your mind’s reality eviction?

Perhaps it affects your body instead,

Cramping your leg when you are in bed

Or tugs you back when you try to be fit,

One step forward but then two back to sit?

My case is not due to any of these,

But rather a dream as I grabbed some zzzz:

It’s hard to run from an alligator

When running up a down escalator!

---

This post is for you whether you like poems, love poems or hate poems. It’s for those who write poems that rhyme or don’t rhyme and for those who only like poems as long as they don’t have to write them.

            If you like this post, post a comment. If you think any (or all) of the poems stink, write a better one! But recall, I said have a poem (or three); I never said they’d be good!

            Please spread knowledge of National Poetry Month if you are an educator, but especially if you know kids, have kids or are a kid (which should cover most everyone). Happy National Poetry Month!

Rutabaga's Reads 2013: Part 6

This is Part 6 of Rutabaga’s Reads 2013. These five books fall into the category of middle-grade or young adult (YA). And, incidentally, I ordered this handful of books through +Scholastic. I love the affordability of their books and how they continue to promote literacy and a love of reading!

Blindsided (July 8, 2010) by Priscilla Cummings.

How would you react to losing your eyesight (or any of your senses)? Natalie O’Reilly, a fourteen-year-old, isn’t reacting well. She was born without an iris, a condition known as aniridia. Neither parent has aniridia, so her condition is considered sporadic. Natalie has slowly been losing her eyesight for years. She is sent to a Center to learn how to read Braille (she doesn’t want to), walk with a cane (she throws it in her closet) and learn to be independent even if her eyesight continues to worsen (she thinks she shouldn’t even be at the school). Will Natalie choose to set herself apart from her classmates? Or will she befriend others and make an effort? Can Natalie set goals for her future … even if she can’t see them?

            “Blindsided” is a good, middle-grade story and would be a good addition to a classroom library. It is a solid realistic fiction resource to use for discussions on visual impairment – along with the diversity of vision loss – and the capabilities visually impaired people have just like anyone else. It’s not an entertaining story; it’s a thoughtful and thought-provoking story.

Dr. Frankenstein’s Daughters (Jan. 1, 2013) by Suzanne Weyn.

“IT’S ALIVE!” are those words so easily associated with Dr. Victor Frankenstein and the awakening of his famous monster creation. This story follows a new Frankenstein generation: Victor’s twin daughters, Ingrid (the intellectual) and Giselle (the socialite). For their safety, Victor didn’t claim them, and the girls return to Frankenstein’s castle after learning it is their birthright. Ingrid is immediately entranced by her father’s journals and pores over them. Ingrid’s also drawn to the wounded and sulky naval officer next door, Walter Hammersmith. Giselle wants to return Frankenstein’s castle to its former glory so she can throw lavish parties to be attended by everyone who is anyone in high society and the upper echelon of the sciences. Unfortunately, she seems to be a magnet for danger. She is wary, which is wise, especially when Investigator Cairo brings to light that strange things are going on in the area. Disappearances, even deaths. Can they figure out who’s behind it all before more are hurt or worse?

            I liked this gothic tale, which read like an upper middle-grade novel. Weyn does an appreciative job of respecting the history of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” even if the girls’ words don’t read like that historical time. “Dr. Frankenstein’s Daughters” is not a remake of Shelley’s work. Think of it as an extension of the original. Know that this book isn’t funny. It’s part mystery and part thriller. There are slim occasions when grisly details are shared, yet the book never reads as scary. The ending could’ve been more satisfying (meaning more detailed), but it’s a very decent book.

Firelight (Sept. 7, 2010) by Sophie Jordan.

Draki are not dragons, but the descendants of dragons. They are able to shift between human and dragon forms. It’s not just a cool ability, but a protective one. Jacinda Jones is a prized draki amongst her pride, being a fire-breather -- the first in many generations. However, she refuses to be treated as a possession forcibly given to the pride alpha’s son, Cassian, and crosses limits in a big way. Her defiance compels her mom to relocate them (including her twin sister, Tamra) amongst humans in an arid area, which weakens her draki-ness. Her mom wants to kill off her draki spirit, but Jacinda’s not willing to let it go. Will Rutledge is the one person who revives her draki spirit, but she should avoid him like her life depends on it. Because it might. He’s a draki hunter. Is he better than he has been brought up to be? Can Jacinda both hold onto her draki spirit and control it when it matters most?

            “Firelight” is a YA fantasy that combines mythical species, forbidden love and danger. While the love triangle, cookie-cutter shape sounds all too familiar and copycat (guy wants girl who loves other guy), Jordan’s prose and draki voice give the book a fresh perspective. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys the Twilight series or YA fantasy in general.

Keeping the Castle (June 14, 2012) by Patrice Kindl.

Crawley Castle (a.k.a. Crooked Castle) is a farce. Actually a folly, it’s in shambles and the inhabitants haven’t the means to renovate. Because of this, seventeen-year-old Althea Crawley plans to marry rich. She is a great beauty, so catching the eyes of eligible suitors is no issue. The issue is finding eligible suitors in the small Yorkshire town of Lesser Hoo. When Lord Boring comes to live at Gudgeon Park, her sights are set. He is young, attractive and titled and is smitten with Althea upon first meeting. Her path seems so clear and easy. Too bad she has two noisome stepsisters (not evil like Cinderella’s, mind you, but still snobbish) who pine for Lord Boring’s attentions as well. Then there’s his cousin and business manager, Mr. Fredericks, a smart but somewhat maladroit and impudent young man. Will a smart match be made in Althea’s eyes?

            “Keeping the Castle” has the air of a Jane Austen novel, though it’s aimed at a younger readership. The banter between Althea and Mr. Fredericks is amusing, as Althea can be just as impudent as him “in an age of manners.” Althea also often comes across as shallow. That might be trying on a reader, but the story is meant to entertain. It’s a learning experience for Althea, for she learns that her plans may not come to pass, especially those for keeping the castle.

One for the Murphys (May 10, 2012) by Lynda Mullaly Hunt.

Twelve-year-old Carley Connors is tough, but her life is really upended when she’s sent to live with a foster family, the Murphys. She’s scared, but no crying. Tough exterior, all the way. And inside, too (maybe). To her disbelief, the family is lively and happy. It would be easier to stay detached from them. That detachment is easiest to achieve when one of the boys resents her from the beginning, but what about when Mrs. Murphy is just too … nice? Too loving? Too much the mom she hasn’t had? And what happens when this new world of hers is upended again?

            This is a pleasant read that is fairly short. Carley is believable in the way she uses her outward toughness and sarcasm as an internal protective mechanism. She believably has a lot on her young mind revolving around the moment that led to foster care. So while her acting-out may grate on your nerves or appall you, hopefully you’ll also be sympathetic toward her (but not coddling -- Carley wouldn’t approve!). This book would be a nice selection for a classroom library with middle-grade readers and a section on tough stuff.

-- Lisa Rutabaga’s note: While I am highly supportive of the Scholastic brand, I want to be clear that I purchased these books. I’ve received no compensation from Scholastic for my promotion of them. Read my Disclosure of [No] Material Connection for more.