~ A Wrinkle In Time ~

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle is one of my all time favorite books. I was delighted when I picked up my sister's copy and delved into this new world. A world of It Who Which and What. A world without individuality and uniqueness and world threatened by darkness. And now that world of words is about to come to life in a new way.

Synopsis: 

A Wrinkle In Time opens in US theatres March 9, 2018.

The film, which is an epic adventure based on Madeleine L’Engle’s timeless classic which takes audiences across dimensions of time and space, examining the nature of darkness versus light and ultimately, the triumph of love.

Directed by Ava DuVernay from a screenplay by Jennifer Lee based upon the beloved novel by Madeleine L’Engle, “A Wrinkle in Time” is produced by Jim Whitaker and Catherine Hand with Doug Merrifield serving as executive producer. The film stars: Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Michael Peňa, Levi Miller, Deric McCabe, André Holland, Rowan Blanchard with Zach Galifianakis and Chris Pine and introduces Storm Reid.

Watch the teaser trailer for Disney's A Wrinkle In Time.

Madeleine L’Engle (1918-2007)

Madeleine was born on November 29, 1918, and spent her formative years in New York City. She found her gift for writing at an early age developing stories, poems and journals and later went on to study English at Smith College. She married her husband Hugh Franklin and together they had three children and relocated to Connecticut. While her children were young L’Engle taught Sunday school for her church. Once her children were older she worked as a librarian at Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York City where she held the position for nearly thirty years.

In 1962 she wrote A Wrinkle In Time and won a Newbury Award in 1963. The book has sold more than 15 million copies since its publication. She followed the successful debut with: A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Many Waters, and An Acceptable Time.

She also wrote a devotional titled: Glimpses of Grace: Daily Thoughts and Reflections.

L’Engle passed away at the age of 88 on September 6, 2007.

To read her interview with Christianity Today, please go to:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/49712

For additional information about her works including A Wrinkle In Time, please go to:

http://www.madeleinelengle.com/

The Cover Story ~ Review

The Cover Story
A Branigan Powers Mystery
By Deb Richardson-Moore

Don't let the cover of this book fool you - this isn't some mystery sleuth from the past. Branigan Powers is on the story of a present day accident that could have been a murder attempt if what Charlie Delaney says is true. But was Charlie the intended victim or was her now deceased passenger Janie Rose the target? Branigan is determined to find out and she has the perfect cover for all her sleuthing as a reporter for The Grambling Rambler.

But this time the story is personal with her niece involved. Could Charlie have truly been forced off the road by a 1950s hearse? And even more puzzling where did this particular vehicle come from?

But when another murder occurs and a link is found to a nearby university Branigan's investigation takes her into the world of sororities and Southern charm that may predate the hearse she's searching for. Branigan's best hope for a solid lead lies with a homeless man named Malachi Martin who knows how to be invisible while in plain sight.

This is a story that could very well make or break Grambling and all it holds dear. And those thinking of living the Greek college life may what to read The Cover Story first before embarking on such a path.

This book is set in the present day and there are suspects a-plenty but none seem to stand-out in such a way so as to make for an easy case.  The Cover Story just screams cover-up if a crime has indeed been committed. But the question is has a crime been committed or did Charlie's mind create something that wasn't truly there.

If you like mysteries that draw out the suspense give this book a try. Who knows maybe you'll determine the truth before Branigan Powers and the Grambling police department.

I was provided a review copy of this book, by the publisher, with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

A bizarre hit-and-run brings Branigan Powers back to the crime-solving beat

A fatal crash involving two college students heading home for the holidays seems like an unfortunate accident. But when the surviving girl awakens, she tells a curious story of the vehicle that forced them off the road--an old-fashioned, 1950s-style hearse.

Reporter Branigan Powers delves into the mystery that takes her to the college campus and leads her into dangerous fraternity and sorority pledge parties.

Reunited with the homeless Malachi Martin, who is so adept at seeing what isn't there rather than what is, Branigan must uncover what is really going on at the college before other students are put in danger.

This second installment in the author's cozy mystery series delves into the world of newspapers and life on the streets--both of which the author knows well.

My Sister's Prayer ~ Review

My Sister's Prayer
Cousins of the Dove #2
By Mindy Starns Clark
       and Leslie Gould

The Talbot family saga continues with this My Sister's Prayer - the story is again a back and forth telling of the present day and 1704. Catherine and Pierre Talbot have prospered in the England since their escape from France. But when their daughter Celeste makes a hasty decision to leave all she knows behind for the promise of marriage in the colonies she sets in motion a chain of events that she never anticipated.

Celeste knows she has found the man she is to marry in Lieutenant Jonathan Gray. But when Jonathan is sent to a post in the American colonies Celeste agrees to follow him on the next ship. Indenturing herself Celeste holds Jonathan's promise close. But when she makes a most unexpected discovery - her younger sister Berta has somehow been forced on board - she fears whether or not Jonathan will be able to redeem them both.

In present day Virginia Maddee and Nicole Talbot are caught up in the past as they read through the letters of Celeste Talbot to her family that she left behind. As Celeste's story unfolds parallels are made to their own lives and relations as sisters. Nana has a special reason for wanting her granddaughters to read these letters now. But learning about their past isn't all that they are dealing with as Nicole with the help of Maddee and Nana recovers from an accident that nearly cost her her life.

As two sets of Talbot sisters deal with their unique situations and the choices that have brought them each to key moments in their lives they must learn to turn to God and the faith that has sustained them in the past. And the mystery that the modern Talbot cousins were involved with in the first book is continued in this one as the investigation continues. But can they truly discover the truth of what was hidden or will they continue to be haunted by their past?

This is the second book in the Cousins of the Dove trilogy and it is an interesting look into the past and how indentured servants came to the this New World. It would be interesting to know how many arrived on false promises.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Women of Fearless Devotion

Virginia, 1704

Celeste Talbot is usually such a sensible young woman—until she falls for an English soldier reassigned to the Colonies. Leaving her Huguenot family behind, she sets sail for America, only to realize that her younger sister Berta has been kidnapped and forced on board the very same ship. Whom can Celeste trust? The dashing soldier? Or the vigilant carpenter who remains by their side in the perilous New World?

Virginia, present day

Madeline “Maddee” Talbot has her hands full when she agrees to take in her younger sister, Nicole, following a serious car accident. The young women grew apart when Nicole fell into drug addiction, and Maddee prays this will be the start of a better life for her sister. But as they investigate a trauma from their childhood, Maddee must keep a diligent eye on Nicole—and the shadowy figure watching them from afar.

From the Christy Award-winning team of Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould, My Sister’s Prayer tells an epic tale of two women compelled to protect their sisters, confront their fears, and navigate the muddy waters of betrayal to find true love.

My Brother's Crown ~ Review

My Brother's Crown
Cousins of the Dove #1
By Mindy Starns Clark
      and Leslie Gould

My Brother's Crown is one of those delightful stories that weaves two into one in a such a way that the reader is thoroughly and completely drawn in within the first pages. The story opens in 1685 France and switches off with present day Virginia.

In France, the Gillet family is at a crossroads as the nation has become hostile to those identified as Huguenots. Huguenots are faced with a choice - convert to Catholicism, flee the country, or face the consequences of their defiance of King Louis XIV.

Catherine wants the family to leave yesterday, but her older brother Jules seems reluctant to take any action. Even worse, her betrothed, Pierre Talbot is more than happy to let her brother decide everything for the family and him. Catherine is determined to do whatever she feels is necessary to safeguard those she holds dear. But does she truly know her own heart? And if temptations come her way will she stand firm in her faith?

In Virginia, the Talbot family has prospered during their time in America and has decided to share an important legacy of their family with the world. A document that Renee Talbot feels sure is more than it appears at first glance. As Renee looks for a way to test what she suspects her own past is about to make its presence known. But this time Renee is not about to let anyone tell her she imagined what has haunted her for years. This time she has an ally who is willing to help her prove what she knows.

This book is perfect for those who love exploring history through fiction. And if your tastes run towards contemporary fiction, you are covered as well. Faith is an important theme throughout and is woven so that it doesn't come across as forced. The other thing the reader will come away with is the value of family in an individual's life. It is interesting to contrast the two stories as they unfold from Catherine and Renee's viewpoints. If you are looking for a book club selection you can't go wrong with this one.

And the dress on the cover - keep your eyes open for it as you read - it is an important factor!

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Harvest House, with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.



About the Book:

France, 1685. Catherine Gillet knows her brother, Jules, wants to protect her from the sinister threats of the French crown. But Jules is involved in a potentially deadly enterprise, one connected with an encoded document. When his actions put the whole family at risk, will Catherine find a way to save them?

Virginia, present day. Renee Talbot, a direct descendant of Catherine’s, is fascinated by the document that’s been part of her family legacy for more than three centuries. Certain its pages hold hidden secrets, she takes a closer look—and makes a shocking discovery. But when memories of a childhood trauma are rekindled, she’s forced to seek answers of a different kind. Inspired by the faith and bravery of Catherine, can Renee find the truth and face her deepest fears at last?

From the authors of the Christy Award-winning The Amish Midwife comes an epic story of two women, centuries apart, each discovering her own hidden bravery, standing for what she believes in, and finding love in unexpected places.

The Sweet Smell of Magnolias and Memories ~ Review

The Sweet Smell of
Magnolias and Memories
By Celeste Fletcher McHale

This is an interesting book, one that I both liked and disliked at parts. Don't get me wrong the story is well-written and the characters are well developed. It is just that at times certain characters made me want to roll my eyes and sigh with some of their antics.

A year ago Jacey and Colin met during a storm that could have cost them and the family they were sheltering with their lives. Somehow after 3 days, they are rescued and the pair has discovered that the other is the love of their life. But tragedy strikes and Colin and Jacey are separated and Jacey loses a portion of her memory due to another tragic accident.

For a year this tragedy has been lurking at the corners of Jacey's memory when she unexpectedly sees Colin again. Suddenly Jacey's memories start coming back with greater frequency and she becomes a woman on a mission. Jacey needs to find the family that she and Collin took refuge with.

With the help of her best friend Georgia, Jacey may finally find what she's been looking for. Or Georgia could help her lose it yet again.

I can't say any of these characters would be people I personally identified with as their lives were so different from mine. But it was an interesting look at how different people respond and react to disappointments and tragedy. Does it break you or give you a foundation on which to build something new?

This book is contemporary and set in the South (think Mississippi and Lousiana). Family and friends play a big role in how each character looks at life. I think of the main characters Georgia is my favorite - she's a unique personality that seems to just fill a room and she is battling her own demons that affect her outlook and actions.

I received a copy of this book for free. I was not required to post a positive review and the views and opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Jacey and Colin shared the three most intense days of their lives together, waiting for help as Mississippi floodwaters surrounded them. Jacey knew Colin was the love of her life—until her rescue boat went under water, along with Colin’s last name and pieces of Jacey’s memory.

My Heart Belongs in Ruby City Idaho ~ Review

My Heart Belongs in Ruby City Idaho
Rebecca's Plight
By Susanne Dietze

Rebecca Rice is headed to a new and better life in Ruby City, Idaho. At least that was her plan - she was headed for a marriage with a Mr. Fordham, Ruby City's shopkeeper, a man she had become acquainted with through an exchange of letters.

When bandits hold up the stagecoach that's carrying Rebecca to her new life she more than a little relieved to arrive more or less unharmed in Ruby City. And she's even more relieved to find her intended awaiting her arrival. And before the sun had a chance to set Rebecca was the lawful wife of Deputy Thaddeus (Tad) Fordham. All too late Rebecca discovered she had made a horrible mistake - she had married the wrong Fordham!

And the worst part of the day is there is no easy way to undo the mistake - they have to wait for the area judge to return before this mess can be resolved to everyone's satisfaction, or so they hope. But with Rebecca married to the wrong cousin and without funds due to the holdup she finds herself in a most unexpected situation.

As they wait for the judge to return to Silver City, Rebecca begins making a life for herself in Ruby City. But as she gets to know both Thaddeus and Theodore she is left wondering if Theodore is truly the man she should marry.  

Mistaken identities, feuding cousins, and a gang of bandits make Ruby City, Idaho, a place of interest in this story set in 1866. This is a fun and diversionary story that is the perfect foil to the heat of summer. Get ready to sit back and be entertained with this marriage mishap that just may the best thing to happen to any of the parties involved.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:
Looking forward to a quiet life and a full stomach, mail-order bride Rebecca Rice is pleased to marry her shopkeeper intended, Mr. Fordham, until the justice of the peace calls him Thaddeus, not Theodore—proceeded by the title Deputy.

Is it possible to marry the wrong man?

When the newlyweds realize they’ve married the wrong partners with similar names, an annulment seems in order—and fast, since Rebecca’s true intended is impatient to claim her as his own, not to mention Rebecca would never marry a lawman like her father. But when the legalities take longer than expected, Rebecca wonders if Tad wasn’t the right husband for her all along. . . .

The Road to Paradise ~ Review

The Road to Paradise
A Vintage National Parks Novel
By Karen Barnett

Take a step back in time to 1927 and embrace the peace that Margaret, Margie to her friends, Lane has come to experience at Mount Rainier National Park. Not only is this an escape from the world of society in which she has always lived - it is the chance to truly appreciate the creation that God has created.

Unfortunately for Margie, the park rangers, all of whom are men, don't feel that Margie has anything of importance to offer unless she can influence her father into helping to secure federal funds for their work. Ford Brayden is Chief Ranger and he has been tasked with showing Margie around and he is anything but pleased with the assignment. Ford would rather be out doing something than stuck with what he assumes is a pampered senator's daughter who probably can't tell the difference between a skunk and a raccoon.

 But soon Margie and Ford find themselves having to work together in an effort to save the natural beauty and wilderness of the mountain from the man Margie had thought was her friend, the man she thought she would marry. And this fight is one that could cost them everything if they lose.

I really enjoyed The Road to Paradise with explorations of the beauty and wilderness and how Margie found the hand of God in all that she saw.  I also appreciated the ingenious way that Margie and her father dealt with the threat that they were facing. I have to be honest I really wished I could step into the pages of this book and explore the beauty that was brought to life as the story unfolded. I also enjoyed Margie's habit of quoting persons of note and poetry that suited her location.

Those who enjoy early 20th Century American history will want to check-out this book, which I hope is the first of a series that will explore other National Parks. Karen Barnett's writing is enjoyable with no notice drag as she shifts scenes and characters. And her characters are well-developed one adores Margie, empathizes with Ford, and then there is Philip (who deserves whatever he gets).

I was provided a review copy of this book by Blogging for Books with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
An ideal sanctuary and a dream come true–that’s what Margaret Lane feels as she takes in God’s gorgeous handiwork in Mount Rainier National Park. It’s 1927 and the National Park Service is in its youth when Margie, an avid naturalist, lands a coveted position alongside the park rangers living and working in the unrivaled splendor of Mount Rainier’s long shadow.

But Chief Ranger Ford Brayden is still haunted by his father’s death on the mountain, and the ranger takes his work managing the park and its crowd of visitors seriously. The job of watching over an idealistic senator’s daughter with few practical survival skills seems a waste of resources.

When Margie’s former fiancé sets his mind on developing the Paradise Inn and its surroundings into a tourist playground, the plans might put more than the park’s pristine beauty in danger. What will Margie and Ford sacrifice to preserve the splendor and simplicity of the wilderness they both love?

Karen Barnett’s vintage national parks novels bring to vivid life President Theodore Roosevelt’s vision for protected lands, when he wrote in Outdoor Pastimes of an American Hunter: "There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than the Yosemite, the groves of the giant sequoias and redwoods, the Canyon of the Colorado, the Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Three Tetons; and our people should see to it that they are preserved for their children and their children's children forever, with their majestic beauty all unmarred."

About the Author:

KAREN BARNETT is an award winning author of four novels who draws on her firsthand experience as a naturalist, former park ranger, and outdoor educator to transport readers to America’s national parks.. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two children.