Summer of Joy by Ann. H. Gabhart

Summer of Joy

Summary from back cover: 

For Jocie Brooke, the summer of 1964 certainly was eventful, but it's nothing compared to what's coming to Hollyhill, Kentucky, and the Brooke family next. The past is coming to call, threatening to destroy the relationships that everyone thought were so strong. Two people--one thought to be gone for good and the other no one's ever heard of--are making their way to the small town. And it promises trouble for everyone.

Review:

Ann Gabhart spins a pleasing tale of family, love, and small town life in Summer of Joy. Set in the 1960s while men go to Vietnam and the Beetles sing about love, David balances work, a congregation and an eclectic family. Leigh loves David and wants more than anything to join his lovable clan.

Hollyhill is full of quirky and lovable characters layered with lives of complication, compassion, and faith. I enjoyed meeting each one and watching them bloom. Ann does an amazing job creating the people in this small town. From young Jocie, the local archivist and wanna be journalist to Zella, romance reader and top notch Christian, readers will love the entertaining story lines as the folks are intertwined in each others’ lives. I enjoyed stepping back in time to a slower pace. Grab a cup of coffee and slip into this touching story, sprinkled with comedy and suspense.

Photos from http://www.annhgabhart.com/index.html

Spring!

Little Flower Bed

Little flower bed--
buried in brown leaves,
dead stems, and wilted fingers--
longs for bursts of fuchsia, gold,
India green and tangerine.

Melted snow
saturated the soil. Woke the roots.
The black-eyed Susan babies
(a friend shared last year)
race to break through.

My little garden dreams
of spring. Fresh buds, rubber-red peony sprouts,
gray lavender, drooping columbine,
jewel toned zinnias.

Soon, little garden, soon.

Honored to have an article in Southern Writers magazine

My article "Always a Tourist" is featured in the March/April issue of Southern Writers magazine.

A Stroke of Art

If you live near a city or an artsy town, you may have visited studios hosting painting parties. Friday evening, two of my daughters, my niece, and I spent the evening at Stroke of Art where art is a party. The cozy studio tucked into a corner in Withamsville, Ohio hosts painting parties, special events and art for children.

Our Instructor Carrie

When we arrived, our instructor, Carrie, greeted us with a kind welcome. She set us up with easels, canvas, paints, water, brushes and pallet knives. As a group, we selected the painting we wanted to create. Even though we followed the same idea, our choice of colors and our personal styles made our finished art unique.

As much as I appreciated the perfect set-up with generous supplies, I loved the laughter, encouragement and camaraderie with the girls. We snapped pictures, reminisced, admired each other’s work and just enjoyed being together.

No matter your ability, I highly recommend this fun experience.

Do you have an art studio where you can paint or have an art party? If you do, please share.

Spring is Coming

Tired of snow and cold weather? It’s almost March and soon we’ll see tulips blooming, trees budding, and daffodils dancing. Children will run outside and play, and winter coats will return to our closets. 

As much as I love winter, I also appreciate spring. I’m sure God knew we’d need a ray of hope towards the end of the white, cold winter. 

I hope this photo, I took near Travelers Rest, SC a few years ago, brings you joy and hope for spring.

The Dream Dress by Janice Thompson

The Dream Dress by Janice Thompson

Book 3 in the Weddings by Design series

Stitched together with love and laughter, The Dream Dress introduces us to Gabi Delgado, wedding dress designer. Trouble is she spends more time sewing hems, altering bodices and securing beads than sketching dresses. Has designing become a distant dream lost in the piles of satin and lace? Not if her friends can help it.

This romantic comedy has just the right blend of funny, lovable characters who take Gabi with them on their journey as they serve God. From Gabi’s rude and demanding boss to her attractive acquaintance, Jordan Singer, author Janice Thompson punches up their story with humor and romance.  I laughed out loud at this delightful tale of wishes and dreams.

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading about weddings, falling in love, the wedding industry or just a sweet read. Five stars.

Description from the back of the book:

A lowly seamstress at a swanky bridal boutique, Gabi Delgado dreams of doing more than ripping out seams and fitting dresses to doe-eyed brides. She wants to see her own original dress designs gracing the young women of Texas. But when Jordan Singer, reporter for Texas Bride magazine, visits the shop to do a feature, Gabi is humbled in his influential--and unnervingly handsome--presence.

Convinced she'll never get her dreams off the ground now, Gabi needs lots of encouragement--especially from her friend Bella Neeley--to take a chance and start her business. And as she gets to know Jordan, she discovers that she may have to take a chance on love as well.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of reviewing this book honestly.

My Poetry

I've added new tabs to my blog. If you enjoy reading or writing poetry check out:

http://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/p/small-town-oem.html

http://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/p/my-poetry.html

http://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/p/haiku.html

Thanks for stopping by.

A Valentine to God

Photo:Blue Peeling Paint Background/www.toasto.com

Home at Last by Anita Higman

Anita’s latest with Heartsong, Home at Last, takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of emotions as Olivia and Noah discover that everything they believed may be tumbling down around them.

Olivia set aside her own goals and dreams to care for her employer for more than twenty years. Noah believed his mother and resented his father. Two people caught in a web of deceit struggle to regain trust. Only God can lead them to the truth.

Anita delivers a tender story of love even as Olivia’s innocence and Noah’s worldliness clash. Through emotion and searching, the story carries the reader through the ups and downs of discovery and acceptance. The beautiful, but rundown old house where Noah grew up and Olivia’s lived for more than twenty years is a fascinating backdrop. I love when a home or town act as another character in a story.

Anita’s writing, as usual, paints a beautiful picture of life and the abundant love God has for His people. This quick read will stick with you as you contemplate how trust in God can change your life.

A little hope for winter...

A January Bride by Deborah Raney

A January Bride is the second book in A Year of Weddings novellas penned by twelve different inspirational authors.

These are perfect books for an evening read, while you wrap up in a blanket, and sip hot chocolate.

Writer, Madeleine Houser, moved her life from New York City to Kansas to help out her sister. Unfortunately, her sister’s home is being remodeled which means no peace and quiet to write. Neighbor, Ginny has the perfect solution— Arthur Tyler’s Inn.

Deborah creates a sweet story with a delightful twist. If you enjoy well written happily ever after stories of love, you’ll like A January Bride.

I plan to read them all. A December Bride by Denise Hunter is also available.

Found this interesting poem contrasting reality and dream

Winter Sleep

by Edith Matilda Thomas

I know it must be winter (though I sleep)--

I know it must be winter, for I dream 

I dip my bare feet in the running stream, 

And flowers are many, and the grass grows deep. 

I know I must be old (how age deceives!) 

I know I must be old, for, all unseen, 

My heart grows young, as autumn fields grow green 

When late rains patter on the falling sheaves. 

I know I must be tired (and tired souls err)-- 

I know I must be tired, for all my soul 

To deeds of daring beats a glad, faint roll, 

As storms the riven pine to music stir. 

I know I must be dying (Death draws near)-- 

I know I must be dying, for I crave 

Life--life, strong life, and think not of the grave, 

And turf-bound silence, in the frosty year. 

Today's poem is in the public domain.

Shadows of the Past (Book 1 of the Logan Point series) by Patricia Bradley

What happens when the victim profiler becomes the victim? In Shadows of the Past, psychology professor and criminal profiler, Taylor Martin, knows she’s being stalked. Yet she’s determined to push the thought away while she works to find her father, who left the family years ago.

Mystery writer, Nick Sinclair searches for his brother, Scott, a teen on a self-destructive binge. When Taylor and Nick cross paths they are drawn to each other. But, the past pushes them apart.

From the first chapter of this romantic suspense to the last, Patricia Bradley’s engaging voice and fast-paced story grabbed my attention and kept me reading. She took her characters through intrigue, romance, danger, and a revelation of self-awareness. I grew to respect Taylor as a professional and a woman who handled herself in the eyes of danger. Nick’s gentle, caring personality balanced Taylor’s need to be independent. I love the way the author wove together Taylor’s impossible situation with the mystery of her father’s disappearance and Scott’s self-destruction. With a perfect blend of dialog, description and tension, Ms. Bradley’s story pulled me in and didn’t let go until the very end.

The secondary characters played an engaging role to the story. With each one, I gained a better understanding of what made Taylor’s and Nick’s personalities tick. The author included the home where Taylor grew up as a part of the story. This intrigued me and made me appreciate the history that went into creating Taylor’s persona.

I recommend this book, especially if you’re a fan of Terri Blackstock or Dee Henderson. Five stars.

Book 2 in the Logan Point series comes out in the fall 2014.

To find out more about Patricia Bradley, go to: http://ptbradley.com/

Church Building Repurposed

I love church buildings. And ironically, I attend church in a high school. This one inspired the idea for the cafe/bookstore in Peace, Love, and Mashed Potatoes. Turtle Creek Cafe and The Book Nook are housed in a repurposed church.

Remember

When someone asks me about people I admire or respect or even consider a hero, a few come to mind. I tend to admire people who have faith in what they believe. Especially folks who trust God for their strength and guidance. 

Today as I think about people who made a difference, I remember Harriet Tubman, who took numerous chances on her life to rescue her fellow men and women from slavery. Continuing in that vein, Martin Luther King, Jr. spent his short life working to make life better for others. As we remember this man and the efforts he put forth, I want to share a few of his quotes:

• “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
• “Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a permanent attitude.”
• “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
• “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
• “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

Pure Delight

Dear Mr. Knightly by Katherine Reay

It’s hard to believe this is Katherine Reay’s debut novel. Written as if she’s penned stories for a lifetime, Dear Mr. Knightley delights as it reveals a young woman’s journey into adulthood.

Through letters to her benefactor, Samantha is required to detail her life as she works through a graduate program at Medill School of Journalism. Along the way, Sam meets an array of quirky and interesting characters. I wanted to visit with the Muirs, a kind, older couple and have lunch with handsome, charming Alex Powell. Along with the fascinating characters, the honesty that pours on the pages from Samantha’s life pulls the reader in.  Katherine writes with humor, reality, sadness and triumph. If you love Jane Austen, Elizabeth Bennet, or Jane Eyre, you’ll enjoy this delightful modern tale.

Anyone who enjoys a tale of growing up and finding love will lose themselves in Dear Mr. Knightley. You may even wish you had a Mr. Knightley of your own.

Wait in Hope

Hot Tea Month

January is hot tea month. I found a new tea that I enjoy. I'm usually one who sticks with black tea, such as English Breakfast, Earl Grey and good old Lipton. But I read that green tea is good for me. I had tasted green tea before and didn't like it. I'm trying to take better care of myself so I thought I'd give it another chance. Thanks to the many varieties at my local Kroger, I came across green tea infused with honey. Yum. This is a great afternoon treat with biscotti.

What's your favorite hot tea?

The Peace of Winter

I've always loved January. In Ohio, the first month of the year is usually cold and sometimes we are blessed with snow. Ideally, I like to stay home and write or spend the day reading, snuggled under a warm blanket, with a cup of tea. But like most folks, I go to work each day.

Nevertheless, I find ways to relish the beauty of winter. I appreciate the frozen scenery as I trek to work after a winter snow. I nestle in my living room after supper and share the time at home with my husband and dogs. And I write. I don't spend as much time outside, so that gives me more time
to rattle the keyboard and bring my ideas to life.

This January is no different. I'm working on my new work-in-progress, Faith, Hope and Hot Chocolate. I've returned to Turtle Creek to see what God has in store for Lily June and Finn.

I hope you stay warm and enjoy the peace of winter.