What do a Greek opera soprano and a former American first lady have in common? Many are familiar with the iconic photographs of Jacqueline Kennedy during JFK’s presidency or the arias sung by Maria Callas, but their hidden struggles defined their personal lives. From failed pregnancies to troubled marriages to loving the same man – … Continue reading Jackie and Maria
Can you believe it's already March?? That means it's time to look back at what we read in February - what were your favorites last month? Here's the books that got 5 stars from me this month: February Reads In February, I read 10 books - 6 audiobooks and 4 print. The links below will … Continue reading February Review & March Preview
When most people consider Lent, they think of giving up things - soda, meat, candy, etc. Lent is really a commemoration of the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert as he was confronted with temptation by satan. Giving up something fits with the act of fasting, but Lent is really more about preparing … Continue reading Books for the Lenten Season
Jojo Moyes is back with her latest book Someone Else’s Shoes, which follows two very different women as they grapple with relationship challenges, new careers, and parenting problems. Filled with Moyes classic humor and witty conversation, this new release is sure to make you laugh. Sam’s employer was recently acquired by a big company leaving … Continue reading Someone Else’s Shoes
We all have moments that define our lives – the moment we meet someone, or the moment something tremendous happens. May 21, 2008 was one of those moments for the entire Chapman family – a tragic accident that lead to the death of their youngest child. But there were so many others along the way, … Continue reading Between Heaven & the Real World
Happy Presidents' Day weekend! If you've got Monday off, I hope you'll have some time to dive into a good book! While this holiday has become very commercialized with mattress sales and Amazon warehouse discounts, it actually started as a celebration of George Washington, America's first president. Washington's was born on February 22, 1732, and … Continue reading Presidents’ Day Book Recommendations
For nearly a century, April 14, 1865 was the most notorious day in American History. It was Good Friday, a rainy day in Washington D.C. Our American Cousin was showing at Ford’s Theater. Julia Grant’s husband begged out of his employer’s invitation to the theater because she couldn’t stand the boss’ wife. A shady character … Continue reading Abe
Constance Halstead is a wife, a mother to two young children, and a society figure in New Orleans. Alice Butterworth is a wife, a seamstress, and a girl from a Midwest farm living in Chicago. When both their husbands vanish, circumstances bring these ladies together in New Orleans. Known world over today for Mardi Gras, … Continue reading The Seamstress of New Orleans
Eloisa and her dad have always been anti-Valentine’s Day, but now he’s moved away and left her in charge of the family winery. And what’s the biggest holiday draw for the winery? Elo’s least favorite day of the year. Usually she leaves the winery’s annual singles party up to her best friend to manage. But … Continue reading A Vineyard Valentine
Celie’s life has been an adventure – the loss of her parents early in life, two pregnancies as a teen, her children taken away, an arranged marriage to someone she doesn’t love, estrangement from her sister, and failed romance. Celie is yearning for someone to care for her the way she’s cared for those in … Continue reading The Color Purple
