A Rancher's Pride - Barbara White Daille

Sam and Kayla's story left me with mixed emotions. Not only did Sam's wife leave him without explanation, he had no idea he'd fathered a child. Sam's at a loss as how to deal or communicate with Becky, his little deaf girl. When Kayla, Sam's ex-sister-in-law, enters the picture, her existence threatens more than Sam ever dreamed. Their story leaves you cheering for Sam, yet feeling for Kayla, who loves and had cared for Becky since birth. Secrets bind Sam to the past and now the future. A Rancher's Pride is a terrific read, and I look forward to Barbara's next novel.

I hope you'll pick up a copy. You won't regret it

Tara Taylor Quinn - Chapman Series

I highly recommend Tara Taylor Quinn's "The 1st Wife." It's well written and leaves me anxious for the remaining three stories in the Chapman series. The story of abused women will touch every woman who reads it and will find intriguing. Thanks to Tara for a moving and lively novel.

The Water is Wide by Pat Conroy

The Water is Wide is beautifully written. A distressing, yet inspiring memoir.
In the book, Pat Conroy writes an honest, candid account of his year as a teacher at Yamacraw, based on Daufuskie Island, off the South Carolina coast.

Pat’s early teaching position prepared him for yet another milestone in his courageous writing. From day one, at Yamacraw’s school, Conroy seeks to reconcile years of disregard for every child’s right: the right to a proper education. Conroy shares his shock, hopes and dreams for the children who are neglected and uneducated, which is sad, yet inspirational.

As with Conroy’s, Prince of Tides, I was drawn immediately into the unique story. I was appalled at the lack of education on the island and even more so, at the men in control who bent to no man to assist Conroy in his efforts to alter the offensive school system. It would take more than Pat Conroy’s unconventional teaching methods to deliver the tools required for the system to meet their children’s needs.

The children on Yamacraw were part of our future; the island’s school system investment let them down.

MONTEREY MEMORIES by Gail Gaymer Martin

I truly love this book. Monterey Memories, an anthology by Gail Gaymer Martin, is a must buy.

In each of the three novels, set in the central coast of California, Gail writes of God's love with such ease and weaves His love throughout each story.

We see how faith and growth in the Word affects every aspect of our lives. Everyday normal people with trials and decisions we can identify with, from trust, or acceptance to forgiveness, learn to lean on God through their faith.

Thank you, Gail. I look forward to your upcoming books.

I'm adding this book to my gift list for friends and family. Who wouldn't want to find this warm, engrossing book in their stocking at Christmas? Or simply a gift to share.

Hard to believe Christmas is almost here again! It's time to start those lists and address cards. I'm ususally well into my card list, but haven't started them this year. There's nothing like staying in touch with friends and Christmas is a wonderful time to do just that.