1889, Lucinda comes from Boston to Oklahoma Territory to live with her Aunt Mellie and Uncle Ben on their ranch after her parents die. Lucinda falls i1889, Lucinda comes from Boston to Oklahoma Territory to live with her Aunt Mellie and Uncle Ben on their ranch after her parents die. Lucinda falls in love with Jake, a ranch hand who is not a Christian, and he has a past that must be confronted.
The first half of the book deals mainly with internal struggles of the characters. The second half contains more action and obstacles. And, the addition of outspoken Aunt Clara (Uncle Ben's Aunt) adds spice to the story.
Historical point - People from the East were surprised by the shortening of first names. Folks in the West were less formal.
Amazing and fast paced account of the April, 1889 Land Rush and the one day settlement of Guthrie Station. Some fictional characters represent actual Amazing and fast paced account of the April, 1889 Land Rush and the one day settlement of Guthrie Station. Some fictional characters represent actual people of the time, other characters represent possibilities and/or the opportunities for equality, the ingenuity of ambition, and the lack of character some display in order to reach their quest for power.
Protagonist, Creed McReynolds, half Kiowa from his mother's side, returns to the Territory after being raised by his father. Creed is now a lawyer, and lumber owner, seeking to gain respect and make his fortune in this Promised Land. He joins the group known as the "sooners" by sneaking into the area after bribing a railroad "bull."
Creed has a great sense of business and creativity that allows him vision for future needs. He builds his empire to a suprising conclusion.
All the characters in this story have great depth, exhibiting strengths and weakness.
I found this an amazing read. However, two brief accounts of sexual encounters are described more than necessary and don't add anything to the story. For this reason, I did not give a 5 star rating....more
Excellent historical content about Cherokees: Trail of Tears, life in Tahlequah, Cherokee slave holders, and Cherokee involvement in the civil war. WrExcellent historical content about Cherokees: Trail of Tears, life in Tahlequah, Cherokee slave holders, and Cherokee involvement in the civil war. Written as a novel, the history came to life through the characters: Chief John Ross, Rich Joe Vann, Sam Houston, medicine man Pumpkin, and Sequoyah. Original writings of Sequoyah sprinkled throughout. Brief appearances by William Quantrill and Jesse James.
A few chapters contained extreme profanity, presumably to demonstrate realism of the characters portrayed. Also, a few sexual scenes were descriptive, but, fortunately, brief. For these two reasons, I did not rate this a 5 star. ...more
This final book in the series has a lot of fast-moving action. Quite a page turner. Enola saves the missing spanish Lady on the brink of being murdereThis final book in the series has a lot of fast-moving action. Quite a page turner. Enola saves the missing spanish Lady on the brink of being murdered. She resolves family issues.
My complaint with this volume was the Gypsy palm-reading scene and the philosophy espoused by Enola's mother in a letter regarding what happens after one dies. ...more
Eleven-year-old orpahn, Samuel Collier, is one of two boys chosen by Rev. Richard Hunt to travel to the New World with him. Samuel will be the page ofEleven-year-old orpahn, Samuel Collier, is one of two boys chosen by Rev. Richard Hunt to travel to the New World with him. Samuel will be the page of Captian John Smith. Samuel has no friends or close relationships, and likes it that way. Hard work and hardships comfront Samual in the new land.
Author, Elisa Carbone, after extensive research, writes this Middle Grade Historical Fiction account of life in the New World, 1607-1610. Quotes from original traveler's writings open each chapter. Afterward section caps off what happened in the lives of Captian Smith and Samuel Collier after the initial few years of James Town. ...more
Enola Holmes once again rescues Lady Cecilia, this time from entering into a forced marriage. Enola has some close calls with her two older brothers, Enola Holmes once again rescues Lady Cecilia, this time from entering into a forced marriage. Enola has some close calls with her two older brothers, Sherlock and Mycroft, but manages to evade their attempts to force her into their idea of what a young lady should do to prepare for her place in society. ...more
Soft Rain, Age 9, and her family are forced from their home in North Carolina and travel on the Trail of Tears. Hardships endured are presented in chiSoft Rain, Age 9, and her family are forced from their home in North Carolina and travel on the Trail of Tears. Hardships endured are presented in child-appropriate language. Cherokee words are introduced and explained. Although Soft Rain and her family did not choose to move, the book ended on a hopeful note with no bitterness or resentment....more
Nancy Springer's "The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets" is full of surprise twists. In this 3rd Enola Holmes mystery, Enola (age 14) solves the case of thNancy Springer's "The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets" is full of surprise twists. In this 3rd Enola Holmes mystery, Enola (age 14) solves the case of the missing Dr. Watson which saves his life, survives danger from a noteable villain, and undergoes positive character transformation. 1889 London comes to life on the page. The meanings of flowers plays a large role in these novels regarding Enola's secret cypher communiques with her run-away mother. In this 3rd book, the villain sends flowers that testify to evil intentions. ...more
This second Enola Holmes mystery is better than the first. With the help of disguises, cunning, and courage, Enola finds the missing Lady Cecilia, solThis second Enola Holmes mystery is better than the first. With the help of disguises, cunning, and courage, Enola finds the missing Lady Cecilia, solves the mystery of her disappearance, and unmasks the villain. She confronts danger on two levels and triumphs over both, but with a cost. Lots of action and clues to unravel. 1889 London and mind-sets brought to the page beautifully.
Enola Holmes, 14-year-old sister of Sherlock Holmes, travels to London in search of her missing mother. Along the way, she dawns disquises, and rescueEnola Holmes, 14-year-old sister of Sherlock Holmes, travels to London in search of her missing mother. Along the way, she dawns disquises, and rescues 12-year-old Tewky.
An enjoyable read with danger and a lot of action. I read this in two sittings. I liked Enola's changes in thinking regarding her perceptions of herself. ...more
Moose Flanagan, along with his parents and sister, Natalie, move to Alcatraz Island in 1935. Moose's father has a new job as a prison guard. This is aMoose Flanagan, along with his parents and sister, Natalie, move to Alcatraz Island in 1935. Moose's father has a new job as a prison guard. This is a fictional story based on the reality of the children that lived and grew up on Alcatraz.
A fun read with a bit of a serious side. I liked the growth of relationship between Moose and his sister, the schemes the characters devise, and the historical setting. Many of the characters experience positive growth. And, the ending is especially delightful. ...more
I feel as if I've just come home from a wonderful vacation in Paris. The sites, the fashion, the food, an English speaking church, and the art. WonderI feel as if I've just come home from a wonderful vacation in Paris. The sites, the fashion, the food, an English speaking church, and the art. Wonderful visits to art galleries and tidbits about artists and their work are delightful.
Claire,(serious American) and Adrien (fun-loving Frenchman) see the sites, investigate the mystery of the distant cousin, and have all-out clashes over fashion, having fun, drinking, spending, politics, and love. In the final analysis, I sometimes didn't agree with Adrien, but he did cause me to examine my views. Both characters are charming and likeable.
I found myself looking forward to sitting down to "see what Claire and Adrien are up to" because it was always a surprise. I didn't want the story to end....more
Set in a fishing lodge in Ireland. Audio version of book rich with Irish accents and fiddle music. Father Tim (referred to as Reverend in Ireland) andSet in a fishing lodge in Ireland. Audio version of book rich with Irish accents and fiddle music. Father Tim (referred to as Reverend in Ireland) and wife, Cynthia (children's book author and illustrator) spend their vacation in a fishing lodge in the countryside. They grow attached to the owners of the lodge and the estranged extended family from the estate house up the hill. This book held much more drama than the usual lighthearted Midford series. Ended well. ...more
I used "The Plot Whisperer" with my writing critique group to study plot. We used "Because of Winn-Dixie" as our text for the exercises. "The Plot WhiI used "The Plot Whisperer" with my writing critique group to study plot. We used "Because of Winn-Dixie" as our text for the exercises. "The Plot Whisperer" is well written and breaks down elements of plot in an in-depth way. Well worth the study. ...more
"Storms of Perfection 1" by Andy Andrews, is an empowering read. The book consists of 50 brief letters from successful people about struggles, rejecti"Storms of Perfection 1" by Andy Andrews, is an empowering read. The book consists of 50 brief letters from successful people about struggles, rejections, and obstacles overcome. Andrews inserted a photo and brief description of each person before his/her printed letter.
Being a writer, I have had my share of rejections - post cards and form letters. It goes with the job. About half-way through "Storms of Perfection" I observed my changed point of view.
In the book, letter after letter after letter stated set-backs, obstacles, rejections, illness, shortage of funds, etc., then moved on to the triumphant outcome. In each case the writer refused to wallow in disappointment or to give up.
Each letter writer went on to gain fame, or fortune, or success in the chosen area, and make a positive impact. If not, they wouldn't have been invited to contribute their experiences as entertainers, authors, journalists, athletes, entrepreneurs, zoo keeper, Miss America, and holocaust survivor.
One success story is uplifting. A collection is empowering.
As Andy Andrews said, "Storms of Perfection prepare you for the success God has planned for you." ...more
Even though I didn't agree with a couple of choices made by the main characters, I thoroughly enjoyed "Major Pettigrew's Last Stand" by Helen SimonsonEven though I didn't agree with a couple of choices made by the main characters, I thoroughly enjoyed "Major Pettigrew's Last Stand" by Helen Simonson. The characters are likeable and diverse. Vivid descriptions of the English countryside and villages transported me to their world. Multicultural aspects of British, American, and Packistani characters added a rich texture to the story.
Major Ernest Pettigrew and Mrs. Jasmina Ali(both widowed) develop a friendship that grows into a deep affection. The one romantic scene is handled tastefully and is non-offensive. I liked the stand taken by the Vicar regarding Jesus Christ being the only path to God.
I quickly skipped over the rare occassion of profanity, and chose not to allow it to dampen my enjoyment of the characters or the story.
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