Claude and Camille

I was very excited to receive this book and have the opportunity to read/review [claude and Camille]. This was an interesting story based on historical facts regarding Monet his wife, Camille and their other famous friends. It was very interesting to read of all the struggles these amazing artists struggled through. I was glad I didn't look up the picture of the woman in the green dress until I finished the story. I had imagined Camille in a completely different way. I would recommend this book to those who are interested in historical fiction and the impressionist art movement.

Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky

"Not My Daughter" by Barbara Delinsky is a story dealing with teen pregnancy and the pact that is made between close friends to all become pregnant at the age of 17. Obviously there are many sensitive topics discussed including miscarriage, abortion, birth defects, fertility issues and obviously pre-marital teen sexual activity.
The writing was very intriguing and it drew me in quickly. However, I was disappointed in the ending. I felt as thought there was a lot of build up and a lot of good topics introduced but it felt like everything wrapped up too neat and nicely at the end. I would recommend this book as an interesting read and a book that causes the reader to think about these topics.

Somewhere to Belong by Judith Miller

I just finished reading this lovely story. I learned a little about the people of Amana. I am fascinated by the concept of a simpler life, a life where focus on family and God are clear and everything else that we are familiar with in our modern world wasn't present to interfere with those most important things. This story is about two young woman and how they learn from each other and grow in both there understanding of themselves and their faith. I am happy to have had the opportunity to read this story and look forward to future books in this new series. I also look forward to reading more from this author. Thank You Ms. Miller for a wonderful read! If you are a fan of Janette Oke books as I am then this would be a great read for you!

Arcadia Falls by Carol Goodman

Great Read. Set in an upstate NY town, Meg and her daughter Sally move to a remote boarding school that focuses on the arts. Meg as a teacher and Sally as a student. The students and staff participate in many rituals that follow along with the history of the school. When a student dies, mirroring the death of another student in the 1940's at the start of Arcadia's school history, many questions arise and the mystery deepens.
It was definitely a book that I couldn't put down.

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

This was a wonderful, engaging story about a two grown sisters and keeping their promises to their father on his death bed. The author told this story in such a beautiful way. I was intrigued by many of her writing tricks in this story. She started the story with a lot of detail, that was not boring which can be a fine line in story-telling. Her detail allowed me to feel as though I was traveling through this story in real time. I felt connected to the characters and really felt like I could feel their emotions. She also had a beautiful flow over who the voice telling the story was. Most books are written in either one person telling the story from their point of view or the story is told with alternating voice between chapters. Kristin Hannah told this story in such a flowing way that one characters voice suddenly took over another characters voice mid-thought. It was very intriguing. I won't give away any of the details of the story line however I will say that I was sobbing at the end.

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman

This was a great quick read by new novelist Beth Hoffman. The story is about a young girl and the struggles and triumphs that shape her life. This young girl, CeeCee, is a wonderful little girl who rises above her situation and learns to grow up too quickly but still is able to maintain her innocence of youth. I found myself rooting for CeeCee throughout the story. I also found myself longing to move to the south with all the wonderful descriptions of the weather and hospitality. I was so glad to find this book,it was a great quick read. I didn't want to put it down. I look forward to more books from this author in the future.

South of Broad by Pat Conroy

This story started out a little rough for me. I was not instantly drawn into the book in a "can't put it down" sort of way. However I kept reading it and was soon drawn into the characters and the intricacies of their friendships. At times I found myself longing for the intimacy and history with a group of friends such as these characters possessed. I also realized how blessed I am to not have experienced all of their tribulations.

This story had so many layers and background story lines that flowed into making the history of this group of friends. The details that initially left me not as interested proved to be pertinent.

Warning there are many sensitive topics touched upon in this story including multiple versions of violence against children and adults. Strong language is also used however it seems like a perfect fit to add the appropriate richness to the story.