Loraine Despres ' "The Bad Behavior of Belle Cantrell"

    The spirit of Sissy LeBlanc lives on!  In a more technical sense, it BEGINS with Belle Cantrell and her bad behavior, actually.  Loraine Despres has created another literary gem in the same vein as Ms. Sissy's story.  This is the story of Belle Cantrell, Sissy's feisty grandmother, and it serves as an entertaining prequel to "The Scandalous Summer of Sissy LeBlanc."  It's set again in the small town of Gentry, Louisiana in the 1920 during the age of jazz, prohibition, the rise of the KKK, and woman's suffrage.  Just as in Mrs. Despres' previously published work, the reader will find themselves pouring through this book that is full of strong women, romance, murder, young love, and controversial issues of the day, not to mention a healthy dose of adventure and sharp wit.

     At the tender age of 16 Belle is passionately in love with Claude Cantrell, and very soon afterwords comes to find herself a young mother and bride.  Claude is called off to war leaving his wife and daughter to live on the family farm with his mother, Miss Effie.  Upon his return home, he is murdered, and Belle feels herself responsible.  Talk about a bad day!

     After a few years of recovery from Claude's death, Belle starts to set her sights on advancing the rights and roles of women.  As with all great new periods in our lives as women, it begins with a fabulous new hair cut.  She begins this journey of promoting the "fairer sex" by getting her hair bobbed, buying a cloche, and attending suffragette meetings.  I think from the get-go Belle knew the rules of society as she was practically raised by the well-bred and proper Miss Effie; however, I feel that she finds the execution of said rules a bit harder to carry out and somewhat unsavory to her free spirit.

The Bad Behavior of Belle Cantrell: A Novel

     The bob is just the beginning of Belle beginning to live her life as a liberated and unfettered woman.  She and her unsinkable spirit woos the eligible bachelor Rafe Berlin (who just so happens to be her best friends' brother).  He is down in Gentry from Chicago to help the Rubenstien family get their business streamlined and in tip-top shape.  Part of this involves collecting old debts from some of Gentry's oldest families.  This, in addition to an unwillingness to accept the fact that times were changing, irks the ire of the newly re-established Gentry chapter of the KKK.  One of the other ways in which Belle outwardly bucks society (other than kissing a man in public and wearing her form-fitting riding breeches right into the middle of town) is to takeover the position of "foreman" and to work the fields of her very large family farm once the infamous Bouree LeBlanc is dismissed from that position.  Some of the controversial issues of the time that are addressed in Mrs. Despres' second novel include her characters dealing with racism, birth control, prohibition, adultery, woman's suffrage, even the mention of free love.

     Throughout this delightfully twisting tale of friendship, love, determination, and  the idea of standing up for what one thinks is right we see our heroine not only endeavor to take on the world and to pass the benefits on to future generations, but also we see her inspire others to stand up for themselves and for what's right.  Another thing that I love about this book is Belle's ongoing references to the "Primer of Propriety" and the "Southern Girls' Guide to Men and Other Perils of Modern Life."  They are the "literary"version of the "good angel / bad angel" that reside on each of our shoulders.  They also exhibit the contrast between the small town old guard and the new, brash generation that came behind them almost as dramatically as the characters of Miss Effie (who refers to automobiles as "a good time house on wheels") and Belle (who was caught making out  in a closet at a party by her daughter), and I found them quite entertaining and even practical for many situations.              
 
     All in all, I'd say it was a good read!  Loraine does a great job of making her characters easy to relate to and describing her settings well.  I felt myself grow frustrated with some of the things Belle felt encumbering her and found myself thinking Rafe was a hottie.  I even felt a sense of pride when the girls got the final count from the senate and gained the right to vote.  I think in some ways this book is "tamer" than Sissy's Scandalous Summer, and I enjoyed it from cover to cover!  I think you should do the same.

     Summer is upon us, stay cool!

Janet Evanovich - "Fearless Fourteen"

     At this point in my literary life there are only two more Stephanie Plum novels available for my viewing pleasure.  (Three if you count the "seasonal" novels.)  So until I find out that Mrs. Evanovich has written another for my consumption, I'm trying to make these last two Plum-tasty books last, and I find that to be a bit of a challenge as I tend to begin reading them and find that they're over in a mere matter of days :(

     Stephanie, Morelli (yum), Ranger (sigh), Lula (of course), Rex, Bob, Connie, Grandma Mazure, and a few other zany characters find their way into "Fearless Fourteen."  This episode starts when Stephanie goes to apprehend an FTA (failure to appear - to court) named Loretta.  Loretta, who also happens to be one of Morelli's cousins, is willing to go in without a fight, but only if Stephanie promises to collect her teenage son from school while she's going through the process of getting re-bonded.  For sake of ease, Stephanie commits to do so.  Guess how long the paperwork process lasts for poor Loretta?  Guess who's now stuck "parenting" a teenage boy who is obsessed with an online RPG (role-playing game) called Minionfire?  You guessed it, 1. a long time, and 2. Stephanie.

Fearless Fourteen (Stephanie Plum)

     In the midst of all of the "usual" in Steph's life, she find herself helping Ranger and his cronies to work private security for one of the biggest entertainers and Divas of all-time, Brenda (think of a Cher + Dolly Parton in Paris's wardrobe).  Brenda is a handful to say the very least!  She's got a bad attitude, a crush on Ranger, a nasty temper, and a penchant for hogging the spotlight, and not being on time.  While juggling all of these items, Stephanie and her crew are thrust into solving a ten-year old bank robbery.  She is involuntarily involved in the solving of the case because the robbers (and the rest of Trenton, for that matter, seem to believe that the money is buried in Morelli's house)  Does this poor girl EVER catch a break?!?!?!

     I was a little disappointed that not one car got blown up.  I suppose the fact that Bob the hungry dog got spray painted will suffice.  Overall this was much better than the previous few books in the series.  I was giggling quite a number of times throughout Ms. Plums escapades.  I find these books comforting to me like a favorite pair of shoes.  You know, the kind that aren't too dressy, they're not too casual, and even though they may not always be practical or all that "flashy", they're the most comfortable one's in your closet, and sometimes you are simply compelled to wear them despite their lack of appropriateness for the outfit.  Okay, maybe you don't know what that's like, but it's the best I can do for now.

     Check out this book if you need a quick read with a few laughs and are expecting the unexpected.  Bye for now...

Louisa May Alcott - "Little Women"

     Long time, no blog, I know, but here is the latest edition, and it's hot off the press too!  I've just finished Louisa May Alcott's famous classic, "Little Women."  I read it when I was a kid, and have enjoyed the movie over and over so I figured it was time to revisit this much beloved book.  I don't even know if I can do this book justice here in my humble blog.  It's so good, and I'm afraid there's nothing I can say here that will express the greatness that is this story.  Seriously?!?!?! What does one write about "LITTLE WOMEN"??? I'll give it a go regardless...

     This lovely little gem tells the story of four sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March.  It is both written, and set in the 1860's during the Civil War.  The story starts in the winter while their father, Mr. March, is away doing his duty with the Union army as a chaplain, and the five March women (the four girls and their beloved mother, "Marmee") are home waiting for his return.  The family is suffering financial poverty, and the book tells of how they all learn to make do with what they do have.  The story begins when the girls are young, Meg is about 16, Jo 15, Beth 13, and Amy is 10 or so, and it follows their lives throughout their, "coming of age." 

    Each of the girls has their own passions that are explored throughout the length of the novel.  Meg is a very prim and proper young lady who longs to have a carefree life, and to be able to "live in the lap of luxury" as some of her wealthier friends do instead of have to work as a governess.  She's very conscious of others' view of her.  Jo is a tomboy who fancies herself a playwright, actress, "man of the house," adventurer, poet, and author.  Beth is quiet and caring; she's a homebody, the mother to a family of dolls, the care-taker of cats and their kittens, and a gentle domestic servant of the household.  Beth is the musician in the family; she loves to play her piano, and continually longs for new music to learn and play for the family.  Amy is a precocious little blond girl who wants to marry a wealthy man and be a gracious and elegant gentlewoman in the upper echelons of society as well as a great artist.

Little Women (Oxford World's Classics)

    The story tells of both the public and private lives of all of the characters, and I found myself getting attached to them all.  Each girl's story is about their own struggles they face as they experience the rites of passage one encounters on their journey to womanhood.  It's an interesting peep into what life was like for girls in that era.  So much has changed since then, some things for the better, and others...not so much. 

     There is a very strong "message of morality" woven throughout the book, and for the most part it is truly, "woven into" the story as opposed to being preached outright.  The girls all make decisions throughout their coming-if-age and are all experience the consequences.  These little women are encouraged to live rightly and to become good women. 

     As I said before, there's no way I can do justice to such an enduring classic, and I haven't really, so I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the past, and what it was like to live as a woman then.  As cliche as it may sound, reading this made me want to be a better person.  It contains a truly heartwarming tale, and I'm so glad I re-read it to refresh my memory.

     Enjoy the classics; they're "classic" for a reason ;)
    

Emily Giffin - "Baby Proof"

     I've had this book on my shelf for who knows HOW long, and I finally got to!  I have read two of Mrs. Giffin's other books, "Something Borrowed" and "Something Blue."  I stumbled upon her work when I was the cafe' girl at Barnes & Noble quite a few years back.  There was an ARC (advance reader copy - A copy of the book that is given to the store before the book is actually released so the staff can familiarize themselves with it.) in the break room that I got to read, and I really liked it.  Thus was my introduction to Emily Giffin's talents.

     In this story our protagonist is Claudia, a 30ish woman, and editor for a small publishing house, who, from very early on in her life, KNEW that she just never wanted to have kids.  She relishes the idea of a life of total freedom, and a completely unfettered lifestyle.  All of her boyfriends have not been able to make a future with a woman who does not want kids, until she meets Ben...  He shares her sentiment on the subject of procreation as well as a great many other ideals; he is her soul mate.  They wed and are blissfully happy until one day Ben realizes that he wants a baby.  Claudia feels betrayed and refuses to have a baby just because of Ben's "passing" whim.  At some point Claudia must make a decision: have a baby with Ben, or don't have a baby and be without Ben.  I'll let you put two and two together (or you can read the book...) and see that a split is "inevitable." 
   
     Our heroine flees her apartment to the refuge of her best friend's (and former roommate, Jess) apartment and back to the lifestyle of the single Manhattaner.  Throughout her divorce and its aftermath, Claudia has a lot of time for introspection and is able to take a long, hard look at her life before Ben, with Ben, and after Ben.  She moves on with her life with some difficulty, but ends up dating Richard, a publicist for her company and finds herself "moving on."  Or does she???

     I have to say that it took me three days FLAT to read this book.  I admit, I unexpectedly had some time to kill this week, but I really had a hard time putting it down.  I don't know if I could actually call this a "page turner," but I certainly did feel compelled to know what was going to happen next.  I think that's a sign of good writer; they don't have to end the chapter or paragraph with an obvious cliff-hanger, but you still feel an express eagerness to resolve the issue (plot point) at hand, and QUICKLY!  I mean, your head cold explode with possibilities of which way things could go.  Seriously, I've seen it happen... Okay, not REALLY, but it SURE feels that way sometimes.

    The author does an exceptional job of creating very real, very easy-to-relate-to cast of characters as well as slew of situations.  I mean, everyone has had the experience of running into an ex and being at a loss as to why you have ice cream, complete with rainbow sprinkles slinking it's way down your arm while he stands awkwardly and introduces you to his Barbie Doll companion.  We've all been there at one time or another.  Mrs. Giffen really breaks down the emotions one feels when dealing with heartache, introspection, new love, regret, and a myriad of other raw feelings.  I really enjoyed the story and the way she tells it.  Claudia's family is good for a few laughs, as is her roomie, Jess.  I wouldn't say it was a laugh-riot, but there were certainly a few chuckles sprinkled in for good measure.  I found myself really invested in this one.  PMS?  Maybe.  I found myself choking up and being somewhat stressed out throughout the course of the story because I have had similar experiences, and the writing just drew me in completely.

     In conclusion, you should check this one out.  It's certainly falls within the genre of bubblegum literature, but this one has a little substance behind it.  There were some really valid questions and point asked and made, respectively, between the covers that is somewhat of a rarity in this subset of literature.  Let me know what you think.

Baby Proof

     Well done, Mrs. Giffin, now that I find myself in a somewhat sappy mood, I think I'll read some Francine Rivers.  It's about time, don't you think?

Lauren Willig - "The Masque of the Black Tulip"

     Hello one, hello all!  It seems like it's been an eternity since I've had a chance to blog.  Of course my blogging involves me having the time to FINISH a book so I have something interesting (or not, depending on the book in question) to blog about.

     I've just finished the second novel in Lauren Willig's "Pink Carnation" series.  This is a series of books set in the late 1700's - early 1800's (during the Napoleonic war) in various European countries (namely England and France).  There are actually two distinct story lines throughout the book; one is in the aforementioned era, and the second is current day.  The more modern story's star heroine is Eloise Kelly, an American grad student who is in England doing research for her dissertation on espionage during the Napoleonic wars.  She's primarily interested in the Pink Carnation (and discovers that the Pink Carnation was actually a woman!) and comes in contact with an elderly woman who is a descendant of the Purple Gentian (yet another flowery-named spy).  Mrs. Aderly allows Eloise access to personal documents regarding her family history and Eloise's topic of interest.  It's also very convenient that Mrs. Aderly's grandson who is in charge of these historical documents happens to be a good-looking intelligent guy named Colin.  Never a bad thing, right?!
    
     As Eloise is pouring over the old correspondence and journals of Colin's ancestors, she becomes totally immersed in the story of Miles Dorrington and Henrietta Selwick.  Henrietta is the younger sister of Richard Selwick, otherwise known as the Purple Gentian, and Miles is Richard's best friend since their childhood.  In the last book, "The Secret History of the Pink Carnation," Richard and Amy (his now wife) were the main subjects of the story, but this one picks up where the last book left off, and shifts it's focus from them to Miles and Henrietta. 

     We learn in this book, that the Black Tulip, a notorious and dangerous French operative is in London!  With Richard and Amy out of the picture (read the previous book) the English War Office recruits Miles to help discover the identity of the renown spy and capture him.  Henrietta is an adventurous and precocious (not to mention verbose) seventeen-year-old debutante who is dead set on being a spy and contributing to the war effort.  All this while Jane Wooliston, the Pink Carnation and Henrietta's cousin, is in France attempting to sabotage the French operations and asks Hen to act as her eyes and ears on the English front.  The two women write copious amounts of letters to one another in a specific code designed to bore anyone who might happen upon it to tears whilst still imparting important information.  They use terms like "Coffee, the taking of" which REALLY means "a situation of extreme peril, frequently requiring urgent assistance."  Pretty clever if you ask me.  On a more personal note, Richard asks Miles to keep an eye out for Hen as he is no longer available to play the protective big brother.  As you can guess, just as in the last book, the two main characters end up falling in love.  Didn't see that one coming, right? 

     Overall this book is a fun, very entertaining, and adventurous read.  Ms. Willig does a great job of researching the time period and goes so far as to correct any inaccuracies she made in the name of artistic license in the back of the book.  I love how easy it is to really picture yourself in the time period that the story takes place.  The author has created a colorful cast of characters who are easy to relate to along with an espionage story line that keeps you guessing.  She transitions nicely between the modern and historical story lines and does a great job of creating necessary tensions without causing the reader stress.  It was a good, quick read for me with AWESOME vocab.  (If you hadn't noticed by now, I'm a HUGE fan of parenthetical phrases and authors with impressive and creative vocabularies.)

     I do have to say that this is MOSTLY a chick-lit, historical fiction novel, but it can easily be construed as a historical romance as well.  Yes, most bubblegum reading has a strong love story contained between the covers, I do realize that, but not all of them have a fairly detailed "bodice-ripping scene" or two among the pages.  Definitely a PG-13+ scene or two in here.  In defense of the scene-in-question, (and keep in mind that this was characteristic of the time period) **mild spoiler alert** the lovers didn't love until after their wedding.**end of possible spoiler**  However, there might have been a "flash of brief nudity" nestled in the "dating" stage of the relationship.  Yes, I may be old fashioned, I may use too many "quotes," and I may like some romantic elements in my "pink" books, but I'm really not a big fan of detailed love scenes.  There, you've been warned.....

     Happy reading!

                   The Masque of the Black Tulip (Pink Carnation)

Janet Evanovich - "Lean Mean Thirteen"

     Crappy cars, chocolate cake, crazy grandmother, good looking guys, poison green spandex mini-skirts, murder scenes, disappearing awful ex-husband, and exploding rodents are just a few things that our heroine encounters this go-round.  Wonder Woman?  Bat Girl?  Joan of Arc?  NOPE, you guessed it... the one and only Stephanie Plum!  She's back again with yet another Jersey-style adventure in "Lean Mean Thirteen."

     Just as in all of her other exploits, Stephanie finds herself surrounded by junk food and mayhem.  The story opens with the disappearance of her terrible ex-husband, Dickie Orr and what seems to be a murder scene.   Steph's main concern in this situation is that she is the prime suspect!  Talk about being motivated to solve the mystery.  As she and Ranger delve a little deeper into Dickie's case, she finds herself in the middle of something big and something terrible.


Lean Mean Thirteen [LEAN MEAN 13] [Mass Market Paperback]

     Whilst attempting to get to the bottom of the Dickie disappearance, Stephanie is also juggling a few FTA cases (big, bad bounty hunter stuff).  With the help of some of her trusty amigos (Lula and even Grandma Mazur) Stephanie traipses after a grave digger with a twelve-foot python, a taxidermist with a penchant for exploding stuffed animals, and is being hunted by a bad guy who seems to think that she has the "key" to his missing $40 million (EEK!!).

     While this is an easy-reading, entertaining tale, it's not the best of Mrs. Evanovich's work.  I usually find myself laughing-out-loud, but not so much in this book.  The plot was full of the eccentricities that are common and expected of a Stephanie Plum novel, but it just didn't quite make the "hysterical mark" I was expecting.  While it was good  book, there was something missing... I can't quite put my finger on it, but it fell a little shy of the "awesome" that this series usually inspires.  I'm not going to complain about a book that I consumed in three days, but you should read it for yourself and let me know what you think!

     I hope everyone had a healthy, prosperous, and enjoyable New Year!

Francine Rivers - "Her Daughter's Dream"

Her Daughter's Dream (Marta's Legacy)

     I've said it before, and I will say it again, and again, and again, and well, you get the point... I LOVE FRANCINE RIVERS' BOOKS!!!  She writes stories with "real life grit," with spiritual truths embedded, with pictures of extravagant love, and with a poignancy that is truly nothing short of a gift.  I was up till almost 3 a.m. finishing this one, because I simply could NOT put it down! 
 
     The story picks right up where the previous book left off.  Hildemara Rose's daughter Carolyn is a small child in the early 1950's who is being raised mostly by Marta, her "Oma" due to Hildie's health problems and hectic work schedule.  This causes a lot of resentment on Hildie's part because it feels like Marta's taking over.  Through the 50's, Carolyn grows up with loving her Oma dearly, while misunderstanding her own mother's feelings and desires.Carolyn graduates high school, and is off to UC Berkley in the mid 1960's.  

     It's at this point in the book where Carolyn experiences a great loss in her life and throws herself headlong into the turbulent Haight-Ashbury drug-leaden counter-culture hippy movement.  She experiences all manners of things from life in a communal house, the summer of love, the loss of her best friend, to living life as a starving homeless woman in golden gate park.  It is during her last few desperate days as a homeless woman, that she has an encounter with Jesus Christ, and her life is truly touched.  Through a series of events (that you will have to discover on your own as you consume this book...) Carolyn ends up back in her parents' home, pregnant with her daughter.

     May Flower Dawn is born in the early 1970's and is primarily raised by Hildemara.  (Just as Carolyn was raised by Marta.)  Throughout high school, Dawn lives the life of a church-going-Christian, but through her relationship with her first love, Jason she comes to the realization that her relationship with Christ is only skin-deep.  Throughout her college years, Dawn delves into knowing God wholeheartedly.  After spending her whole lifetime being pulled from both sides by the two women she loves most, (as well as growing us with a misconception of her own mother's sentiments towards her) and experiencing her own life struggles, Dawn seeks to act as a bridge between Carolyn and Hildie and their tempestuous relationship.     

      There are so many different story lines and plot points throughout this two-book series, it kinda' makes my head spin, but each different story is so well thought out, delicately told, and not to mention, is beautifully woven throughout the fabric of the whole story, it's worth the read.  Undoubtedly!  Just as in the first book, the delicate subject of the mother-daughter relationship is depicted in a difficult-to-read way.  It's hard, as the reader, to know just how each character really feels, but to see them all misconstrue and misinterpret each others' responses and intentions toward one another.  I really like the way that Francine was able to use the actual history of the US as part of the context of the novel that helped to shape each of her characters in a very tangible way.  It would not have the same depth without it.  This saga is an amazing work of art that should be read by women everywhere! 


     I hope that you are not confused after reading this post!  I have to say that is was very difficult for me to not give the heavily layered and detailed story away and still put together a coherent review.  My suggestion...read the book for yourself! 


Awaiting the next Francine Rivers book with bated breath...
    

Rhoda Janzen - "Mennonite in a Little Black Dress: A Memoir of Going Home"

     I came by this book in a very round-about-way.  Mom and I were on a "girls' trip" to see my sisters in Atlanta, Ga, and our flight home got delayed by something like four hours.  Mom had finished the book that she brought and needed a little something to help pass the time.  Off to the book stand we go...  I had seen this book a few other places but hadn't really given it much thought until I was trying to help Mom find a little light reading that would be "up here ally."  Here was my thought process: 1. Well she doesn't really like thrillers or some of the darker mysteries (rule out the Stieg Larsson trio)  2. Romance is a no-go (rule out 70% of the books in the store)  3. Politics/business/economics aren't exactly light reading or are not in any way relevant to the situation (rule out the other 28% of the store's selections)  4. "Mennonite" hmmmmm...didn't Mom take us to visit a Mennonite community when we were kids???  They make great soap and DELICIOUS ice cream.  (Ahhh hah!  This seems like something she'd like)

     I have very little exposure to the Mennonite people, but probably more than your "average Joan;"  it was really an interesting look not only into the lifestyle that Rhoda Janzen grew up in, but also delightful insights into her own family.  She experiences a few major life-crises' (ie. Her husband leaves her for a man he met on gay.com), and she elects to move home for a while to regroup.  The memoir came about because during her time at home, she kept all of her friends up to date with some quaint anecdotes about her family and their unique culture.  Her friends were intrigued and suggested she put together a memoir.  I'm glad she did...

     Ms. Janzen talks about her life growing up as part of the Mennonite culture.  I loved the chapter about "shame-based-foods."  She tells of being "that kid" who opens her lunch bag to a thermos full of delicious, but odorous Borscht.  There is nothing like already dressing differently than your whole school, but also having the "smelly lunch."  I love the way she talks about her perky, peppy, ultra-honest-to-a-fault mother.  The same mom who despite the heightened sense of modesty, has no problem examining a rash on the undercarriage of her future daughter-in-law just as they've met for the first time.  You have to love the irony there. 
   
     I experienced smirks aplenty as well as more than one belly laugh whilst immersing myself in this literary delight.  I love her honest, tongue-in-cheek wit and sense of humor, and the fact that she can look back at her roots and see the pro and cons of her childhood lifestyle.  The author is no longer an "active" member of the community; as soon as she was able, she high-tailed it into the life of academia and never looked back.  I do have to say that it was I little disappointed in the fact that she very blatantly slams some of the spiritual beliefs that are held so dearly by her family.  While I do understand that different people have different belief systems, I also think that maybe she should show a little more flexibility on the matter.  She fled the lifestyle and belief system in search of "freedom" so, following that same logic, shouldn't she allow freedom to her still-practicing family.  It's clear that, despite the differences in her spiritual beliefs and her family's, there is a lot of love between them all. 

     I found the book to be a good mix of hilarity, eccentricity, as well as some sadder moments.  I think it's a great thing that she included all these different aspects because that's exactly how life is; it's a mixture of both the up's and down's.  Also, as a side note, keep your dictionary handy throughout your reading.  Her vocabulary is EXTENSIVE; she is an English professor and all.

Seriously, if you get a chance, check out the ice cream...

Mennonite in a Little Black Dress: A Memoir of Going Home

Francine Rivers - "Her Mother's Hope"

     Well, well, well, she's done it again!  Francine has crafted yet another entrancing novel that is impossible to tear your eyes away from.  This is the first in a two novel series; the second book is titled "Her Daughter's Dream."  I can't WAIT to read the conclusion to this story! 

Her Mother's Hope (Marta's Legacy)

     Francine has eloquently tackled the delicate intricacies of the mother-daughter relationship in this novel.  This story is set in the late 1800's through the 1950's beginning with Marta's early life in Switzerland and following her relationship with her family, namely, her mother.  She's a very driven woman who grows up to make a very full life for herself.  Part of Marta's journey includes marrying and raising four children, a son and three daughters.  Just like any family, each child has their own personalities and gifts, but the real heart of the story is the relationship between Marta and her eldest daughter, Hildemara Rose. 

     Hildemara is a very different person than Mara both by nature as well as by nurture, (as you will see in the book, because you should read it!) and this causes a lot of tension between these two main characters.  I don't want to give the story away, because I would love for you to read it and enjoy it as I have. 

     I do have to say this book was a little hard to read due to the fact that Francine does a marvelous job of creating a necessary tension between her characters.  There is a lot of strain that weighs on the relationship between Hildemara and Marta; it has a lot to do with what each of them doesn't know about the other.  As the reader, you know each character's background, motivations, and though processes, but the characters are not communicating that to each other thus creating another level of tension woven into the fabric of the novel. 

     Sorry for the long gap between entries, but we moved two times in the past month, and that doesn't really allow much time for reading, but I will start the conclusion to "Her Mother's Hope" SOON!

     I recommend a good book, a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks, and a super comfy chair to help soothe all of your "fall"-in-Texas allergy symptoms.

Anna Godberson - "Splendor"

     I think "Didn't see THAT coming..." is a more appropriate title for this too-hot-to-handle novel.  Once again Ms. Godberson delivers yet another dose of 350+ pages filled with glamorous girls, scandalous secrets, and gobs of expendable cash.  This book is another snapshot of pretty young girls living life at the pinnacle of high society with too much money, too much time, too many dirty little secrets, and entirely too many opportunities to twist a plot.  Kinda' makes me wish I was an upper echelon debutante then and there and with that much money.

     This is that last of the four-book series and the author does a great job of wrapping up each of the story lines.  She doesn't necessarily end the various plots in ways that one would expect either.  That was very refreshing, especially since it falls under the "young adult" genre.  The writing style remains the same throughout the series, and this book is no exception.  Each chapter begins with a few sentences that give you a veiled preview of the chapter to come, and each chapter is usually about a different thread in the plot line tapestry which keeps the pages turning.  You never know what is coming in this series.  One of the things I really liked about the novel is that the characters all pretty much "got what was coming to them," meaning that all "had to face the music," or "reap what they sowed."  Ok, enough with the cliches!  They all had to live with the consequences of their actions.  I LOVE IT!  It's a novel idea (pun totally intended) in the teen fiction genre.  Yes, it's a fairy tale, and a lovely one at that, but it isn't so out of touch with reality that the totally unrealistic occurs. 
Splendor: A Luxe Novel (The Luxe)

     The book is a great way to expand your vocabulary, especially in relation to textiles, colors, and French decor.  The style allows for easy reading, but it's not brainless reading.  I almost tangibly felt the grandeur of some of the fancy parties the diva-like debutants attended in the plush mansions and hotels of that era (and socio-economic status) as well as the floods of emotions that these characters experience throughout the book.  I love the sensation of closing my book and letting the realization hit me that, "Wow, I was here the whole time, not actually tippling expensive champagne or dancing with Henry, Teddy, or the Prince of Bavaria in my magnificent gown!"  I'd say the author does an outstanding job when that's your experience...

     I think the series as a whole was entertaining, especially this last edition.  I discovered that Anna Godberson has begun work on a new series "Bright Young Things" which seems similar in nature, but is set in the roaring 20's as opposed to the turn of the century.  I don't foresee myself delving into the next series soon (if ever).  I just have too many other literary delights on my plate, awaiting my consumption before I start the next "teen queen" series.  (I don't mean that in any way derogatorily, it's just my opinion on the matter.) 


Until we meet again: eat, read, and be merry!

Flavia Bujor - "The Prophecy of the Stones"

The Prophecy of the Stones: A Novel


     Flavia Bujor is a young french writer who had this book published by the age of fifteen.  I've never had anything published with the exception of this "self-published" blog and an essay or two (if you call Mom's refrigerator "published").  So I may be a really awful, hypocritical human for saying this, but this book is terribly overrated!  I literally had to force myself to finish it so I would be able to: 1. say that I finished it, and 2. give my readership a review on the entirety of the book.

     I would be horrendously wrong to not give her credit for writing a very creative story, and have it published all before she even finished high school.  I give her "mad props" for that.  This is a story with two main plot lines, and a very few subplot lines.  Story one is about three, fourteen-year-old girls named Jade, Opal, and Amber.  It's set in what appears to be medieval Europe, but resembles something more like "Middle Earth" replete with Tolkien-esque creatures.  Story two is about another fourteen-year-old girl nicknamed "Joa" (Jade, Opal, Amber - a creative acronym if you ask me) who lives in modern day Paris and is dying of a horrible sickness.  She has dreams of another world which is the one where Jade, Opal, and Amber reside.

     The three girls are given three stones on the occasion of their fourteenth birthdays and find that when they all hold their stones, close their eyes, and think about the same thing, stuff happens.  I enjoy some fantasy fiction, for sure, but this particular one is not my cup of espresso.  The reason being that the characters were underdeveloped as were their dialogue and motivations for taking the actions they did, the story was lacking sufficient descriptions leaving giant plot holes everywhere, and there was no real conclusion.  Ms. Bujor made an excellent attempt at trying to build a complex set of story lines, but didn't quite pull it off,  nor did she really tie the ones she had going together very will.  As I said before, I'm impressed that it was written by so young an author, but I think it could have really been a lot better with some editorial guidance.  Better luck next book, Missy!

     My advice to survive the summer, stay inside and read!  It works, I promise...

    

  

Stephenie Meyer - "The Host"

     Boy, does this girl know how to write a love triangle or what!?!?  I read all of the Twilight books, and have to admit that it was the kind of reading that goes something like: "One more chapter," and the next time you look up and it's 4 a.m., and you wonder how that happened and how you're going to peel yourself out of bed in a few hours, all the while debating if it's worth it to even TRY and sleep because you will be tired no matter what at this point, and if you forgo the iota of sleep you may or may not get you will probably be able to finish the book completely which would give you an excuse to go to the used book store and buy the next one, hoping you don't run into anyone you know as you fiend for the next little bit of the story...
WHAT?!?!?! It's not like it was that way for ME?!?!  It was merely a hypothetical situation.  (or was it? - you decide...) 

     I didn't feel the need to utterly devour The Host the way I did the Twilight series, but it's still worth the read.  Stephenie says this is her first novel for adults, but honestly, it's not too far off the "teen scene."  There is a little less "high school" going on, and a few more in-depth themes woven throughout the work.  It's a beautiful blend of the sci-fi and romance/adventure genres.  I'm not a huge sci-fi reader, but despite the alien invasion premise, the story is very easy to relate to.  It's set mostly in the desert of Arizona, and centers around a group of humans who have managed to not only survive the invasion, but also to escape detection.  Though it is a bit of a stretch to relate to hiding from aliens, it's not too much of a stretch to imagine yourself hiding yourself and your family from bad guys.  That seems plausible to me; I've never had to do that, thankfully, but I could imagine what it would be like.               The Host: A Novel

     Right off the bat Ms. Meyer does a stunning job of constructing a love story, as twisted and triangle-shaped as it may be.  It's not an original idea to write about "body snatching aliens," but it is a novel idea (pardon the pun) to make the body snatching alien "go native" and join humanity's side (at least as far as I know).  I like the how the love triangle is constructed and complicated by the fact that it's between three bodies, but four entities.  It will make you think!

     It was, I felt, a little redundant in some areas of the plot.  The plot definitely moves forward at a fairly paced jaunt, but it seems to linger a little in some seemingly random places.  I feel like the book could have been about a hundred pages shorter, but, hey, I didn't dream up the story.  I like all the inner monologue that takes place throughout the story.  There is a lot of it due to the fact that one of the main characters only exists inside another character's head/body.

     My recommendation is to read it for yourself.  I don't think it's in my top 10 or anything, but it's not all that bad.  It's an interesting idea for sure, and it really gives sci-fi another facet, that's usually missing (the love story...I don't want to be THAT girl, but I also don't really crave sci-fi in general.)  I feel like she's made science fiction a little more "female friendly."

     Let me know what you think!

Loraine Despres - "The Scandalous Summer of Sissy LeBlanc"

     I had this book recommended to me by "Smokey," a very good friend of mine, and moved it up in my reading que to "next" while bumping my next Stephanie Meyer book down to "next next."  It took all of five whole days to read it cover to cover, and even re-read some of her witty little quips out loud to my dear sweet, patient hubby.

The Scandalous Summer of Sissy LeBlanc: A Novel

     I was hooked at the beginning by it's vaguely similar qualities to "The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood," a very special book to me for sentimental reasons.  It's reminiscent of my beloved Ya-Ya's in that it is set in a small town in Louisiana (near New Orleans) and takes place mostly during the early 1940's-1950's, and it is a story of a strong woman in a time when that was truly a novelty and even a threat.

     On a very un-Ya-Ya note, there are some ***VERY "ADULT" SCENES*** in this delicious and entertaining tale.  (It's wouldn't be a very "scandalous summer" without them, but be warned this gets graphic in spots and deals with some very mature issues!!!)  You've been warned...
 
     I like that Mrs. Despres deals with some very real and inflammatory issues of the time, such as desegregation, as well as some very provocative, age-old issues like adultery and murder.  I know, sounds pretty heavy for summer chick lit, but there's plenty of brainless fluff and cute wit to keep it light.

     I admit that reading this was a bit of an emotional roller coaster experience for me, ranging from embarrassment, horror, and frustration to pride and joy.  (Thank you, Mr. Stevie Ray for providing me just the right words I needed AND for such a classic song).  I think my favorite thing about this book is Sissy's own literary endeavor, The Southern Belle's Handbook.  Okay, it's not exactly something the character wrote, but it's an ongoing train of thought in her head, and it's pretty cute, though somewhat misguided and possibly even manipulative?

     This is the story of Sissy LeBlanc, wife, mother, fundraiser, hell raiser, and very charmingly unpredictable and outrageous "Southern Belle."  I use that term loosely, but it still fits, even if it's only in her mind.  The other main characters include Peewee (her husband), Parker (high school sweetheart), Borree (her father-in-law), and Clara (her cousin).  There is a rather large "supporting cast" that is typical of Smalltown, Deep South.  The character developement is a little lighter than I generally prefer but is still effective. 

     While there is levity, humor, happiness, and a few snicker-worthy moments, there are just as many, or more, terrifying, overwhelming, and downright aweful moments that comprise this twisted tale of tangled triangles of love (or at least lust).  She starts out as a pretty normal teenager, takes some twists and turns somewhere along the way, and things end up a little differently than she had originally planned.  (Can anyone else relate?)  Some of the scandalous, sticky situations she finds herself in are self-induced, some are out of her control, but regardless, she must deal with them, and take them on headfirst.  (Just as is necessary in real life sometimes)  It's interesting to see how she deals with each situation with gusto; all the while she continues to amend and update her handbook for living.  Even though I wanted to walk away at some exceptionally disheartening points, I could not tear myself away from the novel.  I couldn't wait to see what happened next!  
   
     I do recommend reading the book fully before making your assesment.  If you had asked me at the two-thirds mark what I thought of the book, I would have answered, "It stresses me out, and yet it still keeps me flying through the pages trying to find some resolution!"  Once the drama unfolds completely, it has unexpected resolutions, and makes for one heck of a conclusion.  Check it out if you're into a somewhat gritty (even smutty at some points) snapshot of scandalous Sissy at her best.

Laissez les bon temps rouler!!!!!


                                                                               

Anna Godbersen - "Envy"

Envy (Luxe, Book 3)

     Aahh, the continuing drama of the early 1900's high society teen queens, what's more entertaining?  This is the third book in the "Luxe" series by Anna Godbersen.  I have to admit that I bought the first book "Luxe" for the cover.  (Shh, don't tell anyone!)  The series is full of money, manipulation, pretty girls, gossip, more money, pretty boys, love, lust, bad timing, good timing, and a bunch of guff pertaining to the "rules of society."

     It's most definitely a result of the latest teeny-bopper idea of the "frienemy,"  you know them; the kind of girl who is your friend for the sake of not rocking the boat amongst your whole group of friends, but is really a horrible passive-aggressive manipulator.  It's all in the same vein as the movie "Mean Girls."  If you have questions, please start your research there with Tina Fey, Lindsay Lohan, and Rachel McAdams. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFP68RpX1Fg&feature=related 

     Ms. Godbersen writes uses very formal language, and a style that keeps you on your toes.  I really like that each chapter starts with a little blurb relating to the contents of the upcoming section.  It's like an amuse-bouche for your literary eyes.  (I can't get away from the dining terms; I relate everything to food, sorry! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amuse-bouche)  Though the chapters generally move forward through the timeline and plot, each one is generally not about the same character or storyline as the one before it.  You never know what (or who) you will get next.  I did have to keep my dictionary handy though.  Kudos for that, Anna!

     The author also does a good job of weaving many twists and turns into the plot, some predictable, some not at all expected.  Her villain, Penelope, is one of the craftiest girls around; there is no end to what she will do to keep herself on top.  She's truly vicious.  One way that Anna keeps you turning the pages is to intermingle a good amount of verbal misunderstandings, visual misinterpretations, as well as unfortunate timing on the part of some of the main players a la the demise of "Romeo and Juliet."  All of these contribute to a tumultuous ride that gives you just a hint of what the characters experience, meanwhile all the characters are stuck within the strict social framework of New York's high-society circa 1900.

     I'm not a huge fan of cattiness, and gossip, so the subject of the book is somewhat hard to stomach, but the way it's presented is amusing.  If nothing else, you can stare at the pretty cover.

It's not always wrong to judge a book by it's cover, just don't make a habit of it...

Sue Monk Kidd - "The Secret Life of Bees"

     Where to begin?  As much as I don't want to admit it, I absolutely loved "The Secret Life of Bees".  I don't like being lumped in with that group of people who buy a book just because the New York Times deems it great, or with the group of "chick lit" readers who only read Nicolas Sparks and Sophie Kinsella novels.  It's not that those groups are bad, I just don't like being told that a book is good by someone else, or buying a book simply because it's part of a particular genre.  Don't get me wrong, the YaYa's (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A_TpKeK-Oo) brought me to my best friend.  Maybe I'm just a snob?

     The story is an extremely heart-warming coming-of-age story set in the 1964 in South Carolina.  It's happening just as the Civil Rights Act is signed, so the backdrop of the story is that of increasing racial turmoil....de-segregation, in the South, in the 60's.... Enough said!  Lily is the main character who, for many a reason, runs away from her troubled home toting her nanny, Rosaleen, along.  They arrive at the pink house not knowing it would change their lives forever.

     August, June, and May Boatwright are the occupants of said pink house, and with mixed opinions, open their house, and hearts to the duo.  Just like all good stories, it contains love, laughter, and life lessons along with a few injustices and triumphs.  (Hey, I don't want to spoil it, I just give overviews.)  These three women in their own way all come to embrace Lily and Rosaleen, and to help heal their hurts, as only women can.  My best friend put it this way once, "There's just something about being in the company of women."

     This book is beautifully written, and does a fantastic job of showing how love can transcend race, logic, age, hurts (past or present), and any number of seemingly impossible obsticles.  Ms. Kidd has written a gritty and powerful tale of redemption, and the healing power of the love of women.  It's like a more serious and complexly layered version of "The Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood."  Despite my snobbery, I enjoyed this to the fullest, and recommend you to do the same.

Love your literature.

http://www.foxsearchlight.com/thesecretlifeofbees/

 

The Secret Life Of Bees