twenty-five words by Barb Rogers

I found this little gem of a book by accident.  It was on the bookcart ready to be shelved.  It looked interesting and is all about one of my favorite prayers--The Serenity Prayer.  Most people know about this prayer because it is used in the 12 step program.

The author takes apart the prayer line by line and offers insight into how to handle problems in your life.  As she says, we all have problems.  Problems and joy are relative.  Although the author has had her share of difficulties in spades, one can still glean some powerful messages from this simple prayer.

Written in simple text, this book invites you to explore your own life and how you can apply the basic thoughts of the serenity prayer to it.

Worth a read and some reflection.

Ladybookbug!

This is the story of a happy marriage by ann patchett

This is a memoir.  Actually, it is a collection of short essays covering the span of many years.  You may know this author by some of her works which include, Bel Canto and State of Wonder.  This book was a great read!

Some of my favorites were The Getaway Car which addresses the discipline of writing; The Wall, which talks about the author trying to get into the LAPD; and Dog without End  which tells the story of the author's beloved dog Rose.

So curl up in an easy chair, make a cup of tea and settle down for an inspiring and thought provoking respite.

Ladybookbug!

A Nantucket Christmas by Nancy Thayer

If you've never read this author before and you like light-hearted, romantic stories that touch the heart,  you'll need to add Nancy Thayer to your list.  Her many books include Island Girls, Beachcombers and Moon Shell Beach among others.

This latest entry takes place on Nantucket, the setting of all of her books.  As the story opens a small dog has been abandoned and is foraging for food.

Nicole and Sebastian are newlyweds and are living on the island.  They are awaiting the arrival of Seb's daughter and her family who will be spending Christmas week with them.  Kennedy is a high maintenance girl and Nicole is apprehensive about the visit.

How the dog and the families come together is the story.

As you read this book, you may find yourself wanting to visit this small island off the coast of Massachusetts.

Ladybookbug!

Winners by Danielle Steel

Lily Thomas is in training for the olympic ski team.  She is the only daughter of Bill, an entrepreneur.  While traveling on a chairlift up the mountain, a tragedy occurs which changes Lily & Bill's lives forever.

This is the story of resilience, in the midst of terrible injury.  Lily must use all the strength within her to overcome and move on.  Bill has to rethink all of his aspirations for his daughter.

Danielle Steel's books are very predictable.  You generally know what is going to happen within the first several chapters.   However, this is still a great story and one which should inspire readers to face whatever obstacles life throws at them.

Ms. Steel is a very prolific writer and her books fly off our bookshelves as soon as they are placed there.
Her older books still have longevity and our collection in regular and large print prove this to be true.

An inspiring read!

Ladybookbug!

Focus by Daniel Goleman

The author of the acclaimed book, "Emotional Intelligence",  Mr. Goleman takes a look at how humans focus.

The chapters of this book are well organized.  The writing flows and although you may find yourself thinking you are reading a textbook at times,  you will no doubt garner some knowledge from having read it and it may indeed improve your focus and concentration.

The author seems to have a real interest in recognizing that in this age of technology, the human brain is being battered.  He presents his case by using examples such as how video games disrupt comprehension and with the extensive use of email, people are forgetting how to carry on a conversation face to face.

He provides an extensive list of resources and notes.

Worth the read.

Ladybookbug!

Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain

If you looked at Ivy Hart and Jane Forrester separately, you would not see the ties that keep them connected.

Ivy Hart, daughter of a tobacco farmer, struggles with her life and the lives of those around her.  Jane Forrester is a newly hired social worker intent on helping her charges as much as possible.  Her husband is pressuring her to give up the job and join the Junior League and become a stay-at-home wife.

As Jane is drawn into the happenings of the Hart family, she discovers a secret more dark than any she could have imagined.

The story is set during a time of state-mandated sterlizations in North Carolina.  While the sterlizations did take place in that state's history, this story is a novel.  It is well-written and covers a topic previously unknown to me.

Lady Bookbug!

The Bridesmaid by Beverly Lewis

Ms. Lewis is a prolific writer, having penned a considerable amount of stories.  Much of her writing explores the lives of the Amish.

In this book we meet Joanna, a 25 year-old single woman.  She is frustrated because everyone else seems to have a beau in her life except Joanna.  While vacationing in Virginia Beach, she meets Eben.  Unfortunately Eben lives quite far from Joanna and it looks like the relationship is doomed from the start.

Romance prevails and the two end up beginning their lives together.  No violence, no sex and good to read a story that is positive and gentle.

Ladybookbug!

The Icing on the Cake by Janice Thompson

A gentle romantic story that offers the reader a positive respite from some of the "junk" out there.

Scarlet Lindsay harbors feelings of not being pretty enough or svelte enough to attract the opposite sex. However, she is intent on becoming the best bakery this side of the Mississippi.  Her Aunt helps her get the bakery going and through her own expertise she rapidly becomes one of the best in Galveston.

Armando is sort of a "bad boy".  His family owns the pizza parlor next to Scarlet's bakery.  You see where this is going pretty quickly.  Nevertheless, it's a funny, upbeat story that you'll not want to put down.

Ladybookbug!