Review of To See the Moon Again

It's February, when I usually pick my favorite romance novel of the past year to review. But this time I'm deviating a bit from Valentine's Day. This book is not a romance, or a story about a man and a woman. But is a story with a lot of heart, about a friendship between an … Continue reading Review of To See the Moon Again →

Hedgerow Tales, Mrs. Gatty’s Parables of Nature

Of all the revived, republished classic books available, the 4 Hedgerow Tales are my favorites. These were ahead of their time, "retold" back in the 1980s, forerunners of the latest trend. The illustrations by Sandra Fernandez are exquisite and appear on almost every page. (Note that these Hedgerow Tales are not related to Enid Blyton's … Continue reading Hedgerow Tales, Mrs. Gatty’s Parables of Nature →

Valentine’s Day Toss-up: Something old, something new

With all the romance novels out there, it's hard to know where the good quality reads are. So here are some recommendations of clean, well-written romance novels I've read over the past couple years. Some are set in past history, others are set in present day, and one is both! Falling for June by Ryan … Continue reading Valentine’s Day Toss-up: Something old, something new →

Fun and Frolic: Stories for the Young from the 1800s

Such a pleasant peek into the simple family life of the late 1800's Ah, the simple innocence of that era. It makes one want to time-travel there for a day, or a year! Obviously, not everyone in 1888 had the leisure shown in this book, there were certainly just as many who had hard and … Continue reading Fun and Frolic: Stories for the Young from the 1800s →

A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson

What a joy to know that this 1885 book is still current, and still bringing the same wonder and delight to new generations of children--and adults! A Child's Garden of Verses is my VERY favorite children's book ...as evidenced by the fact that I have 3 versions of it. It is the author's imagination … Continue reading A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson →

Review of All In by Lisa Simonds

I have just finished one of the most powerful books I've ever read, and am absolutely in awe of this new author's writing talent. Lisa Simonds has the ability to write in a way that lets us experience all the action, dialogue, thoughts and scenes--without noticing that we're reading a book. The pace of … Continue reading Review of All In by Lisa Simonds →

Review of Back to Arcady by Frank Waller Allen

Thirty years ago it was said of me that I was as gallant a beau as ever bowed over a fair lady's hand... I am more years past fifty than I like to acknowledge, and now a girl of twenty is coming to upset the habits and routine of a lifetime. One of my treasures … Continue reading Review of Back to Arcady by Frank Waller Allen →

Titus: A Comrade of the Cross – a classic novel for Easter

In 1894, a publisher held a writing competition to obtain the best manuscript that would inspire a child’s Christian faith. Florence Kingsley submitted her manuscript for Titus: A Comrade of the Cross and won the $1,000 award. In six weeks, 200,000 copies had been printed to meet demand. The story is about a young boy … Continue reading Titus: A Comrade of the Cross – a classic novel for Easter →

Valentine’s Day Romance – The Naturalist by Christina Dudley

Most Valentine's Days, I've reviewed a favorite romance. As far as I am concerned, Jane Austen, Rosamunde Pilcher and Georgette Heyer are by far the most reliable authors for a quality, wholesome romance novel. But I have discovered a new author of great talent, Christina Dudley! I still haven't figured out how I even ran … Continue reading Valentine’s Day Romance – The Naturalist by Christina Dudley →

Culture, geography, history and inspiration – Chinese Immigrants in Canada

From as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by other cultures and eager to know about countries around the world. This fascination has led to traveling, learning about global holidays, attending pow-wows... ...writing to overseas pen pals, learning Scottish Highland dancing, volunteering at a First Nations wilderness camp... ...AND writing about other … Continue reading Culture, geography, history and inspiration – Chinese Immigrants in Canada →