Dancing on Broken Glass

I just recently finished reading Dancing on Broken Glass by Ka Hancock which had been nominated for a  Whitney Award in general fiction.  I had not had time to read it before voting for the Whitney Awards, but Dalene had read it and recommended it.  She voted it the winner in that category.

I was very impressed with this book.  Here is part of the plot summary from the publisher.  "Lucy Houston and Mickey Chandler probably shouldn’t have fallen in love, let alone gotten married. They’re both plagued with faulty genes—he has bipolar disorder, and she has a ravaging family history of breast cancer. . . .  An unvarnished portrait of a marriage that is both ordinary and extraordinary, Dancing on Broken Glass takes readers on an unforgettable journey of the heart."

The characters felt genuine and real to me, and I became drawn in by their significant challenges and how they dealt with them.  The characters were not LDS, but I felt very comfortable within the framework of the story including the belief about life after death, commitment to family and marriage and the loving support of small-town neighbors and friends.  I needed a bunch of tissue to get through to the end, but when I got done I felt uplifted and like I wanted to go out and be a better person.

This book is available on Amazon--I didn't find it on LDS websites.  I checked it out from the Sunnyvale Library.

2012 Whitney Award Nominees for Historical Fiction

Susan's ranking:

1. My Loving Vigil Keeping
2. Espionage
3. Within the Dark Hills
4. Tie: The Five Books of Jesus and Spinster's Folly

It's interesting that two of these books are set in mining communities in the 19^th century. I certainly learned more about the occupation of my Welsh ancestors than I had before. Below are short summaries of the basic plots with my comments and personal thoughts. I know that different peoples' tastes and perspectives can result in widely varying opinions about the same book. With that disclaimer, I present my take on the 2013 Whitney nominees for historical fiction.

My Loving Vigil Keeping, by Carla Kelly: Della accepts a job as a teacher in a remote Utah mining town to escape the relatives who had taken her in after her father dies in a mining accident in Colorado. In Winter Quarters she gets drawn into the lives and community of the mostly Welsh and Finnish miners and their children and finds unexpected romance. Then disaster strikes the mine with unimaginable loss. This story is based on true events surrounding the Scofield mine disaster of 1900.

Susan's comments: I felt totally drawn into the story. The author did a good job of revealing layers of complexity of the characters as the story progressed. Even though I read the book dreading the ending as I knew that a mine disaster was coming, I couldn't help becoming invested in the romance and mining community depicted as well as the uplifting portrayal of dealing with some very significant challenges and tragedies through faith. This was the third of four books I've read by Carla Kelly, and she is becoming one of my favorite authors.

Espionage, by A. L. Sowards: Peter Eddy is an LDS soldier from Idaho who is sent into World War II France to identify a double-agent and spread disinformation about the timing and location of the Allied invasion. With the help of Jacques Olivier, his contact, and Jacque's sister Genevieve, he is investigating the suspects when betrayal results in capture. Loyalty and courage lead to escape and a thrilling and tense pursuit.

Susan's comments: Espionage had a strong story while exploring issues of trust, betrayal, loyalty and honor not to mention some romance. The violence of war was portrayed but not described in graphic detail. The suspense and action kept moving along, and the characters developed depth as we learn more about their history and motivations.

Within the Dark Hills, by Sian Ann Bessey: Set in a Welsh mining village during the mid-1800's, this story follows Annie, who is trying to escape the advances of her titled employer, and Evan, who is still mourning the loss of his beloved wife and who desperately needs someone to help take care of his little daughter Jane while he works in the mines. A kindly reverend arranges a marriage of convenience. They both work together to overcome the gossip and take care of Jane, Over time their feelings grow and ghosts from the past are confronted. Preaching by Mormon missionaries and a mine disaster change the course of their lives.

Susan's comments: I enjoyed this story more than I expected because I had been put off by the misleading cover. After my time in the book business, I certainly have come to appreciate how many people, including myself, judge a book by its cover. As I read was drawn to the characters and their struggles and triumphs. I liked the kindness portrayed by the Christ-like reverend who rescues Annie and counsels Evan. The Mormon missionaries that show up near the end seemed to be an afterthought which was rather skimmed over other than as a means of resolving some of the conflicts in the plot. The resolution in general seemed a little rushed, but overall this was an enjoyable book.

The Five Books of Jesus, by James Goldberg: The author combined the New Testament gospel accounts of Jesus's ministry into a novel form to try to tell the message of His life in a more accessible way to modern-day readers. More details and background are given to the disciples and well-known events to create a different perspective on the flow and context of this sacred story.

Susan's comments: There are some very interesting aspects to this version of the gospel story, including possible illuminating contexts to the Mary-Martha story and the betrayal by Judas as well as depictions of the apostles in the context of their lives. Unfortunately, I had a hard time with several other depictions which were so different from my beliefs that it distracted my efforts to stay involved in the story. I sympathize with the aims of the author to make the story of Christ more accessible to the casual reader, but I personally did not care for many of the liberties taken.

Spinster’s Folly, by Marsha Ward: This is the fourth book in a series about the Owen family after the Civil War. Marie Owen is approaching spinsterhood, and the limited choice of eligible men available in Colorado Territory are complicated by her father's prejudices. When her father attempts to make a match with a neighbor's son who turns out to be abusive, she is vulnerable to the attention of a deceitful, smooth-talking predator and soon finds herself in deep trouble. Fortunately for Marie, a ranch hand who has loved her from afar refuses to give up on her.

Susan's comments: The portrayal of the characters in Spinster's Folly seemed to be superficial, although perhaps reading the previous books in the series would have helped me to understand the back story better. The plot seemed a little stale and quite obvious. There was plenty of action, emotion, conflict and tension, but the depiction of all this seemed somewhat simplistic compared to the other books nominated with repetition appearing to substitute for complexity.

Review: Banana Split by Josi Kilpack

There seems to be a lot of new fiction from LDS publishers now arriving in the store, many of them from familiar and favorite authors about familiar characters.  The store sometimes receives advance copies of books.  Unfortunately, I often time do not have time to read them all, but when we got our advance copy of Banana Split, I decided I needed to just indulge myself and read it right away.

Banana Split is the latest in a series of culinary mysteries by Josi Kilpack featuring Sadie Hofmiller who loves to cook.  Each story can be read alone, but I have really enjoyed reading them in order because I feel the development of the characters has really grown with each book.  In the first couple of books, I really enjoyed the mystery/puzzle to be solved which oft took very surprising twists and turns along with the really fun recipes.  However, I often felt the characters were not very deeply explored and did not feel like I could relate to Sadie.  However, as the series has progressed, Sadie's character has also become more complex with fascinating layers that are weaved into the story and who-dunnit plots making for more satisfying reading.  Pumpkin Roll came out last fall, and I have talked to many who feel it was the best to that point.  I think Banana Split is a continuation of the high level reached in Pumpkin Roll and a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Sadie is in Hawaii house-sitting a friend's condo complex while trying to come to terms with the traumas experienced a few months earlier in Boston (the climax of Pumpkin Roll).  Her anxiety and depression have trapped her into a very un-Sadie-like existence where she hardly leaves the condo.  As things seem to go for Sadie, she discovers a body, which trauma causes her finally seek professional help for her emotional issues.  Although she is trying to come out of the hole into which she has fallen, she has no interest in knowing anything more about the victim who is generally believed to have died from a drug overdose.  However, when Charlie, the 11-year-old son of the victim approaches Sadie for answers about his mother, Sadie's reluctant attempts to help him find closure not only helps her begin to emerge from her depression but also helps her find out she is stronger than she thinks she is when she is trying to help someone she has grown to care about.  

 

I felt that the mystery, subplots, pacing and characterizations all were well-done, meaning I was drawn into the story which kept me thinking, caring and guessing all along the way to a satisfying conclusion.  Oh, and the recipes really looked delicious.  I can't say I've tried them out as when I could be cooking, I'd rather be reading.  To check out Banana Split on our website, click here.

Guest Book Review

Since I don't have enough time to read as I'd like, I'm including a guest review of a book I want to read soon.  I've read the first two Secret Sisters mysteries and enjoyed them.  

Here is a guest review from Kay Curtiss of Keepin' Up with LDS Bookstores.  Click here to read more about this book and the author on Kay's blog:

Kay's Kritique:  Ida Mae Babbit  (who has her own Facebook page) and her cohorts are at it again in another Secret Sister Mystery that take them to a Dude Ranch in Montana which Ida Mae's son, Keith, owns.  This crew will keep you laughing with their antics (especially Ida Mae's late night, flannel PJs, bare-back horse chase) as they solve the mystery of the sabotage of the Dude Ranch.   Tristi has created some fun, great characters and her descriptive writing keep you laughing throughout with the "visuals" she creates in your mind. Hang 'em High was a great escape for me on a rainy weekend when you just want to curl up with a good book - which I did!  This is definitely one you won't want to miss!

Recent reads

While on a trip I was able to finish these two books which I have been wanting to read for a while.  Foggy with a Chance of Murder is from one of my favorite authors, G. G. Vandagriff.  Set on the foggy Southern California coast, the two main characters are dealing with issues of loss and betrayal while one of them becomes the target of terrorists.  A neighbor becomes a trusted confidant who shares his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I enjoyed the character development in this story.  The suspense part of the plot was not as much of the focus, and some of it was a little far-fetched but still enjoyable.  I would have liked to see more loose ends tied up at the end, but overall I found this a fun and inspiring read.

Garden Plot is by a new author to me, Kristen McKendry.  Set in Eastern Canada, the main character is also dealing with loss and betrayal while trying to keep her business, a high-end half-way house for those coming out of drug rehab, going and taking care of her daughter.  This process is complicated by finding the body of a resident in her garden.  The characters in this story were appealing and drew me into story.  The plot follows a more traditional mystery format complete with police detective and with elements of romance and a misunderstood visiting teacher. The main character used humor to keep herself sane which also kept me smiling. I enjoyed this book even more than Foggy.

Summer 2011 Fiction Extravaganza! All fiction at least 10% off

We are kicking off our summer sales season with a summer-long fiction sale--all fiction is now on sale for at least 10% off through September 3, 2011.  Some of our new fiction is on sale for even more.  Included is young adult and children's fiction as well as used and clearance fiction titles.  No minimum number of books is required to receive the discount.  Come look for entertaining stories of suspense, romance, history and inspiration as well as great young adult fiction/fantasy and children's titles for summer vacation relaxation.  Read and enjoy!

January Reading

After recovering from the Christmas rush, I finally had more time to catch up a little on my reading. In no particular order here are some of the books that I read which I thoroughly enjoyed:

Undaunted by Gerald Lund
Smokescreen by Traci Abramson
The Water is Wide by Marianne Monson
Lucky Change by Susan Corpany

Books I am in the process of reading:
Divine Signatures by Gerald Lund
Return by Robert D. Hales

We have a lot of new books in which look interesting and intriguing--so much to read in so little time!

Rhea Jensen Mysteries--new fun reads

I started reading City of Angels, the first Rhea Jensen mystery, on my way to the LDS Booksellers Convention in August and stayed up way too late because I couldn't put it down. Rhea Jensen is a fun character with witty comments and observations but a moral core that draws her unwittingly to the missionaries who cross her path while she's trying to solve an unexpectedly complicated embezzlement case that turns dangerous. Gospel standards she learns from the missionaries reinforce the lessons of her mother and influence some critical decisions she must make.

I met the author, Sheralyn Pratt, at the convention and can see where the fast-paced dialogue and action come from. Sheralyn is outgoing and radiates energy. She was once a private investigator herself which gives a sense of authenticity to the descriptions. I have not read book 2, Stalk Lake City, but look forward to it. Two more Rhea Jensen books are scheduled to be released before Christmas.

Tennis Shoes 11 coming in September!

Many Tennis Shoes fans have been waiting for a long time (5 years!) for the next installment to continue this great story left hanging at the end of Vol 10. The good news is Tennis Shoes Volume 11, Sorcerers and Seers ($17.99) is being released shortly after Labor Day. The bad news is that the last installment has been split into two books. Click here to read more on Chris Heimerdinger's blog.

We are taking preorders at a 21% discount ($14.15). Call the store, email me at susan@beehivebookstore.com or to have it shipped to you as soon as it comes in preorder on our website. Click here to read more details about the book and/or to order. If you email a preorder request, plus put "Tennis Shoes" in the subject line and include your phone number. Now is the time to start rereading the older ones to remind yourself where the story left off--

Between the Lines Introduced by Author's Mom

Judy Smalls is the mom of author Erin Klingler. Judy came into the store recently to admire the display of her daughter latest novel, Between the Lines, and take some pictures. This video is her introduction of Erin's book.

Queen in Exile Review

I'm an employee at the bookstore and I recently read Queen in Exile by Donna Hatch. I really enjoyed the story: think forbidden love, merciless takeovers, and magical creatures and you'll have a pretty good idea what this book is about. I hope you'll also take a dive into a world of magic, love, and royalty with Queen in Exile.

Annette Lyon's Band of Sisters

One of our beloved customers Sherry Glass came into the Beehive Bookstore recently to pick up a special order and told us a bit about Band of Sisters, a recent read previously purchased at the store. She said she had read it in one sitting. Its chick lit quality (you know, like a chick flick but instead of going to a theater you read it) helped her unwind from the pressures of work.

Thanks for the recommendation!

Clair Poulson's Deadline

From Cheryl Leifson on Facebook: Hi Everyone, I just finished reading "Deadline" by Clair M. Poulsen. It was really good. I liked that it had suspense, a little romance, and lots of action. A great suspense novel. I like all of the books I've read by clair poulsen. It is a great book to read if your interested.

Louise & Wayne Young also have enjoyed Clair Poulson's books and read most of them. Wayne commented that he feels male characters often are not realistically portrayed by female authors and likes Poulson's characters.

Dorothy Keddington's Books

We noticed Linda Hansen purchasing Return to Red Castle by Dorothy Keddington and got chatting about the author's other books. Linda had read Jayhawk and the newest release Fairy Thorn and liked them and was looking forward to reading Return to Red Castle. Linda told us Dorothy had a different writing style and very good stories that Linda enjoyed and would recommend. Click the images above to learn more about these stories.

Light on Fire Island

Cheryl Leifson told us in the store that she enjoyed "Light on Fire Island" (a fiction book by Marilyn Bateman). We love it when customers tell us what books & products they like! Click here to read more about it.

Fablehaven Series Now Complete!

Fablehaven 5, Keys to the Demon Prison is the last volume in the best-selling children's fantasy series by Brandon Mull. Like most excellent children's fantasy, there's lots of pretty interesting things going on inside a fast-moving adventure story. I'm thinking I need to get more members of my family reading this series so we can have some energetic discussions about the interesting themes and thought-provoking conflicts that develop throughout the series. Some of these include courage versus caution, a pure heart versus greed and power, light versus dark, consequences and responsibility, loyalty and betrayal plus much more.

I had waited to read volume 4 (Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary) until the last volume came out. Since it had been a while, I ended up reviewing/rereading volumes 1 through 3 and then reading 4 and 5. It took a day or two for me to process the climax and resolution of the series and come back out of the Fablehaven universe into the real world. Not everyone I know who started reading the first book was able to really get into the story, but it sure pulled me in. I look forward to reading these again and finding ideas, patterns and details I missed the first time. For more information about what the series is about, you can check on our website for a description of the books. If you enjoy fantasy, I can highly recommend this series for you and your children.

Product note: Volume 1-4 are now available in paperback as well as hardback.

The Shepherd’s Song by Larry Barkdull

Review by Susan

The Shepherd's Song is a sweet Christmas tale of the a shepherd whose family cares for the lambs meant for holy sacrifices in the Temple in Jerusalem. When Joshua's wife is threatened with life-threatening complications of pregnancy, he takes his most-loved lamb to offer as a personal sacrifice at the temple to accompany his prayers for a miracle. The story of his journey, its unexpected detours and how he is brought to ultimately sacrifice his will and heart to the Lord is entwined with the story of the birth of Jesus which lightens the dark night of his despair. Prophecies of the coming of Messiah were understood by these shepherds who recognized the signficance of what they witnessed that holy night. Warning: be sure to have tissue ready when reading this book.

The Modern Magi by Carol Lynn Pearson

Review by Susan

Annabelle Perkins lives alone and works as a waitress. She has never married but grew up in a loving home filled with frequent tellings of the Christms story. At age 57 she dreams of traveling to Israel like the Magi and giving a gift to Jesus in Bethleham. She saves her money for months, working extra hours in spite of her health problems. Her anticipation continues to grow, but just as her dream is about to realized something unexpected brings an unwelcome decision. How Annabelle reconciles her dream to give the Christ child a gift with the unexpected twists of fate is an appealing story about the meaning being a Magi in the modern world. Master storyteller Carol Lynn Pearson spins another delightful tale.

Christmas Jars Reunion by Jason Wright

Review by Susan

This is a sequel to Christmas Jars, the runaway bestseller of a few years ago. The story of Hope Jensen continues as she seeks to expand the Christmas Jar phenomenon which she begins to view as a ministry to share the spirit of giving engendered by this tradition. As the Christmas Jars tradition spreads over the country from Chuck's Chicken 'n' Biscuits diner, new characters and their stories are combined with elements of sorrow, romance, lives changed and a community brought together by a lofty goal. In the end, Hope learns about the true nature of the gift of love represented by a Christmas Jar from a very special little girl named Queen.

The Hourglass Door by Lisa Mangum

Review by Rachel

The Hourglass Door is a fun young adult fiction book. The book is about high school senior Abby who is finding her routine to be a little suffocating. Enter Italian foreign exchange student Dante with stunning good looks and mysterious air and Abby gets the shake up she’s been wanting. As Dante’s secret unfolds she finds her life will never be the same again.

I enjoyed this book. It was a light read and the plot had a Twilight-esque feel to it (for me that is a good thing). I connected with and came to care about the characters. Despite a few predictable things and some slow spots I felt the author overall did a good job of drawing the reader into the story and keeping things suspenseful. As a girl I appreciated the romance but thought it was done tastefully so that even those less-inclined to such could still get through it. The language is clean and the romance stays appropriate throughout. I would enjoy reading a sequel which possibility is left open by the ending.