Female Books

To me, this is a very meaningful story, beautifully written with wit and wisdom. As with so many life experiences, we do go around again in some way and hopefully learn something in the process. I am a big fan of Suzanne Strempek Shea's books and look forward to many more stories from her creative and insightful mind. Her descriptive language is fascinating and thoughtful as she observes the life around her to skillfully share with others.

I came really close to liking this book. The characters in it are believable and, to a certain extent, sympathetic, the story moves at a decent pace, and there is a certain rural charm to it. The story takes place during many summers spent at a Massachusetts farm. Robyn Panek spends her childhood summers at her uncle's farm, running the pony ride there. It becomes a second home to her, so she is devastated when a new boarder at the farm does something that sends shockwaves through the little New England town. In many places, the hardworking yet laid back vibe of summer in the country shines through. The problem with the novel is not characters, and it's not locale, or plot. The only problem with the flow of the story comes from Shea's main flaw as a writer: clunky prose. I didn't read more than two pages at a time without halting at a sentence or passage, laden with just an extra word or two that threw the rhythm of the book off. Shea is not a bad writer: she knows what words to use. She just doesn't know what order to use them in, or when to pull back and trust her readers. This is a 310 page book that would be 250, 275 pages tops if every errant, overreaching word and passage was deleted.

Suzanne Strempek Shea has a gentle, humerous, insightful voice that allows you inside her characters. In Around Again, this well-paced story makes you feel a part of it and never want to leave, as all good stories do. It fills your heart and tugs on the strings. It's very worth your time.

AROUND AGAIN is another original offering by Suzanne Strempek Shea.

After a 22-year hiatus, Robyn Panek returns to the farm in Massachusetts where she had spent her summers as a child and young woman. There, she had assisted her aunt and uncle in running the pony ring on their farm. Those had been the best summers of Robyn's life. She enjoyed the farm, the ponies, the visiting children and the warmth and love that her relatives gave her. She also had Frankie, her boyfriend, who lived and worked nearby. Frankie was the love of her life. That final summer saw the addition of another helper by the name of Lucy Dragon. What happened that last season, so many years ago, changed the course of many lives. Now, Robyn has the chance to clear up the past.

There are parts of this story that will always remain in my mind. This author has the ability to make the ordinary parts of life interesting.

This was the first book I read by this author. I loved it. It's been a long time since the end of a novel made me cry. I've since read Shea's other books and have enjoyed them very much, but Around Again remains my favorite.

Just put it simple read this book!!!! Funny, wacky, and sweet coming of age story with a twist you will like it. Should be made into a movie.

Imagine a new school in a new country, and to be accepted you have to be the opposite gender for a week. In Boy2Girl, a fictional novel by Terence Blacker, Sam Lopez, 13, comes to England from America after his mother's death to live with his aunt, uncle, and cousin. To be accpeted by his cousin, Mathew, and his gang he must follow through with a dare to go to school as a Miss Samantha Lopez. At first it's just a joke, but soon it gets out of hand. He starts acting like a girl, hanging out with girls, even wearing a padded bra!

This story showed me how sexist some people are, and that it's cool to do things differently. Everyone's perspective is in this book, and it's easy to see what everyone's thinking. I like this book because it made me think about how much more girls can get away with. Sam was let off of going to jail because she was "influenced by the bigger males" when she helped with a riot at a game. I didn't like how into it Sam was, like when he wore a bra. This is a good book for people who like practical jokes and adventure, because the whole boy-to-girl thing was just that, and a lot of things happened because of it. For example, when Sam's dad came looking for him and he didn't want to go, he used the disguise. I wouldn't recommend this for uptight, no-nonsense people because it really examines the fine line of the sexes, and how easily it can be crossed. Plus, the idea of "being" the other sex is very contoversial. Boy2Girl pushes the boundaries of society today.

Boy 2 Girl was very funny and unusual. It is much better than any of the books I have read before. I just couldn't put the book down. I was on vacation and that's all i did by the pool was read.

This book is really good book. It really has a lot of exciting parts. My favorite part is when they dare him into doing this task and he do it just because he want to be their friend

Overall Boy2Girl is a good book. The subject is really unique, which makes the book even better. Another thing that i thought was good was the format. Instead of just writing it in I or just from one character, he writes form each of the characters. Like he'll start talking as the main character then switch to another. I thought that it was really interesting. But i don't think that it was a great book. I think that it was a fun read, but i would get bored ocassionally. But i would rate it a 4 out of 5.

Why I picked up CATTERY ROW - I was drawn to the cover, it's light blue background, photo of a gray tabby, and the blood red title, which I first read as CANNERY ROW. Why I started reading - I hadn't yet read any cat-themed mysteries. Plus, I like cats.

Why I considered stopping - Sometimes I thought "What's the point of all the details about the clubs and bands? Where do they take the story? Just get on with it already." The narrator's tendency to refer to her friends in a variety of different ways instead of just stating their names often pulled me out of the story. What kept me reading - Simon's spot-on dialogue, her characters' realistic gestures and expressions, her in-depth information about cat breeding and judging cat shows, the book's short length, and my desire to find out who done it?

If you like a light read with a cat-centered crime, but don't necessarily want a cat-who-solves-the-crime novel, you'll like CATTERY ROW.

Cattery Row is, I believe, the second of the Theda Krakow mysteries. The mystery is convoluted and engaging, the cats run the gamut of feline personality types, the characters are fully developed individuals, the relationships realistically confused, the Boston music scene real enough to feel the bass beat and smell the beer, and the action non-stop.

Theda Krakow is a freelance journalist. She quit her job at the Boston Morning Mail, features department, in a righteous snit when the boss wanted to take one of her ideas for a column, give to someone else, and have Theda teach the person how to do the job. Now she's between jobs and worried about getting another one. Luckily, she gets a call from City Magazine about doing a follow up to their "Women of the Millennium" article to see what they're doing now. Theda would do a profile on four of the original ten women and luckily she knew two of them pretty well already. Things were beginning to look up for Theda.

As we know, that's when everything falls apart. Someone is stealing pure breed cats from area catteries while the owners are away at shows. Violet, a friend of Theda's, manages the Lillian Helmhold Home for Wayward Felines, and she's worried even though her cats are strays and of truly mixed and unknown parentage. But Rose of Rose Blossom Cattery and a past 'Millennium Woman', has Turkish Angoras and someone has called to threaten her cats if she doesn't pay. Theda later learns that Jan Coolidge (also a 'Millennium Woman') is also being blackmailed but by someone who wants to ruin Jan's music career.

Things look bleak what with blackmail, threatened cats, a missing sales receipt, Halloween coming up, Theda's boyfriend not particularly liking the same music as Theda, the ex-boyfriend showing up on the scene, missing kittens, and now a body -- a very dead body.

The writing is wonderfully tight even though the narration and dialogue give you ample opportunity to get to know these women and their problems. There's just something about a book where women interact and support each other in their choices that makes me think the world is alright after all and there is hope. I would have like to learn a bit more about the grrrl punk -- maybe have some names of groups or individuals so I could look for the CDs.

Recommended for those who like action, relationships, cats, and a diversity of characters some of whom you wouldn't mind meeting someday. And, you don't need to read the first book (Mew is for Murder) to understand this one but why not get it anyway.

The Cattery Row (Theda Krakow Mysteries, No. 2) by Clea Simon continues the story of Theda and her cat, Musetta. Definitely different and a cut above other cat cozies, this book is a real page turner! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Cattery Row is Clea Simon's second entry into the Theda Krakow Mystery series, the first being Mew is for Murder. Both are published by Poisoned Pen Press.

Theda Krakow was a reporter covering the music scene until a disagreement with her boss ended that job. So, with a dwindling bank account, a tangled relationship and aging by the day, she is pleased to get a free lance assignment to follow up on the women profiled in a previous article. She is especially happy to get an excuse to be back in touch with her old friend Cool, a best selling musician who is back in town after a long absence. She is distracted when a series of catnappings start to occur. But the catnappings become her focus when another one of the article's subjects, a cat breeder, is murdered. Theda and her cat loving friends must solve the crimes as more cats disappear and the suspects hit close to home.

This book is seems, at first glance, to be a common addition to the "cozy mystery with cats" that litters the current literature landscape. But Clea Simon has much more to offer. She has created main characters and settings that are evolved beyond the feline fanciers facade. The music setting adds a new, welcomed environment which she is able to bring to a colorful, rich focus. The world of girl bands, music clubs and the alternative Boston music , long known for producing great acts, is a different, interesting venue.

It is tempting to call this a feminist mystery due to its strong female characters; women who find love important but not all consuming, with careers they embrace and expand. They work together as friends and allies, supporting, aiding and abetting each other thorough life and future dreams. Competent female characters are a refreshing addition, cats and all. Theda and her friends, male, female and feline, are all well defined as individuals, each is given a role but not stifled into cardboard portraits.

Clea Simon has been able to combine her knowledge of journalism, music and cats into a strongly written mystery. It leaves hope that Ms Simon is hard at work writing the next entry into this series, two is not nearly enough.

Tough times have hit Theda Krakow, a freelance journalist. She had a blowup with Tim, an editor of The Boston Morning Mail, which means she isn't writing for them any more. Plus she's not sure about her relationship with Bill, a Boston homicide detective.

Her friends are having their own problems. Rose has received a blackmail phone call. She doesn't have the money they asked for. If she doesn't pay, they will kill her cats. Violet has had some sick kittens stolen from her shelter.

Theda gets hired to write a follow up about 4 women. Her friend Rose is one of those women. When Theda goes to interview her, she finds Rose murdered. She figures the blackmailer killed her. The police figure she was involved in the string of robberies of purebred cats.

To muddy the waters even more, her ex-boyfriend returns. Should Theda get back with him or work on her relationship with Bill?

Can Theda figure out who the killer is and what is really going on without using up her one life?

I really enjoy Theda. She's such a fun character. I love the Boston setting as well. I like this series with cats. The author really knows cats. That comes through in the way she has them interact with the humans. Yet, she doesn't feel a need to make them "talk."

I felt this was even better than her debut novel in this series. I can't wait for the next one to be published. I highly recommend this book.

A witty fast paced story of 4 friends, each with their own problems who slowly confide their problems with each other as they bond over chocolate!

Humor abounds from the heist to the rafting trip (if you want details - READ THE BOOK). But have a hankie close as there are a few tearful scenes also.

I have only two complaints - it wasn't long enough - I need a book two, and I craved chocolate through the whole book. Hmmm, craving it now just thinking about the book.

Grab your favorite chocolates and indulge in the guilty pleasures of the book and your chocolate.

It was awfully tempting to join in on the chocolate indulgencies alongside the four very interesting women who are the main characters in this story. They each have unique stories that aren't totally comedic. I could truly visualize this as a movie, it's got tons of laughs, great characters, some touching drama, and a wonderful parody of Oceans Eleven. This is not deep literature, but if a pleasurable read is your goal, grab yourself a copy. Warning, you may gain a lot of weight reading this. In fact, the only thing I couldn't figure out is how Lucy wasn't totally obese given her chocolate obsession.

Another fun confection (pardon the pun, I just couldn't help it after vicariously consuming all that chocolate!) from Carole Matthews, The Chocolate Lover's Club is really the story of several very likeable 30-something women who share their trials and tribulations around a table in a posh chocolate emporium. I wish they had one here!!!

While drinking the richest of homemade hot chocolate or imbibing the latest spectacular one-of-a-kind confection, Lucy (our heroine) and her friends suffer all kinds of truly serious problems as they help each other through. Although the book is truly frothy in tone and feel, it in fact explores internet gambling addiction, divorce, relationships, and a host of other problems that are handled with great humor--but great delicacy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I enjoy all the author's works. It's definitely worth a read, lots of fun, and terribly endearing.

I did not like this book at all. I found it very hard to stay interested. I also did not like the way the author kept flipping between the name of the boss and the word Crush. I picked it up expecting much more than waht I got. All the book did was make me hungry for chocolate, I honestly didn't get into the characters or the several situations that were going on.

This was the best book I read since Bridget Jones. I am in the process of reading The Chocolate Lover's Diet. I find myself rooting for these women. Would love to see these books turned into movies.

The book may be all of the things everyone says, but my copy has completely fallen apart. We did not abuse this book in any way, pages simply started falling out of it. It was poorly made. Amazon has refused to replace it since it purchased it over 30 days ago. Apparently, they do not stand behind faulty merchandise they sell. In any case, who wants a book where 1/2 the pages are falling out? I recommend that you do not purchase this, simply because it's poorly constructed. Or, buy it from a different retailer who will replace it if your copy starts to self destruct as mine did.

Great book for all ages. A lot of the pictures don't need stories to accompany them, they speak for themselves. Excellent book to read and also to give as a gift to any young up and coming athlete.

I saw the exhibit of the photographs in this book at the Smithsonian a year and a half ago and I was captivated. I knew immediately that I wanted this book. As an athlete myself, I know what all the stages of sports really are and I connected with the emotions expressed in the litte stories throughout the book. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially developing female athletes, because it is inspirational and exhilarating!!

For every woman who loves sports and the women who actively persue them this is a must book! Pictures and information are outstanding, informative and thought provoking. Everything from our newest heroes to women in the past that some of us may not have even recognized. I enjoyed every page of this book and have even ordered it as gifts for friends who like me love to see females who excel in their fields.

This is a fabulous book for girls -- I have started getting it as a Bat Mitzvah present for nieces etc. who are into sports!

But it was also fascinating for myself as an adult to read through it. Their definition of "sports" is quite broad -- far beyond the usual basketball/soccer/etc. -- and the photos include women of all ages, races and body types. The essays by women athletes are also quite varied, offbeat and honest -- much more interesting than the typical magazine interview with star athletes.

I just read the review by a Chinese Taoist from Detroit, who by the way is selling books on the same suject! This person is discrediting exactly what we, westerners, can be grateful to Mantak Chia for : making those ancient secrets accessible and useful to the regular American! Who nowadays has time to wait and meditate for 20 years before being introduced to the basic taoist inner respiration techniques ?

And don't be fooled, even if made "quickly" accessible, those secrets need practice, and to rip the benefits, it's better to start at the more basic exercises like "The Healing Sounds" or "Chi Self-Massage: The Taoist Way of Rejuvenation". Even if you stopped there, you would feel the difference.

In my humble opinion, all the better if the sexual titles can get people's attention enough to open them to those powerful and helpful ancient secrets. They work !

As for anybody spending the money becoming accredited to teach the Healing Tao, this person may want to get better informed ! People don't get any accreditation before they can demonstrate their capacity to master all the exercises and the situations that can develop during a class !

First let me start by saying I am a male.
I have had the opportunity to have read both the male & female version of this book. I have also been practising the techniques some years ago, with tremendous wonderful results. I can tell anyone of you that, if you practise the techniques with the discipline required you will see, feel and experience the results promised to you.
I highly recommend both books for reading and training. It give both male and female insight in each others techniques.

It was slightly interesting, but I found myself skipping around in the book to see if it gets any better.

I have to admit that I don't even care about the origin of the practice, about the lineage, titles or whatever - I'm only interested if when I applied a teaching and practice in my life - do I get the desired results - and I guarantee if you apply the information from this book, if you engage in the practices described, you will notice wonderful results - in terms of increased sexual magnetism, increased energy for healing, rejuvenation and spiritual growth (yes, yes, yes - you may even get rid of some wrinkles), and of course, more fabulous sex.

I have attended a workshop with Mantak Chia way back in 1987 and while I had this book, I have recently also purchased the set of videos. I find all of them valuable - workshop, because it gave us all opportunity to clarify anything we might have needed to clarify about the practice; book, because it went into greater lenghts in explaining finer points; and video set, because it's easy to follow and it's great to refresh some points one might have forgotten (after all, there is only so much one can remember after attending a two-day workshop and there's only so long that one can retain the information).

I was passionate about my practice after attending the workshop - however my practice consisted mainly from solitary practice dealing with generation and circulation of sexual energy - which I at time practiced even for 7 hours a day, during the first six months (later on, I have reduced the amount of practice) - however, certain benefits of my initial intense practice remained and have tremendously benefited me with other energy and spiritual practice I was (and still am) engaged in.

I feel deeply grateful for this book and for the teachings Mantak Chia brought to the west.

In depth refined awareness exercises for women who are serious about getting a deeper sense of the sexual/life stream and its 'home' in the genitals.
Not light reading. You have to practice the exercises for this book to make any real sense.
A must buy if you are into that kind of work and pretty uninteresting if you aren't!

While this book is entertaining - it really is way too far on the "gossipy" side for me. I was hoping for more as far as applying scripture and spiritual principles into everyday living. It does do that to a small degree, but not much. Too much drama, not enough substance! A yadda yadda book it's not!

The Potluck ladies are back with more adventures and more food to share. In this go-round, once again each character has her own back story that takes special meaning in her life. Evie is trying to get attention of her sheriff boyfriend and somehow becomes engaged to another man! Goldie is trying to settle into her new single life, but her former husband keeps trying to win her back. Vonnie brings her long lost son to meet the family of the father he never knew while Donna seems to be catching his eye and that of reporter Clay. Lizzy's adult son has moved back home after being separated from his wife. And then there's Lisa Leann, whose wedding shop is a hit and she starts her own column with a little help from the tidbits she picks up around the store. The characters all intertwined through their potlucks which bring a sense of togetherness to the story.

Once again, I had a grand time while reading this book. It was funny, the characters were fleshed out more, annoying characters made no so annoying anymore, and lots of good food mentioned throughout. People are more open in this book and not afraid to speak what's on their mind. I was really glad that Lisa Leann's daughter put her foot down to her mother's advice column. I felt like it was about time someone put a stop to her gossiping ways and especially from someone who Lisa Leann would actually listen to. It might get confusing at first about who's who, but each character's story is every bit delicious as the recipes they offer. In the last book, I had complained about how Clay felt like an unnecessary character in the story. In this book, he's more apart of the story as we learn more about his personality. In fact, the reader becomes sympathetic towards him and his unrequited feelings toward Donna. The problem with the love triangle is that you want Donna to end up with Vonnie's son but you want Clay to feel happy too. I also wish that Goldie would be able to be free to move on with her life, but I don't think Jack will allow that. You definitely need some goodies while reading this book, because it will give you the munchies. Can't wait for the third!

Reading this delicious and savory sequel to The Potluck Club was like being drawn to a banquet table because of the glorious smells. Each character serves up a new, tasty dish to enjoy. Vonnie, Evie, Goldie, Lisa Leann, Lizzie, and Donna are the main course at this banquet table of life, with minor characters providing the appetizers and desserts. The characters are full of secrets, loves unrequieted, and on different journeys that require serious re-examination of their faiths, their pasts, and their desires. What Linda Evans Shepherd and Eva Marie Everson manage to cook up in this engaging story of the women of The Potluck Club is a story that is truly a buffet of flavors--someting there for everyone to dish up on their plate. You'll be inspiried at how these six diverse women deal with real life issues, employing faith, forgiveness, family and love.

My mouth is already watering for the third installment of The Potluck Club, as I'm certain we'll get the chance to feast on the news of whose going to win Donna's heart. Wont' we?

The Potluck Club: Trouble's Brewing by Linda Evans Shepherd and Eva Marie Everson is the second book in the Potluck Club series. This book picks up shortly after the first one left off. Evie and the sheriff are still dating (but not for long), Donna is trying to hide her deepest secret, Clay is still trying to get up the courage to ask Donna out (and starts a weight-loss plan), Lizzie's married son has moved home, and everyone else's lives are in equal chaos. Even the club itself seems to be falling apart. And that does seem to be the weak point of this book. While we get to see each woman's struggles, there are few scenes of the women all together working as a team which was a real strength in the previous book. Maybe the author intended to create the sense of disconnection between the women. There are only two times in the book when all the women get together. The book was definitely an enjoyable read, and the teaser at the end of this book for the next one will make you tear out your hair until the third comes out.

I was very pleasantly surprised to find that the second book of the Potluck Club was even better than the first! The characters are very well rounded and interesting, deep and thoughtful. The ladies go through realistic trials and tribulations and progress and grow in realistic ways. I like that there are not "pat" answers to all the problems, but the ladies learn to trust God more in the midst of all the complications. I'm looking forward to the next installment!

After falling in love with Kissing Adrien and The Chateau of Echoes, Siri L. Mitchell has become one of my favorite authors. Unfortunately, I didn't think this book was up to the standards previously set by her other books.

Trying to keep the four main characters straight took about 80 pages. It was difficult for me to know any of the characters with the same depth and affection I have had for her previous heroines. I did like the varied backgrounds of each of the characters and their different struggles. It was easy to find different attributes to personally identify with. I especially liked Rachel and her no nonsense attitude.

One of the characters in this book was LDS (which I am) and is struggling with so many issues it seems a little extreme. There were enough doctrinal inaccuracies about what we believe and unfortunate references to how some members behaved that I found it hard to enjoy the rest of the book.

I applaud the author for taking on a character with an eating disorder. More needs to be done to help women who struggle with this issue. Although with the exception of a few well placed comments from her friends and spouse, it didn't really seem like she got any real help.

I also appreciated the eye opening view of what it must be like for the loved ones of those who so valiantly serve our country. I believe their sacrifices are often overlooked. I look forward to reading her new book, A Constant Heart.

Speaking as an Air Force wife, I can see some dated elements in the book, but, overall, I believe it presents the friendships that can easily grow between women who have nothing else in common but the fact that they're "trailing spouses" (aka "dependents").

Other than the book ending rather abruptly, the only thing that would keep me from recommending it widely is its rather heavy-handed anti-Mormon thread. I would have been happy to recommend it to all the new spouses I meet if it had simply relied on the women's discovering or rediscovering their own faiths, rather than attempting to disprove another religion. (Would those of you who gave it five stars have liked it as well if Karen had been Jewish or Muslim, rather than Mormon?) As is, I would be cautious recommending it to anyone who wasn't a conservative/evangelical Christian.

I think one of the best things about Siri Mitchell's writing, is that with every book she is able to change her style. Some writers, all their books read the same, but she is able to write great books that do not have the same plot. An excellent read!

I read this book in 8 days, it was so enjoyable. It was very true to life, as I am a military wife I can understand the characters and what they are going through. For anyone who wants to find out what military life can be about read this book.

Reviewed by Kim Peterson for Reader Views (1/07)

Military spouses often face new settings and the need to develop new friendships. Anne, Rachel, Karen, and Beth accept an invitation to attend a tea hosted by the Officers' Spouses Club (OSC). The four women want to represent their husbands well and meet expectations, yet limit their OSC involvement. They each sign up for the food committee hoping they have chosen an easy task.

The four women meet at the first committee meeting, and discover they have nothing in common but their role as military wives and this OSC commitment. They come from different backgrounds and religions and their first impressions aren't promising. But the ensuing year draws the women together into life-changing friendships. Together they weather challenges that test their marriages, their character and their faith.

Newlywed Anne adjusts to an interracial marriage and job difficulties. Karen struggles with an eating disorder and her failure to meet the exacting standards of her religion. Wealthy Rachel tries to keep her marriage together when money can't meet their emotional needs. Beth misses the military career she sacrificed to raise her children. Their realistic struggles with racial discrimination, religious searching, and marital and parental discontent are exacerbated by the unique demands of military life.

The author, a military wife, explores the dynamics of friendship under the duress of spouses serving in the armed forces yet finds common ground with female readers who lack the emotional support of living near family. Mitchell examines how friendships with those who are different from us broaden and deepen us; how good friends help us grow into better people. She also skillfully uses flashbacks to reveal how each woman became who she is and how she met her spouse. She pushes the story past the exploration of friendship to consider the stresses faced by marriages today and how faith provides hope and healing. Mitchell's novel, "Something Beyond the Sky," reminds readers to nurture their marriages, to find contentment in the present, and to enjoy good friends.

This is the third book in a series about the three ladies of Covington. I thoroughly love all of Joan Medlicott's books and can't wait for the next one. This is just a pickup exactly where the second one left off with enough information in case someone didn't read the first two. I loved it.

These are books that cover an age that we are most vulnerable. Gives us hope to try new things...

In the beginning of the book, there is a fire in Covington and it soon reaches the beloved farmhouse of the ladies. Amelia, Hannah, and Grace get their most needed items together and dash out very quickly leaving everything else behind.

Eventually, they do create a plan, but it will take a few months before they can have a new farmhouse, much like the old one. In the meantime, Bob is enjoying Grace's company, but then he has a heart attack, and after recovery depends on Grace all the more. Amelia moves in to stay with Grace, and Hanna, with Max since she and Amelia cannot get along.

Tempers are short and the ladies all grow impatient with one another. Hannah and Amelia don't connect very well.

Roger and Charles, his partner now has full-blown Aids. It is just a matter of time before he is at the end.

Max wants Hanna's hand in marriage only for convenience so that she won't have to pay taxes on the property she will receive upon his death, not that Max is going to die anytime soon.

Poor Grace finally decides to move in with Bob after their new home is done on top of everything else. She is not happy at all though, and in time will have her life back the way it was even though it hurts Bob who loves Grace so much.

Lucy Banks, the little girl that Grace tutored comes back into the picture in this story as well. Her father passed away and Lucy is devastated. They are very very poor, and their mother sent the children away to live with other family. The ladies come up with an idea to help all of them with money and goods through the community there, and help the family get on their feet more.

Fire devastates the ladies' home and their lifestyle. While they are rebuilding, they are in a variety of living situations which separate them and cause them a variety of problems. Grace and Hannah have a hard time balancing their relationships with their men friends and their relationships with their former housemates. Grace, Bob, and Charles continue to have health concerns and the ladies are still involved in the lives of some children that Grace met when she volunteers. Hannah is involved in the building of Bella's Gardens while her daughter begins a relationship of her own. Nothing is simple in the lives of the Covington ladies, but they always seem to overcome problems along the way.

I enjoyed this book in the Covington series. It started out rather dramatically with a fire that quickly spread in the cove.

The fire destroys the farmhouse, the ladies of Covington are devastated. Slowly they begin the process of rebuilding.

Many developments in this story prove interesting. Hannah's daughter develops a relationship with Hank and they are going to have a baby. Hannah and Max become very close and decide to marry.

Like the other books in this series, this one deals with many family issues in a beautiful setting of the Appalachian mountains.

This is the first Augusta Trobaugh novel that I've read. I am looking forward to reading others. This is a great little story. Young Dove is a darling character. This novel is an easy read with some real substance. It's great summer reading. I could not put this book down. I highly recommend it.

SWAN PLACE by Augusta Trobaugh
April 24, 2005

I really enjoyed Augusta Trobaugh's SOPHIE AND THE RISING SUN, so I was excited to read SWAN PLACE, the story of Dove and her life of poverty in the Deep South. Told in Dove's voice, her story begins with the loss of her mother to cancer, her stepfather's next marriage to Crystal, a very pretty but very young girl, and what happens in their lives soon thereafter. The bulk of the story spans a year of Dove's life, as she writes and details their adventures and their stories of survival after her mother passes away.

I wasn't disappointed with this story. It's not action packed, but a lot does happen to Dove, her two younger siblings, and their brand new step mother, as they try to make ends meet after the loss of Dove's parents. Although it is Crystal that tries to take over as their parent and takes responsibility over them, it is really Dove that is the center of stability for this little family, and they get help along the way from family and friends. When they eventually move to Swan Place and live under the protection of Buzzard, the maid for the owners of the estate, their lives change for the better, and Dove and her siblings learn how a segment of the population lives, a world that does not live in poverty.

I gave this book a rating of four stars, mainly for the lovely way that Augusta Trobaugh writes. Filled with wonderful characters from the Deep South, SWAN PLACE is a book that the fan of Southern Lit will appreciate. While SOPHIE AND THE RISING SUN was the better novel, readers will not be disappointed in SWAN PLACE.

Ms. Trobaugh just keeps writing these great southern stories. I've read & enjoyed all her books & eagerly await her latest in 2004. She surely knows her south & all about southern charm, grace & beauty.

I would have felt differently about this book had I not first read "Secret Life of Bees". The first few pages nearly made me put it down, feeling that I knew the whole story already. And in truth, I did know it, although the details were different enough that I kept reading. "Bees" was a a much better book in terms of writing and character development, telling the age old story of making sense of the complexities of life. Trobaugh's "Praise Jerusalem" left me with the same sense of almost being memorable, but ending up being more of an also-ran. Copied or simply a variation on a common theme, there are worse ways to spend a few hours.

Swan Place is the fourth of Augusta Trobaugh's novels I have read, relishing every sentence. The author continues to give us lovely stories of Southern women and their courage.
Dove, the protagonist of Swan Place, is a charming adolescent who has not yet come to realize her strength; she just does what has to be done as one challenge after another enters her young life. I would love to read of the grown up Dove to see what she becomes as an adult! Told with a strong sense of the importance of family support and love and sprinkled with southern idiomatic expressions, Troubaugh's novels show me glimpses of my own upbringing.