Mother's Day Books

I really liked the Historical American short stories in this romance compilation, they are great short stories that aren't too short like in some other romance compilations, I especially liked Coming Home by Teresa Warfield, I really liked the nice down to earth characters, my favorites are Timothy Benton, and Rachel Cameron and I really felt that they definitely made a great couple, I also liked Rachel's grandmother Lydia, also I just can totally relate to Timothy's Rachel's and Lydia's love for books and like Rachel I would be totally amazed by Timothy's wonderful collection of books! My second favorite story is Twice Blessed by Rebecca Hagan Lee, it is a nice story, I liked the heroine Lydia Turner and I both liked and at times disliked the hero Thomas Sullivan a doctor who has just arrived from France with his insecure young son, I liked how Lydia was so patient and so caring to Thomas's son Robert but I felt that Thomas could have been a little more understanding to poor Robert's feelings, okay Robert could be bratty but he was only about 4 or 5 years old and scared and lonely, his mother has died and his father who he barely knows and has maybe seen once or twice in his life has plucked him out of his country and brought him to a new country which has got to be scary to a little kid being moved to a new place. Also what was big deal to Thomas about Robert speaking French, sure you would want him to also be able to speak English but what would be so wrong to let him also speak French which is his first language and part of his heritage and also what was the big deal to Thomas about Robert wanting his name Robert pronounced the French way which is kind of like Ro-Bear, I say let the kid pronounce his name the only way he knows, afterall that was how his late mother being French would have pronounced it. The other story Emma's Day by Jill Metcalf was good and I liked the heroine Emma Parker and the hero Ward Hamilton but it wasn't my favorite of the stories, If you like short romance stories than you will probably like this book.

I read A Homespun Mother's Day which is one of the best books of short story romances that I have ever read and like the other short story books I have read this one features romances by different authors. Emma's Day by Jill Metcalf is about an older heroine named Emma Porter who finds love with a younger man named Ward Hamilton. Twice Blessed by Rebecca Hagen Lee, is about Lydia Turner who falls in love with a newcomer to her small town named Thomas Sullivan and tries to help his young son Robert adjust to life in a strange new place. Coming Home by Teresa Warfield is in my opinion the best story and is about Rachel Cameron a young lady with a love of reading books who falls for a new comer to her area a writer named Timothy Benton. This book is great and I highly recommend it!

I loved these little love stories -- especially Twice Blessed. Thomas is a wonderful hero and I love the way Lydia learned to be a mother to Robert. I also liked the time and the setting. The people of the little beach town of Eden Point really came to life! I highly recommend this special story.

This book has been one of my daily prayer books for close to ten years. The quotes are beautiful, powerful and short -- just right for the purpose of meditating on one per day.

However, the thoughts are not in logical sequence. For example, quotes on humility and confession are spread over a few chapters and the rationale/need for humility is not put upfront first, followed by the attributes of humility and how one can practice it.

This short 149-page book excels at capturing the thoughts of this living saint on such themes as generosity, the love of God, care for others, hunger for God and the privilege of living for Christ.

Captured from her teachings and lecturers to her workers and followers, this wonder gem of a book will put you at Mother's feet.

Used as a devotional it will only incites you to the service of others and deepen your worship of God. For in her own words "Faith is love in action".

Mother Teresa returns to us and she lives in the words she wrote...but even more in the Words she lived....that is what this book is all about and what her life was all about... You do not just speak of God's love in Jesus, about loving the neighbor, you live it with a fullness of life that brings deep and abiding satisfaction. A kind of satisfaction that cannot be bought...but in this book this can be found. Here is where the heart is found... in giving it away. Thanks again to Mother Teresa for continuing to remind us of what brings the Greatest Joy of Heart or life.

This book is an interesting account of a woman's life during the late 1800s and early 1900s. If you are interested in this time period, you will enjoy it regardless of whether you are interested in polygamy or Mormonism. There are some odd spots in the writing, including some repetitive passages. These almost led me to give it 4 stars instead of 5. However, the story itself is too important to let some blips in the writing get in the way. I was surprised at how well educated and actually open-minded the individuals in the story were. These were not religious zealots though they lived a very dedicated religious life. If you have read "Escape" or "Stolen Innocence," you need to read this book to get the back story and really begin to understand how religion can get people to practice polygamy. Annie Clark Tanner is a true American pioneer.

Annie Clark Tanner was an admirable person. When I completed reading this book I had a strong desire to call one of her children, if any are still alive. I appreciated the support and understanding she received from her children as they became adults. They had a wonderful mother. I am amazed at all she went through for her husband, without bitterness. However, she was open about her feelings, which let me know that she was "real". Thank you Annie, for writing about your life and sharing your experiences.

With all of the highly polarized descriptions of Mormon polygamy in the late 1800's, it is refreshing to read an honest first-person account of how "plural marriage" affected everyday life for those involved. Mrs. Tanner's experience was decidedly negative, yet she writes without the bitterness one might expect. A must read for all Mormons, as well as others interested in US history in that period.

An interesting account of polygamy in application and as doctrine. Inherently though the story is really that of one of a family and certainly a dysfunctional couple. The heroine is likeable despite her foolishness. The husband would be the antagonist; a narcissist in any time.

Beautiful poetry, magnificent...
Excellent and unique poet
Rochelle Moore's Spiritual Whispers is a great buy.

This collection of poetry has it all. It is uplifting, spiritual, haunting and full of beautiful pieces of poetry. The book features
love poems, angel poems, war poetry, poetry about nature, about animals and is set out in 4 sections (the seasons) Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter.

The author is very clever in the way the book is formatted. It opens with the Spring section and all the poetry is about rebirth, trees, sunshine, love, angels, prayers and continues right through the book following the seasons. Winter brings in a few war poems, christmas, yuletime, new years day, poems for people who have passed on, lovely poetry right through the entire book.

As it says "a lovely poetry collection for ardent poetry lovers and a bonus to any poetry collection". I was not disappointed and I return to it again and again. Such essence of beauty and truth.

This beautifully presented hardback poetry collection by Rochelle Moore is truly worth a read for any poetry lover. The book is split into four sections, (four seasons)Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter, and almost every topic from love, seasons, regrowth, nature, sorceress, tranquil poems,war, peace, spiritual, angels and many more poems are truly excellent. This is a one-off beautiful book.

Sunshine is a short novel of how a real marriage experiences tragic loss but overcomes in such a beautiful and honest way. You can't help feeling the pain and sorrow of these characters, but also feeling their triumphs and joys as they find the strength to heal. I loved reading it, but especially I loved that these characters affected me on such a deep level. It is a story that everyone should read. The tragedy and journey out of their sorrow is applicable to any type of trial. Anyone can relate. Sunshine is, as the author says, "a beautiful love story within a tragedy." It touched my heart deeply.

This book is a must read. The author explores a tragic and heart-wrenching event, which could happen to anyone. How the heroine deals with it is truly worth reading. I highly recommend this book!

I am not a reader of LDS fiction in general, but I am glad I made an exception for this book. "Sunshine" has it all: love, loss, redemption, faith, and healing. Definitely buy this book!

This book was written by Joyce Antler, a professor at Brandeis University. The Women's Committee of Brandeis (BUNWC)instituted a study group program based on books, research, etc. by professors which included a syllabus to accompany their books, research, etc.
As a former president of BUNWC, I can attest to the importance and popularity of this program. The subjects offered are always on the mark. This one, in particular, hit the jugular vein!
"The History of the Jewish Mother" transcends the history of most American, immigrant mothers. This is a wonderful book for a book club. Through the study guide, questions are posed that relate to each chapter.
The book, in itself, brings back many memories. The study guide keeps the group on track. ONE CAVEAT. Although the book alone is very good, you must be a member of BUNWC to be eligible to buy the study guide.

For a different point of view, and I feel broader, I preferred "Yiddishe Mamas: the Truth About the Jewish Mother." It covers more areas, is far warmer and personal.

Reading this book will be a nostalgic trip down memory lane; the book is full of funny and charming anecdotes and recaps of classic humor routines and shows of past generations. A great book that gives you the really lively, hilarious, often shocking, sometimes bawdy history of how the Jewish Mother has been portrayed in movies, books, sitcoms, etc. But then the author contrasts that negative image with accounts of real Jewish mothers and women, who are strong, spunky, and loving. The perfect gift book; I confess I've already given copies to my mom and 4 aunts!

Perfectly framed by Cecilia Concepcion Alvarez's colorful acrylic paintings with an accompanying Spanish translation by Jorge Argueta, Rigoberto Gonzalez's story teaches not only tolerance but also reassures children that a household filled with love is something to cherish.

Antonio has two mother figures which makes it difficult to explain to his classmates. During Mother's Day card making time and after school, when his mom's partner picks him up, Antonio doesn't know how to deal with peer pressure. He is teased often and this confuses him because he loves his moms and his family. This book nicely portrays one boys struggle to fit in without hurting anyone's feelings. The book is written in english and spanish on each page. The love in the story overpowers the basic illustrations. A feel good read.

Perfect book to read to your little one just before he/she starts preschool. It addresses their fears and also shows them how much fun being away from home, with friends can be.

It's Haybillybun's very first day at Yappy Puppy Play School, and this fluffy little canine isn't so sure he wants to go. He's afraid that his "slip-slidey-fluffy feet" will keep him from running fast or make him fall off the jungle gym, or that he won't be able to hear the teacher with his "horrible fuzzy ears." He worries that no one will want to play with him, and that his eyes are scary, and his name's too long. But Mom and Dad have a common-sense, comforting answer to all his concerns, and so off to school he goes. "Haybillybun stayed at school, and his mother went home..." But after a couple of hours of household chores, Haybillybun's mother begins to become anxious, puts on her hat and rushes back to school to "rescue her darling boy." As she peeks over the fence and into the classroom, she finds that Haybillybun is having the time of his life, playing and painting and making new friends..... Joan Rankin really captures the first day jitters of both parents and kids, in this gentle and reassuring picture book. Her cheerful and energetic text begs to be read aloud, and is filled with silly names and humorous dialogue. Bold, bright, and busy illustrations enhance the story with engaging details, and little ones will enjoy lingering over each picture before turning the page. Perfect for preschoolers getting ready for their own big, first day of school, First Day is a fun and heartwarming story that shouldn't be missed.

In this sequell to "A Place Called Trinity" we are reintroduced to Martha Cade, a midwife in the town of Trinity, Pa. This is a time when new doctors fresh out of medical school question the traditional ways of medicine.

Martha is the only midwife in this small town and is very much in demand by women in childbirth as well as to treat them for other illnesses. There is a new doctor in town and eventually she is able to befriend him.

Martha is newly reunited with her 17 yr. old daughter, Victoria and she is torn between letting her go or keeping her by her side. Martha very much wishes that Victoria would be interested in becoming a midwife which has been a family tradition, but Victoria is more interested in writing and has the gift for it.

Martha is the only midwife in town and knows all the secrets of the citizens---who is troubled, which wives are not happy and which husbands beat their wives.

Also, Martha has befriended an old blind seaman and a 7 yr old orphan who have paired up together. She also trys to help anyone else who needs a friend.

Faith and hope has a way of making the impossible become possible.

If you have read the first book of this set, you really must read this book. However, this book can stand alone as "A Place Called Trinity" can also be read by itself.

In 1831 Trinity, Pennsylvania, a tired and saddened midwife, Martha Cade, returns home after handling the premature birthing of a stillborn. Still, she looks forward to tomorrow when her seventeen-year-old daughter Victoria returns home after running away six months ago. To her joyous surprise, Martha finds Victoria and another woman waiting for her.

After the hugs and introductions, Victoria informs her mom that she will be going back to New York with June Morgan. Martha loses her temper and insists that her daughter stay home, but Victoria says she has a position with June and her husband. Later that night, June explains that Victoria works on the Morgan women's magazine as well as writes poetry. As Martha struggles with what is best for her family a visiting midwife gives her advice that will prevent her from alienating her daughter forever. Martha finds it easier to give advice than to accept it.

This family drama is an engaging historical tale that enables the audience to observe how people lived in the Keystone State in the early 1830s. Martha is an intriguing personality as she fails to follow the advice she gives others when it comes to her beloved daughter. The rest of the cast enables the reader to better understand the heroine and or the era. Though lacking heavy action, readers who appreciate a rich Americana novel will gain much pleasure on this visit (or any of the previous trips) to Trinity.

Harriet Klausner

My son is captivated by Little Bill. The illustrations are great and the story is sweet and heart warming. You can't go wrong.

Little Bill can hardly contain his excitement. It is Mother's Day and he is determined to make it a wonderful day for his mom. Little Bill leads his mother on a scavenger hunt to find the five gifts that he has for her. Throughout the search, Little Bill reiterates the love he has for his mother and how thankful he is for all that she does for the family.

Author Catherine Lukas has done an excellent job with this book. It is a tribute to mothers, seen through the eyes of a child. Children will enjoy the bright and colorful illustrations, and will be able to relate to the gifts that Little Bill gives his mother. They learn the valuable lesson that gift giving is not about how much money you spend, but that the best gift one can give is the gift of love.

Reviewed by Latoya Carter-Qawiyy of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers