In other parts of the country, folks are looking for a
“beach read”. They plan to stretch out on a lounge chair, shaded by either a
beach umbrella or a large-brimmed hat, and while away the hours. In the
Ouachita region, we are more inclined to a “ceiling fan read”. It’s just too
dang hot to stay out on any lake-shore or creek bank for too long. Regardless,
it’s a wonderful time to get lost in some good fiction.
This year, your reading list will be a little different. It
started off with an adventure! Because I count several authors as friends, I am
sometimes asked to help promote a new project. Many of my friends were asked to participate in something
really exciting on July 2 at 6:00 p.m. A Book Launch party is today’s
equivalent of a movie premiere. Without a requirement of wearing a silly hat, guests were able to learn more about the book
and participate in the excitement live with fellow book lovers! Called Engraved on the Heart, this story is now officially launched, and gaining attention from all directions!
The new book’s author is Central Arkansas’s own Tara
Johnson. She is a lively wife and mom who shares her heart through her music
and her inspirational messages at every opportunity. Her first work of fiction,
set in the Civil War era. highlights the all too real struggle of a young woman
who deals with a health issue that causes seizures. In a time when physical
weakness was looked upon with disdain and isolation, she shows courage and
strength, knowing that God has a plan for her life. Insider’s tip – I won a
contest to help name the male protagonist of the book. So, you will see a character
named Jennie mentioned somewhere in the book! There will be a prize
from me for the first person to find it!
I have a confession to make now. When I started reading this book I thought I would love it because I love it's author. But, the story began to sweep me along, and now, I am totally enthralled. It involves the Underground Railroad, and deals with the timeless issues of doing the right thing, and treating other humans with respect and compassion. A beautiful story with a handsome hero and a believable heroine. Perfect summertime escape. Have I ever steered you wrong? Read this book!
A tradition of this column is to offer up a Christmas book
to read during the heat of a Ouachita summer. Try “Restoring Christmas” by
Cynthia Ruchti. This tale combines a home improvement television show with a
tale of a couple who are defining their lives and their careers. Also, a
fascinating mystery about the house and its owner, which unfolds as the
demolition and rebuilding progresses. Short enough to be satisfying, involved
enough to keep you guessing. This is another favorite author of mine, and I’m
sure you will be a new fan of hers too.
Another favorite author is enjoying tremendous success with
a blockbuster hit called “Before We Were Yours”. Lisa Wingate is a former resident of Mena,
Arkansas, so some of you may have actually shopped at the grocery store with
her. This book, which is her thirtieth, is a sensitive portrayal of a real life
sinister plot to kidnap children and “sell” them to wealthy childless couples.
Set in the 30s and 40s in the Memphis Tennessee area, there are still people
alive who were involved in this scandal. The story is told from the perspective
of one of the children, and also from the point of view of a present-day woman who
is uncovering the truth about her own family’s history. The transitions from
the past to the present make for a fascinating and hard to put down account.
This book was recently chosen by the Arkansas State Library as their selection
for the annual If All of Arkansas Read
the Same Book program. It has also
been on the New York Times best-sellers list for several weeks.
If you are in the mood for lighter reading, try a series by
Ane Mulligan, called The Chapel Springs series. Set in a Southern tourist town,
the main characters will remind you of your old friends Lucy Ricardo and Ethel
Mertz, and their humorous predicaments will keep you smiling long after the
stories are finished. It’s not all fun and games. Some lessons are learned
about how families love each other. Its all well done, and great fun.
And then of course, if you are looking for some short
selections to read between trips to the pool or popsicles on the porch with the
grand-kids, you can find a collection of these monthly ramblings in my book
called Turn, Turn, Turn. You can purchase it on Amazon in paperback or Kindle
format. It will include some columns you may have missed, some you enjoyed in
years past, and one or two you haven’t seen before. My hope is that it brings a
smile to your face, and makes you want to be kind to someone you encounter in
your daily walk. Just for you, my loyal readers. Enjoy the sunshine but be
careful. You are loved!
