Get your Books in a Row for the Summer

It’s time once again to prepare for the best and worst of times in the Ouachita region- our blazing summer. If you are fortunate enough to have an escape planned, I am here to recommend a few “must-haves” for your suitcase. If your routine will change very little, here’s hoping this list will help divert your attention from the droning weatherman and his never changing forecast. Turn the TV volume down, the air conditioner up, and have yourself a vacation in the pages of a good book.

My long-time fans know that I love Christian fiction. When I do have time to escape, I love nothing more than a heart-touching story with a happy ending. So if you’re the guns-a- blazing, missile dodging, end of times type . . . well, to each his or her own. Maybe one of these books will catch your eye when you’re ready for a break from all that stress!

First up- a contemporary story from Kim Vogel Sawyer, who also writes very good historical novels. This one, “When Mercy Rains” takes place in a Mennonite community. Similar to the Amish in their love of simplicity and biblical truth, this family has been rocked by an out of wedlock pregnancy and the secrets that have accompanied it for years afterwards. When the young mother and her teenage daughter return to tend to the aging matriarch of the family, they all must come to terms with the truth, and their feelings for each other. An excellent multi-generational read. I have already ordered the sequel- “When Grace Sings.”

The latest story in Rachel Hauck’s series about fictional royalty is “How to Catch a Prince.” Like her others, it deals with the clashing worlds of European royalty and modern-day America. This time, what comes between our star-crossed lovers is a shared burden dealing with war-time tragedy that has altered both of them. There’s a touch of magic that relieves the sadness, and ultimately engineers the happy ending. Oops, Spoiler Alert.

Speaking of series- One of my absolute favorites chronicles the Christiansen family of Minnesota, on the shores of Lake Superior. These contemporary tales draw me in over and over again as we get to know and love each member of the large, active family. If you’re new to Susan May Warren’s world- start with “Take a Chance on Me”. The succeeding books all have song-title names, and the one I finished most recently, “Always on My Mind” was equally satisfying. The heroes and heroines in these books are real people with real flaws. Mistakes they have made in the past can never quite be ignored, as they struggle to find their futures. They draw on the stability of a loving family, and their trust in God to get them to where they are meant to be.

As always- a summer reading list needs a cold weather tale. This time-it’s a collection of stories that take place during the Second World War. Three Christmas Carols popular during that period spark the stories in “Where Treetops Glisten” by Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman and Sarah Sundlin. I knew that Tricia, who lives right here in Central Arkansas, was great at writing stories from this time period, but the other two ladies were new to me. A delightful way to experience the romance of the “Greatest Generation” and cool down several degrees at the same time.

Two more Arkansas authors teamed up to produce “Swept Away,” a romance in the Quilts of Love series from Abingdon Fiction. Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven piece together a tale of a couple who seems helpless to counteract the designs of a very determined grandmother. Well crafted, warm and comforting, like every good quilt should be.

Currently, I’m immersed in “To Win Her Favor,” Tamera Alexander’s  latest
Belle Meade plantation novel. Set in post Civil War Tennessee, this story begins where most other romances end, with a wedding. As many unions of the time, love at first sight is not a factor here, but I can’t wait to see how the couple who were brought together by a piece of land learn to love each other as much.

Next up, another Arkansas friend of mine, Shannon Vannatter, has a new Rodeo romance that I can’t wait to read.  “Rodeo Reunion” will come out in June, and I’m sure it will offer another swoon-worthy hero and another pretty Texas cowgirl. Believe it or not, I was mentioned in the dedication of her last one, “Rodeo Family.” Believe me, I would recommend these books, even if I’d never met this sweet lady. Look for this one wherever Heartsong Presents is sold.

So many stories, so little time. Get ready, it’s going to be a long, hot summer!

Recommended Equipment for Lazy Summer Days-A Good Book

 

          Memorial Day has come and gone. I hope you took time to remember the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform and their families as the summer of 2014 officially started. So, now that we are preparing for those lazy, hazy, crazy days, you can find an exhaustive list of things to do and see in the Ouachita area in the normal spot in the heart of this magazine. But, what to take along?  Sunscreen, a sturdy hat with a brim, a hammock or at least a good lawn chair, and most importantly, a good book that will help you while away the hours.

          I have several titles in my to-be-read stack this year both on my nightstand and on my new friend, the Kindle. Here is a quick rundown of some I’ve read recently that I can recommend.

          First up: “What Once Was Lost” by Kansas author Kim Vogel Sawyer. Set around the turn of the previous century, the heroine of this story has been very happily providing a home and a bit of stability to a rather rag-tag group of people who are without a proper place to live for one reason or another. One terrible night, the residents of the “poor farm” are displaced by a fire that destroys the home Christina Willems family had established and left to  her charge. Now, she has the responsibility of finding “temporary” solutions for all of them, while working to get the home rebuilt. In the process, she and all of the residents find that God’s plans are always so much better than their own.

          Tamera Alexander has written two of my recent favorites. Set immediately following the Civil War in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, “Within My Heart” is a tale of bravely overcoming past  pain and grief to move on to new life. As always, the hero and heroine are much more than one dimensional stereotypes. Their hopes, fears and failings make the reader want to keep turning pages well into the night. Regardless of the time period and setting, we can identify, and enjoy every minute of this tale. In a bit of a contrast, “A Beauty So Rare” is set in about the same time period in and around the Belmont plantation in Nashville, Tennessee. Since the author lives nearby, she makes this tale rich with details, and the feel of the opulent estate. Once again, the personalities of the characters shine, and when we get to know the heroine’s father, we can identify with the mixture of love and duty that make caring for our parents so rewarding and difficult. Another delight. By the way, anyone who loves cooking or raising flowers will not want to miss this one.

          As always, one of my favorite escapes from the hot Arkansas weather is to find a book that is set in the winter. “Baby, it’s Cold Outside” by Susan May Warren is a delightful story about a group of people who get stranded together inside the house of one of the town’s matriarchs. Taking place right after the Second World War, each character has his or her own heartaches to deal with. It’s a well told and multi-layered story with some unexpected romance thrown in for good measure. Crank the air conditioning up, grab some hot chocolate and a blanket, and settle in for a great read!

          Most of you know me well enough to understand that I love fictional stories as opposed to non-fiction when I’m reading for pleasure. I made an exception recently for my Little Rock friend Tara Johnson’s book “Hollow Victory”. Subtitled “ How to Identify & Disarm Five Landmines that make Victorious Christian Living Feel Like a Lie”, it is an eye-opening look in the mirror for any woman who feels like she is drowning while trying to live up to the expectations of others.  Written by a lovely lady who has “been there” it is a great bit of encouragement for all ages.

          Finally, for all of you who love romance and rodeos, I have the perfect pair of recent releases by local author Shannon Vannatter.  “Rodeo Queen” takes place in modern day Ft. Worth and Shannon’s fictional town of Aubrey, Texas. Our heroine is a confident young woman who runs a clothing boutique when she’s not speeding around the dirt-floor arena with a flag. When a deranged stalker attacks her, she suddenly has to rely on a former boyfriend turned Texas Ranger who wants nothing more than to protect her. But, is he doing this because he loves her, or because he loves his job? “Rodeo Song” introduces the world of rock-star fame and paparazzi to another of our Texas belles. This time, a former beau has to convince our pretty cowgirl that there is more to him than bright lights and encounters with adoring groupies. Both are Love Inspired Heartsong Presents books, an imprint of the famous Harlequin line that mixes Christian values with heart revving emotions. Summer escapism at its finest!

          The illustration that accompanies this column is called a “book-stack poem”.  Just a bit of fun for bibliophiles. What happens when you arrange a few of your books in this way? I would love to see it. You can snap a quick picture and post it on the Ouachita Life Facebook page, or as a comment on my blog at www.jennycarlisle.net.

          Have a great summer!

 

Rescue from the Dog Days- Get Lost in a Book

 

Admittedly, I’m a little late with your summer reading list. Looking back, though, the oppressive heat waited a little longer this year as well. We had a few scorchers in June, then some remarkably nice temperatures around the Fourth of July. At this posting, the burn ban  has been removed for the Ouachita region. Thankfully, it’s nothing like the deadly wildfire season we endured in 2012.

Still, during August, and maybe even September, the time may come when you want to crank up the air conditioning and stretch out on the couch with a book, or even a new-fangled electronic reading device. I still have quite a few on my TBR (To Be Read) list, but so far, I’ve found some real gems, and I’m happy to share them with you.

Two of my favorites this summer were actually written by Arkansans who are members of the Arkansas Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers, for whom I currently serve as Vice President.

First, “Fairer Than Morning” by Rosyln Elliott. The book is set  in the newly industrialized Midwest and eastern part of our nation during a time when indentured servants were used and abused by their “owners” and duels to the death were still an accepted way of settling a dispute. Ms. Elliott writes eloquently about the struggles faced by young people in pre-Civil War America. The lesson learned: Through it all, love, and in particular, God’s love will triumph when we allow it.

The next Arkansas treasure is Shannon Vannatter, who has a very successful career with Heartsong Presents, the inspirational imprint of Love Inspired and Harlequin Romances. Shannon and I attended a writer’s retreat in Lonsdale with several of our fellow Christian fiction writers, and I learned she had written a series of romances based on one of my favorite spectator sports- the rodeo.

The first story, “Rodeo Ashes” centers on a young lady who is finding her stride in the fast paced world of marketing. The company has chosen to promote the career of a newly prominent rodeo champion, forcing our heroine to confront some very traumatic memories from her past. As in any good romance, the two struggle to remove the obstacles that keep them apart, and find that they have much more in common than they ever imagined. I’m very happy to own the next three books in this series, and I’ll definitely enjoy the ride each time I have the opportunity to spend time in Shannon’s fictional arena.

Another reading adventure allowed me to live out every little girl’s dream of becoming Cinderella. “Once Upon a Prince” by Rachel Hauck takes place in the US on the coast of Georgia. A handsome real-live prince from a fictional kingdom somewhere in the British Isles has come to vacation at his family’s estate, when he encounters a young lady with a flat tire and a recently broken heart. Happily, he becomes acquainted with her without all of the press exposure and hoopla that usually follow him. Though she is in no mood to start another relationship, the two form a friendship, and of course eventually fall in love. Their vastly different backgrounds become a stumbling block, and it seems that happily ever after is not in the cards. Scenes on both sides of the ocean keep the reader drawn in, and the journey to the conclusion becomes a very enjoyable page-turning experience.

I’m currently reading another historical, “Thorn in My Heart” by Liz Curtis Higgs, which transports a familiar tale to the exciting and romantic setting of the Scottish Lowlands. Only a little ways in, I’m already spellbound by her very skillful story-telling.

As another source of great entertainment- don’t forget the book that most of you probably own at least one copy of- the Bible. Our weekly studies have taken us through the trials of God’s chosen people as they left a world of slavery and headed to the promised land. We recently enjoyed the romantic tale of Ruth, and the courageous exploits of a giant-killer named David.

There’s much to be learned about the big plans God has for all of us!

Enjoy the rest of your summer, and remember: to everything there is a season. Don’t let the heat get you down. Our beautiful, cool Arkansas days will be here again before we know it!