A Memoir, A Cozy Mystery, And A Romance

Reading books of various genres keeps life interesting and can add a bit of spice.

Today I’d like to share my thoughts on three books that are listed in completely different genres. While the books have very little in common, I found each one to be entertaining and interesting. Today I offer you a memoir, a cozy murder mystery and a fiction romance.

FOLLOWING THE WHISPERS by Karen Walker

When a person shares their experiences, good or bad, we can learn from them if we really listen.

I believe that is the case with FOLLOWING THE WHISPERS, a poignant memoir by author Karen Walker. One doesn’t have to have the same experiences or problems to relate. It’s a matter of understanding how the problems were overcome and then translating that into your own situation.

The author tells how she was sexually molested at a very young age. That molestation, coupled with a loveless home life, drastically effected her growth as a teenager and then as an adult. It also carried over into their ability to cope with sexual relationships, marriage, motherhood, and even jobs.

During her road to discovery, the author had two failed marriages and lost custody of her son. Learning to understand what had happened as a child wasn’t her fault or her responsibility, the author was finally able to develop a stable and loving marriage, as well as connect with her adult son bringing them closer as mother and child.

This book is a great reminder for those with children, as well as though around children, they adsorb much more than we realize. They are not mature enough to realize when a hateful phrase is said in jest. Also, they may not understand the meaning of some words, but they do understand the tone and the frequency of words.

Another thing this book reminded me of is that we often hurt those we love and care about without realizing it. Continues negative attitude can have a degrading effect. Remember to sprinkle some positive in with your comments.

While Karen’s book does deal with very painful and devastating issues, I also found it to be inspiring, uplifting, and insightful. Despite a difficult background, Karen has learned to listen to the whispers of hope, strength, love, inner peace, and self-acceptance.

FOLLOWING THE WHISPERS is a must read for anyone facing difficult issues in their life or know someone else who is.

Author Karen Walker blogs at author karen walker…following the whispers.

Following The Whispers by Karen Walker, Bascom Hill Publishing Group, @2009, ISBN: 9781935098157, Paperback, 172 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

BOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING by Jenn McKinlay

This is the first installment in the new Library Lover’s Mystery series by Jenn McKinlay, author of the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series.

Lindsey Norris, the new director of the Briar Creek Public Library, is beginning to settle into small town living where her best friend, Beth Stanley, is also the children’s librarian.

When a vacationing New York editor comes to town, it seems the perfect opportunity for Beth to present her children’s book manuscript for consideration. However, Beth’s author boyfriend, Rick, tries to discourage her for meeting the editor. When she disagrees, Rick breaks up with her.

When Beth and Lindsey present the story to the editor, they find out the real reason Rick didn’t want her selling her book. They go to confront Rick and find him dead. Beth becomes the main suspect and it’s up to Lindsey to sort through the events to find the real killer before she and Beth are the next victims.

Author Jenn McKinlay has created a warm and inviting place with the Briar Creek Public Library and the members of the crafternoon club. The cast of characters are intriguing and sometimes a little zany. BOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING is a delightful read that includes a number of great extras. There is a reading group guide, a knitting pattern, recipes, and a preview of the next installment in the series, DUE OR DIE. 

Author Jenn McKinlay’s website is http://www.jennmckinlay.com/

Books Can Be Deceiving by Jenn McKinlay, A Library Lover’s Mystery, Berkley Prime Crime, @2011, ISBN: 9780425242186, Paperback, 304 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

A GOOD HARD LOOK by Ann Napolitano

The central character of this story is author Flannery O’Connor and the many peacocks that live with her and her mother at Andalusia, the family farm in Milledgeville, GA.

Crippled with lupus, Flannery returned to her hometown. Author Ann Napolitano uses that to create her own unique story of how Flannery may have interacted with townspeople. As with most small towns, the lives of several people are connected in various ways.

Cookie Himmel has a dislike for Flannery and her writing. Cookie is the poster child for Southern womanhood. She spends some time in New York and returns with a rich fiancée. However, Cookie’s new husband, Melvin Whiteson, becomes fascinated with Flannery and her peacocks. 

Decorating her new home, Cookie hires seamstress Lona Waters to make the curtains. Lona’s husband, Bill, is a local policeman hoping to one day be police chief. Their 15-year-old daughter spends the afternoons with Flannery’s neighbors, the Treadles, giving Lona some time to herself. The Treadles’ only son, Joe, is in his senior year at high school and a bit withdrawn. ’Miss Mary’ asks Lona to hire Joe as her assistant for the summer hoping to draw him out of his shell.

As these people begin to interact, you realize an unforeseen tragedy is going to happen. The characters draw you in and author Ann Napolitano describes the scenes so vivid you can almost smell the magnolia blossoms and hear the peacocks’ calls. A tragic afternoon changes the lives of all involved and makes them take a good hard look at where they are and where they want to go.

A GOOD HARD LOOK will keep you spellbound from beginning to end.

Author Ann Napolitano’s website is http://annnapolitano.com/

A Good Hard Look by Ann Napolitano, Penguin Audiobooks, @2011, ISBN: 9781101494103, Unabridged Digital, Listening Time App. 11 hours 30 minutes

FTC Full Disclosure - This digital audio was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Hope you enjoy the different genres. What are you reading now?