Making Waves

Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad
Reviewed by Melissa J. MacDonald
Genre: Historical, Romance
Publisher: Revell
Date: 2010

It’s 1895 and precocious Marguerite Westing resides in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She is delighted when her wealthy father tells the whole family they’ll be spending the summer camping on the shores of Lake Manawa. She imagines a summer of freedom away from her snore of a suitor, Roger Gordon. She also hopes to stay out of sight of her demanding mother. Marguerite gets a quick taste of the lake as she slips on the dock and tumbles in. Her handsome rescuer is none other than sailor Trip (ironic name?) Andrews. Never one to settle for simply “womanly” pursuits Marguerite finds herself in love with the strictly male sport of sailing. Trip Andrews isn’t too bad himself. Under the guise of chaperoning her younger brother’s sailing lessons Marguerite and Trip are inexplicably drawn to each other.

In spite of what should be a warm fun summer there is a decided chill that breaks through as Roger’s moods are unpredictable and Marguerite’s father is keeping dangerous secrets that could alter the family forever. When the secrets come to light Roger seems to be the only person who can save the family. Marguerite agrees to marry the mustached Roger with the hope of restoring her family to wealth. Lies and deceit run rampant through the story. Will Marguerite stay with Roger to save her family? Will Trip forgive Marguerite’s deceit and pursue her? I’m not telling, you’ll have to read for yourself!

I’ll fully admit that Making Waves started off a little irritating for me. Marguerite comes across as your typical spoiled brat rich kid who will do anything to get her own way. I was not amused. However, being from Iowa (and within an hour of Lake Manawa) I was completely intrigued by the elusive Lake Manawa. I read on for purely historical purposes. What I quickly found was a much better developed Marguerite and a story that took me by surprise. If you give yourself 100 pages you’ll be completely engrossed in the story and be so glad you kept reading. The story takes twists you won’t be expecting and both Marguerite and Trip have a depth to them that is not seen at first introduction.

The historical aspects of Making Waves were fascinating. Wealthy people really did camp at Lake Manawa for the summer and there really were ferries and ice cream stands and sailboat races. If the story doesn’t grab you the setting of Lake Manawa will. You’ll want to climb into your woolen swimming costume (does that sound itchy and hot to anyone else?!), grab a strawberry sundae, and watch a sailboat race!

Rated: PG for content related to gambling

The Lightkeeper's Bride

The Lightkeeper’s Bride by Colleen Coble

Reviewed by: Melissa J. MacDonald

Genre: Historical, Mystery, Romance

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Date: 2010

Settle in, you’re going to love this one.

It’s 1890 on the coast of Northern California in a sleep (or not so sleepy) town called Mercy Falls. Katie Russell is in her mid-twenties and her parents are expecting her to make a good marriage match to the wealthy bachelor Bartholomew Foster. Katie finds Bart a bit dull and finds her job as a telephone operator anything but. One evening while working the lines Katie overhears a disturbing exchange between her friend Eliza and a very familiar male voice. With that one overheard phone call the story takes off in ways you’ll never see coming.

Eliza has disappeared and her baby Jennie has been left behind. The new handsome lighthouse keeper Will seems to keep showing up in all the right….er wrong places. Will has his own set of problems as he witnesses piracy and murder and tries to take care of a one-year-old. Not to mention there is a certain telephone operator that is taking his life by storm. In the midst of clue gathering, pirate fighting, and disease fleeing romance springs up where….well exactly where you would expect it and it’s delightful.

Aye mateys you’ll be on the edge of your seat with this one! I consider myself a bit of a savvy mystery reader but even I was a bit fooled by one character in particular. Coble does a fantastic job of helping you enter into the story. With her descriptive words you’ll be sure you’ve taken off on a mystery sailing adventure with all the main characters. Will seems to bounce back from each deadly wound like the superhero we all want our men to be and you’ll find yourself sighing as he rescues Katie from the dastardly pirates.

This is the second book in The Mercy Falls series but can easily be read as a standalone. However, I guarantee once you travel to Mercy Falls you’ll want to stay for awhile. You might find yourself strapping on your skates at the local roller skating rink, stopping in at the haberdashery, or listening on the party line to hear all the latest gossip. Whatever the case you’ll be glad you were introduced to this special little town.

Rated PG- for mild action and murder scenes

This book was provided for me by Thomas Nelson Publishers through Radiant Lit. To see this at Radiant Lit, click here.

Dining With Joy

Dining with Joy
Rachel Hauk

In low-country South Carolina Joy Ballard is the host of a regionally-syndicated cooking show. She's beautiful, witty, vivacious.....and she can't cook. Her father's dying wish pushes her into a hosting position she was never qualified to have. Her humor and wit make her a natural on TV and when her show is suddenly picked up by a national network her secret is harder and harder to keep a secret.

Enter the tall dark and handsome Manhattan chef Luke Redmond. He can cook, he's goregous, and he's kind of got a thing for Joy. Their natural chemistry is noticed by Joy's producer and jobless Luke finds himself playing co-host to Joy. As they grow closer and closer, both on screen and off, Joy's secret threatens to destroy everything.

With an enchanting blend of southern living, steamy (yet Jesus appropriate) chemistry, delicious food, and a delightful story line you will love this book! I had my doubts at first but I was quickly taken in and I was dissapointed when it ended. You'll want to keep on hanging out with Luke and Joy (and Joy's crazy family). You might even find yourself wanting to float down the river and join in a small-town softball game.

Read it :)

Taste

I have eaten at this unique little bistro a number of times. I love it each time! Whether I am sitting in the sun in their outdoor seating in the summer or staying snug indoors in the winter this is always a win. Their menu has unique flavors and combinations that make you drool just reading through it. Their salads are huge and full of fresh items. My favorite thing on the menu would have to be the sweet potato fries with a side of basil aioli...simply to die for. I've yet to try anything I haven't liked and I'm particularly fond of the Chipotle Chicken Wrap. Fresh delicious flavors. When they say "it's all good", they mean it! Don't let the odd location in a strip mall deter you, you don't want to miss this!


Go to their website: http://www.tastedining.com/default.aspx.

Cause and Effect (Adventures in Odyssey)

"And now it's time for another adventure in Odyssey!" With those words you are instantly transported to the town of Odyssey and engrossed in all of the adventures that come with it. Volume 52 and Focus on the Family is still going strong. Always captivating, this volume of Adventures in Odyssey does not disappoint. The first 2 episodes involve a mystery taking place in Odyssey's clock tower. I'll admit, I was hooked from the moment black roses mysteriously showed up near the clock! Sticking with the theme of "cause and effect" each episode teaches kids (and adults) that there are always consequences (good or bad) for our actions. Episode 5 revolves around fasting and the gang at Whit's End each fasts in their own way. It offers a great challenge for listeners to set something aside to allow space for God in our lives. While I enjoyed some episodes more than others each one had it's own jewel of truth to walk away with and each one was entertaining. 

Adventures in Odyssey is well done, relevant, and worth every penny. Kids of all ages will enjoy this volume. So sit back and relax on your next road trip, pop in a CD, and get ready for another Adventure in Odyssey!

Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this album in exchange for my review.

Where Hearts Are Free

Where Hearts Are Free 
Golden Keyes Parsons

It's 1681 in the New World and 18 year old Bridget Barrington is desperately in love with Philipe Clavell. True love should conquer all but Philipe is a a Hugenot and Bridget is a Catholic. Philipe is an indentured servant and Bridget is the daughter of his master. When Bridget's parents learn of her love for Philipe they quickly release him from his contract and shuffle him home to his welcoming family. Bridget suddenly finds herself brokenhearted and engaged to be married to Edward Moorehead, a man whom she neither likes nor trusts.

The story unfolds and the twists and turns will keep you up reading at night. Bridget witnessed something nefarious at an early age and unbeknownst to her Edward is hiding many deep dark secrets. Philipe learns of Edward's dealings and does his best to make his way back to his love's side. But will he be too late to save Bridget from disaster?

I enjoyed this book. It is the last book in the Darkness to Light trilogy. The Clavell family will grip your hearts and make you want to keep reading as the trilogy sweeps you along from France to the New World. While you can read this book alone I would recommend reading book 1 and 2 first. The main characters are strong but I found some of the supporting characters lacking in development. Overall I would recommend Where Hearts Are Free.

Camelbak

On any given day you will find me toting my camelbak water bottle all over. It goes to and from work with me, travels with me, sits by my bed at night, and generally is always nearby. I bought my camelbak when I was in the States for Christmas. I wanted an alternative to the metal water bottles (brr) and the nalgene bottles with the wide open tops (I always spilled!). My little guy has a sippy straw and I love it. It does take a bit of practice to figure out the technique for drinking but once you've got it you'll love it. It rarely leaks and washes up in the dishwasher with no problems.Mine traveled Europe with me and still looks great. I've got the 16oz one which is just the right size. Highly recommend!