book club

Thanks to Heather, as always :)

I read some AWESOME books this week. Quick reads that I just couldn't put down.

These Girls by Sarah Pekkanen

In her third novel, internationally bestselling author Sarah Pekkanen examines the lives of three women working and living together in New York City and shows that family secrets may shape us all, but it’s the rich, complicated layers of friendship that can save us...
(thanks to her website)

I have liked Sarah's previous novels and this was no exception. As you read about these women you can't help but root for all of them. I love that they are there for each other when they need one another and there are great life lessons for any woman. This book was an enjoyable overall read;I give it a solid B.
Letter from Chicago by Cathy Kelly

Elsie loves her regular letters from her sister Maisie in Chicago. Maisie emigrated to America forty-five years ago but the sisters keep in touch monthly. The letters cross the Atlantic, back and forth, filled with news about their families, their hopes, dreams and successes. Of course, it’s not quite as good as seeing each other in person, but they are happy enough with the arrangement.But when Maisie suddenly announces that her granddaughter wants to visit Elsie in Ireland, Elsie is besides herself with worry. A great deal has happened in the last forty-five years, and she may not have always reported it all accurately back to her sister. She can’t possibly bear the humiliation of being found out for having stretched the truth, but there is no way she can refuse to play host to a member of her family, is there?A funny, heartwarming and true-to-life Cathy Kelly story .
(thanks to her website)

This is technically a short story (seriously,it is 80 pages long...) and although I think the last short story I read was in a college english course I forgot how much fun they are to read. Although it still leaves you with a craving to learn/know more about the story and characters. I love Cathy Kelly's work and this was a short yet heartfelt and funny story. I also give is a solid B.

Heaven is Here by Stephanie Nielson


Stephanie Nielson began sharing her life in 2005 on nieniedialogues.com, drawing readers in with her warmth and candor. She quickly attracted a loyal following that was captivated by the upbeat mother happily raising her young children, madly in love with her husband, Christian (Mr. Nielson to her readers), and filled with gratitude for her blessed life. However, everything changed in an instant on a sunny day in August 2008, when Stephanie and Christian were in a horrific plane crash. Christian was burned over 40 percent of his body, and Stephanie was on the brink of death, with burns over 80 percent of her body. She would remain in a coma for four months.In the aftermath of this harrowing tragedy, Stephanie maintained a stunning sense of humor, optimism, and resilience. She has since shared this strength of spirit with others through her blog, in magazine features, and on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Now, in this moving memoir, Stephanie tells the full, extraordinary story of her unlikely recovery and the incredible love behind it—from a riveting account of the crash to all that followed in its wake. With vivid detail, Stephanie recounts her emotional and physical journey, from her first painful days after awakening from the coma to the first time she saw her face in the mirror, the first kiss she shared with Christian after the accident, and the first time she talked to her children after their long separation. She also reflects back on life before the accident, to her happy childhood as one of nine siblings, her close-knit community and strong Mormon faith, and her fairy-tale love story, all of which became her foundation of strength as she rebuilt her life. What emerges from the wreckage of a tragic accident is a unique perspective on joy, beauty, and overcoming adversity that is as gripping as it is inspirational. Heaven Is Here is a poignant reminder of how faith and family, love and community can bolster us, sustain us, and quite literally, in some cases, save us.
(thanks,Amazon)

I read this story in one day;I just couldn't wait to read what happened next. Stephanie's story is just amazing and unbelievably remarkable;a true miracle. Even though it was hard to imagine being in Stephanie's shoes I couldn't help but me amazed and awed by her spirit and strength in her faith! Her courage,strength,faith,devotion and love for herself, her family and for God is more than amazing and honorable. She is a true inspiration. Her story had me laughing out loud with her, warming my heart, breaking my heart and shedding tears of sadness AND joy. What a fantastic memoir, kudos to her for sharing and be so honest and open. I really loved this story because it is real,raw and a true testament to love and family. She gives intense details yet they aren't too much that it turns you away;I loved this memoir. I give this a solid A!

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Happy Friday & Happy Reading!!