The Right Purse?

Today's feature for my Good Friends Old and New blogoversary theme is a post graciously shared by Rhonda Shrock of The Natives are Getting Restless. No doubt about it, Rhonda is one busy and talented lady. In addition to raising four boys, she's a blogger, columnist, and all around fun and supportive friend. Her writing reflects her down to earth sense of humor and a heart that desires to encourage others. She is one of the sparkling gems I've found through my blogging adventures.


All I Want is the Perfect Purse!

by Rhonda Shrock

You girls will understand this.  You know how it is.  There you are, digging in your handbag, unable to find the thing you want.  It's in there (you know it is), but you just.can't.wrap your fingers around it.

For me, it was the Chapstick.  That's all I wanted, rummaging there in my purse.  Oh, that purse...

"I need a new one," I'd said to The Mister months ago as he dropped me off at the department store.  "I'm determined to find just the right one."  I think he sighed, feeling helpless in the face of my handbag issues.  And he wheeled away to park somewhere and Google something manly (like national news or basketball scores) on his smart phone while I plowed through purses.

I thought I'd found it.  Looking, comparing, judging colors, sizes...to strap or not to strap, loaded questions all, then finally settling on a black one.  Which, as I learned later, would complicate my life.

Now, standing there in the dark, scrabbling around for that goofy tube in a bag that was clearly too small, this is what the poor Mister heard from the bowels of the closet:  "I'm ready to throw this thing in the English Channel!"

From the bathroom sink came a chortle, which he quickly smothered, and then this in a smooth, bass voice, "Lord, help her find the perfect purse!"  I hadn't thought it possible to pray in a "roll-of-the-eyes" tone, but by cracky, if he didn't nail it.

I laughed (what else?), finally emerging, triumphant, green tube clutched in my hot little hand.  "So you're not planning to go over there and drop it in after all?" he queried, peering at me with those blue eyes.

"I'm waiting 'til spring," I said, shooting him a look.  "Then I'm getting a new one...something bigger."  He sighed, looking pale, and headed for his favorite spot on the couch to Google the latest polls on his phone.

Yup.  I'm going to gut it out with my black, too-small handbag until spring.  Once the crocuses start showing up, though, all bets are off, and Mama's going out.  In last summer's darling pewter flip-flops, of course.

All I want is the perfect purse, one that will let me find the Chapstick and get to my phone.  That, and it'll save me a trip to the English Channel with the old one.

Rhonda Schrock lives in Northern Indiana with her husband and 4 sons, ages 22, 18, 13, and 5. By day, she is a telecommuting medical transcriptionist. In the early morning hours, she flees to a local coffee shop where she pens Grounds for Insanity, a weekly column that appears in The Goshen News, so named for her love of coffee and her boys. She is an occasional guest columnist in her hometown paper, The Hutch News.  She’s also blogged professionally for her son’s school of choice, Bethel College; contributed to a humor blog; contributes to a parenting website; and maintains her personal blog, The Natives are Getting Restless. She is a writer and an editor for the magazine, Cooking and Such: Adventures in Plain Living. She survives and thrives on prayer, mochas, and books.  

Thank you, Rhonda, for sharing this with us! 

Ladies - can you relate to the great purse quest? How do you define the perfect purse? What was the last item you unearthed from its dark depths?

Gentlemen - I am sure you can relate in some way. My husband has been my chaperone on many a purse hunting safari. (His exact and kindly spoken words, I believe, were, "What are you looking for?") Have any related shopping adventures to share?

Details regarding a little blogoversary giveaway will be up on Monday :)

Have a great weekend!

Blessings,

Karen

Photo image: Stock Exchange

Got Creativity?

No matter what kind of schooling you had, it's likely that there are gaps in your education. Perhaps you were absent the day they discussed the 21st president (Chester A. Arthur), or when the chemistry class learned a key formula. Or perhaps you missed out on the more creative classes, like art, music, or creative writing.

Well, no need to be sad about what we missed. There is good news - we can do something about it. We can take classes, read books, scour search engines, and use other means to learn and foster creativity. Filling in the gaps is easier than ever, don't you think?

I'm pondering this because a friend recently shared an article by Michael Michalko entitled:

Twelve Things You Were Not Taught in School About Creative Thinking

Mr. Michalko contends that we do not have to have the official title of "artist" to be creative. He makes excellent points about creativity - how to nurture and stretch it. If that's not enough food for thought, he cites notable personalities like Walt Disney, who was fired from his first newspaper job because "he lacked imagination". Did Mr. Disney let go of his creative ideas? No. And neither should we.

The article made me reflect on the creative encouragement injected into my formative years. Two things stand out - my Mom and my English Literature teacher. They both told me I was a good writer. While I didn't take their comments and write a Great American novel (yet!), I do think their support lent a subconscious boost that still resonates in my head today.

If you have a moment, I urge you to read the article. I'm curious as to whether you agree with Mr. Michalko's thoughts.

Did you have creative encouragement or mentors while growing up? What do you do now to boost your creative genius?


Happy writing,
Karen

Photo credit: Stock Exchange

Good Friends Old and New

It's official. I've decided that the theme for March, my third blogoversary month, is:

Good Friends Old and New

Not that you need a theme for a blogoversary, but hey, why not? I've met so many great people through blogging, I thought it would be a good opportunity to celebrate wonderful friends. So this month I will include a few special features from friends old and new.

Allow me to introduce you to author Naomi Dathan. Naomi emailed me and asked about doing a guest post. I decided the post she offered would be a good fit for Write Now. Naomi's thoughts apply to fiction and nonfiction writers, so, without further ado...

Six Ways To Get Your Writing Moving Again

by Naomi Dathan

“Aaaaauuugh!” screeched an author friend.  “I can’t write!  Why can’t I write?”

We’ve all been there.  A tired brain, too many distractions, burn out, or that niggling worry that every word you write will end up on the trash heap before you’re done.  You’ve got your story arc figured out, and maybe you even know where you’re headed in this scene.  But the words clog up in your brain before they can filter down to your fingertips.   What can you do?

Here are six things you can do to unclog your writing synapses:

1.       Invoke the Two Sentence Rule.  Write two sentences.  Just the next two.  They might be stilted or sound ridiculous.  Write them anyway.  Now, does a third sentence come to mind?  No? Take a minute, go look out the window or pet the dog.  Then come back and write two more sentences.  Repeat until the writing juices are flowing rapidly and smoothly, causing your phone to ring and your child to storm into the house with a skinned knee and a stray, one-eyed cat.

2.       Decide to write badly.  If you take your writing vocation seriously, you won’t wait for moments of inspiration.  You’ll accept the drudgery that comes with every calling, and you’ll say what you need to say badly, until you can figure out how to say it well.

3.       Come at it from another direction.  If the words aren’t coming, mix it up.  If you’re writing in the third person, switch to the first person for three paragraphs.  Yes, you’ll have to fix it later.  But maybe it will give you fresh insight into your character.  If your characters seem to be going through the motions, toss something new and random at them.  Have a baby crawl on set.  Stage a short earthquake that changes everyone’s perception.  It doesn’t matter if you ultimately keep this part, because you already agreed in Step Two to write badly.  Somehow writing always leads to other writing.  Stay mindful of your goals and work your way back.

4.       Try a new method.  Sometimes just breaking out of your routine is enough to get your story moving again.  Employ family members to act out the unwritten next scene with you (this will involve a sugary bribe).  Try recording instead of typing.  Story-board the next scene and jot dialogue into bubbles.  I met my deadline for one book by buying software that transcribes as you speak into the microphone.  Fascinated by the this new technology, I wrote over 6000 words in a day.  Yes, all of these methods take up time that could be better spent writing.  But stalking past your computer giving it hard looks as you go for another bowl of ice cream doesn’t really count as writing anyway.

5.       Employ positive or negative reinforcement.  I know of two sites designed for writers who are mired in story mud.  The cutest one is www.writtenkitten.net.   Set your word goal at, say, 100 words.  You type into the left half of the screen, and every time you accumulate another 100 words, an adorable kitten photo appears on the right side of the screen.

If you aren’t moved by adorable kittens, try www.writeordie.com.  Set your word goal and your punishment level and start typing.  Stop, and you’re punished – anything from an abruptly screaming siren (embarrassing in waiting rooms) to kamikaze level, which starts backspacing until you’re back on task.  This one is brutal.  I use it often.    Be vigilant about saving your documents with these, and, in fact, I always select and copy my text before closing the program, just in case.  I’ve made some costly mistakes.

6.       Get by with a little help from your friends.  No one “gets it” like another writer.  Your writer friends will sympathize, brainstorm with you, and make horrible story suggestions that your brain will reflexively reject by generating better ones.  Your truest writer friends will also bring you chocolate, but won’t stay to chat.

Naomi Dathan is the author of Whither Thou Goest, I Will Go (Kirkdale Press).  Visit her website here.

Thank you, Naomi, for sharing your insight. These are great tips for getting the wheels turning again. :)

When your writing stalls out, how do you get it back on track?

Have any fabulous weekend plans?

Happy writing,

Karen 

Image credit: Stock Exchange

What Would We Do Without Words?

Words. We cannot write without them. If you think about it, they are pretty amazing things. As writers, we artfully place them just so, and before we know it, we've created ideas, stories, and other wonderful things. Even on those days when we don't feel like we've placed them so artfully, we still have something we can revise, don't we?

Words roll off our tongues, rattle around in our heads, place images in our mind's eye, and fly from our fingertips on to a computer screen. They can soothe, encourage, and minister. What a wonderful gift from our creator!

I include an assignment in the Coffeehouse for Writers class that requires students to create a log of interesting, emotionally charged, or unusual words. They are encouraged to separate them into categories such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, phrases, quotations, puns, names, places, and emotions.

For example, I once happened across the phrase a riot of autumn color, and can still picture the scene that the book spoke of. Words like odoriferous and babushka made my list too.

If one is so inclined, a list like this can be expanded each time a new item is discovered. It's a great way to fuel writing ideas, don't you think?

Got a minute or two to spare? :)

I invite you to hop over to Marja Meijers' blog where I'm being interviewed today.

Blogoversary!

I'm working on a little giveaway and a few other features for my third blogoversary this month. Details will follow soon!


Do you keep a log of interesting words, phrases, or quotes? Share one or two with us, won't you?

Happy writing,
Karen


Copyright 2012. No part of this post may be copied without written permission from the author, Karen Lange.

Image credit: Stock Exchange

Blue Moon Promise Blog Tour

Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble                             

About the Book

Book Number One in the Under Texas Stars series

A love like Lucy and Nate’s only comes along once in a blue 

moon . . .

Lucy Marsh's worldly resources are running out, but she's fiercely determined to care for her younger brother and sister. When she discovers that their father's recent death was no accident, Lucy is eager to leave town. She accepts a proxy marriage she believes will provide safe refuge. But trouble follows her to Texas where her new husband is surprised to suddenly have a wife and children to care for.

Nate Stanton always hoped he'd marry someday, but running the family ranch meant he had no time for romance. When his father deposits Lucy Marsh—a city girl—on his doorstep, with two siblings in the bargain, he expects ranch life will send her running on the first train out of town. But Lucy is made of tougher stuff than Nate imagined. When danger moves in, Nate finds he'd give anything to protect Lucy and the children he's grown to love. Even if it means giving up his ranch.

  
About Colleen                                   

Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.

For more about Colleen and her other books visit www.colleencoble.com

My Review  

I’ve read a handful of Colleen Coble’s books, and enjoyed them all, so I was glad for the opportunity to read and review Blue Moon Promise. Ms. Coble’s other books contain an element of intrigue – and this one is no different. Coble artfully draws the reader into the conundrum that Lucy finds herself in after her father’s death. 

I could relate to Lucy – her need to control every facet of her life reminds me of myself sometimes. I appreciate the truths that surfaced through the book’s characters and events. Real, relatable characters and an interesting plot take the reader on a rich journey that can reveal a lot about life and relationships with God and each other.

Ms. Coble is a wonderful and engaging storyteller. This is the first book in the Under Texas Stars series; I look forward to reading the next one when it is released.

Buy Blue Moon Promise here.

For more info on the Blog Tour, click here.

Sign up for the Facebook Party and Kindle Giveaway here, or click button on sidebar.

  
Note: I received this book free of charge for review purposes.

Do you like to read mysteries? Have you read any good ones lately? 

Have a great weekend,

Karen

Blessings and Congratulations

 
Blessings

Counting my blessings these days - and it just so happens that you are among them! The friendship, support, and fellowship you've offered is amazing. Who knew, that within the confines of a blogger template, such a lovely and wonderful thing would bloom?

I'll be celebrating my third blogoversary in March. Like many of you, I had no idea what awaited me when I began blogging. My early posts were somewhat different than they are now, and I think I'm still reshaping and finding the purpose for this little spot in cyberspace. All in all, it's been a great ride, and I am blessed. Thank you for being a blessing to me!

Hope you can join me next month to celebrate. :) We'll have a few special features and of course, a giveaway that includes chocolate. You in?


And Congratulations  

Congratulations to Robyn Campbell, the winner of last week's giveaway of Ann Gabhart's Words Spoken True. Thanks to all who stopped by and participated.

Congrats also to Alex Cavanaugh! His latest book, CassaFire is being released this week. Hop over to his blog for more details. Wish you the best, Alex!

While we're on a roll, congratulations to Stephen Tremp as well. His book Opening, recently made its debut. Best wishes Stephen!

Hope you can join me on Thursday when Write Now takes part in a blog tour sponsored by Litfuse featuring Colleen Coble's latest book, Blue Moon Promise.

What blessings are you counting lately? 

Happy writing,
 Karen

Photo credit: Stock Exchange

Interview with Ann Gabhart

Author Ann Gabhart is back to share a little about her latest book, Words Spoken True, and offer other wonderful writerly wisdom. I've been blessed to meet this talented lady in person - she is a treasure!

Karen: Welcome back to Write Now, Ann. So glad to have you along again. Congratulations on your new book! I must say, I love the title, Words Spoken True. I'm always curious as to how authors and publishers settle on a book title. How did this title come about?

Ann: I work hard to come up with titles that suit my stories. Sometimes the publishers agree and go with my titles. Sometimes they don’t. Traditional publishing contracts generally give the publisher the right to title the book. Most publishers, if they don’t want to use the author’s title, try to work with the author to come up with a title they think will entice readers and be something the author can accept. That’s how it’s been with my current publisher. But at times, the title is simply handed down and the author has to decide to like it. 

It was more that way for me with my first couple of books published in the general market. I don’t remember having any input at all on the titles Warner Books choose for those two mass market paperback books, but that happened years ago and I may have forgotten. I was such a young writer and so excited to be published at all that I doubt I would have argued against anything they suggested. I did like my title for the first book, Kentucke Dream with Kentucky spelled as it often was in that historical era. They changed that to A Forbidden Yearning. They wanted the title to show plainly that it was a love story.

My current publisher considers the title I’ve come up with, but they also have a titling committee of editors and publicity and marketing people to discuss the impact the title might have once it is out there for readers to see. They suggested The Outsider for my first Shaker book and so after that, we had a pattern to follow – the “something.” With that in mind, I was able to come up with titles the company liked and used for my other Shaker novels. Those titles were still discussed and considered by the titling committee.  Angel Sister was my title and I’m glad the committee agreed that it suited the book. They didn’t agree with my title for Words Spoken True. I came up with Words of Fire, a title I admit I still think suited the story. But I trust the publishers’ judgment. They know what draws a readers’ eye much better than I do. They did suggest another title first. A good title, but one I thought didn’t capture the right feeling for this book.

Of course, you have to realize that most of the titling committee haven’t actually read the book when they’re working on coming up with the best title. They’ve probably got a synopsis. They listen to the acquiring editor tell about the book. Maybe they’ve seen some chapters. So it’s not always possible for them to get the feel of the whole story. When I expressed concerns about the suggested title, they took the book back to titling committee and brainstormed to come up with Words Spoken True. My editor had asked me earlier to brainstorm titles myself, but I was too attached to my original title to come up with something different. Now I’m hearing that many readers like the title, and I was even able to work it into the final scene when I was doing some final editing.  

Karen: Interesting! I knew it was a process but wasn't sure what was involved. One thing that drew me to Words Spoken True was the fact that it was historical and set in Louisville, KY, not far from where you and I live. What sparked the idea for this book?

Ann: I like searching for historical happenings or an era that grabs my interest. I read about the election riots of 1855 and how some thought newspaper editors were partly to blame because of their fiery editorials about how the country would be ruined when the increasing number of Irish and German immigrants got the vote. It was feared the immigrants would elect their own people and gain control of the government. As I kept digging deeper to find out more, I knew I wanted to explore that world of newspapers. I read old newspapers on microfilm to get the feel of the era and how stories were written then. It is a much different style than our newspapers today. 

I came up with a spunky heroine who has ink in her blood and hates the social conventions that tell her she shouldn’t be setting type or writing news stories. I drop the strong, handsome hero down into a competing paper. Then I throw lots of obstacles in the way of them ever being able to follow their hearts. But it was my initial reading of what happened on the day that came to be known as “Bloody Monday” in Louisville history that started me down this historical road and made me want to know more about what happened and why.

Words Spoken True is actually a story I first wrote many years ago when I was writing for the general market. It didn’t find a loving editor then. I eventually rewrote it and added the suspense elements. It still didn’t find a loving editor, so it ended up on my closet shelf. But I’ve always liked the story and so decided to rewrite it one more time for the inspirational market. This time the story clicked and now I’m excited to see it out there for readers.

Karen:  I'm glad it made it out of the closet! It is a wonderful story. So tell us, are you a plotter, pantster, or a little of both? Have you always written this way?

Ann: I’m mostly a pantster. In my historical novels, I do have the framework of the historical events. In Words Spoken True, everything is leading up to the dramatic scene during the election riots. So in that way I’m a plotter. I have to tie my characters into the actual historical timeline. I do some pre-writing to get to know my characters and I have an idea of where I hope to go with them. But sometimes the road changes while I’m writing. Sometimes the characters let me know the better story path. I’ve written for so long – my first book was published over thirty years ago – that I’m not really sure I’ve always written any specific way. It’s been an ongoing, learning experience with each book different. Every story has its own voice. I just have to find that voice.

Karen: I love that - "Every story has its own voice." Words Spoken True really does. What do you hope to leave with your readers when they finish one of your books?

Ann: I hope that they will be glad they read my story. I want them to have lived the story with my characters. I want them to have the feeling of falling in love or being afraid or feeling joy – whatever my characters are feeling and doing. If they are entertained, that too is good. I personally like learning new things even if I’m reading fiction. So I wouldn’t be unhappy if my readers got a glimpse of some history they might not know that much about. I also hope reading my characters’ faith journey might inspire them. 

In one of the nicest e-mails I’ve gotten in regard to my books, one of my readers said she had to put my book down to go check a reference I’d made to a Bible story. That was in one of my Hollyhill books. Since one of the main characters in those stories is a preacher and also a newspaper editor (I do like to write about newspaper people), I could incorporate some Bible stories into those books without awkwardness. In Words Spoken True, the historical part of the story and the romance take center stage. The inspirational thread is there, but simply woven throughout as one aspect of the characters’ lives.

Oh, and I always like to imagine my readers nodding with satisfaction as they read the last page and close my books, thinking yes, that’s what happened and I am glad I was there to see it.

Karen: You know, I have to say that I enjoyed the story and characters in Words Spoken True, and came away satisfied. I learned a lot too (this is the reason I read and enjoy historical fiction).

Thank you for sharing with us, Ann. It's always a pleasure. :) Please share your links in case readers want to get in touch with you.

Ann: Thank you, Karen, for inviting me over to talk with your readers. It’s always fun to visit with friends.  I have several ways for people to keep up with what’s going on in my writing life. You can find out more about my books at my website, www.annhgabhart.com, and also check out a giveaway contest Revell Books and I are hosting to celebrate the Louisville background of Words Spoken True. 

To visit my blog, One Writer’s Journal, click here. My Facebook author’s page is here, and my Twitter user name is Annhgabhart. So come on over and we’ll talk!

 Book Giveaway Details

• You must be a follower and leave a comment, with email address, on this or Monday's post.
• Gain bonus entries (+1 each) by posting this on Facebook, your blog, and/or Twitter. Please include link with your comment where applicable.
• Open to residents of the United States.
• Deadline to enter is midnight EST, Friday, February 24, 2012. Winner will be notified via email and will have 36 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Winner will be announced Monday, February 27.

Do you have any questions for Ann? What are you up to this weekend?

Happy weekend,

 Karen

Words Spoken True - Book Review

Words Spoken True, by Ann Gabhart, is making its debut as we speak. I have had the privilege of meeting this lovely author and am happy to feature a review today, and a fun interview with her on Thursday. Ann's generously offered a copy of Words Spoken True for a giveaway, so be sure and check out the details below.

Adriane Darcy has a nose for news. Growing up at her father’s side in the pressroom of the Tribune has helped hone her ability to write and report the latest happenings in Louisville, KY.  Miss Adriane is anything but your typical 1855 society flower. She goes through the polite and expected motions, of course, but she’s not averse to disguising as a man and hiding in the shadows at crime scenes to get a scoop.

Blake Garrett’s senses are attuned to the news as well, having worked as a journalist in New York City before relocating to Louisville. He’s well known about town as the controversial editor of the Herald newspaper. Adriane and Garrett haven't met yet, but naturally, each one is curious about the other since the Herald and Tribune have long been rivals. 

Adriane and Blake finally meet at a fundraiser, and although both resist it, sparks seem to fly, much to the chagrin of Adriane’s intended, Stanley Jimson. Jimson is the milquetoast son of a local candidate for senator. Adriane is a reluctant party to the engagement, and struggles to keep her head above water amongst the rising tide of wedding plans and society’s expectations.

Meanwhile, Garrett works to investigate the mystery of the River Slasher, a ruthless killer who has claimed the lives of several young Irish women. Blake also targets Jimson’s father’s campaign in his editorials, for he senses corruption is afoot. Garrett's father, a newspaperman as well, raised him to stand up for the truth.

Blake and Adriane are thrown together in social and other unexpected circumstances, and despite Adriane’s wariness at consorting with this rival editor, they form a cautious friendship. As Stanley and Adriane’s wedding date draws near, the city’s political unrest escalates into a near frenzy. Trials and sorrow follow, and even allies cannot be trusted.

Words Spoken True is a departure from Ann’s normal fare, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I am happy to say, though, that I enjoyed it very much. Ann creates engaging characters and paints a picture of historical Louisville that surrounds and entertains the reader. She is indeed a talented writer.

I liked the main players immediately, and found their strengths and flaws believable and similar to my own. Were there twists and turns? Oh my, yes! This book was hard to put down. I was riveted by one scene in particular, and admired Ann’s ability to pull it off so seamlessly. I give it two thumbs up!

Giveaway Details

• You must be a follower and leave a comment, with email address, on this post.
• Gain bonus entries (+1 each) by commenting on Thursday's interview post, sharing this on Facebook, your blog, and/or Twitter. Please include link with your comment where applicable.
• Open to residents of the United States.
• Deadline to enter is midnight EST, Friday, February 24, 2012. Winner will be notified via email and will have 36 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Winner will be announced Monday, February 27.

Don't forget to stop back on Thursday for the interview with Ann Gabhart! 

Are there any events in your area's history that would make a good fictional story?

Blessings,

 Karen

Book Review - The Maid of Fairbourne Hall

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall

By Julie Klassen

Bethany House

What’s it like to suddenly find yourself in an unfamiliar place in society? Margaret Macy must make this adjustment when she flees a marriage forced upon her by her stepfather. Her narrow escape is made with the aid of her former lady’s maid, Joan. They make their way to a small town outside of London, sufficiently far from her stepfather’s reach. 

Margaret dons a wig and spectacles to conceal her identity and begins life at Fairbourne Hall as a housemaid whose name is “Nora”. Her plan is to bide her time until her upcoming 25^th birthday in the fall of 1815, when she will inherit a large sum from her late aunt.

Lewis and Nathaniel Upchurch are the masters at Fairbourne Hall, a small detail that Margaret was unaware of when she was hired. This is a problem; the brothers traveled in the same social circle as Margaret, and she fears her identity is at risk even with her disguise. Much to her dismay, Margaret must attend to the needs of not only Lewis and Nathaniel, but their sister Helen as well. Helen seems to be testing Margaret – but why? Does she suspect that “Nora” is not who she seems? Will flirtatious Lewis or the serious and practical Nathaniel suspect as well?

Margaret soon learns that there is much more to servanthood than she realized. Seeing to someone’s every need and whim shows her just how shallow her life as a genteel young woman had become. Does she use this experience to grow, or does she become bitter and vengeful, particularly to her stepfather, who drove her here in the first place? 

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall has something for nearly everyone – action, adventure, romance, sibling rivalry, fencing, and yes, even a pirate! I love Ms. Klassen’s style; she always has the right blend with her characters, plot, and setting. They combine for a rich and enjoyable story. Some say that she writes in similar fashion to Jane Austen; I’m inclined to agree. If you are a fan of this era’s historical fiction, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy this book. I know I did.

 

I obtained this book at no charge from Bethany House for review purposes. No compensation was received for my review.

What are you reading these days?

Have a great weekend,

Karen

The Dream Team

Last Monday's post entitled The Art of Communication featured a quote on writing by Abraham Lincoln.  I suggested that he'd have made an interesting addition to a writing group. My lovely and clever writer friend Jean Fischer, of Something to Write Home About commented and asked, "Wouldn't it be fun to put together a famous persons writing group?" Jean's comment was pure genius, and with her blessing, this post was born.

Picture it - a meeting of literary minds (allowing timeline scrambles for creative purposes).

Jane Austen and Mark Twain are sitting across from each other, discussing character development. Would Miss Jane be able to talk any sense or sensibility into Mr. Twain?

Perhaps C.S. Lewis, Homer, and Shakespeare offer tips Abraham Lincoln might share as he addressed a Gettysburg crowd.

Robert Louis Stevenson could offer a garden of verses for Laura Ingalls Wilder. She, in turn, might ponder those lines while writing about little houses and such.

Just think what might happen if William Strunk and E.B.White met with L.M. Montgomery and Tolstoy? Surely some elements of style might come up. You never know.

What writers would you combine for a lively and interesting mix? Who would be on your writing group dream team?

Taking the rest of the week off, but will be back next Monday with an interview with Ann Gabhart. There will be a giveaway and other goodies too. See you then.

Have a great week! :)

Karen

Image credit: Stock Exchange