Review – Page 7 – Book Journey

The All-Girls Filling Station’s Last Reunion by Fannie Flag

Published on June 14, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)13 Comments

I have mentioned I am reading a bit lighter than normal and if you know Fannie Flag, that sure fits the bill although I admit to be pleasantly surprised by learning a thing or two while listening to this book. ~ Sheila

Mrs. Sookie Poole of Alabama has just married off the last of her daughters. Now the biggest task on her agenda is dealing with the pesky blue birds. Well, that and her mother the center of her own universe, Lenore Simmons Krackenberry.

When a certified letter arrives at Sookie’s home revealing a secret her mother had kept from her, Sookie’s world is turned upside down. Everything she thought was true has turned out to be a cover up and now it is up to Sookie to decide what to do with this new information.

I think most of us may recognize the name Fannie Flag from her popular book made into a movie Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe. If you know the book/movie you may recall it is a combination of a great story with a wicked twist of humor entwined. In fact, just writing about it here makes me want to watch the movie. This is what drew me to this book, I felt if it was anything like Fried Green Tomatoes I would like it.

I liked it.

Listening to this book on audio with narration by Fannie Flag herself was a real treat. The characters are delightful and the way that Fannie Flag brings them to life in a humorous tone made the enjoyment of this listen all the more.

Sookie is a fun protagonist. She wants to be stronger and more independent but she is just not. When she discovers she is not who she thought she was it sets off a series of events that are what make up this book. I enjoyed listening to this one with the quirky inhabitants of Sookies world. Beyond that, there is an interesting back story that runs along in alternating chapters that involves the WASPS (Women Airforce Service Pilots) created in 1942. I can not tell you how the two stories combine, that is the beauty of this book, but I can tell you that it is a delight to listen to.

I really enjoyed this audio and learning about the WASPS. If you enjoyed Fried Green Tomatoes I think you will enjoy this one as well. A good mix of humor, southern living, and a twist of historical reference.

Written by: Fannie Flagg
Narrated by: Fannie Flagg
Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins
Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:11-05-13
Publisher: Random House Audio

So That Happened by John Cryer

Published on June 13, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)8 Comments

If you ever seen the movie Pretty In Pink than you have to remember the delightful and magnetic Duckie… and if you do, then you know Actor now Author, John Cryer in his earliest roles. In So That Happened, John shares what it is like to be an actor when you don’t carry the natural confidence that many actors do… in fact, John Cryer will tell you that he is actually a lot like the character he plays on Two and a Half Men, Alan Harper. John speaks openly about his co-workers including Molly Ringwald, John Hughes, Robert Altman, Demi Moore, Judd Nelson, and of course…. Charlie Sheen.

In full disclosure…. (embarrassing full disclosure) it was not until recently that I realized that “Duckie” from Pretty In Pink was John Cryer. True statement. I clearly know him from Two and a Half Men and I think the role from then to now was so different… I just didn’t pick up on that. That said, I picked up this audio because I do enjoy Two and a Half Men and I do enjoy books written and narrated by actors I enjoy.

As I listen to a fair amount of audio books narrated by actors, I know I enjoy hearing the stories behind the shows, the acting, the co-stars, funny happenings…. What I don’t like is whining about missed parts, what is believed to be unfair casting, and well whining in general.

This audio has a mix of both.

I of course wanted to hear about John’s role in Pretty in Pink and of course his many years of being on Two and a Half Men and working with the unpredictable, eventually fired Charlie Sheen. For the record, the later does not get mentioned until disc 6. The first 3 to 4 cd’s of this audio book are interesting however John has a lot of strong opinions of fellow actors as well as about others taking credit for something that was his doing. To me… that felt a bit whiny. At the same time I imagined an editor saying “John, be vulnerable, be angry… niceties do not get the book sales!” So, that said… perhaps John was coerced.

I did enjoy the later half of the audio where the real meat of the book seemed to be. When John talked about Two and a Half Men and what was happening there it seemed a bit more real.

Looking at the rating of this one on-line, I am in the minority. For the most part people have found this memoir to be hilarious and well done. This can very well be a case of “it is not John, it is me”.

I would love to hear from others who have read or listened to this one.

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 9 hours and 8 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Audible.com Release Date: April 7, 2015

A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams

Published on June 12, 2015June 12, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)27 Comments

When Jennifer from Book Club Girl recently raved about this book and this author, I was hooked because 1. I like many of the same books as Jennifer and 2. It is hard for to resist book titles that contain the word “Summer”. For the record, Jennifer did not steer me wrong, and this is an EXCELLENT summer read. ~Sheila

It’s 1931 and best friends Lily Dane and Budgie Byrne attend a football game to watch Bungie’s boyfriend. Lily, spots a new guy on the field, a tall good looking guy that she can hardly take her eyes off the entire game. Nick Greenwald is an amazing football player and while he looks back curiously at the blushing Lily, she knows her parents would never approve of this beautiful Jewish boy.

But who listens to everything our parents warn us about?

Lily and Nick soon find themselves inseparable until Lily suddenly breaks it off.

Now it is 1938 and Budgie is now Budgie Greenwald having married the very guy she warned Lily to stay away from and Lily can do nothing but try to protect her broken heart. A storm is approaching in more ways than one and a story unfolds of friendship and betrayals, of class and lack there of, of hearts wanting what the heart wants.

This is quite possibly the best book I have read in 2015.

A Hundred Summers is written in a beautiful and intelligent way, alternating chapters from 1931 when Lily and Budgie are just girls, to 1938 when Budgie has the man of Lily’s dreams and we the readers, are wondering why. Each chapter unfolds a little more of the story in 1931 and in 1938 bringing about what happened then so you can understand what is happening now (1938). I honestly wish I had words to describe this better because really all I want to say here is

READ THIS BOOK!

I listened to this book on audio audio and was captivated with the remarkable story line form the beginning. Kathleen McInerney narrates wonderfully throughout the alternating characters. I rooted for Lily, wondered why she would ever friend someone like Budgie, and sympathized with all of the above from beginning to end. Author Beatriz Williams should be commended for her brilliant writing, writing that kept me listening every moment I had free to know (I had to know!) what was going to happen.

Highly recommended. Not your average summer beach read. This one has real depth. In a word…. delightful.

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 11 hours and 35 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Audible.com Release Date: May 30, 2013

Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Berkley; First Paperback Edition edition (April 1, 2014)

The Lost Recipe For Happiness by Barbara O’Neal

Published on June 8, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)10 Comments

In apparently continuing with my trend of reading foody books (they feel pretty safe), I bring to you a review of a woman, her dog, a restaurant, and learning to let go. ~Sheila

Elena Alvarez has just been offered the deal of a lifetime. She has been offered the opportunity to run her own restaurant, something she has only dreamed about. Being an experienced Chef, this is the first time she will be in the leading role from staff hiring, restaurant look and feel, and the menu planning. Haunted by an accident that she alone survived with her back broken in 4 places, Elena knows what it is like to withstand the odds. Arriving in Aspen Colorado with a restaurant project may just be the change she needs to reboot her life and it doesn’t hurt that her new boss, Movie Writer Julian Liswood is easy on the eyes.

For Elena, every move she makes is a risk. The restaurant business is physically hard on her body and the ghosts of the past, do not let go easy.

There is a lot to like about The Lost Recipe For Happiness. I liked the idea of a fixer upper project with Elena the one to call the shots. I do like a good project! I also found I liked Elena. For what she has literally lived through, she is a strong independent woman with dreams and goals. I also enjoyed the back up players in this book, while I never did get a full handle on Ivan, I think (I think) I liked him. Patrick is wonderful and you have to love Julian and his daughter Portia. Ivan the dog? Also pretty awesome.

What I didn’t like so much was there are a couple off intimate descriptions that the wording actually made me cringe… I think the opposite of what the author would be looking for at that moment. It also took me a while to understand the ghost part of the book and the first appearance of Elena’s sister, well, I thought she really was there.

All in all I think there is a lot of cultural history within this book that is slowly mixed in and that was interesting because I did not know about the Day Of The Dead traditions, or about the meal. While the book was not an over the top “wow” for me, I did find it interesting enough to follow it all the way through.. curious about the Julian and Elena storyline, as well as the restaurants success.

Paperback: 464 pages
Publisher: Bantam Discovery (December 30, 2008)

The Cake Therapist by Judith Fertig

Published on June 2, 2015May 18, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)10 Comments

Claire “Neely” O’Neil finds her way back to her home town of Millcreek Valley Iowa to open a bakery. Claire feels she needs the break from her own life to sort out the flavors of what decisions she needs to make as well as the desire she has to bring flavors and tastes to others. Claire has an unusual talent of adding the right flavor combination together to bring out a customers secrets, fears, desires… a talent Claire does not always want, but one that has brought great success when helping potential clients choose a wedding cake that suits them both, or a flavor to mend a broken heart.

Claire certainly doesn’t have to worry about much down time as messages and packages keep arriving from her husband she is separated from, her goth girl employee tries to cover her secrets and pain with dark-colored make up, an older woman of the neighborhood brings about stress, and a handsome man from Claire’s past makes her wonder what would have happened if she had chosen the path not taken.

There is plenty going on around Rainbow Bakery to keep even the pickiest customer coming back for more.

The Cake Therapist was a light and sweet read. Early on in the book the story jumps into Claire’s talent of knowing what flavors work with what customers however I found that part confusing and if I had not first read the synopsis I would not have understood what was happening when Claire opens the bakery door and describes the flavors separating into light. There is also a lot going on in this book. A LOT. Between Claire’s own storyline unfolding, her employee Jett’s troubles, and a story set 100 years earlier following along in alternating chapters, the book felt a little choppy too me. I had trouble figuring out what the historical story had to do with the current story and things did not flow well until half way through the read.

The Cake Therapist was a good read and I enjoyed the characters although there was no great aha moment. When things do piece together in the end it is quick and eve though answers were revealed I don’t think enough of it was said earlier on for the reader to have that true “Oh! Of course!” moment. When the story ends it feels as though more could be said – but not enough for a second book.

My recommendation is to try The Cake Therapist for yourself as with my current life happenings I do not necessarily trust my feelings on this one. As a lighter read this book would make for a good summer read. Don’t expect a lot of “wow”, but you can expect to feel good.

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (June 2, 2015)

Tamarack County by William Kent Krueger

Published on June 2, 2015June 2, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)6 Comments

Cork O’ Conner loves the quiet beauty of Northern Shores of Minnesota.

Most of the time.

During a blizzard one cold December night, the wife of a prominent Judge disappears. All that is found is her abandoned car on a road she shouldn’t have been on and of course with the blizzard, no signs of a struggle… no signs of anything at all.

Cork O’ Conner is the ex- Sheriff of Tamarack County and he notices details of the disappearance that others miss. When a dog that is owned by a friend is brutally killed, Cork starts to see a disturbing pattern that brings up an old case where quite possibly the wrong man went to prison. A pattern so disturbing that its trail leads right to Cork’s own family.

With the cold winter continuing and no sign of letting up, Cork knows he only has so much time before someone else is going to pay for the sins of others.

This would be my first of William Kent Krueger’s books that involve his continuing protagonist, Cork O’ Conner. In fact, I have only read one other book by this author and that would be Ordinary Grace. (Excellent read).

Cork is an interesting character. His wife was killed (probably details of this in an earlier book), and he has three almost grown children. Even though this is the 13th mystery with Cork O’Conner, I did not feel like I needed the previous books to understand what was going on or who people are. Krueger does an excellent job of making you want to know these characters better but at the same time you can read his books as standalone and be just fine with that as well.

I enjoyed the story line and the mystery itself. As Cork travels through the pages I liked the comfort of the familiar areas he explored. I do plan to read more of this mystery series. Windigo Island is on my shelves right now just waiting to be read.

Cop bases mystery lovers will enjoy this book with its masculine flavor. Women to will enjoy this read due to the family aspect and a little light romance.

Series: Cork O’Connor Mystery Series
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Atria Books; Reprint edition (July 1, 2014)

Inside The O’Briens by Lisa Genova

Published on June 1, 2015May 29, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)15 Comments

44 year old Joe O’Brien is proud of his police career. He is happily married and has 4 adult children. Life has treated him well and Joe can not say he has any complaints.

Until now.

When the bouts of anger start he chalks it up to stress. The inability to hold a thought or remember what he was doing is all a part of just having a busy full life. Yet when the involuntary movement of Joe’s arms, legs, and even eye brows start happening, even Joe has to agree that something may not be right. When Joe is diagnosed with Huntington disease and finds out it is hereditary life changes in a heartbeat.

Each of Joe’s children have a 50% chance of having inherited the gene. As Joe learns the real hard facts of what this disease will eventually do to him, scrambling his words, leaving him with an inability to work as well as most likely putting him in an assisted living home at an early age – each of Joe’s children must make the decision for themselves if they want to be tested to know if they carry the gene.

Lisa Genova does it again. This authors ability to take an extreme life change much like she does in Still Alice (now a movie), and in Left Neglected; Lisa Genova takes us on an intimate up close look at what happens to a person when the life as they knew it is no more.

Incredibly heart-felt, Inside The O’Brien’s was an engaging listen that captured my heart and attention right from the beginning. Skip Suddeth does a wonderful job of narrating this audiobook. The story itself left me feeling for this family on the verge of adulthood finding there was through devastating news. I learned a lot about Huntington’s Disease. In typical Lisa Genova style, she is able to take an illness and make it three-dimensional to the reader. Suddenly, I found myself caring and feeling for the O’Briens and I think that is the magical touch of an excellent writer.

In audio, or book format, this is one not to be missed.

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 11 hours and 13 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Audible.com Release Date: April 7, 2015

Moonlight At Butternut Lake by Mary McNear

Published on May 30, 2015May 28, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)9 Comments

The final book in the Butternut trilogy. The past two days I have reviewed Up At Butternut Lake and Butternut Summer. This final installment of the series is an excellent completion that left me wanting more time at Butternut Lake. ~Sheila

Mila Jones is running from her past. When an opportunity comes up for her to take a Home Care Nurse position over 200 miles from her current situation she takes the offer. After all, staying in a cabin on a lake in a quiet town like Butternut Minnesota sounds like the perfect escape. Taking care of a wheelchair bound man named Reid Ford sounds like a pretty easy task compared to the life she is trying to escape.

Reid Ford however turns out to be anything but easy.

After Reid’s car accident that left him wheelchair bound, Reid has become a bitter shell of the confident always on the go man he once was. Hating to rely on anyone for help, Reid has already chased off many in home health care aids with his biting sarcasm and unwillingness to help himself in any way. When Reid takes one look at the young small woman named Mila he sees someone else who will be easy to run off. Yet Reid notices something in Mila’s eyes he did not see in the other home care aids, a stubborn look of determination.

This…

could get interesting.

I really enjoyed Moonlight on Butternut Lake, perhaps even to the point of saying it was my favorite of the three books. I liked Mila’s background story. Reid is the brother of Walker Ford who we meet in the first book which helps the reader have a peek into the man that Reid was before the accident. The change in him is startling and believable. I found this book to have strong topics that felt realistic and I enjoyed how the characters from the past books play a role as this final story plays out.

Mila and Reid make for great protagonists. Their differences played well off one another.

I have to admit, the Butternut Lake books brought me a nice comfort while I spent time with them. I enjoyed how they all were separate books but together lay out quite a nice story about the powers of a small town in Minnesota.

Series: The Butternut Lake Trilogy (Book 3)
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (May 12, 2015)

Butternut Summer by Mary McNear

Published on May 29, 2015May 28, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)5 Comments

Yesterday I reviewed Up At Butternut Lake, the first in this trilogy. While Butternut Summer can be read as a stand alone, I think you will find that you may enjoy the residents of Butternut Minnesota enough to want to meet them all. I would recommend the whole series. ~Sheila

Caroline has had no trouble running a diner and raising her now adult daughter Daisy on her own. That said, you can imagine her shock when her ex-husband Jack who she has not seen in 18 years strides in one day looking tan, strong, and healthy. Double the shock when Caroline discovers that this is her daughter Daisy’s doing. When Caroline learns Jack is trying to make amends for his leaving them all those years ago she is furious with his confidence, and admittedly a little flattered that he would try….

Daisy is also finding herself in unusual circumstances. Always the girl who put her schooling before pleasure she finds herself to be distracted by a guy she used to know in High School. Did Will always look this good? Has he changed his bad boy ways?

One thing Caroline and Daisy can be sure of…. summer can bring about a lot of things and change is certainly in the air.

Butternut Summer is the second book in the Butternut trilogy. While characters from the first book pop in and out of the story line it is not a necessity to read the first book to know what is happening. Butternut Summer is mainly centered around Caroline and Daisy, Jack and Will. I found this book to not be as good as the first one. Many situations in Butternut Summer seem to resolve themselves too easy. On one page a character may be upset but it never escalates and all is forgiven in another page or two. While an ok read and I was very happy to spend more time in Butternut Minnesota, this one is my least favorite of the trilogy due its easy resolutions and non happenings.

Still… enjoyed the pace of the read.

Series: The Butternut Lake Trilogy (Book 2)
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks; Original edition (August 12, 2014)

Up At Butternut Lake by Mary McNear

Published on May 28, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)21 Comments

It is amazing what the right timing can do when reading a book… Up At Butternut Lake has been on my shelf since last fall, now in this season of my life I not only read it but devoured the two follow-up books in this trilogy as well. Yes – bonus – all three books are available AND I will be reviewing them over the next three days. ~ Sheila

When Allie Beckett’s husband left for Afghanistan, Allie had no idea that would be the last time that she and her three your old son Wyatt would see him. Now after two painful years Allie moves with Wyatt back to a family cabin located on Butternut Lake in Minnesota. What Allie is hoping for is a quiet slower pace than the city life she is used to and hopefully a fresh start for her and Wyatt.

The Beckett’s are warmly welcomed by Jax, Allies high school friend, and by Caroline the owner of the local diner, Pearl’s. There are also new faces, like Walker Ford who lives in a large cabin across the lake from Allie’s. Walker pretty much keeps to himself until he takes an interest in the young pretty woman with a sadness in her eyes and her little boy. Allie however is not likely to get to know Walker in the ways he would like to know her. Still carrying the loss of her husband and his memory on her finger, she is not looking for anything more than peace and healing.

Yet there is something about Butternut Lake and all of its tranquility that seems to soften ones heart and open you up to possibilities never thought possible.

Up At Butternut Lake was a perfect read for my mood. It was a gentle story set in my home state which helped me to picture the sweet solitude of a cabin on a lake. Going through my own loss at this time, I could relate to Allie’s story of trying to find a new normal and all the while not wanting to let go of what was. For a time, in these pages, she and I were kindred spirits.

I enjoyed this book immensely. The writing style felt a little like the comfortable writing of Nicholas Sparks. Smoothly written, no big surprises, and an engaging read that left me picking up the second book in this trilogy as soon as I closed the last page. This is exactly what the type of book I look for when I am looking for good summer reading. I know that not everyone can find their way to Minnesota to a cabin on the lake, however opening up this book can be the next best thing.