Review: Childproofed by Reese Reed

Childproofed

By Reese Reed

Author Website: www.reesewrites.blogspot.com

BuyLink: https://www.createspace.com/Customer/EStore.do?id=3399630

Things have been so crazy around my house lately that having time to read was impossible. I finally carved out a few minutes, determined to at least start CHILDPROOFED by Reese Reed. If I’d known what a treat this story would be, I’d have put off bedtime a couple of hours to read it before now. At 194 pages, it’s a one sitting read and well worth the time.

Virginia is a thirty-year-old wife and mother who after the birth of her second child isn’t so sure motherhood is all it’s cracked up to be. Somewhere between changing diapers, middle of the night feedings, baths, bedtime stories, and the million other chores of motherhood, she’s lost herself—that young girl who was so carefree.

When Virginia learns that a hot young student at her husband’s school is after him, all her insecurities come crashing forward. Anxiety surfaces over the changes brought to her body by pregnancy, the fact that she barely has time to shower much less take time for a beauty routine, and uninterrupted lovemaking with Mark is a thing of the past. She wonders how he could possibly not prefer his gorgeous student aide to what waits for him at home.

Ms. Reed’s debut novel will strike a chord with mothers everywhere—an uplifting story of a young mother who temporarily loses herself, but then realizes she’s right there, exactly where she wants to be. Well written with a fast, steady pace and easy humor, it’s a great read for all busy mothers and yes, even those who haven’t yet ventured into motherhood. I also recommend it for all those fathers who’d like a little understanding of what’s going on with their wives.

–Willow

http://workinggirlreviews.wordpress.com

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Book Review: Jewel By Bret Lott

Jewel

by Bret Lott

Washington Square Press (c) 1991

Buy Link 1999 edition: http://www.amazon.com/Jewel-Oprahs-Book-Club-Bret/dp/0671038184

 A couple of weeks ago our town had its annual village-wide rummage sales. With the promise of one man’s junk becoming this gal’s treasure, I emptied out my piggy bank and set off for a day of “sale-ing.” My first few stops yielded the usual rummage sale fare: fishing poles, pots with missing handles, mountains of baby clothes. Nothing much of interest. Persevering, I headed on down the road, and at my fifth stop, struck pay dirt. At the bottom of a table piled with paperback books I discovered Bret Lott’s JEWEL, a novel whose title says it all.

The story opens as thirty-nine year old Jewel Hillburn and her husband, Leston, are expecting their sixth child. Living in the backwoods of Mississippi with five healthy children in a house Leston built with his own hands, the Hillburn’s lead a rich, but simple life. As both the pregnancy and the story line progress, the reader is introduced to a cast of colorful characters, as well as given glimpses into Jewel’s past, lending a deeper understanding of who this simple but remarkable woman is, and who she was. I couldn’t help falling in love with this family as it eagerly awaited its newest member. When, after twenty-some grueling hours of labor, baby Brenda Kay is born, little does Jewel know her well ordered life is about to turn upside down. When she is five months old Brenda Kay is diagnosed with Down Syndrome and Jewel begins a lifelong journey in which her baby daughter will be her heaviest cross, her greatest blessing.

I cannot stress enough how beautiful this story is. JEWEL is the story of a family’s sacrifices, its joy, and its struggles. But mostly, it is the story of a mother’s all consuming love. Bret Lott’s writing style is poetic, each word and sentence perfectly placed. More than a story, JEWEL is like a symphony of love, one you will want to hear again and again. Told from a country woman’s viewpoint, the story imparts truths that are simple, and at the same time, utterly profound. To say this story touched me deeply would not begin to cover it. This book is a lifetime keeper, a masterpiece created by a master craftsman. I happened on this treasure by accident, but I definitely won’t leave it to a chance rummage sale to discover more works by this amazing author.

– Honeybee

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Shadow Lake by M. Jean Pike

 

Shadow Lake

By M. Jean Pike

Black Lyon, April 1, 2009

Contemporary Romance

ISBN: 978-1-934912-14-0

Author website: http://mjeanpike.freewebs.com

 

 

Finding time to read is a priority for me—after the hubby, the kids, the house, errands, work…ect. I’m sure every woman out there is in the same fix. Finding time to do anything just for us is nearly impossible and for all us avid readers with a huge TBR (to be read) pile, it can be a little frustrating. Once I start a really great book, it’s hard for me to put it down and then come back to it later. I want to read it straight through, but that’s not always possible, especially with the longer stories. That’s why finding those shorter, little gems is always a thrill. M.Jean Pike’s Shadow Lake is a true gem. It’s the perfect length for unwinding with at the end of a long day or relaxing with on the weekend. Best of all, although a stand-alone story, it’s the first in a series.

 

In the year since her husband’s death, Emma Beckman has tried hard to regain some control over her life. After paying the hospital bills and other debts, she’s broke and living in a horrible apartment in an even worse neighborhood. Several failed job attempts have only added to her frustration and feeling of insecurity. Determined to give it one more try before being forced to seek help from her controlling mother, Emma drives out to Shadow Lake to apply for a position in the camp store.

 

A disastrous interview with the owner, sexy Shane Lucy, sends an angry Emma scurrying. Although hesitant when Shane offers a second chance and a new beginning, Emma knows she has little choice. Settling into her new job and making friends with Shane’s teenaged son, Mick, Emma is filled with hope that she can finally put her painful past behind her and move on.

 

When his ex-wife walked out on him and Mick years before, Shane built a protective wall around his heart and he intends to keep it intact. But then he hadn’t counted on meeting someone like Emma. He tries to fight his desire for her beauty, but her vulnerability and caring personality cracks his protective shell as nothing else could. Unfortunately Emma’s heart is still bruised and although terribly attracted to Shane, she isn’t ready for another relationship.

 

Romance lovers of all genres will adore Shadow Lake. It’s a true romance, but delves into the deeper issues of family, divorce, betrayal, loss, and suicide. M. Jean Pike’s writing has a magical way of drawing the reader in and holding them there until the final page is turned. The skillful plotting, lush descriptions, and charming cast of characters are enchanting. When turning that last page, readers will be left with a wonderful sense of satisfaction and will eagerly look forward to the next in the series.

 

Willow

 

 

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