March Book Reviews

I didn't read as much this month. Isn't it interesting what keeping a record will show you? My non-fiction has severely slipped too! I did find a few good ones for you this month, though!

1- Castaway Kid: One Man's Search for Hope and Home, R. B. Mitchell- The story of a little boy whose mother has psychological issues and whose father was brain-dead following a suicide attempt. He grows up in an orphanage because he fears foster care. (Think about it: the only kids who come back are the ones with bad experiences!) Amazing story of fighting inconceivable odds to become a man of integrity. Non-fiction, 4 stars

2- A Valentine Wish, Betsy Armant- You'll need some chocolate while you read this story, so go ahead and stock up! A fun, flirty love story. A 30-something single has a serious of mishaps while working in a chocolate shop. Her best friend (cute & clueless) makes a wonderful mess of things throughout the book! This would be the perfect beach read! Fiction, 3.5 stars

3- The Memory Book, Penelope Stokes- Ooh, this one got me! Seriously hard to put down! While caring for her grandmother the main character finds a journal with her name on it. She ends up trading places with her ancestor, and tries to correct some mistakes from the past, gaining a deeper understanding of her family legacy. Fiction, 4.5 stars

4- The Widows Club, Joyce Livingston- A little bit Christian Steel Magnolias... A young widow helps her friends, organizes a church bazaar, falls in love, and deals with her Scarlett O'Hara-ish new neighbor. A fun book, with thought-provoking relationship & spiritual issues. Fiction, 4 stars

5- Miss Julia Delivers the Goods, Ann B. Ross- The Miss Julia books need to be read in order, so do not read this one first, or you will not "get" half the stuff! Hazel Marie finds herself "in the family way," Mr. Pickens is nowhere to be found, and Sam's house gets broken into! What's a genteel southern lady to do?! Straighten them all out, that's what! Fiction, 4 stars

6- When Your Best Isn't Good Enough, Dr. Kevin Leman- A book about how to acknowledge and silence the voices in your head that say you aren't and you can't. You're bound to see yourself or someone you love in this book! I got bored about 3/4 of the way through, but it was still really worthwhile reading. Non-fiction, 4 stars

7- Riding Through Shadows, Sharon Ewell Foster- Wow, this author is amazing! Don't start one of her books if you don't have some time, because you are not going to want to put it down! The story of a young black girl growing up in the 1960s, the demon who wants to take her life, and the prayer warrior who is determined to save her. You've gotta' read this one! Fiction, 5 stars