Room - For An Excellent Book!

Tea Time Ladies - Some of us have read this book and others are planning to! 

Pen's of Praise Writers Group have read it and enjoyed it also! 

We are all looking to read more from James L. Rubart! 

Need I say more...Well, okay, let me just tell you this...

ROOMS

A novel by James L. Rubart

James Rubart’s tale reaches the very heart of the reader. It is smooth, seamless really, in his delivery of an unforgettable story. You will either love Rooms or not, but I must say there is no middle ground. How does this sound for an intriguing plot…

Seattle software tycoon, Micah Taylor, discovers that the house of his inheritance, left to him by an uncle he never knew, is a physical manifestation of his very soul.

Micah Taylor’s life takes on twists and turns, which never left me stranded or confused.  But I was very curious throughout Micah’s story. The richness of Rubart’s characters, setting, and mystery kept me ever unbalanced and groping for that next turn of the page. I’ve never encountered a novel that caused me to examine myself so deeply and one that softened my heart so gently as this one did. In my opinion, this is the epitome of what fiction should be.

Rooms—should you read it or shouldn’t you? Is it a novel for anyone? Yes, read it and yes, if you give room to Rooms you will never be the same…in a good way! When I contacted James Rubart and asked if he would allow me to interview him and offer a book give-a-way, he was most gracious. I had already loaned my copy to a young man, so I mentioned that I’d send him questions after the holiday. Easter vacation came and went and I’d asked the young man if he’d read Rooms or if he was in the process of reading Rubart’s story. He’d not started the read yet, so I said to him, “Don’t crack that book open—if you do you won’t give it back to me  to do this interview/report/give away!” He laughed…he didn’t realize how serious I was!

I’ve told my friends and Pens of Praise Writer’s and Reader’s Group about this novel. Many of them have now read Rooms and I’ve not heard anyone say that they didn’t like it. One friend’s husband couldn’t put it down and yes, he read it straight through. Once a person discovers the curiosity of this read, the sheer delight, or heart pounding concern for the characters…especially Micah Taylor…I imagine they will put it on their re-read shelf and write it in their ‘tell the world about it list’…just as I have.

I’ve never read a novel like this one…and yes, I do hope to do so again.

Rooms is most definitely one of my favorite novels of all time and I know it will always be so. How do I know this…I know it because I gave it a chance and I was delightfully pleased at time well spent. Thank you James L. Rubart for this amazing read!

At the end of this novel are fifteen discussion questions, which would be a wonderful tool for a reading group to enjoy.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Wishing my mothers on earth the best ever day! Mom Kay Bryan Hugs galore! Mom Kinney hugs to you also! I love you both and wish you happiness and joy-filled memories to grace your day!

Wishing my mom in heaven a hug and smile! I miss you mom! I look forward to seeing you someday in the by and by! J

I appreciate Mother’s everywhere who have selflessly given of themselves and loved their children through thick and thin! 

What’s For Dinner, Lunch, or Breakfast? Smoothie!

THE EVER-CHANGING SMOOTHIE!

If I were to write a book about food, I think it would have to tell about my journey of what 

or how 

I come up with breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the first place. 

So for this first post I will start with what I've been enjoying for BREAKFAST! I wanted 

something fun, healthy, and less fattening! 

So, starting with a tablespoon of PB2,  a powdered peanut butter, 

which has 85% less calories

--Woo Hoo!--

 I added 1 tablespoon of Jello pudding mix...today's flavor was vanilla. Placing 

some ice cubes and frozen banana chunks in the Ninja.

 I then collect my other ingredients! 

My stomach starts to grumble in 

anticipation...

Today's fruit included what was left over in the frozen blueberry bag and some 

strawberries. I pour around a cup of purified water--give or take a little and 

also some Almond Milk. 

Talking with Kristin at work... I took her advice and added some Flax Seed. 

This pouch is a mix, which included dried berries...how much you ask? 

Well, this is my first time and I do have 

an event to plan for today, so I put in a teaspoon! 

LOL! 

Yes, I'm being careful! 

I like mine thick. 

This tricks me into thinking that I'm eating something luscious like 

ice cream!

I top it off with purified water chilled with ice cubes and frozen strawberries! 

So what are you having for breakfast?

Mother's Day Dessert & Jewelry & Fashion Show at Manitowoc Coffee

MOTHER’S DAY DESSERT & FASHION SHOW

SATURDAY, MAY 9     AT  6:30 – 8:30

*MANITOWOC COFFEE’S BACK ROOM *

SONGS BY THE UNDERWOODS

Bring your mom, daughter, sister, aunt,  friend, husband, son, or son in law or

 just yourself…we have all had a mom! Let’s celebrate!

Sample many homemade

desserts!

$10.00 a seat—proceeds go to support the adoption of two Haitian children.  Speakers will highlight an adoption journey. Ashleigh Becker’s jewelry and a children’s’ fashion show are featured . You may purchase jewelry if you’d like.

Raffle, door prizes and fun!

The Largest Fish Story...(No Fish Included)

By Susan Marlene Kinney

     The earth tilted excessively, upon the great sphere’s axis, while winds sped into near tornado proportions.  Oceans sloshed over the pebble-divoted beaches, smoothing every ripple and sandcastle, as though they’d never existed. Waves swallowed up boardwalks and small inlet towns as they tossed ocean-going vessels like kindling one flings into a bonfire. The force of which smashed ships and homes as though the rooted trees they’d been built from revealed no history and had never supported life with broad leafy branches.

     Once the earth opened exposing jagged teeth from its very depths and spewed fire and molten rock with terrifying fireworks, never to be equaled, humanity began to tremble. And more than that, cry out—screaming for aid and pity.

     But, God shrugged His great shoulders, whirling compassion away with an uncaring jerk of His chin. Back turned, heart of stone…

And in the end times, when the earth groans with violence and misery and nothing pure and merciful exists upon mountains, valleys, or wind tossed seas…a lie will be believed that is even now permeating society. The heartless words declared will squelch that last ray of hope from those tumbling into eternal darkness, because their great shoulders and stubborn chins jerked away from His outreached hand. His tender heart provided all anyone ever needed to be enveloped into His embrace. 

But they will believe that He never cared.

PENS OF PRAISE

CHRISTIAN WRITER’S GROUP

Next meeting -- Monday 6:30—8:30 p.m.  April 20^st

at

FAITH CHURCH

2201 42^ND Street, Manitowoc, WI  54220

Faith Church is located next to Festival Foods

Not far from the Manitowoc exit off Interstate 43

Our teaching for April is called “Hooks” and we will explore how to recognize them and where oh where to put them!

The prompt you are invited to write to is…What is your favorite fish story or shall we say—fishy story? (It does not have to include a fish.)

Disclaimer: Warning you may end up loving to write!

Visit a local shop and bring your coffee or cappuccino with you.

Let us know if you’re attending so that we can save a seat just for you.

God’s blessings upon you as you write for His glory!

The Dandelion Field
Author Kathryn Springer

Kathryn Springer’s contemporary, fiction novel, The Dandelion Field, is a top notch read! Newly released in January 2015, this story offers more than entertainment.

Personally, I’d experienced a demanding week at work. One day in particular I decided to stop and read The Dandelion Field after arriving home. My stress melted away as I perused the pages of this delightful, well written story. I’ve never experienced such a refreshing after reading fiction as I did that day!

Ginevieve and Ranie Lightly are two very important characters in this story and their stop off in Banister Falls, Wisconsin may just anchor this mother and daughter to one location….Or will it? Reasons arise for them to stay or go, which fuels this story with conflict. Kathryn Springer has captured the concerns and issues from two generations. I found myself wondering what was going to happen and concerned for how these character’s situations would finally turn out. I felt as though I knew Genevieve and Ranie and I like them. I’ve known people with similar personalities and situations and felt that this story rang true in comparison.

Kathryn uses such beautiful language and description. Her characters are varied in personality and their station in society, yet I feel that she knew how to convey their differences very well.

This novel will appeal to teens and their parents, because Kathryn has woven in the concerns that are important for both age groups. I know this for a fact because I’ve shown this novel to both age groups and the spark that lit their eyes—shone with interest! Let me tell you, people are standing in line for this wonderful read! I highly recommend The Dandelion Field as your next novel experience! Because this book includes discussion questions, this would make a wonderful book club choice. 

Questions for Kathryn!

How long did it take you to write The Dandelion Field? Also, have you desired to write this story for a long time or was this a recent inspiration?

I finished The Dandelion Field in about six months, but the story had been brewing in my mind for about six years! Initially, it seemed like it would fall into the category of women’s fiction, with the emphasis on the friendship between Evie and Gin. But when the editors at Zondervan read the proposal, they encouraged me to focus on the romance between Gin and Dan. I loved the idea of bringing those two characters “front and center”, so it wasn’t difficult to do at all!

The discussion questions that you include at the back of the novel were insightful and many readers can relate to them. What question would you particularly like to hear what the readers answered? Could you explain why without telling on the plot of your novel?

I think I’d choose number fiveJ

“From the time Gin was a child, no one really looked out for her best interests. Who are some of the people in your life who cared about you? Protected you? What are some of the barriers people use to protect themselves from being hurt?

I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without the influence of some strong, godly (and extremely patient!) women who looked past my mistakes, prayed for me and literally loved me to the Lord.

Gin found out that even when she thought she was alone, she wasn’t. God loved her and He placed people in her life who would not only spoke truth, they lived it. I experienced the same thing, and it makes me want to be that person for others!

Will there be a sequel to this story?

I’m writing Evie’s story right now! It doesn’t have a title yet, but it will be released in March 2016. Readers didn’t really get an opportunity to know Evie well, other than through Dan and Gin’s point-of-view, so I’m excited to be able to reveal more of her character! I’ll give you a hint about the hero, Jack Vale.

He made a brief appearance in The Dandelion Field but he didn’t make a very good impression on Evie! (Mmm. . .possibly because he was holding a baseball bat?)

How do you wish your readers to contact you?

I love to hear from my readers! You can contact me through my website at kathrynspringer.com or on Facebook at kathrynspringerauthor. If you’d like to subscribe to my free newsletter, you can also visit my website. It will keep you posted on upcoming releases!