In her latest novel, The Irresistible Henry House, Lisa Grunwald tells the life story of Henry House, a young orphan who was a “practice baby.” In the early part of the 20th century, colleges and universities across the US used real children to teach mothering skills to young … [Read more...] about Donna Brown Agins Reviews “The Irresistible Henry House” by Lisa Grunwald
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how i built wildspring guest habitat by michelle duarte
How often have you been on vacation in a really cool place and thought, “If only I could find a way to live here?" My sweet new husband and I did that all the time. We lived in L.A. and liked to travel to peaceful places like Sedona or Big Sur where time seemed to slow down. … [Read more...] about how i built wildspring guest habitat by michelle duarte
“The Queen’s Lover” by Vanora Bennett Reviewed by Pamela Lear
Historical fiction, with a healthy dose of romance, “The Queen’s Lover” by Vanora Bennett is a story of 15th-century France and England, set during the Hundred Years War. It follows the life of Catherine de Valois, who became Queen of England and then Queen Mother of Henry VI. … [Read more...] about “The Queen’s Lover” by Vanora Bennett Reviewed by Pamela Lear
Julie Buxbaum on “After You” and “The Opposite of Love”
We became fans of Julie Buxbaum after reading her first novel, "The Opposite of Love," and reinforced our status with "After You." Both of her books deal with grief in one form or another but they're so funny and warm, they become uplifting stories of beginnings rather than … [Read more...] about Julie Buxbaum on “After You” and “The Opposite of Love”
Urban Cowgirl: 5 Minutes to Gorgeous
I love products that actually deliver on their promise, so I'm happy to tell you that the 5 Minutes to Gorgeous kit from Urban Cowgirl not only lives up to its name but may even give you some extra time to admire yourself in the mirror. Tucked into a pretty-in-pink paisley bag … [Read more...] about Urban Cowgirl: 5 Minutes to Gorgeous
Have 10 Minutes? Clean the World!
Clean out those half-empty soaps, shampoos, conditioners and lotions you’ve dragged home from every hotel and donate them to Clean the World. This ingenious non-profit organization collects, sorts and sanitizes discarded toiletries, then delivers them to homeless shelters and … [Read more...] about Have 10 Minutes? Clean the World!
midge raymond talks about “forgetting english”
Even if you're staying home this summer, Midge Raymond's Forgetting English will make you feel like you've been on an amazing journey around the world while, miraculously, keeping you grounded on familiar emotional terrain. These universal stories are so beautifully written, … [Read more...] about midge raymond talks about “forgetting english”
Shira Tarrant Reviews “Mennonite in a Little Black Dress” by Rhoda Janzen
I have to admit: What drew me to Rhoda Janzen’s memoir, Mennonite in a Little Black Dress, were my own memories of Quaker boarding school and the day that our Mennonite classmate, Romy Flichenbacher*, showed up for the first day of class. Romy came riding up the long country … [Read more...] about Shira Tarrant Reviews “Mennonite in a Little Black Dress” by Rhoda Janzen