And Laughter Fell from the Sky

By Jyotsna Sreenivasan

This is a novel of two Indian families who immigrate to American. The families follow the same traditions of their heritage and culture. The story focuses on the relationship of an American-born adult child from each family.

Rasika is beautiful, smart, and the pride of her parents. Abhay is also intelligent, but rebellious to not only his parents, but society in general. He feels no responsibility or ties with his parent’s traditions.

Rasika agrees to an arranged marriage but then meets Abhay. This changes everything for Rasika, as they begin a secret love affair. As their relationship grows, so does Rasika’s self-esteem and confidence.

This is a book that offers a clear glimpse into a closed culture, arranged marriages and forbidden love. It is also about two people who meet in the real world and connect in a genuine way. In spite of the odds against them, fair or not, they try to make it work.

This makes for an interesting read, from someone with knowledge of this heritage and its customs.

A Walk with Bill

Bill loves being an over-the-road truck driver. It is a respectable living, contributing to the economy. As a long distance trucker Bill also is able to see and experience many interesting things. Every day is different. Of course there are pros and cons to that; some days are definitely better than others. 

This past weekend, Bill was stranded in He was in Jersey City, New Jersey. He made his delivery, a last minute one, on time. However, he had to wait for the receiver to open to accept the delivery. It being a Sunday, he had a long wait. This happens in trucking. It makes it difficult when you are living in the truck, as you can’t exactly plan an outing under the circumstances.

Bill decided to make the most of it and go for a walk. He came upon Liberty State Park, and took the path marked Liberty Walk. It was a two mile walk, well maintained and scenic.

 

 There were many varieties of flowers

& some butterflies, as well.

At the end of the walk is the Liberty Harbor, where the Hudson River opens into the Upper Bay area. From here, you have a good view of some special sights.

The Manhattan Skyline, New York

Ellis Island & the Statue of Liberty

Lady Liberty

I was so touched by these pictures, never having seen this area of the United States. I am a proud American, and a proud trucker's wife. Thanks, Bill. Be safe!

~from Bill's rear view mirror~

Working 6WS

Reading, 

revising,

and editing

old writing.

Summer Fun!

Make time to play this weekend!

Thanks Wendell & Patrice!

It was a wonderful time

celebrating 1 year of chats

at Everyday Ruralty . 

If you have not visited with

Wendell, the Wonder Horse,

& the wonderful Patrice,

you are missing a great time.

I encourage you to visit them!

Losing Elizabeth

By Tanya J. Peterson

This is an important novel about teen relationships. By nature, teens tend to be secretive. Consequently, this issue often remains hidden or goes unnoticed.

Elizabeth is an intelligent, athletic girl, though a bit insecure. Brad is a high school hero. To Elizabeth’s surprise, Brad takes an interest in her. She is flattered and they begin dating. However, Brad then takes control of both Elizabeth and her life. Before long, emotional abuse begins and escalates into physical abuse.

The book is well written. It is geared to the teen aged group that it is written about. I highly recommend it to teens and to those who love them, as a warning, or even better a possible prevention.

What They Do All Day...

Hope everyone had fun today!

Happy Blog Party Day 2

If you hop over to

Everyday Ruralty

you might get to

visit with Wendell!

I would love to have my

picture taken with him,

wearing party hats!

He is adorable!

Juliet in August

By Dianne Warren

This is a very deeply felt novel about a place and its people. Set is a small Canadian town, the people of Juliet have issues. Private situations and their geographical location combine to isolate them.

Each character deals with their own set of circumstance, closed off from others, even as they exist within a close community. All in the same proverbial spot, they remain alone and imprisoned.

The residents of Juliet are ordinary people. There is a banker, a rancher, middle-aged people struggling with a relationship, an overwhelmed couple with several children, among others. Yet each is burdened with very real circumstances and heartbreaking situations, much like real life.

Told beautifully in captivating prose, Dianne Warren has written a memorable and meaningful first novel.

White-Hot Shadow

Calling Invisible Women

By Jeanne Ray

Jeanne Ray is in her true form with another great novel for women. Her books speak to women who have some life experience and know themselves.

This story tells of Clover, a wife and mother. Unbeknown to her, a medication conflict has caused her to become invisible. However, as long as she keeps things going along as usual, her family doesn’t even notice that she is invisible. In the outside world though, she is able to use her situation to her advantage, and for others, too.

This is a very entertaining novel, as are all of Jeanne Ray’s books. If you have ever felt invisible, or perhaps wished to be, you will enjoy this book. It is heartfelt fun.

A Blog Party Visit

Happy 1st Anniversary 

to Everyday Ruralty,

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch!

Patrice & Wendell host

our weekly chat.

Thank you both;

you are appreciated!

The Twelfth Child

By Bette Lee Crosby

Bette Lee Crosby is a storyteller extraordinaire. She has honed her craft, and shares it in this well told novel.

This is the story of Abigail, a twelfth child, and a girl twin, in a very strict, traditional family. When her mother dies at an early age, Abigail is left to deal with her father’s anger and bitterness. Abigail’s only comfort is the memory of her mother’s dreams for a better life for Abigail.

Leaving the family home, Abigail struggles through “The Great Depression”, but survives it. It actually helps to make her a stronger woman, more determined to succeed at life. She remains firm in her resolve to have the good life her mother wanted for her.

As she ages, Abigail befriends a young woman. She sees in bits of herself in this younger woman, who is struggling just as Abigail once did. This touches Abigail, who decides to takes the young woman under her wing.

What follows is a battle, as a past, distant relative feels he deserves what Abigail has accumulated and owned. He sets out to get it, even taking the young woman to court.

Bette Lee Crosby is destined to be a classic voice in storytelling. I look forward to reading more of her well told, vivid tales.

6WS Progress!

My books are

progressing 

with publisher!

Diary of a Player

How My Musical Heroes Made a Guitar Man Out of Me

By Brad Paisley

This is a wonderful memoir from a genuine country artist. Simply put, Brad Paisley recalls what and who inspired him to realize his musical dreams.

At the tender age of eight years old, Brad picked up his first guitar, a Christmas gift from his grandfather. This inspired not only guitar playing, but songwriting as well.

Brad relates in this memoir how the next couple of decades made him who he is today, a country music artist. He tells of the hard work, patience, difficult gigs, and never giving up. He kept his focus on his dream. He recounts tales of his influences and mentors. Brad also discusses his unique equipment and sound system.

Throughout it all, Brad Paisley kept his sense of humour and trademark wit. These are evident in this enjoyable memoir. He is a contemporary country artist, but a traditional guy. I admire that about him as do many others, including his peers. He has done much collaboration with a variety of artists. 

Thirsty Thursday

It is such a dry HOT Summer.

Please make sure to give

all of your cats & critters

lots of fresh water,

 as you hydrate yourself!

Have Mother, Will Travel

by Claire and Mia Fontaine

This mother-daughter pair first became known through their first memoir Come Back. They told their heart-wrenching story of Mia's all-consuming drug addiction, and Claire's dedication to saving her daughter.

Now it is ten years later, and both women want to move beyond what once was, and to refine their relationship and perhaps themselves. Claire and Mia want to have new adventures together and find common ground. They seek to re-establish a real bond with a new meaning.

This memoir tells that story. They set out together on the trip of a lifetime, traveling through twelve countries, including sixteen cities. There is good fun and new experiences, but also some problems and disappointments. However, this is not a typical pair of women; they were ready for whatever came their way.

It is interesting to see how Claire and Mia come to see each other in new light. Mother sees her daughter truly owning herself and her life. Daughter is now learning to see her mother as more than her mother, but also as a woman unto herself. They take their relationship to new places, including friendship.

Told by both women, alternately, this beautiful memoir is amazing and meaningful. It is a gift to each other, and to mothers and daughters everywhere.

Escaping