The full title of this book, The Gown, A Novel of the Royal Wedding, by Jennifer Robson, includes a dressmaker's view of Queen Elizabeth’s wedding, including the duties in the bride's and bridesmaids' dressing rooms and viewing the wedding itself. This book is primarily about common people, dressmakers and embroiders, who sewed Princess Elizabeth's gown… Continue reading A look back to Princess Elizabeth becoming Queen
Category: Books
A Review of… We Need to Hang Out
COVID has made both 2020 and 2021 strange times, with so many of us at home, others working harder, wearing masks, and getting by. We all miss seeing faces, smiles, and being with people. It's getting better now, with the vaccines, and I have enjoyed getting together with a few more people this summer, mostly… Continue reading A Review of… We Need to Hang Out
Hanging Out, a book review of We Need to Hang Out, by Billy Baker
I became interested in this book after reading Dave Shiflett's February 4 review in The Wall Street Journal. COVID has made both 2020 and 2021 strange times, with so many of us at home, others working harder, wearing masks, and getting by. We all miss seeing faces, smiles, and being with people. It's getting better… Continue reading Hanging Out, a book review of We Need to Hang Out, by Billy Baker
It’s Time for Parties on the Porch! a book review
Whiskey in a Teacup: What Growing Up in the South Taught Me About Life, Love, and Baking Biscuits by Reese Witherspoon This is a delightful book about growing up and being a younger adult in the southern United States. It leans a little bit towards the silver-spoon side (for instance, my family's road trips were in… Continue reading It’s Time for Parties on the Porch! a book review
Hope and Nostalgia
Review of two historical books and hope for the future.
Changing Times: A Look Back through a Favorite Book
Looking at a novel of the 1960's helps with the problems of today.
Orphan Train, by Christina Baker Kline
In this season of thankfulness, a book I would recommend is the New York Times Bestseller, Orphan Train, by Christina Baker Kline, a novel that jumps from a girl in foster care (early 2011) who wears goth clothing like a hard turtle shell, to the historical events of the orphan trains (1929), and the 91-year… Continue reading Orphan Train, by Christina Baker Kline
The Best Book I’ve Read in a Long Time…BECOMING MRS. LEWIS, by Patti Callahan
I saw it while waiting in the checkout lane at Hobby Lobby…"Oooh! I've been wanting this one!" I was about to leave town (remember those days?), so it sat on top of the stack of books in the den, a delight waiting to be savored. As soon as I picked it up, I was hooked…full… Continue reading The Best Book I’ve Read in a Long Time…BECOMING MRS. LEWIS, by Patti Callahan
Reading of Amish Life, while staying safe at home…
Life at home: sewing masks, walking puppies, cooking and reviewing a new book: Patricia John's "Thursday's Bride."
Hidden Figures
I was saddened last week to hear of the death of Katherine Johnson, one of the human "computers," women with math degrees who worked for NACA, which became NASA, aiding the development of the space program, during the 40's, 50's and 60's. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and others worked at Langley Field West Computers; the… Continue reading Hidden Figures
Magazines, Diaries, Dreams & Memories…
Reading a memoir reminded this blogger of the power of pen and paper.
Lifestyle Health Books
Reviews of several health books and an original recipe.
The Power of A Hand-Written Note: reviews of Jennifer Chiaverini’s Historical Novels, Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker and Mrs. Lincoln’s Rival
In these two books, we meet three prominent women of the 1860’s, two of them very well-known in Washington, D. C. society, another highly respected as a tradesperson during a time when fashions were complicated, custom-fitted, and sewn by hand. Ms. Lincoln, a character in both books, is regarded most kindly in the Dressmaker, but… Continue reading The Power of A Hand-Written Note: reviews of Jennifer Chiaverini’s Historical Novels, Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker and Mrs. Lincoln’s Rival
Love that Multiplies!
A Review of Patricia Johns' Her Twins' Cowboy Dad... This was a very enjoyable book, especially the twins, Micha and Suzie, just as cute as in the picture on the cover, whose antics will have you laughing every time they're on the page! The girls and their mother, Jane Marshall, have been summoned to the… Continue reading Love that Multiplies!
Freedom, Faith and Community
Recently I was asked to be an early reader for this book, receiving an advanced copy from Kensingington books in a GoodReads give-away, but these opinions are all my own. On GoodReads, I did a regular book review, but if you're a regular reader, you know I usually tell a personal story here! I thoroughly… Continue reading Freedom, Faith and Community
Just a friend…Or…
A Review of Falling for the Cowboy Dad, a novel by Patricia Johns... "Heartwarming" is an excellent description of this book! I'm sure many readers can relate to Grace, the young teacher who thinks she isn't slim enough, pretty enough or vivacious enough to attract the attention of Billy, her best friend since they were… Continue reading Just a friend…Or…
Being Good Neighbors
Biographies are not my favorite books to read, but as soon as Maxwell King's biography of Mr. Rogers came out, I knew I would be reading it soon! Watching Mr. Rogers was a special part of my day as a child, and as an adult with my children. His segments on how things are made… Continue reading Being Good Neighbors
The Nine
If you want to learn the history of the Supreme Court, I recommend The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court by Jeffrey Toobin. It is neither a quick read, nor an easy read, but the process of reading it was both educational and extremely satisfying. I learned more American history than I had… Continue reading The Nine
A Thoughtful Book…
I recently read Debbie Macomber’s new novel, Cottage by the Sea. I reserved this book at the library as soon as I saw it on the new book list. I had to wait a bit to get it, but it was worth the wait. Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite writers, and this book… Continue reading A Thoughtful Book…
Place-Setting Categorization…A FunBook Every College Girl Should Enjoy
Forks, Knives and Spoons, by Leah DeCesare is a great book for girls going off to college, and possibly enjoyable for young women in their 20s too. A mother-daughter book club would enjoy discussing about this book, especially if the mom attended college in the 80's, the time that the novel was set. The details… Continue reading Place-Setting Categorization…A FunBook Every College Girl Should Enjoy
Beach Reading? Nope…Texas Hill Country!
Right after school was out, I decided to bypass the electronic catalog and make a trip to my local library. Usually, I just reserve books on line, then run in to check them out when they come in, but this day, I enjoyed looking at the displays and finding a new book series for the… Continue reading Beach Reading? Nope…Texas Hill Country!
Thrift Shopping and… Finding New Favorite Books
Many of my friends know I enjoy shopping at Goodwill and other thrift stores around town. I donate plenty of things to them as well. Years ago, I had some qualms about shopping there—was I taking from the needy with my fun treasure hunts? I no longer feel that way—it’s like a great recycling center,… Continue reading Thrift Shopping and… Finding New Favorite Books
Hibbard House (full of Basil, Books & Labradors) 