Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren
As much as I really tried to like this book, I felt lost amidst the deja vu of the movie Pearl Harbor.
Markos and Dino Stavros are forced to flee their home in Greece when their older brother's wedding ends with multiple deaths including their brother and father. They leave for America with Sofia and her grandfather. Nothing seems to go well for them. Sofia's grandfather dies before they reach NY so she remains with the Stavros brothers. Circumstances separate them in Chicago. Sofia and Dino end up in Minneapolis where December 7,1941 eventually reunites Sofia and Dino. Again circumstances separate Sofia and Dino. All three spend a few years drifting without sight of each other. The brothers find each other for a brief flash of time before they again are separated. Eventually Markos and Sofia return to Greece as WWII rages around them.
This story is a tale of the consequences of our decisions and how we take responsibility or allow the guilt to dictate our future decisions. The setting in Greece is phenomenal and I wanted to be there with the sun caressing the waves of the blue ocean. As the story moved to the streets of Chicago, I was transported to that time with flapper dresses and Tommy guns. The story ends in Greece as WWII changes the landscape of so many Nazi inhabited countries.
Unfortunately, I couldn't get swept away enough in Sons of Thunder to separate it from Pearl Harbor. The stories are too similar. Glaringly is the fact that Pearl Harbor, HI was attacked in this book. Even the twist of a third love interest for Sofia couldn't distract from knowing it was Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett fighting over Kate Beckinsale. Sons of Thunder has more characterization and back story, but still the similarities were too multiple and it weakened Sons of Thunder for me.
As Laurie says in Little Women "my compositions are only a mediocre copy of another man's genius." Pearl Harbor is the mediocre one if comparing these two stories, however Pearl Harbor is the medium with more punch. I was waiting for Faith Hill to begin singing as I reached the end of the book. Pearl Harbor also gave brilliant visuals. While Sons of Thunder never visited Pearl Harbor for a setting, it didn't distinguish itself enough to KO Pearl Harbor and take the title.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Hope
hope drives dreams. fuels perseverance. brings joy.
I was recently chatting with a wonderful woman of God on Facebook. I've admired this woman for so many years. We began discussing hope. Hope has recently become her favorite word and it has long since been one of my favorite words.
My favorite time of year is Thanksgiving through New Years. Literally that Thursday right on through January 2. It shouldn't be my favorite because I dislike the cold and snow. I hate wearing layers. I prefer the warmth of the sun and flip flops. I believe though the reason I love that time of year is because Thanksgiving ushers in the gratitude that we fail to show year round, Christmas is my favorite holiday and the name explains why -CHRISTmas, and New Years gives us the hope of a new beginning. A hope for 365 days of improvement, love, opportunity.
Hope can renew a weary spirit. I know through many of the trials that I have faced recently, I've allowed disappointment to claw its way in. I often don't live in hope because I wait for the inevitable rejection of a job opportunity that doesn't pan out, a relationship that doesn't go anywhere, or the inevitable withdrawal that happens as lives travel down perpendicular paths.
I have a gypsy past. One of those things that can hinder a potential new job. However one of my favorite feelings in the world is being on a road that I don't know. I don't know where it is going to take me. When I move to a new city there is something exciting about driving a road for the first time; discovering how it will play a part in my life. Will I find a restaurant, theater, new favorite shop? Is this a shortcut to work? I love not knowing but the adventure of finding out.
I know I've been going through a roller coaster season. Hope spring in with a call about a job opportunity and then it disappears and disappointment sets in. There is the hope of a future of being a wife and mother, yet it seems I stand on the precipice. Not invited into this dance yet knowing my time is coming. Regardless, I am going to shove disappointment out of my life and fill my life with hope.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
You Don't Know Me
You Don't Know Me by Susan May Warren. Part of the Deep Haven series.
Annalise Decker has it all - a loving husband, three great kids, the respect of everyone in Deep Haven, and a deep secret that could blow it all apart. Annalise has only been Annalise for twenty years. Previously, she was Deidre O'Reilly, drug addict and runaway. After nearly dying and then then testifying against a drug dealer, Annalise left St. Louis for Deep Haven and Annalise arrived for a fresh start. It didn't take long for everything in her life to begin to go right. Nathan Decker asked her to marry him and she became the model wife. Children were born and she became the model mother. Opportunities arose and she became the model member of the PTA, model volunteer, model church goer, and model wife of the mayoral candidate.
It was only a matter of time until her past met her future. Frank Harrison arrives in Deep Haven to visit his niece, Annalise. Agent Frank Harrison was the handler who relocated her. Annalise's life is in danger and she needs to make decisions. Does she shatter the image her family has of her? Does she uproot them? Does she leave them behind in search of safety for herself? Does she stay and risk their lives?
Warren crafts a wonderful story but it was really the overwhelming theme of identity that stuck with me. During a particularly powerful scene in which Pastor Dan reads and comments from Psalm 103 during a church service, he says "I see you, and I know you, and I love you. Period. I know stuff about you that you don’t even think I know, and yet I love you."
Annalise spent twenty years building an identity that everyone around her embraced or so she thought. It isn't until she is in imminent danger and the town embraces her family that Annalise understands that it isn't her image that everyone likes but her. As a matter of fact every character in You Don't Know Me is dealing either with a secret they are keeping or a misconception they can't seem to overcome. Is a kid from the wrong side of town worthy of dating Coleen Decker? Is Jason Decker really the model son and student? Do the Deckers really live the idyllic life?
Isn't this how it is with God? We do our best to be what He expects of us? We strive to be the perfect Christian? We think we have to make something of ourselves before God will love us. It just isn't true. God loves you. Period.
Psalm 103 English Standard Version
Annalise Decker has it all - a loving husband, three great kids, the respect of everyone in Deep Haven, and a deep secret that could blow it all apart. Annalise has only been Annalise for twenty years. Previously, she was Deidre O'Reilly, drug addict and runaway. After nearly dying and then then testifying against a drug dealer, Annalise left St. Louis for Deep Haven and Annalise arrived for a fresh start. It didn't take long for everything in her life to begin to go right. Nathan Decker asked her to marry him and she became the model wife. Children were born and she became the model mother. Opportunities arose and she became the model member of the PTA, model volunteer, model church goer, and model wife of the mayoral candidate.
It was only a matter of time until her past met her future. Frank Harrison arrives in Deep Haven to visit his niece, Annalise. Agent Frank Harrison was the handler who relocated her. Annalise's life is in danger and she needs to make decisions. Does she shatter the image her family has of her? Does she uproot them? Does she leave them behind in search of safety for herself? Does she stay and risk their lives?
Warren crafts a wonderful story but it was really the overwhelming theme of identity that stuck with me. During a particularly powerful scene in which Pastor Dan reads and comments from Psalm 103 during a church service, he says "I see you, and I know you, and I love you. Period. I know stuff about you that you don’t even think I know, and yet I love you."
Annalise spent twenty years building an identity that everyone around her embraced or so she thought. It isn't until she is in imminent danger and the town embraces her family that Annalise understands that it isn't her image that everyone likes but her. As a matter of fact every character in You Don't Know Me is dealing either with a secret they are keeping or a misconception they can't seem to overcome. Is a kid from the wrong side of town worthy of dating Coleen Decker? Is Jason Decker really the model son and student? Do the Deckers really live the idyllic life?
Isn't this how it is with God? We do our best to be what He expects of us? We strive to be the perfect Christian? We think we have to make something of ourselves before God will love us. It just isn't true. God loves you. Period.
Psalm 103 English Standard Version
103 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame;
he remembers that we are dust.
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame;
he remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children's children,
18 to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children's children,
18 to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Bless the Lord, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
21 Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
22 Bless the Lord, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
21 Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
22 Bless the Lord, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Abducted
This is the first book by Janet Cantore that I've read. Abducted picks up Carly Edwards' story that began in Accused.
Carly Edwards and her partner, Joe, have been through a lot together. It seems that life is throwing them a bit more to handle. Despite the desire to reconcile with her ex-husband, Nick, Carly is finding that it isn't easy to put their relationship back together. In the midst of a shift, Carly and Joe are summoned to the hospital where his wife has been admitted with a mysterious illness. His infant son, A.J., is taken to the pediatrics wing to be observed. However, he doesn't remain there for long. He is abducted from the hospital. As Carly chases down the kidnappers and searches for A.J., her faith is tested with the frustrations of her relationship with Nick that seems rutted.
The technical aspects of this story were astounding. Cantore is a former cop who brought her decades of experience. Unfortunately the technical aspect of this story also bogged down the storytelling. While the police aspect of the story was solid, the story stalled when it came to creating relationships between the characters. Instead of showing us the connection it was explained to us as if from a police report. Because of this it took me longer to get through the story than the premise of the story would have suggested.
I plan on reading Accused to get Carly's back story. Avenged follows Abducted in the Pacific Coast Justice series.
Carly Edwards and her partner, Joe, have been through a lot together. It seems that life is throwing them a bit more to handle. Despite the desire to reconcile with her ex-husband, Nick, Carly is finding that it isn't easy to put their relationship back together. In the midst of a shift, Carly and Joe are summoned to the hospital where his wife has been admitted with a mysterious illness. His infant son, A.J., is taken to the pediatrics wing to be observed. However, he doesn't remain there for long. He is abducted from the hospital. As Carly chases down the kidnappers and searches for A.J., her faith is tested with the frustrations of her relationship with Nick that seems rutted.
The technical aspects of this story were astounding. Cantore is a former cop who brought her decades of experience. Unfortunately the technical aspect of this story also bogged down the storytelling. While the police aspect of the story was solid, the story stalled when it came to creating relationships between the characters. Instead of showing us the connection it was explained to us as if from a police report. Because of this it took me longer to get through the story than the premise of the story would have suggested.
I plan on reading Accused to get Carly's back story. Avenged follows Abducted in the Pacific Coast Justice series.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Throw Away Lines
I've often told one of my friends that she is too smart. Her knowledge handicaps her in some ways. My goal as her friend has always been to loosen her up. When it comes to writing, I've been soaking up as much information as I can. I'm driving myself to learn more, read more, observe more. I fear this is hindering my level of enthusiasm for reading.
I started a new book the other day. The first few chapters had what I call throw away lines. Information that you need that may or may not be pertinent to the story later down the line, but they appear to be three or four lines that could have been thrown away. Character introductions that include a paragraph of how the person relates to the main character from previous books.
They annoy the crap out of me. First I find that a few lines can't cover an entire book's worth of history. Second this particular author presented most of the information as factual with no emotional connection. It caused me to not care and also to think the editing of the book was poor. Mostly though the flow of the story came to a halt. The book took on a technical feel instead of an emotional connection. I didn't care about the main character or the people in her life because she didn't appear to care.
"Ms. Smith had grown closer to John Doe a few months ago when they'd gone through a traumatic time together. They'd remained in touch despite going their separate ways."
I'd have probably written it this way.
Ms. Smith smiled at John Doe. Her gratitude for him hadn't lessened as the days passed since the trauma they'd endured together."
I'm struggling to finish this book because I just don't care about the characters. I'm doing my best not to just skip to the last chapter to see how it all ends. Although I have no doubt that it has a happy ending, I'm just not sure I'll be invested enough to care.
I started a new book the other day. The first few chapters had what I call throw away lines. Information that you need that may or may not be pertinent to the story later down the line, but they appear to be three or four lines that could have been thrown away. Character introductions that include a paragraph of how the person relates to the main character from previous books.
They annoy the crap out of me. First I find that a few lines can't cover an entire book's worth of history. Second this particular author presented most of the information as factual with no emotional connection. It caused me to not care and also to think the editing of the book was poor. Mostly though the flow of the story came to a halt. The book took on a technical feel instead of an emotional connection. I didn't care about the main character or the people in her life because she didn't appear to care.
"Ms. Smith had grown closer to John Doe a few months ago when they'd gone through a traumatic time together. They'd remained in touch despite going their separate ways."
I'd have probably written it this way.
Ms. Smith smiled at John Doe. Her gratitude for him hadn't lessened as the days passed since the trauma they'd endured together."
I'm struggling to finish this book because I just don't care about the characters. I'm doing my best not to just skip to the last chapter to see how it all ends. Although I have no doubt that it has a happy ending, I'm just not sure I'll be invested enough to care.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Glamorous Illusions
Glamorous Illusions is the first book in Lisa T. Bergren's Grand Tour Series. It is also the first book I've read by this author.
Having never read anything by Bergren, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. I didn't have much background on the story so the plot was a complete mystery to me. Cora Diehl has one dream. She wants to be a teacher. Returning home after finishing two of the fours necessary to get her certificate, Cora's world is rocked. After her father has a stroke she sets to work on bringing the family farm back to life. Life is slipping away from both her father and the farm when a rich stranger shows up on her porch. Twenty years of lies come uncovered and Cora is soon relocated to a big city and about to embark on a Grand Tour through Europe. She is met with questions, resistance, and confusion as she tries to settle in her mind is she Cora Diehl or Cora Diehl Kensington.
I read through this book pretty quickly. The plot isn't new to historical fiction but the Grand Tour sounded so appealing to me that I wanted to know how the adventure went. First person fiction novels aren't my style. I felt there were some awkward exchanges from one scene to another amidst changing of point of views. The story was intriguing enough to keep me entertained that I mostly read the book in one sitting. Since it ended on a cliffhanger of sorts, I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in Grave Consequences.
Having never read anything by Bergren, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. I didn't have much background on the story so the plot was a complete mystery to me. Cora Diehl has one dream. She wants to be a teacher. Returning home after finishing two of the fours necessary to get her certificate, Cora's world is rocked. After her father has a stroke she sets to work on bringing the family farm back to life. Life is slipping away from both her father and the farm when a rich stranger shows up on her porch. Twenty years of lies come uncovered and Cora is soon relocated to a big city and about to embark on a Grand Tour through Europe. She is met with questions, resistance, and confusion as she tries to settle in her mind is she Cora Diehl or Cora Diehl Kensington.
I read through this book pretty quickly. The plot isn't new to historical fiction but the Grand Tour sounded so appealing to me that I wanted to know how the adventure went. First person fiction novels aren't my style. I felt there were some awkward exchanges from one scene to another amidst changing of point of views. The story was intriguing enough to keep me entertained that I mostly read the book in one sitting. Since it ended on a cliffhanger of sorts, I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in Grave Consequences.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
The genius of Cadbury Mini Eggs
I'm on probably my sixth or seventh bag of Cadbury Mini Eggs for this season. Every year I swear I will buy twelve bags and freeze them and allow myself one bag per month. Every year I don't do this. Every year I binge on them for the weeks leading up to Easter and then crave them for about 11 months until they show up in stores again.
FREAKIN' GENIUS MARKETING!
Or maybe I'm just the sucker that it works on. However, let's talk about how Cadbury Mini Eggs appear in stores in the month leading up to Easter. They show up in those really tiny bags that aren't even a real handful. You pay around $1 for roughly a half dozen little milk chocolate eggs. Then 4-6 weeks before Easter the larger bags appear. They are expensive but you have to have one (or six in my case). After waiting ten months for them to return to stores, I am teased with a small sampling of them unless I buy a dozen of those tiny bags. By the time the full-sized bags are in stores, I don't care what they cost or who I have to run over to own them.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Trauma Plan
Trauma Plan by Candace Calvert
Trauma Plan is the first book I've read by Candace Calvert. Riley Hale is an ER chaplain who has survived a terrific assault. She's battling to regain her skills after a neck injury so she can once again return to the ER as a trauma nurse. Her first encounter with Dr. Jack Travis leaves her hoping she doesn't have a second. Unfortunately, Jack might be her best option when it comes to regaining her skills. His free clinic needs volunteers and Riley can get some practice in. Unfortunately the clinic in under attack by the the residents of the surrounding neighborhood. Increased crime is being blamed on the patients who utilize the clinic's free services.
Trauma Plan is a tale of redemption. Jack Travis has a secret in his past that drives his passion for keeping the clinic open. Riley desperately needs to return to the person she was before her trauma in order to feel whole again. Bandy, the clinic's cowboy groundskeeper, has years of bad habits that he has overcome but it just might be too late. Kate, Riley's friend, has a secret of her own that drives her decision making into dangerous territory at times.
The message of Trauma Plan is simple at its core. God wants you as you are. He's there with you through every high and every low.
Trauma Plan is the first book I've read by Candace Calvert. Riley Hale is an ER chaplain who has survived a terrific assault. She's battling to regain her skills after a neck injury so she can once again return to the ER as a trauma nurse. Her first encounter with Dr. Jack Travis leaves her hoping she doesn't have a second. Unfortunately, Jack might be her best option when it comes to regaining her skills. His free clinic needs volunteers and Riley can get some practice in. Unfortunately the clinic in under attack by the the residents of the surrounding neighborhood. Increased crime is being blamed on the patients who utilize the clinic's free services.
Trauma Plan is a tale of redemption. Jack Travis has a secret in his past that drives his passion for keeping the clinic open. Riley desperately needs to return to the person she was before her trauma in order to feel whole again. Bandy, the clinic's cowboy groundskeeper, has years of bad habits that he has overcome but it just might be too late. Kate, Riley's friend, has a secret of her own that drives her decision making into dangerous territory at times.
The message of Trauma Plan is simple at its core. God wants you as you are. He's there with you through every high and every low.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Princess for a Day
This weekend I had the honor of being the photographer at a wedding for one of my good friends. Jess' super romantic fiancee arranged for a horse and carriage to transport Jess from the house to the venue. As the photographer she asked me to go along.
It was amazing to be included in that special moment. Jess had been smiling for days leading up to her wedding, but all fancied up in her dress - complete with elbow-length gloves and wool shawl - she transformed into a princess. As children ran to keep pace beside the carriage and drivers stopped to get a glimpse of the bride, she didn't stop smiling.
It was such a simple thought by her fiancee to give her the gift of a carriage ride, yet I know it will stay with Jess forever. He gave her a moment to feel truly special. As I've gotten to know him, I have no doubt he'll have many more romantic gestures down the road.
Congrats, Jess and Ehren.
It was amazing to be included in that special moment. Jess had been smiling for days leading up to her wedding, but all fancied up in her dress - complete with elbow-length gloves and wool shawl - she transformed into a princess. As children ran to keep pace beside the carriage and drivers stopped to get a glimpse of the bride, she didn't stop smiling.
It was such a simple thought by her fiancee to give her the gift of a carriage ride, yet I know it will stay with Jess forever. He gave her a moment to feel truly special. As I've gotten to know him, I have no doubt he'll have many more romantic gestures down the road.
Congrats, Jess and Ehren.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Severe Weather
As a resident of New England there are two things I've gotten used to, severe weather and only having 25 letters in the alphabet. We only use the "r" when writing. It isn't spoken. Makes talk like a pirate day kind of quiet.
I'm just kidding. I pronounce the "r" could be why I don't really qualify as a true New Englander.
The severe weather though is sort of no joke. In the past two years we've had super storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, tremors, blizzards, and then these mutant storms that like to come visit.
Two weeks ago I went to a Dove chocolate party. It was awesome we sampled a bunch of chocolate and raised money for the American Cancer Society. I bought a fondue set. Imagine my wonderment when I opened it up and discovered that I can use it in case of a power outage. Yes, it runs off tea lights so if we go a week without power like we did in October of 2011 I will still have chocolate covered pretzels.
So that this post isn't completely fluffy, I am going to share with you photos of this new storm from space. I think I should have been a storm chaser. I may have missed my calling.
I'm just kidding. I pronounce the "r" could be why I don't really qualify as a true New Englander.
The severe weather though is sort of no joke. In the past two years we've had super storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, tremors, blizzards, and then these mutant storms that like to come visit.
Two weeks ago I went to a Dove chocolate party. It was awesome we sampled a bunch of chocolate and raised money for the American Cancer Society. I bought a fondue set. Imagine my wonderment when I opened it up and discovered that I can use it in case of a power outage. Yes, it runs off tea lights so if we go a week without power like we did in October of 2011 I will still have chocolate covered pretzels.
So that this post isn't completely fluffy, I am going to share with you photos of this new storm from space. I think I should have been a storm chaser. I may have missed my calling.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Cancer
For the past few years I've been volunteering with the American Cancer Society. I became involved when a friend wanted me to spend a few hours taking pictures. That was a few years ago and now I serve as a member of the committee.
What I have learned is people possess amazing strength. I've heard countless stories of the shock of being diagnosed, the battle to fight against the cancer, and the loss that can happen. I was making phone calls to local communities to recruit teams for this year's Walk for Life and I decided to put together a little information on Relay.
The statistics are staggering. Cancer really does touch everyone. I lost two great-grandparents to cancer. I have had biopsies done on moles. It can seem like such an overwhelming curse to be diagnosed with cancer.
Yet there are so many wonderful tools to help. Beginning with the American Cancer Society and raising awareness.
Don't be afraid to get checked. Early detection increases chances of kicking cancer's butt.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)