#25: The Road to Grace

Amazing.  Just what I needed after this very trying week.

Richard Paul Evans' new release The Road to Grace continues Alan Christofferson's walk across America, which he began after the death of his wife, the loss of his business and home.  During this nearly 1000 miles of his journey from South Dakota to St. Louis, Alan meets...and re-meets...some very interesting people and learns through them the importance of forgiveness...of both self and of others.

Richard Paul Evans' gift in truly enlivening his characters makes this a quick and memorable read.  You feel Alan.  You mourn with Alan.  You acknowledge with Alan.  I suspect the read will eventually forgive, accept.

This cover interests me, for the road seems to end...unless you turn around and come back.  Yes.  That happens in life, doesn't it?  Thank God for allowing us to backtrack!

Please consider giving some time to this series, for you will be blessed.  This is one of those series that I am already looking forward to re-reading.  Yes, it is that good.  Yes, I need that many blessings!

Now, to wait for the next installment to continue the walk...

26-29: Four More Reads

On books 11-15, I inserted an extra book number; thus, on this blog I am accounting for that mistake...so Book #26, Part 2...

26:  Washington's Lady by Nancy Moser

My second novel of historical fiction in a row!  (See previous post for Remarkable Creatures.)  Love this author (ordered more of Nancy Moser's novels) and really appreciated her insight into the life of Martha Washington.  My first literary unit will be initially based on the first founding documents...seems appropriate to include George AND Martha Washington, especially since I know realize what an ever greater impact that she had upon the founding of this nation.

Written in first-person point of view, this novel chronicled the life of Martha from the death of her first husband to the death of President George.  A Christian, Martha made mistakes, she succeeded, she cried, she laughed.  This novel made her "human" to me.

Prepare to be intrigued, as you learn (or are reminded of) interesting facts about both George and Martha Washington.

....I think (cannot remember for sure!) I purchased this book at Hastings for $4.97.  Certainly received more than $5 worth of entertainment from this novel!

....I also look forward to reading How Do I Love Thee (about Elizabeth Barrot Browning) and Just Jane (about Jane Austin) and Mozart's Sister (about Nannerl Mozart).

27:  The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers

I checked this book out of our church library some time ago (so glad we do not charge overdue fines!).  Really wished I had read it sooner so I could recommend it to my church lady friends. 

The novel tells the stories of two women Sierra and Mary Katherine:  Sierra's set in modern day, Mary Katherine's, via a journal, set back in the "pioneer" days.  Not sure which plot I enjoyed the most, maybe both? For each seemed to parallel, foreshadow the other's live as each fought, then sought a closer walk with God.

Both women women move great distances, both literally and spiritually, in an endeavor to please and appease their husbands.  The journeys cost much, yet the results are pleasing and comforting.

Francine Rivers faces head on, never skirting, the issues of infidelity, hurting hearts, and the power of admitting one's faults, and then forgiving one's self and others, as well.

If you enjoy a woman' story with a Christian emphasis, you will definitely enjoy this novel.

28:  Shoot the Moon by Billie Letts

Through a friend, I learned about a local women's book club, whose chosen book of  the month is Shoot the Moon.  The lady at the bookstore where they host the meetings did not have a copy of the novel, so I purchased it from half.com for $.75 (plus shipping and handling $3.99)...and got my money's worth in reading entertainment!

This novel tells the story of a man thought murdered as a baby who, having just learned about his adoption returns to Oklahoma to hopefully meet his real mother, only to find that she had been murdered.  So begins the search for what really happened way back when...the journey includes meeting a host of characters that Billy Letts brings to life...characters that make you laugh, sympathize, and maybe even empathize.

I look forward to reading more by Billie Letts...a good read!

29:  Miles to Go by Richard Paul Evans

The second novel in The Walk series, this next installments continues Alan's journey of healing from the many great losses he has experienced that initiated this walk.

In this journal (for that is the genre through which Richard Paul Evans portrays this character's thoughts, feeling, emotions), we meet and greet characters that proves that God places people in our paths that sometimes we are to help.  Sometimes they help us.  One of those such characters is Kailamai.  The true story behind this character may be found here on Evans' website...for a small fee.

I encourage you to read anything that Richard Paul Evans has written.  Inspiring.

REMINDER:  Michael Vey:  Prisoner of Cell 25, also written by Richard Paul Evans (the first in this new young adult series), will be released August 9!

23: Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25

Just finished reading Richard Paul Evan's new young adult series Michael Vey:  The Prisoner of Cell 25.  Yes, you will like this novel...whether you are male, female, student, or teacher.

This series begins the adventures of the Electroclan, a group of thirteen who were electrified as babies:  Michael, Taylor, and eleven others, all who have just a bit different skill or talent.  Then, there are the normal ones:  Ostin, Jack, and Wade.

Michael, the main character, has Tourettes, which is tremendous trait for an author to place on a character.  A character, one with a disability, who overcomes.  Since Michael's story is told in first-person, the reader enters the brain, the emotions, the mental struggles of this character and "feels" with the character.  (Taylor's story is told in third-person...good example of point of view...just a note to self, the teacher.)  :)

As a teacher, I am excited about the use of this novel as a read-aloud within my thematic units that I am continuing to create, for I believe it will fit nicely within my Pioneer and Survivor units.  Cool!

Yes, you may pre-order this novel here at Amazon!