I'll Be Seeing You

I'll Be Seeing You

By: Suzanne Hayes & Loretta Nyhan

Gloria "Glory" Whitehall almost didn't attend the 4-H Club meeting. Her husband is gone fighting in World War II, she has a 2 year old son and is very pregnant. Rita Vincenzio not only has her husband, but also her son contributing to the war effort. Gloria draws an address with a name on it to exchange letters to. Through these letters, the complete strangers form a bond that gets them through war- and all the emotions that come with it.

Overall, I have to say, if you're looking for an intense journey through history, this isn't the book for you. If you're looking for a different view of war, a view of the loved ones left behind, this is more what you want. I'll Be Seeing You gives you the glimpse into the lives of the family left behind when a loved one goes off to war. The struggles they face. The lives they lead. This book also shows you the incredible bond that is among families of soldiers. 

My favorite part of this book was seeing how these two women went from names on paper, to confidants in no time at all. Both can relate to the others feelings- good and bad. They help each other through the struggles you face. It was touching to see, knowing this happens even in this day and age.

If you're looking for a heart-warming read about the bonds of friendship, I encourage you read I'll Be Seeing You. I loved this book wasn't another story from the soldiers point of view, but of the families that must go on while they are gone. I don't see a lot of these stories and it was refreshing.

The Sassy Belles

The Sassy Belles
By: Beth Albright
300 Pages

Summary:
There are only two seasons in Tuscaloosa—football and waiting-for-football. When Lewis Heart, football announcer and voice of the Crimson Tide, vanishes after an impromptu romp with Vivi Ann McFadden at the Fountain Mist Motel, Vivi does what any Southern woman would do: call her best friend, Blake O'Hara Heart, attorney-at-law.

With the town gossip swirling around them, Vivi and Blake are determined to find out what happened to Lewis and clear Vivi's reputation. Because after all, men may come and go, but the Sassy Belles are forever. --bn.com

Of all the ways Blake could have envisioned spending her 10th anniversary with husband, Harry, she never thought of this. Her best friend, Vivi frantically tries to get a hold of her and finally does- through Harry. Vivi has just left a "meeting" with her lover, Lewis. Lewis also happens to be Blake's brother-in-law. Vivi fears Lewis is dead and leaves in a panic. By the time police and the ambulance get to the hotel, Lewis is nowhere to be found. 

Thus kicks off the mystery of where is Lewis. Is he alive? Is he dead? If he's alive, where is he?

The Sassy Belles is a light read that you may enjoy at the beach or pool. It isn't heavy and it has lots of the southern humor. While the story isn't one that keeps you gripped to the book, it's great if you just a light read that doesn't require lots of thinking. You will have a nice visit to the college town and meet some fun characters.

Once Upon A Time: Discovering Our Ever After Story

Debbie Macomber is one of the most recognizable names in the book world. She's sold millions, upon millions, of books to legions of fans who excitedly devour them. How does she write them? How does she craft the stories the world over can't get enough of? Once Upon A Time... gives you a behind the scenes look at what goes into her bestselling books. How she forms the plot. How she's come up with some of her character names. But there's more to this book than just how she's made her name.

Not only does she find story ideas everywhere, but Debbie is certain your own life is a story waiting- and worthy- to be told, as well. She shows you how to view your childhood, challenges, and joys as part of your life story. Debbie also gives you numerous suggestions to tell your story. Each chapter includes a writing prompt where she gives you a subject to write, and build, on.

Also included in this book is how her Faith in God has played out in her life. Each chapter begins with a verse she wants to share with you. Her love of God is weaved as heavily in this book as it is in her life. She shares with you how His love has gotten her through the worst moments in her life- such as the death of her beloved son- and opened doors she never dreamed of- like the success her writing would come to be.

I identified with so much of the content within these pages. She stalks about silencing the critic voices that try to deter you from your dream or goal. Having spent more of my life writing- in some form or fashion- than not, this was something I truly related to. More than once, I felt God used this book to get my attention. It seemed she was talking directly to me. This book has given me the nudge I needed to get back to the project I put on the back burner several years ago. 

Any and all Debbie fans will enjoy this look into the life of their beloved author  She welcomes you in with open arms, and you don't want to the visit to end. Once Upon A Time... will have a place on my bookshelf and will be read many times. I hope she inspires you as she did me.

Once Upon A Prince

Once Upon A Prince

By: Rachel Hauck

338 Pages

Rachel Hauck has written a modern day fairy tale story just in time for summer.  This talented author plays off the idea we've all had: I wish I could marry a Prince? However, she has brought the reality of the fantasy into the story. It's a great read for those breezy summer days at the beach or pool.

Susanna is a girl who likes a plan. She makes them and sticks to them- no matter what. And emotion doesn't always fit into her plan. However, she sees all her carefully laid out plans get thrown to the wayside when her long time boyfriend doesn't propose, but tells her he found the right ring, but the wrong girl. Ouch!

Nathaniel is a Prince from Brighton Kingdom. He's a Prince with a lot on his mind, so an un-escorted drive is just what the doctor ordered. He's facing the all too common royal predicament- his family wants to get married. He's not sure getting married to someone he doesn't love is the best solution to a heated political problem. Nor is he too fond of the girl his family feels is pushing. But when Nathaniel comes to Susanna's aide, all that changes.

Nathaniel and Susanna spend time together, and feelings develop. Their religious beliefs just being one of the many things they have in common. However, Susanna has no idea of Nathaniel's title and he is no rush to tell her. But the truth comes out and brings with it harsh realities. 

Choices are forced to be made, truths are exposed. No one said the road to true love was easy. However, it can sometimes be like a fairy tale. 

Double Whammy

Double Whammy
By: Gretchen Archer
306 Pages
Reviewed By: Betsey Brooks

Summary:
Davis Way thinks she's hit the jackpot when she lands a job as the fifth wheel on an elite security team at the fabulous Bellissimo Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. But once there, she runs straight into her ex-ex husband, a rigged slot machine, her evil twin, and a trail of dead bodies. Davis learns the truth and it does not set her free--in fact, it lands her in the pokey.

Buried under a mistaken identity, unable to seek help from her family, her hot streak runs cold until her landlord Bradley Cole steps in. Make that her landlord, lawyer, and love interest. With his help, Davis must win this high stakes game before her luck runs out. -- amazon.com

This action packed mystery is full of twists and turns with funny events sprinkled throughout. 

After being unemployed for a year and sixteen interviews for this job, the spunky Davis Way is hired as undercover security at the Bellissimo Resort and Casino. Her job is to find out how  the game " Double Whammy Deuces Wild" is being set to pay off. The casino is loosing a lot of money and the wife of Richard Sanders, President and CEO of the casino is the number one suspect. 

 Davis' first assignment  is to impersonate Bianca Sanders, Richard Sanders wife. Natalie Middleton provides all the necessities. It was uncanny just how much the two women looked alike once Natalie is finished.  Davis enters the world of the big spender  and plays the "Double Whammy Deuces Wild" . 

Complications explode when she discoverers her two time ex-husband, Eddie Crawford, is spending a lot of time with Bianca and he is a big  winner.  Davis must stay away from him or she is libel to ruin the undercover operation.  

Due to "problems" Davis' assignment changes. As she continues to impersonate various people, she becomes suspicious that there is more to this job than she has been told. This becomes fact when Davis is accused of the attempted murder of Richard Sanders. The events that follow lead her from a jail cell  to tracking a ruthless killer. 

Who can she trust? A mysterious cab driver who sleeps in his cab? The two security men that keep popping up at odd times? Or her absent landlord handsome Bradley Cole? Who set her up and why was she really hired?

This is a great read and difficult to put down. So curl up in a comfy spot and prepare for an enjoyable adventure with Davis Way.