Carol Tornquist is a favorite of mine
929953
Lush, full chords; interesting rhythm patterns; not too difficult to learn quickly for the intermediate - early advanced level player.  The songs are well-known to anyone who listens to contemporary Christian music, and they are well-suited to worship services for preludes or offeratories.

As usual, I enjoy Carol Tornquist's interpretation of songs, but I don't have lots of time to spend learning them.  She never disappoints me, and I buy her books with confidence that I will like the arrangements.  That isn't always true with some arrangers.  I'm a fan, and I own and use her music all the time in my church and for personal devotion time.
2254331
I have read the Ice Princess before - but in Swedish. The English versions are just as captivating and (mostly) accurately translated.  Since I grew up in the vicinity of the "plots" it is like a trip back in time/home.
Thanks for snagging my husband's interest too.  With his constant questions of how to pronounce places and names...  I am reminded of my time on the west coast of Sweden.

Ulla-Marie
1368740
I love the variety of characters, and can recognize myself and others in all of them.  And the always important "message"; Open your mind and your heart, and your ears.  Another gemstone from Debbie Macomber :o)
3552207
As a devoted Landvik fan, this is by far my very favorite of her works, including her newest, Welcome to the Great Mysterious. Life in Northern Minnesota is accurately portrayed, her trademark quirky characters and locales are at their very best. I laughed out loud, I cried, I rejoiced in their accomplishments. Landvik has created a truly joyful and sorrowful dance with Tall Pine Polka. Would love to see this tale of movie-making made into a movie. Tall Pine Polka edges out Patty Jane's House of Curl as one of my favorite books of all time.
4590781
Melissa Carl's poems press upon you viscerally. I have already read this collection of 44 poems twice. I will read them again. I keep this book on my night table and read a few poems each evening. She is so skilled in crafting words and is never pedantic. My favorite poem is "Certainty". Some of her work reminds me of the Pulitzer Prize winning poet, Mary Oliver. But Carl's poems display more of her psyche and vulnerability. This is a wonderful collection of poems and I highly recommend it!
3223726
I have long been a fan of Carol Burnett, and, as such, had very high expectations for this book. It did not disappoint. Her writing mirrors her TV persona: quick, witty and friendly. It feels like she's sitting in your living room having a cup of coffee and a chat. My favorite part was when she explained the origin of the scene in Went With the Wind where she wears the curtains, rod still attached, as a dress. That is arguably the funniest bit in the history of television. This book is excellent.
2000172
Liza Marklund is an excellent writer and is quickly  becoming one of my favorite writers. Scary adventures in Stockholm and  the swedish countryside make me want to visit soon.
2929113
I loved this book, it made me laugh and it made me cry!  I thought of my own mother and although she didn't have to linger on for years with a disease, I could relate to what Carol was going through -- and her family.  Sometimes I think we forget how hard it is on the rest of the family beyond the primary caregiver.  I love the style Carol wrote the book, in small sections, trying to capture events quickly.  I would recommend this book to everyone!
3832111
I ran across Margareta Bengtson's work while bouncing around on a streaming site listening to artists new to me. Both 'Where The Midnight Sun Never Sets' and 'En gng i Stockholm.' just floored me at first play. I believe Bengtson's voice is the most beautiful I've ever heard, Bengtson's lyrical, melodic and so darn full of sass that it hooked me immediately. I've been recommending it for weeks.
1332114
As part of the  Pickneyville/Borders writing group, I've had the honor of seeing Carol's writing develop over the past decade.  Carol's writing has always been beautiful, drawing the reader into her world.  And in every sentence, I can hear Carol's authentic voice.  Her book expresses so well who she is.

In MOTHERING MOTHER, Carol has graciously allowed us into her life and thoughts.  She's given us a painful and funny account of one of the worst times in life -- a time most of us are fated to experience.

I used to fear reading these kinds of stories.  I was afraid it would be like when you're pregnant and everyone delights in telling you horror stories of their deliveries.  But Carol's book is not like that.  Yes, there are things you never thought of before (like how to deal with an incontinent adult who can't comprehend what's going on), but Carol also tells how she dealt with these things, which doesn't leave the reader hopeless.  When I finished this book, I sat on my screened porch listening to the rain, letting her words sink in.

Everyone should read this book.  To be fully human is to be present, in relationship, with those around you.  Carol has shown us how.
4301949
Im a prairie girl - always will be. It doesnt matter that I have lived in an urban center for 45 years. I make regular trips back home to get my prairie fix. Now there is a new book that can transport me back to the prairie whenever I pick up Gayle Larson Schucks new novel, BY THE BANKS OF COTTONWOOD CREEK.
The cover photo introduces the reader to a bucolic prairie scene complete with gnarled trees, a bridge covering a meandering creek, framed with prairie grass.  Be prepared for an engaging story of joy and fulfillment along with sorrow and pain-of-loss while you follow young Kelly Jorgenson to his first parish assignment in North Dakota.
Reeling from the loss of his twin brother in a tragic accident some years before, young Pastor Jorgenson leans on his relationship with God to help him understand his new flock while continuing to process the loss of his brother and the estrangement of his parents. This story flows beautifully. The reader will find poignant moments that anyone can relate to. Find me a family that hasn't had to deal with chronic illness or the sorrow and pain of losing a loved one.
The author has developed interesting characters within the story. Like most of us they are flawed, carrying their own baggage and just trying to figure out their own journey. Pastor Jorgenson brings a humble presence -  a mixture of self doubt and a keen desire to help others, along with a sense of humor and regular dialogue with his higher power as he seeks guidance in his new role. If you like Pastor Tim in Jan Karons Mitford Series, you will enjoy this book.
I especially love the North Dakota places described so lovingly  any reader from another part of the country will have a new appreciation for the beauty of the state.
2114235
Torquil MacLeod caught my interest with the opening of the first chapter, and held it through the last word (and what a surprise that was!). I would like to meet Anita Sundstrom sometime. I would very much like to visit Malmo. I would like to meet Ewan and read the "Novo News". And most of all, I really want to read the next Anita Sundstrom mystery. It's been awhile since I've read an author who used the history of the various settings for a mystery so well. The capsule hustory of Mary Queen of Scots and the Earl of Bothwell is one of the best I've read, and fits seamlessly into the narrative while entertaining as a solo act. I smile just remembering.
929796
Even if he has to make it up, Tim can find humor anywhere and he obviously loves sharing it.  I grew up watching The Carol Burnett Show.  It was a favorite of mine!  I'm also from Northeast Ohio and like to hear the history of our "local" celebrities. This book will leave you smiling.  I was compelled to look up old clips and laugh with Tim again. What a pleasure, Thank you.  :-D
2377645
I have always enjoyed Carol Berg's novels, although I felt that she really hit her stride with the Collegia Magica series, which I adored. I was not sure how I was going to feel about Dust and Light...in fact, the title, which was so similar to Breath and Bone & Flesh and Spirit made me wonder if I had read the book before! I am happy to say that this book delighted me. Lots of well-drawn action circling a central mystery...I can't wait for the next one.
767557
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! Powerful ending. I love all of Carol's works. At first glance, they seem to be written for children,  and they are!, But adults will enjoy reading them AND may learn a thing or two from them. The illustrations are also fantastic. Whimsical!!!!!
I am buying two more complete sets. One as a wedding gift. The other as a gift form my yet to be born Grandchild!
3329305
I love this series with Tony and Carol from from this fabulous author.
She didn't let us down with this one. Ihope there will be more to come.
thank you Carol!
2374739
This is one of the first books I have read in a while, where I've sat down and read from start to finish in one sitting. While not a particularly difficult read, it is very entertaining and engaging. I grew up watching Carol Burnett and still find myself laughing after all these years at all those wonderful comedy sketches. It's a fantastic read of someone I grew up with who always made me laugh.