Believable characters with lessons for life which help both people and animals set in beautiful country.
587257
Great episodes the entire family can watch! Believable characters with lessons for life which help both people and animals set in beautiful country.
4717427
This was a lovely women's fiction love story. I enjoyed the realistic nature of the storyline and the setting. Even though it was set in Australia I thought the concept could've taken place anywhere because the conflicts and emotions were so universal to anyone who's longed for a second chance at love. Most of all, I'm a sucker for any story that has animals and Ms. Spencer let us enjoy the characters and the relationship she shared with her animals.
1670369
This was the first book I've read by Karen Barnett and I really enjoyed it. The setting in Mount Rainer National Park was excellent. The author really knows her stuff. The main character, Margie, reminded me of Anne of Green Gables. She is optimistic and frequently quotes poetry. Her love interest, Ford, is very down to earth. They balance each other out well.

The story moved along at a good pace, and I found myself cheering Margie and Ford on as they tried to save the park from Margie's former fiance and his scheme to turn it into a tourist attraction. If you are looking for a quick sweet read with beautiful scenery you should give this book a try.

I received this book for free for the purpose of review.
1370879
Once you begin reading this book it's hard to put it down.  It's characters are endearing and believable.  It teaches some great life lessons in the concluding chapters.  I loved it!
4425900
Barbara Kingsolver tells stories in a way that the reader can experience with all her senses.  While these stories teach, the lessons are not preachy but imbedded in a compelling story with likeable and believable characters.
158740
This was an enjoyable book set in an area that isn't often written about. I enjoyed the characters as they were familiar and believable. I thought it was a good exploration on what someone may be going through when deciding, as a young adult, to study abroad. Good gift idea as well for someone setting off on that adventure!
2211591
A really sweet read with well rounded, funny characters. I know people like this. The bumps and emotions the characters experience are believable. I really enjoyed the trip abroad and the realistic a beautifully written descriptions.

As an animal lover and rescuer, whose mom has a crazy, yet lovable, rescue dog, I love the colorful animals in the book.

I also really enjoyed the interactions with Tara's family and coworkers. So many books you read aren't well rounded in the backdrop, while maintaining a nice pace. This book is not one of those. Seven Steps truly delivers a world to immerse yourself in. Also it appeared to be fairly well edited, making for a much easier read than many other low prices or free books.
379251
Elizabeth Gaskell's novels allow me to escape from today's fast-paced life into a graceful, provincial world where serious-minded people live simply and do their best to search out and follow God's will. In Gaskell's books, nobility of character cuts across socioeconomic lines and can be found in surprising places. What I like best about her books is the detailed depiction of everyday activities in the lives of people of all classes which makes them spring to life. Gaskell's characters are entirely believable as they grow and change. The themes of love and devotion to family, error and repentance, forgiveness and acceptance are played out against a picturesque background of farmlands, country lanes and bleak moors in eighteenth-century England.

Mary Barton and Ruth are stories about young working-class women; Cranford, a study of decaying small-town aristocracy, is too slow for all but the most serious Gaskell devotees; North and South, about the contrast between the aristocratic South of England and the industrialized North, has many parallels to the American North and South of that time. Sylvia's Lovers opens with the brutal impressment gangs kidnapping healthy young men and forcing them to serve their country at sea, while the women cope with life in their absence. Wives and Daughters shines a spotlight on a difficult relationship between a teenage girl and her stepmother. All of Gaskell's novels, as well as her short stories, are thoughtful, inspiring and poetic.
2973275
This is a heartfelt story that offers hope and compassion for those who love animals and nature.  For me, it was a real page-turner.
2523033
The setting was great. Some country, some classy, a lot of nice people. Reading as the story unfolded gave me warm fuzzies
926196
Although this is a "boy loves dog" story in the truest sense of the term, "Shiloh" adds the dimension of animal abuse that is a contemporary concern of all that love animals.  Marty is a compassionate soul whose "hunting" is more of the investigative nature than the actual killing of an animal.  This aspect of the boy's character is one of the strengths especially in light of the stereotypical view of all young boys in rural America having a passion for killing.  Showing that it is just as "manly" to have concern for animals, as it to hunt them, is a concept that Ms. Naylor has cleverly presented.
By having the characters speak in the language and manner of the West Virginia hills, Naylor has added authenticity to her prose.  The conversations between the respective personalities are both insightful and entertaining.  As I read the book, I felt as if these were real people speaking to me in their natural manner.
Even though the principal is a boy, I am sure that all children, regardless of gender, can relate to this boy's courage and ingenuity.  Marty's devotion to the animal is certainly an attribute that all should aspire to have for others.
Because of the dog's presence in the family, there are subtle changes in the family.  Mother and father discover maturity in their son that hey had not seen before; the boy becomes closer to his younger sisters; and Marty realizes that he possesses perseverance and resourcefulness that would benefit him for the rest of his days.  Even an "enemy" of Marty becomes a respectful acquaintance.
When I first began reading the book, I thought that it would take me through familiar territory.  However, I was pleasantly surprised at its originality.
I cared for this boy and his dog.
Children will also have these same feelings.
4959360
Traci DePree takes us away to Lake Emily, a quiet little southern Minnesota hamlet where life revolves around the cycles of the earth, weather, and crops. The story introduces us to Peter, a dissatisfied professional searching for something more in life. That something becomes farming -- working the land so lovingly tilled by his late grandfather. Peter and his wife Mae, a city girl who is skeptical of living in the fishbowl of small town life, set out to begin a new life amongst the kindly residents of Lake Emily.
This story provides the reader with insights into so many things -- the sorrow of loss, the power of faith, the contentment and hardships found in farm life, the longing for approval, the joy of enduring love, and the anchor of true community. All these themes, and more, are woven seamlessly into a delightful tale that is a true mirror of life in so many ways.
Some may find that Lake Emily is too idyllic -- that the town and its people have so few warts that it is too good to be true. That is a fair complaint for those looking for prose that is a bit deeper and darker.
But perhaps a certain idealism is the charm of A Can of Peas. The seeming perfection of Lake Emily is something we dream about, and its people are the good-hearted neighbors we seek, but seldom find, in our own communities.
3790437
This is a charming book that vividly portrays believable and moving characters who give us insight into life in a small Southern town. It is a perfect book for a book group as readers get caught up in the lives and the moral dilemmas of the protagonists; it offers plenty to discuss.
1661197
The world of canine rescue is the foundation for this sweet story. There are three main vignettes with some minor characters revolving around them. A couple dealing with infertility, a divorced mom of two with the ex from hell and all the attendant heartache and a single career woman, suddenly finding herself without a job.
All find each other when they become involved with a local rescue kennel. Friendships aren't immediate but start slowly, with each so absorbed with their issues that they can't see what is just beyond their noses. Of course, the dogs do the heavy lifting in getting the characters to start seeing and resolving their issues.
As is usual with animal based stories, the dogs steal the show, especially(for me) Bertie the Basset Hound. And there is plenty of good information about the benefits of rescuing versus buying a dog and some training tips. And there was a twist or two that keep the reader guessing. A quick and sweet read.
4398312
This is a delightful story with rich characters, several different settings painted with vivid details, and themes which explore the depth of love and grace. Humor is sprinkled lightly throughout as is the subtle theme of uncovering a mystery. Thankfully the ending isn't tied up with a neat bow, although much of the themes are resolved. It left me as the reader wondering what new stories might develop from this family that I fell in love with as well.

The main character, Emily, is seeking to learn to bring her paintings to life; a vivid life, especially in the eyes, the windows to the soul. In the same way, the author of this novel places layers and layers of character insights, storylines, and themes which bring life to the characters and shows us vivid insights into their souls.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and its development of the main character. Watching her transform from a gal who is uncertain of her value in life, both in work and in love, into a blossoming wife who is able to accept the love and grace that has been given her and then is able to use it to transform her perspective and gifts to others is absolutely beautiful.

The themes of love, grace, and redemption are all too tempting by many authors to be preached to the reader but Katherine Reay Gently weaves them into the story and allows the reader to pick the fruit in their own way. Im thankful she didn't just explain it as if I was an ignorant observer.

Besides the themes of love and grace and all the good stuff, this novel was enjoyable simply on the merit of being a great story. I enjoyed the romance, great cooking, the rich tones of Tuscany, and the uncomfortable extended family. I will never forget the scenes of truffle hunting or of art restoration. I also enjoyed many of the characters and their varied personalities. The author did a good job of bringing many to life and allowing us to see their growth and change. All made for a very enjoyable read.
1490106
Beautifully written, yet realistic, adventures of a veterinarian in the small communities of Yorkshire, with humor, deep sensitivity for both man and beast. It was a harder life in those times than we could have imagined, yet full of joy.  A
not to be missed fresh positive vacation from our century's ills.
4174577
Beautiful language and captures the feel of the land and culture.  Great characters and a plot that moves.  A very enjoyable and rewarding read.