Book Review and ARC Giveaway: I Didn't Ask to Be Born by Bill Cosby

I have to agree with the blurb comment - I'm glad Bill Cosby was born and chooses to continue to share laughter.

I Didn't Ask to Be Born (but I'm Glad I Was)

by Bill Cosby

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Center Street (November 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892969202
• ISBN-13: 978-0892969203

Genre:  Comedy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Product Description
The world's most beloved funnyman is back with his first humor book since the bestselling Cosbyology. In this hilarious new collection of observations, Cosby brings us more of his wonderful and wacky insights into the human condition that are sure to become classics. In the tradition of Fat Albert, Cosby introduces a host of new characters, including Peanut Armhouse and Old Mother Harold. Not since Mushmouth, Dumb Donald, Bucky, and the Cosby Kids has there been such a memorable cast.

Over the past century, few entertainers have achieved the legendary status of William H. Cosby, Jr. His success spans five decades and virtually all media-remarkable accomplishments for a kid who emerged from humble beginnings in a Philly housing project.

The doctor of comedy holds forth on everything from a game show contestant's confusing origins, to a grandchild with a Godzilla infatuation, to his first love Bernadette, and many more delightful digressions.

Bill Cosby may not have asked to be born, but we're sure glad he was.

Review: This is a book that can bring a smile ...or several. :-)
Bill Cosby has always had a humorous way of looking at situations and he is a wonderful story teller.  This book opens with a story that was not made up by Cosby but happened while he was the talk show host for You Bet Your Life. Marcia Broody was the straight-faced guest who got Cosby lost looking for North, SC that was southeast of Due West. It is a great bit and had me laughing out loud!

There are stories of Cosby’s childhood days in the projects. He makes the neighborhood come alive in your mind from the poor raggedly-dressed children to the mothers who demanded respect. There is lots of humor in softball play “around back” and playing cowboys with your mother’s broom as your mighty steed.  It is fun to read the stories and wander with Cosby as he rambles and digresses and then returns to the original story.

Cosby also has a knack for stories about God with a Biblical foundation, a vivid imagination and great tongue in cheek. I have always loved his “Noah” routine. This book includes a fine routine about Adam and Eve.

There are tidbits on raising children, including how to respond when a child rebels with the phrase “I didn’t ask to be born.”  There are also insights on Native Americans, voice mail, items that wouldn’t have been mentioned in the early days of TV, and some reminisces of fond  grandparent moments.

The book is short and easy to pick up and read in one sitting or to read one vignette at a time.  The illustrations might be called “chicken scratch” drawings but they are just wonderful. The ARC also contains spots which I think are for photos which would add even more visual fun. If you are looking for light, clean entertainment this is a great choice for yourself or a friend who needs a “pick-me-up” smile.

Thank you to Center Street for providing this book for review.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the paperback ARC copy:
1. I will give you a choice: visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there; OR take a peek at the Open Book and tell me what you think of the illustrations there! OR tell me if you have a favorite Cosby story/routine. One or these is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3.  For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

* Open to the US & Canada only.

* No PO boxes, please.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on November 18, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on November 19. 
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and Giveaway: Forbidden by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee

This is an intense tale of emotional rebirth in a "dead" society.
Forbidden (The Book of Mortals) 
by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Center Street (September 13, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599953544
• ISBN-13: 978-1599953540

Genre:  Fantasy
My Rating: 4.75

Product Description

New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker teams with Tosca Lee to create this gripping thriller set in a desolate future.

Many years have passed since civilization's brush with apocalypse. The world's greatest threats have all been silenced. There is no anger, no hatred, no war. There is only perfect peace... and fear. But a terrible secret has been closely guarded for centuries: Every single soul walking the earth, though in appearance totally normal, is actually dead, long ago genetically stripped of true humanity.

Fleeing pursuit, with only moments to live, a young man named Rom stumbles into possession of a vial of blood and a piece of cryptic writing. When consumed, the blood will bring him back to life. When decoded, the message will lead him on a perilous journey that will require him to abandon everything he has ever known and awaken humanity to the transforming power of true life and love.

But the blood will also resurrect hatred, ambition, and greed.

Set in a terrifying, medieval future, where grim pageantry masks death, this tale of dark desires and staggering stakes peels back the layers of the heart for all who dare to take the ride.

Review: This is a wonderfully gripping read - truly entertaining.

This medieval-type world is full of the living dead...at least they are dead emotionally. About four hundred years ago civilization was destroyed by war. One of the scientists of that day, the  alchemists, decided the best way to control society was to eliminate all emotions except for fear. Fear could be used to control people so there would be a world of peace. They set loose an emotion killing virus and established The Order, the peaceful society with royal families, guards, artisans and slaves, all governed by rules and traditions and controlled by fear.  Anyone who has a defect or illness is sent to a Wellness Center and never returns.  Anyone who disobeys the rules is turned in by others who fear punishment and death.

Rom comes upon an elderly man running from the elite Citadel Guards. The man claims he is a Keeper and that Rom’s own father said that Rom could be trusted. The man thrusts a bundle to Rom and tells him to find The Keeper known as The Book.  Rom watches the guards slaughter the man, then he runs with the bundle. He discovers that the bundle contains a vial of blood and a message regarding ‘true life’.

Rom and three select friends go into hiding. Trying to understand what the blood is about, they each drink a portion and begin to experience the myriad of human emotions that had been lost.  They discover laughter, wonder, anguish and pain.  They begin to realize that with no emotion there is no love; without suffering there is no real pleasure; without tears there is no joy... there is no longing and no hope.  Rom and his companions find themselves “[O]ut of Order, fully human...”

A new royal Sovereign, Feyn, is about to be inaugurated.  Her older brother, Saric, is being fed a blood mixture by The Alchemists who seek power and control.  Saric is full of anger, greed, ambition and obsession.  He plots against his father, the current Sovereign, and against Feyn.

Now the ‘true life’ of mankind is in the hands of Rom's band of rebels, including a cripple boy, Jonathan. Although it seems impossible, Jonathan must become Sovereign to bring life back to people.

I caught the excitement and tension of the story from the beginning and the intensity continued to the end. The story is not necessarily religious but I really liked the Christian allegories that I perceived:  there is betrayal, a procession to royalty, a sacrifice, a promised savior, evil v. good, a need to believe by faith and circumstances working together to bring hope to a dead people.

I hope the next book in the series comes soon!
(I have not read The Circle trilogy but I will have to look into that.)

Thank you to Sarah at Center Street for this book to review. 

USA ONLY GIVEAWAY (due to postage costs - sorry)
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the review copy:

1. Visit Ted Dekker's website and tell me something you found interesting there.
This is required for entry.
You might want to watch the book trailer which is very good.

2.  For an additional entry visit Tosca Lee's Website and tell me something you learned there.

3.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

4. For two more entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Five total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of the US.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on October 21, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries and announced on October 22 with 72 hours to complete the winners form.

Q&A Interview with Adina Senft, Author of The Wounded Heart: An Amish Quilt Novel

Please help me welcome Adina Senft author of  The Wounded Heart: An Amish Quilt Novel

 

I am looking forward to reading what looks like a beautiful story.

Adina:  I really hope you like it. And thank you for inviting me over to join you on the blog. Here, I’ve got an apple crumble pie that my heroine Amelia made this morning. Would you like ice cream on the side, or fresh cream overtop?

Oh yummy - I love ice cream with warm pie!

1Q.  When you started The Wounded Heart, did you plan to do a series and if so, did you have each book plotted out before you started or did the subsequent books flow from the first book?

Adina:  The Amish Quilt trilogy has always been three books. When I came up with the series idea, I knew the issues I wanted to explore with each central character’s struggle: The Wounded Heart would be chronic disease. The Hidden Life would be the perpetual spinster. The Tempted Soul would be emotional infidelity. But that was all I knew!

So for a month before I begin writing each book, I read everything I can get my hands on about those topics and about my Amish setting. Then I begin to do character work, and the plot grows out of that.  The fun part is weaving in hints about what will happen in the next books into the current one. It’s like planning a treasure hunt J

Ha- I never thought about it quite like that! I love treasure hunts and maybe that is why I really like series books. J

2Q.  What inspired you to write this genre?

Adina:  It was one of those things where the universe closes a door in your face, but you feel a breeze on the back of your neck from the window that opened behind you. I grew up in a plain house church (I wasn’t Amish, but was often asked if I was), but it never occurred to me to write from that viewpoint until my editor gave me an elbow in the ribs and suggested it. It was a real “aha!” moment mixed with a whole lot of “duh!”

I love when you get that nice breeze on the back of your neck. Your editor sounds like she encouraged you to look at writing from “what you know” even if it wasn’t exactly.

3Q.  Where did you get the idea for this story/series?

Adina:  I have a friend who suffered for nearly a decade, wasting away and losing control of various bodily parts. She almost died before she went to the dentist and he realized that she was suffering from mercury poisoning from the fillings in her teeth, not fibromyalgia or M.S. After he got all those out of her mouth, she entered a chelation program to cleanse her blood of heavy metals. Her story triggered the idea for The Wounded Heart … and the way the Amish care for each other’s health without help from government formed a nice avenue of conflict that I could use as my heroine pursued treatment.

 Oh my goodness. I am so glad your friend got a proper diagnosis before it was too late. That makes for a good plotline.

4Q.  Could you please share one surprising thing about your research or experience writing this book?

Adina:  There is so much to learn and enjoy about the Amish and the research curve is so steep that nearly everything was surprising to me, LOL! But the biggest thing I learned is how mistaken were my own preconceptions about their culture. There is a reason why they do the things they do and look the way they look. For instance, each piece of a woman’s clothes means something historically and says something about her service to God. The white organdy prayer covering (called a Kapp in Pennsylvania Dutch) is pinned to the hair with three straight pins. But where you pin it says something about how willing you are to submit to the Ordnung. If you wear it far back on your head so that your ears are exposed, maybe you’re having a hard time submitting to the community’s expectations. And if you leave your strings free and not tied, you’re really walking the edge J because the Amish feel the next step after that is to remove the Kapp altogether, and then your principle indicator of submission is gone. You’ll notice in the other Amish communities outside the Old Order, the Kapp is smaller, covers less, and some have no strings at all.

So the art department and I worked together closely when it came to the portrayal of my heroine, Amelia Beiler, on the cover of The Wounded Heart. In the first versions her Kapp was pushed back on her hair, and the strings hung loose in front. But we worked together, and through the marvels of Photoshop, she now looks exactly as she should.

 Thanks for sharing this tidbit - something I never knew.

5Q.  Did your family support you in becoming a writer?

Adina:  Oh, yes. My husband is my biggest fan. He doesn’t go anywhere without a bunch of postcards in the side pocket of the door of the truck, and there are always bookmarks for my latest release in his pocket. He talks to the people in the doctor’s office, in the checkout line, and recently, on his annual hunting trip, he gave one of my excerpt booklets to a fellow hunter miles from anywhere out in the bush!

How great to have supportive family.

6Q.  What kind of books do you enjoy?

Adina:  I’m an eclectic reader. I have healthy collections of women’s fiction by Kristin Hannah, as many of Donna Leon’s Venice-set mysteries and C.S. Harris’s historical mysteries as I can get my hands on, science fiction by Connie Willis, urban fantasy by Jim Butcher, romance by Jennifer Skully and Bella Andre, children’s books by Troon Harrison . . . you name it. At the moment I’m immersed in George R.R. Martin’s “Song of Ice and Fire” books. Thank you, HBO. I read lots of Amish fiction, too, but not usually during the actual writing. I have a huge fear of being derivative and echoing someone’s book without being aware of it.

Now I have to go check the Martin books. Good thinking to keep your own voice and not echo someone even accidentally.

7Q.  What are some of the best tips you’ve received on writing?

Adina:  Jenny Cruise was the guest speaker when I was in the M.F.A. in Writing Popular Fiction program at Seton Hill University, and she said something about plotting I’ve never forgotten. Besides “Start where the trouble starts,” she said, “Two people are arguing about a coffee table. Remember that the table isn’t what they’re fighting about. It’s what’s under the table.” In other words, in important scenes, dialogue should have two levels of meaning—what’s on the surface and what is really bugging the characters down deep that they’re unwilling to come right out and say. I’ve never forgotten it. Of course, it took me the rest of my time in graduate school to figure out how to actually do that on the page.

Very good tip…that depth could make a big difference in how the dialogue and characters.

8Q.  What do you hope your readers get out of your books?

Adina:  If they can spend a couple of hours in my imaginary town of Whinburg, Pennsylvania, becoming friends with my characters and getting so involved in their lives that they forget the troubles and cares of their own, then I’m happy. That’s all I want. Company in my world. The coffee is on!

Oh yes… Sometimes I miss the quiet country of Pennsylvania where I grew up.  Next time maybe we could have Shoo Fly Pie.

Thank you for sharing with me and my blog readers.

Martha

Adina:  And thank you so much for the opportunity to visit. Have another slice of pie. I know I want one!

Adina

Book Review: The Wounded Heart by Adina Senft

Delightful read - I was captured and engaged from the beginning to the end by this book.

The Wounded Heart: An Amish Quilt Novel 

by Adina Senft

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: FaithWords (September 27, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892968540
• ISBN-13: 978-0892968541

     Genre: Inspirational
     My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Product Description
When a business offer turns into something more personal, Amelia is torn between what logic tells her is right, and the desire of her heart.

A widow with two small children, Amelia Beiler is struggling to make ends meet. She is running her late husband's business, but it's not what she was raised to do, which is run a home. When she gets an offer for the business from Eli Fischer, she's only too relieved to consider it-especially when it looks like Eli's interest might include more than just the shop. But when she begins to experience strange physical symptoms and is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, it's difficult not to question God's will. If she pursues the treatment she believes in, she risks going under the bann. But how can she allow Eli to court her when she can't promise him a future?

Review: This story is absolutely wonderful with charming writing, characters to love and a real to life story.

Amelia is an Amish widow with two small sons and her late husband’s business to manage.  She knows it is awkward in her community to have a woman running a business but the circumstances placed her in that capacity, not her own wishes or actions.  Yes, she may have learned to be a bit more independent having to make decisions as the head of her household and business.

She is surprised when an Englisch man offers to buy the pallet business. Then another Amish man, Eli, shows interest not only in the business but in her personally. However Amelia has just been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She faces being on medicine, which may only delay the deterioration of her muscle control, for the rest of her life, or she could raise the significant amount necessary to try some experimental treatment in Mexico. But it appears that the church elders do not approve of the experimental treatment nor do they approve of her selling her business to an outsider.

Amelia shares a quilting group with two wonderful friends, Emma and Carrie, who have their own issues. They try to give her sound advise while she also receives advise from her mother and father.  Amelia struggles with finding God’s Will and balancing her choices within the dictates of the elders of her church family.

The phrasing and writing is charming and smoothly reflects the Amish community. There are all the elements one might expect in an Amish story including a dedicated faith, community order, simple - if hard - living, close families and real friendships. There are also the struggles of balancing the worldly input and practices with the Amish life-style. Amelia’s thought dilemmas are so natural. The story is not in any way preachy as it is instead portrays a daily, living faith.

I will be eagerly looking forward to reading the stories for Emma and Carrie as the trilogy continues! The book includes the instructions for the quilt the ladies are working on. There is also a group discussion guide.

Here are two short quotes of many that I liked:
(Amelia responded to the laughter of her sons)
She needed to follow their innocent example and find joy in the little things. P 206

(Eli approaching Amelia again after learning the updated status of her illness.)
But the driver had turned sideways in his seat and was gazing at her with all the hope of harvest in his face. P282

I will be recommending this to my book club as I know everyone would enjoy it. Also I am going to let my daughter read it before I add my copy to the giveaway box. :-)

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Thank you to Hachette Center Street for this book to review and for offering a copy for Giveaway!

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the book copy:
1. Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there. This is required for entry.

2.  For two extra entries comment on the Author interview.

3.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

4. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Six total entries possible.)

* Open to the US & Canada only.

* No PO boxes, please.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on October 14, 2011. (This month's book giveaways will all end on the 30th except for Friday Picks, SBB or other special posts.)
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on October 15. 
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Life is Not a Stage by Florence Henderson

I very much enjoyed this memoir!

Life Is Not a Stage: From Broadway Baby to a Lovely Lady and Beyond 

by Florence Henderson

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Center Street (September 20, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599953889
• ISBN-13: 978-1599953885

Genre: Memoir
My Rating: 4.25

Product Description:
For millions of people around the world, Carol Brady is synonymous with motherhood, but growing up as the youngest of ten children in rural Indiana in the aftermath of the Great Depression, Florence Henderson lived a life quite different from that of the quintessential TV mom she later played on television.

Florence's father was a dirt-poor tobacco tenant farmer who was nearly fifty years old when he married Florence's twenty-five-year-old mother, and was nearly seventy when Florence was born. Florence's childhood was full of deprivation and abandonment. Her father was an alcoholic at a time when there was no rehab or help for the disease. Their home rarely had electricity or running water. When she was twelve, Florence's mother left the family to work in Cleveland and never returned.

Florence opens up about her childhood, as well as the challenges she's faced as an adult, including stage fright, postpartum depression, her extramarital affairs, divorce, her hearing loss, and heart problems. She writes with honesty and wisdom of how her faith and ability to survive has brought her through rough times to a life of profound joy and purpose.

Review:  This is a strong, uplifting memoir from a “Lovely Lady.” I don’t read lots of memoirs but I like to pick a couple a year. I am so glad I picked up this one.

I remember Ms. Henderson from the TV series, The Brady Bunch. I had no idea of the earlier successes she had on stage and Broadway in Oklahoma, The Sound of Music, South Pacific and many other productions. Florence was very active, before and after The Brady Bunch, in variety TV shows, commercials, Las Vegas acts and game shows like The Hollywood Squares (which I do remember).

This book reveals an overview into Florence’s life and career.  More importantly it tells how she pushed through her difficult childhood, strove as a professional to fulfill “the show must go on” motto, married and managed to raise four children while juggling her successful career, and finally, in her mature adult life, with the help of hypnotherapy, grew to understand her emotional struggles. The book gives a glimpse of the change of moral attitudes from the restrictive 1930s through the rebellious ‘60s and then the more liberating ‘70s and ‘80s.

As the blurb notes, Florence shares details of many emotional and physical struggles. You might expect the stage fright, but I was surprised to learn of the postpartum depression and the loss of hearing among other issues revealed.  Florence’s childhood and early years were carried by her mother’s phrase “It will never be noticed on a galloping horse.”  She learned not to address any real problems but to just keeping pushing through. That gave her determination but also brought her to the point of exhaustion physically and emotionally.

This is a quick, easy flowing and nostalgic read. The memoir is direct, open and honest. Although she mentions other actors, directors and other well known figures of the eras, this is not a “tell all” type of expose.  It is focused on Florence’s experiences and how even fleeting contact with some people, even strangers, may have helped her see beyond herself.

Florence doesn’t hide the unpleasant things in her life but doesn’t dwell on them in a negative fashion either.  There are a few industry secrets and many tidbits of wisdom laced throughout the book.  Florence presents a message that there is a real life that goes on behind the stage persona and it is a certain positive spirit and strength of faith that carried her through with grace. The memoir is infused with her determination, professionalism, sense of humor and her singular effervescence.  If you like memoirs, or if you would like a fairly gentle nostalgic glimpse of stage and TV in these pivotal years, I am confident you would enjoy this book.

###

Thank you to Hachette Center Street for this book to review.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC copy:
1. Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there. This is required for entry.
 For fun, tell me of a production or show that you recall seeing Florence Henderson in.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on October 7, 2011. (This month's book giveaways will all end on the 30th except for Friday Picks, SBB or other special posts.)
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on October 8. 
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: The Linen Queen by Patricia Falvey

A poignant portrait of a young woman's growth in 1940's Ireland.
The Linen Queen: A Novel by Patricia Falvey

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Center Street (March 2, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599952009
• ISBN-13: 978-1599952000

Genre: Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Product Description:
From Patricia Falvey, the acclaimed author of The Yellow House, comes The Linen Queen, a moving tale of love and loyalty set in Northern Ireland during the Second World War.

Winning the Linen Queen beauty competition—and its prize money—at first seems the answer to Sheila McGee’s prayers, giving her the means to escape her small mill town. Unfortunately, before she could set her plans in motion, the Belfast blitz makes it impossible for her to get the travel papers she needs. Another opportunity opens up, however, when the Americans—and Captain Joel Solomon—arrive, but even as Sheila fights to hold on to her dream, the war marches ever closer, threatening to engulf her and her friends in the flames of hatred and destruction.

Review: This is a beautiful story, set in an an unusual time and place, of a young girl's growth into a caring woman.

Sheila was Daddy’s little girl but her father left when she was a child and never returned. Sheila and her self centered mother live in a basement room beneath her strict Aunt and drunken Uncle. Sheila’s mother derides Sheila and uses guilt to take all of Sheila’s earnings.  Sheila even has to share her bed when her Aunt takes in a bitter and frightened waif. Sheila dreams of leaving her small town and now that she is 18 she has the chance to win the mill Linen Queen competition and make her escape.

Sheila’s best friend is Gavin, her childhood playmate, who took over the cargo boat  business after his father died. Sheila and Gavin have a favorite meeting place where they can look out across the water at the beautiful mountains and on a clear day they can see the lush green of the three surrounding counties. Sheila longs to go away on one of the ships while Gavin is always happy to return to port and home.  They have been like brother and sister but it seems that moody 22 year old Gavin is developing a different interest in Sheila.

Sheila is depressed when she is not even chosen for the Linen Queen competition. Although she is really a good girl, her reputation is one of a flirt.  She is independent and a bit brash, but never shabby.  Surprise circumstances result in her winning the title and money but she doesn’t get to go away because the war comes.

Many of the girls see the bright young American soldiers as a way to leave the drudgery of their lives.  Sheila slowly develops a friendship with Jewish Captain, Joel Solomon. Joel is a sober and pessimistic man who is drawn to Sheila’s vibrancy even as he acknowledges that he will probably not live through the war.  Sheila doesn’t truly love Joel but can she use him to get away from Ireland to England? Meanwhile she is at odds with Gavin who is angry at the American efforts and begins to get pulled into the IRA rebellion.

The story moves over several years showing Sheila’s character growth from her inward, self-interest focus to a giving and caring person. She is the strongest among her friends and even though there are struggles and falling outs she is there to pull them together.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story showing the insecurities, jealousies and struggles of these young Irish women.  The setting and characters are beautifully and richly portrayed.  I loved this particular bit of comfort from the orphanage Rabbi: “I have always believed that when a person dies his soul melts into tiny pieces and lodges in the hearts of those he loved.” Page 180.
I highly recommend this emotional spotlight on a unique character in a special place and time.

 xxx

Thank you to Sarah and Center Street division of Hachette for the book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY:

1.Mandatory entry: Visit the author's website and tell something of interest you find there.
Please leave your e-mail!

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Four total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only. (So sorry this can't be international. The book is available at Book Depository though.)
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on April 1, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.