Canteen Dreams

World War II is a fascinating part of our country's history.  Canteen Dreams captures a perfect snapshot of what life was like on the homefront for the average American civilian and how the lives of everyday people were affected by the events that formed this significant part of our nation's story. 

Not only is this debut novel by Cara Putman a classic picture of life on the homefront during the early days of the war, but it is also the love story of a rancher who would like to do his part in the war and a school teacher.  Two people who find love in the middle of trouble times.

While not a long novel it is still a charming story and a must read for lovers of historical romance.

Lucille Ball meets Murder She Wrote's Jessica Fletcher in A. K. Arenz's debut novel The Case of the Bouncing Grandma.  Glory Harper is the unlikely heroine of this mystery and yes to romance lovers, there is a hint of romance in the air with the hunky detective Rick Spencer, a "Harrison Ford" lookalike, playing the hero although he is upstaged at the end, but I'll let the reader find out how and by whom for themselves. 

The book is fast paced and interesting.  Despite the fact that she is confined in a wheelchair for entire book Glory manages to find a mystery in the first chapter than proceeds to accomplish what an entire police department failed to do and in the process solves not one, but two mysteries!

I was also very impressed with the underlying patriotic theme in the story, Glory's son-in-law is in the military and current events are added tactfully and give another dimension to the story.  This fun mystery has lots of entertaining twists and turns.  One of the best parts is the story that everyone in town seems to know about how Glory ended up in a wheelchair at the first of the story!  Really funny! 

I will warn the reader that the story is told in first person.  I normally don't care for stories told in first person, but this book is one worth reading even if first person is not your normal reading preference.  I was completely into the story from page one!  Thankfully this is just the first book of a series.  I'm looking forward to seeing more books in this series by this very talented author!

Every so often I come across a book that combines so many elements I enjoy in a story that it's hard for me to put it down.  I recently read one such book.  I happened to meet the author at an  book signing and meeting and started to discuss the book she had just published.  As we talked about her book I thought this sounds like a book I might enjoy.  In the end I purchased a copy and began reading it.  For the first time in quite a while I had a book that I read straight through and it kept my attention all of the way through.

In Edwina, this new author has created characters that are real and easy to relate to.  They have the same concerns, problems and challenges that we face every day.  Her settings are vivid and vary enough to keep the story moving and to keep the reader on their toes.  

From the beautiful scenic moors of Scotland to the Heartland of America.  From small town Michigan to big city Chicago the heartfelt story of Edwina a small town librarian who finds herself stranded in Scotland when her vacation plans go awry.  Luckly for this charming heroine our hero, in the form of a rugged Scottish laird, is on hand to rescue her.  What follows is a story the crosses oceans and shows the many faces of love.  Edwina tells about the love between siblings, father and daughter, teacher and pupil and friends.    

If you have time or are looking for a good read for the summer give Edwina by Patricia Strefling a try.