Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

"Snow Flower and the Secret Fan," by Lisa See

In nineteenth-century China, in a remote Hunan county, a girl named Lily, at the tender age of seven, is paired with a laotong, “old same,” in an emotional match that will last a lifetime. The laotong, Snow Flower, introduces herself by sending Lily a silk fan on which she’s painted a poem in nu shu, a unique language that Chinese women created in order to communicate in secret, away from the influence of men. As the years pass, Lily and Snow Flower send messages on fans, compose stories on handkerchiefs, reaching out of isolation to share their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments. Together, they endure the agony of foot-binding, and reflect upon their arranged marriages, shared loneliness, and the joys and tragedies of motherhood. The two find solace, developing a bond that keeps their spirits alive. But when a misunderstanding arises, their deep friendship suddenly threatens to tear apart.

This was a lovely book, I was surprised I liked it so much.  It is our May choice for the book club.  I really enjoyed the detail in the book and how the Chinese customs were passed along from generation to generation.

I knew nothing about foot-binding and to be honest I still don't understand why they had to go through the pain for those ugly looking feet; but what do I know?  I was also not impressed with how they treat women in general or female children.  

The hardship's and danger Lily and Snow Flower went through in their lives, made me feel like a whiner.  If we had to go through half of what they went through we would all have something to complain about.

I did shed some tears close to the end of the book, as it does tug at your heart strings with what happens.

Stars out of 5 : 5 This book sucked me in from the beginning, as much for the way their general daily life was described.  The friendship of Lily and Snow Flower was also a life line that they both clung too, to give them hope when times were tough for them.  Not only is this book a story it's also a history lesson for us all.  It really is well worth reading.  I may look for other books by the author.

"Every Bride Needs a Groom," by Janice Thompson

"Every Bride Needs a Groom," by Janice Thompson

Small-town girl Katie Fisher is busy planning her fairy-tale wedding. Sure, her boyfriend hasn't managed to pop the question just yet, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't enter a contest in Texas Bride magazine to win the dress of her dreams, right? Anyway, she's sure he'll be getting down on one knee any time now. And a one-of-a-kind designer dress doesn't just fall out of the sky right when you need it.

But when Katie's boyfriend takes a job in another town and breaks up with her--on the very same day she wins her dream dress--her world is turned upside down. Dare she go to Dallas to claim her prize? And will the hunky pro basketball player who runs the beyond-swanky bridal shop--yeah, you read that right--discover her humiliating secret if she does?

This is such a fun book and when I was trying to think of a way to describe it, "Chaos at it's best," was the phrase I thought of.  You cannot help but love the assortment of characters.  I also think everyone will be able to relate to at least one of the characters as well.  I am smiling as I type this, as it's such a lovely book to read.  I will say "Chick-lit," also came to mind when reading this book

This book is the first in the series of "A Brides with Style Novel," the next one due out in October of 2015.   By the way It's not that unusual for some women to have all their wedding planned, but are not even engaged yet.  I know someone who is dating and  has basically got all her wedding sorted....

Stars out of 5 : 4.5, there is no real surprise at what happens in this book.  It's a fun read that will put you in a good mood.  It's one of my shopping list books, where you don't have to think real hard while reading it.  Looking forward to the next one in the series.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"Buried Secrets," by Irene Hannon

"Buried Secrets," by Irene Hannon

After years as a Chicago homicide detective, Lisa Grant is ready for the kinder, gentler life of a small-town police chief. But the discovery of a human skeleton by a construction crew at the edge of town taxes department resources. Enter ex-Navy SEAL Mac McGregor, the detective sent by the county to assist on the case. As they work to solve the mystery behind the unmarked grave, danger begins to shadow them. Someone doesn't want this dead person telling any tales--and will stop at nothing to make certain a life-shattering secret stays buried.

This book had me hooked right from the beginning.  Its a fast paced book with twists and turns all along the way.  The suspense part of the book keeps you on your toes, and the romantic part of it keeps you wanting more.  I also learned something new; that a tree specialist can give you an idea of how long a body has been buried for by the trees roots found in a grave.  Thought that was interesting fact.

We are introduced to Mac's other two brother's in this book and I believe as this is the first in a series of books, the other two books in the series will be about them.  Which is all good by me!!  The second book in the Men of Valor series is due to be released in the Spring of 2016

Stars out of 5 : 5, a solid 5 at that.  I cannot fault this book.  It had a bit of everything in it and will appeal to a lot of readers.  It's a must read from me!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".