Potevka's Gifts by Mike Ramsdell

I read this thinking this book was going to be a continuation of  "A Train to Potevka"  but almost immediately in reading the book he mentions that it is not.  He does say that a continuation will come out called, "Russia: Rags and Riches--Spies and Lies."  He will put that out after the movie of  "A Traini to Potevka" comes out. 

Nevertheless, I enjoyed the short stories in this book.  His stories were great.  I learned much from reading them and was intrigued by them. 

He also had a question answering section.  That was enlightening.  For example, did you know that Potevka is not a real place.  He is not allowed to identify the place with a safe house because that would be breaking security.  He says he named it after the character in one of his favorite musicals, "Fiddler on the Roof." 

There are many questions answered and funny stories shared.  I was very grateful to have read this book.

Beyond the Blackboard by Stacey Bess

"Beyond the Blackboard" is full of stories from teaching at the "School With No Name."  This is a school offered to homeless children in Salt Lake City, UT.  The author gives touching story after touching story of teaching, homelessness, love, family, poverty, and sometimes even miracles.  This book helps get a glimpse of this aspect of society that no one really wants to think about or talk about because it requires a look at the reality of real troubles in society.  It's a book that will probably come to one's mind even after the book is closed.

Uneasy Fortunes by Mandi Ellsworth

Pete has had a rough life.  He shows up at the Betteridge Ranch ready to work.  He is a hard worker but doesn’t say much. 

June has also had a rough life.  When Pete shows up she thinks of him as just another hired hand.  She is hard to get to know because her defenses are up and keeps to herself. 

Pete starts to quietly do things for June which seems to make her upset. 

This book has so much in it to captivate one’s attention.  There are so many parts to the story, so many twists in plot. 

I really enjoyed reading this book.  It was really fun.  There were parts that I found a tear escaping my eye without even realizing it at first.  This is one of those books I will probably read more than once. 

Shannon Hale

I met Shannon Hale again yesterday.  She is one of the most lovely people ever.  She is also a very kind lady and also a very "with it" lady.

YAY for her new book, "Princess Academy:  Palace of Stone."  Life is good!

Deadly Treasure by Jillayne Clements

There was a lot of substance to this book.  It had a great love story and I really grew to like the character of Lexi.  Lexi lives in Park City, Utah.  She works at the Tanger Outlets.  She just broke up with Ron when he cheats on her.  Then for the summer she is thrown into a situation where her Grandfather is killled over a map to the Lost Rhoades Mines.  The killer doesn't find the map but, now she seems to be in danger.  She is also thrown into a situation of two brothers, one is her best friend and one has been someone she tried to get his attention when she was younger.  Suddenly her thoughts are not of Ron but of the new challenges and situations she is working through.

I picked this book especially because of the Lost Rhoades Mine.  I have heard of this mine and know someone who writes about them and so that part intrigued me to buy it.  I loved hearing familiar names of Park City, Springville, BYU, UVU, Utah State, Heber, Orem and Salt Lake City.  These are all places that are familiar to me and it was fun to read them in a book.

I loved the twists and turns of this book.  There were constantly new creative situations that Lexi was in.  I was impressed with this book.  It wasn't the same ole love story.  It had punch and mystery.  I am glad I finally picked it up after having it for more than two years.

Hole in my life by Jack Gantos

This is an autobiography.  It is a story about a young man who makes some big mistakes.  In fact, right off it shows a picture of a mug shot of Jack.  This is a book about how he ended up in prison and he also tells what happens after that.

I guess you could say my eyes were open.  This book has some tough experiences in it that were hard for me to read.

After reading this book I really begun to ponder about consequences.  Sometimes we don't even fully realize how bad consequences can be as we are living our lives.  One experience can impact the rest of our life.

This would be a good book especially for someone who may not be making the best choices in their lives to perhaps see how bad things can get from one choice. 

The Trouble with May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm

This book is Young Adult Fiction but I am not sure if it is Historical Fiction or not. Some of the stories and things that happen in the book are from Jennifer Holm’s great grandfather. There is a little bit of history in it but, mostly it is a great spellbinding story.

This is the sequel to “Our Only May Amelia.” This book doesn’t lose any of the flow of the previous book. Just like “Our Only May Amelia” the author doesn’t distinguish conversation from any other part of the book. There are no quotes. It makes one really have to think about if it is conversation or just one of May Amelia’s thoughts but, I think it is one of the things that makes this book unique.

This book has the same wonderful characters as the last book, plus a few more. It is a book that still infuriates a bit when things unjustly happen to May Amelia. Yet, the book has warmth and love too. It’s all about living in a family where things don’t always go as expected. It’s where injustices happen. It’s where love abounds. I was impressed with this book and liked it every bit as much as the first one.