June/July Stack

  I haven't had a blog in a while because I was working my way through three books and several audiobooks, but here's what I have gotten done so far:

   In my fiction pile I have read The Rancher's Second Chance by Brenda Minton. A Love Inspired book from the Martin's Crossing series.
 In The Rancher's Second Chance, Grace finds herself on the run from an abusive husband. With nowhere to turn, she ends up at the trailer of her ex - the man she left for his best friend (the abuser) He has conflicting feelings on whether or not he should take her back after the way she left him the first time, but when he finds out she's pregnant...he softens toward her situation.
 The book has the usual meddling-for-good family who create a warm family unit around Grace. All of the characters are likable and the book features great fiction writing. Sit back and enjoy, it's a bit like watching a Hallmark Channel movie unfold before your eyes. I recommend this book (and the series!) for a great summer read.
  Next up in my pile is a non-fiction book: Paul Harvey's America by Stephen Mansfield and David A. Holland.
  I assume you know of the Paul Harvey radio legacy if you are picking up his biography. I'm included as one of his fans for many years. I grew up eating my breakfast and lunch to Paul Harvey news, and I remember the local furor when they removed his show from the local station to replace it with Fox News.
 Paul Harvey was a one of a kind broadcaster. Like they say in the book, he let his listeners form their own opinions of the news he delivered. And there was no delivery like Paul Harvey's:warm, thoughtful, and just as curious as the rest of us. The right-wing jawers of today can't compare to his down home style and colloquialisms like "wash your ears out with this!" with the perfect tone of amazement in what he is just about to tell you.
  This biography is a good read - particularly for older readers who grew up listening to him - It covers some personal history, some of his views on history, and a loving summary of his career in radio.  The only thing I missed were some pictures. A biography isn't quite complete without some pictures of said person. Although the cover has a great pic of smiling Paul ahead of his beloved microphone.
  Third on my list from this last month was a book called The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan. Sort of a mix of autobiography that reads like a story with dialogue and characters from her real life.
 The Middle Place is about a woman going through cancer at the same time she finds out her father has a potentially fatal cancer. Another great book that I would recommend seeking out. It is written with humor, hope, and love. The author travels back and forth in the story from her early days to her current days as it ties together the scene of her family life with her parents. I loved the pace and-don't worry- it's not devastatingly sad; it's Real and hilarious (like real life!).