“Blind Hope” by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher

“Sliding to a stop, Laurie planted both of her poles and looked at me thoughtfully. ‘My sweet blind dog had helped me understand that in every sorrow, fear, and loneliness, whether I could see Him or not, God has always been with me.” pg. 102

A storm filled woman and an unwanted dog form a partnership of love and life-changing lessons. Laurie wanted to do adopt a dog. She thought she had found the perfect, cute dog in a home that didn’t want her. Instead when she arrived, she found Mia, a dog with many problems. Through caring for Mia, Laurie has come to recognize many realities about her relationship with God. As Laurie shares her thoughts and lessons with Kim, the owner of the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, the words “trust, listen, and believe” stand out. Those words become very special to all of them.

While I thought this book was going to be about a rescued dog, I found rather a book about examples of right relationships and communication with God. It is more of a readily available counseling book. The short chapters and quick object lessons enable you to grasp what the author is saying easily. This book is great for sharing with someone who needs to be lifted up, and would make a great discussion choice for book groups.

"A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens

I think one of my favorite things about this season is reading Christmas literature. It was fun to be in a discussion about "A Christmas Carol" this month, and I thought I would post my thoughts on the individual Staves here. If you haven't read this, I encourage you to take the plunge. It isn't long, but it is good.  =)

Stave 1 - Here in "Marley's Ghost" we see two distinctly different types of men. Scrooge and Marley were penny-pinchers who didn't enjoy life. On the other hand we have Scrooge's nephew and clerk who are happy with the season for the sake of the season. Yes, times are difficult, but they were not bah humbugging everything. Marley enters to warn Scrooge to change. Hmmmm, isn't that fitting for today? Instead of concentrating on material wealth, spend time enjoying the season and those around us.

Stave 2 - "The First of Three Spirits" - This is the part of the story that gives us a glimpse into another life of Ebenezer. He had been happy. He had been a participant in life. Now as he looks back, the memories are too painful for him. I am always amazed at his reactions because he seems so harsh at first. This section shows us that he does have feelings, so there seems to be hope for him.

Stave 3 - "The Second of Three Spirits" represented all the good of Christmas to me - things like: celebrating even when you don't have what others think is enough; putting aside anger and malice; enjoying laughter and merriment. Scrooge had absolutely no idea that people were this happy and content with so very little. He found himself enjoying what he could not join. After all the hope and joy, we get a sense of foreboding when we meet the two "children" - Ignorance and Want right before the next ghost comes to take Scrooge on a new journey.
I liked this part and love the Cratchits! It was also fun to "meet" others as they enjoyed the spirit of Christmas.

Stave 4 - "The Last of the Spirits" This is the "spookiest" and saddest of all the staves for me. This ghost does not speak, rather points so that Scrooge makes the discoveries himself. I believe that Scrooge had begun to change before this ghost arrived because not only was he anxious to get the visit underway, but he also knew the spirit had something to teach him. It did seem to surprise him that death was such a big part of this episode.

Hope, laughter, and light fill Stave 5, "The End of It." Scrooge is changed and wants everyone to know it by his demeanor. The huge turkey is given in secret, and I loved when he suggested, and paid for, transportation for the delivery. Scrooge joins his nephew and niece for Christmas dinner, thoroughly surprising and delighting them. This whole story seems meant to show us all that change is possible for anyone.

"The Cat Who Went Into the Closet" by Lilian Jackson Braun

Can a cat sense danger and help solve crimes? “The Cat Who Went Into the Closet” will make you a believer. Jim Qwilleran (Qwill) is renting the Gage mansion in Pickax and has brought his two Siamese cats (Koko and YumYum) with him. While both cats have attitudes, Koko seems to have an affinity for “finding” things and exploring. While trying to figure out what Koko is doing, Qwill hears that the former owner of the mansion has committed suicide in Florida. Qwill begins an investigation into her death and makes many discoveries. Did Euphonia Gage really kill herself? Where will the objects Koko finds lead Qwill?
This fun romp of a mystery kept me captivated as I wondered what Koko would do next. The murder mystery is also interesting, but a bit predictable. If you enjoy fun, relaxing, enjoyable reading, this is a book for you. It is perfect for a day at the beach, when you are homebound in the snow, or just relaxing in the backyard. Lilian Jackson Braun certainly makes the cats come to life!

"Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson

What started as one man’s quest to climb the world’s second largest mountain, K2, turns into a quest to build schools to educate the children of rural Pakistan and Afghanistan. Greg Mortenson tells many stories of how he fell in love with the people (especially the children) of Pakistan and Afghanistan and his belief that all children, male or female, deserve an education. He also writes about fund-raising with its ups and downs, of building schools and all the proverbial red tape involved, and of historic events happening as he was building (i.e. the death of Mother Theresa and our “911”) and the effects they had on his process. Through the triumphs and tragedies, one thought kept shining through - the need to slow down and actually see and get to know others. The tradition of the three cups of tea is explained this way – the first time you are given a cup you are a stranger; the second time you are an honored guest, and the third time says you are family. Tea is a precious commodity in more ways than one.

“Three Cups of Tea” is the interesting, true story of Greg Mortenson and his quest to make peace happen through building schools and education. His struggles and his triumphs kept me reading; his recounting of historical events brought back memories. I recommend it to anyone who loves a good non-fiction read and also to reading groups. It has great topics for discussion.

"The Koala of Death" by Betty Webb

Are you looking for a fun, interesting murder mystery? Well, I have one for you in "The Koala of Death" by Betty Webb. Teddy Bentley lives on the "Merilee" and works at the Gunn Zoo. After finding the body of Koala Kate in the water next to her boat, Teddy is thrown into the mystery of who killed her and why. Along the way, Teddy learns to do a television show, finds another body, does some investigating on her own (much to her boyfriend's chagrin), discovers a family secret, and is almost killed. Come meet Teddy, her boyfriend Joe (the Sheriff), Aussie Outback Bill, Teddy's rich mother Caro, Speaks to Souls, and the animals from the zoo. They will all keep you entertained as you solve the mystery.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read and kept my interest all the way through. I will be looking to read more books by Betty Webb, including the first Zoo Mystery, "The Anteater of Death."

"Flight of Shadows" by Sigmund Brouwer

Caitlyn is a "freak" even in this post-apocalyptic society. She is being chased by Mason, an evil man bent on killing her. The ones he works for want what made her "special" or "freakish." The product of a scientific experiment, Caitlyn has been hiding "Outside" for a while making it however she can, but after being caught up in a night battle, finds herself linked with Razor. While initially stand-offish and nervous, Caitlyn partners with Razor for safety. Through their investigation into Caitlyn's past and what makes her special, they form a bond that is almost unbreakable. What does the hump on her back signify? What does the black microfabric hide? Which type of person would you be - Influential, Industrial, Invisible, or Illegal?

I had a hard time getting into this book, and that may be because I haven't read the first one, "Broken Angel." At points the book is very dark and difficult to read, but most post-apocalyptic books are. I did like the characters and will be getting the first installment of this series and then will reread this one. I recommend it to anyone who likes post-apocalyptic books (like "The Road") and also think it would also make an interesting choice for book group discussions.

"The Secrets Beneath" by Kathleen Fuller

Becky Yoder lives in Middlefield, Ohio; a community inhabited by both the Amish and the "Yankees." She is thirteen and very inquisitive. The house next door to her home had been empty for some time, when suddenly odd things start happening. First, there is an old man with a van and then a scary looking man with lots of tattoos. Becky's curiosity is peeked when she sees the old man digging in the backyard at night. What is he doing? Is he burying something or looking for something? Another mystery drops into Becky's lap as her cousin Amanda arrives from Paradise, PA. Becky is very surprised to learn that Amanda may stay with her for the entire school year. She knows she shouldn't spy or but into another person's business, but questions pop into her head anyway. What has happened to Amanda's mother? Will she be able to make Amanda feel welcome and safe? Throughout the story, Becky learns that secrets are secret for a reason. Sometimes you just need to pray for a good outcome even when you don't know everything.

Kathleen Fuller writes about the Amish with knowledge and skill. Her research and love for the people is evident. I have read "adult" books by Ms. Fuller, and was pleased to have the opportunity to read this YA novel, which is the second in her "Mysteries of Middlefield" series. The characters are realistic and the mysteries will keep you guessing until the end. This book will make a great gift for any teenager, and is a wonderful read for adults as well. I received my free copy through the Book Sneeze program and am very happy to write a review for the book. I also recommend any books by Kathleen Fuller to you.