City People: five women take a hard look at themselves and their lives after the sudden death of a friend

City People by Elizabeth Topp is a story about a band of mothers who are forced to reevaluate their lives as they deal with the aftermath of the sudden loss of one of their friends. Susan Harris was beautiful and successful, so when she jumps from the roof of her apartment building, her New York City mothers’ group of five friends are left in shock, disbelief and with the question:. how did they not see it? Vic is a single mom with literary aspirations and a bad case of writer’s block. Bhavna is a makeup executive, focusing on her son’s future. Kara has experience dealing with suicide. Penelope and Amy in the middle of a business deal but is the toll worth it for their families? And Chandice is dealing with her own morality as she battles cancer. Between dealing with their friend’s death and their busy lives, they are desperate to get their children into a prestigious private school.

I haven’t read Elizabeth Topp before and City People is contemporary fiction story of five women who are forced to take a hard look at their lives in the wake of their friend’s suicide. The story reminded me of the 1996 movie The First Wives’ Club starring Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton and Bette Milder. Unfortunately, I found it hard to get through this story and it wasn’t the heavy topic of suicide and mental health. I think there were way too many POVs which changed every chapter. The parts of the book which were really heartbreaking for me were the ones from Susan’s POV. I didn’t care for any of the other women and I could easily see how these women missed the subtle signs. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. However, I do appreciate that the author included a note at the end about suicide and including a suicide hotline. I do not recommend City People. 

City People is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Island Club: three women in the 1950s, the game of tennis and a friend that will change their lives forever

The Island Club by Nicola Harrison is a story of friends among life struggles and secrets. 1956, Balboa Island, off the coast of California, is a place where life was perfect, at least on the surface. The lives of three women begin to fall apart, however,  their friendship and the game of tennis helps them build something stronger. Milly Kinkaid had hoped moving to Balboa would save her troubled marriage. She believed the move would help incentivize her husband to get home from work on time; but now sometimes he barely comes home at all. Sylvia Johnson is the society matriarch, and along with her husband, has become pillars of their community. Her new business venture, The Island Club, is a place where members could swim, play tennis, and dine in style. When she learns that her husband makes a financial decision that threatens everything. Adele Lambert is the standoffish loner on the island and lives in fear that her past would be revealed. 

I was eager to start this book as it was described as “unputdownable” and the cover is absolutely gorgeous. However, I found myself putting this book down often. I could not relate to any of these women, especially Milly. Milly is a mother with young kids. How do you not ask your four, almost five, year old child if they need to go to the bathroom and expect them to go when they need to. One, you are in a new place, did they even know where the bathroom was? Two, so what if a teenager was “watching” the kids, it is still your responsibility to check on your kids! The constant mentions of Elvis was annoying. I got it. It is 1956 and Elvis was the new and hot in music. Overall, the story is well written and I am just not the audience for this story. However, if the story intrigues you, I recommend checking out The Island Club.  

The Island Club is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing: a painful and gritty memoir with humor, wit and stark realism

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry is a painful and gritty memoir. The opening line: “Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead” says it all. The riveting story of acclaimed actor Matthew Perry from his childhood and his dream of fame, to addiction and recovery in the aftermath of a life-threatening health scare. A story of a young boy being shuffled from his mother’s in Montreal to his father’s in Los Angeles. A story of a fourteen year old nationally ranked tennis star in Canada. A story of a twenty four year old who would land the role of a lifetime and the fame he always dreamt of. To the outside world, Matthew Perry had it all. However, hidden behind the smile and wise cracking jokester was a man who was lonely, feeling unworthy of love and in a dark battle of addiction to drugs and alcohol. Matthew Perry’s journey to sobriety is filled with his trademark humor and a stark realism that many have never seen and he takes readers on this journey with frankness, self-awareness and extreme vulnerability. 

Many who know me know that I love Friends. It is my comfort show. A show I watch when I want to laugh and to relax. My favorite character has always been Chandler Bing. The vulnerable man who uses humor to hide his fears, insecurities and loneliness. Matthew Perry has been one of my favorite actors for years and his death in 2023 hit me hard. When he released this memoir, I was torn about reading it. I wanted to read it and yet, I was afraid. Recently, I got the opportunity to listen to the audiobook. I usually don’t listen to audiobooks; but there is something about this book and listening to Matthew Perry narrating it. It was difficult to listen to. It is deeply intimate and eye-opening. I was in tears, knowing he had come so far, so filled with hope and yet he is gone from this world. His voice reminds me of someone else I know who battled with addiction and it added to the pain of his story. He intended his memoir to help those who struggle with sobriety and I pray that it does. I highly recommend Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. 

Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing 

is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

 

Every Last Secret: a domestic thriller of neighbors, friends and secrets

Every Last Secret by A.R. Torre is a domestic thriller about neighbors, friends, and secrets. Catherine “Cat” Winthorpe worked hard to get where she is. She has a gorgeous home, great social standing and successful, handsome husband, William. When a new couple moves into the estate next door, She welcomes them, though cautiously, with open arms and friendly hospitality. Neena Ryder is not a fellow lady of leisure. She is a life coach who wants to move up in the world and moving into the neighborhood gets her one step closer. However, she’s not quite there yet. She is more aware of what she doesn’t have, namely a husband like William. As her infatuation with William grows, so does her friendship with Cat. However, beneath their friendly interactions, is a web of temptations, secrets and jealousy. Can their desire for the perfect life turn deadly? 

A.R. Torre is well known for her domestic thrillers. Every Last Secret is my second book by her and I was eagerly waiting to dive in. Unfortunately, from the very beginning, it was not the story I was expecting. It gave off Desperate Housewives vibes which is not my cup of tea. None of the characters had any redeeming factors. The women were catty, bitchy and downright psychotic while the men were weak and spineless. While seemingly realistic, these were not characters I wanted to really know more and understand on a deeper level. The thriller part of the story was a bit unbelievable and didn’t really make sense to me. Overall, I did not enjoy Every Last Secret, however I am looking forward to reading more of A.R. Torre’s domestic thrillers. If you enjoy Desperate Housewives and domestic thrillers, you may enjoy Every Last Secret. 

Every Last Secret is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Guest: a psychological thriller with so much going on

The Guest is the newest psychological thriller by B.A. Paris. Iris and Gabriel seem to have it all. A beautiful home, a successful daughter and good friends with Laure and Pierre from Paris. It all starts to come tumbling down with one tragic accident when a young man dies in a nearby quarry. Gabriel found him and called for help and heard the young man’s final words, leaving Gabriel with a heavy burden. Soon after, their friend, Laure, becomes their guest. Laure seems to make herself a little too comfortable as she begins to wear Iris’s clothes, following her every movie and asking questions. Then a new couple moves into the neighborhood with their gardener with a checkered past. 

Psychological thrillers by B.A. Paris are intense. However, The Guest had so much going on that it was confusing and boring. The story just dragged from the opening prologue. I failed to see the connections, despite the epilogue that wrapped everything up, I was confused and had no sympathy for any of the characters especially after finishing the epilogue. Like what?!?!?. The new neighbors didn’t seem to fit into the story and their gardener? Confusing. I also did not like that the story told what happened. Overall, I usually love B.A. Paris and her psychological thrillers, unfortunately, The Guest did not live up to its premise. 

The Guest is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses: when love is right before your eyes

Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses by Barbara Hinske is the fifth book in The Wishing Tree series. In Linden Falls, wishes are tied to the branches of the linden tree in the town square. Wishes of hopes and dreams. Some believe in the magic of the tree and others do not. Can anything change their minds? Pam Olson and Steve Turner have been childhood friends who are now work colleagues at the local gym. They are perfect for each other except they do not see it. Fortunately, there are a few who do and are willing to bring these two together. After disastrous online dating, Pam joins Steve in a no-dating pact. What they don’t know is that there is a covert mission to bring these two together. Will they finally see the sparks between them? 

I love The Wishing Tree series and its magical town of Linden Falls. In this story, Pam and Steve have seen their share of heartbreak and are determined to never be hurt again. Reluctantly, Pam agrees to try online dating and it ends as horribly as she imagined. I thoroughly enjoyed Pam and Steve. They have a history and a friendship they don’t want to jeopardize in case their romance fizzles. I felt for Pam as each online date she goes on is worse than the one before. I enjoyed the involvement and the covert mission that those close to Pam and Steve put in action as they see these two belong together. I highly recommend Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses as well as the previous books in The Wishing Tree series. 

Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses is available in paperback and eBook

The True Love Bookshop: enemies to friends to something more?

The True Love Bookshop is the third book in the Somerset Lake series by Annie Rains. Tess Lane owning Lakeside Books has been a dream come true. She hosts a weekly book club there that has been her lifeline since her husband, Jared's sudden death three years ago. She’s ready to start a new chapter in her life, to finally move on until River Harrison shows up at the store. All her lingering unanswered questions come back. River is a former Marine turned private investigator. He is a reminder of everything she has lost. She tries to ignore him, but she soon realizes River is the key to finally getting the answers she needs. Together, they embark on a journey of discovery. Is she really ready for the answers she’s looking for? Once she knows, there’s no going back. Despite her misgivings, she forges forward and even finds joy and laughter in her life again. Can Tess find the strength to forgive, let go of the past and find love again? 

Annie Rains is a new author to me and I love the cover of this book that I picked it up. I didn’t realize that it is the third in the series and worried that it would affect my understanding. There were references to the previous two books, it didn’t overwhelm this story or my enjoyment. From the beginning, I felt for Tess and her struggles to move forward from her husband’s death. When River stumbles into her bookstore, she can’t quite be heartless and refuse his pleas for help. I enjoyed the chemistry and history between Tess and River. I also enjoyed that their story wasn’t a typical, formulaic romance. There were real issues that were discussed but didn’t magically disappear as their relationship grew from enemies to friends to maybe more? I even enjoyed the supporting cast. Overall, I truly enjoyed The True Love Bookshop and look forward to going back to the first two books and reading any future books in the series. I recommend The True Love Bookshop. 

The True Love Bookshop is available in paperback and eBook

The Scandal: a twisted tale of what happens behind the perfect façade

The Scandal by Nicola Marsh is a psychological thriller where appearances are deceiving. Marisa Thurston has been searching to fill the missing pieces of her life since her twin girls left home for college. Her sprawling mansion used to be home to laughter and the chaos of childhood but not any more and she is desperate to fill the silence. Coffee with her best friends is one thing she looks forward to. Claire, Elly and Marisa are as different as they can be. Each with their own secrets, secrets they are desperate to keep from seeing the light of day. When Jodi, a pregnant girl, turns up at Marisa’s doorstep, Marisa is quick to come to her aid. But Jodi’s arrival seems to push everyone’s secrets and lies to the surface. The father of Jodi’s baby is someone the women know very well. What lengths will someone go to protect their secret? 

Nicola Marsh has made a name for herself as a master of the psychological thriller. When you read one of her thrillers, you can expect twists, turns and red herrings that will keep you guessing and on your toes until the very end. The Scandal is one of her first psychological thrillers with a final twist that left me gasping! I didn’t particularly care for any of the women. These women are friends by association only as they are reluctant to share anything deep with each other. Marisa is the perfect wife for her executive husband but she’s a bit of a prude. At one point, in an internal monologue, she is disgusted that her husband can be ready for sex day or night. I read that like okay? What man isn't? Seriously? Overall, I enjoyed the story. I’ve learned, as I’ve read Ms. Marsh’s other thrillers, that appearances are very deceiving and she will keep you guessing until the very end. I recommend The Scandal! 

The Scandal is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook.

A Scattered Life: a sweet story about family, friends and a place to belong

 A Scattered Life by Karen McQuestion is the story of life, love and finding a sense you truly belong. Skyla Medley is an observer of life. She’s quiet, not shy, as “people are pretty easy to get a handle on if you took the time to watch and listen.” She has lived the nomad life, moving from one place to another, never feeling permanence in any one place. Until one day, she meets Thomas Plinka. When we see Skyla next,  she is married with a four-year-old daughter when new neighbors move in. The Bear family is everything the Plinkas are not. Ted and Roxanne have 5 rambunctious boys, ranging 10 year old twins, Wyatt and Emmett, to baby Ferd, while Thomas and Skyla are as straight laced as they come. Something draws Skyla to the loud and outgoing Roxanne and soon the two become good friends. In the meantime, Audrey, Skyla’s meddling mother-in-law, disapproves of everything Thomas and Skyla are doing, especially when it comes to her friendship with Roxanne. When tragedy strikes the two friends, can Roxanne teach Skyla about opening herself up to love? Will Skyla finally find herself truly belonging to a family and a community?

A Scattered Life is a book with so much life in it that it was hard to put down. Every character was real and relatable, with all their flaws, quirks and annoyances. I’ve known people like Skyla who got restless and moved on, not realizing what she wanted was behind her. Thomas, the reliable and sensible guy who seems so set in his ways that it becomes boring. And the lovable Roxanne, whose loud and messy house seems to be from a lack of control and caring, but hides a mother’s love that is more than just a clean and spotless house. I immediately liked Roxanne. At one point in the story, Skyla complements her organization as Roxanne had anything one of her children could have asked for. I loved Roxanne’s response, “it’s not hard, people only make it hard.” It is a lesson in life, love and belonging. It is the lesson that opening yourself up to love can hurt but it is oh, so worth it. It is discovering you are worthy of a family and a place to call home. There were moments of laughter, of anger and of tears. Just like in life, we must go through the bad to see the good. I recommend A Scattered Life. 

A Scattered Life is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Book Charmer: when books truly speak!

The Book Charmer by Karen Hawkins is the story of a small town with a magical family. Dove Pond was founded by the Dove family in the 1700s. A family with special gifts. As the story opens in 2001, we meet Sarah Dove, the seventh daughter, on her seventh birthday when something extraordinary happens: a book speaks to her! Not just catches her attention but speaks to her. Once she embraces the books, a whole new world opens to her. Grace Wheeler and her sister, Hannah, have been bounced from one foster home to another, and their last chance to stay together is at Mama G’s house. For the first time, despite her best efforts not to, Grace finally feels like she’s home. Fast forward to 2019, Grace is headed to Dove Pond with Mama G, who is now suffering from Alzheimer’s, and her niece, Daisy. Grace has taken a job as the town clerk, reluctantly, but they all need a change of scenery for a while. When she arrives, Sarah, now the town librarian, feels a change in the air, something good is going to happen to their town. At first, Grace keeps everyone at arm’s length, determined to do the job she was hired for and move on. Will the Dove Family Good Luck help win her over? How will the books help Sarah convince Grace to stay?

I loved, loved this book! From the open chapter, really a girl who can hear the books?!? To the closing pages, I fell in love with everyone in this lovely small town. I laughed, I cried. I smiled so much my face hurt! I could sympathize with Grace as she struggles to care for her ailing Mama G, learning to raise her niece and learning to ask for help. As a foster child, attachment meant pain, so Grace pushes everyone aside because it is what she knows. Sarah, who believes Grace is the key to save their town, won’t be pushed aside. Every small town has their characters from the mayor who likes the status quo, to the wealthy family who likes everyone to know it and those who hide their pain and suffering, everyone has a story. The Book Charmer is the first book in the Dove Pond series and I highly recommend it! I cannot wait to read more about this town and its wonderful residents.

The Book Charmer

is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

Job: story of suffering, faith and trust in God

This month’s study is on the book of Job. It is an illustration of God’s sovereignty and the meaning of true faith. It addresses the question, “why do the righteous suffer?” A question that is still debated today. The book of Job is believed to have been written during the time of the patriarchs (approximately 2000-1800 BC) and the first book of the Bible to be written. It is the first poetic book of the Bible. The book of Job opens in the land of Uz where Job is living with his family among vast wealth. Job was “the greatest man among all the people of the East” (Job 1:3).

Satan approaches God in heaven and the discussion turns to Job. Satan believed that Job was a righteous man because he had everything and if it were taken from him, he would turn from God (Job 1:9-11). God gives Satan permission to take everything Job has but he could not physically harm him (Job 1:12). Soon, Job loses his children, his herds and still does nothing wrong. Job is given a second test in which God allows Satan to physical harm Job but he could not take his life (Job 2:6). There Job sits with every sign of his wealth taken and illness has claimed his body but Job still refused to turn from God (Job 2:10). Job discusses his sufferings with his friends who all give their view as to why he is suffering.

First, Job’s view about his suffering is “the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:21) and “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10). His attitude is that we should not give up on God simply because he allows bad experiences. Faith in God does not guarantee prosperity and a lack of faith does not guarantee troubles. Job was a man of faith, patience and endurance. As his friends claim that he is suffering for something he has done, he is willing to confess it if he knew what it was. He demands to be shown what sins he could have committed to deserve such punishment (Job 13: 23-24). Job wanted to know why and claimed he could bear the suffering if he could only know why (Job 23. It is a very human demand to know why we are suffering. Does understanding the reasons help the pain and suffering? If God were to answer why would it be easier to accept and bear the pain? The question why is the hardest to answer because you may get the reason but you may not like or accept such an answer.

Second, his friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite, come to comfort him and offer advice. They soon turn to accuse Job of an unresolved sin in his life. Eliphaz’s view is simply that man is responsible for his own troubles for “those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it” (Job 4:8). Bildad claims that Job’s suffering is because he is unjust as God would not reject a blameless man (Job 8:20). When Zophar joins the discussion he adds that only does Job have sin in his life but his sin deserves more punishment that he already is suffering (Job 11). It is a sentiment the friends will repeat several times. It is also a sentiment repeated in churches today: “Oh you are dealing with financial issues because there’s sin in your life.” Or “You are in pain because you haven’t confessed a sin.” While God does allow the consequences of our sin and bad decisions to play out despite our confession, it does not mean that the bad circumstances are the result of your personal sin. Good and innocent people will suffer bad circumstances because people don’t always do what is right and innocent parties will suffer. Does this mean that you shall lose faith? No, because faith in the bad times shows a stronger character than faith in the good times.

Lastly, the Lord speaks to the group. He first addresses Job and demands to know why he speaks with knowledge (Job 38:1). The Lord rebukes Job for daring to demand an answer, to question God and the workings of the universe he couldn’t possibly understand. God uses His questions to Job to demonstrate how little he really knows (Job 38-39). Job acknowledges that he cannot understand what God understands (Job 40:4). In Job 42:2, Job says “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.” This is a concept that many believers must face and learn. There’s a Yiddish proverb which states, “Man plans and God laughs.” We can carefully plan but if it is against the will of God, it will not come to fruition. As believers, we must submit to the will of God in our lives. As it says in the Lord’s Prayer, “thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). The Lord then addresses the three friends because they “have not spoken of me what is right” as Job has (Job 42:7). The Lord blesses Job’s life with far more than he had originally because he passed the test of faith.

In conclusion, the lessons learned from Job is bad circumstances are not always the result of sin and knowing the reason why isn’t the point. The point is our faith in God in times of prosperity and in times of troubles, especially in times of troubles. It may sound easier said than done and it is something I still struggle with from time to time. There has been other times when my faith was tested and it will continued to be tested for the rest of my life. There are times where I worry and I think “how am I going to do this?” And I forget to lean on my faith in Christ. However, there is always something that reminds me to trust in Him. It would be a whisper in my dreams, a voice of a friend, or a verse I read during my studies. Even in his anguish, Job never turned from God. And in mine, I won't either. 

Forest Secrets: an adventure to save a forest and a family

Forest Secrets by Laurie Woodward is an adventure of three unlikely friends who must race against time in order to save the home of one of them.

The story opens with Calliandra frantically searching for her parents. She’s scared and along in a dense forest. Daisy Castillo is an 11 year old girl who has just moved to this small town. As she explores the forest near her new home, she sees a girl with vines and leaves as hair. Daisy and Calliandra of the Forest People become fast friends as Daisy wants to help her find her parents. They are soon joined by Albert Mahoney, a 13 year old local boy who knows a lot about being lost and lonely. They soon discover that the local logging company is illegally cutting down trees and destroy the homes of Calliandra’s family and people. Against a greedy logger and a crazy reporter, the three must find a way to prove to the authorities of their illegal plot. Will they be able to stop the plot in time? Will Calliandra be reunited with her family? Will the forest be saved?

Forest Secrets is a fun adventure story which introduces the importance of preserving our national resources. As well as standing up to bullies for the greater good. This story was engaging and fun. The characters are relatable to young children and will be able to connect with the readers. I highly recommend Forest Secrets!

Forest Secrets

is available on Amazon

in paperback for $6.98

and on the Kindle for $3.99

Being a Captain is Hard Work: a lesson in listening to others

Another adventure of Captain No Beard is here. Being a Captain is Hard Work is a lesson in listening and to learn from the expertise of those around you. The day started out good on the Flying Dragon. Captain No Beard tells the crew to set sail. But Mongo warns that the seas look rough. Captain No Beard ignores his advice and sails on. With each direction, Captain No Beard is offered other options and suggestions. He ignores their suggestions and gets angry when everyone starts questioning his orders. Soon the ship is in very rough seas and it becomes very dangerous for the crew. Soon Zach is in danger! Will Captain No Beard be able to rescue him before its too late? Will the captain realize that even a good captain needs help sometimes?

I love the Captain No Beard series and this book is a great addition. The key lesson in the story is that no one knows everything and friends are a good source to get the information we do not know. I also loved that at the end of the story a glossary of the different types of clouds and what they indicate in the weather. Being a Captain is Hard Work is a great addition to any library for the great lessons and fun adventures.

Being a Captain is Hard Work

and the other Captain No Beard titles

are available on Amazon

in paperback and in the Kindle.

Bandwagon fans: love 'em or hate 'em

Bandwagon fans. The words leave an unpleasant taste in many a fan’s mouth. Bandwagoning is a particular activity or cause that has suddenly become fashionable or popular. A bandwagon fan is someone who follows that trend whether it is a sports team, fashion, music, movies or other entertainment, because it has been or is the popular choice. However, if or when the trend falls or is no longer the popular choice, he or she will gleefully jump to the next trend. There is a psychological theory which explains the bandwagon effect. The Bandwagon effect is when individuals will do something primarily because others are doing it, regardless of their own beliefs which will be ignored or overridden. This theory is applied in advertisements to influence consumer behavior. Bandwagoning is similar to herd or mob mentality. There are three types of bandwagoners which everyone is guilty of at some point in their lives and possibly without realizing it.

First, “The Follower.” the person who simply follows the crowd as what clothes to wear, what sport or team to follow, what music to listen to, what books to read, what television shows to watch and on and on based on what friends or celebrities are doing. When I was in junior high, it was popular to have a favorite Looney Tunes character. Everyone liked Taz or Tweety Bird, I chose Marvin the Martian. I think I chose him because no one else did. Even though I still like Marvin, I chose him on a whim because it was popular to like a character from the cartoon. Same thing happened in high school, when Winnie the Pooh was the popular cartoon to have a favorite character. Again, while everyone chose either Winnie the Pooh or Tigger, I chose Eeyore for the same reasons I chose Marvin.

Second, “The Hot and Cold Fan” is a fan who jumps on and off the trend depending on how well it is doing, specifically a sports team. When the team is winning and on a hot streak, this person will cheer, boast how the team is the best and “We’re #1!” But when the team takes a bad turn and starts losing, this person will take it very personally and start criticizing the team and say “They are the worst.” I see it with fans of certain teams. When the team is hot and winning, the fans are everywhere and in your face about how their team is winning and yours may not be. But when the team is losing or having a bad season, the fans are suddenly quiet. The flags on cars are gone and posts to social media stop. They usually disappear until the team gets on a winning streak again.

Third, “Lifelong Fan,” the bandwagon fan who becomes a lifelong fan. All fans start somewhere. Whether it’s a family tradition to follow a certain sport or team or they are introduced to new music by a friend, someone started somewhere. In many areas, I am a lifelong fan who began as a bandwagon fan. For instance, I haven’t always been a Kansas City Chiefs fan or really a football fan in general. In 2003, I met a friend who introduced me to football and the Chiefs. I, then, chose the team as the one I would follow. I remain a fan to this day even though that friendship has ended. The Chiefs have been a hot and cold team for many years but I remain a fan. I may not know the entire history of the team or know the stats of every player but I cheer them on win or lose.

On its face, bandwagoning should be avoided. However, we are social creatures who are influenced by those around us. Some influences are bad but some influences are good and can open your world to a different experiences. We long to a group with common interests. Some people follow what is popular simply to fit in and some discover they like an activity and become a part of the group.  I think most people dislike bandwagoners because some people come in and try to speak with knowledge and authority that they don’t have. If you are new to a trend, acknowledge that you are and that you are still learning the history of a team or the story of a movie franchise, and so on. The lifelong fans will appreciate the honesty and even help you learn the information you need. 

Friends: the pain of letting go

Friends. They are a great part of ourselves. Recently, I’ve been evaluating the friends in my life: the ones which have left, the ones still here and the ones who seem to have one foot out the door. Friendships are like other relationships. They are fluid, ever changing with periods of closeness, struggles, drifting apart and back to closeness. How do we categorize our friends? What do you do when your friends are drifting apart and do not come back to closeness. Do friends become acquaintances once again?

Categories of friends:

• Acquaintances: the people we know in passing. They don’t know us on a more personal level and we only see them in certain situations like school or work.
• Online friends: With today’s technology, we have online friends whose interaction is solely on the internet. They can add value to our lives. Some may eventually meet in person, the majority never have on-on-one interaction.
• True friends: which we interact with on a regular, reciprocating basis.
• Good friends are part of our inner circle.
• The best friend. We all want one. Ever since grade school, we chose a best friend of the day or week. Some best friends become lifetime friends. The very close relationship in which a lot of time is spent together. This is the person you may call when you are excited, sad or just need to talk.

I look at this list and I notice that I have a lot of acquaintances and online friends. I have a few true friends but out interaction is purely online now. I have no real true or good friends whom I have physical interactions with on a regular basis. And I feel I have no real best female friend. I look at this list and I wonder what have I done or didn’t do that my relationships haven’t developed into deeper, closer relationships. I have to think I’m the problem because the common factor is me.

How do you come to the realization that you need to let go from your life? Over the last few days, I have felt like I have no friends. I don’t go out anymore because we either have grown apart and we’ve become Facebook friends, with only our past to talk about. Some of my friends live simply too far away to have any closeness with. The internet and phone calls can only do so much. I don’t have girls’ nights. I don’t have a friend to call when I want to vent my anger too. I know I have people who I can call in times of need for support and advice. But will I? Probably not because I feel I'm interrupting their lives with my problems. I want the fun side of friendship, too.  As I wrote and thought about this post, I realized that God maybe clearing my life of the people I thought were friends to make room for others. But it's still painful seeing a friend walk away from you. 

I didn’t write this post for anyone to feel sorry for me. I’m even reluctant to post it but I doubt anyone will read it. I think my life is in a transition now and I think something is just beyond the horizon. I wrote this post so that I could recognize the need to let of certain friends and for others to possibly recognize that they are holding on to certain people in their lives. I recognize when people leave your live, something better comes along. About 10 years ago, I had a friend leave my life very abruptly and without explanation. I always wondered why. I realize now that if this person stayed in my life, I wouldn’t gotten to know the man who has become my husband. I realize now that someone better came into my life. I realize now that it’s okay to let go the friend who no longer has a purpose in my life. It’s a painful process to let go of a friend whom you were once very close to. But it’s like holding on to a cat who is fighting desperately to be free. You are only going to end up wounded and even scared. 

A new adventure with Captain No Beard and his crew

A great new addition to the Captain No Beard series. Fribbet the Frog and the Tadpoles by Carole P. Roman is a story of sharing your problems with your friends and learning to be a big brother or sister to the newest members of the family.

The story opens with Cayla making a mess on the deck of the ship and Fribbet in hiding. When the crew finds him in his hiding spot, he is upset and doesn’t want to share. The crew convinces him that sharing your problems with your friends help make the problems not so big to handle. Fribbett then shares that his home has been overrun with many tadpoles. Captain No Beard tells Fribbet that while being an older brother is hard work, it is also worth it. As the ship returns to a bed, Captain No Beard’s mother brings in the newest member of the family.

I loved this story for three reasons. First, the story helps children understand that sharing your problems with your friends can help. Friends can help find a solution and offer support. Second, the introduction of new family members and the changes that take place. Third, I love that the book takes the children through the development stages of frogs, from eggs to tadpoles to frogs. It’s a great way to illustrate the life cycle to children. I highly recommend Fribbet the Frog and the Tadpoles as well as the other titles in the Captain No Beard series.

Fribbet the Frog and the Tadpoles

Is available on Amazon

In paperback for $9.99

And on free on the Kindle

for Kindle Unlimited subscribers

No list is complete without Friends!

A list of my favorite shows would not be complete without Friends. Friends premiered on NBC on September 22, 1994 and the rest is history. When the show ended its run on May 6, 2004 it was still very popular. Even now 10 years after the show ended, its popularity has never waned. It would be hard to find someone who has never heard of the six friends. Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe are forever apart of our lives. My sister and I will quote a line to each other and before we know it we quoting entire episode line by line. I swear it happens. Don’t believe me, ask my family.

Each character is important to the show and take even one out, the show would be off. My favorite characters are Chandler, Joey and Phoebe. I love Chandler’s social anxiety when it comes to women. He’s sweet and sarcastic. Joey is a little boy in a man’s body. He’s funny and so innocent in so many ways but he also has some great wisdom that showed him in a new light. Of course, his most famous line “How you doin’?” Phoebe is very eccentric with odd views of the world and I like how it interacts and often conflicts with Ross’s strictly scientific view.

It’s hard to choose my favorite episodes, so I picked my three of my all-time favorites. First, The One With the Embryos (January 15, 1998) where Phoebe is impregnated as a surrogate for her brother and her sister-in-law. The best moments are from Joey, Chandler, Rachel and Monica as they play a harmless game of who knows who better until the stakes are raised. Second, The One with the Football (November 21, 1996). It’s Thanksgiving when everyone decides to play football which brings out the intense sibling competition between Ross and Monica. One of my favorite lines in the show is when Monica is celebrating that her team is winning, “42-21 like the turkey, Ross is done.” Whenever I watch football games and the score is 42-21, I will quote this line. Lastly, The One Where No One is Ready (September 26, 1996) where Ross is desperately tries to get the rest of the gang ready for an event at the museum. This episode has many hilarious lines that I quote all lines but one of my favorites is Joey’s. After Chandler hides his underwear and Ross suggests that Joey not wear underwear, he responds with “It’s a rented tux. Okay? I’m not gonna go commando in another man’s fatigues.” These episodes still cracked me up after so many years.

So what your favorite Friends characters, episodes or line? After 20 years, what about the show still has an impact on you? 

The Adventures of Loriel the Wood Fairy: a story of magic and excitement

The Adventures of Loriel the Wood Fairy by C.J. Walery is full story about Loriel and her adventures in her world. The story opens as Loriel is waiting for her grandmother, Grandfairy Cyce, the oldest fairy. With her friends, Anya, a hummingbird and Padra, a house mouse, Loriel goes out to find her grandmother. When she arrives at her cottage, she discovers that Grandfairy has been taken by a dreadful troll and they mount a rescue. After the rescue, Loriel learns she is to be a wood fairy apprentice and learning and perfecting her spells. Along with her cousin, Lily, she discovers a locked door deep in the basement of her Grandfairy’s cottage. They find a way to open the door and discover a room. There they read a book about an evil dragon. Suddenly, a dragon appears at the door. Who is this dragon and are the fairies in danger?

This story was cute and entertaining. My daughter wanted me to read this to her. Even though she lost interest quickly (she’s 2 and a half), I know that she will enjoy reading this adventure when she’s older. Any little girl who enjoys fairies and other magical creatures will enjoy this story. I recommend this book.

The Adventures of Loriel the Wood Fairy is available on Amazon for $15.99

Patches and Buttons: a book about overcoming fears and becoming friends

Patches and Buttons, written and illustrated by Jennifer Link, is a cute story about overcoming your fears and becoming friends with someone different. Buttons is a rabbit who is afraid of loud noises and especially of the family dog, Patches. The book has Buttons running from sounds and hiding from Patches. When he thinks he’s safe, Patches approaches the cage with a present. Buttons learns that Patches just wants to play and they become good friends.

This story has a great message with great illustrations, simple yet detailed. Ms. Link stated that it has been a long desire to bring her art to a children’s book for many years. She wrote the story for her nephew about her dog (Amber) and Buster (bunny). Her wish is that when a child reads the book, they smile. She accomplishes this very well. My daughter loved the story so much, she had me read it three times. I really loved this story. I would recommend Patches and Buttons for all children who love a simple story about learning to face your fears or just to enjoy a small story about a rabbit and a dog.

Patches and Buttons is available on Outskirt Press and Amazon for $18.95

My favorite sound in the world

Laughter is one of the greatest sounds in the world. The deep laugh that causes your muscles to ache. It can help lighten moods and break the tension. Laughter can make all your troubles disappear even for a moment. After a good laugh, you forget your bills, your worries and the troubles of the world. Laughter is universal. It is a mechanism that every culture in the world has. Laughter helps increase blood flow, reduce stress hormones, release endorphins and help relieve physical pain. It has been discovered as truly the best medicine. Even the some of the darkest movies have moments of laughter.

My most favorite sound in the world is laughter. I love my daughter’s laughter. I wish I could record it and post it. She has so many different laughs and each one brings a smile to my face. She has a laugh when she cracks up. You know the one where you throw yourself back and then forward, slapping your knee. She does that! Especially when we’ve figured out what she’s trying to say. She has a laugh when she knows that she’s about to get in trouble and she laughs hopeful to divert your anger and you’ll forget her punishment. It’s moments like that that I have a hard time keeping a straight face. Even through my darkest moments, my daughter’s laughter can help me smile through my tears. It’s like she can almost read my mood and know that mommy needs a pick me up.

I love hearing people laugh. Laughter helps make the world right even if it’s just for a few moments. My best childhood memories are family gathered around a table or a campfire laughing at family stories. Laughter has help me through my darkest moments. When I’m feeling depressed or upset, I just put on my favorite comedy shows. “Friends” or “The Big Bang Theory” works great for me, even though I’ve seen the episodes countless times.

What are your favorite sounds? What sounds can lift your spirits and help you feel like you don’t have a care in the world?