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Evergreen Forevermore
Evergreen Forevermore
T.A. Cline | 2020 | Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Evergreen Forevermore is a captivating tale set in the picturesque hometown of Whitecap. It is a book brimming with mystery and intrigue. We are introduced to a young man named John Devore, who, driven by a deep sense of duty, becomes a paramedic to serve his community.

We are introduced to a judge who is a friend of John's. We meet a young woman named Katherine who needs to learn a few things about people. The story starts in a shelter in New York, where John volunteers and has met some friends along the way.

John and the Judge share a unique bond, a friendship that transcends their professional lives. The Judge, intrigued by John's tales of his hometown, expresses a desire to visit Whitecap. Will this wish be fulfilled? This book, with its rich tapestry of characters, holds the answer.

John sees a man working on the streets and wonders about him. His grandfather tells him his name is Fred Bates. John appears to start a conversation with Fred and introduces him. He also sees Fred Bates's interest in the new medic truck and wonders why. He finds a way to get Fred to work with him at the firehouse.

As the story goes on, there seems to be secrecy and mystery around every door. What are these mysteries, and will John be able to help? The story begins when the Judge has to sentence a woman he meets. Will a change of scenery and learning about others help the young woman? What about her father? There is more to the plot than just learning about expectations and how others feel. The young woman needs an attitude change or will be in much more trouble if she continues her path. Will her father understand that he needs to let his daughter learn the hard lessons and stand on her own to two feet?

Judge James Wilcox, a pivotal character, embarks on a journey with John to uncover long-awaited hidden secrets. Will his efforts lead to a long-overdue family reunion for Katherine and Fred? Will a sweet handyman, be haunted by the memory of his lost and beloved wife, find closure? Fred, a veteran, is finally recognized for his bravery. Will he be able to forgive himself for the past?

This book is heartwarming. I really enjoyed it. I love how this ends. The characters are my favorite. However, each main character's story is involved in the other's. It is more about a story about a town and town folk than just a personal story. TA Cline does a wonderfully good job on this. I recommend this book and these other two books as well. This one is a top favorite. I would like to know if this book can be beaten from the top of the list.

This book is a treasure trove for those who seek a rollercoaster of emotions. This book is a must-read if you are a fan of heartfelt stories, mysteries that keep you on the edge of your seat, and the complexities of family dynamics. It skillfully weaves together a diverse cast of characters, including a veteran, each adding a unique flavor to the narrative.
  
TC
Thursday's Children (Frieda Klein #4)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
There is something about Dr. Frieda Klein's past that no one is aware of. She has had no reason to share the secret with anyone until her past comes knocking at her door. When a friend from her childhood who she hasn't seen in over twenty years asks Frieda for help with her troubled daughter, Frieda is willing, but reluctant to help. When the daughter tells Frieda a story that is strangely familiar, she set out on a quest to discover the truth behind her own secret.

This was a book I couldn't put down. This book really touched me on a personal level What would you do if you told the one person you loved the most something traumatic that happened to you and they didn't believe you? What if their disbelief was so strong it had you doubting your own self and made you sad and depressed and wanting to be hidden from everyone? What if telling your secret got you killed?

In this 4th Frieda Klein novel, Frieda is forced to face a past she left behind 23 years ago. In pursuit of the truth, she rekindles some relationships that were probably better left to stay in the past. Traveling from her home in London back and forth to her hometown she left behind and never went back to in Braxton, will Frieda finally be able to find answers she didn't realize she needed.

I've finally hit a winning streak in reading good books. This one did not disappoint one bit and it's highly recommended.
  
BH
Before He Finds Her
6
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
In 1991, Ramsey Miller holds a huge block party for his neighborhood. Then, the story goes, he drunkenly and angrily murdered his wife and young daughter.

However, that's not exactly the case: his daughter got away, via the Witness Protection Program, and is living in a small town in West Virginia. Renamed Melanie, she lives with her father's close friend and his wife; it's a cautious life, as her father was never found. However, as she nears 18, Melanie is tired of this life of secrets and hiding. Finding herself pregnant, she decides she doesn't want this life for her own child, so she heads back to her hometown to find her father herself.

The book weaves in Melanie's current life and discoveries with narrative of Ramsey's life leading up to the days of the block party, allowing us to figure out what happened along with Melanie.

This novel started out really well, and for a while, I was thinking it was going to be one of my favorites read so far this year. However, it soon petered out a bit, and the more I thought about it, I liked it less. There are just some odd plot holes that doesn't really make sense and leave you wondering. Further, even accounting for her upbringing, Melanie as a main character is so "blah" and doesn't stand up for herself, thereby making it very hard to root for her. I really found myself pulling for Ramsey at many points. Lots of potential, but doesn't really follow through.
  
40x40

Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post

Apr 7, 2020  
Today on my blog, I have the pre-order info for Jodi Thomas' new contemporary romance novel BREAKFAST AT THE HONEY CREEK CAFE! Seriously, Jodi Thomas is an amazing writer, so check her new book out!

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/2020/04/pre-order-preview-breakfast-at-honey.html

**BOOK SYNOPSIS**
From Jodi Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of Mornings on Main and Indigo Lake, comes this heartwarming new novel set in Honey Creek, Texas—a small town where family bonds and legends run deep, and friendship and love are always close at hand . . .

Piper Jane Mackenzie, mayor of Honey Creek, won’t let a major scandal rip her quirky hometown apart or jeopardize her dream of one day running for higher office. So she’s willing to welcome undercover detective Colby McBride, hired to help solve the mystery behind her wannabe fiancé’s disappearance. Colby’s cover? That he is an old boyfriend now begging Piper for a second chance—always when there are plenty of townsfolk around to witness his shenanigans.

Piper hardly knows whether to laugh or cry, especially when she finds herself drawn to the handsome rascal. He's not the only newcomer she has to deal with. There’s a new interim preacher in town, Sam Cassidy. Drifting from one assignment to another since his one love died, Sam isn’t sure he’s the right fit for Honey Creek. But as Piper knows, this is a place chock-full of surprises. And if she can keep her town—and her heart—from going completely off the rails, there may be a sweet, unexpected future in store . . .
     
Dave Chappelle's Block Party (2006)
Dave Chappelle's Block Party (2006)
2006 | Comedy, Documentary, Musical
At its best a celebration of life, people, and all they have to offer - which also acts as one of countless reminders why Lauryn Hill is such a force to be reckoned with. At its worst - I confess - rather dull, and when it makes you begrudgingly want to admit that charity-stealing P.O.S. Wyclef Jean is actually one hell of a talented musical artist (that piano rendition of "If I Was President" is so great it's actually chilling). Not what I expected, seems to be content with just being chill rather than being the powerhouse of fun and emotion it could have been - and that's okay - still has some good musical numbers, funny moments, and a whole truckload of talent as well as some essential and incredibly timely words of wisdom that are just as potent (if not, maybe even moreso) today than they ever were in the 21st century. Has a certain calm energy about it that feels like a nice warm stroll along your hometown, but that's all it ever really feels like. Obviously the words, ideas, lives, enjoyment, talent, and music are important, relevant, and absolutely crucial 100%. But I can't mistake powerful presences/material for the memorable and amazing execution this wasn't really given. Make no mistake, I still definitely dig it and the feelings expressed throughout I will not soon forget - but as a film watch it sort of treads water. Though I can't dislike any film which features a live Kanye rendition of "Jesus Walks".