WINTER HAVEN: a review...

I read WINTER HAVEN first of all because of the title (who wouldn't want one of those), and secondly because Athol Dickson's books came with good words from places like Publisher's Weekly, Library Journal, Christian Fiction Review, and the New York Times. Not to mention he is a multiple Christy Award nominee and winner, and this particular book is one of four in his new "Christy Collection." 

Early on, I realized it was a bit dark and foreboding compared to my usual fare -- fantastic, even. But before any of his many fans start to argue, I must confess there are children that delve into scarier things than I usually read, so no arguments there. However, there was an almost haunting beauty to his prose that drew me on, along with the hope he was going somewhere other than the path I first found myself on during those early pages. And I was not disappointed.

Vera was a young woman I instantly felt sorry for. Alone with an unusually troubled past, made better only by her attachment to an autistic brother who spoke only in scriptures. A brother who disappeared thirteen years before the story's opening, and whose  body had recently washed up on an island off the coast of Maine. 

By this time, Vera has become an accountant who found most of her security in the predictability of numbers. Living alone in a small apartment, she is hesitant at the daunting prospect of identifying and claiming the body after all these years. But away she goes to the remote location, not only to do her duty, but to perhaps find some closure in the greatest sorrow of her life.

Imagine then, what a turn she took (not to mention readers) only to discover the boy had not grown into a man, or even aged beyond the year he had disappeared. That he was still wearing around his neck the laminated note card their anxious, long-dead, mother had penned for him which read, "I am not dangerous."

Which is all the information I can give you, dear readers, without handing out spoilers regarding this gripping, near-gothic tale. One which had echoes of that long ago favorite author, Daphne du Maurier, but... not quite. No, and as you read farther on, not really. For while this tale of Winter Haven was made up of enough mystery to more than keep me turning pages, the prose was the sort to remind me of the poetics of James Dickey, or Eudora Welty. Those masters I could never sit down and read without having a pen to underline passages with.

Athol Dickson

All of which is enough for me to recommend this book to anyone who likes a story that you can't put down even when you would like to. Except for one very important thing. The believability of it. The lengths Athol Dickson goes to convince us that such things not only could happen, but have probably already done so many times over. This, in my opinion, makes WINTER HAVEN a book that more than deserves its Christy recognition. So, don't miss it. Meantime, I'm off to read the other three.

Which, I suppose... makes me a fan.

You can read my interview with Athol Dickson here.

Death of a Highland Heavyweight...

Today, I'm reviewing DEATH OF A HIGHLAND HEAVYWEIGHT, by Jayne E. Self, dear readers. But first, a little bit about the book...

Murder, chaos, teen angst, missing frog figurines, wedding preparations. What do these things have in common? Gailynn MacDonald. When Highland Games Heavyweight Champion Claude Oui is found dead at the bottom of the stairs, his wife is overcome with grief. As head of the town's annual Hum Harbour Daze festival, she cannot plan a funeral and keep up with her responsibilities to the town, so Gailynn dutifully steps in. 

Amidst choosing bridesmaids dresses, assembling a big top tent, and advising teenagers in love-one of whom just might be a murderer-Gailynn is once again caught up in the town's hidden secrets as she races to solve Hum Harbour's latest crime spree.

My Review...

Hum Harbor is humming, again, along with all the things that go on in a small coastal town. Except there's another killer on the loose. When one of their most favorite community figures, Claude Oui, is found dead in his own home, everyone knows who the obvious suspect is. Small towns are like that.

But Gailynn MacDonald is not. She thinks about these things. And she sees a lot that goes on during her daily walks to scour the beach for seaglass. Except she's a little distracted, this time, because she has some things of her own on her mind. Such as her upcoming wedding to the town's handsome doctor. Who also happens to be her boss.

However, she is the kind of person we would all like to have on our side when the chips are down. Strong, but not short on compassion, and willing to go the second mile (or even the third) for someone in trouble. She's a good example of the kind of person we'd all like to be in situations like this. 

I thuroughly enjoyed DEATH OF A HIGHLAND HEAVYWEIGHT, and I especially liked going back to Hum Harbour, again. It's the kind of place you dream about living in... except for that killer running around out there somewhere. Which makes it just the type of book that keeps you mulling over "whodunit" all the way to the end. Which is one of my favorite kinds of entertainment. The kind I would recommend to anybody. And the way I'm feeling about Hum Harbor, with all its colorful characters...

You can bet I'm hoping for another one, too.

Oh, yes, and if you haven't read the first Seaglass Mystery, MURDER IN HUM HARBOR, I really would recommend you read that one, too. And if you would like to know more about Jayne, you can find her over at www.JayneSelf.com.

More of the Profound Suspense of ATHOL DICKSON…

I'm back with Athol Dickson, today, to continue talking about his new Christy Collection release, and the many things that make him who he is today. Welcome back, Athol…

Thanks, Lilly. Good to be here.

I believe we left off talking about themes. What themes do you most like to write about?

Love and Forgiveness.

Ah, the big ones. Not to mention universal, as we all seem to struggle with those two at some time or other in our lives. Some even all their lives. Are you working on anything particular at the moment?

Right now, I'm working on a mystery. Hopefully the first in a long series, about retired a Marine who becomes a chauffeur and a body guard. He helps his clients out when they’re being blackmailed or have problems with the law and so forth. He inherits a multi-million dollar fortune, but he prefers to keep working and live simply, so he keeps his money secret from most people.

That definitely sounds like another good one. Now, on a personal note, where might readers most likely bump into you when you're on vacation?

Well, later this Fall my wife and I will take in the annual wooden boat show at Port Townsend, Washington, then circle the Olympic peninsula, and then head up to Victoria and Vancouver in British Columbia. From Vancouver we’re going to Banff, and then down to Glacier National Park in Montana before heading home. We love road trips.

Hey, a man after my own heart. The Captain and I will be taking in that wooden boat show, ourselves, as we are currently living on a boat in the area, getting it ready to sail up the Inside Passage to Alaska. I understand you did something like that, yourself, once, too.

Yes, I once spent a year on a yacht, cruising the east coast.

A fellow adventurer, then. It will be wonderful to see you there. Meanwhile, it's been a pleasure visiting with you, Athol, and here's wishing you all the best with the release of your Christy Collection. 

Thanks for having me, Lilly.

My pleasure. Tomorrow I'll post more about the books  that will be included, as well. Today, here's a peek at THEY SHALL SEE GOD… the one that will come pre-loaded on the winning Kindle (details at the top of the sidebar for any who would like to enter the contest).

Little Katie was a Christian. Her very best friend Ruth was a Jew. The girls’ eyewitness testimony sent a very bad man to Louisiana’s infamous Angola prison. Twenty-five years later, Ruth has become an embittered rabbi, Kate is a lonely widow, the bad man is out, and people are dying in the strangest of ways. Torn apart in childhood by animosities beyond their understanding, Kate and Ruth can no longer elude the past’s unfinished business. To survive, these very different women must reach out to each other in spite of the mayhem and mistrust that shrouds one vital truth: sometimes the most dangerous of enemies crouches just inside the human heart.

The Profound Suspense of ATHOL DICKSON…

This week, it is my pleasure to have the wonderful author, Athol Dickson, as a guest here at Lilly's Book Club, to talk about the exciting release of his "Christy Collection" on September 1, which will include four separate novels that have either won, or been nominated for the Christy Award. The titles are: THEY SHALL SEE GOD, RIVER RISING, THE CURE, and WINTER HAVEN, and I will be telling a bit about each one throughout the coming week.

Meanwhile, there's a lot to discover about this author and his writing, not the least of which are some of the first things we wonder about (I do, anyway), such as: Is being a writer something you've always wanted to do, Athol, or something you got into more recently?

Well, Lilly, growing up, I was groomed to be a painter or a sculptor. My mother was a talented amateur artist who worked in pastels, and she saw potential in me at an early age and put me into private art classes. I also took every art class available in public school, and went on to study art at the college level for a couple of years. Then I realized I didn’t want to be poor, so I switched to architecture. I did that for nearly 20 years before I switched again to writing novels. I didn’t set out originally to be a novelist, but looking back it’s clear I was always moving in that direction. I may keep moving from here to something else. Who knows? As long as I’m doing some kind of art, I’m happy. For me, it’s all just different approaches to the same thing. The process is the same, no matter what the media, because it happens mostly in the mind anyway.

Hmm… that's a very interesting perspective, and one I've never heard before. What one experience do you feel contributed most to your writing life?

Studying architecture had a huge impact. I write the same way I learned to design buildings: identify the problem by unpacking it into a collection of smaller problems, solve each of those smaller problems, and then assemble the solutions. And I suppose reading The Hardy Boys series when I was very young, because that’s where my passion for reading got started.

Mysterious methods for mysterious stories. Do you usually think up characters to fit into your plots, or do you think up plots to fit your characters?

Usually the two come along together. When I think of plots, I’m thinking of things that are happening to people, or of things people are doing, so it’s necessary to simultaneously be thinking of what kinds of people they should be in order to make sense of what they’re doing, or how they react.

Which isn't always easy, I'm sure. While I haven't had the opportunity to read any of these books, yet (but I'm very much looking forward to it) they each seem to involve quite a bit of detailed research. Could you describe some satisfying research you did for them, or an interesting experience you had?

When I wrote Winter Haven and The Cure I traveled to Maine several times to absorb the local atmosphere and get a feel for the people there. I fell in love with Maine. It’s a beautiful place, and the people remind me a lot of the way Texans were back when I was growing up. They’re very self-sufficient and strong. I suppose the North Atlantic and the bitter winters drive out everybody else.

An amazing place, I've often wanted to see more of it, myself. Did you have a certain theme in mind when you began, or did it come to you as the stories unfolded?

Almost always I know what the theme is going to be before I start the first draft. Theme plays as strong a role in the early brainstorming as the plot and character. I know that’s supposed to be a bad idea, because it can lead to didacticism. Lots of writing coaches tell young writers not to think about their theme, to just let it come “organically,” but I think that’s an overreaction to the risk. 

I think about theme a lot and I’ve been able to avoid preachiness. At least that’s what my fans all say. The secret is in not allowing any one aspect of the novel to overwhelm the others. You can have a novel that’s heavy handed in characterization just as easily as one that’s preachy. In fact, I’ve tried to read a lot of novels that were flawed by too much attention paid to characters, without a satisfying plot. As in almost every kind of art, there’s a balance that you have to maintain, and I think one essential skill of a good novelist is the ability to sense that balance.

So true. I believe life, itself, gets better with balance, too, and a truly good novel leaves us with more of a desire to seek after that. Tomorrow, I'd like to talk about some of the themes you've explored, along with more of the things that are unique to your particular style. But in the meantime, let's give a bit of a glimpse into WINTER HAVEN, the book I am looking forward to reading first in this collection…

Thirteen years after Vera Gamble’s little brother ran away from their Texas home, his body washes ashore on the remote island of Winter Haven, Maine. Vera goes to claim the corpse and discovers the impossible: her brother hasn’t aged a day since last she saw him. Determined to uncover what happened, she is confronted by unearthly fog, distrusting locals, and stories of lost colonies and a vengeful witch. Beyond a forest where no creature dares to live, her only hope is the mysterious owner of a dilapidated mansion on a rocky cliff. But will this solitary man assist her, or is Vera Gamble doomed to disappear forever into yet another Winter Haven legend?

The Wounded Trilogy...

Recently, I came across a very intriguing YA trilogy, and its equally intriguing author, Lynn Dove. I'm going to share a bit about the books, here, and then a brief interview with Lynn. And while I haven't had a chance to read these books, yet, I am very much looking forward to them. They are on my "to be read" shelf, and I will post reviews when I finish. 

But since summertime is book-reading time for so many (especially vacationers), I wanted to give a shout out for Lynn and her books, right now. Because young people have a very special place in my heart, and she has hit on some of the most timely and relevant issues they face, in a well-written, gripping story that I feel will appeal to young people and adults, alike. So, first, here's a bit about the books…

Shoot the Wounded 

First book in the Wounded Trilogy

Written for youth and young adults, addresses how lies and gossip destroy a person’s spirit. It speaks to the heart of relevant themes such as bullying, teen pregnancy and family violence all the while pointing the characters and ultimately the reader, to hope in Jesus Christ.

Heal the Wounded 

the much-anticipated sequel to Shoot the Wounded.

Delves deep into the real world of teenagers trying to live out their faith in the midst of upset and struggle. Will these youth find God’s healing and hope in the middle of hurt and heartache? Brilliantly written, poignantly told, readers will not be disappointed with the powerful message.

Love the Wounded

The dramatic conclusion to the Wounded Trilogy.

For readers who have come to know and love, Jake, Leigh, Mike, Tim and Dylan, their poignant story concludes with each character fighting to hold onto his faith while trying to answer the age-old question: "Why do bad things happen to good people?"

And now, let's hear from Lynn, herself…

Hi, Lynn… welcome to my book club, it's a real honor to have you here.

Thanks, Lilly, it's good to be here.

I was wondering if you could tell us a bit about the story behind  the Wounded Trilogy, and how it came to be written.

I've always loved writing, but my debut novel, Shoot the Wounded, actually started out as a short story. But a hundred pages later, I realized I couldn’t call it a “short story” any longer.  Then it sat for ten years taking up valuable computer memory space until one day as I was deleting files I came across the story again.  It was my husband who encouraged me to finish it. For the characters, I drew mostly  on my experience working with teenagers as a high school teacher, and as a youth leader. 

While my biggest fan is still my husband, Charles, I now have a hugely supportive family that has grown to include extended family and friends. I'm also deeply grateful for my church, that hosts my book launches, and prays for me on a regular basis. They realize that this is a ministry for me, and have bought my books and sent them all around the world!  I feel more than blessed to have such people in my life.

That sounds wonderful, and it certainly looks as if there has been a divine hand involved to have everything come together so beautifully for you. Now that the trilogy is complete, do you have any other books planned? And what have you learned along your writer's journey that has been most helpful to you?

I have a few projects I am working on. A devotional, some articles set to be published in compilation book works, and I am also working on an autobiographical account of my journey with breast cancer, called, “Life Lived.”  As for my writer's journey, I had no idea when I embarked on this writing adventure that there would be so much work involved in promoting myself and my work.  

It takes a lot of time, effort, and purposeful networking. But I have learned so much from those who have been in the industry a long time, and been blessed with incredible mentors along the way. I've learned the importance of building online relationships with other authors and industry professionals, and the value of reading and reviewing books that showcase new and “seasoned” authors, too.  

All of which seems to be working fantastic for you, Lynn, and I will look forward to seeing where you go from here. Meanwhile, many blessings on the Wounded Trilogy… I know I'm going to enjoy reading them, this summer, myself.

Thanks, Lilly.

My pleasure.

A Visit With Carol A. Brown...

Hi, Carol... welcome to my book club, and congratulations on this very special day for SASSY PANTS MAKES AMENDS. What a lovely story it was, I really enjoyed it. 

Thank you, Lilly, it's great to be here.

First of all, this is a very unique storyline, and I'd love to know how you came up with the idea for SASSY PANTS MAKES AMENDS. 

Well, it is a sequel to SASSY PANTS, a story about a little pig who made a real mess of things. My husband insisted that I write a sequel and give her an opportunity to redeem herself. I didn’t have any more story in me. So, I asked the Lord what He thought about hubby’s insistence and within just a few minutes He downloaded the story line! In this story Sassy Pants models how to make a clean apology, ask for forgiveness and then make amends. Amends is a way to fix a friendship when you are the one who broke it. It goes waaaay beyond sorry and gives a person reason to trust you again. It’s simple but not easy.

That's the truth. For adults as well as children, if you ask me. The setting was delightfully vivid… have you ever been on a farm, yourself? 

I was raised on the farm on which this story takes place.

I had a feeling that might be the case. You described everything so well, I felt like I was right there, myself. You're very good at teaching vital truths with a whole new perspective. Do you like teaching?

I always knew I would be a teacher, first in elementary and then after I completed my master’s work as an instructor for a community college, then a four year college and finally as a university instructor for an “Intensive Language Program” where I taught English as a Second Language. After being struck with MS in 1995 I struggled with who I had become and wondered if there was a place for me. God graciously assured me that my new position was a promotion. The world is my classroom now! Big step up!

I should say. Books have a way of reaching many more people than we could ever physically do all by ourselves. What a blessing to have God expand the reach of your ministry rather than cutting back on it.  Very exciting! Will there be any more stories about Sassy Pants we can look forward to?

Definitely! I was riding in the car with my husband, who was pestering me to write this sequel. Well, I asked God what He thought about it, because I didn’t have one at the time. Then, boom! He downloaded the titles to the three remaining books in the series AND the story lines. So when we came home I got right busy writing up these stories.

And I'm so glad you did, because they are marvelous. Will you come back and visit with me, again, when the next two come out?

I'd be happy to, Lilly.

In the meantime, I'll let you get back to the "birthday party" so you can hand out all those special gifts people have been waiting for. Oh, yes, and here's a link to the landing page for any of our readers who would like to take a peek at those... 

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS PIG?

  

Her name is Sassy Pants, and she has been here before. She was a wild thing, but that wasn't really her fault. Because somebody spoiled her when she was little (and very cute), by letting her do anything she wanted to. As she got bigger, she found the most fun by making trouble. Others tried to correct her, but "she did not listen, nor did she care." In the end, someone (much bigger than her) had to make her do what was right. Which was not fun, at all. And because no one had ever treated her like that before, it practically broke her heart. 

If you haven't read SASSY PANTS, the first book written about this mischievous farmyard pig, let me highly recommend that you do. Because whether you are five years old, or fifty, you will find a treat in store. Not just in all the colorful characters (even though they are wonderful). And not even in the delightful way Ms. Brown can twist a word or a phrase that is a pleasure all by itself. No. The big treat about SASSY PANTS is a hidden secret to be discovered there. One that even some of us adults never knew. 

I just had to say all that even though this particular review is not about SASSY PANTS. it's about the second book in the series, called SASSY PANTS MAKES AMENDS. A story I liked even more than the first one, with a bigger secret hidden in it. Oh, the same barnyard friends were there, and--  once, again -- Ms. Brown's way with words was absolutely delightful. It was another great story, no matter what age you might be. But the reason I liked this one best is because I (Lilly Maytree) learned something from it. Something I have always assumed I knew, already.

SASSY PANTS MAKES AMENDS touched my heart, and actually made me want to be a better person. It made me see how I actually could be. Even at my age! So, not only will I be buying these books for the children in my family, I'm going to slip one to a couple of the crusty old adults, as well. Who knows? It could very well have the same effect on them as it did on me…

And that would be priceless.

June 19th is "Launch Day" for SASSY PANTS MAKES AMENDS. If you buy a copy during this special "birthday party," you will be able to download many other wonderful free gifts to add instantly to your purchase. That's how highly the many friends of Sassy Pants regard her. Personally, I consider it quite the privilege to be a part of this celebration, and to recommend it to all of you, dear readers, with my whole heart!

A bit about Carol...

Carol was raised in a rural farming community in Iowa for the first 16 years of life.  The family moved to Minnesota where she finished high school and then pursued academics.  She met her husband, David, during his internship with Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  They married in 1969, and have ministered together in Idaho, Indiana, Ohio, Australia, Germany, Finland, and Canada, David as pastor, counselor, and trainer; Carol as educator, helpmate and intercessor.  They have two daughters and five grandchildren. As educator Carol has taught elementary, then community college, college and university classes.

“I started telling stories when I had enough brothers for an audience!”