Book Review- In the Shadow of the River by Ann H. Gabhart

 

I wanted to love this book.  I've liked other books by this author. The setting is perfect.  The details of life on a showboat in the late 1800s is right up my alley.  Many years ago, I spent quite a bit of time researching 1800s traveling drama troupes, not on showboats, but still, it was a fun world to revisit.  Many of the characters were interesting to me, and I felt that the beginning of the book was strong.  However, the novel kept dwelling on the detail of Gabe falling in love with Jacci when she was 5.  Since he was 13 at that time, it was just really creepy to me.  I couldn't get over that, and it ruined the romance for me.  The relationship between Jacci's parents was weird, too, and not fully believable.  The mystery was interesting to me, but not really hard to guess.  However, the historical setting and life on the river kept me reading to the end. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Revell, for the purpose of writing a review, but all opinions are my own.

New Space

 I've been wanting to expand the chicken yard for a while, and yesterday, Nathaniel took care of it for me.  

 

Gyunay was excited that Harry was the first one to try out the new enclosure.

It enlarges their outdoor space by at least a third.  They were also enjoying the clover I planted for them.  It will probably all be gone by today, but it was nice while it lasted.

In other news, Pilot received a $1,000 scholarship.

Malachi played in another concert.

And both of them walked through Emry's elementary school.

Book Review - The Long March Home by Marcus Brotherton and Tosca Lee

 

I've read WWII fiction and nonfiction for more than 30 years now.  It's a time frame that has always interested me, but I have read less set in the Pacific theater.  This book is not only good historical fiction, but it is an engaging book about friendship.  The characters were well-drawn.  I enjoyed the interplay between them, and the way the book went back and forth between the war and their past.  The jarring difference between their small-town life before the war and their harrowing experiences in the war was well displayed by this technique.  I highly recommend this book.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a review, but all opinions are my own.

Malachi's CAPAA Finale

 After the adoption, we still had a big evening: Malachi's CAPAA Finale.  He had the biggest crowd ever, since everyone who was here for the adoption was also able to attend his concert.

All of the seniors had to tell their future plans, so Malachi even had to speak.

And Lydia and I have been talking about bringing Malachi flowers, and we finally did so (with the help of Nathaniel running to get them for me).

Lastly, here is a cute shot of Malachi with his best friend 9 years ago.

Adoption Day

                                         Yesterday, Pilot and Emry officially were adopted!

My parents, my in-laws, my sister and my nephew joined us for a family day.  My sister went all out and made a great snack table spread:

After nearly three years together, we had our court hearing that legally added the boys to our family:

As you can tell, we had quite the crowd.  The court workers loved it.

April Harvest Totals

 Eggs - 226

And a few chick pictures:

Lydia's Confirmation

 Lydia was Confirmed on Saturday evening, along with several of her friends.

Lydia had a wonderful Confirmation sponsor, who spent so much time with Lydia over the course of this school year discussing the faith.  Lydia picked her sponsor herself.

with Father Robert

and with Archbishop Shelton, who presided over the Mass

And after Mass, we went to another epic sacrament after-party at our friend's house, where Malachi, Lydia, Emry, and Gyunay all had a great time.