One of my favorite authors is Dorothea Benton Frank. She writes about the South Carolina Lowcountry people. Her books have humor, honesty and stories about strong willed females. "Queen Bee" is the last book she wrote. A single young lady, Holly who raises bee hives lives with her hypochondriac mother she calls Queen Bee. Holly's sister, Leslie, who is her opposite, is having difficulty with her marriage and moves back home. Holly likes the widower next door and is very helpful caring for his two boys. As the story unfolds their mother ups the ante with rip-roaring theatrics. Hang on, you're going to enjoy this family life novel.
One of my go to series when I want a laugh and an easy read with mystery is about Mrs. Polifax written by Dorothy Gilman. Definitely read these in order as the first book introduces the fabulous 60 year old Mrs. Pollifax and is aptly named "The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax". She is in the local garden club, a widow and is contemplating her life and realizes she wants to have purpose. She decides she can help her country and applies for the CIA. Accidentally getting assigned to a case she is excited and a little clueless, she adapts to an unfortunate turn of events and displays the common sense and courage that will guide her through future events. Get ready to chuckle and have a fun read.
"The Shack: Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity" by William P. Young is a sideways look into religion. It will make you stop and reflect your spiritual thoughts. I read this book several years ago and it still stays with me. I plan to reread "The Shack" in the future as it's one of those books that will stir the soul. It's hard to get through the first few chapters as the main character, Mack's youngest daughter is abducted during a family vacation. Her body is later found in an abandoned shack. Years later Mack is in a dark place, grieving his daughter and receives a letter from God. During his struggles he decides to accept the invitation to the shack and walks into his nightmare where he finds more light then he can ever imagine. "The Shack"" wrestles with the timeless question: "Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?"
Barb H.