by admin | Oct 16, 2012 | Amish, Books, Historical
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old…or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
Today’s Wild Card author is:
and the book:
Harvest House Publishers (October 1, 2012)
***Special thanks to Ginger Chen for sending me a review copy.***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
BJ Hoff’s bestselling historical novels continue to cross the boundaries of religion, language, and culture to capture a worldwide reading audience. Her books include Song of Erin and American Anthem and such popular series as The Riverhaven Years, The Mountain Song Legacy, and The Emerald Ballad. Hoff’s stories, although set in the past, are always relevant to the present. Whether her characters move about in small country towns or metropolitan areas, reside in Amish settlements or in coal company houses, she creates communities where people can form relationships, raise families, pursue their faith, and experience the mountains and valleys of life. BJ and her husband make their home in Ohio.
Visit the author’s website.
SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:
In this third book in the Riverhaven Years trilogy young Gideon Kanagy faces a challenge and an unexpected romance. Meanwhile, Gideon’s sister, Rachel, and the “outsider” Jeremiah Gant add to the drama with their own dilemma and its repercussions for the entire Riverhaven community.
Product Details:
List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (October 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736924205
ISBN-13: 978-0736924207
AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Prologue: Too Many Long NightsI feel like one who treads alone
Some banquet hall, deserted.Thomas MooreAmish settlement near Riverhaven, OhioNovember 1856Rachel Brenneman had always liked to walk by the river at twilight.There had been a time during the People’s early years at Riverhaven when she gave no thought to walking alone, day or night. After she and Eli were married, the two of them liked to stroll along the bank of the Ohio in the evening, discussing their day, planning the workweek, dreaming of the future. After Eli’s death, however, Rachel no longer went out alone after dark, although sometimes she and her ten-year-old sister, Fannie, took a picnic lunch in the early afternoon and sat watching the fine big boats and smaller vessels that traveled the great Ohio to unknown places.
Now though, venturing away from the community no longer felt safe, even in the middle of the day. In truth, there was nowhere that felt safe, not after the deadly attack on Phoebe Esch and the other troubles recently visited upon the People. At night, especially, Rachel stayed inside, sitting alone in her bedroom with the window scarcely open in deference to the weather, which had recently turned cold.
November was a lonely month. Rachel still loved to listen to the river from insider her home, but the nighttime sounds—the distant lapping of the water, the blast from a boat’s horn, the night creatures in communion with one another—never failed to set off a stirring of remembrance and an ache in her heart. Yet she couldn’t resist sitting there night after night, watching and listening, trying not to let her memories struggle to the surface of her thoughts, trying not to let new hope ignite the ashes of her dreams…
Trying not to think of Jeremiah.
But how could she not think of him? How did a woman love a man, even if their love was forbidden, and not see his face in her mind or hear his voice in her ear or remember the imprint of his smile upon her thoughts?
Common sense seemed to tell her it should be easy to put the man out of her head. They couldn’t be alone with each other. They couldn’t even pass the time of day unless they were in the company of others. If they happened to meet by accident, they were expected to separate as quickly as possible.
Yet even with all the rules and restrictions that kept them apart, Jeremiah Gant was still a part of her life. He flowed through her heart and traced the current of her days as surely and completely as the Ohio flowed through the valley, winding its way through the land, coursing through the days and lives of Rachel and the other Plain people.
Lately, there had been talk of leaving. Two years and more of unrest and harassment and threats—?even death—had begun to wear on the Riverhaven Amish. It was rumored that talks were taking place among the church leaders, discussions of whether to remain in this once-peaceful valley that had become home to the entire community or to consider moving on.
There was no thought of fighting back, of seeking out the unknown adversaries and taking a stand against them. Even if the People could identify their tormenters, they would not confront them. The Amish were a people of nonresistance. They would not fight, not even to protect their own lives. It wasn’t their way. To strike out at another individual under any circumstances was strictly against the Ordnung, the unwritten but strict code that guided how they were to live.
The only person Rachel had ever known to defy the rule against fighting, even in self-defense, was Eli, her deceased husband. He’d gone against the Amish way when he defended Rachel against those who ambushed them on another November night, now four years gone. He had fought with desperation and all his strength, only to die at the hands of their attackers while allowing Rachel to escape.
She knew it was a grievous sin to have such a thought, but many had been the time she wished she could have died alongside Eli that terrible night rather than live through the grief-hollowed, barren days that followed his death. She had been totally devoted to Eli. Their marriage had been good, for they had been close friends as well as husband and wife. Rachel had thought she could never love another man after losing Eli.
And then Jeremiah Gant had come to Riverhaven, turning her life around, enabling her to love again—?only to have that love forbidden. Even though Jeremiah had made it known he would willingly convert to the Amish faith, Bishop Graber refused to grant permission, once again leaving Rachel with a lost love and a broken heart.
Perhaps it would be better if they were to leave Riverhaven…leave the fear and the dread and the pain-filled memories behind.
Leave Jeremiah…
The thought stabbed her heart. Could she really face never seeing him again? Never again hear him say her name in that soft and special way he had of making it as tender as a touch? Never again see the smile that was meant for her alone?
In truth, it wasn’t only Jeremiah she would miss if they were to leave this fertile Ohio valley. She loved the land, the gentle hills, the singing river. She had come here when she was still a child, come from another place that had never truly been home to her. Here in Riverhaven though, she had felt welcome and accepted. At peace. At home.
At least for a time. It was almost as if she had become a part of the land itself. Even the thought of leaving made her sad beyond telling.
She sighed, knowing she should stir and make ready for bed, even though she felt far too restless for sleep. Would this be another of too many nights when her thoughts tormented her, circling like birds of prey, evoking an uneasiness and anxiety that would give her no peace?
Finally she stood, securing the window to ward off the cold, even though she sensed that the chill snaking through her had little to do with the night air. All too familiar with this icy wind of loneliness, she knew there was no warmth that could ease its punishing sting.
MY REVIEW:
River of Mercy is the first book I have read from B. J. Hoff’s Riverhaven Years trilogy. Although this novel can easily stand on it’s own merits without leaving the reader wondering what in the world is going on, I do wish I had read the two earlier books in the series just because this one was so good. I definitely plan to obtain copies of both of them to read if I ever find a spare minute from the books I have committed to review.
Just when I think I have had about all the Amish fiction I can handle for awhile, I encounter one that is so totally different from the others that my interest is engaged. I’m not certain if it is the fact that it is a historical novel, its dark and brooding mood that is almost gothic in tone, or the suspense and mystery that permeate the story. Perhaps it is the combination of all the elements that made it work for me. It has been awhile since I read a novel by B. J. Hoff but in the past I always knew I could count on her for an interesting, informative, and entertaining story.River of Mercy was no disappointment in that respect.
I could bore you with a recounting of the main points of the story but I believe it would detract from the delight of discovering it yourself. The writing is almost lyrical and the characters and plot are full of life. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and almost hated to see it end. Oh, and I think the book trailer is one of the best I’ve seen. If I had not already read the book before I saw it, I would want to run out and buy a copy immediately. Please do not skip watching it.
by admin | Oct 12, 2012 | 1920's, Books, Historical, Smoky Mountains
MY REVIEW:
Although they are often profiled as illiterate, moonshiners, snake handlers, and hillbillies, the cliched perception of Appalachian highlanders has been put to rest in Walt Larimore’s “Sugar Fork”. The residents of the Sugar Fork valley are a unique group of resourceful and hard-working people who are fiercely loyal to their friends and neighbors and dedicated to taking care of each other. Featuring Abbie Randolph and her family, the story relates their continued struggle to maintain ownership of their unspoiled land as an unscrupulous lumber company makes repeated attempts to force them to sell. Faced with new challenges and even more tragedy, they find an unexpected ally in the area’s new young doctor Wade Chandler who soon finds himself smitten by Abbie.
“Sugar Fork” is a beautiful picture of the way people should work together to care for each other. The Randolph family, their friends, and neighbors exemplify what can be accomplished through faith in God and unity of purpose. I thoroughly enjoyed “Sugar Fork” which has earned its rightful place among such notable novels as “Christy” and “The Last Sineater”. I hope you will pick up a copy for yourself or as a gift.
This book was provided for review by Howard Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
This captivating story takes place in the Sugar Fork Valley of the Great Smoky Mountains wilderness during 1925-26. Nate Randolph and his five unique daughters wrestle to survive after the death of Callie (his wife and their mother) as well as maintain their farm, forests, family, and faith against a menacing business and an evil company manager seeking by every means possible to pilfer their land and clear cut their virgin woodland.
This sequel to Hazel Creek continues with the colorful cast of characters our readers came to love in the prequel, including independent and earnest mountaineers, Cherokee Indians, gypsies, lumbermen, moonshiners, two world-famous writers, and, of course, a flesh-and-blood Haint … all of whom join the Randolphs in their gripping struggle against the evil and violence of a murderous lumber company manager.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Walt Larimore has been called one of “America’s best-known family physicians” and listed in “Distinguished Physicians of America,” “The Best Doctors in America,” and “Who’s Who in America.” Walt was awarded the 2004 Christianity Today Book Award for cowriting Going Public with Your Faith: Becoming a Spiritual Influence at Work. He has been a Gold Medallion Book Award finalist three times—for the Going Public book and small-group video series, as well as his book The Highly Healthy Child. He also authored the popular Bryson City Tales books and coauthored the TSI series with Paul McCusker. He lives in Monument, Colorado.
by admin | Oct 12, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance
Welcome to the campaign launch for Summerside Press’ brand new series, American Tapestries. Debuting this new series are authors Melanie Dobson (Where the Trail Ends) and Janice Thompson (Queen of the Waves) and they are celebrating the series launch by hosting a Kindle Fire Giveaway and throwing an American Tapestries Facebook Party on October 18th.
{American Tapestries Kindle Fire Giveaway and 10/18 Facebook Party}
Celebrate with Melanie by entering to win a Kindle Fire!
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson
- Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 17th. Winner will be announced at the American Tapestries Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/18. Connect with authors Melanie Dobson and Janice Thompson for an evening of book chat, trivia and fun! There will also be gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!
So grab your copy of Where the Trail Ends and Queen of the Waves and join Melanie Dobson and Janice Thompson on the evening of the October 18th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!
Each novel in this line sets a heart-stirring love story against the backdrop of an epic moment in American history. Whether they fought in her battles, built her cities or forged paths to new territories, a diverse tapestry of men and women shaped this great nation into the Land of Opportunity. Even then, as is true now, the search for romance was a major part of the American Dream.
MY REVIEW:
“Where the Trail Ends” chronicles one young woman’s grueling journey over the Oregon Trail as her family struggles to reach their destination in the Willamette Valley before the winter snows impede their progress. With dramatic descriptions of the hardships experienced by the weary travelers, the story gives readers a glimpse of how the original settlers came to our northwest states. With strong characters, vividly described surroundings, unexpected twists, and several suspense filled scenes,, “Where the Trail Ends” is a novel that held my interest throughout. Although filled with the tragedies and dangerous encounters generally expected in a novel about the Oregon Trail, this story focused on following the Lord through the trials and letting Him refine their character as they trusted in him. What could have been a depressing book was positively filled with hope.
Samantha Waldron was a strong and determined young woman who meant to keep a promise made to her dying mother. No matter the cost, she would take care of her younger brother Micah. With that at the forefront of her mind for each step of the two thousand difficult miles, Samantha had little time to speculate on romance and marriage. After being separated from the rest of their party, Samantha and Micah were rescued from near death by Alexander Clarke, an official with the Hudson Bay Company. As they become better acquainted during her winter at Fort Vancouver, Samantha and Alex experienced a growing attraction but his plans to return to England and his fiance discourage them from acting on their mutual interest. Although I knew the couple would eventually end up together, there was nothing expected or boring about their progress in getting to that point.
“Where the Trail Ends” is a well-written novel that is sure to appeal to those who enjoy historical romance.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A young woman traveling the Oregon Trail in 1842 must rely on a stranger to bring her to safety. But whom can she trust with her heart?
For two thousand miles along the trail to Oregon Country, Samantha Waldron and her family must overcome tremendous challenges to reach the Willamette Valley before winter. Together they weather autumn storms, hunger and thirst, and the dangers of a wild and unfamiliar country. But when their canoe capsizes on the Columbia River, they must rely on handsome British exporter Alexander Clarke to rescue them from the icy water.
Alex escorts Samantha and her young brother, Micah, to Fort Vancouver. There Samantha is overwhelmed with men vying for her affections, but the only one who intrigues her-Alex-is the one she cannot have. When his betrothed arrives unexpectedly from England to escort him home, Samantha becomes determined to create a home for herself and Micah in the fertile valley far away from the fort. But how will an unmarried woman support herself and her brother in the wilderness alone? Then Micah disappears into the wilderness one rainy night, and Samantha must rely on the man she loves-the man she’s trying desperately to forget-to rescue her brother before it’s too late.
Order a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melanie Dobson has written ten contemporary and historical novels including five releases in Summerside’s Love Finds You series. In 2011, two of her releases won Carol Awards: Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa (for historical romance) and The Silent Order (for romantic suspense).Prior to her writing career, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family and a publicist for The Family Channel. She later launched her own public relations company and worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for more than fifteen years.
Melanie and her family enjoy their home in the Pacific Northwest. The entire Dobson family loves to travel and hike in both the mountains and along the cliffs above the Pacific.
When Melanie isn’t writing or playing with her family, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction.
Find out more about Melanie at http://www.melaniedobson.com.
by admin | Oct 12, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance
Welcome to the campaign launch for Summerside Press’ brand new series, American Tapestries. Debuting this new series are authors Janice Thompson (Queen of the Waves) and Melanie Dobson (Where the Trail Ends) and together they are celebrating the series launch by hosting a Kindle Fire Giveaway and throwing an American Tapestries Facebook Party on October 18th.
{American Tapestries Kindle Fire Giveaway and 10/18 Facebook Party}
Celebrate with Janice by entering to win a Kindle Fire!
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson
- Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 17th. Winner will be announced at the American Tapestries Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/18. Connect with authors Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson for an evening of book chat, trivia and fun! There will also be gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!
So grab your copy of Queen of the Waves and Where the Trail Ends and join Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson on the evening of the October 18th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!
Each novel in this line sets a heart-stirring love story against the backdrop of an epic moment in American history. Whether they fought in her battles, built her cities or forged paths to new territories, a diverse tapestry of men and women shaped this great nation into the Land of Opportunity. Even then, as is true now, the search for romance was a major part of the American Dream.
MY REVIEW:
In “Queen of the Waves” Janice Thompson has taken a somewhat different direction from her usual romantic comedies that I have come to enjoy so much. In this historical romance set primarily aboard that famous fateful voyage of the Titanic, Janice’s trademark humor is still present but appropriately toned down several notches. Although anyone reading a novel about the Titanic already knows the historic outcome of that cruise, there must be as many different stories as there were passengers. Janice’s vivid imagination has gifted her readers with an improbable yet totally believable story that just could have happened.
With vivid descriptions of the bigger-than-life ship with its opulent decor, extraordinary menus, glamorous passengers, and their sensational wardrobes, “Queen of the Waves” is a sensory treat for the reader’s imagination. The characters are delightfully realistic with both good and aspects to their personalities. The plot moved at the perfect pace and contained several unique twists and surprises that helped detract from the dread of the already known ending. A sweet but unexpected romance and positive relationship developments add depth to the story. And deftly woven throughout the plot from beginning to end is a message of faith that reminds the reader of the Lord’s involvement in our lives despite our carefully laid plans.
I am usually not a fan of Titanic stories, “Queen of the Waves” might just make me reconsider. It was an enjoyable book that I would recommend to all who enjoy historical romance novels.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When pampered Jacqueline Abington secretly elopes with the family gardener, she asks another woman to take her place on the much anticipated maiden voyage of the Titanic. Tessa Bowen hails from a poor corner of London but has been granted the opportunity of a lifetime—a ticket to sail to America aboard a famed vessel. But there’s a catch: she must assume Jacqueline’s identity. For the first time in her life, Tessa stays in luxurious quarters, dresses in elegant gowns, and dines with prestigious people. Then a wealthy American man takes an interest in her, and Tessa struggles to keep up the ruse as she begins falling for him. When tragedy strikes, the game is up, and two women’s lives are forever changed.
Order a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Award-winning author Janice Thompson, who also writes under the name Janice Hanna, has published nearly eighty books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more.
She formerly served as vice president of the Christian Authors Network and was named the 2008 Mentor of the Year by the American Christian Fiction Writers.
Thompson lives in Spring, Texas, near her four grown daughters and young grandchildren. She leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends and two mischievous dachshunds.
Readers can keep up with Janice Thompson by visiting janiceathompson.com, becoming a fan on Facebook or following her Twitter.
Find out more about Janice at http://janicethompson.com.
by admin | Oct 12, 2012 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012)
by
Lynn AustinABOUT THE AUTHOR:
For many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband’s work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she’d earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published twelve novels. Five of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn’s novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the aftermath of the Civil War, Josephine Weatherly and her mother, Eugenia, struggle to pick up the pieces of their lives when they return to their Virginia plantation. But the bitter realities of life after the war cannot be denied: their home and land are but shells of their previous grandeur; death has claimed her father and brother; and her remaining brother, Daniel, has returned home bitter and broken. The privileged childhood Josephine enjoyed now seems like a long-ago dream. And the God who failed to answer any of her prayers during the war is lost to her as well.
Josephine soon realizes that life is now a matter of daily survival–and recognizes that Lizzie, as one of the few remaining servants, is the one she must rely on to teach her all she needs to know. Josephine’s mother, too, vows to rebuild White Oak…but a bitter hatred fuels her.
With skill and emotion, Lynn Austin brings to life the difficult years of the Reconstruction era by interweaving the stories of three women–daughter, mother, and freed slave–in a riveting tale.
If you would like to read the first chapter of All Things New, go HERE.
by admin | Sep 17, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
After the death of her father, Willow’s family and friends are concerned that her fragile emotions might send her back to the asylum where she spent time after the death of her husband. Determined to prove that she is no longer the same weak girl they knew, Willow sets out to find a job in order to show them and herself that she is a strong woman. When she answers an advertisement for someone to colorize photographs or paint portraits from them, she soon proves to the citizens of Cripple Creek that a woman is certainly capable of doing a job usually relegated to a man. To their surprise, Willow and her new employer Trenton find their professional relationship developing into something more.
I enjoyed going back to Cripple Creek once again and renewing my acquaintance with characters from the earlier novels of this series as well as getting to know some new ones. Mona’s style quickly drew me into the story and made me feel like one of the family. Her cast of characters was varied and vividly described and the plot moved at a leisurely pace with touches of drama, humor, and a few surprises in addition to the expected romantic angle. I loved the author’s portrayal of both Willow and Trenton as they grew both personally and spiritually.
I am a bit sorry to see the series come to an end but look forward to the next one by this author. I recommend “Twice a Bride” as well as the entire Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek series.
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group Blogging for Books program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Packed with heart and faith, Twice a Bride will thrill and inspire historical romance readers who love to lose themselves in the untamed beauty of nineteenth-century Colorado.
Willow Peterson is at a crossroads. Standing alone over her father’s fresh grave, she ponders the question she’s seen etched on everyone else’s face. Will this loss send her over the edge too, as her husband’s death did? She has come back once from the devastating effects of loss, started fresh in Cripple Creek, Colorado, and might find her second chance at love working as a portrait artist for photographer Trenton Van Der Veer. With help of the spirited Sinclair Sisters, can Willow embrace God’s plan to overcome her past and provide a home for her?
Praise for The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series
“A beautiful tale. Intriguing. Inviting. Inspiring.”
-Cindy Woodsmall, author of The Hope of Refuge and When the Soul Mends
“It’s always a joy to read a historical novel that isn’t afraid to let its women escape the farm. Cripple Creek’s cast of colorful characters play host to a new romance, as well as pulling back the curtain on a local family tragedy. This
sequel does more than simply tell the “next” story; it revisits the characters we’ve already come to love and creates a complementary depth to an entertaining new tale.”
-Allison Pittman, author of Stealing Home and The Bridegrooms
“Ida believes her future is secure in a man’s world. After all, she has drive and determination. But what happens when she meets a man who makes a withdrawal from her heart? Author Mona Hodgson makes discovering the answer to this question a rich, rewarding adventure.”
-DiAnn Mills, author of A Woman Called Sage and the Texas Legacy Series
“All the ups and downs of a romance with a delightful dose of history, with characters that will sneak into your heart and take up residence. More, more, we want more.”
-Lauraine Snelling, author of No Distance Too Far and the Daughters of Blessing Series
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mona Hodgson is the author of Two Brides Too Many, Too Rich for a Bride, and The Bride Wore Blue. Mona’s writing credits also include nearly thirty children’s books, including Real Girls of the Bible: A Devotional, Bedtime in the Southwest, and The Princess Twins and the Tea Party. One of Mona’s favorite things to do, besides writing or eating dark chocolate, is to speak at women’s retreats and conferences. Mona lives in Arizona with her husband, Bob.
