"Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust," by Immaculee Ilibagiza

This is a true story of a young woman who survives the Rwandan genocide, although her family does not. The author had so much courage and faith in the face of such horror and tragedy that it truly inspired me. I definitely recommend this book, in fact, I could hardly put it down. 5 stars!

The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio: How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less by Terry Ryan

What a great read! This memoir is written by a daughter about her mother, and how she was able to earn money and put food on the table for 10 kids, by "contesting" in the 1950s. She sent in entries containing poems, jingles and finishing slogans for all kinds of companies and brands. This contest wins earned her family cash prizes, appliances, vacations, cars, etc. The money was much needed as the Father was an alcoholic and spent most of their income on booze. It was fun and touching and not as depressing as other novels about Irish Catholic drunks (there seem to be a lot of those). It was also made into a movie, which I haven't seen yet, but is now in my Netflix queue.

Gables of Legacy

FINALLY I am posting! I am in the middle of reading the wonderful series Gables of Legacy by LDS author, Anita Stansfield. There are six books in this set. I am currently on book four. I love how Anita Stansfield writes several books dealing with the same characters from previous books. While I was on bedrest, a good friend of mine loaned me this set. FOr whatever reason, I never got around to reading them until now. As I was reading the back of the book, I realized I knew these characters from another series I had read by her. In fact, this other set of books I read years ago were probably my favorite books I had ever read. I didnt know until then that the story of this particular family went on in other books of hers. If so I would have read these a long time ago. I have a hard time finishing up a good book because it almost feels like you are saying goodbye to a friend. That is why I have loved to read Anitas books. I really like this series so far and it is very easy reading. If you are an Anita Stansfield fan then you HAVE to make sure and read this set.