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Autumn of the Big Snow
By Lou Dean
Reviewed by Tara Anson
Lou Dean has been a local favorite for as long as I can remember. She was raised just across the river in Osage County in the 1950s. Dean grew up attending the Braden one-room schoolhouse, where even her dog was allowed to join in on the classroom learning! Since a small child, her life was centered around animals and her connection to them. Most of Dean’s books are based on her life, growing up with her amazing animals. Though she now resides in a secluded area of Colorado, her roots still run deep in Oklahoma and she will always make sure Brace Books & More has her latest book on the shelf.
Dean is well-known for her heart-touching memories. Though her newest book, Autumn of the Big Snow, takes a different approach as a work of fiction; it is still inspired not only by her Colorado surroundings, but also her real-life experiences around the area.
We join Katie, a Native American, as she is living her life in a small Colorado community. Having been in the construction business awhile now, Katie fit in well with the men she worked with. Her one hard-and-fast rule was to never get involved emotionally with these rough around the edges, just trying to make a living, guys. Instead, Katie preferred a no strings attached kind of love life. That is until August Atkins showed up. As Katie finds herself struggling to not fall for the smooth-talking Texan, she begins to wonder what her life might be if she let herself. Will Katie’s mysterious past that she keeps hidden get in the way of her ever finding true love or will she finally give in and let August carry her away?
Over Sea, Under Stone (The Dark Is Rising Sequence, bk. 1)
by Susan Cooper
Reviewed by Lorrie Layton
I’ve wanted to read this series forever, but this is the first chance I’ve had. I knew nothing of the series, other than it was considered something of a classic in the children’s fantasy genre. So, you’ll understand I had no idea what to expect once I began the book.
The Drew family meets up with their Great-Uncle Merry while on holiday (vacation) in Cornwall. Merry has rented a sea captain’s house for them while they stay in the village of Trewissick. While exploring the old house, siblings Simon, Jane and Barney discover an ancient manuscript in the attic. Great-Uncle Merry informs them it is actually a type of treasure map that will lead them to King Arthur’s Grail.
Great-Uncle Merry explains to the children that throughout time, the great forces of Light and Dark have battled for control of the world. The Grail is a mighty source of power to fight the forces of evil. After centuries of balance, the Dark is rising once more. If the Dark can gain control of the Grail, the Light will be unable to take advantage of its power.
The Drew children, along with their Great-Uncle Merry, find themselves embroiled in a web of intrigue that surrounds the Arthurian legend. As the children embark on their search for the Grail, they encounter several folks who serve the Dark while pretending to be good, solid citizens. They are pitted against these sinister human beings repeatedly and must outwit them through bravery, wisdom and integrity. Throughout their endeavor, Simon, Jane and Barney find their lives in grave danger.
In some ways, Over Sea, Under Stone reminded me of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia, in that it will become an amazing, epic adventure. I look forward to reading the rest of The Dark Is Rising Sequence.
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