Story Magic by Terri Lynn Thompson is this week’s Reader Friday. Here’s the opening: In Ireland magic was real. I knew if I could make it through the school year to summer, we would pack our bags and fly to that wonderful land of fantasy, where strong men fought dragons to save their fair ladies, where fairies lurked behind every tree, where selkies might be caught swimming in any pond, lake or river. And most of all where Granddad’s stories wrapped me in a blanket of wonder.
But first the photo and verse. The photo was taken while I was on a boat on the Sea of Galilee. The sun was trying to break through the haze, creating an eerie sense to add to my surreal feeling of being where Jesus walked on water. The verse just seemed to fit.
And now for Story Magic by Terri Lynn Thompson. Here’s the cover and back copy:
Samantha O’Conor Clark lost her belief in story magic long before her husband left. Now it’s all up to her. She must stay in control. In spite of her efforts her daughter is spiraling, and a vicious beast threatens Samantha in her sleep.
In the midst of it all, story calls to Samantha. She even thinks she sees Sorchae, the bright fairy from Granddad’s stories. Real or imagined, Sorchae encourages Samantha to write again.
When bits of her written words bleed into real life, she’s forced to face the magic. But can she trust it when all may be lost for her daughter?
Aisling Clark’s young life has been falling apart. Love must be earned and she works hard for it, but she’s getting tired. At least her boyfriend really loves her. Running away together will solve both their problems. But when life doesn’t turn out the way she expects, hope is lost. Can the bright ball of energy and light bring her back from the darkness?
My Take:
This novel from Terri Lynn Thompson will stay with you long after you close the book. It’s a story that could happen to anyone who has teenage children. Thompson’s lyrical style will draw you in and not let go.
I was rooting for Samantha from the get-go as she struggled to keep her family from falling apart as they reeled from a recent divorce and now faced losing their home. Her daughter, Aisling, was struggling with problems of her own, created mostly by a selfish boyfriend who lied to her about his circumstances, playing on her compassionate nature.
I love the way Thompson kept bringing Bae into the picture, a man who was interested in Samantha, not just to date, but was concerned about her spiritual condition. And the grandfather was awesome, still telling stories from Ireland that had a strong faith connection to them. Parts of the book were hard to read, knowing what could happen as a favorite character made decisions that could lead to disaster, but they were necessary. It was a great read–have plenty of time when you sit down to read because you won’t want to put the book down until the end!
Okay Readers what are you reading this week? Leave the first line in the comments or just comment, and I’ll enter you in a June drawing for a beautiful pen handcrafted by Dr. Steve Hooley, a $60 value. You can see more of his work at his website.
1750 Pioneer Maple Gold
The pen is made with 1750 Hard Maple from a tree that is still growing, with an age of about 275 years.
The finish is an acrylic varnish mixed with metallic gold pigment. This allows the grain to be seen, but gives a faint golden glitter when held in the light. Three coats of the gold and acrylic are followed by one coat of the acrylic without gold. Then four coats of CA glue (super glue) are applied and polished to give the wet gloss appearance.
The pen is a Slimline kit, using Cross-style refills, allowing a slender look and feel for those who prefer a more delicate pen. Refills can be purchased as generic “Cross- style” refills, 4 ½ inches long. The pen is pulled apart at the middle, and the refill is unscrewed and replaced.
And the winner of May’s drawing is…Edward Arringdon!
Now for another song that’s my “favorite”. Have you figured out they’re all my favorites? My church sang this one Sunday morning.
Please note that I’m taking a week break to spend time with my family. It will be the first time we’ve all been together since 2014! I’ll be back June 17!
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Comments 26
The Martha’s Vineyard by Martha Hall Kelly. It is a compelling WWII novel with two timelines, 1940’s and 2016.
I really enjoyed reading your take on Terri Lynn Thompson’s book. She is a new author to me and your review really drew me to the storyline and
want to read it. Thank you for the chance to win such a beautifully crafted pen.
Author
You are welcome, Jeanne! Steve Hooley makes the most beautiful pens! I think you’ll enjoy Terri’s book!
I forgot to add the full book title. Maybe since it’s 4 am. The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club. So sorry.
Author
That sounds like a great book, Jeanne!
It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
Author
Thanks, Diana. It is a wonderful book.
Enjoy time with your family.
Author
Thanks, Sharon!
Love the photo and verse. Very peaceful.
I recently finished Jessica Patche’s book, “Attempted Mountain abduction,” begins with “Bridge Spencer stepped onto his cabin’s porch, shivering at the biting cold, but something icier hovered in the January wind and scraped his nerves like jagged icicles.”
Yesterday, I started reading “Where Secrets Lie” by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. They have collaborated on a few books now, and each has been outstanding. The opening line is “Jessica Legare kept an escape bag in the lower-left drawer of the desk in her home office.”
Author
Tim, I have Where Secrets Lie on audible but I will probably listen to Charles Martin’s last book in the Water Keeper series! I only have 20% left to read of the 3rd book before I leave in the morning. The time will pass so much faster if I listen to a book.
Pat, I forgot to add that I hope you have a wonderful time with your family next week. Taking that time is so important. Enjoy!
Author
Thanks, Tim. This will be the first time since we’ve all been together…ever! Parts of us have gathered but not all so I’m really looking forward to it.
sounds interesting
Author
Thanks, BN!
Beautiful picture Pat! Love this song! Chris Tomlin is one of my favorite singers!
I’m reading Vanishing Legacy by Kate Angelo.
Pat, I hope you are feeling much better and can fully enjoy your family time!
Author
Thanks, Mary G! I have Vanishing Legacy on my TBR read table!
I love the verse you picked out. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about Story Magic, Pat. Enjoy your time with the family!
Author
Thanks, Priscilla. Story Magic is a haunting story…
Have fun with your family! They along with faith mean everything.
Author
Absolutely, Judy! I can’t wait to see them all together!
Ahh, the Sea of Galilee. . . and the perfect Scripture to go along with it.
Your review of Story Magic had me thinking this is a deep book with lots of spiritual truths. Sounds good.
I just finished reading Every Deadly Suspicion by Janice Cantore late last night. “Monday morning Chief Hanna Keyes was in her driveway, ready to climb into her police vehicle, when she heard the faltering plane.”
Have a fun time with the family! Tell C. Hello for me.
I hope that you have a wonderful time with your family, Pat. Safe travels.
I am enjoying this book set in the Florida Panhandle.
If any part of her day had gone according to plan, Cora Prestly wouldn’t need a toothbrush right now. But it hadn’t, so here she was.
What Not To Do On Vacation by Rachel Magee
Marie Bouchard blamed herself for being absent from her son’s life for the last three years, even though there had been no way for her to call from deep undercover, not when the lives of her team members had been at stake.
Wait for Me by Jan Thompson
Thank you for the verse!
“Captain Travis Chapman readily served wherever his country needed him. All Green Berets did.” Cold Silence by Susan Sleeman
I’m currently reading The Girl From the Papers by Jennifer L. Wright.
Love the picture and verse! Curiosity question: about how far were you from land when you took the picture? The song is a good choice.
Is Edward Arringdon me? Wow! I was ready to check into buying me one of those pen sets. I had already clicked on the link to Steve’s website when I scrolled and saw the winner’s name. If that is someone else, I’ll definitely check on it. For many years before retirement, I carried a Cross pen and pencil set. I still carry a pen with me, but it’s one with a company name on it.
The book sounds interesting, but I like stories like yours better. I’m currently finishing a first read on Susan Sleeman’s next book and part of the way through one of Jody Hedlund’s. I hope to start reading the third book in her Shanahan Match series this weekend. The title is A Wager with the Matchmaker. First line: She had no work and no place to live. Again.
Enjoy your time off. You certainly deserve it. We all need time with family. God bless you!