Lorna Seilstad continues with her wonderful Lake Manawa series with the addition of The Ride of Her Life. A lovely summer read, Seilstad brings you into the lakeside setting of a fun resort town in 1906 Iowa. Beautiful breezes off the lake, interesting characters populating the resort, a roller-coaster-designer hero (now that’s unique), and difficult family dynamics all combine to make one fascinating story.

Lilly, a widower, is working hard as a cook to provide for the most important guy in her life: her six year old son. Her in-laws are not pleased with her living arrangements and have the financial power and necessary contacts to make her life miserable until she bends to their wishes. But she doesn’t bend easily.

Throw in a handsome protector that she has not asked for, a typically mischievous little boy,  a new kitchen helper who wreaks havoc with every meal,  and a suffrage fighter girlfriend and you’ll keep those pages turning.

For the perfect background, pack this book away in your beach bag and pull it out at the edge of the shore.

Guaranteed good read.

Feet swinging, head tilted, ready to embrace life – I felt like a little kid again. Black Mt, NC 2012 after the Blue Ridge conference. Something about spending a week with wild, wonderful wacky writers brings me back to that little kid feeling.

Maybe it’s the freedom of imagination. The endless “what-if’s” of conversation. The constant buzz of energy from class to workshop, devotions to meals. Non-stop creativity.  

I love it.

What brings you back to that little kid feeling?

A writing conference? Spending time with family? A certain setting? A day at the beach?

I challenge you this week to find that spark of childhood, follow where it leads and share your story in a comment here.

Lovely Vonda, my mentor & friend

Karen Moore, sweet, gracious lady

Beth Vogt and her pretty daughter.

My husband & I with Torry Martin (baseball cap), an unbelievably funny guy!

Blue Ridge faithful friends, Jorlyn & Ted

Susie May Warren, one of my fav authors – enthusiasm personified!

If you attended Blue Ridge this year, what were some highlights of the conference?

For me – Yvonne’s keynote, new teachers Beth Vogt and Susie May, Torry’s banquet keynote, and Al’s devotions. Also the caring and supportive staff including teachers and editors.