Tag Archive | long-lost love

Spatzle Speaks: Root Beer & Roadblocks (Book Review)

Reading Time: 3 minutes

My mom (Susan M. Baganz) writes books. In this one, she had a little boy and I love little kids so Root Beer & Roadblocks is a story I enjoyed. Johnny Marshall is a favorite character, but I was sad that at the end of Feta & Freeways, Johnny’s cancer had returned. I knew then that she would write Johnny’s story and make it a great one.

Johnny had a rough time because he endured a bout of cancer in his past and discovered the truth at the same time his wife served him divorce papers. He’d had his chance at fame as a musician and lost any chance to fulfill his dream of having children.

He sold his home and had moved in with his cousin. Partly because he didn’t see any point in keeping it when he figured he’d likely not survive this cancer battle. He wasn’t even sure he wanted to bother with pursuing treatment because he knew it would be brutal with no guarantee of a cure. He serves at church teaching little kids in Sunday school since he can’t have any of his own.

When he saves a little boy from being hit by a car after church, he gets injured instead. The crash reunites him with an old flame from high school. The one woman, Katie, he never really got over and she holds a secret, one that might give him the will to live.

Johnny is not a victim in this story although he suffers terribly. Matter of fact, in spite of his challenges he often emerges the unwitting hero. His journey and struggle seems hopeless at times, defeated by depression, illness, and cancer, he also finds that because of his struggles there are amazing blessings to be had on the other side as God opens the floodgates to fill his heart (and arms) with more than he could have hoped and dreamed for.

Johnny is still a musician and singer with Specific Gravity although they don’t tour in this book as they make time to allow Johnny the opportunity to fight this battle with his family, friends, and Orchard Hill church by his side. If you enjoyed Feta & Freeways you’ll enjoy the continuation of the relationship between Niko and his cousin Johnny in this story. While both books are connected they can be read as stand-alone novels.

Spatzle Baganz, book reviewer for the silygoos blog because that’s how we roll.

I would suggest that Johnny and Katie get a dog, but given the end of this story, I suspect they’ll need a bigger home and some time to adjust to all their blessings. I’d offer to join them but I love my mommy too much and she needs me. They don’t call me a rescue dog for nothing. I give this book five bones, because I don’t have thumbs and don’t do stars. And I’ll give my mom lots of kisses as long as she keeps rubbing my tummy.

Seasons of Love (Book Review)

Reading Time: 2 minutes

ebook_seasonsoflove copyAndrea Boeshaar is a prolific writer and gifted story-teller. This trilogy of novellas in one package illustrates that beautifully. Seasons of Love is a trifecta of contemporary inspirational romance.  And for a limited time the ebook version is only .99! Merry Christmas to YOU!

The first novella, An Apple a Day takes place in summer. Dr. Brian Coridan is taking a break from his private practice. While in Blossom Lake, Wisconsin he becomes infatuated with the local health food store owner, Talia Fountain. Their philosophies about medicine are at opposite ends of the spectrum and yet sparks continue to fly between them. A sweet romance that is just what the doctor ordered. And a recipe for apple pie is included!

The second novella, September Sonata, tells the story of Krissy and Blaine. They  have entered the empty nest season of life. Set in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area, Blaine is recovering from an accident while fighting a fire. Pain is his constant companion but he loves his wife and can’t understand what’s gotten into her. Krissy is bored in the marriage and when the new Christian school principal shows interest in her she struggles inside. Does she honor her vows and what would staying married to Blaine look like in the years to come? Andrea has a sweet surprise  for the reader and a spicy one as well in a chili recipe at the end of the story.

While I’ve enjoyed all the stories, for some reason the last one is my favorite.

In Let it Snow, Shari Kretlow finds herself stuck in a snowstorm, on Christmas Eve at the home of the family of the man she deserted long ago. She’d run off with another man but life and marriage were far from happy for her. Now a widow with an unspeakable joy and determination to live life happy, she’s confronted with the man she left. Dr. Brenan Sheppard never really recovered from Shari’s betrayal. Home on leave as a missionary in Brazil he’s on the cusp of proposing to someone else. Shari’s appearance brings up old feelings he thought he’d buried. Now he has to decide what to do with that. Can love lost be restored? This story includes an egg bake recipe at the end of it.

If you like stories on the shorter side with a sprinkle of love, faith and food woven in, you’ll love Andrea’s trilogy.