“Let us welcome February and take every chance to show love to all we meet.” February is Library Lovers' Month! ♡ Well folks can you believe we are in the midst of winter already and now gearing up for, according to some, the most romantic month of the year? Let’s share a loving recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Taco Soup                   recipe by All Recipes Ingredients: Non-stick cooking spray 1 cup diced onion 1 diced bell pepper 2 tsp salt, divided 2 cups chicken broth 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies 1 (10 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies 2 tbls oil 1 tbls taco seasoning ½ tsp ground cumin ¼ tsp ground black pepper 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast 1 (8ounce) pkg Neufchatel cheese, softened Directions: Spray a slow cooker with the cooking spray. Add onions, bell pepper and 1 tsp salt. Stir in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, condensed soup and chilies. Combine oil, taco seasoning, 1tsp salt, cumin, and black pepper in a bowl. Add chicken and toss to coat on all sides. Transfer to slow cooker. Cook on low until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 2 to 3 hours. Remove from slow cooker and shred. Add Neufchatel cheese to the slow cooker and stir until melted. Return chicken to the slow cooker and cook until warmed through, 20-30 minutes more. Top with fried tortilla strips if desired. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Have a Taco Tuesday night with someone you love this February. Serve up this delicious hot and creamy soup in your favorite bowls. (Red if you have them.) Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Taco Soup, YUM! Our craft: 5-Minute DIY Sweater Vase project: You will need a random set of vases, either some you already have or some that you either thrift or pick up at Dollar Tree.  They don’t need to match. Choose a cream colored sweater or any favorite color sweater you have thrifted or no longer wear.  Place your vase next to the arm of the sweater to measure. Add 6 inches in case the sweater stretches. Cut the sweater arm off from the rest of the sweater. Pull the sweater arm onto your vase. Straighten the seam in the back and then just cut to fit, leaving a small hem at the bottom. Then just tuck the hem under the bottom. You could also add a little fabric glue to hold it in place. Fill the vase with artificial branches. Place your vases at different heights for a beautiful arrangement:  You could always add pomp oms to the front or ribbon and buttons. Use your imagination and any items you have on hand. Add a string of fairy lights around the branches for a little Valentine’s Glow. Dollar Tree has a large assortment of any of the above items you may need to complete this craft. Hope you give it a try. They truly do add a touch of style to any room. This DIY Sweater Vase from an old sweater is recycling at its cutest! Let’s talk about books: I checked out the book The Secret War of Julia Child by Diana Chambers. This book explores the early life of Julia McWilliams. She goes to Washington after college graduation where she accepts the position of file clerk for the one and only General “Wild Bill” Donovan. He’s a tough task master but soon Julia becomes his right-hand gal. She gets the office in tip top shape and becomes his most trusted employee. This is during World War II and Julia discovers some of the work she is being given are secret trades with Asia. She is so inquisitive, and she finds out a clerk position in Asia is about to come open, so she does everything to convince Wild Bill she’s the girl for the job. Reluctantly he decides to let her go, knowing how much he depends on her. She’s fascinated with her new post and the new company she’s assigned to. She starts her mission and during this dreadful time of war Julia also discovers her love for food. It seems in India the streets are full of aromas and vendors she just can’t resist. She meets and instantly takes a dislike to an engineer named Paul Child. They are oil and water; he works tirelessly drawing plans for the military while she tries to set up her secret trade mission under the ruse of file clerk. It’s quite fascinating how these two eventually end up together to form a love that lasted their lifetime.  This book takes you not only on a journey through historical fiction but on a journey to see how this war made one of our most beloved chefs into the icon we know today. Coincidentally, I had just watched the video Julie and Julia . I bought it at a sale while helping out at our Sophia Library Branch. I had forgotten how much I adored and was fascinated by this movie. Julie who works at a 911 call center following the attacks on New York City finds her purpose and voice through a cooking blog where she decides to cook through Julia Child’s Mastering the art of French Cooking. She gives herself one year to complete the task. The movie goes in and out of the lives of Julie and Julia. I’m a fan so to find the book and read it just furthered my newly acquired obsession with Julia and Paul Child. It was meant to be. Just like Julia and Paul Child. Has there been a greater love? Ever read the children’s book Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame? I thought why not and I’m glad I did. This little classic follows the story of Mole, Rat and Badger as they try to help their friend Mr. Toad after he becomes obsessed with motorcars. This is where he gets into trouble and needs his three friends. Read and follow their adventures. The characters almost become human like as you read, they seem to take on our personalities. They wear clothes and look like little men. It’s a delightful book. Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. (An Oprah Book Club 2024 Pick) Oh my people, did this book move me! It’s a very small book which I read during my lunch break one afternoon. It’s so tender and raw. I cried while reading and do still when I think about it. It’s set in Catholic Ireland. It’s 1985 in a small Irish town. Bill Furlong is a coal merchant who delivers coal to local merchants and town folk in his beloved Lorrie. He lives with his wife and 5 daughters. While during a delivery to a local convent Bill makes a startling discovery. It forces him to question and challenge not only his faith but his conscience. I will not give any more away, but please read this little gem. Foster by Claire Keegan. Well get ready for another tear jerker. Once again this author takes us to rural Ireland.  The year is 1981. A small girl is sent to live with her distant relatives, the Kinsellas. The child’s mother is about to give birth once again so she is sent to spend the summer there on the farm. She is thrown into a whole new environment, one that is filled with warmth and affection. She has never experienced either of these in her small lifetime and doesn’t quite know how to react or how to accept. She has her own warm room, new clothes, hot meals and kind words always being spoken. She forms a bond with these folks and to her surprise the summer flies by. But she receives word her mother had the baby, and she must go home. Oh, the heartache this little girl and the Kinsellas experience will tear your heart out. I just almost couldn’t stand it.  If you want a very emotionally stirring novel, please choose this one. Sometimes we think we know about foster care, but this little book will open your eyes. So, staying in Ireland I decided to start reading the series An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor. If you watch PBS or the BBC channel you will like this one. It would remind you of All things Great and Small. So, the story is about a new young doctor named Barry Laverty, who becomes the assistant to a rural eccentric general practitioner named Dr. Fingal Flahertie O’Reilly in a small Northern Ireland village called Ballybucklebo. He is shown around town in Dr. Fingal’s very old and trusty motorcar. He narrowly escapes the advances of Dr. Fingal’s large black Labrador named Arthur Guinness. He then must navigate the moods of Lady McBeth, Dr. Fingal’s all white cat. Ms. Kincaid or Kinky they call her is the receptionist, cook, and housekeeper all in one.  Dr. Fingal doesn’t pull any punches and he practices in ways Dr. Laverty never experienced in University. He learns sometimes patients just need someone to listen or tell them it’s going to be alright. Although he witnesses things not being done by what he considers by the book or medical standards, he comes to learn a lot about life, love and medicine. Things he definitely hadn’t learned from books. I’m just now into this series but so far I am really loving it. I’ll keep you posted but hope you will also give them a read. Okay, so I watched the movie Wicked . Did I know the whole thing was a musical? No, I didn’t. I must say if you are expecting the Wizard of Oz , don’t. It’s quite fascinating though. It starts at the end which may confuse you for a bit. Then it goes into Galinda the good witch and Elphaba, who grows up to be the wicked witch of the west. They both go to the land of Oz for school. There the unlikely pair are put together as roommates. Galinda, all decked out in pink and as many frills as you can imagine. Let’s just say Miss Popularity. Everyone wants to be her friend, or more likely be her. Then there’s Elphaba, who was born with green skin and dresses in black. How will this pair navigate Oz and the social injustices they see being played out there? Is it possible they just might have more in common than they thought? Watch and see how they become best friends! I was actually surprised how much I enjoyed this movie. Dates to Remember:                                        February 14   Valentine’s Day                                                                                    February 17    Presidents' Day   Please check out our website at www.rcplwv.org or phone us at 304-255-0511 for any and all upcoming events taking place this month.           “If I can make one person laugh long enough to forget their problems then my day was not wasted.” - Disney Stitch                                     Wishing you love, The Bookmobile Lady ~The Bookmobile Lady~

Welcome January! “ The New Year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.” - Melody Beattie Well folks can you believe it, the end of another year? We survived, and now let us focus on the new year ahead. Why not make a promise to yourself to try something new this year? Read a book out of your comfort zone or maybe do as I am doing now which is to choose an author and read as many of their books as you can. My chosen author for January is Mary Kay Andrews and what an author she is! If you choose her list of books start with her Weezie and Bebe series Savannah Blues and Savannah Breeze . They are two best friends who seem to somehow have the unfortunate luck of a mystery always surrounding them. They are a hilarious pair and Andrews can certainly bring out their characters in a way you can’t help but fall in love with. There are four books in this series. I just finished Little Bitty Lies and I couldn’t put it down. Our character Mary Bliss thinks she has the perfect marriage, she can’t believe all the divorces and separations in her close neighborhood alone. Of course she loves to gossip as much as her best friend Katherine but when her husband Parker announces he has left her on a sticky note one morning her own world begins to fall apart. What will she tell people? Her husband would never do something like that. So she decides to start a little bitty lie…telling her daughter and everyone she knows that her husband is out of town on business and can’t be reached. But then she finds out he has absconded with all their money and savings, their home has a second mortgage taken out on it and her luxury cars have been sold. Her husband left all his business suits and took only tropical wear! Where is he? Then the bill collectors start calling and knocking, her husband is presumed dead or is he? And to top it all off ex-policeman turned private investigator Matt Hayslip shows up at her door with questions of his own. Please read this part heart-wrenching, part humor and plain ole’ southern mystery. Hissy Fit : This Andrews novel is about Keeley Murdock who is engaged to A.J., the son of one of the most elite historical families in Madison Georgia. What a catch right? Well on the night of the rehearsal dinner she hears voices coming from the family board room so she carefully opens the door to find her hiccupping fiancé with her best friend Paige. She does what any fine bred southern girl would do…she throws a hissy fit. After she rips and tears through the rehearsal hall she precedes to the parking lot where she scratches her now ex-fiancé’s sports car with her keys. That will show him! She is an interior designer by trade running a family business with her aunt Gloria. After her ex-fiancé’s family blackballs them her only hope in keeping her business afloat is accepting a job of restoring an antebellum mansion for the new red haired stranger who just came to town! What’s his story? Can she re-do the mansion for him without losing her heart? Will she get the answers to the long ago question? What really happened to her mother? Be careful people what you start to uncover unless you actually want the truth to be exposed! Oh! It’s another good one. I have also checked out The Fixer Upper and The High Tide Club (I’ll keep you posted on these two). Looks like lots of hot chocolate and cozy blanket time for me! If you enjoy suspense thrillers try our Tracker series written by Jeffrey Deaver. Our main character Colt Shaw is an ex-military guy who takes on jobs of finding people who are lost or missing. He encounters many hardships and unexpected turns with a host of characters all determined for him to fail on his mission. He must rely on his tracking instincts and try to become the person he is searching for predicting their moves until he can recover them and deliver them safely home. They are quite suspenseful, thought provoking and edge of the seat thrilling. I highly recommend this series especially if you are watching the hit show Tracker based on the books. Here are the books in order Book 1/ The Never Game , Book 2/ The Goodbye Man , Book 3/ Final Twist , Book 4/ Hunting Time, and Book 5/ South of Nowhere . I just finished reading a children’s book A Cozy Winter Day by Eliza Wheeler. This would be the perfect book to check out and snuggle up to read to your little one. It’s about a little wooded village where Mama makes stew, Daddy makes bread and the little ones cozy up and make crafts. They all gather at the pond for ice skating followed by a bowl of hot stew. This little book is a gem and it will definitely make you want to get cozy. It’s available at our Sophia Library branch. Remember if books aren’t your thing you can always pick up the latest issue of your favorite magazine like Pioneer Woman, Good Housekeeping or People. There’s always something for everyone at the Raleigh County Public Library and surrounding branches. People will I ever leave Nantucket?... I’m not sure. I try to check out other audios but I just can’t break up with Nantucket until I have exhausted every last Elin Hilderbrand audio. Here’s the crazy part…I’ve read all her books but by listening now I have a much better understanding on the characters I so loved on paper. My DVD pick is I’ll Be Right There . It’s a comedy that follows a middle-aged woman who is navigating the challenges of her pregnant daughter’s wedding, her mom’s health problems, her son’s future and her own romantic issues. Edie Falco stars in this one and she brings to light all the many struggles and triumphs in our own lives we try to navigate each day. I hope you check this one out to watch this month. Our craft this month is no-sew fleece throws: Supplies Needed: 2 pieces of fleece 52”X 60”( Any color or pattern) Scissors Ruler Instructions: 1. Line up the 2 pieces of fleece placing wrong sides together 2. Measure, mark , and cut a 4” square off each corner through both pieces 3. Measure, mark and cut 4” slits every 1” through both pieces 4. Tie each front fringe to the back fringe all around the throw using a double knot. Make sure not to tie too close or the blanket won’t lie flat. Finish off your sweet throw and curl up with it all winter long or how about taking it to your local nursing home or assisted living facility? I know the residents just cherish these throws. Now let’s fix a couple soul warming recipes! Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Recipe given to me by my sister Bebe) Ingredients: 2 lbs potatoes (or more depending on your family size) cut into chunks 4 tbsp butter 2 carrots finely chopped 1 med onion finely chopped 1 stalk celery finely chopped 1 can cream of celery soup 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 small box Velveeta cheese (cut into pieces) 1 small box chopped broccoli (thawed and drained) Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Over high heat bring to boil potatoes, carrots, celery, butter and onion, adding enough water to just cover. (you can also use chicken broth to boil your vegetables in , it adds more flavor.) Boil until vegetables are just fork tender (don’t over- cook), then turn heat down to low/simmer. (Do not drain liquid) Add the soups and stir thoroughly to combine. Add the cheese a few pieces at a time stirring between additions until all cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper Stir in thawed broccoli and simmer soup another 10-15 minutes so all flavors can blend, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Serve with piping hot Cheddar Chive Corn Muffins (recipe below)! Cheddar Chive Corn Muffins Recipe (from Danelle American Cuisine) Ingredients: 1 cup Flour 2/3 cup yellow cornmeal 1 ½ tsps baking powder ¼ tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt Pinch of pepper 4 tbsp butter softened ¼ cup sugar 2 eggs ½ cup milk 2/3 cup sour cream 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese 2-3 tbsp chopped fresh chives Instructions: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a muffin pan with liners In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt and pepper. With an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until creamy, beat in the eggs, then stir in the milk, sour cream, cheese and chives. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet. Beat at low speed until just combined. Do not over-mix. Divide the batter into prepared muffin cups. Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing muffins from pan. This recipe makes 1 dozen. Dates to Remember: New Year’s Day January 1, 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 20, 2025 Check out the RCPL website at rcplwv.org for New Year Programming for adults and children alike. There is plenty to do for all ages to keep you busy during these cold winter months. Calendars for activities are posted on our website along with contact information, dates and times of programs. Browse through the best seller and new DVD lists while you are there as well! “January Brings the Snow, Makes our Feet and Fingers Glow” - Sara Coleridge Stay Cozy and Let it Snow! The Bookmobile Lady ~The Bookmobile Lady~

“You’re Never Too Old to Believe in Christmas Wishes.” - Kristin Parson, a quote from the movie A Christmas Melody! We have here at the Bookmobile a cookbook called The Cozy Christmas Cookbook , Mouthwatering Food to Enjoy During Your Favorite Holiday Films , by Holly Carpenter. I just shared an opening quote from the book and now I am going to share a couple of recipes just to get your mouth watering for more and maybe it will inspire you to come check out this sweet little book. Let’s make Barb’s Famous Hot Chocolate 3 cups favorite milk ¼ cup granulated sugar 2 tbsp cocoa powder 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1 tsp pure vanilla extract Whipped cream, for serving Add the milk to a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk in the sugar and cocoa powder until smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips and vanilla extract until melted and well combined. Then remove the mixture from the heat. Divide the cocoa into mugs, top each with whipped cream, and enjoy while hot. Marie’s Christmas Tree Pizzas 1 (12-ounce) frozen puff pastry sheet 1 large tree-shaped cookie cutter 4 tbsp favorite pizza sauce 4 ½ ounces grated mozzarella cheese 2 pepperoni snack sticks, sliced into tiny pepperoni 1 medium green pepper, sliced into small strips Thaw and unfold the puff pastry. Use your cookie cutter to cut out as many trees as you can from the dough and spread them evenly over a baking sheet (or two) lined with baking paper. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Create your mini pizzas by topping each tree with pizza sauce, cheese and a smattering of green peppers and pepperoni. Bake the pizzas for 10 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, and serve them immediately. How about giving these two easy recipes a try? Serve on trays while you cozy up and watch Wish for Christmas , which is available for you to check out at the library. We have your traditional Night Before Christmas books to read to your little ones as you tuck them into bed during this festive season, but how about taking a look at My Best Friend is a Reindeer , with touch and feel on every page? I don’t know of any toddler who wouldn’t want to listen to this sweet little story. Also one to consider is The Little Christmas Tree by Thomas Meyer. This darling book is about Alex, the smallest tree at Christmas tree school. Kurt is the biggest tree and doesn’t miss a chance to brag about it to Alex. Along the way Alex meets a family of rabbits, and he begins to wonder if it’s what’s inside of us that counts? It’s a sweet story that will touch your heart. I know your little one will want to listen to this one more than once this season! For those Taylor Swift fans we have The 13 Days of Swiftness, A Christmas Celebration for Fans by Tiffany Garland. It chronicles the Eras Tour and some of Taylor’s favorite Christmas things. And please don’t forget our Elf on the Shelf . He is always a Christmas pleaser. You just never know where he will turn up or what kind of Christmas mischief he will be making. So see folks we’ve got something for everyone in your family. Just stop by and browse our shelves for all things Christmas. Okay, now onto books! I just finished reading Lies He Told Me by James Patterson. My goodness, my goodness people I read it in less than 3 days. It will grab you from page one and won’t turn you loose until page 367. “She’s In Love— With A Liar.” Marcie and David Bowers live in Hemingway Grove, Ill. David owns a local pub and Marcie practices family law. While celebrating their wedding anniversary on a historical bridge where the two met, a car comes careening on the bridge and crashes down into the river. David jumps in to save the stranger while Marcie holds her breath for the safety of her husband. So when David becomes an overnight hero all forms of strange things start happening to their family. Who is stalking this cookie cutter family and what do they want? Or exactly who do they want? Who really is David Bowers? Does Marcie know him at all? After all, wouldn’t a wife know the difference between her loving husband and father and a cold-blooded assassin? This one is absolutely riveting. I couldn’t put it down because I had to know the truth. It was definitely not how I had it figured. I hope I have you intrigued. For fans of Danielle Steel, she has a new thriller called Triangle . It involves Amanda Delanoe who runs an art gallery and Olivier Saint Alvin a publisher. She reconnects with and old flame Tom Quinlan who has come to Paris to write a thriller. Well Amanda is in for a thriller of her own. She discovers that Olivier is married and then she starts receiving threatening phone calls late at night. Someone breaks into her apartment. She begins to realize she is in danger, but from whom? Is it a stranger, an old love or maybe a new love? This one is good people please give it a read if suspense is up your alley. Lauren in the Limelight by Miriam Landis. This is a juvenile fiction novel about Lauren and her two best friends who take ballet class together. They are in 6th grade and are trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in. They love class although they each have struggles trying to achieve their dream of being a ballerina one day. Unexpectedly a new girl shows up to class. They have seen her around school the last week or so but haven’t really talked to her. But when she begins to dance and show the teacher what she knows about ballet, the three friends are amazed. How can she be so advanced? She’s their age after all. Lauren and her friends must then decide how to handle this. Will it be with jealousy or competitiveness? Or will they welcome this new ballerina who has insecurities of her own? I hope you will read this new juvenile novel available at the library. It may say juvenile on the spine label but believe me it has lessons to teach us at any age. Don’t we all need to be a better friend? Can’t we all find room for a new friend in our lives? I think so! Please check out the Christmas movie The Noel Diary . It’s based on the book by bestselling author Richard Paul Evans. It is about Jake Turner, a guy who returns home to Connecticut during Christmas to settle his mother’s estate. While he is home, he discovers a mysterious diary that may hold the secrets to his past. So he takes a journey with Rachel the daughter of his nanny Noel and together they go searching not only for his estranged father but for the answers they both deserve. This one folks just may give you that Holly Jolly feeling you need this season. Just remember the book and audio is also available at the library. Here is an easy Christmas craft by Kathryn from Do it on a Dime. I love watching her videos and what she creates. She mostly uses items from the Dollar Tree, so that’s where you will find everything to make this Christmas Swag. You will need: 3 small artificial trees (at Dollar Tree for $1.25 each) Hot glue Twine or Jute String Pine scented sticks Christmas Ribbon or ribbon of choice Christmas ornaments or any Christmas décor (all available at Dollar Tree) Open your boxes with the trees. Spread out and flatten completely. Lay all three trees together facing the same way. Using twine or jute wrap around the base of all three trees and tie tightly. Next hot glue ornaments, ribbon or any kind of Christmas decoration you would like. Next tie ribbon to the end where you attached all three trees. Now tuck in the scented pine sticks to create that fresh cut tree scent. Lastly turn upside down and hang from a favorite place in your home where you can enjoy all season long. I’m now going to include a recipe for one of your furry friends: Christmas Cookies for Kitty also found in The Cozy Christmas Movie Cookbook 1 cup tuna 2 cups flour 1 egg 4 tsps dried catnip ½ cup 2 percent milk Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drain the can of tuna completely then combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Drop the cookies by the tablespoon onto the prepared baking sheet and bake them for 8-10 minutes until firm (they won’t brown). Let them cool completely before serving to your kitty. Our sweet furry friends need some special love this season too. And if you don’t have pets, how about making up a batch of these for a friend or neighbor who does? “A person who believes in Santa is a fundamentally good person. It means they believe in hope.” - Ashley Harrison, a quote from Dashing Through the Snow. Please check out the Raleigh County Public Library’s website at rcplwv.org for all Holiday closings. Merry Christmas Everyone! The Bookmobile Lady ~The Bookmobile Lady~

Happy November! ~November is the month to remind us to be thankful for the many positive things happening in our life.~ Well, my good readers it’s officially fall. The chill is in the air and the frost is on the windshield. It seems I can’t get warm until I’m eating something comforting and snuggling under a blanket. I checked out our copy of Good Lookin’ Cookin’ by Dolly Parton and her sister Rachel Parton George. I found their recipe for Biscuits and Ham and want to share with you. What could hit the spot right now more than a hot biscuit? Country Ham and Biscuits Ingredients: ¼ cup shortening, plus more for greasing 3 cups flour, plus more for dusting 1 tbls. Sugar 1 tbls. Baking powder ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp cream of tartar ½ cup cold butter, cut into ½ inch pieces 1 ¼ cup whole buttermilk 1 tsp bacon grease or shortening 3 slices country ham Softened butter for serving Directions: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease an 8-inch cast iron skillet with shortening. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a food processor, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cream of tartar. Mix or pulse a few times to combine. Cut butter and ¼ cup shortening into the flour mixture just until you get a crumbly consistency. Add buttermilk to flour mixture. Gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Turn the dough onto a floured surface. With floured hands, pat dough to approximately 2-inch thickness. Using a 2 ½ inch biscuit cutter, cut out 6-8 biscuits. Transfer to greased skillet. Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove biscuits from oven and let cool 5 minutes. While biscuits are baking, cook ham. Add bacon grease to a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add ham slices and fry until edges are brown, a few minutes per side. Remove ham from skillet and place on a paper-towel lined plate to drain. Cut each slice in half. To serve, split biscuit in half, spread with softened butter, and sandwich with a piece of ham. I encourage you to check out this book especially if you like down-home cooking from scratch. And you will get plenty of sweet stories from Dolly and her sister. So you get an autobiography and a cooking book all in one! Now let’s do a simple recipe for the kids: Pilgrim Hats   Recipe by Mommy Snippets 1 pkg. Keebler fudge striped cookies 1 pkg. small bite size Reese’s peanut butter cups Yellow icing in the Wilton or any other icing already in the tube. Instructions: Turn the cookies, chocolate side facing up on a large plate. Add a dab of icing to the larger base of the peanut butter cup. Gently place it on top of the cookie base covering the hole in the middle of the cookie; this should resemble a hat. Draw a rim to the peanut butter cups base with icing. Draw a pretty square/rectangle shape buckle. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve to prevent chocolate from melting. I’m going to throw in a few November craft ideas that are quick and easy but turn out great for the holiday. Foam Pumpkin candle You will need Foam Pumpkins (any color) Butter Knife Battery operated tea lights or candle tea lights Pull stem out of pumpkins. Use the tea light as a guide and place it onto the center and trace a circle around it. Using the butter knife cut the circle out and remove the pieces from the circle. Turn on the tea light and insert into the hole you created. These look great in a grouping. Fall candle centerpieces: You will need: small or medium size round votive candles, cinnamon sticks, jute string. For this easy craft using a glue gun or free hand place the cinnamon sticks around the candle and secure with the jute string tying to firmly keep in place. Make multiples of these and tuck in and place on a long tray. Scatter small artificial pumpkins and acorns around the plate. Light the candles and enjoy the sweet scent of cinnamon. For the second candle craft you will need medium size round votive candles. Use a small scrap of fall fabric or cut out fall shapes from a napkin. Wrap around the candle and secure with jute string or twine. Tuck an artificial leaf into the string. This craft works best with candles with artificial flame since you will be using fabric or paper. These little crafts whichever you choose to make will light up and bring a warmth and cozy feel to your home. I hope you try at least one of them. Ok let’s move on to my book picks: I at times just want to read a good Juvenile Fiction novel. I picked up The Scarlet Stockings: The Enchanted Riddle by Charlotte Kandel. Thirteen years ago, a little girl named Daphne was left on the doorstep of an orphanage in London. She had two dreams for her life (1) To solve the pieces of her past and her identity, (2) to be a Prima Ballerina. She receives a book which contains a riddle for her to solve. Also inside the book is a pair of scarlet stockings. When she puts the stockings on, they are magic. She can leap and dance just as she imagines.  She hides the stockings under her uniform so you can pretty much guess she’s asking for trouble.  She locks horns especially with one strict nun and can’t seem to do anything right in her eyes, so Daphne is sent to live with a loving family who sell their vegetables in the local market square right near the Ballet Theater. Here Daphne meets this family of farmers and actors who put on plays in the street. She gets to know the children and parents from this sweet town. After much discussion, the family adopts Daphne and treat her as their own. Follow Daphne as her book, along with the stockings will hold more than just the key into her past and her destiny. Please read as our little character tries to navigate her unfamiliar world to find where and with who she truly belongs. It’s a jewel of a book people I would love for you to read it. You heart will truly be touched. My second Juvenile Fiction choice is The Best (Worst) Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson. What a classic! If you have never read this one please pick it up. It can be read on your lunch break. It’s so entertaining. It is about a family named The Herdman’s. They are about the worst rough and tumble kids around. They lie, steal, smoke cigars, swear, and sometimes hit little kids. Sounds like a cool bunch huh? Well hang on as this family march into church one Sunday and decide to take over the Christmas Pageant! I don’t want to give it away but if you have never read it I encourage you to do so. It will warm your heart this Christmas with humor and constant outrageous antics. Ok so I have probably stated this more times than I can count. My favorite male author is Nicholas Sparks. I just finished his new one Counting Miracles . I am not sure how I feel about it yet, I am still processing. It felt kind of rushed and normally he really goes into a lot of background and depth of his characters, but this didn’t happen with this one. It’s a good story but it felt a little disconnected. Our main character is Tanner Hughes, a military Army Ranger who is constantly on the move. Before his grandmother passes away, she tells him to find where he belongs. So, he heads to Asheboro, North Carolina. Here he meets Kaitlyn Cooper, a doctor and single mom of 2. The book’s other character is Jasper, an 83-year-old who lives in a cabin near the National Forest with his dog Arlo. All these characters will become inter-twined in this story. It is filled with a tragic past and a hopeful future. Katharine, the Wright Sister by Tracey Enerson Wood. This book is about Katherine Wright, Orville and Wilbur’s little sister. The book chronicles their childhood in Dayton, Ohio and their dreams of building and airplane. They start out simple with paper planes and bird watching. They use these to understand speed and wingspan. They first open a bicycle shop where they build and repair bikes. In the back of the shop is where they find inspiration and plan to fly the first plane. They are a very close-knit family with doting parents who support their dreams and future plans. However, little Katherine is the driving force behind the brothers. She sets aside her own dreams of being an Italian language teacher and her promises of love to dedicate herself to her brother’s dreams. This book is very detailed, and you really have to pay attention to the wording and meanings and I sometimes go back and read the same paragraph a few times to understand the technical language used. But like the book about the Brooklyn Bridge by this same author, I can tell you it doesn’t disappoint. It’s a great book and so full of history. How do they get to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina?   If you want to satisfy any curiosities about the Wright brothers and their sister Katherine this is the book for you. This one will take you a bit to get through but hey cold weather is on our doorstep so curl up and give it a try. Here is a short list of a few new books we have at Bookmobile: Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks Triangle by Danielle Steel Lies He Told Me by James Patterson                                Book Nooks: Inspired Ideas for Cozy Reading Corners and Stylish Book Displays by Vanessa Dina and Claire Gilhuly. And if you are into the new movie Wicked coming out, we have the book by Gregory McGuire Our New Christmas Books: One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber Santa’s Secret by Fern Michaels We also have lots of new Christmas books for the kiddies!   Some of the new DVD’s we have received: Deadpool vs. Wolverine Borderlands Adventures at the Chocolate Factory Small Town Santa   As for what I’m listening to; I’m still on the island of Nantucket with Elin Hilderbrand listening to all my favorites. I just can’t help myself; she always transports me to blue skies, sand and cobblestone streets.  But just as the nip gets in the air, I will start her Christmas Stroll series. And remember if reading is not your thing a good audio can do the trick. It’s also a good time to pick up an adult coloring book and cozy up by the fire and color your way through the long evenings. Dates to Remember                                       November 11              Veterans Day November 28              Thanksgiving Day   “Hope your November is unbe-leafable!” Stay Thankful my friends. The Bookmobile Lady ~The Bookmobile Lady~

“October is crisp days and cool nights, a time to curl up around the dancing flames and sink into a good book.” - John Sinor Our October craft is Fall White Pumpkins! Directions: Purchase a pumpkin of any size or use an artificial pumpkin. 1. Mix equal parts white paint and water in a bowl. 2. Dip the tip of your brush in the watery paint and press the brush against the edge of the bowl to remove excess. 3. Paint the pumpkin in sections. 4. Paint 2 coats of pure white paint to completely cover the pumpkin. 5. Let the paint dry between coats. You can paint the stem gold and stencil on a pattern. (Inexpensive stencils are available at the Dollar Tree for $1.25.) The other option is you can hand paint your own design. You can always just let the classy white pumpkin be the star of your décor this fall. My BCD List: I just finished listening to Here’s to Us by Elin Hilderbrand. This story unfolds as our character, world renowned chef Deacon Thorpe has passed away. He leaves behind Laurel, Belinda and Scarlett. The three women who were married to Deacon and definitely avoid one another. However, with Deacon’s passing he also leaves behind a cottage on Nantucket. His wish is for the three of them to gather on the island to say their goodbye’s to Deacon and rasie a glass in his memory. The three along with Deacon’s best friend Buck begrudgingly come to the island to honor his wishes. As the three disembark to the cottage, they must decide who will get the master suite, the guest room and which wife will be forced to stay in the maid’s quarters? How will these three rivals stay in the same house and on the same island for the duration? There is also the drama of Deacon’s children. One by each wife who also descend upon the island. There will be secrets revealed, grudges brought to the table and loads of tears throughout. But the island holds so many special memories for the three how can they not only part with Deacon but their beloved cottage? This one folks is always a keeper. Give it a listen. Joy by Danielle Steel. Our main character is Allegra Dixon whose mother leaves her at only six years old to live with her grandparents as her own father will not resume care for her. Her grandparents' home does not have any joy, so she retreats and finds her escape in books. She attends boarding school and meets Shep Williams, a West Point Cadet. They marry and both have careers, and all seems great until Shep is called to serve in Afghanistan. With each deployment he comes back a different man than the one she pledged to love. But she refuses to give up on finding her Joy! Let’s follow her lead and look for our own joy this October. How about it? My DVD choices this month: The Fabulous Four starring Bette Midler, Susan Sarandon, Megan Mullally and Sherry Lee Ralph. This movie relvoves around four lifetime friends who travel to Key West Florida to celebrate their friend’s wedding. As senior citizens they begin to question their remaining years. They must look deep into their friendship, their loyalty to one another. All this and more comes out as they search for answers to decades long secrets and betrayals. This movie is not only hilarious but very thought provoking as they delve into various life decisions. Even though it’s so much fun to watch these fabulous four on screen, you will catch a tear falling down your cheek. Please check this one out. Hannah Swensen mysteries by Hallmark. These movies star Allison Sweeney who plays Hannah, a professional baker who seems to have the knack for not only getting involved in local murder cases but ultimately helping to solve. She finds herself in the wrong place just too many times for it to be a coincidence. These movies are always full of lively characters and keep you guessing until the end when it is all wrapped up nice and neat. I just adore this series, and I hope you will enjoy watching. (PS, if you are a Days of Our Lives fan you know she played Samantha). My Book Picks: Bulletproof Barista by Cleo Coyle. Have you ever checked out these light mysteries? I think you should try one. This one is about a coffee shop called the Village Blend in New York. A production company wants film on location at the shop. Clare Cosi is our main character and owner of the coffee shop. She’s also something of an ametuer sleuth. As seemingly accidents start happening and a real bullet is fired from a gun how can she not try to investigate just what is afoot? But she may just end up getting in over her head with this one as a murderer lurks in the wings of the production. She continues to serve up her Bulletproof coffee along with many mouth watering recipes in this one. Give it a go. It’s a real treat and recipes are included in the book. The Summer Pact by Emily Giffin. This book explores the lives of 4 college students who bond at UVA. They are Summer, Tyson, Lainey and Hannah. They all have different goals for their future. Summer hopes to be a doctor. She’s also a runner who always pushes herself to be the best on the team. Tyson aspires to be a lawyer following in his father’s footsteps. Lainey has aspirations of being an actor and Hannah is kinda undecided. Possibly an interior designer or a furniture stager. The four are inseparable and have made it to their fourth year and ready for finals to graduate. Summer is the hardest on herself and is very concerned she won’t pass on of the hardest finals. She talks to Tyson about it who assures her she will ace it. She tries to call Hannah but Hannah is asleep and a little hungover. She sees that Summer has called and decides to wait and check with her later on. When Hannah tries to retun the call she can’t reach Summer so she decides to go to her apartment on campus. She knows the door is unlocked and lets herself in only to find her friend Summer has committed suicide. What follows this for the three left behind will break your heart. They all feel the sense of guilt that somehow they could hav prevented this if only… The remaining three make a summer pact to always be there for each other no matter what, no matter the day, hour time etc… After they graduate and move on to their respective lives Hannah has a crushing blow right before her approaching wedding day. She calls Lainey who calls Tyson and the two swoop in to do whatever it takes to make sure Hannah can get through this. They decide to forgo all they each have going on and take a trip to Capri a place they know Summer always dreamed of going. Will this trip heal these three left after all these years? Will they come to terms with something none of them can understand. How has it impacted all their lives? It’s a book like no other I have read. I absolutely can’t put it down. It’s so raw and gut wrenching but yet their story needs to be told. I only urge you to read this if you feel like walking into these waters. There are lots of hotlines for anyone who needs help in the front of the book before you even start to crack the page on chapter one. This one will stay with me as well as the characters. So of course, after reading this one I am on a quest to read all her books and so far I have not been disappointed with any. Check out our website for her complete list. They are all keepers. For my Nicholas Sparks fans, he has a new one. It’s called Counting Miracles . It’s on order but it’s coming people. I am trying to patiently wait for this one. His books are my other obsession. I see myself curled up with this one. If these are not your cup of tea, remember that your library has oodles of Horror movies and scary books to keep your spine tingling this October. Check out the Library’s Web site for new releases and best sellers. Halloween is coming up so start filling up those big bowls with delicious treats for all the little witches and goblins heading your way. A quick snack to put out this fall is a faux payday bar. Just mix candy corn with dry roasted peanuts. Eat together and you can’t tell the difference. So easy! It also makes a great gift. Just fill a small jelly jar with the mixture and tie on a cute ribbon. Dates to Remember: Halloween October 31, 2024 “Kindness is Still Free and Still Priceless” - Kindness Matters Winnie The Pooh Pass it on… The Bookmobile Lady ~The Bookmobile Lady~

Well hello September, I’ve been waiting for you! So now that summer has faded, and we see the big yellow school buses passing by our streets we know the subtle fall crisp is in the air. The crickets are chirping, and gardens have yielded the last of their crops. Lawn mowers are being stored away and rakes are being brought out. What better time to fall into a good read? Let’s talk about my fall reading list: The Union Street Bakery by Mary Ellen Taylor. This book revolves around three sisters: Rachel, Margaret and Daisy McCrae. Daisy is the adopted sister who was abandoned by her mother some 30 years ago when she was 3 years old and left at the Union Bakery. She is taken in by the McCrae’s and brought up as their own in the town of Alexandria Virginia. Daisy flees to New York to begin her career in finance. But after her world of finance comes crashing down and is in ruins she must return home to Alexandria and her family’s Union Bakery business. She finds herself once again in the attic room above the shop starting over in the last place she wants to be. She discovers the bakery is barely holding on with more debts than revenue. She decides to take on this and other responsibilities to bring her family’s legacy back to the success it was years ago when it was opened by her family as well as her ancestors. She has to work with her sisters to make this happen. Oh and she shares her little attic room with a ghost named Susie and a not so friendly gentlemen ghost who lets her know he wants her to leave. After a patriarch in town leaves her a mysterious diary written by a slave girl named Sally, she along with her sisters begin to dig and unearth shattering secrets she can hardly bear. And who is Daisy’s birth mother? Why did she leave Daisy at the bakery 30 years ago? How could this all be connected? And to top it off her ex fiancé moves to Alexandria and opens a bike shop on the same street! Oh people it’s a good one. Resurrection by Danielle Steel. This novel is quite interesting as it deals with another pandemic after the Covid-19 four years prior. Our main character is Darcy Gray. She has a husband Charles and 19-year-old twin girls. They are a family intertwined in the fashion industry across America, Asia and Europe. Darcy and Charles have grown apart with work, growing twins, travel deadlines etc… Darcy also writes a blog that takes up much of her time and energy. She is in for a shock when she decides to go to Rome to surprise her husband Charles on his business trip. She hopes that this surprise will rekindle their fading spark. This book touches on the devastating effects of another pandemic, a world shut down and too many losses. During a mandatory confinement in Paris Darcy licks her wounds and finds her true self. It’s an easy read with lively characters. I don’t want to give it all away. It’s available here at the library as a book or on audio. Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles. This story goes back and forth from war torn France in 1918 to modern day 1987. Our characters Jessie ‘Kit’ Carson, a librarian at the New York Public Library goes to work for the American Committee for Devastated France. She aids in helping to rebuild the war torn towns in France while only being 40 miles from the frontlines. The task seems overwhelming and almost too much to bear. The looks on the people’s faces who have survived, the starving children and the hovels families have tried to turn into homes prove to her the enduring spirit of the human race. She establishes children’s libraries and bookmobiles. She knows if she can get books into their hands they can escape if only for a little while. After her efforts to help rebuild she disappears. Our second character Wendy Peterson, a librarian at New York Public Library works in the basement of the archives. She comes across an archive that holds letters written by the elusive librarian Jessie ‘Kit’ Carson. She becomes enthralled in her story and is determined to keep digging to find her fate. But what she may uncover are the things she has in common with Jessie Carson. They both discover in their own time the courage it takes to make a change. This book is quite fascinating. The Touch by Colleen McCullough. This book is set in Scotland, America and Australia. Our main character Alexander Kinross is a born Scot who decided as a child to become someone. He left home early in life to become a boilermaker just as steam engines were starting to emerge. He worked as an apprentice developing skills and eventually running and owning his own golden empire. After traveling the world and accumulating more wealth than he thought possible he decides to take a wife. He writes to his relative to send over a cousin for him to marry. The cousin he had targeted was already spoken for so his relative sent him her much younger 16-year-old sister Elizabeth Drummond. Elizabeth gets one look at Alex and decides he looks just like the devil, with the dark eyes, pointed eyebrows and goatee. Her first opinion is total dislike but marry him she must. Alex gives her everything his money and riches can buy; jewelry, a new wardrobe of clothes and a mansion that sits overlooking the town of Kinross that bears his family name. But she is determined to never love him and only follow her duties as a wife. He doesn’t share much about his past or his present with her which includes his mistress Ruby. Elizabeth is also determined to hate Ruby the first time she meets her, but for some reason these two women are drawn to each other. How can a mistress and a wife become best friends? Will Elizabeth ever come to terms with her life and find the peace that eludes her for so many years? I cannot begin to share enough about this book. It is one of the most awesome novels I have read. She goes into so much depth with these characters that they jump off the pages. It’s a complicated world they are all trying to navigate and find their rightful place in. Remember the Midas touch? Well let’s just say Alexander Kinross has the Midas touch! Please don’t overlook this one. It’s an older book but I think you will love it. For The Love of Summer by Susan Mallery. Our characters Erica, owner of Twisted, Seattle’s most successful salon and Allison, who is married to Erica’s ex-husband Peter who is pregnant with his second child. With and unexpected turn of events Peter lands himself in prison leaving his current wife with a toddler and a baby on the way. Their accounts are now frozen, Allison gets let go from her job and the landlord is selling their rental house. It seems all is lost until Erica’s daughter Summer steps in and asks her mom to take in her step-mom and her son Jackson. While Erica wants to say no she can’t help but feel bad for this woman’s plight. But can she actually open her home to a stranger especially the one married to her ex? I won’t give it all away but through this unconventional arrangement the women form a bond like no other. But what happens to Peter? And who is Killion? And Look out for Mara- she’s a feisty one! Oh folks this is a good one. I read it in record time. Maria: a Novel of Maria Von Trapp by Michelle Moran. Ok so you have seen the Sound Of Music, right? This novel opens with Mr. Hammerstein in the 1950’s, who is working on the lyrics to the musical based on her life. He is interested in her background. That she was studying to become a nun and live quietly in Austria. But the mother superior sends her to care for a widowed baron’s sickly child. She is only supposed to be there on a trial basis for 10 months. But with a zippy turn of events, she finds herself with a marriage proposal. Maria loves to sing and teaches the children to use their voices to help them all escape the Nazis. Mr. Hammerstein is intrigued by all she endured and wants to portray this on stage. He however doesn’t want the story to just be about the war as so many are still recovering. So, in modern terms he decides to Hollywood it up for Broadway. But Maria inadvertently sees the script that is loosely based on her life and decides to take matters into her own hands. She demands a meeting with Hammerstein to set the record straight. But Hammerstein decides to hand her off to his assistant Fran. These two through many meetings begin to form a friendship. And as Maria unfolds her true story it will become the iconic “Sound of Music.” Doesn’t this sound good?? Collecting Confidence: Start Where You Are To Become The Person You Were Meant To Be by Kim Gravel. This book is the true story of former Miss Georgia and entrepreneur Kim Gravel. She shares her struggles with trying to be confident, beautiful, smart and perfect to an un-perfect world. She gives insight to her life and unwavering faith through the pages of her autobiography. She got knocked down countless times only to find she was right where she was meant to be. She’s a successful businesswoman, fashion designer, cosmetic developer, life coach, singer and pod cast host only to name a few of the hats she wears while always keeping it real and also keeping her faith. I loved this book and the inspiring story she weaves. I know I will find myself re-reading this one. It has given me so much perspective and offered ways I never knew on how to find myself and the guidance to navigate the big and small things. I knew I loved her on QVC, but there is so much more to this lady. Her book needs to be read ladies. Way to go Kim! The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger. Do you remember the movie with Meryl Strep and Anne Hathaway? Small town girl Andrea Sachs is an aspiring young writer who is hoping to make it big by writing for the New Yorker. However, she takes a job as the new junior assistant to Miranda Priestly, the editor of Runway magazine. Runway is a fashion magazine and a far cry from Andrea’s dream job but apparently a job a million other people would die for. What will her job be exactly? To be Miranda’s beck and call girl. When Miranda snaps Andrea jumps. She fetches coffee, breakfast, special water with the exact amount of ice cubes, today’s newspapers and magazines. She is given every imaginable task no matter how menial and all must be completed within a split-second window, or she hears the voice she dreads calling An-dre-ah! Miranda waits for nothing and no one and all tasks must be completed no matter how impossible. Andrea is to make it possible. She is exposed to all sides of the fashion industry, the good, the bad and definitely the ugly. Miranda is feared and revered, but can Andrea escape the clutches of her Devil boss and break free from the fashion prison to breathe again and focus on her own career? Who will get left behind in the wake of our Devil wearing Prada? There will be broken hearts people and plenty of drama. “That’s All” (Miranda’s signature phrase letting you know you have been dismissed and conversation has ended). I always loved the movie and still watch it when I can catch it. The book gave me a whole new take. Pick this one up for a fun fall read! Be on the lookout for Jenny Colgan’s new one, Close Knit . This story takes place on the northernmost part of Scotland. Our leading lady, Gertie McIntyre belongs to a knitting circle where the close-knit group of women feel right at home. Gertie ponders if there is more to life and takes an unexpected job as an air stewardess on the island’s little puddle-jumper plane. Follow Gertie and see if she finds her dreams among the friendly skies. DVD Picks: Love & Jane; Paging Mr. Darcy a Hallmark double-feature If you love and are a fan of one of our most beloved author’s Jane Austen, you will so enjoy this double feature available here at the library. The movies follow the characters’ love of everything Jane Austen. Escape back in time to another era. I was both thrilled and enthralled with both these movies. Oh, my who doesn’t love Jane Austen? These movies inspired me to check out a Jane Austen audio. So, my first choice Emma - she’s rich, single and content in her own life but can’t help interfering with the romantic lives of others she feels can benefit with a gentle nudge. So, she applies her matchmaking skills much to her father’s dismay. Everything seems to be going according to Emma’s plan, and she basks in the happy couples she is uniting. But soon her matchmaking plans go in an unexpected way. Listen to this witty clever and funny girl, she’s a delight. We have a classic movie section in the main library, and I decided to start with a couple. I checked out Bringing up Baby with Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant. I also checked out Splendor in the Grass with Natalie Wood and Warren Beatty. My goodness what better time than fall to curl up with one of these classics? I see a large bowl of home-made hand turned popcorn and a cozy blanket in my future. What am I listening to? Elin Hilderbrand’s The Perfect Couple . This audio sets our scenes in New York and of course Nantucket. It revolves around the upcoming wedding of Benjamin and Celeste. We have a colorful cast of characters who all convene on the island to attend the proposed wedding. Benjamin hails from a successful couple from England while Celeste’s parents are the average middle-income Americans. The wedding is to take place during the 4 th of July weekend, which means the island is crawling with tourists. On the night of the rehearsal dinner however a tragedy strikes. Celeste’s best friend and bridesmaid Merritt is found dead on the beach. What mystery surrounds this girl from New York who came to Nantucket as part of the wedding party? Who would want her dead? Listen along as chief of police Ed Kapenash tries to sift through all the sand to bring her death to justice. This one has so many twists, secrets exposed and scandals that I don’t want to leave my car when I get to my destination. You got to listen to this one! It’s also available at the library in book form. Pick it up and give it a go. Let’s do a fall craft: Scarecrow Mason Jar Craft You will need tan or beige color paint (you can use spray paint for this craft if you prefer) 1 clean and dry quart jar 1 lg piece cardboard Paper towels Buttons (2) Orange felt or orange craft paint Black felt tip permanent marker Burlap Ribbon Large artificial sunflower Raffia (loose) Directions Lay your cardboard on the grass or a large craft table. Make sure your jar is clean and dry. Paint the jar until completely covered with paint. Let dry completely. Using hot glue or any bonding glue, add the buttons for eyes. With the orange paint or felt make a nose in the shape of a triangle. With the permanent marker make a mouth, make it a little crooked with small hash marks along to make it look like it’s stitched. Take your burlap ribbon and carefully glue to the rim of the jar forming a base for a hat. After the glue is set, use more glue and attach the sunflower to the side of the burlap hat band. Finish off by gluing strips of raffia inside the hat rim and along the underside of the hat for hair. This craft really turns out so cute. We made it here at bookmobile for a summer program craft a few seasons ago and it was a big hit because you can use it year after year. 1. You can place a tea light in the bottom of the jar for a little Fall glow. 2. Use your completed scare-crow jar as a pencil holder on your desk. 3. Tuck him on a bench with other fall décor or use as a centerpiece. 4. Give it as a gift with the following: (a) Mix candy corn with peanuts for a faux payday bar. Just fill a baggie with this mixture and tuck inside the jar for someone special. I hope you enjoy this craft; it was one of our favorites. Let’s go with a couple old school recipes for our back to school bunch! Old School Cafeteria Pizza (recipe from The Good-hearted Woman ) Ingredients: 1 packet quick rise yeast ¼ ounce or 2 ¼ tsp 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 cup instant dry milk 3 tbls sugar 1 ½ tsps. Kosher salt 2 tbsl oil 2 ¼ cup hot water Meaty Topping: 1 lb ground beef ½ pound mild Italian sausage (optional) 1 lg onion chopped 2 cloves garlic minced 1 cup water 8 ounces tomato paste 1 tbls brown sugar 1 tsp dried basil 1 tsp dried oregano Cheeses: 4 ounces American cheese grated 4 ounces medium cheddar cheese grated 4 ounces mozzarella cheese Instructions: Preheat oven to 475 Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper Combine yeast, flour, dry milk, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl Combine oil and warm water in a large measuring cup and then pour the liquid into the flour mixture and stir for about 5 minutes (The dough will be thick, loose and very sticky) Pour the dough mixture from the bowl onto prepared pan and spread evenly (set dough aside in a warm spot and let rest for 30 min) Put the pizza dough pan in the oven and par-bake for 10 minutes or until the crust is set Remove from the oven and set aside until pizza topping has cooled slightly. Meaty Topping: Prepare the pizza topping while the crust is resting In a large skillet combine the chopped onion, garlic, sausage (if using), and ground beef. Cook over medium-high heat until browned and onion is soft. Add tomato paste, water, brown sugar, and dried herbs. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 15-20 min. The mixture is done when it is no longer runny. Combine the 3 grated cheeses in a medium bowl. Assemble Pizza: Carefully spread the pizza topping over the par-baked crust, all the way to the edges. Top evenly with cheese blend. Return the pizza to the hot 475 degree oven and bake for 8-10 min until the cheeses are melted and the topping is heated. Allow the pizza to cool 5-10 minutes before cutting. Amish Sugar Cookies (recipe from Taste of Home ) Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup canola oil 1 cup sugar 1 cup confectioners’ sugar 2 lg eggs 1 tsp vanilla 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cream of tartar Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, beat the butter, oil and sugars. Beat in the eggs until very well blended. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and cream of tartar; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Drop by small tsps. onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake until lightly browned, 8-10 min. Remove to wire racks to cool. Serve this yummy after-school pizza and sugar cookies with a glass of cold milk. What kid (of any age) can resist coming home to this? Dates to Remember: September 2 - Labor Day “September…that time of year When the trees show us how very Beautiful it can be to let things go.” - Cheryl Riello “Goodbye…? Oh no, Please Can’t we go back to Page one and Do it all over again”? - Winnie the Pooh The Bookmobile Lady ~The Bookmobile Lady~

“I wish that every day of this August month brings you lots of reasons to smile and celebrate.” - www.morninggreetings.com Another summer saying goodbye to us, so let’s put away our swimsuits, close up our pools and store away our suitcases. Time to sharpen pencils and get that back-to-school list started! Bookmobile had a busy and enjoyable Summer Reading program. We visited with some of our old friends and made some very special new ones. We would like to thank everyone who came out and participated in our program. We give a special thank you to Beckley Elementary, Daniels Elementary, Fairdale Elementary and Ridgeview Elementary. They hosted Energy Express this summer at their sites. We visited these four sites each week allowing children to board the Bookmobile van and choose one book and grab a Dr. Seuss coloring sheet. We hope through our participation these students discovered many adventures between the pages of the book they chose. It has been a very hot and dry summer, so fall isn’t looking too bad about now. I know I’m looking forward to a cooler breeze while I sit on my deck and read my latest book. I came across something you might like: Herbs in Mason Jars If you have a mason jar (or any glass jar) then you can grow your own herbs. Fill your jar at least half way with clean bottled water. The next step is choosing the right herbs for you. I am going to list 12 of the most popular and easy to grow. 1. Peppermint 2. Oregano 3. Sage 4. Basil 5. Stevia 6. Thyme 7. Rosemary 8. Lemon Balm 9. Chives 10. Cilantro 11. Lavender 12. Marjoram Ok, so I know that’s a lot of herbs, but just pick out the ones you know you will use the most in your recipes. All you have to do is purchase the herbs of choice and place in the jar of water making sure roots are submerged. Place in a sunny window or ledge or anywhere they can get plenty of sunshine. These herbs will flourish year round with a minimum of care. Just use kitchen scissors and snip what you need. Plus they look adorable! They will provide that little hint of greenery through those long winter days. Let’s make Sloppy Joe’s (Recipe from Taste of Home) Ingredients: 1 lb Ground Beef 1 cupKetchup ¼ cup Water 2 tbls Brown Sugar 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce 2 tsp Prepared Mustard ½ tsp Garlic Powder ½ tsp Onion Powder ½ tsp Salt Hamburger Buns Directions: In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until nicely browned, and then drain. Return the meat to the pan over medium heat and add in the remaining ingredients; stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce to a low simmer. Serve on toasted buns! Dessert Time - why not? Easy Chocolate Chip Dip (Recipe from Taste of Home) Ingredients: 1 pkg (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened ½ cup Butter softened ¾ cup Confectioners’ Sugar 2 tbls. Brown sugar 1 tsp Vanilla extract 1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips Graham cracker sticks Directions: In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add sugars and vanilla; beat until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips. Serve with Graham cracker sticks. (You can dip many other things in this chocolate chip dip, like cookies, graham crackers, Nilla wafers, Oreos, pretzel rods, animal crackers and fruit.) For a party serve the dip with fruit kabobs. What am I reading you ask? Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews. For me this author is sometimes a hit and miss. My friend asked me if I had read this one and I told her no. She said you must read it. It is so good and you won’t be able to put it down. So I followed her advice and began reading this novel. Boy was she right. I had it almost (not literally) attached to my arms. It has went everywhere with me in the event I can steal a few minutes of down time. Ok enough of that, why do I love this book and feel it’s blog worthy? Here we go! This book opens on the coast of Georgia at the St. Cecelia, a landmark hotel. The traditions there are as follows: If you grew up there you are a Saint, if you didn’t you are an Ain’t. Our main character Traci Eddings happened to grow up as an Ain’t. She however worked one summer there where tragedy stuck while she was on lifeguard duty. She also happened to marry the boss’s son. But when we begin this story she’s now widowed after her husband was killed in a plane crash. She has an awful brother-in-law and cantankerous father-in-law who is mostly incapacitated with Parkinson’s. These two are greedy and hoping for her failure as she tries to pick up the pieces and run this beautiful establishment without her loving husband. She wants to return the Cecelia to it’s former glory but with staff shortages and financial problems it will take her and her newly hired crew of summer help to bring it back from the brink. Just as the summer gets in full swing with bookings for weddings, reunions etc… tragedy strikes again, but this time it befalls one of her own family members. Now still struggling with her grief from losing her husband she has a new grief so raw she almost can’t deal with the daily aggravations that come with running a resort and keeping everyone happy. On top of all that new details start emerging about the drowning that happened so long ago while she was on lifeguard duty. It is going to take all Traci has in her along with some new friends and a couple old ones to help her come to terms with those responsible for trying to sabotage her as well as harm her people. This one had me baffled for a bit but what a page turner. I say to you please check this one out. It’s a winner like no other. Long Island by Colm Tóibín, Oprah’s 2024 Book Club Pick. The year is 1976 and our main character is Eilis Lacey who is Irish but lives in Long Island with her husband Tony and his large extended family. She and Tony have two teen-aged children and a full life, him as a plumber and her working at a local garage. One day an unexpected visitor comes to her door telling her that his wife is expecting a baby and Tony is the father. He tells Eilis that when the baby comes, he will not keep it and will bring the child to her doorstep. So the decision Eilis makes is shocking to everyone in their close-knit family and it will take her back to Ireland to her mother’s home that she hasn’t visited in decades. Follow along with Eilis as she fights against her own past regrets and the battle she must wager to find peace. This one is a stunner, and I was definitely surprised how it ended. Keeps you thinking! Here’s a couple on my radar: Are you a fan of John Grisham? His latest novel Camino Ghosts is set in Florida on the Dark Isle. Land developer Tidal Breeze wants to come in and take over the island and build a casino and resort. But one lady who is a descendant, Lovely Jackson has other ideas and must fight to prove her rightful place on this island of her ancestors. But the island holds many secrets and so does she… Sound good? Sandwich by Catherine Newman. This book is about how families will disagree, love each other and ultimately fail one another. But somehow the family can endure. Follow the main character Rocky on her journey back to Cape Cod. Read how she navigates half-grown children, elder parents and menopause. Sit back and get cozy with this one. If you want something to spook or make you jump check out Stephen King’s new one: You like it Darker. Ok doesn’t the title grab you if nothing else…eek He dives into the places in our lives that make it darker but yet we find a way to survive. He will give you chills and thrills with this one! Mountain Women Series by West Virginia Author Carol Ervin. This 13 book series highlights women through the struggles, friendships and triumphs at the turn of the 19th century. These books follow different families and how they make their way through all the difficult territories where they will settle with their families and call it home. The Chosen by Jerry B. Jenkins, these Christian fiction novels are based on the TV series which chronicles the Life of Jesus. These books are all available at the Raleigh County Public Library. Come on in and discover your own adventure through the many pages located on your library’s shelves! I am listening to Past Perfect audio by Danielle Steel. This one is quite a departure for me. As I said I truly enjoy her audios as they provide me much listening pleasure while driving. This one kicks off with a family from New York who have it all; Successful husband, wife and three beautiful children. Blake Gregory gets a golden opportunity; Move to San Francisco and be in on a jump start company making more money than he can imagine. His wife Sybil, an interior decorator, art buff and article writer has many reservations. Their life and lives of their children are all in New York. Their son is about to graduate, their daughter right behind him and their youngest in first grade. All established in their lives and community. But while reluctant they make the move with Blake to San Francisco where he has purchased the Butterfield Mansion that has set empty for years. He assures his family there hasn’t been an earthquake for over 100 years, but only after being in the house two nights they experience an earthquake. Somehow it opened a crack between now and 100 years ago and the Butterfield family who occupied the home then suddenly appear in their dining room. They act as though Gregory and his family are the intruders. But as time goes on these two families learn to live together each in their own century learning from each other and forming bonds of loyalty and friendship. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about listening to this one trying to come to terms with the ghosts who seem so real to this family. I have been surprised to see that no matter what century or year it is we can take something from it and strive to be better in our own future. The Winter Street Series by Elin Hilderbrand. This beloved author also has some of her novels on audio. I listened to the Winter Street series and was swept straight to Nantucket walking across the boardwalks, listening to the Christmas bells and almost tasting the hot chocolate as the town people come out for the Winter Stroll which takes place each year. Shops are open, snow is falling, the air is crisp, and Christmas is around the corner. This series of audio books are quite lovely to listen to. Although they are sprinkled with some family drama you will come away feeling nostalgic. Some dates to remember: Back to school Wellness Fair at the Beckley Convention Center August 9 from 9:00am-2:00pm If you have children between the grades of K-12 come on out for school supplies, prizes and other services. I say this because the Bookmobile will be there handing out a special bag of goodies as well as prizes and Dr. Seuss puzzle worksheets. Stop by our table and find out a little about us and how we will be serving your child’s school this coming year. This fair is presented by Raleigh County Schools. First day of school for students August 22 “The End of Summer is not the end of warmth and light; it’s a new chapter waiting to be written.” - www.joyfulthroughitall.com Let’s get excited folks, falls a’ coming! The Bookmobile Lady ~The Bookmobile Lady~

“July is Hollyhocks and hammocks, fireworks and vacations, hot and steamy weather, cool and refreshing swims, beach picnics and vegetables, all out of the garden.” - Jean Hersey What am I reading? My Dear Hamilton , a Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton by Stephanie Dray - This book chronicles the life of Eliza Hamilton, the wife of Alexander Hamilton. The book is narrated by Elizabeth herself in her later years. She looks back on all the things that took place in her life during the time of the American Revolution. The betrayal she suffered, the lost love as well as her involvement in the war against England. She explains how she came to know the Marquis de Lafayette and how her father was almost branded as a traitor. She details her relationship with James Monroe and Benedict Arnold. She tells of her loyalty to George Washington. She describes in detail how she became involved and in love with Alexander Hamilton. There are so many historical figures in this book. She truly takes you with her on her journey through her memories. She endures many betrayals and heartbreak but yet stays true and loyal to her Country and family she fights hard to build. It is a complicated book with various characters, maps and family trees. You must take time to devote to this one but it is worth the challenge. And July is the perfect month to tackle it. Swan Song by Elin HIlderbrand - This is the final novel by this much beloved author. I have spoken of her before as my favorite author and this novel proves why I haven’t waivered in my loyalty to her. You will find many of her previous characters sprinkled throughout this book like Police Chief Ed Kapenash and Blond Sharon. In this novel a new and very rich couple move to Nantucket. They buy themost expensive home, a yacht , country club memberships and access to all the most sought after restaurants. They hire a girl named Coco fresh from the islands of St. John to be their girl Friday so to speak. She has only met this curious couple once in St. John where they were vacationing and offered her the position. Coco jumped at the chance and the change her life so needed. But what follows all the excitement of these mysterious new arrivals is a missing employee and a possible murder on the island! How is this connected to the newcomers? How will the people on the island react to this couple and who will lend a hand to help solve this mystery? It seems all our characters have a little role in this one. So I ask you how will Elin Hilderbrand wind up her last novel? Oh my, it’s quite a thrilling one…Please dive into this one and celebrate our beloved Elin on her “Swan Song.” I have also checked out Danielle Steel’s Resurrection . This story is about Darcy who may find under the hardest of circumstances when things are the darkest a light will give way to new hope. I will give you my reaction to this one next time. But it is looking like a good read. I am still reading Kathie Lee Gifford I Want to Matter . I have almost finished this little devotional book. Boy have I gained some insight and things to ponder. One quote from this book is “How can you find yourself if you aren’t allowed to be yourself?” I have thought about this one a lot. So many times I want to be a people pleaser instead of being my true self. How about you? This is a wonderful little gem of a book. Please give it a try. You may run across one of her stories that will resonate with you as well. I just used our library’s Inter-Library loan system and borrowed the book MASH, yes as in the TV series. This book is by Richard Hooker. I so enjoyed this beloved and bold look at the Korean War while tuning in each week. This show is still available on many channels. I still enjoy the reruns. I so admired the doctors and nurses who worked diligently to save and protect who and what they could in the 4077th hospital. They worked under dire circumstances with little sleep, freezing cold and sometimes lack of supplies. Yet they persevered, sometimes with humor and sometimes with tears. I just received it so I’ll blog about it next month, stay tuned. My BCD List: Only the Brave by Danielle Steel. I listened to this one with rapt attention. This book is about World War II. It takes place in Berlin, Germany. It revolves around our character Sophia a young nurse from a non-Jewish family who gives her upmost to Berlin to help heal and save as many as she can. She and her family find themselves being persecuted and terrorized although none are Jewish. Sophia becomes a Nun and continues to defy the Nazi army with her harrowing escapes with as many Jewish children as she can manage. She delivers as many to safe houses and takes some as far as Switzerland. She herself becomes a target and is taken to a prisoner of war camp. There she mends officer’s uniforms and stays determined to escape with her fellow bunk mates. She is befriended by a Nazi officer who keeps her from starving, even if he can’t control the beatings she endures. Please read or listen to this story of how innocent people suffered for no reason other than what was in their blood. Stay in tune as to how Sophia endured and came through the end still determined to make a difference. I am still moved by this one. Give it a go. The Duchess by Danielle Steel. This story revolves around our character Angelique, a young girl who is thrown out of her home when her step-brother Tristan, the new Duke and his wife take over after the death of their father. She is forced to take a job as a nanny to six children and adapts well. She does an excellent job and grows very attached to the children after 18 months of being with them. When a guest of her employers tries to take advantage of her she rejects him. He then relays a very different story to her employers which they believe, and she is let go. Without direction in her life she decides to travel to Paris to begin anew. It is there she meets and rescues a madam. She takes in other abused women on the streets and transforms these and other ladies to form Le-Boudoir. Will she ever reveal her true identity as a Duchess and take her rightful place? How will she spend her money she has guarded in a locked trunk left to her by her late father? This one has surprised me. I hope you give it a listen. My easy July craft for you: Light up Beach scene Look online for any printable beach scene that you like. Print out. Using scissors cut around the scene and roll the scene into a tube shape. Glue or tape the edges until sealed. Let dry. Place your beach scene over a tea light and turn on. The scene will glow, tuck this little light into a cozy corner and enjoy the glow all summer long! Easy July Dessert 1 roll sugar cookie dough (in refrigerated section) Parchment paper Colorful summer sprinkles (in baking aisle of grocery store) Preheat oven to 325 degrees, Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove wrapping around sugar cookie dough. Slice and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheet. Bake for 8-11 minutes until lightly golden but still slightly soft. Remove and immediately and add sprinkles. Enjoy when cookies are cool to the touch. Store in an airtight container. Serve with and ice cold lemonade sipped through a colorful straw. (This recipe can also be made into bars.) Enjoy! Where is your Bookmobile this month? Check out our website at rcplwv.org or you can contact us at 304-255-0511 ext. 3! Call to find our schedule for the month of July to see if we will be visiting your neighborhood. Remember our Summer Reading Program runs until Friday, July 26. Come on out and see us. Grab a good summer read or DVD. We’ve got crafts each week and a cool Dr. Seuss Prize box! “You belong among the wildflowers, You belong in a boat out at sea, You belong with your love on your arm, You belong somewhere you feel free.” - Tom Petty Don’t you love summer? The Bookmobile Lady ~The Bookmobile Lady~

June Far up in the deep blue sky, Great white clouds are floating by; All the world is dressed in green; Many happy birds are seen. Roses bright and sunshine clear Show us that lovely June is here. -F. G. Sanders Special Dates in June Father’s Day June 16 Juneteenth June 19 WV Day June 20 I have a cute craft idea for you this month: The Dollar Tree Jenga Blocks. Buy a box for $1.25 and using stick on letters (also available at Dollar Tree) write the word June on a block and display on a cozy shelf. Welcome in each month with this idea. These make the cutest little signs just to tuck in somewhere. You can also paint each block and let dry before adding letters. You can also embellish the sign with a cute flower or ribbon. If you have nice handwriting then I say DIY and go. Another use for these blocks is to make name tags. Just paint your block white or desired color and use a permanent marker to write the recipient’s name on it. Drill a small hole in the top of block and tie it to the package with festive ribbon or string. Or let’s say you are hosting a gathering, please use these to write your guests’ name on a block and let them take home afterward! What I’m Reading: The Sweet Blue Distance by Sara Donati This Historical novel chronicles the life of Carrie Ballentyne who leaves her large home in Manhattan with her mother, brother, step-father and step sister to accept a position as a nurse/mid-wife in the rugged territory of Santa Fe, New Mexico. She travels by Stagecoach, Wagon Train and on horseback accompanied by her brother for protection. The position she applied for is to care for Dr. Markam’s wife who is expecting. As she travels across this vast land in the year of 1857 she is met with many obstacles for a woman as accomplished as herself. Some don’t take to her independence as a sharp shooter or horseback rider. She must prove herself during this painstaking trail to New Mexico. She meets Eli Ibarra, a Mestizo who captures not only her heart but who understands her past she’s fleeing from and the present she’s running to. With his help and others on the trail she will learn to speak Spanish a much needed language as she accepts her new position. When she arrives in New Mexico and becomes acquainted with the Markam’s, she knows right away something is off. Who actually is she going to be a nurse for? Is it Mrs. Markam, Dr. Markam himself or their daughter? It’s a bit of intrigue delving into this one. I’m learning a lot of history and how territories were formed. This is my first crack at this author and I am loving her style of writing. It’s so engaging you don’t want to put down. I say please pick this one up at the library and read it this summer. It’s a long one so maybe it will be a summer goal for you. She doesn’t disappoint. So I have had a Robin who made a nest at my house. She had 3 babies. Oh my goodness they were so sweet. I watched them from hatchlings to stretching their little necks for worms to the day mommy pushed them out of the nest and they flew away. I miss them terribly but I know it’s the circle of life they were showing me. But not to be outdone I purchased 2 ferns for my front porch. Almost immediately 2 little red headed House Finches found them and are now making a nest in each one. I normally have a little wren who loves my ferns but the Finches got there first. Just another part of the circle I guess. Anyway, I also have a wreath hanging on my front door. Well they have decided not only to perch on it and look at me through the window but to also take some of the décor off it to line their nests. Talk about entertaining! They wake me every morning around 5:30 with their sweet songs while sitting on my porch rail. Can nature get any better? I don’t think so. My rambling has a purpose I promise. These happenings caused me to pick up The All-Season Backyard Birdwatcher Book by Marcus H. Schneck. This book is available here at the Bookmobile Department. It goes into detail the habits of these little cuties including their eating patterns and nesting. I’ve always been an avid bird watcher and enjoyed my bird feeders but this year I’m getting free entertainment as my reward. If you aren’t feeding birds, maybe try it this summer. It’s so relaxing and puts you in a good mood. I do so love my birds. “ O Wise Little Birds, How Do Ye Know The Way To Go? " - Harriet McEwen Kimball What am I listening to you ask? The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel. This story takes place in the summer of 1959 at the Palace of Versailles. It chronicles the lives and sometimes upsetting times of 4 young American women and also French Debutantes. The group to be presented to society are 40 in all. Felicity battles weight issues and the shame she feels because of it. She has a perfect sister and a mother who can’t help but encourage her to drop a few pounds. Samantha (Sam) has a slight disability resulting from a childhood accident and fears she will fall when she is presented. Then there’s Caroline who just had a devastating break-up only to discover she is pregnant. How will she break this news to her parents in Paris? Last we come to Amelie, she and her mother are in Paris only after her mother was let go at her job and had to sell her grandmother’s ruby ring to pay for the trip. Amelie doesn’t know any of this. How will it affect her? It’s quite fascinating listening to the culture differences and traditions. I am loving this one. Give it a go will you? Remember, Adventure Starts at Your Library! Remember Bookmobile Summer Reading starts June 24 and runs until July 26. Please check out our website at rcplwv.org to see where Bookmobile is headed this summer. Come out and sign up for our program. We will supply you and your child with a reading log, a craft each week and a small snack. We will also have our Oh, The Places You’ll Go! Prize Box full of goodies. You and your family can check out books as well as DVD’s. Don’t forget your library card and if you don’t have one, we will be happy to make one for you. The Main Library also has plenty of fun lined up this summer. Make sure you browse the website for details or contact us at 304-255-0511. Our friendly circulation staff will be glad to help with any questions about summer programming you may have. The Moon I like to sit on our door-sill, And watch the place above the hill Get lighter every minute til The moon comes up all bright and still. Sometimes he is so slow, I think He’ll never come, then in a wink, Almost behind the big oak-tree, He pops right up, and smiles at me. - May Morgan I’m glad it’s June, aren’t you? The Bookmobile Lady ~The Bookmobile Lady~

“To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow.” — Audrey Hepburn Ok folks, it’s been a while. What has your Bookmobile lady been up to? Well reading of course. REVIEW TIME I am sure you know Kristin Hannah’s new book The Women is number 1 on the best seller lists. Let me tell you why. The Women chronicles female nurses in Vietnam. It speaks in detail through these women what they saw, what they heard. The pleas for help and the stench everywhere they looked. They were thrust into a beautiful lush green jungle where terror was only a step away. They were on every day bone tired, wet, dirty, bloody, mentally exhausted and still unfailing in their capacity to offer aid to the soldiers who were brought into their mobile hospital. They worked tirelessly beside the doctors and other medical staff. However, they were not being recognized as nurses in the war. This is something I did not realize until I read the book. No one even believed they served. But the men were surely recognized for their war efforts. The women who returned home left with PTSD could not seek treatment at a VA facility. Only the men who served could be treated. I encourage you to follow these women and their gut wrenching journey through the jungles of Vietnam and the ravaged villages as they try to administer help and medical care to more than they have hands or hours for. Please follow along as they return home only to be spit upon and called names. How will they find peace among their own when they return home? They no longer feel they belong anywhere except in the jungles of Vietnam. This book was so moving I absolutely could not put it down. This one will stick with you I promise! After this life altering novel I read Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson, The first and only all-Black battalion of the WAC’s. This is their untold story of what their life was like to be deployed overseas during WWII. They had to fight to be recognized and respected for their war effort. It’s another moving novel that I hope you won’t miss. So after these two I dug back into a Danielle Steel, Message from Nam . This book goes through the life of Paxton Andrews, a girl from Savannah Georgia who aspires to be a journalist. She doesn’t want to write the society column. She wants to go to Vietnam and report the real news of the horrifying war in the jungles. This book falls on the heels of the assassination of JFK and the draft to Vietnam. Paxton, after much disapproval from her mother and much older brother sets off to Berkley CA where she meets 3 roommates. Together they share all the upheavals and struggles of the 60’s. Follow her determination and her crew into the jungles where the real reporting takes place. She like other female Vietnam soldiers has to fight for her place as well as trying to stay alive. She also returns home and cannot find her place. Follow as she re-enlists for another tour of duty to the only place she feels needed; The Jungle. I forgot how much I loved this book. It’s so well written and you leave your heart with our character on every page. Choose this throw back for something different this spring. I read a new book also by Danielle Steel titled Never Too Late . It chronicles Kezia, her daughter Kate, Felicity, Sam and his son John during a horrific terrorist attack on NYC. Follow along as these characters are intertwined with many others as they navigate such a bone chilling attack. These characters will come together in unimaginable ways to show the strength and hope of all New York. It’s truly a great read! Ok, I’m going to give you one I chose simply by the cover. The Engineer's Wife by Tracey Emerson Wood. This book is based on the true story of the woman who built the Brooklyn Bridge. What a historical account to this magnificent bridge that stands today bridging the span between Brooklyn and Manhattan. Our main character and heroine Emily Warren Robeling is much involved with the women’s suffrage movement. She has to put this cause and her dreams on hold to in fact build the Brooklyn Bridge. She marries Washington (Wash) Roebling who is the chief engineer along with his father. During the course of the build his father is killed along with countless others while erecting the structure high above the east river. After Wash is injured on the job Emily’s role becomes clear. She will be his eyes, ears and messenger. She studies his books, his plans and all aspects of the build she must help complete. There is a lively cast of characters including P.T. Barnum yes the one and only Greatest Show on Earth-Circus Grand Leader and Trainer. How would a circus leader become involved not only in the build of the bridge but that in the life of Emily Roebling? This book is so fascinating, heart wrenching and well written that I was immediately transported to this era of 1864-1883. Oh my goodness if you love historical fiction based on a true story don’t miss this one! Also at the end of the book please read the author’s note. She lists how the story came to be, the research she dug through and also where you can actually view the artifacts this story came from. There is a plaque that is still today a part of the Brooklyn Bridge. It is dedicated to Emily Roebling. This book would be an awesome Book Club Read! My  BCD’s I’ve listened to were: Studies at the School by the Sea (Book 4) by Jenny Colgan — Our characters are Maggie Adair from Downy House for Girls and David from Philip Dean a co-ed school, both from Cornwall, England. What happens as Maggie and David are finally free to be together? Follow along as they navigate the schools by the sea, the all- girls school with Maggie and the Co-ed school with David. Are they able to bring these two much different styles of education together to form a cohesive learning experience? If you are up on these prior 3 books remember Stan? Well you are in for a shocker of an ending! Travel to Cornwall and all points in between with me in this sweet, funny and touching story. Royal by Danielle Steel — Do you ever fantasize about being Royal? Or wonder what it would be like to be part of that life? Please listen to this BCD or check it out in book form available here at the library and follow The Queen, King and their three daughters. You must remember this story takes place during WWII. Their youngest daughter Charlotte suffers from asthma and must be sent to the country for her health as the bombing debris makes it hard for her to breathe. Read or listen along to what happens to her there as she resides with a lovely family. Follow her adventures, tragedies and miracles: But this story involves so much more. There is a Princess yes, but not Charlotte, who will travel back to England and have to prove who she is and work to find her rightful place as a Royal! This book is quite good. I’ve started reading Kathie Lee Gifford’s new book I Want to Matter, Your Life is Too Short and Too Precious to Waste .  She gives you a daily read as well as food for thought and an exercise of the mind. I have been reading one each morning as I arrive to work. So uplifting and needed right now. Check out some new DVD’s too! Barbie, Mean Girls, Migration, Freelance, Wonka,  and so many more just in here at the library for your viewing pleasure.   I am going to include a new Spring recipe I’ve been tinkering with: Creamsicle Fluff 1 pkg Orange Jello 1 tub cool whip (8 ounce) 4 ounces sour cream ¾ cup coconut 1 small can mand. Oranges (drained) 1 small can crushed pineapple (drained) ½ cup chopped pecans ½ cup mini marshmallows Mix together thoroughly cool whip, sour cream and jello gelatin until uniform color and no streaks. Add drained oranges and crushed pineapple. Mix well Add coconut, marshmallows, pecans and gently combine Pour into an airtight container and refrigerate 2-3 hours before serving or overnight to let flavors blend. Enjoy this light and refreshing dessert on a sweet spring evening!   Things to do this Spring: Pick up some seed packs at the Library Reference Desk and place in cute pots around your deck or patio and watch them grow. Sign up for the next Painting with Sarah Class Join in on the Puzzle Swap Join the Friends of the Library Group Come to the next Book Club Meeting! Time to declutter my friends. Remember there are a lot of places and programs that will be glad to take your slightly used items. Our Bookmobile Department has been busy so far this Spring. We attended the Pre-K Expo at the Convention Center and the No Limit Invitational at WWHS. We handed out books and goodies to over 200 plus kids and adults. We are now in the process of doing our final pick up of books at our Raleigh County Public and Private Schools. We are cleaning and getting the books in ship shape for next year! Let’s think ahead as Summer Reading Programs are rapidly approaching. Check our website at rcplwv.org or call 304-255-0511 for details on the Bookmobile schedule. See when we will be stopping in your area. Our summer dates are June 24-July 26. Our theme this summer is “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss. Contact Raleigh County Public Library at 304-255-0511 or visit our website at rcplwv.org for more information about Summer Reading Program Dates and sign-ups for children, teens and adults. “Flowers can’t solve all problems, but they’re a great start.” — L.M. Montgomery   Happy Spring my friends, The Bookmobile Lady ~The Bookmobile Lady~

“Winter was made for warm blankets and big books" Winter 2023 Blog by the Bookmobile Lady Well folks fall certainly came to Bookmobile with a force. If any of you have been following the saga of our beloved Bus #1, or Bessie as we affectionately call her know that fall came with struggles. Our bus went in for engine repair at the end of May and we got her back the second week of October. We used our bus for two school visits when we noticed something just wasn’t right with her. So off she went back to the garage for more repair. We have been operating out of our newest vehicle, our Bookmobile Van. The van is quite a bit smaller and the books have to be arranged strategically in order to accommodate the Public School system. We can only have 5-7 students on at a time and the van only has one door to be used for entrance and exit. It has been a challenge folks but we rose to the occasion. We want to give a huge thanks to our teachers and all educators for their patience and continued trust in Bookmobile. You guys really stepped up and together we made it work this fall. We are so happy our Bus #1 is back and running smoothly. REVIEW TIME I find myself getting a little down as the hint of winter approaches. It is however during these times I find my solace in books. I have read and listened to a few I feel are noteworthy: The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner. This book chronicles the lives of many complicated characters who come together for the same bike ride across New York to Niagra Falls. In this novel our main character Abby is grappling with some life changing decisions. She decides to lead a bicycle tour from New York city to Nigara Falls. Abby’s bike has been her escape all her life. As she leads this group of strangers across the state a funny thing happens; LIFE…This group comes together in some very unexpected ways. There are those who are harboring secrets that must come to light. And then there are those who just need this trip for themselves. This book will touch you on many levels. It dabbles politically, spiritually and most of all emotionally. I hope you picked it up and read it this fall. Jennifer is always a keeper and you never leave one of her books without it touching or sparking you in some way. Please pick up Reba McEntire’s new autobiography Not That Fancy. In her book she takes you through her life in Oklahoma. As a little girl on the barrel racing rodeo circuit to the Nashville Queen of Country star she is today. I think you will find her fascinating as she doesn’t leave much out about her life and that of her close knit family. She has accomplished so much and is still one of the most humble people you can ever read about. In this book she also shares some of the more famous and loved recipes from her well known restaurant. There isn’t much she hasn’t done or tried but through it all she keeps her sense of self and is very grounded in her faith and beliefs that guide her. I read The All-American by Susie Finkbeiner. This book is different from anything I normally read. It’s about Bertha Harging a girl growing up in 1952 from Detroit Michigan who above all else wants to play baseball. Against all urging from her mother and other females in her life with the support of her father she fulfills her dream of becoming a member of an all –american Baseball League, The Workington Sweet Peas. This book takes place as other females are planning to be married and start families right after graduation. It is a time when women fight to be seen. Join Bertha in her fight to play baseball. You will be cheering for her. Another biography I read and really enjoyed was Stanley Tucci, Taste My Life Through Food. What a character? He has a big Italian family who love loud, cook proud and have fun together. He takes you through his life from boyhood through adulthood. He tells of how his mother cooked something special every day. He uses the food prepared to help tell his story. It’s so moving and I enjoyed it until the end. You watch him in movies like “The Devil wears Prada” or “Julia and Julie” but never know what a deep thinker and fun person he really is. I recommend this book so much. A joyful little book I just read called The Twelve Months of Christmas by Sheila Roberts. Follow the three main characters Sunny, Arianna and Molly as they decide to do a Christmas do-over every month of the year as they all experienced a less than cozy Christmas. Read along as they plan and attend a different Christmas party each month. In Jan they host a New Years Christmas, Feb a Valentine Christmas etc…you get it. But through this year of planning they each discover what’s been missing in their lives and find the courage to change it. This book has some great supporting characters as well. You will be rooting for these ladies and might just want to make some Christmas magic happen in your life as well. Just visit our site to see a list of Christmas books you may want to check out this season. It might make the hustle and bustle of the season a little merrier. I have been on a Danielle Steel kick lately. I put her aside for a good while but since I have picked her back up. I am enjoying her latest novels like Second Chance, Suspects, All that Glitters, and her newest The Ball at Versailles. But what I am most enjoying is her BCD’s. I’ve listened to Without a Trace, so suspenseful and riveting. The Palazzo, so detailed I felt like I was there. Happiness, this one was so sweet and moving. I am now listening to Worthy Opponents. It is quite the cd turner too! But what I like most is the fact hers are mostly read by men. I know who would have thought? I can’t tell you what a breath of fresh air it is to listen to her stories come to life by these gentlemen narrators. Well done Ms. Steel! If you guys follow this blog you know my affection for Jenny Colgan. Her newest book and BCD, Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop is one not to be missed. I could have listened to this one forever. She details her characters and the town of Edinburgh until you want to walk the crisp snowy streets with our main character Carmen. She runs the Christmas Bookshop on Victoria Street. It’s so charming and I can’t resist how she describes the books, the smells, and the wonder of spending all your days in this quaint shop. So DVD’s: Who has watched Barbie or the new Mission Impossible? Remember if you see a new movie coming out that you want for movie night just click on to the library’s website and browse to see which of our branches might carry your request. There is nothing like curling up to a movie with a little buttered popcorn under a fleece blanket. Look outside people cause winter’s coming! The library has an extensive section of Classic movies and a large array of Christmas movies as well. You can’t go wrong with Bing Crosby or your feel good happy ever after Hallmark! I want to add a couple of Reba’s recipes she shares in her book with you guys. With the cold weather rapidly approaching I thought these recipes would hit the spot. Pinto Beans and Cornbread Reba McEntire Pinto Beans 1 lb dry pinto beans (about 2 cups) 1tbls kosher salt, plus more to taste 1 (4 ounce) end piece bacon slab, roughly chopped(or 6 slices thick-cut bacon, roughly chopped) 1 yellow onion, whole peeled 4 bay leaves 8 cups light chicken stock 1 tbls sherry vinegar Directions: Rinse the beans thoroughly with cold water, then transfer to a large bowl. Fill the bowl with enough fresh water to cover the beans by a few inches. Stir. Allow the beans to stand at room temperature for 12 hours. Drain and rinse the beans, then transfer them to a large pot. Fill the pot with enough fresh water to cover the beans by a few inches. Add the salt. Set the pot over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, remove the pot from the heat. Drain the beans and rinse gently. Wipe out the pot and return it to the stove over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until it begins to render fat. Add the onions and carrots. Saute’ until the bacon is browned and the vegetables are softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add the beans and bay leaves to the pot. Pour in the chicken stock, ensuring the beans are covered by at least 3 inches of liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue cooking until the beans are fully softened, about 1 ½ hours. Keep an eye on the pot and turn down the heat if the mixture begins to boil. Add the vinegar and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Remove the pot from the heat. Discard the bay leaves and any large pieces of carrot and onion. Ladle 1 cup of beans with a bit of liquid from the pot into a blender. Puree on low until fully smooth, increasing the speed if needed. Pour the pureed beans back into the pot and stir to combine. Serve immediately with a side of hot sauce, if desired. Freshly ground pepper, to taste Hot sauce, for serving (optional) Cornbread Reba McEntire 1 ½ cups fine cornmeal ½ cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp baking soda 1 tsp kosher salt 2 lg eggs ¼ cup honey ½ cup unsalted butter, melted 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup whole milk whisked with 1 tsp vinegar) Directions: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Place a 10 inch cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, honey, and melted butter until combined. Pour the liquid mixture into the dry mixture and begin to whisk. A few lumps are ok! Remove the hot skillet from the oven and pour the batter into it. Return the skillet to the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the skillet from the oven and allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. If you enjoy working jigsaw puzzles check out the ones at the library. In the reference department there is always one set up on a table. Feel free to pass your snowy afternoon trying to fit those pieces just right. Maybe this will inspire you to keep a couple on hand on those days it’s just too cold to get out. Please don’t forget to log onto the library’s website at rcplwv.org to see what’s happening this winter. Sign up and come be a part of the activities. This will help us beat some of the winter blues and you just might make a new friend or spot a book you haven’t read or a movie you haven’t watched. Our library holds lots of adventures for kids of all ages! Stay warm my friends, The Bookmobile Lady ~The Bookmobile Lady~

““A Mother is Like a Flower. Each one is Beautiful and Unique.” --darlingquote.com My mother is 94 years old. It’s so hard to believe, and she still lives independently and does well. I can only hope for her wisdom and longevity. I keep telling her we are going to throw her a huge party for her BIG 100! I have read a couple books I think you will enjoy about mothers and family. It didn’t occur to me while I was reading these would be perfect for Mother’s day reading: BOOK REVIEW TIME The Godmothers by Monica McInerney This story chronicles the life of Eliza Miller. This book takes us to Australia, Scotland, England, Ireland and a little sprinkling of New York City. Eliza has two Godmothers who are faithful beyond measure. Always there for her and her troubled mother. This is a story of losing a parent and finding a family you never knew about. There is a troubling secret about the death of her mother that her Godmothers will take to their graves in order to protect Eliza from the truth. Follow Eliza and these women as they navigate family, travel, friends, holidays, new acquaintances and even love. The emotions caused by this book are so unexpected you feel them right along with the characters. It’s such a moving novel I couldn’t put it down. The Sister Effect by Susan Mallery Join the McGowen girls Finley and Sloane as they navigate life and all it’s messes. Sloane is battling an alcohol addiction and trying to dig herself a new life one step at a time while her sister Finley is juggling work, loss and anger all the while trying to raise her sister’s 8 year old daughter Aubrey. Then there’s their mother Molly who despite her best efforts has never made it big on Broadway. Oh and throw in their long lost grandfather who returns hoping for open arms and forgiveness. This book is dripping with sadness, failure, success and friendship. But along the way this family will discover unconditional love comes in many forms, one of which is hidden in the heart of a little 8 year old girl. This one is a winner, it will check all your boxes if you like family drama, friendship, betrayal and ultimately a happy ending. Some other winners worth considering this month are: Mom and Me and Mom by Maya Angelou This biography follows Angelou’s relationship with her mother who abandoned her and came back into her life a decade later. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood This novel tells of dictatorship and women being stripped of their rights. Offered is a handmaid, assigned for reproduction purposes remembering her life before her husband and daughter. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Who could forget this classic of four sweet girls and their "Marmee?" My daughter and I have bonded over this book for many years. As it turns out she calls me “Marmee”--How endearing is that? Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner This story follows three young new mothers who bond over their shared struggle of raising infants. Love her books; so moving. A couple children’s books you may want to share with your little ones: Love you Forever by Robert Munsch It’s a picture book about a mother’s lullaby that she always sings to her son. It’s about her unconditional love even though he flushed her watch down the toilet. The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown It’s a story of a young bunny that keeps running away only for his mother to find him every time. AUDIOBOOK REVIEW TIME My book on CD choice is Lessons at the School by the Sea by Jenny Colgan. This is the 3rd installment in this series. I have found this series quite addictive. It’s a quick listen and full of the same characters from series 1 and 2, Maggie, David, Maggie’s third form girls Alice, Fliss, Simone and a new girl Esme. What’s her story, she is so mysterious! Will she ever fit in with these third year girls? Quite a lot of drams surrounds the boys school too, not just Downy House. In this you will find heartbreak, betrayal, friendship, a touch of bullying and attempted suicide. It’s all blended in with just enough adult drama to keep it interesting. How will the characters from the small town of Cornwell navigate this new year? Listen to see how each girl is changed by all that is happening in their lives and those surrounding them. Please listen or read this series, I know you will love it! Will there by a 4th installment? Ooh listen and find out! How about Taco night? May weather is warmer and blooming with gorgeous flowers and bright green grass. So relax, make this easy taco recipe and slip outside and enjoy. Emily’s Excellent Taco Recipe ---allrecipes.com Ingredients: 6 cups corn tortilla chips 2 cups vegetarian chili with beans (in cans) 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 2 cups shredded lettuce 2 roma or plum tomatoes, chopped ½ cup salsa ¼ cup sour cream Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place chips in bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Pour chili straight from can over chips. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 20-25 minutes until chili bubbles and cheese is melted. Remove from oven Top with tomato, lettuce, sour cream and salsa. Ole’ A sweet and tart lemon dessert is just the thing to cool your palate after these delicious tacos, and I’ve got just the recipe. Lemon Bars with Shortbread crust –Sally’s Baking Recipes Ingredients: For Shortbread Crust 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted ½ cup granulated sugar 2 tsps vanilla extract ½ tsp salt 2 cups + 2 tbls all-purpose flour For Lemon Filling 2 cups granulated sugar 6 tbls all-purpose flour 6 large eggs 1 cup lemon juice (about 4 lemons) Confectioners’ sugar for dusting Directions: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line the bottom and sides of a 9x13 glass baking dish (do not use metal) with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the finished bars out. Set aside. Make the crust. Mix the melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract and salt together in a medium bowl. Add the flour and stir to completely combine. The dough will be thick. Press firmly into prepared pan, making sure the layer of crust is nice and even. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Remove from the oven. Using a fork, pole holes all over top of the warm crust but not all the way through. This helps the filling stick and the holds the crust in place. Set aside. Make the filling. Sift the sugar and flour together in a large bowl. Whisk in the eggs, then the lemon juice until completely combined. Pour the filling over warm crust. Bake the bars for 22-26 minutes or until the center is relatively set and no longer jiggles. Give the pan a light tap with an oven mitt to test. Remove bars from the oven and cool completely at room temperature, about 2 hours, then stick in the refrigerator for 1-2 more hours until chilled. Once cool, lift the parchment paper out of pan using the overhang on the sides. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and cut into squares before serving. Bars can be kept in refrigerator for up to 1 week. Dates to remember Cinco de Mayo May 5, 2023 Mother’s Day May 14, 2023 Memorial Day May 29, 2023 It’s that time to start checking out our website for our upcoming Summer Reading Program aboard the Lego Bookmobile. When will we arrive in your neighborhood? Please visit the library’s website at rcplwv.org for a list of all summer programs and activities. “There is no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.--Jill Churchhill “Hope your month is positively aMayzing."--all wording.com ~The Bookmobile Lady~