I listen to a random selection of books, depending on what is easily available through the library's download services. . .  .  In addition, I occasionally listen to a volunteer-read book on Librivox.org, or to something I purchased on Audible.com. On the latter site (Amazon/Audible), I only download the best sale titles. Recently I was delighted by this book, "Agnes Hopper Shakes Up Sweetbriar" by Carol Guthrie Heilman. Instead of a twenty-something protagonist, Agnes Hopper is a feisty, spirited senior who is "relocated" to a retirement home at the beginning of this story. I thoroughly enjoyed the humor, annoyed thoughts, an occasional Bible verse or prayer, and the upbeat ending. The book also raised hard questions about the way seniors are treated, and motivated me to reach out to seniors in some capacity.  After finishing the book, I messaged the author, and was happy to hear that Carol Heilman is working on a sequel. I find it thrilling to correspond with writers, so this was an extra treat.

 
Hooray for "down time"! This weekend I need to practice using Skype, because our library's Book Discussion Group is video-chatting with Lorna Landvik this Thursday night. I am SO excited about talking to her, and about possibly being on the "Street Team" for Katherine Reay's next book, "A Portrait of Emily Price." I love the way her stories of faith weave in some of my favorite classics. "Dear Mr. Knightley" is a modern-day tale loosely based on Jane Austen's "Emma."  "Lizzy and Jane" also incorporates elements of Austen's work, complete with a proposal from "Persuasion". Reay's 3rd work was "Bronte Plot" with a fun, inspiring story set in an NYC antique shop and England. Whether I make the Street Team or not, I am happily anticipating the release of her next book in November.