Tuesday, December 25, 2012

The Ruby Brooch BLG12.24.2012

By: Kathryn Lowry Logan


Kathryn Lowry Logan introduces us to her Celtic Brooch Trilogy.  It is well written in the class of Ciji Ware and Susanna Kearsley.  She has mastered the characters and story line without insulting us with repetition and junior high level prose.  She begins with The Ruby Brooch that has been transporting members of the MacKlenna family for over 400 years.

Katerine "Kit" MacKlenna is a  paralegal in Lexington, Kentucky (2012).  She was found, as a new baby, on the MacKlenna's front porch wrapped in a blood soaked, lace shawl held closed with a ruby brooch.  She learns of the pin's powers in a letter from the man who raised her, upon his death.  It also explains the apparition she has seen since she was 10 years old.  She hopes going back in time will lead her to her true parentage and identify the ghost like image she sees.

She prepares her covered wagon, oxen and her thoroughbred horse.  She says the incantation and is transported through the amber light to 1852 Independence, Missouri.  Right away she meets her ghost, Cullen Montgomery, attorney, wagon train boss and the most incredibly handsome man she has ever met.  Kit baffles him with her beauty, brains and brawn.  She is inspirational in her fortitude while moving back and forth between the two centuries.  But this is a story of love of family, friends and the passionate love of Kit and Cullen that transcends time.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

A Gem of a Moment BLG12.4.2012



Over the years I have learned that the way one starts the day sets the tone for its entirety. Although most strive for that extra minute of sleep. Monks arise early to begin their day with chanting and prayer. Television shows of my childhood, like Donna Reed and the like of that era, portrayed families having a casual (full) breakfast. In these scenarios we see their days beginning serenely.

I, too, experienced great serenity when, recovering from an injury, I woke in the predawn hour, on the living room couch where my husband had made me very comfortable. A friend gifted me a large crock, McIntosch Apple candle and not wanting to turn the lights on so early I lit the candle. The soft, golden light was so soothing. From that morning on I rise early to light a candle, cuddle with my sheltie, listen to some music or just listen to myself. This time has become precious and joyous for me…my days start out serene and lovely.

I hope all who read this will try it, learn to nurture your soul.