It Happened at The Fair by Deeanne Gist

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Book summary:  "A transporting historical novel about a promising young inventor, his struggle with loss, and the attractive teacher who changes his life, all set against the razzle-dazzle of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair." (LitFuse)

My thoughts:   Ah, to be young, with all of the possibilities of technology and commerce at your disposal!

Such was apparently the general feeling of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. New inventions based on technology such as electricity were flourishing and possibilities were seemingly endless. Including visits to the fair by notable dignitaries, including President Cleveland, the 1893 World's Fair was definitely THE place to be back then.

Author Deeanne Gist has used the fascinating historical moment in time as a backdrop for her romance novel, It Happened at The Fair. The fair itself was a wonderfully exciting time in history and Deeanne Gist has masterfully woven a charming story into her detailed research of life in Chicago in 1893. Gist has a background in journalism and it shows in this book. What Gist also has is a great sense of humor! I literally laughed out loud at times and loved that Gist made her characters seem more "real" because of the humor injected into the book.

My grandmother used to speak lovingly of her visit to the Chicago World's Fair. She attended back in 1933, not the 1893 Fair that is the setting of this book. Even still, as I was reading It Happened at The Fair, I was sweetly reminded of some of the stories my grandmother told me. I have two small memorabilia boxes she purchased at the 1933 fair. This book made me so nostalgic, I dug out the boxes and tried to imagine my own grandmother at the World's Fair as a young woman. For reviving those memories, this book was personally special to me, too.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars 

Book Facts:

• Author: Deeanne Gist can be found on her website at IWantHerBook.com and on Facebook.com/DeesFriends. 
• Pages:  393
• Year originally published: 2013
• Book Tour:  Please check out other reviews of this title on the LitFuse Book Tour Page.

• Purchase on Amazon:   It Happened at the Fair by Deeanne Gist

• You might want to know:  LitFuse Giveaway! Enter Today - 4/29 - 5/22!  

FTC Disclosure: Lavish Bookshelf received this product complimentary from the publisher on behalf of LitFuse Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. The opinions in this review are solely the opinion of the author. Lavish Bookshelf was not required to provide a positive review and did not receive any further compensation. Links in this post may be an affiliate link to another website. When you purchase item through an affiliate link, Lavish Bookshelf may receive monetary compensation for the referral of the sale.

 

 

 

Special Article by Ovarian Cancer Survivor Joanie Shawhan

The following is a guest article written by Joanie Shawhan: 

A Stealth Attack

A special article because May is Women’s Healthcare Month.

By Joanie Shawhan

 

Do you know the symptoms of one of the most insidious diseases assaulting women today? I thought I did. But despite my background in oncology nursing, I had missed a cardinal symptom of ovarian cancer—nausea. Over the course of several months, I had experienced a few episodes of queasiness, mistaking it for the flu. Fleeting thoughts of ovarian cancer even crept into my mind, but I brushed them away. This nausea is just too infrequent, I rationalized.

During the blackness of night, a late warning sign emerged. I rolled over on a firm grapefruit-sized mass in my abdomen. When I pressed on the growth, stabbing pain clutched my abdomen and sucked my breath away. I hope this is just a uterine fibroid.

My doctor agreed that a fibroid was the most probable diagnosis, but we needed to schedule an ultrasound. In the darkened room, the ultrasound technician shot me a glance. I knew something was wrong. After the scan, I tucked the films under my arm and strode into my doctor’s office. She examined the images, then spun around and faced me. Her verdict? Ovarian cancer—the size of a cantaloupe. While she rattled off the tests and surgery that still needed to be scheduled, I sat numb. Words spilled over her lips, but the syllables sounded foreign and distant. Is she talking to me?

After surgery, I endured the ravages of chemotherapy: baldness, crushing chest pain, nausea and brain fog. Fatigue siphoned my strength and left me winded.

My sister said, “We have to make this fun,” and she sent me my first installment of hats. Fun? Hats—yes. Chemotherapy—no.

But after a while, my hair grew back with perfect summer highlights. A spring returned to my step and the fog lifted off my mind. The anxiety that gripped my chest prior to each follow-up appointment has dissolved into what I now dub “a social visit.”

I won my race against cancer.

May is Women’s Health Care Month:   Do you know the symptoms of ovarian cancer? v     Pain or pressure in the pelvis, abdomen or lower back v     Abdominal bloating or a sense of fullness v     Nausea, constipation, diarrhea, gas or indigestion v     Urinary frequency or urgency v     Fatigue   If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor. The life you save? Your own.

 

Joanie Shawhan Bio:

Joanie Shawhan is an ovarian cancer survivor and a registered nurse. She writes encouraging articles for women undergoing chemotherapy and is available for speaking engagements. Publishing credits include Coping with Cancer magazine and God Still Meets Needs. When not writing or attending book club, Joanie enjoys designing jewelry, knitting, and playing guitar. Website: http://joanieshawhan.com/.

 

 

 

This article content is provided free of charge by the author through Kathy Carlton Willis Communications. You are welcome to place this article on your site or in your publication as long as: 1) it’s used in its entirety, 2) the full bio is also used, and 3) you previously request permission through KCWC at kathy@kathycarltonwillis.com.

All other standard copyrights apply.

However Long the Night: Molly Melching's Journey to Help Millions of African Women and Girls Triumph by Aimee Molloy

This post may contain affiliate links. To learn more, please read Lavish Bookshelf's disclosure policy.

Great quote:   "So, she made a decision. She would move to the village for a short time and try to develop a program whose aim was teaching people based on their goals and desires, not what she may have thought best." (Page 82)

Book summary:  Author Aimee Molloy tells the story of Molly Melching's devotion to help African women and girls.

My thoughts:   In an age where people seemingly hang on every action of the latest Hollywood wannabe, Molly Melching is an amazing real-life woman who has dedicated her life to changing, quite possibly, an entire continent.

However Long the Night by Aimee Molloy is the biography of this amazing Molly Melching. Melching is truly a humble Midwesterner, transplanted to Africa as part of an overseas study program back in 1974. Since that time, Melching has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of African women and girls.

Unlike many non-governmental agencies that arrive with help and "tell" the people what to do, Melching's agency Tostan works from within, teaching women empowerment and raising awareness to centuries of oppression. Tostan has gained increasing success, particularily in regards to changing ancient perceptions regarding female genital mutilation.

This story is really remarkable because of Molly's dedication and the receptiveness of the Sengalese people. To me, the most amazing part of this book was that Molly Melching has been able to continue her work in Senegal and surrounding countries over several decades, despite opposition. The work of Tostan goes against centuries of tradition, however with Melching's slow and patient guidance, practices are being changed. The knowledge and power have begun to be passed on to a new generation of girls.

It really is wonderful to read a positive book about such a tremendously difficult subject. Truly, this book is inspiring.

Rating:  5 of 5 stars

Book Facts:

• Author:  Please visit the author's website to learn more.
• Pages:    252
• Year originally published:   2013
• Book Tour:  For more reviews of this title, please visit TLC Book Tours.

• Purchase on Amazon:   However Long the Night: Molly Melching's Journey to Help Millions of African Women and Girls Triumph

 

FTC Disclosure: Lavish Bookshelf received this product complimentary in exchange for an honest review. The opinions in this review are solely the opinion of the author. Lavish Bookshelf was not required to provide a positive review and did not receive any further compensation. Links in this post may be an affiliate link to another website. When you purchase item through an affiliate link, Lavish Bookshelf may receive monetary compensation for the referral of the sale.