Other than some of the "classics," I don't read many books more than once. There are so many new ones waiting to be read, after all. But every now and then I'm surprised by one (usually a novel but not always) that even during the first read lets me know it won't be the last read.

Summer of Light by W. Dale Cramer and Band of Sisters by Cathy Gohlke were two such novels. Both of these books have been out for some time, and I read both of them not long after they were released. Recently, I found myself at a bit of a loss for what I was in the mood to read--this was after putting aside three or four that just didn't hold my interest. I started looking through my bookshelves  and came upon the two mentioned above, pulled them out and treated myself to an even more satisfying read than was the case the first time through--and that says a lot.

I've been a dedicated Dale Cramer fan since reading his brilliant Levi's Will.  By now I've read all his novels. It's only my opinion of course, although I'm aware that it's shared by many others, but I see Dale as a writer of incredible ability. He writes with power, he writes from the heart, and he writes with integrity. He is, without question, one of CBA's finest. Summer of Light is that rare gift to a reader of a heartwarming, irresistible story laced with poignancy, laugh-out-loud humor, and unforgettable people. Forget everything you thought you knew about a stay-at-home dad--there are no stereotypes here. Some might say this is a different "voice" for Dale than the quieter, more reflective Levi's Will. Not at all. It's a different story, yes, but the same masterful "voice" that spins his other impresive stories is still behind the wheel. Like Cathy Gohlke, he's a strong favorite of our church book club. 

Cathy Gohlke was a new writer to me when I first picked up her young adult novel, William Henry is a Fine Name, and, later, I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires. Her adult novel, Promise Me This, held its own kind of promise: the promise of a writer who could write with command and creativity. Then came Band of Sisters. That one gripped me, not only because of her clearly impeccable research, but because of its unique story, her obvious understanding of the era, and her keen insight as to what it must have been like for a young Irish immigrant to arrive alone in the city of New York. I've studied the Irish immigration period and its people--and written about it, as well--for years, but Cathy's story is one of the few that engaged me from the first page with its authenticity and color. It also earned rave reviews from the book club I moderate. 

Cathy is a gifted writer who clearly works hard to deliver a story that never lets up until the end. 

That's all I'm going to tell you about either of these stellar stories. I don't want to spoil your discovery--or your re-discovery- of these two outstading novels and their authors. Enjoy!

BJ