Our Book of the Month Is...

Puddles Life was routine and ordinary for homemaker Susan until secrets, dark secrets, and even darker secrets transformed her world into one that more closely resembled the soap operas she watches in the afternoon. The darkness threatens to destroy her idyllic home life and peaceful community, which puts Susan on an emotional see saw with ups and downs she never imagined she'd ever experience. Situations that often tear families apart drive Susan to dig deep into her foundation of faith for answers to the questions that trouble her during her struggles. This at times disturbing as well as humorous tale of the all too human condition captures life as it can be ... "an inspirational soap opera," filled with opportunities to face fears and challenges and learn to tolerate and above all else ... love one another. Lynn Barry's Biography: Lynn Barry grew up in Syracuse, New York and spent much of her childhood creating an imaginary town for her and her sister to play in. This early pastime has evolved into a career in fiction writing. Barry has been married for thirty years, and has three sons, a daughter, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, four granddaughters, and a grandson, so far. The water looks clear from above and just when you think you might see a reflection of yourself in Susan, our books heroine, someone or something comes along to muddle it up. I felt sorry for Susan. I wanted to tell her to get a little backbone. I wanted to hug her. I was amazed at her strength. I felt like I was looking into someone’s real life. Yes, I even felt I was watching my favorite soap opera on T.V. Lynn Barry’s writing has a way of luring you into the story. She is superb at setting up scenes in which a multitude of characters act out the idiosyncrasies of everyday life. Ms. Barry's book Puddles is an entertaining look at the ultimate housewife's life. She also has a knack for teaching some profound truths on loyalty and faith. Read this book you'll love it.- Margie Toone - author 'The Country Gourmet' At first blush, Puddles appears to be a simple tale of everyday life. The author herself describes this story as a "soap opera", but I thought it went far deeper than that. What Ms. Barry has here are a few small slices of the real world revealed. The voice of this story is Susan, who is both blessed and cursed. She's blessed with what seems to be the ideal marriage and a wonderful stay at home life, cursed with a rebellious, sexually active daughter and the spectre all loving wives fear the worst - her husband's infidelity. The author made me care about the characters, their joys and sufferings. When Susan's doting husband, Jeff, lusted after his sex-starved secretary, I was enraged. And when her best friend reveals an alternative lifestyle, Susan's struggle to accept this bit of knowledge made me chuckle. You'll find a little something for everyone in this book. You can help Susan solve a mystery and face danger with her. And you can laugh, struggle, and rage right along with her, just like I did, as she tries to make sense out of a life gone askew. Ms. Barry transplanted me into Susan's life. I lived it with her. Not many books throughout the years have managed that. - James, The Midwest Book Review Return to Book of the Month Archive