October Mourning: a Song for Matthew Shepard

I haven't had poetry move me so much in a while. This collection of poems brings to life the horrifying and brutal murder of gay, twenty one year old Matthew Shepard in 1998. Lesbian poet, Leslea Newman (author of "Heather Has Two Mommies") recounts the shameful and shocking incident with true grace and raw emotion. The sixty eight different poems explores the impact of Matthews deaths through fictitious monologues from the perspective of: the fence, the killers, the biker who found him, Matthew himself, mothers across the country, and more. It's a very moving piece of work and definitely deserving of the Stonewall Honor it received. A must read for everyone!

With Autumn's Return

It was nice to read a Christian historical fiction novel that didn't have a damsel in distress for once. Elizabeth Harding is a tough, no nonsense broad (okay, okay, she's a lady) that defies the sexist stereotypes of the day and becomes a doctor, which for taking place in 1887 AND being an "inspirational" read, is kind of a big deal.

The crux of the story is that a nice lady doctor moves to Cheyenne to open her own practice only to discover that, shocker, people don't think  women should be doctors; they don't have the brains plus they should be in the kitchen or poppin' out babies. Elizabeth is initially discouraged, especially after the smokin hot lawyer next door tells her her business is doomed. Slowly she starts building up clientele (hey treating whores will pay the bills!)  and she discovers that her lawyer neighbor is actually quite nice (and did I mention attractive?). The two start courting and everything seems peachy, until gossip and deceit amongst Cheyenne's wealthy threatens to tear apart everything Elizabeth has worked so hard to build!

This book is the third in the Westward Winds series, but honestly I didn't discover that in the end. It serves as a stand alone book quite well.

For fans of historical Christian Romance and take charge leading ladies.

I received this book free from Revell Publishing in return for my honest, unbiased review.