By: Kara Conrad
Welcome to Harmony
Population: LOTS of
unforgettable characters
SYNOPSIS from Jodi Thomas’s website: Sixteen-year-old
runaway Reagan has always wanted a place to belong. She's never had a real home
of her own, but perhaps she could borrow someone else's. Under an assumed name
and identity, she moves to Harmony, Texas, but keeps her distance from the
welcoming townsfolk. Until prairie fires threaten Harmony-and Reagan learns the
true meaning of family, friends, and home.
When you first enter the town, you’re sure to see people
that remind you of someone you’d like to meet, maybe even someone you’ve known
your entire life. You will meet young children who can teach us all something
about life, teenagers from the local high school, including a rising rodeo star,
slightly (maybe slightly more than slightly?) eccentric old folks, some quite
cheerful, others down-right cranky. As Alex thinks about Jeremiah, “He’d been
old her whole life.” Don’t we all know someone who fits that bill? And I guess
that’s the thing about Welcome to Harmony; there is an entire cast of
characters the reader will recognize. There are people who may appear one way
on the surface, but not too far below that surface have several layers most
never get to see. Thanks to the brilliant writing of Jodi Thomas, we do.
If you like romance (and of course we all do), then there is
something for you in this book. In fact, there is more than ONE love story for
you. I dare you to read the scene when we first meet Alex and Hank and NOT be
intrigued by their relationship. We’ve talked before about those books set in
small towns, and have featured some of them here at the club. This book has
that too, which adds so much depth to the story. By the time you finish, you
will feel not only like you KNOW these people, but that you can’t wait to learn
more. Lucky for all of us, this book is the first in a series! There’s also
suspense and a mystery to solve. This book has it all!
I really enjoy at least a bit of comedy in the stories I
read, maybe even a laugh out loud moment or two. How about Jeremiah, the old
man we hope will take Reagan in and give her a real home? One of his many,
memorable lines is, “I welcome company about the same as I do black mold.” J But this book also
offers much more serious, deeper emotional scenes. For instance, on the same
page Jeremiah declares his ‘fondness’ for visitors, Reagan describes what she
calls reverse wishing. At sixteen, she has learned “I don’t wish for good
things to happen, I just wish the bad things would leave me alone for a while.”
That line stuck with me, as I know that to be the truth for many children.
If you’ve read the book already, then you know what I’m
saying is true, and I’m looking forward to finding out your favorite characters
and storylines from Harmony. If you haven’t read this book, believe me when I
say, this little write up barely scratches the surface of all you’ll find
within its pages. And yes, I’m a bit
biased as I’m currently in my third reading of this book, but I’m not alone in
my praise for it. Welcome to Harmony has received many fantastic reviews and is
a 2011 RITA winner! The second book in the series is Somewhere Along the Way
and is already out in bookstores. The next book, The Comforts of Home, is due
to be released November 1!
And finally, this is how I know Jodi Thomas is a writer for
me (and anyone who knows me will get this): not only is she an amazing story
teller, but right there on page 72 of Welcome to Harmony, Tyler stops by SONIC!
Jodi doesn’t mention the drink he orders,
but I’m quite certain it is a Coke, extra ice. J
Jodi is scheduled to visit with us today, so ask your
questions! Also, for my own benefit, let’s talk favorite characters, lines,
etc. I will be dropping by as often as I can, but don’t let my absence slow you
down. Step right up, start the party, and WELCOME TO HARMONY!
While I fully recommend a trip to Sonic, a la Tyler (p. 72),
it is the tradition of book club to include recipes with our book talks. Since
they are served up here by yours truly, you know it can’t get any easier than
this. You cooker ladies keep you laughter to a minimum.
Certain to be hits at the Blue Moon Diner:
Chili Cheese Fries
Ingredients:
1 (32 ounce) package French fries
1 (8 ounce) bag shredded Colby jack cheese
1 (15 ounce) can chili with no beans
2 green onions (sliced)
Step 1: Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees. Heat French fries according to package directions. Drain on paper towels. In a medium sauce pan over medium heat the chili until it is heated through.
Step 2: Arrange fries on the bottom of an oven safe dish. Top with chili, then shredded Colby jack cheese, and finally green onions. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese has melted (can also be done in the microwave on plates).
1 (32 ounce) package French fries
1 (8 ounce) bag shredded Colby jack cheese
1 (15 ounce) can chili with no beans
2 green onions (sliced)
Step 1: Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees. Heat French fries according to package directions. Drain on paper towels. In a medium sauce pan over medium heat the chili until it is heated through.
Step 2: Arrange fries on the bottom of an oven safe dish. Top with chili, then shredded Colby jack cheese, and finally green onions. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese has melted (can also be done in the microwave on plates).
Blueberry Crumb
Pie
Yield: 8 servings
1 c Sugar
• 8 oz Commercial sour cream
• 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 1/8 tsp Salt
• 4 c Fresh blueberries
• 1 Unbaked 9-inch pastry shell
• 1 tbsp Sugar
• 1/4 c Dried breadcrumbs; fine
• 1 tbsp Sugar
• 1 tbsp Butter or margarine; melted
Combine first 4 ingredients; stir well. Place blueberries in unbaked pastry shell; sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar over berries. Spread sour cream mixture over berries. Combine breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon sugar, and butter; sprinkle over top. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes or until center is firm. Yield: one 9-inch pie.
Yield: 8 servings
1 c Sugar
• 8 oz Commercial sour cream
• 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 1/8 tsp Salt
• 4 c Fresh blueberries
• 1 Unbaked 9-inch pastry shell
• 1 tbsp Sugar
• 1/4 c Dried breadcrumbs; fine
• 1 tbsp Sugar
• 1 tbsp Butter or margarine; melted
Combine first 4 ingredients; stir well. Place blueberries in unbaked pastry shell; sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar over berries. Spread sour cream mixture over berries. Combine breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon sugar, and butter; sprinkle over top. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes or until center is firm. Yield: one 9-inch pie.
