Delighted to share my review for the latest release by Darlene Foster...a memoir….You Can Take The Girl From The Prairie: Stories about growing up on the Canadian prairies
About the book
A collection of short stories inspired by growing up on a prairie farm in the fifties and sixties. Some of the stories are humorous and others sad, but all heartfelt. Stories about family life, cowboy wisdom, immigrant grandmothers, an inspiring teacher, and the arrival of a new sibling are part of this collection of tales from another time and another place. Proof that you can take the girl from the prairie but you can’t take the prairie from the girl.
My review for the book May 20th 2023
Living history is so important to pass on to the next generations, and this delightful collection of stories set in the 1950s and 1960s, highlight not just the differences 70 years can make on our lifestyle and technology, but also the values and experiences of the day.
The author vividly recalls her childhood and teen years growing up on a farm in Alberta, subject to harsh winters and a need for constant vigilence for lifestock and family working everyday to sustain their livelihood and for the children’s future.
There are warm memories of great grand-parents, grand parents and the acknowledgement of their sacrifice and commitment to their new homeland over 120 years ago. Extended family was clearly so important and knowledge was passed from generation to generation with a warmth that softened the often harshness of the environment. Sadly there was also loss and that tragedy is still very keenly felt in the present day.
Hard to pick a favourite from the stories but I especially enjoyed A Special Teacher, Good Hands that evoked memories of my father and certainly will be trying out the authentic recipe for the Best German Kuchen.
This is a book that will be hard for you to put down and I read over a very enjoyable sunny afternoon in the garden.
Head over to read the reviews and buy your copy: Amazon US – And: Amazon CA – And: Amazon UK
A selection of other books by Darlene Foster
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Website/Blog: Darlene Foster WordPress – Goodreads: Goodreads – Twitter: @supermegawoman
About Darlene Foster
Growing up on a ranch near Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, Darlene Foster dreamt of writing, traveling the world, and meeting interesting people. She also believed in making her dreams come true. It’s no surprise she’s now the award-winning author of Amanda Travels, a children’s adventure series featuring a spunky twelve-year-old who loves to travel to unique places. Readers of all ages enjoy following Amanda as she unravels one mystery after another. When not traveling herself, Darlene divides her time between the west coast of Canada and the Costa Blanca, Spain with her husband and entertaining rescue dogs, Dot and Lia.
Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books… Sally
I am greatly looking forward to reading Darlene’s book!
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A lovely collection Liz xx
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Always enjoy Darlene’s books. This sounds like another great one!
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Very much so Christa…enjoy your weekend.. xx
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Congratulations on this memoir, Darlene. It sounds excellent.
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Thanks Jacqui..xxx
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Great to see Darlene here today, Sally! I’ve got this book awaiting me on my Kindle, and I’m looking forward to reading it! 😊❤️
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Wonderful Marcia and I know you will thoroughly enjoy… keep rockin’ ♥♥
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A super review, Sally. Congratulations to Darlene.
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Thanks very much John.. hugsx
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Lovely review, Sally of Darlene’s memoir about growing up in the prairies. My father grew up in the prairies. Saskatchewan and so your book, Darlene, holds a especial appeal to me. ❤
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Wonderful Carol and I am sure the stories will hold a special meaning for you. A lovely reminder of the era and the people who worked so hard to provide for their families.. ♥
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Thanks for sharing your terrific review, Sally. Darlene’s collection of stories sounds wonderful! Congratulations to Darlene!❤️
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Thanks Jill and I can very happily recommend. enjoy your weekend. ♥
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Just wanted to stop by and offer Darlene the best with her new book. I bypassed your review, Sally, though I’m sure it’s great. I have a quirky habit of reading reviews for books I don’t own. For ones I already own, but haven’t read, I like to come back later and compare my review with others.
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Thanks Pete.. and fair enough.. I do try to avoid any spoilers in my reviews and I know how frustrating that can be… It is a lovely collection and I am sure you will enjoy when you read. Have a lovely weekend. hugsxx
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Thank you so much, Sally, for this thoughtful review of my collection of stories. I’m delighted you enjoyed it. 💖
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My pleasure Darlene.. will post to the usual book sites and delighted to help get the word out.. ♥♥
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Thank you for bringing Darlene’s book to our attention, Sally. It’s on my Kindle now and as another prairie girl, I’m looking forward to devouring it.
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Thanks Lynn and I am sure you will enjoy..hugsx
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Indeed we are living ‘history’ with hopefully tales to pass on.
I always loved hearing family exploits.
Thanks for sharing, Sally
Darlene, I also love Spain. Costa Blanca :- Calpe; Javea and of course Moraira!
Off soon, I wonder what adventure I can have?
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Alexander will love hearing your family history when he is older Sue…ans lovely to be able to pass it on.. ♥
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I can see my daughter beginning to appreciate the stories too and of course Alexander’s daddy will one day too.
In the meantime I’m making memories for Alexander (and Isabelle) and me.
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Wonderful Sue and so well worth the effort ♥
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Thanks, Sue. I love all those places. My favourite place in that area is Altea. Let me know if you are ever near and we can meet up.
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Ah, yes, Altea is lovely too.
I’m off to Moraira for the fiesta this year 9th – 20th June.
With perhaps a visit to Calpe in September?
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Sounds lovely Sue.. and a well earned break ♥
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Thanks very much Patty.. hugs
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I just finished reading this book, and it’s terrific. A review should go live on my blog in a couple of weeks, and I’ll also post it on Goodreads and Amazon. Thank you for sharing this.
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Wonderful Abbie and delighted you enjoyed as well.. hugsx
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Thanks so much, Abbie.
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Congratulations to Darlene for having her book featured today! Thanks for sharing, Sally!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
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Thanks very much Yvette ♥
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Reblogged this on Darlene Foster's Blog and commented:
A thoughtful review of my collection of short stories by Sally Cronin.
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Thanks for boosting the post Darlene ♥
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I recently finished this collection, and I, too, enjoyed it. Great review, Sally!
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Thank you Vera.. enjoy your weekend..hugs
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Ooh, I just ordered this one! Thank you!
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Wonderful Joy.. great to hear.. hugsx
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Beautiful review for Darlene’s book Sal. Congrats to Darlene. I look forward to reading. ❤
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Thanks very much Debby ♥
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❤
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Aww. Congrats to Darlene on the wonderful review, Sally. I expected that I’d read this book someday and your review confirmed it. ❤
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Wonderful thanks Diana a wonderful book of memories ♥♥
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This is a book I MUST read. I bet I’ll find some parallels with my own rural upbringing. 😀
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I am sure you will Marian.. a wonderful collection hugsxx
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Thanks for sharing your wonderful review, Sally. I’m going to start reading this book tomorrow and look forward to it. Congrats to Darlene! xo
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Wonderful thanks Lauren and I am sure you will enjoy…have a lovely week ♥
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A fantastic review for Darlene’s book – congrats to her.
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Thanks Toni ♥
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Thank you for sharing your beautiful review, Sally. Darlene’s memoir sounds like a must-read for me. Congratulations, Darlene! 🎉🎊🎉
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Thanks Gwen and definitely a wonderful collection and I am sure you will enjoy ♥♥
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This sounds like a wonderful anthology, Sally. I love these types of books where I know I will be able to relate to some of them. Great review.
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Thanks Carla and I am sure you will relate to some of the stories as I did.. lovely read..hugs
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Hi Sally, this is a fantastic review of Darlene’s new book. I am really looking forward to reading this book.
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Congratulations to Darlene on this wonderful review. I’ve just been along to Amazon and bought it!
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Fantastic Alex thank you and have a lovely week ♥
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I must have missed this. I must read it!
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A lovely collection Bonnie..enjoy your week.
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Reblogged this on https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thanks very much for sharing Michael..hugs
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Thanks to Darlene for telling the true story of Amanda, now! 😉 Definitely a wonderful book, to get first hand information about growing up in the rural part of Canada. Thanks for sharing the news, and a great review, Sally! xx Michael
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Thanks very much Michael… and a lovely collection of memories..hugsx
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Great review of Darlene’s book Sally! We say we can take the girl out of Daly City but you can’t take Daly City out of the girl and always laugh. We escaped the fog! 💗
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Thanks Cindy and we use that same expression from where I come from lol. ♥
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of course!!!! GLAD TO KNOW IM NOT ALONE❣️
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♥
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Sally, this is a wonderful review of Darlene’s book!
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Thanks very much Jennie, it is a lovely read.. xx
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Thank you, Sally. I love Darlene’s Amanda series, and I’m looking forward to reading this new book.
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