Simple Pleasures

Many years ago, I lived in Joplin. I went to high school two or three blocks from where the protagonist's house stood. I, too lived just off 20th street. Several months after the tornado, I drove through my old neighborhood, and it simply didn't exist anymore. There were no street signs, no lights, no houses, no landmarks. It was just gone.This is the fourth novel Ms White has written which is set in the Ozark Mountain area where the four states come together. Beneath the Willow is set in a nameless town which seems to be very near Monet, Missouri. Shared Winds is set in Oklahoma on Grand Lake, and Yours For the Asking is set in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The setting being so familiar from my childhood is not the only reason I love these books. The romance is always dramatic and sweet.This one is particularly emotional as the protagonist struggles with the tornado's aftermath while trying to come to terms with her changing perception of a former enemy, and the sister of her late partner. And, yes, for those who bought it just for the cover, baseball does play a part.For me, the setting makes the book. Of course, the tornado's inclusion enhances the drama, but every book which Ms White has set in this part of America has special meaning for me.

Ms. White has shared with us the feelings of what it would be like to live thru an EF-5 tornado. Dale Kinsel hung on to her bathtub as the tornado ripped thru her neighborhood in Joplin, MO. The loss of work, lives, homes, friends is devastating. Rebuilding of everything is a struggle, but rejuvenating. Dale's deceased partner's sister, Taren is back in town and shows up for a softball game. Dale can't believe it because the woman can't play softball. The two of then tangle both on the field and off...share a little time together with Dale's family. There are some surprises!

In my opinion, this was not one of White's better books. I normally love Kenna White and her writing style; however Simple Pleasures was a bust for me. I think that the characters and story in general were weak. I felt that this book was more about survival and rebuilding than a romance. Actually, the romance portion felt like it had a lot of holes. The relationship that the main character had with her brother was my favorite relationship in the book. I will always be a fan of Kenna White and will continue to read her books, but I won't be rereading this one!

This story is a vivid retell of life after the loss of home, loved ones and a way of life all taken by a tornado. Vividly descriptive, wonderful character development, and renewing and changing bonds with those from your past all play a role in the ongoing life after suffering tragedy. Of course, a romance is a part :)

Personally knowing someone who lived in Joplin when the big tornado hit, I was aware that there was devastation in some areas (not my friend's). This book takes you into the storm itself and then through the aftermath. Little details about personal losses make the devastation perfectly clear. The story is full of people the reader is sure to like, and the love story is solidly set forth. Kenna White is a very good writer.

Ms White has written another winner. A love story that grows. You know where it is going. The fun is getting there. It touches on so many issues of survival but never with a heavy or melodramatic hand. A very enjoyable journey.

I have several other books by Kenna White, and found Simple Pleasures to be her best.Along with the story, was factual material about the Tornado that hit in Joplin Missouri, andI found the book not only interesting, but the story line worked in so well with what washappening. A very good read. I have been fortunate enough to meet the author in person.

This is a really good book. It could have been much better without the forced romance. The trauma of the tornado that hit Joplin, MO and the efforts taken to rebuild were good enough for an entire book. But the author throws in a curve ball of alcoholism and then a forced romance and makes it less than it could have been. Still a decent read.