Marcia Penland Volgorde van de boeken (chronologisch)

Trouble finds the art ladies of Calhoun, Texas, even when they’re not looking for it. This group, including former governor Stubby, faces unexpected challenges when one member’s daughter-in-law suddenly abandons her family. Shannon and the others step in to support her eight-year-old twin grandchildren, determined to restore their happiness. Their commitment leads them to participate in a mother-child softball game, where they hilariously navigate competing against much younger mothers and managing a lively group of third graders. Amidst this, Stubby surprises everyone with an unexpected new venture that shakes up the community. Meanwhile, the missing daughter-in-law creates a web of confusion that intertwines with the story of Lila, a homeless young mother introduced in previous narratives. Themes of forgiveness, understanding, humor, and second chances resonate throughout the tale. As the art group embarks on a life-changing vacation, they reflect on the issues they leave behind and the choices they make. Their journey will evoke laughter and tears, prompting readers to consider their own values and what truly matters in life.

The art ladies are back and they are preparing for a state-wide art show to be held in Waco, Texas. As usual, things are not simple for this group of feisty women, but they like it that way. They rise to every occasion as they set out to heal the heart of a teenaged boy with a broken family, give hope to a young homeless mother of two, and embark on a whole new adventure involving a food truck and lots of bacon. The former governor of Texas even joins in their antics, with his bum knee and two-cow ranch. Each woman in the group is different in background and personality but very much alike in her dogged determination to work hard and do right by others. They share an uncanny ability to find clues and solve seemingly impossible situations due to years of honing attention-to-detail skill through their art. This group of talented, resourceful ladies is quick-witted, outspoken, humorous, and compassionate. Although life has not always been a bed of roses, each lady is relentlessly positive, remembering yesterday is over and IT'S A NEW DAY.

Two members in a small circle of friends set off for a fun trip, split between half business and half pleasure. The whole town of Calhoun is excited for them, especially the art group. On their way to the airport, the pair of friends vanish.The police are baffled and the case is moving too slow to satisfy the art ladies.Just a few months later, while one member of the group is participating in an art show at a shopping mall, a college student goes on a shooting rampage. The art ladies think this will happen again and again until the root of the problem is addressed. Tragic and complicated situations do not discourage this little band of feisty middle-aged artists.They are church-going, family-oriented, and strong-willed. Plus, they have a talent and passion for art. The same critical and analytical eye they use for detail in their paintings is applied to the cases they are determined to solve. The art ladies bring a wide spectrum of life experiences to the group, and their personalities are as different as daylight is to darkness. But the things they all have in common are a zest for life and loyalty to one another.Love, humor, suspense, integrity, and snappy dialogue play a large part in this story. Despite what they think, their little painting group and daily activities are not commonplace. In fact, everything about them is quite the opposite.Their lives, all the way around, are Anything but Ordinary.