Book-n-Roll

Book Review: Weddings and Wasabi by Camy Tang

2011-10-03T20:43:00.000-04:00

Book Description
by F.I.R.S.T. Wild Card Tour

A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Camy Tang

and the book:

Weddings and Wasabi

WinePress Publishing (June 7, 2011)

***Special thanks to Camy Tang for sending me a review copy.***

About The Author:

Camy Tang grew up in Hawaii and now lives in San Jose, California, with her engineer husband and rambunctious mutt, Snickers. She graduated from Stanford University and was a biologist researcher for 9 years, but now she writes full-time. She is a staff worker for her church youth group and leads one of the Sunday worship teams. On her blog, she ponders knitting, spinning wool, dogs, running, the Never Ending Diet, and other frivolous things. Visit her website at http://www.camytang.com/ to read short stories and subscribe to her quarterly newsletter.

Visit the author's website.

Short Book Description:

After finally graduating with a culinary degree, Jennifer Lim is pressured by her family to work for her control-freak aunty’s restaurant. But after a family blowout, Jenn is determined to no longer be a doormat and instead starts her own catering company. Her search for a wine merchant brings John into her life—a tall, dark, handsome biker, in form-fitting black leather, and Hispanic to boot. It would be wonderfully wild to snag a man like that!

Shy engineer Edward tentatively tries out his birthday present from his winery-owner uncle—a Harley Davidson complete with the trimmings. Jennifer seems attracted to the rough, aggressive image, but it isn’t his real self. Is she latching onto him just to spite her horrified family? And if this spark between them is real, will showing her the true guy underneath put it out?

And what’s with the goat in the backyard?

Product Details:

List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 124 pages
Publisher: WinePress Publishing (June 7, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414120591
ISBN-13: 978-1414120591

My Thoughts:
Weddings and Wasabi is the first book by Camy Tang I have had the opportunity to read. The title really hooked me implying it may have something to do with sushi which is my favorite. I like that the books these days have really neat titles and book covers. Very modern and stylish, even the historical fiction books.

I personally had a difficult time reading this book as I started to get in to it. There are a couple reasons why. My first impression of the heroine was that she was a little bitter about life and bitter towards a past relationship. I felt the author was trying to make that aspect of the story line humorous, but to me, it sort of made the heroine, Jenn, a little annoying.

Another thing I noticed was what I like to call the Cheese Factor of a romance-type book. I would rate the Cheese Factor a little high on this book. A little too cheesy and less realistic. I also think the number of relatives throughout the book was a bit confusing to try and keep track of them all.

In theory, I think it is a good story line and I am only one person's opinion. I have heard that Camy Tang has some good books, I will definitely read one of those in the future.

And Now For The First Chapter...

The goat in the backyard had just eaten tonight’s dinner.

Jennifer Lim stood on her mother’s minuscule back porch and glared at the small brown and white creature polishing off her basil. She would have run shouting at it to leave off her herb garden, except it had already decimated the oregano, mint, rosemary, thyme, cilantro, and her precious basil, which had been slated for tonight’s pesto.

Besides, if it bit her, she was peeved enough to bite back.

“Mom!” She stomped back into the house. Thank goodness the pots of her special Malaysian basil were sectioned off in the large garden on the side of the house, protected by a wooden-framed wire gate. Jenn was growing it so that she could make her cousin Trish’s favorite chicken dish for her wedding, which Jenn was catering for her. But everything in her backyard garden was gone. The animal was welcome to the only thing left, the ragged juniper bushes. Were juniper bushes poison? If so, the animal was welcome to them.

“Mom!” Her voice had reached banshee range. “There is a goat—”

“You don’t need to yell.” Mom entered the kitchen, her lipstick bright red from a fresh application and her leather handbag over her arm, obviously ready to leave the house on some errand.

“Since when do we own a goat?”

“Since your cousin Larry brought him over.” She fished through her leather purse. “His name is Pookie.”

Jenn choked on her demand for an explanation, momentarily distracted. “He has a name?”

“He’s a living being. Of course he has a name.” Her mother fluttered eyelashes overloaded with mascara.

“Don’t give me that. You used to love to gross me out with stories of Great-Uncle Hao Chin eating goats back in China.”

Mom sniffed and found the refrigerator fascinating. “That’s your father’s side.”

Jenn swayed as the floor tilted. You are now entering … the Twilight Zone. Her parent had evoked that feeling quite often in the past few weeks. “Where did Larry get a goat and why do we have it now?”

“They were desperate.”

Actually, Jenn could have answered her own question. That goat was in their backyard right now because everyone knew that her mom couldn’t say no to a termite who knocked on the door and asked if it could spend the night.

And outside of physically dropping the goat off at someone’s house—and she didn’t have an animal trailer, so that was out of the question—Jenn wouldn’t be able to get anyone else in the family to agree to take the animal, now that it was here. That meant leaving a goat in a niece’s backyard because no one else wanted to go through the hassle of doing anything about it.

Mom said, “You wouldn’t have me turn away family, would you?”

“Uncle Percy knows, too?”

“No, not Percy.”

“Aunty Glenda?” No way. Even if Larry were thirty-one instead of twenty-one, Aunty would still dictate to her son the color underwear he wore that day—how much more his choice of pet?

“No.” Mom blinked as rapidly as she could with mascara making her short, stiff lashes stick together, almost gluing her eyes shut.

The tiger in Jenn’s ribcage growled. “Mother.” Her fist smacked onto her hip.

“Oh, all right.” Mom rolled her eyes as if she were still a teenager. “It belongs to Larry’s dormmate’s older brother, but really, he’s the nicest young man.” Burgundy lips pulled into what wanted to be a smile, but instead looked hideously desperate.

Jenn tried to count to ten but only got to two. “I know Larry’s a nice young man. If an abundance of immaturity counts as ‘nice’ points.”

“Jenn, really, you’re so intolerant. Just because you’re smart and went to Stanford for grad school …”

The name of her school—and the one dominant memory it brought up—made her neck jerk in a spasm. It had only been for two years, but that was enough. Desperately lonely after spending her undergrad years living with her cousins, Jenn had only formed a few friendships among the other grad students, none of them close. There was only one she’d never forget, although she vowed she would every morning when she got up and saw the scar in the mirror.

“Why. Do we have. A goat.”

“It’s only for a few days—”

“We don’t know a thing about how to take care of—”

“They’re easy—”

“Besides which, this is Cupertino. I’m sure there are city laws—”

“It’ll be gone before anyone notices—”

“Oh, ho, you’re right about that.” Jenn strode toward the phone on the wall. “I’m calling the Humane Society. They’ll take it.” Although they wouldn’t provide a trailer to transport it. How was she going to take the goat anywhere, much less to an animal shelter?

Mom plopped onto a stool and sighed. “That boy was so cute. His name was Brad.”

There went her neck spasming again. But Brad was a common name. She grabbed the phone.

“Such a nice Chinese boy. Related to the Yip family—you know, the ones in Mountain View?”

The phone slipped from her hand and bungee-jumped toward the floor, saved only by the curly cord. She bent to snatch it up, but dizziness shrouded her vision and she had to take a few breaths before straightening up.

“Oh, and he went to Stanford. You two have something in common.” Mom beamed.

No. He wouldn’t.

Yes, he would.

“Brad Yip?”

Mom’s eyes lighted up. “Do you know him?”

Sure, she knew him. Knew the next time he came for his goat she’d ram her chef’s knife, Michael Meyers style, right between his eyes.

Book Review: Restless in Carolina by Tamara Leigh

2011-08-05T10:07:00.001-04:00

Book Description
by F.I.R.S.T. Wild Card Tour

A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Tamara Leigh

and the book:

Restless in Carolina

Multnomah Books (July 19, 2011)

***Special thanks to Ashley Boyer, Publicist, WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tamara Leigh began her writing career in 1994 and is the best-selling author of fourteen novels, including Splitting Harriet (ACFW Book of the Year winner and RITA Award finalist), Faking Grace (RITA Award Finalist), and Leaving Carolina. A former speech and language pathologist, Tamara enjoys time with her family, faux painting, and reading. She lives with her husband and sons in Tennessee.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Tree-huggin’, animal-lovin’ Bridget Pickwick-Buchanan is on a mission. Well, two. First she has to come to terms with being a widow at thirty-three. After all, it’s been four years and even her five-year-old niece and nephew think it’s time she shed her widow’s weeds. Second, she needs to find a buyer for her family’s estate—a Biltmore-inspired mansion surrounded by hundreds of acres of unspoiled forestland. With family obligations forcing the sale, Bridget is determined to find an eco-friendly developer to buy the land, someone who won’t turn it into single-family homes or a cheesy theme park.

Enter J. C. Dirk, a high-energy developer from Atlanta whose green property developments have earned him national acclaim. When he doesn’t return her calls, Bridget decides a personal visit is in order. Unfortunately, J. C. Dirk is neither amused nor interested when she interrupts his meeting—until she mentions her family name. In short order, he finds himself in North Carolina, and Bridget has her white knight—in more ways than one. But there are things Bridget doesn’t know about J. C., and it could mean the end of everything she’s worked for…and break her heart.

Product Details:

List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Multnomah Books (July 19, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1601421680
ISBN-13: 978-1601421685

My Thoughts

Restless in Carolina was an interesting read. It's the first book I have read with a large amount of the dialogue occurring in the main character's head. Her thoughts, the things she wants to say, the things she should say are all part of the "conversations" throughout the entire story. At first, I thought this was strange, but the story line was interesting enough that it kept my interest. Tamara Leigh does create unique, interesting characters. Each character has something about them that stands out, like a character flaw, a nervous habit, a sickness, an uncommon physical characteristic, an unusual pet, etc.

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Deep breath. “…and they lived…”

I can do this. It’s not as if I didn’t sense it coming. After all, I can smell an H.E.A. (Happily Ever After) a mile away—or, in this case, twenty-four pages glued between cardboard covers that feature the requisite princess surrounded by cute woodland creatures. And there are the words, right where I knew the cliché of an author would slap them, on the last page in the same font as those preceding them. Deceptively nondescript. Recklessly hopeful. Heartbreakingly false.

“Aunt Bridge,” Birdie chirps, “finish it.”

I look up from the once-upon-a-time crisp page that has been softened, creased, and stained by the obsessive readings in which hermother indulges her.

Eyes wide, cheeks flushed, my niece nods. “Say the magic words.” Magic?

More nodding, and is she quivering? Oh no, I refuse to be a party to this. I smile big, say, “The end,” and close the book. “So, how about another piece of weddin’ cake?”

“No!” She jumps off the footstool she earlier dubbed her “princess throne,” snatches the book from my hand, and opens it to the back. “Wight here!”

I almost correct her initial r-turned-w but according tomy sister, it’s developmental and the sound is coming in fine on its own, just as her other r’s did.

Birdie jabs the H, E, and A. “It’s not the end until you say the magic words.”

And I thought this the lesser of two evils—entertaining my niece and nephew as opposed to standing around at the reception as the bride and groom are toasted by all the happy couples, among them, cousin Piper, soon to be wed to my friend Axel, and cousin Maggie, maybe soon to be engaged to her sculptor man, what’s-his-name.

“Yeah,” Birdie’s twin,Miles, calls from where he’s once more hanging upside down on the rolling ladder I’ve pulled him off twice. “You gotta say the magic words.”

Outrageous! Even my dirt-between-the-toes, scab-ridden, snot-on-the-sleeve nephew is buying into the fantasy.

I spring from the armchair, cross the library, and unhook his ankles from the rung. “You keep doin’ that and you’ll bust your head wide open.” I set him on his feet. “And your mama will—

”No, Bonnie won’t.

“Well, she’ll be tempted to give you a whoopin’.”

Face bright with upside-down color, he glowers.

I’d glower back if I weren’t so grateful for the distraction he provided. “All right, then.” I slap at the ridiculously stiff skirt of the dress Maggie loaned me for my brother’s wedding. “Let’s rejoin the party—”

“You don’t wanna say it.”Miles sets his little legs wide apart. “Do ya?” So much for my distraction.

“You don’t like Birdie’s stories ’cause they have happy endings. And you don’t.”

I clench my toes in the painfully snug high heels on loan from Piper.

“Yep.”Miles punches his fists to his hips. “Even Mama says so.”

My own sister? I shake my head, causing the blond dreads Maggie pulled away from my face with a headband to sweep my back. “That’s not true.”

“Then say it wight now!” Birdie demands.

I peer over my shoulder at where she stands like an angry tin soldier, an arm outthrust, the book extended.

“Admit it,”Miles singsongs.

I snap around and catch my breath at the superior, knowing look on his five-year-old face. He’s his father’s son, all right, a miniature Professor Claude de Feuilles, child development expert.

“You’re not happy.” The professor in training, who looks anything but with his spiked hair, nods.

I know better than to bristle with two cranky, nap-deprived children, but that’s what I’m doing. Feeling as if I’m watching myself from the other side of the room, I cross my arms over my chest. “I’ll admit no such thing.”

“That’s ’cause you’re afraid. Mama said so.” Miles peers past me.

“Didn’t she, Birdie?”

Why is Bonnie discussing my personal life with her barely-out-of-diapers kids?

“Uh-huh. She said so.”

Miles’s smile is smug. “On the drive here, Mama told Daddy this day would be hard on you. That you wouldn’t be happy for Uncle Bart ’cause you’re not happy.”

Not true! Not that I’m thrilled with our brother’s choice of bride, but…come on! Trinity Templeton? Nice enough, but she isn’t operating on a full charge, which wouldn’t be so bad if Bart made up for the difference. Far from it, his past history with illegal stimulants having stripped him of a few billion brain cells.

“She said your heart is”—Miles scrunches his nose, as if assailed by a terrible odor—“constipated.”

What?!

“That you need an M&M, and I don’t think she meant the chocolate kind you eat. Probably one of those—”

“I am not constipated.” Pull back. Nice and easy. I try to heed my inner voice but find myself leaning down and saying, “I’m realistic.”

Birdie stomps the hardwood floor. “Say the magic words!”

“Nope.”Miles shakes his head. “Constipated.”

I shift my cramped jaw. “Re-al-is-tic.”

“Con-sti-pa-ted.”

Pull back, I tell you! He’s five years old. “Just because I don’t believe in fooling a naive little girl into thinkin’ a prince is waiting for her at the other end of childhood and will save her from a fate worse than death and take her to his castle and they’ll live…” I flap a hand. “…you know, doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with me.”

Isn’t there? “It means I know better. There may be a prince, and he may have a castle, and they may be happy, but don’t count on it lasting. Oh no. He’ll get bored or caught up in work or start cheatin’—you know, decide to put that glass slipper on some other damsel’s foot or kiss another sleeping beauty—or he’ll just up and die like Easton—” No,
nothing at all wrong with you, Bridget Pickwick Buchanan, whose ugly widow’s weeds are showing.

“See!”Miles wags a finger.

Unfortunately, I do. And as I straighten, I hear sniffles.

“Now you done it!” Miles hustles past me. “Got Birdie upset.”

Sure enough, she’s staring at me with flooded eyes. “The prince dies? He dies and leaves the princess all alone?”The book falls from her hand, its meeting with the floor echoing around the library. Then she squeaks out a sob.

“No!” I spring forward, grimacing at the raspy sound the skirt makes as I attempt to reach Birdie before Miles.

He gets there first and puts an arm around her. A meltable moment, my mother would call it. After she gave me a dressing down. And I deserve one. My niece may be on the spoiled side and she may work my nerves, but I love her—even like her when that sweet streak of hers comes through. “It’s okay, Birdie,” Miles soothes. “The prince doesn’t die.”

Yes, he does, but what possessed me to say so? And what if I’ve scarred her for life?

Miles pats her head onto his shoulder. “Aunt Bridge is just”—he gives me the evil eye—“constipated.”

“Yes, Birdie.” I drop to my knees. “I am. My heart, that is. Constipated. I’m so sorry.”

She turns her head and, upper lip shiny with the stuff running out of her nose, says in a hiccupy voice, “The prince doesn’t die?” I grab the book from the floor and turn to the back. “Look. There they are, riding off into the sunset—er, to his castle. Happy. See, it says so.” I tap the H, E, and A.

She sniffs hard, causing that stuff to whoosh up her nose and my gag reflex to go on alert. “Weally happy, Aunt Bridge?”

“Yes.”

“Nope.” Barely-there eyebrows bunching, she lifts her head from Miles’s shoulder. “Not unless you say it.”

Oh dear Go—No, He and I are not talking. Well, He may be talking, but I’m not listening.

“I think you’d better.” Miles punctuates his advice with a sharp nod.

“Okay.” I look down at the page. “…and they lived…” It’s just a fairy tale—highly inflated, overstated fiction for tykes. “…they lived happily…ever…after.”

Birdie blinks in slow motion. “Happily…ever…after. That’s a nice way to say it, like you wanna hold on to it for always.”

Or unstick it from the roof of your mouth. “The end.” I close the book, and it’s all I can do not to toss it over my shoulder. “Here you go.”

She clasps it to her chest. “Happily…ever…after.”

Peachy. But I’ll take her dreamy murmuring over tears any day. Goodness, I can’t believe I made her cry. I stand and pat the skirt back down into its stand-alone shape. “More cake?”

“Yay!” Miles charges past me.

Next time— No, there won’t be a next time. I’m done with Little Golden Books.

Excerpted from Restless in Carolina by Tamara Leigh Copyright © 2011 by Tamara Leigh. Excerpted by permission of Multnomah Books, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

Book Review: Love Finds You in Snowball Arkansas by Sandra Bricker

2011-07-17T18:49:00.001-04:00

Book Description

The Love Finds You series of full-length novels give readers a peek into the flavor of local life across the United States. The novels are uniquely named after actual American towns with quirky, interesting names that inspire and are just plain fun! This means that each fictional story draws on the compelling history or unique character of a real place.

In Snowball, Arkansas, so what if Lucy can't hook a fish. She has a plan to snag something else...and his name is Justin.

My Thoughts

Lucy's plan to get what she believes is the right thing for her backfires on her over and over again. She fails miserably at being something other than what she is because she believes that is how to obtain her goal. In the end, Lucy learns that not only is it easier to just be yourself, it also places you in the right opportunities.

I found it interesting a whole book could take place in a weeks time and still move at a good pace. First time I have read Sandra Bricker. She has a charming voice and created characters that felt unique and alive.

Book Review: Against All Odds (Hereos of Quantico Book 1) by Irene Hannon

2011-07-05T21:19:00.001-04:00

Book Description from Goodreads

For FBI Hostage Rescue Team member Evan Cooper and his partner, dignitary protection duty should have been a piece of cake. Unfortunately, Monica Callahan isn't making it easy. Estranged from her diplomat father--who is involved in a sensitive hostage situation in the Middle East--she refuses to be intimidated by a related terrorist threat back in the States. That is, until a chilling warning convinces her that the danger is very real--and escalating. As Coop and his partner do their best to keep her safe, Monica's father triggers an abduction that puts his daughter's life at risk. And with every second that ticks by, Coop knows that the odds of saving the only woman who has ever breached the walls around his heart are dropping. After all, terrorists aren't known for their patience--or their mercy.

My Thoughts

I went into reading this book a little skeptical because I felt it would have a high cheese factor. FBI agent protects damsel in distress. And sometimes when I read these so-called suspense thriller type books, there's no real thrill. If there is a crime such as a murder, it's so sugar coated its not believable.

But, Irene Hannon surprised me with this one. Characters actually got their throats slit and beat up and blown up. I mean, there are terrorists in this story. They are not nice people. I liked that the reality of the situations the characters were in was not diluted. All in all, nicely done.

Okay, so there still was a little bit of the cheese factor with the big tough FBI agent and the damsel he rescues.

Book Review and Win a Night on the Town Giveaway: My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren

2011-06-14T07:58:00.000-04:00

Book Description from The Back Cover

Unknown to her quaint town of Deep Haven, Isadora Presley is the star host of My Foolish Heart, a popular syndicated talk radio show. From her home studio, she gives listeners advice on romance...even though she's never had a date.

It's not that she doesn't want to, but since a tragic accident took her mother's life, panic attacks have trapped her inside her small neighborhood. And though she always reminds listeners that their perfect love could be right next door, it can't possibly be true for her. Especially when a new neighbor moves in. Sure, he's handsome, but with his unruly dog and Neanderthal manners, Caleb Knight is the last man she'd ever fall for.

To Issy, love isn't worth the risk. Until she starts to have feelings for a caller-a man she's never met but finds honest, charming, and sensitive. A man she doesn't realize lives right next door.

My Thoughts

First off, this is a pretty good book. I have never read a book by Susan May Warren prior to this one so had no expectations. I give it four stars. A couple of things that stood out to me...

When the book first begins, the author sets up four different seemingly main characters right away. My immediate thought was it was going to be too confusing to keep track of all four main characters and their individual story lines. But, I was pleasantly surprised by how well Warren told each character's story, intertwined them together and eliminated all confusion.

A second thought I had was, "Susan May Warren doesn't hold back. She attacks the tough stuff head on!" When you pick up a fiction work, it takes you into an imaginary world and you expect most of the time that life is good in this world of fiction. Books make me happy. A small town. A ranch out West. A top secret mission overseas. Worlds you read about and momentarily wish you could live in. While My Foolish Heart is based in a small town that rallies around their high school football team and knows everyone by name, these characters deal with some real hardships. Life wasn't imaginary and perfect. It was real.

Another aspect of the book I found interesting is each character in their own way was trying to overcome their own hardships and fears by focusing on other people, giving advice to their friends, hiding weakness and refusing to ask for help. In the end, what rescued each of them from their own hardship was allowing themselves to be "healed." Asking for help, admitting weakness, taking their own good advice.

I look forward to picking up another book by Susan May Warren.

Susan May Warren is thrilled to announce the release of her latest Deep Haven book, My Foolish Heart!

Read what the reviewers are saying here.

To celebrate this charming novel about a dating expert who's never had a date, Susan has put together a romantic night on the town for one lucky couple. One grand prize winner will receive a Miss Foolish Heart prize package worth over $200!

The winner of the Romantic Night on the Town Prize Pack will receive:

* A $100 Visa Gift Card (For Dinner)

* A $100 Gift Certificate to a Hyatt/Marriott Hotel

* The entire Deep Haven series

To enter just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on June 16th. The winner will be announced that evening during Susan’s Miss Foolish Heart Party on Facebook! Susan will be chatting with guests, hosting a book club chat about My Foolish Heart, testing your Deep Haven trivia skills, and giving away tons of great stuff! (Gift certificates, books, donuts, and more!) Don't miss the fun and BRING YOUR FRIENDS!

Disclaimer: This book was given to me free for this review. All opinions are my own.

Book Review: A Cowboy's Touch by Denise Hunter

2011-04-30T16:30:00.000-04:00

Book Description from the Back Cover

Abigail Jones intends to spend just one summer in middle-of-nowhere Montana with her Aunt Lucy. Time away from her job is just what Abigail needs to reassess her life. The slow pace has her breathing deeply for the first time in years. And the majestic scenery encourages her to get reacquainted with herself...and God.

What she didn't count on what the handsome widowed cowboy who owns the ranch where her aunt lives. When the rancher loses his daughter's nanny, Abigail decides to lend a hand for the summer.

Wade Ryan can't help being attracted to Abigail. But he's given up everything to protect his daughter, and he's not about to risk it all on a pretty face.

Under Abigail's care, Wade's home and daughter thrive. And with Wade's touch, Abigail's heart feels at home at last. But Abigail knows this elusive rancher is hiding something. Will her own secrets separate her from the cowboy who finally captured her heart?

My Thoughts

This story is about a young career woman whose stress level has gotten so intense causing physical issues that her mother had to intervene and send her on a much needed trip away from the busyness of life. As an investigative reporter, Abigail was sure to dig up some dirt anywhere she went, even on vacation. And dirt she found in the form of a cowboy with secrets.

The mystery in this book was the best part and I wish the author had dug more into that piece of the story and less on the unappealing romance storyline. If you like a good cowboy in your story, Wade definitely fit the bill. I found myself wishing I could meet one myself. All in all, not a bad read.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from The B & B Media Group, Inc for this review. My thoughts are solely mine and not anyone else's.

Book Review: She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell

2011-03-23T15:15:00.001-04:00

Book Description from Back Cover:

During New York City's Gilded Age...The GAME is played amid banquets and balls. The PRIZE is a lifetime of wealth and privilege. The RULES will test friendships and the desires of a young woman's heart. Clara Carter is the social season's brightest star... but at what cost?

My Thoughts:

This story is about a young woman who is forced to debut in New York City's elite society in the hopes of landing the most eligible bachelor. Clara Carter is at the mercy of her Aunt who is so beholden to the rituals of the age. It doesn't matter that Clara may have dreams of her own that don't involve marrying the heir to the richest family in New York City. It doesn't matter that the corsets she is forced to wear are so tight, she can barely eat or sit or even breath. It doesn't matter that Clara has to compete with her best friend for the same man. It doesn't matter that Clara doesn't love the chosen mark, the heir, but rather is falling in love with someone else. The only thing that matters to Aunt and Clara's father is that she shine and dazzle and make sure the wealthiest bachelor proposes marriage before the debut season is over. Clara, being the dutiful young woman she has always been, abides by all these oppressive rules Aunt crams down her throat. But it costs her a great deal.

I really enjoyed this story. It was my first Siri Mitchell book read. I wanted so badly to free Clara; to tell her to just leave and be her own person. And for heaven's sake, take off that cursed corset!!! Who invented those crazy things??? Siri Mitchell wrote Clara's story well and really focused on her throughout the entire book. Sometimes in reading a story, you connect with multiple characters because their stories are important as well. Clara put up with so much burden, she deserved her own spotlight. I was very enlightened about the rituals surrounding debuting in society. It always looks so glamorous in movies and on TV.

My absolute favorite part of the book was the last three pages! I promise you, this is a book worth reading and it will grab you all the way until the end. I look forward to reading some more books by Siri Mitchell.

Daily Dose #5

2011-03-20T23:25:00.000-04:00

Participating in the weekly meme by Good Golly Miss Holly called the Daily Dose.

Pictures that are inspiring me this week:

My niece and my dog feeding the fish.

Big sister and little brother. My niece and nephew.

American symbols of Freedom and Justice and Liberty!

Book Review: A Billion Reasons Why by Kristin Billerbeck

2011-02-25T15:15:00.126-05:00

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured.

Enjoy your free peek into the book!Today's Wild Card author is:

Kristin Billerbeck

and the book:

A Billion Reasons Why

Thomas Nelson; Original edition (February 1, 2011)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kristin Billerbeck was born in California to an Italian father and a strong Norwegian/German mother. Her mother tried to teach her to do things right, how to cook, clean, sew, and budget accordingly—all the things a proper girl should know in order to be a contributing member of society. Yet Billerbeck said she “failed miserably,” although her grandmother must still hold some hope since she gave her a cookie gun for her 40th birthday.

Billerbeck has authored more than 30 novels, including the Ashley Stockingdale series and the Spa Girls series. She is a leader in the Chick Lit movement, a Christy Award finalist, and a two-time winner of the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year Award. She has appeared on The Today Show and has been featured in the New York Times. She lives with her family in northern California. Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

There are a billion reasons Kate should marry her current boyfriend.

Will she trade them all to be madly in love?

Katie McKenna leads a perfect life. Or so she thinks. She has a fulfilling job, a cute apartment, and a wedding to plan with her soon-to-be fiance, Dexter.

She can think of a billion reasons why she should marry Dexter…but nowhere on that list is love.

And then in walks Luc DeForges, her bold, breathtaking ex-boyfriend. Only now he's a millionaire. And he wants her to go home to New Orleans to sing for her childhood friend's wedding. As his date.

But Katie made up her mind about Luc eight years ago, when she fled their hometown after a very public breakup. Yet there's a magnetism between them she can't deny.

Katie thought her predictable relationship with Dexter would be the bedrock of a lasting, Christian marriage. But what if there's more? What if God's desire for her is a heart full of life? And what if that's what Luc has offered all along?

MY THOUGHTS:

When I first saw this book offered for review by The B & B Media Group, I jumped at the chance to read it. After all, it's a Billerbeck story. And the ones I've read have always been fun reads. I have to admit, the first few chapters disappointed me a bit. I wasn't sure it sounded at all like a Billerbeck book. But, I was pleased when at some point during the book, it suddenly took on the life of a typical Kristin Billerbeck story.

I loved her descriptions of the city of New Orleans. I could really picture the life of the city during the story. After the first few chapters, the book reads through with no real lulls or dead spots, like some stories have. I did find myself getting anxious for Katie to just wake up and smell the roses about what she needed and really wanted to do with her life. But, true to real life, sometimes we just don't see what is right in front of us.

All in all, an easy, fun read with all the flair and life of New Orleans and the spunky voice of Kristin Billerbeck.

Product Details:

List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Original edition (February 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1595547916
ISBN-13: 978-1595547910

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

A Fine Romance

Katie McKenna had dreamed of this moment at least a thousand times. Luc would walk back into her life filled with remorse. He’d be wearing jeans, a worn T-shirt, and humility. He’d be dripping with humility.

That should have been her first clue that such a scenario had no bearing on reality.

“Katie,” a voice said.

The sound sent a surge of adrenaline through her frame. She’d forgotten the power and the warmth of his baritone. A quick glance around her classroom assured her that she must be imagining things. Everything was in order: the posters of colorful curriculum, the daily schedule of activities printed on the whiteboard, and, of course, the children. All six of them were mentally disabled, most of them on the severe side of the autism spectrum, but three had added handicaps that required sturdy, head-stabilizing wheelchairs. The bulk of the chairs overwhelmed the room and blocked much of the happy yellow walls and part of the large rainbow mural the kids had helped to paint. The room, with its cluttered order, comforted her and reminded her of all she’d accomplished. There was no need to think about the past. That was a waste of time and energy.

Her eyes stopped on her aides, Carrie and Selena. The two women, so boisterous in personality, were usually animated. But at the moment they stood huddled in the corner behind Austin’s wheelchair.

Carrie, the heavyset one in the Ed Hardy T-shirt, motioned at her.

“What?” Katie pulled at her white shirt with the delicate pink flowers embroidered along the hem and surveyed the stains. “I know, I’m a mess. But did you see how wonderfully the kids did on their art projects? It was worth it. Never thought of the oil on the dough staining. Next time I’ll wear an apron.”

Selena and Carrie looked as though there was something more they wanted.

“Maddie, you’re a born artist.” Katie smiled at the little girl sitting behind a mound of colorful clay. Then to the aides: “What is the matter with you two?”

Selena, a slight Latina woman, shook her head and pointed toward the door.

Katie rotated toward the front of the classroom and caught her breath. Luc, so tall and gorgeous, completely out of place in his fine European suit and a wristwatch probably worth more than her annual salary, stood in the doorway. He wore a fedora, his trademark since college, but hardly one he needed to stand out in a crowd.

As she stared across the space between them, suddenly the classroom she took such pride in appeared shabby and soiled. When she inhaled, it reeked of sour milk and baby food. Her muddled brain searched for words.

“Luc?” She blinked several times, as if his film-star good looks might evaporate into the annals of her mind. “What are you doing here?”

“Didn’t you get my brother’s wedding invitation?” he asked coolly, as if they’d only seen each other yesterday.

“I did. I sent my regrets.”

“That’s what I’m doing here. You can’t miss Ryan’s wedding. I thought the problem might be money.”

She watched as his blue eyes came to rest on her stained shirt. Instinctively she crossed her arms in front of her.

“I came to invite you to go back with me next week, on my plane.”

“Ah.” She nodded and waited for something intelligible to come out of her mouth. “It’s not money.”

“Come home with me, Katie.” He reached out his arms, and she moved to the countertop and shuffled some papers together.

If he touches me, I don’t stand a chance. She knew Luc well enough to know if he’d made the trip to her classroom, he didn’t intend to leave without what he came for. “I’m afraid that’s not possible.” She stacked the same papers again.

“Give me one reason.”

She faced him. “I could give you a billion reasons.”

Luc’s chiseled features didn’t wear humility well. The cross-shaped scar beneath his cheekbone added to his severity. If he weren’t so dreaded handsome, he’d make a good spy in a Bond movie. His looks belied his soft Uptown New Orleans upbringing, the kind filled with celebrations and warm family events with backyard tennis and long days in the swimming pool.

He pushed through the swiveled half door that separated them and strode toward her.

“That gate is there for a reason. The classroom is for teachers and students only.”

Luc opened his hand and beckoned to her, and despite herself, she took it. Her heart pounded in her throat, and its roar was so thunderous it blocked her thoughts. He pulled her into a clutch, then pushed her away with all the grace of Astaire. “Will you dance with me?” he asked.

He began to hum a Cole Porter tune clumsily in her ear, and instinctively she followed his lead until everything around them disappeared and they were alone in their personal ballroom. For a moment she dropped her head back and giggled from her stomach; a laugh so genuine and pure, it seemed completely foreign—as if it came from a place within that was no longer a part of her. Then the dance halted suddenly, and his cheek was against hers. She took in the roughness of his face, and the thought flitted through her mind that she could die a happy woman in those arms.

The sound of applause woke her from her reverie.

“You two are amazing!” Carrie said.

The children all murmured their approval, some with screams of delight and others with loud banging.

Luc’s hand clutched her own in the small space between them, and she laughed again.

“Not me,” Luc said. “I have the grace of a bull. It’s Katie. She’s like Ginger Rogers. She makes anybody she dances with look good.” He appealed to the two aides. “Which is why I’m here. She must go to my brother’s wedding with me.”

“I didn’t even know you danced, Katie,” Selena said. “Why don’t you ever come dancing with us on Friday nights?”

“What? Katie dances like a dream. She and my brother were partners onstage in college. They were like a mist, the way they moved together. It’s like her feet don’t touch the ground.”

“That was a long time ago.” She pulled away from him and showed him her shirt. “I’m a mess. I hope I didn’t ruin your suit.”

“It would be worth it,” Luc growled.

“Katie, where’d you learn to dance like that?” Carrie asked.

“Too many old movies, I suppose.” She shrugged.

“You could be on Dancing with the Stars with moves like that.”

“Except I’m not a star or a dancer, but other than that, I guess—” She giggled again. It kept bubbling out of her, and for one blissful moment she remembered what it felt like to be the old Katie McKenna. Not the current version, staid schoolmarm and church soloist in Northern California, but the Katie people in New Orleans knew, the one who danced and sang.

Luc interrupted her thoughts. “She’s being modest. She learned those moves from Ginger and Fred themselves, just by watching them over and over again. This was before YouTube, so she was dedicated.”

Katie shrugged. “I was a weird kid. Only child, you know?” But inside she swelled with pride that Luc remembered her devotion to a craft so woefully out-of-date and useless. “Anyway, I don’t have much use for swing dancing or forties torch songs now. Luc, meet Carrie and Selena. Carrie and Selena, Luc.”

“I don’t have any ‘use’ for salsa dancing,” Selena said. “I do it because it’s part of who I am.”

“Tell her she has to come with me, ladies. My brother is having a 1940s-themed wedding in New Orleans. He’d be crushed if Katie didn’t come, and I’ll look like a hopeless clod without her to dance with.”

Katie watched the two aides. She saw the way Luc’s powerful presence intoxicated them. Were they really naive enough to believe that Luc DeForges could ever appear like a clod, in any circumstance or setting? Luc, with his skilled charm and roguish good looks, made one believe whatever he wanted one to believe. The two women were putty in his hands.

“Katie, you have to go to this wedding!” Selena stepped toward her. “I can’t believe you can dance like that and never told us. You’d let this opportunity slip by? For what?” She looked around the room and frowned. “This place?”

The cacophony of pounding and low groans rose audibly, as if in agreement.

“This may be just a classroom to you, but to me, it’s the hope and future of these kids. I used to dance. I used to sing. It paid my way through college. Now I’m a teacher.”

“You can’t be a teacher and a dancer?” Selena pressed. “It’s like walking and chewing gum. You can do both. The question is, why don’t you?”

“Maybe I should bring more music and dancing into the classroom. Look how the kids are joining in the noise of our voices, not bothered by it. I have to think about ways we could make the most of this.”

But she hadn’t succeeded in changing the subject; everyone’s attention stayed focused on her.

“You should dance for the kids, Katie. You possess all the grace of an artist’s muse. Who knows how you might encourage them?”

Katie laughed. “That’s laying it on a bit thick, Luc, even for you. I do believe if there was a snake in that basket over there, it would be rising to the charmer’s voice at this very minute.”

Luc’s very presence brought her into another time. Maybe it was the fedora or the classic cut of his suit, but it ran deeper than how he looked. He possessed a sense of virility and take-no-prisoners attitude that couldn’t be further from his blue-blood upbringing. He made her, in a word, feel safe . . . but there was nothing safe about Luc and there never had been. She straightened and walked over to her open folder to check her schedule for the day.

Tapping a pencil on the binder, she focused on getting the day back on track. The students were involved in free playtime at the moment. While they were all situated in a circle, they played individually, their own favorite tasks in front of them.

“Carrie, would you get Austin and Maddie ready for lunch?”

“I’ll do it,” Selena said. “And, Katie . . . you really should go to the wedding.”

“I can’t go to the wedding because it’s right in the middle of summer school.”

“You could get a substitute,” Carrie said. “What would you be gone for, a week at most? Jenna could probably fill in. She took the summer off this year.”

“Thanks for the suggestions, ladies,” Katie said through clenched teeth. “But I’ve already told the groom I can’t attend the wedding for professional reasons.”

The women laughed. “I’m sorry, what reasons?” Carrie asked, raising a bedpan to imply that anyone could do Katie’s job.

It was no use. The two women were thoroughly under Luc’s spell, and who could blame them?

“Maybe we should talk privately,” Luc said. He clasped her wrist and led her to the glass doors at the front of the classroom. “It’s beautiful out here. The way you’re nestled in the hills, you’d never know there’s a city nearby.”

She nodded. “That’s Crystal Springs Reservoir on the other side of the freeway. It’s protected property, the drinking water for this entire area, so it’s stayed pristine.”

“I’m not going back to New Orleans without you,” he said.

Apparently the small talk had ended.

“My mother would have a fit if I brought one of the women I’d take to a Hollywood event to a family wedding.”

Katie felt a twinge of jealousy, then a stab of anger for her own weakness. Of course he dated beautiful women. He was a billionaire. A billionaire who looked like Luc DeForges! Granted, he was actually a multimillionaire, but it had been a long-standing joke between the two of them. Did it matter, once you made your first ten million, how much came after that? He may as well be called a gazillionaire. His finances were too foreign for her to contemplate.

“And who you date is my problem, how?”

“If my date tries to swing dance and kicks one of my mother’s friends in the teeth, I’ll be disinherited.”

“So what, would that make you the fifth richest man in the United States, instead of the fourth?”

“Katie, how many times do I have to explain to you I’m nowhere near those kinds of numbers?” He grinned. “Yet.” He touched his finger to her nose lightly. “My fate is much worse than losing status if you don’t come. My mother might set me up to ensure I have a proper date. A chorus line of Southern belles. And I guarantee you at least one will have the proverbial glass slipper and think her idea is so utterly unique, I’ll succumb to the fantasy.”

“Wow! What a terrible life you must lead.” She pulled a Keds slide from her foot and emptied sand out of her shoe. A few grains landed on Luc’s shiny black loafer. “To think, with courtship skills like that, that any woman wouldn’t be swept off her feet—it’s unfathomable.” She patted his arm. “I wish you luck, Luc. I’m sure your mother will have some very nice choices for you, so go enjoy yourself. Perk up, there’re billions more to be made when you get back.”

“Sarcasm doesn’t suit you, Katie.”

He was right, but she didn’t trust herself around him. She’d taken leave of her senses too many times in that weakened state. Since moving to California, she’d made it her goal to live life logically and for the Lord. She hadn’t fallen victim to her emotions since leaving New Orleans, and she’d invested too much to give into them now.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I only meant that I’m sure there are other nice girls willing to go home and pretend for your mother. I’ve already done that, only you forgot to tell me we were pretending. Remember?”

He flinched. “Below the belt.”

A pencil fell from behind her ear, and she stooped to pick it up, careful not to meet his glance as she rose. “I’m sorry, but I’m busy here. Maybe we could catch up another time? I’d like that and won’t be so sidetracked.” She looked across the room toward Austin, an angelic but severely autistic child in a wheelchair. He pounded against his tray. “The kids are getting hungry. It’s lunchtime.” She pointed to the schedule.

Luc scooped a hand under her chin and forced her to look at him. “Where else am I going to find a gorgeous redhead who knows who Glenn Miller is?”

“Don’t, Luc. Don’t charm me. It’s beneath you. Buy one of your bubble-headed blondes a box of dye and send her to iTunes to do research. Problem solved.”

He didn’t let go. “Ryan wants you to sing at the wedding, Katie. He sent me personally to make sure you’d be there and sing ‘Someone to Watch Over Me.’ I’m not a man who quits because something’s difficult.”

“Anyone worth her salt on Bourbon Street can sing that. Excuse me—”

“Katie-bug.”

“Luc, I asked you kindly. Don’t. I’m not one of your sophisticated girls who knows how to play games. I’m not going to the wedding. That part of my life is over.”

“That part of your life? What about that part of you? Where is she?”

She ignored his question. “I cannot be the only woman you know capable of being your date. You’re not familiar with anyone else who isn’t an actress-slash-waitress?” She cupped his hand in her own and allowed herself to experience the surge of energy. “I have to go.” She dropped his hands and pushed back through the half door. “I’m sure you have a meeting to get to. Am I right?”

“It’s true,” he admitted. “I had business in San Francisco today, a merger. We bought a small chain of health food stores to expand the brand. But I was planning the trip to see you anyway and ask you personally.”

“Uh-huh.”

“We’ll be doing specialty outlets in smaller locations where real estate prices are too high for a full grocery outlet. Having the natural concept already in these locations makes my job that much easier.”

“To take over the free world with organics, you mean?”

That made him smile, and she warmed at the sparkle in his eye. When Luc was in his element, there was nothing like it. His excitement was contagious and spread like a classroom virus, infecting those around him with a false sense of security. She inhaled deeply and reminded herself that the man sold inspiration by the pound. His power over her was universal. It did not make her special.

“Name your price,” he said. “I’m here to end this rift between us, whatever it is, and I’ll do the time. Tell me what it is you want.”

“There is no price, Luc. I don’t want anything from you. I’m not going to Ryan’s wedding. My life is here.”

“Day and night . . . night and day,” he crooned and then his voice was beside her ear. “One last swing dance at my brother’s wedding. One last song and I’ll leave you alone. I promise.”

She crossed the room to the sink against the far wall, but she felt him follow. She hated how he could make every nerve in her body come to life, while he seemingly felt nothing in return. She closed her eyes and searched for inner strength. He didn’t want me. Not in a way that mattered. He wanted her when it suited him to have her at his side.

“Even if I were able to get the time off work, Luc, it wouldn’t be right to go to your brother’s wedding as your date. I’m about to get engaged.”

“Engaged?” He stepped away.

She squeezed hand sanitizer onto her hands and rubbed thoroughly.

“I’ll give a call to your fiancé and let him know the benefits.” He pulled a small leather pad of paper from his coat pocket. “I’ll arrange everything. You get a free trip home, I get a Christian date my mother is proud to know, and then your life goes back to normal. Everyone’s happy.” He took off his fedora as though to plead his case in true gentlemanly fashion. “My mother is still very proud to have led you from your . . .” He choked back a word. “From your previous life and to Jesus.”

The announcement of her engagement seemed to have had little effect on Luc, and Katie felt as if her heart shattered all over again. “My previous life was you. She was proud to lead me away from her son’s life.” She leaned on the countertop, trying to remember why she’d come to the kitchen area.

“You know what I meant.”

“I wasn’t exactly a streetwalker, Luc. I was a late-night bar singer in the Central District, and the only one who ever led my reputation into question was you. So I’m failing to see the mutual benefit here. Your mother. Your date. And I get a free trip to a place I worked my tail off to get out of.”

She struggled with a giant jar of applesauce, which Luc took from her and opened easily. He passed the jar back to her and let his fingers brush hers.

“My mother would be out of her head to see you. And the entire town could see what they lost when they let their prettiest belle go. Come help me remind them. Don’t you want to show them that you’re thriving? That you didn’t curl up and die after that awful night?”

“I really don’t need to prove anything, Luc.” She pulled her apron, with its child-size handprints in primary colors, over her head. “I’m not your fallback, and I really don’t care if people continue to see me that way. They don’t know me.”

“Which you? The one who lives a colorless existence and calls it holy? Or the one who danced on air and inspired an entire theater troupe to rediscover swing and raise money for a new stage?” Luc bent down, took her out at the knees, and hoisted her up over his shoulder.

“What are you doing? Do you think you’re Tarzan? Put me down.” She pounded on his back, and she could hear the chaos he’d created in the classroom. “These kids need structure. What do you think you’re doing? I demand you put me down!”

Special thanks to:

Audra Jennings, Senior Media Specialist @ The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.

Book Review: The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson

2011-02-06T15:30:00.001-05:00

Book Description from GoodReads

Two Hearts. One Hope. Rose has been appointed as a healer's apprentice at Hagenheim Castle, a rare opportunity for a woodcutter's daughter like her. While she often feels uneasy at the sight of blood, Rose is determined to prove herself capable. Failure will mean returning home to marry the aging bachelor her mother has chosen for her---a bloated, disgusting merchant who makes Rose feel ill. When Lord Hamlin, the future duke, is injured, it is Rose who must tend to him. As she works to heal his wound, she begins to understand emotions she's never felt before and wonders if he feels the same. But falling in love is forbidden, as Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a mysterious young woman in hiding. As Rose's life spins toward confusion, she must take the first steps on a journey to discover her own destiny.

My Thoughts

I read this book because I won it a while back in a book giveaway on a fellow book blogger's site. I wish for the life of me I could remember which one. I apologize for that. It is an autographed copy too.

This book is dubbed as Teen Fiction. I think it could be enjoyed by teens as well as adults who enjoy historical fiction.

If you enjoy stories of Lords and Ladies and Dukes and Earls and Maids-in-Waiting, then you will enjoy this book by Melanie Dickerson. There is even your token bad guy. Except he takes on the word evil in its fullest form, which makes the suspense in this book a little bit more intense. This was a delightful, easy read encouraging destiny and stepping in to your destiny.

Book Review: Shape of Mercy (Audiobook) by Susan Meissner

2011-02-04T22:24:00.000-05:00

Book Description from back of Audio CD box

"We understand what we want to understand" ~ Leaving a life of privilege to strike out on her own, Lauren Durough breaks with her family's expectations and takes a part-time job from eighty-three-year-old librarian Abigail Boyles. The mysterious employer asks Lauren to transcribe the journal entries of her ancestor Mercy Hayworth, a victim of the Salem witch trials.

Immediately, Lauren finds herself drawn to this girl who lived and died four centuries ago. As the fervor around the witch accusations increases, Mercy becomes trapped, unable to fight the overwhelming influence of snap judgments and superstitions. Lauren realizes that the secrets of Mercy's story extend beyond the pages of her diary, living on in the mysterious, embittered Abigail.

The strength of her affinity with Mercy forces Lauren to take a startling new look at her own life, including her relationships with Abigail, her college roommate, and a young man named Raul. But on the way to the truth, will Lauren find her self playing the helpless defendant or the misguided judge?

Can she break free from her own perceptions and see who she really is?

My Thoughts

After listening to this book on CD, I came to the conclusion that I probably would not have enjoyed it as much had I read the hard copy rather than listened to the audio. I say that to first of all point out, the narrator of this book was EXCELLENT! Her name is Tavia Gilbert in case you were wondering. She read the emotions of each character so well, you could almost hear them talking or thinking themselves. The book is a little heavy and so reading the hard copy may not have drawn me in as well.

As for the story, I thought Susan expertly entwined three different people's stories seamlessly. As Lauren read through Mercy's diary entries about what happened to her village and her friends and her father and herself during the Salem witch trials, not only did she become connected to Mercy, but so did I as the third-party reader. I found myself wanting to do some actual research on the trials myself to learn more about what happened during that time in history. Even though I knew Mercy was a fictional character, I was hoping to see her name in the Google searches I conducted. Abigail's story was a mystery till almost the end. I felt her regrets for her.

I'm not one to normally get teary-eyed when I read a book. A movie...sometimes. A book...hardly ever. This book brought the tears a number of times. I was engrossed on my commutes to work as I listened. I took away from this book a few things...always be true to who you are, don't let fear drive you, always have faith, among others.

For those thinking about reading this book. It's not a light-hearted novel, but it is a very interesting and mysterious novel. It will be a good read, but be prepared for some heavier topics like fear and death and regrets. In the end, there is hope.

Book Review and Contest: The Dragon and the Turtle Go On Safari by Donita K. Paul & Evangeline Denmark (Children's Book)

2011-01-25T23:00:00.000-05:00

Book Description from Publisher's Website
“Padraig, my friend, it is time for us to be courageous.”

Padraig the dragon and his best friend, Roger the turtle are determined to spend the whole night outside. As brave explorers at the base of Mount Sillymanborrow, the boys use their imaginations to have fun while munching on crunchy baked bugs and toasting s’mores over their campfire. But when the sky gets dark and the sounds of strange animals fill the forest outside their tent, their safari gets scary. This adventure is just what the boys need to discover that the dark might be frightening, but their friendship is stronger than fear.

My Thoughts
This is a children's picture book about two young friends, a dragon and a turtle. These young tikes decide it will be very brave of them to stay the WHOLE night outside in a tent all by themselves. I remember doing that as a kid. All the nighttime noises create images in your head about what is really out beyond the walls of your tent. Roger, the turtle, and Padraig, the dragon, imagined all kinds of exaggerated creatures outside their little circle of fire and tent. I think a turtle and a dragon are a cute combination for two friends. They are very different from each other as creatures go and so make a great duo.

This is a very simple story to read and understand making it enjoyable for your younger children. It encourages children to be brave and to be a true friend. I especially loved the bonus story, The Legend of Mount Sillymanborrow. Now that was cute! And the authors provide a few conversation starters at the end of the story to help you delve a little deeper into the valuable lessons written into the story with your children.

I also enjoyed the illustrations by Vincent Nguyen. The "nighttime" colors were perfect to set the tone of the story.

Contest
The publisher, Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group is hosting a "Go On Safari" with your child contest. Details of the contest can be found here. Prize includes a child-size tent, two sleeping bags and much more.

**“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.

Book Review: Hatteras Girl by Alice J. Wisler

2011-01-24T22:37:00.000-05:00

Book Description from Back Cover

Jackie Donovan prays for two things: an honest, wonderful man to marry and to own a bed-and-breakfast on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. In the meantime, she works for Lighthouse Views, writing articles about local business owners, and intrepidly goes on the blind dates set up by her well-meaning but oh-so-clueless relatives.

There's one specific property Jackie dreams of purchasing The Bailey House, a fabulous old home located right next to the ocean, a place where Jackie spent many happy childhood afternoons. But the Bailey House has strange stories and secrets surrounding it-not to mention its outrageous price tag.

When Jackie meets handsome Davis Erickson, who holds the key to the Bailey property, she believes God has answered both her prayers. But as Jackie learns some disturbing details about Davis's past, she begins to wonder if her heart has lead her astray. Will she risk her long-held dreams to find out the truth?

My Thoughts

**This review has a spoiler alert**
I have mixed thoughts about this book. Overall, it was a good story. I enjoyed the tale of the girl who finally realizes the man she loves is the man who has been there all along. He's the one she never thought about significantly but he's the one who cares about her more than anyone else. Women can be dense sometimes, eh? A couple things I felt hindered my raving over this book. While I loved the story of realizing the one you love has been there all the time, I felt the author didn't develop that relationship enough. She spent too much time on the loser and not enough time on the winner. I also felt there were times the story was a bit disjointed. It skipped sometimes, with the feeling I missed a part of the story.

Great book cover! Great setting in the Outer Banks of North Carolina!

Book Review: Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate (Audiobook)

2011-01-15T22:22:00.000-05:00

Book Description from Amazon.com

Kai Miller floats through life like driftwood tossed by waves. She's never put down roots in any one place--and she doesn't plan to. But when a chaotic hurricane evacuation lands her in Daily, Texas, she begins to think twice about her wayfaring existence. And when she meets hometown-boy Kemp Eldridge, she can almost picture settling down in Daily--until she discovers he may be promised to someone else. Daily has always been a place of refuge for those the wind blows in, but for Kai, it looks like it will be just another place to leave behind. Then again, Daily always has a few surprises in store--especially when Aunt Donetta has cooked up a scheme.

My Thoughts:

"Amazing things could happen in an ordinary life if you let 'em." says Donetta Bradford. This book is full of Donetta-isms and some very profound ones too! Donetta is a small-town Texan full of life and southern charm. I actually wish now I had written down all the Donetta-isms...some of them were very thought-provoking.

If I could give you one word that represents the theme of Never Say Never, that word would be people. Throughout the entire book are examples of how noticing and helping and be-friending the people around us is what matters in life. Everyday we pass people by..at work, in the grocery store, on the street, in our own homes and we don't know them or even see them. What was it they kept saying in the movie, Avatar, "I see you." I think Lisa Wingate was trying to get the message across that we need to see people.

Ok, for the writing...This is the second Wingate book I have read. The first was Talk of the Town, which I also enjoyed. This second book took me back to Daily, Texas and the people who live there that I met in Talk of the Town. The author wrote the book from the perspectives of the older woman, Donetta Bradford and the younger woman, Kai Miller. With each chapter, Lisa switches from Donetta to Kai and back and forth like that. I found it a really interesting way to read a story. You weren't stuck in the head of one person the whole book and you could view the goings on from two very different perspectives.

I actually listened to this book via audible.com. I liked how each character perspective was read by a different narrator, one for Donetta and one for Kai. It really made you feel like they were each telling the story to you. The only thing that was a little weird for me and a bit hard to get used to was when these two women narrators spoke the male parts. It never quite sounded right to me. But other than that one little thing, I enjoyed listening to this book on my commute to and from work each day. I actually found myself becoming engrossed in the story to the point that I couldn't wait to get back in to my car to hear some more.

So, pick up a copy of Never Say Never. Its a fun read!

Daily Dose #4

2011-01-12T22:23:00.000-05:00

Participating in the weekly meme by Good Golly Miss Holly called the Daily Dose.

Pictures that are inspiring me this week:

...and something is bound to happen.

Almost looks like I own a mean dog.

Granddad and Anika...birdwatching.

FIRST Wild Card Tour: Unexpected Love by Andrea Boeshaar

2011-01-06T09:00:00.001-05:00

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Andrea Boeshaar

and the book:

Unexpected Love

Realms (January 4, 2011)

***Special thanks to Anna Coelho Silva | Publicity Coordinator, Book Group | Strang Communications for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

In addition to writing, Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar speaks at writers’ conferences and for women’s groups. She has taught workshops at conferences such as: Write-To-Publish American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Oregon Christian Writers Conference, Mount Hermon Writers Conference, and many other writers’ conferences. Andrea is also co-founder of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) organization. For many years she served on the advisory board and was also CEO of the ACFW.

Visit the author's website.

Product Details:

List Price: $12.99
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Realms (January 4, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616381922
ISBN-13: 978-1616381929

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Chicago, Illinois, September 4, 1866

Do you think he’ll live, Dr. Hamilton?” The gray-haired man with bushy whiskers pondered the question for several moments, chewing on his thick lips as he weighed his reply. “Yes, I think he will,” he finally said. “Of course, he’s not out of the woods yet, but it seems he’s coming around.”

Lorenna Fields breathed a sigh of relief. It had been two whole days with nary a sign of life from this half-drowned man, but finally—finally—he showed signs of improvement.

“You’ve done a good job with this patient, Nurse Fields.” The physician drew himself up to his full height, which barely met Renna’s five feet six inches. “I don’t think he’d be alive today if you hadn’t given him such extraordinary care.”

“Thank you, Dr. Hamilton, but it was the Lord who spared this man and the Lord who gave me the strength and skill to nurse him.” The old physician snorted in disgust. “Yes, well, it might have had something to do with the fact that you’ve got a brain in your

head, Nurse Fields, and the fact that you used it too, I might add!”

Renna smiled inwardly. Dr. Hamilton always disliked it when she gave God the credit for any medical advancement, especially the miracles. Yet Renna’s intelligence and experience weren’t typical of women her age, and she determined to use them to God’s glory.

The patient moaned, his head moving from side to side.

“Easy now, Mr. Blackeyes.” Renna placed a hand on the man’s muscular shoulder. “It’s all right.” She picked up the fever rag from out of the cold water, wrung it once, and set it on the patient’s burning brow.

Dr. Hamilton snorted again, only this time in amusement. “Mr. Blackeyes? How in the world did you come by that name, Nurse Fields?”

She blushed but replied in all honesty. “It’s his eyes, Doctor. They’re as black as pitch and as shiny as polished stones. And since we don’t know his true identity, I’ve named him Mr. Blackeyes.”

“I see.” Dr. Hamilton could barely contain his laughter.

“Well, I had to call him something now, didn’t I?” She wrung the fever cloth more tightly.

“Ah, yes, I suppose you did.” Dr. Hamilton gathered his instruments and put them into his black leather medical bag. “Well, carry on, Nurse Fields.” He sounded tired. “If your patient’s fever doesn’t break by morning, send for me at once. However, I think

it will, especially since we got some medicine and chicken broth into him tonight.”

Renna nodded while the old man waved over his shoulder as he left the hospital ward.

Returning her attention to her patient, Renna saw that he slept for the moment. His blue-black hair, which had just a slight wave to it, shone beneath the dampness of the fever. The stifling late summer heat of the room threatened to bring his temperature even higher.

Wiping a sleeve across her own beaded brow, Renna continued to sponge down her patient. Poor Mr. Blackeyes had been found floating in Lake Michigan after a terrible storm the past Sunday. The crew of the passing ship that found him had thought he was dead at first. But they pulled him aboard anyway. The ship’s doctor immediately examined him and detected a heartbeat, so he cared for him until the ship docked in Chicago’s harbor. As soon as the sailors could manage it, Mr. Blackeyes was deposited at Mercy Hospital and admitted to the second floor and into Renna’s care. Now, two days later, he finally showed some improvement.

Pulling the fever rag from the round porcelain bowl filled with cool water, Renna replaced it carefully across Mr. Blackeyes’s forehead. She could tell this man was different from the usual “unknowns” that the hospital acquired. His dark features somehow implied sophistication, even through several days’ growth of beard. And his powerful broad shoulders and muscular arms indicated the strength of a man accustomed to lifting or hoisting. And he was handsome, all right. A lady’s man, no doubt.

“But who are you, Mr. Blackeyes?” Renna murmured, gazing down at him.

As if in reply, the man groaned.

Renna settled him once more and then slowly stood. She forced her mind to dwell on her other patients as she made her rounds through the sick ward, a large room with whitewashed walls and a polished marble floor. Eight beds, four on each side, were neatly lined in rows, leaving a wide area in the center of the ward.

Moving from bed to bed, Renna checked each patient, thankful that this ward wasn’t full: only Mr. Anderson, suffering from a farming accident in which he lost his left arm; Mr. Taylor, who had had pneumonia but had recovered and would soon be released;

and, finally, young John Webster, who had been accidentally shot in the chest by his brother. It appeared the wounded young man wouldn’t live through the night, and his family had gathered around him, his mother weeping.

Taking pity on the Webster family, Renna set up several wooden screens to allow them some privacy. Then she checked on John. She could see death settling in. She was somewhat accustomed to the sight, as she’d trained in a Union military hospital in Richmond, Virginia, during the Civil War. Still, watching a life slip away never got easier. But in this case Renna took heart that the Websters were people with a strong faith. Young John would soon go home to be with his Savior.

“Can I get anything for you, Mrs. Webster?” Renna asked the boy’s mother now.

A tall, very capable-looking woman, she shook her head. Several brunette curls tumbled from their bun.

Renna asked the same thing of the boy’s brother and father, but both declined.

“I didn’t mean ter shoot ’im, Ma!” the brother declared. He suddenly began to sob.

“Aw, I know ya didn’t mean it, son,” Mrs. Webster replied through her own tears. “It was an accident. That anyone can see!”

“Tell it to Jesus, boy.” His father’s eyes were red, his jaw grizzled. “Give the matter to Christ, just like we done gave John over to Him.”

Renna’s heart was with the family, but she suddenly felt like an intruder. The Websters needed their privacy. Stepping back, she gave them each a sympathetic smile before moving away.

Walking to the other side of the room now, Renna sat down on the edge of Mr. Blackeyes’s bed and sponged him down again. Afterward, she checked his head wound—nearly a three-inch gash above his left ear. It had needed to be sutured, and Dr. Hamilton

had seen to that when Mr. Blackeyes was first admitted. “Unknown Male” was the name on his chart. Most “unknowns” didn’t survive, so Renna was heartened that Mr. Blackeyes’s prognosis seemed promising.

Now if only his fever would break. If only he’d regain consciousness and pneumonia wouldn’t set in.

Momentarily closing her eyes, Renna prayed for God’s healing of this man. She had been praying earnestly for the last week. Why she felt so burdened for him, she couldn’t say, but she was.

Suddenly an abrupt command broke her thoughts. “Nurse Fields? Nurse Fields, you may go. I’m on duty now.”

Renna glanced at the doorway where Nurse Rutledge, the night nurse who was also her supervisor, stood. A large woman with beady, dark eyes, she had a no-nonsense way about her. That same stern disposition kept her lips in a perpetual frown.

“As usual, your charts are in order.”

Was that a hint of a smile? Renna guessed not.

“You’re excused.”

Renna replied with a nod. She didn’t dislike the night supervisor, although she wasn’t fond of the woman’s overbearing manner. Still, Nurse Rutledge was in charge. “Thank you, ma’am. I’ll just finish up here, and then I’ll be on my way.”

The older woman came up alongside her. “The first rule in nursing is, do not get emotionally attached to your patients. You know that.”

Renna rinsed the fever rag once more and draped it across Mr. Blackeyes’s forehead. “I’m not getting emotionally attached.” Renna felt her conscience prick. “I’m just . . . well, I’m burdened for this man. In the spiritual sense.”

“Humph! Call it what you will, Nurse Fields, but I happen to think you’re much too emotional and far too sensitive. It’s a wonder you’ve lasted in nursing this long. Why, I heard from the other nurses on duty today that you were crying with the Webster

family over their boy.” She sniffed in what seemed like disgust. “A nurse must never let her emotions get in the way of her duty, Nurse Fields.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Renna endured the rebuke. She’d heard it many times before.

Nurse Rutledge squared her wide shoulders. “Now, may I suggest that you leave your burden right here in this hospital bed and go home and get some rest? You’re due back here at six a.m., and I’ll expect you promptly!”

Renna nodded. Then, with a backward glance at Mr. Blackeyes, she left the sick ward. She gathered her things and made her way to the hospital’s main entrance. Outside, she paused and breathed deeply. The air was thick and humid, but it was free from the chloroform and antiseptics that she’d smelled all day.

She spied a hired hackney, and within minutes, Renna rode the mile to the home she shared with her parents. She was the oldest child in the family, but at the age of thirty, Renna was what society termed “a spinster.” Her two younger sisters were married and

producing children galore, and her one younger brother and his wife were now expecting their first baby.

Renna loved all her nieces and nephews. They filled her empty arms when she wasn’t nursing, and Jesus filled her heart. Time and time again, however, Renna was asked by a young niece or nephew, “Why didn’t you ever get married, Auntie Renna?” And

her reply was always, “I never fell in love.”

But the truth of the matter was no man would have her—even if she had fallen in love. The large purplish birthmark on the left side of her face deterred every eligible bachelor. The unsightly thing came down her otherwise flawless cheek to the side of her

nose and then around down to her jaw, like an ugly purple horseshoe branded into her face. One would think she’d be accustomed to the gawks, stares, and pitying glances sent her way at social functions, but they unnerved her. All dressed up and looking her

prettiest, Renna still felt marred and uncomely under the scrutiny of her peers—especially when she was in the company of eligible men to whom she was supposed to be attractive and charming. Renna never felt she was either of those.

Nursing, however, was different. In the hospital Renna felt confident of her abilities. Moreover, her patients were usually too sick or in too much pain to be concerned with her ugly birthmark.

Rather, they just wanted her care and sensitivity, and that’s what Renna thought she did best . . . in spite of what Nurse Rutledge said about her being too emotional and too sensitive. God in all His grace had given Renna a wondrous work in nursing, and it pleased her to be used in that way. What more could she want? And yet lately—lately Renna desired something more. Was it a sin to feel discontented after so many happy years of nursing?

The carriage stopped in front of Renna’s house. She climbed out, paid the driver, and then turned to open the little white gate of the matching picket fence around the front yard. A slight breeze blew, and Renna thought it felt marvelous after her sweltering day on the second floor of the hospital.

“Well, there you are, dear.” Her mother, Johanna Fields, stood with a pair of shears in her hand. She had obviously been pruning the flowers that graced the edge of the wide front porch. “You’re late tonight, Renna.” She studied her daughter. “Mr. Blackeyes? Is he . . . ?”

“He’s still alive.” She stepped toward her mother. “Dr. Hamilton thinks he may even live, except he has an awful fever now. We’re hoping it breaks by morning and thatpneumonia doesn’t set in.”

“Oh, dear . . . ” Mum shook her head sadly. “Well, we’ll keep praying, won’t we?”

Renna gave a nod before Mum hooked arms and led her into the house.

“I’ve made a light dinner tonight, Renna. Help yourself.”

“I appreciate it, but I’m too tired to eat.”

“But you need some nourishment.” Mum fixed a plate of cold beef, sliced tomatoes, and a crusty roll. “Here, sit down at the table.”

Renna allowed her mother to help her into the chair. After one bite she realized how ravenous she was and cleaned the plate. Minutes later her sister Elizabeth walked in with her twin daughters, Mary and Helena. Delight spread through Renna as the girls toddled into the kitchen.

“Hello, darlings.” She gave each a hug before smiling up at her younger sister.

“Renna, you look exhausted.” Elizabeth shook her head vehemently, causing strands of her light brown hair to escape their pinning. “You’ll be old before your time.”

“And what would you have me do? Sit around the house all day, twiddling my thumbs?” Seeing her sister’s injured expression, she softened her voice. “I’m sorry. I guess I’m more tired than I thought.”

Elizabeth smiled. “All’s forgiven.”

Renna struggled to her feet. Her entire body ached from her long shift. “I’ll have to visit another time. I’m going up to bed.”

After bidding everyone a good night, Renna climbed the steps leading to the second floor. In her small bedroom she poured water from the large pitcher on her bureau into the chamber basin and then washed away the day’s heat. She pulled her cool, cotton nightgown over her head then took her Bible off the nightstand and continued her reading in John chapter 9. Renna realized as she read that physical ailments allowed God to show His glory, and she marveled as she read about the blind man who by simple faith and obedience regained his sight.

She bowed her head. Oh, Lord, that You might heal Mr. Black-eyes. That You might show Your power to those who don’t believe by healing him. Renna paused to remember her other patients then. And please rain down Your peace that passeth all understanding on the Websters tonight.

Despite the fact her eyelids threatened to close, Renna finished her Bible reading. She turned down the lamp as a breeze ruffled the curtains. Somehow Renna knew that John Webster would not be in her sick ward tomorrow morning. Nor would his family be there. Somehow Renna knew that John was with the Savior already.

But Mr. Blackeyes . . . why, he might not be a believer. It pained Renna to think of him spending an eternity apart from God.

Please heal him, Lord, she prayed as she crawled into bed. She allowed her eyes to finally shut, and the darkly handsome stranger who lay fighting for his life was the last person on Renna’s thoughts as she drifted off to sleep.

Book Review: Love, Charleston by Beth Webb Hart

2011-01-05T20:07:00.000-05:00

Book Description from Goodreads
An inspiring, heart-warming novel set in romantic Charleston, South Carolina.

"Stay and wait." Anne Brumley heard these words years ago in the bell tower at Saint Michael's Church in Charleston. She's certain they were from God and has been waiting for true love ever since. But her sister, Della, and their cousin, Alicia, have their doubts. Could Anne have misunderstood His calling?

Saint Michael's new rector may be the answer to Anne's prayers. Good-old-boy and widower Roy Summerall can't believe he's been called to pastor such an historical and a decidedly rich congregation. He can't possibly measure up to their expectations. It will take a miracle of extraordinary love to provide a happy ending for each of these four Charleston friends.

My Thoughts

First, I have to comment on the cover of this book. It's dreamy! Looking at the cover and reading the author's descriptions of the city of Charleston make you long to live in a city with so much history and variety.

This is the first book I have read by Beth Webb Hart. She has a very good writing style. Beth is a master story teller keeping the reader's interest. I enjoyed the dialogue between all the characters of the book. It was real.

A few things I would like to mention that stood out to me. Prior to reading the book, I read the above description from Goodreads as well as the back cover of the actual book. I had the impression the book was about a character named Anne and the widower, Roy and their story. At the beginning of the book, both characters were introduced as well as some "secondary" characters. But shortly into the book, the two main "secondary" characters became the primary story lines. This confused me after a bit and I was anxious to get back to Anne and Roy's story. They did not pick back up until shortly before the story ended and their story was not really developed. I felt a bit cheated.

Overall, I felt there were too many story lines for one book and was a bit disappointed that the main characters, Anne and Roy, were not given the spotlight. But, I wouldn't let that discourage you from picking up this book and reading it for a number of reasons. After all, I read all the way through because it intrigued me to some extent. I wanted to find out what happened to everyone. Beth writes in such a way to keep you interested. The story lines all flowed and were very easy to follow. Each story line has an element of real-life issues that many people deal with on a daily basis and may be of encouragement to someone experiencing some of the same types of situations.

Pick up a copy of Love, Charleston here.

**Disclaimer - This book was received through Goodreads First Reads giveaway program. Prerelease books are listed for giveaway by publishers and authors, and members can enter to win. Winners are picked randomly at the end of the giveaway. These thoughts are my own opinion and expressed independently of the publisher and author.

Daily Dose #3

2010-12-26T21:54:00.000-05:00

Participating in the weekly meme by Good Golly Miss Holly called the Daily Dose.

Pictures that are inspiring me this week:

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas!

Havin some good laughs!

Tryin out the new bike.

Book Review: Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul

2010-12-23T14:35:00.001-05:00

Book Description from WaterBrook Multnomah

Can mysterious matchmaking booksellers bring two lonely hearts together in time for Christmas?
In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.

Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they’ve decided to bring together.

This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers’ best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?

Download chapter one of Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball now!

My Thoughts

From the very first sentences, this book caught my attention! It's a really fun, magical, Christmas-y book! The whole time I was reading it, the word sparkly came to mind. I had never heard of Donita K. Paul prior to receiving this book to review. She has a new fan!

I knew there was a mystical, magical element to this novella prior to reading the book. I don't typically read books with that element. But it was totally believable even though I know the things that occurred in the book would never happen in the real world. I actually found myself wishing the real life were more like the magical world found on Sage Street. I want to walk down an old-fashioned, yet modern street where life seems to slow down and what you are thinking about appears right before your eyes. I would love to go into quaint bookstores and fun costume shops with sweet old ladies that already know what you need and visit colorful candy shops. Seems like the perfect way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon.

If you are one of those people who automatically cringes because of the words "mystical" and "magical", I suggest you venture outside the box a bit and read this book. I think Donita has a very interesting perspective on the magical element.

Overall, a fun, Christmas read that is quick and "sparkly." Pick up your copy here: Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball: A Novella

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Sushi Review: Thai Thai House (West Melbourne, FL)

2010-12-16T15:44:00.001-05:00

Over Thanksgiving weekend, my cousin was in town and she and I with my parents had a nice dinner at the Thai Thai House in West Melbourne on Palm Bay Rd. I've been to this restaurant a few times and it has never disappointed me. For the four of us, we ordered five different sushi rolls and shared them.

Here's what you can expect when you visit Thai Thai House in West Melbourne...enjoyable atmosphere, friendly wait staff, quick service, reasonable prices and yummy sushi!

The classic Rainbow Roll.

The Dragon Roll.

The J.B. Roll (one of my favs - sorry the photo quality is poor).

The Orlando Roll (i think)

And my absolute FAVORITE - The Volcano Roll!

Oh, and don't forget a glass of Plum wine!

Christmas Ornaments...

2010-12-14T15:08:00.000-05:00

Years ago, I went into a Christmas store and saw all these themed Christmas trees....all Santa ornaments or all Snowmen ornaments. At that moment, I decided i wanted an all Snowman and Snowflake Christmas tree when I grew up. I bought my first ornament for my dreamed-about tree.

Once my Aunt Lori heard about what I dreamed about, she started buying me Snowman and Snowflake ornaments and decorations. I have enough to decorate my entire place now! Here are some of my favorites...

Daily Dose #2

2010-12-12T10:00:00.001-05:00

Participating in the weekly meme by Good Golly Miss Holly called the Daily Dose.

Pictures that are inspiring me this week:

My niece, Sadie, and her friend...love the laughs!

Cute, little boots for winter weather.

My niece, Anika, walking through a field of wildflowers.

Holidays and Apple Pie!

2010-12-11T22:55:00.000-05:00

A couple years ago, I came aross a recipe for Hot Buttered Rum Apple Pie and made it for our family Christmas party and it was Oh, so yummy.

I made two pies for our Thanksgiving dinner and thought I would document it for you just in case you would like to try making it during the holiday season.

The ingredients are for one 9 inch pie...

First you need about 7 medium size apples. I use Golden Delicious apples. Peel them and slice them thinly.

Next, in a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter and a little less than 1/2 cup of brown sugar. (I use slightly less on the sugar amounts because I think it turns out too sweet.) After the butter and brown sugar melt, stir in 1/4 cup rum, 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of nutmeg.

Add the peeled. sliced apples to the pan and coat with the brown sugar sauce.

Simmer, covered for 10 minutes or until the apples are tender.

Cool apples slightly and then pour into an unbaked 9 inch pie shell.

In a medium bowl, mix together 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and slightly less than 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Cut in 1/4 cup butter until crumbly. Add a 1/4 cup slivered almonds and sprinkle over the apples.

( I did not add the almonds.)

Bake at 375 for 35 minutes and out comes one of the most delicious apple pies you've ever tasted....

ENJOY!

Posted via Blogaway on my Droid X

In my mailbox....

2010-12-05T22:32:00.000-05:00

This week I received these books in my mailbox...

Hatteras Girl and Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball: A Novella

I look forward to reading them and telling you what I think about them.

Book Review: Naked Heat by Richard Castle (Audiobook)

2010-12-01T21:39:00.005-05:00

Naked Heat

(Description from Amazon.com)

Nikki Heat and Jameson Rook are together again in Richard Castle's thrilling follow-up to his New York Times bestseller, Heat Wave.

When New York's most vicious gossip columnist, Cassidy Towne, is found dead, Heat uncovers a gallery of high profile suspects, all with compelling motives for killing the most feared muckraker in Manhattan.

Heat's murder investigation is complicated by her surprise reunion with superstar magazine journalist Jameson Rook. In the wake of their recent breakup, Nikki would rather not deal with their raw emotional baggage. But the handsome, wise-cracking Pulitzer Prize-winning writer's personal involvement in the case forces her to team up with Rook anyway. The residue of their unresolved romantic conflict and crackling sexual tension fills the air as Heat and Rook embark on a search for a killer among celebrities and mobsters, singers and hookers, pro athletes and shamed politicians.

This new, explosive case brings on the heat in the glittery world of secrets, cover-ups, and scandals.

My Thoughts:

As I have mentioned before, I commute somewhat of a distance for work each day. Since I love to read, I decided to invest in some audible.com audiobooks to listen to on the way. The other day I started Richard Castle's second book, Naked Heat.

I haven't finished the book and look forward to discovering along with Nikki Heat who is the killer. Just like the first book, Heat Wave, a whole cast of possible suspects are being introduced, yet, it's still a mystery as to which one will be the culprit in the end. Definitely keeps the suspense going right until the end.

The biggest thing that has stood out to me in this second book is how much more similar the characters are to their counterparts in the hit ABC Primetime show, Castle. It has to be one of two things, either the writer has become more familiar with the TV show actors' characteristics and quirks and manner of speech OR the narrator has more thoroughly studied Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic and all the other main characters on the show. During the first book, I felt like I was "reading" an actual Castle episode. This second book is even more like that.

Can't wait to see how it turns out and I am hoping there is a third book in the works!

UPDATE: I have finished the story! LOVED IT!!! And I loved it even more than the first one. It just kept getting better and better all the way until the end. One thing I remember thinking throughout the book is that the author introduced a bunch of possible suspects and even characters that were originally questioned about a portion of the investigation and then not really heard of again for a while. What I like about the Richard Castle books is that the actual killer is usually an unlikely suspect.

One more observation I would like to add that I enjoy when I read Castle's books. As the story is coming to a conclusion, the author creates more suspense. Questions are beginning to have answers, but not complete answers. And it isn't until right at the conclusion that the whole story is discovered.

I promise you, a Richard Castle book will keep you intrigued from start to finish.

Note: This book does contain adult situations. So far at least.

Oh, and one more thing...Richard Castle mentioned me in a tweet!!!

@WriteRCastleRichard Castle

@neednspace I shoot for engrossing. Happy Naked Heat hit the bullseye for you.

And the WINNER is...

2010-11-20T11:37:00.000-05:00

Who is the lucky winner of an autographed copy of Rachel Hauck's newest book, Dining With Joy?????

First, before I make the announcement, here are a few pictures I took recently at Rachel's book signing earlier this month. This is where I picked up the autographed copy just for YOU! Oh, wait! Who are you? Oh, you'll just have to wait a little bit longer and take a look at these pictures....

Look how much fun it is to meet Rachel Hauck!!!!

Ok, now for the winner.....

JENNY

(jennycohen104)

Jenny, I will be emailing you for your address. Congratulations on winning this book! I know you are sure to enjoy reading this one.

And for everyone else, thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. I wish I could send a copy to everyone because I love Rachel's books and know you all will enjoy this one!

**NOTE: If you have twitter...come follow the newly started OFFICIAL twitter for Rachel Hauck Fans @RachelHauckFans. Keep up-to-date with all the latest Rachel happenings and news and events and also look for prizes and giveaways!

In my mailbox....

2010-11-13T14:52:00.000-05:00

This week I received two books in my mailbox....

Celtic Knot and The Healer's Apprentice

Looking forward to reading both books and telling you about them.

Daily Dose #1

2010-11-12T13:03:00.001-05:00

Participating in the weekly meme by Good Golly Miss Holly called the Daily Dose.

Pictures that are inspiring me this week:

I've really been having a hankering to purchase a nice digital SLR camera and start taking photographs!

I am always dreaming of going to Venice, Italy. I keep saying I want to go before it sinks!

All the men and women who served and are now serving our country and fighting for our FREEDOM!

NOTE: All photographs were found on flickr.com

Miscellaneous...

2010-11-11T21:09:00.003-05:00

So, today on my way to work, I finished listening to Heat Wave by Richard Castle on my audible.com app on my DroidX. WOW! What a total surprise ending!!! I never saw it coming and usually I am good at figuring out mysteries. I mean, I hope I am cause that's kinda my job description. LOL! Anyway...I downloaded the second Richard Castle book, Naked Heat, to start listening to tomorrow on my commute to work. Can't wait!!!

And don't forget...I have a giveaway going on right now for Rachel Hauck's newest book, Dining With Joy! Did I mention this is an autographed copy??? Oh yes it is!!! So, click here to go to my giveaway post and leave a comment. There is still time to get your name in the pot!

Book Review and GIVEAWAY: Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck

2010-11-07T20:23:00.002-05:00

Dining with Joy
Book Description from Rachel Hauck. Advanced reader copy received from the author. All thoughts about this book come from my own head!

Joy Ballard has a secret: she's a cooking show host who can't really cook.

When her South Carolina-based cooking show, Dining With Joy, is picked up by a major network, Joy Ballard's world heats up like a low country boil.

Joy needs help. Then she meets chef Luke Davis who moved to Beaufort after losing his Manhattan restaurant. A cook at the Frogmore Cafe, he's paying debts and longing to regain his reputation in the elite foodie world.

Luke and Joy mix like oil and water...until Joy is exposed on national television. With her career and his reputation both under fire, they'll have to work together to fix the mess. Is it possible that they can learn to feast on God's love and dine with joy?

My Thoughts:

Dining With Joy is the third in Rachel's Low Country series. The first two being, Sweet Caroline and Love Starts With Elle. First of all, I have to comment on the covers of all three of these books. They are very attractive and creative! I love them! I have older cover versions of the first two and may have to go get the newer versions just so I have all three matching books, :-)

Ok, enough about the cover, you want to know about the insides! It's kinda like a Boston Creme Donut...yummy looking on the outside and totally delicious on the inside.

The blurb "cooking show host who can't cook" should draw anybody to want to read this book. Who doesn't love a great dilemma like that?! Imagine if Rachel Ray didn't actually know how to cook but nobody knew her little secret??? Man, that would be intense and hilarious!

And then there is the dynamic relationship between Joy and Luke. It's kinda like watching a cat and mouse game. Except the cat and mouse have to try and work together because they are both stuck in the maze together.

And then as we all know, secrets always come out some way, some how. And Joy's secret is exposed! What will she do??? Does she throw in the towel? Pick up a copy of Dining With Joy and find out!!! Dining with Joy (A Lowcountry Romance)

GIVEAWAY:
I will be giving a new, autographed copy of Dining With Joy to one lucky winner who leaves a comment on this post. Don't forget to leave an email addy so I can contact you if you win! The giveaway ends November 19. I would love to have this book mailed out to the winner just in time for Thanksgiving. What a great way to relax Thanksgiving weekend but to have a great book to read! And I assure you, this is a great book!

Rachel just posted a video promo for her book on her facebook fan page. Check out Rachel's story behind her next best-selling book here!

Rachel Hauck Book Signing!

2010-11-05T15:00:00.001-04:00

Your favorite author, Rachel Hauck, will be hosting a book signing TONIGHT!!!

The book signing will be at Barnes and Noble in Melbourne, FL from 5-7pm. Come on out and support Rachel with the release of her latest book, Dining with Joy. There will be other authors in attendance, but at the moment, I don't have access to who those authors are at this time. I will update this if I get that information before the event.

I will be posting a review of Rachel's book, Dining with Joy in the near future...but don't wait for that...just buy the book! You will not be disappointed! The book is about a cooking show host who can't cook! Now that makes for some good reading!

Book Review: Heat Wave by Richard Castle (Audiobook)

2010-11-04T20:14:00.000-04:00

Description from Amazon.com
The title character from ABC's hit television series Castle kicks off his new series of books featuring tough and sexy New York police detective Nikki Heat with a bang.

My Thoughts:
If you watch the ABC Hit TV Show, Castle, and are any type of fan...this book is a must read! It reads just like an episode of Castle. Each character you love in the TV series can be found in the book...just the names have been changed. And if you haven't seen a Castle episode on ABC, first, watch it! and second, I know you will still thoroughly enjoy the book.

I have started a new job in which I have to commute 45 minutes each day. So, I decided a great way to utilize that time was to catch up on my "reading" via audiobooks! I love it! Only problem is I get so wrapped up in this book, I almost miss my turns! The narrator of the audiobook even sounds like an good ol boy from the NYPD. Makes you feel like you are there!

I don't want to give away too much of this story other than, if you like Castle, get it! There is at least one murder and a mystery behind it! The characters are funny and fun! Take note, it is not PG, meaning there is adult content in the book. I am looking forward to reading the next Richard Castle book, Naked Heat, in the near future.

You can purchase the book at Amazon. Heat Wave I purchased the audiobook through audible.com and listen via my DroidX which works really well.

Book Review: The Lord Is My Shepherd: The Psalm 23 Mysteries by Debbie Viguie

2010-10-23T20:34:00.001-04:00

Read somewhere recently that this book was a free download on Amazon Kindle. So, loving a good mystery, I downloaded it!

Book Description from Amazon:

Cindy’s church is getting ready to celebrate Easter, and Jeremiah’s Temple is preparing for Passover when Cindy literally stumbles over the body of an unknown man lying dead in the sanctuary. The church was locked, and a bloody cross necklace on the floor seems to be the only clue. The killer is likely a member of the congregation, but there are hints that similar deaths have happened in the past. Are Cindy and Jeremiah dealing with a serial killer? They have to unravel the clues before Easter Sunday arrives and more people die.

Cindy and Jeremiah come from two different worlds, even though they work right next door to each other. Cindy is a strong Christian who lives a normal but somewhat dull life, working as a church secretary. Jeremiah is a Reformed rabbi with a mysterious past full of danger and excitement. But one eventful Easter/Passover week, the two find themselves working together to solve a murder and stop a serial killer from striking again. Solving the mystery should put an end to their alliance, but the church secretary and the rabbi quickly find themselves enmeshed in another mystery. Soon the two form a friendly alliance and friendship, exploring personal history and faith and growing closer with each passing adventure. Despite their differences Cindy and Jeremiah find a lot of common ground.

My Thoughts:

Who doesn't love a good serial killer story??? I haven't finished this book yet, but I am finding that I am enjoying the mystery so far. I like how the two main characters come from two different faiths and are building a friendship beyond their individual beliefs. They can even find humor in each other's beliefs and yet still respect each other.

I have to say though, because I haven't finished this story, I am not entirely convinced yet that the rabbi, Jeremiah, isn't the killer himself. Guess we shall see.

One thing I have noticed is the author hasn't really given a detailed description as to what each character really looks like. But, I have become so engaged in the mystery, it didn't occur to me till well into the book that I really didn't have a clear picture in my head as to what each one looked like. Hmmm...that's a bit weird for me because I usually picture each character of a book in my head so vividly as I am reading their stories.

Oh well, back to the mystery at hand....is it the rabbi? Or maybe it's the reporter guy who also attends the church where the murder occurred. He seemed a bit odd to me. I'll keep reading and keep you posted. Oh, and if you want to read it for yourself...pick up your copy here of The Lord Is My Shepherd: The Psalm 23 Mysteries.

UPDATE: So, I am still suspicious of the rabbi but now the reporter/friend, Oliver is looking even more guilty each page I read. There is definitely a mystery afoot!

The Waiting KINDLE Giveaway by Suzanne Woods Fisher

2010-10-19T10:23:00.002-04:00

Suzanne Woods Fisher is thrilled to announce the release of The Waiting, book two in The Lancaster Secrets Collection. In The Waiting Jorie finds herself caught between two loves and two lives in this compelling page turner about complex people living the simple life.

A must read!

Visit the blog tour and find out what the reviewers are saying!

Learn more about Suzanne and her books at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com!

The Waiting is the next stand alone story in The Lancaster Secrets Collection and follows in the footsteps of the best-selling, The Choice. The Waiting is in stores now and to celebrate Suzanne is hosting The Waiting KINDLE Giveaway.

One Grand Prize winner will receive a Kindle preloaded with Suzanne Woods Fisher titles and a Amazon.com gift certificate! The Prize Pack (valued at over $185.00) includes:

* A brand new KINDLE, Free 3G, 6", Latest Generation

* The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

* The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

* A $15 dollar Amazon.com Gift Certificate

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest. Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on October 28th at Suzanne's Lancaster Secrets Book Club Party.

Join Suzanne for the Lancaster Secrets Book Club Party on October 28th! She’ll be announcing the winner of the The Waiting KINDLE Giveaway, hosting a book club discussion of The Waiting and The Choice, and giving away copies of both books and HEAPs of readerly prizes! Be sure to join us on Thursday, October 28th at 5:00 PM PST (6:00 MST, 7:00 CST & 8 EST) at Suzanne’s Author Page.

It's Monday...What are You Reading?

2010-10-18T12:47:00.000-04:00

Hosted by Book Journey

This is a great little meme hosted by Book Journey where you can share what you've just finished reading and what you will be reading next. It's interesting to see what others have on their reading lists and possibly get some new reads for your own list.

This past week I didn't finish any books. Been kinda busy haven't had a chance to read much lately. But this week, I am starting several and here they are:

Currently reading:

I received a copy of this book last week in the mail through a giveaway on Good reads. I look forward to reading it. I was immediately drawn to the book because of the cover. Purchase a copy of this book, Love, Charleston.

On my iTouch Kindle App:

Flowers For Elvis

On my DroidX Audible.com App:

byRichard Castle Heat Wave (Nikki Heat)

On my DroidX Kindle App:

The Lord Is My Shepherd: The Psalm 23 Mysteries

Man, I've got a few going on at once. Hope I can keep track of it all! :-)

ANOTHER ONE...The 2nd Annual Fall Festival Recipe Exchange hosted by My Friend Amy

2010-10-17T12:30:00.001-04:00

I made this fall recipe the other day and it was too good not to share. Again, I got it from somewhere off the internet. You have gotta try this one!!!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

INGREDIENTS

· 3-⅓ cups unbleached all purpose Flour

· 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

· 1 tbsp Cinnamon

· 2 teaspoons Baking Soda

· 1 teaspoon Baking Powder

· 1-½ teaspoon Salt

· 2-⅔ cups Sugar

· ⅔ cups Softened Butter

· 4 whole Eggs

· 1 pound (or 1 30oz can or 2 15oz cans) Mashed Pumpkin

· ⅔ cups Water

· 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (I highly recommend Ghiradelli)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Sift together dry ingredients and set aside. Cream sugar and butter until well incorporated. Add eggs one at a time and then add the mashed pumpkin. Alternate adding dry ingredients with water. Fold in chocolate chips.

Pour into three large greased bread pans and bake at 325 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the loaf comes out clean.

Makes 3 loaves.

***My personal note ~ you could use a little less sugar and it would be great!!!

This recipe is being submitted as part of the following event:

Hosted by My Friend Amy

Just visit My Friend Amy's blog and try out some great recipes or participate in the Fall Festival and share one of your own with the rest of us. It's that simple!

Adventure Time!

2010-10-16T21:59:00.000-04:00

Went to the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge today with my mom. It was absolutely perfect weather! I love this time of year! Too bad it can't stay like this all year long...now that would be SA-WEET!!!

Here's a few pics I took today with my new Droid X! :-)

Most of these pictures are from a seven-mile wildlife drive that we took.

There happened to be a fall festival type event going on today. On display were injured birds in rehabilitation. Saw this adorable owl and bald eagle!

Did I mention it was a PERFECT day!

The 2nd Annual Fall Festival Recipe Exchange hosted by My Friend Amy

2010-10-14T19:40:00.000-04:00

Hosted by My Friend Amy

My Friend Amy is hosting the 2nd Annual Fall Festival Recipe Exchange where all of us bloggers out there share our favorite fall recipe with everyone else. Sounds divinely yummy! I don't know about you all, but Fall is my absolute favorite time of year! It makes me feel oh-so-hopeful and why not top off that feeling with a fabulous treat for our taste buds from good friends?

Just visit My Friend Amy's blog and try out some great recipes or participate in the Fall Festival and share one of your own with the rest of us. It's that simple!

Now for one of my very favorite fall recipes!!! I have no idea where I got this recipe from a few years ago...copied it from somewhere...It is sooooo very yummy!

Hot Buttered Rum Apple Pie

1/2 cup butter or margarine - divided use
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup rum
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
8 cups sliced apples
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1 (9-inch) unbaked pie shell

1.  In a large skillet melt 1/4 cup butter and brown sugar. Stir into brown sugar mixture, rum, grated lemon peel, lemon juice, and nutmeg. Add peeled, sliced apples and coat with the spiced brown sugar sauce. Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes, or until the apples are tender. Cool slightly then pour into a 9-inch unbaked pie shell.
2.  In a medium bowl mix together flour and sugar. Cut in 1/4 cup butter until crumbly. Add sliced almonds and sprinkle over the apples.
3.  Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes.
Makes 8 servings.

The Movies and Memories Giveaway by Sarah Sundin

2010-10-13T18:20:00.001-04:00

Sarah Sundin presents The Movies and Memories Giveaway in honor of book 2 in the Wings of Glory series. A Memory Between Us is available for purchase wherever fine books are sold. From the English countryside to the perilous skies over France, A Memory Between Us takes you on a journey through love, forgiveness, and sacrifice.

To celebrate Sarah is giving one lucky winner A Movie and Memory Prize Package! One grand prize winner will receive:

* Make-your-own-photo book from Mypublisher.com (Capture your own Memories)

* Netflix Subscription (New or Nostalgic Movies delivered right to your house)

* Starbucks gift card (To keep your engine revvin’)

*Gourmet chocolate (A favorite in the 1940’s and now)

* British specialty teas in carved wooden box (Timeless tradition)

* Miniature model of a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber & C-47 cargo plane (Everyone needs a few toy planes)

*Big Band music CD (Break out your dancing shoes)

* WWII authentic poster playing cards (Cards – a perfect game for two)

* Keep Calm and Carry On (Uplifting sayings WWII, a boost for troubled times)

To enter simple click on the icons below (contest runs 9/27 - 10/17!)

Book Review: Cowgirl at Heart by Christine Lynxwiler

2010-10-05T16:45:00.003-04:00

Book Description from Goodreads:

Welcome to the Ozarks, the setting of award-winning author Christine Lynxwiler’s latest breath-taking romance, where the lives of a timid dog whisperer and an out-for-revenge reporter collide. Elyse McCord, the biological daughter of a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde, turns into a mighty warrior when a dog’s well-being is at stake. Finding herself in the sights of a pistol-wielding maniac whose been mistreating his dog, she’s suddenly swept to safety by Andrew Stone, a widower bent on hunting down his wife’s killers. Is there any future for an outlaw’s daughter and a Texas ranger’s son?

My Thoughts:

This book is #2 in the McCord Sister Romance Series by Christine Lynxwiler. I picked it up at the store not realizing it was the second in a series. So, be sure and read the first book, The Reluctant Cowgirl (The McCord Sisters, Book 1), prior to reading this one. :-)

I really liked this book. Christine has a very down-to-earth voice in her writing that makes you feel like you are sitting in the same room with the characters. She also adds an element of mystery and suspense to the book which makes the storyline more dimensional rather than just a romance between two people. The main character, Elyse, has some fears she is confronted with throughout the story. I enjoyed reading her struggles and the creative ways that she attempts at conquering and overcoming those fears. By the end of this book, she had made considerable strides in beating the fears that had become obstacles in her life. The author promotes hope that we can overcome the things we struggle with, yet doesn't make you believe it is an overnight quick-fix. We all know nothing is ever really fixed overnight or with the snap of our fingers. I also really liked how the author gave Elyse challenges that were outside the box to face her fears. Sometimes we need to try something new or different in our approach to "fix our issues."

This book has multiple story lines going on throughout. Elyse's storyline is prominent, but the author takes you on journeys with her two sisters as well. Because I started with the second book in the series, one sister's storyline is continued from the first book. I thought that was a really neat idea because often times I read a series and the additional books may make mention of the original characters, but never really "complete" their stories. In this book, the sister's story from the first book is continued and perhaps completed and the sister's story from the third book, Cowgirls Don't Cry (The McCord Sisters, Book 3) is begun. I'll be getting the first and third books in this series to read very soon! A definite recommended read!

You can get your own copy of this book here. Cowgirl at Heart (The McCord Sisters, Book 2)

Teaser Tuesday!

2010-09-07T10:17:00.001-04:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teasers:

"One of the gunmen asserts himself as the leader. He nods toward the four others who have guns at the ready, and they begin walking through the pub, corralling anyone they see and bringing them all to a designated location behind the pool tables."

From ~ Drift by Sharon Carter Rogers

Blog Hop!

2010-09-02T14:45:00.000-04:00

Hosted by Ashley's Bookshelf

This Blog Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share their love of books! This weekly blog hop is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs to read!

This week's Blog Hop question:

How many words, chapters or pages do you try to read a day?

My answer: At this point, I don't really have a defined number of words, chapters or pages I set as a daily goal for myself. I read when I have the extra time to pick up a book. Most of the time that is when I get in bed at night and think to myself that I have a few minutes to read before I go to sleep. Problem with that is, if the book is very intriguing...I end up staying awake waaaaayyyy too late for my own good! I think however, maybe setting a daily goal might be a good idea for me. I'll have to think about that one.

Go to Ashley's Bookshelf and find other book bloggers to connect with and explore!

My Favorite Things: Love My Hair #1

2010-08-31T11:38:00.000-04:00

From time to time I am going to share with you some of my favorite things. I guess I believe that if you discover something great...you should share it with others.

I have very thick, coarse, frizzy hair. I have always hated that as my hair dries it gets poofier and poofier. Now, in some areas of the country, poofy hair is the style....but I personally do not like it on myself. Also, as I have gotten older, my hair has become curlier. Right now at this stage in my life, I am mostly loving my hair! I can let it hang dry and wear it curly or I can blow dry/flat iron my hair and wear it sleek and straight. But either way, I always use this shampoo and conditioner that I have discovered. I purchase the product at my local beauty supply store where they carry the Generic Value Products brand. Basically, its an off-brand of a much more expensive product, in this case, Matrix Biolage.

I use the Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioning Balm everyday when i wash my hair. My hair comes out feeling smooth and silky with no frizzy flyaways. I love it and I love my hair!

Movie Review: Wuthering Heights (2009)

2010-08-29T21:11:00.000-04:00

I recently started watching this adaptation of Wuthering Heights on my iTouch Netflix app. I've been watching a little at a time. I've heard this book talked about for years but have never read it. I get mixed comments when people talk about it. Some find it depressing, some think it is a truly great read. I have added it to my to-be-read bookshelf simply because it is a classic and all classics should be read.

This adaptation of the book is a two-part made-for-TV series broadcast by PBS Masterpiece Theater. The two main characters are played by Charlotte Riley and Tom Hardy as Cathy and Heathcliff. I'm not sure how true to the storyline this movie is because I have not read the book. But so far, in what I have watched, I gotta say....its a bit dark, dreary and depressing. I do like the acting in the movie and feel it is well done. And I am anxious to see how it ends. If you are a big fan of the book, you can purchase a copy of this adaptation here.

Book Review: Lonestar Secrets by Colleen Coble

2010-08-29T15:11:00.000-04:00

Book Description from the back of the book:
Five years ago, Shannon Astor left the beautiful high-mountain country of West Texas as a single mother. she was desperate for a fresh start...and a way to keep the secrets of her past buried. It almost worked.

Until a chance to make a better life for her daughter leads her right back home. To the very place of the past betrayals.

But it also leads Shannon to horse-trainer Jack MacGowan -- her handsome high-school nemesis, now a widowed father. His daughter looks so startlingly like her own that shannon can't help but question the circumstances surrounding her daughter's birth. Wary of each other's intentions, Shannon and Jack reluctantly join forces to untangle a deep mystery that swirls around Shannon's parents, a lost Spanish treasure, and a legendary black stallion.

If Shannon can learn to entrust her secrets to the man falling in love with her, the truth just might set her free.

My Thoughts:
Colleen Coble writes intrigue and mystery into the genre of Christian Romance Fiction that makes her books stand out from many of the rest. I actually read this book in one sitting on a lazy Saturday evening. This means that it kept my interest from start to finish. That is always a good sign in a book. I did feel, however, that some of the developments in the characters relationships and storyline were slightly unbelievable, but all-in-all, it was a good mystery and story. This book is the second in the series and I enjoyed reading the main characters from the first book as secondary characters in this one. Sometimes when a book ends, you want to keep reading about the lives of the characters and its a bit sad when a good story ends. I enjoyed seeing how Rick and Allie from the first book, Lonestar Sanctuary, were now living their lives. You can pick up a copy of Colleen's book here. Make sure and read the whole series!

I also just finished reading Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck and will be posting my review of another great read by Rachel soon! It's about a cooking show host who can't cook!!! Imagine the dilemma! Look for it!

I am getting ready to start reading, Drift, by Sharon Carter Rogers. This is a mystery, suspense novel. I'm looking forward to changing it up in my reading with this book.