My Companions

2012-01-19T08:11:00.000-08:00

Source: google.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Book: Water for Elephants

Author: Sara Gruen

Though he may not speak of them, the memories still dwell inside Jacob Jankowski's ninety-something-year-old mind. Memories of himself as a young man, tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. Memories of a world filled with freaks and clowns, with wonder and pain and anger and passion; a world with its own narrow, irrational rules, its own way of life, and its own way of death. The world of the circus: to Jacob it was both salvation and a living hell.

Jacob was there because his luck had run out - orphaned and penniless, he had no direction until he landed on this locomotive 'ship of fools'. It was the early part of the Great Depression, and everyone in this third-rate circus was lucky to have any job at all. Marlena, the star of the equestrian act, was there because she fell in love with the wrong man, a handsome circus boss with a wide mean streak. And Rosie the elephant was there because she was the great gray hope, the new act that was going to be the salvation of the circus; the only problem was, Rosie didn't have an act - in fact, she couldn't even follow instructions. The bond that grew among this unlikely trio was one of love and trust, and ultimately, it was their only hope for survival.

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I've heard so much about the book.

am still waiting to see the movie (I like to read a book before I see the movie. Let my imagination have first dibs)

I wasnt disappointed in the hype of the book.

I loved hearing Jacob in his "old state" & seeing what happened to him ... where he ended up... & the story of how he got there... the circus.

I couldnt help but envision Robert Pattison & Reese Witherspoon since I do know they are the lead movie characters... but it suited the characters I grew to know in the book.

I literally cried at parts of animal abuse... I teared up at the relationship of Walter & his dog, Queenie... I got chills at how badly Jacob wanted to help Marlena... & I rooted for Rosie when she got to take revenge for all the abuse she had to endure.

The story of the back side of a circus is another view. Dirty, grungy, sneaky, nasty... but full of people who have hearts... & those who dont.

I could have done without a lot of the graphic details & story lines that really didnt need to be there (in my opinion) but I guess I'm just jaded from reading too many Christian novels.

I did enjoy the book though... now off to see the movie :)

My Rating: 4 Skeins

Night of the Living Dead Christian... with GIVEAWAY!!!!

2011-12-13T16:13:00.000-08:00

(I received this book from Tynale for exchange of a fair review)

Book: Night of the Living Dead Christian

Author: Matt Mikalatos

In his follow up to the critically acclaimed Imaginary Jesus, Matt Mikalatos tackles this question in an entertaining & thought-provoking way - with MONSTERS!!!

While Christians claim to experience Christ's resurrection power, we sometimes act like werewolves who can't control our base desires. Or zombies, experiencing a resurrection that is 90% shambling death & 10% life. Or vampires, saiating ourselves at the expense of others. But through it all we long to stop being monsters & become truly human - the way Christ intended. We just cant seem to figure out how.

By turns hilarious & heartbreaking, this book is a spirtual allegory that boldly explores the monstrous underpinnings of our nature & the tackles head-on the question of how we can ever hope to become truly transformed.
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This isnt your ordinary book.

It has vampires, werewolves, zombies, robots & even a hunter out to rid the world of these monsters... & my favorite, a Clockwork Jesus...

See? Not your ordinary book.

The story is wrapped up in how we are all monsters looking to be "born again"... & what it means to be a Christian.. a real Christian...

There are some really deep thoughts, especially from Luther - the werewolf that is wanting to be 'cured' from his monster-ways.

A comment Luther made was, "I went to church my entire childhood. Its one of the key reasons that I'm not a Christian" ... see. Told you - deep thoughts.

And the way Zombies just want to put ear phones in your ears... they just want you to hear their commentary of the Bible & agree with it completely... some deep stuff if you really look into what the story is saying.

And it also has humor. There were witty little one liners that made me chuckle too... little insights that you're like, "yep, I totally get that"...

But its a different book too... At parts, I would get wrapped up in it & wanted to see where it was going... other times, I was just confused... & other times, I was just getting bored with it.

I would say this is something to check out if you're bored with all the other books out there right now... also if you have a good imagination & if you are open minded.
& lucky for you, you get a chance at winning your own copy. GIVEAWAY INFO!!!! Just leave a comment & tell me your favorite "monster" movie or tv show ... the winner will receive a certificate that allows them a free copy of the book.

& if you want to learn more about the author, stop by his site: http://mattmikalatos.com/

A Life in Stitches

2011-10-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

Book: A Life in Stitches

Author: Rachel Herron

As every knitter knows, the richness of life is woven into every piece you create. A scarf for a loved one isnt just a warm piece of clothing, its a stiched symbol of affection, making it even warmer. A sweater struggled over, cables finally wrestled into perfect twists, the neckline finally worked at the right place, becomes more than just something to wear on cold days; it becomes a wearable proof of accomplishment.

In these twenty heartfelt pieces, Rachael Herron, shares the touches of a life spent knitting, From her very first sweater (a hilarious disaster to say the least) to the yellow afghan that caused a breakup (& ultimately a breakthrough), this beautifully crafted and candidily funny collection is perfect for the knitter who loves to read and the reason who loves to knit.

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Oh my goodness - that last line is so spot on.

I loved reading this book if only because it made my love of knitting so much stronger.

Rachael would tell the story of her life & weave it in wtih stories of knitting & knitting projects along her journey. Some funny stories, some heart felt stories, some stories that even made me tear up...

If you are a knitter - you'll totally enjoy this book.
If you're not a knitter, when you finish this book you'll want to be one.

My Rating: 4 skeins

Mercy Come Morning

2011-10-03T10:28:00.000-07:00

Book: Mercy Come Morning

Author: Lisa Tawn Bergren

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

Krista Mueller is in a good place. She’s got a successful career as a professor of history; she’s respected and well-liked; and she lives hundreds of miles from her hometown and the distant mother she could never please. It’s been more than a decade since Alzheimer’s disease first claimed Charlotte Mueller’s mind, but Krista has dutifully kept her mother in a first-class nursing home.

Now Charlotte is dying of heart failure and, surprised by her own emotions, Krista rushes to Taos, New Mexico, to sit at her estranged mother’s side as she slips away. Battling feelings of loss, abandonment, and relief, Krista is also unsettled by her proximity to Dane McConnell, director of the nursing home—and, once upon a time, her first love. Dane’s kind and gentle spirit—and a surprising discovery about her mother—make Krista wonder if she can at last close the distance between her and her mother … and open the part of her heart she thought was lost forever.
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First Line: "She's dying, Krista."

This was the first time I read a book by this author. I enjoyed her style of writing very much. It was easy to read, but full of powerful visuals & emotion.

The story of Krista & her mother & the relationship they had was rough to read at times. How hard it was to witness the final days of her mother's life with all the past still fresh & forefront of her mind. But Krista works through not only the relationship with her, but with also her friend Dane, who owns the facility that her mother is in... as well as a past event that shaped so much of her life.

The story is full of Jesus & the grace & forgivness! Loved that...

But it was also a hard story to read as you knew her mother was going to be passing away... & the emotions of that were just raw to me. I literally sat & cried as the time finally came.

While the story has its tear-worthy-moments, its still full of those things I mentioned earlier - grace, mercy & forgivness - quite a good ending to it all.

My Ratings: 4 Skeins

Embrace Me

2011-08-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

Book: Embrace Me

Author: Lisa Samson

When a "lizard woman," a self-mutilating preacher, a tattoed monk, and a sleazy lobbyist find themselves in the same North Carolina town one winter, their lives are edging precariously close to disaster . . . and improbably close to grace

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First Line: It's amazing how good a priest looks when you've got nobody else to turn to.

I wasnt sure about this book. It seemed to start off slow to me, but somewhere in the middle, surprise kicked in & I was involved in the story. I dont want to give away any surprises - because it is what made the book for me...

& maybe you'll get it sooner - I'm a tad slow on picking up things - but it was a very cool twist in the book.

I loved the characters - Valentine & her fiesty attitude. As someone who had been bured, I especially related with her issues & how she felt. I also loved her "freak" (their words - not mine) partner who she helped. Such a sweet soul. I wanted Lella for my own friend.

You will love Augustine as you meet this tattoed monk & all he does - even with his grey dreads.

In the end, the story of forgiveness is all it took to win me over.

My Rating: 4 skeins

Lost & Found

2011-08-18T12:13:00.000-07:00

Book: Lost & Found

Author: Carolyn Parkhurst

What do a suburban mom and her troubled daughter, two recently divorced brothers, a pair of former child stars, born-again Christian newlyweds, and a couple of young millionaires have in common? They have all been selected to compete on Lost and Found, a daring new reality TV show. In teams of two, they will scour the globe - from Egypt to Japan, from Sweden to England - to battle for a million-dollar prize. They must decipher encrypted clues, recover mysterious artifacts, and outwit their opponents to stay in play.

What starts as a lark turns deadly serious as the number of players is whittled down, temptations beckon, and the bonds between partners strain and unravel. Before long the question is not only who will capture the final prize, but at what cost
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First Line: "By the sixth leg of the game, we have accumulated the following objects: a ski pole, a bishop from a crytal chess set, a sheet of rice paper, a trlobite fossil, an aviators helmet & a live parrot.

I love reality TV... & this book is right in there - with a race that is similar to "The Amazing Race" - teams of couples that have interesting stories travling around the world together, learning more about each other - the good & bad - & seeing who makes it to the end.

There are MANY characters here & I actually had to write them all down - in teams & who they were... & then they end up switching so I had to mark that as well... I think I would have been a little lost if I didnt have my "cheat sheet" (I'm such a nerd)

Each couple had interesting stories, but the relationship between Laura & Cassie is what holds it together - a mother/daughter duo that is trying to learn to continue life after a tramatic night that changed both of their lives (Dont want to give any spoilers away)... I also loved the relationship between Laura & her NEW partner, Carl. That was a fun twist...

Each chapter is told from someone's view point... we even get the host of the show giving us a few chapters.

While I wasnt expecting some of the language & "adult content" - it was a fun book that held my interest & made me anxious to see how it was all going to end.

My Rating: 4 skeins

Ask Billy Graham

2011-08-11T10:43:00.000-07:00

Book: Ask Billy Graham

Compiled by: Bill Adler

The World's Best-Loved Preacher Answers Your Most Important Questions

Would you like to know what Billy Graham thinks about the most important issues of daily life? What about politics, presidents and terrorism? This book contains answers to questions many of us would ask Billy Graham if we had the good fortune to sit down with the person many call "America's Pastor". Best-selling author Bill Adler arranges topics from Graham's sermons, speeches, interviews, television appearances and writings in an easy to follow Q and A format.

Topics include Billy Graham on: Humor, Politics, Prayer, Technology and Religion, Race, Money, the Church, and Growing Older.

Hear Graham's responses to questions like

*What will heaven be like?
*Why does God bring on natural disasters?
*What do you think about the mixing of religion and politics?
*What do you say to an atheist who doesn't think there is a God?
*What is the greatest spiritual threat facing the United States?
*How can we achieve world peace?
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First Line: Would you like to know what Billy Graham thinks about his life, his work & his family?

I love Billy Graham. Love his teaching, love his passion, love him. I think his presence is powerful for God. I have had the privilege of seeing him in person twice. I have read most of his books, including his autobiography. I think he's a treasure of our country, as well as the world.

So I was excited when I found this book on a clearance shelf.

This book is made up of different questions that has been asked to Mr. Graham over the years from different media sources. The chapters are broken up into topics - Faith, death, Jesus, Presidents, family ...

It is such a quick read ... I literally got through over 200 pages in one afternoon. And such a good 'quote' book - so much in simple sentences that I want to write down to remember. A few of his simple answers even brought tears to my eyes...

The only downside to me on this book (& its not really a downside - just something that bothered me) - was some of the questions were repeated in different chapters. I was just wanting more & more & didnt want to waste time with the things I've already read. But if you were just going to a chapter for the topic, I can see why that would be helpful.

If you love Billy Graham (& who doesnt) then this book is a must!

My Rating: 4 skeins

2011-08-11T04:39:00.000-07:00

(This book was provided to me by Tyndale Publishing Team in exchange for an unbiased review)
Book: Growing up Amish

Author: Ira Wagler

Ira Wagler was born in 1961, the ninth of a Canadian Amish couple's eleven children. At seventeen, in the dark of night, he left the religious settlement, but it was only nine years later that he finally left the church for good. His favorite Bible verse is from Psalm 34: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." In this new memoir, he tells what it was like growing up Old World Amish and what it felt like leaving it for a strange new world. Far more than picturesque; Growing Up Amish conveys one man's heartfelt experience
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First Line: One fateful, starless, April night, I got up at 2:00 am in the pitch black darkness, left a scribbled note under my pillow & walked away - all my earthly belongings stuffed in a little black duffel bag.

I'm usually a fan of biographies & memoirs. I think people's lives are so interesting & insightful, so I was excited to read this book. Especially because the Amish life is so different from my own & I love to know more about it, as it seems to be a guarded community.

I was also excited to see the author was a blogger. If I know you blog, I instantly relate to you & feel like we're blog-family...

I have to say though, this book just wasnt for me. I did enjoy the writing & I did enjoy learning more about the inside of the Amish lifestyle, but for me, the story just didnt hold my interest very well. Just areas that I would have liked to known more about or the reasons why Ira did something, those points would be quickly mentioned & the story moved on. But points of church services & gathering buggies were longer detailed... for me, I just wish it were backwards from each other.

I always feel funny when a book doesnt "reach" me because I know it can still reach someone else & really hold someone else's interset - but, for me, this book was nice. Not life changing, no "ah ha" moments, just nice.

My Rating: 2 Skeins

Thirteen Reasons Why

2011-08-02T17:11:00.000-07:00

Book: Thirteen Reasons Why

Author: Jay Asher

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannan Baker - his classmate & crush - who committed suicide 2 weeks earlier.

Hannah's voice tells him that there are 13 reasons she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out why.

Clay spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a first-hand witness to Hannah's pain, & learns the truth about himself - a truth he never wanted to face.
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First Line: "Sir?" she repeats. "How soon do you want it to get there?"

I have heard & read so much about this book so I was anxious to get my hands on it.....

& I was not disappointed.

This book goes through the tapes that Hannah makes before she makes the decision to end her life.

I dont want to give anything away, but the 13 reasons sort of build on each other & it really shows how things in life are connected as you move on in this world. How situations can build on each other, snowball, & sometimes grow out of control.

It also shows how someone can get frustrated & loose all sense of hope.

It is a heart wrenching story really. My heart goes out to the character, Clay, who we follow as he listens to the tape. He is on the list of the reasons why, & it breaks his heart.... & my heart FOR Clay. Which shows how good the writing is, that I connected so much with this character.

I would love to read another book on how these 13 people interact with each other after hearing these tapes...

Be warned, once you start this book, you wont want to put it down. You'll want to know who the next tape is for, & what happened to drive Hannah to a place of despair.

On a personal side, I want to scream at Hannah that its stupid to let other teenagers drive you to that point of hopelessness, but we know that suicide is a reality that happens so much in our society. This is really a great insight to keep an eye out for the teenagers you know in your life...

Favorite quotes from the book:
"Its hard to be disappointed when what you expected turns out to be true" -Hannah

"I'm listening to someone give up. Someone I knew - someone I liked. I'm listening. But still, I'm too late" - Clay

My rating: 4 skeins

Max on Life

2011-07-26T07:57:00.000-07:00

Book: Max on Life

Author: Max Lucado

We have questions. Real, important & challenging questions. Questions about sex, finances & forgiveness. Unsettling questions regarding illness, suicide, & eternity. Don't we crave answers to these queries that tug on the deepest parts of our hearts?

In Max on Life, one of the most trusted pastors & authors of our time takes on life's most important questions.

_____________________
I am a huge fan of Max Lucado anyways so I always look forward to his next book.

This one didn't disappoint either.

This is a book FULL of questions from ordinary folks. All asking questions about every topic you could imagine. I especially appreciated it because there were questions that I have had myself & also because there were questions that I never even THOUGHT of before...

All the answers, Mr. Lucado brings answers strictly from the Bible - with scriptures to back up his thoughts for his answers. Some of the answers bring peace, some are in your face, but all of it is from God's breathed Word.

It really does cover so many topics... I think this book is perfect just to have around for when someone may have a question that you cant answer yourself. This book would be a good "spring board" to find an answer or to lead to another answer that will suffice someone whose asking a question.

This, to me, is a book that needs to just be kept around for a good reference tool...

My Rating: 5 skeins

Money Secrets of the Amish

2011-07-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

Book: Money Secrts of the Amish

Author: Lorilee Craker

When writer Lorilee Craker learned that the Amish are not just surviving but thriving in the economic downturn, she decided to find out why. What she found out was about a dozed tried & true financials habits the Amish have employed for generations that will make your cash last longer & help you build wealth. Craker provides tips to
*use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without
*rethink your gift giving
*repurpose, recycle & reuse
*eat like royalty for a peasant's pittance
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Who doesnt want more money in today's economic hard times?

This book is really a good, easy read, easy to digest.

I will say, its not full of anything new or "shocking" - its pretty much basic things that you should already know if you have been trying to cut back on money - but its nice to be reminded.

I did love the interviews & things spoken with the Amish - to see their simple ways that they live by & be reminded that money doesnt buy happiness.

I particularly loved the chapter on gift giving as I think its gotten out of control for most families anymore. And also, the idea of "recycling" speaks right to my "green" heart!

As a blogger, I also appreciated the sites that were mentioned for ideas - I already saved a couple of them in my favorites to go back & check out their ideas even now.

While the book isnt really tell me anything I didnt already know - it was a nice read, a good reminder & a push to be more careful of my spending & to be more aware of things I could easily change that would add up in my bank account.

My rating: 3 skeins

Streetwalking with Jesus

2011-06-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

Book: Streetwalking with Jesus

Author: John Green

For over two decades John Green's vocation has been ministering to inner city men on the margins of society in downtown Chicago.

Green didn't set out to be another Dorothy Day or Mother Teresa, and would be quick to tell you he hasn t become one. A product of middle class, church-going comfort and values, he heeded God's challenge to found Emmaus Ministries, which serves some of the modern-day lepers that are in our midst. Struck by the words of Micah 6:8 and the act of a homeless man who gruesomely ended his life in Green's presence, Green vowed to constantly ask himself: How can I live justly? To whom do I show mercy? How may I walk humbly with God?

Deacon Green's lessons learned regarding these hard questions are set against stories of men who struggle to escape poverty, addiction, and sexual sin while encountering Christ in the process. But this book is much more than the account of how one ministry combats a social problem to which most of us wish to remain blind. It is about finding joy in service to others and experiencing love in reaching out to the suffering, all under the shelter of God's unconquerable, abiding love.

Yes, Streetwalking with Jesus will sober you, but with links to evocative songs, a scripture selection to reflect upon, discussion questions, and a prayer at the end of every chapter, you ll come away challenged and inspired to live a deeper, more missional life.
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First Line; Meeting & walking with male prostitues might seem far from the road to Emmaus that Jesus walked after his resurrection.

"Under the Overpass" is one of my favorite books so when I saw this title & knew it was a story about a Christian going into the streets to help the homeless, I was intrigued. I didnt realize it was a story of a man who had a heart mainly to help men in prostitution... I didnt even realize that existed. I learned about myself that I am in the group of "learned blindness" that the author talks about...

This book is really great. First - it touches in 3 different sections on Micah & how we are to act justly, love mercy & to walk humbly with our God... & it breaks it down into how this man is doing it in his mission to help these people that see no God in their life.

Its an easy to read book, in the sense that its an "everyday" kinda talk. Like you can imagine this man sitting down & telling you these stories face to face... not easy in the sense that some of these stories are TOUGH.

I especially love at the end of every chapter, there is a moment to stop... reflect.... John's wife is a musician & she has written songs that you can go & listen to after each chapter... & there are scriptures or quotes that reflect on the thought of that chapter... then questions for you to reflect personally. Because of that - I think it would be a great "study" for college kids - those who are ready to change the world.

This is a book that I wrote down MANY MANY quotes from as well... powerful thoughts... (that is one reason why I have started using Goodreads. You can write down quotes there)

My Rating: 5 skeins ... was going to give it a 4, but the end of the chapter reflections made me go ahead & give it a 5

Last: Perhaps God is begging us to remain.

Heaven Revealed - with a GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-06-16T04:46:00.000-07:00

Book: Heaven Revealed

Author: Paul Enns

Not one of us has been there. But we all have questions about it. Where is heaven? What will we do there? Who will we know? How do we get there?

These questions & more are what Heaven Revealed was written to answer. In this personal & biblical study of heaven, Paul Enns draws upon Scripture to answer our questions about life beyond the grave.

Whether you wonder about a loved one now in heaven or are curious about your own future destination, Heaven Revealed will help with any fears you might have about the lift to come. You'll discover that heaven isnt far away. That your new body will be much improved - & new! And that actually being in heaven is a far cry from floating in the clouds.
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First Line; After I had parked the car, Helen & I walked to the sanctuary, holding hands as we always did when we walked together.

The topic of Heaven always interests me. I know Randy Alcorn had a big book about Heaven that was popular... which I did not personally care for. So I was leery going into this one.

I have to say - I was very impressed with this book. Mainly because it is totally based off Scripture. And while a lot of things are repeated in this book with the same scriptures, it applies to all the questions that are asked. The book is broken up into different questions for each chapter - like "What is the Transition to Heaven" - "What will life be like in Heaven" - "What kind of Body will we have"... & in each chapter, it is broken down with answers that are all based on scriptures... so yes, some of the scriptures apply to different chapters.

For me- its an easy read - easy to understand with personal touches in it.

This is a topic that really, when it comes down to it - something we'll never know until we're there. And until then, its all based on faith... but its good to be reminded on what God's word says about it.

One of my favorite quotes though from the Bible really made me look differently at death:

"God prevented Adam & Eve from eternal sinfulness by giving them the gift of death, the ability to exist this life & arrive safely in the wondrous life to come. Death, though it would appear to be man's greatest enemy, would in the end, prove to be his greatest friend. Only through death can we go to God"

Isnt that a different view?

I was lucky enough to be given an extra book to give away. So if the topic of Heaven interests you, then all you have to do is comment. I'll leave it open until the end of June & then draw a name...

My rating: 3 skeins ... only because it got a little too repetitive & also because some of the questions, they personally didnt hold my interest. That's just my personal taste. Those questions may be exactly what someone else is searching for....

Marathoning for Mortals

2011-05-26T05:59:00.000-07:00

Book: Marathoning for Mortals

Author: John "the Penguin" Bingham & Coach Jenny Hadfield

Once considered a feat for superhuman athletes, the marathon is now within every mortal's grasp. In MFM, you'll find the courage to train, the willpower to perservere & the tenacity to finish one mile after another. John & Jenny stick with you every step of the way, from the first insecure thoughts to your last minute jitters to your supreme joy at the finish line. In MFM, you'll find:
*8 training programs to run, run-walk, walk-run, or walk the half marathon & marathon
*the advice you need to physically, mentally & spiritually reach your dreams
*Tips to help you customize your training, buy the right shoes & apparel & eat the best foods
*Guidance for common motivational, physical & emotional roadblocks

Join John & Jenny on an amazing transformative journey where the finish line is just the beginning.
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First Line: You already have everything you need to be a long distance athlete. Its a mind set - not miles - that seperates those who do from those who dream

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! A friend of mine who I met on Daily Mile just did his first marathon with the help of this book. He recommended it to me & I'm so thankful.

I saw that all my running ("training") was doing it the wrong way. And maybe that's why my times arent improving. I've actually pushed myself too hard...

This book gives wonderful tips, advice, motivation & REALITY. They ask you questions & really stress not to pick a plan that is overwhelming for your age, your health, for YOU! I ended up deciding to use the program that calls for "Run/Walk" half marathons... It will work best for me at my age & my past health & my weight. And they let you know its OK to pick whichever plan... its just a journey between you & crossing that finish line.

I highlighted so many things for encouragements - as well as knowledge I never realized before.

Here are some examples of motivation:

*For nearly everyone, races arent about competition - but rather about celebration.

*In every long distance race, your body eventually gets tired & your mind must take over

*Long distance training an be a positie & constructive form of selfishness. After all, once you're at the starting line, you're there by yourself. No one can run a single step for you. No one can jump in & help you. No one but you can make the decisions about what to do to keep going. ITS ALL UP TO YOU!

(my fav) *Crossing the starting line may be an act of acourage, but crossing the finish line is an act of faith. Faith is what keeps us going when othing else will. Faith is the emotion that will give you victory over your past, the demons in your soul, & all those voices that tell you what you can & cannot do & can & cannot be.

(whoooo - good stuff)

So I start my new plan in this book in a few weeks to prepare for my 4th half marathon in November! I'm excited to do it RIGHT. Excited to see the changes in my body & my time...

My Rating: 5 skeins... I really do recomment it for anyone who is interested in learning to run any long distance. (They also make a book similar for just beginning to run - not necessarily long distances)

Last Line: Waddle on....

The Peach Keeper

2011-05-23T05:30:00.000-07:00

Book: The Peach Keeper

Author: Sarah Addison Allen

Its the dubious distinction of 30-yr old Willa Jackson to hail from a well-to-do old Southern family that met with financial ruin generations ago. The Blue Ridge Madam - built by Willa's great-great-grandfather & once the town's grandest home - has stood for years as a monument to misfortune & scandal. But Will haslearned that an old classmate - socialite do-gooder Paxton Osgood - has restored the Blue Ridge Manadam to its former glory. Maybe, at last, the troubled past can be laid to rest. Instead a skeleton is found buried beneath the property's lone peach tree & long -kept secrets are beginning to come to light, seemingly heralded by a spate of sudden strange occurences. Thrust together in an unlikely friendship, united by a full-blooded mystery, Willa & Paxton must uncover truths that have transcended time & defied the grave to touch the hearts & souls of the living.

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First Line: "The day Paxton Osgood took the box of heavy-stock, foil-lined envelopes to the post office, the one's she'd had a professional calliographer address, it began to rain so hard the air turned as white as bleached cotton"

Isnt that a great first line? I love really descriptive lines in books.

I had never read anything from this author before & really enjoyed this story. It's light hearted, easy to read, fun in areas & mysterious in others. It holds a story of learned friendship... & friendships that have lasted through the span of time. It holds the story of romance being found. It holds the story of a secret that has been kept for years. It also holds the story of women of the South... which I always love.

Its not a deep mystery, but its fun to learn what happened to the skeleton under the tree.

Its not a impacting story, but it is enjoyable enough to not want to stop reading.

I really fell in love with all the characters - especially Willa & Paxton, as well as Sebastian & Colin, Paxton's twin brother. Watching Paxton learn to "grow up" & stand on her own, even in her prim & proper world, had me rooting for her. Especially when her heart was so bare in front of her best friend Sebastian.

You cant help but love all the characters.. even the girls grandmothers... & Rachel, the coffee wiz who can figure everyone's personalities by what they order.

It has moments where its just plain goofy & not you know things cant possibly happen, but you get wrapped up in just the story of it all... & isnt that what a good story is about?

My rating: 4 skeins
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Last Line: She smiled back & said, "Me too"

The Final Summit

2011-05-23T05:17:00.000-07:00

Book: The Final Summit

Author: Andy Andrews

(This book was provided to me from BookSneeze for a unbiased review)

Book Description

David Ponder is back. This time the fate of mankind is in his hands.

This is mankind’s last chance. Centuries of greed, pride, and hate have sent humanity hurtling toward disaster, and far from its original purpose. There is only one solution that can reset the compass and right the ship, and it consists of only two words.

With time running out, it is up to David Ponder and a cast of history’s best and brightest minds to uncover this solution before it is too late. The catch? They are allowed only five tries to discover the answer.

Readers first encountered David Ponder in The Traveler's Gift. Now, in The Final Summit, Andrews combines a riveting narrative with astounding history in order to show us the one thing we must do when we don’t know what to do.

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First Line: "It is amazing, isnt it, how one sound can distinguish itself from another"

I have loved all of Andy Andrews books... have marked them as my favorites in the past... so I was excited when I saw he had another one coming out.

This was the follow up to "The Travelers Gift" - which I also loved. I was anxious to see who David Ponder was going to visit with again.

This time around, it had a more urgent feel, as David has to meet with all the other Travelers & come up with a 2-word answer to save humanity.

I did enjoy some of the characters David spoke with... but some of the others, they just didnt hold my interest. I guess its the History side of me ... I'm picky about who I care to learn about... & mostly, anything involving battles or politics, it looses me... such as some of the characters in the book.

I did enjoy some of the quotes on certain topics the historical people would give...especially the topic of "Hope"... I wrote down tons of quotes on that one..

"Hope sees what is invisible, feels what is intangible & achieves what most consider impossible"

Good stuff, right?

But then, it would just get weird in places. I would get frustrated when I saw quotes from people in today's time being used in the book as something someone said. I saw this happen a few times... one was a quote Billy Graham had used on 'courage'... also saw some of Andy Stanley's ideas being used in this book - it was even labeled exactly as Mr. Stanley's series did with the same ideas of your destination & your direction... I'm sure Mr. Andrews got permission to use this in his book (I would assume) - but it was just weird how it was used ... almost letting these characters who are supposed to be historical, take credit for things other said.

See? A little weird...

So needless to say, I was a little disappointed with the book. I really liked some of the ideas - some of the points on hope & courage... but the vibe of the book was just off to me.

I've seen others who liked it, & others who didnt... so I am assuming this is definitely one of those books you have to choose for youself...

My Rating: 3 Skeins (it woulda been a 2 on the story but some of the quotes really stuck with me marking this up one more skein)
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Last Line: And with a thrust of his wing & a burst of light, he was gone.

The Pirate Queen

2011-04-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

Book: The Pirate Queen

Author: Paticia Hickman

(I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review)

The envy of all her friends, wife & mother, Saphora Warren is the model of southern gentility & accomplishment. She lives in a beautiful Lake Normal home & has raised 3 capable adult children. Her husband is a successful plasic surgeon - & a philanderer. It is for that reason that, after hosting a garden party, Saphora packers her bags to escape the trappings of the picturesque-but-vacant life.

Saphora's departure is interrupted by her husband Bender's early arrival home, & his words change her life forever: I'm dying.

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First Line:
One might have observed that all the right people had been invited to the Warren estate for the 'Southern Living' shoot.

I just love Christian fiction. This story had has much intrigue & pull & "soap opera" drama to it, but without all the dirt & filth of most books like that. It was just a good story. A good story of a woman who was in a place in life that left her unhappy... only to receive the news of her husband dying. How would she deal with it?

You see the strength in Saphora as she takes her husband to their summer home & helps him on his hunt for peace as he is dying. Peace that Saphora finds along the way herself.

I loved this family - between the Warren children (especially love the daughter, Gwennie) & the grandchildren, you really feel like you understand this family in the end.

I was suprised more so of the characters that you dont even think are going to come into the picture...a young boy named Tobias, who befriends one of the grandchildren, Eddie. Tobias just makes his way into all of their hearts, especially with the battles he's facing.

And the neighbor Luke, who rescues part of the Warren family in his own way...

I truly adored this book, the ease of the reading of the story & the connections all the characters had. From the pastor who helped Bender learn more about God, to Saphora's sister, Emerald who is the family drama queen - its just full of characters... but all that you can keep up with.

I particularly loved the last chapter... many years down the road, seeing how the lives turned out. A glimpse of further down the road & how at the beginning, you would have never thought how it would have all turned out.. .sorta like our own lives, huh?

My rating: 4 skeins
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Last Line:
It was time to start saying hello instead of goodbye

Crazy Love

2011-03-10T10:24:00.000-08:00

Book: Crazy Love

Author: Francis Chan

Have you ever wondered if we're missing it?

It's crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe - the Creator of nitrogen & pine needles, galazes & E-minor - loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrficing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, & try not to cuss.

Whether you've verbalized it yet or not ... we all know somethings wrong.

Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isnt working harder at a list of to-do's & don't... its falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same.

Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.
__________________________

First Line: We all know something is wrong.

This was the book of the year at Family Christian Bookstore... it's also been read I think by every Christian I know. And I had never read it.

I have seen videos & messages from Francis Chan & take his wisdom with a great respect. So what was holding me back from reading this?

I got it & started reading.. & then life kicked in - I think it took me longer to read this book then any other book - but I didnt want to skimp on it or move too fast... because it was good... it was powerful.... it was a kick in the gut.

Chapters on the "lukewarm" & "Profiles of the Obsessed" really showed me how short I fall. I actually closed out the chapter called "Profile of the Lukewarm" so upset & feeling like, "No one is going to make it..." - not what Mr. Chan was thinking when he wrote this book... but it was that eye opening to me. Thank God that he ended the chapter reminding the reader that we do have God's mercy & grace... but that should inspire us to kick off some of that "lukewarm-ness"

This book is filled with so much GOOD STUFF... here are a few of my favorite quotes/lines

*We are slow to listen, quick to speak & quick to become angry. The wise man comes to God without saying a word & stands in awe of Him.

*WORRY implies that we dont quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives. STRESS says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace towards others or our tight grip of control. Basically, these 2 behaviors communicate that its OK to sin & not trust God because the stuff in my life is somehow exceptional.

*Harsh words & the loving truth often go hand in hand

*The irony is that while God doesnt NEED us but still WANTS us, we desperately NEED God but dont really WANT Him most of the time. He treasurers us & anticipates our departure from this earth to be with Him - & we wonder, indifferently, how much we have to do for Him to get by.

*Something is wrong when our lives make sense to unbelievers.

*How much would my life change if I actually thought of each person I came into contact with as Christ...

I have many many more things I wrote down... each so powerful to me...

This book is definitely eye opening, thought provoking, inspiring to make you want to rethink your relationship with God.. to think about how Crazy in Love He is with us.. are we with Him?

My Rating: 5 skeins
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Last Line
May you be able to say at the end of your life, along with Paul:
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, & not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing." -2 Timothy 4:7-8

A Little Bit Wicked

2011-02-05T08:25:00.000-08:00

Book: A Little Bit Wicked

Author: Kristin Chenoweth with Joni Rodgers

You might know her as a Tony Award Winning Broadway star, who originated the role of Glinda the Good Witch in the smash musical "WICKED" & won a Tony for 1999's "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown". Or you may recognize her from starring roles on TV - The West Wing, Pushing Daisies, Seasame Street... Or maybe you say her sexy spread in FHM Magazine? Or her appearance on Pat Robertson's The 700 Club? Kristin is a wonderful collection of contradictions - but everyone who's ever met her remembers her as the little girl with the big voice. At four foot eleven, Kristin Chenoweth is an immense talent in a petite but powerful package.

___________________

First Line: "I face myself in the full-length mirror, stability in one hand, sex in the other"

I adore Kirstin Chenoweth... everything about her. Her voice is like an angel, she always seem like Ms. Perky in every interview I've ever seen her on, & who doesnt love a girl that can make you believe she's really Glinda, floating in a bubble? Not to mention, she totally rocks every time she's on GLEE & how did you not love her on Pushing Daisies? (I'm still bitter the show got canceled... bitter...)

I love an autobiography anyways, but I especially loved reading the life of this lady. She is exactly what I expected her to be.... charming, funny, talented & full of love for her family & friends.

I also learned more about her... I never realized she was adopted. I never knew she was in a serious on/off relationship with Aaron Sorkin (aka Mr.Writer). I never knew she was shunned from Women of Faith because of her love for people... (that part made me very sad & disappointed in fellow Christians)....

.... I do love most of all that she always keeps her faith & her relationship with God close to her & to who she is. One of my favorite pages of the book, she writes the questions she wants to ask God when she gets there. My favorite question she asks, "Are you proud of me?" .... that thought from her speaks tons of who she is... adorable

The book sort of jumps from current to past in weird ways... making it a little odd to read at times. I did enjoy the book though... not sure if its because I love Kristin or if it was a good book... I do know, I'd love to be Kristin's friend.

My Rating: 4 skeins

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Last Line: Life's too short. I'm not.

Mere Churchanity

2011-01-18T12:19:00.000-08:00

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review
Book: Mere Churchianity

Author: Michael Spencer (The Internet Monk)

Have you left the church in search of Jesus? Studies show that 1 in 4 young adults claim no formal religious affliation, & church leaders have long known that this generation is largely missing on Sunday morning. Hundreds of thousands of "church leavers" have had a mentor and pastor, however, in Michael Spencer, known to blog readers as the Internet Monk.
Spencer discovered the truth that church offiicals often miss, which is that many who leave the church do so in an attempt to find Jesus.
In this book, Spencer's writing continutes to point the disenchanted & dispossessed to a Jesus-shaped spirtuality. And along the way, his teachs show how you can find others who will go with you on the journey.
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First Line: This book began with an athiest in a Diary Queen, 33 years ago.

The first words that come to mind when I think of this book is: THE TRUTH HURTS

Ouch...

The things Mr. Spencer says about the church, I have to say, I tend to agree with his views & his reasoning.

One of my favorite things he said is:

"Following Jesus does not require you to pledge allegiance to a religious instituion"

He made some amazing points about how people view Christians - how churches view Jesus & how churches also pick & choose what they want to see of Jesus... & what they teach of Jesus.

"What would atheists see if Christianity were something Jesus himself wouldnt recognize?"

"Would Jesus invest in 80 acres of prime suburban real estate so he could build a "campus" as a way to chagne the world?

I was reading this, shaking my head so much at the beginning.... but then, it just got depressing. Because again, THE TRUTH HURTS... & I also see everything he was saying about the church... & it became over whelming to keep reading it & reading it & knowing what he was saying had bits of truth in it.

I kept waiting for an "answer" at the end - what to look for in a church - a good church... but never really got that answer. And Mr. Spencer wasnt saying there arent good churches out there... but there was definitely more of what is wrong in churches... which again, I see his point.

The saddest part... I can see where Jesus would feel that way too...

In the end, it was a good reminder that we arent to follow a CHURCH - we are to follow JESUS... & we are to read about Jesus ourselves - we are to learn what Jesus lays on our hearts .... its not always about having a set of rules set by a church - or feeling like the churches judgement on us is the final judgement we will have. (Amen!) ... the answer is easy really.. Look to Jesus... that's all...

"There is little need for large churches stuffed with satisfied audiences. There is a great need for a movement of disciples going inot the over looked places of the world to see & serve the Kingdom of God."

My Rating: 3 skeins .... because I'm so torn on how it made me feel. Pumped up... then very discouraged...

Very thought provoking though... I think everyone that belongs to a church - & every Pastor - should read this book... see if you find yourself in the things He says... or if you ARE standing & preaching & teaching for ONLY Jesus....

Last Line: And finally, when we come home, we will find that Jesus has made us like himself, & yet, amazingly, we will have remained in every way ourselves.

Saved Without a Doubt

2011-01-04T11:29:00.000-08:00

Book: Saved Without a Doubt

Author: John MacArthur

Am I really going to Heaven? Am I really saved?
At some point, everyone has experienced thoughts like these. Is there any way to overcome those nagging doubts? Now you can put them to rest by answering a resounding "YES!"
Author John MacArthur carefully examines classical biblical texts affirming the forever quality of salvation, without ignoring the troubling passages that seem to indicate otherwise. Eleven biblical tests show how those truths apply to you, helping you determine once & for all whether you've experienced salvation. you can make your feelings with your faith & by taking an encouraging look at victory in the spirit & the unshakable promises of God, persevere!

_______________________

First Line: It's a heartache to me, as a pastor to realize that so many Christians lack assurance of their salvation.

That first line is why the book is called "Saved Without a Doubt"

Can I tell you - I have NO IDEA how I got this book. It literally came in the mail one day to me - & I have no idea how it got to me - no return address, nothing in it, but the book. But the title intrigued me, so I read it.

I will say, its not an easy read... I got confused in areas, got totally lost in other places & even had to skip some sections after getting nothing but frustrated for not understanding.

But it did have areas that really spoke to me & that I really loved... lines like:

"Jesus serves as the anchor of our souls, who forever keeps us from drifting away from God"

"He that lacks assurance of God's love, converses too much with Satan...." (that's goood stuff there!)

There was a section on forgiveness - my favorite topic - & I loved these 3 things:

"What you can't forget - God cant remember!' .... how awesome is that line?

"You may never be able to forget the years of wandering, the many sins of which you have been guilty. But that which gives peace is the knowledge that God will never recall them again. He has blotted them from the book of remembrance & he has done it in righteousness, for the account is completely settled. The debt is paid"

And I loved this - it was from a new believer who was saying why he believed he would be in Heaven:
"If anyone is ever to be kept out of Heaven for my sins - it would have to be Jesus - for He took them all upon Himself & made Himself responsible for them. But HE IS IN HEAVEN! - never to be turned out - so now, I KNOW I AM SECURE" .... isn't that a cool way to think about it?

Because it was hard, it takes my rating down - but with some wonderful stuff like I mentioned, it raised it back up a little - averaging it out...

My rating: 3 skeins
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Last Line: He will see to that for sure.

He Sees you when you're sleeping

2011-01-03T08:26:00.000-08:00

Book: He Sees You When You're Sleeping

Authors: Mary Higgins Clark & Carol Higgins Clark

Meet Sterling Brooks. His was not an exemplary life - he was too self-absorbed to ever really think about anyone else or make a commitment to the women he loved. On the other hand, he had endearing qualities. His actual misdeeds were few - his were sins of omission, not commission.

It is a few days before Christmas. For 46 years, Sterling has lingered in the celestial waiting room outside the heavenly gates, awaiting summons by the Heavenly Council. Will he be deemed fit for entrance into heaven? At last the day comes & the council settles on a test for Sterling - he will be sent back to earth & given an opportunity to prove his worthiness by helping someone else.

Sterling Brooks finds himself in Manhattan, at the skating rink in Rockefeller Center. Among the skaters is a heartbroken seven-year-old named Marissa, & as Sterling soon realizes, it is SHE has has been sent to help. Marissa's sadness comes from her seperation from the father she adores & her sparkling grandmother. Both have been forced into the Witness Protection Program because two mobsters, the Badgett Brothers, have put a price on their heads to prevent their testifying against them in an arson case.

Sterling, able to move back & forth in time & place, masterminds a plan to eliminate the threat from the Badgett brothers & reunite Marissa with her loved ones.
________________________

First Line: "There's nothing worse than listening to the sounds of preparations for a great party, knowing that you're not invited"

I love Mary Higgins Clark - have so many of her mysteries. So this was a book I had on my shelf for years but put it off because I always wanted to read it around Christmas time. This year was the year. It was an easy, quick read - not long at all - & a cute story. It had predictable parts & a few surprises. While it wasnt the best book I've read of Mrs. Clark, it was a good, light read for the Christmas season. A cute little story to end my 2010 book reading...

My rating: 3 skeins
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Last Line: "Glory to the Newborn King....."

Under the Overpass

2010-12-15T08:36:00.000-08:00

Title: Under the Overpass (A journey of faith on the streets of America)

Author: Mike Yankoski

(This book was given to me in exchange for a fair, unbiased review)

Ever wonder what it would be like to live homeless? Mike Yankoski did more than just wonder. By his own choice, Mike's life went from upper-middle class plush to scum-of-the-earth repulsive overnight. With only a backpack, a sleeping bag, & a guitar, Mike & his traveling companion, Sam, set out to experience life on the streets in six different cities: Denver, Washington DC, Portland, San Francisco, Phoenix & San Diego.

For more then 5 months, the pair experience firsthand the extreme pains of hunger, the constant danger of living on the streets, exhaustion, depression & social rejection - all by their own choice. They wanted to find out if their faith was real, if they could actually be the Christians they said they were apart from the comforts they'd always known... to discover what it feels like to be homeless in America.

Mike & Sam's story is gritty, challenging, & utterly captivating. What you encounter in these pages will radicially alter how you see your world - & may even change your life.
___________________

First Line: Real punches arent as sharp & clean as Hollywood makes them out to be.

I have to say - I think EVERY PERSON - EVERY CHRISTIAN - EVERY CHURCH GOER needs to read this book!!!!! This book has totally changed the way I look at the world, the homeless, the way the church handles people - so many things... this book has opened my eyes & my heart...

The journey of these two men is so powerful...to see the people that they meet along the way, from people who are struggling to survive, to people who are drug addicts & have mental disorders, to the experiences they have to go through - it will move you... it SHOULD move you... because its the real world. A world that we dont like to think about & a world we try to ignore....

The most earth shaking moments for me were when they would encounter churches that would turn them away because they were "dirty" or "smelly"... CHURCHES!!!!!!!!! A Pastor of a church told them they werent "that kind of church" to offer any food to them... wow... the reactions of Christians just made me look in a mirror at myself - how would I react?

And then, yes, there were some amazing Christians who live their faith! My favorite story was about a young man the homeless called "The Jesus Guy" - he said he never once preached Jesus - just came down & offered pizzas & conversations once a week... He said, "Isnt it amazing that when we live as we're called & do what we're commanded, the gospel still gets preached" ... Amen

I have a journal of 7 pages of nothing but quotes from this book that rocked me...

From stories of Christians preaching "Fire & Brimstone" to people who are already suffering: "... it seemed they were accusing these broken people of being broken...."

From people kicking out these men out of churches while drug dealers on the street could preach a mighty word of God: "Why do we kick drug users out of the church while quietly over looking those who are ignoring their own different but equally destructive sins? Why do we reject the loving, self-sacrificing, giving, encouraging Jesus-pursuing drug addict, but recruit the clean, self-interested, gossiping, loveless church goer?"

From youth groups coming & serving the homeless: "Something critical is missing in places that care for the broken & needy if the only people there are also broken & needy"

I could go on & on... I'm telling you... if you want a powerful read - that is easy to take in - READ THIS BOOK!!!!!

Last year, for Christmas, I got everyone "The Noticer" .... if I can find this book in time, I will be purchasing this for everyone I know... that's how good it is!!!

If you want to see more about it and/or sample a chapter of the book, go here:
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/2010/09/14/sneak-peek-under-the-overpass-5th-anniversary-edition/

My rating: 5 Skeins (no doubts!!!!)
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Last Line: Walk off the Edge with Him

Beastly

2010-11-20T09:08:00.000-08:00

Book: Beastly

Author: Alex Flinn

A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog, but a horrible new creature who walks upright - a creature with fangs & claws & hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.

You think I'm talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It's no deformity, no disease. And I'll stay this way forever - ruined - unless I can break this spell.

Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day & prowls by night? I'll tell you. I'll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, & the perfect life. And then, I'll tell you how I became perfectly.... beastly.

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First Line: I could feel everyone looking at me, but I was used to it.

I have been blogging about the movie that is coming out & I am so excited about it... so when a friend told me the book was out, I had to read it.

First, the book doesnt look like the previews of the movie - so dont know how "much" of the book is in the movie... but its still the story of the classic Beauty & the Beast... & if you know me, that steals my heart everytime.

This book is tagged as a "YA" - Young Adult book ... I can see that when it talks about Kyle being 16 years old & in high school... but its still a fun little, quick read.

Its not the BEST book I've ever read... And if I wasnt such a Beauty & the Beast fan, I'm not sure how much I would have loved it...

It did have some great lines in it though... when Kyle, who becomes "Adrian" changes & his heart softens, its so sweet to see the words that pour out of him to Lindy. The relationship between Adrian & the witch, Kendra is very interesting too. I especially love the blind tutor that is hired to take care of Adrian, Will... which I see in the movie, Neil Patrick Harris plays (YIPEE!)

My rating: 3 skeins for everyone... (for me, being a B&B fan, 4 skeins)

Last Line: I hold my hand out to her. "May I have this dance?"

Safe Haven

2010-11-11T05:04:00.000-08:00

Book: Safe Haven

Author: Nicholas Sparks

When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two relucant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart & 2 younger children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. Despire her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community & becoming increasingly attached to Alex & his family.

But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts & terrifes her... a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo's empathetic & stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety & one of riskier rewards... & that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven.

_______________________

First Sentence: As Katie wound her way among the tables, a breeze from the Atlantic rippled through her hair.

I've always been a Nicholas Sparks fan. So when I see he has a new book out, I have to check it out.
Reading the inside cover (see above) - I could already figure out how the story was going to go... honestly, most "love stories" are fairly predictable...

What I wasnt prepared for was the intensity of the story. This story deals with physical abuse in a marriage Katie is running from. (I dont feel that is giving away much of the story.... you could figure out this early in the story) ... but the story reminded me so much of the movie, "Sleeping with the Enemy" with Julia Roberts... it was all I could envision while reading it.

I dont do well with stories of physical abuse... it sickens me... it makes me angry... I dont understand it...so needless to say, I had a lot of emotion reading this book.

The story would flip back & forth to the story of Katie & then to her husband who was looking for her, Kevin. Honestly, I had to skip parts of the story of Kevin, because it was so neurotic - crazed!!!! The story was very straight on on reflecting the crazed mind this man had... & it made me a nervous wreck...

The book is a beautiful love story of a family, Alex with his children finding Katie & how they all love each other... the new relationships between the two of them & Katie & the children... that part was precious... but then it would flip into the madness of a mind of a psychopath... & then the meeting of the two. I literally couldnt put down the book in the last 100 pages to see how it would end.

In the end, it wasnt Mr. Sparks best book...("A walk to remember" is still my favorite!!!) - it was a gripping read... but the end also had a unique twist that some might enjoy - I personally thought it was corny (I wont give any of that away) - but that along with the frantic mind of Kevin, I was anxious to just get to the ending...

My Rating: 3 skeins

Last Sentence: She knew what she believed

Choosing to See

2010-10-18T05:10:00.000-07:00

Book: Choosing to See

Author: Mary Beth Chapman

I’ve told my kids for years that God doesn’t make mistakes,” writes Mary Beth Chapman, wife of Grammy award winning recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman. “Would I believe it now, when my whole world as I knew it came to an end?” Covering her courtship and marriage to Steven Curtis Chapman, struggles for emotional balance, and living with grief, Mary Beth’s story is our story–wondering where God is when the worst happens. In Choosing to SEE, she shows how she wrestles with God even as she has allowed him to write her story–both during times of happiness and those of tragedy. Readers will hear firsthand about the loss of her daughter, the struggle to heal, and the unexpected path God has placed her on. Even as difficult as life can be, Mary Beth Chapman Chooses to SEE. Includes a 16-page full color photo insert.

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For those of you that know me - you know Steven Curtis Chapman is the one person in the world I would love to sit down & have dinner with - talk to & get to know more about. This book was the next best thing - written by his wife - so I also adore (heck, I love the whole family!!!)

I loved that it had some background on Mary Beth & Steven meeting & their young marriage & the birth of their children. Then the adventure into adoption that God led them on...

And then we go through the horrible accident that involved their precious Maria & the way this family that puts their faith in God, how they withstood the attack that satan threw at them....

But you really do get a glimpse into the Chapman household... which made me zoom through this book in 2 days time. I sighed at the young love of these two young college kids... I laughed at the idea of Steven Curtis Chapman putting a fire out in his underwear... I cried at the personal letters everyone in the family wrote to Maria to include with her "shell" at the funeral.

Being a big fan as well, I remember Steven Curtis Chapman changing his 'look" when the accident happened. This book even explained what happened with that - why his head was shaved & where the beard came from... that small story just broke my heart... I even had to read it to Ricky to share... that's the kind of book this is. Small parts that will reach out & grab your heart & you see a family that has struggled through so much...

But a family that has also been so extremely blessed - with each other & the ministry that they share.

Of course, being a SCC fan, you knew I was going to love it - but I think any mother will appreciate this story - anyone who has adopted will appreciate it - anyone who sadly has lost a child will appreciate the sharing of Mary Beth's grief & openness with it...

My rating: 5 skeins (was there ANY doubt?)

Sun Stand Still

2010-10-12T12:29:00.000-07:00

Book: Sun Stand Still

Author: Steven Furtick

This book is not a Snuggie. The words on these pages will not go down like Ambien. I'm not writing to calm or coddle you. With God's help, I intend to incite a riot in your mind. Trip your breakers & turn out the lights in your favorite hiding places of insecurity & fear. Then flip the switch back on so that God's truth can illuminate the divine destiny that may have been lying dorman inside you for years.

In short, I'm out to activiate your audacious faith. To inspire you to ask God for the impossible. And in the process, to reconnect you with your God-sized purpose & potential.
-Steven Furtick

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First Line: I can't lie - its a pretty cool feeling to have Bono as your opening act.

In the Bible - Joshua was in the midst of a battle... the sun was getting ready to set & Joshua knew he'd lose his advantage if it got dark... he prayed to God for help... & God answered... by making the SUN STAND STILL... the sun stayed in the same place ... causing Joshua to become the overcome... God being the VICTOR!

So the book is about having that same sort of prayer - an audacious kind of prayer...

I'm a fan of Steven Furtick anyways & his messages online. I've always said I've GOT to get to Elevation church one day & experience it in person. But this book is exactly how he talks - & its why I really soaked in every word.

From stories of what a "Page 23 Vision" is - to being a "Wave Jumper" & "Praying like a Juggernaut" - I loved every chapter. My favorite was "Mistake into Miracle" - when you feel like God cant use you & your vision & listen to your audacious prayers because of your mistakes you've made... when its for those mistakes that usually God WILL use you!!! The story of Norm & his mistakes & his journey had me in tears.

I loved how the chapters had personal stories - from Steven's life - or from others in his church - examples of today & of Biblical examples, that made the point hit home.

I dont think I've ever highlighted more of a book in my life!... Here are some of my favorite lines:

*If the size of your vision for your life isn't intimidating to you, there's a good chance it's insulting to God.

*How radically different would modern American youth culture be if we stopped raising our kids to survive their world & started empowering them with a vision to change it?

*Biblical audacity is a mind-set that approaches God with confidence & believes him for the impossible.

*You might be thinking you're unimpressive & unqualified. That's good. God performs the most impressive feats through the most unimpressive people.

*Maybe you're afraid that if you pray a Sun Stand Still prayer & live by audacious faith, you'll end up letting God down. But the reality is, you were never holding him up!

... I have TONS more... believe me...its just that full of good stuff!!!

I'm leaving this book thinking about MY Page 23 Vision & how I pray - how specific I am going to God in what I want for that Vision... I'm excited to see the change it makes.

So - My rating: 4 skeins ..

& its only 4 because I struggle with "non fiction" books... this is the BEST I've read out of that area... but still, this is a personal rating...

Last Line: Welcome to the middle of a move of God.

Mockingjay

2010-10-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

Book: Mockingjay

Author: Suzanne Collins

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arema in the cruel & haunting Quarter Quell, & it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows & is plotting to overthroat the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains - Except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, & to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger & distrust. She must become the rebels Mockingjay - no matter what the personal cost.
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First Line: I stare down at my shoes, watching as a fine layer of ash settles on the worn leather.

After getting through the first two books, I was dying to get to this book to see how it would all end. I even got home from work on Friday, pulled the book out & didnt put it down until I was finished - Saturday morning!

We continue watching the lives of Katniss & Peeta & the after effects of the war against the Capitol.

I have to say, I'm not a big "battle" kind of girl so the idea of planning attacks & the battles with the different Districts was lost on me. The "battles" in the games were different - it was more personal. This was moreof a news report on CNN & that didnt appeal to me. But when the story turned personal again, I loved it.

I dont want to give anything away (I will in the botton section though!) but I was surprised at some of the turns ... who lives, who died...

While Katniss still is a fighter, I think this book showed more of her weakness & fraility.

I did enjoy the character of Finnick & the friendship he & Katniss had... as well as Boggs...Haymitch made me style in his "drunken" character that you think is so strict, but you see if really just a lonely man who's looking out for Katniss & Peeta.

I was also surprised at how in this book, the end of each chapter usually made me gasp, but the beginning of the next chapter would be a big jump in time & the story didnt instantly continue... you'd have to read as they would have "flashbacks"... that was different from the other books... took me a bit to get used to.

This definitely wasnt my favorite of the series... I am glad to know how the story ends though. Feel like I can breath... because I did hold my breath through most of this book...

My rating: 4 skeins
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Final Line: But there are much worse games to play.

WARNING: Spoilers below!!!

OK - I have to talk about some stuff that I question and/or that bothered me....

*What happened to Gale? I was waiting for some big try from him for Katniss to love him - but he just sort of got lost in the "battle" & war of the last book... that disappointed me
*I was expecting more of a way for Katniss to bring Peeta back from his "insanity" ... disappointing
*It got on my nerves how it was mentioned over & over about Katniss not being able to "repay" when someone helped them...
*I was but wasnt surprised that Katniss killed Coin... got a chuckle out of it...
*Still am not sure who did the attack on the kids in front of the Capitol - which side
*Was so sad that Finnick died...
*had to read it a few times to understand that Prim died... that surprised me... I was expecting Gale or Peeta to die - not her! ... after everything Katniss did to protect her, she died in the end... that was a sad turn of events.
*Couldnt believe ANY of the tributes would agree to the vote of having another "Hunger Games" with the Capitol's children...
*Was happy to see the ending with Peeta & Katniss though... definitely thought they were destined for each other...

Now, I'm just dying for the movie version!!!!!

Catching Fire

2010-09-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

Book: Catching Fire

Author: Suzanne Collins

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She & fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family & her longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capital - a rebellion that Katniss & Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueld an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss & Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Vicotry Tour, the stakes are higher then ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for one another, the consequences will be horrifying.
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First Line: I clasp the flash between my hands even though the warmed from the tea has long since leached into the frozen air.

I have never been so into a series of books since Twilight.

We are back with Katniss as her & Peeta go back to the life of Victors... only to find out nothing can ever be the same. Between the relationship between the two of them - the relationship between her & Gale...their lives in general

I dont want to say too much because the summary doesnt give away the heart of the book - which really made me gasp... & say things like "WHAT?" - "How can that happen?" - "That's not fair!" ... like its a real story ... that's how much I've gotten into this book!

(I swear, if I didnt have Mockingjay to go right into, I'd be in hysterics!!!)

What can I say without given too much away .... Katniss is still a fighter - someone who loves her family & is torn between two loves. I do think we see more vulnerability from her this time. Peeta, this book, is still the most amazing person with words - still so in love with Katniss.

I particurly loved Cinna this book...gotta love a designer with an attitude!!!

This book truly leaves you hanging for the next book... so you can bet I'll be starting Mockingbird in just a few hours. I've got to take a breath before I dive right back in.... On a good 90% of the end of each chapter, I had to cover my mouth while I gasped... yes, it was that good & surprising...

I have to say, I'm afraid to go into the final book...afraid to see how it all ends... because one thing I've learn about these books - they're not afraid of surprises... & death...

My Rating: 5 skeins... exciting, drawn me completely in, I honestly couldnt stop reading...
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SPOILER: LAST LINE....(Dont read if you dont want to see the final line... gives away part of the story)
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"Katness, there is no District Twelve."

The Hunger Games

2010-09-24T17:43:00.000-07:00

Book: The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

In the ruins of a place once knwon as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by 12 outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh & crush & keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy & one girl between the ages of 12-18 to participate in the annual "HUNGER GAMES" - a fight to the death on live TV.

16 yr old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother & younger sister, regard it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before - & survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity & life against love.
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First Line:
When I wake up, the other side of the bed is cold.

I heard all about this series & thought, "What's the big deal" so when this last book (Mockingjay) came out, I figured I would get the whole series...

And then I read what it was about? How can a book about teens playing a death match game be ANY good? Isnt that sort of weird - & morbid? I couldnt imagine how it could be entertaining at all.

I was wrong... I was wrapped up in the story within the first few chapters.

I went to where Katniss was living - to a time set in the future - to where "Districts" are so neglected by "The Capitol" - to a time where people have to come together & trade for their needs, which still doesnt do anything but let them live in poverty.

You get to know Katniss as this amazing young lady - who takes care of her family & wont let her young sister enter the "Hunger Games" when her name is drawn. You get to know the friendship she has with Gale. You feel her strength as she enters into this nightmarish game - you see her strengths in hunting & with the bow & arrow. You see the relationship that she forms with her District Team Mate Peeta. You see what she is willing to sacrifice for him - & other team mates... You also see she's not a weak person in any sense...

This book was violent - but not as bad as I thought it would be... But I mean, when you talk about young kids getting killed for a game, its sort of disturbing.

I literally couldnt put the book down though. Each chapter would end & I was hanging on the last words & had to head right into the next chapter.

The idea that a world is OK with watching a game like this on TV shakes me, but even more because I wonder if its something that could come in the future.... remember that movie with Arnold S - "The Running Man" - that's what it reminds me of... people betting on who dies...

Luckily, I have all the series & as soon as I finished the last chapter, I have picked up the next book & am already into Chapter 3... I cant imagine if I had to wait a year for the next book... See, there is a benefit in waiting to buy the books :)

My rating: 5 skeins

Last Line:
I take his hand, holding on tightly, preparing for the cameras, & dreading the moment when I will finally have to let go.

Conversations with the Fat Girl

2010-09-18T07:18:00.000-07:00

Book: Conversations with the Fat Girl

Author: Liza Palmer

Maggie & Olivia have been best friends since they were in grade school. Both overweight, they befriended each other when no one else would. Now grown up, Maggie is still shopping in the euphemism-if-there-ever-was-one "women's section" while Olivia went & had gastric bypass surgery in search of the elusive size 4, the holy grail for women everywhere. So now Olivia's thin & blond & getting married to a handsome surgeon, & Maggie's the fat bridesmaid, again, in charge of planning "The Shower" & keeping Olivia's secret: that she's really a fat girl in a thin boddy. Aint life grand?
With wit & wisdom, Liza Palmer gives voice to women everywhere who wish for just once that they could forget about their weight.
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Maggie... Rebecca Jo... maggie.. Rebecca Jo...
I think we are interchangable. This character of Maggie, I honestly related to because I found so much of myself in her. The things she said, the way she felt about situations, the way she reacted to her life, even the way she spoke - "Are you kidding me?" - I felt like I was Maggie. To even add to that - she got car sick, she had a fear of flying, always had a Large Diet Coke everywhere she went... AND she loved Xanadu? Can anyone please tell me how she's NOT like me?

We get to see how Maggie deals with a forced apartment move, a career change, her family always expecting more from her, the relationship she has with her sister Kate (who is totally opposite) & her mother - we see Maggie fall in love with Domenico (only her & his mother are allowed to call him that) - haha

If you have ever struggle with weight - I mean a REAL weight issue, you'll related with Maggie. So many things she said stood out to me. I even mentioned one part of it on my other blog:
http://rebecca-belle.blogspot.com/2010/09/confidence.html

This book does have some big time language... but I just had to normally laugh or feel badly when it was used... it was just "Maggie"

I loved to see how her sister Kate stood up for her - I loved to see how Maggie reacted with Domenico & how their relationship moved - I loved to see the person Olivia turned into after her surgery - I loved seeing Maggie become stronger & more confident with every move she made...

I loved how every chapter would have a "flash back" of sorts too - looking back to when things were at a different time & now, how Maggie can learn from them.

Here are just a few other examples of the story that just drew me in
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"My relationship with my body is like that of an egomanic with a self- esteem problem. Mostly I think about myself & how much I suck. But there are rare moments when I walk around for hours & think I look amazing. Either I feel great about myself or I've decided some guy is checking me out. Then I catch a side view of myself in a store window or a department store mirror & I'm plunged into despair. If I could always live in a place with no mirrors or disapproving glances, I would think I was the prettiest girl around."
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"Kate & I used to play the Xanadu soundtrack & dance until Mom came home. I specialized in all the ELO songs, while Kate preferred all things Olivia Newton John. When Kate had homework or was playing with another friend, I retreated into my room where I built a make-believe time machine. I played for hours - pushing buttons, giving orders, & feeling safe& comforted in my imagination. I want that feeling of safety & freedom that came with those memories back. I dont want the new feeling of momentary happiness followed by insurmountable guilt that comes from reaching for food for comfort. I need to go back to the person I was at 8 years old. She had it all figured out. Maybe I'll build another time machine."
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Once you're labeled in school, no amount of factual information can unstick it form your psyche.

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We're sold this script for life with loves like Romeo & heroes like Jack London, but we've got an hour long commute to a job we hate & a utility bill to pay every month. I crave a life of freedom & passion, but I've sentended myself to a life of quiet desperation & prime time sitcoms. I've numbed myself & its going to hurt like a **er when I wake up.
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Needless to say - I loved this book... I want to check out more from this author as well
My Rating: 5 skeins

Out Live Your Life

2010-09-10T06:51:00.000-07:00

Book: Out Live Your Life

Author: Max Lucado

(This book was provided in exchange for an unbiased review)

These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did. (Please note: International Bloggers will receive International Edition.)
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You were made to make a difference..

That's what the front cover says...

& once again, Max Lucado has a way of bringing "Godly" topics & making them understandable...

We learn in this book so many ways to look at the world with new eyes...

I loved this book because it was broken down in short chapters - you could get through one very easily & each ended with a prayer & a scripture. So you could actually even do this as a great devotional daily. There is also a study guide in the back of the book if you wanted to even take it deeper into a study.

However you choice to read this book, you're going to find something that speaks to you... some of the stories made me look at myself & get a little humbled... some of the stories made me stop & think, WOW, people are amazing... all the stories, I learned something from them.

I marked up so many pages of this book for quotes, stories, points to remember... things I will be turning back to for many references...

But one of the things that was said repeatedly in different ways is something that will stick with me....

No one can do everything, but everyone can do something

The story of the football team that were from a prison & the story of real life "Paul's" & their "Anninas'" just about had me cheering on people in this world who still are showing God to others... How people are out there living their life in the best way to make a difference to others...

My rating: 5 skeins

The Butterfly Effect/The Boy Who Changed the World

2010-09-07T07:54:00.000-07:00

Book: "The Butterfly Effect" & "The Boy who Changed the World"

Author: Andy Andrews

(These books were provided to me by Booksneeze in exchange for an unbiased review)

Andy Andrews has put out a new smalll gift book that is just lovely... it talks about "The Butterfly Effect" ... & Yes, I too thought, "isnt that a movie with Ashton Kutcher?"... yes it is & no, Ashton isnt part of this book. :)

But the idea of the butterfly effect is that the smallest differences, smallest changes, smallest motions can cause the biggest changes in conditions... such a neat idea

The Butterfly Effect is a small book that gives some stories of real people and of this idea... with beautiful pictures & subtle words... It only takes a minutes out of your day to read this whole book but the point is made over & over:

EVERY SINGLE THING YOU DO MATTERS!!!

Mr. Andrews also wrote a childrens book with the same idea, called The Boy who Changed the World... I was so excited to get this for our grandson. He will be coming up for a visit in October & I'll most definitely be reading this to him. The story is similar to the gift book, but with wonderful illustrations that are beautiful & captivating to the eye.

I love the idea of having children realize from such a young age of the impact they can make on the world.

All of it goes back to this quote in the book:

"There are generation yet unborn whose very lives will be shifted & shaped by the moves you make & the actions you take today. And tomorrow. And the next day. And the next.

I most definitely recommend these books - for a gift of reminding for adults & a gift of teaching for young hearts that need to know the power they hold in their actions.

Stardust on my Pillow

2010-08-27T11:05:00.000-07:00

Book: Stardust on my Pillow

Author: Patsy Clairmont

194 pages

From "Boxed In', the story of a woman making a starling discovery about a distant aunt she never really knee, to "Cloistered", the tale of a severely phobic woman being gently wooed back into life, popular speaker & writer Patsy Clairmont has crafted a beautiful & impressive first collection of short fiction.

Through the fourteen tales featured, Patsy sensitively explores the themes of compassion & kindness, holiness & hope, whole providing beautifully written inspiration for all of us who desire to spread a little stardust of our own
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First Line: Every afternoon at three o'clock, Papaw sat under the weeping willow tree in his front yard & played the "Chattanooga Choo-Choo- on his harmonica"

Coming out of the Women of Faith weekend & once again being reminded how much I loved Patsy Clairmont, it was a surprise to find this book on my shelf as one I never read.... its an older book...published in 2000 ... but so glad I've had it sitting there waiting on me.

Patsy is just a wonderful writer that you can tell her speaking translates so well to paper. This book is the perfect book to leave next to a nightstand too. It has 14 tales that are all so quick to read but each one has a story that found me usually making a sigh, or a "Ahhh" noise, or even a giggle...

Stardust on my Pillow should be on a nightstand so you can lay your head down after reading a tale & "look into the windows of Heaven" ...

My rating: 4 skeins

The Heart Mender

2010-08-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

Book: The Heart Mender

Author: Andy Andrews

235 pages

While digging up a withering wax myrtle tree behind his waterfront home on the Gulf Coast, author Andy Andrews unearths a rusted metal container filled with Nazi artifacts & begins an intriguing investigation that unlocks an unspoken past that took place in his backyard.... literally...

In the summer of 1942, as the country gears up for a full scale commitment to WWII, German subs are dispatched to the Gulf of Mexico to sink US vessels carrying goods & fuel for the war. While taking a late-night walk along the coastline, Helen Mason - recently widowed by the realities of war - discoveres the near lifeless body of a German sailor. Enraged at the site of Josef Landermann's uniform, Helen is prepared to leave the lieutenant to die when an unsual phrase, faintly uttered, changes her mind.

Set in a period simmering with anger & suspicion, this book offers the very real chronicle of a small town preparing itself for the worst the world has to offer. As cargo from torpedoed ships begin to wash up on the beach, Josef & Helem must reconcile their pasts in order to creat a future.
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First Line: It is early summer as I sit at my desk & finally begin the process of sorting what I know to be true from what I merely suspect.

I couldnt write this review fast enough to say how much I loved this book!!!!!

First, let me say, Andy Andrews is fast becoming one of my favorite authors! With "The Noticer" & "The Time Traveler's Gift" as my favorite books as well, I thought this has to be a shoe-in...

But then I saw this book contained a lot of information about WWII & submaries & torpedos & talks of Germans & Nazi's & I thought, this isnt going to be for me. I'm not a "war" kinda reader...

I was so wrong...

With the writing & the pictures just in the first few pages, I was hooked into this story.

A story that Mr. Andrews makes note is a true story - which is amazing in itself. That there were German subs in US territory destroying US vessels... how is this something that we do not see in history books?

I put on my Facebook/Twitter that this book reminds me of a"The Notebook" - but it did hold a love story in the midst of a time of war.. to hear the story of the relationship between Helen & Josef...I was involved knowing every detail of their meeting & their life. And to think that this is all true just pushed it over the top for me as being an amazing read that has just crept up in my list of favorite books...

Here is a sample of the writing as well:

(Talking about how some of the men on German ships werent fans of Hilter)

"The Kriegsmarine had a lot of Germans... not so many Nazi's"

Noting my confusion, the old man said, "You see a difference between Americans and the Ku Klux Klan, dont you?"

I nodded.

"Well, there you go"

(On Helen & Josef's growing relationship)

Later, the German soldier & the American widow walked the beach, not exactly together, but at the same time. Not yet truly friends, at least they were no longer enemies.

(On the repeated lesson on "forgiveness")

We are products of our past, but we do not have to be prisoners of it.

The writing in this book is wonderful... real & understandable... gripping...

I love that Mr. Andrews dug into this story to find that people in this world have the most amazing adventures of all...

Last Line: No one will ever believe a word of it.

My Rating: 5 skeins

Just Take my Heart

2010-08-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

Book: Just Take my Heart

Author: Mary Higgins Clark

322 Pages

Natalie Raines, one of Broadway's brightest stars, accidentally discovers who killed her former roommate & sets in motion a series of shocking events that puts more than one life in extreme peril.

While Natalie & her roommate, Jamie Evans, were both struggling young actresses, Jamie had been involved with a mysterious married man to whom she referred only by nickname. Natalie comes face to face with him years later & inadvertently addresses him by his nickname Jamie had used. A few days later, Natalie is found in her home dying from a gunshot wound.

Immediately, the police suspect Natalie's theatrical agent & soon to be ex-husband, Gregg Aldrich. No charges wre brought against him until 2 yrs later, when Jimmy Easton, a career criminal, suddenly comes forward to claim Aldrich had tried to hire him to kill his wife.

The case is a plum assignment for Emily Wallace, an attractive 32 yr old assistant prosecutor. As she spends increasingly long hours preparing for the trial, a seeminly well-meaning neighbor offers to take care of her dog in her absence. Unaware of his violent past, she gives him a key to her home...
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Mary Higgins Clark is one of my favorite authors... always keeps me guessing & this was no different. My "cheat card" had so many names on it & lines drawn to one person or another, it was crazy... but I STILL didnt figure out the WHOLE ending... why I love Mrs. Clark!

I loved the character of Emily Wallace & the strong woman character she was. Not afraid to follow her heart & investigate on her own, standing up to people when she was sure of what she believed.

Loved the character of Gregg Aldrich as well...

There are two different stories that seem to be going on as well, with the neighbor that is the creepiest character I've read in awhile & the trial that is going on... wondered how they would tie in together, but those final chapters indeed bring the stories together...

I always love the quick chapters as well in MHC's books... its almost when you think, I gotta find out what happened, its enough to read without having to invest a lot of time in the next chapter... which in the end, makes you read more!!!

A great mystery....

My rating: 3 skeins... it was good - wasnt great... not disappointed I read it, but not changing my world... so an average score...

Last Line of the book: I really am, Emily thought when she was alone again. I'm ready now.

Captured by Grace

2010-08-10T04:44:00.000-07:00

(This book was provided by Thomas Nelson in exchange for an unbiased review)

Book: Captured by Grace

Author: Dr. David Jeremiah

207 pages

Until you have been broken beyond belief & need a miracle for your soul...
Until you have betrayed a loved one & cannot bring him back...
Until you have befriended eveyr darkness & are desperate for the light...
That's when God's relentless, amazing, very personalized grace finds you.
It reached a slave trader onboard a ship raiding Africa's coast in March 1748. He later gave the world its most beloved hymn.
It struck the Christian church's most treacherous enemy on a Damasuc road in AD 45 & he became the gospel's greatest messenger.
And it can free you too... of any shameful memory, open wound, unthinking mistake, or willfull choice.
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I love any book that talks about grace...

And this book surprised me. It wasnt what I expected. I thought it would be more of a "Self Help" kinda book... which it was - but BETTER. I'm not a self-help kinda gal - those books bore me. But this book had back stories on John Newton & the Apostle Paul that was just so interesting. Two men from different times... but the same grace... the same grace that hits us & makes their stories make sense to us in our lives today.

I especially loved this book because it broke things down... like the verses from Amazing Grace... line by line & gave an example, or a story, or just "real talk"...

They also would do that with verses in the Bible - & a big part of it came from Romans - which is my favorite book of the Bible... so this was just awesome for me.

I sat with my highlighter, marking up all the things that stood out to me. I always love looking back & seeing what I marked - so many good things... here are just a few examples:

*It (Grace) is the gift unsought, unmerited, unlimited. For no matter what we have done, no matter the depth of our transgression, the darkness of our hearts - grace overrules them all.

*If we edit the sin out of our awareness, then grace no longer has any beauty or power for us. In due time, we wonder why we need a Savior at all.

*Is there any such thing as an "unanswered prayer"? Or would it be wiser to call them "unwanted answers"?

*It's as if God is saying to us - "I wont give you what you want, but I'll give you what you need. If I took away the trail, you would grow no stronger - in face, you would be just a little weaker & more helpless, like a pampered child. But if I allow the trial & help you endure it, you will be stronger, wiser & more useful to Me."

Oh mercy - I coulda highlighted the whole book really... such good stuff in there. And an easy read. Its broke down in sections that are quick & have you wanting to just keep reading.

I'm so thankful for this book... this will be one I go back & will read over & over again in the future...

My rating: 4 skeins

After River

2010-08-06T12:02:00.000-07:00

Book: After River

Author: Donna Milner

342 pages

At 15, Natalie Ward believes her life is perfect. Growing up on a diary farm in the mountains of British Columbia less than 2 miles from the American border, she knows little of the outside world. But she knows family. A family so close & loving that they are the envy of the nearby town of Atwood. Friend, neighbors, young & old alike, show up regularly on their farmhouse porch - all willing to share in the never-ending daily chores in exchange for a place at the Warm family table.

Natalie chereishes her position as the only daughter to Nettie & Gus Ward. She adores her three brothers, especially the eldest, Boyer, whom she idolizes with a childlike worship. Like her mother, Natalie believes their lives are blessed, as rich & as sweet as the fresh milk that is their livelihood.

Everything changes one hot July afternoon in 1966 when a long-haired stranger walks up the winding dirt road to their door. The arrival of this soft-spoken American, a Vietnam War resister, will test the morals & beliefs of the Warm family & their close-knit community. The catastrophic events that are set in motion will leave relationships shattered & Natalie seperated from the family she loves in ways she could never have imagined.

35 years later, Natalie receives a late night phone call from her now-estranged brother, Boyer. Their mother is dying. Torn between the love of her mother & the fear of the past, Natalie returns to the town she has spent her entire adult life avoiding. As she travels back to her childhood home, she steels herself against the bittersweet memories of taht summer day in 1966 & the tragedy that followed. But before Natalie can find redemption, she must confront the secrets & horrors of a past she has desperately tried to forget.
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First words out of my mouth about this book - LOVED IT! I was so wrapped up in this story!!!!!!

I dont think I have ever read a book with so much tragedy & life experiences & consequences & surprises as this book. And it was all believable - something you can imagine could actually happen to someone, a family, as well...

I dont want to give anything away because every bit of it was a surprise to me - & I think that's what made it so amazing to me. I mean, more then once, I gasped in parts - I was shocked in parts - I teared up at parts - my heart broke in so many parts...

I feel like I know this family... that I fell in love with River myself... & I wanted a brother like Boyer... & I wanted to live on this dairy farm & know Nettie & Gus... & laugh with the brothers who never seperated, Carl & Morgan....& that I could relate so deeply with Natalie & the things she struggled with.

This story shows how powerful silence is in a family... how secrets & shame & guilt can effect someone ... effect a family.

I truly loved this book

My rating: 5 skeins

The boy who came back from Heaven

2010-07-30T08:29:00.000-07:00

(This book was provided by Tyndale House Publishers for a complimentary copy in exchange for a honest review)

Book: The boy who came back from Heaven

Author: Kevin & Alex Malarkey

224 pages

In 2004, Kevin Malarkey and his six-year-old son, Alex, suffered an horrific car accident. The impact from the crash paralyzed Alex—and medically speaking, it was unlikely that he could survive. “I think Alex has gone to be with Jesus,” a friend told the stricken dad. But two months later, Alex awoke from a coma with an incredible story to share. Of events at the accident scene and in the hospital while he was unconscious. Of the angels that took him through the gates of heaven itself. Of the unearthly music that sounded just terrible to a six-year-old. And, most amazing of all . . . Of meeting and talking to Jesus. The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven is the true story of an ordinary boy’s most extraordinary journey. As you see heaven and earth through Alex’s eyes, you’ll come away with new insights on miracles, life beyond this world, and the power of a father’s love.
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First of all, I love true stories... the stories of what people really go through in life. It just brings encouragement & a real connection. This story is no different. This little boy will encourage you & cause you to have a connection - & that connection is with a Spiritual world you may not really pay much attention too.

I was surprised... the title made me think it would be more about a story from him & what Heaven was & details so small of what he experienced... its not that way at all. We do get those highlights & Alex's experiences & what he felt & saw... but 90% of the book is told from his dad, Kevin. They talk about the accident, what happened during the time Alex was in a coma, the way the church came & loved on this family - the things outside of Alex is what makes up most of this book.

BUT, God is shown in ALL of that! From prayers being spoken by EMT workers, & from nurses & from people they never even met, pictures drawn... it all shows God's power....

At the end of chapters, Alex would give his glimpses of Heaven & the dealings with the spiritual world of angels & demons. The way he would talk about angels still visiting him ... & demons who "walk around lying to people" gave me chills. There was one part of the book where Alex was so attacked by the devil, he wasnt even able to say the word Jesus until people started praying with him... if this book doesnt open your eyes up to a spiritual realm, I cant imagine anything that would.

I know people are skeptical when they hear people say they saw Heaven... I'm the same way... & you know what, that's not even important in this book. I think this book shows God's encouragement, His provision more then anything... its not the point of "Heaven" so much...

I think if anyone ever has had a child that has struggled or is suffering, this is also a fantastic read for you.

You will be cheering Alex on when you are finished with his story. I'm anxious to see what God does with the rest of his life...

My rating: 4 skeins

Official Book Club Selection

2010-07-26T17:14:00.000-07:00

Book: Official Book Club Selection

Author: Kathy Griffin

OK... I know... I know... Kathy Griffin is what every Christian is supposed to be against. But there is something about her that just makes me laugh... I dont know what it is - maybe its the red hair... but I love this lady!

She's rude, she's crude, she says things just for shock value ... but she has her moments where you can tell she cares about people at the core. And I cant help but love a lady who stands up for what she believes - doesnt back down because someone tells her she shouldnt do somethiing... & someone who just wants to make people laugh...

Her "Life on the D-List" show makes me laugh every week so I was excited about reading her autobiography. I wanted to hear more about Maggie too - her mom for those who havent seen the show.

And in Kathy style, she lets the language FLY... so if harsh language & horrible disgusting talking bothers you, then dont even THINK about getting this book. I swear, I dont know why I laugh at her... I think its because when I read it, (or hear it from her on the TV), I just ignore it... like that cursing aunt that is in every family... you just go, "Oh Aunt so&so.. stop it"... you just get used to it...

It was interesting to see Kathy's rise to fame - the people she's met in life - the behind the scene things with Brooke Shields & what really happened in her marriage. You can expect nothing but honesty with this lady.

I love Kathy - I love autobiographies... so I loved the book...

My husband was embarassed that I even had the book... even made the comment "Did anyone see you with that?" - like it was going to label me a bad person... well, I'm saying out loud - I love Kathy Griffin! Because I believe no matter what, Jesus loves Kathy! (She'd like that - I just know it)

My rating: 4 skeins

The Wedding Machine

2010-07-19T10:30:00.000-07:00

Book: The Wedding Machine

Author: Beth Webb Hart

285 pages

Welcome to Jasper, South Carolina. A place where Southern hospitality thrives. Where social occasions are done right. And where, for generations, the four most upstanding ladies of the community ensure that the daughters of Jasper are married in the proper manner.

Friends from school days, "the gals" have longed pooled their silver, china & know-how to pull off beautiful events. They're a force of a nature, a well-oiled machine. But the wedding machine's gears start to stick during the summer their own daughters line up to tie the knot. In the lowcountry heat & humidity, tempers flare, old secrets leak out ... & both love & gardenias bloom in unlikely places.

This is a celebration of life-long friendship - the kind that endures death & divorce, accidents & alligators, hot flashes & hurricans. Even the drama of a small-town Southern weddings done exactly right.
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I was looking forward to this book with it being a Women of Faith Fiction. And I did enjoy the story of the friendships - especially of Southern women - who love their sweet tea & everything "Southern Hospitatility"...

The story of Ray, Kitty B, Hilda & Sis - 4 women who have stayed friends from the 60's into today - where some of their own children are getting married. They each had their own personalities & stories...

I'm glad I kept my "cheat card" though because with the four women & all their children & their fiances & spouses - WOW - lots of names getting thrown around here!

The story - well, it was a cute story - but just odd. To me, there were wasnt so much an "ending" - so many open stories that didnt have closure. That was a weird thing for me...One of the husbands is ill - what happened to him? One of the daughters went against her mother & married someone else - what happened to them? One of the friends is still locked inside of her home for goodness sakes... what becomes of her? I guess I can just take the "They lived happily ever after" approach - but that did disappoint me about the book.

I did laugh at scenes in the book & could totally appreciate the Southern Weddings these ladies pulled together. Laughing at the idea that "Video taping" a wedding is just horrid! I wonder if real southern belles still exist like these ladies? Hope so!

If you like a nice, easy read (dont forget the cheat card though) on friendships, you'd have a good time with this story - but I personally could take it or leave it...Its definitely not horrible though...

My Rating: 3 skeins

Shades of Morning

2010-07-12T00:10:00.000-07:00

Book: Shades of Morning

Author: Marlo Schalesky

Pages: 331

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

Marnie Wittier has life just where she wants it. Quiet. Peaceful. No drama. A long way away from her past. In the privacy of her home, she fills a box with slips of paper scribbled with her regrets, sins & sorrows. But that's nobody elses business. Her bookstore/Coffee shop patrons, her employees, her friends from church - they all think she's the very model of compassion & kindness.

Then Marnie's past creeps into her present when her estranged sister dies & makes Marnie guardian of her 15 yr old son - a boy Marnie never knew existed. And when Emmit arrives, she discovers he has Down syndrome - & that she's woefully unprepared to care for him. What's worse, she has to deal with Tyler Cole, her sister's attorney, a man Marnie once loved - & abandoned.

As Emmitt & Taylor work their way into her heart, Marnie begins to heal. But when pieces of her dismal past surface again, she must at least face the pieces of paper in her box, all the regrests & sorrows. Can she do it? or will she run again?
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I LOVED this book... I guess because I love a story of someone who lives with regret, shame & a past she wants to forget... & how they deal with it.

This book had such a good story on how it flashbacked to show the life Marnie & Taylor had together - & you fall in love with each of them - & them TOGETHER. Taylor just is the perfect man, the man that you would want to give a happy ending...so what happens when he has to leave Marnie to go back to finish his law degree? And what happens when Taylor comes back to find Marnie gone... and what happens after 15 years between them has past?

This book drew me in.... I literally couldnt put the book down until the last few chapters & even then, I couldnt even move... I seriously sat in a parking lot in my car to finish it up & see how it ended. I so badly want to talk about the ending, but I cant... it was such a surprise to me that I gasped in front of a everyone in Penn Station... & then cried as I read the Epilogue... (DONT MISS THE EPILOGUE!!!)

It also has a wonderful Readers Guide that lets you really ponder the meaning behind the book - the wonderful story of God entwined in this book & his mercy & grace & the many ways He gives us chance, after chance, after chance....

If you would like this book, check out the link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1601420250
It contains love, mystery, intrigue, & the message of God throughout...

My Rating: 5 skeins!!!

Friendship for Grown-Ups GIVEAWAY

2010-06-30T12:16:00.000-07:00

Book: Friendship for Grown-ups

Author: Lisa Whelchel

"Isnt that what we all want? To be seen, in all our glory, for better or worse, the good, the bad, & the ugly & still be embraced?" If only such friendships were easy to find. And keep. For Lisa Whelchel & millions of others, friendship is a challenge. The vulnerability, trust, balance, grace & time required to develop & maintain strong friendships to not come easily.

Growing up as an actress in Hollywood, there were few people Lisa could trust & even fewer to guide her. By the time she reached adulthood, she had learned to be self-sufficient. She was strong, "safe" & she was lonely. One day, Lisa found that "the desire to experience connection was stronger than the desire to be safe". She determined right then to finally understand friendship; how to create one, sustain it, & experience the sheer joy of having it. But it wasnt easy.

Since then, she has traveled the ups & downs of friendships, learning about herself, others & the kinds of friendships God designed.
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I zoomed through this book in a few hours... it was just a good read & easy to comprehend Lisa's story & her growth & the things she learned.

For me, I have been very, VERY blessed with friendships. All through all the stages of my life... from childhood, through teen years, as a young adult & as a woman.... I have had friends come in my life for seasons, but have always had amazing people there for advice, laughter, tears & just plain old friendship. I just have never had a problem making friends....

After reading this, I can see what a blessing I have had in my life because apparently it is not the case for everyone....

I guess that's what had me so intrigued about Lisa's story & struggle on finding friendship & experiencing it. It sort of made me open my eyes to people who may have that same struggle.

But as this wonderful Christian writer goes about her struggles & growths, she has God in it all - with scripture & spiritual lessons & just advise that everyone could take.

For example - I wrote down this quote out of the book that doesnt necessarily have to do with friendship, but just with a Christian walk:

"I've lived enough life to know that my best intentions are no match for the enemy's brillant use of the weapons of deceit, moments of weakness & things hidden...." -Amen sister....

Thomas Nelson sent me 5 copies of this book to give away too! How amazing is that!!!!! If you are a Women of Faith fan, you will love this book... I loved the questions with each chapter & I especially loved the "Conversation Prompts" at the end too.... perfect for a blogger.

So all you have to do to win... Just leave me a comment & tell me why you love your friends in your life... what makes them so special? Easy enough!

And remember - FIVE WINNERS! WHOO HOOO!!!

Good luck! .... I'll draw the names on Sunday - the 4th of July....

My Rating: 4 skeins
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The Random Generator drew the numbers & here are the winners!!!

1. Gretta

2. Mimi

3. Lynn

4. Lamb Around

5. Megan

Then I just felt like someone needed this book more then me so I'm giving my copy away as well & the last winner was

6. Becca

Congrats ladies!!!!

The Extra Large Medium

2010-06-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

Book: The Extra Large Medium

Author: Helen Slavin

Ever since she was a child, Annie Colville has been talking to the dead. She knows they’re dead because for some reason they’re always dressed in chocolate brown. But Annie’s grown up now, and things are getting serious. Especially after she falls for and marries Evan Bees. It’s hard enough to lose someone you love; but what if you know they could come back to you? And they just . . . don’t? During her long wait for her missing husband to come back to her, in chocolate brown or not, Annie searches through her mother’s vast collection of lovers for the other missing man in her life — her father — and struggles with the questions her gift asks of her.
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The way the book started off, I thought I was really going to like it... but about a quarter in, I just kind of lost my interest. The character of Annie just turned "whiney" to me & I just wasnt feeling the story. I think a big part for me was that areas that I would think would be big parts of the story - like Evan Bees - it would be all covered on one page. Like in one sentence, they would say, "Evan Bees met me that day. Two months later we were married. & then 4 years later, he went away one evening & he disappeared" - that's not from the book, but the way I perceived it .... & seriously, thats the way it seemed to flow. Then it would take time on something that seemed far away from the story... just weird.

Plus, this is from an English writer so there were terms & words that seemed to be English sayings or their way of speaking....

I dont know... I just by the end, didnt really even care. Hated that too because I did really think it was going to grip me in those first few pages.

My rating: 1 skein

Eclipse

2010-06-28T05:16:00.000-07:00

Book: Eclipse

Author: Stephenie Meyer

As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob–knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which?

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After reading "The short life of Bree Tanner" - I had to go over Eclipse again & figured with the movie coming out, I needed to read it again...

I'm glad I did... this is my favorite of all 4 books - or is it 5 now with the new book? But anyways - this is my favorite with Bella, Jacob & Edward...

Couldnt want to get to the chapter "Fire & Ice" that involved the tent scene. I love the conversation between Jacob & Edward... & the chapter following where Bella finally realizes she does have feelings for Jacob... oh, be still my wolf-loving-heart.

It was neat to read it again - especially after the other book & knowing more "back story" ...

And I know this is a re-read, but I am keeping track of all the books I've read this year, so thats why I have to add it on here...

And once again, my rating: 5 skeins .... with a big dramatic vampire/wolf love triangle sigh....

The short second life of bree tanner

2010-06-22T18:31:00.000-07:00

Book: the short second life of bree tanner

Author: Stephenie Meyer

Pages: 178

Bree Tanner can barely remember life before she had uncannily powerful seneses, superhuman reflexes & unstoppable physical strength. Life before she had a relentless thirst for blood... life before she became a vampire.
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this is the story of a "newborn" Bree ... she is mentioned in Eclipse & this is the story of her life... the back story of the newborns from Seattle in Eclipse.

I love that Mrs Meyers did this & now that I read it, wish she would do more.

We know the characters of the Volturri in here & of Riley & of Victoria... but I really enjoyed the story of Freaky Fred & want to now know more about HIM!!!! (Hint Mrs. Meyers - another story please?)

I so enjoyed when the Cullens became part of the story... I got to see my precious Charlisle too... ahh... I have to say though - I got confused when they were just naming people by hair color. Edward had red hair? I'm lost? A girl had red hair? The only red head I remember is Victoria... I was confused by that part of the story...

But I felt for bree tanner... knew what the ending of the story was going to be - which made it all the more sad.

And now, as soon as I put the book on the shelf, I pulled Eclipse out & will now re-read it... I want to see once again the other side...

My rating: 5 skeins

The Help

2010-06-10T04:41:00.000-07:00

Book: The Help

Author: Kathryn Stockett

Pages: 451

Twenty Two yr old Skeeter has just returned home from graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but its 1962, Mississippi, & her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared & no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.

Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeeth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after (Mae Mobley), though she knows both their hearts may be broken.

Minny, Aibileen's best friend, is short, fat & perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody's business, but she cant mind her tongue so she's lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town to know her reputation. But her new boss has secrets of her own.

Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these woman will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town & their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.
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I've heard so much about this book & have seen it every where on everyone's reading list - so I had to see what it was about... & I am so thankful I did. The story of these women & the other maids & the women they work for just takes you back into a time that wasnt that far behind us, but seems like it could be forever. It blows my mind to think that in the time my husband was alive, in Mississippi, people still treated their "maids" or the HELP the way they did. The way racial differences were so harsh & cruel.

The chapters are told from the different perspective of these three women who come together. Afraid to trust each other at first, but having friendships develope between them is just so endearing. I couldnt wait to get to each word in this book, to see what would happen in the chance these women were taking.

Skeeter, being an "outsider" because she wasnt married or had children & didnt quite fit in with the "society ladies" - people who used to be her friends growing up. Aibileen, who did everything to make sure the children she watched had a little bit more sense of black people & they were really no different. I love the stories she would tell Mae Mobley - especially about the green alien, Martian Luther King!!!! ... & I just love Minny - I can relate to a lady who has a big mouth. The woman she works for, Celia, just entranced me too - because she too was a loner... someone who I envisioned as Marilyn Monroe - someone the other women didnt like because they knew their husband DID like her...

I didnt want this book to end. I felt like I knew each one of these ladies... & I loved them... I can tell a good book by my reactions on reading a story. Yep, I actually gasped at parts, actually laughed out loud at parts, & actually teared up in areas... & my heart ached for these women... that is why this book is up in a top ranking of my favorite books...you wont regret traveling back in time to Mississippi in the 60's & meeting these women...

My rating: 5 skeins

The Last Christian - & GIVEAWAY!!!!

2010-05-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

Book: The Last Christian

Author: David Gregory

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

The video says it all.... this is a story of Abigail Caldwell, who lived in the jungle her whole life with her missionary parents. Its 2088 AD & she has survived a mysterious disease that killed everyone in her village. This leaders her to America, only to discover a nation where Christianity has completely died out.

Abby sees this new world, that involves virtual reality, the dissolving of marriage, the way education has changed, to the scientific ways of thinking of the world.

Personally, this book freaked me out, because the ways this books describes how Christianity dissolved in America are things that are very real & have potential to becoming true. The way it shows how the next generation saw no real change in people who accepted Christ, how mega churches were built only for entertainment & not reaching to the lost... even gives "historical" records of politics which are from our times of George W. Bush & political decisions that are happening in our world now, & how things were accepted so easily that it turned into a "so what" nation of "anything goes"...

I really was wrapped up in the story... I'm not a big science fiction sorta person & I thought it would be hard for me to get into this book, but I was totally swept up in the story. The ending, I will admit, I had to struggle with in knowing what was happening, but its only because my sci-fi-brain isn't up to speed with those things... but I did get it, understand it, & was surprised at the ending... not at all what I expected.. & I love that in a book...

Lucky for you, I have another copy given to me from WaterBrook Press that I can offer for a giveaway...

All you have to do is answer this question - What do you think the future looks like? Simple enough
Leave me another comment if you are a follower & you'll get another entry... Good luck! Deadline to enter will be Friday at 7:00

My Ratings: 4 skeins.... was going to be 3 only because my sci-fi brain, but loved the thought process & how "real" this could be...

UPDATE: Random Number picked #3 - which is JULIE!!!! YIPEE! Congrats girl!

Indivisible

2010-05-12T12:54:00.000-07:00

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

Book: Indivisible

Author: Kristen Heitzmann

Battling his own personal demons, Police Chief Jonah Westfall has experienced the dark side of life & is committed to eradicating it. When a pair of raccoons are found mutilated, Jonah investigates the gruesome act, seeking to unmask the perpetrator before the crime escalates & destroys the tranquility of his small mountain town. Jonah fights for answers - & his fragile sobriety - amid a rising drug threat & never-ending conflict with Tia Manning, a formidable childhood friend with whom he has more than a passing history.
But he cant penetrate every wound or secret - especially one fueled by a love & guilt teetering on madness.
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That is the description on the book - & I dont think it tells NEARLY anything about what this book is about. There are more characters besides Jonah & Tia ... including the vet who helps Jonah, Liz... & Tia's friend, Piper who works at the local bakery owned by Sarge... & Jay, Jonah's sponsor that helps him with his sobriety - not to mention a Coyote that becomes a part of the story...

This is a mystery - & I'm saying "ITS THEM" with every new character - which keeps me reading on pins & needles with each page. I love when I'm right ... & I love when I'm wrong & I'm surprised!

I'm not going to give anything away with this though - that's the point of a MYSTERY!!!

I will say, I do love that the book is much deeper then the description though. You really learn so much about ALL the characters in the stories... & the writing in this book is wonderful. It explains everything in words that are just so descriptive, but not over someone's head (hate that!)...

After I finished this book - I felt like I had to breath for a minute... after I found out that the suspect is......
Nah - I'm not telling...

If you want to check out a chapter of this book:
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/2010/03/16/sneak-peek-indivisible-by-kristen-heitzmann/

My Rating: 3 skeins

The Bridegrooms

2010-04-16T09:03:00.000-07:00

This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

Book: The Bride Grooms

Author: Allison Pittman

Tragedy hit the Allenhouse family on a hot summer night in Ohio when a mother of four vanished. 8 yr old Vada virtually grew up overnight & raised her 3 younger sisters while her father lost himself in his medical practice in the basement of their home.

Now Vada is a grown woman, still making her home with her father & sisters. Her days are spent serving as an errang girl for Cleveland's fledgling amateur orchestra; her evenings with Garrison Walker, her devoted, if seeminly passionless, beau.

Dizzying change occurs the day the Brooklyn Bridgegrooms come to town to play the Cleveland Spiders & a line drive wallops the head of a spectator. The fan is whisked to the Allenhouse parlor & questions swirl around the ananymous, unconscious man.

Suddenly, the subdued house is filled with visitors, from a flirtatious would be sports writer, to the Bridgegrooms' handsome star hitter to the guilt-ridden ball player who should have caught the stray shot. Vada's life is awakened amid the super-charged atmosphere of romantic opportunity....
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I adored this book! I love the story of the sisters & just felt like it was a sorta "Little Women" kind of book. With each sister having such a different personality, I enjoyed learning more about all of them...

Vada - the oldest who took care of her sisters & virtually became their mother, when their mother left for another man. Vada then struggles with a new French baseball player that put some passion in her life... & it was so interesting to see how she so badly hated her mother for leaving for another man, but when she was faced with the choice herself with this new ball player, or her predictable, "boring" Garrison, the decision wasnt as easy as she thought. I loved Vada... I could understand the choices she was having to make & why she was questioning things... I just felt like I was back in time with this girl & watching her life develop.

Hazel - the "heavier" sister who so desperately wanted love & sent letters to men, afraid of what they would think once they saw her.

Althea - the sister who would never speak... she was so damaged by her mother leaving, she kept to herself & only communicated through pen & paper... what the stranger who got hit on the head does for her life!

Lisette - the baby... the beautiful one that knew she had all the men in the town wrapped around her finger.

It was an era when women's honor was big, horse & carriage were ways of transportation, when a man courted a future wife... it all seems to real in this book...

I loved the book did have a love story in it that was not "fake" - you know, the ending you KNOW is going to happen. I think I was so intrigued with this book because I DIDNT know what Vada would do... I didnt know which way her heart would lead her... didnt know the reactions of how the men in her life would go. I really enjoyed this book... hated to let the sisters go on the last page...

If you want to see more or interested, visit this site right here:
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601421371

My rating: 4 skeins

Forget Me Not

2010-04-13T04:56:00.000-07:00

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

Book: Forget Me Not

Author: Vicki Hinze

Crossroads Crisis Center owner Benjamin Brandt was a content man—in his faith, his work, and his family. Then in a flash, everything he loved was snatched away. His wife and son were murdered, and grief-stricken Ben lost faith. Determination to find their killers keeps him going, but after three years of dead ends and torment, his hope is dying too. Why had he survived? He’d failed to protect his family.

Now, a mysterious woman appears at Crossroads seeking answers and help—a victim who eerily resembles Ben’s deceased wife, Susan. A woman robbed of her identity, her life, of everything except her faith—and Susan’s necklace.

The connections between the two women mount, exceeding coincidence, and to keep the truth hidden, someone is willing to kill. Finding out who and why turns Ben and the mystery woman’s situation from dangerous to deadly. Their only hope for survival is to work together, trust each other, and face whatever they discover head on, no matter how painful. But will that be enough to save their lives and heal their tattered hearts?
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I've kinda been looking at others reviews on this book & it seems like everyone loves this book. I guess I am just the odd man out. Not saying I didnt love the book, I just struggled with it. I think because I came out of my last few books of Amish, calm living - another story of living in an old era - & then right from the first page of this, it was like a "Die Hard" movie - with people chasing people, shooting others, blowing up things, running for your life...it was action packed.

And the story IS an interesting story & one I enjoyed, but for me, I think I may have just read through the beginning too fast because I was getting WAY confused with all the "bad guys" & who was who & leading who & what the plans were. Definately a lot of characters in this book.... & its my own fault. I usually make my own "cheat card" with characters names & who's who to stay on top of things. That would have been really helpful with this book, for me anyways.

I will give this book another chance - but this time, I WILL do the cheat card thing so I can thoroughly enjoy it to the most. Because again, it does seem like a good story line... I think it was just bad timing for me to get into a story that had that much intensity....

If you are interested in checking this book out, you can visit the publishers website, right here:
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601422057

My rating: 0 skeins - FOR NOW.. I will reread & update the rating later when I can give it a fair rating. Check out the other reviews though... I'm seeing nothing but raves! So it makes me even more excited to give this one another chance.

An Absence so Great

2010-03-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

Book: An Absence so Great

Author: Jane Kirkpatrick

Did Photography replace an absence in her life - or - expose the truth of her heart's emptiness?

While growing in confidence as a photographer, 18 yr old Jessie Ann Gaebele's personal life is at a crossroads. Hoping she's put an unfortunate romantic longing behind her as "water under the bridge," she exiles herself to Milwaukee to operate photographic studios for those owners who have fallen ill with mercury poisoning.
Jessie gains footing in her dreams to one day operate her own stuiod & soon finds herself in other Midwest towns, pursuing her profession. But even a job she loves can't keep painful memories from seeping into her heart when the shadows of a forbidden love threaten to darken the portrait of her life.
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I love photography, so when I saw this book was about a women who wanted to pursue a career in that field, in a time where women were just beginning to provide for themselves, it instantly drew me to this book.

Apparently, there is a first book in this series called "A Flickering Light" - I did not read that book & did not really need to in able to enjoy this book... though, as intriguing as this book was, I wish I would have read it to know more background - & I may even go get it now just to see the "pre" story...

I loved getting to know Jessie in this book & see who she was as an indepedent woman - & a woman in love - with a man, she shouldnt be in love with. The romance in this book, with fellow photographyer, Fred, just captured me. It wasn't your "typical" romance - but left me anxious to turn the page to see what would happen next.

My favorite part of this book - throughout the chapters, there would be works of Jessie's - pictures from the time era of the 1900's - along with a background of the picture. Again, being a photography buff, I just loved these stops in the story.

I also particularly enjoyed in the front of the book, there is a Character List - & how they are related or interacted with each other. I wish EVERY book had this! So helpful!

Finally, at the end, the question & answer section revealed that Jessie was actually the author's grandmother & these people are real - & these pictures are real... made it even more fantastic to me...

I thoroughly enjoyed this book... loved getting in the feel of the time period... getting to feel the "absences" that were throughout the story in the characters lives - & how the healing of those empty areas in someone's lives can be filled...

If you are interested in purchasing this book, you can click right here:
http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781578569816

My rating: 4 skeins

Enjoy this video as well - it really gives a wonderful description of the story.

Here Burns my Candle

2010-03-22T04:27:00.000-07:00

Book: Here Burns my Candle

Author: Liz Curtis Higgs

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

      Lady Elisabeth Kerr is a keeper of secrets. A Highlander by birth & a Lowlander by marriage, she honors the auld ways, even as oubts & fears stire deep within her.
     Her husband, Lord Donald, has secrets of his own, well hidden from the household, yet whiserped among the town gossips.
     His mother, the dowager Lady Marjory, hides gold beneath her floor & guilt inside her heart. Though her two abiding passionars are maintaining her place in society & coddling her grown sons, Marjory's many regrests, buried in Greyfrars Churchyard, continue to plague her.
     One by one, the Kerr Family secrets begin to surface, even as bonny Prince Charlie & his rebel army ride into Edinburg in September 1745, intent on capturing the crown.
     A timeless story of love & betrayal, loss & redemption, flickering against the vivid backdrop of 18th Centry Scotland, this book illumines the dark side of human nature, even as hope, the brightest of tapers, lights the way home.
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So first, let me say - I LOVE me some Liz Curtis Higgs. She's from my area & still hangs out around her - so I love a local gal who makes it big! And she has knocked out some fantastic reads! Who doesnt love all the "Bad Girls of the Bible" books.... and "Embracing Grace" is probably one of my fav's...

So when Waterbrook Press provided me this book for review, I was excited!

I will say, the story was interesting - didnt even realize that its a "re-telling" of Ruth & Naomi from the Bible. To me, it was just a book about all the weavings of families & the secrets they carry & how they interact with one another.

This story does have a lot of historical atmosphere going on. From wars & language & cultures of the time, you do have to like a historical kinda book to really appreciate the full work of Mrs. Higgs.

I will say, the Scottish language was hard for me to grasp. And there is a "Scottish Glossary" in the back & while sometimes you can figure out what they are saying on your own, for me, it took me a few minutes to stop & either figure it out, or look it up. That took a bit of the enjoyment away for me of the story....That's just me though - I like a book I can just flow through. That is my ONLY downside of the book. I'm sure most of you pro-readers wouldnt think anything of it though.

The characters are so intriguing with what each person deals with & the different personalities of each... but it also shows how family comes together when tragedy stricks...

My heart was always rooting for Elisabeth in this story & I was hooked on watching her journey throughout the whole story.

If you are interested in purchasing this book, you can click on this link:
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781400070015

My rating: 3 skeins (only because of the hard time I had with the "language" - sorry I'm such a dork Mrs. Higgs)

Here is a video that details a little more on the book..

Satan's Whispers

2010-03-02T11:22:00.000-08:00

Book: Satan's Whispers

Author: Robert Don Hughes

Liar... lies... the father of lies.
Can you hear Satan's whispers? Which of his lies bind you?

I read "Questioning God" & saw that the author wrote this book first. I found it on Half.com & got it for like 50 cents. It looks like it came out n 1992 & this book is OLD & the pages have yellowed & it looks worn... but the message is stll the same.

Why? Because the whispers of Satan is still the same...

This book goes the opposite of "Questioning God" - it holds what a would-be conversation with Satan would look like. Some of the title of the chapters are:
"Why would God worry about you? you're worthless!"
"Go ahead & sin! Nobody has to know"
"Not even God can forgive what you did"

Having read both books, its interesting because some of the questions are the same as the other book, just different perspective. And that's where it comes in.... because I really think Satan works his same old tricks, after all this time, so some of the "comments" Satan made in here, its exactly what I have felt myself in those moments of despair....

But, with Scripture backing Satan down in every chapter, it leaves you feeling encouraged & lifted up & knowing that Satan is the father of lies!!!!

It also challenged me because some of the things that the Satan character would say, would kinda make sense & that would freak me out that I could see that side... but obviously, I'm not alone if the author wrote it out himself too... but again, the answer to that question would come from Scripture, right there in black & white - giving the perfect conformation & answer to sooth the worry....

Really think its an interesting book - even if its a little aged... you too can probably find it for next to nothing.

My rating: 4 skeins

Questioning God

2010-02-26T08:58:00.000-08:00

Book: Questioning God

Author: Robert Don Hughes

Questioning God uses realistic conversations with God to answer tough questions. Grounded in the Bible, this honest dialogue will stretch your thinking & inspire a deeper love for your Creator as you gain a better understanding of who God is & what he is like.
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This is sorta like a "Screwball Tape" book where the Author is having a conversation with God on hard questions. And yes, from the beginning, he makes it aware that this is his writing but, he does remind us that God does speak back to us when we pray - its not just about us talking with Him - & this is what he feels like God answers back.

Its written in a casual conversation - as if I were sitting here talking to God & God would respond, & then I answer back, or question what he just said... its a very insightful read.

And what I appreciate about it is it IS Biblically based - the answers that "God" gives go back to scripture which shows that God does indeed talk to us...

Also, at the end of every chapter, there are some Scriptures that again support that "conversation", some reflections & some questions to search within yourself.

Some of my favorite chapters are "Does God really hear my prayers" - "Who will Defend me when I stand before God's judgement?" - "I wonder how God will punish me for that"... see, told ya, good topics!

I really enjoyed this book... I found the author wrote "Satan Whispers" as well, the sorta opposite kind of book - & I have already purchased it & cant wait to dive into that one as well.

My rating: 4 skeins

While my Sister Sleeps

2010-02-24T11:19:00.000-08:00

Book: While my Sister Sleeps

Author: Barbara Delinsky

Molly & Robin Snow are sisters & like all sisters, they share a deep bond that sustains them through good times & bad. Their careers are flourishing - Molly is a horoticulturist & Robin is a world-class runner - & they are in the prime of their lives. So when Molly receives the news that Robin has suffered a massic heart attack, she couldnt be more shocked. At the hospital, the Snow family receives a grim prognosis: Robin may never regain consciousness.

As Robin's parents & siblings struggle to cope, the complex mature of their relationship is put to the ultimate test. Moly has always lived with Robin's shadow, & her feelings for her have run the gamut, from love to resentment & back. The last time they spoke, they argued. But now there is so much more at stake. Molly's parents fold under the devastating circumstances & her brother retreats into the cool reserve that is shatting his own family. Its up to Molly to make the tough decisions & she soon makes discoveries that destroy some of her most cherished beliefs about the sister she thought she knew....
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This book is not what I was expecting, but it turned out telling a very lovely story of the Snow family. The characters in the book:

Molly - The sister of Robin - & that's how she's usually known in her life. Its hard for her because she has to find a way to know what her sister would want. She also has to take the "downing" of her mother, as she's obviously not the favorite child. Molly struggles to keep the family going & lead them in the right direction - all the while discovering information that could hurt the ones she loves... Molly finds who she is throughout this story - & its not who she starts out to be.

David - the man who finds Robin on the side of the road. He tried to help her & ends up befriending Molly & helps her more then anyone probably else could... he's also a teacher & its interesting to see a little story on him. Just gives his character more of a personal story on how much he cares.

Kathryn - the over protective mother. The one who pushed Robin into who she was - a CHAMPION. The mother who seemed like nothing else mattered except her first child & the career she was in.

Charlie - the soft spoken father who only has to say a few words to put the knowledge out there of calmness. What every tv show reminds me of as a perfect father figure.

Chris - the brother who also is struggling through the family crisis & having one of his own with his wife Erin.

Nick - a friend of Molly's who also was in love with Robin. He's a reporter who will also do anything for a story.

Peter - a surprise from the past

And ROBIN - thought she is unconscious throughout the whole book, she speaks loud & clear through her words that she left behind. The "diaries" she kept shows what has happened in her life that her own family wasnt aware of. And in the end, she leads her family on what to do for her....
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This story really showed me how important it is to tell your loved ones what you think... how you feel.. to work out things before its too late...It had a lot of stories going on with each character & I thought it was getting a little too confusing with alot of things at once, but before I knew it, I was at the end of the book & glad I had invested in each one of these characters.

This is the first time I read a book by Barbara Delinsky, but it definately wont be my last...

My rating: 3 skeins

Plain Pursuit

2010-02-08T12:57:00.000-08:00

Book: Plain Pursuit

Author: Beth Wiseman

Carley Marek experiences culture shock when she vists her friend Lillina's family on their farm deep in Amish country. She'll get an article out of the visit - & maybe some of Lillian's newfound peace will somehow rub off on her.

Just when Carly is getting used to the quite nature of the Plain community, Lillian & Samuel's son falls ill. But the local doctor who can offer the most help has been shunned by the community & forbidden to intervene.

As David's condition deterioriates, Dr. Noah determines to do whatever it takes to save the boys life. Carley is caught in the middle - drawn to Noah, wanting to be helpful in the crisis - & confused by all their talk about a God she neither knows nor trusts.

Carley must decide what in life is worth pursuing... & what to do when she's pursued by a love she never expected.
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I loved this book!!!! That's the first thing I have to say about it.....

The story of Carley & her "vacation" to the Amish country was so telling & interesting. Then you bring in the sad situation of what happens to her friend, Lillian's son & the story really gets involved when they see who the doctor is - the brother of Samuel, who has been shunned - & David is willing to do whatever it takes, even risking his own life.

The struggle that Carley goes through as she's learning this new way of life is written so beautifully. As she realized that God has been with her all along, even when she faced tragedy of loosing her mother in an accident & how that accident affected her life. Anger would stir up & she turned from God - but Carley soon learns through these amazing people that God is still there.

A romance forms with Dr. Noah & Carley & its romantic, fun & heart breaking.... Carley's life after the accident causes her to believe no one would want to marry her & her reaction to Dr. Noah breaks hearts.. mine included.

Personally, it struck home because I could personally know the pain that Carley was going through... (I hate it because I never want to give too much away).....

In the end, you see reconciliations that you would never believe would be possible, between families, between God, in relationships you werent sure would work out... & in the end, you realize that God is in control of it all....

If you are interested in this book, you can check it out more here:
http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=1595547193&title=Plain_Pursuit

I will note too - I did not read the first book in this series & apparently, it didnt affect my enjoyment in this book, so dont let that hinder you! I am totally interested in getting that book though & checking it out - if its as good as this one, I know I'll enjoy that one too!

My Rating: 4 skeins

My Jesus Year

2010-01-25T12:53:00.000-08:00

Book: My Jesus Year

Author: Benyamin Cohen

One day a Georgia born son of an Orthodox rabbi discovers that his enthusiasm for Judaism is flagging. He observes the Sabbath, he goes to synagogue, & he even flies to New York on weekends for a series of "speed dates" with nice, eligible Jewish girls. But, something is missing. Looking out of his window & across the street at one of the hundred of churches in Atlana, he asks, "What would it be like to be a Christian?" So begins Benyamin Cohen's hilarious journey that is "My Jesus Year" - part memoir, part spiritual quest & part anthropologist's mission.

During his year long exploration, Cohen sees the best & worst of Christianity - from megachurches to storefront churches; from crass commercialization of religion to the simple, moving faith of the humble believer; from the profound to the profane to the just laughable. Throughout, he keeps an open heart & mind, a good sense of humor & takes what he learns from Christianity to reflect on his own faith & relationship to God. By year's end, to Cohen's surprise, his search for universal answers & truth in the Bible Belt actually make him a better Jew.
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I saw this book in "Entertainment Weekly" one day & though the idea of it was interesting... & interesting it was.

I had NO IDEA how many laws the Jewish people follow still today & the ways of life that they follow.

This book is Benyamin's journey - & it does have it funny moments, it does have its moments of insight & it definitely taught me alot - about Jewish culture & about Christianity from an "outsider's" view...

The way he saw Christian book conventions & the idea that Stephen Baldwin is big in the Christian world made me laugh out loud. It was also interesting to see the take on Christmas - & it was a sad view to me - how it has become so commercial... something we know, but to see if from a fresh perspective was just a little eye opening...even the "Big" preachers of the day, this man left nothing out... visiting different demoninations, faiths, ways of worshipping, seeing what Easter is about...

I even had a chuckle at his visit to "Winter Jam" as I know exactly which year he went... I went that same year...

Makes me wonder who's in the crowd now too... someone who is trying to disect Christians? Would that make a difference in how you act if you knew someone was watching to learn from you?

The book was a little long - but it is full of Jewish traditions & while interesting, it was a little long for me. Especially because the print in this book was so small & still over 200 pages, it just seemed like a long book.

I did enjoy that in the end, this experience drew Benyamin deeper into his own faith... maybe I'm a Christian & I personally dont understand how you can deny the sacrifice of Christ... but I did appreciate his closing words of "Hanging with Jesus made me a better Jew"... that just shows a bit of how this book goes...

I did find it interesting - I did learn from it... so:
My Rating: 3 skeins

Victoire

2010-01-15T05:05:00.000-08:00

Book: Victoire - My Mother's Mother

Author: Maryse Conde

Maryse Conde's personal journey of discovery & revelation becomes ours as we learn of Victoire, her white-skinned mestiza grandmother who worked as a cook for the Walbergs, a family of white Creoles, in the French Antilles.
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This is a very interesting book... had me intrigued, confused, but drawn in.

Conde researches her grandmother & the story that is her history is interesting. It takes you back to a time where people's rights are not what they are today & where the abuse of women is normal & nothing to blink an eye at.

We see Victoire & how she is brought into the world, how she stands out from everyone else due to the color of her skin & how her grandmother loved & raised her. We then see the journey of Victoire's life & the different paths it takes, good & bad... & ultimately leads to the birth of Conde's own mother.

Honestly, parts of this story sickened me at the way people were original treated & how belittled they were. And I did find parts of the story hard to keep up with, only because it was originally written in French & this book is translated by Richard Philcox. There are whole paragraphs that are still in French, so I was lost at these sections. Even phrases used or certain words in French had me a little confused. I even had to keep a sheet next to me with the names written down because they were so confusing & it was easy for me to get people mixed up...Dernier, Danila, Fulgence, Gaetane, Caldonia... all samples of names in the book...

If you are interested in history, you will appreciate this book. And if you want to check it out further, or interested in purchasing it, check this link: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Victoire/Maryse-Conde/9781416592761

My rating: 2 skeins... & this is just because I had such a hard time with the names & the language. The story was a 3 skein, but the whole package, for me, made it a little harder to enjoy.

The Traveler's Gift

2010-01-13T08:59:00.000-08:00

Book: The Traveler's Gift

Author: Andy Andrews

One a few months ago, he was a successful executive. Now he's a desperate man. But a divine adventure is about the unfold. David Ponder is on an incredible journey that will help you discover the Seven Decisions for Success.
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I am in love with the book "The Noticer" - even gave it out to a bunch of my reading friends for Christmas. This book was before that book so I knew I had to pick it up & give it a go... Yes, I loved this book as well.

David is on top of the world & then in a blink of an eye, the world turns upside down on him. In the most desperate of hours, he soon goes through a time-travel adventure where he meets up with seven others who give him advice & wisdom.

Each one of the these people have a scroll they hand him that has a lesson for his success - & while he is back in the various points in history, they have conversations that are just amazing.

I can totally see King Solomon saying some of the words he says - or even Anne Frank being such a wise young lady...

You can go http://rebeccajosquotes.blogspot.com/2010/01/travelers-gift.html to see alot of the quotes I got out of this book... things that are so powerful & insightful...

The last visitor is with Gabriel & their visit just about killed me... SPOILER ALERT>>>>>> If you dont want to know... skip on down.... but Gabriel takes him into "..a place that never was"... the things that people give up or dont persue. The blessings that God wants to bestow but people give up & dont have enough faith for. Oh mercy - talk about eye opening! The book describes it so beautifully.

Every conversation is done so beautifully...

As you can tell from all the quotes I have on my "Quote me on that" blog - it touched me to the heart..

My Rating: 5 skeins!!!

The Gift

2009-12-29T11:49:00.000-08:00

Book: The Gift

Author: Richard Paul Evans

Nathan Hurst hated Christmas. For the rest of the world, it was a day of joy & celebration; for Nathan it was simply a reminder of the event that destroyed his childhood. Until a snowstorm, a cancelled flight, & an unexpected meeting with a young mother & her very special son would show him that Christmas is indeed the season of miracles.
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Get to slide in one more book for the end of the year...

And what a book!

I love Richard Paul Evans - everything he writes & his books he puts out at Christmas. I think this one is from last year (possibly 2 years ago) & I just put it in my pile & forgot about it & didnt want to read it any other time but around the Holidays. I remembered this year, & was so glad I read it - I got through this book like like 2 days... would've one day if I didnt have to work (dang work!)

But this book is the story of a little boy, Collin, who has cancer & died & was brought back. He remembered being on the "other side" & came back with some special powers. He can "read" people & the kind of person they are.. & he also has a special "touch" about him that ends up causing sort of a riot.

His mother, Addison, is a very strong, independant, woman & strong, single mother as she takes care of her children. Collin's sister, Elizabeth is also such a realistic description of what a younger sister would be.

And they run into Nat one evening at an airport when everyone is snowed in. Nat couldnt let them sleep in the airport when he obviously can see that Collin is sick. That night he offers his hotel suite to them - that night sets in motion their lives all connecting. Especially after Nat is "touched" by Collin & his power that he has...

This book isnt a "Christmas" book really - but it will definitely warm your heart & make you smile, & most definitely will make you cry.

And its also really depicts how people are so wanting so desperately to put their faith into something....

One other character that I loved in this book is Nat's assistant, Miche - everyone should have a friend like this lady... love that in a book, you can have a male/female friendship that isnt anything other then friends... good to see!

I totally recommend it - anytime of the year!
My rating - 4 skeins

The Perfect Christmas

2009-12-24T05:07:00.000-08:00

Book: The Perfect Christmas

Author: Debbie Macomber

What would make YOUR Christmas perfect?
For Casie Beaumont, its meeting her perfect match. Cassie, at 33 wants a husband & kids & so far, nothings worked. She turns to a professional matchmaker. He's Simon DOdson & he's VERY choosy about the clients he takes on. Cassie finds Simon a difficult, acerbic know-it-all, & she's astonished when he accepts her as a client.

Claiming he has her perfect mate in mind, Simon assigns her 3 tasks to complete before she meets him. Three tasks that are all about Christmas; being a charity bell ringer, dressing up as Santa's elf, & preparing a traditional turkey dinner for her neighbors (whom she happesn to dislike). Despite a number of comical mishaps, Cassie does it all - & she's finally ready to meet her match.
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Well, I'm sure you can figure out who her perfect match is....

Yes, you can pretty much tell from the first chapter who's going to be "coupled" up in this book, but it doesnt take away from the story. I love Debbie Macomber's writing anyways & love her yearly Christmas books just because they ARE easy reads & just with the background of Christmas, its a fun read to take in during the season.

I did chuckle out loud - which is a good sign - at some parts of the book... & even gasped at surprises at some of the things that happened. And I was smiling at the end of the book, pleased with the ending, & just because it was enjoyable to read.

While this isnt a literature masterpiece - it was perfect reading to do the week of Christmas...

& the only reason I'm not giving this a 4 is because the idea that the ONLY way you can have a PERFECT Christmas is to have the perfect husband & the 2.1 kids & the dog in front of the tree... I can let that slide because its a fun Christmas book - but I'm going to be honest, that did aggravate me a bit..

My rating: 3 skeins

Split Ends

2009-12-14T07:16:00.000-08:00

Book: Split Ends

Author: Kristin Billerbeck

She's armed with hot irons, sharp shears & a flair for color.
She's dangerous - truly bad news for bad hair.
And she's going to do whatever it takes to make a place for herself in the exclusive Beverely Hills salon.

Even if that means sweeping hair, emptying trash, scrubbing dummy heads, & making soy lattes for the stars that come in Yoshi's salon.

Even if it means hiding the fact that she's not really an up-&-comer from New York, but a drunk's daughter from small town Wyoming.

Even if it means ignoring her attraction to a tall, dark stranger in a fedora who just stepped off the elevator... & into her heart.

But can a talented hairdresser from the sticks really make it in image-obsessed LA? And can she ever find true love & real success in a town that wrote the book on fake?
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The story of Sarah Claire moving to the big town & trying to make it was cute. I liked the book has lots of pop culture modern references - but that means down the road, 10 years, people will laugh at some of the references...

It was refreshing to read a story of what seemed like a real character in how she talked & the things she said - & even more refreshing that in the story, Sarah Claire is a Christian & meets a Christian man, Dane...

Many characters from Sarah Claire, her cousin who she moves in with, Scott - the crazy LA hair dresser she's working for who will put her in the big leagues, Yoshi... her friends she left behind, the body builder she meets on the streets... all cute, easy characters... loved that Sarah Claire was a girl who loved old time movies & had an obsession with Carey Grant. Ahh - the old romantic ways of life. And she found a man who fell right into that & even more, agreed with taht old fashion sense of romance...

For me, the story was cute, but drug out a little... just alot of focus on some things that I thought they spent way too much time on, or a topic they'd keep coming back to. I found myself at the end just wanting the story over so I could move onto the next book.

My Rating: 3 Skeins... wasn't HORRIBLE - but not fantastic.. just OK.. so middle of the road...

Have a Little Faith

2009-11-24T05:32:00.000-08:00

Book: Have a Little Faith

Author: Mitch Albom

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!! If I had enough money, I'd buy this one (along with "The Noticer") for everyone I knew.

This is the true story of Mitch getting an unusual request: to deliver a eulogy for his rabbi from his old hometown. He feels unworthy & insists on understanding the man better, which throws him back into a world of faith he'd left years ago. Meanwhile, Mitch becomes involved with a Detroit pastor - a reformed drug dealer & convict - who preaches to the poor & homeless in a decaying church with a hole in its roof.

Moving between their worlds, Christian & Jewish, African American & white, impoverished & well to do, Albom observes how these very different men employ faith similary in fighting for survival: the older, suburban rabbi embracing it as death approaches; the younger, inner-city pastor relying on it to keep him & his church afloat.

These men touch on things such as how to endure when difficult things happen; what heaven is; intermarriage; forgiveness; doubting God & the importance of faith in trying times...

In the end, as the rabbi nears death & a harsh winter threatens the pastor's wobbly church, Mitch sadley fulfills the rabbi's last request & writes the eulogy. And he finally understands what both men had been teaching him all along - the profound comfort of believing in something bigger than youself.

My Rating: 5 skeins!!!!!!

I'm telling you - it was a wonderful read... I marked so many thing that just touched my heart... so this may turn into the longest post ever... but I want to remember these things I got out of this book
______________________________
From a sermon by the Reb - 1975
"A man seeks employment on a farm. He hands his letter of recommendation to his new employer. It reads simply, "He sleeps in a storm". The owner is desperate for help, so he hires the man.
    Several weeks pass & suddenly, in the middle of the night, a powerful storm rips through the valley. Awakened by the swirling rain & howling wind, the owner leaps out of bed. He calls for his new hired hand, but the man is sleeping soundly.
     So he dashes off to the barn. He sees, to his amazement that the animals are secure with plenty of feed. He runs out to the field. He sees the bales of wheat have been bound & are wrapped in the tarpaulins. He races to the silo. The doors are latched, & the grain is dry.
    And then he understands. "HE SLEEPS IN A STORM"
    My friends, if we tend to the things that are important in life, if we are right with those we love & behave in line with our faith, our lives will not be cursed with the aching throb of unfulfilled business. Our words will always be sincere, our embraces will be tight. We will never wallow in the agony of "I could have, I should have"... We can sleep in a storm.
   And when its time, our good-byes will be complete
_________________________________
When a baby comes into the world, its hands are clenched - right? (He made a fist) Why? Because a baby, not knowing any better wants to grab everything, to say "The whole word is mine!" But when an old person dies, how does he do so? With his hands open. Why? Because he has learned the lesson. (He stretched open his empty fingers) - We can take nothing with us.

_________________________________
What do people fear most about death? I asked the Reb.
"Fear?" He thought for a moment. "Well, for one thing, what happens next? Where do we go? Is it what we imagined? But there's something else"
What else?
He leaned forward.
"Being forgotten" he whispered.

_________________________________
I call Jesus the greatest recycler I know! He lifts me up - he rearranges me - he repositions me!

_________________________________
I walked a mile with Pleasure;
She chatted all the way;
But left me none the wiser
For all she had to say.

I walked a mile with Sorrow,
And ne'er a word said she;
But oh! The things I learned from her,
When Sorrow walked with me.
-Robert Browning Hamilton

________________________________
Nothing haunts like the things we dont say....

_______________________________
What I do here, every day for the rest of my life, is only my way of saying "Lord, regardless of what eternity holds for me, let me give something back to you. I know it dont even no scorecard. But let me make something of my life before I go....."And then Lord, I'm at your mercy"

thirsty

2009-11-16T05:17:00.000-08:00

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

Book: thirsty

Author: Tracey Bateman

There's no place like home, they say.

"Hello, I'm Nina Parker…and I'm an alcoholic."
For Nina, it's not the weighty admission but the first steps toward recovery that prove most difficult. She must face her ex-husband, Hunt, with little hope of making amends, and try to rebuild a relationship with her angry teenage daughter, Meagan. Hardest of all, she is forced to return to Abbey Hills, Missouri, the hometown she abruptly abandoned nearly two decades earlier–and her unexpected arrival in the sleepy Ozark town catches the attention of someone–or something–igniting a two-hundred-fifty-year-old desire that rages like a wildfire.

Unaware of the darkness stalking her, Nina is confronted with a series of events that threaten to unhinge her sobriety. Her daughter wants to spend time with the parents Nina left behind. A terrifying event that has haunted Nina for almost twenty years begins to surface. And an alluring neighbor initiates an unusual friendship with Nina, but is Markus truly a kindred spirit or a man guarding dangerous secrets?

As everything she loves hangs in the balance, will Nina's feeble grasp on her demons be broken, leaving her powerless against the thirst? The battle between redemption and obsession unfold to its startling, unforgettable end.
____________________________________________
This book was tagged as a "Christian Vampire" story...

I didnt really think it held that much clout for anything compared to Twilight, but I will say, this was a really good story!

How Nina is struggling with her "thirst" of alcholism & the man, Marcus, who is a vampire, & the "thirsts" he struggles with as well - it was very interesting.

But the story of Nina & her life & how her struggle with alcohol had affected her, & then her family - it was interesting to see. Especially as she tries to start her life again & tries to mend bridges with her teenage daughter.

I could feel the pain that Nina was going through as she had to fight her past - coming home to see parents she hadent seen in years after she ran away. To see her relationship with her sister who loved her & took her in when she needed a place to go. To see how her husband loved Nina through the years, through EVERYTHING she put him through...

It had its suspensful moments.... especially at the end, I was biting my finger nails trying to figure out how it would end.

If you like a book about survival, about beginning again, & throw in a bit of suspense, you'll love this book!
Here is the link for more info & for purchasing:
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9780307457158

My Rating: 3 skeins

Touched by a Vampire

2009-11-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

Book: Touched by a Vampire

Author: Beth Felker Jones

"Examining Twilight through a Biblical Lens"

People around the world are enraptured with Edward & Bella's forbidden romance in the Twilight Saga. This book investiages the themes of the Saga from a Biblical perspective. Some Christian readers have praised moral principles illustrated in the story, such as premarital sexual abstinence, which align with Meyer's Mormon beliefs. But ultimately, Beth Felker Jones examines whether the story's redemptive qualities outshine its darkness.
__________________________
I'm going to admit from the get go - I'm a Twilight NUT! I've even done a post about views I've seen of comparing to Scripture on my Home blog (Button on the top right)... So I was so excited about getting this book to see what else others had to say.

I was also excited because the book also holds a guide for group discussions & since I get to spend time with youth girls who also love Twilight in our church, I was anxious to see what some of the discussions could stir up.

I think maybe because I am such a die-hard Twilighter, this book wasnt what I expected.

For example - here are some of the titles of the chapters are the following:

Forbidden Fruit - The allure of Dangerous Romance

Body & Blood - Twilight's Take of Abstinence & Sex

Baseball & Loyalty - Twilight & the Ideal Family

Monster Spawn or Precious Child? Children in the Twilight Saga

I mean, I really did appreciate what this book was saying but at the end of each chapter, I found myself saying "ITS JUST A NOVEL!"....

For me, reading the Twilight series ever made me question God, or my relationship with God. And while I would LOVE for someone to be as incredible as Edward - I know there is no one that is going to sparkle like diamonds in the sunlight & be there to protect me from evil vampires...

One chapter dealt with how Jesus should be the center of your life - not necessarily a man like Edward. Well, you can look at ANY book, especially a romance book, & come up with the same conclusion.

It talks about how children should be a blessing & not have a "baby who eats her mother alive"... seriously! I think we can all agree, that's not a good thing...

I almost found it irritating because I felt like it was sorta underminding, personally...

Maybe if someone hasnt read the Twilight series & was going into reading this blindly, maybe it would touch them more. For me personally, a true Twilight-er, it wasnt a book for me... but that's OK... books reach different people at different times.

I'd be interested in knowing if anyone else read it & what you thought...

if you are interested in checking it out for youserlf & want to form your own opinion, go here:
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601422781

My Rating: I hate saying it was bad, but it was bad for me. it definitely could have potential for others.. 2 skeins.

White Picket Fences - GIVEAWAY!!!

2009-11-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

Book: White Picket Fences

Author: Susan Meissner

The Janviers have the idyllic life - a beautiful home, great jobs, two wonderful kids - & surrounding it all is the proverbial white picket fence that protects them, offers them a serene sense of security... & hides all their secrets.

______________________________

This is an amazing story that will suck you in. Its about a young girl, Tally, whose father left her with his grandmother to go on a search that no one knows about, except Tally. When her grandmother passes away & no one can get ahold of Tally's father, Bart, her aunt, Amanda, steps up to take Tally into their home.

Amanda & Neil Janvier have two children around the same age as Tally - Delcy &Chase. Tally &Chase seem to get along & understand each other. Soon they are working on a school project where they are looking into history &researching the Ghetto during the Holocaust, where their great-grandfather was killed. They meet up with two men from a nursing home that can fill in part of the story of what it was like - these men share some amazing stories &; are so endearing to see their friendship through the years...

Along the whole path, secrets that have been hidden are brought to light. Secrets from Chase's past, from Amanda & Neil's life, from their great-grandfather... all secrets that effect a life. Secrets that people try to hide & when you hide them, they eventually eat you up...

There was a question/answer session at the end with the author & she talked about the heart of the book & she mentioned the EXACT same line that really impacted me... I want to share that:

What do you hope readers come away with after reading White Picket Fences? The moment that Josef (the man in the nursing home) says "That is what all survivors must decide. We have to decide how much we will choose to remember & how much courage we are willing to expend to do so". It takes courage to acknowledge &remember what drove you to your knees or nearly killed you. If you choose to forget - that's assuming you actually can - then it seems to me you suffered for nothing.

That just impacted the tar out of me... So lucky for you guys... The publisher sent this to me for review & gave me an additional one, so I get do to a giveaway!!!! All you have to do is leave a comment for one entry & if you are a follower - you get an additional entry! Simple enough...

And if you arent a winner - you can always get it right HERE...

The drawing will be Friday night...GOOD LUCK!

MY RATING: 4 SKEINS

WE HAVE A WINNER...DAWN FROM DAWN'S COTTAGE CORNER!!!
Yes - she won the last one too! I am using the random number generator & putting them in order of the comment posts... so she is just one lucky lady!!!! Congrats Dawn! Another book is headed your way!

The Voice that Calls you Home

2009-10-29T08:01:00.000-07:00

Book: The Voice that Calls you Home

Author: Andrea Raynor

As a hospice chaplain, cancer survivor & a chaplain at Ground Zero following September 11, Andrea Raynor has gained a keen perspective on the meaning of life & death, comfort & grief. Through her own experiences, Raynor reminds readers that even in the most dire of circumstances, we still have the opportunity to recognize beauty, to be inspired by the tenancity of the human spirit, & to feel connected to something greater.

Raynor acknowledges that we may not be able to prevent the difficulties that come in life, but we can always choose the way in which we face them. She urges us not to "live with our heads down, our eyes closed, & our hands in our pockets". Instead, she prompts us to remain open to the blessings that are all around us & to face life's challenges head on - "to increase our courage, renew our hope, & unite us in teh knowledge that we are not alone"
________________________
The wonderful publisher of this book send me a copy to look at. I am always interested in life stories - especially a story of a chaplain. I was looking into becoming a chaplain in hospitals or hospice envirnoments years ago, so this piqued my interest from the beginning.

This book has some amazing stories of people in hospice. Stories of mothers loosing their children, wives loosing their husbands - stories of people who are ready to leave this world while doing it with the knowledge of knowing life doesnt end at the last breath of this world.

There are many chapters of Andrea's life during the weeks at Ground Zero. I cant imagine the things she actually experiences hands on. The stories are hard enough to read....

And the story of her diagnosis & battle with breast cancer herself is an inspiration.

I think that this book would be really appreciated by someone that has just lost a loved one, is dealing with grief, wondering about the last stages of death, just needs comfort & insight from someone who has seen death touch so many.

The one con of this book for me - for a chaplain, Andrea does seem to have many "New age" beliefs... & while that may not bother some people, some of her views may be edgy for others. That is not saying the book is not good. The point I keep getting throughout her book is still an amazing point - we need to be PRESENT... we need to be there for those who need someone.

here are two parts of the book that really hit me:
______________________
As he (ElieWisel) was forced to watch a young boy hang from the gallows of a concentration camp, dying a slow, torturous death, a prisoner in the crowd cried out: "Where is God now?" Wiesel writes, "And I heard a voice within me answer him: "where is He? Here He is - He is hanging here from the gallows"

Why do terrible things happen? Perhaps they happen not because God refuses to act in human history but because we refuse to act humanely. We are children running with expensive watches, with scissors, with the power to break & to hurt, to squander & to maim. We have the freedom to make terrible choices or to aspire toward holiness. And if we continue to point to the absence of God in the presence of evil, we will never take responsbility for our own actions, nor will we discover the God-ever-present, whose heart continues to break with ours.
______________________
(This part of the book really touched me - a story of a pastor's wife who never had children due to infertility. She was so amazing with children, Andrea assumed she has children, grandchildren... here's what she said about it)
"Well", she began, "It was hard in the beginning, certainly. But when I look back at all the children I have mothered, all the little ones who needed love, I realize that I could never have been there for them in the same way if I had had my own children. You see," she continued her face aglow, "I am really the mother of more children than I ever could have imagined. God has truly blessed me"
______________________
How do I rate this book? I think this book will touch those who are in need of these words at the right moment. It definitely hit home for me in those words above... I'm sure certain stories & words would hit someone else going through a loss of some sort...

My rating: 3 skeins

The Sound of Sleigh Bells & GIVEAWAY!!!

2009-10-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Book: The Sound of Sleigh Bells
Author: Cindy Woodsmall

Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store & serves as a contact between Amish craftsmen & Englischer retailers. But remorse & lonliness still echo in her heart every day, & she still wears dark dresses to indicate her mourning of her fiance. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow in an Englischer store, something deep inside Beth's soul responds & she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work.

Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking & after meeting Jonah, the artist, she is determined that Beth come to know this man whose hands create healing art. But it's not that simple - Beth has cut herself from any possibility of romance. Will Lizzy's elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth new hope & a second change at real love - or just more heartbreak?
___________________
I have to start off immediately by saying I could not put this book down. The writing in this story was great - easy enough to be able to digest it & complex enough where you feel you know the characters so well by the end. I read this book in just a day - didnt want to put it down.

The story of Beth & the life she has lived & the reason she is mourning so deeply is just interesting to unfold. And the story of Jonah & the sufferings he too has dealt with in his life is just as intriguing. The "scheme" that Aunt Lizzy pulls is sneaky & risky...I dont want to give anything away about the story... but its a story that I think anyone could really appreciate. The under lying story of God's forgiveness & how someone handles regret & guilt is also so relevant. Wonderfully done!

Of course, for me - I love a good story that involves family, love & God as the center of everything so this was a home run for me.

You can buy the book right HERE or you can be the lucky winner!! I have an extra copy & am excited about giving this away to someone who loves a great read!

All you have to do is comment!!! Simple enough! If you want to "follow" this blog, I'll throw in another entry.... I'll do the giveaway on Oct 16 - Friday... so act quick!

This book is a perfect read too with winter coming & the Christmas season... Good luck!!!!

My Rating: 5 skeins!!!!

*This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

***UPDATE: THE WINNER OF THE BOOK WAS DAWN'S COTTAGE CORNER!!!! Thanks for participating everyone... another book give away will be coming soon!

Catching Fireflies

2009-10-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

Book: Catching Fireflies

Author: Patsy Clairmont

Patsy weaves stories & scripture between lasers, lighthouses, & lamps to illuminate the heart & enliven the spirit. Whether you're bored with the routine, struggling with a crsis, or just ready for a good word, Patsy meets you there with vulnerability, inspiration & an infectious grin. As a daily devotional or a weekend read, Catching Fireflies will light up your day even as it brightens your smile.

______________

I LOVE Patsy Clairmont. If you've never seen her in person, you cant fully appreciate her! She can tell a story about poop that was keep me on the edge of my seat - I guarantee it! So I picked this book up at the latest Women of Faith conference. Mainly because she was talking about her best friend who passed away with cancer & how she was the light in her life - she gave off sparks of light like a firefly. It made me just have to pick this book up.

It didnt disappoint. It was an easy read that I would be laughing about a story Patsy would tell & then find she had woven it back to a story or scripture in the Bible. I love when people can do that.... makes the Bible come to life!

The story of the man who created the Nobel Peace Prize really touched me - I'll be doing a story on that on my Home Blog...so many small stories that make an impact!!!

My rating: 4 skeins... would totally recommend it to anyone... especially those who like to laugh!

Best Friends Forever

2009-09-30T05:08:00.000-07:00

Book: Best Friends Forever

Author: Jennifer Weiner

Addie Downs & Valerie Adler will be best friends forever. That's what Addie believes after Valerie moves across teh street when they're both nine years old. But in the wake of betrayal during their teenage years, Val is swept into the popular crowd, while mousy, sullen Addie becomes her school's scapegoat.

Flash-forward fifteen years. Valerie Adler has found a measure of fame & fortune working as the weather girl at the local TV station. Addie Downs lives alone in her parent's house in their small hometown of Pleasant Ridge Illinois caring for a troubled brother & trying to meet Prince Charming on the Internet. She's just returned from Bad Date #6 when she opens her door to find her long-gone best friend standing there, a terrified look on her face &blood on the sleeve of her coat. "Something horrible has happened" Val tells Addie, "& you're the only one who can help."

________________

That's how the story starts off... & what an adventure these friends are on from that moment.

Its such a interesting book that flashes back to their young years together & you find out the story of both of their lives -what brought them together, & what ultimately tore them apart. You glimpse into their families lives & see the impact of family on who you become. The story of Addie's brother just broke my heart - & to see the sort of mother Valerie had... you see how they become the adults they are.

Soon, the chief of police, Jordan is involved & we get a new character in the mix that is on the hunt for these "Thelma & Louise" runaways....

I laughed out loud at particular parts of the book (the bank-robbing scene) - & my heart broke for Addie in parts where she described her teen years. She was an over weight teen with a beautiful popular friend & I could totally relate to that. I knew the truth of some of the things she said. My heart broke for Addie as she did become the "picked on" teen in the school when all she wanted to do was protect her friend.

I dont want to give anything away, but the end was very interesting to me - a happy ending for one of the characters - a lesson learned for another - and regret finally setting in for another character... its interesting to see how the past still can haunt you....

Would I recommend this book? It is a cute, fun read - especially if you ever had a girlfriend you grew up with...it has some language & some parts that I personally could have done without - but it wasnt horribly vulgar. I do think its a good weekend read though.

My rating: 4 skeins

What Difference Do it Make?

2009-09-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

Title: What Difference do it make?

Author: Ron Hall, Denver Moore, & Lynn Vincent

So I got this book to review & I have to say from the get go... I was FLOORED with how good it is! Apparently this book has a book that went along with it - this is a follow up, but its not necessary to have read the first. Although now, I WANT to read it so badly, I'm dying!

This book is about a relationship between two friends - Ron & Denver. Denver was a homeless man that lived a life like no other. And I say that because the insight he came away with is so touching & amazing. Ron's wife, Deborah, had a passion for homelessness & befriended Denver & it was lives changed for all of them. Deborah has since passed from cancer but left a legacy that has grown into touching so many's lives. Whether it be inspiring others to work with homelessness or just changing the way they see things in their own lives - or the way they see others - its truly the work of God's hand on a life that was dedicated to Him.

This story continues with the lives of Ron & Denver. Ron's story is so touching as it deals with his relationship with his father & how sometimes, the way you deal & look at your own family can be difficult, but it takes the same love & forgiveness you have to offer everyone.

Denver's words are just powerful - no other way to put it... you will see below in some of the quotes I have written down...

Also, included are stories from people who read the first book & how it changed their lives. If you think God cant use a story.... check this out & see how it already had changed lives & how this book will change lives. I know it will change the way I look at homelessness - or people in general.

Here are some of the quotes I got out of the book... hopefully they will inspire you as well...

*Most people on the streets know Jesus love ‘em. But they figure nobody ELSE loves ‘em BUT Jesus. Street people done heard more sermons than most preachers ever preached. Lotta good folks come ‘round the ‘hood, talking ‘bout Jesus this, Jesus that. Tellin us about Him is one thing… who gon’ stick around and SHOW us Jesus? –Denver

*Needy people don’t need no perfect people neither. When Jesus sent His disciples out, He sent Peter right along, knowin Peter had a bad temper & a potty mouth & was gon’ deny Him three times. He sent John & James even though they was full a’pride and fightin over the best seat at the table. He even sent Judas, knowin Judas was gon’ betray Him. Even though Jesus knowed all a’their sins & weakness, He sent ‘em anyways.

*Listen, if the devil ain’t messing with you, he’s already got you –Denver

*I aint got no way to read the mind a’ God, but I ‘xpect part a’His business is making it Christmas for somebody EVERY day! If all the Christians – I mean ALL of ‘em – got outta the pews on Sundays & into the streets, we’d shut the city down. We’d shut down hunger. We’d shut down lonliness. We’d shut down the notion that there is any such of a thing as a person that don’t deserve a kind word & a second chance. – Denver

*It is a blessing to the homeless when they see people who care. But to really help, you’ve got to get down in the pit with people & stay with them until they find the strength to get on your shoulders & climb out. Helping someone is when you find out how to help them move toward wholeness & then hang with them until they make a change”

*That Deborah would get cancer made no more sense than a drive-by shooting… what Denver had said three weeks earlier haunted me. “Those precious to God become important to Satan”….
If you are interested in this book - you can go here

My rating: 5 skeins!!!!

The Lucky One

2009-09-20T17:54:00.000-07:00

Book: The Lucky One

Author: Nicholas Sparks

When US Marine Logan Thibuault finds a photograph of a smiling young woman half-buried in teh dirt during his third tour of duty in Iraw, his first instinct is to toss it aside. Instead he brings it back to the base for someone to claim, but when no one does, he finds himself always carrying the photo in his pocket. Suddenly, luck is on his side. His best friend, Victor, seems to have an explanation for his good fortune: the photograph - his lucky charm.

He sets off to find teh woman, traveling on foot from Colorado. He finds her but didnt expect the strong but vulenrable woman he encounters in Hampton, North Carolina - Elizabeth, a divorced mother with a young son.

_________________

When Logan finds her, he cant tell Elizabeth the story of the picture & he lets "life" just take its course. From finding a job in a dog kennel, to his encounter with her ex-husband - the horrible, nasty town sherriff, Keith Clayton... to the wonderful relationship with Beth's son, Ben... & the incredible dog, Zeus.... & Beth's mom, Nana... the story is full of wonderful characters that you really feel like you know.

The story of Beth & Logan is a wonderful romance that develops. I was on the edge worrying about the creep Clayton & always afraid he was going to hurt the dog... luckily, no such thing happened...

But the story was refreshing - another book that shows me why I love Nicholas Sparks so much.

My rating: 4 skeins

Tears in a Bottle

2009-09-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

Book: Tears in a Bottle

Author: Sylvia Bambola

"Becky Taylor lies in a secluded recovery room of an abortion clinic when she hears a man's angry voice, then gunshots amid cries of terror. Lying still behind the curtan, she holds her breath in fear. But the silence that follows reveals the icy truth; she's the only one left alive"

This book shows the world of abortion, so its a topic that is touchy anyways, much less have a book - or a novel - on.

The story follows Becky's life & the pressure that is put on her as a teenager to have sex & then the result that follows.

It also follows the story of Maggie, who runs a center for healing for women who went through an abortion. More characters involve the doctors who are performing the abortions & who are turning this lifestyle into something even worse, selling parts for money to cosmetic companies & scientists. Finally, another character, Canon Edwards... a man whose wife had died during an abortion where everyone told her it was a simple procedure. Canon served time but is still seeking for revenge.

To me, the story was OK, but it just felt too "childish"... I believe there is a darker world in the abortion clinics that doctors are dealing with, but this book just didnt pass that to me as believable. That part of the story was sorta corny to me. I did feel the heart of the stories of the women in the clinic, or even Becky's story - but that wasn't even really gripping to me.

My rating: 2 skeins

The Convenient Groom

2009-09-01T17:19:00.000-07:00

Book: The Convenient Groom

Author: Denise Hunter

"She wrote the book - literally - on finding the right mate. But does she really understand what love's about?"

This is the cutest book - a true fairy tale - a true romance! Loved every page of it.

This story is about woman who is like Dr. Phil of relationships - Dr. Kate. The book starts on her wedding day... where her groom jilts her... on the same day her relationship book comes out. What's a girl to do? She gets a new groom!!!

Enter Lucas Wright - the most amazing man character a book has... he's everything - caring, sweet, handsome, & he really loves Kate. She doesnt know this & the understanding in the marriage will only last for a year - to get her book out & push the publicity. Lucas is hoping in that year, she'll really fall in love with him.

Of course, nothing has an easy path... but the story is just in no other word - CHARMING...

I couldnt put it down... was sad it was over. But seen there are more "Nantucket Love Stories"... so I've got to check them out.

I really recommend it if you're looking for a light, fun read that is full of romance & in the end, has a message about Christ. The author has a message at the end that focuses all of it back to the main point - Christ being the only one you can count on for the love of a lifetime!!! AWESOME!

My rating: 5 skeins

The Gargoyle

2009-08-29T17:04:00.000-07:00

Book: The Gargoyle
Author: Andrew Davidson

I was very interested in this book - it involves a man who was burned in an accident. With my husband having been in a horrible fire that left him with scars, it peaked my interest.

But first, let me say - I'm not a total prude... I can handle today's books... but I couldnt even get through the beginnings of this book. I got to Chapter 3 & I finally had to stop & just put the book away.

I wasnt expecting the language to be so foul ..... & I wasnt expecting the main character to be a porn star...that threw me off... so within the first few chapters, it was just too much for me. Then the talk of suicide coming in - I just knew this book wasnt for me...

Again, I'm not a prude - but I only really have to set some standards for MYSELF.... so I just put the book in the pile to be sold... & I literally just got the book in the mail today... darn!

If some of you read it, & you like it... kudos to you.. it just wasnt for me...

My rating = 0 skeins

The Reader

2009-08-29T16:57:00.000-07:00

Book: The Reader

Author: Bernard Schlink

I remember when the previews came out for the movie - it intrigued me. But as always, I think books are better. I never got to see the movie, but I went ahead & read the book... WOW... now, I gotta see the movie!

This story is about a 15 yr old boy that mets an older woman in Germany. They start an affair & during this time, she asks him to read stories. There are clues throughout the book on why she has him reading these things to her... but its very interesting to watch their affair. Its interesting to see the affect Hannah Schmitz has on Michael Berg - throughout his whole life.

Hannah disappears suddenly one day, & Michael cant forget her... & then he sees her in court for her dealings in a concentration camp. The results of the trial shows exactly what Hannah has been hiding...

The story is beautifully written - It shows how someone can come in your life & never leave it - even if you dont talk to them anymore.

The end of the story shocked me.... I gasped... but again, very beautiful with how Michael ends the story... gotta go see the movie for sure now!

Rating: 5 skeins... very good book!

Bridge to Terabithia

2009-08-26T16:10:00.000-07:00

Book: Bridge to Terabithia
Author: Katherine Paterson

I came across someone's book list that had their top 10 books as a kid. This book was on it & I remember when the movie came out (never saw it) & remember talking how good that was too. So I ended up finding the book really cheap off of Half.com & thought I'll read it.

I noticed right away it says for ages 10 & up.... & that it wasnt very long. So yes, I ended up reading it during my work day (which was nice)... but I wasnt disappointed in the story at all - this is a story that any age would like. I'm actually surprised it goes for as young as 10, but think its probably good for them to see a story about real life.

Never seeing the movie, I thought it would go into detail about their "imaginary world" of Terabithia that Jess & Leslie created. The book didnt do that - which I was happy about. But did show how their friendship was so deep between a boy & girl in 5th grade - something that rarely happens. But being neighbors in farm territory, they were able to grow closer through the year. With Leslie's story telling & Jess's art abilities, these two were a perfect friendship.

I had read in all the reviews... so if you dont know & you DONT want to know how it ends... stop reading NOW!!!!..... but I knew the end was coming with Leslie's death - but it still is never easy to read of the reactions of how a death affects someone - especially a 5th grade boy who was best friends with her.

I really enjoyed the end how he realized in this "world" of Terabithia where Leslie made Jess a KING - he knew he was knighted to go into the world on his own without his queen.

With the way Leslie died - the rope giving way over rushing water - I loved how Jess made his baby sister a bridge to start her own adventures in this world.... a very sweet ending... a very sweet book...

My Rating: 5 skeins.... I do think a young reader could appreciate this book - even its "grown up" themes & words at times... a beautiful story of friendship.

Let it go

2009-08-26T04:34:00.000-07:00

Book: Let it go

Author: Sheila Walsh

I rarely like books that are like "self-help" books. They dont hold my attention & get too repetitive & boring. There are just a few select authors I like like that. Max Lucado is a YES to every book, Patsy Clairmont is a YES to every book... but there are few that I just gotta read.

But after picking up Patsy's book at the latest Women of Faith conference, I thought that was it.... until I heard Sheila talk about her experience of letting go bitterness & resentment & emotions she was having towards her husband about things in their life. Something in me hit me to go get this book... & I'm so glad I did....

This book is properly titled "Let it go"... its such a reminder of letting go of the things that we hold onto - especially as women - that end up eating us up, end up tearing us away from God & driving wedges in our lives & our families & relationships.

I especially enjoyed at the beginning of each chapter, there was a parable sort of story that really explained what the chapter would be about & they were just such good, heart felt little stories. I even wrote one out on my "Quote blog"... http://rebeccajosquotes.blogspot.com/2009/08/let-it-go-sheila-walsh.html

I also wrote SOOO many quotes from this book, it was CRAZY... such good insight... here's the link to the quotes I took down

http://rebeccajosquotes.blogspot.com/2009/08/let-it-go.html

My favorite though that I will probably always carry with me is the following from Corrie Ten Boom:

"The purpose of being guilty is to bring us to Jesus. Once we are there, then its purpose is finished. If we continue to make ourselves guilty - to blame ourselves - then that is sin in itself"

Do I recommend it? I really do - I think its a easy read, interesting & just an easy way its delivered that shows God in every situation...

My Rating: 4 skeins... (Which is REALLY good for me & a book of this sort)

Miss Invisible

2009-08-13T05:08:00.000-07:00

Book: Miss Invisible
Author: Laura Jensen Walker
This story is about a girl named Freddie who is a "big girl" - so already, I'm interested in this story.

She works in a bakery & is fantastic at what she does. But with her weight, she feels like most of the world ignores her - or any bigger girl - hence, the name Miss Invisible. Her boss degrades her because of her weight - her father & step mother treat her so horribly because of her weight & she's also single & trying to find a good Christian man to date while feeling so down on herself.

But she finds a new friend, Deborah, that just changes her life & is also a bigger girl - & busts through all the myths of how a big-girl SHOULD act... she's a fantastic character in the book! Deborah is a caterer & soon, gets Freddie to use her skills of cooking & fast become partners in the food world!

We get to see Freddie grow in this book - emotionally that is! She becomes stronger - becomes more comfortable with herself - becomes someone she doesnt think she could ever become - all with the help of her fantastic friends.

She also starts a BLOG in the book - which really made me happy... being one who loves all things bloggy!!!

This is a Christian novel, which I LOVED - Deborah is very much a Christian influence with prayers & scripture being brought into the story all the time.

Freddie finds out some devestating news about her father & her mother at the end... but its such a good reminder of the family of God & how you can have your "chosen family"....

This was a very easy read - enjoyable - cute.... definitely a story I didnt mind getting into. Freddie & Deborah - & Simon, Shane, Nicole, Lydia, Millie, Samuel ... & little Sam... all seemed like friends I would want to have

Because it was a story of a big girl who blogs... gotta give it 4 skeins!

The Memory Keeper's Daughter

2009-08-05T08:59:00.000-07:00

Book: The Memory Keeper's Daughter
Author: Kim Edwards
OK - I have seen this book out & wanted to buy it. Lynn let me borrow it & I was excited... my bubble was popped though... I didnt care for this book at all....

The story is about Dr. David Henry & about his wife who gives birth to twins. The first is born healthy - the 2nd is a daughter born with Down Syndrome. He asks the nurse to take her to a home & gives her up, telling the mother the baby died. The nurse, Caroline, wasnt able to leave her & ran with the baby, Phoebe, & raised her on her own.

The secret between David & Norah caused a rift in their relationship - that only builds more secrets... & then when their son Paul gets older, he too starts getting caught in the "rifts of secrets"....

Good story idea I guess... but for me, I just couldnt "get into it"... LONG chapters, complicated wording to tell a simple thought. Like someone would be thinking of something & next thing you know, they are thinking of the past, & then right back to the present... for me - that was hard to follow.

Plus, I thought it was sad in the end when David never got to meet his daughter or explain...

Again - this is just my opinion... this book wasnt for me... at all...

My rating: 1 Skein out of 5

The Vigil

2009-08-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

Book: The Vigil
Author: Cecila Samarlin

So this is the last book I read since starting this. A publishing company got ahold of me & sent it to me before they released it. That was pretty cool. Unfortunately, I was so busy & didnt get to read it before it was released... but once I got into it, I was sucked in & wished I read it earlier...

This is a story about a young girl named Ana who lived in El Salavador during war times. The way she survived is by God's hand & she soons finds herself in a convent with a Sister who helped her. Before she is to take her vows, she is to go to be a nanny in a home that is in need of her touch.

The little boy is a handful - but no match for Ana & soon the family expands with another little girl. Ana is now part of the family. She sees these kids grow up - she watches the relationship between their parents... & she falls in love...

The story flashes back from the deathbed of her husband to her past & it merges to the present. The passing of her husband is so sad - I actually teared up on those pages ... but it shows how "into" the story I was.

It was a fast, easy, nice read.

The only thing that struck me - Ana was a good, kind hearted person who wanted to become a nun - in one part of the story, she used a curse word that was SOOOO out of character. I wonder why they put that in - it just didnt "fit" Ana... but other then that - the story was really well told.

One of my favorite quotes from the book: "He was an uncomplicated, happy man with a soulful laugh that could tenderize the toughest of moments"... isnt that great?

My rating: 4 out of 5 .... I was going to use stars - but I love yarn & skeins - so I'll give out SKEINS instead of stars!!! Just who I am - its my blog - right?

My books!

2009-08-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

Well, I blog about everything else - I thought, why not blog about my books - because it is interesting to me how many books I read in a year.

I do have my sight at http://www.shelfari.com/rebeccajovincent/shelf

& this is showing that I've read 14 books so far this year... pretty cool....

So I'm going to keep that up, but also wanted to have a place where I could easily look back at the books I've read....

So here we go!