Everything Austen II Challenge

I saw a post about this challenge off a friend of mine's blog. I realized I owned a Jane Austen novel that I got as a gift that I have never read as well as an author sent me one of her books as well which I found incredibly sweet. So here is my list which is to be completed over a six month period.

1. Read Persuasion by Jane Austen
2. Read Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
3. Read Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler
4. Watch Bridget Jones's Diary on DVD
5. Watch Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth
6. Make Sally Lunn Buns.

You're supposed to do something crafty and as much as I would love to make something like a blouse or knit etc. I know that is just not possible so I'll do the next best thing, make something that Jane Austen might eat! :) This one starts next month and runs through January of next year! That way I only have to do one thing a month. So easy to achieve. Here is the link if anyone is interested: http://www.stephanieswrittenword.com/?p=2589

Well off to bed and hopefully reading more of the Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton tomorrow.

The power of a praying parent by Stormie Omartian

Stormie puts into words all the fears and hopes we have for our children. She also puts a nice prayer at the end of each chapter to start the practice of praying for your children if you haven't really done it much before.

This book really truly helps you understand how things need to be for a good life as a Christan for your children. It has definitely made me think about my life more and how I need to work more diligently at being a better example.

This is a must have for all parents no matter the age of your children. I definitely want to read more of her work and check out some of her other books. This woman is down to earth and the fact that she had her children write the preface for the book just made it more real to me.

Stormie Omartian/ New Author/ Christian Non-fiction/ 224 pages/ Prayer/ 5 out of 5

FTC: this book was given to me and my hubby as a gift.

Dark Tort by Diane Mott Davidson

Goldy has a new job making breakfast for the morning meeting at a law firm in town. But the night before, going to do prep work, she trips over something on the way in. It turns out to be the body of her neighbor and the paralegal at the firm, Dusty Routt. She is distraught but has to know the reason behind the death of her friend. The mother also doesn't trust the police and asks for Goldy's help.

Ms. Davidson weaves tales that leave you guessing as well as wanting more. I was blown away by how skillfully she brings back old characters and just makes them seem like they were never gone. Cooking is definitely a stress releaser for me as well. So the character of Goldy is easy to relate to for me in that way.

Goldy is a snoop but she has a good heart behind it all. She makes sure she shares any information she finds out with the police. Her husband Tom makes sure of that since he is on the police force. Those two are so sweet on each other that I cannot get enough of the story. They aren't perfect and it shows which makes the books that much more fun to read. Arch is growing up way too fast. Yet h seems to have a level head on his shoulders so he's enjoyable to read about as well. Julian is a great friend and side kick to Goldy in her catering business. He also makes sure to spend a lot of time with Arch too.

Each book seems to get better than the last and I'm not sure where she could go with the next one. Yet I look forward to cracking open each new book. This is one series that I hope to never see the end of it. But I'm sure that will happen. In the meantime, I enjoy and savor each book and new recipe that is provided in the book.

Diane Mott Davidson/Cozy Mystery/Colorado/Food/ 320 pages/5 out of 5

This will be my last post for awhile. I hope to pick up books by next week at the latest but we'll see how it all goes. I'll be back!

Orange, Pear, Apple Bear

I picked this book up on a whim for my son. He loved being able to read it and wanted to read it multiple times. He is just learning how to read. Definitely going to pick this one up for our collection! The illustrations are gorgeous and I was blown away by how fun this simple book was to read and to look at!

FTC: Got from my local library

Hat Tricks Count: A Hockey Number Book by Matt Napier

The greatest achievements in Hockey are celebrated in this book as well as simple rules. There is additional information on the side bars of each page. And for someone who knows nothing about hockey, this book taught me a lot. It also kept the attention span of my oldest, which is not always easy to do.

Mr. Napier put a lot of information into terms most younger kids could understand. I was impressed as well as how interactive the book was as well. I definitely would love to read more of this author's work.

Matt Napier/New Author/ Children's Non-fiction/ Hockey/40 pages/ 3 out of 5

FTC: Borrowed from my local library

I am hoping to pick up another cozy mystery and after that not sure when I'll read next. :)

May Reads and Stats

Reads:
1.Escape to Santuary by M. J. Conner 04-28-10 through 05-01-10 B
2.The Truly Terribly Horrible Sweater That Grandma Knit by Debbie Macomber and Mary Lou Carney 05-02-10 A+
3.Diving Dolphins by Laura Hamilton Waxman 05-05-10 B
4.The Green Man:Tales from the Mystic Forest Anthology 05-05-10 through 5-21-10 B
5.Double Shot by Diane Mott Davidson 05-23-10 through 05-25-10 A
6.African Rhinos by Kristin L. Nelson 5-26-10 A

Stats:
Total Books I read: 6
New Authors: 20
Fiction:4
Non-Fiction:2
Mystery: 1
Children's: 3
Romance: 1
Chunkster:0
From the Stacks: 2
Books For Review:0
Books I Bought:0
Total Pages Read: 992 pages

I have a library book I want to read to my oldest after that not sure when I'll pick up another book with getting ready to move.