A Really Cool Giveaway

Not sure how I found this blog anymore. But she has some of the coolest giveaways. This one is for a personalized necklace. Here is the link to her blog:
http://shane-natalie.blogspot.com/
I absolutely love it! It's a personal one but I look forward to reading it every day or every other depending on how many times she posts and what is going on in my home.The image is of the necklace she bought from this website with her wedding invitation. It has inspired me! We'll see if I can find stuff to frame our wedding invitation. Off to go get something more done and maybe some more reading in A Climate for Change.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

Anne Elliot's family has financial trouble. So the only thing that can be done to save Kelly Lynch Hall is to rent it out. But due to her father's pride, it is not something that they want advertised. They are able to find a husband and wife who will follow their small requests. But the wife's brother happens to be Captain Fredrick Wentworth who was once engaged to Anne. Anne, eight years ago, was persuaded by her mother's friend Lady Russell that the man was not worthy of her. So Anne broke off the engagement even though she still had very strong feelings for the gentleman. Now that they are becoming re-acquainted. She wonders if their love can be rekindled?

Ms. Austen writes a fantastic story for the most part. The gossip was a little much at times. And the stereotypical situations and feelings were accurate even if a little annoying. The story flowed fairly well. I was impressed with keeping all the different characters and traits separate. Just a lot going on and different story lines. I was impressed with how much was in the book and everything was wrapped up neatly. Some things hadn't happened yet but you knew what was going to happen.

I truly felt for Anne. She was trying to follow the influence of a friend since her mother was dead. I understand but she finally had to figure out for herself what was right and stick to it. Things seemed to go better now that she was older. Family and friends didn't fight things for her so much. Of her family members I loved her older sister Mary the best. She had her moments where she would get “sick” or get frustrated with her husband for making plans when plans were already made. But she had to learn to speak up as well. The women just kind of sat back and did nothing sometimes.

All in all, I enjoyed the book. The drama was a little bit overwhelming but I had to find out how it ended. I wanted to know if Anne and Fredrick would end up together. I could see how things would all play out or at least how I hoped it would end up. Ms. Austen is an amazing author and I cannot wait to read more of her work. I only took half a point off cause of the drama. It got down right annoying.

Jane Austen/ Classic Novel/ 247 pages/ Family/ Drama/ 4.5 out of 5

I hope to make a library run tomorrow. We'll see how it goes.

FTC: This book was a gift to me.

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

Family secrets come to light in this gripping drama of a story. A little girl is left on a wharf in 1913 and takes the ship to Australia. The little girl grows up and on her 21st birthday, Nell is told the truth, her parents are not her real parents. It sets her world into a tizzy. But never really finds out the truth and so passes it onto her granddaughter Cassandra. It may just be the adventure she needs to take her mind off her grandmother's death.

Ms. Morton does it yet again! Weaving all the different view points was done very well. The time periods really didn't effect a whole lot for the most part but I enjoyed reliving it all. Made all the easier thanks to the little notations at the beginning of most if not all chapters. I was impressed with the range of characters presented and how you truly got to know the ins and outs of each one. Whether it was through the characters' own words or in letters/ journals etc.. Ms. Morton has a way with stories that completely captivate and envelop inside that world. The situations pretain and all is revealed. At times, I found it a little predictable but the twists that came about were still surprises for the reason behind it all.

I loved Cassandra. She truly wanted to help her deceased grandmother. There was a whole world and a side to the story that Nell never got to discover. Cassandra decided to finish it up as she knew it was what was needed to be done. Even her past is shown in the book which I thought was so great. There was a lot of healing that needed to happen. The journey that Cassandra took was the best thing for her.

The stories presented in the story written by the Authoress were fantastic. I could see how they could grab your attention and keep it. I loved the garden aspect and I loved how it was linked to The Secret Garden. This is one book that I didn't want to see the end of though I had figured out some of it. The story swept me away to times I have little knowledge about but couldn't get enough of. I eagerly await Ms. Morton's next novel!

Kate Morton/ Adult Fiction/ Families/ Secrets/Fairy Tales/Garden/552 pages/ 5 out of 5

I wish it hadn't taken me so long to review but I wanted to make sure I didn't reveal anything important. The friendships in here are fantastic between people of the same age, different ages, and different sexes. Now onto my first book of the everything Austen challange II.

FTC: This book is part of my personal collection.

June Reads and Stats

reads:
1.Hat Tricks Count by Matt Napier 06-03-10 B
2.Dark Tort by Diane Mott Davidson 06-04-10 through 06-07-10 A+
3.Orange Pear Apple Bear by Emily Gravett 06-10-10 A+
4.The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormi Omartian 06-19-10 through 06-24-10 A+

stats:
Total Books Read: 4
New Authors: 3
Fiction: 2
Non-Fiction: 1
Mystery: 1
Children's: 2
Romance: 0
Chunkster:0
From the Stacks: 1
Books For Review:
Books I Bought:0
Total Pages Read: 608

Challenges
Cozy Mystery Challenge 3/6
Everything Austen II 0/6 (this starts next month)

I am hoping to finish The Forgotten Garden tomorrow. Savoring the last few pages so much. lol

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.

African Rhinos by Kristin L. Nelson

Another great animal book for kids. I love this series of books cause even I learn so much. It is put in very simple terms and the questions get kids to think about other things as well.

Ms. Nelson does such a great job putting all the important information in a way that kids can follow it. It's not overwhelming and such a great teaching tool.

I definitely enjoy things like these books and would love to eventually add them to my personal collection.

Kristin L. Nelson/ New Author/ Children's Non-fiction/ 32 pages/ Animals/ 4 out of 5

FTC: Book acquired from my son's school library.

Double Shot by Diane Mott Davidson

Goldy Bear wakes up on the ground and isn't sure how she got there. That is just the beginning of the book. Goldy must figure out who attacked her, why they were trying to sabotage her catered lunch, and what to do now that her ex-husband is out of jail? It only gets worse once he is found dead. All signs point to her but Goldy only found the dead body. She is frustrated and wants to solve the crime but knows it will be difficult. If only there was more time in a day.

Ms. Davidson creates situations that truly could happen. I wondered who could have really killed John Richard Korman, Goldy's ex-husband. The recipes also are interesting and am curious to try a couple of them. I liked how at least in the hard cover they were all in the back of the book instead of interspersed in between chapters or in the middle of chapters. There is a range of characters in the book as well as some old familiar ones.

Goldy is a stubborn woman but that's what makes her so endearing. Yeah she seems to get beat up in every story which does get old after awhile. Yet she never lets it get her down. Her husband Tom is such a sweetie. He is so good for her and they complement each other very well. Archie, her son, seems to struggle with his dad's death the most. I saw that as understandable and just hoped the kid would work through his grief as quick as he possibly could for a story. I'll have to see how it plays out in the next story.

This story was full of twists and friends Goldy hadn't seen in a long time. Marla was there to help her out. The twist at the end of the story really got me. There was no way I could have seen it coming. Ms. Davidson does it again and I cannot wait to read more in this series!

Diane Mott Davidson/ Cozy Mystery/ Food/Murder/Family/320 pages/ 4.5 out of 5

It'll be awhile before I read my own books. I may make a library run tomorrow to read one more book this month. We'll see.

The Green Man: Tales from the Mythic Forest

Short stories certainly have a place in our society. These particular stories and poems in this anthology focused on The Green Man of lore.

“-the Green Man- the spirit who stands for Nature in its most wiled and untamed form, a man with leaves for hair, who dwells deep within the mythic forest.”

That explains it better than I ever could and that gives you a brief taste of what is to come. The variety of authors, some that I knew of some that I didn't made the book come even more alive. My favorites were Going Wodwo (poem) by Neil Gaiman, Grand Central Park by Delia Sherman, Hunter's Moon by Patricia A. McKillip, A World Painted by Birds by Katherin Vaz, Grounded by Nina Kirki Hoffman, Overlooking by Carol Emshwiller, Joshua Tree by Emma Bull, The Pagodas of Ciboure by M. Shayne Bell, and The Green Word by Jeffrey Ford. There was only one in the book that just didn't seem to fit and that was Fee, Fie, Foe, et Cetera by Gregory Maguire only because it was a re-telling of Jack and the Bean Stalk and I didn't see how it truly fit into the nature category even with the bean stalk.

I loved this book and will definitely be one I am going to keep. The variety was great and it was nice to read a good clean young adult book for a change. The editors did a fantastic job and I might even seek out more of their work! They also did a fantastic job with their illustrator. I was blown away by all the gorgeous pictures!

Off to work on more packing! We are moving but hoping to finish one more book this month! Then not sure when I'll post again!

Diving Dolphins by Laura Hamilton Waxman

A great non-fiction book for kids. It keeps the facts simple for kids to learn about the mammals. It was fun cause my oldest could read a few of the sentences with me.

Ms. Waxman did a fantastic job of putting the facts down so simple yet effectively. It followed an easy flow to the story and had fun activities to get the reader involved.

I was impressed with this book from beginning to end. There isn't a whole lot I can say but definitely want to check out more by this author.

Laura Hamilton Waxman/Children's Non-Fiction/ 32 pages/ Animals/4 out of 5

Got some cleaning to do but hopefully pick up another book today!

The Truly Terribly Horrible Sweater that Grandma Knit by Debbie Macomber and Mary Lou Carney

Cameron Girard is always excited for the birthday gift from his grandma Susan. But this time when he opens the box and finds a multi-striped sweater, he just doesn't get it. He knows she spent a lot of time knitting it. He tries to get rid of it at first but eventually when his grandma comes to visit he wears it for her. But can he keep it a secret what he really thinks of it?

Ms. Macomber writes a fantastic children's book writing with Ms. Carney. The story is so captivating cause Cameron is so determined to get rid of the sweater. It's creative and a little repetitive which makes it a great book for kids. My son soon started saying the repeated phrase along with me!

Cameron is a precocious kid who just wants to get rid of what he thinks is a horrible sweater. His friends will laugh at him if he wears it. His parents try to get him to understand that it took a lot of time for Grandma to knit it.

This is a story that I have had my eye on since I heard about it. It was all that I expected and more! It's a story that will be enjoyed by all ages whether the reader is a knitter or not. I laughed really hard and couldn't wait to see how it would turn out! I hope there is more to come in Children's books by these authors!

Debbie Macomber/ Mary Lou Carney/New author/ Children's Fiction/ Family/ 32 pages/ 5 out of 5

Not sure what is up next. I do have a book that Kiddo needs to read from his library so may read that tomorrow. Other than that, no clue! Lots going on this week! :)

FTC: A loaned book from my library.

Escape to Sanctuary by M.J. Conner

Emily Foster must leave New York before she is sold into slavery. She gets a chance at being a mail order bride and takes it. She has six months to decide if she wants to stay married and she is just hoping that God will provide. Adam Jacobs has been wounded deeply. His fiancée walked out on him. He is truly mad at the world. When he finds out his best friend Lewis got him a mail order bride, he is furious but not much can be done.

M.J Conner is a fantastic author. I was pleased with how well the story flowed though the ending was a bit sudden. I felt that it could have been expanded a little bit more to see how things all worked out instead of only hinting at it. I loved seeing the faith of the characters grow. It truly inspired me to do better about my faith.

Emily was a girl who not shy at all. She knew how to speak her mind and she did her best to be polite. Though she was human still making sure to keep her comments in private. Adam Jacobs was a man who was stubborn. He let it get in the way a few times. Even to the point of almost ignoring what was God's plan for his life.

Some of it was predictable at points but it was a good comfort read after all. It's a genre I am very familiar with. I am excited to read the other things this author has written. It had a bit of an abrupt ending but for the most part everything was addressed. The characters were human and had their faults. The main ones finally came to the conclusion that it all had to be laid at the feet of Jesus.

M.J. Conner/ New Author/ Christian Historical Romance/ Healing/ 176 pages/ 4 out of 5

I posted this early since I work tomorrow and have a lot of things going on! I hope to read The Truly Terrible Horrible Sweater That Grandma Knit by Debbie Macomber next!

FTC: This is a book from my personal collection.

My April Stats

I had the best month in a long time due to a Chunkster that took me over a month to read. lol

My Reads:
1.Ireland by Frank Delaney 03-23-10 through 04-24-10 A+ (Very memorable book!)
2.Horatio's Birthday by Eleanor Lowenton Clymer 04-15-10 A+
3.Hi Cat by Ezra Jack Keats 04-22-10 A+
4.The Fashion Hound Murders by Elaine Viets 04-25-10 through 04-26-10 A
6.Henry's Night by D. B. Johnson and Linda Michelen 04-29-10 A+

I didn't finish one in time.

My stats:
Total Books I Read: 5
New Authors: 3
Fiction: 5
Non-Fiction:0
Chunkster: 1
Mystery: 1
Romance:0
From the Stacks: 2
Books for Review:0
Books I Bought:0
Total Pages Read: 1,086

Off to read another Children's book. :)

Henry's Night by D.B. Johnson and Linda Michelin

Henry is a curious bear. He decides to go on a journey to find the night song bird also known as the whippoorwill. He's not sure where he'll find it so he goes off on a search. How long will it take? Will he ever find the whippoorwill?

Mr. Johnson and Ms. Michelin have done a fantastic job incorporating nature into this book and making it a good adventure as well. It doesn't drag out long but keeps moving at a great pace. I loved being able to spot the creatures that were on the side of the page in the picture. It was a very participatory book. The pictures were gorgeous and only helped the story come to life even more. This is one good illustrator.

My son kept asking me questions about each animal. It was a lot of fun to read. The fact that it is inspired by Henry David Thoreau made it even more fun for me. I have studied some of his work and found this book extremely fascinating and a good way to start looking at the world around us. I definitely recommend this book to any nature lover who is around children. This is a good book to use in the classroom as well. Henry is a great bear and I would love to read more of his adventures.

D.B. Johnson and Linda Michelin/ New Authors/Children's fiction/ 32 pages/ Nature/ 5 out of 5

This is another book my son brought home from school! I am learning about other authors out there and books that are so much fun to read! I cannot wait to see what he brings home from school today since Thursdays are library days!

FTC: Book from son's school library

The Fashion Hound Murders by Elaine Viets

Josie Marcus gets a call from her boss Harry. He has another place for her to mystery shop. It's a pet store that has been in the news and Josie is more than reluctant to help them out. Even if they did ask for her specifically. Finally gives in but is less than happy about it. Alyce comes along with her. Pets 4 Luv has been accused of taking puppy mill dogs. She just hopes that she is wrong. While working the case, she has a chance to go visit a puppy mill and is more determined to help. But when a pet shop employee gets killed over talking to her, Josie is in way over her head. She begins to question taking the job.

Ms. Viets has done her research and puts everything well balanced. There are some funny moments but serious ones as well. She really puts her heart into the story. I was very impressed with how well the story flowed no matter what the mood was. Everything comes alive on the page.

Josie really is doing her best. I am so surprised at the work she does and how difficult it is. Being like every one else isn't easy and she has to blend in without standing out. Alyce is always a helpful friend who helps her to blend in even more. Amelia keeps her level headed. Amelia is also quite the smart mouth kid and keeps things in perspective. Jane, Josie's mom, may have quite the bark to her but in reality it is just a cover for watching over her daughter.

This series keeps getting better. It definitely gets personal. I hope things settle down for Josie. That girl has more ups and downs in her life than a roller coaster sometimes. I also am learning to appreciate the things that secret shoppers do as having experience with them in my personal job. I'm on the edge of my seat just hoping there are more books in this series to come!

Elaine Viets/ Cozy Mystery/ 304 pages/ Secret Shopper/ Family/5 out of 5

So glad to read the first one in the cozy mystery challenge. I am hoping to read more next month.

Ireland by Frank Delaney

Ronan O'Mara, at the age of nine, has a life changing experience when a story teller comes to stay at his house. For three nights, he is captivated by the stories told at his fire place. The story teller is banished from the house for blasphemy. From there, Ronan wants to know more about the history of Ireland but longs to find the Story Teller.

Mr. Delaney weaves history into this fiction that blew me away. Some of the events told are too old to know what really happened. Yet everything is set before you like you are actually there while it is happening. Mr. Delaney has a way of putting you right in the midst of the story. I was blown away not only by the details but how each story was laid out. It was never so long that it overwhelmed you and the jumps between the stories and Ronan's story flowed so easily.

Ronan's love of history is cultivated by the Story Teller and encouraged by his father. His mother is a bit quiet but you can tell that she loves him in her own way. His aunt Kate gushes over him when his mother either can't or won't. It's not always easy to distinguish what her reasons were. John, Ronan's father, makes sure to help Ronan in his love of history in every possible way that he can. Even if it means he takes him on trips to go see people who might help them on his journey.

This book was so good that I didn't want to see it end. I fought to read the last bit as it completely captivated me. Having a love of Ireland, the stories presented here made me appreciate them since I knew about most of them. They were very well told and the personal experiences on the part of the story tell at the end had me in awe. The twists in the book surprised me and I never saw them coming. Mr. Delaney is a master at story telling and I definitely hope to read more of his work.

Frank Delaney/ New author/ 651 pages/ Ireland/ Family/Stories/ 5 out of 5

FTC: This book was bought and is part of my book collection.