A Distant Thunder

A Distant Thunder
Anita Stansfield
4 Stars


Part two of a four part series, I enjoyed A Distant Thunder much more than the first part of the series. Not that the first book was bad, but much more predicable, and I'm glad that this book had some twists that I didn't see coming (there were some predicable parts, just not as many).

If I had to pick one thing that bothered me about this book it would be the best friend relationship that Elizabeth and Jayson continue to have even though they are married to separate people. Neither of their spouses ever became jealous or even skeptical of their relationship and there were points when they called each other several times a week. I think that even the most secure relationships would be strained if that were really the case.

The church is introduced in this book - as Elizabeth, and her Dad, become members after moving to Utah (one of those really predicable parts, she moves to Pleasant Grove, Utah - of course she is going to become a member of the church). Evan though I saw it coming I loved it.

I finished this book in one day. I really enjoyed it and can't read to read the next two.

I'm back!

Introducing my little distractions. I love to read. I love getting lost in a good book. I've loved reading and being able to share that love on my blog. However, I'm first and foremost a wife and mother. I typically keep my family on my family blog, but here they are! On February 12, my little Avery Ann joined our family. It's been so much fun having a girl to dress up. Newborns take a lot of time and energy, and 3 busy kids 5 and under take a lot more work. We've also been on the move with medical rotations, and in less than 5 weeks my husband will have reached his goal and graduate from medical school! YAY!

My reading has fallen behind, but I'm getting more sleep lately and started reading again. I hope to update this blog more. I have a lot of exciting books stacked up ready to read.

Let's get started!

The Sound of Rain

The Sound of Rain
Anita Stansfield
4 Stars



The Sound of Rain is Anita Stansfield's newest series. I'm a bit of a sucker for a good Anita Stansfield book, they are easy quick books, but just a bit predictable.



The story follows Jayson Wolfe, a talented musician. Of course, there is a girl, Elizabeth, and then there is conflict - they fall in love, then more conflict, sadness and then Stansfield wraps it up and we are left waiting for the next book.



I do like that I can read these romance books without having to worry about what is going to happen on the next page. When Jayson and Elizabeth took their kissing a little far and let their minds wonder, they quickly went home and talked to both their parents. I think a lot more of this should go on in the world today. Jayson is old fashion, and I loved his high-water table emotions. Also, Stansfield is an LDS author. Sometimes her books include a lot of LDS lingo, this series reads much more like any typical Christian romance book. (In fact, I keep waiting for LDS missionaries to knock on one of the character's doors and introduce them to the church!)



I've already bought the next two books in this four part series. I started the second one and can't wait to finish it. The second book has been less predicable than the first, which is nice.

I am a Mother

I Am a Mother

Jane Clayson Johnson

5 stars

Last year for Mother's Day one of my sister's and I went in together and sent my mom this book. It had received good reviews, but I had not read it. I finally got my hands on my mom's copy and took a few days to read it. I LOVED it and can't wait to get my own copy.

Jane Clayson Johnson, a former co-host of the Early Show on CBS addresses the question - how do we stop saying we are just a mother? The book really opened my eyes, I became a mom a little over 5 years ago, and have always been blessed to stay at home with my now 3 little ones. I know this is a blessing, but sometimes I wonder if anyone knows or cares that I once worked a great marketing job, that I did graduate with a Bachelor's degree, that I could still do any number of things and work full time, but I choose to stay at home. This book was exactly the boost that I needed. I am a Mother, I should be proud and I should never be ashamed of my decision to stay at home and be with my children.

I recommend this book to anyone, stay at home moms, working moms, sisters, daughters, even husbands and sons should read this book. It has an inspirational message that is good for all.

Promises to Keep: Diane's Story

Promises to Keep: Diane's Story

Dean Hughes

4 Stars

I was so excited when shopping in a local church book store when I found that this book had just come out! I loved Dean Hughes other series, Children of Promise and Hearts of the Children. I quickly bought this book and took it home and started reading it and couldn't put it down.

This novel is short, and follows the story of Diane after she had left her abusive husband in the Hearts of the Children series. We get to also see what happens to some of her other cousins in the story as well. I only wish that this story were a little longer. I get so swept up in series that I never want them to end. If you have read and enjoyed Dean Hughes other books, I recommend this book - it's easy, quick and a nice follow up.

The Christmas Sweater

The Christmas Sweater

Glenn Beck

5 Stars

I read this book late last year. It was early in December and I was getting so excited for the Christmas season. I was deeply touched by the message in this book. I loved the message and how it was presented. The book stuck with me for many days after I finished it - usually I read a book and can quickly pick up the next one, but this one stuck with me.

It was short - just under 300 pages and I read it easily in one day's time. I look forward to re-reading it every Christmas season.