My Reading Spot

A Weekend with Mr. Darcy

2011-07-01T20:39:00.000-07:00

A Weekend with Mr. Darcy
Victoria Connelly
5 Stars
352 pages

I haven't read any books by Victoria Connelly before, but I was pleasantly suprised with this book! It was an absolute gem and such a fun book to read.

The story follows two women, Katherine Roberts and Robyn Love meet and become friends at a Regency "Jane Austen" weekend. Both share a love for Jane Austen and also a love for the regency books by Lorna Warwick.

While away at the conference Katherine finds herself drawn to a man attending the conference, Warwick. They become friends, and soon grow to more than friends. But Warwick has a secret he is hiding from Katherine and isn't sure how she will react.

Robyn is attending the conference because of her love for Austen, but also to get a break from her long term boyfriend, who annoyingly keeps showing up at all the wrong times and in all the wrong ways during the weekend. Trying to get away she ends up meeting another man, Dan, and is torn between her comfortable life and boyfriend and new beginnings and challenges.

In the end I felt this book was fun loving and a cute read. It would be perfect for a weekend book or vacation or summer read. I felt that Connelly had a talent for adding romance and passion without being too racy.

I think any Jane Austen fan would love this fun book. I am already looking forward to Victoria Connelly's Austen Addict books that will be published this summer! I can't wait!

The Legacy of Pemberley

2011-05-22T20:05:00.000-07:00

The Legacy of Pemberley
Rebecca Ann Collins
5 Stars
323 pages

I finally finished this book - which concludes the series, and it was such a bitter-sweet ending. I discovered the first book in this series 3 years ago and over the years I have cherished all 10 books. This last and final book was no different. I am so sad it is ending!

Since the end of Pride and Prejudice, these books take Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy through 50 years of marriage. This book concludes the story of children and grandchildren, cousins and friends. One of the main plots belongs to Caroline, the widow of Colonel Fitzwilliam. While she finds herself learning to live and adjust to life on her own,she is able to watch her daughter, Rachel begin her own romance and blossom. I loved the addition of Daniel Faulkner to the characters.

Of course, Collins doesn't leave anyone out and there are many other appearances of many of the other loved characters and friends from the whole series. For example, I was so sad reading the story of Emily Courtney, but the reading of her will actually made me smile and have a little laugh. I believe the only person that I would have loved to read more about after finishing the whole series would be Georgiana. However, I was secretly happy that Virginia got basically what she deserved.

I can't think of high enough praise for this series of books. They really have been an absolute favorite of mine throughout the last couple years. I will continue to recommend these books to any Austen fan I meet and hope that Collins continues to write and will look forward to any new projects she holds for us in the futures!

100 ideas Real Rooms

2011-05-05T13:12:00.000-07:00

100 Ideas Real Rooms
Better Homes and Garden Publications
5 Stars
96 pages

Another grocery store check out line find! I have enjoyed reading, marking and rereading this magazine several times.

I particularly like the kitchen ideas, there were several ideas on how to keep an organized kitchen, and keep your kids involved that I really liked.

Just like it says, the book is just a list of 100 ideas. There are some directions, but if you are a project person who needs step by step instruction, this might not be the place to start. If you are looking for something to jump start your brainstorming or creative juices, this is the perfect solution!

100 Decorating ideas under $100

2011-05-05T13:06:00.000-07:00

100 Decorating ideas under $100
Better Homes and Garden Publications
5 Stars
96 pages

I love Better Homes and Garden special publication magazines! This series, 100 Decorating ideas under $100 is hands down one of my favorites out of all their publications. I pick it up every time I see a new one published (I believe it is once a season).

I tag a lot of the pages in these books. One of my favorite projects I took on after reading the first one I picked up was painting a dresser for our nursery. At the time I had a 14 month old girl, but new she would soon start sharing her room with a new baby brother. I had an old dresser I was going to refurbish white so it would be general neutral, but after reading (and drooling) over a picture in this magazine, I went for it and ended up painting it a color similar to candy apple. It turned out perfect and I love how how it matches everyone's decor in the room.

I can't wait for the next season to come out, in fact writing this posts makes me feel inspired to go look for it and start a new project!

Secrets of Getting Organized

2011-05-05T12:46:00.000-07:00

Secrets of Getting Organized
Better Homes and Garden Publication
5 Stars
112 pages

So, technically this is a magazine, but I still want to post about it. When I was on my organization/reading kick I found this in the grocery store and was so happy that I picked it up! I have loved it and find myself picking it up to look through again and again.

One of the main reasons that I loved this book is that it isn't just one expert writing about the subject, but a whole panel of seven experts. I really enjoyed reading the different opinions as well as got a lot of new book ideas to look for at the library!

I got a lot of useful ideas out of this book and have already started tagging the pages for things I want in our next house (we will be moving in the next year!).

One Year to an Organized Life

2011-04-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

One Year to an Organized Life
Regina Leeds
4 Stars
294 pages

I picked this book up at the library. Perhaps spring cleaning has made me want to get organised, but I am reading a lot of these books lately. One Year to an Organized Life has so far been one of my favorites.

Obviously, the plan that Leeds gives you follows a year span. During each month, she has weekly sections, that have goals you will accomplish that week, as well as an estimate for the time that you will spend.

I believe one reason that this book appealed to me so much was that the first step that Leeds suggest is to buy a journal. Each month has journaling prompts. She firmly believes that through journaling you can truly learn why you clutter, or organize the way that you do - and then find solutions to the problem. I love journaling, and I really love the prompts that she offers throughout the book.

While I read through this book without doing any of the projects, I have some ideas now that I can't wait to put to use. When I look back at the contents of this book, I can think of projects from more than half of the 12 months that I want to put in use right now!

Leeds uses a lot of her personal stories and stories she has learned from being a personal organizer. I love reading the stories about many of her clients.

I think if you are looking for a little help organizing your home, and have a little extra time every month than you should check out this book. If you are looking for a lot of help organizing your home, then you should probably just hire Leeds herself!

Get Energy

2011-04-05T08:30:00.000-07:00

Get Energy

Denise Austin

5 Stars

239 pages

Before reading this book I would not say I was a Denise Austin fan. Not that I had anything against her either, but if it hadn’t been on display, I probably never would have read this book.

Like I said, I saw it on display, we were at the library. And I’m positive after corralling 4 kids (7, 4, 2 and 7 months) around trying to keep everyone quiet and happy while selecting books, I was all out of energy. Get Energy, was begging to come home with me. So it did.

Another reason I thought I would like this book is that in my personal life this year I’ve picked one word to try and focus on this year, and it is “enjoy” So I thought this book would be helpful in my focus. I have really wanted to focus on enjoying life this year.

At the beginning of the book you take a quiz to find out exactly what is “zapping your energy.” The following chapters highlight ideas and solutions for each section that had your highest scores. I read through every chapter and I found helpful information in almost every section! The last part of the book has a worksheet and a 14 day plan that can help you increase energy.

After reading Austins suggestions and plan I think the only item that I would have a really hard time doing is getting a full 8 hours of sleep every night. That baby mentioned still wakes up at night...along with random times his siblings wake up too. I also stay up way to late at night so I can spend time with my husband who works pretty long hours. I know lack of sleep is a serious energy drainers in my life right now. It's an area that I really need to work on.

I have to say that I loved this book! I found it filled with fun and easy ideas that are easy to incorporate into your life. It was uplifting and inspiriting. Now I just need to go out there and Get Energy in my life!

Unclutter Your Life in One Week

2011-04-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

Unclutter Your Life in One Week
Erin Rooney Doland
3 Star
227 pages

I am always looking for new ways to organize and reorganize my house and life! I saw this book on display at the library and it totally jumped out at me. I was excited to find some new tips and maybe come up with a plan for a couple problem areas in my house.

After reading (mostly skimming) through this book I was disappointed. I think if you work full time, are single, or a couple without kids, that live in a large city that you would really enjoy this book. I just didn’t find many of the ideas that she presented fitting into my life. I am a stay at home mom of four young kids. One is at school, which frees some of my time, but the younger three, that demand the most time, are still at home. The author suggests 3 projects a day, one in the morning, one at work and one at night. I could maybe manage one of the projects a day, but certainly not 3.

I really think what I am trying to find is an "organize the family" life book. I need the most help with kid toys, clothes baby items. The book never address kids, kids room, or kid clutter.

That being said, I don’t think that this was a “bad book” I just didn’t feel like it was for me. Every day at an activity you could do at your office. I don’t work outside the home, and while our “home office’ really needs a make-over, this book just didn’t have the tips and suggestions that I was looking for. I did enjoy the section about cook books though.

I think that Doland did have some good suggestions, for example, not holding on to sentimental clutter. I also do most likely hold on to books much longer than I need too. Some of the other suggestions she had I totally disagree with. I believe in having a food storage, and a couple months supply of certain items. I believe in case of an emergency these items aren't considered clutter, but are essential for our family. They only are clutter in my mind if I can't find a proper place to put them away.

In the end, I suggest if you are looking for some organization tips and you see this book at your library it’s worth checking out and skimming through.

Wickham's Diary

2011-04-01T07:58:00.000-07:00

Wickham’s Diary

Amanda Grange

5 Stars

195 pages

A few years ago I enjoyed a book by author Amanda Grange, Mr. Darcy’s Dairy. So when I heard about the release of her newest book, Wickham’s Diary, I thought it would be such a fun book to read! I was not disappointed.

Obviously the book is just what it is called – an account of Wickham’s life, written in journal style. Since we know very little of Wickham and his background from Austen, I would be willing to believe this was such a fun story to dream up! I completely enjoyed this book; it had a light, fun storyline, perfect for the beach vacation that I took it on. Totally entertaining and insightful to Wickham’s past, readers learn more about his family, his upbringing and his relationship with Darcy.

Let me begin with a few words on Wickham’s mother, what a selfish character! She was so annoying and with a mother like that, Wickham hardly stood a chance to grow up to be a decent man. On the other hand, while his father wasn’t focused on much, I believe if he would have taken after his father, Wickham might have turned out pretty responsible.

This short (under 200 pages) book was charming. I almost found myself feeling sorry for Wickham a time or two, but by the end of the book, he was the true villain that Austen created. Grange did a fantastic job creating this journal; I would love to see her write more “diary” books from other Austen character.

What Would Mr. Darcy Do?

2011-03-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

What Would Mr. Darcy Do?

Abigail Reynolds

5 stars

227 pages

A guru at Pride and Prejudice variations, Abigail Reynolds presents Austen fans with a fun version of what might have been. We enter the story when Elizabeth and Darcy are meeting at Lambton, but what happens next is the magic. Reynolds creates a whole story about what would happen if Elizabeth and Darcy had made different choices that day, what if they would have been able to speak their mind or express how they truly felt?

This romance offers such a fun twist on the original Pride and Prejudice. I particularly enjoyed Reynolds attention to details in the book. For example, one that I enjoyed following throughout the story was that of the handkerchiefs. When Elizabeth was busy stitching Forget-me-nots and Sweet Williams I couldn’t help but smile.

Another highlight of the book for me was the development of Georgiana’s character. I believe the friendship between Georgiana and Elizabeth really benefited the story. I loved the chapter containing Georgiana’s visit to Longbourn and how Mary and Kitty’s characters were enhanced by her friendship in this chapter as well.

I would like to warn that there are pretty graphic kissing scenes in this book. While they are that – just kissing, they are pretty sensual. If you are sensitive to this type of literature I still suggest reading the book, it truly is a fun story, but you might want to skip a few passages.

All-in-all I was pleasantly surprised with this fun book. I look forward to finding and reading more books by Reynolds. It’s a fun, quick read that I believe any Jane Austen fan would enjoy!

The Trouble with Mr. Darcy

2011-03-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Trouble with Mr. Darcy
Sharon Lathan
5 Stars
339 pages

This is the first book I've read by Sharon Lathan, and it is the fifth book in her Darcy Saga series and I'm puzzled as to why I haven't picked or read any other previous four books in this series. I was happy with the fact that I found this book a very good "stand alone book" even though it is part of a series. There were only a few moments in the story that I thought that the previous books would have been helpful, but not enough that I would say you have to read the first book in the series to understand it at all.

There are a couple different stories that develop in this book. One, Darcy and Elizabeth experience some struggles with depression and their relationship after the birth of their second son, Michael. I think that this might sound strange, but I actually enjoyed this part of the book. I was relieved that someone wrote about these struggles, I know that women had to have struggled with postpartum and depression during this time period, but it seems like no one wants to discuss it in their books. Sharon Lathan did a wonderful job at addressing the issue, but found a way for the romance to continue and have Darcy's and Elizabeth's relationship remain intact.

In the second part of the book Darcy and Elizabeth are faced with even worse trials as Wickham and returns for a family wedding. Not only does he bring his bad attitude but even worse villains arrive with him. Without giving too many spoilers away, Darcy is then faced with some horrific circumstances where he chances to lose what is more important to him! After a fast pasted ending I was pleasantly surprised with the book.

Sharon Lathan is talented at creating whole new lives for characters that we loved in Pride and Prejudice. There is a lot of romance and I have to warn you if you are not a fan of romance, kissing or love scenes you might want to skip a few paragraphs throughout the book. Darcy and Elizabeth are in love in a loving marriage and Lathan doesn't shy away from that fact at all. There are definitely parts in the book that are pretty hot, without going over the top or becoming too inappropriate.

I enjoyed it and look forward to now going "back in time" and reading the first four books in this series.

Winners!

2011-03-25T13:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday Everyone (all 5 of you who read my blog haha!) The sun is shining and after a trip to the library and playing at the park I had my very serious helper sit down to help me with the drawing. Really, I wish I could just send all of you a copy, wouldn't that be fun?

And the winner of the autographed copy of Heart of Lies goes too....

Kim! Don't ask about the face, or be offended. I think he thought his own name was going to be on every paper.

And the copy of Heart of Stone...

Aupreille!

How exciting. I will need you guys to email me your address, just in case I don't have it. I hope you both enjoy, they are fun books!

~~
I have three "Jane Austen Fiction" books that are being released next month that I am going to post about next week. Hopefully I will have some more giveaways too...so check back!

Autographed Giveaway!

2011-03-21T08:04:00.000-07:00

One of my goals for this year was to give my neglected book blog some much overdue attention. Last year was pretty rough for this little blog. I know this year will end up better. I've been getting some great books from different publishers for review and I am so excited about the books, and love some of the authors!

To finally get things started on what I hope will become a more regular (weekly or bi-weekly) posting, I have an AUTOGRAPHED! copy of Heart of Lies to give away to a lucky reader!

I thought this book was great! If you love historical romance or historical fiction you will enjoy this book and this series, especially if you are familiar with Anita Stansfield's writing, I think you will like this author! You can read my review here.

And - just for fun, I'll give away another lucky reader a copy of the first book in the series, Heart of Stone.

So - two winners!

All you have to do is this: Leave me a comment on this blog with your favorite historical fiction time period. I bounce back and forth between times, but I think if I had to pick one it would be Regency (Jane Austen)...does that surprise anyone?

Good luck! It should be a fun week, the winners will be chosen Friday at noon!

Mockingjay

2011-03-20T16:31:00.000-07:00

Mockingjay

Suzanne Collins

3 Stars

390 Pages

Just like everyone else, I was super excited to read this book. As it so happens I was pregnant and due about the same time that this book was to released. I told my husband that if I did in fact go into labor on the day it was released that he was supposed to go buy me the book, ASAP after having the baby. Well, we did have the baby, and he did try to find me the book, but instead of bringing our family a hot dinner one night, a very good friend brought me a new copy of the book instead. Can I say awesome?! (My friend for brining me a book instead of dinner, not the book, by the way!)

So – there was so much hype surrounding this book –and with good reason too, I loved the first two books in the series. They were great, so I was really looking forward to how Collins was going to sum this all up. However, I am sad to say that I was a little disappointed with the ending.

The story involves Katniss Everdeen, along with her family those of District 12 find themselves in battle with President Snow and the capital for an all-out war. There is plenty of action in this book, but somehow there is also a lot of nothing going on as well. Katniss is not the same Katniss from the first book. Her attitude really bothers me and I wish she would just be normal again. I suppose I wouldn’t be normal either if this had been my life?

I think the thing that bugged me the most about this book was the ending. I had to read it and re-read it a few times. Really – she just caught fire, blacked out and woke up and it was done? I feel totally robbed by this ending! I know that Collins is trying to make a point here and make a statement – but this is a young adult book and I think that it crossed the line a few times. I was really sad that Finnick, after finally finding happiness, was killed at the end. I was also very disappointed that Katniss never really choice between Peeta and Gale.

Not really sure what else to say about the book. I enjoyed The Hunger Games. I recommend that. I think Catching Fire was so-so, I recommend it, but not whole heartedly, but I don’t recommend Mockingjay, and that makes me sad.

The Lost Hero

2011-03-20T16:29:00.000-07:00

The Lost Hero

Rick Riordan

5 Stars

553 pages

I was very excited to read this book – a book with the old kids from Camp Half-Blood, but also a new set of kids for new adventures? Yes, please!

Jason, the hero in this series, wakes up to find out that he has no idea who he is, where he is at, or how he got there! The story unfolds from there as Jason and his girl friend, Piper and his best friend Leo join forces in a way they never imagined to fight forces they never thought could be real.

Like, I said before, I was super excited to read a book that revisits Camp Half-Blood. I thoroughly enjoyed the Percy Jackson series. I found Jason an easy character to love, just like Percy. I love Leo and his quirts and find Piper very likable. While the book is lengthy, it doesn’t seem like it and I read it in a very short amount of time. The action and adventure level seemed just right - as did the down time too.

I think this young-adult novel is perfect for any teenager, or even adult who enjoys magic/mystical creature books.

I am looking forward to the rest of the series and learning more about these “Roman” Gods and after the ending in this book I am waiting on the edge of my chair for book two!

The Red Pyramid

2011-03-20T16:28:00.000-07:00

The Red Pyramid

Rick Riordan

4 Stars

516 pages

The Red Pyramid is the first book in Riordan’s new Kane series. After finishing the Percy Jackson books I was really excited to find out that he has this new series as well. The book centers around the two Kane teenage siblings; Cater, who grew up traveling with his father, and Sadie who grew up in London with her grandparents. Pushed together by a series of tragic events, Sadie and Carter find themselves in a world-wind adventure.

The book is very fast paced, I felt like I couldn’t catch my own breath before something else was happening or someone else was trying to deceive the Kane siblings. I wish that we could have had at least one chapter or two of “background” before they all took off on the adventure. There is a lot of action, which is great, but in this case it almost made me feel rushed. I would have liked it if the kids could have had a few more breaks so we could all catch our breath.

Unlike Percy Jackson, The Red Pyramid follows the Egyptian Gods. I think if you enjoy Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, Fable Haven – or any young adult mystical/magic reading then you will overall enjoy this series. I don’t believe it will be my favorite out of this category, but certainly not my least. I am looking forward to where book two takes us!

Heart of Lies

2011-02-15T13:59:00.000-08:00

Heart of Lies

Irish Angel Series, Book Two

Jill Marie Landis

285 pages

4 stars

Raised on the streets of New Orleans by Dexter Grande, Maddie was taught to beg, steal and cheat her way through life. As Dexter’s gang dissolves, Maddie moves to the bayou with her twin “brothers”. The story develops as the twins appear at the doorstep one night with an eight year old girl they have kidnapped and need Maddie to hold hostage. Against her better judgment Maddie agrees, but trouble soon follows as Pinkerton agent Tom Abbot becomes part of the case. Tom, who is also working for Laura Foster McCormick, from book one in this series, Heart of Stone. Maddie begins to question who she is, who her family really is and if she can really trust Tom.

I was excited to hear about the second book in this series being released. I really enjoyed the first book and couldn’t wait to read more about the sisters from New Orleans. I think the romance isn’t over the top, but nice, old fashion and clean. It's refreshing to find books like this, ones I don't have to worry about while reading.

If I had to pick one thing that I didn’t like it would be Dexter’s character. Landis did a fantastic job making him into a creep and I really shuttered every time he graced the pages. I was so disturbed at the thought of Maddie taking part of the changing of the kids. I am glad she was able to find Tom and eventually Laura. I hope that in the next few book that it will touch on that she has been able to find peace in her life.

The novels and the writing really make me think that if you love Anita Stansfield books, you will enjoy these series.

I'm looking forward to book three. Hopefully it doesn't take a full year to come out!

Everything Meals on a Budget Cookbook

2010-06-29T21:30:00.000-07:00

The Everything Meals on a Budget Cookbook

5 Stars

Linda Larsen

293 pages

This book was another great find I picked up one week at our local library. It had helpful ideas and 300 great recipes

I enjoyed this book and look forward to finding one to make my own copy. Like I've said about other budget cookbooks, if you are looking for ways to lower your families grocery budget you can't go wrong with these few books that I've found. Excellent!

Family Feasts for $75 a Week

2010-06-29T21:19:00.000-07:00

Family Feasts for $75 a week

Mary Ostyn

5 Stars

304 pages

I always try cook books first from the library before adding them permanently to my own personal collection. This book is one that I would love to add to my own home library.

Mary Ostyn, a mother of 10 children and blogger has great ideas of how to save money. This book was full of ideas that I have started to use with my own family and I have loved each recipe we have tried!

I recommend this book if you are interested in finding out ways to save on your grocery budget, are looking for some new homemade recipes, or just for some great ideas!

Summer Reading

2010-06-18T14:45:00.000-07:00

School is finally out for the summer. It seems so late for me from the region that I grew up in, but considering the temperatures here are still only mid 60's I still find myself wearing jackets and convincing myself that it truly is summer.

I do have some great summer reading lists and are excited to get started. First on my list is to finally update my very neglected book blog.

I posted a review of a book from one of my all time favorite series, A Woman of Influence, today, you can find it below, but I have many more reviews on the way.

Hopefully I can get through the list of books to review, the books I have to read and enjoy some nice summer weather soon!

A Woman of Influence

2010-06-18T14:40:00.000-07:00

A Woman of Influence

Rebecca Ann Collins

5 Stars

336 pages

Book nine in the The Pemberly Chronicles series.

As I finished the 8^th book in this series, Recollections of Rosings, I was curious to see how Becky Tate’s character would hold up in the next installment of the story. I had mixed feelings of if I really enjoyed her character or not, but promised myself I would place those feelings aside try hard to give her a fair chance in A Woman of Influence.

In A Woman of Influence Becky’s story continues as she finds herself living at Edgwater, a widow and alone wondering what will become of her life. When Becky comes in contact with a girl, Alice, who is traveling and homeless with a son, hiding on her property, she becomes absorbed in her story and helping this woman find and free her husband who has been wrongly accused. While this might be a minor plot in the story it ultimately leads Becky to being reunited with an old acquaintance Mr. Aldo Contini.

Mr. Contini and Becky’s relationship was first established shortly after Becky’s daughter’s death when Mr. Contini was there to offer condolences and relief. I was presently surprised with this reunion of characters and the slow romance that developed and followed. It was a perfect pace for me and my feelings towards Becky’s character.

It’s not s surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed A Woman of Influence. The new “mystery” of Alice and her husband added some substance and some suspense and thrill to a typical storyline. I was pleased with Becky and Mr. Contini’s relationship and how it developed, in a world where lines are crossed daily and in appropriate relationships are many times considered “norm” I was even more delighted that this relationship developed at the right time and place in their lives.

Ms. Rebecca Collins is a wonderful writer and storyteller. She has a knack for writing in Jane Austen’s own voice and developing clean, romantic well developed stories that can be enjoyed time and time again.

I cannot wait for Book 10!

Garlic and Sapphires

2010-04-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

Garlic and Sapphires

Ruth Reichl

4 Stars

352 pages

Each year our library system selects a book to features as a book of the year that our whole county will “read.” This year Garlic and Sapphires is that book. I didn’t have any expectations for this book, but once I brought it home and started reading I couldn’t put it down.

Garlic and Sapphires is the true story of Ruth Reichl during her years as the food critic for The New York Times. Trying her best to get honest reviews she finds herself going undercover, literally, and becoming other “characters” to review different restaurants. I really loved some of these characters and my only wish is I could have seen pictures! The book was witty and clever and her reviews were refreshing and fun to read. I found myself hungry just reading many of her food descriptions, but there are recipes also included in the book!

I’m very happy this book has been selected to be featured this year and I am looking forward to attending some of the events later this year. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys nonfiction or food industry and cooking books.

Matters at Mansfield

2010-04-07T19:51:00.000-07:00

Matters at Mansfield

Carrie Bebris

5 Stars

288 pages

I was thrilled when I walked in the library the other day and found this book on the shelf! I have read all of Carrie Bebris’s other Jane Austen mystery novels and always enjoyed the fun storylines and turning plots.

Of course, Mr and Mrs. Darcy find themselves in the middle of a thrilling mystery. Lady Catherine, her daughter Anne and Colonel Fitzwilliam are also key players in the series events that lead up to this crime. I think Carrie Bebris did such a superb job at staying true to Lady Catherine’s character. I also enjoyed the romance between Anne and Colonel Fitzwilliam.

Carrie Bebris’s mystery novels are fun easy reads. Some reviews say that they might not be exactly true to Jane Austen’s tone, which could be true, but I do think they are pleasant and hope to read more from Carrie Bebris in the future!

Heart of Stone

2010-03-25T21:35:00.000-07:00

Heart of Stone

Jill Marie Landis

4 Stars

312 pages

This is the first novel that I've read by Jill Marie Landis and I was not disappointed. Heart of Stone tells the story of Laura Foster, the owner of an elegant boarding house in Glory Texas. When she finds that the widowed preacher in town, Brand McCormick, want to court and even marry her she finds herself torn in her decision. She wants to love but doesn't want her true past to ruin Brand's reputation or future. Landis does a great job describing the time period and characters. Even though they had such a short role, I smiled each time the elderly Mary Margret and Timothy graced the pages.

I was drawn in to this story from page one. It was a quick read and very entertaining. I would classified this book as Christian historical fiction, which is a genre that I typically enjoy because I don't have to worry about any language or graphic scenes.

I am looking forward to finding more novels by Landis and also looking forward to reading the second book in this series which is about Laura's long lost sister, Megan. I recommend this book if you like historical fiction and quick reads.

Life Your Life for Half the Price, Lyle and Tracy Shamo

2010-03-25T20:04:00.000-07:00

Live Your Life for Half the Price

Lyle and Tracy Shamo

5 Stars

196 Pages

I read this book in January, which was my month for reevaluating and planning the new year. I found this book at a local bookstore and knew it was a must for my reading list and a resource that I would read and reread throughout the years.

I was so right! This book is full of useful information and tips. I found myself underlining and marking in this book, something I hardly ever do! I've let neighbors and friends borrow it and recommend it to everyone.

The book is divided up into four main sections; the pursuit of happiness, spend less and be happy, surviving tough times and summing it up.

I was surprised at many of the facts and figures that were quoted in this book - such as how Americans debt and spending has gone up, and our happiness ratings have gone down. Something so true!

I think if you interested thinking about and finding out where your money goes, how you can live on less without feeling like it or just money ideas, this is the book for you. It's a great resource to have in any library.

Centsible Meals

2010-03-04T19:33:00.000-08:00

Centsible Meals

Lorae Bowden

5 Stars

If you read my family blog then you know that recently I've been trying to find new ways to cut down on our grocery budget. I think there is always room for improvement when I found this book and read it I was really inspired to do better.

Lorae is amazing, coming from a larger family herself, she learned well from her mother and now feeds her family of 9 for under $200 a month, and trust me, it's not junk - the trick is that she makes everything homemade! This BYU graduate is amazing, she does doesn't use coupons, but instead her meal plan by fillers - potato, pasta, bread, beans, etc. She does use meat, but might cut the meat in half, for example I noticed in her book that on her lasagna night she still put hamburger meat in the meal, but only half and used the pasta to fill everyone up. They eat fresh fruit for every meal, sliced on a plate. They make their own breakfast instead of using box cereal. They don't eat snacks (I don't think I could get away with this, but I do think I can make wiser choices (I have tried to cut out fruit snacks in the past 3 moths and it really makes a difference, they are so expensive and never fill the kids up!)

The only negative thing about this book is that I would have loved to have more recipes!

The book was short, easy to read, it only took maybe an hour, but was such a powerful resource. I've been recommending it to almost everyone I meet!

Recollections of Rosings

2010-03-01T20:36:00.000-08:00

Recollections of Rosings

Rebecca Ann Collins

5 Stars

308 pages

The eighth book the the Pemberly Chronicles.

Recollections of Rosings is the story of Catherine Harrison and Becky Tate, sisters and daughters of Charlotte Lucus Collins. After a tragic fire at Rosings Park the story follows the sisters and the twists and turns their lives lead.

If I were a betting girl I would bet that Catherine is a favorite of the author, Ms. Rebecca Ann Collins, due to the fact that she is so eloquently spotlighted and portrayed in this book. It was so easy to fall in love with her character!

As Catherine returns to Rosings after the fire to find her husband injured, her daughter, Lilian finds love - but her Aunt Becky is unsure if it is the right love for her and tries to intervene. I was so impressed with Collins ability to write about the incidents in London at Lady Ashton's parties in a clean and modest fashion. Too many books I've read - even Jane Austen sequels include such incidents, as I'm sure they did happen during the time, but without leaving anything to the imagination or decency for the characters.

I absolutely loved the journal entries that we were able to read from Catherine's past - they were so fascinating I felt like Catherine herself, wanting to stay up all night reading more and more.

I still hold mixed feelings towards Becky Tate. Throughout half the book I had such a dislike for her and her character, she was just so shallow and petty! Then at the end when I read about her separation I did feel sad for her and was happy with the ending that was given her. I just received my advanced copy from the publisher of the next book in this series, A Woman of Influence, in which Becky is a main character. I cannot wait to dive into and read the rest of her story.

Recollections of Rosings does not disappoint. Rebecca Ann Collins is able to create a world of characters that can be loved and cherished. These books are my "feel good" books that I go to anytime I need a good book for a pick-me-up.

2009 Recap

2010-01-07T20:17:00.001-08:00

I knew that 2009 would be a doosie for me. We moved 4 times, I had baby #3, my husband graduated school and started residency (whoever out there things medical school is hard, is so wrong, residency is crazy we are lucky if we see him at all now!)

That being said - I didn't have really high goals to read a lot of books this year, I just wanted to keep reading - at least one book a month. I also wanted to keep up on my posts.

Results:

My book total, that I blogged about, for 2009 was 29. So at least I read 2 books a month. I'm pretty sure when I reread the Twilight series this fall it really boost my average!

As far as posting I was not so successful. I did a lot of catch up this year. It's hard, but I really don't want to combine my family blog and my book blog, so if my book blog gets behind, it will have to fall behind. That is the great thing about books, I can always make a stack of books I've read waiting to post and do it later! I tried, unsuccessfully to add a Story Time Monday to my reading blog. I like the idea of posting kid books and what we do with them but honestly I just don't see being consistent enough with it to bring it back full time.

Since I've started My Reading Spot, these are my numbers.

2007 - 34
2008 - 34
2009 - 29

My goals for this year are similar to last years. At least one book a month, perhaps two. I would love to keep track of the number of pages that I've read as well. I also would love to branch out and read a few more non-fiction or religious books this year. On a personal note I typically make it a goal each year to read The Book of Mormon "x" amount of times. (click for link) This year I am doing it differently, I am not setting an "x" amount, but just reading and studying - whatever the pace. Some days it might be a verse, some days a chapter or more, but something meaningful each day.

Here is to 2010 reading!

The Forgotten Carols

2009-12-20T20:08:00.000-08:00

The Forgotten Carols

5 Stars

Michael McLean

What's not to love about a good story by Michael McLean? I hadn't read this book in quite a while so I picked it up one night for a quick read. It's very easy to fall in love with the characters and the storyline. Since we play the music from this book often during the month of December it's hard not to read this and hear the songs in my head throughout the whole thing.

Love the music, and love the book. It's a great Christmas read!

The Christmas Shoes

2009-12-20T20:04:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Shoes

Donna VanLiere

4 Stars

I picked this book up for a quick read at the library during December and I was pretty happy with the outcome. The story is based on a song, The Christmas Shoes, which I love to hear each Christmas season. It was a short easy to read story which helped me remember a few things that are truly important at Christmas.

While it wasn't my favorite Christmas book, I find it hard not to like any Christmas story. Totally worth an afternoon read.

Postscript from Pemberley

2009-12-07T21:10:00.000-08:00

Postscript from Pemberley

Rebecca Ann Collins

5 Stars

Ms. Collins has done it again! The seventh book in the series, Postscript from Pemberley, was all I was expecting, and then some. The story follows two Darcy's as they find love and fall into it; Julian Darcy, and young Darcy Gardiner.

Kate O'Hare, a new character in this chapter of the series is introduced to Darcy Gardiner and their relationship unfolds. I found myself in love with Kate and her new views and opinions that she brought to the family and series. She really was like a breath of fresh air and I was thrilled that Darcy was able to find love with her.

As Ms. Collins stated in an authors note at the beginning of the book, Julina Darcy couldn't be left out in the cold, thus he was brought back in this book and was able to find love himself as well. I was particularly happy for this, I always felt that while he did seem to work so much, I pitied him when his wife Josie left. I felt that Jessica was such a perfect fit and I loved the love letters that they wrote back and forth, it was such a tactful way to have him fall in love and build a solid relationship once more.

Postscript from Pemberley was a fantastic installment in this series, it offered love, mystery, a little action as well as some twists and turns I didn't expect. I have always thoroughly loved every book in this series and continue to rave about it any possible chance I get.

Breaking Dawn

2009-12-07T21:00:00.001-08:00

Breaking Dawn

Stephenie Meyer

4 Stars

Short and sweeter than the first time around.

This book is still a little bit out there for more me. I liked it a tad more this time around than the first but it still just isn't my favorite out of the series. I really would be just fine if the series ended with the 3rd book - Jacob leaving, Bella choosing Edward, everyone happy.

I reread it and I'm glad I did. I hope that by the time they get to this movie it will be pretty fun to watch. My lenghier first time review of the book can be read (here) and I still feel a lot of the same way, just less bothered this time around, maybe because I knew exactly how everything was going to turn out.

Eclipse

2009-11-19T13:27:00.000-08:00

Eclipse

Stephenie Meyer

5 Stars

I finished Eclipse this week for the 3rd (maybe 4th?) time. What else is there to say, I enjoyed it more this time. I typically lean towards New Moon being my favorite out of the whole saga, but this time I have really enjoyed Eclipse. The chapter, Fire and Ice, near the end of the book when Edward lets Jacob know some of his thoughts remains my favorite chapter. I (gasp) have never read the rendition that Stephenie Meyers wrote in Edwards point of view. I might be persuaded to do so now. On to Breaking Dawn. Now that I know how everything is going to end maybe I will enjoy it more this time.

New Moon - 4th Time

2009-11-07T22:20:00.001-08:00

New Moon

Stephenie Meyer

5 Stars

This is my favorite book out of the whole series. I know, for most people this is their least favorite and I can see why, but if you don't already know what team I'm on, I just love Jacob Black.

I know all the arguments, he is immature, he is goofy, but I think he is fun, warm and tries so hard to please Bella and I really just love cheering for the underdog. I've read the whole series, I know who wins in the end. But I still love him, plus he he sounds just so cute to me. If I were casting the movie - I am still set on this is the person I could cast... click on the picture for the story....

I am looking forward to the movie later this month. No, unfortunately I am not going to be standing in line at midnight..instead I get to leave my kiddos and go on a residency retreat with my husband that weekend! However, I am opting for the good company of going with one of my sisters a week later. I can't wait, the trailers look promising.

Twilight - 4th Time

2009-11-07T21:52:00.000-08:00

Twilight

Stephenie Meyer

5 Stars

I'm re-reading the Twilight series in preparation for the release of the New Moon movie. I am so excited. This is the fourth time I've read Twilight and it never loses it's spark. I love reading into it more and more each time.

Parts I loved this time around:

page 14 when Bella arrives at school for her first day she thinks to herself before getting out of the truck, "I stuck everything in my bag, slung the straps over my shoulder, and sucked in a huge breath. I can do this, I lied to myself feebly. No one was going to bite me."

Page 232 and 233 when Edward is talking to Bella about twilight for the first time. Bella says to him, "I like the night, without the dark, we'd never see the stars."

Page 307 when Edward and Bella are discussing why a vampire would resist humans in the first place he says to her, "Just because we've been...dealt a certain hand..it doesn't mean that we can't choose to rise above...to conquer the boundaries of a destiny that none of us wanted..."

I had to laugh at certain parts of the book now that the movie has come out. I wasn't a huge fan of the movie, it was good but certainly not as good as the book. Jasper cracked me up and now I have a hard time taking him seriously in the book. The spoilers are great fun - this one had me laughing out loud when I got to the part in the book where Edward and Bella are in the meadow. Click HERE for the link. The end gets a little weird, but there are parts that are so funny!

Postscript From Pemberley

2009-11-07T21:45:00.000-08:00

Less than a month till Postscripts From Pemberley by Rebecca Ann Collins comes out - it's release date is December 1st! I was sent an advance copy of this book and I love it. Mr. Darcy's grandson, Darcy Gardiner is one of the main characters and the new characters introduced are perfect. I can't wait to share more on this story in December!

Forest Born

2009-11-07T21:30:00.000-08:00

Forest Born
Shannon Hale
5 Stars

I think I might have mentioned a time or two in the past couple years how much I love Shannon Hale. In case I haven't, I love her books. I could hug them. Please don't think I am strange.

Forest Born is the fourth book in the Bayren series. Rin, the main character in this book is the youngest sister to Razo (River Secrets). After spending her whole life in the forest with her family she feels something is wrong or "bad" about herself so she leaves with Razo for the city - where she finds herself joining the "fire sisters" on a new adventure.

I think out of all the special powers and main characters that Shannon Hale has created that Rin is one of my favorites. I was drawn to the idea of her abilities and all of us at one point or another in our life really need to dig deep and find out who we really are and what we are about. I am glad that Rin was able to find true self in this book and through her journey.

I know both boys and girls that love these books and while their target audience is for young adult or even pre-teen I think anyone of any age can enjoy the stories, adventures and lessons that Hale shares with us.

I think if I could pick an author I would want to be for a day, it would be Shannon Hale.

Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary, Fablehaven Book 4

2009-11-07T21:16:00.000-08:00

Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary, Fablehaven Book 4

Brandon Mull

5 Stars

With each book getting better and better book four has put me over the top, I am in love with these series. I was hanging on till the very last sentence in this book.

So many twists and turns - first Kendra, oh Kendra, I've grown to really love her. She has a Hermione Granger feel about her. Seth has grown up a lot in this book and I am anxious to see what more he can become in the next book, he has so much potential and he is just starting to realize it.

I don't really want to write a lot of spoilers, which leaves me with not much to write there are that many twists and turns. I should just say it again that I loved this book. As I was reading the last page and got to the last sentence I closed the book and said "OHHHH NO!" out loud. (Then my husband gave me a funny look.)

I recommend this series to anyone, I even think my little kindergartner would enjoy it if I read it out loud to him. It's got just enough "umph" to it, but not so much it gives nightmares. Perfect!

Catching Fire

2009-11-07T20:44:00.000-08:00

Catching Fire
Suzanne Collins
5 Stars

After winning the Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta return to District 12, but much to her dismay she still finds herself the center of attention. After a shocking and scary visit from the President, she joins Peeta on the tour of the Districts and then learns that they will be part of the 75th anniversary games.

I couldn't wait for this book to come out. I had the day marked on my calendar when I could go get it! (Yes, my review is very, very behind, I read this book in September and now it is November) I enjoyed this book just as much as the first in the series. It was fast paced and page turning. Writing this review makes me want to get both the Hunger Games and Catching Fire out and re-read them! I thought a lot of the action would take place during the tour of the districts, but once that was over so fast I was left wondering what would turn the book would take. It took me by surprise that Katniss found herself in the games again.

I finished this book and still didn't want to put it down. I compare these books to the Uglies series, but I enjoy these so much more. My only hope is that the third book doesn't turn in that direction. I cannot wait until the third book to see how things turn out for Katniss, Peeta and all her family.

I am so glad I was introduced to this series, I am in love with Suzanne Collins and her creativity

In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms

2009-11-07T20:06:00.000-08:00

In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms
Dr. Laura Schlessinger
5 Stars

I saw this on a friends blog, who also heard about it from a friend and so it goes. I had to check it out. I put it on hold at the library and couldn't wait to get my hands on it. I was not disappointed.

This book was so inspirational to me. I might have to look for a copy of this book at my half-price book store or for a used one because I would love to have it around in my own library for future reference on those "bad days."

I never really planned son going back to work after having my first baby, but that first year was a big adjustment to me. Sometimes I just wanted to go back to work and get a paycheck and hear people tell me what a great job I was doing, but deep down I knew I was in the right place, at home.

Fast forward a few years. I now have 3 kids and watch part time another one. Sometimes I wonder if anyone knows that I did in fact graduate college and have a career at one point. Sometimes I get so lost in the day to day grind that I wonder if the little ones care that I stay with them. My husband is a first year medical resident right now so there are weeks that my job is pretty comparable to a single parent job. But I really wouldn't have it any other way.

I was actually sitting on the couch reading this book one night while my husband was working late, I paused and I looked up to see my kitchen - and a sink full of dishes and no dinner waiting for him. I was motivated by Dr. Laura to get up and finish my job, even though I was tired. I know my husband appreciated that dinner when he got home. The house was clean and things were good.

Bringing it back to the book - I loved it and recommend it hands down. It motivates me each time I think of it or passages I read from it to be a better wife and mother.

Please don't go...

2009-10-31T21:53:00.000-07:00

Don't give up on me now.

I'm a slacker. I've been busy and with holidays things aren't going to be calming down. I've got 5 different book reviews from the past month to post. I should read, review, read, review. Sometimes the new books sitting on my shelf are so tempting that I just can't help it. I hope to get reviews done and posted tomorrow.

Right now I'm re-reading the Twilight series, I have a post about that coming soon too.

Grip of the Shadow Plague, Fablehaven 3

2009-09-14T10:44:00.000-07:00

Grip of the Shadow Plague, Fablehaven 3
Brandon Mull
4 Stars

In the third book of Fablehaven Kendra and Seth go through even more action and adventure than the first two. Kendra, who has been invited to become a knight, is lead in a different direction and taken to a reserve in New Mexico for a trip full of action and interesting new characters. Seth - staying back at Fablehaven finds himself in an adventure of his own when a dark plaque starts covering the whole reserve.

I have to insert some thoughts on series. Series books are some of my favorite reads. Sometimes I have a hard time picking a favorite out of the entire series (The Pemberly Chronicles, The Work and the Glory, Goose Girl), sometimes I have obvious favorites(Harry Potter, Twilight) and sometimes I feel the series gets better (Harry Potter, Fablehaven,) - or worse (Uglies) as the series continues.

I think this series is getting better. I didn't love one and two as much as three. I've heard four is even better. I'm glad this series isn't fitting into the getting worse category I do think that kids would love them!

Story Time Monday

2009-09-07T22:01:00.000-07:00

Leonardo is a terrible monster and he just wants to scare the tuna-salad out of someone. He might not have been able to scare us, but we have fallen in love with him.

My boys adore this book. I adore this book. They want me to read it to them over and over and it cracks them up every time. We try to act like Leonardo and scare each other. We love Sam, his brother's cockatoo and his poor little tummy. The book is cute, entertaining and has a good message!

Mo Willems books are favorite picks, we love the pigeon books too!

Winner

2009-09-02T21:01:00.001-07:00

And the winner is:

Kathy - who said:
My favorite character is Anne Elliot from Persuasion. I think partly it is because she is older (as am I) than the other protagonists. She is level-headed, and sensible, and a little more reserved. People don't always get how great she is just by looking on the surface of things, but luckily Captain Wentworth does, and can't forget her over his 8 year absence.

~~

I wish I could send everyone a copy of the books! If anyone wants me to send my copies out and promises to send them back I'm game, just let me know!

My Cousin Caroline

2009-09-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Win the first book in the series! My Cousin Caroline features Rebecca Ann Collins favorite character, Caroline Gardiner. Leave me a comment telling me your favorite Jane Austen character - and why. Tomorrow night (9-2-09) at 9pm West Coast Time a winner will randomly be selected and receive the first book in this series, The Pemberley Chronicles. (If you already own this book then leave that in the comment as well and I'll send you a copy of My Cousin Caroline instead!)

My Cousin Caroline

Rebecca Ann Collins

5 Stars

The only way this book could be better is if Austen wrote it herself. It was a superb book and made me smile. Without giving everything away in the book, I included some of my favorite parts below.

My Cousin Caroline is the 6th book in the Pemberly Chronicles, but could be taken out of the series and read alone. The timeline of this story starts back at the beginning, Jane and Elizabeth’s wedding. Caroline falls in love with Colonel Fitzwilliam and the story follows their life together. I thoroughly enjoyed reading some of the thoughts of Colonel Fitzwilliam at the beginning of the book. I love the idea of him being secretly in love with Lizzie first, although I am so happy that he finds Caroline.

Since the timeline of this story goes back to the beginning of this series, it’s fascinating reading a different perspective of certain characters, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Emily Gardiner, and Paul Antoine, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, even Lydia. I was crushed again while reading the account of the unfortunate accident of Edward Fitzwilliam and William Darcy. It was so hard to read the first time and even though I knew it would happen and I was expecting it really was heartbreaking.

In the last book, Mr. Darcy’s Daughter we learned more details about the Gardiners’ business and how Caroline had become very involved. In My Cousin Caroline we were able to read first hand how Robert’s behavior really changed and molded some of Mr. Gardiner final decisions. I think one could draw a parallel to Rose and Robert and their affiliation with the business and how many people act in our time today. At one point in the book Emily says to Caroline, “Don’t be too hard on them, Caroline, both Robert and Rose have grown up rather different to the way we did.” This statement says it all. Just a few lines down we read about how Robert and Rose are full of interests and life, but charity and work are just not one of them. I think this is so true of people in our world today!

Isabella. I love her character, first she is in love, but with a character that might be shady, then she finds love again only to have that shaken too. I just wanted to clap out loud at the end of the book when Mr. Philip Bentley came back and had made a name for himself. I loved that ending!

I could easily say that My Cousin Caroline was my favorite out of the entire Pemberly Series, but then when I sit down and take out each book in the series I am reminded why I love each and one so much. There are few things I love more than reading and enjoying a wholesome book. Not only has Rebecca Ann Collins provided me with a wholesome great book, but a whole series of them that I can enjoy over and over. Each character is though out and well developed and I easily fall in love with them. This book can be read if you are new to the series or in sequence, either way I believe there is no way that My Cousin Caroline will disappoint.

Rebecca Ann Collins from Pemberley Chronicles

2009-08-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

I am so excited - this is my first guest blogger, and I absolutely love her books! The sixth book, My Cousin Caroline comes out in stores tomorrow, I can't wait to post my review on it tomorrow as well as tell you how you can win the first book in the series sent to you! I hope you all enjoy reading!

Welcome Rebecca:

Q: Out of the entire series, who is your favourite character?
A: When I first started writing, and creating my own characters, as opposed to Jane Austen’s – it used to be Cassy Darcy. However, as the series progressed and certainly after completing My Cousin Caroline, I find myself drawn to Caroline. I still love Cassy, as I do many of the others, including Jonathan Bingley, who is my favourite male character- bar none, but Caroline has the edge over the rest.

Q: When I first read about the accident of Willaim Darcy and Edward in The Pemberley Chronicles, I was devastated. I knew it was coming in My Cousin Caroline, but it was still hard. Was this accident just as hard for you to revisit and write about in My Cousin Caroline?
A: You are quite right, it was hard, especially because the accident that takes the life of William and Edward is based on a very similar event that devastated our family some years ago and it was very painful to revisit it , but it also helped me both personally and in writing the books.
Personally, to share the deep sorrow of such an experience by expressing it and in the books, it helps to ground the characters in reality. Pemberley is not some Camelot like place where everyone lived happily ever after- it is real and the characters must endure the same sorts of things that afflicted many other families in that era– children died through disease and accidents, as did many adults. Elizabeth and Darcy and the other characters, could not lead some kind of charmed life filled only with love and romance.- it would not have been credible.

Q. After reading My Cousin Caroline, I think it could be read as part of the series, but also stand alone. Was it fun to go back and revisit some of the characters from the beginning of the series?
A: Yes it was great fun, particularly to bring back Mr Bennet and Mr Collins. There was also a practical side to it. We had completed five volumes- with Mr. Darcy’s Daughter, we had reached a particular mid- point in the series and it was a convenient and appropriate point at which to pull the threads together and look at the picture before going on again. Caroline’s story afforded me the opportunity to reprise some of the characters and events from the earlier volumes, but to do it while developing more fully two of the minor players from the original novel—Colonel Fitzwilliam and Caroline Gardiner.
I enjoyed very much the chance to track the development of Caroline from almost childhood to maturity, to contrast her character as a romantic young girl, with the shallow silliness of Lydia or the meanness of Caroline Bingley. To watch her become a personable and intelligent woman with a good eye for business and a warm, compassionate heart was a very special pleasure.
Also, I had long felt that Colonel Fitzwilliam deserved better than his fate in Pride and Prejudice—a very promising young gentleman, with excellent qualities, but very little means. It was clear that he would never be able to marry for love.
With a little manipulation of his circumstances—he could be given that chance. I thought Caroline and the Colonel would make a very good couple—and if you will pardon my saying so- I think they do.

Q: Besides Jane Austen, who is your favourite author?
A: In the same period, Charles Dickens and George Elliot. Both know how to tell a good story and Dickens creates so many wonderful characters. They also deal with several of the “difficult issues” that troubled 19th century England.

Q: If you could meet Jane Austen and ask her anything, what would you ask her?
A: I’ve always wondered at her capacity for creating such interesting characters and situations, while sitting in the front room of her father’s country parsonage. I’d love to ask her what set off that creative imagination and energy?

Q: P&P is obviously your favourite Jane Austen novel; besides P&P, which is your next favourite? Would you consider writing a sequel to any other of Jane Austen’s books?
A: Persuasion is the my next favourite. I think it is one of her best; it’s a really deep love story. in which Jane questions the very nature of love and what it involves for us.
I have considered writing a sequel to Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen’s first novel. There are three sisters- all completely different in character and the way story ends suggests some fascinating possibilities.

Q. The next book in the series is Postscript from Pemberley, to be released in the United States in December. Can you tell us a little bit about it?
A: Postscript from Pemberley is mainly the story of four young, attractive characters: Darcy Gardiner, Julian Darcy, Jessica Courtney and a fascinating new comer to the district, Kate O’Hare. Darcy, Julian and Jessica are all of the next generation of characters, each quite different in their attitudes to live, love and family loyalty. Yet they live within the circle of families that have strong links with Pemberley and its great traditions. As such they have certain responsibilities and when they face challenges in life, they are expected to deal with them with strength and courage, as their forebears have done… Whether they are all capable of fulfilling these expectations is explored in the novel. They are interesting and passionate young men and women and have their own secrets; they must come to terms with them as they make their way in the world, fall in and out of love and play their parts in the community in which they live.

Q. Last but not least- do you snack while writing? If so what is your favourite snack?
A: I don’t “snack” as such—not while writing (I am forbidden to have food and drink anywhere near my computer!) but, I usually work for a couple of hours straight and then break for half an hour when I like to have a coffee and ginger biscuits or tea and a slice of cheese toast—away from my desk—preferably sitting out in the garden. It re-energises one and helps to re-focus on the task at hand, although sometimes, it is difficult to return to the computer.
There are times, when I am really absorbed in developing a chapter or a character, when I don’t break at all; then I find when it over, that I am very hungry indeed. And have to put everything aside and cook a special meal.

Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog, Debbi!
Rebecca Ann Collins

Teaching Your Children Joy

2009-08-29T21:51:00.000-07:00

Teaching Your Children Joy

Linda and Richard Eyre

5 Stars

I picked up this book and Teaching Your Children Values (post below) gearing up for a new school year. I have loved being able to teach my children during their preschool years at home and this year I am teaming up with another mom in the neighborhood to do a joint "school" similar to ones outlined in this book. There were so many fun ideas in this book that I can't wait to use with our little 3 year old participants!

Teaching Your Children Joy discusses different 'joys' each child should learn to experience in life and each chapter discusses the joy and gives great examples and stories of how we can teach these as parents. They are fun easy no hassle ideas. I love that they aren't elaborate or hard to accomplish and that I feel like I can easily do and teach this book to my family.

I love this book as well as the Values book by the Eyres and can't wait to start our preschool group this week. I recommend any book by the Eyres, they are inspirational and fantastic!

Teaching Your Children Values

2009-08-29T21:44:00.001-07:00

Teaching Your Children Values
Linda and Richard Eyre
5 Stars

I love parenting books. I'm not sure why I'm so addicted to them, but they are always so fun to read. Teaching Your Children Values by the Eyes was a perfect inspirational book to help me get in gear for the upcoming school year.

The book is divided into 12 values that you teach over the time period of a year. Each chapter has age appropriate examples and techniques to use. I really found a lot of these ideas helpful and can't wait to get started using them. I loved reading the stories and antidotes about the authors and their own family.

I recommend this book to anyone with a family or wanting to start a family. It has great ideas and you can find it at your library or on Amazon or a used book store. I got mine for a steal at a half price book store and it already had ideas highlighted for me! :) Loved it!

Big News!

2009-08-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

Story Time Monday got put on hold this week, we have had visitors and been busy cramming in every possible fun event before school starts next week. Between all these fun things I've forgot to post about two huge things - one - my library card got taken away! No - I didn't have fines, I'll post the whole story later. I was devastated....still am. But the real exciting news is below:

I am so excited - at the end of the month, August 31, to be exact, My Reading Spot is hosting one of my favorite authors, Rebecca Ann Collins on her blog tour. Her newest book, My Cousin Caroline, will be released on September 1. It is book six in the Pemberly Chronicles series, which I absolutely love and adore! I've read an advance copy of the book and can't wait to post more about it on my blog later this month and feature Rebecca! I've been spending time dreaming up a fun Austen-type giveaway, which I'll also post about later this week. I hope everyone checks out My Reading Spot on August 31!

More of the tour dates and sites:

Rebecca Ann Collins’ My Cousin Caroline Blog Tour

August 25—Staring Fresh
August 31—My Reading Spot
September 1—A Bibliophile’s Bookshelf
September 2—Grace’s Book Blog
September 3—Book Nerd Extraordinaire
September 4—This Book For Free
September 7—Night Owl Romance
September 8—Love Romance Passion
September 9—Romance Reader at Heart’s Novel Thoughts Blog
September 11—The Review From Here/Scribe Vibe
September 14— A Journey of Books
September 16— Everything Victorian

The Actor and the Houswife

2009-08-17T12:05:00.000-07:00

The Actor and the Housewife
Shannon Hale
5 Stars

I had read a few reviews that this was not one of Shannon Hale's finest and that it was a lot of fluff, so after being so excited to get my hands on this book, I became a little weary. It has been sitting in my Amazon shopping cart for quite a while. Then I saw it at a local book store and I found myself buying it. (I justified it by saying it was supporting Utah writers and LDS fiction while NOT in Utah.)

I actually loved the book, it was super fun and cute and I can see why some people might find it fluff. I think Shannon Hale is so witty, I am not sure I would say it is my favorite book by her, but I really did enjoy it.

Becky is pregnant with her 4th child when she happens to run into her "dream" Hollywood star man, Felix. They share an elevator ride, a taxi (actually a limo) ride, dinner and dance. Then somehow, although they are both happily married, live in completely opposite worlds, have nothing in common, but become best of friends. They break up as best friends. They make a movie together. Over a span of 10+ years we read about their relationship.

Becky was such a fun character. I have a good friend that I envisioned the entire time reading this book. She is such a witty girl, always has something fun to say and I could see a lot of her in this character. Felix - I was wondering if Shannon Hale was envisioning Colin Firth the entire time? I sure thought he would fit the part. If I had to find one thing that I didn't like about the book, it was when Felix sang "I am a Child of God" in church. It was a sweet gesture, but it just bugged me. Mike. I couldn't believe how great Mike was, he was so trusting and only once did he say things bothered him. I felt bad for him at times and loved him at times. He really was such a great hubby.

The ending had me in tears and then tears some more and then stitches. I really want to elaborate, but don't want to spoil the ending. Let's just say I am very happy with the way it ended.

I really loved the fun and friendly banter. I could have dog-eared many pages with some favorite lines. I'm glad that I wasn't disappointed. In my opinion Shannon Hale has done it again.

Rise of the Evening Star, Fablehaven

2009-08-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

Rise of the Evening Star, Fablehaven Book 2

Brandon Mull

4 1/2 Stars

In the Rise of the Evening Star Seth and Kendra find themselves back at Fablehaven helping their grandparents find and protect a hidden artifact that is on the grounds. Their grandparents have brought three specialist, a potion master, a magical relics collector, and a mystical creature trapper, to Fablehaven to help, but can they trust them?

I really enjoyed this book when in comparison to the first one. I loved how Kendra gained some confidence and I loved her new fairy powers. I was skeptical of Vanessa as soon as she wanted to share secrets. Seth in the cocoon and the "passing" was so gross and hilarious at the same time. So fun and cleaver! The last few chapters were very exciting and kept me turning the pages. It was a little reminiscent of the last few chapters of the first two Harry Potter books...lots of build up and then huge action at the very end.

I'm very excited about this series and can't wait to keep reading the next couple books. I know that they won't disappoint. With each chapter and book that I read I am more and more positive they are perfect for their target audience.

Story Time Monday

2009-08-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

Today during school time we did what I like to call an "oldie-but-goodie" activity. I picked 3 books and then let the boys narrow it down from there. Then I read it to them and had them color their favorite part of the book. I think this is such a great activity for a few reasons. It really makes then use their listening skills when listening to a book, they have to pay attention and figure out what is their favorite part, and it helps them with their art skills as well.

Sometimes we (the 5 year old) struggles with the fact pictures aren't 'perfect' or how we imagine them in our heads, so it's good to just listen to a story and then practice drawing things we liked out it without getting upset.

We read Tikki Tikki Tembo. After a rocky morning of 'sibling rivalry' I was a little worried when I saw this picture. However, after asking him to explain it I was relieved to find out that it wasn't the little brother in the bottom of the well that was our favorite part. Apparently he just really wanted to draw a bunch of bricks and color them, or at least that is what he told me!

Story Time Monday

2009-08-10T09:17:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten. It's a big subject around our house lately and it starts in 3 weeks. I've been trying to check out books at the library every week that will help my 5 year old prepare. He has a lot of questions and these books are really helpful.

When you go to kindergarten, by James Howe is one of my favorites. The pictures are a little dated, and totally take me back, but they are actual pictures, not illustrations, which I think are helpful. It discusses great topics and allows me to have great discussions with my 5 year old about some of the things he is scared of or excited about.

Rosemary Wells writes some great great books about kindergarten. Two of my favorite books by her are My Kindergarten and Ready to Read. The books are fun and offer learning opportunities at the same time. I like that we can pick them up, read a few pages, put them down and then later continue where we left off. I've always checked these books out at that library, but I have really considered buying them for my collection they are so great!

This last book I am on the lookout for. Kindergarten Rocks. I want to find it at the library because it looks like such a fun book.

One last book we really love, and isn't necessary about kindergarten, Hey! I'm Reading, by Betty Miles. It's a fun introduction to sounds, processes and reading. I love it because it teaches but doesn't seem like work. We love to look at it and read parts of it and at the end of the book it has a few pages kids can learn to read all on their own.

Story Time Monday

2009-08-03T10:45:00.000-07:00

We've read a lot of different chapter books to the kids at bedtime but one of our favorites are The Magic Treehouse series by Mary Pope Osborne.

The boys love them, they have adventure and mystery but aren't too scary either. I like them for numerous reasons. We can finish one in about 3 nights, it helps the boys work on their listening comprehension skills and they learn about history as well. I have a few of these books on CD that I play in the car, which is also a bonus!

Geronimo Stilton and Junie B. Jones rank pretty high up there around our house too, although I know as soon as they find out about Captain Underpants he will rule!

Story Time Monday

2009-07-27T09:28:00.000-07:00

We love a good food book at my house. We love reading about making food, playing with food, building with food.

How Are You Peeling is one of our new favorite food books. It's fun to see the crazy faces, but at the same time learn some new vocabulary for emotions and feelings that have from time to time. Each page is filled with crazy fruits or vegetables. Their faces are made from a simple exacto knife, fruits, vegetables and beans or beet juice for the face. I absolutely love seeing the imagination of this artist!

How can we talk about food books and not talk about Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs? This is one of my childhood favorites and now is one of my boys favorite books as well. We laugh and laugh when the giant pancakes land on the school and love finding the noodle-head man in the pictures. My two year old loves to walk around saying "tomato tornado" after each time we read this book. Sine it typically rains a lot where we live I love to joke with the kids and randomly yell, "WATCH OUT for the noodles(pancakes/broccoli/beans, etc.)" when we run to our car or are outside. They love it. The sequel, Pickles to Pittsburgh, is not one of my favorites, but worth a check out at the library.

Each time we talk about food this book, Take Me Out of the Bathtub, is going to get quoted. The book is full of fun silly songs and one of our favorites is Food Fight. Seriously, one of the lines in the song says, "got carrots in my underwear!" Talk about full of giggles! We love it!

Summertime Book Swap

2009-07-23T12:27:00.000-07:00

I am so excited, because between the last year of my husbands med-school crazy schedule and adding a new baby to our family I wasn't able to participate or hold any swaps, but not that we've settled I am ready to roll!

Introducing:

The Summertime Book Swap!

Who: anyone - blogger or non blogger

What: book swap, new, used, magazine, fiction or non, anything goes! I'm going to make things interesting and say there is a price limit of $15, that way if you find something you really love for $14.95 it can go, but no one goes overboard. Find a used bookstore, I can't wait to visit mine again!

When: Sign up now until July 31

How: Email me: wadeanddebbi (at) gmail (dot) com. Include your mailing address and just for fun little bit about your self

August 1st, I will send you an email you the contact information of the person you will send your swap loot too!

~~
A big THANK YOU to my friend Kristen, who is fantastic and made my blog look cute! I love it, she is so creative! I believe her blog is private, but if you want to leave her a comment, I'm sure she will appreciate it!

Story Time Monday

2009-07-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

At our house we love story time - whether it be at the library, bedtime, random times on the couch or on our bellies on the living room floor. Each Monday morning I am going to be posting a special Story Time Monday book that we enjoy. I might post ideas or activities that we have used while reading this book, funny stories about reading it or just a family favorite that we can't get enough of.

I hope you enjoy.

Story Time Monday

2009-07-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

I'm Not Cute
Jonathan Allen

Baby owl is convinced that he is not cute and that he is not small. He is a huge and scary hunting machine. How much cuter can a book for little toddlers get?

My two year old and I love to cuddle up and read this book together. We like to pretend that we have huge and silent hunting wings. We like to use our hands and make great big see in the dark eyes. And at the end I like to give him a great big hug and pose the question, is he cute, or not cute? He always replies, "No mama, I'm Noah."

Mr. Darcy's Daughter

2009-07-14T20:42:00.000-07:00

Mr. Darcy's Daughter
Rebecca Ann Collins
5 Stars

After a few months I am finally able to sit down and write a review for this book, in fact, over the past few months I've read it twice. I love it. The fifth book in this series, Mr. Darcy's Daughter continues by following Cassandra, Cassy, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth's daughter. I love Cassy and her strong personality. She is headstrong, intelligent and dependable.

In the book Cassy is faced with many challenges and comes out the heroine of the book with charm and class. While her brother Julian is struggling with his own family and work Cassy becomes responsible for many of the tasks of running the Pemberly estate. Later in the book she becomes fully responsible for raising Julian's son to become the heir of the estate. Romance is in bloom with Cassy's daughter when the family is introduced to a new young American. Mystery is also involved in this book and Cassy's son Darcy takes part of solving the crime.

I enjoyed the second half of the book and felt it moved fast. The mystery was a new twist to the series and I thought it added a fun addition to the storyline. My only regret is not rereading the previous four books in the series before reading this book so I could be refreshed with many of the characters and families.

I recommend these books to any Jane Austen or Pride and Prejudice lover. This series is hands down the best Pride and Prejudice sequel I have found.

The Choice

2009-07-14T20:33:00.000-07:00

The Choice,
Nicholas Sparks
3 Stars

This was not my favorite Nicholas Sparks book. Usually I grab his books when I don't have a lot of time to read and I just want something light and easy. Sure, this book was quick and easy, and as usual, a bit predicable. I was disappointed with the end. I know with Nicholas Sparks how things will end, there will be a happy and sad part - this book was no exception. I want to know the percentage of people who wake up after being in a comatose state for so long? I have a good friend who's mother never did. I wonder what she would think of this book, I would hope she would never read it. I know a book is just a book and we all love happy endings, this one just bothered me. It's probably just me. I'll still read Nicholas Sparks.

Fablehaven

2009-05-08T19:46:00.000-07:00

Fablehaven

Brandon Mull

4 Stars

This series follows Kendra and Seth to their grandfather's estate where they find a magical world full of all sorts of mystical creatures, good and bad.

I've been meaning to get to this series for a while and finally got around to reading it. I think it was a fun series, perfect for younger readers. One of my 10 year old nephews is reading the series right now and he loves it - something I would totally expect after finishing this first book.

While the last 50 pages of the book were really interesting and hard to put down, there were parts of the middle that were a little slow for me and I skimmed a lot more than I usually do.

I have to admit that when I finished the book and read the preview for the second book I couldn't wait to get my copy and start reading. I'm hoping the second book will not let me down.

I don't rank this book above Harry Potter, A Great and Terrible Beauty, or even Twilight, but I do think is was a fun magical book and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Each Little Bird That Sings

2009-04-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

Each Little Bird That Sings
Deborah Wiles
5 Stars

A dear friend sent me this book when I had my baby a few months ago. She said that she loved this book - along with all other books by Deborah Wiles, and that when I got time she knew I would enjoy it too. I finally got to it and she was so right, I loved it!

Comfort Snowberger is ten years old and her family owns the town funeral home, she attends each and every funeral, so she thinks she knows everything there is to know about death. The story is a pre-teen book (9-12 year olds) and full of ten year old wit and wisdom. I loved it and laughed out loud at parts!

The plot of the story revolves around the funeral of Comforts Great-great-aunt Florentine. Comfort is asked to help with her younger and very annoying cousin Peach all while she is having trouble with her best friend Declaration.

The book takes a turn at the very end and Comfort learns a lesson on what is really important to her, who she is and her family. I believe one of my favorite parts of the entire book is the passage below. In a world like we live in now - this turned into a great message for pre-teens, or any age, to read.

"You did the right thing even when, somewhere deep inside you, you didn't want to. Because you knew, somewhere even deeper, that it was the right thing to do."

That's Faith

2009-04-26T15:49:00.000-07:00

That's Faith
Timothy Carver
5 Stars

The book, That's Faith was developed from a question asked by a youth about how one could measure faith. Brother Carver, a seminary teacher, developed a 10 part lesson for his class, which he then shared with many other classes, at firesides, and now a book.

The ten topics discussed in the book include: honesty, prayer, scripture study, media, music, family, friends, dating, modesty, chastity, sabbath, tithing, priesthood, missions, service and the word of wisdom. Each chapter is only a few short pages long, they all begin with a quote, or scripture, some sort of analogy discussing the topic and then the author shares a personal story about each topic. The final page in each chapter consists of a short "worksheet" where a few questions are asked and readers can rate their faith with a score of 0-10 (10 being highest). There is also a goal listed at the end of each section that readers can think about and work on.

I really enjoyed the analogies at the beginning of the chapters and a few of the short stories. My favorite was about a lesson on modesty that one of the author's friends shared with the young women in her ward. She had brought fresh doughnuts on fast Sunday, all the girls could see and smell but not taste, because of their fasting. The object lesson showed the young women how dressing immodesty can tempt young men.

I thought this book was really though provoking and really appropriate for it's teen-age audience. It was the right length, and touched on very important doctrine without going over the heads of teenagers or losing their attention. I have both a niece and nephew graduating from high school this year and think this would be a great gift to give to them. I found many aspects of my life where I can work on improving my faith. Because of the length I can read this book in just one afternoon, so I look forward to reading and rereading this book again in the future.

The Hunger Games

2009-04-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

The Hunger Games

Suzanne Collins

5 Stars

I finished this book late last night and all I have to say is I can't wait until September for the second book! How sad! I loved it and want to read more.

Set in the ruins of what used to be our present day North America is the country of Panem, which is made up of the capital (who controls the country) and 12 districts. Each year the capital builds an arena and hosts what are called The Hunger Games, a reality tv type show that is to the death. Katniss, the main character of the story volunteers when her younger sister is selected to be part of the games.

Survival kicks in and Katniss has to face a lot of different challenges, including love. I really enjoyed the book and could have finished it in one day if I would have had the time. I also think it might make an interesting kind of movie.

This is a young adult book, my sister recommended it to me and she had her 10 year old boy read it, who also enjoyed it. If you are looking for a lot of blood and guts, surprisingly by the description, this isn't the book for you. But trust me, it's a good and interesting read. I also think if you liked Twilight, or the Uglies you would like this book. Check it out.

Winds of Hope

2009-04-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

Winds of Hope
Anita Stansfield
4 Stars

The Winds of Hope is the third chapter of the Jayson Wolfe story - and I believe the final book. I was eager to see what happened after the second book, so I read this book fairly fast and loved it.

I loved certain parts of this book, the way that Jayson was introduced to the gospel and the building of his testimony. I loved little Trevin when he told his mom that he needed a copy of the Book of Mormon to give to a friend, it was too cute not to love!

I'm glad that Jayson and Elizabeth were finally able to make it work out and get together - of course I knew that they would eventually get together, it's an Anita Stansfield and they have to get together for it to be a good book by her! I'm also glad that we got to have everything out in the air between the two of them, it felt like such a relief.

There were some parts I didn't expect, the entire ending part with Jayson's family I didn't see coming, but I felt glad that it was part of the book. Macy came back too! I was almost certain that this would happen, but I am so glad it did. I knew that Macy would most likely join the church as well, but I didn't expect it to happen at the same time. I also didn't see her and Aaron together forever, but then again, this made it a happy ending all the way around. I enjoyed the part about when Aaron found out who Jayson was - including the part about believing in forever.

I thought the whole series was fun to read. It had predictable moments, but also moments I didn't see coming. I'm glad it brought up some real issues, teen pregnancy, abuse, adoption, runaways, depression, drug dependency, divorce, and much more - and that we see through this book that the Atonement takes care of all our pain and suffering, no matter the kind.

I recommend this series to anyone who loves Anita Stansfield or needs a clean romance series to read.

A Distant Thunder

2009-04-18T16:27:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-04-16T21:28:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-16T21:14:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-16T20:57:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-16T20:50:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-16T20:42:00.000-07:00

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.

break

2009-01-07T19:53:00.000-08:00

If anyone happens upon this blog and wonders....

I have a few books left to review from 2008, and hope to get to that soon. I am having baby number 3 in the next month and also moving 3 times in the next five months as my husband graduates medical school and we start residency. I will try to post, but most likely this blog will be taking a break.

If you have a good book suggestion, I'm open for ideas. My list is getting longer and longer but I'm always ears for ideas and suggestions.

The Lucky One

2008-10-23T10:19:00.000-07:00

The Lucky One

Nicholas Sparks

5 Stars

It's no secret that Nicholas Sparks knows how to write a romance novel. He is a very good story-teller and I love his novels. This novel was no different.

Short and sweet, the book just a little over 300 pages. It only took me a few short hours to read. While I totally saw through it and knew what would happen from the beginning, I think that is what I love about Nicholas Sparks. There are no surprises and always a believable happy ending. His stories mostly tell stories that could really happen in real life between real people.

The Lucky One tells the story of Logan Thibault, a not quite 30, Marine veteran from Iraq. I have had a few friends that have been deployed to Iraq and come home and I could really see some of the struggles that Logan struggled with as a character happen to real people that I know. I would love to hear what someone thinks about the book that has been to Iraq and fought in this war. I'm sure that Sparks did his homework when writing the story of a veteran.

Overall, I loved the book. It got me out of reading slump that I've had for the past month of so. I recommend it to any Nicholas Sparks fan. (However, most likely if you are a Nicholas Sparks fan, you know that his books don't have to be recommended!)

The Ladies of Longbourn

2008-10-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

The Ladies of Longbourn

Rebecca Ann Collins

4 1/2 Stars

I really enjoyed this book. I am still in love with this series. It's a fantastic series. Once I picked this book up I really had a hard time putting it down.

The Ladies of Longbourn follows the story of Ann-Marie Bradshaw, the granddaughter of Jane Bingley. The characters are so fun to read about in this book and well developed. I love finding more and more about this family. One of the main reasons I love series is you really get to know a family, and see their life develop, more than just one book's worth. In a good series the people become friends and real people that I care deeply for, and series has done it for me!

Since I finished this book over a month ago and am slow at posting the review, the only regret I can think of about this series is I want more about Elizabeth and Jane. I know that this follows their posterity, but sometimes I miss them. The first book in the series was perfect this way.

I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series, Mr. Darcy's Daughters. I was going to put it on my Christmas list, but I might not be able to wait.

Netherfield Park Revisited

2008-09-09T14:14:00.000-07:00

Netherfield Park Revisited

Rebecca Ann Collins

5 Stars

I just finished the 3rd book in The Pemberley Chronicles and have to say that I loved it. Out of the entire series, it might just be one of my favorite ones.

Netherfield Park Revisted tells the story of Jonathan Bingley, son to Jane and Charles Bingley from Jane Austen's beloved Pride and Prejudice. I have to admit, I was sad and a little skeptical about reading a book about Jonathan. I really love the books that follow the women from this series, not the men. However, this book was not a disappointment. There is romance, history, stories of families, trials and triumphs.

I have said this before, with the previous 2 books in this series, but if you love Jane Austen, you will really enjoy this series. It is by far the most enjoyable, and true to her style sequels I have found out there. I cannot wait to read book four and book five. I pretty sure that they won't disappoint.

I suppose if I have to say anything to the contrary about this book, it would be I really wish the list of characters in the appendix were in a family tree form. Perhaps before reading the fourth book I will have to draw my own copy.

Award

2008-08-24T18:15:00.001-07:00

Wow. My first web-award and I feel that I've totally let this blog go for the past few months.

Before my move I was nominated for a Brillante Weblog award by Jeanette from A Comfy Chair and a Good Book. She has such great ideas and each time I've read a book recommended by her I haven't been dissapointed.

So now it's my turn to recommend some awards. Some of my favorite (non-personal) blogs to read are:

Simply Prim Creations
Becky's Book Reviews
Bloggin' 'bout Books
Make and Takes
Internecipes

Rules for award:
Post the logo on your blog.
Add a link to the person who nominated you.
Nominate 5 other people for this award and add links to their blog.
Leave a message for the people that you nominated.

Emma Smith, Woman of Faith

2008-08-24T17:59:00.001-07:00

Emma Smith, Woman of Faith

Anita Stansfield

4 Stars

I picked up this book while in Utah and it was a quick and easy read. True Anita Stansfield fashion. I thought it was a nice read and I did love reading more about Emma Smith's life and struggles. Some parts lacked and I really wanted more information, but I think there are more books on Emma that are available that might have more information then this book. This book was under 200 pages.

Emma was a true woman of faith. I can't believe all the trials that she went through and all the children that she lost. I really don't think that I could do it. She was amazing.

I recommend this book if you are looking for a easy read on her life. It did make me want to pick up my copies of The Work and the Glory again and re-read them.

Breaking Dawn

2008-08-24T17:15:00.000-07:00

Breaking Dawn
Stephenie Meyer

3 1/2 stars

So I know, some people might not want to be my friend after this review, but it's an opinion. I can like red, you can like blue. It's what makes this life interesting, different opinions. So, if you are going to leave me a nasty comment about how I am wrong, please keep it to yourself. I don't think anyone else is wrong who loves this book. This is just what I think.

I think the easiest way to post this will be list form.

Dislikes:

Imprinting. I've thought the idea is strange and wrong since the first introduced and really was disappointed that Jacob imprinted. My main complaint with this is that he imprinted with a half-vampire. I thought the whole point of imprinting was to make sure that the pack "line" continues. How will that work with a half-vampire? I think I would have been happier if he would have just ended up running off with Leah and never imprinting.

Carlise - is he a super Dr. or not? If he has had all these years of medical training, then why couldn't he do more for Bella. I understand that he was dealing with a half vampire baby, but he was on a hunting trip when he had just said it would be any day. He also I think could have just done some sort of C-section and taken the baby out at anytime. It just seemed so strange to me that he left during this critical period.

Rose was so freaky during this book. I really didn't like her. I know she was thinking about the baby but she was strange. I also missed Alice, she was absent for so much of the story, even before she left. I like Alice.

Bella's love for this baby. Ok, I know some mom's love their baby from the second they take the pregnancy test, that's great, but most of these women aren't carrying a baby who for all they know will eventually kill them when they are born. Most of these women aren't Bella, who was so against turning into her mom - getting married at an early age and having a baby so fast. I think that if someone told me that I was carrying a monster baby who was going to kill me, it would be something to think about. Bella was so passive about it, she never even had one doubt. It really bothered me.

The book was getting a bit predictable. There was a whole section at the beginning about the immortal babies. Of course Bella was going to have a baby after that. It was so easy to see.

Not that I wanted Stephenie Meyer to write more graphic descriptions of the physical encounters that Bella and Edward had, but Bella didn't even remember certain aspects. Edward breaks a headboard in half and she doesn't even know? Where is her head, she is still a human woman at this point in the story. Seemed a little strange.

At the end of the book Bella makes a comment to Jacob and calls him "son." This really bothers me. Really.

Vultri. What's all the hype about. I think it was so over-done. Nothing even happened. Since when do they let you walk away - or even walk away themselves? It bothered me there wasn't even a fight. I wanted a fight and some excitement after all the talk about it.

Basically everything was so too-good-to-be-true. I like happy endings, but I think Harry Potter had a happy ending too and people died and bad things happened in it too. Something should have happened, but instead we got everything wrapped up in a pretty little package with a boy on top. It was just too over the top for me. I think a good ending would have been Bella becoming a vampire, even having the baby, but not having Jacob too - that made it too much.

Didn't it bother anyone how "in-love" Bella seemed with Jacob each time he came to visit. Sure, it was the baby, but I really thought this was strange. She had just got married and now each time she saw this different boy she got all happy and giddy.

Likes:

I am glad that Jacob became the Alpha. Really happy that he stepped it up.

The chapter titles in Jacob's section really cracked me up. They made me smile and I loved them.

Jacob's section. I know a lot of people didn't like this but if we read this in Bella's point of view I think all we would have heard is "I am pregnant, sick and feel like crap." It was much more interesting from Jacob's point of view.

Thoughts:

Perhaps if I re-read this book I might like it more. I'm not going to re-read it for a while. If I have to pick a favorite book out of the series it would be book two.

I am happy that Bella is with Edward. The reason I didn't enjoy the book doesn't come down to the fact that I was a "Team Jacob." I never thought that Jacob would win her over in the end. I just can't stress how much happier I would have been if he would have gone off alone or with Leah then imprint.

Again, these are just my thoughts. I don't think you are wrong if you like it, so please don't tell me I am wrong. We are all entitled to our own opinion.

Wuthering Heights

2008-07-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

Wuthering Heights
Emily Bronte
4 Stars

Since there are so many references to Heathcliff and this book in Eclipse, I thought I would read it before Breaking Dawn comes out. I thought it might help me come up with some ideas for what might happen in the fourth Twilight book - boy, was I wrong!

Wuthering Heights is a not your typical love story. It's twisted and the characters are despicable. I really just didn't like them at all and wanted to badly for any one of them to redeem themselves in the end. That being said, I still couldn't put this book down. There is something about it that draws you in. I read it fast and couldn't seem to put down the dark novel. It was almost like when you see an traffic accident you always find your self looking- I had to look and finish the book, even though I knew it wasn't going to be pretty.

I am giving it four stars because the characters and plot were so complex it made such a great novel, and for the fact it was so well written that I just couldn't put it down.

I did rent the movie from the library and tried to watch it after reading it and only made it 30 or 60 minutes in before I had to turn it off. I couldn't see the horrible characters in real life. It just made me sad.

As far as predictions for Breaking Dawn? If Meyers is comparing Edward to Heathcliff like I think she is in the 3rd book, I think that readers are in for bad news in the fourth book. I hope that doesn't happen, because as much as I like Jacob instead of Edward, I think too many people would be upset if it ended similar to Wuthering Heights. Reading this book made me want to get back out Eclipse and read each passage that referred to Wuthering Heights. It's packed away in a box somewhere and will just have to wait.

Don't read Wuthering Heights if you want a love story like Twilight, but do read it if you enjoy dark, suspenseful novels.

Summer

2008-07-14T12:43:00.000-07:00

I promised I have not abandoned this site. I am back!

Summer is usually a big reading season for me. This summer, however, has been quite the opposite. Numerous excuses - not feeling well, catching up with scrapbooks, and preparing to move across the country, have been most of the reasons I haven't been reading. (With the exception of children books so my boys can participate in the summer reading program at their library.)

I did manage to re-read the Twilight series while on vacation, as well as two new books that I reviewed below. If I hadn't packed my Twilight books already I might be re-reading them again right now. I am really looking forward to reading Breaking Dawn, but am sad that it comes out the first day of my almost 2000 miles drive across the western states. I hope I don't see too many spoilers before getting the chance to read it myself.

Is summer a big reading season for you? Is anyone excited - or not for Breaking Dawn? If you are excited - what are you reading now? I need some really good book suggestions to pull me out of my rut!

Hattie Big Sky

2008-07-14T12:41:00.001-07:00

Hattie Big Sky
Kirby Larson
4 ½ Stars

Set in 1918, this is the story of orphan Hattie Brooks, who leaves what little family and friends she knows for Montana to settle her late Uncles claim. The book is a Newberry Award Nominee and a great historical fiction written for Young Adults.

I first saw this book recommended on another book blog and was so excited when I found it in the stores during a vacation. I loved the little stories of Hattie’s life, the work and dedication that settlers had in those days. At first I was disappointed with the end, it was a twist that I was not expecting, but after re-reading the ending I felt more closure. I do hope there will be a second book containing more of Hattie’s life.

The book was well-researched and made history fun to the reader. It totally made me grateful for all the modern convinces that we have today. The only reason that I didn't give it a full 5 stars is that I did have to think about the ending and re-read it. It wasn't so bad that I wouldn't recommend it, I actually liked it the more I thought about it. I recommend this book to anyone!

Tending Roses

2008-07-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

Tending Roses
Lisa Wingate
5 Stars

A friend gave me this book to read when I was recovering from surgery and I absolutely loved it. Tending Roses is a book that makes you want to slow down your life and think about what is really important.

Kate Bowman finds herself on maternity leave at her Grandmothers farm in Missouri with the task of telling her Grandmother that she must leave the farm she has always known and move to a retirement home. Kate and her husband face difficult times and throughout the book find out what is important to them, to their family and what they really want out of life. One of my favorite quotes, "Maybe you should start wanting less." is something that rang true in this story.

I am so glad that I took the time to read this book. At times I get so sad that life is moving so fast that I am so busy with so many things and this book came at a time that was a perfect reminder. It reminded me about how glad I should be that I am taking the opportunity to spend these early years with my kids at home. Almost every time I picked up this book to read it – and still thinking about it now that I’ve finished it, the song Mayberry, by Rascel Flatts, comes to mind.

	Rascal Flatts - Mayberry

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

What to Read After Twilight

2008-06-17T17:30:00.000-07:00

(click on the image to enlarge)

I've been on a month long vacation and will return home next week - and hopefully have some good reviews to post; including my Edward vs. Jacob list - I re-read the series last week.

In the mean time I found this pamphlet at the local library today...does anyone else go to libraries on vacation? It just must be something I do - but when you are in a place for 5 weeks, what else is there to check out?

I think this had some really good suggestions - they are mostly Young Adult. I've read about 12 on the list - not including the entire Harry Potter series. I can't wait to check out some more!

The Host

2008-05-09T12:44:00.000-07:00

The Host

Stephenie Meyer

3 1/2 Stars

I am a little disappointed with this book. I am not sure what I expected but this book was not it. I am not going to spoil everything, but I cannot guarantee that this is spoiler free.

One - it took me a long time to get into the story and plot. About 300 pages to be exact. I don't like turning a book down and not finishing it so I just kept telling myself to give it another 100 pages. The plot really picks up for the second half but I really struggled during the first part.

Two - Characters and development. I had a hard time falling in love with Jared. I know Melanie was in love with Jared before the book began, but Wanderer wasn't and before I knew it and before many memories, she was in love with him. I felt no connect to Jared and then wham, she was in love with him. Seemed a little fast for me. Then we met Jared - and he was so mean to her. I really had a hard time with this as well.

Three - The book really seemed similar to the Uglies series to me. I kept thinking Uglies over and over. I don't know if anyone else that has read that series and this book feels the same, but that is how it felt to me. Uglies was an interesting read, but not my favorite.

Four - I did love Ian, he was so gentle and kind and came around a lot faster at the beginning then the others. I was so sad for him near the end I wanted to cry. I was so mad at Jared and Melanie for taking over. It took only a few pages later and I was happy again for Ian.

Five - The ending, a little strange. I was predicting this from the beginning what would happen and it was just a matter of time until they all figured it out. It is the only way that everyone could have been happy. A little strange, a little unnerving, but again, the only way we all got a happy ending. (I actually thought it would be Kyle's girl, but I was happy with that ending as well.)

So there you have it- I would recommend reading it, just know that it's slow to begin with. It's not my favorite Stephenie Meyer book, but it's a good book.

The Women of Pemberley

2008-05-09T07:03:00.001-07:00

The Women of Pemberley
Rebecca Ann Collins
4 Stars

I really loved the first book in this series, Pemberley Chronicles. I thought it was well written and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the second book in the series. And while I did enjoy this book, I felt it wasn’t as good as the first. I had a really hard time keeping track of the characters, who they were, how they were related, the development of what they liked. I really almost drew myself a family tree half way through the book so I could keep track. (There actually is a list in the back of the book, but I need a tree, not a list.)

Besides the fact that I had a hard time keeping track of the cousins, friends and children, I did enjoy the book for the most part. I did get a little bored with all the political and historical content that the author included. I know this was an important part of time and a big part of their lives, but I would get a history book if I wanted to learn more about this.

I did love how each chapter was about a different “women of pemberley.” I preferred this to just normal chapters. I also thought some of the outcomes were a bit predictable. I rushed through the second half of the book because a book I was excited about reading had just been released. Maybe with more time I could have fallen more in love with the book.

I would totally recommend this book though. I thought it was cute, not as good as the first but a good, clean book and I’m glad I read it.

Mansfield Park

2008-05-09T06:59:00.001-07:00

Mansfield Park

Jane Austen

4 Stars

Short and sweet summary - after starting and abandoning Mansfield Park in February I was finally able to pick it back up and finish it. It is by far not my favorite Jane Austen novel and I have to admit I prefer the movie to the book – which is rare.

I recommend it, but it is a slower moving novel.

Girls who like reading

2008-04-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

I have a new site that has just started. Girls Who Like Reading will be more a place that a few of us can discuss books. There are a few contributors on the list, but if you are interested please let me know. I want to keep the contributor number small so we can have a nice small "book clubish" feel. Hopefully it will be a fun site for ideas from some really fun girls that I know.

I am still updating this blog as well, it's my personal journal of the books that I read.

The Other Boleyn Girl

2008-04-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

The Other Boleyn Girl
Philippa Gregory
3 Stars

I know lots of people rave about this movie and the book, but personally I have to say, I was disappointed. I finished this book and had to sit on it a few days before writing my opinion on it down and I think that it boils down to this – it was a little too racy for my taste. The book I read previous to The Other Boleyn Girl is a great sequel series to Pride and Prejudice that is written in a voice very true to Jane Austen. I jumped from sophisticated, respectful, romantic hand-holding scenes to King Henry the VIII, who graphically gets any woman he wants, any way he wants, married, young or old.

The Other Boleyn Girl is the story of Mary Boleyn, sister to Anne Boleyn, who is Henry VIII’s second wife out of 6. Married at 12, Mary finds herself falling in love with the King of England who has caught her eye. Her family uses her to gain positions and power until she is asked to let her sister take over her role. The plot thickens with pregnancies, miscarriages, children, deaths, marriages, and relationships are added to the book.

One thing that I did find interesting about this book was how sad it made me feel for women during the 1500’s in England. It was a complex time period for religion, government, families. I felt so sad for Mary and the things that she was ordered to do by parents and her families – ones that should have loved and cared for her and her well being. I felt sorry for both the children born to the King and the mothers in the story. They weren’t able to be with their children and when Anne had her daughter I wanted so badly for someone to love her, but no one did.

I disliked Anne more than I disliked Henry VIII. She was smart, manipulative and power hungry. Sisterhood meant nothing to her and she would do anything for any cost to get what she wanted.

I do think that Philippa Gregory took a part of history and made it into an interesting story. It was a page turner and very hard to put down. You can read about Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn by clicking here. I would only recommend this book with an err of caution – it has very graphic racy scenes. I think for myself I’ll stick closer to Jane Austen books when I’m looking for English historical fiction.

Suspense and Sensibility

2008-04-20T08:55:00.000-07:00

Suspense and Sensibility

Carrie Bebris

3 1/2 stars

Short, cute and a little predictable. That is what I would say about this whole story if I had to describe it in a few short words.

Bebris has published 3 Mr. and Mrs. Darcy Mystery books and while I read them out of order, I have now read all three. Some of the plots seem a little far-fetched but they are mystery's and I suppose you can make anything go when you are writing a mystery.

I would recommend them if any one is looking for a weekend book. I've picked up all three of mine at the library and totally think they are worth picking up if you can borrow them or get them cheap on Amazon. I am not sure if I could re-read them, not that I think they were bad books, they were cute and were super clean (one of the main reasons I don't re-read) but I know the end - plus the ends are somewhat predictable in the first place.

In a nut-shell Suspense and Sensibility's plot has to do with Kitty and her soon to be husband. The Darcy's help her figure it out.

The Pemberley Chronicles

2008-04-19T16:10:00.001-07:00

The Pemberley Chronicles
4 ½ stars
Rebecca Ann Collins

Preface: Wow. I started this book immediately after finishing re-reading the Harry Potter series and while I loved this book in the end, it took a day or two for me to get with the pace of things and not expect anyone to pull a wand from their pocket and stun someone. Can you imagine that? Mr. Darcy with a wand. Funny, but true.

If you love Pride and Prejudice and love Jane Austen novels you will not be disappointed with The Pemberley Chronicles. I think that this is one of the only novels I have read that really stayed true to Austen’s style and voice.

The first half of the book was really slow moving for me but had very good character development. I enjoyed seeing some of the extended Bennett family and friends develop. Part two of the story had much more of interesting story lines to follow and moved much faster for me. It was during part two of this story that I fell in love with this story and decided I really needed to find The Women of Pemberley, the second book of the series.

There was a lot of political history in this book. Some parts were very interesting, while at other times I found myself skimming through those passages.

I recommend this book to anyone and know I will find myself re-reading it over again. I literally laughed out loud at parts and cried over passages as well.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

2008-04-19T16:09:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
J.K. Rowling
5 stars

NOTE: This review will contain spoilers. If by chance you are the few that haven't read the series yet, you can read my spoiler free review by clicking HERE. I must add though, if you haven't read Harry Potter you are totally missing so much by just watching the movies - read them, they are really worth the time!

Spoiler:

This book is awesome. I could read and reread so many times and I don't think I would tire of it. I know some people were very disappointed with the ending and the prologue, but I wasn't sad at all with how they all grew up. Of course Harry had to marry Ginny after book six. It seems like there were also big discussions about how Ron wasn't good enough for Hermione, but I don't think that at all. I think Ron and Hermione remind me of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley in a way. I also heard a lot of talk about how Harry should have become Minster of Magic, I don't agree, I am sure he had enough fame for a lifetime.

I know it sounds crazy, but I want to cry for Snape each time I read the part where he dies. I have to re-read it just to make sure he really is dead and I am so sad for him after reading all he has done and seeing his memories. He really did love Lilly and loved Harry too.

Neville is such a stud killing the snake in the ending fight scene. I think it's great that he used the coins to call everyone back and he was the one that found a way back into the school. Way to go Neville! I love it and of course it only makes sense that he becomes a professor at Hogwarts in the end.

Draco, Draco, Draco. I am so glad that Harry feels sorry for him in the end and ends up saving his life a few times during that final fight. What a poor family, I really just feel bad for them. However, one redeeming thing was done by them - it was Draco's mother that lied to Voldemort in the forest and told him that Harry really was dead.

I think one of the saddest parts of the entire book, and most people will agree is when Fred dies. Poor George. I loved these two.

I think the whole King's Cross chapter is a little "strange" (I lack for a better word), but according to the plot that Rowlings weaved, it had to happen that way. It was interesting, I'm not sure what else to say about it.

Book seven is amazing and each time I finish it I have to take a week off reading before I start anything else, or else every character in my new book I imagine with wands and magic powers. I cry each time I read it and I always have the desire to close the book after reading and then open it back up and start all over. I believe that is what makes great literature. I think J.K. Rowling really succeeded.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

2008-04-19T16:08:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
J.K. Rowling
5 stars

When I first read this book I seriously was left with way more questions than answers. I was thoroughly confused and couldn’t wait for the seventh book to come out. I read it and re-read it a few times. Now that I’ve been able to finish the entire series, I really enjoyed this book. It’s no wonder that it took Rowlings so many years to create this complex world of Harry Potter and weave and design the story just so. It amazes me each time I read it.

I think the biggest question when you read this book is about Snape – is he good or bad? I still have such a hard time liking him a lot, even knowing the ending. I do feel sad for him. This story also is the first time I really start to feel sad for the Malfoy family, I was so sad for Draco and so happy at the same time that in the end he really didn’t have it in him to be such a bad person.

I also enjoy this book because of the romance involved in it between Harry and Ginny. Finally! Ginny waited so long to get Harry attention and I really think they are the perfect couple.

The ending of this book always makes me cry...and my husband always makes fun of me for it, but I don’t care. I cry at the end when Harry leaves Ginny. I also cry because I love Dumbledore so much. I love that he lets Harry grow and figure out problems on his own. I love his wisdom and lectures from previous books. I have to admit I am rather sad and disappointed with what Rowling had to say about Dumbledore after all the books were released. I saw nothing that pointed to this and love the stories without that worldly addition.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

2008-04-19T16:06:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
J.K. Rowling
5 stars

When I first read this series I didn’t enjoy book three or book five. Re-reading however, I was able to enjoy book five a lot more this time. I also spent some time watching all the movies after re-reading this book. To say that there is a lot left out of the movie is such an understatement. I think that they cast Dolores Umbridge so well it was scary, but the occlumency lessons lacked in the movie as did the visions from Voldemort and the final fight scene in the Ministry of Magic.

I loved that Harry saved Dudley at the beginning of this book. I love it even more knowing that in the end Dudley actually appreciates what he has done for him. I really enjoyed seeing Harry teach the DA classes. I thought it was interesting to see some of Snape’s memories. I was disappointed that the movie left out such important parts to some of the characters story, like when we see Neville at the Hospital during Christmas. I absolutely loved the way that Fred and George left Hogwarts with style (the movie didn’t do this justice at all).

I believe one reason that I haven’t enjoyed this book in the past is that Harry does seem very whiney and “wo-is-meish” in this book. Perhaps it’s part of him being a teenager, but I want him to get over himself and get on with it.

I’m glad that this book grew on me this time around.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

2008-04-19T16:03:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
J.K. Rowling
5 Stars

I would place the fourth Harry Potter book among my absolute favorite of the series. Harry, Ron and Hermione are finally growing up, the books start to take on much more of a grown up feel from this one out. Some of the most memorable parts of this book to me are:

-The world quidditch cup finals. I know this takes up almost the entire first 100 pages of the book but I love the descriptions and I am sad that the movie leaves out so much details of this game. I know it’s a movie and they can’t include everything, but the scenes in my mind are just fantastic – I think on the big screen they would be even better.

-I love the descriptions of the other wizard school students. This is one of the main reasons that book four is among my favorites. Not only did Rowling make this entire magical world of Hogwarts, she created other schools as well.

-Love starts to blossom in this book – jealousy as well. I loved re-reading it and knowing the end of all the relationships.

Book of a Thousand Days

2008-03-25T10:34:00.000-07:00

Book of a Thousand Days

Shannon Hale

4 Stars

Maybe it's because I had just started the fourth Harry Potter book, which is one of my favorites, the day that I got Book of a Thousand Days in the mail from my sister that I felt a little rushed to read it. I knew I would love it, it's by Shannon Hale, but I was torn between two good books and couldn't decide which one to read first. Since Book of a Thousand Days is relatively short, I opted for it, and I believe the only reason that it doesn't get 5 stars is I rushed it.

Written after a Grims Fairy tale, Hale tells us the story of Datshi, a maid who is shut in a tower for seven years with her Lady due to her refusal to marry a man that she isn't in love with and despises.

It's a classic Shannon Hale book, there is romance and mystery all wrapped up in this fairy tale of a book. I enjoyed it and recommend it, although I really believe that the Bayern books are my favorite by far (Goose Girl, Enna Burning, River Secrets).

If you still haven't read any of the books by Shannon Hale - I totally recommend you look her up today, you will not be disappointed.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

2008-03-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
J.K. Rowling
5 stars

Book three is probably my second least favorite in the whole series. However, the first few chapters and the first 10 minutes of the movie really make me laugh. Aunt Marge blowing up is one of my favorite scenes out of all the movies.

I don't have a lot of specific reasons why I put this book so low on the list of the series, but I think a big part of it is that I have so many favorite parts in the other books and this one just doesn't have as many favorite passages. My list just isn't as long.

Boggarts (specifically Hermione's), Harry finally being able to see his Partronus, the Quidditch Final and the Marauder's map talking back to Snape are my favorite parts.

Book four is probably my second favorite - so book three always brings the excitement of knowing book four is next!

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

2008-03-18T19:00:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
J.K. Rowling
5 Stars

Harry’s back for his second year and it doesn’t leave us without excitement. The beginning of the book is always fun for me to read, I love getting to know more of the Weasley family – seeing where they live, and what living with a wizard life really is like. I am in love with the entire Weasley family - and I love Mr. Weasley and his crazy inventions.

It’s always interesting rereading any book when you already know the ending. I pick up on so many more details this time. I love the information that we learn about Tom Riddle in this book. Watching the relationships between Hermione and Ron and Ginny and Harry are so fun to see develop.

More of my favorite parts of book two are:
-Ron, Fred and George breaking Harry out of the Durselys with the flying car
-The Polyjuice Potion
- Harry saving Ginny
-Ron getting so mad at Malfoy for remarks he says about Hermione
-The trick that Dobby and Harry pull on Lucius Malfoy at the end of the book.

One thing I also love reading in this series is the advice that Dumbledore always gives Harry. He always says the most profound things, sometimes I want to underline them, mark the page, or even put them up on my fridge! My favorite from book two is on the bottom of page 333 when Dumbledore says to Harry,
“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

2008-03-17T13:09:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
J.K. Rowling
5 Stars

I needed out of a reading rut so I decided to pick up the HP series again and reread. It's been a while since I read the first one. I reread the 6th book right before the 7th came out but it was really fun reading the series from the beginning knowing the end.

I would have to say my favorite book out of the whole series is the fourth book, so I am reading as fast as I can to get there. One thing I loved about reading this first book is about how new everything is to Harry and how well things are explained about the wizarding world since we are all new to it. Since I know the whole entire story I also have a different opinion of Snape then the first time through. It's harder to hate and distrust him. I don't love him, but I have a softer place for him now. This first one is definitely not my least favorite of the series either (that would be number 5). I think it's a fun book and I can't believe it's been over 10 years since it first came out!

Some of my favorite parts of this book are:

-The owls attacking the Dursleys

-Meeting Hagrid

-Hagrid giving Dudley a pigs tail

-Meeting the Weasleys, Fred and George are so funny and I love Ginny!

-The wand up the troll nose when saving Hermione

-Ron winning chess

-The house points at the end!

The Secret Life of Bees

2008-03-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

The Secret Life of Bees
Sue Monk Kidd
4 Stars

I finally found time on my list and picked up The Secret Life of Bees. I know people rave about it but I hadn’t had time to read it yet. I finished it in 24 hours and I have to agree, it was a good book. I don’t think it was my absolute favorite of all times, but it was a good book. One I would recommend reading.

The story is about a 14 year old girl, Lily Owens, who lives in South Carolina and the account of her summer in 1964 that changed her life. Living on a peach farm with her father, Lilly is growing up with one crazy memory of her mother and trying to come to terms with her life and figure out who she really is. After an incident in town with the lady her father has hired to watch her, Rosealeen, they find themselves on the run and searching for more answers about her mother.

Lilly and Rosealeen find themselves in Tiburon, South Carolina and working at a bee keeper’s house. Not only do they learn about bees and how to keep them, they learn about themselves and grow that summer. Lily deals with love, religion, faith, racism and heartache. It’s a fantastic journey.

Truth and Beauty

2008-03-13T06:10:00.000-07:00

Truth and Beauty; a Friendship
Ann Patchett

4 stars

This story is a memoir of Lucy Grealy, a famous poet who wrote Autobiography of a Face. The author, Ann Patchett was great friends with Lucy and the story is a tale of their friendship. Lucy, who had survived cancer as a child, meets Ann during their college years but it isn’t until they both are moving to Iowa for a writing graduate school program that their friendship blossoms. Since both women start out as nothing and end up both published famous authors, my inner writer couldn’t help but be attracted to this book.

The book does have some language that I didn’t appreciate, honestly, if it were a novel I most likely would have tossed it to the side, but since it is a memoir and these are actual events that happened I became a little more lenient and forgiving towards some of the language and subjects.

Lucy. Lucy is such a taker. I had a problem with how much Ann gave in this relationship. She really gave so much and got not much in return. At one point Lucy pointed out to her that she loved to do it just because it made her feel like a saint. Perhaps this is true. At one point towards the end of the story Ann tells her she will “drop” or “break it off” with her if her behavior doesn’t improve. That would take guts to do – but she actually never does it. I think that would have to be one of the hardest things ever done.

The book examines self esteem and depression issues. I felt sorry and sad for Lucy during much of the book. If I had to live my life without a jaw bone and half my face missing there is no doubt that I would have self esteem issues as well. This book actually made me thankful for the knowledge and faith that I have in our Heavenly Father and our family. Lucy didn’t have faith or a strong family.

All in all I didn’t mind the book at all. I am really interested in reading some more of Ann Patchett’s work now that I’ve read about some parts of her life during the time she was formulating and writing the 4 novels she has wrote. I also would like to look into reading Lucy Grealy’s book.