A Distant Thunder

A Distant Thunder
Anita Stansfield
4 Stars


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

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

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

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

I'm back!

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

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

Let's get started!

The Sound of Rain

The Sound of Rain
Anita Stansfield
4 Stars



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



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



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



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

I am a Mother

I Am a Mother

Jane Clayson Johnson

5 stars

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

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

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

Promises to Keep: Diane's Story

Promises to Keep: Diane's Story

Dean Hughes

4 Stars

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

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

The Christmas Sweater

The Christmas Sweater

Glenn Beck

5 Stars

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

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

break

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

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

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

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.