A Book Review

Ok, here's my last one of the Fall Into Reading 2008...I think I read more this time than any other time!  It was great!!  :)  I am a big fan of Nicholas Sparks...his story lines and themes are diverse and varied as they come.  This particular book I listened to as an audio book.  It started a bit slow so if you decided to read it, hang in there it gets better!  There are a few ahem, *choice* bits in this book so reader beware.

The Lucky One is a tale of bravery, loss, friendship, new love, family, mystery and a bit o' magic!  I thoroughly enjoyed the development of character in this novel...good vs. bad, kind vs. cruel.  The story  builds and builds up to an ending I certainly never saw coming!  Though it doesn't hold a candle to The Notebook in my opinion, The Lucky One will stand on its own for sure.  Happy Reading!  :)      

A Book Review

I am still plugging along for Katrina's Fall into Reading 2008...it's actually finished but I'm am behind posting my reviews! It's been super fun as always and it never ceases to get my juices flowin for some good reading.  

So, I just finished Karen Kingsbury's latest novel out...Every Now and Then.  It is the 3rd in her 9/11 series and a great one at that! This book continues the story of the two families from the first 2 books in the series and also begins a new story of Alex.  Alex suffers loss as well in the 9/11 attack and seeks a different kind of path to ease the pain.  God proves Himself faithful through it all and in the end Alex finds where true peace comes from and is able to forgive.  

The series is fiction but so vividly puts into words the stories of family affected by that tragic day in our country.  It's humbling to think of the heroism that was born from adversity.  Being American makes me so proud!

This is a DEF must read...as ALL Karen's books are, in my opinion.  If you haven't read the other two, start there and then finish up with Every Now and Then...you won't be sorry!  :)  Happy Reading!

A Book Review

I've been thoroughly enjoying my new found genius idea of listening to books on CD while driving to and from work!  It makes for a much more enjoyable commute!  :)

Just recently, I finished another audiobook.  It is called A Tapestry of Hope by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller, book #1 in the Lights of Lowell series.  

This was a light and enjoyable read.  The book is set in the 1840s in the historic South as well as in Lowell, Massachusetts...I always find that time period fascinating!  A Tapestry of Hope is a well written story of two young girls who find their strength and peace in God in the midst of difficult and trying circumstances.  Jasmine Wainwright is a Southern gentile woman that most modern women would admire and respect for her gracious character under pressure.  Kiara is an indentured servant from Ireland who perseveres through trials and hardship to find that with God forgiveness is always possible.

I definitely recommend this book, giving it a 7 out of 10.  There are three books in this series and I am really interested to see how the series finishes!

A Book Review

 

Now, 'Sunset' by Karen Kingsbury was not on my original list...but what's a good reading list without a book by KK I ask you??! She is my absolute fav and I was delighted to discover that my copy of this book was finally in at the library, gosh I love that place!!

Right, so this book completes *boohoo* the Baxter Family series with a beautiful finish that is so characteristic of KK.  If you have not already read the first 2 series that follow this beloved family...well, WHAT are you waiting for??  Check out the Redemption and Firstborn series and then read this Sunrise series...it is SOO worth your time.  Seriously, the best series I have ever ever read.  I am only sad that the series has come to a close.

Ok, on to the review...Sunset totally gets 20 out of 10, yes it's that good.  Of course, you really need to read these books in order to get the full story of the characters.  I laughed and cried through each of these books and Sunset is no different.  I just love the realness with which Karen weaves the lives of her characters.  They go through hard times just like we do in real life...like death, separation, hurt, pain, loss...it is by no means a depiction of a rosy world with fake people and fake circumstances.  Karen is skillful in the way she ties in Scripture and faith in God as the bedrock of the Baxter family.  It is a truly remarkable story of a family that lives, laughs and loves together all the while depending on God for all they need.

When I finished this book, I was left with a truly satisfied and encouraged heart...you just can't always say that about a book!  :)  So, definitely pick up this series and read to your heart's content!!!  

 

A Book Review

This fall season has been great for reading so far, despite my time spent working...I know, right!  Billie Letts 'Shoot the Moon' is my most recent finished book. It was the one I got out on audiobook from the library...what a stroke of genius!!  :)  My hours in the car are proving quite fruitful.

Ok, so I checked this book out because Billie Letts is also the author of 'Where the Heart Is'.  It is an intriguing read, a tale of a mother's love, a mysterious murder, a long lost child, the bond of family and the quaint charms of a small town.  Although this book did not grip me and I would not highly recommend it, Shoot the Moon did hold my attention and had me wondering "who done it?". There are a few *choice* words in it so reader beware.  

Overall, I give Shoot the Moon a 6 out of 10.

 

Fall Into Reading 2008

Oh y'all, I just LOVE this time of year...so many great things about Fall!  The crisp cool air in the mornings, the smokey smell of fire-pits, pumpkin picking, leaves changing...my list of favs goes on and on!  And ONE of my fav bloggy things is Katrina's Reading festivals and she's starting another one...the Fall Into Reading 2008...woot woot!!  :)  If you're interested in joining in the fun, click on over to Callapidder Days and see what it's all about.  She will also have super fun book giveaways too...yay, what's better than free books??!!  :)

So here is my list for the Fall...I'm not going to try to tackle too many since my hours are limited with work now but I'm hopeful!  Here we go ~

Roadmap to Holland by Jennifer Graf Groneberg
I've heard alot of great things about this book and I've wanted to read it for a while now.  So finally I've got my hands on it and can't wait to read it!

Orchid House by Cindy Martinusen

Hmm, actually I've got no clue how I landed on this one.  But it sounded really intriguing and I'm eager to dive into this one as well!

In Search of Eden by Linda Nichols

This book I bought from our Christian bookstore on sale and I thought the story line was totally compelling!  Glad this one I actually own.  :)

Shoot the Moon by Billie Letts

This I got from the library as an audio book...something new I'm trying.  Since I've got about 80 minutes total drive time to and from work, I thought what alot of wasted reading hours!  I've started it already and I am on cd #2 and I love it...just have to make sure I'm paying attention to the road too!  :)  Maybe I should check out more books on audio??

It's here...

**Spreading the word about one of my fav bloggy things to play along!!**

Who: 

Fall Into Reading 2008 is a fun challenge that is open to anyone and everyone! As long as you can read, you can participate! (It's best if you have a blog, but if you don't, feel free to participate via comments as we go along.) We've had people from around the world, and readers as young as ten participate in these reading challenges, so don't hesitate to join right in.

What: 

Fall Into Reading 2008 is a casual, low-pressure challenge that revolves around -- you guessed it -- reading. My goal is simply to provide you with motivation to read, and to provide an opportunity for all of us to set goals when it comes to our personal (or family) reading.

As a participant, all you'll have to do is make a list of books you want to read this fall and post that list on your blog. They can be books you intend to read on your own, books you want to read with your kids/family, Bible study books you're working through, or a combination of any of those things.

Bottom line of the challenge: 

We'll share our goals with each other, and then share our experience and results when the challenge is over.

When: 

I'm sure this will come as no surprise. Fall Into Reading 2008 will take place throughout the fall of 2008. Shocking. The official dates are September 22nd through December 20th.

Where: 

Here, and on particpants' blogs all over the blogosphere. I'll put up a Mr. Linky on September 22nd where everyone can submit a link to their own Fall Into Reading 2008 blog post. All I ask is that you share your goals (your list of books) in your post, and that you include a link back to the post here that contains the Mr. Linky. On December 21st, I'll put up another Mr. Linky where you can submit a link to a wrap-up post on your blog, telling everyone how you did on your goals.

Why: 

Because I love reading, and many of you love reading, and it's wonderful to share our love of reading with each other. Fall is the perfect time to curl up with a good book, and it's very cool to know that there are bloggers and blog-readers everywhere doing the same thing.

Besides, it's through challenges like these that I often (finally!) read and finish some non-fiction books. A little motivation and a little accountability go a long way for me -- and can for you too!

How: 

The start of Fall Into Reading 2008 is exactly two weeks away, so start thinking about your goals now. Keep a list. Make a pile. Visit the library. Talk to friends. Check under your bed and behind your nightstand for those books you intended to read (or finish) but never did. I'm sure it won't take long for you to get an idea of what you want to read this fall. Work on your post and then come back here on September 22nd, ready to submit your link!

**Click the button to head over to Katrina's blog @ Callapidder Days for more info!  

It's gonna be so fun y'all!!  :D **