tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33727449415135715332024-03-13T10:37:35.154-04:00A few of my favorite thingsMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-12400006917742934152013-03-23T01:55:00.001-04:002013-03-23T01:55:05.224-04:00Forsaken Dreams<br />
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<b>Description from amazon: </b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Embark on a seafaring adventure in a brand-new series from bestselling author MaryLu Tyndall. After witnessing the death and destruction caused by the Civil War, Colonel Blake Wallace is eager to leave his once precious Southern homeland for the pristine shores of Brazil and the prospect of a new Utopian community. Widow Eliza Crawford seeks passage on Wallace’s ship harboring a dirty secret—and a blossoming hope for a fresh start. But will dangers from the sea and from man keep them from the peace and love they long for?</span></span></div>
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<b>My thoughts: </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It took reading 39% of the book for me to really become hooked on it. From that point until I finished it, I could not put it down. Fascinating story, I've been looking forward to this series since reading about it on MaryLu's blog awhile back. The characters and the storyline do not disappoint, I would rate both of those 5 stars. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am rating the book as a whole as a 4 star book however. There were a couple of, what I felt were historical errors, in the book. in an early chapter of the book, a character stated he'd been in a battle in '84. As the Civil War took place between 1861 and 1865, I did feel this was likely a typo. Also, Eliza's (the main female character) father was stated to have worked for President Jefferson Smith. My assumption is the author was referring to the President of the Confederacy, who was Jefferson Davis, not Jefferson Smith. Although neither of these issues stopped me from completing the book, they did impede my enjoyment of it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I liked the secondary characters and hopefully will see their stories continue in subsequent books in the series.</span><br />
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-81580988736690517012013-03-23T01:50:00.000-04:002013-03-23T01:50:33.499-04:00Hello again. Hello everyone, it seems that I have taken a bit of a hiatus from blogging, however that is about to change. I am planning to start posting new reviews very, very soon.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-15036114265035661372011-06-12T13:11:00.003-04:002011-06-12T13:25:51.136-04:00The Lady of Bolton Hill by Elizabeth Camden<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YB5pBj5h_sY/TfTzcGg4DbI/AAAAAAAAAEI/-_ylioMjRbU/s1600/Lady%2Bof%2BBolton%2BHill.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 129px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YB5pBj5h_sY/TfTzcGg4DbI/AAAAAAAAAEI/-_ylioMjRbU/s200/Lady%2Bof%2BBolton%2BHill.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617382299348241842" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">From the back cover: </span><br /><br />When Clara Endicott and Daniel Tremain's worlds collide after twelve years apart, the spark that was once between them immediately reignites into a romance neither of them thought possible.<br /><br />But time has changed them both.<br /><br />Daniel is an industrial titan with powerful enemies. Clara is an idealistic journalist determined to defend underprivileged workers.<br /><br />Can they withstand the cost of their convictions while their hearts --and lives-- hang in the balance?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My thoughts: </span><br /><br />I was completely captivated by <span style="font-style: italic;">The Lady of Bolton Hill</span>. It stands as one of my favorite books of the year, thus far. I must say I love the Gilded Age, and I am very pleased to find more books are being set during this time.<br /><br />Both Clara and Daniel are wonderful characters, and their story has several star-crossed qualities. Clara being from the upper class, while Daniel being from the working class. As a reader, I find myself drawn to the heroes, and Daniel Tremain is one I will not soon forget.<br /><br />I also loved the secondary characters. I found Clara's brother, Clyde, to be quite interesting. It was intriguing how the siblings choose different areas to service. Clyde with his work among the Navajo, and Clara with her muckraking articles. And what can I say about Bane, without giving away a major plot point. I can only say I found him completely fascinating, and would love to see his story further explored.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Lady of Bolton Hill</span> is a book that has stayed in my mind long since I finished reading the last word. I look forward to reading other books by Ms. Camden.<br /><br />**Many thanks to the Bethany House publishers for the review copy.**<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-71706238294039331492011-05-13T18:01:00.003-04:002011-05-13T18:28:04.423-04:00To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vb4aikV7JsE/Tc2qeaD4vpI/AAAAAAAAAD8/Yn1oiLBWmqw/s1600/To%2BWin%2BHer%2BLove.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 129px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vb4aikV7JsE/Tc2qeaD4vpI/AAAAAAAAAD8/Yn1oiLBWmqw/s200/To%2BWin%2BHer%2BLove.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606324550514556562" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">From the back cover:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Do they have a fighting chance at love?</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">After completing his sentence for the unintentional crime that derailed his youthful plans for fame and fortune, Levi Grant looks to start over in the town of Spencer, Texas. Spencer needs a blacksmith, a trade Levi learned at his father's knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past.<br /><br />Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs in the town her father founded. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she's reluctant to trust him. Yet as the mysteries of the town's new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart.<br /><br />Eden believes she's finally found a man of honor and integrity. But when the truth about Levi's prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian's affections?<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My thoughts:</span><br /><br />I cannot begin to say how much I loved <span style="font-style: italic;">To Win Her Heart</span>. Karen Witemeyer is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her characters are deep, and frankly unlike many in Christian fiction today.<br /><br />I adored the relationship between Levi and Eden. The pasts of both characters were fascinating, and I especially loved Eden's character growth throughout the book. The supporting characters were rich as well. Honestly, I'd love to see Chloe and Duncan's story explored further. I loved them, and the way Chloe saw everything.<br /><br />As for the villain, I simply must say Sheriff Pratt was aptly named. I cringed just about every time he was in a scene.<br /><br />Levi's speech impediment was superbly handled. As someone who had a speech impediment as a child, I found his searching for the right word, and reluctance to say the sounds he found problematic to be touching. I loved his eloquence with written language though.<br /><br />I could not put <span style="font-style: italic;">To Win Her Heart </span>down, and I highly recommend it.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-23920272099598570612011-05-02T22:32:00.002-04:002011-05-02T22:35:42.041-04:00Against the Wind by Brock and Bodie Thoene<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RcR0CUQKb90/Tb9pyPj3CYI/AAAAAAAAAD0/8mGs4gL49dA/s1600/Against%2Bthe%2BWind.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RcR0CUQKb90/Tb9pyPj3CYI/AAAAAAAAAD0/8mGs4gL49dA/s200/Against%2Bthe%2BWind.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602312773363501442" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Synposis from goodreads:<br /><br /><span id="freeText16586997238904998909" style=""><p>As Nazi forces tighten their net of evil over Europe in 1940, famed Jewish concert violist Elisa Lindheim Murphy escapes from Vienna to England. But both Elisa and her American newsman husband, John Murphy, are convinced that nowhere in Europe is safe from Hitler's seemingly unstoppable forces.</p><p>As Nazi U-boats patrol and sink Allied vessels in the North Atlantic, Elisa makes a desperate but brave decision—to accompany Jewish refugee children on a civilian transport through treacherous seas to seek asylum in America. At least there, in the land of freedom, the ragged remnant of the Jewish people can live on in peace and safety—or so she hopes. But as German torpedoes streak toward the refugee ship, Elisa will face the greatest trial of her life….</p></span><br /></div><br /><br /><br />My review:<br /><br /><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview128566387" style="">I would probably rate this about 3.5 stars.<br /><br />My thoughts on <span style="font-style: italic;">Against the Wind</span> are so jumbled right now. I loved the Zion Covenant series, it has a permanent place on my keeper shelves. Elisa and Murphy are two of my all time favorite characters, and one of my favorite couples.<br /><br />I loved the first third or so of <span style="font-style: italic;">Against the Wind</span>. There were moments that made me gasp, and it was wonderful to reacquaint myself with Elisa and Murphy. However once I was at the point where Elisa boarded the ship for America I found myself scanning through the pages.<br /><br />My biggest issue with Against the Wind came from Elisa's diary. This diary covered the story of <span style="font-style: italic;">Vienna Prelude</span>, and I felt there were serious continuity errors within the diary sections. Events were changed from how they occurred in <span style="font-style: italic;">Vienna Prelude</span>, and there was one section of the diary where the dates used did not make sense at all.<br /><br />I do wish to compliment Summerside Press on the cover art. The photos of Elisa and Murphy are pretty much the way I have always pictured them in my mind.</span></span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-14475367759112724122011-03-03T20:02:00.004-05:002011-03-03T20:40:56.157-05:00Non-fiction: Curiosities of the Civil War<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_L015Kwux0/TXA6NANMdCI/AAAAAAAAADs/ZXOoO5Te1JE/s1600/Civil%2BWar.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_L015Kwux0/TXA6NANMdCI/AAAAAAAAADs/ZXOoO5Te1JE/s200/Civil%2BWar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580023933380097058" border="0" /></a><br /><br />From the back:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">You'll discover:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>The first setting president to be exposed to enemy fire.<br /></li></ul><ul><li>What badgers, pigeons, and bear cubs had in common during the war.<br /></li></ul><ul><li>Which of Stonewall Jackson's limbs received its own proper burial.<br /></li></ul><ul><li>The turtle-shaped ship designed to douse its opponents with boiling water.<br /></li></ul><ul><li>Which Confederate general was responsible for introducing camels to the Southwest.<br /></li></ul><br />My review:<br /><br />The first thing I must admit is the Civil War has never been one of my favorite times in history. However, this book intrigued me from the moment I read the title. From the title I imagined it would be interesting stories about the war. I was correct, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading <span style="font-style: italic;">Curiosities of the Civil War</span>. The book is full of human interest stories about the Civil War.<br /><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">There were plenty of times I was laughing as I was reading the book. The chapters I enjoyed the most were “Famous – Or Soon to Be.” This chapter read like a who's who in the Civil War. It was fascinating to read the rest of the story behind these people. Another chapter, I enjoyed was “The Names were Changed,” which was people who had changed their names. Many of these were foreign born soldiers who sought to Anglicanize their names. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I would recommend <span style="font-style: italic;">Curiosities of the Civil War</span> to anyone who enjoys history or is a Civil War buff.<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">**Disclaimer**</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I received this book free of charge from BookSneeze, in exchange for my honest opinion. Views expressed are mine, and I am receiving no compensation, nor was I required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC regulations.<br /></p> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-14706392033899427082011-02-07T21:48:00.003-05:002011-02-07T23:05:13.568-05:00Figure Skating: The Thril of Victory: Part Two<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7GvyhCdn-Rs/TVCvJznctpI/AAAAAAAAADk/t-4f4FRI7M8/s1600/AmodioEuros.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7GvyhCdn-Rs/TVCvJznctpI/AAAAAAAAADk/t-4f4FRI7M8/s200/AmodioEuros.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571145322066654866" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In case you are wondering, the photo is of French skater, Florent Amodio who recently won the European Championship. He won the title on the strength of his short program, so that is the program I am going to link.<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLR9tjqAr2E<br /><br />This is either Italian or Spanish television, no subtitles this time.<br /><br />The silver medalist was another French skater, Brian Joubert, who actually won the freeskate. Joubert is trying new music this year, Beethoven.<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXOvsH5bkwk<br /><br />The bronze medalist was Thomas Verner of the Czech Republic.<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHw-9qh5JVU<br /><br /><br />Now, on to U.S. Nationals. The favorites coming in, Jeremy Abbott and Adam Rippon are better covered on the agony of defeat side, so I will write about them later. There were several very good stories to come out of U.S. Nationals though.<br /><br />With the veterans faltering, the next generation of skaters really stepped up. The first one (shown on NBC) was Richard Dornbush, who is the current Jr. Grand Prix champion. His program was my favorite of the ones shown on NBC.<br /><br /> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fNyIvU_rdM<br /><br />(Also, if you watch the video, you will hear that Adam Rippon skated an outstanding program, his freeskate was outstanding. However his short program was not)<br /><br />The next skater, I wish to highlight is Ross Miner. I was quite surprised by how much I liked this program. I had watched a video of it from a summer competition, and had not liked the program at all. But in late January, I loved it.<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRlYRHPinWw<br /><br /><br />Familiar music, huh? :)<br /><br /><br />The night belonged to one of the veterans though, Ryan Bradley. Last year, he was fourth at Nationals, therefore missing out on the Olympics, and had decided not to compete anymore. After a twitter campaign from his fans, he decided to compete at Nationals. I'm posting both his short programs and free skates.<br /><br />SP: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSgRw_HZXvw&feature=fvst<br /><br />FS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLR0kIoHxis<br /><br />The skate of the night though, didn't come from a medalist, or a well know skater. It was from a 16 year old, competing in his first senior nationals. Enjoy the freeskate of Jason Brown, and I think his is a name you should remember in the future.<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFVz7WJgkK0<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-14401908355969403112011-02-02T21:05:00.003-05:002011-02-02T21:42:16.708-05:00Figure Skating: The Thrill of Victory Part OneThis past weekend, for me, was spent watching figure skating. Saturday was an especially full day, as both the European Championships and the U.S. National Championships were occurring at the same time.<br /><br />I will begin with the Ladies Free Skate at Europeans. This year, the Europeans were held in Bern Switzerland, and I wish to highlight one skater, Switzerland's Sarah Meier. If you watched the 2002 Olympics and the 2006 Olympics, you likely have watched her before. She did not compete in Vancouver, due to injury. This was to be her last competition. The was the final skater to take the ice, and delivered a very emotional performance. Since I'm posting a link, I'm sure you can figure out what happened.<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfWrARyEOOw<br /><br />The video is from Finnish TV, and there are English subtitles. Just click the cc at the bottom to bring them up.<br /><br />Saturday night was the Ladies Free Skate at the U.S. Nationals. No skater has one more than one championship since Michelle Kwan. On Saturday night, there were three ladies with the chance to break that, Alissa Cziny, Rachael Flatt, and Mirai Nagasu.<br /><br />I will post links to all three short programs.<br /><br />Rachael Flatt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87Ib6INSEzY<br />Alissa Czisny: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McGIK4AlG2o<br />Mirai Nagasu: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3ODzdB4_6E<br /><br /><br />Free skates:<br />Alissa Czisny: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfBkr9ioSCE<br />Rachael Flatt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b53RWYRUvg8&feature=related<br />Mirai Nagasu: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ulektq3x-WI&feature=related<br /><br />I plan to post more on the men's , etc. later.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-77681915795640163142011-01-28T19:05:00.001-05:002011-01-28T19:06:08.116-05:00Figure Skating: Patrick Chan<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bqukDncI51s?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" width="480" frameborder="0" height="295"></iframe><br /><br /><br />When I started the blog, I called myself an obsessed figure skating fan. I would be remiss if I didn't post this video here.<br /><br />Last weekend was the Canadian National Championships. This week is the U.S. Nationals and the European Championships. Needless to say, this is one of my favorite times of the year.<br /><br />I've been a fan of quite a few Canadian male skaters. I became a figure skating fan because of Kurt Browning. I enjoyed watching both Elvis Stojko and Jeffrey Buttle. The first time I saw Patrick Chan, at the World Championships in 2009, I saw a lot of potential with him. I think he really has reached a new level with this free skate from the 2011 Canadian nationals.<br /><br />I would honestly rank it as one of the top five skating programs I've ever watched. It's just sublime. Enjoy!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-47860007756256540962011-01-08T14:13:00.002-05:002011-01-08T14:43:07.000-05:00Books I am anxiously awaiting in 2011Since I made a list of my top ten books of 2010, I thought I would share a list of the books I look forward to read in 2011.<br /><br />All links and dates are from Christianbook.com<br /><br />January:<br /><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/lady-in-the-mist-the-midwives/laurie-eakes/9780800734527/pd/734527?event=WL&item_code=WW"><br />Lady in the Mist</a> by Laurie Alice Eakes<br /><br /><br />February:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/bathsheba-wives-of-king-david/jill-smith/9780800733223/pd/733223?event=WL&item_code=WW">Bathsheba</a> by Jill Eileen Smith<br /><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/love-amid-the-ashes/mesu-andrews/9780800734077/pd/734077?event=WL&item_code=WW">Love Amid the Ashes</a> by Mesu Andrews<br /><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/save-the-date-jenny-jones/9781595545398/pd/545398?event=WL&item_code=WW">Save the Date</a> by Jenny Jones<br /><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/a-billion-reasons-why/kristin-billerbeck/9781595547910/pd/547910?event=WL&item_code=WW">A Billion Reasons Why</a> by Kristin Billerbeck<br /><br /><br />March:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/a-heart-most-worthy/siri-mitchell/9780764207952/pd/207952?event=WL&item_code=WW">A Heart Most Worthy</a> by Siri Mitchell<br /><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/lie-down-green-pastures-psalm-mystery/debbie-viguie/9781426701917/pd/701917?event=WL&item_code=WW">Lie Down in Green Pastures </a> by Debbie Viguie<br /><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/against-the-wind-zion-diaries/bodie-thoene/9781609361082/pd/361082?event=WL&item_code=WW">Against the Wind</a> by Bodie and Brock Thoene<br /><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/mine-is-the-night/liz-higgs/9781400070022/pd/070024?event=WL&item_code=WW">Mine is the Night</a> by Liz Curtis Higgs<br /><br /><br />April:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/the-judgment-rose-trilogy-2/beverly-lewis/9780764206009/pd/206009?event=WL&item_code=WW">The Judgment</a> by Beverly Lewis<br /><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/to-win-her-heart/karen-witemeyer/9780764207570/pd/207571?event=WL&item_code=WW">To Win Her Heart</a> by Karen Witemeyer<br /><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/a-great-catch-lake-manawa/lorna-seilstad/9780800734466/pd/734460?event=WL&item_code=WW">A Great Catch </a> by Lorna Seilstad<br /><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/hidden-affections-delia-parr/9780764206726/pd/206720?event=WL&item_code=WW">Hidden Affections </a> by Delia Parr<br /><br />May:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/martha-diana-taylor/9780800734657/pd/734657?event=WL&item_code=WW">Martha</a> by Dianna Wallis Taylor<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/megans-hero-the-callahans-of-texas/sharon-gillenwater/9780800733551/pd/733551?event=WL&item_code=WW">Megan's Hero</a> </span>by Sharon Gillenwater<br /><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/an-unlikely-suitor-nancy-moser/9780764207525/pd/207520?event=WL&item_code=WW">An Unlikely Suitor</a> by Nancy Moser<br /><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/chasing-sunsets-cedar-key/eva-everson/9780800734367/pd/734367?event=WL&item_code=WW">Chasing Sunsets </a> by Eva Marie Everson<br /><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/the-lady-of-bolton-hill/elizabeth-camden/9780764208942/pd/208940?event=WL&item_code=WW">The Lady of Bolton Hill </a> by Elizabeth Camden<br /><br /><br />July:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/out-of-control-kincaid-brides/mary-connealy/9780764209116/pd/209113?event=WL&item_code=WW">Out of Control</a> by Mary Connealy<br /><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/blue-skies-tomorrow-wings-of-glory/sarah-sundin/9780800734237/pd/734237?event=WL&item_code=WW">Blue Skies Tomorrow</a> by Sarah Sundin<br /><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/the-colonels-lady-laura-frantz/9780800733414/pd/733414?item_code=WW&netp_id=872016&event=ESRCN&view=details">The Colonel's Lady</a> by Laura FrantzMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-40031831843921690052010-12-31T23:47:00.003-05:002011-01-01T01:34:57.002-05:00Top Ten Books of 2010For several years, I have complied a top ten list of books I've read in 2010. This year the list is, in no particular order:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Courting Morrow Little </span>by Laura Frantz<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Her Mother's Hope </span> by Francine Rivers<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Nightshade </span>by Ronie Kendig<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">An Eye for an Eye</span> by Irene Hannon<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Gathering Storm</span> by Bodie Thoene<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">A Hope Undaunted</span> by Julie Lessman<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Silent Governess</span> by Julie Klassen<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Fatal Judgment </span>by Irene Hannon<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sons of Thunder</span> by Susan May Warren<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Preacher's Bride</span> by Jody Hedlund<br /><br /><br />Honorable Mention:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">A Tailor Made Bride</span> by Karen Witemeyer<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Head in the Clouds </span>by Karen Witemeyer<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Silent in the Grave </span> by Deanna Raybourn<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Heist Society</span> by Ally Carter<br />The Gallagher Girls Series by Ally CarterMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-11797925173301386332010-11-11T19:06:00.000-05:002010-11-11T19:06:38.067-05:00The Last Doughboy of World War IAs today is Veteran's Day/Armistice Day I thought this would be a good article to share. In many ways, World War I, is a forgotten war. I found this man's story to be quite interesting. He's definitely lived a very full life!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/people-places/last-doughboy.html">The Last Doughboy of World War I</a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-2558849112183912162010-10-09T01:36:00.003-04:002010-10-09T01:53:47.579-04:00The Canterbuy Papers by Judith Koll Healey (Historical mystery)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7GvyhCdn-Rs/TK__lYSqoVI/AAAAAAAAACw/LgH196uoldM/s1600/The+Canterbury+Papers.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7GvyhCdn-Rs/TK__lYSqoVI/AAAAAAAAACw/LgH196uoldM/s200/The+Canterbury+Papers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525916285447872850" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Description from goodreads: </span><br /><br /><span id="freeText7648098579121719668" style="" class="reviewText">Set in lavishly described medieval England and France, <em>The Canterbury Papers</em> is an enthralling and suspenseful debut novel combining dark family secrets, duplicity, and a missing heir to the throne.<p>The wily Eleanor of Aquitaine, queen of France and then of England, sends her former ward, Alaïs, the sister of the king of France, to retrieve a cache of letters hidden in Canterbury Cathedral. Letters that, in the wrong hands, could bring down the English king. In return, Eleanor promises to reveal a long-held and dangerous secret involving Alaïs -- a bargain the French princess is powerless to resist.</p><p>Before Alaïs can complete her mission, she is abducted, an event that sets in motion a dangerous plot. It will require all of Alaïs's considerable strengths, along with help from the very intriguing leader of the Knights Templar, to unravel dark secrets, unmask evil villains, and escape with her life.</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">My thoughts: </span><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>When I was in college, it was a well known fact that I am not a fan of medieval history. However, through recent viewings of Simon Schama's <span style="font-style: italic;">A History of Britain</span> (the best documentary series ever, imo), I have found I am fascinated by Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. As The Canterbury Papers is set during that time period, I decided to borrow the book from the library. <span id="freeText7648098579121719668" style="" class="reviewText"></span></p><p><span id="freeText7648098579121719668" style="" class="reviewText">Alaïs is a French princess who had been pledged to marry Henry and Eleanor's son Richard. She had grown up in the English court. <span style="font-style: italic;">The Canterbury Tales</span> takes place years after her childhood, at the opening of the book, she is a mature woman living at the court of her brother King Philippe of France. She is asked, by Eleanor, to travel to Canterbury to retrieve letters Eleanor sent to Thomas a Becket years earlier. In return for these letters, Eleanor promises to tell </span><span id="freeText7648098579121719668" style="" class="reviewText">Alaïs the truth about her past.<br /></span></p><p><span id="freeText7648098579121719668" style="" class="reviewText">Alaïs' journey is a tale of intrigue, which kept me guessing until the very end. The true allegiances of many characters were not revealed until the end. I often found myself wondering aloud what would happen next.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-style: italic;">The Canterbury Papers</span> is subtitled a novel of suspense, I found it to be a novel which kept me guessing until the very end.<br /><span id="freeText7648098579121719668" style="" class="reviewText"></span></p><p><br /></p></span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-26255070463555589052010-10-02T13:18:00.002-04:002010-10-02T14:06:02.064-04:00In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7GvyhCdn-Rs/TKdqfJPRWqI/AAAAAAAAACo/fsyakVPvSGE/s1600/In+Every+Heartbeat.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 129px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7GvyhCdn-Rs/TKdqfJPRWqI/AAAAAAAAACo/fsyakVPvSGE/s200/In+Every+Heartbeat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523500551281662626" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">From the back cover: </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Three best friends, three cherished dreams, three searching hearts...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">As three friends who grew up in the same orphanage head off to college together, they each harbor a special plan for the future. Libby Conley hopes to become a famous journalist. Pete Leidig believes God has called him to study to become a minister. And Bennett Martin plans to pledge a fraternity, find a place to belong, and have as much fun as possible. But as tensions rise around the world on the brink of World War I, the friends' differing aspirations and opinions begin to divide them as well.<br /><br />When Libby makes a shocking discovery about Pete's family, will it drive a final wedge between the friends or bond them in ways they never anticipated?<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My thoughts: </span><br /><br />I always enjoy Kim Vogel Sawyer's novels, and <span style="font-style: italic;">In Every Heartbeat</span> was no exception. I looked forward to reading this one, because the time just prior to World War I is one of my favorite historical periods. It was very interesting to see college life in the early 20th century.<br /><br />I felt <span style="font-style: italic;">In Every Heartbeat</span> had a little bit of a slow start, however it picked up once the situation with Pete's family was introduced. Unlike Libby and Bennett, Pete's parents are still alive, and he bears the emotional scars of their abandonment. This was my favorite part of the book.<br /><br />While Libby and Pete's stories were tied up very well, Bennett's story was left incomplete at the end. I would love to see a second book focusing on Bennett.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-42527234629632980882010-09-21T20:56:00.003-04:002010-09-21T21:18:46.788-04:00Doctor in Petticoats by Mary Connealy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7GvyhCdn-Rs/TJlUuv_ITwI/AAAAAAAAACg/VvrrCijvllI/s1600/Doctor+in+Petticoats.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 131px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7GvyhCdn-Rs/TJlUuv_ITwI/AAAAAAAAACg/VvrrCijvllI/s200/Doctor+in+Petticoats.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519535980451221250" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">From the back cover: </span><br /><br />When nurse Beth McClellan survives a stage coach accident, she soon realizes the derelict traveling alongside her is a doctor, and she forces him to help tend the injured. Alex Buchanan, army deserter, finds he can only care for the patients as long as Beth is right beside him, giving him courage...by yelling at him.<br /><br />Beth thinks he's a lunatic when he proposes that they marry and work together in her hometown. But there's no denying his skill, and she can see the emotional price Alex pays to help hurting people. Besides, the owes the guy for saving her own sister.<br /><br />So she agrees to marry him.<br /><br />And that's when the real trouble begins. A murderous bounty hunter is on Alex's trail. Alex only has to live long enough to turn himself in, and then he may face a firing squad. Not exactly the honeymoon of Beth's dreams.<br /><br />Alex may find the faith he lost while surrounded by the horrors of war, but will doing the right hing by facing his past cost him his wife...and his life?<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My review:</span><br /><br />This was my first book by Mary Connealy, and I can say beyond any doubt, it will not be my last. I absolutely could not put <span style="font-style: italic;">Doctor in Petticoats</span> down from the first chapter. It's quite possibly one of the funniest books I've read all year.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Doctor in Petticoats</span> is filled with color characters. The voice that Beth has is just marvelous. I loved her sisters and parents (and have since learned one of Ms. Connealy's earlier books tells the story of Beth's parents, I will definitely be borrowing that one from the library.) I'm looking forward to reading Sally and Mandy's stories as well.<br /><br />While reading <span style="font-style: italic;">Doctor in Petticoats</span>, I couldn't help but think of how much my stepdad would enjoy a movie version of the book. He loves westerns, and I could clearly imagine his reactions to the last third of the book.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Doctor in Petticoats</span> is a book I <span style="font-style: italic;">highly</span> recommend. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-23109253329861207202010-09-13T19:16:00.002-04:002010-09-13T20:47:13.844-04:00The Dead Travel Fast by Deanna Raybourn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7GvyhCdn-Rs/TI6xCiya-nI/AAAAAAAAACY/9fwbyOFxoKE/s1600/The+Dead+Travel+Fast.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7GvyhCdn-Rs/TI6xCiya-nI/AAAAAAAAACY/9fwbyOFxoKE/s200/The+Dead+Travel+Fast.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516541250831579762" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">From the back cover:<br /><br /></span><span id="freeText15854437529045309603" style="" class="reviewText">A husband, a family, a comfortable life: Theodora Lestrange lives in terror of it all.<br /><br />With a modest inheritance and the three gowns that comprise her entire wardrobe, Theodora leaves Edinburgh — and a disappointed suitor — far behind. She is bound for Roumania, where tales of vampires are still whispered, to visit an old friend and write the book that will bring her true independence.<br /><br />She arrives at a magnificent, decaying castle in the Carpathians replete with eccentric inhabitants: the ailing dowager; the troubled steward; her own fearful friend, Cosmina. But all are outstripped in dark glamour by the castle's master, Count Andrei Dragulescu.<br /><br />Bewildering and bewitching in equal measure, the brooding nobleman ignites Theodora's imagination and awakens passions in her that she can neither deny nor conceal. His allure is superlative, his dominion over the superstitious town, absolute — Theodora may simply be one more person under his sway.<br /><br />Before her sojourn is ended — or her novel completed — Theodora will have encountered things as strange and terrible as they are seductive. For obsession can prove fatal...and she is in danger of falling prey to more than desire.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My review:<br /><br /></span>I loved Deanna Raybourn's Lady Julia series when I read it this winter. I also enjoyed reading <span style="font-style: italic;">The Dead Travel Fast</span>.<br /><br />It reminded me a lot of Victoria Holt's novels. Specifically, it reminded me of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Devil on Horseback</span>, which just happens to be my favorite Holt novel.<br /><br />The book begins with the death of Theodora's grandfather, in the opening pages Theodora's brother-in-law wonders what is to be done with her. That question is answered when she receives a letter from her school friend Cosmina, inviting Theodora to visit her in Transylvania. So Theodora travels from modern western Europe to feudal eastern Europe. She enters a world completely foreign from her own.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Dead Travel Fast</span> is a very atmospheric novel. I could see the dense woods, and hear the howls of the wolves as I was reading. I could easily visualize the decaying castle at the top of the mountain. It was a wonderful book to escape into. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-8475067870202317412010-09-11T23:32:00.000-04:002010-09-11T23:32:52.096-04:00Hillsong United - Hosanna - With Subtitles/Lyrics<object style="background-image: url("http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/UXCoHxX1OC8/hqdefault.jpg");" height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UXCoHxX1OC8?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UXCoHxX1OC8?fs=1&hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-26107992113342918232010-09-11T23:31:00.002-04:002010-09-11T23:35:24.560-04:00Sunday Worship: Hosanna by Hillsong UnitedAbove you will find a video of one of my favorite worship songs, Hosanna by Hillsong United. It's one we sing often at church, in fact it was our closing song this weekend. Enjoy!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-40046183948145201372010-08-24T20:33:00.005-04:002010-08-24T21:00:37.593-04:00I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter (YA)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7GvyhCdn-Rs/THRltSDrepI/AAAAAAAAACI/SM20d9N39cY/s1600/Gallager+Girls+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 102px; height: 153px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7GvyhCdn-Rs/THRltSDrepI/AAAAAAAAACI/SM20d9N39cY/s200/Gallager+Girls+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509140072796748434" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">From the back cover:</span><br /><br />Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a fairly typical all-girls school--typical, that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE and the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes in computer class. The Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses, but it's really a school for spies.<br /><br />Even though Cammie is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man seven different ways with her bare hands, she has no idea what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she's an ordinary girl.<br /><br />Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, or track him through town with the skill of a real "pavement artist"--but can she maneuver a relationship with someone who can never know the truth about her?<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My thoughts:</span><br /><br />First, I want to thank my friend, Laura J. for recommending this author. I'm not a fan of first person narrative, so it did take me just a bit to get into the book. That said, I truly enjoyed this book. I loved the world, which was brought to life. A super, secret spy school filled with genius students, and a very colorful faculty. I found both Cammie's mother, who is the headmistress, and her Covert Ops teacher, Joe Solomon to be very interesting characters.<br /><br />The book takes place during the fall semester of Cammie's sophomore year. She's known as the chameleon because she's able to blend into her surroundings so well. But when she meets an ordinary high school boy who notices her, Cammie has no idea how to handle it.<br /><br />The book is quite hilarious in some places, yet just as poignant in others. I'm looking forward to reading more about Cammie's missions.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-67069870291625020512010-08-23T19:42:00.002-04:002010-08-23T20:18:16.225-04:00The Sister Wife by Diane Noble<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7GvyhCdn-Rs/THMHyyDjgPI/AAAAAAAAACA/8B1DsSpAi2k/s1600/The+Sister+Wife.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7GvyhCdn-Rs/THMHyyDjgPI/AAAAAAAAACA/8B1DsSpAi2k/s200/The+Sister+Wife.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508755338215784690" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">From the back cover:<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">What if the man you loved told you God wanted him to take another wife?<br />What if the woman was your best friend?<br /><br /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Set in the heart of the earliest days of a new 19<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> century sect known as the Saints, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Sister Wife</span>, is a riveting account of two women forced into a practice they don't understand, bound by their devotion to Prophet Joseph Smith. When Mary Rose marries Gabriel, neither of them could foresee how quickly the community would turn to the practice of plural marriage. Devastated when Gabe is faced with an order from the Prophet to marry her best friend, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Brownyn</span>, Mary Rose tries to have the faith to carry through with the marriage. But can she really be married to the same man as her best friend?<br /><br />Can Mary Rose and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Brownyn</span> face betraying both their husband and their God to do what is right?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My take:<br /><br /></span>Mormon polygamy is a subject which has been in the new the last few years. From the legal proceedings against various polygamy leaders to the success of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">HBO's</span> drama series Big Love, Mormon polygamy has been brought to the attention of the American culture. I am a fan of Big Love, and I admit the show has made me ponder the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">psychological</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></span>and sociological aspects of modern day polygamy.<br /><br />The first section of book, where they are on the ship to America was a little slow for me, however I felt the story picked up when they arrived in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Nauvoo</span>. Almost from the beginning, Mary Rose is hearing the rumors of polygamous relationships amongst the leadership of the sect. The scenes were Joseph Smith gives the men his revelations about polygamy were fascinating. It was deceptive and manipulative all at the same time, just like Eve and the snake in the Garden of Eden. The later scene where Gabe is trying to convince Mary Rose that it is imperative for his marriage to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Brownyn</span> to be consummated is just as manipulative.<br /><br />I won't say The Sister Wife was an easy read, because it was not. However, it was one of the most thought provoking books I've read this year. It was not a light read, quite honestly I found it to be spiritually dark in many places. A Christian reader will be shaking their head at the Mormon theology, and at the actions of the characters. However, the light is there, peaking through the darkness. The seeds of later redemption are planted.<br /><br />The Sister Wife was a book which stayed with me long after I read the last page. Honestly, it is the first book I can remember renewing at the library, even though I've finished reading it. I look forward to the rest of the books in the series, and to the journey to redemption.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-34593819543752319932010-08-23T19:41:00.001-04:002010-08-23T19:42:39.368-04:00ApologiesMy apologies for being MIA the last few weeks. Real life sorta took over for awhile. I am back, and I'm planning to post at least one review tonight, possibly two. Hope everyone is well.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-72901151934543358032010-07-29T20:37:00.005-04:002010-07-29T22:14:15.846-04:00Ransomed Dreams by Sally John<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7GvyhCdn-Rs/TFIfFQxaiYI/AAAAAAAAAB4/fPWkagcysZU/s1600/Ransomed+Dreams.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 69px; height: 104px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7GvyhCdn-Rs/TFIfFQxaiYI/AAAAAAAAAB4/fPWkagcysZU/s200/Ransomed+Dreams.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499492270234831234" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">From the back cover:<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">With the flash of a bullet, Sheridan Montgomery's world ceased to exist.<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Her husband, Eliot -the U.S. ambassador to Venezuela - may have physically survived the assassination attempt, but he would never be the same again. And Sheridan had accepted neither would their marriage.<br /><br />But when a man that Sheridan had hoped to never see again brings new information about her past, it spins her life down a side road - a path that makes her question everything she thought knew about herself, her husband, and their life together.<br /><br />Does a promise last forever when everything has changed? With honesty and grace, best-selling author Sally John tells a moving story about the unexpected detours our lives can take and the hope it's never too late to find our way back.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My thoughts:<br /><br /></span>I kept thinking of Don Henley's song "The End of the Innocence," while reading Ransomed Dreams. If I were to sum up the first part of the book in one thought it would be; "When happily ever after fails." <span>Sheridan and Elliot's lives shattered in an instant on a Caracas street. Sheridan even goes as far to refer to things as "B.C.E." (Before the Caracas Event) and "A.C.E" (After the Caracas Event). They've built a new life for themselves in a sleepy Mexican village, but that peace is shattered when they are visited by Luke Traynor, who had been with the ambassador's entourage in Caracas. Luke's visit sends Sheridan on a journey with exposes both the past of her family and the past of her husband.<br /><br />I liked the quiet introspection of Ransomed Dreams. It was not a flashy novel, but I found it to be very thought provoking, and for that reason I could not put it down. I liked the voices of the secondary characters and the voices of Sheridan and Elliot. I loved the little glimpses into the diplomatic world, and the interludes that showed Sheridan and Elliot prior to his injuries. They truly seemed to be a power couple. I also loved how the prologue and epilogue were bookends.<br /><br />I checked Ransomed Dreams out from my local library. I almost never purchase a book that I borrow from the library. However, I am seriously considering purchasing Ransomed Dreams as it is a book I believe I would love to read again. <span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-14082431785062161362010-07-29T18:39:00.002-04:002010-07-29T18:59:38.856-04:00Organizational ThoughtsLately, I have been thinking about how I want to organize this blog. I have decided it would be best to stick to a schedule, or at least try to stick to one. Without further ado, there is what I am thinking:<br /><br />Sunday Worship: On Sundays, I'm going to post a video. It will either be a worship song, hymn, or a Christian song. I will also write a little bit about what draws me to the particular song.<br /><br />Musical Monday: A review of a CD. It will be mostly Christian music, since I mostly listen to Christian music. I'll also post a youtube link to one of the songs from the CD.<br /><br />Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays will likely be devoted to book reviews. I will likely only review books which I can give a positive review. I don't write critical reviews well at all.<br /><br />Figure Skating Friday: I also describe myself as an obsessed figure skating fan. Really what else do you call someone who has more VCR tapes than she cares to count, and most are filled with 6-8 hours of commercial free figure skating? Right now, I plan to post a skating video, and a little about the skater and/or program. In October, when the skating season starts, I'll post about the Grand Prix events, etc.<br /><br />Saturdays will likely be a hodgepodge of movies, television, and documentaries. In case you've not noticed I am a little bit of a nerd. ;) Oh, and I might review non-fiction books I've read too. I mostly read history and political science books.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-30177133948117099622010-07-26T23:26:00.002-04:002010-07-26T23:44:23.392-04:00Hillsong LiveI have always loved music. In the last few years, I have come to truly love modern worship music. Needless to say I was thrilled when I found out Hillsong would be coming to Lexington. To make this even better, the event was at my church!<br /><br />I'm not even certain I have the words to describe the last few hours. It was nothing short of amazing. It was a truly wonderful night of worship. Then again, aren't all nights of worship wonderful?<br /><br />I haven't exactly figured out how to post a link to a video yet. So I'm going to leave the lyrics of one of my favorite songs from tonight. It's called "You," and the lyrics are speaking so much to me right now.<br /><br /><br />Verse 1:<br />Invading all my weakness<br />You wrapped me up in grace<br />The worst of me succeeded by the best of You<br /><br />Verse 2<br />My heart is overtaken<br />My soul is overwhelmed<br />The worst of me succeeded by the best of You<br /><br />Verse 3<br />My dreams have found their purpose<br />My future in Your hands<br />This life would have no meaning if it weren't for You<br /><br />(PreChorus<br />So I lay me down<br />For Kingdom come<br />Steal all that is within me<br />Cause all I want in this world is more of You<br /><br />Chorus<br />And the less of me it is You<br />Increasing as I fade away<br />Your life for all the world to see<br />God It is You who breaks the chains<br />It is You who lights the way<br />And everything I am cries out for You<br /><br />Verse 4<br />Lord make me more transparent<br />Your life in mine displayed<br />And let every earthly glory<br />Go back to You<br /><br />(PreChorus<br />So I lay me down<br />For Kingdom come<br />Steal all that is within me<br />Cause all I want in this world Is more of You<br /><br />Chorus<br />And the less of me it is You<br />Increasing as I fade away<br />Your life for all the world to see<br />God It is You who breaks the chains<br />It is You who lights the way<br />And everything I am cries out for You<br /><br /><br /><br />Right now, I'm especially liking the part about laying me down.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372744941513571533.post-945127733485619562010-07-22T12:54:00.002-04:002010-07-22T13:13:49.500-04:00Nightshade by Ronie Kendig<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7GvyhCdn-Rs/TEh4ArtTdyI/AAAAAAAAABg/gXTnyfuz5rw/s1600/Nightshade.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 152px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7GvyhCdn-Rs/TEh4ArtTdyI/AAAAAAAAABg/gXTnyfuz5rw/s200/Nightshade.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496775298333767458" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">From the back cover: </span><br /><br />After a tour of duty in a war-torn country, embattled former Navy SEAL Max Jacobs finds himself discarded and alienated from those he loves as he struggles with war-related PTSD. His wife, Sydney, files a restraining order against him and a petition for divorce. Max is devastated.<br /><br />Then a mysterious man appears. He says he's organizing a group that recycles veterans like Max. It's a black-ops group know as Nightshade. With the chance to find purpose in his life once again, Max is unable to resist the call of duty and signs on.<br /><br />The team handles everything with precision and lethal skill-until they're called upon to rescue a missionary family from a rebel-infested jungle and avoid a reporter hunting their identities.<br /><br />Will Max yield his anger and pride to a force greater than him-love?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My review:<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></span></span>Dee Henderson was one of the first Christian fiction authors I read when I started reading contemporaries 10 years ago. I loved her series dealing with the military, especially the first book in the series, <span style="font-style: italic;">True Devotion. </span>Therefore, I was thrilled to learn of Ronie Kendig's <span style="font-style: italic;">Nightshade. <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br />This is a book which does not disappoint. I found <span style="font-style: italic;">Nightshade</span> to be a grittier look at the lives of those who defend our country. As a reader, you feel for every single character in this book. You deeply feel the pain of both Max and Sydney as you are reading. You cannot help but root for all to be made right in the end.<br /><br />On a personal note, I could not help but think of the veterans in my own family as I was reading <span style="font-style: italic;">Nightshade</span>. Both of my grandfathers were World War II veterans, and neither spoke much about the war. <span style="font-style: italic;">Nightshade</span> is a book which honors the service of those who have defended our country. <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span><br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span><br /></span></span></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.com7