Sisters Book #31

I haven't been reading Danielle Steel for quite awhile now. Mainly because she started to go way beyond what I wanted to read in a romance novel. This book however was completely different. I picked it up mainly because of the title Sisters, which caught my attention having just read a few books by Nancy Thayer about sister and their relationships with each other. Danielle's book was just as good as those, this time.
This book explores the lives of the Adams sisters. All four are different, their is a lawyer, a producer, a model and an artist. They are all incredibly close to their parents and head home for the 4th of July celebration when tragedy strikes. How will they deal with the difficult situation that lays before them is the tale that fills the rest of the book. The sisters show you a side of love that you wish every family would find. You want to laugh with them, cry with them and smack at least one of them around a bit. Much like real family life. In the end you want to be like them, and have the relationship with your siblings that they have with theirs. A great quick read!

Sarah Palin's Going Rouge An American Life Book #30

I know this post will generate several opinions. You either like Sarah or hate her, and I can deal with that. Personally, she intrigued me. Not because she was the best politician ever, but because she seemed to want to tell it like it was. This book, written by her, is a way of understanding where she came from, what she wanted to do and where she was going. Did she succeed. Not really, but not necessarily because she wasn't the trained speaker that other candidates were, but rather because she was made to be a scapegoat for failure. She prided herself on being her own person, and making decisions based on what was best for the people she was serving. She didn't care if she was a Republican by voting status or if she was siding with the Democrats. She cared about her city, her state, and her country. The Republican election committee made her say, act and be someone she wasn't and when she bucked the system she was considered to be "going rogue". I don't know that she would have been the best person to be elected, maybe she'll run again on her own terms and we'll find out. What I do know is having read this book, I feel even more strongly about how the true picture of who the candidates really are is something that we very rarely ever see. We see who they want us to believe them to be, or who the press wants us to see. And if the press doesn't like you or agree with you LOOK OUT! I respect Sarah for writing this book and at least to those who read it exposing the truth of the situation. Maybe if a few more American Politicians decide to Go Rouge, we might actually have a fighting chance of getting the country back to the Glory Days. You Go Sarah!

Artemis Fowl: Arctic Incident Book 29

The book Artemis Fowl: Arctic Incident is book two in the Artemis Fowl series. It can be found in most young adult sections of the library and is a great read. My son really likes the series, and honestly so do I. In this book young Artemis discovers that his father may actually have survived the destruction of his ship, from book one, and is possibly being held captive by the Russians. While attempting to discover if this is true, he is once again caught up in the Fairy World when the take him captive to accuse him of sabotaging their world. Did he do it, or is it someone else?
As Captain Holly investigates she learns that working with Artemis might be the only way to discover the truth. The story is filled with spy like action, twists and turns. Definitely, a good series to be reading through. I've already reserved book 3, of course it's on a list behind 4 more books I would like to read!

Summer Hours Book 28

Summer House was the 28th book I've read this year! It took awhile for me to get into the story, perhaps as I was laying on a beach in 98* weather and it was hard to concentrate. Once the characters began to unfold it was hard to put the book down.
The story, by Nancy Thayer, follows the lives of the Wheelwright family. This family is rooted on tradition, and banking, but one of Nona's sons children are not the "respectable" family members that her daughter's family thinks they should be. The family conflict is real, and reminds you of the shortcomings that all families have. Will they learn to love and support each other in the end, no matter what it takes to get there, or will they tear each other apart?
Another book that I would recommend for light summer reading, on a beach or a hammock, it was a story that pulled you into another place and found you fighting for the characters that you felt were right.

Moon Shell Beach book 27

Summer reading should be fun and light. Something that can transport you to a dreamy vacation spot or catch you up in the tale of friendship and love. Moon Shell Beach by Nancy Thayer was just that. This book follows the lives of 2 friends Lexi and Clare as they move from childhood to adulthood. Will their friendship survive the challenges that teenage and young adult years bring? Will they learn from their mistakes what it takes to keep a friendship alive? Can they restart from where they left off? All these questions run through the book, as the tale of true friendship unfolds.
Friendship isn't just a day to day thing, when it is a good friend. Rather it is a lifelong learning process of building and learning to trust enough in a relationship to make it last. This book as the jacket on it says, makes you want to grab your best friend and walk on the beach with her.

Beachcombers- Book 26

Beachcombers by Nancy Thayer is a magnificent summer read. The story is about sisters, and the sibling/friend relationship and the complications and blessings it brings. The sisters are all back in Nantucket for the summer, trying to help the one overcome her loss of job and finance. In the meantime, their father is falling in love after being alone for over 10 years since the time of his wife's death. Summer is the perfect time for romance, and for friends. The girls truly learn what it means to be friends as adults and how to help each other through the difficult patches in life. It was a quick and easy read, and I would highly recommend it.

Artemis Fowl- Book 25

Artemis Fowl is a book series by Eoin Colfer. In this series Artemis, a pre-teen age boy, finds himself as the head of his criminal family after his father's ship is destroyed. His father, at least in book one, is presumed dead. (Haven't gotten past the first book so that may change!) Artemis decides to try and capture the one treasure that he feels has eluded the criminal world, fairy gold. He succeeds in finding out how to capture and keep a fairy, in fact he thinks he has it all figured out. In the end though he realizes that while he may be richer, he had to compromise on things he wasn't quite ready to compromise on. This book, while written for the tween audience, is captivating. I found myself wanting to turn the next page just to see who would win out. He is super spy bad guy, it's almost like reading a Harry Potter book, but focusing on the evil world of Slytherin! Worth the read. I'm taking a break before reading the second book in the series, but I do plan on getting back to it at some point.

Books 22, 23, and 24!

Book 22 Southern Storm book 2 in the Cape Refuge series by Terri Blackstock. Police Chief Matthew Cade is patrolling the island during a bad storm when a man walks out in front of his patrol car. The man ends up dying, leaving Cade feeling guilty for what has happened in this unbelievable accident. During the autopsy they discover evidence that makes it seem as though he was going to die anyway. Will the Chief be cleared, will the real murderer be found. And what of the widow of the man, what will she do in response. I'd tell you more but then the story would be wrecked. The twists and turns of this book led me to read it in 2 days! Great story.


Book 23 River's Edge book 3 in the Cape Refuge series. Again a book that only took 2 days to read (mind you that is between doing laundry and remembering to take care of the other things I have to do each day!) This book too is filled with twists and turns. Just when you think you have it all figured out you find out you are wrong! 3 men are running for Mayor to fill the gap left by the jailing of the previous Mayor for the murder of Morgan and Blair's parents. Suddenly, one of the candidates wives ends up dead. Who did it? Was it the husband who seems to have been having an affair or one of the other candidates, or the fertility Dr? Only by reading the book will you be able to figure it out. Again, telling you to much will spoil the book.


Finally, book 24 Breaker's Reef the final book in the Cape Refuge series. This was by far the book I knew I had figured out from about the 4th chapter. Only later did I find out I was WRONG! It wasn't until the final chapter that the true murderer was revealed, and I was shocked that it was not who I thought it would be. In this story young girls are turning up missing and dead. What is the connection, who is doing it, why does it resemble the murders in a mystery writers books and why is the Chief once again being blamed? Wonderful, intriguing stories that you just can't put down! Great summer reading. I can't wait to read some more of her books. Now if the library would just hurry up and get them in!

In the meantime I'm reading Artemis Fowl, a book my son picked up. It's interesting...you'll have to come back to read the review later.

Cape Refuge (Book 21)

Wow! This was a really good book. I thought I had it figured out early on, but then the twists and turns led me in a whole different direction.
The story is about 2 sisters whose parents are murdered. The family runs a house on Cape Refuge that takes in people trying to restart their lives after tragedy or jail time. Who could kill such nice people? Why would someone do such a thing? Could their son-in-law really be guilty of the crime? All these questions run through your mind as you try to solve the case before the local law enforcement agent does. It will keep you twisting and turning right until the end!
I can hardly wait for the next book in this series by Terri Blackstock...the library just called, I think my book might be in. Got to run!!!!

Addicted to Reading books 18,19 and 20!

I guess I have to come clean. I'm addicted to reading. I don't know how or when it started, but when I find a book I enjoy, I can't put it down. My goal this year was to read 12 novels, that's it 12. Well, it's not even June 1st and I've read 20! 3 of which I read in the last 3 days! It's not like I'm sitting around reading either. I've weeded, trimmed bushes, done dishes, laundry...etc. I'm just finding that I'm becoming more productive in my work time so that I can take a 15 minute break to read.
I started reading what I thought was going to be book 18 two weeks ago, before realizing it was too much for me. It was good book, and I would recommend it to anyone who really likes Historical Fiction. It is by Bodie and Brock Thoene and called First Light. It is the story of Jerusalem and Jesus' arrival there. The history of what was going on at the time was fascinating and I'm sure the author checked in to Hebrew spellings of names. I couldn't read it quickly as I had to keep stopping my mind so that I could read Jerusalem, when it was spelled Yerusalem and Jesus as Yeshua. There were other examples but those are the ones that stuck out to me. The overall story was good, but considering I usually read in 15 minute increments I want to feel like I've gotten somewhere in the book.
I mentioned to Zach's teacher that I enjoy reading and was looking for a new author having read all of Karen Kingsbury. She suggested Terri Blackstock. I picked up the book Miracles at the library the next day. It is 2 novels in one, The Listener and The Gifted. It was FABULOUS! The characters were real, and the situations were ones that you felt drawn into. The stories both unfolded with Christians that had lost their passion for following Christ. They thought they were doing the right thing, but it took miracles by God to help them see that they could do more. Both stories were easy to read and enjoy. I'm going to read her Cape Refuge series next. This is a series of mysteries she has written. Can't wait!
But...before I start the Cape Refuge series I found the book Plain Jayne by Hillary Manton Lodge. I love reading about the Amish, and the simplicity of their lives. This book I stumbled upon as it was in the New Book section at our library! It too was a wonderful book. The main character Jayne Tate is a reporter who has lost her edge and is sent off on a three week vacation. She decides to story hunt instead and finds herself in Amish country. While there she learns that the life she thought she enjoyed was really not what it should be. So she begins to make changes to make her life what she wants it to be. The characters are fascinating and the book was hard to put down. Just when I thought it was wrapping up another twist was thrown in. I loved it. The next story is Simple Sara, which I'm really disappointed won't be out until September! Guess I'll just have to wait.
Until then HAPPY READING!

Take Three by Karen Kingsbury Book 17!

Karen Kingsbury is one of my favorite authors. I love reading a series of books as it is almost like creating an entire TV series with your brain. It gives you time to get to know the characters, and feel like you are almost a part of their lives. Take Three is Book Three in the Above the Line Series. Being that it is book three I'd definitely recommend reading Books 1 and 2 prior to this book just so you have the background for the continuation of this story. This story has several story lines running through it. First, will Keith and Chase continue to produce successful faith based films, will their friendship last when changes occur, will their marriages survive the changes? Then there is Andi, Keith's daughter, will she confess the choices she's made and learn to live with her decisions or will she continue to hide herself away and hope that things will just take care of themselves. What about Bailey, will she stay with Tim or realize that she should move on and be with Cody? If all those story lines aren't enough there is also Dayne and Katy to think about and Luke and Regan and ...
Regardless, of the story line Karen touches your heart with her faith based writing. She allows the characters to learn from each others pasts, and guides them in a direction of truth. Wonderful author, wonderful book!

Spring Break for Flat Stanley

Flat Stanley arrived home just in time to head off on a Spring Break adventure to Columbus, Ohio. He was a little nervous when he saw the Titanic at the museum. He was relieved when we said it was just a model and that we weren't going on a boat ride. The first stop found us at COSI, one of Columbus's best known museums. This museum is all about hands on Science. Our favorite part was Grossology, and walking through a Black Hole!Flat Stanley thought traveling by train may be safer then going into space!
After our visit to COSI we headed south to Chillicothe. We lived there for 4 years up until the time Zach was born. Flat Stanley enjoyed visiting with the Perry family and stopping by the Indian Burial Mounds.
Our final stop took us to Fort Rapids, Waterpark in Columbus. Flat decided he wasn't in the mood to go swimming so he just hung out in the hotel room. He figured he needed to get some rest before he heads off on another adventure.

Flat Stanley returns to the States

Flat Stanley returned to the States from his trip to England just in time to head out again with Katie's Daddy on a business trip.

This trip took him through Chicago's O'Hare airport and then onto Seattle, Washington.
He enjoyed many of the sites while in Seattle, of course visiting the Microsoft Corporate Headquarters was one of his favorites.
He even had time to come up with the idea for Windows 7 (the commercials are all wrong, it was really Flat's idea!)
Flat Stanley had a wonderful time on the trip, but he was excited to know that when he got home he'd be headed off on Spring Break with Katie and her family.

Fact or Fiction- Book 16

The latest book on my list was The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. This is the story of the life of Dinah, daughter of Leah and Jacob. Jacob is most often remembered as the Father of Joseph (aka Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dream Coat) In the Bible Jacob and Leah do have a daughter named Dinah. A daughter who is taken by a man of great wealth who after sleeping with her wishes to claim her as his wife. Her brothers, 2 in particular, are outraged that he would disgrace her is this way and request that her Father along with the dowry request that the men be circumcised. The man loves her so much that he agrees, and all the men of the city are commanded to do this as well. The Bible then goes on to tell us that her brothers take further action against the men and that Dinah leaves the city and lives the rest of her days with her brother Judah and his family. That is the Bible, the truth of the story.

This story is based on characters of the Bible, but then greatly deviates into a fictional world. It is important to realize this because unfortunately many people read fiction based on the Bible and then believe the Bible to be to also be fiction. It is not. It is God's Word, that has stood the test of time and will continue to do so. This story is a good story, it takes known characters and gives them a life outside of what is read in the Bible. It gives us a picture of life in biblical times, that revolve around the Red Tent or the tent where the women would go during their monthly cycle when they were considered unclean and needed to be set apart. It was an entertaining story, that for me made me go back and read the parts in the Bible discussing these people to see what is real and what is fictional. Even the author states that the book is NOT a translation but a work of fiction. It is a book about the relationships of the females during this time period, their relationship with the men in their lives, the complications of multiple wives and raising of the children. In the reading group guide at the end of the book the author states that she felt the story of Dinah needed an explanation so "I decided to imagine one"
If you want a captivating story, with names you may be well aware of from reading the Bible this is a good story to read. Just be aware that it is FICTION, God's truth and his word is real, and this book may be confusing for someone who is not fully aware of the actual account in the Bible.

Capturing Romance Book 15!

Pictures catch our attention and for me, that is what drew me to book 15 (and soon to follow book 16) of this year. The newest novel I just finished is Vision in White by Nora Roberts. In this book 4 friends who played wedding over and over again as children have found themselves working together as adults to run their business Vows, a wedding planning company. Book 1 of this 4 part series is about Mackensie, the photographer of the business who has the view that true love can not be found. That she can not afford to give her heart away because it won't last. The reason she is a photographer is even based on the fact that we need to capture those happy moments due to the fact that in her life she knows they never stay happy.
Her business leads her to Carter the brother of the latest bride to walk through the doors for their services. Carter and Mac went to high school briefly together, and he always dreamed back then of them being together. Now when they are on the verge of finding happiness together they discover that perhaps their worlds, that are so different, will not allow them to be together in the end. You'll have to read the book to find out if love wins out...just a hint, she does help run a wedding business!

Need a Whole Box of Kleenex for book 14

You'll need a WHOLE box of Kleenex if you decide to read The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks. This is the 14th novel I've read this year and is not just a tear jerker, it is a sob fest waiting to happen. So if you need a good cry...it is the book for you.
This story is about a young girl on the verge of turning 18, a girl who is rebelling against her parents as she tries to understand how her father could have left her family just 3 years earlier. Her mother is forcing her to go away for the summer with her 10 year old brother to stay with the father that she hasn't spoken too in those 3 years. From New York City to the small beachfront town of Wrightsville, where she finds life to move at a much different pace. She knows she will hate life there, it is after all so different from what she knows. After meeting potential friends her first night there she begins to find out who she really is, and who she wants to be. She finds love and acceptance from a father that she is trying to continue to rebel against, and she comes to find that being who she is is not who she wants to be.
When faced with multiple problems she is forced to make a decision to stand and fight or once again to run away. What will she choose? To find out you'll have to read the book, just be sure to have those kleenex handy. You might want to explain to anyone who will be in listening distance why you will be suddenly sobbing too!

Book Review- Though Waters Roar

Just finished book 13 for the year, this time it was Though Waters Roar by Lynn Austin. This book is historical fiction taking place in both the time period of the Civil War through Women winning the right to vote. The main character finds herself in jail, and then begins to recount stories of her Grandma Bebe and the trials and events that took place in her life. You instantly get wrapped up into the story of the Grandma when suddenly it switches back to the Granddaughter's time period, then just when you are absorbed into what is happening with her it switches back again. This back and forth storytelling captivates your attention and keeps you interested in both characters and the lives they are living.
I would recommend this story and plan on reading other books by Lynn Austin in the future. For more on Lynn Austins books go to.


http://www.lynnaustin.org/ME2/Sites/Default.asp

Book Review- Never Far From Home

To be Amish or not to be Amish, that really was the question. Falling in love sometimes leaves you with the desire to follow your heart even if it means forsaking everything else you've ever been taught. For Emma Miller the choice she was facing was difficult. An Englisher would never become Amish for you, but could she forsake what she had known, the family that loved her and the world that she was used to for him?
The book Never Far From Home by Mary Ellis leaves you in a world of wondering what if, could it work, what will happen? It winds the family characters together helping you to see what life is like in both worlds and wondering which world will win out.
It is an easy read, and very enjoyable. Of course you may end up walking around say jah instead of yes, but it is definitely worth that risk. This book and the previous selection A Widows Hope get 2 thumbs up!

Count since the start of 2010, by goal to reach 12 novels by 2011 has been reached! Now to see if I can double that.

Book Review of A Widow's Hope

Just finished reading A Widow's Hope by Mary Ellis last evening. It was a wonderful story. The characters were developed in a way that you felt like you honestly knew them and could feel there lives unfolding around you. The story involved several people, but the main characters Hannah and Seth and two people that find themselves living alone after they have lost their spouses. They have their share of difficulties and find themselves wondering if they are destined to be alone. The Amish traditions, and lifestyle are also a large part of the story. How the families work together through joyous and tragic times teaches a valuable lesson that we really should be paying attention to in our lives today.
I would definitely recommend this book. I'm about to pick up the second story in the Miller Series entitled Never Far From Home. The continuation of the first book. This time the story revolves around Emma, Hannah's niece.

Crossing the Atlantic

Flat Stanley having visited Washington DC has still been thinking about politics. He loved seeing the museums while in the DC area, so he decided that perhaps he should experience the Nation that many of our original settlers came from. Here is the email we received when he arrived on the other side of the Atlantic.

Dear Katelyn,

Flat Stanley here,

I've made it to England via the Royal Mail! After a brief stop at Buckingham Palace to visit the queen, where I received my new palace guard outfit, I took the Royal Mail Express and I reached my final destination, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Stead. While there, I visited Mow Cop, which is the remains of an old castle that was built in 1754! I've also been to the Tunstall town square, and had the opportunity to taste the local dish, Oatcakes!

Mr. and Mrs. Stead are very active and took me to the gym to work out. Even though I'm flat, it's important to stay healthy and fit.

My visit here is coming to an end soon and I'll be on my way back to see you. Until then, take care!

Love,

Flat Stanley