Book 9 Where She Went

Book 9 Where She Went by Gayle Forman

Started this book last night before bed and read 50 pages, today, thanks to a day off of school because of extremely cold wind chills I finished the book!  It was a quick read, and a fairly good story.
Three years have past since the accident that changed Mia's life forever.  She however wasn't the only one whose life had been changed forever.  Adam too was effected by the events that took place those three long years ago. His path, that had been clear was suddenly far from where he wanted it to be, but he had no idea how to make it right again. Would finding Mia, make the difference?

I spent most of the book really debating on which of the two main characters I was mad at.  Then in the end it all made sense. Sometimes life throws curve balls and this book was full of things that continued to happen after the tragedy of book one. Will Mia and Adam end up forgiving each other and moving on with their own lives.  Only a quiet afternoon of reading will give you that answer.

I'd give this book 5 stars.

Book 8 If I Stay

Book 8 is If I Stay by Gayle Forman

My daughter's best friend lent her this book for me to preview.  I read it in about 3 hours.  It's a thought provoking book on trying to determine if the main character should stay alive, or give up the fight and join her family in death.  Mia watches her life as she is being treated, and taken care of after a horrific accident.  She's torn between knowing which path to choose and the people around her, without even knowing, guide her in her decision.  It was an interesting story concept and more original then some of the themes I've read lately.  In terms of teen fiction, I liked the fact that while implied that the main character may have had a physical relationship with her boyfriend, it was not written out for the world to read.  Was not crazy about some of the language, after all my job as Mom is to try and protect my children as long as I can from influences that aren't the best for them.  The idea of being in control of that final decision is an interesting concept.  I firmly believe, and know that my children do to, that after life is heaven when you have accepted Christ as your savior.  Having that knowledge is what gives me peace over what may happen at the end of my life.  It also gives me the ability to allow my child to read a book where that knowledge isn't taught or present, as I know she is secure in what she believes.  The story was captivating, and hard to put down as you are caught wondering until the last sentence of the book, if she will choose to stay or go.

I'd give the book 5 stars.

Next up, the sequel

Thank goodness for snow days and a chance to keep reading!!

I'm also still working on the non-fiction book Living Well, Spending Less.  About 50% done with that, but fiction is just quicker to read!

Books 5-7 The Portland Storm Series, books 2, 2.5 and 3

The cold weather has hit and with it, somehow, I've found time to read again. It doesn't hurt when you are reading fictional stories that pull you in with the characters and setting.  Books 5-7 were the next in the Portland Storm Series by Catherine Gayle.

 The first book in this series was good, other than some of the content that could have been left out, such as language and scenes that didn't need to be in the book to capture the love story.  Still I liked the story and the concept of the story enough to actual pay for the next 3 books in the series.

Book 2 (for me book 5) was On the Fly

This is the story of Rachel, a woman trying to get her life back together after leaving her native home of Texas and a tragic past.  In the midst of pulling herself out of the past she meets Soupy.  She doesn't trust men, and doesn't want to trust him especially, but watching parts of the past melt away causes her to rethink her ability to trust. Now she's trying to handle a new job working for the Portland Storm, when she knows nothing about hockey, and learning that she also knows very little about the real love people are capable of. A good story, about healing, despite obstacles in the way.

I'd give the book 4 stars

Book 2.5 (my book 6) was Taking a Shot

For 3 years Katie has been falling in love with Babs, but he has been continually told by her father that even looking at her could get him pummeled. Now she is facing a fight that he can't stand to watch, and she seems to be losing.  His new roommate Kally suggests that sometimes you have to take a shot at what you want even if the risks are too great.  While doing just that Babs manages to give the desire to fight back to Katie, so maybe facing her father won't be as bad as he thinks.

I'd give the book 4 stars, short and sweet.  Hoping these characters are revisited throughout the series.

Book3 Light the Lamp (my book 7)

This book was the most far fetched so far in the series.  Kally lost everything  2 years ago when his wife died on the side of a road, now he finds himself rescuing Noelle from a similar fate.  Did fate really bring them together?  He's a professional athlete, she's a  homeless woman trying to get by.  Will they both teach each other how to survive despite the losses in their lives, or run away from each other.  This was my least favorite of the books so far, it just didn't seem plausible in many ways.  I probably will continue reading the series at some point, but not planning on buying any more of the books right now.

I'd give this book 3 stars.

Book 4 Breakaway (sometimes hockey just needs to be in your life )

Breakaway by Catherine Gayle was book 4 of this new year.  It's cover caught my attention, having been a hockey mom for 9 years and a hockey wife for the past 4.  While we don't follow hockey as much as we used to, once it becomes the sport you'd most like to watch, it's hard to completely be done with it.  

While the cover caught me, the story itself was good too!  The plot revolves around Dana, a young woman who is fighting to recover who she was after being attacked in her early 20s.  She thinks she is headed towards the final steps of recovery, but in order to get there she has to ask her brother's best friend, and her life long friend, Eric for something she isn't sure she should ask him for.  She also isn't sure that he will be willing to help her, despite all the years of him telling her he'd do anything for her. 

All of those years of telling her he would be there for her could never prepare  him for what she needs  now.  Yet, turning her away could bring further pain for all of them.  On top of it his team is making a playoff run, and this is not the best time for making further commitments.  

The story will leave you intrigued as far as what will end up happening, and wanting to know more about the peripheral characters as well. While I got this book for free, I did just break down and download the next 3 books in the series on Amazon.  I'm looking forward to reading more by Catherine Gayle.  There is a bit of language that I could do without, and some scenes that could have been omitted, but overall a good romance, and filled with hockey, so that's good too!

I'd give the book 4 1/2 stars.

Up next, I'm still reading Living Well, Spending Less, I hope to finish it before the end of the week.  

My next fiction selection is

the next book in the series by Catherine Gayle

Although, at the request of my daughter I did just read the first chapter of City Of Bones.  I found it pretty disturbing, lots of talk of demons and with the word Sexy on the cover itself made me think my 12 year old doesn't need to be reading this yet.  Like I said, I did read a chapter, as well as some reviews. I want to be fair to books that are out there, but I still need to protect my children from ungodly influences as well.

An Honest Confession, plus reviews for books 2 and 3 of 2015

I dislike not finishing something when I start it, but I also am finding the older I get the more I want to invest in worth while things and not waste my time, money, life on pursuits that aren't worth it.  So, I tried, I really did.  I started reading Welcome to Fred, by Brad Whittington, but I just couldn't keep going. The story was interesting to a point.  It started with a young man going through his father's things upon his death and then beginning to reflect on his own life.  I'm sure from the reviews I read that some found it a riveting book.  I just didn't.  I was taking forever to read it, which for me is an indication that it just wasn't something I was interested in.  So, I finally decided to give myself permission to delete the book.  I had gotten it for free at some point on my kindle, so it wasn't costing me anything to get rid of it.  Except perhaps my pride for not finishing something I started, but really?!  Pride over reading something I wasn't enjoying, that's just silliness. I also deleted the sequel that I had also downloaded.  Finally, found the freedom in doing that and moving on.  If you do decide to read the books let me know what you think, I just could not get into them, and don't plan on trying again.

That being said I scrolled through my kindle and discovered the book
Confessions of a Prayer Slacker  by Diane Moody

I started this book and quickly got found myself looking for opportunities to read it.  The book focuses on the thing as Christians we often push aside and miss, true time with the Father, and why it is so important.  We think of it as something so formal, a time to make requests, but truly it is a time to get to know the Father, as a person, as a friend.  We, often as Christians, turn prayer into a ritual, something it shouldn't be or become and then we just bring it into our lives in quick little bursts instead of making it a part of who we are.  Diane admits struggling with this area of her life, and how she learned to turn prayer into spending time, in a sense over coffee, with her true friend.  This book is a great reminder to us all, to make our prayer life a priority. If it was a physical relationship with the person we loved we'd find a way to take the time. How can we continue to put it off? Diane offers suggestions for getting started, and truth about how it isn't an easy road at times to take. We allow the busyness of life to get in our way.  An honest reflection and worth the read for someone interested in growing their relationship with the Lord.

5 stars for this book

Next, I decided to read the book Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay, given to me by my friend Staci.

This book was incredibly hard to put down, and yet I wanted to push it aside, to not think of the horror the one character in the book had to live with.  She was just a child, but was living in 1942, a time when as a Jew she would face issues that no one should have to ever deal with.  This book traces her life, through those autrecities, and then follows the life of a journalist that has just discovered the story.  The journalist discovers a link between this child of the past and her family, that she can't believe.  She must then decide if she can walk away from the connection or if she needs to pursue it and find out the truth.  A riveting mystery, disturbing due to the horrible things that were done to the Jews, and yet causing you to keep turning pages to see the love and care that some did offer during this time. 

5 stars for this book as well, just be prepared to walk away reflecting on life.

What's next then?  I think continuing with my theme of non-fiction then fiction, I'm going to start a book that was recommended by several friends on Facebook. http://www.livingwellspendingless.com is the link for the book 

 This book goes along with my theme for the year of decluttering and getting rid of all the extras that we really don't need in our lives.  While we live within our means as a family, we like so many, spend more I'm sure then we should, and often take money for granted.  I'm looking forward to going through the book, and the corresponding workbook, which I was able to download for free when purchasing the book.

Happy Reading!!

Six Ways to Keep the "Little" in Your Girl: Book 1 for 2015

Book 1

Six Ways to Keep the "Little" in Your Girl

by Dannah Gresh

We are living in a time period where we are allowing our children to grow up quickly.  It is a scary time, because things we didn't have to deal with as children our kids now deal with earlier. They are constantly bombarded with social media, and television programs that talk about boyfriend/girlfriend relationship at a young age, given clothing choices that aren't suitable for them, and ability to contact people without us as parents even knowing they are doing it.  While the title might suggest that we should make our daughters act or behave as though they are truly still "little" kids when they are in their tweens and beyond, is not the case at all for the book.

The book is about helping them grow and develop in a way that allows them to still have their childhood.  To learn how to play, for instance, instead of being forced into an adult role early.  To experience role playing, with dolls and kitchens and other things that allow them to mimic jobs they might have later in life.  To be active and to enjoy doing things that don't have a screen.  This isn't easy, even when you have screen limitations.  The biggest problem in the screen limitations is that we don't give ourselves any when we are trying to get our kids to respect them.  When was the last time you turned your phone off, or decided not to look at Facebook or Twitter or Instagram when you could be looking at, talking to or spending time with your child?  We need to lead by example. We need to play with our kids, we need to show our kids that media is not going to run our lives.  Setting limits and sticking with them for the whole family is a great idea.  Recently, our pediatrician asked, when our daughter mentioned having trouble sleeping, if she is watching anything in her room or texting anyone at bedtime.  For the most part the answer is no, although sometimes she feels she needs to wind down by looking at Pinterest.  The problem is, he said, looking at screens the last 60 minutes before you are trying to sleep actually causes your brain to have more trouble settling down.  So, we need to adjust. While our kids have their phones in their room on docks charging and listening to music we need to adjust the rule to no screen time for about an hour before bed. We also need to follow through on that, by checking on them.  In addition, we need to practice what we preach and do the same for our health.

It's not just about screens though. The clothing industry and the toy industry are trying to get us to raise a generation of girls that show off more of their bodies to the world then they should. Clothing is tight, short and low cut. Dolls wear the same thing and society finds it acceptable.  As parents we must make choices in guiding our daughters in modesty, and sexual purity. We can do this by helping them to make choices in what they wear and what we are willing to buy.  They can still be fashionable, but we need to work hard to stay on top of what they have access to. We ourselves need to be checking our clothing as well, what are we demonstrating? I'm so glad that I've started this early with my daughter. She understands that yoga pants and leggings are not pants to wear without something covering your butt.  When she picks out outfits we discuss her needing to get final approval from Dad on whether things are to low, tight or short, and to realize that as she grows we may tell her no, and she will be expected to change from time to time to something more appropriate. Since we started this early, she seems to have a good understanding of what is right and wrong. While she puts pins of dresses for future dances on Pinterest (a site I can monitor her access on), she's already paying attention to if they are too short or too low cut.  If they are, she doesn't choose them. She will comment privately to me when people she sees are wearing things that aren't suitable and then we have the ability to openly discuss the topic again.

The book suggests that you should also talk to your children about sexual activity as they mature. Starting off with just enough information and growing in what they know,  so that they are aware of the truth and your values and beliefs before they are presented with what the world feels is acceptable.  This can be a scary topic, but the author gives suggestions on how to natural speak on such things.

There are other items covered in the book as well. Topics and thoughts that will help you learn to be more involved in your daughter's life and to guide and direct her on the path to growing into the young woman God has designed her to be.  Dannah makes no excuse for her book using Biblical quotes and connotations. She is a Christian and stands by what she believes. Her thoughts are sound, and very often even supported by those who'd find her religious beliefs not to their liking.  Are we willing to protect our daughters and raise them into beautiful young women?

I found many of the ideas in the book helpful, and also was able to be thankful that many of them I had already done with my daughter as she was younger.  This book ideally should be read prior to the tween years, and in my opinion would be the most helpful to a mother of an 8-10 year old.  It is one I plan on passing along to a friend with a daughter in that age range and I do highly recommend it.

Up next:

Dishes in the Sink- A Kitchen Reflection

I admit it, I'm obsessed with organization. Not that I'm entirely organized, although most my friends would tell you I am, but more that I love reading, thinking and planning on organizing.  Actually doing the organization itself even is enjoyable.  So, it should come as no surprise that for 2015 I signed up to work through the 52 week challenge with Home-Storage Solutions-101.com and accepted the 14 week Organization Challenge with www.abowlfulloflemons.com.  The 52 week challenge is one that focuses on one area for each week of the year.  Not only do they have a theme for the week, you can also download the monthly calendar to access each days 15 minute job.

Really, 15 minutes a day can lead to organization?  YES! Several years ago I read the book The 15 Minute Organizer by Emilie Barnes and it changed my outlook on so many things.  I began to see that what we say we don't have time for can typically be done if we break it into 15 minute a day segments. Doing this helped me not only work on areas of the house I wanted to work on, it also allowed me to get several scrapbooks completed and read several books.  I still use the ideas from that book today, and doing so continues to allow me to take some time for things I want to accomplish each day.  15 minutes isn't a lot of time, but it is affordable time.  I don't believe there are too many people that couldn't find 15 minutes in their day for something.  In fact I'd venture to guess that sometimes, after setting the timer and working for 15 minutes, many would discover that they could actually set it for 15 more minutes and do that much more.  With that in mind, I think the Home Storage Solutions monthly calendar is a wonderful tool for getting things accomplished.  It also has wonderful tips for getting started, and staying organized.

If that's the case though, why does my January calendar on January 8th have all the days of the month except for 8 crossed off?  The main reason is I'm in a different season of my life where I'm working outside of the home pretty much full time. As a substitute teacher, and mother of 2 teenagers it's not always easy to tackle an extra job.  I do still take 15 minutes of the day to do something I want to do, but as much as I love organizing sometimes I want to spend my 15 minute working on my son's scrapbook, reading an extra chapter in my book, or looking through Pinterest. With that in mind I've decided that when I do have a day off I would look through the monthly jobs and do more then 1 days worth.  I started the month doing only the job for the day, but today it's -12 with windchill and school was cancelled, so I decided I wanted to tackle the majority of the kitchen.

A year ago I went though the kitchen and really decluttered. I got rid of plastic cups and containers we never use, bakeware that had been just sitting in the cabinet and ended up with 1 whole drawer and 2 different cabinets with 1/2 empty top shelves! So the decluttering part of this months mission wasn't needed as much as the general straightening of the cabinets.  After all, we live in our house and use our kitchen and therefore sometimes don't put things back where they go. So how long did it take to go through all of the cabinets, wiping them down on the inside and straightening them? 60 minutes. On the calendar itself it breaks the jobs down into smaller sections then just cabinets, so instead of the 16 different 15 minute missions (i.e. food storage containers, plastic bottles and cups) I just chose to go through my whole kitchen at once.

Organization is doable. Find some good books, you can read my blog for reviews on several organization books, download the calendar and missions from Home-Storage-Solutions-101.com/organized-home.html or make your own lists of tasks you want to get done.  Having things where they belong and knowing how to keep them that way really will keep your life running more smoothly.  My final tip, label areas so that others know what goes there, or at the very least tell the family that you just organized, for example, the kitchen and ask them to please look around to make sure they know where things go before putting things away.

Once you have an organization plan, and have accomplished it staying on top of the area is key.  For me I am working on getting some daily and weekly habits going to maintain the kitchen area.
Daily I plan on keeping the dishes out of the sink. Either by loading the dishwasher/emptying the dishwasher in the am or at dinner, or putting any drying dishes away before bed.  Wiping down counters after each meal, and straightening the pantry while making the grocery list every Saturday, as needed. Simple steps that will make the kitchen function better, and make me feel better. After all, coming downstairs in the morning to a sink full of dishes just makes me feel like I'm starting the day behind.

Best of luck with the organizing in 2015 should you choose to jump into the challenges that are out there to rid your lives of the extra clutter that is taking up your space!

Books and a New Year!

For the past several years I've challenged myself to keep reading. It's something I love to do, but have found I don't always take the time to do.  Reading grows your mind in so many ways and in an edge where we're plugged in way to often it's a way to escape and find some peace and direction.  It can take you places you never imagined, and show you how to live life to the fullest where you are at.  Last year my goal was to read more than the previous year's 74 books. Which is at least the number I remembered to blog! I didn't quite make it, coming in at 63 books. This year, I don't have a total in mind yet. I always like to aim for more than the year before, but being realistic I don't want to go from plugging into devices to being so lost in a book that I can't take part in the lives of my family and friends.  I have several books I've found on my shelf while straightening up a shelf in my bedroom, so I would like to get through those this year for sure, but what else I read has yet to be determined!  I did find an interesting Reading Challenge that I have decided to try though.  Feel free to join me as I read in 2015. Who knows, it just might change your life!

My First book of the new year is:

In a generation of kids being forced to grow up too soon, I want to protect my daughter from growing up too fast. 

I plan on reviewing the books I read as I go, so stop back for more info on what I've read, and what I will be reading.  Feel free to let me know what you are reading too?  We could discover books we never dreamed of finding!

Happy Reading, and Happy New Year!

2014 Books 51-63

Finished off the year with quite a bit of reading, but no time to blog the books I'd read. Before I start my 2015 book reviews, and reading challenge I figured I should at least get this past year's books posted.

Book 51
Running on Empty is a book about two people torn apart by circumstances.  Ones that they could not speak of for over 8 years, but when her sick mother brings her back to the small town she left, she is finally forced to deal with the past.  Will dealing with it, restore it?  Only time will tell.

Could not put this book down, stayed up all night reading it! I'd give the book 5 stars.

Book 52

The Wedding List

Two different people from two different walks of life.  Yet, connected from the past and now forced to connect again in the present.  Will they figure out a way to make it work this time, despite what they feel society is telling them about being together? 

Fun read, not my favorite book of the year, but for a free book was good. I'd give this book 3 stars.

Book 53

Chop, Chop

One girl can change your life. Especially if it's one who is sold out on helping others. Yet, what do you do when you have a new best friend who likes her too?  This book had great underlying meaning, but a really sad twist.  There is a sequel to it, but I'm afraid it would be sad too. I'd give the book 3 stars.

Book 54

The Proposal

His life has been filled with trying to care for his son and forget the past. He has no desire to be in love ever again.  Her life has been filled with tragedy and she doesn't think she could ever love again. Both need to move on, so what if they fake being married so that he can have a Mom for his son, and she can get away from the past?  Strange plan, but even stranger is whether or not it will work out.

I'd give the book 3 stars.

Book 55

Simple book, with easy tips for the beginning organizer.

I'd give the book 5 stars, for someone new to the topic. I didn't get much out of it personally, but then I'm addicted to organization books!

Book 56

Great tips, and moves to get you started into building muscle and losing more weight!

I'd give the book 5 stars.

Book 57

Another good organizing book for the beginner with some good tips.

5 stars

Book 58

I really like Gary Chapman's ideas and suggestions. Having an amazing marriage as it is, and I'm not just saying that because someone might read this post, the book was not helpful to me. If you are struggling in any area, or wanting to make things better in the future, this book is a good read though. 

5 stars

Book 59

Funny, and interesting. Good plot, great characters.  It's one of those books where saying even a little might give to much away. Want a fun, quick and inspirational book. This one is for you.

5 stars.

Book 60

Amish life is tough, but in this book the decision has to be made as to which life is tougher.  Sometimes it seems the English have it so easy, but do they?  A fun look into the life of one who needs to decide before it's to late.

4 stars.

Book 61

Yes, addicted to organization books and challenges.  This book is once again a great tip book, more geared towards the beginner!

5 stars

Book 62

She left once and didn't plan on coming back, but when the library she loves, left to her by the woman she adored is about to be closed she finds fighting for it is the only thing she can do.  Will the man she used to love stand by her and help her to see she needs to stay in Liberty, or will he figure the past is in the past?

5 stars

Book 63

One of those books that could change your life.  Are you willing to Love, Skip and Jump into your faith and do what you are being called to do?  Great book about choosing to see God's plan for your life!  Worth the time it took to read it.

5 stars!

Book 50 Noble Pursuits

Book 50: Noble Pursuits by Chautona Havig

I've read several books by this author and all have been enjoyable. In this book Nolan Burke has everything anyone could ever want, except he's alone.  He has lots of women throwing themselves at him, but he isn't interested in finding anyone that doesn't fit is wish list for God.  He finally decides that moving from his current location, to a neighboring town might be just what he needs to finally find the one  he is suppose to be with. He is not prepared for what he finds in this town though, especially when he meets his new neighbor Grace.
She is a force to be reckoned with, but for all the right reasons.  She isn't the model type that usually tries to latch onto him, instead she is beautiful first on the inside, and by seeing that beauty he begins to see her outward beauty as well.  Will their budding friendship turn into more, or will her over protective brother squash any future plans they may have.
Worth the read to find out.

I'd give this star 4 stars.

Books 45-49 The Dicarlo Bride Series Books 2-6

 

In one week I read all 5 of these books!  Yes, that's a lot of reading, but I did it in little bits here and there as I got lots of other things done around the house, so it only sounds bad.  Why did I read all 5 in one week...because they were good!  These 5 books finish off the story started in book one about the DiCarlo sisters.  Not all of them go by the same last name as they didn't even realize until the start of book one that they were sisters.  They discovered this family secret when their father George DiCarlo passed away. At the reading of his will they discover that they each have sisters they know nothing about and, to make matters worse if they want any part of the rather large inheritance they must give up their current job and help get their late father's newest resort up and running. Each has a specialty that they can bring to this newest project, but it does mean sacrificing what they have been doing for years. The alternative though is to lose the inheritance and have the money they would have earned given to a charity that they could not possibly support on their own.

In book one the main focus is on the oldest, Cami and how she is taking the news and on her budding relationship with Vince the grounds keeper, and local landscape architect.  In that book you soon discover that not only did George orchestrate their vocations he also made attempts to orchestrate their love lives by talking to several men that he thought would be perfect for his daughters.

In these other books each of the sisters are highlighted.  You are taken on a journey of them learning to trust each other, and open up about things from their past.  They of course all end up falling in love, and since the title of the series is the DiCarlo Brides, in can be determined that they all end up getting married too, or at least engaged.  On top of the romantic element that is present in each of the books there are also lots of twists, turns and complications.  Mysterious events are taking place and usually it's not who you think would be the people behind it that are causing these events to happen.

All of the books were well written. I especially appreciated that, while being romance novels, they were not filled with explicit content.  I look forward to reading more by Heather Tullis in the future.

I'd give this series 5 stars!

 

Books 43 and 44: Crossed and Reached

Book 2 in the Matched Series by Ally Condie. This was probably my favorite of the 3 books in this series.  In this book Cassia is in search of Ky who has been taken away from Society. In the process she begins to discover the truth about society and about herself and Ky as well as who Xander, her match really is as well.  The fast pace of them searching for each other in the Outer Provinces and the situation that is effecting society caused the book to be one that was hard to put down. 

I'd give this book 5 stars.

The final book in the series This was probably my least favorite of the series.  The book seemed to drag on with Xander searching for a cure and trying to help people fighting the plague, and Cassia trying to figure out who she could trust.  As the book moved on I could almost predict what was going to happen, and it did happen in almost that exact way.  I love character development so I would have really enjoyed the book more if after the story itself ended there had been a 5 or 10 years later chapter or two really wrapping up the lives of the characters.

Overall, when compared to Hunger Games and Divergent in terms of acceptability for teens this one wins out.  The story was intriguing, and for the most part the characters were well developed and their was a good deal of suspense involved.  The main reason it wins out is that there was implied violence, but the actual violence was not written out for you to read.  It also did not contain suggested sexual activity as the Divergent series did. 

I'd give this book 3 stars, but the series itself 5 stars.

Book 42: The & Day Prayer Warrior Experience

I try to read some books that will grow my faith every month on top of the fictional books I read.  Although I do try to stick with Christian Fiction as much as I can due to the fact that other books often have themes that even as an adult I don't need to fill my mind with.

This book was a short but powerful devotion that I read last week.  It breaks down the verses in Ephesians 6 where Paul talks about putting on the whole armor of God.  It goes through each item and describes why a Roman soldier would have worn that piece of clothing, and spiritually why we should as well.  Spiritual warfare is real.  The devil doesn't want us to be effective as Christians, he wants to render us useless.  To quote the book "God doesn't want us carrying anything that is unnecessary because it will weigh us down and hinder what He has called us to do". He wants us to be prepared for battle, and He knows it will come.  How we prepare is by being in His Word and spending time talking to Him through prayer.  These two steps will help to guard our hearts and our minds and keep us focused on the important things in our lives. 

Life won't always be easy, but if we spend time dressing as a soldier would for battle, daily then we will be ready when battle comes.

Great devotional book! 5 stars!

Book 41: Matched

by Ally Condie

Yes, once again I find myself with a teen who wants to read a book that is currently popular and I know nothing really about it. I went to one of my sources who is an avid reader and currently a collage student and she told me she was 3/4 of the way through it and was not discovering any inappropriate content.  Wish I didn't have to ask around to see if books for teens are overly sexual, but in today's society you have to work to keep kids minds pure. Having found all 3 of the books in the series for a total of $9 I decided to go ahead and read the book myself.

This book follows the theme of so many of the books our teens are reading these days, the idea of society controlling civilization. That part is a bit scary, in terms of why are so many authors writing the same theme over and over again and why as society are we scrambling to read those same theme of books over and over again.  In many ways you could pick up this book and not be sure whether you were reading the Hunger Games, or Divergent, aside from the characters names and in this case, at least through book 1, a lack of violence that the other books all contained.

In this book Cassia is going through her life as directed by society. On her 17th birthday she attends her Match ceremony where she is shown the person who she will marry when she turns 21. The problem is, she knows him.  That in itself is very rare.  On top of it, there is another problem with the microcard she is given to view details about him.  This problem launches her into meetings with the person she begins to call Her Official. An officer who is there to make sure she follows a certain path, the path of society.  This event and the death of her Grandfather is causing Cassia to being to wonder.  Wonder is what her Grandfather says even her late Grandmother would have wanted her to do.  Wonder, is this life right, is there more out there. 

As the book continues Cassia begins the journey of trying to figure that out with help from someone she never gave much thought to before.  Ky is that person, he's an outsider in many ways, but now Cassia is realizing that he has been there all along.  Will they discover truth, and be willing to take the chances needed to realize what is really going on in the world they live in.

Too much can be given away in a book review or on a cover of the book.  I don't wan to do that here, so you'll just need to read it yourself. I've moved on to book 2, and hope to finish the series before giving a final ok to my 12 year old to read the books, but so far I feel she could read book 1 for sure.

I'd give the book 5 stars.  So far it's a great series and less violent than Hunger Games or Divergent, even with the similar content.

Book 40: Four

Seems fitting that the book Four would be reviewed with the number 4 in the number of books I've read this year. (ok, fitting to me and I'm the one writing so, that's how it works!)

by Veronica Roth is a look into the life of one of the main characters in her Divergent Series named Four.  One of many advantages of having teens these days in the need to read what they are reading in order to see what is going into their brains.  I do check some book review sites, asking some older teens that I feel have godly values and do some basic research before I start reading the books as a final check, but with a 14 year old and a 12 year old I'm finding it vital to know what is being read.  This series was introduced to my older child as a read aloud in a class at school. Next thing I know he wanted to read the series.  The series, as I reviewed in earlier blogs is good overall, there is definitely  a theme of physical attraction running through the book, but I'm thankful that the author stopped and did not go into details as to what may or may not be happening. With the movie that came out, and so many teens talking about the series and movie I quickly read all of the books to make sure I'd allow the kids to see the movie even. Incidentally, it comes out today on DVD and most likely we will be at Target at some point today to get our copy.

Anyway, this book is stories of life before the first book picks up.  I'm always fascinated by people, and in this book it was like looking into the background of a person and getting a better understanding of who they are. The stories were short and I was able to read the whole book in about a 3 hour time span on a road trip.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed the Divergent series.  It needs to be read at the end of the series though as otherwise it gives some information a way that would spoil some of the mystery in the actual books.

I'd give this book five stars.

Book 39: From Groucy to Great

Finding Joy in the Journey of Motherhood by Ruth Schwenk with The Better Mom contributor Team www.thebettermom.com

Am I a Grouchy Mom?  All the time? Some of the time?  Truth be told I can certainly be grouchy and I definitely have triggers that set me off.  When my kids were younger I wish I could say I wasn't grouchy a lot of the time, but I know that would be false.  I think I lived in a world of "this isn't how things are suppose to be" all the time. I was so caught up in my ideals not being met that I got grumpy, and certainly took it out on those around me.  I still have days where that happens, where the to do list doesn't get done, and my focus for the day isn't met and then I get grouchy for sure. Hopefully, my kids and husband would agree that those days aren't near as often as they used to be. 

This book helps explore, from the views of multiple women, the triggers that set us off and how to respond when they are set off.  The book had some great tips, tips that I wish I had heard or read as a younger, newer Mom.  The tip that really hit me the hardest was at the end of the book. The chapter called Surrender, stop trying and start resting. What I got out of this chapter was the idea that as a Mom there are things that I must do, extra laundry, stay up with sick kids, deal with social media and teenagers, and the list could go on and on.  The thing is, that is my job.  I can fuss and complain and get grouchy because I have to do ALL those things, or I can surrender and realize that some of those things I won't like as much as others, but I wanted to be a Mom.  I wanted to have kids to love and care for, and those things go along with the job.  When I surrender to the fact that some of the things just have to be done, I can do them without being so grumpy about them.  I can take them in stride of what the job is and not be so shocked when they come up and need to be done.  I can keep my focus on the fact that God allowed me to be a Mom and that by His grace alone I can do the best job I can raising my kids.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone in any stage of motherhood.  You will either get something out of it, or most likely know someone who would and can pass it on. Five stars for sure!

Book 38: A Perfect Fit

This book by Heather Tullis is about a family known for their five-star hotels.  This story, in the 6 book series, is mainly about Cami.  She has enjoyed heading up guest services in her hotel in Chicago, but her father has other plans for her.  Upon his death she discovers that she has 4 half sisters that she and her sister have known nothing about.  Now in order to be a part of her father's will they must live together and launch the newest resort.  In the process she meets Vince, the good looking gardener that Cami knows her father would never approve of.  With her father controlling so much of her life from the grave she is torn on whether or not to take a chance on something she can't imagine he would like. 
The books characters came to life on every page.  The book was so good, that despite the fact that I try to only read the free books I can download on my Kindle I did purchase the remaining 5 books in the series. Luckily for only $3 each!

Great read, looking forward to the rest of the series. I'd give this book 5 stars.

Book 37: Redemtion Song

 By Melodie Murray

Ethan Carter is a 17 year old pop star sensation, living the dream, and yet missing out on what the dream really is.  When he makes a decision that almost wrecks his life his mother ships him off to Alabama to rethink who he is and where he is going.  In Alabama he is forced to live with his Grandmother, who he loves dearly, and her new "grandchildren", a 10 year old boy named Ben and a 17 year old girl named Alaina. He is rude and uncaring when he first meets them, but then begins to learn what family is really all about.  In the process he also begins to learn who he really is and who he wants to be.

The book had a lot of really emotional content and needed several Kleenexes to get through it. A great story about finding redemption in a place you wouldn't expect to find it in.

I'd give this book 5 stars.

Book 36: Deep Green

Deep Green Color me Jealous (True Colors Book 2) by Melody Carlson

I downloaded this book for free and thought that it might be a good book, at least at some point, for my daughter to read. I'm not sure I'd recommend it yet as it deals with some dating issues that I don't feel at 12 she needs to be reading about yet, but I will be holding on to it for the future.

In this book Jordan is struggling with friendships and boyfriends and figuring out who are true friends and who are just trying to stay friends with you to get close to other people. She's realizing that lots of teens like to play games and how jealousy can take over your life and cause lots of problems along the way.  She also discovers that true friends are sometimes the ones that you push away from as you think you want to head a direction in your life. Yet they are also the ones that are still waiting when you realize you are headed down the wrong path.

This would be a great book to read and discuss with a teenage girl as they enter into the high school years.  Full of topics that need to be discussed, and yet done in a way that they aren't reading about things in depth.

I'd give the book 4 stars.

Book 35: Discovering Hope

Discovering Hope by Chautona Havig is my 35th book this year. I've read multiple books by this author now, and have found that I enjoy her writing style. She allows the characters to be real people, filled with struggles and dreams and wanting what is best for their friends and family.  In this book Hope, is collage student who is trying to come to terms with various life events that have happened to her.  In the process she meets Jay.  Jay has also gone through a traumatic event in his life and is also learning to live with the pieces that he has been left with.  They begin to build a friendship where he suddenly discovers that in the process of getting to know Hope he is also discovering what hope really is about.

This book was a great anytime read.  Filled with real life concepts and showing how people learn to deal with the events that occur in their lives.

I'd give this book 5 stars!