Joyful Days Reviews & Recipes

Allon: Book 2-Insurrection

2010-12-21T11:31:00.004-06:00

Allon: Book 2-Insurrection

by Shawn Lamb

Back in April I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing Allon. Recently the author, Shawn Lamb asked me if I was interested in the latest edition to the Allon series, Insurrection. How could I refuse?

Insurrection picks up four years after Book 1 ends. Ellis is king, Shannan is queen. An heir to the throne is on the way. Allon is at peace. But the Dark Way does not give up easily. Whisperings of conflict and discontent give way to danger.

Without giving the story away, I will say Allon is a wonderful novel that offers strong characters who give examples of honor, faith, devotion, heroism, gentle mercy and wisdom. These characters are at odds enemies exhibiting greed, pride, sin, and destruction. Ms. Lamb manages to combine action and adventure with a focus on faith and serving the Lord. I know my both my boys will enjoy this book and gain some good lessons along the way.

Allon: Book 2-Insurrection would be a great last minute Christmas gift for a young adult or an advanced young reader who loves fantasy and action. Or, since I am tardy in getting my review out if there are any young readers out there with a few holiday dollars they want to spend on a new book they would find an exciting read in this second book of the Allon series.

There is a website featuring a blog, an interactive map, photos and more that many will also enjoy.

My thanks to Ms. Lamb for the delightful read.

Blog Book Tour--It Had to Be You

2010-05-13T05:55:00.002-05:00

by Janice Thompson

I have several complaints to lodge with Janice Thompson!

1) Reading her books make me want to dance! While I'm reading! I've wanted to boot scoot, do a courtly dance and now...NOW...I'm swingin'! It's hard to read when you're dancing. Seriously!!

2) Reading her books make me hungry!! I want pizza! I want Alfredo! I want Tiramisu!! These books are not good for a gal trying to lose more weight. You'd think with all the dancing I might shed a few pounds, but the food's just too good. I can smell Aunt Rosa's cooking coming off the pages.

3)And my biggest complaint...Is that It Had to Be You is the last installment in the Weddings by Bella series. (Insert a pout and a stomped foot here.) I was really not ready to be done. Sigh...

I fell for Bella Rossi's quirky Italian family a few books back. Specifically when I read Fools Rush In. The food was good, the conversation was loud, and my dearest Dean Martin was always singing in the background. Well...unless Frank Sinatra got in the way. And everyone loved the LORD.

When I read Swinging On a Star I almost hopped on a plane to Galveston to go visit Bella and her clan.

And Ms. Thompson's finale It Had to Be You just made me all the more sure that I had long-lost family somewhere down in Texas.

Bella may have been busy in the first two books, but is she in over her head this time? Aunt Rosa and Uncle Laz have buried the hatchet for good. They are getting married!! Family and friends are coming in for the wedding from as far as Italia! Everyone is thrilled for them. Or is there someone who could ruin this match made in culinary heaven? Will the bride and groom swing off into the sunset?

And what about D.J. Neeley? The hunky carpenter-deejay who swept Bella off her boots. Can he get Bella down their own aisle and into a happily-ever-after of their own?

The timing of this book was perfect for me. There were some life-lessons that almost all of the characters were in need of. I don't want to spoil anything, but I will say I needed to be reminded of what Bella had to learn.

The music in It Had to Be You will take you swinging down the aisle, across the dance floor and off into the sunset. There were many great songs to keep my toes tapping. But I will always associate the Rossi clan with Dean Martin's songs most of all. Here's a favorite:

Thank you, Janice Thompson for such a fun series. I enjoyed Weddings by Bella so much! Thank you Revel/Baker Publishing Group for the copy to review. Thank you Bella and the whole Rossi clan for such a good time.

It Had to Be You is vailable May 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Blog Book Tour--Allon

2010-04-30T01:56:00.001-05:00

Allon by Shawn Lamb

I am always looking for good books for my sons to read. There is a lot of fiction out there these days. There is a lot of "Christian" fiction out there. I cannot always say that the secular fiction is "good" and I cannot always say that the Christian fiction is "exciting." But when Glass Road Public Relations offered me a chance to read Allon by Shawn Lamb, I thought it would be worth taking a look.

I am so glad that I did.

Enter the world of Allon. Once a beautiful land, now a battle between good and evil rages on. The hope for Allon's future lies in a prophecy that a new king will come and defeat the powers of darkness that are at work dividing the people, causing pain and suffering. He will have a queen who will unite the people with the Guardians, the care takers of Allon who have been limited and bound for a long time.

There is a young man who the dark forces are trying to capture and destroy. There is a young woman who the Guardians are trying to protect. Are these these the promised heroes who will save Allon?

Ms. Lamb wrote Allon for her daughter, Briana, who wanted a fantasy story. She uses metaphor and allegory quite liberally and with a wonderful result. The layers aren't too deep for a young reader to comprehend. Allon is a reminiscent blend of King Arthur, Narnia, Lord of the Rings and Bible history. But at the same time it is a new story, thoroughly enjoyable--a good read for both boys and girls.

Read an excerpt of the book here.

Thank you to Glass Road Public Relations for offering me the opportunity to receive and read Allon. I enjoyed the journey!

Blog Book Tour--How Do You Tuck in a Superhero?

2010-04-25T01:19:00.000-05:00

How Do You Tuck in a Superhero? by Rachel Balducci

My son stole my copy of this book!

I had to hunt him down to get it back. It wasn't too hard to find him. All I had to do was follow the laughter. He snitched this a couple times from me and I found him either hiding behind a closed door or up on the top bunk under a mass of covers in hopes that I wouldn't want this back. Fat chance.

What book is so funny that it has a 46 year old woman and a 12 year old boy in a tug-of-war over it? Well...a book about boys. Five boys to be precise. Rachel Balducci of Testosterhome fame published this book chronicling the adventures of a mom of five. Five boys.

Now I only have two, and two with some unusual pursuits, it is true. But How Do You Tuck in a Superhero speaks to moms of sons, be it a single son to a tribe of ten. From discussing food--there is never enough, to discussing attire--there is rarely agreement between parent and child, to things you never thought you'd hear yourself say; Rachel's been there, done that and has a few t-shirts as souvenirs.

I love Rachel's matter-of-fact, conversational tone. She tells the tales, much like my friends and I swap "Can you believe______" stories of our children. I'd love for her to be my neighbor. I might send my boys down there for a bit...she might not notice!

This is a laugh-out-loud book that you might want to hide from your family if you want a chance to read it. Also checkout the blog that inspired it all. And recently the Testosterhome family welcomed a new addition--number 6!! to the family. And what do you know?? They need to get some pink paint!

As always, I am appreciative to Revell/Baker Publishing Group for the chance to read and review, yet another great book. How Do You Tuck in a Superhero? is available April 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Blog Book Tour--In Harm's Way

2010-04-21T10:17:00.002-05:00

In Harm's Way by Irene Hannon

Last fall I had a chance to review An Eye for an Eye, the second book in Irene Hannon's romantic suspense Heroes of Quantico series and enjoyed it immensely. So when Revell/Baker Publishing offered the chance to review the third book in the series--In Harm's Way, how could I pass it up?

Once again Irene Hannon creates characters that made me care and drew me into the story quickly. Rachel Sutton, a music teacher, a child of the foster care system is lead, inexplicably, to a Raggedy Ann doll stuck in a pile of ice in a parking lot. Touching the doll evokes fear and terror from Rachel, emotions so deep that she cannot just toss the doll aside. She ends up taking Raggedy Ann to the FBI and risks looking like a fool or worse.

Fortunately she ends up in the office of Agent Nick Bradley. Nick, who also grew up an orphan, just can't seem to write Rachel off as crazy or worse. Is the child who the doll belongs to in danger? Why can't he do what his co-workers say and toss the doll in the trash and forget about Rachel? The story is fast-paced with several unexpected twists and turns that kept me up late turning the pages so I could finish.

I appreciate that once again Ms. Hannon intertwines faith in the LORD into her story. She allows her characters to be human and have real doubts and questions. Both Nick and Rachel have very different faith journeys.

Read an excerpt of the book here.

A hearty, "Thank you!" to Revell/Baker Publishing for furnishing me with a copy of this book for review. In Harm's Way is available April 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Speak--A Book & Movie Review

2010-03-09T21:33:00.009-06:00

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

"When people don't express themselves, they die one piece at a time."
— Laurie Halse Anderson (Speak)

On one of those random strokes of chance I ran across a trailer for Speak (2004) and it caught my attention. I dug a little and sure enough there was a book written first. I always hate to see a movie before I read the book because, as a rule the movies never get the story right and I end up with a visual in my head that affects my reading of the story. So I hit the library website and ordered the novel, Laurie Halse Anderson's first.

I read it in two sittings.

(I could have read it in one, but you see, there are these short people, they keep calling me, "Mom" and demanding food and attention...I digress...)

Freshman, Melinda Sordino, narrates her way through Merryweather High as a social outcast. High school is bad enough to try to navigate, but Melinda is taunted by those who were her closest friends in eighth grade. She is haunted by the party she attended with those former friends just a few months prior. A party that was ended because she called the cops.

"It's easier not to say anything. Shut your trap, button your lip, can it. All that crap you hear on TV about communication and expressing feelings is a lie. Nobody really wants to hear what you have to say. "
— Laurie Halse Anderson (Speak)

Talking become more and more difficult to the point where Melinda shuts down and doesn't speak at all. Her once above average grades nosedive and her attendance becomes erratic.

"CONJUGATE THIS

I cut class, you cut class, he, she, it cuts class. We cut class, they cut class. We all cut class. I cannot say this in Spanish because I did not go to Spanish today. Gracias a dios. Hasta luego."
— Laurie Halse Anderson (Speak)

The only class she doesn't ditch on a regular basis is art, where the unique Mr. Freeman rails against "the system." Mr. Freeman offers art as "the only class that will teach you how to survive." Each student is assigned a subject for the whole year to explore. Melinda's subject is "Tree."

Melinda's parents are so involved in trying to keep themselves moving forward that they fail to notice Melinda's slow withdrawal until grade cards arrive. They make clumsy attempts to reach her, but it is not enough.

Anderson captures the tone I remember from high school, she paints the picture of clans and cliques and examines the difficulty of navigating the jungle of the high school halls. The tone is ironic, sad and entirely quotable.

THE FIRST TEN LIES THEY TELL YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL

1. We are here to help you.
2. You will have time to get to your class before the bell rings.
3. The dress code will be enforced.
4. No smoking is allowed on school grounds.
5. Our football team will win the championship this year.
6. We expect more of you here.
7. Guidance counselors are always available to listen.
8. Your schedule was created with you in mind.
9. Your locker combination is private.
10. These will be the years you look back on fondly.

TEN MORE LIES THEY TELL YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL

1. You will use algebra in your adult lives.
2. Driving to school is a privilege that can be taken away.
3. Students must stay on campus during lunch.
4. The new text books will arrive any day now.
5. Colleges care more about you than your SAT scores.
6. We are enforcing the dress code.
7. We will figure out how to turn off the heat soon.
8. Our bus drivers are highly trained professionals.
9. There is nothing wrong with summer school.
10. We want to hear what you have to say."
— Laurie Halse Anderson (Speak)

Once done with the book, I had my husband put Speak in the Netflix queue, wondering just how well a movie could capture this poignant book. I was pleased that not only did the movie follow the story line quite well, screenwriter, Jessica Sharzer was brave enough to take much of the dialog directly out of Anderson's book and put it precisely in the movie in exactly the places it belonged. There were a few scenes from the book that were left out of the movie, but I would not be able to tell you how they could have been added without being awkward to film. Only a few situations were marginally changed and I think they were done well.

Melinda is played by Kristen Stewart (yes, of Forks fame--but don't let that predispose you to this movie) who was fourteen at the time the movie was filmed. She did an amazing job, she was at once fragile and damaged, and yet displayed the strength of the symbolic tree assigned in the art class.

Mr. Freeman, the quirky art teacher is played by Steve Zahn. Initially, he didn't fit my image of Mr. Freeman, but did a fabulous job of capturing the spirit of the teacher in the story.

Elizabeth Perkins and D.B. Sweeney are Melinda's clueless parents. They portrayed the parents Anderson portrays in the book really well.

The movie was aptly rated PG-13 (see IMDb Parents' Guide). I found the book in the Young Adult section of the library. Both book and movie deal with the subject of rape and the aftermath of a teenager who did not seek help immediately after the attack. Obviously this is an emotional and traumatic subject and not appropriate for everyone. Parents should read this book before handing it to their children and talk to them about it.

Both book and movie were well done and I highly recommend them.

Blog Book Tour--Swinging on a Star

2010-02-20T08:56:00.002-06:00

Swinging on a Star by Janice Thompson

Ever since I finished Fools Rush In by Ms. Thompson, I've been waiting to go back to Parma Johns to dine on themed pizza, listen to Mambo Italiano and catch up with Bella Rossi and her cowboy knight in shining armor, D.J. Neeley. I felt so at home and had so much fun with Italian wedding coordinator, Bella and her carpenter cum deejay, D.J. that I wanted to find out more about their opposites-attract relationship.

When I got a chance to review Swinging on a Star I didn't realize that D.J. would have a few more knights, also in shining armor, to contend with. Bella is working on a new themed wedding, even bigger than the last hoedown she engineered. The bride and groom to be want a medieval wedding complete with a castle, a moat, madrigal music and horse-drawn carriages.

Ms. Thompson fills her book with complications for a renaissance wedding from the very first chapter. Bella's life seems like it cannot get more complicated--oh, but it does!! With wayward actors, Food Network filming her aunt, complicated relationships, a night in jail (really!) and much hilarity, Swinging on a Star kept me turning the page, "Just one more!" until the wee hours of the night. I just had to finish.

The soundtrack to this guaranteed-to-make-you-smile novel is, once again, my favorite Dean Martin. Oh, and she lets Ole Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra sing a few too.

Swinging on A Star is available January 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. And if you enjoy it as much as I do, be on the lookout for It Had to Be You, Janice Thompson's third installment of herWeddings by Bella series. I can't wait!!

Until then I will just have to listen to Dean Martin and dream!

Many thanks to Revell/Baker Publishing from whom I received Swinging on a Star.

Blog Book Tour--The Swiss Courier

2009-11-14T09:22:00.004-06:00

by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey

I received an offer from Revell/Baker Publishing Group to join the blog book tour forThe Swiss Courier a while back. There were a lot of very positive reviews out there. Since I am a huge fan of historical fiction and this was an era that I didn't have fiction from, I agreed and looked forward to reading the book.

From the publishers: Award-winning authors Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey join forces for the first time with the release of their thrilling World War II-era fiction novel, The Swiss Courier.

Set in Switzerland during August 1944, The Swiss Courier whisks readers into the height of World War II as Nazi threats mount and governments race to develop the world’s first atomic bomb.

Gabi Mueller is a young Swiss-American woman working as a spy for the newly formed American Office of Strategic Services (the forerunner to the CIA) close to Nazi Germany. She is asked to put her life on the line to safely “courier” a defecting German nuclear physicist—who’s working on the atomic bomb project—out of Germany and into Switzerland, sending her into enemy territory to keep him (and his secrets) safe from the hands of the Gestapo.

As Gabi takes on this do-or-die mission, the fate of the world rests in her hands. If she can lead him to safety, she can keep the Germans from developing nuclear capabilities. But in a time of traitors and uncertainty, whom can she trust along the way?

This fast-paced, suspenseful novel takes readers along treacherous twists and turns during a fascinating—and deadly—time in history. Well-researched, The Swiss Courier includes true historical events to give the story greater authenticity. Danger, suspense and romance abound in this engaging page-turner.

Revell/Baker Publishing asks that as a member of the book tour I post my own review and I've had little problem with enthusiastic endorsements about the books I've read prior. This review has been a little harder; maybe given the seriousness of the subject matter and the era that it addresses I had higher expectations. While I thought The Swiss Courier was a good book, I'm not sure it lives up to the kudos I had read about it. Perhaps it is the limited size that limited the detail of the book.

It was pretty fast paced, but the characters were lacking in dimension. The main character Gabi Mueller is definitely sweet and likable. She is certainly a naïve young woman with limited vision. There were some rather stereotypical descriptions of secondary characters that included barmaids' bosoms and paramours that seemed unnecessary and interrupted the flow. If one were to only read this book as an account of the underground movement that defied Hitler, the reader might believe that only non-denominational Christians were the only members of the brave people who rescued, hid and transported to safety, the Jews who were brutally annihilated by the Nazi regime.

All in all it was a good book. If I were given to "stars" or "bookmark" ranking systems, I would give it a three and a half out of five. There are definitely some surprising twists and if you are looking for a Christian romance this would be a book you would enjoy.

Thanks to Revell/Baker Publishing for the copy of The Swiss Courier. Available October 2009 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Blog Book Tour--The Y Factor

2009-10-31T21:54:00.000-05:00

by Liam Roberts

Glass Road Public Relations asked if I would be interested in a book described as a "Medical AND political thriller? You bet! Liam Roberts is a debut novelist with characters who are bent on unraveling the genetic code...and applying it to the simmering situation between Christians and Muslims." That caught my attention!!

How could I turn it down? The Y Factor was a sprint race read--a book that kept me turning the pages and comparing it to the headlines. Mr. Roberts has been compared to one of my favorite authors--Tom Clancy. And I would say for a first published novel that was close to the mark. But as a Christian writer, Mr. Roberts offers a unique perspective; not only politically astute, but also with an eye on eternity.

The characters were young and enthusiastic, fresh out of university and ready to change the world. Little did Eric Colbern and Alana McKinsey realize that their first "real jobs" might be their last.

The Y Factor will take you around the world and back. You will be immersed in technology, history and human intrigue. There's even a little romantic intrigue to top it off.

Look for The Y Factor by Liam Roberts. Definitely a gripping read.

Thanks to Glass Road Public Relations for the copy of The Y Factor for review.

Blog Book Tour--Intimate Conversations

2009-10-02T23:52:00.001-05:00

Intimate Conversations: Devotions to Nurture a Woman's Soul by Alicia Britt Chole

In the middle of interrupted sentences, suffering, making breakfast for your child, fear, during the storms of life and in the car; Intimate Conversations by Alicia Britt Chole will provide a dose of reality that points you to closer communication with your Heavenly Father.

Chole's kind and familiar tone make each of the 52 devotions like talking to a friend. And more importantly give you ideas to get you talking to God.

From the Press Releases:

Relief for Busy Women and Moms

To Draw Closer to God—During All of Life’s Busy Moments

Author Alicia Britt Chole shows women how to rejuvenate their spiritual lives with this collection of short yet deeply thought-provoking meditations.

Women spend a large portion of their lives serving everyone around them—making sure the kids are fed and to school on time, the house is in working order, the to-do list is full of checkmarks and they’re volunteering on Sunday mornings at church. After pouring into everyone and everything else, it’s a struggle to have any time or energy left over at all—not even when it comes to cultivating their relationship with God.

Author and seasoned mentor Alicia Britt Chole offers relief. In her latest book, Intimate Conversations: Devotions to Nurture a Woman’s Soul, she shows women how every season—even those marked by hectic schedules and overwhelming responsibilities—can offer unprecedented opportunities to actually deepen your faith without having to put God on hold.

She reveals how that’s possible through this set of 52 daily readings. Each takes only moments to read, yet these poignant meditations will bring a refreshing perspective to a reader’s entire day.

Rather than ignore the daunting real-life issues and faith struggles that complicate your connection with God, Chole addresses them with grace and understanding. Whether it’s yearning to love God more, to learn to listen, to not give up or to overcome fear, she helps women understand how they can develop a more intimate and satisfying relationship with God in the midst of everyday challenges.

“I want to show women how each minute of every loud, distracting day is pregnant with potential for intimacy if we can learn how to simply and intentionally live it with God,” Chole says.

She draws from her experience as a mentor, daughter, wife and mother to weave personal stories of laughter and tears alongside Scripture in these meditations. Paired with thought-provoking questions for reflection or group discussion, Chole’s insightful writing will be cathartic for any woman who is hungering for a more intimate connection with God, no matter how crazy life gets.

Alicia Britt Chole speaks nationally and internationally to leaders, pastors, professionals, students, women, and churches. She has been a mentor for students and women for more than twenty years. She is the author of Anonymous and Finding the Unseen God. Chole lives in Missouri.

You can also visit Ms. Chole's blog Truthportraits.

“Intimate Conversations: Devotions to Nurture a Woman's Soul--available September 2009 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Blog Book Tour--An Eye for an Eye

2009-09-25T00:08:00.000-05:00

by Irene Hannon

Take a handsome FBI agent re-introduce him to the still beautiful woman he fell for twenty years ago, add the bumps and bruises and scars that come with maturing and living full lives and you have a wonderful romance. Add an atypical sniper after one of them and you have great suspense.

An Eye for an Eye was a marvelous blend of fast-paced action and a quiet and mature romance. Romantic suspense--an interesting blend. Just right for keeping me awake later than I needed to be more than a few nights because I couldn't leave the characters (really me) hanging.

Emily Lawson is the beautiful psychiatrist; a young widow with a lonely and broken heart. Mark Sanders is the rugged FBI agent recovering from a hostage incident where he was injured and a teen was killed. An unexpected meeting reunites them and the sparks they knew as teens still smolder.

Then there is the less than average attempted murderer who wants to kill one of them. But the question is which one? Irene Hannon leads the reader on a roller-coaster chase to catch the killer and keep both Jack and Emily alive.

Thoughtfully researched and written, Ms. Hannon gives the reader characters that are easy to become attached to. The characters journeys of faith are also interesting. Fear of loss, choosing forgiveness, and accepting personal weakness were all dealt with. Most touching to me were the reminders that no one can totally control life and the circumstances we find ourselves in. A strong faith in God can create peace even in the darkest moments.

An Eye for an Eye, book two in The Heroes of Quantico series is a great stand alone read--no need for reading Book One, Against All Odds--but I'm off to look for it! (Ms. Hannon actually notes in the Acknowledgments that An Eye for an Eye was written first.) The book is available from booksellers and Revell/Baker Publishing, who kindly provide me with the opportunity to read it. Book Three, In Harm's Way in on the horizon.

Fall Into Reading 2009--At the Goal Post

2009-09-23T00:24:00.001-05:00

My favorite season is autumn, time for turning leaves, turning the air conditioner off, turning a few pages of some wonderful books. Time for Katrina's Fall Into Reading 2009.

I've done this with varying success twice before in 2007 and 2008 and had a blast. There's something about having a goal and at least attaining part of it. Being a book addict is consuming sometimes. I have a habit of getting distracted from my original list.

This year I thought I might pick a limited list and just add to it as the days go on. As I stood in front of my burgeoning "To Be Read" SHELF I had to fight the urge to list all the books on there. I see & smell books and reason just flies out the window. What can I say?

So this is my "limited list" for 2009:

Out to Canaan by Jan Karon

Karon's books are always fresh and like a vacation in the town I've wanted to visit since I read her first book--At Home in Mitford. I'm sure I'll fly through this one, just as I've done with the predecessors.

Herbs and Apples by Helen Hooven Santmeyer

Santmeyer became one of my favorite authors nearly twenty years ago when I found her huge novel "...And Ladies of the Club." Within the last year, I've run across a couple more of her less published books and am glad for the chance to read more.

Bygones by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Stories of the Amish--the "Plain Folk" always interest me. I received this book a long time ago, read a few very interesting chapters and then for some reason got sidetracked. Time to pick it up again and finish it.

Armageddon Summer by Jane Yolen and Bruce Coville

Roo and I are reading books with themes including: futuristic projections, overpopulation, post-apocalyptic societies, dystopian/utopian societies. This caught my eye and I wanted to pre-read it before I handed it off to him. I've always been a fan of Jane Yolen's varied work and look forward to seeing how this story is handled.

Of Beetles & Angels by Mawi Asgedom

My sister gave me this book quite a while back with high recommendations. The story of this man's journey as a child from war torn east Africa to a Harvard scholar sounds remarkable.

M.C. Higgins, the Greatby Virginia Hamilton

It's hard to go wrong with a Newbery Medal book, although some of the Amazon reviews weren't terrible flattering. I'll reserve judgment until I read this children's literature myself

Ascension (Water Trilogy, Book 1)by Kara Dalkey

Honestly, the beautiful cover art on this book caught my eye. I have the trilogy and am looking forward to this young adult fantasy.

Thanks again to Katrina for her lovely challenge. Check out all the readers, and she has giveaways!! Always a fun thing.

Time to cozy up with tea or coffee and a good book.

I'm double posting my first Fall Into Reading 2009 post on both my blogs, the reviews will be here at Joyful Days Reviews & Recipes.

Fall Into Reading past;

Fall Into Reading 2008

Fall Into Reading 2007

Fall Into Reading 2009

2009-09-18T00:41:00.002-05:00

Katrina is hostessing

once again!!

Can you believe it's time for Fall already?

Getting my book list ready. And my computer.

OH!! And of course my BOOKS!!

Blog Book Tour--Silent Savior

2009-09-18T00:13:00.001-05:00

by A.J. Gregory

For when you are dry in the desert, for when the flood waters are up to you ears, for when you can't seem to find your candle to light in the darkness...for when God seems silent.

A.J. Gregory says the things you are afraid to say when you go to church, when you talk to your brothers and sisters in Christ over doughnuts in the fellowship hall, when you sit in Bible study, when you confess your sins. Many are able to admit to sin, but few want to admit to wavering faith, to doubt and questions when your heart is raw and you haven't heard a word from the LORD lately.

Have you been told you, "Just don't have enough faith about_____" or there's some "hidden sin" you haven't confessed, or that if you pray this or that prayer or follow just the right doctrine, your prayer request would be answered.

Society has convinced us that we can have it all and it all can be put together packaged and wrapped with a pretty bow and that message has seeped into our "church lives." Do you put on a happy face and answer, "Fine!" when asked how you are? Because a Christian should be happy and fine. But are you?

Gregory's book isn't going to tell you the magic answer to have your prayers all answered by the LORD. Silent Savior isn't going to tell you why you have prayers that haven't been answered. This refreshing and real book will let you know that it is okay to have questions, to ask them out loud and to hang on to the threads of faith when threads are all you have.

From reviews and the publisher:

What do you do when there's not even a still, small voice?

There are times in our lives when it's not just hard to hear God--it's impossible. We've all been there. Knowing on some deeper level that God is present no matter how things look, but still feeling the trickle of doubt. And wondering why the God whose faithfulness is never supposed to fail seems to be turning a giant deaf ear toward us. It's not always like this, but silent seasons are common in the life of any believer.

In Silent Savior, A. J. Gregory navigates that labyrinth of sorrow, pain, angst, and doubt on the way to a soul-deep recognition of God's infinite faithfulness and perpetual, if sometimes silent, presence. And she encourages you to keep believing he's there even when that silence seems deafening.
Endorsements

"Many of us tiptoe around the eggshells of the doubts and questions surrounding an intangible God. Gregory doesn't. And after reading this book, hopefully you won't either, but instead rest in a haven of depth and holy wonder."--Chris Seay, author

"In a beautiful and reflective way, Gregory reminds us we don't have to be embarrassed, afraid, or shocked to find the presence of God's silence in our lives."--Ron Martoia, author

"If you're looking for a book to move your stagnant faith, to stir the dry bones, and to bring truth to your life, you've got the right book."--Michael Franzese, author

Thanks to Revell/Baker Publishing and A.J. Gregory for the opportunity to read this thoughtful book.

Blog Book Tour--Fools Rush In

2009-09-11T21:56:00.001-05:00

by Janice Thompson

Janice Thompson certainly likes her weddings! Yes indeed, she does. The first Thompson wedding tale I read was back in 2007, Gone With the Groom, a wedding mystery with a missing groom. Her suspense filled Christian fiction was full of adventure and mayhem.

But Ms. Thompson really caught one of my weaknesses this time, she knows her Dean Martin. Oh yes indeed, she does! And one of my secret weaknesses is Dean Martin's singing. Dino croons the soundtrack of her latest novel, Fools Rush In: Weddings by Bella. Well...I suppose Ol' Blue Eyes sings a supporting backup, but it's Dean who leads the show.

Really, the story is about the very Itallian Bella Rossi and her search for the perfect country and western deejay. Because, you know, Italians and Texas have a lot in common...ummm, do they? Really? Well, maybe more than you'd think.

Bella has inherited the family business...ahem...the family wedding business, that is, and she intends on making it successful. Can a wedding planner who's never had her own wedding make it big designing others' happily ever after dreams? What about Bella's dreams? Will there ever be a wedding bell in her future? What happens when Bella's East-coast family meets the downhome Texas family of D.J, who may or may not be the deejay she's looking for.

Janice Thompson's quirky characters create madcap situations and manage to rely on the LORD at the same time. They are unapologetically Christian and are always ready to share what the LORD has done for them.

My only complaint with the book? Well, Ms. Thompson didn't work in my all time favorite Dean Martin song--Georgia Sunshine. I suppose given the book is about TEXAS and all I can understand. Book One of the Weddings by Bella series was so fun, I'll be on the lookout for Book Two, Swinging on a Star.

My thanks to Ms. Thompson and Revell Books/Baker Publishing for the great time I had with this fun, fast-paced read. Fools Rush In was just released and is available at your favorite bookseller, from Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing group.

The Frontiersman's Daughter

2009-08-30T17:00:00.001-05:00

by Laura Frantz

Blond and young, energetic and bold, Lael Click is a girl growing up fast in Kentucke, the territory destined to become the state of Kentucky. What is the destiny of the daughter of Ezekial Click? Will she remain barefooted and free living outside the fort named for her father? Will she become the young wife of her best friend's brother, Simon--an albeit charming boy, but harboring some troubling qualities? Will Lael turn to teaching inside the walls of the fort, feeling the walls containing her? Limiting her freedom?

This beautiful story set in the late 1700s is more than just a piece of historical fiction, it is an intensely personal glimpse at frontier life, the beauty and the raw realities of limited water, limited food, challenging weather and always close by, Indians.

Laura Frantz offers characters with many faceted personalities, many secrets shut away that come back to haunt, not only the secret bearer, but their children. The gritty everyday work of just surviving speaks from every page, but Frantz writes in such a way that the reader can catch a glimpse of the call that challenged so many to leave civilized life and endure many trials in the quest for "a new life."

The Frontiersman's Daughter was hard to put down. I must admit to a couple of nights lost sleep because I just wanted to finish "one more chapter." There was a little housework undone also. It was the perfect summer read for out on the patio.

Love, Loss and Forgiveness on the Kentucky Frontier

Stunning debut novel will delight historical fiction fans of Lynn Austin
in this story of romance and adventure during one of America’s most exciting eras

In The Frontiersman’s Daughter, debut novelist Laura Frantz plants readers into the demanding realities of frontier life during the time in American history when Daniel Boone was settling Kentucky. This story has personal significance to Frantz, because her ancestors were among those settlers who journeyed with Boone—and many remain in those original areas of Kentucky.

Drawing from cherished family lore as well as in-depth research in her writing, Frantz is able to paint a story with a distinct, captivating authenticity.

Frantz introduces readers to Lael Click, who is lovely but tough as nails and coming of age in the fragile Kentucky settlement that her father—a celebrated frontiersman—founded. Life as a pioneer isn’t easy, and it’s more than just the hardships of living in the wilderness that Lael must contend with: The arrival of an outlander doctor threatens her view of the world, God, and herself—as well as the power of grace and redemption.

In the midst of this, Lael must also face the loss of a childhood love, a dangerous family feud, the affection of a Shawnee warrior and the secret sins of her family’s past. Rather than give up, this strong woman draws strength from the rugged land she calls home. This epic novel gives readers a glimpse into the simple yet daring lives of the pioneers who first crossed the Appalachians, all through the courageous eyes of a determined young woman.

Laura Frantz credits her 100-year-old grandmother as being the catalyst for her fascination with Kentucky history. Frantz’s family followed Daniel Boone into Kentucky in 1792 and settled in Madison County where her family still resides. Frantz is a former schoolteacher and social worker who currently lives in Port Angeles, Washington, with her husband and two sons, whom she homeschools.

A Different Kind of Wild--Blog Book Tour

2009-08-24T22:00:00.002-05:00

God's timing is perfect and this book--A Different Kind of Wild: Is Your Faith Too Tame? by Debbie Alsdorf was just what I needed to read right now. You know those little sticky tabs you can use to highlight a good part in a book? My copy of this is covered in stickies!

Debbie Alsdorf is not afraid to show the gritty realities of humanity and share the struggles to walk away from a listless life to a life that is untamed and, yes, wild for GOD.

"Many of us have learned to live like we are dead. Here's a news flash: dead girls aren't wild; they're lifeless, useless, and buried in self. But women who are alive in Christ and actively living up in the truth of GOD's Word are passionate, free, unconventional, and courageous." p. 23.

WOW. What do you say to that? How do you respond? The gauntlet was thrown just daring me to stay rooted in a stale state of selfishness.

Ms. Alsdorf address wild living in the forms of not conforming to culture, not waiting to be perfect, forgiveness, refusing to worry, making the decision to love and so many other areas.

No sweet sounding, but unattainable dreams in this book; Alsdorf offers real choices we all can make, if only we are brave enough to be seen as different. As WILD.

This would be a fabulous book for anyone as a personal devotional, but I am sure it would be a wonderful study for a women's group, offering a chance to grow together and upwards in relationship with GOD.

A Different Kind of Wild: Is Your Faith Too Tame by Debbie Alsdorf from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is available now for purchase in stores and online. Many thanks to Baker Publishing for allowing me to review this blessing of a book.

From the publisher:
Time to Leave Tame Faith Behind

Get ready to experience the adventurous spiritual life God has for you

When Debbie Alsdorf speaks to Christian women, she has a message for them: “Go wild.” And she means it—but she’s talking about a different kind of wild living than the image we’re most familiar with.

“This new wild is about taking our lives back,” she says. “It’s about becoming women who dare to live differently—wild in surrender, wild in devotion, wild in service, and wild in following what God calls us to.”

She encourages women to embrace the adventure God has for them, and watch their faith flourish like never before. She looks at how women can be risk-takers for Christ, stand firm in crises, confront fear with truth, dare to live by a different standard and find courage to follow a new life path.

Alsdorf explains this call to becoming wild: “’Wild’ stands for ‘women in lifelong development.’” While this might sound intimidating and out-of-reach to some women, she points out that it is a process. “The key is understanding that it’s a lifelong development. There are no overnight spiritual success stories. We are on a journey with God: Each day the pages of life are turned, and line by line our story unfolds. It is a process.”

With passion and deep, Scriptural insights, Alsdorf—an exciting conference speaker, women’s ministry leader and Bible teacher—helps women live transformed lives with untamed faith and courageous obedience to God’s leading. Reflection questions are included, making this book an ideal resource for personal study or small-group use.

Debbie Alsdorf is the author of Deeper. As the founder of Design4Living Ministries, she seeks to encourage women to Live Up! in the truth of God’s Word. Since 1997, she has been the director of women’s ministries at Cornerstone Fellowship, where she and her team lead a vibrant women’s ministry. Debbie is a biblical lay counselor and a member of the Association of Christian Counselors. She lives in Northern California.

"Wow! This book is a must read for everyone who desires to live life wildly different. Instead of being led by our emotions and ever changing circumstances, Debbie shows how to live a life of confident faith in God’s truth. Her honest reflections, practical advice, and God inspired insights show us a radically different way to live. I’m encouraging every woman at our church to get a copy."
— Rachel Johnston, pastor of women's ministry, Bayside Church, Granite Bay,California

"A Different Kind of Wild is Debbie Alsdorf's best work yet … and it's no doubt the result of its message being lived and proved out in her own life. Now that's the kind of book I want to read; as well as the only kind of book I'll recommend."
— Julie Barnhill, author of One Tough Mother

Hello Cupcake!

2009-08-24T00:04:00.005-05:00

by Karen Tack and Alan Richardson

Looking for a fun way to dress up cupcakes? Look no further than this sweet book, Hello Cupcake!: Irresistibly Playful Creations Anyone Can Make An unbelievable number of fantastic ideas that will make you the hero when you deliver the goodies.

Part of this book's appeal is the lack of special cake decorating tools that are needed. Plastic sandwich bags, tubs of premade frosting and a couple boxes of cake mix and the ability to read and follow directions are all that is required.

What fun!

I have to admit I bought the book solely for the Pup Cakes to delight my sometimes hard to impress newly nine year old. More results can be seen at my Joyful Days blog. But there are so many great ideas in this book, we will be using it again and again.

For the cupcake enthusiasts, there is a website and a blog to further the cupcake cuteness.

Too sweet! Literally!

Blog Book Tour--The Knight

2009-08-23T23:00:00.000-05:00

Doctor Patrick Bowers, FBI agent and geoprofiler is facing off with yet another serial killer. This killer is unlike any other he's seen before. One of the victims? A murderer on the FBI's Most Wanted List, a man stalking Agent Bowers and his stepdaughter Tessa. Why? Has a serial killer saved Patrick Bowers?

The victims are killed in pairs. The death scenes are nearly works of art--almost poetic...almost? What or who has inspired these brutal homicides? How many more people are on the grizzly list? Just as important might be who else is on the list?

And this latest killer is not Bowers' only concern. A convicted cannibal Bowers helped put away thirteen years ago is being considered for release. How much of the truth will Patrick be willing to share in the name of justice. Agent Bowers wrestles with himself to see where the line is between himself and the criminals he tracks down.

Author Steven James weaves the twisted and sinister tale magnificently. This master storyteller's web is deathly and disturbing. It is hard to comprehend how he can look repeatedly into the minds of ruthless killers and share their manipulative methods.

As in The Pawn and The Rook, Mr. James style is rapid fire and unrelenting, leading the reader on a frantic chase with Bowers where time has already run out for so many victims. How many more people will succumb to the terror of this madman?

Mr. James subtly injects a strong Christian message into his writing. I was deeply touched by the pro-life theme he included in this novel. But a serious note of caution: The Knight is graphic and not for the faint of heart. Be prepared to lose a little sleep if reading into the wee hours.

The Knight is available August 2009 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Many thanks to Baker Publishing for providing this chilling read.

From the publisher, reviews for The Knight and Steven James:

Killer is on the Loose with an Ancient Manuscript as His Guide

New thriller from critically acclaimed novelist takes readers on a shocking rollercoaster ride to stop this violent killer before it’s too late.

Steven James is one of the nation’s most innovative storytellers—with a Master of Arts in Storytelling degree to prove it. For the past decade, he has been crafting compelling and evocative stories that pull readers into the thick of his brilliant, mind-bending plots, and his latest creative endeavor is no different: The Knight, the third installment in his bestselling series of thrillers, is full of the chilling twists and adrenaline-laced action that readers have come to expect from James.

The Knight picks up in The Bowers Files series, starring FBI criminologist Patrick Bowers, who is assigned to tracking the country’s most dangerous killers. But when he is called to his most disturbing crime scene yet, Bowers begins to realize that this criminal mastermind has actually been tracking him.

To get to the bottom of this cold-blooded case, Bowers uses his cutting-edge investigative techniques to decipher the evidence and Your browser may not support display of this image. discovers that the murderer has been using an ancient manuscript as a blueprint for his crimes. This sends Bowers on a race against time to stop the killer before he takes his next victim in another grisly crime.

But even as he is working to crack the clues of this bloody trail, Bowers finds himself stumped by another matter: An old murder case haunts him, causing him to question himself and wonder which is more important—truth or justice. The answer might set a killer free or change Bowers into a criminal himself.

Keeping readers guessing until the very end, James has earned rave reviews from the likes of Publishers Weekly, which called his thrillers “a wild ride with a shocking conclusion.” The Knight offers readers more of the same, as the satisfying follow-up to his previous bestselling psychological thrillers in The Bowers Files series, The Pawn and The Rook.

Praise from real-life investigators

"Steven James's ability to use modern, up-to-date investigative
techniques to solve his criminal mysteries places him
at the forefront of current mystery writers."
— E. Cleon Glaze, retired FBI agent, Alaska

"Steven James combines 21st-century high-tech law enforcement
techniques with 18th-century Sherlockian deduction
to craft an exciting, suspense-filled story."
— Dr. Kim Rossmo,
Center for Geospatial Intelligence and Investigation, Texas State University

The Knight is available August 2009 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Many thanks to Baker Publishing for providing this chilling read.

Romancing Hollywood Noboday--Review

2009-08-17T17:12:00.006-05:00

I finally caught up with the Hollywood Nobody, aka Scotty Dawn, a little later than I would have liked. But I was glad I did. Scotty is back in Lisa Samson's third book of the series. She is on the road with her grandmother and, hallelujah!--with her father and they are on the set of another movie where Scotty is growing in her faith and as a young woman.

Just like the previous Hollywood Nobody books, Samson's uses a fresh and open approach having her characters deal with relevant teen issues such as dealing with family, serious illness, dating, alcohol, celebrity idols, making a difference in the world around oneself and most importantly growing in a relationship with the LORD.

Familiar faces such as Seth Haas, Scotty's celebrity crush that she's actually friends with, Seth's parents, and Jeremy the indie film director, make appearances. New characters have a Scottish appeal. Will Scotty forget about Seth for a bagpiper who looks good in a kilt?

The first three Hollywood Nobody books are fun fast reads. I highly recommend them for the fourteen and older set and any moms out there that want an enjoyable positive treat. I'll be off to get Nobody book #4--Goodbye, Hollywood Nobody already out.

Vacationing on Blossom Street

2009-08-16T21:18:00.005-05:00

A while back I won Debbie Macomber's Summer on Blossom Street at my sweet friend Renee's blog. (Renee is now posting mainly at her new blog--A Path of Joy, you should visit her!) I've been wanting to read Debbie Macomber's stories since I heard about her and this seemed like a great introduction.

But in true Julie fashion, after realizing Summer on Blossom Street wasn't the first of the Blossom Street books, I had to see if I could find the start of the story. And I did!! The Shop on Blossom Street was available at my library branch and I grabbed that and put the other stories on hold. Somehow I didn't realize that they arrived out of order and after flying through the first (in a day and a half) I jumped into Back on Blossom Street, which is the third book. And in a couple more days I had finished Summer on Blossom Street.

Five days on Blossom Street (amidst travel and restarting school for the boys and just general life) was awesome!! As a relatively new and very obsessed knitter, I was charmed by Lydia Hoffman's store. I love that Debbie includes a knitting project in each of her books. I think I need to start listening to audiobooks, though, because the only problem I've found with knitting, besides storing my yarn stash, is that you cannot knit and read at the same time!!

Debbie Macomber's characters are varied and vulnerable, each in their own unique way. The common thread that connects them all is Lydia Hoffman--a young, two time cancer survivor, who recently lost her father. Lydia is stepping out in faith, believing that she will meet life head on and enjoy it the way her father would have approved of.

In The Shop on Blossom Street we meet Lydia's sister, Margaret in the first book, we also meet Alix Townsend, a tough young woman with community service hours to fill, Carol Girard who prays for a child, and wealthy Jacqueline Donovan who proves money doesn't buy happiness. These original characters remain friends with Lydia, some of them taking background roles, some remaining in the forefront of subsequent books. And in the following books of the series we continue to meet new knitters, all with stories that lead them to A Good Yarn, Lydia's shop.

No one is perfect at A Good Yarn, and they certainly have mixed and sometimes questionable backgrounds, and yet they all charm their way into my heart. God's redeeming love is evident on Blossom Street and that is why I will be returning to visit there often.

Thanks, Renee for getting me started on Blossom Street and Debbie Macomber. I can't wait to go back!

Book Review--Mom Needs Chocolate by Debora Coty

2009-06-29T00:05:00.000-05:00

When Glass Road Public Relations offered me a chance to read Debora Coty's new book, Mom Needs Chocolate, I thought, "That's the book for me!"

Did the title catch my attention? You bet!

Did the pages of the book live up to that title? Most certainly and then some!

Debora Coty writes the conversations you can only have with a friend, and not just any friend. These are the conversations between moms who have "been there, done that and gotten the t-shirts."

Part tea and sympathy (and a lot of laughs), part devotional-to-go, this small book has been my companion in waiting rooms and cars lately. To be quite honest, I'm not finished with it--I'm savoring it.

This would be a great read for a mom's group. The chapters are short, sweet, sometimes sassy and the three questions at the end are thought provoking and would make for great conversation.

From the publisher:

What’s a Rundown, Run-Ragged Mom to Do?!

Your spirit yearns to soar, but your feet—and faith—are stuck in the diaper-by-diaper mud of everyday responsibilities. How can you de-muck when you’re chronically exhausted and relentlessly robbed of abundant life by the joy-sucking dully-funks? Mom Needs Chocolate will help you get back in touch with rejuvenating joy and empowering faith!

In mom-to-mom, smile-provoking style, humorist Debora M. Coty paints her offbeat picture of reality with a tangy twist, and offers outrageous coping tips, off-the-wall insights, sisterly hugs and warm encouragement.

With witty frankness and wild abandon, she tackles the highs and lows (and mediums) of marriage, the horror of embarrassing children, the defeat and (and re-defeat) of depression, aging grossfully (er, gracefully), and a veritable grocery list of other mud-between-your-toes issues.

You will glimpse the all-too-familiar in these hilarious and heartwarming stories, and remember how to hear God's still, small voice above blathering kids, howling pets and snarling traffic!

I can definitely recommend sneaking five minutes a day to enjoy this book--with chocolate, of course! You deserve the treat.

Thoughts on Thursday

2009-04-23T00:15:00.009-05:00

So it's Thought's on Friday...but who's counting. Dollar short & a day late, isn't that how the saying goes?

Beauty and Loveliness

Mother Teresa's successor via Da Mihi Animas. She has some shoes to fill.

Just to make you smile...at Sassy & Sweet Notesa baby...go take a peek, I'll wait.

I didn't say what kind of baby!

Recipes

Lasagne of Emilia-Romagna at Arabian Knits. This looks so yummy!

Alfredo Chicken Pizza from Renee's Kitchen Comforts. I don't want to share this.

Ginger Grapefruit Bread at The Happy Belly Bakery. A new-to-me blog I found.

Arts and Crafts

Gorgeous Heart Pendant at But Is It Art?

Check out this Amish Dalia Square at On Pins and Needles.

Spring box directions at Out to Impress--it is for Easter, but could be modified the year through.

Parenting and Homeschooling

Talking to your child about disabilities

Is Gardasil worth it? via ProLifeBlogs.com.

Politics

A nice visual to demonstrate the size of the debt--The American Catholic

Why weren't all the memos released?? at Stop the ACLU

Is Quoting Scripture a Hate Crime by Jean at Catholic Fire

Religion

The Sacrament of Marriage at Quite the Normal Life

Do we need Sacraments? at Crossed the Tiber

Bishop Finn says, "We are at war..." I'm so glad he is our Bishop!

I'd be happy to include a link if you want me to & it is family friendly.

Have a great day!

Julie

Thoughts for Thursday

2009-04-16T00:59:00.007-05:00

Beauty & Loveliness

How to Display Kids' Artwork... and Why We're Wired to Createfrom Holy Experience by Ann Voskamp

Susan Boyle just gets more lovely the more I learn about her. Via The Anchoress

Quilt Barns, Part 1 at Prim Rose Hill Studio

Recipes

Lamb Recipes h/t MacBeth's Opinion

Pumpkin & Chocolate Chip Cookies from Just Give Me Stamps

Lamb Shaped Cake from Catholic Cuisine

Arts & Crafts

Easter eggs at Waltzing Matilda and (4:53 am)
Make a sofa table for under $20 from Thrifty Decor Chick

Tea for Two by Capture the Moment

Make Your Own Loom at Happy Hearts At Home

Parenting & Homeschooling

Homeschoolers' greatest fear from Patricia Lewis at WorldNet Daily

Are We too Busy? by Falling on His Grace

For mothers who need a fresh start - Resurrection hope from Barbara at Mommy Life

Politics

Are You a Terrorist?

Stop Spending Our Future from Catholic Fire

Have you read the Teleprompter's Blog/TOTUS?

Religion

New Cross installed at Holy Family Shrine from RECONnecting to the Truth

To Bead or Not To Bead, That Is the Question from Scattering the Flowers

Esquire's Man of the Year from Mike's America

Thoughts for Thursday

2009-02-19T09:11:00.004-06:00

Beauty & Loveliness

Miep Gies who sheltered Anne Frank and her family turned 100. neo-neocon has the story & links.

Recipes

Blueberry Buckle

Fried Tortellini

Art & Crafting

Gorgeous Necklace courtesy of Jewelry and Beading

Journal Pages with Inchies Ingrid Dijkers

The Shabby Nest--I can't pick just one post.

Homeschool & Parenting

Handwriting...Barbara at Mommy Life talks about it and I offered an opinion a while back.

Words being dropped from dictionaries? Faith & Country I'm not surprised, I had a public school girl tell me, "Bible Schmible. Who reads that?"

If I had it to do over I would have delayed vaccination. I am so grateful that my children didn't suffer because of my lack of knowledge. Catholic Fire offers some good links.

Ten New Species of Amphibian Discovered, Paul Ibrahim,Blog

52 Zoos in 52 Weeks!!!! I want to do this! H/t Jennifer's Favorite Links

Politics & Religion

Unborn Child Saved by 12-Year-Old's Popular Pro-Life Presentation LifeSiteNews

Obama orders 17,000 troops to Afghanistan - where are the peaceniks now?Once a week I recommend some links. Everyday Barbara at Mommy Life offers great links on parenting and current events that are helpful to parents. Visit her!

Seven States Have Launched Efforts for Personhood Rights for Pre-born - More Expected LifeSiteNews

It was okay to compare Bush to a chimp, but not the big O. Paul Ibrahim, Blog

Memememememe.....

2009-02-16T00:07:00.002-06:00

I'm slowly catching up with some blogging blessings and blogging fun that have come my way.

lilly at Reading Extravaganza has tagged me for a meme:

The rules for the tag are simple.Link to the person who has tagged you.Write down six things that make you happy.Post the rules, tag six others and let them know you did it. Then tell the person when your entry is complete.

Six things that make me happy? Only six? Let's make it six things that make me happy with a book. 'K??

1) Books that capture my fancy within the first paragraph.

2) Characters that are so real I dream about them.

3) A book so rich I want to read it again.

4) Books with sequels that are already out so I don't have to wait two years for the next installment

5) New books (or previously undiscovered books) by a beloved author.

6) When I find a book on my list at the Half Price Book Store for $2 or less.

I will tag:
Barbara
Carrie
Mrs. Pogle
Esther
gemma

AND YOU!! If you haven't played it is always fun to think of things that make you happy.

You don't have to make yours about books--just things that make you happy. Make it fit you! Play only if you want & have time.

Barbara at Stray Thoughts also tagged me for The Bookshelf Meme

Tell me about the book that’s been on your shelves the longest... That's kind of hard to say because I have so many books. My father's copy of The Robe and The Silver Chalice are on my shelves. He knows that. We talked about them the last time he was here. There are a couple children's books called The Summerfolk and another called All Horses Go to Heaven (that's what it's called--not a theological opinion). They've been part of my personal library for forever.

Tell me about a book that reminds you of something specific in your life (i.e. a person, a place, a time, etc.)... Marguerite Henry and Walter Farley both wrote about horses. When I was growing up, I was as horse crazy as they come. I remember repeatedly, we are talking over and over and over, checking their books out from the library. I recently read Misty of Chincoteague with Boo and it took me back to the huge old library where I remember some of my happiest times. Walter Farley wrote The Black Stallion series; Marguerite Henry wrote about 40 different stories about horses; Misty had foals and they got stories, but it was from reading her books and Farley's that I traveled to other countries, rode on the backs of unrideable horses, cleaned stalls, groomed coats, picked hooves, drove carts and so many other horse experiences. I can still smell the horses and hay...

Tell me about a book you acquired in some interesting way (gift, serendipity, in a used bookstore, prize, etc.)...
"...And Ladies of the Club.." by Helen Hooven Santemeyer is one of my all time favorite books. I first read it over thirteen years ago. Somewhere along the line I lost my first copy. I kept thinking..."Well, you already read it more than once. Why do you need to have it?" I wanted to read it again. And again. About two years ago I found a copy at a garage sale and since then have found a couple extra copies that I've been able to share with friends. At over 1000 pages it is a mountain of a book, but full of American history and memorable women.

Tell me about the most recent addition to your shelves... I picked up an old, old collection of Oscar Wilde's stories for $3 at (you guessed it) The Half Price Bookstore. It has The Picture of Dorian Gray, a story I've been meaning to read for a long time.

Tell me about a book that has been with you the most places... All of those books mentioned in the first question have followed me where ever I've gone. You can ask my family and friends--I don't travel light. My books go with me.

Tell me about a bonus book that doesn’t fit any of the above questions...Oh, I can't write about just one!! But maybe a set will do. I have my mother's collection of "Amish" books; some by Beverly Lewis and some by Wanda E. Brunstetter. They are good books that are refreshing to read.

The Rules
1. Tag 3-5 people, so the fun keeps going!
2. Leave a comment at the original post at A Striped Armchair, so that Eva can collect everyone’s answers.
3. If you leave a comment and link back to Eva as the meme’s creator, she will enter you in a book giveaway contest! She has a whole shelf devoted to giveaway books that you’ll be able to choose from, or a bookmooch point if you prefer.
4. Remember that this is all about enjoying books as physical objects, so feel free to describe the exact book you’re talking about, down to that warping from being dropped in the bath water…
5. Make the meme more fun with visuals! Covers of the specific edition you’re talking about, photos of your bookshelves, etc.

I took long enough on getting these out that I'm not posting visuals.

I will tag:

Kim
lilly
Renee

Only if you have time and want to play!

Whew!! That was some mememememeing...

Daniel's Den

2009-02-15T22:05:00.004-06:00

Daniel's Den by Brandt Dodson

Edited to ad the book giveaway is closed. Judy of Apron Strings and Other Ties that Bind is the winner. Congratulations!!

Glass Road Public Relations sent me Daniel's Den for review at the end of last week. From press releases:

In this fast–paced thriller Daniel Borden, a young government accountant learns to trust God when his life begins to fall apart and unseen enemies pursue him with relentless zeal.

Borden is a thirty–year–old government accountant who lives a quiet life and plays by the rules. But when events transpire that shatter his orderly world and a team of assassins mark him for death, Daniel must flee for his life.

Laura Traynor had the perfect life until her husband's early death to cancer left her with a barely profitable bed-and-breakfast, a mountain of debt, and a young son to raise alone. Now she fights each day to stay afloat and to repel the man who keeps coming by and offering to purchase her place. Something about him doesn't quite seem right...

As they try to unravel the mystery that confronts them, they discover how tenuous life can be and how their very existence depends on the God who will never abandon them.

A perfect suspense tale for readers who love Dee Henderson, James Scott Bell, Brandilyn Collins, and James Patterson.

Dodson's attention to detail and descriptive style draw a reader into the scene quickly. His writing is fast-paced and moves you quickly from character to character.

Both Laura and Daniel have had great losses and lean years throughout their lives. They each reached a place where they thought they had it all. But will they have enough faith to carry them through danger, trials and a common enemy? Where is God in the midst of all this and will they find Him?

I was supposed to receive two copies of Daniel's Den, one for me and one for a giveaway but only received one. I'm offering the one I have for a giveaway. I'm posting the reveiw on my Joyful Days blog also. Leave a comment on either post to enter the giveaway.

I will announce the winner Friday morning, February 20th.

Thoughts for Thursday

2009-02-12T09:52:00.010-06:00

Send a Red Envelope to our president. Let him know we care about all innocent lives.

Recipes

Triple Decker Quesadilla courtesy of Kraft Food & Family--check them out!

Melanzane alla parmigiana Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

For Fun

Valentines Day quotes from Barbara at Stray Thoughts.

Valentines Day Fun at Praying for Grace.

Do you want to read the Star Wars saga? Check out the list of all the novels or the complete list of books (the Wookiepedia). Who knew?

Homeschooling

Things about Lincoln from Catholic Fire.

Surviving Winter at SmallWorld.

Bat Moms at These Things.

Make your own Waldorf Doll courtesy of Happy Hearts at Home
.
UN would take away parental rights at True Confessions of a Prodigal Daughter.

Al Gore says kids should not listen to their parents. H/t John Lott.

Around the World and Next Door

We're all socialists now - Newsweek makes it official courtesy of Barbara at Mommy Life (who I pray keeps posting the way she has been!)

“The cult of Moloch lives on today” California Catholic Daily

Senator Barbara Boxer wants to hand power over U.S. sovereignty to the United Nations at Stop the ACLU.

Nurse was suspended for offering to pray, but reinstated. First story found at Catholic Fire, second LifeSiteNews.

Resolutions of Independence in 10 States? Check out td blog.

Musing Mondays

2009-02-08T23:51:00.006-06:00

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about bookmarks…

What do you use to mark your place while reading? Do you have a definite preference? Do you use bookmarks, paper, or (gasp) turn down the pages? If you use bookmarks, do you have a favourite one?

I actually have a bookmark collection! One of my hobbies is paper-crafting and I have participated in several swaps and so I've got a few really nice bookmarks. I also have a few prayer cards and little pieces of ribbons that I use.

I do have a couple favorites. I have a matching pair someone else made. They have rubber stamped images on black cardstock, a smooth ribbon at the top and a bead with a little weight to hang down over. They seem to stay put really well.

My poor children live with a picky mom. I do not like bending down pages or worse yet laying a book open face down--it breaks the spine!! For their books for school I use little post-it tabs that are really cheap at Wally-World. I will mark a weeks worth of reading that way and there is no chance of a bookmark falling out and a page getting missed.

Musing Mondays is at Just One More Page. Check out what others are musing about!

Thoughts for Thursday

2009-02-06T13:28:00.006-06:00

Well it's Friday, but there are still links to share. Thursday just didn't seem to cooperate with blogging...

Recipes:

Lemon Drizzle Cake looks fabulous at Dragonfly.

Lovely Linds makes a lovely Carrot Cake!

Michelle at Scribbit always has wonderful recipes. The Cinnamon Dumplings with Apple Cider Syrup really caught my fancy.

Crafts:

I want to make and use beads like these at Art Bead Scene!

Lovely thoughts:

Have you met "MA"? She's a blogger that will make you smile. She has two lovely blogs--What's New at My House and On the Bright Side. She is a cup of sunshine everyday.

Offbeat Modest Dress has a series about dressing in a stylish manner while remaining modest. I love this series. Wish I had a little more to spend.

Lisa's Chaos--A visit to her site is a small vacation. Her photography is phenomenal!

Homeschool:

TangleDoodle Art, what a neat idea for Art Class--at Semicolon.

Of Interest:

Just how much money is $825 billion? from Soutenus.

Will the Post Office quit delivering on Tuesdays? via Paul Ibrahim on Blog.

Politics and Religion (the things we're not supposed to talk about if we want to be popular):

Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill is Enthroned. And his remarks on the joyous occasion.

Translating "Liberal Speak" from Barbara at Mommy Life.

Monday Musings

2009-02-02T00:00:00.000-06:00

"Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about book stores…

How do you choose what do buy from your local bookstore? Do you have a list, or just browse? What is the selection in your book store like? Do you find what you're looking for? Do you feel pressured to buy the kind of books the store makes prominent? (question courtesy of MizB)"

I decided to take a stab at Monday's Musings. This one's about one of my favorite passtimes--visiting bookstores!

I've seriously cut back on my purchases from bookstores and plan to try to keep my "hobby" in check this year, mostly because there are stacks and stacks overflowing to the floor. But when a "good deal" presents itself, it is hard to walk by.

My favorite bookstore is the Half Price Bookstore and I'm trying to limit my purchases to sale books only--50 cents--$3. I have a huge list of books I want to read (not kidding it is about 10 pages long) and if I see something on my list, I'll grab it. And then if I find something and the cover catches my eye, I can easily convince myself that it was put there just for me.

When I shop regular/new bookstores it is generally with a gift in mind, although about once a month while I am waiting for the boys I will go and inhale as much new booksmell as I possibly can. There again, I have a huge time passing up any sale, whether it is something on my list or not.

I never have a hard time finding "something" to buy. I don't feel "pressured" by the endcaps and displays, but it's the closeout sales that do me in every time.

Visit Just One More Page for more Monday Musings.

Thoughts for Thursday

2009-01-29T10:24:00.004-06:00

Several "Thoughts for Thursday." Something for everyone...

Recipes I want to try:

Chocolate Gravy at Boo Mama's--I haven't had this in years.

Potato Leek Soup courtesy of Father John Zuhlsdorf

Blackberry Wine Cake from Lisa at It's the Little Things

Next Christmas I want to try Mommy's Martini's Christmas Cake

Homeschool Thoughts:

Taking Photos of Snowflakes at Pondered In My Heart

Pacifying the Beast at Life Without School.

Not just for homeschoolers, but for all parents--How Can We Encourage Reading Aloud? Jen Robinson has a great post.

Poiema reminded me about String Art! Looks fun.

Jena at yarns of the heart answers some questions, really good questions, about homeschooling.

Politics and/or Religion Thoughts:

Obama's Little Blue Book--didn't Chairman Mao have something similar???? Seen first at Michelle Malkin, but for only$5.95 on Amazon. I. Kid. You. Not. Gift wrap available.

Global Taxes??? I don't even like national ones. Yikes!

From Barbara at Mommy Life--Criticism in the pews. "While I was prepared to keep an open mind about Obama, my definition of open-mindedness does not include letting my brains fall out as so many previously self-identified conservatives seem to have done...

Why not a big party on the lawn? asks the The Raving Theist (who, for the record, used to be The Raving Atheist).

What the FOCA?--learn what FOCA is really going to do for you. Courtesy of Jean at Catholic Fire.

“We consider right of conscience to be the biggest issue we face," said Dr. David Stevens, executive director of the Christian Medical Association. "If we lose this one, soon there will be no Christian health care personnel debating the other ethical issues like cloning or physician-assisted suicide.”Planned Parenthood: "pro-choice" for abortion, "no choice" for doctors from ProLife Blogs.com

"What have they got to be worried about?" asks The American Thinker.

What are you thinking about this day?

If you have something you would like me to add to my Thursday links, feel free to e-mail me at ourjoyfuldays at gmail dot com

Sarah, Plain and Tall

2009-01-28T21:05:00.000-06:00

Somewhere along while back when we began homeschooling, I got the mistaken notion that the Patricia MacLachlan series starting with Sarah, Plain and Tall was for little girls. I am happy to report that I was wrong.

The Sarah, Plain and Tall series is for boys and girls and grown-ups, too. I loved every one. And to my delight, both of my boys really enjoyed the story of Sarah, who comes to live with Jacob Witting and his children on the plains of Kansas.

I have been planning on writing a review of the books and movies. Don't know what took me so long, but I finally did get around to sharing. I'm sure everyone knows about them already, but I love them so much, I'm going to share anyway.

We have read them as read alouds and as readers. The boys have read them individually and I have reread them more than once. The series includes: Sarah, Plain and Tall, Skylark, Caleb's Story, More Perfect than the Moon, and Grandfather's Dance.

Jacob Witting is a farmer in the late 19th century and has lost his young wife when she gave birth to his son Caleb. Busy with his farm and raising Caleb and Anna his daughter, Witting has little time for any fun or merriment.

One day he realizes the children need a woman and he places an ad for a wife in a newspaper.

Sarah Wheaton from New England answers his ad and travels by train to meet the motherless family. She brings her cat Seal and stories of a land where water is as endless as the prairie.

MacLachlan uses simple and few well selected words. The volumes are slim, but every sentence is packed to overflowing with content. While the stories are definitely prose they sing in the heart like poetry.

The first two volumes are told from the perspective of Anna, the oldest daughter. The third is told from Caleb's view and and number four and five from Cassie's view.

The books are listed as readers for Grades 3-5 and that is definitely appropriate, but younger children will enjoy them as read alouds. Parents will love the stories too.

New characters join beloved characters as the story unfolds and the family grows. The story of Sarah Wheaton and Jacob Witting is a lesson in history, a lesson in growing, a lesson in living and a lesson in love.

There are three beautifully done Hallmark movies with Glenn Close as Sarah and Christopher Walken as Jacob Witting. MacLachlan was involved in the scripting of the series of films and they are true to the books.

I think the simpleness of her writing allowed the movies to be all the more wonderful. They were exactly as I had imagined them as we were reading.

The movies are family fare, no bad language or questionable scenes. If you loved Little House and Caddie Woodlawn you will love Sarah, Plain and Tall.

The Dragon in the Sock Drawer

2009-01-28T11:55:00.005-06:00

The Dragon in the Soc k Drawer by Kate Klimo

Eight year-old Boo read the Dragon in the Sock Drawer and was really pleased with it. He was tickled that I decided to see what all of the fun was about and read it myself.

This is an incredibly cute book about cousins, Jesse and Daisy, whose dream it has always been to share a magical adventure. When Jesse happens upon a special thunderegg the fun and magic begins.

The thunderegg soon hatches and reveals a very precocious young dragon the cousins name Emerald--Emmy for short. But someone is following, someone is trying to take Emmy away from the new dragon keepers.

As always the children in the story keep secrets from adults, much of the mayhem may have been prevented if they clued Daisy's dad in from the beginning...but come on...what adult is really going to believe that this lizard looking creature is really a dragon from the "Time Before"?

The book is listed as reader for ages 9-12. I would definitely recommend it as a read aloud for younger children who like a good adventure with dragons and a bad guy thrown in to keep the young heroes hopping.

The Tombs of Atuan

2009-01-28T11:35:00.007-06:00

The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula Le Guin

The Tombs of Atuan is the second book in the Earthsea cycle. I finsihed the first,A Wizard of Earthsea during the Fall into Reading 2009 Challenge. It ended up being a little treasure.

Having connected to the character, Ged, in the first story, I was a bit put off that Tombs began with a little girl, related in no way to Ged. I admit to taking a very slow approach to reading the book in the beginning. But once I allowed myself to settle in I became as attached to Tenar (the little girl) as I had been to Ged.

Le Guin's stories place an importance on names, geography, upbringing, and cultural traditions. Tenar is taken away from her family at six to the Tombs of Atuan to be the High Priestess of the Nameless Ones. She is stripped of her name and finally her memories. She lives the life of the Priestess, a life that everyone believes existed in the Priestess before her, and the one before her.

Tenar becomes Arha, The Eaten One...

It is almost halfway through the book before we see Ged enter the story. Ged has come to find the Ring of Erreth-Akbe. He also finds, and is found by Arha. He becomes her prisoner, but in doing so helps her regain her memories.

The Tombs of Atuan is as dark as the name suggests. There is so much that Le Guin could have written, so much detail that was left out it seems. But I think in giving the bare bones of the story Le Guin allows the reader to move forward and not become bogged in history that may or may not be of interest. At only 146 pages this books is small, but packs a big punch.

I'll be following up with the third book, The Farthest Shore, soon.

At first I thought there were only three books in this series. But there are more in the Earthsea collection. I kept finding conflicting information and was stumbling around trying to see what the order was, and finally had the brilliant idea to see if Le Guin, herself listed them on her website. What do you know? She did; citing her publisher had put them out of order. The books from Earthsea are: A Wizard of Earthsea, The Tombs of Atuan, The Farthest Shore, Tehanu, Tales from Earthsea, The Other Wind.

The Tombs of Atuan was a book on my Winter Reading Challenge List.

Robin of My Two Blessings is hostessing the Winter Reading Challenge.

What's On Your Nightstand--January

2009-01-27T11:59:00.006-06:00

Five Minutes for Books offers the monthly meme--What's On Your Nightstand. I thought that would be a nice one to join. So here's my "nightstand" also known as "scattered around the messy house:"

The Restless Sea (The Morland Dynasty Book 27) by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles. This series is fabulous, thirty books deep so far, covering the history of England. I've learned so much and enjoyed it all the way.

When Mothers Pray by Cheri Fuller. Can you ever pray to much for your children? I don't think so. I've enjoyed re-reading this book. My husband gave this to me when the boys were tiny; I think it's meant more for me this time.

Grim Tuesday (The Keys to the Kingdom Book 2) by Garth Nix. I read Mr. Monday for the Fall into Reading Challenge 2008. I didn't think I would go back for more at the time, but Roo, my oldest has really gotten into the series and I want to be aware of what he is reading. This is in his words, "a bit gratuitous" in the weirdness, but hard to put down, nonetheless.

It's Not the Same without You by Mitch Finley. This was a "stumble on" from the library. As a Catholic returning to the Church after a long absence, I've been blessed by every page.

The Last of the Mohicans is sitting there...it's not reading itself, either. I'm having a hard time getting into that. I think it will be the last one I read for the Winter Reading Challenge.

I have been starting my mornings with prayer and reading before I start the computer and it has been a blessing. Morning readings are from:

Abide in My Word
St. Joseph's Daily Prayer Book
But Who Do You Say I Am? by Bishop John A. Marshall
My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers

I am participating in the Winter Reading Challenge and the Chunkster Challenge 2009. They are overlapping, so I hope I can finish.

What's on your nightstand?

Pumpkin Cake

2009-01-26T08:24:00.002-06:00

Cake:
1 Duncan Hines Spice cake mix
1 1/4 cup pumkin pie mix (the kind that is already seasoned)
3 large eggs
1/3 cup oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix cake mix, eggs, pumpkin and oil. Pour into a lightly greased 9x13 pan or baking dish. Bake for 30-40 minutes.

Frosting:
1 container Duncan Hines Butter Cream Frosting
1 pkg cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons butter
cinnamon to taste

Mix frosting and cream cheese, add sugar and butter. Mix in cinnamon to taste. Frost cooled cake.

Simple Chili

2009-01-26T08:16:00.003-06:00

1 lg (29 oz) can of Crushed Tomatoes
1 lg (20 oz) can Bush's Mild Chili beans
1 sm (16 oz) can Bush's Medium Chili beans
1/2 lb ground turkey
1/2 lb chili ground hamburger
chili powder
garlic powder
dehydrated onions

Brown burger, seasoning with chili powder, garlic powder and dried onions to taste. In crockpot add tomatoes, beans and cooked burger. Stir and add addtional seasoning if desired.

Top with shredded cheese, sour cream or crackers. Serve with cornbread.

Mor-book-ly Obese

2009-01-22T09:31:00.004-06:00

I tried really hard not to join another challenge, but with categories like: The Chubby Chunkster, Do These Books Make My Butt Look Fat?, Mor-book-ly Obese and Too Big To Ignore Anymore, I couldn't resist.

Think Pink Dana Feelin' Chunky is hostessing theChunkster Challenge 2009.

I wanted to go for the Do These Books Make My Butt Look Fat? ("this option is for the slightly heavier reader who wants to commit to 3-5 Chunksters over the next ten months") just because it was so funny to say, but I'm going to shoot for the Mor-book-ly Obese (This is for the truly out of control chunkster. For this level of challenge you must commit to 6 or more chunksters OR three tomes of 750 pages or more. You know you want to.....go on and give in to your cravings) because I want to get these books finished this year!!

The White Road by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles (The Morland Dynasty)

The Burning Roses by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles (The Morland Dynasty)

"...And Ladies of the Club" by Helen Hooven Santemeyer (also on the Winter Reading Challenge 2009)

Voyager by Diana Gabaldon (also on the Winter Reading Challenge 2009)

A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

The challenge runs February 1st to November 15th, 2009. Rules and details are easy to live with. I'm in!

Thoughts for Thursday

2009-01-22T08:11:00.006-06:00

From silly to serious, five links to make you think or inspire your creativity or just for a good read. Click!

Why Blog? asks Elizabeth, In the Heart of My Home.

When Will I Ever Need This Math? at Homeschool Math Blog.

Cute hair bows at Joy's Hope.

AMC Movie Coupon at Happy Hearts at Home.

The Curt Jester on Change.

Shelves Around the House

2009-01-21T10:54:00.005-06:00

Still winter here.
We still need some cheer.
Even books can use company.

I Am Mordred: A Tale from Camelot

2009-01-20T08:41:00.001-06:00

I Am Mordred: A Tale from Camelot by Nancy Springer

I Am Mordred is a young adult fiction I chose for the Winter Reading Challenge. Originally my thought was to read I Am Morgan le Fay, also by Nancy Springer, but found that Mordred was released first, so chose to read them in order.

To be honest, as an Arthurian fan the Morgan le Fay book really caught my fancy since I loved Mists of Avalon and other Arthurian that include the women in the story. So I started Mordred with low expectations.

At 184 pages, it is definitely not a challenging read for an avid adult reader, Springer's writing is definitely directed to a younger audience, although her imagery is really lovely. But that said, I was hooked from the first sentence: "WHEN I WAS A BABY, MY FATHER TRIED TO KILL ME." Alrighty, then...we're headed at the story from a decidedly nontraditional angle.

Springer sets a well paced story that will keep a reader returning. Her portrait of Mordred, always a villain, will allow a reader to see first, not an angry vicious young man; but a child with a need to be loved, surrounded by a cast of characters trying to control their fates.

Definitely recommended for an older child (my rating would be 5th and above, possibly older for a sensitive reader). Teen/young adult readers with a passion for all things Arthurian will enjoy.

Robin of My Two Blessings is hostessing the Winter Reading Challenge.

Thoughts for Thursday

2009-01-15T10:31:00.003-06:00

Unplugging the Microwave--Pastor Al talks about prayer in an instant society.

Lisa at House of Many Blessings shares a reminder for homeschoolers.

Should we practice Comparing Our Crosses? Kate Wicker at Momopoly offers insight.

Who will stop you from getting to heaven? Orthodox Father John Brian.H/t to Kyrie, Eleison!

Just for beauty and fun...Have you been to Lisa's Chaos? Her photos are breathtaking. A mini-vacation with just a click. Particular favorites: My Winter Friends, Northern Cardinals, Lions and Tigers and Badgers, oh my! I get in trouble when I check out the archives.

Click, click click!!

What Kind of Reader Are You?

2009-01-09T09:35:00.001-06:00

What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Dedicated Reader You are always trying to find the time to get back to your book. You are convinced that the world would be a much better place if only everyone read more.
Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm
Literate Good Citizen
Book Snob
Fad Reader
Non-Reader
What Kind of Reader Are You? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

I found this at Renee's and had to chuckle. While some of the answers I had to make fit, I had no problem with most of the questions.

Pretty accurate, I think!

Thoughts for Thursday

2009-01-08T09:56:00.003-06:00

Do unto others...

Visit Barbara's (Stray Thoughts) thoughts and linking to Whose life is it, anyway?

And at Do You Weary Like I Do? consider the little "mom voice" that I know we all hear. Is it Self Pity?

What am I saying? asks Pastor Al.

"Do the task...so as not to hinder," a gentle nudge from Ann at Holy Experience.

View From the Pews reminds us how to live with Courage to face The World at My Doorstep.

Blessings,

Julie

Magi

2009-01-06T08:10:00.007-06:00

Magi by Daniel L. Gilbert

I received Magi right after Christmas. What a lovely gift! The timing couldn't have been more perfect and I finished it on the Feast of Epiphany. How perfect.

Many times we see the magi/the wisemen as an afterthought, I think; flat, two dimensional characters dressed in kingly robes, bringing gifts that contrast with the rude and humble stable where our Savior was born.

Western tradition teaches three wisemen, Balthazar, Gaspar, and Melchior; Eastern tradition teaches twelve. Gilbert brings to life the magi, and not just three, but many Parthian men who were priests and astronomers, well versed in the prophecies, not just of their own peoples, but in the prophecies of the countries surrounding them.

The central character is Ramates, a young and impulsive magi who is motivated by pride. Ramates is the discoverer of the star, Al Sisiosh, in his language. The astronomers know this is the star that heralds the Deliverer, the One who will free the people burdened by injustice. They know they must go to seek Him and do Him homage. Can the imperfect, impulsive Ramates lead them?

That we know "the end of the story," the wisemen kneeling before the infant, Jesus/Yeshua, in no way makes this a dull tale. The real story is in the journey, the dangerous, difficult, dirty, and long tale that lead the magi to, not the manger scene, but to the more likely scene of Jesus in a home as perhaps a twelve to eighteen month old child. The magi prepare themselves as best they can for an audience with the King, but the road weary men who prostrate themselves before the Child are not the pristine men of the manger scenes.

The story of the magi is our story, too; they were the first gentiles to recognize and worship the Son of God. Our journey is long and hard, sometimes we face uglieness to get there. Will you bow, with Ramates and the other magi, before the King of Kings?

Magi is on my reading list for theWinter Reading Challenge. I'm really glad that I read it.

Feasting in Mitford

2009-01-05T07:42:00.010-06:00

At the end of At Home in Mitford there was a "teaser," an excerpt form the first chapter of A Light in the Window. Oh that was not fair!! So of course, upon finishing that I stomped off to the living room to find the second installment of Mitford, confident it would be on my shelves with several of the other Mitford books I had picked up at my favorite haunt (Half Price Books!).

Needless to say, when I got there and found that I did NOT own the second Mitford book, I nearly screeched; thankfully I remembered it was past midnight and I would wake my sleeping sons and my hubby. So I pulled up my library website and found it was on the shelf at my neighborhood branch and purposed to go there first thing in the morning.

Once in possession of the book, I read through it as fast as I could. I must admit to being a bit frustrated with Father Tim. He was not as approachable as he was in the first book. But after thinking about it, well...He was in LOVE! And he was conflicted about what to do with the lovely Cynthia Coppersmith. Oh, yeah, and he's dealing with Dooley Barlowe too boot. Well, I daresay, Father Tim acted almost--human!! It was a bit frustrating. Aren't clergy supposed to be perfect? Hmmmmm...

A Light in the Window is a vehicle to take you to Mitford again. But as with any town nothing stands still. Mitford has had some upheaval since our last visit and the characters have a few more bumps and bruises. I don't think A Light in the Window was quite as comfortable as At Home in Mitford, but it was worth traveling home again for a visit.

And you will want to go back again for These High, Green Hills. The trip back to Mitford didn't last any longer than the first two. These books insist that I read as quickly as I can (and as late into the night as my eyes will allow).

Again the story is not as soft and cozy as the first Mitford book. There is tragedy amidst the day to day happenings, but there is joy, sweet as lilac blossoms, too. Father Tim and Cynthia have married (thank goodness!!) and are settling into their new life. Karon, again turns to focus more on the townfolk and their quirks and intricacies. There are new characters who upset the delicate balance of Mitford.

My last trip to the library was to pick up A Common Life, which is actually Book Six in the series, but chronologically falls between Books Two and Three. While there I found The Mitford Snowmen and Esther's Gift. These are sweet little short stories, not even as long as a chapter. I'm not sure they are "must haves," but if you have a Mitford fan on your gift list they would be a fun gift.

As one gracious commenter says, Jan Karon does have a website. It is as welcoming as a trip to Mitford.

A Light in the Window was on my reading list for the Winter Reading Challenge. But of course I got wound up, caught up and distracted in Mitford. I'm still pretty sure I can finish all the books on my list even with a few Mitford vacations.

2008 Reading for Roo

2009-01-01T14:45:00.007-06:00

Roo read thirty-one books the first part of 2008. The second half of 2008 Roo read 35 books. Sixty-six books is a great accomplishment! Roo is in fifth grade right now.

Some books that he's talked about a lot are the Fire Star series by Chris D'Lacey, the Guardians of Ga'Hoole by Kathryn Lasky and the Septimus Heap books by Angie Sage. Do you see a fantasy trend there? I do. I made sure that he had some good non-fiction books and alternate types of fiction to round out his reading.

One book I know that stood out for him was Mao's Last Dancer by Li Cunxin. It is a biography of a dancer growing up under the last days of the Mao regime and his defection to the United States. There is a juvenile version of this, but I chose to let Roo read the adult version with supervision and lots of conversation and I am glad that I did. He read a copy from the library, but has asked for a copy of his own. I'm looking!

Great job, Buddy!

Roo's Reads: July-December

Apologies for the poor editing on this post!!

2008 Reading for Boo

2009-01-01T14:43:00.006-06:00

Boo read fifty-one books in the first six months of 2008. For the second six months he finished 38 books. I'd say 89 books is pretty respectable when you are in 3rd grade. Some books he chose, some I chose and then others we picked out together.

I think if you asked him, Boo would tell you the Sarah, Plain and Tall series by Patricia MacLachlan were his favorites. But, the Poppy series by Avi was great reading too. I found that he consumed non-fiction at least as quickly as the fiction and really enjoyed sharing his newfound knowledge.

Boo, I am very proud of you!

Boo's Reads: July-December

Boo's Reads: January-June

Thoughts for Thursday

2009-01-01T00:32:00.002-06:00

This was supposed to post Thursday (the date will say Jan. 1, 2009--But it is the 4th). However my health has been ummm...interesting at best. So belatedly...

Happy New Year!!

Going to try something that is pretty common out in blogland, but new for me--reviewing links on other blogs. Links to lift you up & encourage you, to make you think, to entertain, to make you laugh. Hope you might find something off your beaten path.

Giving Up by Adoro te Devote

Coffee Shop Game at Homeschool Math Blog

The Day Congress Killed Small Business by Mommy's Martini

What Jesus Is from Poiema Portfolio

Will Your Cell Phone Crash in an Emergency? from World Net Daily

2008 School Videos

2008-12-30T23:32:00.003-06:00

School Videos for 2008

Not a lot of exciting commentary on these movies. They were all very helpful in rounding out our learning experience. One thing I plan on doing in 2009 is review the movies that we watch to offer a little more than just titles available.

Movies have always been a great learning tool for our family and we are very grateful our library offers such a varied and deep selection. My husband has signed us up for Netflix and I'm pretty sure 2009 will see us using that option a lot too.

Don't forget movies when doing your lesson plans!!

2008 Reading for Me

2008-12-30T23:30:00.002-06:00

Finished in 2008

Fifty books for 2008. I'm happy with that. That is almost a book a week, although sometimes I admit to reading three in one week and no books in others. Oh well...such is the life of a homeschool mom.

Favorite book of 2008? I would have to say Miss Bishop by Beth Streeter Aldrich, followed very closely by Little Britches/Wild Country by Ralph Moody. They were books that I could recommend with confidence to anyone. They addressed the human condition. They were straightforward without being too simple or easy. They made me think. They made me cry. They made me laugh.

Best series of 2008? I am still wading through Cynthia Harrod-Eagles Morland Dynasty series, now 31 books strong. It is a vast historical account of England (and sometimes the United States) set in a fictional setting. I stumbled upon the books at the library in 2007--"just browsing," you know. And wound up purchasing several of the later books. I plan to go back and add a book at a time as I find a good used price. This will be a series I reread (although I don't know how I will fit anything else in!).

2009 is going to be a wonderful year to read! I already have the first 14 books picked out. Shall we see how long I can stay on track?

If you are interested the books with links for 2008 were:

Will the Real Me Please Stand Up?

2008-12-30T23:00:00.000-06:00

ISTP - The Mechanics

The independent and problem-solving type. They are especially attuned to the demands of the moment are masters of responding to challenges that arise spontaneously. They generally prefer to think things out for themselves and often avoid inter-personal conflicts.

The Mechanics enjoy working together with other independent and highly skilled people and often like seek fun and action both in their work and personal life. They enjoy adventure and risk such as in driving race cars or working as policemen and firefighters.

But, but...it says here that...and there that...

Winter Reading Challenge

2008-12-29T09:58:00.007-06:00

Robin of My Two Blessings is hostessing the Winter Reading Challenge. I'm hoping that it's not too late to join in. I'm just now feeling the fog start to lift and am ready to read again.

Robin's challenge is easy for someone to participate in.

"The rules are very flexible:

1) Choose any number of books you would like to read and post them on your blog.

2) They can be fiction and/or nonfiction including e-books and audiobooks

3) They can overlap with other challenges.

4) Sign up on Mr. Linky. I'm still trying to figure out Mr. Linky so will let you guys post your links yourselves when you have your lists ready.

5) In a few days, I set up a link where you can post links to your book reviews"

I think I can handle that!!

The books I've put on my list for this winter are:

1....And Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santemeyer I've read this book more than once before, but it is one of my favorites and it has been a few years. I'm looking forward to revisiting the wonderful ladies of Waynesboro.

2. A Light in the Window by Jan Karon Apparently I have a lot of catching up to do in Mitford! I loved getting to know these people.

3. Grim Tuesday (Keys to the Kingdom, Book 2) by Garth Nix I didn't think I would read the second installation after the first, but have changed my mind. This is a Young Adult book.

4. I Am Mordred: A Tale of Camelot by Nancy Springer Another Young Adult selection that I'm checking out to see if it is something I would like my oldest to read.

5. The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula Le Guin I really enjoyed A Wizard of Earthsea and have started this already.

6. Voyager by Diana Gabaldon It's been a long time since I visited Claire Randall and Jamie Fraser. It's time to go back.

7. Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives by Wayne Muller I've read this before and wanted to read it again for the Fall Into Reading Challenge, but didn't fit it in. I think it will be a good way to start the year.

8. When Mothers Pray by Cheri Fuller What more needs to be said?

9. The Fire Within by Chris D'Lacey My oldest has read this series and started to read it outloud to his brother (I was eavesdropping.) I think I'll check into it further.

10. The Restless Sea (Morland Dynasty) by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles It's been a while since I've picked up a Morland Dynasty book. This is book number 27 of 31 (so far). This has been a fabulous series. I highly recommend it.

11. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë My neice is receiving this for Christmas from us, I read it eons ago, I'd like to read it again.

12. Eragon by Christopher Paolini I've had best of intentions to read this book for quite a while, quite a while, actually. And since two sequels are out now would be a good time.

13. The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper Always wanted to read this. Wish me luck.

14. I am already editing!! I forgot that I received Magi by Daniel L. Gilbert from a sweet friend and am going to be reading that right away. I was so surprised by this gift--it came with perfect timing.

I'll post full reviews here on my Reviews & Recipes blog and updates on Joyful Days.

Visit Robin and see who else is reading in the Winter Reading Challenge.

Preparing for Jesus: Meditations on the Coming of Christ, Advent, Christmas, and the Kingdom by Walter Wangerin, Jr.

2008-12-19T23:01:00.001-06:00

Preparing for Jesus by Walter Wangerin, Jr.

Last year this book was on my list to read before Christmas. Somehow it became one of those things that got passed over. That was my loss and I'm glad I didn't make the same mistake this year.

Walter Wangerin offers a devotional journey that starts the first day of December and travels through Advent to Christmas to the Twelve Days following ending at Epiphany. We meet people who played a part in the birth of our LORD. Wangerin offers insight and intimacy with Mary, Elizabeth, Zachariah, Joseph, several others and Jesus, Himself.

This book is one that will touch your heart. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to adjust their attitude before Christmas.

Enjoy!

From my original list to read for the Fall into Reading 2008 Challenge hosted by Katrina at Callapidder Days. Check out other participants and their book reviews!

At Home in Mitford

2008-12-19T13:26:00.000-06:00

At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon

I'm really mad! Why didn't anyone tell me about Mitford??? Oh wait...lots of people told me about Mitford. I just didn't listen.

I love Mitford! I love Jan Karon. I want to live there! I know these people, or at least people like them. How wonderful is this hometown Karon created for everyone to embrace as there own? I lost a couple of nights' sleep because I couldn't put the story of Father Tim, an Episcopalian priest who is the rector of The Lord's Chapel, in Mitford.

Fr. Tim is surrounded by a cast of unforgettable characters, his dog Barnabas who adopted him and is commanded by Scripture recitation, Emma the impertinent secretary, Dooley the grandson of the ailing sexton, Hoppy the doctor, Miss Sadie the wealthy chuch member, and Cynthia Coppersmith his delightful neighbor.

At Home in Mitford was a delightful, uplifting read, with plenty of twists and turns and even some mysterious happenings. Trials are faced with family and friends and the love of the Lord. Who could ask for more? Well I did. I'm reading book two--A Light in the Window. What a love story.

This is high on my recommendation list.

At Home in Mitford is on my original list to read for the Fall into Reading 2008 Challenge hosted by Katrina at Callapidder Days.

The Andromeda Strain

2008-12-19T11:27:00.000-06:00

The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton

I read the Andromeda Strain in high school. Apparently it didn't leave as big an impression on me as I thought, because I had the title confused with another story--On the Beach by Nevil Shute.

I want to read On the Beach again, but I am glad that I read The Andromeda Strain again, too.

Crichton is a highly skilled, very technical writer. Written in 1969, he created the circumstance of meeting life from outer-space, but the extra-terrestrials are nothing the average person ever thinks of.

The deadly story rapidly unfolds in the small town of Piedmont, Arizona. A town wiped out in a matter of minutes, save two survivors--an old alcoholic with ulcers and a wailing infant. What do they have in common? How fast will the apparent virus-like lifeform spread? How to fight an unknown enemy?

The book is a quick read, very thought provoking, but also very technical. Almost too technical for me, but I am glad I re-read it.

While reading the book my husband and I watched the 2008 movie bearing the same name based somewhat loosely on the book. Crichton was involved in the creation of the movie also, which was a very exciting (at least PG-13) film. Understandably the movie was updated to appeal to current viewers, but I think some of the original story was lost.

There is an older, 1971 version of the movie that I would like to see. Hopefully we will be putting it in the Netflix cue.

My oldest son (11) has seen it sitting in my pile and asked if he would be able to read it. While the decimation of the town of Piedmont is pretty graphic the following story is more of a techno-thriller than anything else. After much consideration I decided to allow him to begin reading it after much discussion he started it yesterday and has flown through it. He's really grasped the technology and the biology--probably more so than his mother. While I would leave it up to each parent to decide the book would be my choice to allow, but not the 2008 movie. The visuals were very graphic and disturbing.

Not a book that everyone is going to like. But really a good read for a sci-fi lover.

On my original list to read for the Fall into Reading 2008 Challenge hosted by Katrina at Callapidder Days

A Wizard of Earthsea

2008-12-19T10:35:00.003-06:00

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

Two years ago a conversation with a stranger in the waiting room of a hospital introduced me to the name Ursula Le Guin and her Books of Earthsea. I was intrigued, but preoccupied and didn't search them out for a while.

I stumbled on them last summer at, where else, the Half Price Bookstore sale rack. I could not pass up the bargain and bought the first three books. I was rewarded with a treasure.

The first A Wizard of Earthsea is a slim, just under 200 page gem. It is of the wizard Ged, known as Sparrowhawk as he grows. He is a motherless child, with a preoccupied father, living in the archipelago of Earthsea on the stark isle of Gont.

Sparrowhawk is trained first by the village witch, his aunt, later by Ogion a solitary and great wizard, and then at the island of Roke, the Isle of the Wise. Sparrowhawk is hindered often by his feelings of inferiority and the conflicting pride which ends up almost costing him his life.

A Wizard of Earthsea is a fable, a story of maturing and choices, a story of nature and nurture and questing. Full of real creatures and fantastical creatures, A Wizard of Earthsea is a quiet delight. Listed as a Young Adult selection, I would have no problem allowing my eleven year old to read this thoughtful fantasy/adventure story.

I didn't have huge expectations, but was indeed very surprised and pleased. Currently I am reading The Tombs of Atuan, the sequel.

On my original list to read for the Fall into Reading 2008 Challenge hosted by Katrina at Callapidder Days

Sharing Advent

2008-11-30T21:43:00.001-06:00

Wonderful Advent posts and links:

The Anchoress

Momopoly

Praying for Grace

My Domestic Church

O Night Divine

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T07:45:00.000-06:00

May your day be happy, blessed, safe & most of all filled with the joy of the LORD!

Many Blessings!

Julie

Yeah...I'm a Bookworm

2008-11-24T22:57:00.003-06:00

Renee at 2 Peas in a Pod awarded me with the Bookworm Award. Well, gee...where did she get the idea that I liked books??? Thanks, Renee!! This is just one of the things we have in common.

The meme rules:

Pass this on to 5 blogging friends.
Open the closest book to you, not your favorite or the most intellectual book, but the book closest to you at the moment, to page 56.
Write the 5th sentence, as well as two to five sentences following that.

The book: ..And Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santemeyer

The dormitory hall was empty; she let slip her dignity and sped up the stairs in a swish of silken skirts, flashed around the balustrade and down the corridor. She half-expected to find that Minna and her roommate had gone out, but she could at any rate leave a note of greeting; and so when her knock at Minna's door went unanswered, she opened it, uninvited, and paused on the threshold. Before she could move further, she was caught off balance and knocked to one side by a....

Well I guess you'd just have to read the book, heh?

This books spans 1868-1932 in Ohio. The women who make up the "Club" start out as young women freshly graduated. How will they continue to develop their minds, their hearts, their lives?

You want an American history lesson? It's here. Would you like a book about women with dignity and courage--yep this is it. You want to laugh and cry and feel a connection to characters--read this. Worth each page. Be warned--it is huge and it is heavy. You have to slowly wade into it. It is not a thriller. It won't yank you in. But it is worth the time it takes. It left footprints on my heart.

I have a short list of books that I read over and over. This is one of them. On my list for 2009.

I'm going to pass on passing this along unless you want to play--yes you, and you and you too! Let me know and I'll come visit.

Check out Renee's blog(s) for good friends, good food, good reads--great heart!! (()) Renee!

Cross-posting this on my Joyful Days blog.

Wild Country/Little Britches

2008-11-16T21:20:00.008-06:00

This fantastic, good old fashioned book has captured my heart.

Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers by Ralph Moody is based on the author's life when his family moved to Colorado in 1906.

In my library system this book is shelved in the adult fiction section. I think that this is sad because it is a story that parents can read to their younger children and more proficient readers can read for themselves. Roo read this and loved it. It has some terribly sad situations, but it is a story of hope and persistence; a story of the American spirit and how this country was settled by good, hard-working people.

When the Moody family leaves New Hampshire to farm a rented ranch near Denver, they are not prepared for the life that they will find. However they learn they are stronger than they ever believed.

While I read this book I was amazed at what was expected of children, I was reminded how blessed we are with our modern conveniences, and humbled at the determination, courage and faith that people showed just over a century ago.

No gadgets, no electronic entertainment, no foreign intrigue, no faraway star traveler--Little Britches is a simple, straight-forward story that is more exciting, more entertaining and more inspiring than most.

You won't go wrong reading this book. I'll be checking out the other books Moody wrote in this series.

This was another of my selections for the Fall into Reading Challenge.

The Littles--A Review

2008-11-12T10:03:00.008-06:00

What is it about tiny people or creatures that captures our imaginations? Be it the Faery Folk, tiny animals as heroes, or minute people, stories about the smallest of beings draws us in in a big, big way.

Boo recently finished The Little s by John Peterson. He enjoyed it so much and wants to read more. We have several in the series thanks to a fortuitous trip to the Half Price Bookstore. I found five or six for 50 cents each! Cannot turn that kind of bargain down!

The Littles are four-inch high "people" who live in the walls of the house of the Bigs. They look just like ordinary people with the exception of their lovely tails that they are immensely proud of.

In this Little adventure the Bigs go off on a trip and rent the house to a couple called Newcomb. The Newcombs are nice people, but incredibly messy and leave trash lying around. Who likes mess and trash? Mice!!

Mice come to the house. The Little take have to take on, not only the mice, but the method of mouse control the Newcombs choose.

The recommendations on this book are 3rd grade or ages 9-12. I think a younger child with a good grasp of reading could handle this on their own and it would be a marvelous read aloud for children much younger. Chapters aren't long and the book could be read in brief sittings for those with shorter attention spans.

The Littles always makes me think of The Borrowers by Mary Norton. The Borrowers was one of my all time favorite books as a child and I've read all of the series to the boys and Roo read them again on his own later. Mary Norton published TheBorrowers in 1952. Peterson published The Littles in 1967.

Both books, in my opinion, are fabulous choices for children. The Littles, by the American Peterson, is a much simpler read and can be read solo by a much younger audience. Written by British Norton, The Borrowers offers a much more complex style and vocabulary and a much more detailed story line, not to mention just more reading because of the size of the books. Both have been made into movies or cartoons. Surprisingly both books have the same age recommendation--however The Borrowers would be a much more challenging read and would appeal to more grown-ups.

Thank You for Our Freedom

2008-11-11T00:15:00.000-06:00

The Keys to the Kingdom: Mr. Monday--a Review

2008-11-10T22:11:00.008-06:00

The Keys to the Kingdom: Mr. Monday by Garth Nix

Mr. Monday was on my Fall into Reading 2008 list. The dark and foreboding cover had intrigued me for quite a while and my oldest had asked about it repeatedly. I've heard mixed reviews about the book both from children and parents and decided this was definitely a book that I would pre-read myself.

Nix certainly has some unusual and unique settings, odd characters and weird timelines. Arthur Penhaligon, a young teen in a new school, finds himself the possessor of an odd "key"--a clock hand delivered by either two very strange men or a delusion. Arthur is a "true heir" to "the Kingdom" which exists inside a large castle-like mansion. The goings on inside the mansion affect the world outside--the world Arthur is from and the world which is threatened by an incurable virus.

The seven deadly sins are the basis for Nix's seven books and seven of the characters included in the stories. While I like the premise, I felt left hanging at the end of book one. I understand series are supposed to leave you uncertain, but I don't know if I care enough to follow up with the second in the series, Grim Tuesday. I've read series with my sons before, I just don't know if this will be one I'll get very far in.

There wasn't anything that will stop me from allowing Roo to read the book; I just wasn't enamored with it. I'm considering getting the audio books from the library and seeing if that adds to the story.

Fall into Reading 2008 is hosted by Katrina at Callapidder Days. Visit other bloggers participating for their reading lists and their book reviews.

Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn--Review

2008-11-10T06:44:00.000-06:00

Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

***Spoilers included in this review.***

(Smashed all four books into one review, so get a cup of coffee if you want to read, ‘coz it got long.)

I, of course, got off the Fall into Reading Challenge track. And once off track it is hard to hop back on board. And I am very easily distracted. But a young friend of mine wanted me to read and loaned me the first three books of Stephanie Meyer’s very popular and very controversial Twilight series. I finished her three and went out and purchased the fourth. I never do that.

Honestly some days I think I live under a rock. I was vaguely aware of these books, but they were somewhere on the periphery. But they are out there and “all the rage” with the teen crowd, and pre-teen crowd to be honest. There are reviews and websites and forums galore out there. These books are “hot.” The movie is creating quite a buzz too.

So, why bother writing a review if there are so many out there? I don’t know for sure. I know I didn’t find very many opinions like mine. I always feel like an odd consumer and it sometimes washes over into my reading. The other thought for writing a review was so that another parent might have an opinion if their teen or pre-teen is asking about this book. Anyhoo…I’ll give it a shot.

First of all, I flew through these books. The writing is not difficult; Meyer’s style is easy and smooth. Almost…hmmmm…seductive. Yes, that is the right word for these books, seductive. Maybe addictive.

Welcome to the boring town of Forks, where the weather is almost always dreary and rainy and nothing exciting ever happens. Isabella Swan leaves sunny Arizona and her mother to live with her dad in a place she really never wanted to return to. But now she’s back, going to high school, trying to fit in and finding her desk mate in Science hates her. Or seems to. Until he saves her life.

Welcome to a world where some things are not as they appear. The creatures from horror movies, vampires and werewolves live here. Only they aren’t what you’ve been led to believe they are. Well…not all of them.

Isabella, “Bella” for short is both a typical and atypical teen. She cares about how she looks, whether she will fit in, she wants to do well in high school, but she’s not a genius. She is awful when it comes to sports and is very self-conscious. She is a total klutz. At the same time she is also very mature for her age, she’s spent a good part of her life parenting her ditzy mother who has remarried. Bella comes to live with her father to give her mother some room with her new husband. There is nothing wrong with the new husband—we don’t see him much, but there are not icky factors about him.

Bella is attracted, mesmerized by the dazzlingly handsome, Edward Cullen, of the slightly odd Cullen clan. Edward at first seems to loathe her. Well…that doesn’t last long.

Guess what? Edward is a vampire. Guess what again? So is his whole family. But they are good vampires. They’ve learned they don’t need human blood to survive. They are “moral,” if you will, vampires. Most of them remember their own humanity and don’t want to kill or change humans into what they’ve become. Oh and they are rich. Stinking rich. Of course if you had forever to live and had already been around a few centuries you would manage to come up with a lot of money to have around.

And to make it a better story, Bella’s best friend, a younger teen from the nearby Native American reservation—he’s a werewolf. Yup. And so are a few of his friends. And they are the good guys too. And know for certain, if there are good guys that means there are bad guys. Very bad guys.

Bella dates Edward, in a very warped way. Bella is very lucky Edward is moral in more ways than keeping his vampire-ness away from humans. Bella is also attracted to her friend Jacob and finds herself very emotionally conflicted.

Well…now what to do with all of this? It’s a good story, very exciting, plenty of romance and teen angst. Even though it was targeted at a teen/young adult audience, this old mommy blogger was easily drawn along by the story.

But is this a book I want to share with my boys? My young friend is waiting for my verdict. I don’t think she is going to be happy with it. My youngest is waaayyyyyyy to young--that's a no brainer. And my oldest, who is really the one she's campaigning for me to allow to read these, is still too young for it. Personally, I think she might have been a bit young for it, but then again, that might just be wishful thinking. There is just a lot of mature content. There are a lot of hormones, pheromones and poor choices floating around Forks.

Is this a harmful book to read? If you want your child to focus only on very moral and upright subject matter, I’d say steer them clear of Bella and Edward. If the thought of vampires and werewolves makes you upset and goes against your conscience then by all means don’t read it. If you don't want your children to read about others who make some pretty questionable choices, this is not the book for your family. If you don't want what I feel is mature content read by your family, by all means pass it by.

If your child is easily obsessed with characters from books, movies, gets lost in fantasy vs. living in reality, these books might offer some unhealthy fodder, but no more so than any prime time television show or soap opera.

Is this a must read book? No, life will go on if you choose not to read, or let your child read this series. Oh there may be some peer pressure and some, “But everyone else is!” thrown your way. But stick to your guns!! You are the parent.

Was it a fun read? Yes it was. I almost feel guilty in saying so. It was exciting (in a soap opera way) reading material. Can your child read it and come away with a positive experience? Certainly. And I think, even more so, if a parent will read and discuss the books with their child.

Sometimes I think it is difficult and awkward to talk about all the feelings and situations teens find themselves in. Their hormones have changed quickly, maybe are still changing. They are attracted to members of the opposite s3x and popular culture offers them many possibilities to express themselves. With a book like Twilight and all of its subsequent story additions, there are numerous openings that could be discussed between parent and child.

Some points to make. These books are not religious in nature. Souls are discussed, life after death is worried about, God isn’t denounced, but no one bothers to pray and ask for guidance. (Might have been a good idea many times, though.) But these books are not Christian fiction.

So what was good about these books—from a mom’s viewpoint? If my son wants to read it in a few years, will I let him and what will we talk about? Required reading either before of after Twilight in my opinion should include Romeo and Juliet and Wuthering Heights. Meyers draws directly from them and refers to them in the story often.

Yes, I will likely let Roo read these when he is older—think freshman year.

Questions I would want to bring up and have my child answer would include:

What happens when we are attracted to unhealthy choices? When we allow ourselves to be ruled by our emotions or hormones? Are relationships based on obsession healthy?

Can God make a good outcome even when we have chosen poorly? (Again, these are not Christian books—but I will be asking from a Christian perspective.) Just because He can, does that mean He always will?

What happens when we break good rules our parents have put in place to keep us safe? What happens when we lie or sneak around? Is omission of truth a lie or just conveniently slanting a story to reach a desired outcome? Some answers I will bring to the discussion are that these behaviors lead to the hurt of other people, guilt and depression.

Topics in the series include: self-sacrifice, putting other’s needs ahead of ours to make them happy, possibly keeping them healthy. Family ties are important in this story. Families are made up of traditional families and extended or friendship based families with a clear “father figure” and “mother figure” Although sometimes families are split apart by death or divorce. Waiting for marital intimacy until after marriage and fidelity are dealt with.

In the fourth book there is a baby. Oh yes…and one thing I was pleased about was that Bella fights for the life of her child, although it might be more “prudent” for her health and from a worldly belief to terminate her pregnancy. Remember she and Edward are married at this point. So you aren’t dealing with a child out of wedlock, but still mature content.

What did I dislike or would I not like that my child would be reading? The mature content—while not a b0dice ripper, it is certainly steamy. Edward and Bella “sleep together,” even if they don’t “sleep together” in the first three books. And when they do get married they sleep together as married people are wont to do. I’m not a prude, but I approached this book as a parent first, so what might be fine for me…not ready to share that with my children.

The contrasting series that came to mind were Anne Rice’s vampire books, which I read eons ago. Twilight and its successors were certainly not full of evil or as brutal as Rice’s stories. Those works were adult only content. Rice’s work was much more intricate, studied, darker and deeper. Meyer’s work is “vampire lite.”

I also related them to J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Both controversial in subject matter and both acquired massive followings. I thought the Harry Potter books were much more complex and researched. HP was definitely the object of much obsessing by many children, but I think the characters were definitely characters children could understand. Twilight is definitely teen and above material.

I’ve seen trailers for the movie. I’ve chosen not to go to the theaters and see it. Really, what I saw did not fit my image of the characters and I was not impressed with the special effects. I may cave and get the DVD when it comes out.

Meyers has decided to release the fifth book in the future. I think I’m going to pass on reading that. It is the same story from a different view point. I’m not sure I want to invest more time into the series. As always I reserve the right to change my mind for no reason other than. I want to.

Whew! That was long! So to sum it all up--Vampire romance, not bad, pretty good, in fact. While the outcome is somewhat “happily ever after” and expected there are many surprising twists and unexpected turns—enough to keep me turning pages. Not child appropriate. At my house someone would have to be at least 15 to read with adult discussion following.

Recipes

2008-10-29T12:55:00.001-05:00

Recipes obviously are a little slow in coming. I'm going to work on that next week!!

A Bride So Fair by Carol Cox

2008-10-29T11:56:00.006-05:00

I received A Bride So Fair quite a while back in a book giveaway and to be embarassingly honest, I don't remember who I won it from. It's been sitting staring accusingly at me for a while and I decided to add it to my Fall into Reading 2008 list. Sometimes you just have to read something "nice." You know what I mean?

A Bride So Fair is part of Carol Cox's A Fair to Remember series, a group of three mysteries that take place at the Chicago's World Fair in 1893. Book One is Ticket to Tomorrow, Book Two is Fair Game and the last is A Bride so Fair. (Follow the links attached to the titles to read an excerpt from each of the books on Ms. Cox's website, if you are interested.)

Unlike many series, these books are very capable, stand alone stories, but they are intertwined by The World Fair and the characters. Carol Cox offers discussion questions for book clubs and devotionals on her website.

A Bride So Fair is a Christian mystery. While there is definitely intrigue and a couple murders, the story is handled in a gentle manner. This would not fall into the "thriller" category, although there is plenty of suspense to keep the pages turning to the end.

I would recommend this book for a a Christian ladies book club choice.

Blessings!

Category 7 was on my Fall into Reading 2008 list. Fall into Reading is hosted by Katrina at Callapidder Days.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

2008-10-29T11:08:00.003-05:00

Okay. What rock have I been hiding under? This book is older than me and I am just finally falling in love with it.

Roo had A Wrinkle in Time on his reading list, and while I cannot keep up with all of his reading and mine, drive to dance, do laundry and put food on the table, I do try to read some of the books he is reading. Especially if he keeps telling me, "Mom! This is so great! Can I read another chapter?"

A Wrinkle in Time has been in my peripheral vision for as long as I have been homeschooling, which in my mind is as long as I have had children. It is often on the list of recommended reading lists, it is a Newbery Medal winner and I've heard several children mention reading it.

Is this a science fiction book about time and space travel? Is this a book about a young girl coming to terms with her uniqueness? Is this a religious book that shares about the battle between Light and darkness? Or is it all of the above?

Madeleine L'Engle drew criticism for the book being too religious from the more liberal minded thinkers and too New Age from Christians. Seems no one wants to be happy. With the terms "witch" and with aliens and faraway planets the book is definitely fantasy and science fiction. L'Engle knows Love and she knows how to share Scripture also. This book is undoubtedly Christian in theme.

If you've been under the same rock I was living under and didn't read it, I highly recommend it. If you are looking for a wonderful book for children, my son loved it.

My library lists this book as 5th to 8th grade reading level, with an interest level of ages 9-12. My opinion is that it would be a suitable read aloud for 2nd to 5th grades. And unless you are fossilized it is a completely enjoyable book for adults.

Happy reading!

Book Review--Category 7

2008-10-19T06:43:00.008-05:00

Category 7 by Bill Evans and Marianna Jameson

She is brooding, moody and mysterious. She comes from from far away, the Sahara, Barbados; moving northward. She is fierce and she is perfect. She is Simone.

Starting rather slowly and building to a rapid and breathless finish, Category 7 is reminiscent of a hurricane. Individual stories unfold, heat up and then wind into one to create a weather thriller that is the stuff nightmares are made up of.

Can the weather be controlled Can it be used for political purposes? Who is creating storms out of nothing? Anomalies that are off the weather charts? Meteorologists Kate Sherman and Jake Baxter team up to find out before it is too late. Kate is employed by a man with aspirations of the presidency and Jake is employed by the government. They meet at a conference where Kate is presenting research. Will they find the answers before New York City is devastated by a hurricane that is larger than has ever been seen before? A hurricane of such magnitude that it's wind speeds had never been dreamed of before?

Meteorologist Bill Evans and author Marianna Jameson team up for a weather junkie's feast, full of current events timely theories. Category 7 is filled with technical jargon and characters with political and personal ambitions.

If The Weather Channel is the first place you check when you turn on t.v.; if you consider yourself an amateur meteorologist--this might be the thriller of the year for you. It was a good read, slow to get moving, but finishing well. I wished the characters had been fleshed out more. Nothing wrong with the book at all, but it might not be everyone's cup of tea.

Evans and Jameson are teaming up to publish another novel next summer Frozen Fire.

Category 7 was on my Fall into Reading 2008 list. Fall into Reading is hosted by Katrina at Callapidder Days.

Fall Into Reading 2008

2008-10-15T01:50:00.002-05:00

I've gotten diverted from my Fall into Reading plan, but I think that I should be able to get back on track this week.

I am reading Category 7 and have been intrigued by the ideas that are presented. I have a feeling I'm just getting to the good part.

Life just doesn't make curling up with a good book easy.

The Rook

2008-10-15T01:35:00.001-05:00

The Rook is Steven James second book. His first, The Pawn was incredibly disturbing, frightening even with his ability to look into a serial killer's mind.

The Rook picks up with Special Agent Patrick Bowers trying to create a family with his step-daughter Tessa, while simultaneously working on a series of fires started by an arsonist. His wife, Tessa's mother, has been dead less than a year, after succumbing to cancer.

Tessa a volatile Goth-like teenager gives him conflicted and dishonest signals, sometimes charming and profound, sometimes surly and caustic. The developing relationship between step-child and step-parent is riveting to read, sometimes almost shadowing the crime that Bowers is trying to solve.

As with The Pawn, The Rook is chilling and dark. James leads the reader into dark and twisted minds of killers. But what began as a hint of the salvation message in the first book, becomes a cry deep within desparate souls for light. There is obviously going to be at least one more book in the series and I will be looking forward to seeing where this "thread" leads.

I received The Rook from Glass Road Public Relations. As I recommended after reading The Pawn, these books are not for the faint of heart or those who are looking for gently stories. The subject matter is gruesome. These books would definitely fall into the category of thriller.

From Baker Publishing and various reviewers:

The Rook by Steven James

Special Agent Patrick Bowers is about to uncover the military's darkest secret . . . and his own dark past.

While investigating a series of baffling fires in San Diego, Special Agent Patrick Bowers is drawn into a deadly web of intrigue where nothing is as it appears to be. With a killer on the loose and one of the world's most deadly devices missing, Bowers is caught in a race against time to stop a criminal mastermind's trap before it closes around the people he loves.

Full of fast-paced action and mind-bending plot twists, The Rook is an adrenaline-laced page-turner that will hold you captive until the very end.
Endorsements

Praise for The Rook

"James ratchets up the thrills and chills, the twists and turns, and our connections with the characters. This is first-class suspense, with threads of wisdom tying it all together. I'm panting for the next book already."--Eric Wilson, author of A Shred of Truth and Expiration Date

"James's ability to use modern, up-to-date investigative techniques to solve his criminal mysteries places him at the forefront of current mystery writers. [This is] a book you hate to put down even when you reach the end."--E. Cleon Glaze, retired FBI agent

"Steven James does it again! The Rook is a riveting nail-biter that takes the reader on a wild ride of suspense, thrill, and danger. James seamlessly combines the edginess of contemporary crime-solving stories with the real world struggles of romance, broken families, loss, and honor."--John Thurman, counselor and radio personality

"Steven James has certainly done his homework. His level of detail and knowledge in the area of the military characters is superb. . . . [They] almost come to life as you read his books. I could not put this one down! Top-notch work."--LT Robert Bess, US Naval Special Warfare/Naval Special Operations
Reviews

"Sophomore slump? Fuhgeddaboutit. In his second thriller about FBI criminologist Patrick Bowers, James delivers the caffeinated plot twists and intriguing characterizations that made The Pawn a welcome addition to the suspense genre. In this installment, Bowers is called to San Diego to investigate a rash of fires, but he begins to suspect that a seemingly random kidnapping and suicide may be related to the arson attacks. As Bowers digs deeper, he uncovers a chilling biotech conspiracy. Fans of CSI and Law & Order will enjoy the police work and forensics, but this jacked-up read feels more like an explosive episode of 24; it's a wild ride with a shocking conclusion."--Publishers Weekly starred review

The Pawn

2008-10-06T10:27:00.000-05:00

The Pawn by Steven James

I received The Rook by Steven James for review for a bloggers' book tour, courtesy of Glass Road Public Relations. The Rook is the second in the Patrick Bowers Files series. Ever the obsessed with starting a series at the beginning, I dutifully went to the library and checked out The Pawn so I would have some history of who Patrick Bowers, PhD was.

This is a very graphic novel, very well researched and so intense that if I read it at night I had to follow it with a chapter from another book as a chaser. The heebeegeebees, the willies, the creeps--this book gave me all of that and more. Steven James has looked into the mind of a madman and put it down on paper.

To be honest, this is not going to be a book for everyone. If you are someone who prefers comfortable reading, reading that is not graphic, this is not your book. Don't even try it. If however you like thrillers, this will draw you in and not let go until the last page.

I will say the first few chapters were not my favorite. The Prologue, while written well, was just flat out upsetting, depressing, sad and sick. But it was necessary for the premise for the whole book. Chapters 1 & 2 seemed a bit stilted. James alternates his narrator and it took those two chapters for me to get settled in. By Chapter 5 there was no way I could lay the book aside.

Steven James has subtly included the beginning of the salvation message in this book. I'm curious to see how he follows up with it in the Rook and any future books he writes for the series.

The promo video captures the book quite well.

Trying a New Path

2008-10-05T15:37:00.000-05:00

I want to continue with book reviews,reading lists, homeschool curriculum suggestions & reviews. I want to try some new recipes and share if the results are good. But I'm not sure I want to post these things in full on Joyful Days as I have in the past. So with that thought I'm going to try to use this blog as a "decluttering device." Perhaps if I can't declutter my home, I can at least clean up the blogging.

We'll see...

Later,

Julie