Tuesday, December 31, 2013

2014 Series Enderers Reading Challenges

 I am signing up for this challenge Sounds fun . I am going for Level 3: 10 – 15. Because there are a few series I want to finish this year. 

For more information and to sign up go to Somewhere only we know and Words fueled by Love



Books finished the last week of December

To the Nines by Janet Evanovich Finished 12/27/2013
Ten Big ones by Janet Evanovich Finished 12/27/2013
Paige Rewritten by Erynn Mangum Finished 12/27/2013
Staying Strong by Demi Lovato Finished 12/29/13
Dear Mr. Knightly by Katherine Reay Finished 12/30/13

Eleven on Top by Janet Evanovich Finished 12/31/13

Favorite Books of 2013

Finally and Forever (Katie Weldon Series) 5 stars This book because it is a reminder of my teen years. I first discovered Katie when I read the Christy Miller series. But Katie was always a favorite of mine because I could relate to her more. I was thrilled when she got her own series. Finally and Forever wraps up the series pretty good but leaves it open for another book if the author wanted.

Stealing the Preacher: Karen Witemeyer: 9780764209666: Amazon.com: Books  Just a cute Historical fiction read by one of my favorite Christian Historical fiction author.

The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson, http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310724392/ref=cm_sw_r_pi_alp_wI8Zqb1YTN4HP 5 stars A Sweet retelling of Snow White that I loved. I liked the retelling better than the original fairy tale.

Amazon.com: The Rules for Disappearing (Rules, The) (9781423168973): Ashley Elston: Books A cute teen read

Undeniably Yours (A Porter Family, #1)A Sweet Christian romance in which the hero is a cowboy and a Marine

Mary, Anna, and Elizabeth in The Women of Christmas by Liz Curtis Higgs A nonfiction that focus on the three woman of Christmas Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna
Amazon.com: Merry and Bright eBook: Erynn Mangum: BooksA sweet Christmas novella.


Paige Torn Paige Rewritten: A Paige Alder Novel The first two books in the Paige Alder series by my favorite Christian Chick lit author. These books will have you laughing and crying along with the characters. If your like me it will make you want to pick up your Bible as soon as you put the book down for the night.

Loves Awakening by Laura Frantz The second book in the Ballantyne legacy. It was an emotional read  that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. But not as emotional as the first book.  Silas will always be my favorite hero that Laura has written but Jack is a close second. 

Amber Stokes upcoming knovel Bleeding Hearts can't wait for it  another emotional historical fiction read, that kept me on the edge of my seat. But so good. Another book that makes you think. I cannot wait to read the prequel and the sequel. Amber has quickly become a favorite author of mine after only one book.
Read It and Weep (A Library Lovers Mystery) by Jenn McKinlay, 11-5-13 A sweet cozy mystery starring a Librarian and a sweet dog.
The Longest Ride: Nicholas Sparks: 9781455520657: Amazon.com: Books  The newest Nicholas Sparks book that has two different romances in it. Young and old.



Monday, December 30, 2013

What Countries Have I visited 2014




What Countries I have visited 2014 I did this challenge in 2013 so I thought I would do it in 2014. I am going for Vacationer Visit 10 countries. for more information and the rules click here. Christian Novels

Review of Paige Rewritten

Paige Rewritten: A Paige Alder NovelTitle: Paige Rewritten 

Author: Erynn Mangum

Series: Paige Alder book 2
 
Chapters: 22

Pages: 299

Genre: Christian Romance, Christian Chick lit

Rating: 5 stars

Paige Rewritten is the second book in the Paige Alder series by Erynn Magnum.  In Paige Rewritten Paige is given the choice of staying at her current job or taking a new job that would allow her to use her degree.  Paige is slowly starting to learn how to say no. Paige also has a choice between two guys. Tyler a sweet guy that she meets at Church he also helps with the youth group and teaches the freshman guys.  Then there’s Luke a guy from her past.  Paige slowly learns to forgive the people who hurt in the past.
Paige Rewritten is one of the more emotional books from Erynn.  With the second book in the Paige Adler series I laughed and cried with the characters.  Again I saw myself in Paige more than I have in any of Erynn’s other characters.  You could just read and see the romance in the book.  There was a scene where one character took another character to the botanical gardens to ask her to be his girlfriend and makes note of her favorite flower. But like Erynn’s other books it is still a Christian Chick lit. Paige Rewritten is the first full length novel of Erynn’s that has a bit of a love triangle. However unlike the other books I have read with love triangle I know who I want Paige to end up with in the end.
I enjoyed reading Paige Rewritten I think Paige is becoming my favorite heroine and the Paige Alder series my favorite series, with Paige Rewritten my favorite book.  I laughed I cried, I laughed some more and I cried some more. I also hurt when the characters hurt.  The only thing that I didn’t like was the cliff hanger.  However if I wasn’t already planning to read the third book Paige Turned  the cliff hanger would make want to buy and read the third book as soon as it came out.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

2013 Reading wrap up

It’s safe to say that I did not meet all of my reading goals or challenges for the year. I had better luck with goodreads challenges than I did my blog reading challenges.
My Blog reading challenges
·         Ireland reading challenges I had plan to read 6 but only ended up reading two one teen book and one mystery
o   When Irish Guys are Smiling by Suzanne Supple- teen
o   Buried in a Bog by Sheila Connolly mystery
·         For the Romantic Suspense challenge I had planned to read 13 I only read 6
o   When the Heart Stops by Lynette Eason
o   No way out by Susan Sleeman
o   The General’s Secretary by Debby Giusti
o   Trinity by Ronie Kendig
o   Talon by Ronie Kendig
·         For the Hitorcal fiction reading challenge I had planed to read 25 and ended up only reading 17
·         For the 50 states reading challenge I pretty much gave up on.
·         The Fairy Tales retold challenge I had planned to read 4-6 but I only read 3
o   The Healer’s Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson
o   The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson
o   Of Beast and Beauty by Stacey Jay
·         For the Book to Movie Challenge I chose to read 9 books I ended up reading 8. Not too bad.
·         I had planned to read 12 books for The Nicholas Sparks reading Challenge I only read 2 books
o   Safe Haven
o   The Longest Ride
o    
·         For the What Countries Have I visited I planned to read 10 books and I read 10. The countries I went to was
·         Germany- The Sound of Munich by Suzanne Nelson
·         2. Ireland- When Irish Guys are smiling by Suzanne Supplee
·         3. Mexico- Heart and Salsa by Suzanne Nelson
·         4. China- The Great Call of China by Cynthea Liu
o   5. France- Sisterchicks say ooh la la by Robin Jones Gunn
6. Italy- SisterChicks in  Gondolas by Robin Jones Gunn
7. Kenya- Finally and Forever by Robin Jones Gunn
8. Germany- The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson
9. England- Cinders and Sapphires by Leila Rasheed
10. Hungary- The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson
·         For the Scotland Challenge I had planned to read 7 and I only read 3
·         Child of the Mist by Kathleen Morgan
2. My Hearts in the Lowland's by Liz Curtis Higgs
3. Wings of Morning by Kathleen Morgan
·         For my goodreads challenges
·         For the TBR Pile I choose to read 24 books or two a month I ended up reading 26 books.
·         For the Finish the series challenge I wanted to finish 5 series I ended up finishing 8.
·         For the Library Challenge I choose to read 85 books and I ended up reading 87
·         Kindle /Nook freebies choose to read 17 read 17
·         Classics planned to read 6 read 6
·         What’s in a name challenge planned to read 6 read 6
·         Nonfiction challenge planned to read 10 ended up reading 11


Thoughts and Whatnot's

Winter subway art. Free download.

Friday, December 27, 2013

Reading this week

Finished
The Women of Christmas by Liz Curtis Higgs
Hot Six by Janet Evanovich
Read and Weep by Jenn McKinlay
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich
Time for me to Come Home by Dorothy Shackleford
Hard Eight by Janet Evanovich
Merry and Bright by Erynn Mangum


Currently reading
Paige Rewritten by Erynn Mangum
City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare
The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson
Under a Blackberry Moon by Serena B Miller
Dear Mr. Knightly by Katherine Reay
Gluten for Punishment by Nancy Parra
To the Nines by Janet Evanovich

Non-fiction reading



Getting ready to read
Pride, Prejudice, and Cheese Grits by Mary Jane Hathaway
Heart of the Country by Rene Gutteridge
Rodeo Regrets by Shannon Taylor Vannatter
The Husband Hunt by Karen Kirst
Cozy Christmas by Valerie Hansen
The Soldier’s Sister by Debby Giusti
North Country Hero by Lois Richer
Grace Unplugged by Melody Carlson
Racing Savannah by Miranda Kenneally
Ten Big ones by Janet Evanovich
Eleven on Top by Janet Evanovich
Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich
A Cookie Before Dying by Virginia Lowell
First-Degree Fudge by Christine Desmet
Sketch me if you can by Sharon Pape
A January Bride by Deborah Raney
A February Bride by  Betsy  St. Amant

For school 
 Nothing till January

On My Kindle


Reviewing
Diamonds and Deceit by Lelia Rasheed
Grace Unplugged by Melody Carlson
A December Bride by Denise Hunter
Devotional reading
1 Timothy Psalms
Reviews Posted this week

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry CHRISTmas

Merry CHRISTmas. May we remember and celebrate the  reason for the season. He was the King of Kings but he chose to come in the form of a little baby. He came to give us hope and His everlasting Peace.

Christmas / Karen's Thomas Kinkade Art Store


christmas lights in the snow.

Wise men still seek Him.



The Brown Blog.

Christmas.

...

candy cane, christmas, dessert - inspiring picture on Favim.com


the Pictures came from my Winter and CHRISTmas pinterest board. 

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

I love libraries reading challenge 2014

   I am Choosing to sign up for
  • just insert IV - 50 



For more infoation or to sign up for the  I love Libraries challegne click the link Book Dragon's liar

Cruisin thru the cozies Reading Challenge 2014



I am choosing Level 3 - Super Sleuth - Read 13 to 20 

For more information or to sign up for the   challenge click here     socrates' bookreviews


100 Books in a year challenge


100 Books in a Year Banner

Book City Chick


I am participating in the 100 books a Year Challenge. Hosted by Book City Chick. More information about how to sign up and the rules can be found by clicking the link above. 

Monday, December 23, 2013

Review of Si-Cology 1: Tales and Widsom from from Duck Dynasty Favorite Uncle

Amazon.com: Si-cology 1: Tales and Wisdom from Duck Dynasty's Favorite Uncle eBook: Si Robertson: Kindle StoreTitle: Si-Cology 1: Tales and Widsom from  from Duck Dynasty Favorite Uncle 

Author: Si Robertson

 
Chapters: 30 plus plus prologue and afterwood.

Pages: 240

Genre: Memoir Biography non fiction

Rating: 5 stars


     Written by everyone’s favorite uncle Si Robertson from Duck Dynasty. Si  tells his life story with faith and humor.  I enjoyed reading this more than I thought that I would. It made me laugh, and cry. But it was an awesome read. 

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Reading this week


Finished
Yuletide Twins by Renee Andrews
Cookie Dough or Die by Virginia Lowell
Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich
Murder at Hatfield by Amanda Carmack
Four to Score by Janet Evanovich
High Five by Janet Evanovich
The Woman of Christmas by Liz Curtis Higgs


Currently reading

Paige Rewritten by Erynn Mangum
City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare
Racing Savannah by Miranda Kenneally
Time for me to Come Home by Dorothy Shackleford
The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson
Merry and Bright by Erynn Mangum
Hot Six by Janet Evanovich
Read and Weep by Jenn McKinlay

Non-fiction reading

The Women of Christmas by Liz Curtis Higgs
Gardner


Getting ready to read
Pride, Prejudice, and Cheese Grits by Mary Jane Hathaway
Heart of the Country by Rene Gutteridge
Rodeo Regrets by Shannon Taylor Vannatter
The Husband Hunt by Karen Kirst
Cozy Christmas by Valerie Hansen
The Soldier’s Sister by Debby Giusti
North Country Hero by Lois Richer
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich
Grace Unplugged by Melody Carlson
Under a Blackberry Moon by Serena B Miller
Dear Mr. Knightly by Katherine Reay

For school 
 Nothing till January
On My Kindle


Reviewing
Diamonds and Deceit by Lelia Rasheed
Grace Unplugged by Melody Carlson

Devotional reading
1 Timothy Psalms

Reviews Posted this week




Friday, December 20, 2013

Review of The Longest Ride

The Longest Ride: Nicholas Sparks: 9781455520657: Amazon.com: BooksTitle: The Longest Ride

Author: Nicholas Sparks
 
Chapters: 33 plus epilogue

Pages: 398

Genre: Chick Lit, Romance

Rating: 4.5 stars

     The Longest Ride is one of my favorite Nicholas Sparks books but I didn’t think that it would be when I started reading it. But I was pleasantly surprised.  I like how almost all of his book take place in North Carolina.  Sophia Danko is a college senior at Wake Forrest. She’s majoring in art history and is a sorority girl.  Luke Collins is a North Carolina cowboy who also happens to be a washed up bullrider. These two are from two completely different worlds.

     I enjoyed the setting and how the story of Luke and Sophia was intertwined with Ira’s and Ruth’s.  Even though the four have never met.  For a mainstream romance The Longest Ride is a pretty clean read. Things are mentioned and things happen but the novel does not go into any details.  I would still only say 18 or older unless parents have read it first and decide it’s okay.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Review of Sisterchicks in wooden shoes

Amazon.com: Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes! eBook: Robin Jones Gunn: Kindle StoreTitle: Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes

Author: Robin Jones Gunn

Series: Sisterchicks #8
 
Chapters: 24 plus epigoule.

Pages: 288

Genre: Christian Chick Lit

Rating: 5 stars

            Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes is the eighth and final book in the Sisterchicks series. In this one Summer goes to Holland to visit her pen-pal Noelle.  She makes the trip spare of the moment after she has a health scare. However it may turn out that the trip is something both women need.

            I first discovered Robin Jones Gunn as a year teen when I started reading her Christy Miller series and I have been hooked on her books every sense.  The Sisterchicks series is what I was classify as Christian Chick lit. Even though these books deal with tough issues they are the books you want to read when you want to laugh but still get inspirational and Biblical message. These books are designed for woman. 

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Review of Allegiant

ALLEGIANT ~ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10616322-allegiantTitle: Allegiant

Author: Veronica Roth

Series:  Divergent #3
 
Pages: 526

Genre: Teen Dystopia

Rating: 3 stars

     Allegiant wasn’t my favorite of the three Divergent books. The reasons that I did not like it have nothing to do with the reasons that others didn’t like the book.  My reasons have nothing to do with the ending.  The reasons that I did not enjoy it as much as first two was because of the writing. Allegiant didn’t seem to be written like the other books in the series.   While the ending did surprise me in the sense that I didn’t think she would end it that way.  It fits the story line to me. With the series being Dystopia fiction I didn’t think that it was going to end happy for everyone involved.

     While Allegiant wasn’t a favorite in the series. It will not stop me for reading any of Veronica’s books in the future. 

Monday, December 16, 2013

Review of Sugarplum Homecoming

Sugarplum Homecoming (Love Inspired\Whisper Falls): Linda Goodnight: 9780373878543: Amazon.com: BooksTitle: Sugarplum Homecoming

Author: Linda Goodnight

Series: Love Inspired/ Whisper Falls
 
Chapters: 15

Pages: 224

Genre: Christian Romance

Rating: 5 stars

            Lana Ross had been the bad girl in school in her small town. Now she’s back to try to make a better life for her and Syndey. Davis Turner just happens to be a widower and her high school crush.  She just wants to forget the past, but many in the town have a long memory including Davis’s sister. It will take a Christmas miracle and the prayers a little girl, as well as the friendship of three kids for the adults of Whisper Falls to see that Lana has changed.
            Like other Love Inspired novels and Linda Goodnight’s novels I enjoyed Sugarplum Homecoming.  It was a sweet Christmas read. That showed the miracle of Christmas and the love of a Savior. That with God all things are indeed possible. When I started reading it I didn’t realize that it was the third book in the Whisper Falls series but it can be read on it’s own. Without reading the first two.  Like all the books in the Love Inspired line it is a clean romance at most they would be PG if you are going with a movie rating but most could be considered G. I would recommend it to most woman 17+. 

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Reading this week


Finished

Fleece Navidad by Maggie Sefton
The Soldier’s Sweetheart by Deb Kastner
File M for Murder by Miranda James
Out of Circulation by Miranda James
Sugarplum Homecoming by Linda Goodnight
Home in Time for Christmas by Heather Graham
Fleece Navidad by Maggie Sefton
Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes by Robin Jones Gunn
Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie


Currently reading

Paige Rewritten by Erynn Mangum
Yuletide Twins by Renee Andrews
Visions of Sugarplums by Janet Evanovich
City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare
Cookie Dough or Die by Virginia Lowell
Sketch me if you can by Sharon Pape
Racing Savannah by Miranda Kenneally
The Christie Curse by VIcotia Abbott
Time for me to Come Home by Dorothy Shackleford

Non-fiction reading
The Women of Christmas by Liz Curtis Higgs
Gardner


Getting ready to read
Pride, Prejudice, and Cheese Grits by Mary Jane Hathaway
Heart of the Country by Rene Gutteridge
The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson
Rodeo Regrets by Shannon Taylor Vannatter
The Husband Hunt by Karen Kirst
Cozy Christmas by Valerie Hansen
The Soldier’s Sister by Debby Giusti
North Country Hero by Lois Richer
Home in Time for Christmas by Heather Graham
The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson
Lone Star Holiday by Jolene Navrro
White Christmas in Dry Creek  by Janet Tronstad
Her Holiday Hero by Margaret Daley
The Lawman’s Holiday Wish by Ruth Herne Logan

For school 
 Nothing till January
On My Kindle


Reviewing
Diamonds and Deceit by Lelia Rasheed
Grace Unplugged by Melody Carlson

Devotional reading
1 Timothy Psalms

Reviews Posted this week

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Reading this week

Finished
Starry Night: A Christmas Novel by Debbie Macomber
City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
The Christmas Shoes by Donna Vanliere
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Currently reading
Paige Rewritten by Erynn Mangum
Lone Star Holiday by Jolene Navrro
Fleece Navidad by Maggie Sefton
The Soldier’s Sweetheart by Deb Kastner
File M for Murder by Miranda James
White Christmas in Dry Creek  by Janet Tronstad

Non-fiction reading
The Women of Christmas by Liz Curtis Higgs
Gardner


Getting ready to read
Pride, Prejudice, and Cheese Grits by Mary Jane Hathaway
Heart of the Country by Rene Gutteridge
The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson
Rodeo Regrets by Shannon Taylor Vannatter
The Husband Hunt by Karen Kirst
Cozy Christmas by Valerie Hansen
Yuletide Twins by Renee Andrews
The Soldier’s Sister by Debby Giusti
North Country Hero by Lois Richer
Home in Time for Christmas by Heather Graham
The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson
The Christmas Secret by Donna Vanliere



For school 

On My Kindle
Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie


Reviewing
Diamonds and Deceit by Lelia Rasheed
Grace Unplugged by Melody Carlson

Devotional reading
1 Timothy Psalms
Reviews Posted this week