Friday, February 28, 2014

What I learned from Disney

After seeing the because of Disney and what I’ve learned from Disney on pinterest it’s given me an idea for a post. I know I have posted in while but I’ve been busy with school. More on that later, back the Disney post. Growing up I loved Disney movies but not the typical princess movies, because they were nothing like the original fairy tales. As they were written as warnings not stories. But even though I didn’t like the princess Disney movies I still learned things from them. But first what I learned from my favorite Disney Movie





From Beauty and the Beast 
Because of Disney

Because of Disney

Because of Disney
Never judge a book by its cover.


From Peter Pan 
Because of Disney

I actually did try to fly (kids don't try this at Home) by jumping off the kitchen counter. Thankfully I didn't break anything. 

From The Fox and The Hound 

Because of Disney

From Ratatouille
BECAUSE OF DISNEY

From Lilo 
Because of disney

From Lady and The Tramp 

From Mulan 
Because of disney

From Frozen 

Because of Disney...   Because of Disney
From Monsters INC 
 Because of Disney...


From Aladdin 
Because of Disney  
Finally From Pocahontas 
Because of Disney so true

Reading this week

Finished
Wicked Busniess by Janet Evanovich
A Mad, Wicked Folly by Sharon Biggs Waller
The Sound of Letting Go by Stasia Kehoe Ward
Crime and Punishment in America by Elliot Currie
U.S. Criminal Justice Policy by Karim Ismaili
The Heist by Janet Evanovich

Currently reading
Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck
Salvation by Anne Osterlund
The Nurse’s Secret Suitor by Cheryl Wyatt
Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich
My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris
The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow
The Silence of the Library by Miranda James

Non-fiction reading
Trafficked by Sophie Hayes

Getting ready to read
The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson
The Merciful Scar by Rebecca St James
Grace Unplugged by Melody Carlson
The Cowboy’s Reunited Family by Brenda Minton
I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood up for Education and was shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai
Metro Girl By Janet Evanvich
Going Rogue by Robin Benway
Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
Dare you To by Katie McGarry
Crash into You by Katie McGarry
Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughern

For school 
Women on Ice by Miriam Boeri
Class, Race, Gender, and Crime by Gregg Barak
Nothing Bad happens to good girls by Esther Madriz
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander


Audio

On My Kindle

Classics
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen


Reviewing
Grace Unplugged by Melody Carlson

Devotional reading
Bible through in a year
The Unburdened Heart by Suzanne Eller

Reviews Posted this week

Friday, February 21, 2014

Reading this week

Finished
Also Known as by Robin Benway
Once Upon a Winter’s Heart by Melody Carlson
This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith
Finger Lickin’ Fifteen by Janet Evanovich
Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge


Currently reading
The Heist by Janet Evanovich
Salvation by Anne Osterlund
The Nurse’s Secret Suitor by Cheryl Wyatt
A Mad, Wicked Folly by Sharon Biggs Waller
Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich
My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris
Non-fiction reading
Trafficked by Sophie Hayes

Getting ready to read
My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris
The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson
The Merciful Scar by Rebecca St James
The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow
Grace Unplugged by Melody Carlson
The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson
The Cowboy’s Reunited Family by Brenda Minton
The Silence of the Library by Miranda James
Riptide by Donn Cortez
I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood up for Education and was shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai



For school 
U.S. Criminal Justice Policy by Karim Ismaili
Women on Ice by Miriam Boeri
Class, Race, Gender, and Crime by Gregg Barak
Nothing Bad happens to good girls by Esther Madriz
Crime and Punishment in America by Elliot Currie
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander


Audio
Wicked Busniess by Janet Evanovich

On My Kindle

Classics
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen


Reviewing
Grace Unplugged by Melody Carlson

Devotional reading
Bible through in a year
The Unburdened Heart by Suzanne Eller

Reviews Posted this week

Friday, February 14, 2014

Finished
Racing Savannah by Miranda Kenneally
Safe by the Marshal’s Side by Shirlee McCoy
In Search of Respect by Philippe Bourgois
Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich


Currently reading
Finger Lickin’ Fifteen by Janet Evanovich
The Heist by Janet Evanovich
Also Known as by Robin Benway
The Silence of the Library by Miranda James
Riptide by Donn Cortez
Once Upon a Winter’s Heart by Melody Carlson

Non-fiction reading
I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood up for Education and was shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai

Getting ready to read
My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris
Salvation by Anne Osterlund
This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith
The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson
The Merciful Scar by Rebecca St James
Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich
The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow
Grace Unplugged by Melody Carlson
The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson
Manor of Secrets by Katherine Longshore
The Cowboy’s Reunited Family by Brenda Minton
The Nurse’s Secret Suitor by Cheryl Wyatt



For school 
U.S. Criminal Justice Policy by Karim Ismaili
Women on Ice by Miriam Boeri
Class, Race, Gender, and Crime by Gregg Barak
Nothing Bad happens to good girls by Esther Madriz
Crime and Punishment in America by Elliot Currie
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander


Audio
Wicked Busniess by Janet Evanovich

On My Kindle

Classics
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen


Reviewing
Grace Unplugged by Melody Carlson

Devotional reading
Bible through in a year
The Unburdened Heart by Suzanne Eller

Reviews Posted this week

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Review of Forget Me Not



Title: Forget Me Not

Author: Amber Stokes

Series: The Heart’s Spring #1
 
Chapters: 24

Genre: Christian Historical

Rating: 4.5 Stars

     Forget Me Not is actually the prequel to Bleeding Heart though Bleeding Heart was published first. In Forget me Not Elizabeth Lawson is wanting to find her brother whom she has never meet before. David recues her from danger and agrees to help her find her brother. Both Elizabeth and David are running from their pasts. They just don’t realize it. Nor do they realize that they have ties to a simple flower the Forget Me Not flower.


     I enjoyed reading Forget Me Not. I read it over the course of two days. If it hadn’t been for school I would have had it finished in one day. Just like Amber’s debut this book was an emotional read. But it was a book worth reading. Forget Me Not is a book that will make you think, and in this case it makes you think about forgiveness. Both God’s forgiveness and forgiving others.  

It was nice to see some of the same characters from Bleeding Heart in this novel as well. I enjoy reading Amber’s writing style and novels. I am also looking forward to the next book in the trilogy Morning Glory. Amber’s books are a great read for anyone who likes Christian Historical Fiction and the west.  

















About the Book

Prequel to Bleeding Heart

Old hurts, new betrayals, and a love that survives them all...

Summer 1885

A startling revelation sends Elizabeth Lawson escaping into a stormy night - and tosses her into the arms of a young mountain man with secrets of his own. When he offers to take her to the Nevada mining town where her long-lost brother lives, she accepts. Suspicions and uncertainties are pushed aside as she struggles to forge a future for herself by meeting her past.

David has been hiding from his painful memories for years. The solitude and wildness of the Rocky Mountains are challenge and comfort enough for him - until Elizabeth's arrival. Fueled by anger and a sense of obligation, he strives to take control of his new situation...only to find control slipping from his grasp with each new emotion Elizabeth evokes in him.

When their journey leads them on unexpected paths, can two lonely hearts find the strength to remember the good amid the heartbreak?

Inspirational Historical Romance
 Book Website http://forgetmenotnovel.blogspot.com/ 
Series Blog http://theheartsspringseries.blogspot.com



About the Author 
Amber Stokes has a Bachelor of Science degree in English and a passion for the written word - from blogging to writing poetry, short stories, and novels. After her brief time at college in Oregon, she is now back home among the redwoods of Northern California, living life one day at a time and pursuing her passion via freelance editing and self-publishing.

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Friday, February 7, 2014

Reading this Week

Finished
Cooking Italian with the Cake Boss by Buddy Valastro
Lending a Paw by Laurie Cass
Words with Friends by Ali Brandon
Bellflower by Amber Stokes
If Bread Could Rise to the Occasion by Paige Shelton
Caleb + Kate Cindy Martinusen-Coloma


Currently reading
Finger Lickin’ Fifteen by Janet Evanovich
Safe by the Marshal’s Side by Shirlee McCoy
No One to Trust by Lynette Eason
Racing Savannah by Miranda Kenneally
The Heist by Janet Evanovich

Non-fiction reading
Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell
I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood up for Education and was shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai

Getting ready to read
North Country Hero by Lois Richer
The Merciful Scar by Rebecca St James
Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich
Smokin’ Seventeen by Janet Evanovich
The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson
Made to Last by Melissa Tagg
The Cowboy’s Reunited Family by Brenda Minton
The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow
Grace Unplugged by Melody Carlson
The Nurse’s Secret Suitor by Cheryl Wyatt
Cut and Run by Donn Cortez




For school 
U.S. Criminal Justice Policy by Karim Ismaili
In Search of Respect by Philippe Bourgois
Women on Ice by Miriam Boeri
Class, Race, Gender, and Crime by Gregg Barak
Nothing Bad happens to good girls by Esther Madriz
Crime and Punishment in America by Elliot Currie
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander


Audio

Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich
On My Kindle

Classics
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen


Reviewing
Grace Unplugged by Melody Carlson

Devotional reading
Bible through in a year
The Unburdened Heart by Suzanne Eller

Reviews Posted this week


Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Review of Murder and Marinara

Murder and Marinara: An Italian Kitchen Mystery: Amazon.ca: Rosie Genova: BooksTitle: Murder and Marinara

Author: Rosie Genova

Series: An Italian Kitchen Mystery #1
 
Chapters: 33

Pages: 336

Genre: Cozy mystery

Rating: 4 stars

Victoria is an author who has plan’s to come to the Jersey Shore and her family’s Italian restaurant in order to write the novel of her heart. She writes mystery novels and once home she finds herself in a real life murder mystery.  The dead body belongs to a production company that wants to film a reality show.  Her family didn’t want the show to film in the town. So everyone who works at the restaurant is a suspect. Her grandmother wants her to solve the murder, her brother Danny who is a cop wants her to stay out of it.

     Her ex boyfriend Tim wants her back, and her Sister-in-law Sofia wants to help Victoria solve the murder.  Victoria is an Italian Nancy Drew with a mix of Stephanie Plum. It was a good read that was a laugh a minute and a page turner. I can’t wait for the next book. 

Monday, February 3, 2014

Review of You Cannoli Die Once

You Cannoli Die Once by Shelley Costa @Terisa Anderson Anderson Chevreaux-Pittaway Lovers KitchenTitle: You Cannoli Die Once

Author: Shelley Costa

Series: Italian Restaurant Mystery
 
Chapters: 19

Pages: 311

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Rating: 4 stars


                Eve Angelotta is the head chef at the Italian owned by her grandmother. She butts heads with her grandmother and Maria Pia Angelotta about who really is in charge of the kitchen. Then one day Eve discovers a dead body in the kitchen, and her grandmother becomes the prime suspect because it was her boyfriend.  However as far as the police are concerned the only suspect. Eve feels that the police aren’t doing enough she starts trying to solve the murder.  With the help of the Miracolo staff that includes her two cousin’s Choo Choo, and Landon. As well as the lawyer that she found in the compost bin Joe Beck.

     I have always loved mysteries. As a child I would end up solving the mystery before The Boxcar Child or Nancy Drew. As adult I enjoy cozy mysteries with punny titles.  and You Cannoli Die Once was no different. I enjoyed this sweet cozy mystery that reminded me a little bit of the Stephanie Plum novels, complete with the crazy Italian family. 

Saturday, February 1, 2014

January Wrap Up

For January I manged to read 19 books.

   Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich
    Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich
    Fearless fourteen by Janet Evanvoich
    Under a Blackberry Moon by Serena B Miller
    City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare
   The Shadowhunter's Codex by Cassandra Clare
    The Husband Hunt by Karen Kirst
     The Rancher's Secret Son by Betsy St. Amant
    Family Celebrations with the Cake Boss by Buddy Valastro
 The Surgeon by Tess Gerristen
 The Soldier's Sister by Debby Giusti
 Buried in Bargains by Josie Belle
 Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich
  Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich
A Chance to die By Elisabeth Elliot
 Murder and Marinara by Rosie Genova 
 Forget Me Not by Amber Stokes
 You Cannoli Die Once by Shelley Costa
 Plum Spooky by Janet Evanvoich 


So far for my reading challenge I am keeping up pretty good.


For my non fiction challenge I have read two books so far
     Family Celebrations with the Cake Boss by Buddy Valastro
   A Chance to die By Elisabeth Elliot



f For my TBR to read Challenge
      The Soldier's Sister by Debby Giusti
   The Husband Hunt by Karen Kirst
 For My Cozy Mystery challenge 
 Buried in Bargains by Josie Belle
You Cannoli Die Once by Shelley Costa 
Murder and Marinara by Rosie Genova