Tree Swing Reading

Juggling Genres Giveaway: Day 4

  I need to do some serious reading in the next few weeks! I've got books of all kinds to read.  I've got fiction, non-fiction, and teen books to get through devour.  I've decided that having you come on this journey with me will make it fun!  So, during the next 4 weeks I am putting the names of 14 regular Christian fiction books, 7 non-fiction books, and 7 teen/young adult books into a bowl and drawing them out to read and giveaway.

Book giveaway for Day 4: (fiction) How Sweet It Is by Alice J. Wisler

Here are the rules to enter:

A. Post a comment answering a random question with that day's post.

Today's Question: This book is about a woman starting up a cake-making business. She also loves pie. Which do you prefer, cake or pie?  What's your favorite kind of cake? Favorite pie?

My Answer: Usually I prefer cake. My favorite cake is one I make called "Too Much Chocolate Cake."  My mother-in-law makes an eggnog pie that is my favorite pie.

B. Include an email address where I can reach you if you are selected as the winner for that giveaway.

C. Enter on or before Feb. 13 for this book, the winner will be drawn Feb. 14.

D. Come back tomorrow for the next book!

TODAY'S BOOK GIVEAWAY

Description:

Leaving behind a broken romance and her job as a chef in Atlanta, Deena Livingston reluctantly agrees to teach cooking to middle schoolers in North Carolina. But how can she convince the kids that home cooking is better than fast food? Will a Dr. Seuss-quoting plumber, a handsome social worker, and eight rambunctious youngsters change Deena's outlook on life? 320 pages, softcover from Bethany. 

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. Deena is a likeable and realistic person who has flaws and fears to overcome. I really enjoyed the "supporting" characters and all the lessons that their influence brings to Deen's life.  Even includes a few yummy-looking recipes!

Book Bullets:

• My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
• Genre: women's fiction
• Themes: forgiveness, hope
• Part of a Series: no
• Publication year: 2009
• Pages: 320

  I need to do some serious reading in the next few weeks! I've got books of all kinds to read.  I've got fiction, non-fiction, and teen books to get through devour.  I've decided that having you come on this journey with me will make it fun!  So, during the next 4 weeks I am putting the names of 14 regular Christian fiction books, 7 non-fiction books, and 7 teen/young adult books into a bowl and drawing them out to read and giveaway.

Book giveaway for Day 4: (fiction) How Sweet It Is by Alice J. Wisler

Here are the rules to enter:

A. Post a comment answering a random question with that day's post.

Today's Question: This book is about a woman starting up a cake-making business. She also loves pie. Which do you prefer, cake or pie?  What's your favorite kind of cake? Favorite pie?

My Answer: Usually I prefer cake. My favorite cake is one I make called "Too Much Chocolate Cake."  My mother-in-law makes an eggnog pie that is my favorite pie.

B. Include an email address where I can reach you if you are selected as the winner for that giveaway.

C. Enter on or before Feb. 13 for this book, the winner will be drawn Feb. 14.

D. Come back tomorrow for the next book!

TODAY'S BOOK GIVEAWAY

Description:

Leaving behind a broken romance and her job as a chef in Atlanta, Deena Livingston reluctantly agrees to teach cooking to middle schoolers in North Carolina. But how can she convince the kids that home cooking is better than fast food? Will a Dr. Seuss-quoting plumber, a handsome social worker, and eight rambunctious youngsters change Deena's outlook on life? 320 pages, softcover from Bethany. 

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. Deena is a likeable and realistic person who has flaws and fears to overcome. I really enjoyed the "supporting" characters and all the lessons that their influence brings to Deen's life.  Even includes a few yummy-looking recipes!

Book Bullets:

• My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
• Genre: women's fiction
• Themes: forgiveness, hope
• Part of a Series: no
• Publication year: 2009
• Pages: 320

  I need to do some serious reading in the next few weeks! I've got books of all kinds to read.  I've got fiction, non-fiction, and teen books to get through devour.  I've decided that having you come on this journey with me will make it fun!  So, during the next 4 weeks I am putting the names of 14 regular Christian fiction books, 7 non-fiction books, and 7 teen/young adult books into a bowl and drawing them out to read and giveaway.

Book giveaway for Day 4: (fiction) How Sweet It Is by Alice J. Wisler

Here are the rules to enter:

A. Post a comment answering a random question with that day's post.

Today's Question: This book is about a woman starting up a cake-making business. She also loves pie. Which do you prefer, cake or pie?  What's your favorite kind of cake? Favorite pie?

My Answer: Usually I prefer cake. My favorite cake is one I make called "Too Much Chocolate Cake."  My mother-in-law makes an eggnog pie that is my favorite pie.

B. Include an email address where I can reach you if you are selected as the winner for that giveaway.

C. Enter on or before Feb. 13 for this book, the winner will be drawn Feb. 14.

D. Come back tomorrow for the next book!

TODAY'S BOOK GIVEAWAY

Description:

Leaving behind a broken romance and her job as a chef in Atlanta, Deena Livingston reluctantly agrees to teach cooking to middle schoolers in North Carolina. But how can she convince the kids that home cooking is better than fast food? Will a Dr. Seuss-quoting plumber, a handsome social worker, and eight rambunctious youngsters change Deena's outlook on life? 320 pages, softcover from Bethany. 

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. Deena is a likeable and realistic person who has flaws and fears to overcome. I really enjoyed the "supporting" characters and all the lessons that their influence brings to Deen's life.  Even includes a few yummy-looking recipes!

Book Bullets:

• My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
• Genre: women's fiction
• Themes: forgiveness, hope
• Part of a Series: no
• Publication year: 2009
• Pages: 320

  I need to do some serious reading in the next few weeks! I've got books of all kinds to read.  I've got fiction, non-fiction, and teen books to get through devour.  I've decided that having you come on this journey with me will make it fun!  So, during the next 4 weeks I am putting the names of 14 regular Christian fiction books, 7 non-fiction books, and 7 teen/young adult books into a bowl and drawing them out to read and giveaway.

Book giveaway for Day 4: (fiction) How Sweet It Is by Alice J. Wisler

Here are the rules to enter:

A. Post a comment answering a random question with that day's post.

Today's Question: This book is about a woman starting up a cake-making business. She also loves pie. Which do you prefer, cake or pie?  What's your favorite kind of cake? Favorite pie?

My Answer: Usually I prefer cake. My favorite cake is one I make called "Too Much Chocolate Cake."  My mother-in-law makes an eggnog pie that is my favorite pie.

B. Include an email address where I can reach you if you are selected as the winner for that giveaway.

C. Enter on or before Feb. 13 for this book, the winner will be drawn Feb. 14.

D. Come back tomorrow for the next book!

TODAY'S BOOK GIVEAWAY

Description:

Leaving behind a broken romance and her job as a chef in Atlanta, Deena Livingston reluctantly agrees to teach cooking to middle schoolers in North Carolina. But how can she convince the kids that home cooking is better than fast food? Will a Dr. Seuss-quoting plumber, a handsome social worker, and eight rambunctious youngsters change Deena's outlook on life? 320 pages, softcover from Bethany. 

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. Deena is a likeable and realistic person who has flaws and fears to overcome. I really enjoyed the "supporting" characters and all the lessons that their influence brings to Deen's life.  Even includes a few yummy-looking recipes!

Book Bullets:

• My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
• Genre: women's fiction
• Themes: forgiveness, hope
• Part of a Series: no
• Publication year: 2009
• Pages: 320

Winners of "The Happiness Project"

Congrats to Alexandrea M and Annmarie!  You are the winners of The Happiness Project book giveaway!

Thanks for entering!

Juggling Genres Giveaway: Day 3

  I need to do some serious reading in the next few weeks! I've got books of all kinds to read.  I've got fiction, non-fiction, and teen books to get through devour.  I've decided that having you come on this journey with me will make it fun!  So, during the next 4 weeks I am putting the names of 14 regular Christian fiction books, 7 non-fiction books, and 7 teen/young adult books into a bowl and drawing them out to read and giveaway.

Book giveaway for Day 3: (fiction) Farraday Road by Ace Collins

Here are the rules to enter:

A. Post a comment answering a random question with that day's post.

Today's Question: Do you like pizza?  What's your favorite thing to have on pizza?  Who makes your favorite (like what restaurant)?

B. Include an email address where I can reach you if you are selected as the winner for that giveaway.

C. Enter on or before Feb. 12 for this book, the winner will be drawn Feb. 13.

D. Come back tomorrow for the next book!

TODAY'S BOOK GIVEAWAY

Description:

It’s just another quiet evening out for Lije and Kaitlyn Evans. But somewhere along the way, it becomes something more sinister and a murder takes place. In the aftermath, a small-town attorney sets out to find his wife’s killers and uncovers a deadly conspiracy. A suspenseful mystery with a twist of faith.

My Thoughts:

A nice mystery with some interesting characters.  I look forward o finding out more of the story in the next book of the series. 

Book Bullets:

• My rating: 4.5 stars
• Genre: mystery
• Themes: subtle faith message, believing in people
• Part of a Series: yes, book 1 in the Lilje Evans Mysteries
• Publication year: 2008
• Pages: 352 

  I need to do some serious reading in the next few weeks! I've got books of all kinds to read.  I've got fiction, non-fiction, and teen books to get through devour.  I've decided that having you come on this journey with me will make it fun!  So, during the next 4 weeks I am putting the names of 14 regular Christian fiction books, 7 non-fiction books, and 7 teen/young adult books into a bowl and drawing them out to read and giveaway.

Book giveaway for Day 3: (fiction) Farraday Road by Ace Collins

Here are the rules to enter:

A. Post a comment answering a random question with that day's post.

Today's Question: Do you like pizza?  What's your favorite thing to have on pizza?  Who makes your favorite (like what restaurant)?

B. Include an email address where I can reach you if you are selected as the winner for that giveaway.

C. Enter on or before Feb. 12 for this book, the winner will be drawn Feb. 13.

D. Come back tomorrow for the next book!

TODAY'S BOOK GIVEAWAY

Description:

It’s just another quiet evening out for Lije and Kaitlyn Evans. But somewhere along the way, it becomes something more sinister and a murder takes place. In the aftermath, a small-town attorney sets out to find his wife’s killers and uncovers a deadly conspiracy. A suspenseful mystery with a twist of faith.

My Thoughts:

A nice mystery with some interesting characters.  I look forward o finding out more of the story in the next book of the series. 

Book Bullets:

• My rating: 4.5 stars
• Genre: mystery
• Themes: subtle faith message, believing in people
• Part of a Series: yes, book 1 in the Lilje Evans Mysteries
• Publication year: 2008
• Pages: 352 

  I need to do some serious reading in the next few weeks! I've got books of all kinds to read.  I've got fiction, non-fiction, and teen books to get through devour.  I've decided that having you come on this journey with me will make it fun!  So, during the next 4 weeks I am putting the names of 14 regular Christian fiction books, 7 non-fiction books, and 7 teen/young adult books into a bowl and drawing them out to read and giveaway.

Book giveaway for Day 3: (fiction) Farraday Road by Ace Collins

Here are the rules to enter:

A. Post a comment answering a random question with that day's post.

Today's Question: Do you like pizza?  What's your favorite thing to have on pizza?  Who makes your favorite (like what restaurant)?

B. Include an email address where I can reach you if you are selected as the winner for that giveaway.

C. Enter on or before Feb. 12 for this book, the winner will be drawn Feb. 13.

D. Come back tomorrow for the next book!

TODAY'S BOOK GIVEAWAY

Description:

It’s just another quiet evening out for Lije and Kaitlyn Evans. But somewhere along the way, it becomes something more sinister and a murder takes place. In the aftermath, a small-town attorney sets out to find his wife’s killers and uncovers a deadly conspiracy. A suspenseful mystery with a twist of faith.

My Thoughts:

A nice mystery with some interesting characters.  I look forward o finding out more of the story in the next book of the series. 

Book Bullets:

• My rating: 4.5 stars
• Genre: mystery
• Themes: subtle faith message, believing in people
• Part of a Series: yes, book 1 in the Lilje Evans Mysteries
• Publication year: 2008
• Pages: 352 

Juggling Genres Giveaway: Day 2

  I need to do some serious reading in the next few weeks! I've got books of all kinds to read.  I've got fiction, non-fiction, and teen books to get through devour.  I've decided that having you come on this journey with me will make it fun!  So, during the next 4 weeks I am putting the names of 14 regular Christian fiction books, 7 non-fiction books, and 7 teen/young adult books into a bowl and drawing them out to read and giveaway.

Book giveaway for Day 2: (youth) The Blue Umbrella by Mike Mason

Here are the rules to enter:

A. Post a comment answering a random question with that day's post.

Today's Question: This book has a lot about weather in it.  How do you feel about thunder storms?  Do you like them or do they scare you?  Do you get them where you live?

My Answer: I don't mind a good storm, except when I'm trying to sleep.  We get some pretty loud ones here sometimes.

B. Include an email address where I can reach you if you are selected as the winner for that giveaway.

C. Enter on or before Feb. 11 for this book, the winner will be drawn Feb. 12.

D. Come back tomorrow for the next book!

TODAY'S BOOK GIVEAWAY

Description:

When Zac Sparks’s mother dies, he’s sent to live in Five Corners with his cruel old Aunties. It isn’t long before Zac knows something strange is going on. Five Corners is populated with weird characters—a midget butler, a girl who doesn’t speak, a blind balloon seller, a mysterious singer, and the Aunties’ father, Dada. Zac’s first encounter with Dada is so terrifying he faints dead away.

The one bright spot is Sky Porter, a friendly soul who encourages Zac and shows him kindness. But Sky isn’t what he seems either, and when Zac learns Sky’s amazing secret, he sees that this wonderful man may have a very dark side as well.  Discovering that Dada is an evil magician who is intent on stealing the ultimate treasure, Zac knows many lives are at stake, including his own.

My Thoughts:

A very interesting book meant for ages 9-12.  It reminded me of Harry Potter and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with interesting people who do strange things.  There's magic and evil sorcery too.  The beginning was a bit slow and sad for me, but once Sky Porter enters the book, the story really picks up and gets exciting.  There's no outright faith message here, more like an allegory of good and evil characters and some portrayal of heaven.  If you like Harry Potter, this is definately worth checking out!

Book Bullets:

• My rating: 4.5 stars
• Genre: youth fantasy
• Themes: good vs. evil
• Part of a Series: no 
• Publication year: 2009
• Pages: 424

  I need to do some serious reading in the next few weeks! I've got books of all kinds to read.  I've got fiction, non-fiction, and teen books to get through devour.  I've decided that having you come on this journey with me will make it fun!  So, during the next 4 weeks I am putting the names of 14 regular Christian fiction books, 7 non-fiction books, and 7 teen/young adult books into a bowl and drawing them out to read and giveaway.

Book giveaway for Day 2: (youth) The Blue Umbrella by Mike Mason

Here are the rules to enter:

A. Post a comment answering a random question with that day's post.

Today's Question: This book has a lot about weather in it.  How do you feel about thunder storms?  Do you like them or do they scare you?  Do you get them where you live?

My Answer: I don't mind a good storm, except when I'm trying to sleep.  We get some pretty loud ones here sometimes.

B. Include an email address where I can reach you if you are selected as the winner for that giveaway.

C. Enter on or before Feb. 11 for this book, the winner will be drawn Feb. 12.

D. Come back tomorrow for the next book!

TODAY'S BOOK GIVEAWAY

Description:

When Zac Sparks’s mother dies, he’s sent to live in Five Corners with his cruel old Aunties. It isn’t long before Zac knows something strange is going on. Five Corners is populated with weird characters—a midget butler, a girl who doesn’t speak, a blind balloon seller, a mysterious singer, and the Aunties’ father, Dada. Zac’s first encounter with Dada is so terrifying he faints dead away.

The one bright spot is Sky Porter, a friendly soul who encourages Zac and shows him kindness. But Sky isn’t what he seems either, and when Zac learns Sky’s amazing secret, he sees that this wonderful man may have a very dark side as well.  Discovering that Dada is an evil magician who is intent on stealing the ultimate treasure, Zac knows many lives are at stake, including his own.

My Thoughts:

A very interesting book meant for ages 9-12.  It reminded me of Harry Potter and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with interesting people who do strange things.  There's magic and evil sorcery too.  The beginning was a bit slow and sad for me, but once Sky Porter enters the book, the story really picks up and gets exciting.  There's no outright faith message here, more like an allegory of good and evil characters and some portrayal of heaven.  If you like Harry Potter, this is definately worth checking out!

Book Bullets:

• My rating: 4.5 stars
• Genre: youth fantasy
• Themes: good vs. evil
• Part of a Series: no 
• Publication year: 2009
• Pages: 424

New Giveaway: "Juggling Genres Giveaway, Day 1"

  I need to do some serious reading in the next few weeks! I've got books of all kinds to read.  I've got fiction, non-fiction, and teen books to get through devour.  I've decided that having you come on this journey with me will make it fun!  So, during the next 4 weeks I am putting the names of 14 regular Christian fiction books, 7 non-fiction books, and 7 teen/young adult books into a bowl and drawing them out to read and giveaway.

Book giveaway for Day 1: (non-fiction) A Perfect Mess by Lisa Harper

Here are the rules to enter:

A. Post a comment answering a random question with that day's post.

Today's Question: As a mother of a tween girl and a leader of our church library, I am hoping to boost up the selection/interest for teens/young adults in our church library.  Any suggestions on how to do that?  Any book suggestions?

B. Include an email address where I can reach you if you are selected as the winner for that giveaway.

C. Enter on or before Feb. 10 for this book, the winner will be drawn Feb. 11.

D. Come back tomorrow for the next book!

TODAY'S BOOK GIVEAWAY

Description:

God loves you just the way you are. We know this in our heads, but many women struggle to know God's love and peace in their daily lives. In A Perfect Mess, author and speaker Lisa Harper takes you through the Psalms to show you how dropping your mask and being honest with God can heal your heart and lead you into a lifestyle of grace.

My Thoughts:

A great book for a Bible study group, with chapters and thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter. Haper takes you through various Psalms and relates them to different struggles/emotions that we all deal with.  There's a nice combination of humor and teaching that makes each chapter perfect for those of us who feel like we've made a mess of things in one way or another.

Book Bullets:

• My rating: 4.5 stars
• Genre: non-fiction
• Themes: Psalms, God's love
• Part of a Series: no 
• Publication year: 2009
• Pages: 224

Review of "Burn" by Ted Dekker and Erin Healy

Description:

Gypsy Janeal Mikkado is in an explosive situation. When her kumpania was attacked and her friend was about to be burned to death, Janeal chose to disappear with the million dollars she discovered. Now the person she thought was dead is back! Will Janeal face her past---or be consumed by flames of guilt and fear?

My Thoughts:

I have always been a big fan of Ted Dekker and I especially enjoy his books that are slightly less "out there" if you know what I mean. So that means that Burn was high on my list for enjoyment! Suspenseful, a little "out there" but not too much, and interesting.  I recommend it! 

Book Bullets:

• My rating: 5 stars
• Genre: Suspense
• Themes: forgiveness, good and evil
• Part of a Series: no 
• Publication year: 2009
• Pages: 384

Book Winners

I used Random.org to generate the winners for the giveaway.  The winners are:

Lace: Rain Song

AmandaSue: This Side of Heaven

Karen K: Intervention

Word Lily: Symphony of Secrets

Jenn (Little Miss Sunshine): Moon and the Mango Tree

 

Thanks for entering!

Random Dozen

    You know I love random questions, so I'm participating in this blog's fun: http://2nd-cup-of-coffee.blogspot.com/ Thanks to http://mochawithlinda.blogspot.com/ for introducing it to me!  

1. How good are you at delaying gratification?

Depends on what it is. I can wait a long time for presents, but chocolate not so much!

2. Maybe a marshmallow wouldn't be too difficult a temptation for you. What food (or anything else) would be most tempting?

truffles from Seattle's Chocolates!

3. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being saintly) how patient are you?

6?

4. Have you ever waited for something in life only to be disappointed upon realization of the goal/object/etc.?

Usually that happens with clothes I order online!  haha!  They look great on the person online, but not so much on me.

5. Are you a person who takes shortcuts?

yes. But I feel guilty about it.

6. Which line is hardest to wait in?

Anytime someone "cheats" and cuts in front of me.

7. Did you wait to discover the gender of your unborn child until its birth?

yes with the first one, no with the second

8. Are you more patient with children or the elderly?

children

9. Did you ever sneak a peek at a present?

yes...sorry mom!

10. What is the longest you've ever waited for anything?

That's hard to answer...I've waited 2 hours for a ride a Disney, 24 hours of labor for my first child, 30 years to feel good about my body/weight...

11. Who has more patience, you or your significant other?

He has more patience with unexpected delays (like in traveling), I have more patience with our kids

12. Which of the following songs about waiting is your pick for the best? (OK, you may substitute another, if you like.)

A) Anticipation by Carly Simon
B) The Waiting by Tom Petty
C) Right Here Waiting for You by Richard Marx
D) Wait for Me by Rebecca St. James

The only one I know is C.

 

Extras in a Movie!

I'm so excited! Me and my family got to be extras in a movie on Saturday!  It's a Christian Christmas movie called Journey to Paradise, based on Robin Shope's book The Christmas Edition. It is releasing in December.  I even got to say a line!  It was an awesome experience, seeing the sets, the green room, the props, and meeting the wonderful stars and director of the movie.

I can't wait until it comes out!

Review of "So Not Happening" by Jenny B. Jones

Description:

Young New York socialite, Isabella Kirkwood, whose life revolves around an unlimited expense account with Daddy's MasterCard, Broadway just down the street, attends a private school, and has an A -list of friends, has her whole life pulled out from under her!Daddy's found another woman, Mom met some factory worker from Oklahoma on the internet and now they're packing up to move there to join him! To top off the nightmare, he has two bratty sons and she's now supposed to live on a farm. How will she ever survive this nightmare? Is Oklahoma really where God wants her to be?

My Thoughts:

I love Jenny B. Jones!  This is a fabulous teen girl book (though I loved it and I am not a teen by far) about a young shallow girl who is forced to make some major changes when she and her mom move to Oklahoma.  There's drama, adventure, a little romance, and a mystery all in one book.  This is one of my favorite authors!

Book Bullets:

• My rating: 5 stars
• Genre: Teen girl
• Themes: finding out what really matters
• Part of a Series: yes, book 1 in "Charmed Life" series 
• Publication year: 2009
• Pages: 352