Tree Swing Reading

Review of "Wish You Were Here" by Beth Vogt

Description:

Allison Denman is supposed to get married in five days, but everything is all wrong. The huge wedding. The frothy dress. And the groom.

Still, kissing the groom's brother in an unguarded moment is decidedly not the right thing to do. How could she have made such a mistake? It seems Allison's life is nothing but mistakes at this point. And pulling a "Runaway Bride" complete with stealing, er, borrowing her best friend's car doesn't seem to solve her problems.

Can Allison find her way out of this mess? Maybe she just needs to stop orchestrating everything. Allison prefers being the one in control, and giving it up is not going to be easy. But to find her way again, she will have to believe that God has a plan for her and find the strength to let Him lead.

My Thoughts:

Another fantastic new author! I loved it!  I enjoy the humor of the story combined with the deeper aspects of Allison and her relationships with Seth, Daniel, her aunt, and her Dad. I loved Allison and found myself cheering for her and her growth and also aching for her and the decisions she had to make.  I can't imagine how difficult it would be to call off a wedding!  I know what it's like to get caught up in a decision because it feels like the "right" one and because it's the "easy" one.  I loved seeing how she overcame the pain of facing that decision and how she learns to "be" with God and not always just "be with a guy." 

Plus, I loved the hero saving her in the avalanche too.  Because who doesn't love a hero saving the day?

Another author for my 100 to watch list.  Awesome!

Book Bullets:

• My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
• Genre: Contemporary Romance Fiction
• Part of a Series: No
  
• Publication year: 2012
• Publisher: Howard Books
  

Hodge Podge Wednesday

It's time once again to join Joyce for the Hodgepodge. This week we're talking Super Bowl!

1. In the USA this coming Sunday millions will be watching as the Baltimore Ravens take on the San Francisco 49's in the Superbowl. What was the last event you attended that could be described as super?

The Rose Bowl Parade!  That was a wonderful experience and the floats were so beautiful!  It was a great experience!

2. Share something you're a fan of these days?

My Keurig coffee maker!  I'm a big fan of the fresh-brewed coffee every morning!

3. How do you feel about wings? In case anyone is confused, I'm talking the edible appetizer kind. What's your preferred seasoning on a wing-hot, mild, teryiaki, sweet and sour, other? Do you make your own or is there a favorite place you like to go for wings?

My husband really likes them, and so always wants to go to Buffalo Wild Wings, but I'm not a big fan.  I don't like them sweet at all.  A mild one, emersed in ranch, is the way I eat them if I have to.

4. As long as we're talking sports today...have you followed the Lance Armstrong story? Did you watch his interview with Oprah and if so what was your reaction to his confession and subsequent remarks?.

I have to admit that I am saddened by the whole thing. That he so adamently denied it before makes it hard to see him as sincere now. I am sorry for his non-profit, Live Strong, becasue I don't want that work to be negatively affected by what he did.


5. What's a question you hate to be asked?

What do you do?

6. The coaches in this Sunday's big game happen to be real life brothers. Jim Harbaugh coaches the 49er's and his older brother John Harbaugh coaches the Baltimore Ravens. Were you and your sibling(s) competitive? In what way? Are you still? If you're an only child how did you handle competition growing up?

I am 12 years behind my closest brother.  I have three brothers.  We were not really close while I was growing up because of the age difference. But now I feel like we've become much closer, especially after my dad died and we went through that together.  I have a lot of respect for my brothers and really value their opinions.

7. What's your favorite game involving a ball and when did you last play?

My favorite game to watch is football.  I think the last game I personally played was raquetball last summer.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am trying to find lots of time to knit this week. A woman from my church had started knitting a blanket for her daughter when she was diagnosed with cancer.  She has since passed away and I am trying to finish her project so her daughter can have it.  I am grateful for the chance to work on it, but it feels strange taking over her handiwork.

100 to Watch: New From Janice Thompson

Janice Thompson is a new author to me, but I am glad to have her on my list of authors to watch this year based on the recommendations of other reviews I've read and friends who've enjoyed her books! 

Title: Picture Perfect

Released: January 2013

Publisher: Revell

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Series: Book 1 in the Weddings by Design Series

Description:

Feisty wedding photographer Hannah McDermott has dealt with her share of difficult brides. But none can compare to the ultimate Bridezilla she's dealing with now. Still, she's trying desperately to impress Bella Neeley, Galveston Island's most sought-after wedding planner, so she can take the top spot in Bella's list of recommended photographers--a spot currently occupied by her arch-rival, Drew Kincaid. What she doesn't count on, however, is falling head over heels for the competition.

With her contagious humor and cast of quirky characters, Janice Thompson gives readers more of the bridal business drama they want in a brand-new series all about those long-suffering people who make beautiful weddings happen. Readers are desperately waiting for more of Bella and this new series brings her back in a big way, while introducing new characters fans will love. Fans will laugh out loud as they experience this breezy and entertaining novel from a great storyteller.

For more information about Janice Thompson, check out her website.

Other books I've reviewed by Thompson: this will be the first, I'm just waiting for the kindle version!

Review of "Thunder and Rain" by Charles Martin

Description:

Third generation Texas Ranger Tyler Steele is the last of a dying breed-- a modern day cowboy hero living in a world that doesn't quite understand his powerful sense of right and wrong and instinct to defend those who can't defend themselves. Despite his strong moral compass, Ty has trouble seeing his greatest weakness. His hard outer shell, the one essential to his work, made him incapable of forging the emotional connection his wife Andie so desperately needed.

Now retired, rasing their son Brodie on his own, and at risk of losing his ranch, Ty does not know how to rebuild from the rubble of his life. The answer comes in the form of Samantha and her daughter Hope, on the run from a seemingly inescapable situation. They are in danger, desperate, and alone. Though they are strangers, Ty knows he can help-- protecting the innocent is what he does best. As his relationship with Sam and Hope unfolds, Ty realizes he must confront his true weaknesses if he wants to become the man he needs to be.

My Thoughts:

Charles Martin's books are always my favorites! I just can't get enough of the way he writes. He captures the emotions of his characters without making them "over-the-top." He gets me to feel things right along with them.  I end up falling in love with them.  I end up having my heart touched.  So good.  I want to read slowly to get the meaning in each word, because each word carries so much weight; but I end up reading fast because I can't wait to read more.

Just so you know, this is not a "Christian fiction" market book.  There's some language and subject matter to be aware of, in case you aren't expecting it.  That being said, the conversations between the little girl and God are beautiful and faith-filled as any.

I want more Charles Martin.  Every. Time. Wow.

Book Bullets:

• My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
• Genre: Contemporary Fiction
• Part of a Series: No
  
• Publication year: 2012
• Publisher: Center Street
  

Review of "Wildflowers from Winter" by Katie Ganshert

Description:

Like the winter, grief has a season. Life returns with the spring.
 
A young architect at a prestigious Chicago firm, Bethany Quinn has built the life she dreamed of during her teen years in a trailer park.  An unexpected interruption from her estranged mother reveals that tragedy has struck in her hometown and a reluctant Bethany is called back to rural Iowa.
 
Determined to pay her respects to her past while avoiding any emotional entanglements, she vows not to stay long. But the unexpected inheritance of five hundred acres of farmland and a startling turn of events in Chicago forces Bethany to come up with a new plan.
 
Handsome farmhand Evan Price has taken care of the Quinn farm for years.  When Bethany is left the land, Evan must fight her decisions to realize his dreams. But even as he disagrees with Bethany’s vision, Evan feels drawn to her and the pain she keeps so carefully locked away.
 
For Bethany, making peace with her past and the God of her childhood doesn’t seem like the path to freedom. Is letting go the only way to new life, love and a peace that she’s not even sure exists?

My Thoughts:

How interesting that I have been reading a string of books that are all about "going home" and successful young women who don't want to go home, but have to for some reason or another.  I find it kind of funny, since lately I've been wanting to "go home" myself.

Anyway, beyond that realization, I have to say this book was awesome! I think Ganshert has a wonderful way of describing people and situations and I felt like I was right there with the characters.  I really like these characters and am so happy to see that they will be back in her next book. 

I was so struck by the way that Bethany reacted to the pastor of her mother's church. I knew something must have happened there to set her teeth on edge. I've seen church "leaders" mis-represent God's Word to people in my own life, so I know the damage that can be done.  I am so glad that Bethany had people like her Grandpa and even Evan in her life to show here that God is not defined by the failings of the people in His church.  And I loved seeing the contrast of how people genuinely open to God's teachings found peace and comfort in their faith.

Book Bullets:

• My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
• Genre: Contemporary Fiction
• Part of a Series: Not technically...
  
• Publication year: 2012
• Publisher: Waterbrook Press
  

Review of "The Next Target" by Nikki Arana

Description:

It only took one bullet. Austia's friend and student fell dead. And with a glimpse of a newspaper headline, the young and recently widowed Austia knows more about what happened than the police. From that fatal night, Austia’s secret outreach to the U.S. Muslim community—in the guise of English language classes—becomes a target. Local Muslim extremists set their sights on ending her ministry and even her life. And the women she ministers to will be next.

A thick web of deceit closes in around Austia, and her circle of friends becomes smaller by the day, even as she finally opens herself to the idea of falling in love again. But who can she trust? Facing a spiritual battle that proves more treacherous than it at first seemed, Austia’s convictions are tested to their limits and her heart becomes primed for breaking. She must ask herself: how much she will risk to stay true to her herself, her faith, and to the lives of the women she serves?

My Thoughts:

I have to admit that I found myself feeling a bit uncomfortable reading this book. I think the frightening level of evil portrayed in Austia's enemies made me wonder about how realistic that level of hatred is and how scarey it is to think of it in our country.  It made me nervous, you know? 

I struggled to get into the story a bit at the beginning, but ended up caught up in the suspense of the characters and their attempts to outsmart Hussein, who seems all-powerful.  The ending came a bit fast for me, and left me wondering if there are plans to bring these characters back in another book. 

Book Bullets:

• My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
• Genre: Suspense Fiction
• Part of a Series: No
  
• Publication year: 2011
• Publisher: David C. Cook
  

A book that's changing me! "Anything" by Jennie Allen

I admit it.

Lately, my faith has been on auto pilot. I've been going through the motions without really living like I'm excited about being a child a God. 

I've been worrying too much about pleasing people. I've been trying to hard to wrap my hands tightly around my world to make it safe and "perfect."  I've been writing and thinking about time and my stress and schedule, all while trying to come up with the perfect way to control those things and fit them into perfect order.

But maybe I'm not called to perfect boxes of order. Maybe I'm not going to ever be that girl.  Maybe God wants me to glorify Him outside of those boxes.

Maybe I want more.

I want to be like Jennie Allen in the book I just finished reading. Anything made me look at the stressed out struggle I've been having to gather up every possible scenario of my life in a desparate attempt to control it all.  By. my. self. It made me want so much more.

It made me want to say, "O.K. God.  I'm yours!  Use me."

Don't get me wrong.  This is hard for me to say.  Because I really, really like "safe."  I really, really like "comfortable."  And so, part of me wants to pray, "God, please use me in the parameters of this and this, but not outside that."  But deep inside me there's the cry for release, for loving Him with abandon.  For opening my arms wide to God and all that He wants for my life.

I am going to read this book again. And then I'm going to pray.  I am not sure how close I am to where Allen was when she and her husband said "Anything" to God, but I am ready to wake up to God's love.  To wake up to serving Him.  To open up my prayers to ask for more of Him in every day of my life.

Amazing book!

Here's more about the book:

We are all chasing something. Our hearts were made to run hard and fast after things that move us. But as a generation we are all beginning to stir and wake up, identifying that these words don't satisfy for long, especially when compared to God. If God is real, and we are going to live with Him forever, shouldn't He be everything?

Anything is a prayer of surrender that will spark something. A prayer that will move us to stop chasing things that just make us feel happy and start living a life that matters. A life that is...Surrendered. Reckless. Courageous. If we truly know a God worth giving anything for, everything changes.

Returning to Random Wednesday HodgePodge

Joyce from the blog This Side of the Pond, creates a Wednesday Hodge Podge of random questions.  I always enjoy the fun of answering them and seeing what others have to say too!  I am glad to be back and re-joining the group!

1. The popular saying, 'All is fair in love and war' is originally credited to English writer John Lyly. Is he right?

No. No excuses.

2. Are you a cereal eater? What's your favorite kind?

I don't eat much cereal because dairy doesn't always agree with my stomach. But, my favorite is Honey Bunches of Oats!  My Dad used to eat it every day!

3. A five year old in Pennsylvania was recently given a ten day school suspension for talking with a friend about shooting one another with a Hello Kitty Bubble gun (the gun blows bubbles). She did not have the gun with her at school.

A psychological evaluation was also ordered and the incident was recorded on her permanent record. The suspension was later reduced to two days and her parents are suing to have the incident removed from her file. Your thoughts? (If you missed the story click here for details).

This is the kind of reaction that drives me crazy! Kids have enough fear in their lives. They don't need to worry about getting in trouble for blowing bubbles too. I understand the need to be cautious in these times, but we need to use our brains too and let kids be kids.

4. Whatever happened to_____________________________?

Common sense! (see #3 above)

5. January 23rd is National Handwriting Day, billed as a day to reacquaint yourself with a pen and pencil. Do you like your handwriting? Do you prefer to print or write in cursive? This date was chosen because it's the birthdate of John Hancock. What's the last thing you signed your name to?

I can have nice handwriting when I try, but usually I prefer to type because I'm faster at it. I last signed my name to Grace's orchestra practice form.

6. Speaking of John Hancock...ever been to Philadelphia? Do you have any desire to visit the city of Brotherly Love?

Never been. Not really on my list.

7. Share something funny you've heard a child say.

One day, when my youngest was little, my mother-in-law was talking to herself while cleaning. Anya was playing on the floor in the same room, so she could hear my mother-in-law talking to herself.  She turned and looked at her and said, "Are you talking to God?"  Made us all laugh and of course, I thought it was cute, but I might be a bit biased! :)


8. Insert your own random thought here.

My oldest is signing up for high school classes tonight for next year!  I cannot even believe that I will have a high school student!  Where is the time going?  I so dread the days when both girls are out of the house.  I know she will do great in high school, but I make be a nervous wreck!

Review of "Blue Moon Bay" by Lisa Wingate

Description:

Heather Hampton returns to Moses Lake, Texas, to help facilitate the sale of a family farm as part of a planned industrial plant that will provide the area with much-needed jobs. Heather's future fiance has brokered the deal, and Heather is in line to do her first large-scale architectural design--if the deal goes through.

But the currents of Moses Lake have a way of taking visitors on unexpected journeys. What was intended to be a quick trip suddenly morphs into Valentine's week--with Blaine Underhill, the handsome banker who just happens to be opposing Heather's project. Spending the holiday in an ex-funeral parlor seems like a nightmare, but Heather slowly finds herself being drawn into the area's history, hope, and heart.

 

My Thoughts:

This was another page-turner for me.  I only started it last night and kept turning the pages in anticipation of figuring out what the secrets were!  At first, I really didn't like Heather.  I found her to be shallow and bratty, but I think that was the author's intention. She was very entitled and that kind of attitude always gets under my skin! 

I really like the Moses Lake setting. It makes me wish for a simplier life, you know?  Where we can slow down a bit and enjoy the world around us and just be together in relationships. I long for a chance to live in a place like that!

It was nice to have a bit of suspense in the story too.  I'm always fond of suspense! Looking forward to reading the third book in the series soon!

 

Book Bullets:

• My rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
• Genre: Contemporary Fiction
• Part of a Series: Yes, Moses Lake #2
  
• Publication year: 2012
• Publisher: Bethany House

100 to Watch: New from Nancy Mehl

I just recently discovered this author, but am glad to have her on my list of authors to watch this year!  I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in her Road to Kingdom series, Inescapable, and am thrilled to see another book in the series is out now.

Released: January 2013

Publisher: Bethany House

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Unbreakable, book 2 in the Road to Kingdom Series by Nancy Mehl

Description:

Gentle and unassuming Hope Kauffman has never been one to question or try to make changes. She quietly helps her father run Kingdom Quilts and has agreed to the betrothal her father arranged for her with the devout but shy Ebbie Miller.

Despite Hope's and other Kingdom residents' attempts to maintain the status quo, changes have already begun to stir in the small Mennonite town. The handsome and charismatic Jonathon Wiese is the leader of the move to reform, and when one of Kingdom's own is threatened by a mysterious outsider, Jonathon is one of the first to push for the town to arm itself. Hope's fianci, Ebbie, is at the forefront of those demanding the town stay true to its traditions of nonviolence.

 

 

For more information about Nancy Mehl, check out her website.

Other books I've reviewed by Nancy Mehl:

Inescapable