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Saturday, October 31, 2009

The Finish of The Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge


It is the end of October and the end of The Maud Hart Reading Challenge hosted by A library is a hospital of the mind...

I finished Betsy and the Great World and Betsy's Wedding. I did start reading Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill to my daughter, but life happened and we didn't get it finished.

I also was able to add Betsy Was a Junior/Betsy and Joe to my collection. I really enjoyed going back into Betsy's world and revisiting all my old "friends". IMHO, the Betsy-Tacy Series is a series not to be missed.

Books Read in October

The Philosopher (The Reader In The Park)
The Philosopher (The Reader In The Park)


A lot of books listed here are a repeat from my What's On Your Nightstand?-October post, but since I reference these posts quite a bit I am going to keep them up for now.

Fiction:
Betsy and the Great World by Maud Hart Lovelace (review)
Betsy's Wedding by Maud Hart Lovelace (review)
Friday's Child by Georgette Heyer (review)
Much Ado About Anne by Heather Vogel Frederick (review)
Lost in NashVegas by Rachel Hauck
Diva NashVegas by Rachel Hauck
The Tale of Applebeck Orchard by Susan Wittig Albert
Ransome's Honor by Kaye Dacus (review)
Cowboy Christmas by Mary Connealy
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows (audio)
The Promise of Lumby by Gail Fraiser

Non-Fiction:
The Shaping of a Christian Family by Elisabeth Elliot

Book Review: The Promise of Lumby by Gail Fraser



Book Description:
Hidden in the foothills of a bucolic landscape lies the charming village of Lumby and its quirky inhabitants. The town mascot, Hank, a pink flamingo who thinks he's a bald eagle, came to Lumby long ago because of its mountains, while others still come for the promise of a brand new start. But what happens when the town's warm welcome turns cool?

At Montis Inn, the success of Pam Walker's on-location restaurant is leaving her overworked and frazzled, while her husband Mark's fascination with Internet auctions leads to some outlandish purchases, one of which requires military clearance. Meanwhile, Lumby's only veterinarian, Dr. Ellen Campbell, has decided to sell her business, and the townsfolk are in full panic mode. Who will tell blind Jeremiah that his old horse Isabella is eating rabbit feed, and who will help little Timmy convince his parents that a puppy is the perfect pet?

When animal doctor Tom Candor arrives in Lumby, he seems the answer to everyone's prayers. But some residents are not so trusting of the shy, pensive vet, especially newspaper owner Dennis Beezer, who is determined to expose Tom's secrets. The repercussions lead to an unpredictable, over-the-top adventure, and a heartfelt lesson the people of Lumby won't soon forget...

My thoughts:
The Promise of Lumby by Gail Fraser is the fourth book in the Lumby Series. I was very excited to find it on my library's new book shelf since I didn't even know there was a new book in the series!

The Promise of Lumby did not disappoint me. It was fun to come back to Lumby and read all about the quirky, yet lovable people and all the crazy things that happen. It was hard for me to put the book down and at one point I was laughing so hard I thought I was going to wake up my husband. This is one series that has yet to become old. I highly recommend it.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Book Review: The Shaping of a Christian Family by Elisabeth Elliot



Book Description:
Elisabeth Elliot, whose courage and faith have helped so many to follow Christ, is one of the most loved and respected Christian communicators of our time. In this book, she offers useful insights on the shaping of a Christian home and family. Christian parents have a responsibility to raise their children using scriptural principles. Using examples from her own childhood, the author shows how to do that in terms of trust, discipline, courtesy, and teaching by example. Parents seeking guidance for raising godly children will appreciate Elliot's emphasis on:

-Daily Bible reading and prayer
-Clear instructions on parental expectations
-Seeking instruction in Scripture and applying these to questions asked and answers given
-Benefiting from the model of a Godly and happy home

New parents, experienced parents, and all who have come to trust Elliot's wisdom will find this book a wonderful resource of ideas and inspiration. Eight pages of black and white family photos are included.

My thoughts:
I was introduced to Elisabeth Elliot's writings when I was a teenager and was given the book Passion and Purity. A couple of years ago, while browsing a local Christian bookstore, I found The Shaping of a Christian Family by Elisabeth Elliot on clearance and snatched it up. I'm not too sure what inspired me to pull it out and read it, but I did and it has been an excellent read.

Elisabeth Elliot shows how her "Christian Family" was formed and how it shaped her and her siblings lives. Rather than being a how-to book, the how-to is told in a biographical format. Interspersed throughout the book are little tidbits of parenting techniques and good sound advice. I am sure I will need to read this more than once to get all the wonderful advice.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Book Review: Cowboy Christmas by Mary Connealy



Book Description:
Get ready for a fun and suspenseful Christmastime romance. Trouble follows singer Annette Talbot to Wyoming—and rancher Elijah Walker finds himself directly in its path. Though still wounded by the betrayal of his ex-fiancĂ©e, Elijah finds himself attracted to the secretive singer. When it appears Annie is a threat to his mother’s life, Elijah must decide if Annie’s deep faith and love of God is genuine or if it’s all just a ruse. He decides to trust her—until he discovers she’s a wanted woman. As Christmas draws near, will Elijah respond to God’s gentle persuasion to find the truth before he loses Annie forever?


My thoughts:
I had read Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy book earlier this year and really enjoyed it. I proceeded to read Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. While browsing the new book section at my library I came across Cowboy Christmas and quickly snatched it up.

Cowboy Christmas was a fun and easy read. I really, really enjoy Mary Connealy's writing style. She is so funny and has a way with words. If you are looking for a fun read, Cowboy Christmas won't disappoint.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

A-Z Wednesday


A-Z Wednesday is hosted by Vicky of Reading at the Beach. To join, look here.

This weeks letter is: L

The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge

Book Description:
When orphaned young Maria Merryweather arrives at Moonacre Manor, she feels as if she's entered Paradise. Her new guardian, her uncle Sir Benjamin, is kind and funny; the Manor itself feels like home right away; and every person and animal she meets is like an old friend. But there is something incredibly sad beneath all of this beauty and comfort--a tragedy that happened years ago, shadowing Moonacre Manor and the town around it--and Maria is determined to learn about it, change it, and give her own life story a happy ending. But what con one solitary girl do?

My thoughts:
I read this aloud to my son a couple of years ago for school. While reading I realized that the story was a fantasy, a genre that has never appealed to me so I usually avoid it. I almost gave up on the story, but decided that since my son was enjoying it so much I would press on. Boy, was I glad I did! I really, really enjoyed the story and I look forward to reading it aloud in a year or two for my younger kids.

What's On Your Nightstand-October

What's On Your Nightstand

For October:


From my September pile I read:
Betsy and the Great World by Maud Hart Lovelace (review)
Betsy's Wedding by Maud Hart Lovelace (review)
Friday's Child by Georgette Heyer (review)
Much Ado About Anne by Heather Vogel Frederick (review)

I also read:
Lost in NashVegas by Rachel Hauck
Diva NashVegas by Rachel Hauck
The Tale of Applebeck Orchard by Susan Wittig Albert
Ransome's Honor by Kaye Dacus (review)
Cowboy Christmas by Mary Connealy

I am currently reading:
The Shaping of a Christian Family by Elisabeth Elliot

Books I didn't get to:
Hannah's Art of Home which I'm putting off for right now.

Teaser Tuesday

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Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Should be Reading.


Diva NashVegas by Rachel Hauck

Piper surfs over to the Life with a Diva blog. I start to read...and gasp.
p. 43

Thursday, October 22, 2009

This Girl!!!

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She will kiss the doll, but will she give her mom and dad a kiss? No way!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Book Review: Much Ado About Anne by Heather Vogel Frederick



Book Description:
The mother-daughter book club is back! This year the mothers have a big surprise in store for Emma, Jess, Cassidy, and Megan: They've invited snooty Becca Chadwick and her mother to join the book club!

But there are bigger problems when Jess finds out that her family may have to give up Half Moon Farm. In a year filled with skating parties, a disastrous mother-daughter camping trip, and a high-stakes fashion show, the girls realize that it's only through working together -- Becca included -- that they can save Half Moon Farm.

Acclaimed author Heather Vogel Frederick captures the magic of friendship and the scrapes along the way in this sequel to The Mother-Daughter Book Club, which will enchant daughters and mothers alike.


My thoughts:
Much Ado About Anne by Heather Vogel Frederick is the second book in the Mother-Daughter Book Club Series. The book club starts off reading Anne of Green Gables. Their is some tension as Jess' family is on the verge of losing their farm and Cassie has to deal with Stanley, her mother's boyfriend. They also have to deal with Becca Chadwick and her friends. There are a lot of pranks played on each other, but they come to a truce. When the girls start to work together they come up with a plan to save Half-Moon Farm while Cassie has to make her own truce with Stanley.

I liked this book quite a bit better than The Mother-Daughter Book Club. Of course, the focus on Anne of Green Gables is a plus. I also like the fact that the girls came to a truce and started to work together. By the end of the book they are learning to get along, even though there are some tight moments.

A-Z Wednesday


A-Z Wednesday is hosted by Vicky of Reading at the Beach. To join, look here.

This weeks letter is: K

Kilmeny of the Orchard by L.M. Montgomery

Book Description:
To the small village of Lindsay on Prince Edward Island come Eric Marshall, a twenty-four-year-old substitute schoolmaster. Dark and handsome, the son of a wealthy merchant, Eric has a bright future in the family business and has taken the two-month teaching post only as a favor to a friend.
Then fate, which has been more than generous to Eric, throws in his path a beautiful, mysterious girl named Kilmeny Gordon. With jet-black hair and the face of a Renaissance Madonna, Kilmeny immediately captures the young man's heart. But she is mute, cannot speak, and Eric is concerned for and bewitched by this shy, sensitive, blue-eyed girl.
For the first time in his life Eric must work hard for something he wants badly. And there is nothing he wants more than for Kilmeny to return his love.


My thoughts:
Okay, I was really digging for a "K" book, but I am sure now I'll start spotting different "K" books. I KNOW I read Kilmeny of the Orchard years ago when I was a teenager, but when I was reading through the book description it didn't even ring a bell! I guess I will have to add it to my TBR pile since now I need to know what happens.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Teaser Tuesday

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Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Should be Reading.


Cowboy Christmas by Mary Connealy

"Annie had never met the dreadful Priscilla, true, but she knew without a doubt she'd have detested the woman on sight. What was Elijah thinking to get involved with her?" p.175

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Book Review: The Tale of Appleback Orchard by Susan Wittig Albert



Book Description:
Out of spite for having his haystacks burnt, Mr. Harmsworth barricades a common path through his orchard-and Tabitha Twitchet and her Cat Council want answers. Reliable witnesses, including some Big Folk, say the arson was the handiwork of a lantern-wielding specter. The mournful ghost has a message-and Miss Potter, for one, hopes to figure it out.

Meanwhile in Sawrey, romance buds between the schoolmarm and a confirmed bachelor; Hyacinth Badger hopes to be the first female to earn the Badger Badge of Honor; and a rumor has Beatrix and the solicitor practically betrothed. But the matter of the barricade involves everyone-and Miss Potter and her friends might have to take matters into their own hands-and paws.


My thoughts:
The Tale of Applebeck Orchard is the sixth book in The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter by Susan Wittig Albert. Beatrix Potter is back to her natural inquisitiveness that helps her find the answers to the problems that are plaguing the villagers. Also, love is discovered by Beatrix and Mr. Hellis. I did enjoy The Tale of Applebeck Orchard better than the previous book, but I still found the author's "voice" irritating. I will now have to wait until next year for the next book in the series, which is no problem on my part. As much as I've enjoyed this series, I'm ready for a break.

A-Z Wednesday


A-Z Wednesday is hosted by Vicky of Reading at the Beach. To join, look here.

This weeks letter is: J

James Herriot's Treasury for Children by James Herriot

Book Description:
Since the publication of Moses the Kitten in 1984, our children have found a delightful friend in James Herriot. His award-winning storybooks for young readers--many adapted from the tales in All Creatures Great and Small and Herriot's other bestsellers--bring the farmyard world of Herriot's Yorkshire to radiant life. Featuring a host of adorable animals and colorful townsfolk each of the stories is narrated by the country vet himself, with all the warmth, caring, and good humor that have made James Herriot beloved the world over.

Now, for the first time, all of the country vet's books for children have been collected in one volume: James Herriot's Treasury for Children. Each story is presented in its original, oversize, full-color format, accompanied by the warm, evocative illustrations of Peter Barrett and Ruth Brown. Together they comprise a wondrous Herriot menagerie, a family treasure that will be passed, with joy and affection, from generation to generation.

James Herriot's Treasury for Children includes:
Moses the Kitten
Only One Woof
The Christmas Day Kitten
Bonny's big Day
Blossom Comes Home
The Market Square Dog
Oscar, Cat-About-Town
Smudge, the Little Lost Lamb


My thoughts:
This is a book that I have read to my kids at least two times now and we are fixing to go through it for a third time. It never seems to bore my kids (or myself) and when I'm reading it aloud to the younger kids my oldest can't stay away. James Herriot is an awesome storyteller and even an adult will not be disappointed in these stories.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Teaser Tuesday

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Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Should be Reading.


Ransome's Honor by Kaye Dacus

Her green eyes snapped to his at the command. "I have manipulated you into a decision with no thought to your wishes or desires--only my own." p.213

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Book Review: Friday's Child by Georgette Heyer

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Book Description:
When the incomparable Miss Milbourne spurns the impetuous Lord Sherington's marriage proposal (she laughs at him-laughs!) he vows to marry the next female he encounters, who happens to be the young, penniless Miss Hero Wantage, who has adored him all her life. Whisking her off to London, Sherry discovers there is no end to the scrapes his young, green bride can get into, and she discovers the excitement and glamorous social scene of the ton. Not until a deep misunderstanding erupts and Sherry almost loses his bride, does he plumb the depths of his own heart, and surprises himself with the love he finds there.


My thoughts:
I read quite a few Georgette Heyer books when I was a teenager and lately have started re-reading them. I started purchased and started reading Friday's Child a couple of months ago, but kept getting sidetracked. My first and biggest reason was since it wasn't a library book, it didn't have a time limit on it. I kept putting it aside in favor of my library books. The second reason was that the first half of the book seemed to go slow. I am glad though that I persevered and kept reading. Once I got to the conflict of the story, I was not disappointed and finished it in two days. If you enjoy Regency Romance stories, Georgette Heyer's stories do a great job of captivating the period, excellently written and are very humorous--a great combination!

A side note:
Friday's Child and many other Georgette Heyer books have been reprinted by Sourcebooks Casablanca. I totally love the look and the feel of the book. The cover have beautiful pictures and are very appealing to the eye. Even though it is a paperback it has a very sturdy feel and the inside pages are very sturdy. I am dreaming of adding more to my bookshelf. Truly lovely!

At the Pumpkin Patch



Last week we went to Bauman Farms for a field trip with our homeschool group. We enjoyed watching them make apple cider and see all the animals, going on a hayride and picking out pumpkins. But most of all the kids loved playing in the castle and going down the big slides.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Miscellaneous Home-made Cards

Wow! It has been quite a since I have made any cards. I had several events that happened right in a row so I dug out all my "junk" and made up some cards.

Thank You Card


Baby Card


Birthday Card

This crazy girl!

Delani really loves to dance. Today while we were trying to get our school work going she started on a new step. She insisted that Chantry do it with her. This was not very conducive for getting any school work done, but we all had a great laugh.

A-Z Wednesday


A-Z Wednesday is hosted by Vicky of Reading at the Beach. To join, look here.

This weeks letter is: I


Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott

Book Description:
Set in the twelfth century, during the reign of Richard the Lionheart, Ivanhoe tells of the love of Wilfred of Ivanhoe for the Lady Rowena, his father Cedric's ward. Cedric, who is dedicated to the liberation of the Saxon people from Norman oppression and to the revival of the Saxon royal line, intends Rowena - a descendant of King Alfred - for the oafish Athelstane, and he banishes his son. Ivanhoe joins King Richard on his crusade in the Holy Land, and eventually the two men return secretly to England - Ivanhoe to regain his inheritance and the land of Rowena, Richard to secure his kingdom from his scheming brother John who has ruled in Richard's absence. With a gallery of memorable characters, high and low, Ivanhoe is a powerful and exciting evocation of a medieval world of jousting, baronial rivalry, siege warfare and trial by combat, and makes no attempt to gloss over the violence and brutality that lay behind the chivalric ideals.


My thoughts:
I havent' read Ivanhoe yet, but I have wanted to read this since I was a teenager. I purchased a copy the other night so now I don't have an excuse. I know it won't be an easy read, but I look forward to reading it.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Book Review:Betsy's Wedding by Maud Hart Lovelace



Book Description:
Here Comes the Bride When Betsy Ray arrives in New York after a tour of Europe, her old flame Joe Willard is waiting at the dock. Before he even says hello, he asks Betsy to marry him. They've been separated for a year, and they're determined never to be apart again.

But as Betsy discovers, marriage isn't all candlelight, kisses, and roses. There's cooking, ironing, and budgeting as well--not to mention forging her career as a writer! For Betsy, the writing part comes naturally, but cooking is another matter. It's even harder than algebra--and much messier.

Luckily Betsy Ray--make that Betsy Willard--has always thrived on challenge. Her name may have changed, but her life remains as full of love and laughter as it's been since she was a little girl living on Hill Street in the first of the classic BETSY-TACY books. Betsy returns from Europe to marry Joe Willard—and soon learns that beloved friend Tacy is expecting a baby! It’s wartime in America, but Betsy, Joe, and their wonderful circle of friends brave their hardships together.


Thoughts:
Betsy's Wedding by Maud Hart Lovelace is the last book in the Betsy-Tacy Series. I always hate getting to the end of the series, but all good things must come to an end. Betsy's Wedding tells about her reunion with Joe, their marriage, and her struggle to learn to cook. The reader also is kept abreast of happenings of her friends from high school. One of my favorite parts of the story is when Tacy and Betsy decide they need to find Tib a husband. The story ends with the United States entering World War I. Betsy's housekeeping days come to an end as Joe gets ready to head off to war. The only disappointing aspect of the story is that you never find out of Betsy and Joe had any children. Overall, as much as I enjoyed Betsy's Wedding, I do have to admit that my favorite books in the Betsy-Tacy Series are during Betsy's high school years.
Heavens to Betsy,
Betsy In Spite of Herself,
Betsy Was A Junior
Betsy and Joe

Monday, October 5, 2009

Tuesday Teaser

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Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Should be Reading.


Betsy's Wedding my Maud Hart Lovelace

"Tib will never marry that grand-daddy!" he said.
"Joe, he's only a little older than Harry, and perfectly fascinating!"
p. 136

Vision Therapy Completed!

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Chris (Vision Therapist) & Destini

Today Destini finished Vision Therapy. We are so proud of the progress she has made. She had been struggling with reading, but her reading has progressed in leaps in bounds. She is now reading chapter books. There were many times that Destini really had to work hard to get her eyes to do what they were supposed to do. It really taught her a lesson in persevering, even when it seemed impossible. Way to go, Des!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Bible Memory

Destini and Chantry finished their first section of Bible Memory. Here they are saying their Bible Memory in church on Thursday evening.(Scroll down to the bottom of the page and turn the player off.)

Friday, October 2, 2009

Book Review:Betsy and the Great World by Maud Hart Lovelace



Book Description:
It's the trip of a lifetime.Betsey Ray, 21 years old, is heading off for a solo tour of Europe. From the moment she casts off, her journey is filled with adventure--whether she's waltzing at the captain's ball, bartering for beads in Madeira, or sipping coffee at a bohemian cafe in Munich.

It's rich fodder for a budding young writer, and Betsy's determined to make the most of the experience. If only she could stop thinking about her ex-sweetheart, Joe Willard...

Then a handsome, romantic Italian goes overboard for Betsy, and she has a big decision to make. Marco Regali is passionate, fascinating, and cultured. Could it be that Betsy's heart belongs in Europe instead of Minnesota? Betsy’s childhood dream is finally coming true—she’s off to Europe just like she and Tacy planned so long ago. Despite her travels and many adventures, Betsy’s heart won’t let her forget Joe Willard, her high school sweetheart.


I had started re-reading the Betsy-Tacy series a couple of years ago and was side-tracked in my endeavor. For the Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge, I decided to pick up where I had left off, Betsy and the Great World. Betsy lives life to the fullest as she travels the Great World meeting new people, seeing new sites and getting a taste for culture. I love all the references the author includes about things that were popular during this time period. I also got a kick out of all the books Betsy packed for her journey, The Beloved Vagabond, Little Women, Emerson's Essays, some Dickens, Thackeray, and Dumas, and the Oxford Book of English Verse and As You Like It. This book builds up to the beginning of the Great War and a lot of the events that happened to Betsy are based on the experience of the author.

Book Review: Do Hard Things:A Teenage Rebellions Against Low Expectations by Alex & Brett Harris



Book Description:
Most people don't expect you to understand what we're going to tell you in this book. And even if you understand, they don't expect you to care. And even if you care, they don't expect you to do anything about it. And even if you do something about it, they don't expect it to last. We do. – Alex and Brett

A generation stands on the brink of a "rebelution."

A growing movement of young people is rebelling against the low expectations of today's culture by choosing to "do hard things" for the glory of God. And Alex and Brett Harris are leading the charge.
Do Hard Things is the Harris twins' revolutionary message in its purest and most compelling form, giving readers a tangible glimpse of what is possible for teens who actively resist cultural lies that limit their potential.
Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life. Then they map out five powerful ways teens can respond for personal and social change.
Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life rebelutionaries in action. This rallying cry from the heart of an already-happening teen revolution challenges a generation to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today.


Thoughts:
I heard about Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion against Low Expectations by Alex & Brett Harris while listening to Focus on the Family's Daily Broadcast one evening. The first part of the book starts out telling their story about how they started their website, The Rebelution, and how they book eventually came about. The second part of the book breaks down "Hard Things" into five parts, and the third part encourages young people to join "The Rebulution." Do Hard Things is filled with stories of young people who went were willing to be used outside the norm and went on to do great things that are probably classified as "things" adults do.

I think my favorite part of the book was the chapter titled Small Hard Things-How to do hard things that don't immediately pay off. Dealing with the nitty-gritty of everyday life, the authors really encourage young people to learn during these periods in life rather than giving in to the disappointment and discouragement they feel. This chapter reminded me that small "Hard Things" never really do go away--even as an adult. It was something I needed to hear for myself!

Do Hard Things
is a timely reminder for our young people today that life isn't all about being popular, having the latest and greatest, hanging out or playing video games. It provides a lot of encouragement for young people to not let society dictate to them how they have to act. With the help of God they can go beyond the norm and do "Hard Things".

Which Betsy-Tacy Character Are You?

Which Betsy-Tacy character are you?
Your Result: Tacy Kelly
 

Tacy, though bashful with people she doesn't know well, can be just as merry as Betsy and the others in the Crowd. Remember the Irish Colleen and the brogue accent? Tacy is a true friend who both sympathizes with and understands Betsy whether she is sad, happy, obsessed with a certain boy, etc. Although Tacy doesn't lose her heart easily, when she does it's for keeps (Harry Kerr!)

Betsy Ray
 
Carney Sibley
 
Tib Muller
 
Winona Root
 
Emily Webster
 
Irma Biscay
 
Julia Ray
 
Which Betsy-Tacy character are you?
Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Book Review: The Tale of Briar Bank by Susan Wittig Albert



Book Description:
An antiquities collector dies in an accident, a badger takes a winter swim in Moss Eccles Tarn, and a dragon discovers that there's more to life than guarding a treasure. The villagers are mystified, but our Miss Potter is on the case.

My thoughts:
The Tale of Briar Bank by Susan Wittig Albert is the fifth book in The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter series. I love the character of Beatrix Potter, her friends, and the village life portrayed. The author also has a lot of animal characters interspersed throughout her stories, which for the most part are okay but very unbelievable. (The author's intent, I'm sure!) In The Tale of Briar Bank we are introduced to more animal characters including dragons. Also, I noticed in this book and the previous book, The Tale of Hawthorn House, the author herself is doing quite a bit of talking to the reader, which can get annoying. I prefer to just read the story. So far in this series, I have enjoyed the books in the beginning more so than the last two. I do have the next book, The Tale of Applebeck Orchard, on hold and will be interested to see how it unfolds.

Books Read in September

Red Apple on Books with Pencil
Red Apple on Books with Pencil


Fiction
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain (audio)
The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall (audio)
The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall(audio)
The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick [review]
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Schaffer and Annie Barrow [review]
The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter by Susan Wittig Albert
-The Tale of Holly How [review]
-The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood
-The Tale of Hawthorn House [review]
-The Tale of Briar Bank

Non-Fiction
In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms by Dr. Laura Schlessinger [review]
First Things First:The Rules of Being a Warner by Kurt and Brenda Warner [review]
Perspectives from a "Smart" Christian by Karla Christian
A Designer's Eye for Scrapbooking by Ali Edwards
Do Hard Things by Alex & Brett Harris

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