Book Review: Swinging on a Star by Janice Thompson

Book Description:

There's a fine line between ambitious and crazy. Bella's just not sure where it is. Bella Rossi's life is nearing perfection. Not only does she have the perfect guy, but she's also running a successful wedding-planning business and is about to plan its most ambitious wedding yet--a Renaissance-themed fairy tale come true, complete with period costumes and foods, horse-drawn carriages, and even a castle. There's only one hitch. The best man just happens to be Hollywood's hottest and most eligible bachelor, and he's showing an interest in Bella. Oh, and did we mention he's staying at her house to avoid the paparazzi? With all the pressure surrounding this wedding, Bella's not sure she's going to make it through. Add her starstruck sister and her feuding aunt and uncle, and you've got a recipe for disaster--and a lot of laughs.

My thoughts:
Swinging on a Star by Janice Thompson is the second in the Weddings by Bella Series. I have really enjoyed this series so far. There is are many fun and interesting characters, exciting adventures, the right amount of sweetness and loads of laughs.

A-Z Wednesday

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

This weeks letter is: L



Little Britches:Father and I were Ranchers by Ralph Moody

Book Description:

Ralph Moody was eight years old in 1906 when his family moved from New Hampshire to a Colorado ranch. Through his eyes we experience the pleasures and perils of ranching there early in the twentieth century. Auctions and roundups, family picnics, irrigation wars, tornadoes and wind storms give authentic color to Little Britches. So do adventures, wonderfully told, that equip Ralph to take his father's place when it becomes necessary.

Little Britches was the literary debut of Ralph Moody, who wrote about the adventures of his family in eight glorious books.

My thoughts:
Little Britches is a wonderful story of a Ralph Moody's family's will of survival which is continued in subsequent books. Ralph Moody is a wonderful and mesmerizing storyteller. Our whole family has enjoyed his books. I also highly recommend the audio series of the Little Britches series.

Book Review: Songbird Under a German Moon by Tricia Goyer

Book Description:

The year is 1945. The war is over and 21-year-old Betty Lake has been invited to Europe to sing in a USO tour for American soldiers who now occupy Hitler’s Germany. The first night’s performance is a hit. Betty becomes enthralled
with the applause, the former Nazi-held mansion they’re housed in and the attention of Frank Witt, the US Army Signal Corp Photographer. Yet the next night this songbird is ready to fly the coop when Betty’s dear friend, Kat, turns up missing. Betty soon realizes Frank’s photographs could be the key to finding Kat. Betty and Frank team up against post-war Nazi influences and the two lovebirds’ hearts may find the answers...in each other. But will they have a chance for their romance to sing? The truth will be revealed under a German moon.

My thoughts:
I had read many great reviews about Songbird under a German Moon by Tricia Goyer and eagerly looked forward to reading this. I was about 1/3 of the way through the book when I remember thinking, "What is so great about this?" There were several places where the plot seemed to lose me and I had to go back and reread to see if I had missed something. I kept reading and the story did pick up and was really suspenseful and exciting.

What's On Your Nightstand - April

From my March post I read:
Leaving Carolina by Tamara Leigh
The Strictest School in the World by Howard Whitehouse
David: A Man of Passion & Destiny by Charles Swindoll
Keeping House: The Litany of Everyday Life by Margaret Kim Peterson

I also read:
A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin
The Swiss Courier by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey
The Unbearable Lightness of Scones by Alexander McCall Smith
Songbird Under a German Moon by Tricia Goyer (review coming)
Confessions of an Organized Homemaker by Deniece Schofield
Don't Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman

I listened to:
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell
Ukridge by P.G. Wodehouse

I am currently reading:
The Cake Mix Doctor Returns by Anne Bryn
Swinging on a Star by Janice Thompson
Setting the Stage for Your Child's Faith by Florence Littauer

Book Review: A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin

Book Description:

Never pretty enough to please her gorgeous mother, Allie will do anything to gain her approval--even marry a man she doesn't love. Lt. Walter Novak--fearless in the cockpit but hopeless with women--takes his last furlough at home in California before being shipped overseas. Walt and Allie meet at a wedding and their love of music draws them together, prompting them to begin a correspondence that will change their lives. As letters fly between Walt's muddy bomber base in England and Allie's mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart?

My thoughts:
A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin was an extremely enjoyable read. I really enjoy stories set in World War II so this was just up my alley. I enjoyed the characters in this story and the obstacles that were faced and had to be overcame. This was a hard book to put down and I look forward to reading more by Sarah Sundin.

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Should be Reading.



Swinging on a Star by Janice Thompson

Just then, Brock's voice rang out. "Unhand her, you infidel, or I'll take your head off!" p. 220

Delani's Cool Look!

Book Review: "Don't Make Me Count to Three!" by Ginger Plowman

Book Description:

Do you find yourself threatening, repeating your instructions, or raising your voice in an attempt to get your children to obey? Are you discouraged because it seems you just can't reach the heart of your child? Through personal experience and the practical application of Scripture, Ginger Plowman encourages and equips moms to reach past the outward behavior of their children and dive deeply into the issues of the heart. Ginger's candid approach will help moms move beyond the frustrations of not knowing how to handle issues of disobedience and into a confident and well-balanced approach to raising their children.

My thoughts:
I was interesting in reading in "Don't Make Me Count to Three!": A Mom's Look at Heart-Oriented Discipline by Ginger Plowman. I had heard both positive and negative things concerning it. The author's goal in giving heart oriented disciple to her children is to "use the Scriptures to teach, rebuke, correct, and train in righteousness", which I agree with, but her suggestions on how to do this suggested that the parent had a very pious attitude and could very easily beat their child over the head with Scripture. I think there is a time when your child is ready to be shown and taught through Scripture, but constantly throwing lines out of the Bible at them isn't going to change their heart.

In the author's defense, she does admit that she isn't perfect and her manner of correction isn't always as she shows in the book, so it might be more of her writing style that bothered me. As in all books like this, I think there are things to learn and things to leave.

A-Z Wednesday

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

This weeks letter is: K


Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson

Book Description:

When young David Balfour's father dies and leaves him in poverty, he tracks down his Uncle Ebenezer to seek his inheritance. But his uncle is a mean, nasty man with a dark family secret. David finds himself in terrible danger when he is kidnapped and taken prisoner on board a ship bound for slavery he must escape. With the help of daring rebel Alan Breck, David faces a wild adventure as he is hunted across the desolate Scottish moors.

My thoughts:
My oldest son, Caleb, recently listened to this book, which he really enjoyed. I was only able to hear parts of it, but it sounded really exciting. Hopefully, I'll be able to enjoy the whole story some time in the future.

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Should be Reading.



Songbird Under a German Moon by Tricia Goyer

Movement caught his eye, and Frank turned to see who was there. The door to the auditorium swung slightly as a fleeting shadow passed by, but when he stepped forward, he didn't see anyone.
p. 107-108

Book Review: Keeping House-The Litany of Everyday Life by Margaret Kim Peterson

Book Description:

"Keeping house can be a very mundane activity. It is certainly repetitive, and the kinds of work that it involves are varied enough that few people enjoy all of them equally. But at the very same time, housekeeping is about practicing sacred disciplines and creating sacred space, for the sake of Christ as we encounter him in our fellow household members and in neighbors, strangers, and guests."
—From the Preface

Keeping House is a wide-ranging and witty exploration of the spiritual gifts that are gained when we take the time to care for hearth and home. With a fresh perspective, mother, wife, and teacher Margaret Kim Peterson examines the activities and attitudes of keeping house and making a home. Debunking the commonly held notion that keeping house is a waste of time or at best a hobby, Peterson uncovers the broader cultural and theological factors that make housekeeping an interesting and worthwhile discipline. She reveals how the seemingly ordinary tasks of folding laundry, buying groceries, cooking, making beds, and offering hospitality can be seen as spiritual practices that embody and express concrete and positive ways of living out Christian faith in relationship to others at home, in the church, and in the world.

Filled with thoughtful reflection and lively anecdotes, Keeping House clearly shows that housekeeping is neither a trivial matter nor simply drudgery. People need to eat, to sleep, to have clothes to wear; they need a place to play, a place into which to welcome guests and from which to go forth into the world. When we are keeping house, we are truly keeping faith.

My thoughts:
Keeping House-The Litany of Everyday Life by Margaret Kim Peterson brings a different perspective to housekeeping. Most house keeping books focus on the "how" to keep house, while in Keeping House, Margaret Kim Peterson shows us the "why" of keeping house. I found this book gave me a lot of food for thought, and I enjoyed the gentle words of wisdom it provided in how I look at keeping house.

Book Review: Leaving Carolina by Tamara Leigh

Book Description:

Piper Wick left her hometown of Pickwick, North Carolina, twelve years ago, shook the dust off her feet, ditched her drawl and her family name, and made a new life for herself as a high-powered public relations consultant in LA. She’s even “engaged to be engaged” to the picture-perfect U.S. Congressman Grant Spangler.

Now all of Piper’s hard-won happiness is threatened by a reclusive uncle’s bout of conscience. In the wake of a health scare, Uncle Obadiah Pickwick has decided to change his will, leaving money to make amends for four generations’ worth of family misdeeds. But that will reveal all the Pickwicks’ secrets, including Piper’s.

Though Piper arrives in Pickwick primed for battle, she is unprepared for Uncle Obe’s rugged, blue-eyed gardener. So just who is Axel Smith? Why does he think making amends is more than just making restitution? And why, oh why, can’t she stay on task? With the Lord’s help, Piper is about to discover that although good PR might smooth things over, only the truth will set her free.

My thoughts:
I won Leaving Carolina by Tamara Leigh back in November from Angie at Never a Dull Moment. I finally was able to get around to reading it. Leaving Carolina was such a fun, enjoyable read. I loved the variety of characters, the wonderful southern setting, all the wonderful humor, and ultimately the healing that forgiveness brings.

Book Review: David-A Man of Passion and Destiny by Charles Swindoll

Book Description:

David - The Golden Hero Whose Light Shone Through the Tarnish.

In many ways he was a most extraordinary man--intelligent, handsome, abundantly gifted as a poet, musician, warrior, and administrator. David had charisma like no Bible character before him to inspire his people and bring his nation to a pinnacle of strength and glory. Yet in other ways he was a most ordinary man--often gripped by destructive passion, rocked by family chaos and personal tragedy, and motivated by political expediency. How did this very human man become the perennial national hero of God's chosen people? Why is he the one character in the Bible described as a "man after God's own heart?" As Chuck Swindoll points out in this compelling book, David's life offers hope to all of us. It show how devotion doesn't mean perfection--that God loves us in spite of our weaknesses, and can do extraordinary things through ordinary men and women whose lives are devoted wholly to Him. Swindoll does not whitewash David's life: David made big mistakes; he endured devastating troubles, yet he proved faithful to his God and demonstrated that love many times over in an extraordinary life that leaves us an enduring legacy of faith.

My thoughts:
David: A Man of Passion and Destiny by Charles Swindoll is an excellent and fascinating read about the life of David. Chuck Swindoll does an amazing job of analyzing David's life and showing the reader how lessons learned by David can be applied to our lives today. A big thank you to Carrie at Reading to Know and Thomas Nelson Publishers for the opportunity to win this book which she reviewed and recommended.

Book Review: The Strictest School in the World by Harold Whitehouse

Book Description:

Fourteen-year-old pioneering aviatrix Emmaline Cayley is afraid of one thing: plummeting to her doom. (Actually two, if you count her Aunt Lucy's appalling cooking.) Fortunately, twelve-year-old Robert Burns, an indestructible village boy, is not. Absurdly unafraid of bodily harm (not to mention Aunt Lucy's sandwiches), "Rubberbones" is the ideal pilot for Emmaline's experiments with flight. But before Emmaline can perfect a flying machine with the aid of her new friend, she is sent off to St. Grimelda's School for Young Ladies -- to be cured of her decidedly unladylike ways. It is a school so strict, so severe, so forbidding that it makes the brutal misery in the tales of Charles Dickens look cheery by comparison. With a horrifying headmistress, terrifying teachers and food that is even worse than Aunt Lucy's, this medieval stronghold also houses a terrible secret and a mysterious way of keeping its prisoners, er, its students in line. All Emmaline can think of is escape. But no one has ever escaped from St. Grimelda's. And our heroine soon realizes that the only way out is to face her greatest fear ...

My thoughts:
The Strictest School in the World by Howard Whitehouse came highly recommended from Carrie at Reading to Know. This was a fun book with hilarious characters and an suspenseful and exciting plot. I know my kids would love this book and am hoping to be able to read it aloud soon.

A-Z Wednesday

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

This weeks letter is: J



Jack and Jill by Louisa May Alcott

Book Description:

When a sledding accident leaves Jack with a broken leg and Jill bedridden, the two inseparable friends become even closer as they recuperate. Rather than dwell on misfortune as the holiday season approaches, Jack and Jill's friends and family resolve to make it the happiest Christmas yet. With the help of Jack's mother, the wealthy Mrs. Minot, anything is possible. Visit from friends, a wonderful Christmas celebration, and the winter theater production are only a few of the joys as they help Jack and Jill recover.

Yet the elders of the town cannot help but wonder how severe the two friends' injuries really are. Will athletic Jack ever be able to play sports as he used to? And will Jill ever be able to walk again? One thing is certain: The accident will change the lives of these close friends forever.

My thoughts:
I have to admit it has been many years since I read this, but I remember enjoying it enough to buy a used copy for my collection. My son, Caleb, just read this and he really enjoyed it. Librivox.org has this on their website and I may download it to my Ipod and "reread" it when I get the time.

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Should be Reading.



A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin

Then Walt prayed. He raged and questioned and mourned. p. 213

Look who is 2!

Happy Birthday, Delani!



Posing with her new toy kitchen which she thinks is great, but is a little frustrated that there isn't running water!

Book Review: The Unbearable Lightness of Scones by Alexander McCall Smith

Book Description:

The witty and utterly delightful new novel in the national bestselling 44 Scotland Street series.

Featuring all the quirky characters we have come to know and love, The Unbearable Lightness of Scones, finds Bertie, the precocious six-year-old, still troubled by his rather overbearing mother, Irene, but seeking his escape in the Cub Scouts. Matthew is rising to the challenge of married life with newfound strength and resolve, while Domenica epitomizes the loneliness of the long-distance intellectual. Cyril, the gold-toothed star of the whole show, succumbs to the kind of romantic temptation that no dog can resist and creates a small problem, or rather six of them, for his friend and owner Angus Lordie.

With his customary deftness, Alexander McCall Smith once again brings us an absorbing and entertaining tale of some of Scotland's most quirky and beloved characters--all set in the beautiful, stoic city of Edinburgh.

My thoughts:
The 44 Scotland Street Series by Alexander McCall Smith has become one of my favorite series of books. The Unbearable Lightness of Scones, the fifth book in the series, is a fun read that brings back all the hilariously funny characters and continues their story and the story of my favorite character, Bertie. If you have enjoyed this series you will definitely enjoy The Unbearable Lightness of Scones and if you have never read these I recommend starting with 44 Scotland Street.

Book Review: The Swiss Courier by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey

Book Description:

It is August 1944 and the Gestapo is mercilessly rounding up suspected enemies of the Third Reich. When Joseph Engel, a German physicist working on the atomic bomb, finds that he is actually a Jew, adopted by Christian parents, he must flee for his life to neutral Switzerland. Gabi Mueller is a young Swiss-American woman working for the newly formed American Office of Strategic Services (the forerunner to the CIA) close to Nazi Germany. When she is asked to risk her life to safely "courier" Engel out of Germany, the fate of the world rests in her hands. If she can lead him to safety, she can keep the Germans from developing nuclear capabilities. But in a time of traitors and uncertainty, whom can she trust along the way? This fast-paced, suspenseful novel takes readers along treacherous twists and turns during a fascinating--and deadly--time in history.

My thoughts:
I love books set in World War II and The Swiss Courier by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey was not a disappointment. This was a very suspenseful and fascinating read. It was hard to put it down! Since I had just read No Less Than Victory by Jeff Shaara and it was a wonderful backdrop to have for the setting of this book. If you love spy stories, romance and suspense you will enjoy The Swiss Courier.

Bliss (Happy 101) Award

I was awarded the Bliss (Happy 101) Award from Lee at Butterfly Blessings a couple of weeks ago and am now finally getting around to posting it.

The rules for this Bliss (Happy 101) Award are that I must list 10 things that make me happy, then pass it along to 10 other bloggers.

1. Jesus Christ
2. My husband & children
3. Family
4. Friends
5. Books, books, books!!!
6. Blog browsing
7. A gooey cinnamon roll
8. A visit from my mom and dad.
9. Shopping (especially bookstores)
10. Diet Coke

Since I have been working on this post for weeks, I am passing it along to my small gathering of blog followers!

A-Z Wednesday

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

This weeks letter is: I



Is There Life After Houswork? by Don Aslett

Book Description:
10th Anniversary Edition Don Aslett has won the hearts of millions by showing them how to save up to 75% of the time they spend on housework? With the help of his cleaning classic, Is There Life After Housework? Here you will find a revolutionary approach that frees you from the drudgery of housework by bringing the efficient methods and materials of the professional cleaner into the home, plus step-by-step instructions on how to clean every area of your home. How to find the life?? Professional secrets to clean faster and better ? How to speed-clean the house for company ? The right way to do every household chore ? Where to get professional tools and supplies ? How to choose and use chemicals that will do the work for you ? How to get others to help ? Quick checklists and charts for at-a-glance reference.

My thoughts:
Another book I haven't read, but is patiently waiting for me to rescue it off my shelves. (sigh) So many books and so little time!

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Should be Reading.



Leaving Carolina by Tamara Leigh

Grant's number is on the screen, and I haven't even called him recently. So why the struggle between answering and letting him go to voice mail so I can eat my pickled corn? p. 213