tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86716386964086210712024-02-08T12:13:19.827-08:00Deborah's Reading WindowWelcome to my window, please take a peek inside.....Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-38512673349727844302014-01-27T07:51:00.000-08:002014-01-27T07:54:57.772-08:00Wishing on Buttercups (Love Blossoms in Oregon Series) by Miralee Ferrell It has been too long since my last post. I have been reading, reading, reading! But I have not posted a review in so long! It is my great pleasure to make my first one for 2014 be for the very first author that ever agreed to do a speakerphone interview for our book club way back when we first began. That wonderful lady would be Miralee Ferrell.
<i>"Wishing on Buttercups" by Miralee Ferrell</i>
We were introduced to Beth in "Dandelions" as she came to the Boardinghouse with her Aunt Wilma. She seemed to be quiet but have a little mystery to her past that kept you wondering. Now in this sequel she is starts to reveal a little more about herself, but you still see that she keeps herself very guarded. We find out that she is quite talented as an artist, and is submitting her drawings to a magazine who wants to publish them. The only problem, she is submitting them under a different name.
We also get better acquainted with Jeffrey, he comes to the Boardinghouse from the city as a writer. He is writing a story about the Boardinghouse set in Baker City and the people living there. He is drawn to Beth and as fate would have it the magazine has put his stories together with Beth's illustrations.
This is only the beginning of how wonderful the tapestry of these lives are woven together. The story is beautiful and Miralee does a beautiful job of keeping you on the edge of your seat wanting you to keep turning page after page to see how the story ends. It is not predictable in the least, and that is refreshing. There are stories within the story, and I love that even more! I am looking forward to the 3rd book in this series! I highly recommend this book and the first one if you have not read it!
Happy Reading*
DeborahDeborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-63320788265641438372013-04-04T08:02:00.002-07:002013-04-04T08:02:47.054-07:00A Book That Hit So Close To Home!I knew as soon as I started reading Ginny Yttrup's newest book "Invisible", that I was not going to put it down, and I was correct. I found myself yearning to get back to it even when I was in the middle of doing my other tasks. Yes! It was THAT good!
Ginny's main character in the book is named Ellyn, she is a chef and owner of a cafe and is a lover of butter, but she is not a lover of herself. All she sees when she looks in the mirror is an overweight woman with nothing to offer anyone, especially a man. She is very friendly to people who come into her cafe and makes them feel right at home, but underneath all that she has a lot of hurt from past pain she needs to deal with.
Ellyn starts to meet some new friends, one of them she meets is a beautiful woman named Sabina, she is staying in town for an extended time to deal with some issues herself. The friendship these ladies strike up is a "match made in heaven"! I believe God brings people in our lives who may be opposites in some ways but are perfect in the most important areas. Sabina is not afraid to tell Ellyn the truth and vice versa!
Ellyn also begin a friendship with a young girl named Twila who she meets at a health food store, Ellyn doesn't realize it, but Twila has been dealing with her own type of eating disorder and has such a strength inside her that will be a great tool to help aid Ellyn towards a better eating lifestyle for herself.
In between these relationships with these ladies there is a man,Miles, Ellyn's old doctor. He has been a widow for two years, and is very attracted to Ellyn, but Ellyn cannot fathom how anyone could possibly find her attractive. She has a long road to go before she can open that door.
This book is not just about weight issues. The weight issues are just a symptom of something much deeper, a deeper hurt, a hurt these ladies have suffered in their past that has caused them to either overeat or not eat at all. And until that hurt is dealt with the symptoms will not go away. It also will not allow them to move on with the rest of their lives with another person, the healing inside of them has to begin first.
I could definitely relate to several areas of this book. I think that is why it drew me in so easily. It made me laugh and it made me cry! And in the end it made me thank Jesus again for bringing me through my own battles with overeating.
I was married to a man who whenever I would eat anything he would tell me, "you don't need to eat that." I would hide candy bars in my drawers. It was pretty sickening to have to do that. He and I went to divorce and he told me I was "fat and nobody would want me, I was lucky that he wanted me." I divorced him because he was an alcoholic and I couldn't put out children through that anymore.
I am now married to a wonderful Christian man, married me when I was "bigger", I went from a size 18 and am now a size 12, but he would have loved me no matter what size I was!
I remember hearing those words like Ellyn heard from "Earl" telling her those put downs and making her feel shameful. Well NO MORE! because just like Twila's tatoo we are "Imago Dei" (Image of God) We should never put ourselves or anyone else down!
I loved this book! I will definitely be recommending it to the ladies in my book club and to anyone who will listen!
Blessings~Deborah Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-54423446943416480432013-03-18T11:40:00.001-07:002013-03-18T11:40:36.190-07:00Finally Here!When I got the email from Handlebar Publishing to review Ginny Yttrup's new book "Invisible" I could hardly wait. We were first introduced to her when the Chick Lit book club read her debut novel "Words". That book was amazing to say the least! At that time she sent us a copy of her second book "Lost and Found". I finished reading that one just last month, another great read! So I did not hesitate when I had the opportunity to review this one. Plus when we were doing our Skype interview with Ginny after we read her book, "Words", she had given us a sneak preview of this book so we knew it was something to watch for.
I just opened up the book today and started reading and it is already hard to put down. I feel like I know the character and can relate to her story. I will post my review as soon as I finish, but I wanted to let you know that the book was FINALLY HERE!Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-81744199857911037932013-01-15T08:24:00.000-08:002013-01-15T08:24:18.675-08:00I am so ashamed to have let so much time pass since my last post. I have been so very busy with our church ministry with Celebrate Recovery,which has been amazing, but it has left very little time for me to do things I used to do. I am becoming more organized since this New Year and will try to update my posts more regularly.
I have been continuing to read, and I have so many books to write reviews for.
The one I am writing for today is one I had the pleasure of receiving as a gift from Catherine Leggitt.
We were honored to have her as our guest speaker at our Women's Retreat this past summer. What a treat that was!! Not only is she a talented author, but such a gifted speaker that connects so well with each woman right from the heart, no matter where you are in your walk of life! She is encouraging as she quotes scriptures from God's word and she also used a power point presentation from her own life that really touched our hearts. Catherine has a real talent that God has given her to remind women of all ages that we are created for a purpose and God is not finished with us yet.
Catherine Leggitt has written three books in a series called "The Christine Sterling Mystery Trilogy", the first two I had not read yet. I approached her to let her know that my best friend and I have a Christian Women's book club and would love to review her book. I was thrilled when I received my copy in the mail. This book is called "Parrish the Thought". I was happy to know that I did not have to have read the other two in order to read this one, as it could be read as a stand alone. It would have been better so I could have gotten to know the character of Christine Sterling much better.
I really enjoyed the characters in this story, I liked the way the author showed how the youth today react to the adults and vice versa. It is so true of life and I believe that with more communication and acceptance, there wouldn't be so many barriers between them. So many adults today forget what it was like to be young and have the stress and struggles along with the added family problems.
I enjoyed the friendship Christine had with Zora Jane. She was a REAL friend, one who will tell here like it was and not apologize about it. She was the type of friend where the saying is true, "A true friend knows everything about you and loves you anyways!".
I loved her boldness for Christ. It was refreshing and encouraging. We all need a friend like her.
I got a laugh out of Christine's relationship with her husband, obviously after their many years of marriage, Jesse understands and tolerates his wife's behavior, but she definitely pushes the limits of sneakiness and manipulation. Relentless is an understatement when it comes to Christine, no matter how many times the detectives tell her to back off the case.
Christine's character reminds me of a modern day Agatha Christie.
I was happy with the way the story came together, it was unpredictable, and kept me guessing up until the reveal.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with some humor thrown in as well!
Happy Reading!
Deborah
(Thanks again to Catherine Leggitt for a very special treat!)
Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-20409536149602290052012-05-25T20:24:00.001-07:002012-05-25T20:24:48.958-07:00Great Day-Every Day-A Book ReviewI have always been a fan of Max Lucado. His books and devotionals are to easy to read, yet they touch the deepest part of my heart. He is a very gifted writer whom I know God uses to reach people at every point in their life.
In his new book "Great Day Every Day, Navigating Life's Challenges with Promise and Purpose", the mission is no different. Max has topics that covers everything from grace, and hope to peace. In each of these areas he gives examples and scriptures in such a creative way that it just opens your eyes and your heart that it makes you want to challenge yourself to think differently. I want to quote a portion from the chapter <b>"Forgiveness For Bitter Days"</b> "The forgiven who won’t forgive can expect a sad fate—a life full of many bad and bitter days. The “master . . . delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him” (Matthew 18:34). "Forgiveness does not mean approval. You aren’t endorsing misbehavior. You are entrusting your offender to “Him who judges righteously” (1 Peter 2:23). "Forgiveness won’t come overnight. But you can take baby steps in the direction of grace. Forgive in phases. Quit cussing the perpetrator’s name. Start praying for him. Try to understand her situation."
Wow! Right? I know that hits home for all of us. And that was just a glimpse of the GREAT stuff in this quick, easy to read book.
This book was very encouraging and useful for a daily devotional. It also helps you to know that you do have a purpose and there are so many promises in the Bible that God has given to us.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to be able to review this book for Thomas Nelson Publishers (BookSneeze.com)Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-19988678260652546502012-03-15T18:24:00.002-07:002012-03-15T18:48:05.801-07:00First Skype InterviewHello Ladies~<br />I hope this post finds you all doing well. We have had some crazy weather, so I hope you are all keeping healthy and warm. Some good time for some reading-that's for sure. <br />I just wanted to update you all to let you know that we will be doing our first Skype interview with an author! I LOVE IT! Modern Technology at it's best! We will be interviewing author Ginny L. Yttrup on March 24th at my house. We will be discussing her book, our book of the month, "Words". And at that time we will also do the drawing for Ginny's new book "Lost and Found", which she so generously gave to us to do what we wanted. Lucie and I decided to do a special giveaway to the ladies in our book club. I hope you are all excited! It has been so hard to put this book down ever since I started. I know there is going to be some great discussion to follow!<br />The book club will start at 11:00, the interview will begin at 11:15, so come early so you don't miss anything! Have your questions ready for Ginny, this is going to be so fun! (Remember, new members are ALWAYS WELCOMED!)<br />Happy Reading~<br />DeborahDeborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-36356144801696282272012-03-04T19:49:00.003-08:002012-03-04T20:13:53.321-08:00Off to a Great Start!Well, we had our second meeting at our new location for the Chick Lit Book Club at "Hot Brew". It was a great success. It is so nice to be able to call and make reservations for a table. We were running into the problem of sometimes not having a table that was big enough. Sometimes Starbucks was quite crowded on a Saturday morning and it was hard to save spaces and chairs. Now we don't have to worry about that problem. We also have friendly service and the chance to share what us crazy ladies are up to with our pink bags!<br />We have a new member...Welcome to Dawn Allardice! It is so nice to have some new faces that are excited to join in on our conversation and even say that they are enjoying reading a genre of books that they would have not picked up before. I love to hear stuff like that! That is what Lucie and I wanted as one of our goals for this group, to try other genres, because there are so many great authors out there that write such amazing books, ranging from mystery and suspense to romance and historical fiction. There is never a dull moment! And the best thing is that it is all with a Christian message somewhere in the story.<br />Our next book of the month for March is called "Words" by Ginny L. Yttrup. Here is a little of what the book is about:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">"I collect words. I keep them in a box in my mind. I'd like to keep them in a real box, something pretty, maybe a shoe box covered with flowered wrapping paper. Whenever I wanted, I'd open the box and pick up the papers, reading and feeling the words all at once. Then I could hide the box. But the words are safer in my mind. There, he can't take them."<br /><br />Ten-year old Kaylee Wren doesn't speak. Not since her drug-addled mother walked away, leaving her in a remote cabin nestled in the towering redwoods-in the care of a man who is as dangerous as he is evil. With silence her only refuge, Kaylee collects words she might never speak from the only memento her mother left behind: a dictionary.<br /><br />Sierra Dawn is thirty-four, an artist, and alone. She has allowed the shame of her past to silence her present hopes and chooses to bury her pain by trying to control her circumstances. But on the twelfth anniversary of her daughter's death, Sierra's control begins to crumble as the God of her childhood woos her back to Himself.<br /><br />Brought together by Divine design, Kaylee and Sierra will discover together the healing mercy of the Word-Jesus Christ.</span><br /><br />The author has offered to do a Skype interview with us when we are ready to do our discussion. I have left her a message to see if our date works with her schedule. This will be very exciting. We have done speakerphone interviews before, but this will be our first Skype interview! <br />Our next meeting will be March 24th at my house, so pick up a copy of the book and read it so you can come and join us for the discussion! New members ALWAYS WELCOME!<br />Happy Reading**DeborahDeborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-70425779821812519112012-02-18T12:10:00.002-08:002012-02-18T12:18:02.260-08:00I Love a Good Suspense!Hello Ladies~ <br />I hope you are enjoying our book of the month "The Witness" by Dee Henderson. This is the first book I have ever read of hers and I am really enjoying it! <br />I am looking forward to hearing what all of you ladies have to say about it. Our next meeting will be coming up next weekend February 25th at Hot Brew at 11:00 a.m. <br />I hope all of you will be able to make it, it will be nice to hear everyone's input about the book.<br />Until then, happy reading!<br />Blessings~<br />DeborahDeborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-53540585606076465812012-02-03T18:19:00.000-08:002012-02-03T18:27:02.640-08:00New BeginningsHello Ladies;<br />I am always excited to share good news! Our new home is such a blessing to us! We are finally settling in and almost done with unpacking. This weekend should be the last of it, if all goes according to our plans.<br />I am getting back to reading again, since I have been sick I have not been up to doing any of my "normal" activities. I have missed it so much!<br />Our book club meeting was wonderful! It was so good to get back into the swing of things! I know we all missed each other and agreeing to a new meeting date and place has got us all excited for the New Year. We are also looking forward to welcoming some new members as well!<br />Our next meeting date will be on February 25th and we will now be meeting at Hot Brew instead of Starbucks because it has been so hard to find empty tables, but thankfully we asked and the wonderful waitresses at Hot Brew said we can call ahead and reserve a space! Wahoo!! What a blessing!<br />The book we are reading for January is a suspense called "The Witness" by Dee Henderson. It is already good, should be some good discussion!<br />I look forward to posting more as I am feeling more like my "old self". Thanks for being so patient with me!<br />Blessings and Happy Reading~<br />DeborahDeborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-37726231511040444492011-12-29T19:44:00.000-08:002011-12-29T20:00:31.881-08:00Here's to a New YearI must apologize for not blogging for awhile now. I have been dealing with some major health issues which I hope will be coming to an end here soon.<br />With the New Year coming just around the corner I am so excited for what it holds. We have been blessed with a HUGE answer to our prayers with a wonderful new home to move into. It is time for a change-and we are so ready for it!! We have been in this home for 9 years, it has held some great memories and some not-so great memories, but definitely through it all-God has been with us. <br />I am looking forward to making some GREAT NEW MEMORIES in our new home. With Christ in the heart of it!<br />I have not been reading as much as I have liked because I have not been feeling well, so I am looking forward to getting back to myself again. I will be reviewing and posting my reviews again after the New Year. <br />I hope everyone has a blessed New Year surrounded by those that they love and care for.<br />God bless all of you!<br />Happy Reading~<br />DeborahDeborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-52163624773515757312011-10-31T16:06:00.000-07:002011-10-31T16:47:27.644-07:00A True Inspiring Life!When I first got Brenda Warner's book "One Call Away", I thought, "Oh this book will probably be a good read." I must tell you that is a true understatement. I could not turn the pages fast enough. <br />I know that each of us have a story to tell, God has called us to use each of our hurts and heartaches and even our joys to encourage others as they walk this journey called life. This is exactly what Brenda has done in this book. <br />I was so moved by her openness and honesty as she shared her story of her first marriage and the ups and downs and even as it led to the unfortunate disability of her son Zack. I was so impressed with the strength that Brenda showed to fight for her child to find out all the information that she could as he was growing up and not settle for what the doctor's would tell her. We do have to be advocates for our children, no one else will do it!<br />Having been through divorce and also the pains of adultrey, I could share some of the feelings of betrayal that Brenda described in her book. It brings to surface so many insecurities and lack of self confidence. <br />It was great that she had such an incredible support system, as did I.<br />Brenda goes on to tell how she met her second husband, Kurt Warner, who at that time was just starting to play football in college. Their story is very sweet and romantic. It was not without it's own trials, but as soon as they started giving everything over to the One who created everything, things definitely started going smoother.<br />Brenda was so great about sharing how life as a football wife was tough for her, she was an outspoken lady and it often made her very unpopular with the media and the coaches of her husband's teams. <br />I won't go into too much detail about the story, but I will say the two of them have huge hearts. As much money as they made, they loved to share and help out as much people as they could, and they still do that today.<br />The story that touched my heart the most was the one of Daniel. Brenda is part of a ministry where she goes to hospitals and rocks little babies that are abandoned and left to die. There was one that was pretty much brain dead as he was "shaken" by his birth father but the mother did not want him to be taken off life support because that would mean the father would go to prison for murder.(unbelievable!) Daniel was finally getting worse and was sent to a different hospital as he was on his last days. One night Brenda had a real strong feeling that she was to "go rock Daniel". She told Kurt about this and he said "GO!" long story short, Brenda listened to the voice of God and went to spend that time with Daniel holding him, rocking him, kissing him, singing to him, speaking to him softly, and telling him that he could let go and go home to Jesus, the One that loved him and created him. He died that night, but not alone....Brenda was holding him, but had she not listened, he would have died alone. WOW!!! I cried so hard when I read that part!<br />This book was amazing, Brenda is an amazing woman with such a heart for God. Her and Kurt both have such a great ministry that I admire! I loved this book and I hope someday to be able to share my story just like they did! I definitely recommend this book! You will be inspired!Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-73196469797602021942011-10-14T06:50:00.000-07:002011-10-14T07:17:03.100-07:00The First Gardener-by Denise Hildreth JonesWhen I got the opportunity to review this book from Tyndale House, I did not hesitate. I have heard such wonderful things about this author and I have had several of her other books on my wish TBR list as well. Including her Savannah series.<br /><br />Jeremiah Williams has been taking care of the gardens at the Tennessee governors mansion for the past 25 years. He has cared and prayed for its residents as well. There is something special though about the current family. Jeremiah wonders if all the hurt and unjust treatment he's gone through in life have been so that he could be with this family at this specific time.<br /><br />Governor Gray London and his wife Mackenzie, struggled with infertility and miscarriages for years. Now it seems that all their dreams have come true. Their miracle baby, Maddie, is heading off to kindergarten, and Gray is making a real difference as governor.<br /><br />When tragedy strikes again and again, the London's are thrust into circumstances they don't know if they can survive, and they're not sure they even want to.<br /><br />What is God doing in their life? Is he really even there? How could he love them and let these kinds of things happen? <br /><br />It's a real story of life . . . and death, forgiveness,faith, depression and broken dreams.<br /><br />One of my favorite quotes from Jeremiah was when he said in his southern accent " . . . Maybe this what the last thirty years been for. Maybe this why I gone through ever'thing I gone through, see ever'thing I see, hear ever'thing I hear. `Cause this family need me. 'Cause there be some way I can make a difference, even if it's only prayin' for an ornery ol' woman..." <br /><br />This story is packed with emotion. The characters literally leap off the pages and into your heart. You will definitely need a box of kleenex as you prepare to read the book. <br />I definitley recommend the book, but it is not an easy, lighthearted read. Although it is not one you will forget anytime soon!<br />I look forward to reading more of Denise's books. She is a very gifted author who knows how to tell a story.<br />I want to thank Tyndale for trusting me with a copy of this book to give my honest review to post on my blog and share with others.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-1431054081503995172011-10-13T07:22:00.000-07:002011-10-13T07:29:51.812-07:00Enter to win "The Chair" by James L. RubartHey Everyone-head on over to Nora's blog at http://psalm516.blogspot.com/2011/10/chair-giveaway-james-l-rubart-interview.html and you can enter to win a copy of James L. Rubart's book "The Chair". He also wrote a great book called "Rooms", another MUST READ! <br />For those of you who don't know, Nora did an interview awhile back with Lucie and I for the Chick Lit Book Club for "Christian Women Online Magazine". She is amazing and so talented.<br />I hope you will head over and check out her blog and enter the contest!<br />Happy Reading~ DeborahDeborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-22055110251368226782011-10-06T06:28:00.000-07:002011-10-06T07:27:27.654-07:00Sometimes Being Bold Pays Off!So I was on Twitter awhile back and saw that an author shared about a book he had written. I took a bold step and tweeted to him. I said, "I blog about books and I am in a book club and if you would send me a copy of your book I would love to write a review and post it for you on my blog and on Amazon for you, along with discussing it at our next Book Club meeting." I waited thinking this would be a long shot, put it didn't take long for the author Michael Barnett to contact me to let me know he was sending me a copy of his book "Eden Fading" to review. <br />The story is set in 1961 the main character is a little boy named Danny, who at this time is only three years old. The story is told from the view of what I perceive to be as guardian angels who are watching over the little boys. Danny has two younger brothers named Wayne and Eddie. The boys like to play together and then Danny likes to "go overboard" with his imagination and rough housing, to the extent that you don't know where the lines of good and evil are anymore. He definitely has some spiritual battles going on, even at three years old. Danny has become the king manipulator and also great at getting his younger brother Wayne to join in on his plans. It is either join him or fall victim to his plans.<br />Mom and Dad have gotten to even "fear" their own boys, and at one point in the book go to the extreme of strapping the boys to their beds at night so they don't sneak out to create more trouble.<br />As the story progresses and the boys get older, so does the extent of their creativity and dangerous mischief. Their brother Eddie is now joining in on the fighting and trouble and they now have another little brother name Lee who has fallen victim to their antics. Some are laugh out loud funny, some are shocking that I wondered how any child could survive, except Guardian Angels watching over them.<br /><br />The story kept my attention, I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Hoping nothing "horrible" was going to happen. I have a favorite part at the end of the book a moment between Danny and his mother. It made me smile, warmed my heart.I have one son, and two daughters. My son was totally accident prone, and I know he must have had a couple Guardian Angels watching over him to survive some of the things he did. It makes me laugh to think about it now, but I was not laughing back then. <br />I think Danny, Wayne, Eddie and Lee's mom must have been an incredible woman, she went through so much with those boys! That woman deserved an award!<br /><br />Seriously, I enjoyed this book. It was different than I thought it was going to be, but it was real and well written! I recommend it and I hope the author had success with it. I appreciate the trust that was given to me in sending me a copy and in letting me write a review!Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-11026842189503128612011-08-03T06:49:00.001-07:002011-08-03T06:54:20.552-07:00Surrender the Heart-by MaryLu Tyndall-Our Book of the MonthI just finished reading our Book of the Month selection-"Surrender the Heart" by MaryLu Tyndall. It was AMAZING!! So enjoyable, romantic, ministering and a page turner! I can't wait for our book club meeting to see what everyone else thought of it!<br />I am looking forward to reading more of this authors books, she is so talented and definitely did her homework with the knowledge and history of life on the high seas! If you have not read this book or heard of this author-I recommend you check it out!<br />You won't be disappointed~~~<br />Until we meet again~Happy Reading!<br />DeborahDeborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-29173094683959266862011-07-26T07:13:00.000-07:002011-07-26T07:27:15.367-07:00The Canary List-A Book That Will REALLY Get You Thinking!<span style="font-weight:bold;">From the back cover: <br /><br />Protected by the dark of night, Jaimie Piper runs. But is anywhere safe when Evil is hunting you?<br /> <br />She’s just a twelve year-old girl, bumped around between foster homes and relegated to school classes for challenged kids, those lagging in their test scores or with behavioral issues. But her real problem is that she can sense something the other kids can’t—something dark. Something compelling her to run for her life.<br /> <br />All Crockett Grey wants is to mark the anniversary of his daughter’s death alone.<br /> <br />But when his student Jaimie comes to him, terrified, her need for protection collides with his grief, and a tangled web of bizarre events sends them both spiraling toward destruction.<br /> <br />Crockett’s one hope of getting his life back is to uncover the mysterious secrets of Jaimie’s past and her strange gift. It isn’t long before his discoveries lead him to a darker conspiracy, secrets guarded by the highest seat of power in the world—the Vatican. </span><br /><br />I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book. It was not at all what I had expected the storyline to be. I did not find much of a Christian message in the book at all. I did learn quite a bit about the Catholic church and some of their ceremonies. Even though this book is fiction, I found some of the information to be very possible and probably not far off the mark. EVIL is everywhere, even in the Vatican and Catholic church. Think of all the crime committed against children that takes place in the Catholic church...that is evil alone.<br />I think this book was interesting-but it may not be for everyone. I think this book was interesting, definitely a story that will really get you thinking. I had to finish it to see what would happen in the end and even then I was not very satisfied with the finale.<br />A good read but not one which I would give five stars to. <br />This book was given to me by Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Company to review, I was not paid or rewarded for my review in any way.<br /><br />DeborahDeborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-54416601427742065512011-07-23T20:01:00.000-07:002011-07-23T20:01:25.718-07:00Great Marriage Devotionals-Check it out!<a href="http://myfamilytalk.com/building_marriage_lasts/devotions/marriage_devotionals3.aspx">Marriage Devotionals</a>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-63855322871574052862011-07-15T07:01:00.000-07:002011-07-15T07:08:19.579-07:00June Bug by Chris Fabry-My ReviewBack Cover Description:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">June Bug believed everything her daddy told her. That is, until she walked into Wal-Mart and saw her face on a list of missing children. The discovery begins a quest for the truth about her father, the mother he rarely speaks about, and ultimately herself. A modern interpretation of Les Miserables, the story follows a dilapidated RV rambling cross-country with June Bug and her father, a man running from a haunted past. Forces beyond their control draw them back to Dogwood, West Virginia, down a winding path that will change their lives forever.</span><br /><br />This book was very different from any book I have read before. It keeps you turning the pages just to see what is going to happen. Told from a child's perspective, it touches your heart from the beginning and bonds you with the characters right away. I thought as I was reading the story that I knew where it was going, what the secret was that her "daddy" was keeping from June Bug, but I was pleased to know I was wrong. I am glad it was not so predictable! As I read to the last page I found tears streaming down my face; mixed with emotions of happiness and sadness.<br />I definitely recommend this book, it is another one that I will not forget about.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-14159838099528490652011-07-14T07:46:00.000-07:002011-07-14T07:52:17.955-07:00Everyone Welcome!Hello ladies!<br />It has been a crazy winter. We weren't sure we were ever going to see the sunshine. The Chick Lit Book Club and Review has taken a break for a little while, but we have all still been reading some wonderful books.<br />We will be joining back up and meeting again to discuss these books this Saturday, July 16th at Starbucks. We will be meeting at our regular time of 11:00 a.m. Due to the fact that we will be discussing our last 3 books, be prepared to have the meeting go a little longer than in the past. <br />It should be fun and full of some good conversation. <br />At that time we will be letting you know what books have been selected for the next couple of months. Lucie and I have really put a great deal of thought into the variety of what we read. I know you ladies will be as excited as we are!<br />I look forward to seeing you there! <br />Happy Reading**<br />DeborahDeborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-81660466351861198432011-07-13T07:53:00.000-07:002011-07-13T08:07:10.559-07:00Max on Life-Real Answers to Real Questions<span style="font-weight:bold;">Max On Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions <br /></span><br />Product Description: <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">We have questions. Child-like inquiries. And deep, heavy ones.<br /><br />In more than twenty-five years of writing and ministry, Max Lucado has been the receiving line for thousands of such questions. The questions come in letters, e-mails, even on Dunkin Donuts napkins. In Max on Life he offers thoughtful answers to more than 150 of the most pressing questions on topics ranging from hope to hurt, from home to the hereafter.<br /><br />Max writes about the role of prayer, the purpose of pain, and the reason for our ultimate hope. He responds to the day-to-day questions-parenting quandaries, financial challenges, difficult relationships-as well as to the profound: Is God really listening?</span><br /><br />The one thing I liked best about this book was how REAL and HONEST Max Lucado is. He doesn't hold anything back, but he is also gentle with his answers-all of which are backed up with scripture. It is often said that there are no "dumb questions", the only thing that is dumb is not asking the question.<br />In this book so many of the questions we want to ask have been addressed. The answers are easy to understand and help set your mind at ease. <br />Sometimes things happen in life that we don't understand and we ask "Why?" For example, one of the questions #66 to be exact: "I applied for a job and got rejected. I asked my grandmother for a loan: She turned me down. My boyfriend says we should split up. I'm having a hard week. Is God even listening to me?"<br />And the answer....well you will just have to get the book and read it. <br />This book will be one that anyone can keep and use as a reference as life continues for us and we need to have those answers.<br />I believe this book will be very useful especially for New Believer's and people who are in counseling groups. <br />Max has once again done a GREAT job!Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-37811583088291990982011-07-12T16:23:00.000-07:002011-07-12T16:43:00.918-07:00Here Burns My Candle-My Book ReviewI was excited to read my copy when I received it for review from Waterbrook Multnomah Blogging for Books for a couple reasons.First, I am a fan of Liz Curtis Higgs and I also had heard so many good things about this book. <br /><br />The novel follows the Kerr family in 1745, the story focusing on Lady Elisabeth Kerr and her mother-in-law, the dowager Lady Marjory Kerr. The bonny Prince Charlie and his army of Jacobites have ridden into town and are preparing to take back their land. The Rising has a profound effect on Elisabeth and her husband Lord Donald, his brother and sister-in-law Andrew and Janet, and Marjory. The family is initially mixed in their loyalties- do they throw their support to Prince Charlie or stay loyal to King George? Elisabeth worries her Highlander loyalties, and thus to the bonny Prince, will divide her against her family. Each character's reaction to the turmoil around them sets the course for our tale.<br /><br />Liz Curtis Higgs's historical novels trace a Biblical story. "Here Burns My Candle" is the first in a two-book series. This time around, the story is based on Ruth, Naomi, and Orpah.<br /><br />The story moved quickly, for me, thanks to the dynamics between Elisabeth and Marjory. Marjory starts off as a snobby, critical, domineering mother-in-law. Watching her grow, seeing her reclaim her faith as Elisabeth comes to know who God is, was beautiful. I don't want to say much more than that. It is easy to say, I was captivated from the start. I'm very excited to dive into the sequel: Mine is the Night.<br />If you are a fan of historical fiction you will love this, but be prepared to look back in the glossary to try to decipher some of the words that Liz uses. It can be pretty crazy!<br /><br />DeborahDeborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-78368855500881925352011-07-12T15:52:00.000-07:002011-07-12T16:18:06.098-07:00Review for " Broken Wings"From the back cover:<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Mitzi tenderly cares for her husband, Gabe, as he suffers from Alzheimer's. When not visiting him at his care center, she spends time volunteering at the local hospital. It is here that she meets Brooke, a young woman with a seemingly perfect life. But Mitzi quickly discover's Brooke's secret, and is determined to help her regain control of her life. Both women learn, through each other, how to mend their own broken wings.</span> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Onstage, the singing duo of Gabe and Mitzi Steiner captured America's heart for more than two decades. Offstage, their own hearts have throbbed as one for sixty years. Only now, Gabe has retreated into the tangles of Alzheimer's, leaving Mitzi to ponder her future alone.<br /><br />On the other side of Tulsa, everyone believes Brooke Woodson has found the perfect man--a handsome lawyer with sights on becoming Tulsa's next District Attorney. If only Brooke felt more sure. If only her fiancé could control his anger. If only love didn't come with so many scars.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">When an accident lands Brooke in the hospital where Mitzi volunteers, the two women quickly develop an unlikely friendship birthed by providence and bathed in grace. And with Mitzi's help, kindness, and insight, Brooke learns how to pick up the broken pieces of her life.</span><br /><br /><br />I adore the love story of Mitzi and Gabe, and I liked the way the story was revealed, bit by bit, weaving past with present. This story touched my heart so deeply and made me very well educated of how difficult it would be dealing with someone suffering from Alzheimer's. It is such a heartbreaking disease.<br /><br />Carla Stewart does a good job at getting you attached to the characters of this book, you feel so connected to them it is sad when the book comes to an end. I loved this book for the story and for the delicate, yet truthful ways she unfolds the issues of Alzheimer's and Domestic violence. <br /><br />I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a story to read that will tug at their heart and make them think about friendship, struggles and how the two can beautifully intersect. There are many books out there that are good reads, and then there are some that are great and will stay with you long after you read the last page; for me, this book is one of those!<br /><br />DeborahDeborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-89536992059032283442011-06-27T19:36:00.000-07:002011-06-27T20:28:32.848-07:00This Book Will Grab You and Not Let Go!I just finished Tracey Bateman's book "Thirsty". Talk about a book that is a real pages turner! I finished it in one day because I had to keep reading it to see what was going to happen. The storyline was well written and had you on the edge of your seat. It was not your average predictable suspense. And I liked that!<br />Here is a little of what the book was about:<br /><br />Nina Parker was married and is now divorced with two children, her demons comes flying at her in every possible moment on the pages. After hitting rock bottom, Nina's sister, Jill, takes the broken woman in. Jill lives in Nina's hometown of Abbey Hills, Missouri, and has arranged for a job for Nina as a waitress until she can get back on her feet. Nina was a vet before alcoholism took over and is hoping to save enough to return to Houston one day and open up her own practice.<br />Returning to Abbey Hills is a difficult idea for Nina as it's a place she hasn't seen in 16 years. She left one terrible night when she was only 18 years old, not yet realizing that she had become pregnant. She hadn't faced her parents in all that time, and they had never met her children. They are overjoyed to get the opportunity now, but it's a hard situation for Nina to face.<br /><br />Nina's daughter, Meagan, accompanies her for a week-long trip, the stay being arranged by her dad is an attempt to repair an extraordinarily strained mother-daughter relationship. Though Meagan is furious about the forced trip, she has lost faith in her mother long ago, Nina still holds on to the hope that she can begin to make up for years of hurt. The only catch is that Meagan's real father also lives in Abbey Hills and Nina doesn't want him to know about her. And there have been disturbing events on the news, with some animals nearby having been found mutilated and a young woman murdered. The community is in a state of panic, and the situation has escalated enough to make both Hunt, Nina's ex and Nina nervous.<br /><br />Nina becomes friends with Markus who is her sister's neighbor, and who seems charming enough, but he is holding a dark secret as well. <br /><br />Nina, Markus, Jill, Meggie and Hunt became so real that I felt that I knew them. I found myself having to put the book down for a few moments several times in order to catch my breath as events unfolded. The authors ability to develop the relationship between Nina and her daughter was so believable for anyone that has raised a teenage daughter. <br /><br />Ok, I have to stop or I will tell you too much about the book. You have to read it! You will either end up liking it, or not. But it definitely will keep you in suspense. I think Tracey did a great job with this one!<br /><br />Happy Reading**<br />DeborahDeborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-72420523012433846052011-06-20T06:33:00.000-07:002011-06-20T06:48:54.534-07:00The Convenient Groom-by Denise Hunter, A Book Review"Kate wrote the book on finding the right mate. But she couldn't write the chapter on true love . . . until now. Kate is always used to having this so planned out and perfect and when things are falling apart right in front of her she is finally left without a plan.<br />Five hours before her Nantucket beach wedding, Kate receives the worst news of her life, her fiance's decides not to marry her, that's right, he won't be showing up. And this is all happening on the same day her big book launch.<br />Along comes Lucas Wright, who offers to stand in for the missing husband-to-be and marry her. Kate's desperate enough to agree,although she's sure this Mr. Wright is completely wrong for her. They might just be able to pull this off. But Kate has one crucial question: what's in it for him?<br />I enjoyed this book from the very beginning. It had you voting for your favorite characters and wanting to yell at some of them to "wake up and smell the coffee". It also showed good points of what happens when you rush into things without going to God in prayers first.<br />I could actually see this made into a movie.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8671638696408621071.post-21314048099755679272011-06-07T19:48:00.000-07:002011-06-07T19:55:03.597-07:00My Review of "Fade to Blue"We all loved Julie Carobini when she wrote "Chocolate Beach" and the sequel "Truffles by the Sea". Now she has another book as part of the Otter Bay Series called "Fade to Blue" <br />"Suz Mitchell is a determined dreamer, and won’t allow her ex-husband’s jail sentence to ruin their young son Jeremiah’s life. An accomplished artist, Suz moves with her child across the country to California’s central coast, and lands a job restoring priceless art for the historic Hearst Castle overlooking the sea.<br /><br />But even dreams have shocking twists. To her surprise, a serious old flame, Seth, works at the castle and jumbles the new aspirations in Suz’s heart. While sorting through their past and a palette of spiritual differences, an even bigger brush with yesterday awaits. Suz must learn to let God be the true restorer of all that once seemed lost."<br /><br />I really enjoyed the book, it was a quick read, and one that kept me waiting to see what would happen next.<br />There was a little bit of everything in this book, mystery, romance, suspense. I love Julie's writing style, she really allows you to put yourself in the scenes like you are a part of the characters life, one of her friends. <br />I am looking forward to the next book to see what other adventure lies ahead.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178660883175241459noreply@blogger.com0