Robin Jones Gunn books

Reading hasn't always been one of my hobbies.  Mostly because it wasn't encouraged or reinforced in my home (long story!).  Since I wasn't ever read to as a child or taught to read at home, I wasn't the best reader when I was younger.  Because of those insecurities, reading was rarely something I did for pleasure.

While I was teaching, I was introduced to a few good Christian fiction series by some friends.  This sparked my love of reading.  The only problem was that I always stuck with the same author or two.  Venturing out was scary to me.  I didn't even know where to begin.

When I took a job as a nanny I knew I'd have lots of down time during nap.  I decided it was probably time to move away from the same two authors.  Other wise, I was going to run out of books to read and fast!  So I did the most logical thing I could think of--I went to Barnes and Noble, roamed the Christian fiction aisle and wrote down all the author names or book titles that looked good to me. :)  Genius, huh?

One series of books that looked good to me were The Sisterchicks series by Robin Jones Gunn.  Luckily the library I went to actually carried these books.  (Unfortunately, Christian fiction is always a priority at libraries.)  When I started reading the first one I wasn't quite sure.  The characters are always in their 40's and had kids.  I was worried it would be unrelatable or for an older audience.  This wasn't the case at all.

 Each book is basically about two friends who go on some sort of adventure through travel.  The travel is always abroad.  The characters face trials, mishaps, and have lots of fun.  The books aren't overly "Christian" in the writing, but there are always good "nuggets" of truth, encouragement, or enlightenment.

 These books make me want to travel!!  I especially want to go to Venice after reading the Gondola one!

Robin Jones Gunn also has childrens books and teenager books.  Apparently she had a high school series around the same time I was in high school. (I've had friends say they read them.)  This was the Christy Miller series.  Well, Christy and her friends grew up and there are a few books about them in college.  I have read a few.  So I went from reading about 40 year old women to 20 year old women.  I think she needs to write something for the 30 year olds! :)  Even though it was about college, I could relate.  I lived in the dorms and it took me back to my college days.  Again, there were good little "nuggets" of truth.

If you're at the library and looking for a good, easy Christian fiction read... check out Robin Jones Gunn.

PSA: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

As an early elementary teacher, I love children's books.  I woulds say I have at least 500 books.  My kids won't need to go to the library from ages 4 to 6! :)  There are so many good ones... cute ones... funny ones.  Love!  When I was teaching, I had an author of the month.  Each day (usually after lunch recess to calm down) we would read a book from the same author.  We would talk about what an author is and what an illustrator is.  I would tell the kids that they can go to the library and ask the librarian how to find books by an authors name and the librarian could help them.  Think--if there are 5 days in a school week and about 4 weeks in a month, each author had to have 20 books (minimum).  I have 20+ Franklin books, 20+ Arthur books, 20+ Berenstain Bear books, and on and on.  One author that both the children and I loved was Eric Carle.  He has lots of popular books, but the most popular is The Very Hungry Caterpillar.  Right now, Kohl's has select Eric Carle books and stuffed animals on sale for $5 each as part of their Kohl's Cares program.  I have tons of his books (including some hardcovers and TVHC), and we registered for a board book of The Very Hungry Caterpillar for Olivia.  When I saw the stuffed caterpillar I had to have it.

Seriously.  How cute is it?  I love it!

There are a few others to choose from.

If you have a little one, I strongly encourage you to go and pick up these books if you don't have them.  $5 for a hard covered book is an amazing deal... and to have it be an Eric Carle book is just a huge bonus!

Word Bird Books

Another set up great books or reinforce "sounding it out" is Word Bird books.  I also found them at the library under the early reader section.  Little Man thinks they are great.

You can see by the bottom of the book that it was reinforcing the short u sound.  You can choose a theme like that, or they also have ones that use sight words or all fall words or all spring words.

There are pictures to go along with it, which is why I think Little Man likes it.  It makes him feel smart!

Have I mentioned lately how much I love the library!? :)

Melody Carlson books

I vaguely remember reading on a recommended list of authors that Melody Carlson was a good one.  So while meandering the aisle of the library a few weeks ago, I happen to stumble across some of her books (noted with the inspirational sticker).  I picked one up and thought it looked sort of up my alley. 

It was about a thirty something girl who felt stuck.  She had a broken heart and was mending it by watching house shows on HGTV  and eating pints of ice cream.  While I haven't been in that situation personally, I could totally relate to the character.  She seemed like me... or someone I'd be friends with.  She decides to flip a house to make some money and move out of her small apartment.  The book is about the journey it is to flip the house, deal with her dad and one of his construction worker friends that comes to the table with baggage.  This book was an easy read.  It was lighthearted and fun.  It wasn't terribly complicated writing or a plot.  I imagine if I ever wrote a book, it would turn out somewhat similar.  It's a sort of "write how you talk" kind of book, which is my style.

While looking for a picture of this book, I realized that I had listened to a Melody Carlson book on CD.  I didn't even realize I had read or listened to anything by her.  The book I listened to was

(There are two different covers to this book, so it may look a little different at your library.)

The main character is another 30 something girl who is trying to figure out life.  She has a good job and a boyfriend, but ubruptly loses both.  She moves back home to live with her mom and is faced with all sorts of challenges.  Her mom has turned into a health nut babe, while she is gaining weight rapidly.  She needs a job and a purpose.  It's pretty cute.  Here's a description I found online.  "This sassy and hilarious novel leads readers on a romp through the wilds of relationships, romance, career, and spirituality, revealing that, while God’s plans may look drastically different than our own, it’ll always be a perfect fit."

 While at the library, I also picked up another Melody Carlson book.

It's the first book in a series.  I actually read it in about a day and a half this weekend.  It's a totally different style than the other books.  Each chapter is from a different person's perspective.  It's about four girls that decide to live in a house together.  They are all out of college and trying to figure out what's next in life.  They each have their strengths, weaknesses and secrets that they bring to the table. Again, it was a fun easy read.  I was sick of watching TV and this was a great way to pass the time.  I'm looking forward to checking out the next book in the series.  This book sort of built up and introduced the characters, so I imagine the next book will have more of an in depth story to it.  I need some of these easy books to read sometimes.  It helps clear the mind. :)

Debbie Macomber-One Simple Act

Debbie Macomber is one of those authors that I stumbled upon when I started this job with Little Man.  I started out reading The Blossom Street series, which I told you about back in June.  Aside from reading all of that series, I have listened to many of her other books on C.D.  She has a ridiculous amount of books, so it's an easy go to when I'm at the library.  When I'm short on time, or Little Man is over standing in the books on tape aisle, I just grab a Macomber book and I'm on my way.

Recently I grabbed a couple of her books on C.D. and was on my way.  I put one in and during the beginning it said something like, "You may be wondering why, as a fiction writer, I am writing a book like this."  I didn't pay much attention to what I had picked up, since I knew I liked her as an author.  I was thinking, "This isn't fiction?"    Then I went on to listening to this book....

I knew almost right away that I loved it.  I feel like some of it is common sense, some of it is just good tidbits of advice and some of it is just a reminder of Christian values that we can all use a refresher course on.  Honestly, I sat through most of it thinking how great it was and that everyone should read/listen to it.

Here's what a summary of it from her site.

What if you, personally, could make the world a better place...by tomorrow? 

Debbie Macomber knows the secret to doing exactly that! In a world that seems too often stingy and grudging, she has witnessed how one simple act of generosity can yield unforeseen miracles. 

You are about to discover, through true stories, what happens when we commit intentional acts of generosity. Lives are changed in ways we never envisioned. Come with Debbie late one evening through the checkout line at the grocery store. Visit a midwestern train station. Discover the link between a submarine, a few bread crumbs, and some minnows. Visit ancient Galilee as a young boy volunteers his fishes and loaves to Jesus only to see his meager gift multiplied many times over to feed five thousand. Listen in on a touching phone call with an elderly widow. You will stand amazed at what God accomplishes when we make ourselves available through simple acts of generosity. 

This blend of true stories and motivating messages will delight and surprise you as you discover how giving the gifts of time, encouragement, hope, laughter, prayer, hospitality, service, and even forgiveness can have lasting, life-changing impact, not only on the recipient of such gifts but on the giver as well. 

Debbie Macomber, through the power of story, invites us to live with open hands, offering who we are and what we have to God, to use in the lives of others. When we do so, lives—including our own—are changed in ways we couldn't have imagined. All it takes is one simple act.

I passed the C.D.'s on to Michael and told him that I really would like him to listen to them.  He started yesterday morning and texted me after he got to school and said, "Good book" and also "a good way to start the morning".  I strongly encourage you to pick it up.  I liked it so much that I think I want to own it.  There were so many times I was thinking that I would like to be taking notes on it or writing down little quotes or nuggets of information, but I was driving.  Really, it's a book that can be revisited and revisited.

Note: The picture above is the hardback version.  The paperback is coming out next month and has a different cover.

How Sweet It Is

 Here is another book that I picked up from the library simply because it had the little pink "Inspirational" sticker on it.  I had it for months.  I kept renewing it while I tried to wade through Prarie Tale.  When I finally gave up on that, I started on How Sweet It Is.  I'll admit... I have my favorite authors, and while they are sometimes predictable, I don't necessarily mind.  I'm invested in the characters now and want to know what happens next.  So when I picked up this book, I started it sort of with the mentality of "I want to like you, but I'm just not sure I will".  It took me a little while to get into it, but finally I did.  Once I got going with it, I actually really enjoyed it and finished it quite quickly.  Here's how the back describes it.

When Deena Livingston moves into her grandfather's cabin in the mountains of North Carolina, she plans to keep to herself, start a cake-decorating business, and recover from the heartbreak she left behind in Atlanta.  But a special request from Grandpa Ernest compels her to interact with the Bryson City locals, who have some surprising stories to share with the new girl in town.

Can a Dr. Seuss-quoting plumber who shows up at the most unexpected times, a handsome social worker who seems to know exactly what Deena is thinking, and a classroom full of mischievous middle-school students teach Deena to once again embrace the sweet things in life. 

It was a story of healing... working through issues... restoration... I liked that the author "kept it real" and went through all the real life issues people have and didn't sugar coat it for fictions sake or make it unbelievable.  Each person has struggles/hurts/issues.  We all have deal with them, heal, and move on.  It was an enjoyable book for me and I plan on checking out the other book the author has written. (As far as I know she's a new author and has only written two.)  If you aren't put off by an "Inspirational" book, check this one out!

Prarie Tale

Well, today's post was suppose to be about our second camping trip this past weekend.  Unfortunately, I was sick. :(  It's rare that I get sick, but every once in a while I get struck too.  Luckily, it only lasted 24 hours.

So since I can't share with you a fun camping experience, I'm going to share with you a book review... sort of.  I say sort of, because I didn't actually finish the book.  I'll get to that.  The book is Melissa Gilbert's Prarie Tale.

When I saw her on Kathie Lee and Hoda and heard she had a book out, I was all excited to read it.  I watched Little House on the Prarie growing up, and I thought it would be a fun read.  It didn't take long to find out that it wasn't really for me.  However, I wanted to stick it out.  I knew I wanted to review it on my blog, and I thought it only fair that I actually read the entire thing.  I read about 2/3's of it.  I kept  carrying it back and forth to work every day, trying to psych myself up to finish it.  It also put all other reading on hold because I knew it was just waiting in my bag for me.  Finally, I decided to screw it, take it back to the library, and review a book I didn't completely read.  Hope you don't mind.

There are a few things I didn't like about it.  First, there was a TON of name dropping.  It was completely in excess, and I didn't even recognize half the names. (I'm sure if I grew up in the 70's or was older in the early 80's it would have helped.)  Second, there was a lot of swearing.  I'm not talking a little word here or there, I'm talking harsh swearing and often.  Not my style.  Third, it was all about who was sleeping with who.  Not only that, but some parts got a little graphic.  Again, not really my style.

Overall, I was disappointed.  I know actors aren't who they play, but it was like night and day.  To me, it was less about her life story and more about letting us know all the bad things she did, who she did them with, and any other name she could throw in to make her seem important.  I'm sure some people loved the book, but for my blog and my review I give it a big thumbs down.

Blossom Street

Back when I was just starting to work with Little man, I knew that I was going to have a good amount of time to read.  At that point he was still napping a minimum of 3 hours a day and was still sleeping in the morning when I got there as well.  I had a few favorite authors, but I had read most of their books and I knew that wasn't going to carry me very far in this new adventure.

So I looked on Amazon to see what kind of books they had listed in the best-selling Christian fiction category.  I spent an afternoon reading summaries and writing a list of books that seemed interesting to me.  One author I came across was Debbie Macomber.  She has a bajillion books, but luckily I stumbled on The Blossom Street Series.

The first book in the series is The Shop on Blossom Street.  I really like how it was written.  The book was surrounded around about 4 or 5 different characters and each chapter was written from the perspective of one of the characters.  The Shop on Blossom Street is a yarn store that was opened up by Lydia, who is trying to follow her dreams and live her life to the fullest after battling cancer.  She decides to teach a knitting class at her new store to draw people in.  The other characters are the people taking her class.  It goes through their life experiences and struggles and pulls you in.  It made me want to own an yarn store... or at least learn to knit!

On the other hand, I wouldn't necessarily consider this book (or the series) a "Christian fiction".  Inspirational... maybe.  But that's OK.  I still liked it.  

I went to the library and got the next book in the series.  I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen to these girls.  The next book in the series is A Good Yarn.  It was written the same way as the first book, but with some of the same characters and some new characters.

The next book is Susannah's Garden.  I actually read Susannah's Garden first, before any in this series.  It's not written the same as the others in the series.  I don't think you have to read it in between.  I actually like that I didn't.  It was more just about one lady and her family, but then at the very end she decides to open a flower shop and it happens to be on Blossom Street.  It was a good book, but not necessarily closely related.

Next is Back on Blossom Street

and then Twenty Wishes

Summer on Blossom Street is book number six in the series.

Hannah's List just came out as the most recent Blossom Street book.  I have yet to read it, but plan to do so as soon as it hits my library.

I'll admit, even though these books feature people of all generations as the characters, Debbie Macomber is a little "older" of a writer than what I am usually drawn to.  But for whatever reason, I have really enjoyed this series (and other books I've read/listened to by her).  Some of her books have even been turned into Hallmark movies.  I was so excited when I saw a Christmas one this last season! :)  So if you are looking for an easy read... a feel good book... that may just make you want knit, own a yarn store, or open a small book shop on a quaint street in Seattle... then this series will be great for you.  Happy reading!

Never the Bride

So I was walking through the library having one of those moments where Little Man is not wanting to look at my books.  I really like to listen to a book on tape in the car, so I quick grabbed one that had the little inspirational dove on it and hoped for the best.  This is what it was...

Here's the summary:

Since she was just a little girl, Jessie Stone dreamed up hundreds of marriage proposals, doodled the romantic ideas in her journal with her treasured purple pen, and fantasized about wedding dresses and falling in love.  She’s been a bridesmaid nearly a dozen times, waved numerous couples off to sunny honeymoons, and shopped in more department stores for half-price fondue pots than she cares to remember.

But shopping for one key component of these countless proposals hasn't been quite as productive–a future husband. The man she thought she would marry cheated on her.  The crush she has on her best friend Blake is at very best…well, crushing.  And speed dating has only churned out memorable horror stories.

So when God shows up one day, in the flesh, and becomes a walking, talking part of her life, Jessie is skeptical. What will it take to convince her that the Almighty has a better plan than one she’s already cooked up in her journals?  Can she turn over her pen and trust someone else to craft a love story beyond her wildest dreams?


Sounds interesting enough, right?  It was cute.  There were times I wanted to scream at her to STOP.  Other times she made me laugh.  I wouldn't put this book in my "love it and have to own it" category.  It was good though.  The thing I most liked about it was, that even though I wasn't in the same boat as Jessie--trying to find a man--I could relate to her struggle with God.  The relationship she had with God was one I think we all face.  She wanted to tell Him when and how to do things.  When He set things up for her the way He wanted, she wouldn't listen or would sabotage His efforts.  Sound familiar?  It was a good reminder that God is in control and I need to let Him lead me more often.  Life would be so much easier that way.

Simple Tissue Paper crafts

Tissue paper is such a great craft supply.  It's cheap and you can use it for so many different crafts.  It's one of those things where you can just pull it out of the closet and make something up quick.  This craft is a great example of that.

I cut some squares from a variety of different colors of tissue paper.  Some were actually left over from a previous craft.  I mixed a little water with some glue and Little Man painted the tissue paper pieces onto a white piece of construction paper.  After he was finished and the page was dry, I traced an elephant pattern on the page and cut it out.  (We did this a while ago.  Now I would make him cut it out himself.)  Then he glued on the 3D ear.  I think it turned out super cute.

We chose to make it into an elephant because it's Little Man's favorite animal.  But you could use this technique to make anything... a teddy bear, butterfly, flowers, or a whole zoo! :)

This craft would go GREAT with the children's book Elmer by David McKee.

Mixing literature with arts and crafts or hands on learning is one of my favorite things!!

This is a great book.  

There are other Elmer books out there as well.

We've gotten a few from the library.  One of the one's we've got recently that both Little Man and I enjoyed was Elmer's Special Day.  It's a good follow up to the original book.

 

I LOVE children's books!

Personality Plus

I've heard about the four different personality types for years.  I've read excerpts of books, listened to Florence Littauer on tape (yes tape, not CD!), and taken numerous different tests.  I know what my personality type is.  I know my strengths and my weaknesses.  I find it all rather fascinating though.  So when one of our friends gave us this book to read, we were ready to take another spin on the personality merry-go-round.  From listening to Flo on the tapes, I knew she was funny, so I was interested to read her book.  She didn't disappoint.  I actually had taken her exact personality test before, back during a teacher's meeting while I was still teaching.  But I thought I'd do it again.  (Even though I knew exactly what it was going to say).  Michael had taken it a couple of years ago too, but he took it again as well.  If you are interested in taking the quiz, you can check it out here.

So before I tell you what Michael and I are, I'll share the personalities with you.

SANGUINE- This person is the life of the party... the "popular" ones.  They are the entertainers... the story tellers.  They usually have LOTS of friends, but aren't super close with many.  They have a hard time saying no, so the over commit and don't usually follow through with anything.

MELANCHOLY- This person is the analytical one... the "thinker".  They are planners, love lists, charts and graphs.  They are considered the "perfect" ones and always want everything right.  They can sometimes over-think situations and tend to be pessimistic.

CHOLERIC- This is the dominant, strong personality... the "bossy" one.  They are good leaders and tend to get things done.  They tend to have a lot of ambition and passion and are generally right about things because they can see the bigger picture.  However, they tend to put people off by their abrasive ways.

PHLEGMATIC- This is the easy, laid back personality... the "peacemaker".  They are the easiest personality to get along with.  They are ok with the status quo and don't have many enemies.  They tend to have a dry sense of humor.  They avoid work and can be seen as lazy.

I really do encourage you to read this book, or a book that is similar.  This one is written from a Christian perspective.  I think it helps not only to know yourself, but also to know and relate to others.  Even though I've read and heard things similar before, it was good to take a refresher course.  I especially liked reading it with Michael.  We laughed.  We gave each other looks when what we were reading was describing the other.  It was just another tool to have to help strengthen our relationship with each other, but also with those around us.

So I'm sure you are dying to know what we are.......................

If you know us in real life, you probably already guessed.....................

I scored almost the same exact score for both Choleric and Melancholy.  I had a few points for Sanguine and I don't have an ounce of Phlegmatic in me.

Michael scored almost the same exact score for Phlegmatic and Melancholy.  He had a few points for Sanguine and didn't have an ounce of Choleric in him.

What's funny is, first you fill out your strengths and then you fill out your weaknesses.  Although both Michael and I scored very similar scores in Melancholy and it is a pretty good portion of our personalities, we hardly scored any of the same words.  Weird, huh?  My strengths are my Melancholy personalities, but Michael's weaknesses are his Melancholy personalities.  Funny how we complement each other even there.

The book is an easy read.  We read it in a few days, with just a couple hours read each night.  If you know what your personality type is, or if you follow the link and take the quiz, leave your results in my comments.  I would love to know!!
 

Lisa Wingate books

One of the things that I love about the particular library that Little Man and I go to is a sticker system they use.  Not all libraries around here do it.  They have these little pink stickers with a dove on them that says "Inspirational" that they put on "Christian" books.  When Little Man is pulling on my leg and saying, "Befany, when are we going to go look at my books?", it makes it easier for me to choose something quickly.  I especially like to use this tool when it comes to audio books.  I have lists and lists of books that I want to read, but there aren't a ton of Christian audio books at the libraries.  On one of those occasions when Little Man was just done being in the grown up aisles, I spotted an audio book that had a pink sticker and grabbed it.  It turned out to be Lisa Wingate's Talk of the Town.

It's takes place in small town Texas and a girl from the town enters a TV music competition (think American Idol).  It's a super easy, lighthearted, fun read.  I personally liked listening to it as opposed to reading it because the audio had all sorts of fun accents.

I enjoyed it so much that I went ahead and read the sequel.  Yep.  I had to read it, because I couldn't find it on audio.  It helped hearing the first book on audio though, because then I knew how to pronounce things! :)

Again, it was a nice, lighthearted easy read that was enjoyable and uplifting all in one.

I've read a few other of Lisa Wingate's books and I haven't been disappointed.

Some are more serious than this little series, but still great reads.

I highly recommend you checking her books out next time you are at the library.

Nicholas Sparks

Everyone has probably heard of Nicholas Sparks by now.  If nothing else, for his books-turn-movies.  He's pretty famously known for The Notebook.  You may have also seen Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember, Nights in Rodanthe, and just recently released Dear John.  The Last Song will also be coming out soon.

I love Nicholas Sparks.  I actually started reading his books before I saw any of the related movies.  I've read *almost* all of them.  I have to catch up on the last two, I think.  I must say that I have liked some more than others, but have been happy to have read all of them. 

I have a few thoughts for you on Nicholas Sparks books....

First, if you haven't read the books (even if you've seen the movie), you should.  The books are WAY better than the movies.  Eventually, I will probably go back and read some of the again.  It's been probably six years since I've read The Notebook!

Second, after you've read The Notebook, you really need to read The Wedding.  It's the sequel and most people don't know that.  It has a few twists and turns and I think it's one of my favorites!

Lastly, if you are a Nicholas Sparks fan and have read his novels, you should really check out his book Three Weeks with my Brother. 

 

It is a recap of a trip his brother and him went on.  However, through the process of their three week trip, you get to learn about his past.  He had a rough life and a lot of his books are based on people in his family.  It was a neat insight into where he and his stories come from.  I listened to it on CD and really enjoyed it.

Nicholas Sparks books (in order, in case you are interested):

The Notebook

Message in a Bottle

A Walk to Remember

The Rescue

A Bend in the Road

Nights in Rodanthe

The Wedding

The Guardian

Three Weeks with my Brother

True Believer 

At First Sight

The Choice

Dear John

The Lucky One

The Last Song

 

 

Dara Torres biography

Michael and I like to listen to a book on CD when we are traveling.  It just helps the time go faster.  Unfortunately, we have wildly different tastes when it comes to books, television shows and movies.  Think polar opposites!  I usually try to find something that meets in the middle of our two worlds, but even that is hard.  One thing I've found that we can both generally agree on is biographies.  Over Christmas we listened to Dara Torres' book.  You may remember her from the Olympics--she was the 41 year old swimmer.

This book was very interesting.  If you are into the Olympics or even remotely know her story, I think you will enjoy it.  I am not a swimmer.  I have never been a swimmer.  Her book kind of takes you behind the scenes.  It explains what she had to do to train, all the things that go on at the Olympics, and so much more.  The only thing we didn't like is that it sort of skipped around.  She'd be talking about her childhood and then suddenly we'd be back in the holding room at the Olympics... and then back to her training in college.  Either way, I think it's worth the "read".

Dee Henderson book series

You might know that one of my favorite authors is Karen Kingsbury.  I had a friend turn me on to her Redemption series about five or six years ago.  Since then I've read practically every book Karen Kingsbury has written.  All that to say... I've found a rival author.  That's right.  I've found another Christian fiction author that I like just as much (if not more) as the author of the favorite Baxter family.  (Of the few people I know who read my blog--I know you read Kingsbury, so that's why I am writing as if you know what I'm talking about.  If you don't know what I'm talking about--go to the library and get Redemption.)

Anyway, that author is Dee Henderson.  Michael and I like to listen to books on CD for our long drives.  It's hard to find a book that both of us would enjoy. We have *very* different tastes.  I found a book that sounded like it might work.  It was called The Guardian.  We listened to it on the way to and from Indiana for one of our trips.  We really liked it, so I decided to get another Dee Henderson book.  I found out it was actually part of a series.  I went back and started from the beginning.

It starts with a prequel called Danger in the Shadows

It is only slightly related to the series, but gives a good background.

Also, the writing is a little different that the actual series.

The series has mystery, family ties, romance, and an emphasis on moral values.

You MUST check it out.

The first book in the series is The Negotiator

Then it's

The Guardian

The Truth Seeker

The Protector

The Healer

and

The Rescuer

Even though I am a huge books on CD kind of girl, I recommend you read these.  The books on CD are not the unabridged versions, so parts are taken out.  I'm not sure what parts those are, I just just know it's not the complete thing.  They are the kind of books you don't want to put down, so it should take you too long to read them.  If you've never read a Christian fiction before, I suggest you start here.  It's probably not as cheesy as you think! :)

Sophie Kinsella Book Review

I've mentioned before that I like to listen to books on CD on my way to and from work.  I have my favorite authors that I like to get from the library, but sometimes there aren't any books available that I know for sure I'd like.  Yes, I know I could put some books on reserve, but that's just a little too much work for me! :)

So a few months back I picked up two Sophie Kinsella books on CD.  I didn't know much about the books.  I didn't even know what order they went in.  I only knew that people had raved about her books, and (of course) her book Confessions of a Shopaholic had been turned into a movie.  I figured it would be right up my alley.

I picked up

AND

Ok, I realize this probably isn't going to be the most popular of opinions, but I am NOT a fan!

First, there was far too much swearing for my liking.  I hate that.  Especially listening to it.

Second, the girl is a maniac.  Becky (the main character) is a compulsive buyer and a compulsive liar.

The books almost gave me a panic attack.  Seriously.  I know part of this is because I am a type A rule follower, but I just wanted her to STOP.  I kept listening though, because by that point I was invested.  (There have been times when I have NOT listened to an entire book because of excessive swearing.  These books didn't have quite that much swearing, but enough to bother me.)

Some of the story line was good and interesting, and I can see why it is attractive to some girls.  I understand that it isn't reality, but Becky kept digging herself farther and farther into trouble.  I try to avoid trouble at all costs.  I guess I just couldn't relate.

I actually was at the library a little after listening to these and there was another book from the series on CD.  I was almost going to get it and then said to myself, "Why would you want to drive to and from work in that anxiety ridden state again?"  So I passed.

I realize this post is all opinion.  I also didn't give a summary on purpose.  I'm sure if you wanted a summary of the book you could read the back of the cover or find a great one online.  The point of this post isn't to give a summary, but to share that my review of the book(s).  My review is to just pass on it.  There are so many other good books out there that won't make you crazy! :)  Again... just my two cents.

Kristen Heitzmann

If you are a reader and looking for a good book... or 3... I have a recommendation.  Check out Kristen Heitzmann.  She is a Christian fiction author.

This series is pretty good.  It took me a little bit to get into the first book, but once I was into it I really enjoyed it.

Autism Awareness

Those of you reading this blog who know me personally know that I am passionate about autism awareness.  I have taught children with autism, I have been a registered ABA therapist for two different children with autism, and am a godmother to one sweet girl on the spectrum.  It is a passion that has taught me so much about myself and life, and has taken me on a journey I never imagined I would be on.

I know autism and all the details around it are very controversial.  I can understand that.  I also "get it" because I have a 'side' that I feel strongly about.

Having said that, I am not going to pump you full of my thoughts, theories, stories, concerns, examples, etc.  I'm not even going to get into any sort of detail or descriptions.  This post is to simply tell you about two books that I believe you MUST READ.  Not only should all moms, teachers, and childcare workers read these, but I think everyone should.  I think there are a lot of people out there who have no idea what goes on.  Also, I think there are a lot of people who judge because they don't know.  Educate yourself.

My book choices are as follows (should be read in order):

and

I know that Jenny McCarthy in and of herself is a little controversial, especially when it comes to her views on autism.  Truly though, that is because people misinterpret or misuse her words.  Most of what is swimming out there that she "believes" isn't even what she says in the books.  It's twisted words just to start a fight.  There are some swear words in her book that I could do without, but generally speaking the books are pretty eye opening.  (And who knows, if I had to go through what she went through, I might have been swearing too!)  If for nothing else, just to understand what parents and loved ones of autistic kids go through.  I promise you will learn *something* if not be overloaded by what you will find.

Cool link

Do you like to read?  I do!  But I always stick to the same authors, because I'm not sure what else to get that I'll like.  If you are in the same boat, you should check out this site.  You type in your favorite author, or an author that you know you like, and it will give you a list of other authors that are similar in style and genre.  Cool huh?

I'm an addict....

Ok. I seriously have problems. Hello. My name is Bethany, and I'm an addict. I can't stop hoarding books to read. It's a real issue. I promise.

Little Man and I go to the library about every other week. I usually check out about 8 to 10 books for him, as well as a few videos. The problem is... I can't leave the library without checking to see if there is anything I would like. Even if I have a bag full in my car waiting to be read. Mostly I check my favorite authors to see if anything is new, but I also check for others as well. Not only do I read a lot these days, I also listen to a book on CD to and from work every day.

Take a look.

I had 3 books on CD checked out.



























As well as all these books...



























Plus, I OWN all these books that I haven't even read yet (and one more that I forgot to put in the picture)...



























OH, and this 464 page book that I've been meaning to read for years. Michael's grandma gave it to me to borrow recently.



























That should be enough right? I mean, it will take me forever to get through all that. Oh no. Michael and I went to the library to waste time during a house showing and what do I do? Pick up these...




















Does anyone have a rehab center they'd like to recommend? :)