Book Review. Newport Ladies Book Club: Paige

I've just finished reading the third book of the Newport Ladies Book Club: Paige.

This one was my favorite so far! I love it when an book is emotionally spot on. I didn't know how I'd feel in the situation until I read my own feelings on the page. That happened again and again in this book! Not the perfect, storybook ending, nothing trite or cliche; just real life situations and a strong woman who struggles through and is better because of it. Pick this one up, you won't be sorry!

The Newport Ladies Book Club: Olivia -- Book Review

I've just finished reading the first of The Newport Ladies Book Club series: Olivia. I expected the book to be a more than adequate read, one that was well worth the time spent. What I didn't expect was to get caught up in the characters, read it in less than twenty four hours and end up in tears before the book was through.

Olivia is not your run-of-the-mill two dimensional character. Rather she's a believable, three dimensional, character with lovely strengths as well as flaws. I found myself caring deeply about her struggles, and wanted, oh-so-badly, for her to have a happy ending. Part way through the book, I was sure I knew where the book was going. What a lovely surprise when I turned out to be dead wrong.

This book is a classic example of what I look for in a novel: relationships; humor; a nicely paced, moving narrative; and believable dialogue. It left me wanting more. Here's to Daisy in June!!

I'm Back and my first ever Giveaway!

There's simply no way to catch up a blog that's been neglected for months, so I'm jumping in right where I am.

This summer I bought a Kindle version of the book One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, by Ann Voskamp a Christian blogger whom I adore.

This book has a hold on me that won't let go and I hope it never does. She's a non-denominational Christian and yet, from the first pages, she had me smack dab in the temple. I saw myself in her brutal honesty and as I read I determined that I'll no longer live my life an amateur.

So I bought a hard copy to read again with colored pencil in hand. And I bought a journal to write down my own one thousand gifts and I'm haltingly filling it up. It's all starts and stops and forward three steps and back two, but there's so much beauty and joy in this journey.

I'm giving away a copy of this beautiful book, my very first giveaway. Only one entry per person. No facebook liking, following me on twitter or posting on your own blog on this one. To enter, just leave a comment listing three things you're thankful for--gifts from God. They don't need to be profound or astounding. For example, here are the first three gifts Ann Voskamp wrote down (pg 45):
1. Morning shadows across the old floors
2. Jam piled high on the toast
3. Cry of blue jay from high in the spruce

Your list can be simple things, like Ann's, or bigger things. Whatever, it's your list.

That's it. The winner will be announced one week from today (unless I forget and take a day or two longer). If I can figure out how to work one of those random online things, I'll do it that way. If not, I'll write your names on paper and have my seven-year-old draw a name out of a hat.

So leave your comments and let the giveaway begin.

Wow, it feels good to blog again!! (Thanks for the gentle push, Amanda!)

What Think Ye Of Christmas: a Book Review

I devour novels. Quick and messy, cannot wait to find out what happens next kind of reading. But some books must be read aloud and savored slowly and shared to be fully appreciated. What Think Ye of Christmas by Ester Rasband with original watercolor paintings by Jana Winters Parkin is such a book.

I should take the time to link to some of the lovely artwork in the book (because they are simply beautiful), but with my current time schedule that's not gonna happen. Instead, here's my experience with the book.

I was lucky enough to win two blog contests offering this book (one of them in multiples!) When I recieved my first copy, not having much time as I slogged through my daily mail on the way to multiple, gotta-get-em-done-today tasks, I opened it and quickly read through the text, taking enough time to spend just a moment on each work of art. My thoughts were along the lines of, "That was very nice," as I hurried back to my to-do list.

The next day, I gathered my children around me and read it to them, taking time to show them the pictures. That experience was on a whole new level over my first perusal. Reading with my children, wanting them to understand in both their hearts and minds what the book was saying, and even, (hope springs eternal!), implement the concept into our holiday season, the book became a beautiful witness of the Saviours birth and even a springboard to a discussion of how our family can remember him better in our Christmas celebration. (What more could you ask for!?)

You can buy the book here, and you won't be sorry. It's a wonderful addition to our Christmas library (btw, does anyone else love, love, love decorating their home with Christmas books? Not only are they beautiful, but decorating with them, puts them around the house where they are more likely to be read and enjoyed all season long. This book is perfect for decorating, because it's small and has that gorgeous angel on the front).

After you get your copy, experience it with someone you love, your spouse, your children, your sister, your visiting teacher, or simply read it aloud to yourself. Your voice will tell you things about the text that your eyes alone will miss. Take the time to enjoy the works of art. You'll be glad you did, and, who knows, it may even lead to a more Christ-centered Christmas celebration in your neck of the woods!