Why I have this book: I bought it because it looked good.
Soooo… well, I liked it better in some parts than others. The first part was better for me… but the last part just turned into a format/tone I didn't like as well. I felt like the book was kind of all over the place. It wasn't really what I was expecting, at least the further I got into it.
I did highlight a lot of thoughts and ideas throughout the book. I think the flow just didn't work for me on some of it, plus it just got to where it reminded me of those old Richard and Linda Eyre books. (I think I have a form of post-traumatic stress about those books. Back when I was a younger parent, they really made me stressed out about my parenting and how much more I should be doing.)
Anyway, it was good in some ways and not-as-good in others.
Clean.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Friday, March 11, 2016
Between Heaven and Texas (Marie Bostwick)
Why I have this book: It is part of the Cobbled Court Quilt series, and I've read them all.
I guess this is considered #6 in the series (according to Goodreads), but on Amazon it seems to be the first in a new series. (A Too Much, Texas Novel is how it's labeled, so… series?) If it is a new series, I won't complain! I loved it.
It's actually a prequel to the Cobbled Court series, and if someone is going to read those books, I'd recommend reading this one first. It really helps to set this particular character up in a way that adds to the rest of the series.
In any case, it can stand alone… but I do hope the author continues it into a series. It was a really fun read, and I could see it as a movie. The characters were that colorful.
Clean, with maybe one or two mild swear words. There were a couple of characters who got pregnant out of wedlock, but it was kind of "small town" antics (in my opinion) and they both chose to get married.
I guess this is considered #6 in the series (according to Goodreads), but on Amazon it seems to be the first in a new series. (A Too Much, Texas Novel is how it's labeled, so… series?) If it is a new series, I won't complain! I loved it.
It's actually a prequel to the Cobbled Court series, and if someone is going to read those books, I'd recommend reading this one first. It really helps to set this particular character up in a way that adds to the rest of the series.
In any case, it can stand alone… but I do hope the author continues it into a series. It was a really fun read, and I could see it as a movie. The characters were that colorful.
Clean, with maybe one or two mild swear words. There were a couple of characters who got pregnant out of wedlock, but it was kind of "small town" antics (in my opinion) and they both chose to get married.
A Beauty So Rare (Tamera Alexander)
Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library because I like the author and I had read the first book in this series. (This is the second book.)
I liked this one even more than the first one. I liked the first one, too, but this one came out a bit on top in comparison. I'll keep watching for new books by Tamera, because I do like the way she writes.
Clean.
I liked this one even more than the first one. I liked the first one, too, but this one came out a bit on top in comparison. I'll keep watching for new books by Tamera, because I do like the way she writes.
Clean.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
The Cobbled Court Quilts Book Series (Marie Bostwick)
A Single Thread
A Thread of Truth
A Thread So Thin
Threading the Kneedle
Ties That Bind
Apart at the Seams
Why I have these books: I bought the first two a long time ago (and read and reviewed them earlier), and after waiting for the prices to drop on the others, I finally gave up and bought them anyway. (I had some Amazon gift cards!)
I had to re-read the first two books, just to make sure I would remember the details as I started the rest of the books. I liked them even as a second read. I really enjoyed this series. I'm sad that it's over (I do have one "prequel" still left to read), but I think the author has started a new series, so I'm glad about that.
There are a handful of swear words in each book, and an interesting contradiction with a bit of sexuality (nothing described, really, but more than I expected) and a fairly significant religious tone (also unexpected, but which I really liked). Subject matters include divorce, abuse, death, infidelity… but everything is presented as real life experiences, not sensationalized.
A Thread of Truth
A Thread So Thin
Threading the Kneedle
Ties That Bind
Apart at the Seams
Why I have these books: I bought the first two a long time ago (and read and reviewed them earlier), and after waiting for the prices to drop on the others, I finally gave up and bought them anyway. (I had some Amazon gift cards!)
I had to re-read the first two books, just to make sure I would remember the details as I started the rest of the books. I liked them even as a second read. I really enjoyed this series. I'm sad that it's over (I do have one "prequel" still left to read), but I think the author has started a new series, so I'm glad about that.
There are a handful of swear words in each book, and an interesting contradiction with a bit of sexuality (nothing described, really, but more than I expected) and a fairly significant religious tone (also unexpected, but which I really liked). Subject matters include divorce, abuse, death, infidelity… but everything is presented as real life experiences, not sensationalized.
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Beyond Good Intentions: A Mother Reflects on Raising Internationally Adopted Children (Cheri Register)
Why I have this book: I purchased it while we were in the adoption process years ago.
I probably read this when I first bought it, but I'm glad I read it again. I admit, it leaves me a bit unsettled, only because there is so much information and so many opinions about adoption… but it really comes down to only what really affects the individual child and his/her family. Adoption is complicated. It affects so many people, and so many people influence the experience.
Really, until you've been there as an adopted child, a birth family, or an adoptive family… I don't think you can understand all the facets of adoption. And sometimes reading books like this makes it feel even more complicated. I know that when it comes down to it, I have to rely on my gut instinct and love and guidance from God to help my little girl navigate her own emotions about her adoption.
Clean.
I probably read this when I first bought it, but I'm glad I read it again. I admit, it leaves me a bit unsettled, only because there is so much information and so many opinions about adoption… but it really comes down to only what really affects the individual child and his/her family. Adoption is complicated. It affects so many people, and so many people influence the experience.
Really, until you've been there as an adopted child, a birth family, or an adoptive family… I don't think you can understand all the facets of adoption. And sometimes reading books like this makes it feel even more complicated. I know that when it comes down to it, I have to rely on my gut instinct and love and guidance from God to help my little girl navigate her own emotions about her adoption.
Clean.
Circle Dance (Lynn Constantine and Valerie Constantine)
Why I have this book: I think I bought it when Book Bub advertised it.
It was okay… I mean, it kept my interest, and I wanted to know how things turned out. But the characters weren't really developed on a deep enough level for me to be too invested, and I thought the ending was a bit convenient. I don't know… it just didn't quite grab me, although I don't hate that I read it.
There was a bit of swearing and some of the storylines dealt with extramarital affairs, although it doesn't glorify those choices.
It was okay… I mean, it kept my interest, and I wanted to know how things turned out. But the characters weren't really developed on a deep enough level for me to be too invested, and I thought the ending was a bit convenient. I don't know… it just didn't quite grab me, although I don't hate that I read it.
There was a bit of swearing and some of the storylines dealt with extramarital affairs, although it doesn't glorify those choices.
Diary of Two Mad Black Mormons: Finding the Lord's Lessons in Everyday Life (Zandra Vranes and Tamu Smith)
Why I have this book: I bought it in Kindle version because it sounded good.
I enjoyed it a lot. It was kind of lighthearted writing with good, thought-provoking "lessons" learned through life experiences. I had more than a few chuckles, too.
I totally recommend.
Clean.
I enjoyed it a lot. It was kind of lighthearted writing with good, thought-provoking "lessons" learned through life experiences. I had more than a few chuckles, too.
I totally recommend.
Clean.
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