There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones

About the Book
Grief brought Finley to Ireland. Love will lead her home.
Finley Sinclair is not your typical eighteen-year-old. She's witty, tough, and driven. With an upcoming interview at the Manhattan music conservatory, Finley needs to compose her audition piece. But her creativity disappeared with the death of her older brother, Will.
She decides to study abroad in Ireland so she can follow Will's travel journal. It's the place he felt closest to God, and she's hopeful being there will help her make peace over losing him. So she agrees to an exchange program and boards the plane.
Beckett Rush, teen heartthrob and Hollywood bad boy, is flying to Ireland to finish filming his latest vampire movie. On the flight, he meets Finley. She's the one girl who seems immune to his charm. Undeterred, Beckett convinces her to be his assistant in exchange for his help as a tour guide.
Once in Ireland, Finley starts to break down. The loss of her brother and the pressure of school, her audition, and whatever it is that is happening between her and Beckett, leads her to a new and dangerous vice. When is God going to show up for her in this emerald paradise?
Then she experiences something that radically changes her perspective on life. Could it be God convincing her that everything she's been looking for has been with her all along?

My Thoughts
Ok, based on my other Jenny B. Jones reviews you can probably guess what my opinion if this book was, but hey, I'm gonna spell it out anyway! I loved it! I'm beginning to think that JBJ is incapable of writing a book that I will not like. While this book had a little more of a serious note then some of her other novels the trademark JBJ humor was still there and I was pleasantly entertained. The message of God always being with us was well done and really resonated with me. All lovers of awesomeness should read this book!

Buy There You'll Find Me print or Kindle edition!

About the Author
Jenny B. Jones is the award-winning author of romantic comedies for teens, as well as women. Writing with equal parts wit, sass, and untamed hilarity, Jenny believes a romance novel should make you smile and leave you entertained, as well as inspired. Check out her books for teens, such as the Carol Award winning A Charmed Life series and There You'll Find Me, plus books for women such as RITA finalist, Save the Date.
When not writing, Jenny believes in making the most of her rare free time with intellectual worthwhile pursuits. Such as watching bad TV, consuming dangerous levels of ice cream, and obsessive, frequent Twittering. You can find her at www.jennybjones.com

Book Blogger Hop: Keeper Shelf

This Week's Question:

Do you have a keeper shelf? What books are on that shelf and why?

My Answer:

I used to. A couple years ago I didn't have a very large selection of books so I did have a keeper shelf (actually I had two-one modern and one historical). I kept the books that I loved and reread usually once if not twice a year on it. These included Love Comes Softly, Dee Henderson, my fav Lori Wick books, my prized Susan May Warren novels and a few other ones. Now, however I have too many books I love and I don't keep any ones I don't like so all of my shelves are keepers. I do have some books that I treasure over others but I keep my books sorted by genre-except Susan May Warren, she gets her own shelf!

Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones

About the Book
You are cordially invited to the wedding of the year with the most unlikely bride and groom. Save the date . . . and say your prayers.
When funding for Lucy's non-profit job is pulled, she is determined to find out why. Enter Alex Sinclair, former professional football star and heir to Sinclair Enterprises-the primary donor to Lucy's non-profit organization.
Both Lucy and Alex have something the other desperately wants.
Alex has it all . . . except for the votes he needs to win his bid for Congress. Despite their mutual dislike, Alex makes Lucy a proposition: pose as his fiancee in return for the money she desperately needs. Bound to a man who isn't quite what he seems, Lucy finds her heart-and her future-on the line.
Save the Date is a spunky romance that will have readers laughing out loud as this dubious pair try to save their careers, their dreams . . . and maybe even a date.

My Thoughts
I loved this book-another hit from Jenny B. Jones! I laughed out loud so many times while reading this it was ridiculous. Everything was well done from the plot to the characters and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. There are some really powerful scenes including a church sermon about defeating the lies of Satan that are beautifully written and give you somethings to think about. I'm pretty positive that I will reread this book in the future and experience the awesome all over again!

About the Author
Jenny B. Jones is the award-winning author of romantic comedies for teens, as well as women. Writing with equal parts wit, sass, and untamed hilarity, Jenny believes a romance novel should make you smile and leave you entertained, as well as inspired. Check out her books for teens, such as the Carol Award winning A Charmed Life series and There You'll Find Me, plus books for women such as RITA finalist, Save the Date.
When not writing, Jenny believes in making the most of her rare free time with intellectual worthwhile pursuits. Such as watching bad TV, consuming dangerous levels of ice cream, and obsessive, frequent Twittering. You can find her at www.jennybjones.com

Waiting On Wednesday #16: Twice A Bride

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Twice A Bride by Mona Hodgson
WaterBrook Press-October 2, 2012

About the Book

Love lost doesn’t mean love lost forever. 

Can unexpected romance deliver a second chance for two deserving widows? 

Full of resolve, young widow Willow Peterson decides to pursue her dreams to be an artist as she settles into a new life in the growing mountain town of Cripple Creek.  When she lands a job working as a portrait painter with handsome entrepreneur and photographer Trenton Van Der Veer, the road before Willow seems to be taking a better-than-anticipated turn.  

With questions tugging at several hearts in town, including the Sinclair Sisters’ beloved Miss Hattie, change is traveling down the tracks as several unexpected visitors make their way out West.  Will the new arrivals threaten the deep family bonds of the Sinclair sisters and the roots of love that are just taking hold for Willow?      

Filled with the resonating questions that all women face, this romance awakens hope against grief, love against loss, and dreams against life’s unexpected turns. 

Why I Want It

I have really enjoyed the first two books in this series and I will be getting the third soon, so I am looking forward to this installment in the Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series! I also love the cover (minus the poofy sleeves!)!

Top Ten Characters I'd Like to Meet

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish


This weeks actual Top Ten was characters in books that remind me of me or people I know, but I couldn't come up with any. So instead I'm picking the characters I like to meet thanks to Leorah's suggestion! So here they are the book characters that I think it would be cool to meet (warning: this is rather random)!

Luca Forelli 
From River of Time Series by Lisa T. Bergren

Bella Kirkwood 
From The Charmed Life Series by Jenny B. Jones

Jack O'Malley
From The O'Malley Series by Dee Henderson

Lucy Wiltshire 
From Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones

Conner Young 
From Team Hope Series by Susan May Warren
(He really needs his own book!!!!)

Tim and Sydney Creighton 
From Fancy Pants by Cathy Marie Hake

Belle Harden
From The Husband Tree by Mary Connealy

Travis-Meredith, Crocket, Jim, & Neill Archer 
From Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

Kaitlin, Sean, & Marcail Donovan
From The Californians Series by Lori Wick

Cash-Reagan, Dakota-Darvi, & Slater-Libby Rawlings 
From The Yellow Rose Trilogy by Lori Wick

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #25

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I finished last week:

I had a lot of great books this week! The only ones I didn't like were The Wedding Journey and the first story in A Mother's Gift, I also didn't LOVE The Bad Beginning and my non-fiction reads but they were still good!

What I am currently reading:

So far so good on both of these!


What I hope to read this week:

Anyone else see the blue theme? That was absolutely unplanned but pretty cool. Really looking forward to these books!


Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #24
Top Ten Books on My Summer TBR List
Character Interview at Christian Bookshelf Reviews
"Waiting On" Wednesday #15: This Scarlet Cord
Winner of the Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Hop!
Starring Me by Krista McGee
Book Blogger Hop: When Do You Write Reviews?
Mount TBR: Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro (Checkpoint)
Stacking the Shelves #8
Liebster Blog Award!
Reading Habits
Interrupted: Life Beyond Words by Rachel Coker


Hope you have a great reading week, thanks for taking the time to check out mine!
Leave your link below and I'll be sure to stop by!

Interrupted:Life Beyond Words by Rachel Coker

About the Book
Can love really heal all things? If Sam Carroll hadn't shown up, she might have been able to get to her mother in time. Instead, Allie Everly finds herself at a funeral, mourning the loss of her beloved mother. She is dealt another blow when, a few hours later, she is sent from Tennessee to Maine to become the daughter of Miss Beatrice Lovell, a prim woman with a faith Allie cannot accept. Poetry and letters written to her mother become the only things keeping Allie's heart from hardening completely. But then Sam arrives for the summer, and with him comes many confusing emotions, both toward him and the people around her. As World War II looms, Allie will be forced to decide whether hanging on to the past is worth losing her chance to be loved.

My Thoughts
This book really surprised me. The author wrote it when she was 14 and got it published at the age 16, so I wasn't sure what exactly to expect. It was amazing! The writing was very well done and the emotions were beautifully portrayed. Allie had a really rough life and is rather closed off to the idea of love whether it be from her adopted mother or a man. And I found myself thinking that if put in her shoes I would probably have the same reaction. So that was really cool to read and see how she learned to accept and give love. I also thought the Emily Dickinson quotes at the start of each chapter were really cool. This is a great book for both teenagers and adults! I can't wait for Rachel's second book Chasing Jupiter!

About the Author  

Rachel Coker is a homeschool student who lives in Virginia with her parents and two sisters. She has a passion for great books and has been surrounded by them all her life. In fact, as a young child, Rachel helped her parents in a family-run Christian book business. Her gift for writing became apparent at the age of eleven, at which time her parents signed her up for a year of lessons with a professional writing coach. When she is not writing or playing the piano, Rachel enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Reading Habits

I've seen this question form on many different blogs and it looked fun so I decided to do it too!

Do you snack while you read? If so, favourite reading snack:
I occasionally snack while reading and I usually like it to be something small like yogurt covered raisins, or M&M's


What is your favourite drink while reading?
Iced Tea-it's my favorite drink anytime!


Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you?
I am appalled when people write in books! I think it is a horrible practice that needs band!


How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears? Laying the book flat open?
A bookmark. I have the same opinion of dog-earring and laying flat open as I do of writing in books!


Fiction, non-fiction, or both?
I generally prefer fiction and read more of it but I do like non-fiction and read a decent amount of that.


Are you a person who tends to read to the end of a chapter, or can you stop anywhere?
I like to end things with a chapter end or a least a breaking point but I have no problem stopping randomly if the situation requires it.


Are you the type of person to throw a book across the room or on the floor if the author irritates you?
Nope-you might have guessed I tend to frown on any sort of damaging behavior toward books-but I have been know to close a book in frustration and maybe smack it against a soft surface.


If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop and look it up right away?
Not really. I can usually guess it's meaning based on the way it's used.


What are you currently reading?
A Love Inspired book that isn't amazing but it's ok.


What is the last book you bought?
I recently bought quite a few book because we went to Half Price Books my fav of which was a beautiful copy of Jane Eyre. Check out my Stacking the Shelves post if you want to see!


Are you the type of person that reads one book at a time, or can you read more than one?
I read quite a few at a time. Often I have at least 3 if not 5 going at once.


Do you have a favourite time/place to read?
Anytime but I like to sit on my bed.


Do you prefer series books or stand alones?
Series! I get wrapped up in characters and love spending more time with them!


Is there a specific book or author you find yourself recommending over and over?
Susan May Warren, Mary Connealy, Karen Witemeyer, Cathy Marie Hake, Dee Henderson, Ken Ham


How do you organize your books? (by genre, title, author's last name, etc.)

Genre, mostly. Western historical fiction, other historical fiction, Susan May Warren (I have almost all her books 35), contemporary romantic suspense, contemporary romance, YA, novellas, classics and Love Inspired, and non-fiction,

Liebster Blog Award!!!

Okay I have to admit I've been coveting this award. Why? Because Liebster is a German word and I am 3/4 German and have learned some of the language. So you can imagine my joy when I discovered that Morgan from Nothing Better Than A Book (great name btw) had awarded it to me! Thank you so much Morgan!
Liebster means sweetheart in German and this award is given to bloggers with less than 200 followers.


Here are the rules:
1. Each person must post 10 facts about themselves
2. Answer 10 questions the tagger has given you and give 10 questions for the people you’ve tagged.
3. Choose 10 people and link them in your post.
4. Tell them you’ve tagged them.
5. Remember, no tag backs.

Ten Random Things...
1. I love pretty book covers. Especially ones with girls in pretty dresses-awesome!
2. I get giddy when books come in the mail for me-though this is slowly dying as I keep getting more books to review and it's becoming mire common place.
3. I tend to baby my cats and talk to them.
4. I give my electronics names from movies and TV shows. So far I've had: Brego, Aragorn, Gibbs, Ducky, Sciuto, McGee, Farnsworth, and Tesla. There were a few others but I lost track.
5. I love yogurt covered raisins but otherwise hate raisins.
6. I love crocheting.
7. I LOVE the movie Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and I never get tired of watching it!
8. I'm horrible at phone convos but love chatting online
9. I'm horribly shy and hate going to new places.
10. I really do not like my full name: Abigail Lee. I was going to just be Abby but my mom had a friend named Gail so she added that and I got my middle name from my Aunt who was born in the same month.

Morgan's Questions

1. How long have you been blogging? I started posting on this blog late last year when my sister let me join her.
2. Why did you start blogging? My first review went live on August 1, 2011 but I didn't actually post anything myself until October 14.
3. Who is your favorite author? Susan May Warren
4. What is your favorite book? That is IMPOSSIBLE to answer! But here are some of my fav series:
Team Hope by Susan May Warren
Deep Haven
Mission: Russia
The O'Malley Series by Dee Henderson
Uncommon Heroes
Discarded Heroes by Ronie Kendig
Heroes of Quantico by Irene Hannon
River of Time Series by Lisa T. Bergren
Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson
The Charmed Life by Jenny B. Jones
The Miracle Girls by Anne Dayton and May Vanderbilt
Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke
Men of the Saddle by Lori Copeland
The Californians by Lori Wick
Praire Promises by Kelly Eileen Hake
Cathy Marie Hake's Books
Karen Witemeyer's Books
All of Mary Connealy's Novels
5. Do you have any ARCs right now? If so, what? None that are TBR but I have The Chase by DiAnn Mills and Wildflowers From Winter by Katie Ganshert
6. What are your favorite genres to read? I like Christian historical fiction and romantic suspense
7. How many books are in your TBR pile? 36
8. If you could be a book character for a day who would you be? Why? I don't have I specific character I'd like to be but I love to be in the old west with a handsome cowboy who loved me.
9. What is your favorite place to read? Why? My bed because it's comfy and one of my few alone places
10. If you could live in a different time period what would you choose? As I said in ?8 I'd love to be in the old west. Why? Duh! Cowboys!

My Questions!
1. What is one of the best books you've read so far in 2012
2. What is your favorite genre?
3. What is one author whose signature you REALLY want?
4. Do you write a journal?
5. How many books to you have that you haven't read?
6. What country do you want to visit/revisit?
7. Would you rather instantaneously receive any book you want for the rest of your life and live paycheck to paycheck or have an endless supply of money but not allowed to read ever again?
8. Early bird or Night owl?
9. Tea of Coffee?
10. A great movie quote?

The People I'm Giving The Award To
Jen@Book Reviews From A Book Lover
Rachelle Rea@Inspiring Daring
Faye@Labor Not In Vain
Kristin H.@Sew Technicolor
Ruth@Booktalk & More
Michelle@Sweet Treats and Inspiration 
Eve@Essence of Eve
Laura@Librarian Laura's Book Reviews
Holly Renee@Shelf Life
Kara@My Thoughts and Book Reviews

Stacking the Shelves #8

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!


Books to Review
Starring Me by Krista McGee
Interrupted: Life Beyond Words by Rachel Coker

Books I Was Given
Perfectly Dateless by Kristin Billerbeck
The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket
The Austere Academy by Lemony Snicket

Books I Purchased
The Vigilante's Bride by Yvonne Harris ($2.99)
It's All About Us by Shelley Adina ($1.00)
The Rescue by Lori Wick($0.50)
Do Hard Things by Alex & Brett Harris ($1.00)
The Cowboy Takes A Bride by Debra Clopton ($0.50)
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte ($3.99)
Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne($3.99)
Too Rich For A Bride by Mona Hodgson ($4.99)
Scattered Petals by Amanda Cabot ($0.99)
The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson($4.00)

Kindle Books
Tributary by Lisa T. Bergren ($0.99)
Danger in the Shadows by Dee Henderson(Free)
In Between by Jenny B. Jones(Free)
The Merry Wives of Windsor by William Shakespeare(Free)
Hourglass by Myra Mcentire ($1.59)
Muse by Janica L. Stoff(Free)
Into the Shadows by Karly Kirkpatrick(Free)
Clockwise by Ellie Strauss (Free)
UnEnchanted by Chanda Hahn (Free)
The Next Target by Nikki Arana(Free)
Spotlight by Melody Carlson ($0.99)
Ciao by Melody Carlson($0.99)
Eve by Anna Carey ($2.99)
This Scarlet Cord by Joan Wolf (NetGalley)

Mount TBR: Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro (Checkpoint)

It's time for the halfway checkpoint for the Mount TBR Reading Challenge hosted by Bev @ My Reader's Block!

Here are the questions/challenges Bev gave us:
1. Tell us how many miles you've made it up your mountain (# of books read).  
I am currently doing my happy dance on the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro! I've read 51 of my TBR books! I would totally up my goal but I only have a couple of books left that I owned before 2012 so this is as high as I can go. For a list of my books visit the Challenges tab at the top of the page.

2. Complete ONE (or more if you like) of the following:
A. Using any number of titles from your conquered list, compose a poem.  You may add extra words, if needed, up to the number of titles used. 
I made up three but none of them are really good so...

Nobody knows
The Measure of a Lady
who is
Deeply Devoted to
Finding Her Way Home
among the
Hidden Places
Under the Cajun Moon

 Her Only Protector is

Running Blind in

A Silent Pursuit

To Catch A Thief 

who is

Finding Her Way Home 

Under the Cajun Moon

He was
Deeply Devoted to
A Silent Pursuit 
To Win Her Heart
Where Love Abides
among the
Prairie Hills






B. Who has been your favorite character so far? Why?
I'd probably pick Levi Grant from To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer. He was a very real character and I loved how he taught himself to not use S's in order to hide his lisp.


 C. Have any of the books you read surprised you--if so, in what way (not as good as anticipated? unexpected ending? Best thing you've read all year? Etc.)
Under the Cajun Moon by Mindy Starns Clark surprised me in that I really did not like a book she had written with her husband so I was kinda prepared to not like this one as well but it turned out to be pretty good!

Book Blogger Hop: When Do You Write Reviews?

This Week's Question:

Blogging Question: Do you immediately write a review upon finishing a book or do you wait and write multiple reviews at once?

My Answer:

 I usually try to write a review pretty soon after I finish a book. Since I read so many books if I don't get my thoughts down fast enough I might forget. But I have been known to wait awhile on some books, especially the ones I don't have to review. I also don't necessarily post the review as soon as I finish it since I like to spread them out among other posts/  

Starring Me by Krista McGee

About the Book
Kara McKormick is told she's auditioning to star in a new teen variety show. But it's what she isn't told that could change her life.
The feisty New Yorker moves to sunny Orlando to participate in a month-long audition, where she'll live with nine other contestants and an eccentric housemother. Kara knows that the show already has a big-time celebrity lined up for the co-host, but she doesn't know who it is.
Chad Beacon quickly rose to fame after winning America's Next Star, but he doesn't want his entire career to be about singing. There is so much more he wants to do-like act. The new variety show sounds like the perfect next step for him, but his parents want him to have a co-star who shares his faith since they'll be spending so much time together.
Acting is high on Kara's priority list. But a relationship with God? Not so much. In fact, she's tried to stay away from anything religious. But God is after Kara's heart and He's put people in her life who are showing her there's far more to Christianity than rules and judgment.
And just when it seems that Kara's going to have to give up her acting dream, God reveals that she may have a starring role after all-in a story so big only He could write it.

My Thoughts
I really enjoyed this great follow up to Krista McGee's first book, First Date. Kara was one of my favorite characters from that book so I was super excited when I heard about this one! Starring Me is loosely based on the biblical story of Issac and Rebekah, and the author did a great job of not overdoing it. As I already said I really liked Kara's character and Chad's was pretty good to. I also loved the fact the Addy and Jonathon form book one were in this story a lot. Overall it was a very well done story that I would recommend for all lovers of christian YA fiction. Also this book and First Date are good for younger teens and tweens since there is no questionable content at all-not even kissing (at least as far as I can remember, but there was definitely no kissing between main characters)

About the Author
Krista McGee writes for teens, teaches teens, and, more often than not, acts like a teen. Along with her husband and three kids, Krista has lived and ministered in Texas, Costa Rica and Spain.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Winner of the Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Hop!

Sue Fitzpatrick!

Congrats Sue! 

I have emailed Sue and she has 72 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, entered, followed, liked, commented, etc.! I really appreciated it! We had 1251 we entries! Woohoo! Due to the great response we will be sure to do this again in the future!

"Waiting On" Wednesday #15: This Scarlet Cord

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

This Scarlet Cord by Joan Wolf
Thomas Nelson-July 10, 2012

About the Book

Within one of the Old Testament's most famous battles lies one of its most tender love stories.

Hidden within the battle of Jericho is the story of Rahab, a beautiful and brave young Canaanite woman who aided the Israelites by hanging a piece of scarlet cord from a window. This act of faith changed her life by placing her in the genealogy of Christ.

Rahab is the beautiful youngest daughter of a Canaanite farmer, taken to Jericho for the pagan New Year celebration so that her father can find her a wealthy spouse. Sala is the only son of an Israelite merchant, in Jericho as a spy for Joshua's army. Their love would have been destined for heartache, were it not ordained by God.

When Rahab finds favor with the king, and is to become his ritual bride, she abandons the pagan gods who have abandoned her and pleads with the One True God of the Israelites for deliverance. With her prayer answered, she vows to deliver Jericho to Joshua, risking her life to do so.

Motivated by love and empowered by a new faith, Rahab saves her family, and secures her future as one of the most important women in the Bible.

Why I Want It

I'm normally not one for "Bible Fiction" but this story actually intrigues me. There is so little mentioned of Rahab in the Bible, that there is a lot of leeway for an author to enhance the story without contradicting the scriptures. An from the description it sounds really good.  Plus did you see that cover?!

Character Interview at Christian Bookshelf Reviews

Hey everybody! My friend Melanie from Christian Bookshelf Reviews post a fun character interview today! Who is the subject? Only one of the most awesome characters from one of the best series ever written-Luca Forelli from Lisa T. Bergren's The River of Time Series! It's a short but entertaining interview and Melanie is also giving away the book of your choice from The River of Time Series! Head over there now and check it out!-Luca's Interview
And just cause I can't resist a chance to post his picture...

Top Ten Books on My Summer TBR List

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

This is a list of the books that I own that I am most looking forward to reading this summer. As normal this is  no order to this list!

Heist Society by Ally Carter

When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a trip to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own--scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving "the life" for a normal life proves harder than she'd expected.

Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring her back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat's dad needs her help. For Kat there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it's a spectacularly impossible job? She's got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in history--or at least her family's (very crooked) history.

Perfectly Dateless by Kristin Billerbeck

Daisy Crispin has 196 days to find the right date for the prom. There's only one problem--her parents won't let her date or even talk to a guy on the phone. Oh, and she's totally invisible at school, has to wear lame homemade clothes, and has no social skills. Okay, so maybe there's more than one problem. Can she talk her parents into letting her go to the prom? Or will they succeed at their obvious attempt to completely ruin her life?

With hilarious and truthful writing, Kristin Billerbeck uncovers the small--and large--mortifications that teen girls encounter. Readers will fall in love with Daisy's sharp wit and resourcefulness as she navigates the world of boys, fashion, family, and friendship.

Interrupted: Life Beyond Words by Rachel Coker

Can love really heal all things? If Sam Carroll hadn't shown up, she might have been able to get to her mother in time. Instead, Allie Everly finds herself at a funeral, mourning the loss of her beloved mother. She is dealt another blow when, a few hours later, she is sent from Tennessee to Maine to become the daughter of Miss Beatrice Lovell, a prim woman with a faith Allie cannot accept. Poetry and letters written to her mother become the only things keeping Allie's heart from hardening completely. But then Sam arrives for the summer, and with him comes many confusing emotions, both toward him and the people around her. As World War II looms, Allie will be forced to decide whether hanging on to the past is worth losing her chance to be loved.

Starring Me by Krista McGee

Kara McKormick is told she's auditioning to star in a new teen variety show. But it's what she isn't told that could change her life.

The feisty New Yorker moves to sunny Orlando to participate in a month-long audition, where she'll live with nine other contestants and an eccentric housemother. Kara knows that the show already has a big-time celebrity lined up for the co-host, but she doesn't know who it is.

Chad Beacon quickly rose to fame after winning America's Next Star, but he doesn't want his entire career to be about singing. There is so much more he wants to do-like act. The new variety show sounds like the perfect next step for him, but his parents want him to have a co-star who shares his faith since they'll be spending so much time together.

Acting is high on Kara's priority list. But a relationship with God? Not so much. In fact, she's tried to stay away from anything religious. But God is after Kara's heart and He's put people in her life who are showing her there's far more to Christianity than rules and judgment.

And just when it seems that Kara's going to have to give up her acting dream, God reveals that she may have a starring role after all-in a story so big only He could write it.

Found in Translation by Roger Bruner

When Kim Hartlinger-eighteen and spoiled-arrives on a mission trip to Mexico and discovers, to her chagrin, that she'll be doing construction in a remote village without plumbing and electricity, rather than evangelism in a medium-sized town with a fast food joint...she has only two choices. "Rough it" (which isn't exactly what Kim had in mind when she signed up for this trip) or turn around and head home. Will Kim be able to touch the villager's hearts with the gospel? Or will her time in Mexico be up before she gets the chance?

My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison

After her boyfriend dumps her for her older sister, sophomore Savannah Delano wishes she could find a true prince to take her to the prom. Enter Chrissy (Chrysanthemum) Everstar: Savannah’s gum-chewing, cell phone–carrying, high heel-wearing Fair Godmother. Showing why she’s only Fair—because she’s not a very good fairy student—Chrissy mistakenly sends Savannah back in time to the Middle Ages, first as Cinderella, then as Snow White. Finally she sends Tristan, a boy in Savannah’s class, back instead to turn him into her prom-worthy prince. When Savannah returns to the Middle Ages to save Tristan, they must team up to defeat a troll, a dragon, and the mysterious and undeniably sexy Black Knight. Laughs abound in this clever fairy tale twist from a master of romantic comedy.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

The Anniversary Waltz by Darrel Nelson

At their sixtieth anniversary party, Adam Carlson asks his wife, Elizabeth, for their customary waltz. After the dance they gather the family and share their story—a story of love and courage overcoming adversity and thriving in the face of overwhelming odds.

It’s the summer of 1946, and Adam has just returned from the war to his home in Reunion, Montana. At a town festival he meets Elizabeth Baxter, a young woman going steady with his former high school rival and now influential banker, Nathan Roberts.

When Adam and Elizabeth share a waltz in a deserted pavilion one evening, their feelings begin to grow and they embark on a journey, and a dance, that will last a lifetime.

Breathe by Lisa T. Bergren

Devastated by the loss of four sons to tuberculosis and his wife in childbirth, a Philadelphia patriarch sends his three living children west in 1883 to make a new life in the clean mountain air of Colorado Springs. Odessa is struggling to survive consumption; Moira is beautiful and dangerously headstrong; and pugnacious Dominic is charged with establishing a new arm of the family business a business he doesn't want. Readers will love The Homeward Trilogy, in which the St. Clair siblings struggle to follow where the heavenly Father leads them.

In Breathe, Odessa arrives at a famous sanitarium seeking a cure for the disease that killed her brothers. While Moira and Nic establish themselves in Colorado Springs society, Dessa inches her way back to health - and into love with a softspoken fellow patient, rancher Bryce McAllan. When she witnesses a murder in the very hospital where she is recuperating-and other patients begin to die, Dessa struggles to breathe again. She'd always expected to die young, but now that she has a reason to live, can she hold on to her fragile health to solve the mystery?

The Hollywood Nobody Series by Lisa Samson-These are rereads but I can't wait anyway!

Fifteen-year-old Scotty Dawn travels to movie sets with her mom, Charley, a food designer. Scotty is determined to discover what she wants from life. She’s even documenting the journey on her “Hollywood Nobody” blog. But as Scotty begins to ask tough questions, will her story have a happy ending?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #24

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Book Giveaway! 
Clear Your Shelf Giveaway: Box of Books!

Here is what I finished last week:

My week ended up being rather busy so I was not able to read a book a day. I did however get five of the days plus I managed to finish off two of my ongoing reads. I loved the Jenny B. Jones books and Homefront Hero. The Merry Wives Of Windsor was horrible but A Midsummer Night's Dream wasn't too bad.


What I am currently reading:

I'm almost done with World Religions and How Do We Know The Bible is True is my new non-fiction read. The Wedding Journey is okay so far but I'm only a couple chapters in. I am not enjoy H2O at all but it is a review book so I'm trying to push through. If anyone knows of a way to deal with NetGalley books without having to finish them, pleas let me know!


What I hope to read this week:

I'm pretty excited about reading all of these! Though the Champion doesn't seem to be the style of book I like to read, I'm still gonna give it a try. I'm really hoping to read a couple more books than this on order to catch up but I'm trying to be realistic!


Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #23
Love in Disguise by Carol Cox
Top Twelve Books I'd Recommend As Good Beach Reads
Book Blogger Hop: What Type of Book...?
"Waiting On" Wednesday #14: When A Heart Stops
Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer
Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Hop
Book Blogger Hop: Book Clubs
Unstuck: Your Life. God's Design. Real Change

Hope you have a great reading week, thanks for taking the time to check out mine!
Leave your link below and I'll be sure to stop by!

Unstuck: Your Life. God's Design. Real Change.

About the Book
When asked about their relationship with God, many believers say the Christian life "isn't working" or that they want "more than an okay walk." After conducting extensive survey research on what it takes to grow spiritually, Back to the Bible leaders Cole and Ross offer solid evidence for the power of Bible engagement. But more than statistics, Unstuck gives readers a practical and proven way to encounter Scripture daily, connect with God, and revitalize an otherwise listless faith. This book is part of a strategic ministry plan developed by Back to the Bible, which has been on the air for more than 70 years. Through multimedia products and services, the ministry is walking alongside individuals and churches, helping Christ-followers tap into and live out God's Word.

My Thoughts
This was a very well written and helpful book. It is designed to be a 45 day journey that includes daily scripture passages for you to read and a question to go with each day's reading. There is also a website you can visit for more insights. I did not take 45 to finish this or go to the website but I found it full of extremely helpful things, This is a great book for anyone who feels "stuck" in their christian walk and wonders what happened. One more thing that I found cool was that both of the authors were speaking from personal experience and not just sprout platitudes.

About the Authors
Arnie Cole (EdD, Pepperdine) is the CEO of Back to the Bible and Director of Research and Development for the Center for Bible Engagement. He has spent much of his professional life tracking trends of human behavior and developing programs that can help change negative behaviors. He and his wife, Char, are the parents of adult children and operate Still Waters Ranch, an equestrian center that serves as a community outreach. The Coles live near Lincoln, Nebraska.

Michael Ross is an award-winning journalist. He writes, edits, and manages Back to the Bible's book publishing efforts and is a former editor of Breakaway magazine, published by Focus on the Family. He has authored and collaborated on more than 30 books, including What Your Son Isn't Telling You. Michael and his family live in Lincoln, Nebraska.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Blogger Hop: Book Clubs

This Week's Question:

Do you belong to a book club, either online or in real life?

My Answer:

No I don't. And to be honest I don't think I ever will. While I love to talk about the books I'm reading,I just don't quite see the point of setting aside a huge chunk of time to do it in. Also, I wouldn't want to be required to read a book. Especially if I started it and didn't like it

"Clear Your Shelf" Giveaway Hop

Hey all! Thanks so much for stopping by! This is my first giveaway hop so please bear with me. My sister Katie and I joined forces and will be giving away a box of Christian books. There will be one winner who will be given the choice of two options, YA or Adult. This giveaway is only open to US residents.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter below!

Adult Box

Young Adult Box

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now hop along and check out all of the other great giveaways!

Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Short-Straw Bride Bethany House Publishers (June 1, 2012) by Karen Witemeyer

My Thoughts
Ok everyone, just wanted to warn you that I'm about to gush!
I LOVED this book! I have loved all of the amazing Karen Witemeyer books, but I have to say this one takes the cake as my absolute fav! From the idea of the story to the characters everything was fantastic. I especially loved all of the not-so-subtle Seven Brides for Seven Brothers similarities! I felt that the story moved beautifully and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this phenomenal book! If you don't have your own copy, trust me when I say you need to get one now! Can't wait for Crockett's story! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Karen Witemeyer is a deacon's wife and mother of three who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft historical romance novels that lift the spirit and nurture the soul.

After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid- to late1800s.

Karen is living her dream by writing Christian historical romance novels for Bethany House.



ABOUT THE BOOK

 No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.

Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Short-Straw Bride, go HERE.