Monday, August 31, 2015

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 188

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I finished last week:
I sadly finished nothing this week due to being rather busy, but since part of that busy was me finally getting my license I'm okay with that!

What I am currently reading:
Chivalrous is amazing, and I'm enjoying the other two!

What I hope to read this week:
Looking forward to these two!

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #187 & Bout of Books 14: Wrap-Up
Top Ten Authors That Would Be on My Syllabus if I Taught Humor 101
Waiting on Wednesday #176: Fire & Ice
Glory Days by Max Lucado

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!

Friday, August 28, 2015

Friday Memes 8/28

Book Blogger Hop

The Question:
What time of the year does your library have its library sale?

My Answer:
Random question...I don't really know!


Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

I am a knight.
Strong like steal.
Ready to conquer any foe.
Energy surges through me, striving to burst out my skin. The moment is ripe.
Chivalrous by Dina L. Sleiman

My Thoughts
LOVE this beginning! Totally captures my attention, sucks me in, and sweeps me away!

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Glory Days by Max Lucado

About the Book
The wilderness. Maybe you know it well.
The Israelites sure did. After all, they spent forty years wandering the desert. Victories were scarce. Progress was slow. They were free from Pharaoh but not free from fear. Saved but stuck.
Sounds a lot like midlife misery. Caught in a rut. Stalled out. Running on empty. Are you mired in the same?
You can name the day you became a Christian and escaped Egypt. But you can’t remember the last time you defeated a temptation or experienced an answered prayer. You’re fighting the same battles you fought the day you came to Christ. You’re out of Egypt, but Egypt’s not out of you.
Isn’t the Christian life supposed to be better than this?
Jesus offers abundant joy. Yet you live with oppressive grief. The epistles speak of grace. You shoulder guilt. You are more than a conqueror yet are commonly conquered by temptation or weaknesses.
But there’s good news. With God’s help you can close the gap between the person you are and the person you want to be. Like Joshua and the Israelites, you can move from a wilderness existence into a promised inheritance.
This is God’s vision for your life. You, at full throttle. You, as you were intended. You, as victor over the Jerichos and giants. You, minus the stumbles, hurts, and hate.
You and your Promised Land life.
New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado invites readers to leave the wilderness and discover a life defined by grace, refined by challenge, and aligned with a heavenly call. By studying the life of Joshua and the biblical book that bears his name, Lucado reveals God’s promises for every step and reminds readers that God still fights for them.

My Thoughts
This is a life-changing book! Every chapter was full of wonderful truths and I filled nine pages with quotes by the time I finished the book. This author made me see Joshua in a whole new light and I loved it! The way he drew parallels from the Israelite's battles to Christian's lives today was brilliant! Sorry this review is so short but there really isn't much more to be said except that this book is amazing and I highly recommend it to all Christians whether they are new believers or have had a relationship with Jesus for many years!


Meet the Author
More than 120 million readers have been inspired by the words of Max Lucado. He lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy, in San Antonio, Texas, where he serves the people of Oak Hills Church.

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



Are you stuck in the wilderness known as midlife misery? Can you name the day you became a Christian but can’t remember the last time you defeated a temptation or experienced an answered prayer? Find encouragement in Max Lucado's new book, Glory Days. With God’s help you can close the gap between the person you are and the person you want to be. Like Joshua and the Israelites, you can move from a wilderness existence into a promised inheritance.

Now through August 31, 2015, pre-order Glory Days and receive free gifts!

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There are two pre-order options:

Option 1:

Pre-order one copy of Glory Days (any format), and receive a free digital download of the abridged audio version of In the Grip of Grace by Max Lucado.

After you've pre-ordered, please claim your free gift by submitting your email and proof of purchase at GloryDaysBook.com.

Option 2:

Pre-order one copy of Glory Days (any format) AND one copy of God is With You Every Day (Max's brand-new, 365-day devotional—any format), and receive both the abridged audio version of In the Grip of Grace and a paperback copy of Traveling Light by Max Lucado (U.S. addresses only). 

After you’ve preordered, please claim your free gift by submitting your email and proof of purchase at GloryDaysBook.com.

Pre-order today and get your free gift by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the offer ends on August 31, 2015.

glorydays-enterbanner2

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday #176: Fire & Ice

"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:

Fire & Ice by Mary Connealy
Bethany House-October 6, 2015

About the Book
Bailey Wilde is one of the best new ranchers in the West. She's been living disguised as a man for a while, but when Gage Coulter comes to drive her off her homestead, he quickly realizes he's dealing with a woman--a very tough, very intriguing woman at that.
Gage is an honest man, but he didn't make his fortune being weak. He won't break the law, but he'll push as hard as he can within it. Five thousand acres of his best range land is lost to him because Bailey's homestead is located right across the only suitable entrance to a canyon full of lush grass. Gage has to regain access to his land--and he's got to go through Bailey to do it.
Spending a winter alone has a way of making a person crave some human contact. In a moment of weakness, Bailey agrees to a wild plan Gage concocts. Can these two independent, life-toughened homesteaders loosen up enough to earn each other's respect--and maybe find love in 

the process?

Why I Want It
I love all of Mary Connealy and even though I have yet to read the second book in this series I still can't wait!

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Top Ten Authors That Would Be On My Syllabus If I Taught Humor 101

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

A fun back-to-school topic! I totally love books with humor and these authors are the best at it! I tried to pick just one book/series for each but it was just too hard so I stuck with just authors (except for the last two)!

#1. Melissa Tagg
#2. Jenny B. Jones
#3. Jen Turano
#4. Mary Connealy
#5. Karen Witemeyer
#6. Cathy Marie Hake
#7. Erynn Mangum
#8. Janice Thompson
#9. Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare
#10. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

Monday, August 24, 2015

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #187 & Bout of Books 14: Wrap-Up

 Hosted By: Book Journey
Bout of Books

Here is what I finished last week:
Well for a regular week of reading this was fantastic though it was a little less than I was hoping for this read-a-thon! But all in all it was a great week of reading, filled with wonderful books! I finished these 5 books and started a sixth for a total of 1,597 pages! Not sure if I could pick a favorite but it would probably be Through Waters Deep or Can't Let You Go!

What I am currently reading:
This is good so far!

What I hope to read this week:
Not really sure which books I will get to this week but these are good possibilities!

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #186
Top Ten Auto-Buy Authors
Waiting on Wednesday #175: A Noble Masquerade
Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin
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!

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Bout of Books 14: Day 6 Update & Day 7 Challenge

Bout of Books
Books I Read Today:
Can't Let You Go by Jenny B. Jones (93 pages)
Books I Finished Today:
N/A
Pages Read Today: 93
Total Books Finished: 4
Total Pages Read: 1,462

My Thoughts on Day 6
This day went about as well as I expected and maybe even a little better. I had an eight hour shift at my bakery job and then I was so tired from a general lack of sleep this week that a nap followed getting home from work. Throw in a couple TV show episodes and some cleaning and you have the reasons I only managed to read 93 pages today.

What to Read Next Challenge
Hosted by: Sarah Reads Too Much

For this Challenge, you need to recommend 3 books (and only 3 books) that you have read this year that you think should be recognized as something great - something everyone should have on their TBR list for this fall.


#1. From the Start by Melissa Tagg-(And it's prequel novella Three Little Words) These are beyond amazing and I devoured them as fast as I could! If you like funny characters, adorable romances, small towns, and just general awesomeness then you have to read these!

#2. Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin-Or really any of her books! She writes the absolute best WWII stories filled with rich historical details, endearing characters, sweet romances, a bit of action, and lots of emotion!

#3. Dauntless by Dina L. Sleiman-This is a new author and her first book blew me away! It's a fun twist on the Robin Hood legend but with a girl and her group of teenage or younger kids! It's awesome!

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Bout of Books 14: Day 5 Update & Day 6 Challenge

Bout of Books
Books I Read Today: 
Four: A Divergent Collection by Veronica Roth (285 pages)
Can't Let You Go by Jenny B. Jones (101 pages)
Books I Finished Today:
Four: A Divergent Collection by Veronica Roth
Pages Read Today: 386
Total Books Finished: 4
Total Pages Read: 1,369

My Thoughts on Day 5
I had another pretty good day of reading! Woohoo!

Road Trip Challenge
Hosted by: Steph in Wonderland

For this challenge, I'd like for you to come up with a list of the top 4-5 states/places you'd love to visit and find a book (you either read or want to read) that takes place in that state/place or a book by an author who lives or is from there.

Massachusetts (Boston)-The O'Conner Family Saga by Julie Lessman
England-The Maid of Fairboune Hall by Julie Klassen
Germany-The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron
Ireland-Ireland by Melody Carlson
Tennessee-To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander

Friday, August 21, 2015

Bout of Books 14: Day 4 Update

Bout of Books
Books I Read Today: 
Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin (43 pages)
Shades of Doon by Carey Corp & Lorie Langdon (346 pages)
Books I Finished Today: 
Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin
Shades of Doon by Carey Corp & Lorie Langdon
Pages Read Today: 389
Total Books Finished: 3
Total Pages Read: 983

My Thoughts on Day 4
I finally had a good reading day! I was so happy to actually finish two books today and to have a solid page count for once! Hoping day 5 is another good reading day!

Friday Memes 8/21

Book Blogger Hop

The Question:
When you read a book that isn't for review, do you still feel the need to write a review of it? 

My Answer:
When I first started blogging I didn't really but I've been trying to be better about writing reviews for all the books I read. Since I don't have as much reading time anymore I read very few non-review books so reviewing them is pretty easy. I will say while I'm getting better at writing the reviews I need to start being better about posting them. I have a document on my computer that has a bunch of reviews that I wrote but never posted and that needs to change! 


Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

I emerge from the simulation with a yell. My lip stings, and when I take my hand away from it, there is blood on my fingertips. I must have bitten it during the test.
Four: A Divergent Collection by Veronica Roth

My Thoughts
Any one who knows anything about the Divergent books can kinda figure out what's going on here but that doesn't make it less of a good beginning! 

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin

About the Book
It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. Back on shore, Boston Navy Yard secretary Mary Stirling does her work quietly and efficiently, happy to be out of the limelight. Yet, despite her reserved nature, she never could back down from a challenge. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges--and dangers--await them.
Sarah Sundin takes readers to the tense months before the US entered WWII. Readers will encounter German U-boats and torpedoes, along with the explosive power of true love, in this hopeful and romantic story.

My Thoughts
As is always the case when I read a Sarah Sundin novel, I adored this book! WWII is my absolute favorite time period and Sarah's books are probably the best that I've read set during that time! I loved how this book was set in the time preceding Pearl Harbor and USA's entrance into WWII. As much as I love this time period I had never read much about the events that happened in the months before we joined the war. It fascinated the history fan in me and I loved all the historical aspects almost as much as I loved the characters and their romance. Sarah truly knows how to sweep her readers to another time and every time I opened the pages I felt like I was there with the characters!
And speaking of the characters, I loved both Mary and Jim so much! I had a lot of things in common with Mary so it was very easy to relate to her and I loved watching as she learned that all spotlight wasn't bad and that being in it didn't mean you were prideful. It was so cool to see her blossom from the quiet wallflower to a confident woman. Jim was truly a swoon-worthy hero and I loved how he helped bring Mary out of her shell. I also loved the way he led the men under him and it was awesome to watch as he decided to stop just floating along and start making waves and following God's direction.
The mystery of who the saboteur was kept me guessing till the end and was brilliantly written.
In short everything about this book was utterly amazing and I adored every second!

Meet the Author
Sarah Sundin is the author of With Every Letter, On Distant Shores, In Perfect Time, and the Wings of Glory series. In 2014, On Distant Shores was a finalist for the Golden Scroll Awards from both AWSA and the Christian Authors Network. In 2011, Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist's mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information.

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

Dive into Sarah Sundin's explosive new series, Waves of Freedom, with book one, Through Waters DeepWhen evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges–and dangers–await them in the midst of their budding romance.

Join Sarah in celebrating the release of Through Waters Deep by entering to win an Anchors Aweigh prize pack!

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One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A copy of Through Waters Deep
  • A nautical tote bag
  • A set of compass rose notecards
  • A "Hope Anchors the Soul" journal
  • A Boston Tea Party earl grey tea set
  • Through Waters Deep apron
  • A set of nautical tea towels
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Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 24th. The winner will be announced August 25th on Sarah's blog.

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Bout of Books 14: Day 3 Update & Day 4 Challenge

Bout of Books
Books I Read Today: Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin
Books I Finished Today: N/A
Pages Read Today: 172
Total Books Finished: 1
Total Pages Read: 594

My Thoughts on Day 3
This is really not my strongest read-a-thon! Unfortunately this week is a bit busy for me so reading time is at a premium but I am fitting it in whenever I can. I was actually surprised that I got more read today than yesterday because I was crazy busy again and also was feeling awful all morning so I didn't read then! But I am glad I got some reading in and hopefully day 4 will be better!

Four Seasons in Book Covers Challenge
Hosted by: Kimberly Faye Reads

For this challenge, you need to convey the four seasons in book covers – through color, title, cover, etc. You can be literal or take a more creative approach. Anything goes! Just show me four seasons in book covers. 


Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Bout of Books 14: Day 2 Update & Day 3 Challenge

Bout of Books
Books I Read Today: Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin
Books I Finished Today: N/A
Pages Read Today: 160
Total Books Finished: 1
Total Pages Read: 422

My Thoughts on Day 2
Well I had a rather busy day so this was all I was able to get read. It's still a decent chunk though!

MASH Challenge
Hosted by: Rocky Top Real Talk

MASH is a fun little game where you write up options for your future and then after getting a number, go through until you have one choice for each category - and have your future right there in front of you! 

My MASH
 I live in a Mansion in Nashville with my husband Luca Forelli and our 6 children. I drive a Honda Accord and work as a Librarian.

Waiting on Wednesday #175: A Noble Masquerade

"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:

A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter
Bethany House-September 8, 2015

About the Book
Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. Entering her fourth Season and approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother's old school friend, a duke--with no intention of ever sending these private thoughts to a man she's heard stories about but never met. Meanwhile, she also finds herself intrigued by Marlow, her brother's new valet, and although she may wish to break free of the strictures that bind her, falling in love with a servant is more of a rebellion than she planned. 

When Marlow accidentally discovers and mails one of the letters to her unwitting confidant, Miranda is beyond mortified. And even more shocked when the duke returns her note with one of his own that initiates a courtship-by-mail. Insecurity about her lack of suitors shifts into confusion at her growing feelings for two men--one she's never met but whose words deeply resonate with her heart, and one she has come to depend on but whose behavior is more and more suspicious. When it becomes apparent state secrets are at risk and Marlow is right in the thick of the conflict, one thing is certain: Miranda's heart is far from all that's at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.

Why I Want It
This sounds like such a fun story!

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Bout of Books 14: Day 1 Update & Day 2 Challenge

Bout of Books
Books I Read Today:
In Good Company by Jen Turano
Books I Finished Today:
In Good Company by Jen Turano
Pages Read Today: 262
Total Books Finished: 1
Total Pages Read: 262

My Thoughts on Day One
Pretty pleased with what I got read! I would have liked to get a little more in but with work all day and a babysitting job all night I'm happy that I got in what I did!

Scavenger Hunt
Hosted by: The Book Monsters

1. A Book that begins with “B”  (for Bout of Books!)
2. A book you’re planning to read/currently reading for Bout of Books
3. Blue Book(s)
4. Books from your favorite genre!
5. A book on your TBR shelf, or your full TBR shelves



1. Beowulf by Ronie Kendig 
2. Not by Sight by Kate Breslin
3. Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin (WWII)
4. A Passion Denied by Julie Lessman
5. Can't Let You Go by Jenny B. Jones

Top Ten Auto-Buy Authors

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

#1. Julie Lessman

#2. Susan May Warren

#3. Melissa Tagg

#4. Ronie Kendig

#5. Sarah Sundin

#6. Karen Witemeyer

#7. Irene Hannon

#8. Mary Connealy

#9. Jody Hedlund


#10. Dani Pettrey

Monday, August 17, 2015

Bout of Books 14: Day 1 Challenge



Bout of Books

Fictional World Travel Challenge
Hosted by: Between Library Shelves

Today's challenge is to list 3 to 6 books of fiction that take place in countries other than the one you currently reside in.


The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron (Germany)
The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen (England)
There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones (Ireland)
Doon by Carey Corp & Lorie Langdon (Scotland)
Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren (Italy)

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #186

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I finished last week:
Loved both of these! Such great books!

What I am currently reading:
This one is really good!

What I hope to read this week:
This week is the Bout of Books Read-A-Thon and I am really hoping to get at least 7 books finished if not more! These are the most likely choices (last three review books and some YA reads that have been on my shelf for far too long!) but they are subject to change!

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #185
Bout of Books: Sign-Up
Top Ten Authors I've Read The Most Books From
Waiting on Wednesday #174: The Mistress of Tall Acre
Among the Fair Magnolias Novella Collection

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!