Read the Story ~ Fall Reading List

My gracious.  Last week Calgary, 2 hours away from us, had a major snow storm, in summer no less.  We even had a few flakes fall, just enough to shock us out of our summer haze and make a statement that fall is really truly coming.  We had some whisperings of frost warnings overnight and then today it's 30*C .  That's 86*F!!  That is our usual hot summer weather.  And get this.  I even took out the sprinkler yesterday and let the kids run through it.  In the first official days of fall!  Thank goodness Hubby hadn't yet turned off the water in the back yard.   I'm getting whiplash from our crazy weather.   We've been at least 10*C above our average temperature for days now.  We in Southern Alberta are pros at layered dressing because it can be cool and crisp in the morning and then as the sun gets higher in the sky we start to melt and peel those layers away.  And then the sun goes down and we are shivering if we haven't brought the layers along with us.  The leaves on most of the big trees out front have yellowed from the nip and the fall breezes make it look like it's actually "snowing" leaves the last couple of days, but we're sweltering in the heat.  It's like living in alternate universes.

And with the coming of fall comes the time I start to think of cozy sweaters, leaves crunching, warm drinks and what used to be the Fall into Reading challenge.  I don't think this is running anywhere anymore.  I so miss it.  I really looked forward to it each year with great anticipation and because I adore lists, especially book and reading lists, for my own personal satisfaction I'm doing a Fall Reading list.  It helps me to focus my reading a bit  and challenges me to read more and to turn off that television and choose to read instead.  I found over the summer when I didn't have a list it was so easy to just turn on that silly thing because I was tired at the end of the day or to while away time playing games on Facebook.  I know I am so much more satisfied at the end of the day when I've accomplished reading goals.  For me, it's a  better feeling using reading to relax.

If anyone would like to join me and share their own fall reading I would love that!  One of the things I miss most about the Fall Into Reading Challenge was seeing what everyone else was reading.  I added so many books to my own TBR pile from titles I found interesting on other's lists.  You can spread it around on your own post if you'd like, grab the button and add a link to here so your own readers can link also if they want.  This is totally no pressure.  Just a list of reads we can share.   I have no idea what to call this, so off the top of my head we'll just go with Read the Story Fall List.

So far here is my list for this fall.  I have some review books coming that will be added to it.  I'm excited already and even though fall is soooo busy for me I'm determined.

1.  Operation Christmas Child - A story of Simple Gifts by Franklin Graham

finishing this one up.  Such a good read of the history, logistics and stories of those red and green Christmas shoeboxes going to children all over the world.

2.  A Life Intercepted by Charles Martin

One of my favorite authors and I've been waiting for this one since the beginning of the year.  It's been getting really good reviews everywhere.

3.  Don't Go by Lisa Scottoline

Another author I really enjoy.  I think I found this one reviewed on Faith's blog awhile back if I'm not mistaken.  

4.  Walking into Walls - 5 Blind Spots that Block God's Work in You by 

Stephen Arterburn

My token non-fiction.  I am so not a non-fiction reader but I like to challenge myself with at least one on each list.  This one looked very interesting and has a study guide in the back and videos to watch online if you really want to make it into a study.  Thinking of this one for lady's study.

5.  The Choice by Robert Whitlow

This one is in my pile out of the closet.   So many books in there, so I'm determined to knock that down a bit.  Was offered up on a review site awhile back and I was interested but couldn't get it because I was reviewing another book at the time.

6.  Wonders Never Cease by Phil Calloway

I finished the first book of this 2 book series over the summer and really enjoyed it so I'm looking forward to the continuation of the story.

7.  Reviewing the Real Life Devotional NIV Bible

Excited to get this one.  It's edited by Lis Terkuerst.  

8.  Fireworks Over Tosca by Jeffrey Stepakoff

I read another book by this author a few years back and really liked it.  So when I saw this at the library sale for a dollar I couldn't pass it up.  Leftover from my summer reads.

Well that is the list so far.  It seems a little short for me, I usually have a least 10, but I've left spaces open for review books as they come.  And if they don't come, then I'll just grab one of the 60 odd titles sitting in my closet or under my bed.  Yes, I know.  Don't judge me.  In my defense 90% are all second hand purchases so didn't cost more than a few dollars per book at the most.

If you'd like to share your own fall reading list, I'm putting up a linky.  I'd love to come and visit and see what you're reading.   Please keep in mind if you share cover pics that there is younger readers that come to my blog and will probably have a look see.  Please link to your specific post so others can find it easily and all posts linked that are not a reading list will be deleted.  Hope to see your name on there and find some new folks too.

The Summer To Read List

Couldn't have said it better myself!  I love the bookstore!!  The shelf upon shelf of books makes me giddy.  The intoxicating smell of books and the thought of being the first person to crack open the cover makes my day.  My, I can spend hours in there.  The library too if I'm being totally honest.  

 In fact, the bookstore is where I have found myself a lot lately thanks to a gift certificate at Christmas from my hubby and again at Mother's Day from my son.  Summer reading here I come!!  But so many choices, how to decide?  My son's gift card was easy, he specifically wanted me to get Francine River's new novel, "Bridge to Haven" because he knows it's one of my favorite authors, which I am now reading (see sidebar).    But what else?  What should I consider a "summer read"?

 So between my gift cards and the library's book sale and much deliberation this is what I came away with:

Fireworks Over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff.  Read his other novel a few years back and really liked it so when I saw this one I nabbed it.  

Sweet By and By by Sara Evans and Rachel Hauck.  Read the 2nd and 3rd of the series for book reviews, loved them and finally bit the bullet and bought the first because I wanted the whole set.

Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson.  Have wanted to read this book for a few years but never got around to it.

Traces of Mercy by Michael Landon Jr. & Cindy Kelley.  Absolutely loved The Silent Gift by this author so I'm hoping this will be just as good.

True Colors by Kristin Hannah.  New to me author, seems to be on the library's popular shelves alot, so I thought I'd give it a try.  Hope it's  worth it.

Porch Lights by Dorothea Benton Frank.  Sounded interesting.  Another new to me author, hope it's gonna be good.


Well those look like summery kind of books, don't you think?  What makes you decide what might be a good summer read?

Fall Into Reading 2013

I was going to skip posting my fall reading list this year.  What's in my reading basket is always listed in my sidebar.  But I thought about it and realized, what was I thinking?!  This is one of my favorite things to do in the blogosphere.  I love making the the list, going through all the books I have stashed everywhere and scrolling through my library "for later" list,  trying to decide which ones I want to tackle.  After a summer of just picking books to read on a spontaneous whim, I'm ready to have a bit of a reading goal to tackle that huge pile I have exploding out of my closet.  I really have to quite purchasing books at second hand sales!  But that's a whole other post.  This is about the ones I've chosen for this fall's reads.   I've chosen 10 out of my book basket and a couple I already had signed out from the library.  Into the mix will also be added a study book for my ladies bible study and any review books I decide to take on.  I might not make it through the whole list but I'm sure going to try.  Fall Into Reading is hosted by Sandra at Musings of a Book Addict.  If you'd like to join in the fun and link up with your own reading list that post is here!  

As usual, I try to stick to my list.  That's one of the points of Fall Into Reading for me, is to have some kind of goal, to get through these specific reads but some may be switched out with opportunities for good review books when they come along.

"The Restoration Artist" by Lewis Desoto.   Leo Millar is a young painter in Paris with a beautiful wife and son and a thriving career.  But in one terrible moment it is all taken away.  Oversome by guilt and despair, he flees to a tiny rugged island off the coast of Normandy.  When a strange, damaged child enters his life, he has a chance to move beyond his own losses and find a new definition of love and the restoration of hope.

"Almost forever, Forever After, After All ~ the Hanover Falls series" by Deborah Raney.  A series about firefighters and their loved ones.

"The Man Who Quit Money" by Mark Sundeen.  I'd vaguely heard about this guy and saw the book at the library so nabbed it.  Sorta interested in how this fellow accomplishes living his life absolutely without any money.  We'll see if I can make it through to the end.  I'm hoping it's not going to be a dry read.

"Straight Up" by Lisa Samson.  This ones been in my book basket for a while and other books have buried it.  But I dug it out and am looking forward to finally getting to it.  I've really enjoyed quite a few of this author's novels.

"Fault Lines" by Anne Rivers Siddons.  Story of a woman who has been emotionally taking care of her erratic actress sister, her doctor husband and her mother in law who has alzheimer's.  Already exhausted from taking care of these family members a new one is added to the list when her daughter runs away after a family quarrel.  Following her daughter to where she has gone, her actress aunt's house, Merritt hopes to heal her family.  On a road trip up the coastline the 3 will have to confront heir separate demons in order to save and change their lives.

"Cutting for Stone" by Abraham Verghese.   Story of twin brothers whose mother is a Indian nun and their father is a British surgeon.  They have a shared love of medicine and grow up during a time of revolution.

"My Life with George" by Judith Summers.  Another in my book basket that has made the list a couple of times now but I've never been able to get to it.  I am determined this time around!  Sort of a "Marley"  true story with a Cavelier King Charles Spaniel as the main character.

"Every Waking Moment" by Chris Fabry.  One of my favorite author's new novels, I put one on hold at the book store so I could have it as soon as it came.  About an ordinary  woman who works at an assisted care facility who has an extraordinary gift that the media gets wind of .  Now they start to search into her past and unravel some truths that cause her and those around her to to as if this is as good as life gets and if it is enough.

"Sweet Dreams" by Carla Stewart.   Another favorite author's new offering.  The story of two cousins who instead of pursuing dreams of college are required to attend finishing school instead.  They become fast friends until they both fall in love with the same man but when tragedy strikes what's really in their hearts and dreams will come to the surface.

"Sacred Marriage" by Gary Thomas.  Has been on my list for about a year or more now.  I am making my way through it but there is so much in it that it is a slow go as I think and ponder on it.  It's a very good book but challenging in it's thoughts.  Taking lots of prayerful musing.  I'm determined to finish it this time around, though probably will read it again at some point.

Whew, that's a big list for me.  Now I want to know, what are you reading this fall?

Spring Reading Thing 2013

The Spring Reading Thing has begun.  As usual, I really look forward to this each year.  I've already begun compiling my list weeks ago in my head, going through my book baskets and my library lists.  This year Katrina has passed the torch to Sandra of The Musings of a Book Addict.  Thanks Sandra for picking that up!

This spring it was hard to decide what I wanted to read.  There are so many books in my baskets and boxes and my want to read list at the library is a couple hundred strong.  It's ridiculous really.  But I narrowed it down with choices from each and left a couple spots open for review books as they come along. I don't know how many I'll get through as I'm taking a Beth Moore course, Breaking Free,  and it is intense with tons of reading but I'm sure going to make a good stab at it.   So here we go.

Jesus: The Greatest Life of All by Chuck Swindoll - From my book basket. The last in the Great Lives from God's Word series. I've read several from this series and they are all really good.  "Jesus" seemed the perfect one to read for Easter.

Truth Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock - A review choice.  About three sisters trying to prove their brother innocent of murder. The fact that one of the characters is a blogger caught my eye.

False Pretenses by Kathy Herman - From my book basket.  This and the following 2 are a series set in Louisiana that I bought with a gift card from hubby.  About a woman with a secret past that comes back to haunt her.

Dangerous Mercy by Kathy Herman - About a woman who takes mercy on men from a halfway house and hires them to do odd jobs.  But when a series of murders happen her handymen become suspects.

Relentless Pursuit by Kathy Herman - A man searching for the sister he abandoned is led to a city where authorities fear a bio-terrorist is on the loose.

Iscariot - a novel by Tosca Lee - caught my eye at the library.  I've never read this author before but I was interested in the historical aspect about the Roman occupation of Israel and the uprisings that were occuring around the time of Jesus.  Interested to see how she deals with her thoughts on why Judas betrayed Jesus.  It's received lots of great reviews.

House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson - again out of the book basket.  I really need to stop buying books, whether used or new, for a long while until I get my pile under some semblance of control.  But I couldn't resist this from the library sale shelf.  An author I've really enjoy in the past and an interesting story of sisters with memories of a secret that one feels needs to be revealed.

Shades of Morning by Marlo Schalesky - a library choice.  About a woman content with her life when her estranged sister suddenly dies and makes her guardian of  a 14 year old boy she never knew existed.  And the boy has Down's Syndrome making her feel totally unprepared to care for him.

The Invitation by Anne Cherian - another library choice that I had no intention of getting but caught my eye and I couldn't leave behind.  Three college friends leave UCLA expecting successful lives and successful children but when they meet 25 years later, that success is jaded.  While each is trying to present the successful life perception, they are forced to deal with their problems and unmet expectations.

House of Prayer No. 2: A Writer's Journey Home by Mark Richard - have to throw an autobiography/memoir into the mix.  This looked interesting.  Told he had a crippling hip deformity that would put him into a wheelchair, the author sets out to see as much of the world as possible before his hips fail him.  This is his story of  his journey with pain, rebellion and faith.

Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas - I've had this on the list before, started it a couple times but have gotten distracted with other books.  This time I'm determined to make it through.

My Life with George by Judith Summers - from my book basket.  A  "Marley" type of dog story starring a King Charles spaniel

The Edge of the World - A novel by Phil Callaway - picked this up when I saw him live.  I've enjoyed several of his non-fiction books and had no idea he's written a couple of fiction novels so I'm very curious.

What are you reading this spring?

Fall Into Reading 2011 Wrap Up

Today is the wrap up for the Fall Into Reading Challenge.  How on earth did that come up so fast?  That means there is only  4 more days until Christmas!  Now that's a reality check.  Help Me!

So how did I do with the challenge I gave myself here?

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - done and loved it.  Reads like a novel but is unbelievably true.

Sunrise on the Battery - done and found it a thought provoking and enjoyable read

Sacred Marriage - wasn't even able to crack it open

Possession - didn't get to it

The Bait of Satan -  still working on with study group.  Very challenging and very good.  Promotes lots of discussion

Angel Sister - finished

The Wishing Trees - done.  Sad story. Felt like I traveled to the places in the story along with the characters, though.

How to Bake a Perfect Life - Set aside.  Couldn't get into the story after the description of the sexual exploit of a teenager.

The Orchard - Done.  A sweet love story.  Learned lots about the perfume and flavor industry.

Faithful - Still reading

The Secret Life of Bees - didn't get to it

So 5 completely done and 2 half finished.  Out of eleven.  Yikes.  But in all fairness, I did add a few review books as they came along:

Softly & Tenderly - enjoyed.  Looking forward to the next in the series awaiting on my coffee table

The Encounter - quick, easy, moving

Hope Underground  - Amazing true story

So all together I read 8 and 2 halves.  And I did read a portion of one book I set aside.   Not bad considering how busy my life has been lately.  I don't know if I could name a favorite this time around.  A lot of the ones I finished were really good.   But if pressed, I'd probably make it a toss up between "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" and "The Orchard".  Least fave would have to be the one I set aside.  And I set it aside because I was no longer interested in the story after the young teenager's sexual experience was described in way more detail than I wanted to know.  Call me a prude.  I just don't like that in my reading.

Most of the author's for me were new this time around.  All except for Ann G. Gabhart whom I discovered in the last challenge.  I can tend to get "stuck" with certain authors as once I discover I like them I want to read everything they've written.  So if was fun this time to branch out so much and to branch out a bit from the Christian genre which is my usual reading fare.

I learned lots this time around within the stories whether they were fiction or not.  "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" taught me stuff about scientific research, it's history, and ethics that I had no idea about.  Sorta scary actually.  "The Wishing Trees" took me to countries I'll never visit with beautiful descriptions of the lands and culture.  "The Orchard", though fiction, taught me things I never knew about the perfume and flavor industry that I totally didn't even imagine.  Very interesting.

If you're interested in reading any of my full reviews you can go here and scroll down to #32 - 39.

Thanks Katrina for organizing challenge and allowing us to share all our great reads!  To read other's wrap ups (and probably get more ideas for great reads) you can join the wrap up party here!

Fall Into Reading Challenge 2010

It's fall. That means it's time for Katrina's Fall Into Reading Challenge. I love these reading challenges Katrina holds twice a year. I think it's fun to look through my Want to Read lists, go through my basket of books and check out the library for what I want to make my goal to read in the next few months. I can hardly wait to read through other's lists because invariably I always find titles I want to add to my Want to Read lists. As usual though, my list is subject to change as I get review offers.. I just can't resisit new titles for free. :vP But one of my main goals this challenge was to get at least a couple of my books read that have been sitting in my ever expanding book basket. To join in yourself, see Callapider Days for more info.

Intervention by Terri Blackstock " Barbara Convington has one more chance to save her daughter from a devastating addiction, by staging an intervention. But when the 18 yr. old

disappears on the way to drug treatment and her interventionist is found deat Barbara enterss her darkest nightmare of all." -Just finishing this one up from my summer reading

God Knows My Name by Beth Redman " Drawing on Scripture and her own experience, Redman invites us to explore the revolutionary implications of being loved by a God who knows our name. And she invites us to call on His name as well-to respond to His heart and love Him as He has loved us from the beginning." -Received this for review over the summer but only had time to do a quick scan through it. Definitely want to slow down as I go through it.

the Moment Between by Nicole Baart "A breathtaking story about the emotional risks of relationships, The Moment Between explores the cost of regret, the desire for revenge and the redemptive power of forgivenss." -Found this book when I went to get "After the leaves fall". Could not pass it up!

After the Leaves Fall by Nicole Baart " Her childhood marked by rejection and loss, Julia Bakker longs for life to finally begin. Determined to escape her conservative Christian hometown, she chooses college for a radical reinvention. But following a momentous mistake, the self-defeated Julia returns to her loving grandmother's farm. Will she learn to hope in a God who makes all things new?" -This is going to be a quick reread, more like a scan, for me as the next in the series is on my list. I read it a few years ago, so I want to remind myself what happened.

Summer Snow by Nicole Baart " Julia DeSmit is finally learning to accept her new life. Optimistic and anxious to begin again after dropping out of college, she is taking fumbling steps down a challenging yet hope-filled road. But the careful existence Julia has begun to build falls hopelessly to pieces when her estranged mother, Janice, appears on the front porch one icy March night. Julia is convinced that which is broken cannot be mended. Yet when she faces the very decision her mother did years before, she begins to realize what it means to truly accept grace. Will it be her undoing or the impetus for a change she'd never dared hope for?" -Second in the Threads of Change series.

A Time to Surrender by Sally John & Gary Smalley " Claire and Max Beaumont nearly lost it all, but their marriage and their homestead have now been restored. As they grow in love, they watch as their children feel the effects of their reconciliation: Their son Danny falls in love and lets go of his pride. Daughter Jenna lets go of preconceived notions about marriage when her husband, Kevin the marine, is injured in Iraq. All the Beaumonts ultimately learn that letting go is the best way to receive back healed relationships." -Book 3 in the Safe harbor Series

Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner "While Jane Lindsay waits for her husband to decide if they'll stay married, she finds a 16th-century betrothal ring. Certain that it belonged to Lady Jane Grey, she's drawn to the parallels in their lives. Was Tudor England's 9-day queen another victim of other people's choices? Will Manhattan's Jane realize she's responsible for her own happiness?" -Love Susan Meissner. Can hardly wait to start this one.

Secrets by Robin Jones Gunn "Jessica wants desperately to forget the past and begin a new life. She chooses a small, peaceful town tucked away in Oregon and conceals her identity. But will her deciet ruin all hope for the future?" -This has been tucked away in my book basket for awhile.

The Help by Kathrn Stockett "Three ordinary women are about to take one extraordinary step. Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed." -Been wanting to read this for about a year now and when I saw the hardcover version in perfect condition for $2 at the library sale that sealed the deal. Pulling it out of the book basket.

Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg "A story of a small town in the midst of the mostly joyous transition from war to peach, aiming toward a bright future. " -I've never read a Fannie Flagg book but have heard they are wonderful, so again the library sale supplied me with one. Nabbed it out of by book basket.

Spring Reading Thing 2010

It's Spring! Yahoo! And that means lots of things. Warmth, sun, buds peeking out, walks around the lake, bar-b-queing, bike riding. And it also means Katrina's Spring Reading Thing kicks off. I love this challenge. It's a no pressure challenge and I love going through books and book lists to see what I want to read over the next three months. And then I love visiting everyone on the Mr. Linky to see what they will be reading. So far this is my list but as always some things are subject to change. Sometimes books I have on hold just don't arrive on time or they are on hold by someone else and I have to return them before I can get them read. But I'm excited about most of the titles on my list. So here we go:

Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs (book tour book). Set in Scotland in the 1700's the story plays off the biblical story of Ruth and Naomi.

An Absence So Great by Jane Kirkpatrick (book tour book). I've been looking forward to this one. It's the second in a series that is actually based on the author's own grandmother's life. I have a review of the first in the series here, scroll to #4.

The Right Call by Kathy Herman (book tour book). I read the second in this series in a book tour last fall and I'm excited to find out what happens to the characters. A review of the the second one is here.

Why Manners Matter - The Case for Civilized Behavior in a Barbarous World by Lucinda Holdforth. I could not pass this book by when I saw it at the library. The title just grabbed me.

Jordan's Crossing by Randall Arthur. This is a second book by this author that I am reading. I read his first last year for a book tour and I'm looking forward to this one. His stories are very thought provoking and heart searching. A review of the his other book is here.

Tall Grass by Sandra Dallas. I read my first Sandra Dallas book this year and I can hardly wait to read more of her stories. Loved the way she writes. A review book Prayers for Sale is here, scroll to #5.

The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright. This has been in my book bag for a while and I always get book tour books taking it's place but I'm determined to get to it this time. It sounds like a great read.

The Silent Gift by Michael Landon Jr. I love Michael Landon Jr. movies so I'm looking forward to his first writing. It's a story of a mother and her disabled son who in the midst of the depression years, recieves a special ability.

I Stand at the Door and Knock by Corrie Ten Boom (devotional). I love Corrie Ten Boom and have been looking forward to starting this devotional. I tend to "do" devotionals weird. I go in spurts with them, reading several in a day or none at all so we'll see how this one pans out. Each devotional is a little bit more reading than the norm but I'm looking forward to it as they are forty never before published devotions by the author.

Cook This, Not That!: Kitchen Survival Guide by David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding. I love this series of books that help you make better decisions of what it is you are putting into your body for food. It takes popular items that we all automatically reach for and gives us the better, more healthy alternative.

Experiencing the Ressurection by Henry Blackaby. For Easter I wanted to focus on Christ and his ressurection so this book is perfect. Not a long read but very powerful.

Food Rules - An Eater's Manual by Michael Pollan. Bringing simplicity to daily decisions about food.

So far, that is it. I hope I didn't bite off more than I can chew, or read, as it were. So what are you reading this spring? To join in or check out other great reads see Callipider Days.

Fall Into Reading 2009

Guess what time of year it is?! It's fall and that means Katrina's Fall Into Reading is kicking off into high gear. Love this each fall and spring. Puts a little focus into my reading, I get to find all sorts of great reads by reading other's lists and reviews, it gets me to reach my goal of getting through a non-fiction, and is just plain fun looking at everyone else's lists. Oh and did I mention there is giveaways and prizes? Oh yes, there is. If you'd like to join in, it's a no pressure kind of thing. Check it out here.

So here's my list for this fall. As always with me, it's not written in stone. Things could change especially if I don't get some library books done on time or book tour and review books come along. I've got my required non fiction in here, too. That is always a goal and a stretch for me, finishing a non-fiction.

I started this book in the Spring Into Reading challenge and didn't finish it. I put down over summer because it's just not my idea of a summer read but I'd like to try to finish it:

How the Scot's Invented the Modern World by Arthur Herman ~ A book that explores the thought that here is not a facet of our modern Western culture that the Scots didn't have a hand in. An account of the origins of the modern world from the contribution of the Scots.

Now my new ones:

Into the Arms of Immortals by Ginger Garrett (book tour book) ~ Book 2 of the Chronicles of the Scribes Series. Historical fiction thriller about the arrival of the "Black Death" in Europe. The story of the unseen battle, loving presence and eventual redemption as the church fights to stand between the plague and the people all while not allowing medicine to be studied outside of it's walls. A story of the conflict between science and faith, angels and demons, mortality and immortality.

John 3:16 by Nancy Moser ~ When fatal tragedy hits a college town, a string of events brings together a group of desperate people, each looking for a reason to keep living. A father, a dating ocuple, a professional, an estranged couple confronted with what they did years ago. As these lives intersect on a bright fall day, one of the will hold up a sign at a football game with a shor messae: John 3:16. This simple act of faith will have the power to change lives forever.

The Warrior by Francine Rivers ~ Joshua succeeded Moses as the nation's leader. But it was another man's zeal that pushed the people to put their faith into action. Caleb...one of five men who quietly changed eternity.

The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte by Syrie James ~ An intensely researched book that blends historical fact and fiction to explore the passionate heart and unquiet soul of Charlotte Bronte, author of Jane Eyre.

Matters of Faith by Kristy Kiernan ~ On a search for faith by delving into one tradition after another, Marshall is coming home from college with a girlfriend who has certain beliefs about the evils of medical intervention. His parents have little time for spiritual contemplation as their whole focus is on Marshal's younger sister who has severe food allergies. What follows is a crisis that tests not only fiath, but the limits of family, forgiveness and our need to believe.

Wedding Belles by Haywood Smith ~ With hilarious Southern observations, this story takes on mothers and daughters, wedding madness, and midlife passion in this frank and funny novel.

God has Never Failed Me, But He's Sure Scared Me To Death a Few Times by Stan Toler ~ a light hearted look at the challenges that place us in faith's waiting room.

And not pictured but coming in the mail:

White Picket Fences by Susan Meissner (book tour book) ~ Readers of emotional dramas that are willing to explore the lies that families tell each other for protection and comfort will love White Picket Fences. The novel is ideal for those who appreciate exploring questions like: what type of honesty do children need from their parents, or how can one move beyond a past that isn’t acknowledged or understood? Is there hope and forgiveness for the tragedies of our past and a way to abundant grace?

Wisdom Hunter by Randall Arthur (book tour book) ~ A fast-paced suspense novel rich in spiritual depth, Wisdom Hunter explores what it means to break free of Christian legalism—and discover why grace can mean the difference between life and death.

Double Cross by James David Jordan(book tour book) ~ an action-packed story that provides thrilling twists and turns as well as a thought-provoking look at the personal and spiritual struggles of characters who are as complex as they are flawed. Ultimately, it’s a story of self-examination that describes Taylor’s journey toward the conclusion that some sacrifices can never be earned.

The Last Word by Kathy Herman(book tour book) ~ Heart-pounding suspense meets heart-challenging truth as best-selling author Kathy Herman returns to Sophie Trace in her new page-turner, The Last Word (David C Cook, October 2009). Based on Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the gentile,” Herman’s second installment in the Sophie Trace series triumphantly demonstrates God’s miraculous ability to heal the broken

Unexplainable by Don Cousins(book tour book) ~ In Unexplainable, Cousins shares with readers that God created us to find life in Him, and apart from His involvement, we will never find the life He intended. “As Jesus said, ‘I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly (John 10:10)’.” Cousins explains, “God wants the only explanation for us to be Him. Most people don’t know it, but they too want God to be the only explanation for them as well. When we experience God’s influence in and through us, we enter the realm of the UNEXPLAINABLE.”

Oops and how could I forget the two I have on hold at the library. So if they come in then I'll be adding:

My Life in France by Julia Child

Julie and Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen by Julie Powell

Well, this will definitely be a challenge!

For more fall reading lists and to add your own, please see Katrina here. If you need details and directions click on the button. Happy Reading!

Spring Reading Thing 2008

Wait. Have you entered the book draw yet? No? Then go here first. Go 'head. I'll wait for ya!

Back? Good. Then here we go with the 2008 Spring Reading Thing!

It starts today. The Spring Reading Thing 2008 hosted by Katrina at Callipider Days. Due to the one handed typing business happening here, I'll basically just give you my list this time. The thought of typing descriptions and links is just too overwhelming.

~"Ball of Fire - The Tumultous Life and Comic Art of Lucille Ball" by Stefan Kanfer (finishing off)

~"After the Leaves fall" by Nicole Baart (finishing off)

~"Experiencing the Resurrection" by Henry & Melvin Blackaby

~"A Time To Mend" by Sally John & Gary Smalley

~"Chat Room" by Linda Hall

~"Sushi for One?" by Cami Tang

~"Once in a Promised Land" by Laila Halaby

~"The Quest for Character" by Charles R. Swindoll

There might be a few more I think I've said I'll review for book tours.

And because like Katrina I love a picture of a good stack of books, I just gotta put up a pic.

There now doesn't that just make you sigh? ;v) Read on, my friends, read on!

Spring Reading Thing

Well, it's finally spring and know how I can tell? Why, the Spring Reading Thing is finally here. Katrina at Callipider Days has set up a Mr. Linky so that we can snoopcheck out and see what everybody else has on their lists. I'm telling you, I got so many book ideas from the Fall into Reading Challenge that my To Read Booklist is a mile long. And some of those are on my spring list.

So without further ado I present my book list for the Spring Reading Thing.

~The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

This was one that was on a lot of your fall reading lists. So I'm giving it a go. From the back cover: ...in 1964, when a blizzard forces Dr. David Henry to deliver his own twins. His son, born first, is perfectly healthy, but the doctor immediately recognizes that his daughter has Down syndrome. For motives he tells himself are good, he makes a split-second decision that will haunt all their lives forever. He asks his nurse to take the baby away to an institution. Instead, she disappears into another city to raise the child as her own.

~Graced Based Parenting by Dr. Tim Kimmel

I've heard a lot of great things about this book. From the back cover: "...focuses on the model and guidance provided by God the Father - the ultimate child and family expert. ...a map for learning to see ourselves and our children through God's limitless tenderness-to raise our kids the way God raises us.

~Violet Dawn by Brandilyn Collins

Highly recommended by the salesclerk at my local Christian bookstore. From the back cover: "Paige Williams slips into her hot tub in the blackness of night - and finds herself face to face with death. Alone, terrified, fleeing a dark past, Paige must make an unthinkable choice." Got your attention? Hee. Brandilyn's books have been coined as "seatbelt suspense". I'm looking forward to reading Brandilyn's work for the first time.

~Hearts of Gold: Stories of Courage, Dedication and Triumph From Canadian Olympians by Lorne Zeiler

~Uncharted by Angela Hunt

Another of my favorite authors. From the back cover: "...A blend of the movies Castaway and The Big Chill, with a touch of the television series Lost, creatively thrown together with the biblical story of the beggar Lazarus and C.S. Lewis's The Great Divorce." -Publisher's Weekly

~The Many Loves of Marriage by Thomas & Nanette Kinkade

The authors share personal secrets of multiplying love in any marriage relationship.

~Before I Wake by Dee Henderson

Another favorite author. The sheriff of Justice, Illinois, is hunting a killer and he's not pleased when a detective representing one of the victim's families comes to town as she might very well be the next victim.

Wow, looks like I really stacked the deck with favorite authors this time around. Maybe that'll guarantee I can meet my challenge.

It's Here!

Well, I can't believe it. The internet is finally working. Only 12 hours later than when I originally planned to post it, but oh well.




It's here. The Spring Reading Thing. I was getting so excited as it neared. I've got a book list for 2007 but I'm looking forward to concentrating a few into a more limited time. A couple weeks ago I showed you a picture of my overflowing book bag. Well, guess what? I've added a couple more. Believe it not, yup, I surely did! Quite a few of you wanted to know what books were in that bag so I'll let you in on that with the Spring Reading Thing post on March 21st.

So everyone get ready and figure out what books you'd like to read for Spring. Order them, purchase them, or borrow them but get them ready. 'Cause it's coming! Watch for it, Mr. Linky will be up March 21st! For Katrina's post on the Reading Thing just click on the button and head on over.

Book Review - "Club Sandwich

The second book out of my goal of thirty... done. In "Club Sandwich" author Lisa Samson gives us a narrative story about a woman who is finding herself stretched to the limit of her endurance. In the beginning we find her on the edge of bitterness as she is dealing with being a mom and holding down the home front while her husband is out touring with a gospel group for the past three years. In trying to be supportive of his career choice she struggles with feelings of abandonment. Now add to the mix a toddler who is a handful, a full time job at the family resteraunt, a pair of siblings who tend to take more than they give and a mother who suddenly starts to fall very ill. And being the personality she is Ivy takes it all upon herself to fix. There are also a few other personalities and issues that also land in Ivy's lap but I don't want to give it all away. Suffice it to say she is overwhelmed.

She is being sandwiched between caring for her family and caring for aging parents while holding down a job. She starts a gathering of other ladies who are going through the same thing for some support for herself. Hence the name Club Sandwich.

The author deals with some heavy duty issues and feelings as the the pressures keep piling on Ivy. While I went "oh my" at some of the reactions Ivy had to her situations, considering she was a Christian, they were very real temptations & reactions a person might go through in a similar situation. While the continuous piling up things happening and her taking on one thing after another may have been a bit extreme it added to my heart really being taken and feeling for this character. While not going through her situations, my heart really felt for the things she was facing as I put myself in her shoes.

The "Club" itself was not really developed alot. But I think if it had been done so it just would have been too much for the story. There was so much already going on. All in all, this story really drew me in and I enjoyed it because my heart became involved.


P.S. Thanks everyone for your comments on Friday's post. You had me smiling and chuckling all weekend with them. :v)

Book Meme, Book Review, Menu Plan

*Updated with Menu Plan below

Gail from "More than a Song" has tagged me with a fun book meme. (And now, Eden from Air Force Family has too!) I've seen this circulate several times since I started blogging and always thought them fun.

Here are the rules/requirements:1. Grab the book closest to you.2. Open to page 123, go down to the fourth sentence.3. Post the text of the following 3 sentences on your blog.4. Name of the author and book.5. Tag three people of your own.

Here goes: "I won't lie to you; I'm not telling you everything--you're clever enough to figure that out. But I am telling you what you need to know to play your part in helping humanity survive." She face him, suddenly cold.

The book is "RED" by Ted Dekker (book two in the Circle Trilogy). On a side note if you like allegory, mystery, fast paced adventure and in this case a love story with huge consequences., you will love this series by Ted Dekker. His books always have totally different plot twists, and lots to do with good vs. evil. The three books in this trilogy are "Black", "Red" & "White".

Now I want to tag some readers who just might be reading something unusual. So I tag Shalee, Kim (Lifesong), & Laurel.


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I'm so excited. I actually already finished a book for 2007. Only 29 more to go to reach my goal. :v)


I so enjoyed this book. It is from Charles Swindoll's "Profiles in Character Series". An Indepth bible study on the character being profiled, the author takes you step by step through their story from the Word of God and expounds on all aspects of it. He does it in such a readable, story telling way that you sometimes forget you are actually reading a very detailed, thorough bible study.


Elijah - The Man of Heroism and Humility is about the prophet whom God used to confront great sin in the leadership of Isreal. While Elijah did many heroic things in the name of his God, he did go through times of fear and humanness. The author takes us through Elijah's life as he was led by God to great mountain top experiences to times when God removed him from everybody but Himself. A great, very readable study in how to be humbly heroic. (Go here if you'd like to read some excerpts out of the book.)


I can hardly wait to do another of this great series.




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Being as one of my goals for this year was to get more consistent with Menu Plan Monday, and being as it's Monday, here is my menu plan for the week, 'cause I know you are all now keeping me accountable.

Monday: cheese tortellin in white sauce, farmer's sausage, mixed vegetables

Tuesday: chili, toast, tossed salad

Wednesday: chicken and tiny dumplings, carrot sticks

Thursday: Chicken Ceasar Salad

Friday: Pork & Brussel Sprout Stew over Linguine (hubby's absolute fave meal)

Saturday: Raid the fridge Day

Sunday: hoping for Pizza 73 but if that's a no-go then smokies in buns, macaroni/fresh veggie salad

Pork and Brussel Sprouts

1 lb. pork cut into 3/4 inch peices (boneless shoulder or chops cut up, whatever you like)

2 Tbsp. oil

1 med onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

3 carrots, cut into 2x1/2 inch strips

1 cup water

1 tsp. or 1 pkt. chicken boullion

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. dried basil

1/4 tsp. of each dried thyme and pepper

1/2 cup water

2 cups frozen brussel sprouts

cooked linguine or spaghetti, 2 Tbsp. marg. or butter, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook and stir pork in oil in deep 10 inch skillet over med. heat until browned, drain on paper towels. Cook and stir onion and garlic in same skillet until onion is tender. Stir in pork, carrots, 1 cup water, bouillion, salt, basil, thyme, and pepper. Heat to boiling, reduce heat. Cover and simmer 45 minutes.

Add 1/2 cup water and brussel sprouts. Reheat to boiling, reduce heat and simmer covered 10 minutes until sprouts are tender.

Cook linguine or spaghetti. Stir in butter and parmesan. Serve pork stew on top.