The Pioneer Woman: black Heels to Tractor Wheels

The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond

The summary is from Goodreads:

"That's when I saw him—the cowboy—across the smoky room."

I'll never forget that night. It was like a romance novel, an old Broadway musical, and a John Wayne western rolled into one. Out for a quick drink with friends, I wasn't looking to meet anyone, let alone a tall, rugged cowboy who lived on a cattle ranch miles away from my cultured, corporate hometown. But before I knew it, I'd been struck with a lightning bolt . . . and I was completely powerless to stop it.

Read along as I recount the rip-roaring details of my unlikely romance with a chaps-wearing cowboy, from the early days of our courtship (complete with cows, horses, prairie fire, and passion) all the way through the first year of our marriage, which would be filled with more challenge and strife—and manure—than I ever could have expected.

This isn't just my love story; it's a universal tale of passion, romance, and all-encompassing love that sweeps us off our feet.

It's the story of a cowboy.

And Wranglers.

And chaps.

And the girl who fell in love with them.

Review:

The Pioneer Woman reads like a perfect romantic comedy , or perhaps a fairy tale with a good does of reality. This book is for those out there that think life no longer holds fairytale romances. Granted Ree's life was not all wonderful but even in the tragic moments , she showed that you have to find yourself again , and make yourself get up and go . Ree shows the very human side of the Pioneer Woman that we have all grown to love . Her book highlights all the insecurities a woman could ever feel and makes them bearable. I truly loved the way Ree described her husband Marlboro Man, after reading her description how could one not fall in love with a wonderfully dreamy cowboy. I gave " The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels" 5 stars and highly recommend it to all that need a bit of romance and a healthy dose of laughter. Thanks Ree for reminding us that sometimes you have to wade through the manure in order to smell the roses.

This review is posted on Goodreads, our FB page, and Amazon

IMM

These are really books I bought over Christmas

Unleashed by: Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie
Carrier of the Mark by: Leigh Fallon
Misguided Angel by Melissa De La Cruz
Van Alen Legacy By Melissa De La Cruz

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

(summary from Goodreads)
Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

Review:
Delirium was a fascinating story , about the gripping effects of love . Lauren Oliver painted a wonderful picture of how love can truly be viewed as a virus or sickness. There isn't a person in the world that hasn't witnessed the power of love whether it be the touch of love or the lack there of, either way it can be crippling. In the book, Lena learns just what that feeling of love is like , she also learns that perhaps love is the one thing that can't ever truly be taken from her . The choice now lays before her, which is worse losing the wonderful and sometimes crippling effects of love ? or to give that love up for the safe boring life , where she wouldn't even remember the powerful thrilling effects that Alex has on her? I found it quite interesting the little details that Lauren Oliver put into the book , such as the quotes from the Book of Shhh, it made me feel like I was even more drawn into this word that Lauren Oliver created. I give Delirium 5 stars . The ending was a beautiful surprising cliffhanger that will have me buying the next book. If you haven't read this book yet you should most definitely add this to your books to be read.
The review is posted also on Amazon, Goodreads, FB Page.

IMM - In My E-Mail Box

This week is more of a In My E-Mail Box . They are all books I have received from Netgalley looking forward to reading them all. I seem to be having trouble getting pictures to post so I will make them into links so you can go look a them on amazon or goodreads. whats everyone reading over Christmas?

Revealing Eden : by Victoria Foyt
Candlewax :by C. Bailey Sims
The Guardian Duke :by Jamie Carie
Desired by: Ginger Garrett
Dancing Queen: by Marci Peschke

Pirate of My Heart

( a big thanks to netgalley and author Jamie Carie for a chance to read this book)

summary from goodreads:
When her doting father dies, Lady Kendra Townsend is given a choice: marry the horrid man of her cold, money-grubbing uncle's choosing or leave England to risk a new life in America with unknown relatives. Armed with the faith that God has a plan for her, Kendra boards a cargo ship and meets American sea captain Dorian Colburn. But the captain has been wounded by a woman before and guards his independent life. A swashbuckling man doesn't need an English heiress to make him slow down, feel again, or be challenged with questions about his faith-or so he thinks. It is not until Dorian must save Kendra from the dark forces surrounding her that he decides she may be worth the risk.

Review:
Pirate of My Heart is a story woven with betrayal, love , and faith. Kendra grows through her trails and loss into a capable strong young woman. I thoroughly enjoyed the setting and the background provided for this swashbuckling romance, it was easy to understand what it might be like on a ship as well as on dry land. Author Jamie Carie did a fairly good job of introducing her characters but at parts it felt a bit rushed. I enjoyed the strong threads of scripture and faith that both Kendra and Dorian obviously needed as they fought against all the elements that would try and separate them. I am rating this as a 2 star purely because at times I felt lost reading it , that some times chunks of book felt missing. A two star as it may be I still enjoyed the potential that this book offered. I hope that the author continues writing and developing her stories and her skills for I see great things in her future.

This review can also be found on Goodreads, Amazon, Netgalley, and our FB page

IMM- been a little behind on this

Sorry guys that it has taken me so long to post a IMM ( In My Mailbox) .


GoodReads Wins:
Eden by Janelle Stalder ( wonderful book review is already up)
If I Tell: Janet Gurtler
The Puppy That Came for Christmas: Megan Rix

Bought myself:
Crossed : Ally Condie
Cemetery Girl: David Bell

Won from Good Teen Reads:
Insight: Diana Greenwood

Author Sent:
The Chick Friend Rules! : Vici Howard

Library Madness

A small trip to the Library for the week
Dark Passage:M.J. Putney
Lament: Maggie Stiefvater
Once in a Full Moon: Elle Schreiber

Review of Eden by Janelle Stalder

Big thanks to Janelle Stalder and Goodreads for the opportunity to read this amazing book.

(description from the back of the book)
Trapped within the cruel world of hormones and bullies, fifteen-year-old Aiden is convinced life has more to offer him. His instincts are proven correct on the night he is awakened by a voice calling to him from outside his window. As he sleepily peers into his yard, his eyes slowly focus on a woman who says she is there to take him to Eden. Aiden is about to fulfill the life purpose he never knew he had. It is in Eden, a land on the brink of war, where Aiden will finally learn to trust himself and those around him. Accompanied by Wolf, his sidekick Logan, and the beautiful archer, Elisa, Aiden is soon thrust into a battle to save Eden. Meanwhile Elisa, the only girl in the King's Army, is in the midst of her own struggles. Betrothed to a man she has no intention of marrying, Elisa is caught between the need to prove herself and her desire for true happiness. And now that she has met Aiden, she is more confused than ever. In this action-packed fantasy tale, romance, adventure, and intrigue surround Aiden as he learns just what he is capable of when he discovers confidence and courage.

Review:
Stalder wrote Eden in a way that it became the perfect blend of Medieval, Magical and Modern. Her characters are so rich in texture and description that you can easily visualize them and the settings around them. The main character Aiden is your normal wallflower type, the kid that is easily targeted by the bully as being vulnerable. As you journey with Aiden into Eden , you get to witness his growth in strength and confidence . Stalder packed her book with a nice variety of characters . The warrior and the sidekick , the beauty and the geek , even the loveable friend, this book contains a little bit of everything. In Eden you get a chance to witness personal growth of a less than confident boy, the love and hate relationship between brothers , and even the complications of betrothal and love. In this book Stalder did a wonderful job of keeping me entertained and drawn into the story so much so that I can hardly wait to get my hands on book two Eden- West. I would give this book 5 stars and highly recommend it . I suppose if I have to complain about something it would be that the book left me on the edge of my seat and I now have to wait patiently for book two . Did I mention patience is not one of my virtues? : )


This review is also posted on Amazon, Goodreads, our FB page, Twitter and Barnes and Noble.

Sleep.. or.. Reading

So last night I started reading Iron Knight and lets just say it's very good so far but my problem is one in the morning started to creep in and I wasn't finished with the book yet . Well I have a 2 year old very active little girl who requires mommy to be awake and alert . Darn you sleep .. why do you have to be so important? .. never fear Iron Knight you and I have a date tonight .

The Hangman in the Mirror by Kate Cayley

( much thanks from Netgalley, Annick Press and Kate Cayley for allowing me to have a chance to read this book)

(description courtesy of Amazon)

A strong-willed 16-year-old girl fights for survival in 18th-century North America.

Françoise Laurent has never had an easy life. The only surviving child of a destitute washerwoman and wayward soldier, she must rely only on herself to get by. When her parents die suddenly from the smallpox ravishing New France, Francoise sees it as a chance to escape the life she thought she was trapped in.

Seizing her new found opportunity, Françoise takes a job as an aide to the wife of a wealthy fur trader. The poverty-ridden world she knew transforms into a strange new world full of privilege and fine things -- and of never having to beg for food. But Françoise's relationships with the other servants in Madame Pommereau's house are tenuous, and Madame Pommereau isn't an easy woman to work for. When Françoise is caught stealing a pair of her mistress's beautiful gloves, she faces a future even worse than she could have imagined: thrown in jail, she is sentenced to death by hanging. Once again, Françoise is left to her own devices to survive . . . Is she cunning enough to convince the prisoner in the cell beside her to become the hangman and marry her, which, by law, is the only thing that could save her life?

This book was a hard one for me to describe purely because there were a lot of things I liked about this book in the same token there were a lot of things I didn't like. I shall start with the bad to get it out of the way. For me the book description gave far to much away , it pretty much tells you the whole book , and leaves very little to mystery. I also found the ending fell a bit flat for me , left me wanting more of the story , it left me with a what happens next feeling .

Don't get me wrong despite the bad things I really did enjoy this book, the fact alone that it was based on a true story , brought instance intrigue to it. I love that Cayley included a brief follow up about the true story that her book is based off of. Cayleys retelling was good , can't say fabulous , tho she did have a way of making you feel for Francoise. I was easy to see that Francoise never really had a childhood , she was forced to grow up far to quickly and take on responsibilities that were difficult for someone her age . I seemed tho that in the end it would be those hard life lessons that would make her perfect to take on the responsibility of being a Hangman's wife. Over all I would give this book a 2 star, purely on the ground that if you read the description of the book you practically don't even have to read the book after that.

I recommend this book even if i did not give it the best rating because it is an interesting historical story.

review is posted on Amazon and Netgalley and the fb page Totally Booked Solid

Pearl in the Sand review

A big thanks to Netgalley and Moody Publishers and Tessa Afshar for letting this book be available to me.

(book description from amazon)
Can a Canaanite harlot who has made her livelihood by looking desirable to men make a fitting wife for one of the leaders of Israel? Shockingly, the Bible's answer is yes. At the age of fifteen Rahab is forced into prostitution by her beloved father. In her years as a courtesan, she learns to mistrust men and hate herself. Into the emotional turmoil of her world walks Salmone, a respected leader of Judah. Through the tribulations of a stormy relationship, Rahab and Salmone learn the true source of one another's worth in God and find healing from fear and rejection.

Pearl in the Sand was an incredible retelling of the biblical story of Rahab. The way Afshar told the story you get a better idea of how Rahab's life might have been after she helped the spies. Rahab's faith in God was a wonderful child like faith . There was several times that this story brought tears to my eyes , especially when Rahab was having trouble seeing her worth , all she could see was her past and the fear of rejection from Salmone. I love how Afshar showed through Rehab, how that God's love is unconditional and forgiving. Reading about Rahab's relationship with Salmone enforced all the more how only God can change your heart and help you over come your past and move on to a great love. A wonderful story of love and worth that can only be seen through God. I loved this book and would highly recommend it . Don't miss out on your chance to see just what it means to be a Pearl in the Sand.

Library Madness

they did it to me again. I went in for one book came out with three.
The Death Cure by James Dashner ( sooo excited to read this one)
Assassin by Anna Myers
Storm Thief by Chris Woodling

Bumped - Review

(summary courtesy of goodreads)

When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society. Girls sport fake baby bumps and the school cafeteria stocks folic-acid-infused food.

Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and have never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Up to now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend, Zen, who is way too short for the job.

Harmony has spent her whole life in Goodside, a religious community, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to convince Melody that pregging for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from.

When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common.

~ Bumped was interesting to say the least , can't imagine a world where it's exciting for teens to be pregnant , more so that it's a marketable product. The dynamic between the two sisters was wonderfully written. You begin to think that Melody and Harmony couldn't be more different but as things unfold , you find out just how alike the twins are . Through Bumped you see that tho it's normal for all the teens to be pregnant and that they can physically handle the pregnancy, that's not always the case with the maturity or emotional aspect of having a baby and the lost that can go with it. I rated this book a 3 stars because though I thought the techy type language was intriguing for the book it was almost overly so , to the point that half the time I felt like I needed a translator. Never the less on the 3 star.. I will be reading the next book purely because the ending of the book left me intrigued and I can honestly say I have never read a book quite like this .

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!! to me


Today is my 29th Birthday .. that's right I'm one step away from the big 3 0. I honestly don't mind telling my age , I have not reached the age where I will start denying it :). Today my husband is going to make me a pumpkin pie instead of the usual birthday cake , I can't wait Pumpkin Pie is a huge favorite of mine . So I have two questions for you . If you could give my any book today what would it be ? ( and no I'm not hitting you up for actual books .. tho heck yes I would take books if you were offering .) Really I just want to know what book you would pick to give me if you were giving one as a present. My second question is what kind of cake would you want if today was your birthday?

I could never do a Book Ban

So today I bought ....
The Dark Elite: Chole Neill
the Gift: James Patterson
Watch Over Me: Christa Parrish
The Secret Life of Prince Charming: Deb Caletti
Running Around ( and Such) : Linda Byler
When Strawberries Bloom: Linda Byler
Wings : Aprilynne Pike
Darklight; :Lesley Livingston

And my mother in Law bought me The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa ( got it for my b-day) :) :) :)

Thank you Good reads :)

These are the books I have received from good reads so far this month.
A Plain and Fancy Christmas: Cynthia Keller ( advanced and uncorrected)
Success Secrets of Sherlock Holmes: David Acord ( uncorrected proof)
Birthmarked: Caragh M. o' Brien
Tournaments , cocoa, and one wrong move: Nancy Rue ( advanced and uncorrected)
Falling Together : Marisa de los Santos


Still waiting to receive :
If I tell: Janet Gurtler
The Kitchen House: Kathleen Grissom

Library Madness

I know I have been gone a lot and I'm sorry for that October has been a busy month for me . so here goes on some much needed posting .

current Library Madness :

Sweetly: Jackson Pearce
Jekel loves Hyde: Beth Fantaskey
Voices of Dragons: Carrie Vaughn
Ballad: Maggie Stievater
Shattered Mirror : Amelia Atwater- Rhodes
wyvernhail: Amelia Atwater- Rhodes
Wolfcry: Amelia Atwater- Rhodes
Breath My Name; R.A Nelson
Bumped : Megan McCafferty ( not pictured)
OverBite: Meg Cabott ( not pictured)

A Reluctant Queen Review

(received this book through Netgalley)
A Reluctant Queen is a retelling of the story of Esther, a woman who gave up her life to marry a stranger in order to save her people, in the end she losses her heart as well. This story was beautiful , through this retelling you get to see Esther as a human woman not just a Queen. The way Joan Wolf wrote this allows you to see into the heart of Esther, as she begins falling for the stranger that is her husband. You truly get to see the struggles she must have faced . This book had a little bit of everything , politics, war , betrayal ,faith and love . This book was one of the most beautiful romances I have read in a long time . highly recommended.

review is also on Goodreads, amazon , and our FB

Awesome Giveaway at Dazzling Reads

http://dazzlingreads.blogspot.com/2011/10/autumn-giveaway.html?showComment=1318353909044#c28371618591599129


check out this great giveaway at Dazzling reads.. several wonderful books to choose from.

Library Madness

Dark mirror: MJ Putney
Never Cry Werewolf: Heather Davis
Gimmerglass : Jenna Black
( Shadowspell is on hold so I should be getting it soon )
Sirensong: Jenna Black
( I also should be getting Jessica's guide to dating on the Dark Side: by: Beth Fantaskey)



Any one read any of these? Thoughts?

Review for Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Review for Graceling by Kristin Cashore;


Graceling is a story of a girl named Katsa. Her Grace (a skill that someone is incredibly good at) is more of a curse for her because her Uncle, King Randa.. uses her grace as a weapon . Her job is to punish those that Randa has told her too, it order to benefit his wants and whims. Katsa believes her Grace is merely killing .. a bringer of death and pain , which means no one could possible want her for anything other than to bring fear. That all changes when she meets Po, he is Graced with fighting. throughout the story Katsa learns that there might be something more to her then just death and fear. Could she find life and love with the one person who can truly understand her and match her? This book really leaves you feeling that there is a perfect someone for everyone and just because someone has labeled you something like killer over and over doesn't make it so. This book was rich with back story and histories ,Kristin Cashore.. paints a beautiful landscape of literary wonder. my only complaint was that it left me wanting more .. left me wondering if there should more story. over all a nice 4 stars

More Library Madness

So I went tothe Library to pic up Vampire Kisses by Elle Schreiber and ended up with

Vampire Kisses by Elle Schreiber
A mid-Semester Night's Dream by Margaret Meacham
Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz
The Forbidden Game 1-3 by L.J Smith ... read these when I was in high school wanna read them again

Review of Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Striaght from the words of Sophie jordan:

"Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet of her kind, she nearly pays with her life, only to be spared by a beautiful stranger sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki--a descendant of dragons whose ability to shift into human form is her best defense.

Forced to flee into the mortal world, Jacinda struggles to adapt. The one bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irrestibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away - if it dies she will be left a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and irresistible passion ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide ..."

I thought this book was wonderfully magical . What if the very boy you should stay away from is the only one who can really make you feel like yourself , who gets under your skin and into your heart? For Jacinda not only is she falling for the enemy but she must decide between what is expect of her and what she wants. I would highly recommend this book it's different and wonderful . A bit like Andrea Cremer's Nightshade series but with Draki. Firelight left me wanting more , and incredibly excited to read the next book Vanished. A definite 4 stars.

Library Madness

I will tell you over and over the Library is madness. I go in there to pick up two books and end up always with much more .

Kissing coffins by Elle Schreiber
Vampireville by Elle Schreiber
Beastly by Alex Flinn
Firelight by Sophie Jordan ( already finished review to come)
Stolen by Lucy Christopher ( Review already posted)
Graceling by Kristin Cashore ( already finished review to come)
Fire by Kristin Cashore

and the Library sent me a message saying I can come pick up Vampire kisses by Elle Schreiber.


any new books that you have received or read lately?

In the Mail

Received these two from good-reads:

An Advanced copy of The Radleys by Matt Haig

A Signed copy of : Lump: 19 Monologues from a 27-Year-Old Breast Cancer Survivor by Leena Luther

Review of Picture of Hollis Woods

a Newberry award winner
The Picture of Hollis Woods is told in the memories of Hollis , both her present and her past . Through her memories you learn about the life she had , and the mistakes she believes she had made. Being in foster care Hollis comes to believe that she is trouble , not worth the efforts , and most of the time she runs away when she thinks trouble has hit. The story is beautifully written , the imagery is marvolus. It's easy to fall in love with Hollis as she wades through her thoughts.. learning about the new friends she has and the family she lost. great book for all ages.

Review of Stolen :by Lucy Christopher

Straight from Lucy Christopher's site:
It happened like this. I was stolen from an airport. Taken from everything I knew, everything I was used to. Taken to sand and heat, dirt and danger. And he expected me to love him. This is my story. A letter from nowhere.Told in a letter to her captor by 16-year-old Gemma, Stolen explores the influence that a really wild and remote space can have on the inner development of a young woman.


This book was Captivating and Wild , just like the desert that they find themselves in. Gemma learns about her life before from the outside view of her kidnapper Ty. By the end of the book I found myself questioning was Ty her kidnapper or her rescuer? Was Gemma falling for him or was it really just Stockholm Syndrome? The book is written in the form of a letter to Gemma's kidnapper Ty . Makes the book all the more personal , connects you to Gemma and Ty. I would highly reccommend this book .. it drew me in , captivating me so completely that I found myself reading it all in one night . a 5 stars for this book.

Grandma's book rules

revisit to Grandma's rules on books .

1) no dog earing- dog ears are cute on dogs not books
2) always use a book mark- I don't care if it's a real book mark , a receipt, heck even a piece of toliet paper will work. Just respect the binding.
3) never bend the pages to where they fold behind the book it's self , you will never get that book to lay flat again.
4)if you borrow a book make sure it comes back in the same condition as when you borrowed it.

Well that is pretty much the rules to keeping your books nice and making them last longer. Respect the book , enjoy the book, and never ruin the book.
These are the rules I live by and heck who am I to argue with Grandma.


so tell me do you have any book rules?

The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan

Amazon's back of the book summary:

"There are many things that Annah would like to forget: the look on her sister's face when she and Elias left her behind in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, her first glimpse of the horde as they found their way to the Dark City, the sear of the barbed wire that would scar her for life. But most of all, Annah would like to forget the morning Elias left her for the Recruiters.

Annah's world stopped that day and she's been waiting for him to come home ever since. Without him, her life doesn't feel much different from that of the dead that roam the wasted city around her. Then she meets Catcher and everything feels alive again.

Except, Catcher has his own secrets -- dark, terrifying truths that link him to a past Annah's longed to forget, and to a future too deadly to consider. And now it's up to Annah -- can she continue to live in a world drenched in the blood of the living? Or is death the only escape from the Return's destruction?"


I loved this book , I have to say it was my favorite of the three books . The book was beautifully written . I felt tied to the outcome of the characters as they fought for survival and love. I found myself cheering for them to beat the odds to fight for a chance to have a life , a life not tainted by the dead and the cruelty of some humans but by love and new found beauty. By the end of the book I found myself wonder , what would I do if I knew I was going to die .. would I just give up? or would I fight for something more ? This series is one I highly recommend it is one of the best zombie type books I have ever read.

I've been a bad Girl I bought books

Books I Bought: ( in my defense they were on sale)

Black Tuesday by Susan Colebank
I Know Why The Cage Bird Sings: by Maya Angelou

In The Mail

In the Mail :

My Delicious Life with Paula Deen
Dance with a Vampire
The Coffin Club
Royal Blood
Masquerade ( a Blue Bloods novel)
Just a Guy- Notes from a blue Collar Life( Bill Engvall)


The two biographies are for my 5 by 5 by 5 - I will explain more on this when I have all my choices but currently it's 5 biographies, 5 books that teach you something and 5 real stories.

Book review of Dead- Tossed Wave by Carrie Ryan

book description from Amazon:

"Gabry lives a quiet life. As safe a life as is possible in a town trapped between a forest and the ocean, in a world teeming with the dead, who constantly hunger for those still living. She’s content on her side of the Barrier, happy to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. But there are threats the Barrier cannot hold back. Threats like the secrets Gabry’s mother thought she left behind when she escaped from the Sisterhood and the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Like the cult of religious zealots who worship the dead. Like the stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry. And suddenly, everything is changing. One reckless moment, and half of Gabry’s generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry only knows one thing: she must face the forest of her mother’s past in order to save herself and the one she loves."


Like The Forest of Hands and Teeth before it .. this book was heart stirring. A mix of learning about ones self and the will to survive and the courage to choose what you really want . Gabry blooms into a strong courageous girl that draws you in with her vulnerability and innocence. through Garby you learn how situations in life change us , and teach us . Once you go into the Forest, you will never come out the way you went in .

The Happiness Project review

From the back of the book:

"Gretchen Rubin had an epiphany one rainy afternoon in the unlikeliest of places: a city bus. "The days are long, but the years are short," she realized. "Time is passing, and I'm not focusing enough on the things that really matter." In that moment, she decided to dedicate a year to her happiness project. In this lively and compelling account, Rubin chronicles her adventures during the twelve months she spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific research, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier. Among other things, she found that novelty and challenge are powerful sources of happiness; that money can help buy happiness, when spent wisely; that outer order contributes to inner calm; and that the very smallest of changes can make the biggest difference"


I thoroughly enjoyed this book . Gretchen made it an enjoyable read . At first I thought it was going to feel like a chore to get through , kind of like tackling a New Year's Resolution ( we all know those are never kept. Gretchen made it funny , and encouraging , like a treat . I'm motivated and ready to start my own Happiness project , after all you only have more happiness to gain.

coming in the mail soon

These books I ordered from Books a million

Lost & Found by Jacqueline Sheehan
$4.47
Dance with a Vampire by Ellen Schreiber
$3.59
Vampire Kisses 5 by Ellen Schreiber
$3.59
The Coffin Club by Ellen Schreiber
$5.39
Costume Crazee With 75 Reusable Stickers by Judith Schachter
$1.77
Just a Guy (Bargain - Paperback) by Bill Engvall; Alan Eisenstock
$3.57
My Delicious Life with Paula Deen by Michael Groover; Sherry Suib Cohen
$6.27


these are all goodreads wins that are coming in the mail
The Radleys by Matt Haig ,

The Miracle Ball Method for Pregnancy: Relieve Back Pain and Labor Pain, Reduce Stress, Regain a Flat Belly
by Elaine Petrone ( for the record no I'm not Preggo)

Help! For Writers: 210 Solutions to the Problems Every Writer Faces
by Roy Peter Clark


When a Loved One Falls Ill: How to Be an Effective Patient Advocate
by Gerri Monaghan, Brian Monaghan


and then I also last week bought Black Tuesday by Susan Colebank

I have a lot of reading to do now , but I will have to take it Book by Book

Review of The Faerie Path by Frewin Jones

Back of the book Summary
"Swept away into a court of magic and beauty, she discovers she is Tania, the lost princess of Faerie: the youngest daughter of Oberon and Titania. Since Tania's mysterious disappearance on the eve of her wedding five hundred years before, Faerie has been sunk in darkness and gloom. The courtly Lord Gabriel Drake, who Tania was once to marry, has found her and brought her back.

With Tania's return, Faerie comes alive again as a land of winged children, glittering balls, and fantastic delights. But Tania can't forget Anita's world, or the boy she loved there.

Torn between two loves and between two worlds, Tania slowly comes to discover why she disappeared so long ago. She possesses a singular magical ability and she must use it to stop a sinister plan that threatens the entire world of Faerie."


Interesting book , not my favorite faerie book but I will defiantly read the next one. Nice story about trusting, true love , and being true to yourself.

My book finds:

Maid in the Match
Dead and Gone
Shade
Because I am Furniture

not a one of them was over $4.00 .. not a bad haul if I do say so myself

Reading goals

so Ive decided to take up a new challenge for myself and get out of my comfort zone when it comes to the type of books I read. my challenge for myself is that I am going to read 5 Biographies and 5 books that teach me something and 5 books about some kind of real event that has happened .

for example:
5 biographies
1)The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels--A Love Story ( not exactly a biography but I will take it)
2)Paula Deen: It Ain't All About the Cookin

5 books that teach me something
1) The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl
2)The Repurposed Library: 33 Craft Projects That Give Old Books New Life

5 books about something real
1)Dawn by Elie Wiesel and Frances Frenaye
2)A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier

this is where I need help or suggestions really .. I need 3 more of each .. tell me what would you choose to read for these categorizes or maybe you have a fun 5 book book goal. until then I will continue to take it Book by Book

So many books so little Time

I have decided the Library might in fact be evil . They feed my addiction so easily , I simply have to request the books I want and have them sent to the library of my choice . so hard now to not walk out of there with five or so books . To add to this addiction even more is GoodReads they keep showing me books I would enjoy plus all the giveaways.. I swear I'm going to have to quit school just to have time to read. Well I finished another book last night a review will be posted shortly and I also need to finish and review the book Family Pieces (its the book I won from Goodreads.) until then
take it Book by Book