10 Temmuz 2012 Salı
9 Temmuz 2012 Pazartesi
Unlocked, by Karen Kingsbury Giveaway
To contact us Click HERE
Autism is very real, and life-changing to the families and friends who love an autistic child or adult.
Karen Kingsbury wrote the book Unlocked (linked to my review) after seeing for herself a teenager who came out of the shell of autism. (She included her personal experience in the Reader Letter at the end of the book.)
This book was wonderful, and I highly recommend it for a peek into the difficult world of autism.
Even if you have already read this book, consider entering anyway to give it to a friend who is facing the challenge of raising a special needs child. The book does not sugar-coat autism, but it does offer hope.
GIVEAWAY!
Go over to This Simple Home to enter the Unlocked giveaway!
Comments here are closed so that you will go to This Simple Home to enter.
Karen Kingsbury wrote the book Unlocked (linked to my review) after seeing for herself a teenager who came out of the shell of autism. (She included her personal experience in the Reader Letter at the end of the book.)This book was wonderful, and I highly recommend it for a peek into the difficult world of autism.
Even if you have already read this book, consider entering anyway to give it to a friend who is facing the challenge of raising a special needs child. The book does not sugar-coat autism, but it does offer hope.
GIVEAWAY!
Go over to This Simple Home to enter the Unlocked giveaway!
Comments here are closed so that you will go to This Simple Home to enter.
5 Conversations You Must Have with Your Son, by Vicki Courtney
To contact us Click HERE
It seems that I've been reading a bit on parenting books lately. I consider this a reflection on what I'm lacking...and seeking.
With this in mind, I can certainly say that some books are more beneficial than others. 5 Conversations You Must Have with Your Son has many chapters, but is divided into five sections, or conversations. You can see how practical this book is from the conversation titles.
I appreciate that Courtney seems to keep the readers' mind on the big picture. It's not necessarily about the behavior, but about the heart of the child and their relationship with God.
When Vicki Courtney addresses men in their twenties (and older) who still live with mom and dad, she calls them Peter Pan...you know, the boy who never grows up. Though I agree with much of what she writes in these chapters, I still felt that she was, at times, a bit harsh. The goal is to launch our young men from boyhood to manhood before they leave home. I do like that she considers ages 2-14 a prelaunch phase, where the boys are guided in learning basic life skills. The test launch is from ages 14-18. This is the time for painful and real consequences and more independence and not the time for parents rescuing their child for the poor decisions. The final launch phase is from 18-22. It's at this time that the man should become fully independent and responsible as a member of society. As mothers, it does feel good to be needed, but it is important to remember that we are to guide them into adulthood and equip them with tools and knowledge needed to be a man on their own.
Though the summary on the back of the book indicates "...Courtney helps moms and dads pinpoint and prepare the discussions..." it is only moms that are actually addressed in the book except at the end of each chapter where there is a Dad 2 Dad thought. I do not think it should be isolated to only one parent though she does explain a bit of her reasoning (with moms without a godly husband also in mind) later in the book.
Overall, I thought 5 Conversations You Must Have with Your Son was a beneficial book to read. The final chapter was titled Godliness Over Goodness, and I think that idea sums up much of the book's focus. I appreciated the honesty and grace in which Courtney wrote. Though she included personal examples, it didn't feel like a memoir, and much does seem applicable to the general parent of sons.
This book was provided for an honest review by PR by the Book.
With this in mind, I can certainly say that some books are more beneficial than others. 5 Conversations You Must Have with Your Son has many chapters, but is divided into five sections, or conversations. You can see how practical this book is from the conversation titles.
- Don't define manhood by the culture's wimpy standards. It's OK to be a man!
- What you don't learn to conquer may become your master.
- Not everyone's doing it! (And other naked truths about sex you won't hear in the locker room.)
- Boyhood is only for a season. P.S. It's time to grow up!
- Godly men are in short supply. Dare to become one!
I appreciate that Courtney seems to keep the readers' mind on the big picture. It's not necessarily about the behavior, but about the heart of the child and their relationship with God.
"Our priority should not be simply to teach our sons self-control but first and foremost reveal to them the grace of God."
"While I hope my sons' primary motivation for saving sex until marriage is rooted in a desire to please God, should they get off track spiritually, I want to make sure I have given them plenty of other reasons to save sex until they are married."
"A conversation about saving sex for marriage is not nearly as important as a conversation about Christ's saving man from his sins."And on the topic of sex, Courtney also addresses the fact that some sons will already be sexually active, and some unrepentant. She also discusses the fact that Christian boys have the same hormones within them as their non-Christian friends.
When Vicki Courtney addresses men in their twenties (and older) who still live with mom and dad, she calls them Peter Pan...you know, the boy who never grows up. Though I agree with much of what she writes in these chapters, I still felt that she was, at times, a bit harsh. The goal is to launch our young men from boyhood to manhood before they leave home. I do like that she considers ages 2-14 a prelaunch phase, where the boys are guided in learning basic life skills. The test launch is from ages 14-18. This is the time for painful and real consequences and more independence and not the time for parents rescuing their child for the poor decisions. The final launch phase is from 18-22. It's at this time that the man should become fully independent and responsible as a member of society. As mothers, it does feel good to be needed, but it is important to remember that we are to guide them into adulthood and equip them with tools and knowledge needed to be a man on their own.
Though the summary on the back of the book indicates "...Courtney helps moms and dads pinpoint and prepare the discussions..." it is only moms that are actually addressed in the book except at the end of each chapter where there is a Dad 2 Dad thought. I do not think it should be isolated to only one parent though she does explain a bit of her reasoning (with moms without a godly husband also in mind) later in the book.
Overall, I thought 5 Conversations You Must Have with Your Son was a beneficial book to read. The final chapter was titled Godliness Over Goodness, and I think that idea sums up much of the book's focus. I appreciated the honesty and grace in which Courtney wrote. Though she included personal examples, it didn't feel like a memoir, and much does seem applicable to the general parent of sons.
This book was provided for an honest review by PR by the Book.
A Woman's Walk in Truth
To contact us Click HERE
Vonette Bright is known in many circles because she and her husband were co-founders of Campus Crusade for Christ. Knowing that I agreed to review A Woman's Walk in Truth: Devotions for Living a Confident Faith.
This is a little book (about 6x4 inches). The size, along with the padded cover make this seem like a "gift book" though I am sure that many Christian women would enjoy it.
I have not read all of this devotional (nearly 300 pages), but what I have read, I like. The devotionals are short and thought provoking. Each day's reading ends with a Bible verse and a "This I Believe" thought. "This I Believe" thoughts are just a sentence or two long, but they are nuggets of wisdom for the Christian. Some are biblical truths while others are more of biblical ideas to combat the world's views
As I stated, the devotionals are short. They really seem to reinforce God's word. Many do not want a lengthy devotional if they are going to use it in addition to reading the Bible so this can be beneficial for many. Please read the next bit knowing that I do not think that I am better than others. Personally, I thought A Woman's Walk in Truth would be more for a woman who is seeking Jesus or is new to a relationship with Jesus. Though I really liked what I read, I have decided to pass this book along to someone I know who needs some encouragement right now.
Vonette Bright encourages women to draw closer to God and to choose Him as the foundation for life. At the end of the this little book the reader finds "Beginning Your Journey of Joy." In it Vonette Bright describes, in detail, four principals and ideas to help a woman fully understand what it means to trust in Jesus as Savior. She includes Bible verses and illustrations.
Thank you, Harvest House Publishers for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is a little book (about 6x4 inches). The size, along with the padded cover make this seem like a "gift book" though I am sure that many Christian women would enjoy it.I have not read all of this devotional (nearly 300 pages), but what I have read, I like. The devotionals are short and thought provoking. Each day's reading ends with a Bible verse and a "This I Believe" thought. "This I Believe" thoughts are just a sentence or two long, but they are nuggets of wisdom for the Christian. Some are biblical truths while others are more of biblical ideas to combat the world's views
As I stated, the devotionals are short. They really seem to reinforce God's word. Many do not want a lengthy devotional if they are going to use it in addition to reading the Bible so this can be beneficial for many. Please read the next bit knowing that I do not think that I am better than others. Personally, I thought A Woman's Walk in Truth would be more for a woman who is seeking Jesus or is new to a relationship with Jesus. Though I really liked what I read, I have decided to pass this book along to someone I know who needs some encouragement right now.
Vonette Bright encourages women to draw closer to God and to choose Him as the foundation for life. At the end of the this little book the reader finds "Beginning Your Journey of Joy." In it Vonette Bright describes, in detail, four principals and ideas to help a woman fully understand what it means to trust in Jesus as Savior. She includes Bible verses and illustrations.
Thank you, Harvest House Publishers for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I Wish I Knew That: Geography
To contact us Click HERE
I happen to enjoy random facts...or better yet lots of interesting facts that I should . I Wish I Knew That: Geography (Cool Stuff You Need to Know) is a fun little (144 pages) geared at ages 9 and up.
Geography is a book that covers exactly what you would expect with some general information about planet earth and specifics about geographical items like volcanoes, oceans, mountains, and ecological communities. The reader also finds an introduction to the Seven Wonders of the World, watershed, and Antarctica.
With black and white illustrations and charts scattered throughout, this is an inviting and easy read. No topic is studied deeply, but many topics are included. It gives a basic overview of the earth's geography. Some children as young as seven would really enjoy this, though it is not likely going to be a resource for adults. (Nor is it intended for adults. It is a reference book for children.) I can imagine a child sitting in the backseat on a car trip enlightening his or her family with fun facts from I Wish I knew That: Geography because it really does include Cool Stuff You Need to Know. With its short passages, it could also be good bathroom reading...or a gift for a teacher. I'd like a bit more content, but it is a good book that kids would enjoy.
Thank you FSB Associates for sending me a copy for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Geography is a book that covers exactly what you would expect with some general information about planet earth and specifics about geographical items like volcanoes, oceans, mountains, and ecological communities. The reader also finds an introduction to the Seven Wonders of the World, watershed, and Antarctica.With black and white illustrations and charts scattered throughout, this is an inviting and easy read. No topic is studied deeply, but many topics are included. It gives a basic overview of the earth's geography. Some children as young as seven would really enjoy this, though it is not likely going to be a resource for adults. (Nor is it intended for adults. It is a reference book for children.) I can imagine a child sitting in the backseat on a car trip enlightening his or her family with fun facts from I Wish I knew That: Geography because it really does include Cool Stuff You Need to Know. With its short passages, it could also be good bathroom reading...or a gift for a teacher. I'd like a bit more content, but it is a good book that kids would enjoy.
Thank you FSB Associates for sending me a copy for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
What's Happening at This Simple Home...
To contact us Click HERE
I thought I'd share a few recent posts from over at This Simple Home in case you have not been popping in to read for yourself.
Easter Activities, Resurrection Rolls, and Resurrection Eggs Printable
Caramel Apple Dip Recipe
Bacon Ranch Chicken Recipe
Snickerdoodle Blondie Recipe
Ham and Cheese Roll-Ups Recipe
Promise Me This Book Review
How to Clean Brown Dishwasher Stains
Displaying Children's Artwork
Completed Household Binder Project
Indoor Snow Play...for those of you who live in the north
A Lesson from Garmin
In Case of a Seizure...
I thought I'd share a few recent posts from over at This Simple Home in case you have not been popping in to read for yourself.Easter Activities, Resurrection Rolls, and Resurrection Eggs Printable
Caramel Apple Dip Recipe
Bacon Ranch Chicken Recipe
Snickerdoodle Blondie RecipeHam and Cheese Roll-Ups Recipe
Promise Me This Book Review
How to Clean Brown Dishwasher Stains
Displaying Children's Artwork
Completed Household Binder Project
Indoor Snow Play...for those of you who live in the north
A Lesson from Garmin
In Case of a Seizure...
8 Temmuz 2012 Pazar
Blogside Chat | Becky Wade
To contact us Click HERE
If you've been reading here for the last month or so, you may remember me gushing about a new book by a new Christian fiction author, Becky Wade. Well, guess what?! Becky Wade is here today for a Blogside Chat! I'm so excited to learn a little bit more about her book My Stubborn Heart and the woman behind the story! (You can read my review here.) Here's the blurb from the back of the book:
i blog 4 books: For any readers who might not be familiar with you, please tell us a bit about yourself.
Becky Wade: I'm a southern California girl who attended Baylor University, met a Texas boy there, married the Texas boy, and lived overseas for four years before settling in - you guessed it - Texas! I'm the mom of three kids (ages 11, 8, 3). I drive around in an SUV, usually toting children or my Cavalier Spaniel (who adores carpool). I spend a lot of my time trying to keep up with my household's childcare, cleaning, grocery, meal, and laundry demands. But while I'm doing all that, my imagination is often immersed in my manuscript and my characters. I'm a huge fan of romantic books and movies, beach vacations, dinners out, and See's Chocolates.
ib4b: Sounds like you're a busy lady! What was the inspiration behind My Stubborn Heart?
BW: I wanted to write a story about healing. That's it! That was the initial inspiration. In order to do it, I knew I needed a wounded main character. In answer, Matt Jarreau (My Stubborn Heart's hero) began to take shape in my mind.
For those of you who haven't read My Stubborn Heart, Matt was once a great NHL hockey player. Then his beloved wife died of cancer. He was so stricken by his loss that he left behind his sport, the money, the fame -- all of it -- and returned to his small hometown to live as a hermit.
The entire novel grew, layer upon layer, from Matt's character.
ib4b: I loved Matt's character ... interesting that the rest of the story stemmed from him. What message or lesson do you hope readers will take away from reading it?
BW: The message that in His time, God can (and will) masterfully work out the destinies of His people.
ib4b: How do you see yourself in the book?
BW: I most see myself most in Kate's wry outlook on life. Her sense of humor, her emotions, and her insecurities are all very much mine.
ib4b: The more I read, the more I appreciate the research that authors do to deliver a realistic story. Tell us about your research process for this book.
BW: Kate (My Stubborn Heart's heroine) loves antiques, so I checked out some books on antiques from the library. I photocopy pertinent sections of research books so that: a) I can highlight all over them and b) I can easily consult them later. I researched things like Kate's career as a social worker, the Pennsylvania setting, and hockey online.
ib4b: It seems like most authors have quite an interesting journey to getting published. What did you do in your "former life"?
BW: Well, strangely, I was also an author in my "former life". So you could say that my CBA debut is my "second life" as an author. And you could definitely say that My Stubborn Heart is God's "second chance" gift to me.
Before kids, I published historical romances for the general market. Then two things happened simultaneously...
But eventually, to my great surprise, God called me back to it. This time I knew unequivocally that He wanted me to write for the Christian market or not at all. So whenever I could find a quiet or solitary moment (not easy for stay-at-home moms of young kids!) I sat down and at my computer and worked on a manuscript. That manuscript became My Stubborn Heart.
ib4b: That's quite a journey to where you are today! I (for one) sure am glad that the Lord called you to write for the Christian market! Where do you like to write?
BW: Two places. My first choice is at home at my desk, which is situated right in front of a big window overlooking the front yard. I like home best because I have my dog's company plus ready access to snacks and the bathroom. :)
My second choice is the library. Because quiet can be scarce at my house and because I need quiet to concentrate, I take my computer to the study floor of my local library one afternoon each week. I plant myself there and work for hours. Here's a shot of my favorite spot at the library. When I arrive to find someone in "my" spot, I'm grumpy!
ib4b: What were some of your favorite books growing up?
BW: The Little House collection by Laura Ingalls Wilder! My mom read the series out loud to me when I was too small to read them myself. I still remember sitting next to her on the living room sofa, listening, enthralled, completely carried away. I credit my mom and those books (I cherished the TV show, too) for first breathing to life my lifelong love of reading.
ib4b: What was the last "must read" Christian fiction book that you read?
BW: Love On The Line by Deeanne Gist
ib4b: Ooh ... that was a great book! What's on your nightstand?
BW: A lamp, framed photos, a piece of coral from the Caribbean island of Anguilla, an empty bottled water, 6 books (I'm currently reading Short-Straw Bride), sweet notes and mementos from my kids, and my toddler's baby book. I placed the baby book there in hopes that seeing it daily would inspire me to work on it. Uh huh. Yeah. Like that'll ever happen.
ib4b: What is your dream vacation?
BW: A lavish trip to Paris with my husband. In my imagination we'd stay at the Ritz, sleep late, consume croissants and coffee for breakfast, explore the city, eat crepes, see shows, buy Chanel products. ...Did I mention eating crepes?
ib4b: Sounds like a great vacation to me! What’s a talent you wish you had?
BW: Any shred of musical talent would be welcome. I can't read music, play a single instrument, or sing a single note on key.
ib4b: Do you have a "life verse" or favorite Scripture?
BW: "He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30
ib4b: Such a powerful verse, and one I need to spend more time meditating on. Write your memoir in six words or less.
BW: She loved: God, family, writing books.
ib4b: Can you tell us a bit about what you're working on now? When can we expect to see it in stores?
BW: My next novel will be called Undeniably Yours and it will be available around this time next year. Like My Stubborn Heart, it's a modern, fun, and emotional Christian romance. Here's a sneak peek:
Becky Wade OnlineWebsite | Facebook
Oh ... and one more little surprise ... here's a sneak peek at the Prologue of My Stubborn Heart!
Prologue
There once was a girl who'd been praying for a husband since the fourth grade. Over the years she'd prayed for his health, his happiness, his protection, and -- okay -- sometimes for his good looks. She'd prayed that she would meet him when she was meant to.
Except that she hadn't.
She'd been avidly expecting and watching for him all this time, from the fourth grade straight up to the age of thirty-one. And though she tried hard to be positive, the truth was that she'd grown tired of waiting. Tired of dating. Tired of breaking off just two bananas from the bunch at the grocery store. Tired of the singles group at church. Tired of living alone.
Worse, she was beginning to doubt that her nameless, faceless husband existed at all. Maybe, late at night in her kid bed, her college bed, her adult single woman bed, she'd been praying for someone who wasn't coming. Ever.
Perhaps her husband had run in front of a bus as a child. What did God do in that situation? Swap in an understudy? Or maybe she'd missed her husband during the bustle of her college years, never knowing that the shy guy from physics class was the one. Or perhaps, right from the start, God had never intended for her to marry.
Or maybe, just maybe -- and this was the hope she still clung to despite the evidence to the contrary -- her husband was still on his way.
*****
There once was a mother who'd been praying double hard for her son ever since he'd stopped praying for himself.
From earliest childhood, he'd been extraordinary - a perfect, miraculous blend of athletic ability and focused determination. She and her husband had supported and loved him, but never expected of him what he'd made of himself. How could it even have entered her mind to dream a dream that big? She'd watched with a mixture of sentimental pride and stunned surprise as he'd climbed up every level of the sport of hockey.
By the age of eighteen he was playing professionally. From there, at what she'd thought would be the pinnacle, his star had only continued to rise. He'd been photographed for grocery store magazines. He'd moved into a house surrounded by a wall of security. He'd married a beautiful girl in a grand wedding ceremony filled with the flashes of cameras, wedding planners, and peach colored roses.
Her son had accomplished it all. The height of success in his career. National fame. Wealth. The best personal happiness with his wife.
And then it had all come apart, crashing and rolling out of reach like a handfull of spilled marbles. His wife had been diagnosed with cancer and nothing -- not the most money, not the best doctors -- had been able to save her. When she'd died, he'd walked away from his sport, from the big house with the wall, from the fame.
In the years since, he'd retreated inside himself to a place where none of his family or friends could reach him. So his mother prayed. She prayed that God wouldn't forget about him, this son of hers, who'd gained and lost the world in just a third of his lifetime. She prayed that God would send someone who could find him and save him from his prison of grief. And she prayed that maybe, somehow, in time, his heart would soften and he'd find love again.
*****
Funny thing about prayers. God hears them. But you just never know if, when, or how He's going to answer them.
Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When her grandmother asks her to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.
Upon her arrival in Redbud, Kate meets Matt Jarreau, the man hired to renovate the house. Kate can't help being attracted to him, drawn by both his good looks and something else she can't quite put her finger on. He's clearly wounded--hiding from people, from God, and from his past. Yet Kate sets her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light... whether he likes it or not.
When the stilted, uncomfortable interactions between Kate and Matt slowly shift into something more, is God finally answering the longing of her heart? Or will Kate be required to give up more than she ever dreamed?
i blog 4 books: For any readers who might not be familiar with you, please tell us a bit about yourself.Becky Wade: I'm a southern California girl who attended Baylor University, met a Texas boy there, married the Texas boy, and lived overseas for four years before settling in - you guessed it - Texas! I'm the mom of three kids (ages 11, 8, 3). I drive around in an SUV, usually toting children or my Cavalier Spaniel (who adores carpool). I spend a lot of my time trying to keep up with my household's childcare, cleaning, grocery, meal, and laundry demands. But while I'm doing all that, my imagination is often immersed in my manuscript and my characters. I'm a huge fan of romantic books and movies, beach vacations, dinners out, and See's Chocolates.
ib4b: Sounds like you're a busy lady! What was the inspiration behind My Stubborn Heart?
BW: I wanted to write a story about healing. That's it! That was the initial inspiration. In order to do it, I knew I needed a wounded main character. In answer, Matt Jarreau (My Stubborn Heart's hero) began to take shape in my mind.
For those of you who haven't read My Stubborn Heart, Matt was once a great NHL hockey player. Then his beloved wife died of cancer. He was so stricken by his loss that he left behind his sport, the money, the fame -- all of it -- and returned to his small hometown to live as a hermit.
The entire novel grew, layer upon layer, from Matt's character.
ib4b: I loved Matt's character ... interesting that the rest of the story stemmed from him. What message or lesson do you hope readers will take away from reading it?BW: The message that in His time, God can (and will) masterfully work out the destinies of His people.
ib4b: How do you see yourself in the book?
BW: I most see myself most in Kate's wry outlook on life. Her sense of humor, her emotions, and her insecurities are all very much mine.
ib4b: The more I read, the more I appreciate the research that authors do to deliver a realistic story. Tell us about your research process for this book.
BW: Kate (My Stubborn Heart's heroine) loves antiques, so I checked out some books on antiques from the library. I photocopy pertinent sections of research books so that: a) I can highlight all over them and b) I can easily consult them later. I researched things like Kate's career as a social worker, the Pennsylvania setting, and hockey online.
ib4b: It seems like most authors have quite an interesting journey to getting published. What did you do in your "former life"?
BW: Well, strangely, I was also an author in my "former life". So you could say that my CBA debut is my "second life" as an author. And you could definitely say that My Stubborn Heart is God's "second chance" gift to me.
Before kids, I published historical romances for the general market. Then two things happened simultaneously...
- My oldest child was born.
- My publisher decided not to offer me a contract for more books.
But eventually, to my great surprise, God called me back to it. This time I knew unequivocally that He wanted me to write for the Christian market or not at all. So whenever I could find a quiet or solitary moment (not easy for stay-at-home moms of young kids!) I sat down and at my computer and worked on a manuscript. That manuscript became My Stubborn Heart.
ib4b: That's quite a journey to where you are today! I (for one) sure am glad that the Lord called you to write for the Christian market! Where do you like to write?
 |
| Becky's Desk at Home |
My second choice is the library. Because quiet can be scarce at my house and because I need quiet to concentrate, I take my computer to the study floor of my local library one afternoon each week. I plant myself there and work for hours. Here's a shot of my favorite spot at the library. When I arrive to find someone in "my" spot, I'm grumpy!
ib4b: What were some of your favorite books growing up?
 |
| Becky's Favorite Spot at the Library |
ib4b: What was the last "must read" Christian fiction book that you read?
BW: Love On The Line by Deeanne Gist
ib4b: Ooh ... that was a great book! What's on your nightstand?
BW: A lamp, framed photos, a piece of coral from the Caribbean island of Anguilla, an empty bottled water, 6 books (I'm currently reading Short-Straw Bride), sweet notes and mementos from my kids, and my toddler's baby book. I placed the baby book there in hopes that seeing it daily would inspire me to work on it. Uh huh. Yeah. Like that'll ever happen.
ib4b: What is your dream vacation?
BW: A lavish trip to Paris with my husband. In my imagination we'd stay at the Ritz, sleep late, consume croissants and coffee for breakfast, explore the city, eat crepes, see shows, buy Chanel products. ...Did I mention eating crepes?
ib4b: Sounds like a great vacation to me! What’s a talent you wish you had?
BW: Any shred of musical talent would be welcome. I can't read music, play a single instrument, or sing a single note on key.
ib4b: Do you have a "life verse" or favorite Scripture?
BW: "He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30
ib4b: Such a powerful verse, and one I need to spend more time meditating on. Write your memoir in six words or less.
BW: She loved: God, family, writing books.
ib4b: Can you tell us a bit about what you're working on now? When can we expect to see it in stores?
BW: My next novel will be called Undeniably Yours and it will be available around this time next year. Like My Stubborn Heart, it's a modern, fun, and emotional Christian romance. Here's a sneak peek:
When Meg Cole's father dies unexpectedly, she becomes the majority shareholder of his oil company and the single inheritor of his fortune. Though Meg is soft spoken and tenderhearted -- more interested in art than in oil -- she's forced to return home to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of her father's empire.
The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with? Her father's thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six months to close the place down.ib4b: Wow! That sounds like a great book! If it's anything like My Stubborn Heart, I know I'll enjoy it! Thanks so much for stopping by, Becky!
But the more time Meg spends in Bo's company, the more she realizes that the straightforward cowboy with the steady gaze and the trustworthy heart might be the one thing on the ranch well worth keeping.
Becky Wade OnlineWebsite | Facebook
Oh ... and one more little surprise ... here's a sneak peek at the Prologue of My Stubborn Heart!
Prologue
There once was a girl who'd been praying for a husband since the fourth grade. Over the years she'd prayed for his health, his happiness, his protection, and -- okay -- sometimes for his good looks. She'd prayed that she would meet him when she was meant to.
Except that she hadn't.
She'd been avidly expecting and watching for him all this time, from the fourth grade straight up to the age of thirty-one. And though she tried hard to be positive, the truth was that she'd grown tired of waiting. Tired of dating. Tired of breaking off just two bananas from the bunch at the grocery store. Tired of the singles group at church. Tired of living alone.
Worse, she was beginning to doubt that her nameless, faceless husband existed at all. Maybe, late at night in her kid bed, her college bed, her adult single woman bed, she'd been praying for someone who wasn't coming. Ever.
Perhaps her husband had run in front of a bus as a child. What did God do in that situation? Swap in an understudy? Or maybe she'd missed her husband during the bustle of her college years, never knowing that the shy guy from physics class was the one. Or perhaps, right from the start, God had never intended for her to marry.
Or maybe, just maybe -- and this was the hope she still clung to despite the evidence to the contrary -- her husband was still on his way.
*****
There once was a mother who'd been praying double hard for her son ever since he'd stopped praying for himself.
From earliest childhood, he'd been extraordinary - a perfect, miraculous blend of athletic ability and focused determination. She and her husband had supported and loved him, but never expected of him what he'd made of himself. How could it even have entered her mind to dream a dream that big? She'd watched with a mixture of sentimental pride and stunned surprise as he'd climbed up every level of the sport of hockey.
By the age of eighteen he was playing professionally. From there, at what she'd thought would be the pinnacle, his star had only continued to rise. He'd been photographed for grocery store magazines. He'd moved into a house surrounded by a wall of security. He'd married a beautiful girl in a grand wedding ceremony filled with the flashes of cameras, wedding planners, and peach colored roses.
Her son had accomplished it all. The height of success in his career. National fame. Wealth. The best personal happiness with his wife.
And then it had all come apart, crashing and rolling out of reach like a handfull of spilled marbles. His wife had been diagnosed with cancer and nothing -- not the most money, not the best doctors -- had been able to save her. When she'd died, he'd walked away from his sport, from the big house with the wall, from the fame.
In the years since, he'd retreated inside himself to a place where none of his family or friends could reach him. So his mother prayed. She prayed that God wouldn't forget about him, this son of hers, who'd gained and lost the world in just a third of his lifetime. She prayed that God would send someone who could find him and save him from his prison of grief. And she prayed that maybe, somehow, in time, his heart would soften and he'd find love again.
*****
Funny thing about prayers. God hears them. But you just never know if, when, or how He's going to answer them.
Backstage Pass series by Janice Thompson
To contact us Click HERE
Stars Collide
by Janice Thompson
Backstage Pass series, Book 1
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Romance
Available January 2011
Revell
336 pages
About the Book
Her future's so bright, she's gotta wear shades
Kat Jennings and Scott Murphy don't just play two people who are secretly in love on a television sitcom--they are actually head over heels for each other in real life. When the lines between reality and TV land blur, they hope they can keep their relationship under wraps. But when Kat's grandmother, an eccentric star from Hollywood's golden age, mistakes their on-screen wedding proposal for the real deal, things begin to spiral out of control. Will their secret be front-page news in the tabloids? And can their budding romance survive the onslaught of paparazzi, wedding preparations, and misinformed family members?
From the soundstage to a Beverly Hills mansion to the gleaming Pacific Ocean, Stars Collide takes you on a roller-coaster tour of Hollywood, packing both comedic punch and tender emotion.
My Thoughts
With The Director's Cut on my review schedule for the end of this month, I wanted to read the first two books in the series. The Backstage Pass series takes us behind the scenes of a Hollywood television series, and Stars Collide features the story of Kat and Scott, the stars of the show.
Janice Thompson knows how to write romantic comedy! Stars Collide was funny from beginning to end, and I truly liked the characters. I did find the story to be a bit unbelievable on several points, and it seemed highly unlikely that so many Christians would be working on the same television show in Hollywood. But once I got past some of those initial "disbeliefs," I found myself more and more invested in the story and interested in the outcome. If you like to laugh, you're sure to like Stars Collide! [3 stars]
I reviewed my personal copy of this book. I was not asked to review it. All opinions expressed are my own.
Hello, Hollywood!
by Janice Thompson
Backstage Pass series, Book 2
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Romance
Available September 2011
Revell
278 pages
About the Book
Athena Pappas is the head writer on one of the most popular sitcoms in television history. But when Vegas comedian Stephen Cosse is brought in to beef up the show's suddenly sagging ratings, she starts to worry about her job. Sparks fly as the competition--and attraction--between the two writers heats up. Athena has never had a problem scripting the romances of her characters. So why is her own love life so hard to script?
With humor and a Hollywood-insider viewpoint, Hello, Hollywood! delivers lots of laughs as the characters discover that not being in control of the plot of their lives might just be the best thing that ever happened to them.
My Thoughts
Diving into Hello, Hollywood!, the second installment of the Backstage Pass series, I found that I liked this book even better than the first. Athena Pappas, the talented screenplay writer, was introduced in the first book and the focus of this book. Simultaneously attracted to and threatened by her new co-writer Stephen, she's not sure what to think. Her big Greek family is convinced they are made for each other, but it will take more to overcome past hurts than a handsome face.
I thought the book started off a tad slow, but once I got into it, it was a great read! In reading "part two," I think I figured out what bugged me in the first book. It seemed like every character, struggle, and situation was a complete extreme. The more I read, though, the more I realized that the extremes were what made the book so funny! Think of your favorite TV sitcom, and you'll see what I mean.
I loved Athena and Stephen. Athena's family added a new dimension to the story as well. Plus, it was nice to catch up with Kat and Scott from Stars Collide. Hello, Hollywood! is another funny, romantic story from Janice Thompson. I think the whole series makes a great summer read—or anytime read. [4 stars]
I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library. I was not asked to review it. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the Author
Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at TV land, drawing on her experiences as a screenwriter. She is the author of the Weddings by Bella series, Stars Collide, and Hello, Hollywood! She lives in Texas.
Janice Thompson OnlineWebsite | Blog | Facebook | Twitter
Stars Collideby Janice Thompson
Backstage Pass series, Book 1
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Romance
Available January 2011
Revell
336 pages
About the Book
Her future's so bright, she's gotta wear shades
Kat Jennings and Scott Murphy don't just play two people who are secretly in love on a television sitcom--they are actually head over heels for each other in real life. When the lines between reality and TV land blur, they hope they can keep their relationship under wraps. But when Kat's grandmother, an eccentric star from Hollywood's golden age, mistakes their on-screen wedding proposal for the real deal, things begin to spiral out of control. Will their secret be front-page news in the tabloids? And can their budding romance survive the onslaught of paparazzi, wedding preparations, and misinformed family members?
From the soundstage to a Beverly Hills mansion to the gleaming Pacific Ocean, Stars Collide takes you on a roller-coaster tour of Hollywood, packing both comedic punch and tender emotion.
My Thoughts
With The Director's Cut on my review schedule for the end of this month, I wanted to read the first two books in the series. The Backstage Pass series takes us behind the scenes of a Hollywood television series, and Stars Collide features the story of Kat and Scott, the stars of the show.
Janice Thompson knows how to write romantic comedy! Stars Collide was funny from beginning to end, and I truly liked the characters. I did find the story to be a bit unbelievable on several points, and it seemed highly unlikely that so many Christians would be working on the same television show in Hollywood. But once I got past some of those initial "disbeliefs," I found myself more and more invested in the story and interested in the outcome. If you like to laugh, you're sure to like Stars Collide! [3 stars]
I reviewed my personal copy of this book. I was not asked to review it. All opinions expressed are my own.
Hello, Hollywood!by Janice Thompson
Backstage Pass series, Book 2
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Romance
Available September 2011
Revell
278 pages
About the Book
Athena Pappas is the head writer on one of the most popular sitcoms in television history. But when Vegas comedian Stephen Cosse is brought in to beef up the show's suddenly sagging ratings, she starts to worry about her job. Sparks fly as the competition--and attraction--between the two writers heats up. Athena has never had a problem scripting the romances of her characters. So why is her own love life so hard to script?
With humor and a Hollywood-insider viewpoint, Hello, Hollywood! delivers lots of laughs as the characters discover that not being in control of the plot of their lives might just be the best thing that ever happened to them.
My Thoughts
Diving into Hello, Hollywood!, the second installment of the Backstage Pass series, I found that I liked this book even better than the first. Athena Pappas, the talented screenplay writer, was introduced in the first book and the focus of this book. Simultaneously attracted to and threatened by her new co-writer Stephen, she's not sure what to think. Her big Greek family is convinced they are made for each other, but it will take more to overcome past hurts than a handsome face.
I thought the book started off a tad slow, but once I got into it, it was a great read! In reading "part two," I think I figured out what bugged me in the first book. It seemed like every character, struggle, and situation was a complete extreme. The more I read, though, the more I realized that the extremes were what made the book so funny! Think of your favorite TV sitcom, and you'll see what I mean.
I loved Athena and Stephen. Athena's family added a new dimension to the story as well. Plus, it was nice to catch up with Kat and Scott from Stars Collide. Hello, Hollywood! is another funny, romantic story from Janice Thompson. I think the whole series makes a great summer read—or anytime read. [4 stars]
I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library. I was not asked to review it. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the Author
Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at TV land, drawing on her experiences as a screenwriter. She is the author of the Weddings by Bella series, Stars Collide, and Hello, Hollywood! She lives in Texas.
Janice Thompson OnlineWebsite | Blog | Facebook | Twitter
Friday Five
To contact us Click HERE
It's been quite a while since I've posted a Friday Five, but there were just SO many great posts circulating this week that I wanted to share! Enjoy!
1. If you don't read Jody Hedlund's blog, you should! She writes an incredibly thoughtful blog that has given me a lot of insight into the life of a write, the publishing process, and lots of issues related to writing, publicity, etc. Earlier this week, Jody posted 20 Easy Ways Readers Can Help Promote a Book. Loved her ideas!
2. My friend Jenny re-posted a fantastic post about Responding in Tragedy. Speaking from experience, she shares a few things NOT to say and a few things TO say instead. Great timing in light of the horrific fires in Colorado, but I think you'll find these helpful anytime you're not sure what to say.
3. Tricia Goyer is posting a series called 30 Free and Fun Things to Do This Summer. She's only posted 4 so far, so I'm assuming we have 26 creative ideas to look forward to. Whether you have kids or are looking for something new to do with friends or your spouse, these are some great suggestions!
4. Since I've been blogging and sharing my love for books with all of you, I've enjoyed learning more about the process of writing and publishing ... you know, all that stuff that has to happen to a book before I get it in my hands to read. I enjoyed Olivia Newport's post about how a book gets its title.
5. I also loved this post from Faith in Fiction about cover designs. They discussed the idea of motion in covers, which I've never really thought about. So much to think about!
Those are just a few of the incredible posts I've stumbled across. Have you read anything interesting this week? Grab the button and write your own Friday Five or let me know in the comments!
It's been quite a while since I've posted a Friday Five, but there were just SO many great posts circulating this week that I wanted to share! Enjoy!
1. If you don't read Jody Hedlund's blog, you should! She writes an incredibly thoughtful blog that has given me a lot of insight into the life of a write, the publishing process, and lots of issues related to writing, publicity, etc. Earlier this week, Jody posted 20 Easy Ways Readers Can Help Promote a Book. Loved her ideas!
2. My friend Jenny re-posted a fantastic post about Responding in Tragedy. Speaking from experience, she shares a few things NOT to say and a few things TO say instead. Great timing in light of the horrific fires in Colorado, but I think you'll find these helpful anytime you're not sure what to say.
3. Tricia Goyer is posting a series called 30 Free and Fun Things to Do This Summer. She's only posted 4 so far, so I'm assuming we have 26 creative ideas to look forward to. Whether you have kids or are looking for something new to do with friends or your spouse, these are some great suggestions!
4. Since I've been blogging and sharing my love for books with all of you, I've enjoyed learning more about the process of writing and publishing ... you know, all that stuff that has to happen to a book before I get it in my hands to read. I enjoyed Olivia Newport's post about how a book gets its title.
5. I also loved this post from Faith in Fiction about cover designs. They discussed the idea of motion in covers, which I've never really thought about. So much to think about!
Those are just a few of the incredible posts I've stumbled across. Have you read anything interesting this week? Grab the button and write your own Friday Five or let me know in the comments!
Revell Blog Tour | The Director's Cut by Janice Thompson
To contact us Click HERE
The Director's Cut
by Janice Thompson
Backstage Pass series, Book 3
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Romance
Available June 2012
Revell
320 pages
About the Book
The one thing she can't direct is her heart.
Tia Morales is used to calling the shots. She's the director of the popular sitcom Stars Collide, and her life on the set is calculated and orderly. Well, most of the time. Life outside the studio is another matter. If only she could get other people to behave as well as her stars do! When she starts to have feelings for handsome cameraman Jason Harris--with whom she's been butting heads for months--it's enough to send a girl over the edge. Will she ever learn to let go and take life--and love--as it comes?
Full of the humor and crazy family dynamics Janice Thompson fans have come to love, this colorful story gives you an inside look at Hollywood and a healthy dose of romance.
My Thoughts
After reading the first two novels in Janice Thompson's Backstage Pass series (read my reviews here), I was excited to read the final book, The Director's Cut. In this book, we get to know Tia, the director of Stars Collide better. While being in control and giving orders works well in her job, it doesn't work so well off stage. As Jason and Tia get to know one another better (and stop driving each other crazy!), Tia is challenged to let her guard down and learn to be vulnerable.
As with the previous books in this series, I found The Director's Cut to be warm, romantic, and funny! Tia's family plays a large role in the story and as a result, we get to see into her past and truly understand what makes Tia the way she is. (At times, they drove me crazy too!) I especially liked how her relationship with her family evolved. I think there's a lesson there for all of us in how we interact with our families - and others whom we "have" to have a relationship with.
Jason was a strong character as well. He consistently challenged and encouraged Tia to open up, to trust God, and to be vulnerable with her friends. It was neat to see him really leading the relationship, rather than Tia chasing after him. The progression of their relationship and the growth of Tia's character was more "realistic" than some of the other stories in the series. (Or maybe I just identified more with her "control-freak" ways!) I also really appreciated the short "epilogue" that Janice included in the author's note at the end of the book - a great way to give a little more closure to our time with such great characters.
This entire series was a lot of fun and I'm so glad I read them all! If you're looking for a fun story with great life lessons mixed in, this series is for you! [4 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Janice has been blogging about her real-life adventures as a director. I've really enjoyed these stories and know you will too! And ... Janice was recently featured in Family Fiction. I enjoyed getting to know more about her in this article!
About the Author
Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at TV land, drawing on her experiences as a screenwriter. She is the author of the Weddings by Bella series, Stars Collide, and Hello, Hollywood! She lives in Texas.
Janice Thompson OnlineWebsite | Blog | Facebook | Twitter
The Director's Cutby Janice Thompson
Backstage Pass series, Book 3
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Romance
Available June 2012
Revell
320 pages
About the Book
The one thing she can't direct is her heart.
Tia Morales is used to calling the shots. She's the director of the popular sitcom Stars Collide, and her life on the set is calculated and orderly. Well, most of the time. Life outside the studio is another matter. If only she could get other people to behave as well as her stars do! When she starts to have feelings for handsome cameraman Jason Harris--with whom she's been butting heads for months--it's enough to send a girl over the edge. Will she ever learn to let go and take life--and love--as it comes?
Full of the humor and crazy family dynamics Janice Thompson fans have come to love, this colorful story gives you an inside look at Hollywood and a healthy dose of romance.
My Thoughts
After reading the first two novels in Janice Thompson's Backstage Pass series (read my reviews here), I was excited to read the final book, The Director's Cut. In this book, we get to know Tia, the director of Stars Collide better. While being in control and giving orders works well in her job, it doesn't work so well off stage. As Jason and Tia get to know one another better (and stop driving each other crazy!), Tia is challenged to let her guard down and learn to be vulnerable.
As with the previous books in this series, I found The Director's Cut to be warm, romantic, and funny! Tia's family plays a large role in the story and as a result, we get to see into her past and truly understand what makes Tia the way she is. (At times, they drove me crazy too!) I especially liked how her relationship with her family evolved. I think there's a lesson there for all of us in how we interact with our families - and others whom we "have" to have a relationship with.
Jason was a strong character as well. He consistently challenged and encouraged Tia to open up, to trust God, and to be vulnerable with her friends. It was neat to see him really leading the relationship, rather than Tia chasing after him. The progression of their relationship and the growth of Tia's character was more "realistic" than some of the other stories in the series. (Or maybe I just identified more with her "control-freak" ways!) I also really appreciated the short "epilogue" that Janice included in the author's note at the end of the book - a great way to give a little more closure to our time with such great characters.
This entire series was a lot of fun and I'm so glad I read them all! If you're looking for a fun story with great life lessons mixed in, this series is for you! [4 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Janice has been blogging about her real-life adventures as a director. I've really enjoyed these stories and know you will too! And ... Janice was recently featured in Family Fiction. I enjoyed getting to know more about her in this article!
About the Author
Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at TV land, drawing on her experiences as a screenwriter. She is the author of the Weddings by Bella series, Stars Collide, and Hello, Hollywood! She lives in Texas.
Janice Thompson OnlineWebsite | Blog | Facebook | Twitter
Thursday 3 | Cottage by the Sea by Robin Jones Gunn
To contact us Click HERE
What is Thursday 3? It's a new once monthly meme, hosted by Book Obsessed, in which we will be discussing our love/hate relationship with our current read.
Here is how Thursday 3 works:
Take your current read, or book you previously finished, and tell the following 3 things about it.
It's easy to say that I "love" the main character or "hate" the main antagonist, but each month when I post for Thursday 3, I try to find a less obvious person to "love" or "hate." Today I'm featuring Cottage by the Sea by Robin Jones Gunn. I finished it earlier this week and will be posting a review soon.
LOVE - Erin's husband Mike was easy to love. He truly was Erin's hero, and it was nice to see a Godly man portrayed in this character.
HATE - Sharlene, Erin's best friend, was a little disappointing and annoying. I was so put off by some of her choices and responses to Erin's problems. (Hate is definitely too strong of a word here.)
LOVE / HATE - Love! (Of course!) I'm a huge fan of Robin Jones Gunn. This book is a favorite for sure. :)
Here is how Thursday 3 works:Take your current read, or book you previously finished, and tell the following 3 things about it.
- Character from the book you LOVE (This can be a character you want as your BFF or someone you want to take home to meet the parents)
- Character from the book you HATE (This character does not have to be the villian, just someone you disliked)
- Your overall LOVE/HATE of the book. (If you haven't decided your feelings for the book yet, or if you prefer, just provide a snippet from the book containing either the word "LOVE" or "HATE")
It's easy to say that I "love" the main character or "hate" the main antagonist, but each month when I post for Thursday 3, I try to find a less obvious person to "love" or "hate." Today I'm featuring Cottage by the Sea by Robin Jones Gunn. I finished it earlier this week and will be posting a review soon. LOVE - Erin's husband Mike was easy to love. He truly was Erin's hero, and it was nice to see a Godly man portrayed in this character.
HATE - Sharlene, Erin's best friend, was a little disappointing and annoying. I was so put off by some of her choices and responses to Erin's problems. (Hate is definitely too strong of a word here.)
LOVE / HATE - Love! (Of course!) I'm a huge fan of Robin Jones Gunn. This book is a favorite for sure. :)
7 Temmuz 2012 Cumartesi
Over at This Simple Home
To contact us Click HERE
I've been busy sharing recipes, crafts, and books over at This Simple Home. I thought I'd highlight a few for you to check out!
You can get to know other bloggers through Together on Tuesdays, a summer link-up hosted by my friend Dorie and me.
I've been busy sharing recipes, crafts, and books over at This Simple Home. I thought I'd highlight a few for you to check out!- Photo Bookmark Tutorial (a fabulous gift!!)
- Gifts for teachers
- Coffee filter flowers
- Hand print towels (gift)
- Calendar activities
- Smile...It Makes a Difference
- Paper organization
- M&M's as cake decoration
- Easy strawberry jam
- Delicious grilled chicken
- Homemade pizza
- Sausage and egg casserole
- French dip
- Blueberry delight
- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
- Lit: A Christian Guide to Reading Books
- Horse books for children
- A book about sharing friends for children
- My thoughts on my Kindle Fire
- The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict by Trenton Lee Stuart
You can get to know other bloggers through Together on Tuesdays, a summer link-up hosted by my friend Dorie and me.
What Would You Do? - Autistic Child Defended in Cafe
To contact us Click HERE
Welcome Back Everyone~
I know I haven't been on this blog much lately, but life has kept me on my toes. I won't bore you with the details-except to say that my dad and I were in a car accident... We're both okay, but I'm still trying to make sense of the whole thing in my head. Anyway, April is autism awareness month. With that in mind, I gave across this What Would You Do clip
Welcome Back Everyone~
I know I haven't been on this blog much lately, but life has kept me on my toes. I won't bore you with the details-except to say that my dad and I were in a car accident... We're both okay, but I'm still trying to make sense of the whole thing in my head. Anyway, April is autism awareness month. With that in mind, I gave across this What Would You Do clip
How are you feeling today?? Focused on your disability?? Holly's Heart will make you think twice!!
To contact us Click HERE
Welcome Back Readers~
I'm sorry I haven't been around lately.. We have a lot going on around our house, including going to Baltimore to get the new van-so I can finally get around-and having guests visit. Anyway, I'm not really making excuses for not writing: however I have been doing a lot of thinking and writing that here would have been counterproductive....
Let's just say it's a constant struggle trying to keep everything together and running smoothly. From roommate issues to agency difficulties, something is always there reminding me I have a disability..
So, on this Friday, I just happened across this video! What do you think about Holly's point? If we have God in our lives, should we or should we not struggle with identity issues? That's what's on my mind today!
Welcome Back Readers~
I'm sorry I haven't been around lately.. We have a lot going on around our house, including going to Baltimore to get the new van-so I can finally get around-and having guests visit. Anyway, I'm not really making excuses for not writing: however I have been doing a lot of thinking and writing that here would have been counterproductive....
Let's just say it's a constant struggle trying to keep everything together and running smoothly. From roommate issues to agency difficulties, something is always there reminding me I have a disability..
So, on this Friday, I just happened across this video! What do you think about Holly's point? If we have God in our lives, should we or should we not struggle with identity issues? That's what's on my mind today!
Keep Running...
To contact us Click HERE
Grief is a funny thing, isn't it? One day you may think you have it under control; the next you're struggling to find your bearings...
I experienced a little of that this Sunday as our church explored Hebrews 12:1-3 in conjunction with our study of 1 Timothy.In this passage, we are encouraged to continue the race set before us and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus-a tradition passed on throughout the generations from grandmothers to mothers and so on.In fact, it even goes as far as to say "they are cloud of witnesses" watching to see how we endure the trials of this life. Depending on how you take this, it can be an encouragement or ove overwhelming weight to carry.
Which brings to the pictures of my grandparents above. In the first picture is my grandmother (on my mom's side) holding one of her grandchildren. The second is that my dad's parents. Each of them were amazing example of faith in action, despite having to deal with severe and unexpected illnesses and blindness. I sometimes wonder, though, whether I have held up to their legacy. I guess I won't know until I see them again!
Grief is a funny thing, isn't it? One day you may think you have it under control; the next you're struggling to find your bearings...
I experienced a little of that this Sunday as our church explored Hebrews 12:1-3 in conjunction with our study of 1 Timothy.In this passage, we are encouraged to continue the race set before us and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus-a tradition passed on throughout the generations from grandmothers to mothers and so on.In fact, it even goes as far as to say "they are cloud of witnesses" watching to see how we endure the trials of this life. Depending on how you take this, it can be an encouragement or ove overwhelming weight to carry.
Which brings to the pictures of my grandparents above. In the first picture is my grandmother (on my mom's side) holding one of her grandchildren. The second is that my dad's parents. Each of them were amazing example of faith in action, despite having to deal with severe and unexpected illnesses and blindness. I sometimes wonder, though, whether I have held up to their legacy. I guess I won't know until I see them again!
Personal Update On My Life; My Opinion on Sundance Channel's Push Girls
To contact us Click HERE
Welcome back Everyone~
I know I haven't been around lately; but late has certainly kept me busy. I find myself on the phone most of the time in an effort to keep up my independence; however, my parents have needed to help out more than I like ... I'm grateful, but I know that things are getting tougher for them and they have other things they would like to be doing.
Thus, the constant battle continues..
Speaking of battle for independence, I came across this interesting show on Sundance called Push Girls featuring several women in wheelchairs. Unlike me, most of their injuries were caused by car accidents and other situations. Although the show is very much focused on disability advocacy and knowing oneself, I was slightly put off by it. I don't know why. Maybe it's because on the first show, they seemed to really focus on the physical appearance of the people.... And not really their struggle. As Tiphany Put it somewhat like this, "Most People consider the disabled not really concerned with how they look, having food on their clothes..."
I don't know about you, but I'm offended by this.. I like to consider myself attractive, in a modest sort of way.. In terms of the food, well, sometimes I can't help it. That's the way it is with CP!
Anyway, maybe you can catch an encore of the show and let me know what you think! For more information, you can go to their website at: www.SundanceChannel.com/pushgirls
I know I haven't been around lately; but late has certainly kept me busy. I find myself on the phone most of the time in an effort to keep up my independence; however, my parents have needed to help out more than I like ... I'm grateful, but I know that things are getting tougher for them and they have other things they would like to be doing.
Thus, the constant battle continues..
Speaking of battle for independence, I came across this interesting show on Sundance called Push Girls featuring several women in wheelchairs. Unlike me, most of their injuries were caused by car accidents and other situations. Although the show is very much focused on disability advocacy and knowing oneself, I was slightly put off by it. I don't know why. Maybe it's because on the first show, they seemed to really focus on the physical appearance of the people.... And not really their struggle. As Tiphany Put it somewhat like this, "Most People consider the disabled not really concerned with how they look, having food on their clothes..."
I don't know about you, but I'm offended by this.. I like to consider myself attractive, in a modest sort of way.. In terms of the food, well, sometimes I can't help it. That's the way it is with CP!
Anyway, maybe you can catch an encore of the show and let me know what you think! For more information, you can go to their website at: www.SundanceChannel.com/pushgirls
5 Temmuz 2012 Perşembe
Month in Review | June 2012
To contact us Click HERE
Believe it or not, it's time for another Month in Review post! (Thanks to Crystal at Just Another Book Lovin' Girl for the great idea!) The year is halfway over—how did that happen?! This month was a bit different for me. I had all these goals of what I was going to read, but I ended up in a bit of a slump. At one point, I went NINE DAYS without finishing a single book! Crazy, huh?! I did read some really great books, though, so without further ado, here's my Month in Review!
Books Read [9]
Favorite book this month? I'm going with my gut on this one: Glamorous Illusions. It was so good . . . too bad I have to wait several months for the next installment!
Reviews Posted [9]
Glamorous Illusions by Lisa Tawn Bergren (Litfuse Tour)
Montana Rose by Mary Connealy
Love Lifted Me by Sara Evans w/ Rachel Hauck
The Last Plea Bargain by Randy Singer
Spring Hope by Martha Rogers (FIRST Wild Card Tour)
Hope Springs by Kim Cash Tate (Litfuse Tour)
Stars Collide by Janice Thompson
Hello, Hollywood! by Janice Thompson
The Director's Cut by Janice Thompson (Revell Tour)
Blogside Chats Darrel NelsonCandace CalvertBecky Wade
GiveawaysGlamorous Illusions Giveaway - Winner: Christine A.Birthday Giveaway - Winners: Liz R., Kelly B., and Erleen A.Trauma Plan Giveaway- Winner: Vera G.(in)courage Tote Giveaway - Giveaway ends TODAY (6/30)!
* I had a TON of fun with the giveaways this month. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on contentment, telling me where you want to travel, give up the dirt on your most embarrassing fashion mishaps, and for all the sweet birthday wishes! *
Update on Reading ChallengesHere's an update on each of my challenges for this year. If you want to see which books I've read for each challenge, you can do that here.
2012 Goodreads Challenge - 63 / 113 books
100+ Books in a Year - 63 books
2012 Ebook Challenge - 14 / 25 books
New Authors Challenge - 33 / 50 authors *Completed and increased goal in May*
2nds Challenge 2012 - 15 / 20 books *Completed and increased goal in May*
Just For Fun Reading Challenge 2012 - 5 / 12 months (7 books)
What Are You Reading? - 24 / 50 states
50 States Challenge - 24 / 50 states
2012 Christian Suspense Reading Challenge - 12 / 15 books
2012 Christian Historical Fiction Reading Challenge - 27 / 24 books *Completed in May*
Other Noteworthy Posts / Happenings
Books Read [9]
Favorite book this month? I'm going with my gut on this one: Glamorous Illusions. It was so good . . . too bad I have to wait several months for the next installment!
Reviews Posted [9]
Glamorous Illusions by Lisa Tawn Bergren (Litfuse Tour)
Montana Rose by Mary Connealy
Love Lifted Me by Sara Evans w/ Rachel Hauck
The Last Plea Bargain by Randy Singer
Spring Hope by Martha Rogers (FIRST Wild Card Tour)
Hope Springs by Kim Cash Tate (Litfuse Tour)
Stars Collide by Janice Thompson
Hello, Hollywood! by Janice Thompson
The Director's Cut by Janice Thompson (Revell Tour)
Blogside Chats Darrel NelsonCandace CalvertBecky Wade
GiveawaysGlamorous Illusions Giveaway - Winner: Christine A.Birthday Giveaway - Winners: Liz R., Kelly B., and Erleen A.Trauma Plan Giveaway- Winner: Vera G.(in)courage Tote Giveaway - Giveaway ends TODAY (6/30)!
* I had a TON of fun with the giveaways this month. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on contentment, telling me where you want to travel, give up the dirt on your most embarrassing fashion mishaps, and for all the sweet birthday wishes! *
Update on Reading ChallengesHere's an update on each of my challenges for this year. If you want to see which books I've read for each challenge, you can do that here.
2012 Goodreads Challenge - 63 / 113 books
100+ Books in a Year - 63 books
2012 Ebook Challenge - 14 / 25 books
New Authors Challenge - 33 / 50 authors *Completed and increased goal in May*
2nds Challenge 2012 - 15 / 20 books *Completed and increased goal in May*
Just For Fun Reading Challenge 2012 - 5 / 12 months (7 books)
What Are You Reading? - 24 / 50 states
50 States Challenge - 24 / 50 states
2012 Christian Suspense Reading Challenge - 12 / 15 books
2012 Christian Historical Fiction Reading Challenge - 27 / 24 books *Completed in May*
Other Noteworthy Posts / Happenings
- I started posting a few Summer Reading picks on Mondays and hope to do so through the end of the summer. Hopefully, it will help you find just the book you're looking for while you have a little extra time to read this summer!
- I'm going to start posting a travel feature called The Travel Bug when the mood strikes. I'm hoping this will be a regular occurrence. :)
Summer Reading | July Releases
To contact us Click HERE
It seems like everyone is going on vacation or just taking time off and looking for a book recommendation. I thought I'd highlight a few of my recommendations in case you're looking for a book but don't want to wade through the entire site to find one that strikes your fancy.
July is almost upon us, which means that a whole slew of new books are about to be released. There are some GOOD books coming out this month! Can't wait to get my hands on them!
Veil of Pearls by MaryLu Tyndall
Available 7/1/2012
Barbour
Be swept away to Charleston of 1811, a city bustling with immigrants like Adalia, who is a runaway slave so light-skinned that no one guesses her past. Terrified her secret will be discovered, she settles into a quiet life making herbal remedies for a local doctor. But when Morgan, the handsome son of a prominent family, sweeps her into his glamorous world—a world in which the truth about Adalia’s heritage would ruin them both—suspicions and petty jealousies are aroused. What will Morgan do when he discovers that the woman he has fallen in love with is a runaway slave?
Through Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond
Available 7/3/2012
Thomas Nelson
Sophia Makinoff is certain that 1876 is the year that she’ll become the wife of a certain US Congressman, and happily plans her debut into the Capitol city. But when he proposes to her roommate instead, Sophia is stunned. Hoping to flee her heartache and humiliation, she signs up with the Board of Foreign Missions on a whim.
With dreams of a romantic posting to the Far East, Sophia is dismayed to find she’s being sent to the Ponca Indian Agency in the bleak Dakota Territory. She can’t even run away effectively and begins to wonder how on earth she’ll be able to guide others as a missionary. But teaching the Ponca children provides her with a joy she has never known—and never expected—and ignites in her a passion for the people she’s sent to serve.
It’s a passion shared by the Agency carpenter, Willoughby Dunn, a man whose integrity and selflessness are unmatched. The Poncas are barely surviving. When U.S. policy decrees that they be uprooted from their land and marched hundreds of miles away in the middle of winter, Sophia and Will wade into rushing waters to fight for their friends, their love, and their destiny.
Starring Me by Krista McGee
Available 7/10/2012
Thomas Nelson
Kara McKormick is told she’s auditioning to star in a new teen variety show. But it’s what she isn’t told that could change her life. The feisty New Yorker moves to sunny Orlando to participate in a month-long audition, where she’ll live with nine other contestants and an eccentric housemother. Kara knows that the show already has a big-time celebrity lined up for the co-host, but she doesn’t know who it is.
Chad Beacon quickly rose to fame after winning America’s Next Star, but he doesn’t want his entire career to be about singing. There is so much more he wants to do—like act. The new variety show sounds like the perfect next step for him, but his parents want him to have a co-star who shares his faith since they’ll be spending so much time together.
Acting is high on Kara’s priority list. But a relationship with God? Not so much. In fact, she’s tried to stay away from anything religious. But God is after Kara’s heart and He’s put people in her life who are showing her there’s far more to Christianity than rules and judgment.
And just when it seems that Kara’s going to have to give up her acting dream, God reveals that she may have a starring role after all—in a story so big only He could write it.
Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble
Available 7/17/2012
Thomas Nelson
Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the seaward shore of Hope Island could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer’s talent and love of history. She’s delighted to learn of family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she’s met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.
But Libby soon realizes that only way she can afford the upkeep on the inn is to sell it to developers who are stalking the island. The father who willed her the inn has died before she could meet him, and her newfound brothers and sisters are convinced she’s there to steal their birthright. Worst of all, her best friend and business partner has been kidnapped before her eyes, Libby’s under suspicion for the crime, and her handsome lieutenant clearly doubts her innocence.
Libby’s dream-come-true is becoming a nightmare. Can she find her friend and establish her innocence? Must she sell Tidewater Inn and lose her family again? Or can she find a home for her heart on the beautiful shores of Hope Island?
July is almost upon us, which means that a whole slew of new books are about to be released. There are some GOOD books coming out this month! Can't wait to get my hands on them!
Veil of Pearls by MaryLu TyndallAvailable 7/1/2012
Barbour
Be swept away to Charleston of 1811, a city bustling with immigrants like Adalia, who is a runaway slave so light-skinned that no one guesses her past. Terrified her secret will be discovered, she settles into a quiet life making herbal remedies for a local doctor. But when Morgan, the handsome son of a prominent family, sweeps her into his glamorous world—a world in which the truth about Adalia’s heritage would ruin them both—suspicions and petty jealousies are aroused. What will Morgan do when he discovers that the woman he has fallen in love with is a runaway slave?
Through Rushing Water by Catherine RichmondAvailable 7/3/2012
Thomas Nelson
Sophia Makinoff is certain that 1876 is the year that she’ll become the wife of a certain US Congressman, and happily plans her debut into the Capitol city. But when he proposes to her roommate instead, Sophia is stunned. Hoping to flee her heartache and humiliation, she signs up with the Board of Foreign Missions on a whim.
With dreams of a romantic posting to the Far East, Sophia is dismayed to find she’s being sent to the Ponca Indian Agency in the bleak Dakota Territory. She can’t even run away effectively and begins to wonder how on earth she’ll be able to guide others as a missionary. But teaching the Ponca children provides her with a joy she has never known—and never expected—and ignites in her a passion for the people she’s sent to serve.
It’s a passion shared by the Agency carpenter, Willoughby Dunn, a man whose integrity and selflessness are unmatched. The Poncas are barely surviving. When U.S. policy decrees that they be uprooted from their land and marched hundreds of miles away in the middle of winter, Sophia and Will wade into rushing waters to fight for their friends, their love, and their destiny.
Starring Me by Krista McGeeAvailable 7/10/2012
Thomas Nelson
Kara McKormick is told she’s auditioning to star in a new teen variety show. But it’s what she isn’t told that could change her life. The feisty New Yorker moves to sunny Orlando to participate in a month-long audition, where she’ll live with nine other contestants and an eccentric housemother. Kara knows that the show already has a big-time celebrity lined up for the co-host, but she doesn’t know who it is.
Chad Beacon quickly rose to fame after winning America’s Next Star, but he doesn’t want his entire career to be about singing. There is so much more he wants to do—like act. The new variety show sounds like the perfect next step for him, but his parents want him to have a co-star who shares his faith since they’ll be spending so much time together.
Acting is high on Kara’s priority list. But a relationship with God? Not so much. In fact, she’s tried to stay away from anything religious. But God is after Kara’s heart and He’s put people in her life who are showing her there’s far more to Christianity than rules and judgment.
And just when it seems that Kara’s going to have to give up her acting dream, God reveals that she may have a starring role after all—in a story so big only He could write it.
Tidewater Inn by Colleen CobleAvailable 7/17/2012
Thomas Nelson
Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the seaward shore of Hope Island could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer’s talent and love of history. She’s delighted to learn of family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she’s met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.
But Libby soon realizes that only way she can afford the upkeep on the inn is to sell it to developers who are stalking the island. The father who willed her the inn has died before she could meet him, and her newfound brothers and sisters are convinced she’s there to steal their birthright. Worst of all, her best friend and business partner has been kidnapped before her eyes, Libby’s under suspicion for the crime, and her handsome lieutenant clearly doubts her innocence.
Libby’s dream-come-true is becoming a nightmare. Can she find her friend and establish her innocence? Must she sell Tidewater Inn and lose her family again? Or can she find a home for her heart on the beautiful shores of Hope Island?
Blogside Chat | Beth K. Vogt
To contact us Click HERE
I recently read Beth K. Vogt's fiction debut, Wish You Were Here, and loved every single page! (You can read my review here.) I'm so excited that Beth is joining me today for a Blogside Chat! I hope you enjoy getting to know her as much as I did!
i blog 4 books: Beth, thanks so much for visiting i blog 4 books today! For any readers who might not be familiar with you, please tell us
a bit about yourself.
Beth K. Vogt: I’m a novelist who said she’d never write fiction – but I like to say that I’ve discovered that God’s best is often behind the door marked “Never.” God used a season of burnout to move me from the nonfiction side of the writing road over to what I call the “Dark Side.”
ib4b: Ha! Well, I for one, am glad you took the plunge into the "Dark Side!" What was the inspiration behind Wish You Were Here?
BKV: Wish You Were Here asks the question: Can the wrong kiss lead to Mr. Right? While that question sets up a fun romance, the kiss-gone-wrong is a symbol for the mistakes we all make. Do we truly believe that God redeems our mistakes – that he can bring good out of our wrong choices?
ib4b: What message or lesson do you hope readers will take away from reading it?
BKV: There are several different messages woven through Wish You Were Here. I think one of the most compelling lessons is the one the heroine, Allison, learns: that she is not the sum total of her mistakes – that God is more than she ever imagined him to be, and that with him on her side she can be fearless.
ib4b: How do you see yourself in the book?
BKV: If you’re asking if I wove any of myself into Wish You Were Here, then the answer is yes, I did. I think every author tucks a bit of themselves into their books. While I’m not Allison, I did give her one characteristic that I understood: her fears. I struggled with fear for years and it’s only through my relationship with God that I found peace and hope and release from fear.
ib4b: The more I read, the more I appreciate the research that authors do to deliver a realistic story. Tell us about your research process for this book.
BKV: The book is set in Colorado, where I live, but I did travel to Estes Park to ensure I got some of those scenes right. And I also had to research the llamas. That involved going to a local llama ranch and spending several hours talking to the owners, taking pictures, and then doing additional research online.
ib4b: Oh the llamas! That was a rather unique (and funny!) addition to the story. :) It seems like most authors have quite an interesting journey to getting published. What did you do in your "former life"?
BKV: In my former life I was a wife and mom – and I still am. But before writing novels I was a nonfiction writer and editor. I edited Connections, the leadership magazine for Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) International. I also published a MOPS-brand book, Baby Changes Everything: Embracing and Preparing for Motherhood after 35.
ib4b: Where do you like to write?
BKV: I have an office that is three-quarters mine. There’s a desk in one corner that my husband uses to pay bills and my daughter uses for homework. But the room is painted and decorated to my taste, complete with one deep red wall – and when the door is shut, the family knows not to interrupt me.
ib4b: What were some of your favorite books growing up?
BKV: I read and re-read Little Women–and cried every time Beth died. I also loved The Secret Garden and anything written by Georgette Heyer or L. M. Montgomery.
ib4b: Little Women is one of my all-time favorites, too. I'll confess, though, it's my one fave that I would change the ending too. What was the last "must read" Christian fiction book that you read?
BKV: The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck – absolutely exquisite writing.
ib4b: Oh, The Wedding Dress was so good! Do you have a "life verse" or favorite Scripture?
BKV: Psalm 115:1 – Not to us, LORD, not to us, but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.
ib4b: Write your memoir in six words or less.
BKV: God waits behind the door marked “Never.”
ib4b: What bands/artists make your concert wish-list?
BKV: Chris Tomlin, Amy Grant, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum … oh I could go on and on …
ib4b: Yes, to all! Great list. :) What's your favorite movie?
BKV: The Magic of Ordinary Days (It’s a Hallmark Special.)
ib4b: If you painted every room in your house only one color, which color would you choose?
BKV: Green – variations of green.
ib4b: Can you tell us a bit about what you're working on now? When can we expect to see it in stores?
BKV: My next novel is titled Catch a Falling Star and will be released May 2013. It’s a contemporary romance set in Colorado Springs. It tackles the question: What do you do when life doesn’t go according to plan? Do you keep pushing for Plan A? Pull Plan B out of your back pocket? Or do you just settle?
ib4b: Oooh ... sounds like an interesting storyline to tackle. I look forward to reading it! Beth, thank you so much for joining me today!
Beth K. Vogt OnlineWebsite | Facebook | TwitterMy review:
i blog 4 books: Beth, thanks so much for visiting i blog 4 books today! For any readers who might not be familiar with you, please tell us
a bit about yourself. Beth K. Vogt: I’m a novelist who said she’d never write fiction – but I like to say that I’ve discovered that God’s best is often behind the door marked “Never.” God used a season of burnout to move me from the nonfiction side of the writing road over to what I call the “Dark Side.”
ib4b: Ha! Well, I for one, am glad you took the plunge into the "Dark Side!" What was the inspiration behind Wish You Were Here?
BKV: Wish You Were Here asks the question: Can the wrong kiss lead to Mr. Right? While that question sets up a fun romance, the kiss-gone-wrong is a symbol for the mistakes we all make. Do we truly believe that God redeems our mistakes – that he can bring good out of our wrong choices?
ib4b: What message or lesson do you hope readers will take away from reading it?
BKV: There are several different messages woven through Wish You Were Here. I think one of the most compelling lessons is the one the heroine, Allison, learns: that she is not the sum total of her mistakes – that God is more than she ever imagined him to be, and that with him on her side she can be fearless.
ib4b: How do you see yourself in the book?
BKV: If you’re asking if I wove any of myself into Wish You Were Here, then the answer is yes, I did. I think every author tucks a bit of themselves into their books. While I’m not Allison, I did give her one characteristic that I understood: her fears. I struggled with fear for years and it’s only through my relationship with God that I found peace and hope and release from fear.
ib4b: The more I read, the more I appreciate the research that authors do to deliver a realistic story. Tell us about your research process for this book.
BKV: The book is set in Colorado, where I live, but I did travel to Estes Park to ensure I got some of those scenes right. And I also had to research the llamas. That involved going to a local llama ranch and spending several hours talking to the owners, taking pictures, and then doing additional research online.
ib4b: Oh the llamas! That was a rather unique (and funny!) addition to the story. :) It seems like most authors have quite an interesting journey to getting published. What did you do in your "former life"?
BKV: In my former life I was a wife and mom – and I still am. But before writing novels I was a nonfiction writer and editor. I edited Connections, the leadership magazine for Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) International. I also published a MOPS-brand book, Baby Changes Everything: Embracing and Preparing for Motherhood after 35.
ib4b: Where do you like to write? BKV: I have an office that is three-quarters mine. There’s a desk in one corner that my husband uses to pay bills and my daughter uses for homework. But the room is painted and decorated to my taste, complete with one deep red wall – and when the door is shut, the family knows not to interrupt me.
ib4b: What were some of your favorite books growing up?
BKV: I read and re-read Little Women–and cried every time Beth died. I also loved The Secret Garden and anything written by Georgette Heyer or L. M. Montgomery.
ib4b: Little Women is one of my all-time favorites, too. I'll confess, though, it's my one fave that I would change the ending too. What was the last "must read" Christian fiction book that you read?
BKV: The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck – absolutely exquisite writing.
ib4b: Oh, The Wedding Dress was so good! Do you have a "life verse" or favorite Scripture?
BKV: Psalm 115:1 – Not to us, LORD, not to us, but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.
ib4b: Write your memoir in six words or less.
BKV: God waits behind the door marked “Never.”
ib4b: What bands/artists make your concert wish-list?
BKV: Chris Tomlin, Amy Grant, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum … oh I could go on and on …
ib4b: Yes, to all! Great list. :) What's your favorite movie?
BKV: The Magic of Ordinary Days (It’s a Hallmark Special.)
ib4b: If you painted every room in your house only one color, which color would you choose?
BKV: Green – variations of green.
ib4b: Can you tell us a bit about what you're working on now? When can we expect to see it in stores?
BKV: My next novel is titled Catch a Falling Star and will be released May 2013. It’s a contemporary romance set in Colorado Springs. It tackles the question: What do you do when life doesn’t go according to plan? Do you keep pushing for Plan A? Pull Plan B out of your back pocket? Or do you just settle?
ib4b: Oooh ... sounds like an interesting storyline to tackle. I look forward to reading it! Beth, thank you so much for joining me today!
Beth K. Vogt OnlineWebsite | Facebook | TwitterMy review:
Teaser Tuesday | Stars Collide
To contact us Click HERE
Teaser Tuesday is a weekly post hosted by MizB on her blog Should Be Reading. Hop over for details or to link up!
Stars Collide is the first book in the Backstage Pass series by Janice Thompson. Funny, funny series! (Although the teaser below doesn't sound like it.) You can read my review of the first two books here and the final book which released this month here.
He gave me a sympathetic look and brushed a loose hair out of my eye. "For one thing, we're not going to panic, Kat. That won't help anything. So no abrupt change of plans."
Stars Collide
Janice Thompson
p 80 (Nook)
Stars Collide is the first book in the Backstage Pass series by Janice Thompson. Funny, funny series! (Although the teaser below doesn't sound like it.) You can read my review of the first two books here and the final book which released this month here. He gave me a sympathetic look and brushed a loose hair out of my eye. "For one thing, we're not going to panic, Kat. That won't help anything. So no abrupt change of plans."
Stars Collide
Janice Thompson
p 80 (Nook)
WWW Wednesdays
To contact us Click HERE
WWW Wednesdays is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Click on over if you want to join in the fun!
What are you currently reading? The Stars Shine Bright by Sibella Giorello arrived on Monday and I dove right in. :)
What did you recently finish reading? I finished Cottage by the Sea by Robin Jones Gunn earlier this week. So emotional yet wonderful! Review to come soon.
What do you think you'll read next? I'm waffling right now, but it will be either Bees in the Butterfly Garden by Maureen Lang or Through Rushing Waters by Catherine Richmond. (I've been saying that for a few weeks now, haven't I? I mean it this time!)
WWW Wednesdays is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Click on over if you want to join in the fun!What are you currently reading? The Stars Shine Bright by Sibella Giorello arrived on Monday and I dove right in. :)What did you recently finish reading? I finished Cottage by the Sea by Robin Jones Gunn earlier this week. So emotional yet wonderful! Review to come soon.What do you think you'll read next? I'm waffling right now, but it will be either Bees in the Butterfly Garden by Maureen Lang or Through Rushing Waters by Catherine Richmond. (I've been saying that for a few weeks now, haven't I? I mean it this time!)
Kaydol:
Kayıtlar (Atom)