Take a Chance on Me
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Ivy has moved into a small town with the goal of finally finding that place to belong. I was touched by...
The Scent of Lilacs
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When I began to read "The Scent of Lilacs," I wasn't sure what to expect. I could tell that the book was going to be based in the past and that seemed just perfect for me. ...
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Poison Town is a story fueled with even more tension than the first novel in this series "Fear Has A Name," and THAT is saying something! Jack Crittendon is hot on the heels of a story that seems...
Jumping in in the Middle. :) | Posted May-31-2009
This is the third book in the Sister's Ink series. However, this is my first. From what I have read, it may have been better to start of with the previous books. I am always intrigued on how a book stands on its own.
The series is about four very different women who were brought together through adoption. This book's central focus is on Joy. Joy is definitely a woman more comfortable with control and things working according to plan. Life is not working that way with Joy and her husband, Scott. Joy wants to have a child. Joy is a planner. When plans do not come to fruition, Joy cannot really hold things together.
My heart went out to Joy. I can understand the strong desire to have a child. I was a little surprised at how hard Joy was on herself. I could relate to her pain, but not to the point of understanding the blame. I was taken a bit aback by how severe her feelings were about herself within the first few pages.
The thing I liked the best about this story is the actual characters. I liked the way they related to each other. There was a genuine flesh to these ladies. I also liked that although these girls were Christian, they were flawed. When the ladies refer to older members of their father's church congregation as the "blue hairs." Honestly, I found it rude and a bit immature, but it made them real. I am sure I say a phrase or three that would make others blanch. :) Anyway, I liked that. I appreciate a character with flaws. The displeasure in their father dating was a little odd to me. I just didn't quite understand why this was so horrible to these adult women.
I do wish I had read the first two books before beginning Scrapping Plans. I felt like I had to catch up a bit, but honestly, that is not how I would have bought the book. I love series, and I do always start with book one. Thankfully I can remedy that by reading the first two books in the Sister's Ink series! I liked the book, and I enjoyed the ladies. I do hope to catch up with the whole series before book four comes out.
Definitely a Beauty | Posted May-31-2009
Allie Harrod has it all, a loving husband who is absolutely crazy about her and an absolutely lovely baby girl. Allie also has all the expectations she has thrown on herself of being not just a mom but a mom with a career. She is also less than content with the baby weight she has put on. She is also presented with the nightmare of her mother-in-law arriving for an extended stay.
When Allie realizes that she wants to be home with her daughter, she is presented with the opportunity to do direct sales (personally I was immediately thinking "OH NO!!!"). Allie throws herself into her business and finds that the very things she is working so hard to have are being negatively impacted by this new career.
The story is told with humor and love. I really enjoyed reading the repartee between Allie and her sisters. Alex has moments where she sees how lucky she is and then still gaffs things up. She has a husband who is crazy about her, but she gets a little focused on her failings rather than the love and blessings she has.
It is a Christian book, but its message of keeping God in the center of your life is delivered gently.
I, sadly, did not read the first book in the series, and am happy to report that it did not diminish the story in the slightest. I really want to get my hands on it now though and eagerly await the sequel. Virginia Smith does not disappoint. I have read several of her books now, and each has been not just an entertaining read but a read you learned from.
Takes You On Quite A Ride | Posted May-29-2009
I had never read anything by Alton Gansky before reading Enoch, but after reading Enoch, you can be sure I will read more by Alton Gansky. Enoch is an incredible story that takes you on a walk with a messenger. You will witness and experience many emotions and many events from the best of the best and the worst of the worst.
You will meet Henick who is almost single-minded in going where God leads him and doing His will. At times it is painful to his new traveling companion Eddie who cannot understand the reasons behind God's will in some situations. It gave me a wonderful "YES!" moment with my own questions of God and what is really His will and His plan. Henick is faithful to his Lord and to delivering His message. There are those who would like to interfere with that message and purpose.
Besides being a real page turner, Enoch made me think. What would I do if I met a stranger who was simple in his needs and kind. Seeing people respond to Henick was the first part of the story that made me think and made me want to act and react in love.
Enoch was a very enjoyable read. There are thrilling moments and moments of eye-stinging emotion. Situations and beliefs were probed which caused me as a reader to think and ask my own questions. This book was engaging. I look forward to reading Alton Gansky's next novel "Angel" as well.
Who'd Have Thought I'd Like An Amish Book | Posted May-28-2009
Plain Perfect is described on the cover as a "sweet journey of faith." I agree. I was unsure how I would feel about reading an "Amish" story. I wondered would it be like "Little House in the Prairie" with darker clothes and a lot of ya's thrown in for good measure. Either way I was planning on a reading adventure which is how I feel when I read something that is pretty new to me.
Lillian Miller is our heroine, and she has pretty much had it with the lifestyle she has grown up in. She wants a simpler life without complications. She has Amish grandparents, and decides to stay with them and basically be Amish for a while. This is really kind of cute and naive. Of course one cannot be Amish for a while and really be Amish. You can't be any sort of religion for a while. It isn't that she isn't sincere in her desire to have a different life. She just hasn't really latched on to the fact that God is pursuing her for a relationship with him.
Lillian stays with her grandparents Jonas and Irma Rose and slowly learns the Amish life. First it is really all about helping her grandmother, because she sees how hard her grandma works at home with helping her grandpa who has cancer. She offers the one talent she has...cooking. Soon though Lillian begins to learn so much more about life on this farm and life of an Amish woman. She still clings to some of her "Englisch" ways, but in time her desire to really know God and really make some changes in her life grows stronger and Lillian turns to Irma Rose for instruction in the "Ordnung" which is really almost all passed along to the young verbally.
Watching Lillian change and develop is sweet. Witnessing her relationship with her grandparents is heartwarming as is her friendship with neighbor Samuel and his son David. Lillian has a soft heart and a warm spirit. She is a character that you want to see happy. I am not going to give this story away, but let me tell you...it is good! I even found myself shedding a wee tear or two. I wish I could tell you when! I would and do highly recommend Plain Perfect. It is really great.
Here is a little bonus too: Beth Wiseman included some definitions of Amish words seen in the book, and there are also some recipes at the end. I have had Shoo Fly pie before, and I probably wouldn't want to make it (too sweet for my taste), but I am definitely interested in making the Rhubarb Pie!
Sluggish Start | Posted May-28-2009
I have really been quite fond of Ted Dekker's work for quite a while now. I was very excited about reading Kiss. Imagine waking up from a coma with no idea about what happened to you. People you trust tell you the details of an accident you were in and some of the things are simply shocking. Some of the details make you question the you that you think you are. Imagine the pain of being told that you are the cause for your brother's devastating injury. What do you do? Do you try to remember what happened so you can literally relive the horrible memories or do you accept what you are told?
I found it believable that Shauna would want to know the truth. From what you read about Shauna before the accident, it is obvious that she would have a tenacious personality that would compell her to where she simply would have to know no matter what the cost to her. There were times that I felt the bad guys and the good guys were a little obvious. I am not sure if this is because Dekker and Healy made them obvious or if they were obvious because I read so many thrillers that I kind of get a good idea of the bad verses the good.
SEMI SPOILER:
There were a few times where I was stunned that Shauna would confide more than once to a person who she could not fully trust. I felt like grabbing her and telling her to shut up!
The supernatural elements were believeable to me. Dekker and Healy made it easy to let go of the doubts and enjoy the flow of the story. It was also nice seeing the character struggle with her new abilities. I did like the direction of the story and for the most part it was believeable.
I only had a few problems with the book. I had a hard time getting into it in the beginning. I was pulled into it a lot more fully mid way through the book, but once I did get into it, I was ready to take the whole ride. I thought the relationship with Shauna and her dad was cleared up really oddly. This woman endured years of pain from a distant father and an abusive step mom. I believe forgiveness and restoration is possible in life, but I want to see it happen when it is such an important part of a story.
All in all I think this was a great read. It was a Christian book, but it was more so in subtle messages than out and out preachiness. I liked the main characters and felt the minor characters were well done as well. This paranormal theme is definitely something I hope to see explored again.
Take It On The Road | Posted October-21-2008
I just finished listening to NRT's sneak peak at Ruth's new CD Anorak. First...very interesting title. After looking up the definition, I found I really liked the whole concept of the title. In case you do not already know it, here it is: (This is a wiki definition) In British slang an anorak is a person, typically a man, who is an enthusiast interested in information regarded as boring or unfathomable by the rest of the population. Why a man? That part I am not sure, but I imagine that a devotion to Christ might seem odd and boring. An anorak is also a parka. Pretty cool too because it keeps you warm and toasty during a good ole snowball fight or some other fun chilly weather activities. All good, I say.
I have to say that I had never heard of Ruth before, and I did a little looking up. I read some reviews that had said Ruth was like Nirvana, Radiohead, and Third Eye Blind. I can only say...maybe in their other CD, but that is okay. I loved those bands during their time.
Anyway, I really enjoyed this CD. I have listened to it here at least 6 times already. It is upbeat, and I would totally take it on a road trip. That is my highest compliment. Trust me. I don't put just anything in my car for those long hauls. I seriously think I am going to pick this one up. That is saying something too, because I am really careful about the music I buy. Nowadays financially I really have to be, but this is good. Great cover art too! Just sayin'.
Loved the lyrics, the drums, and the vocals. I wouldn't say every song was amazing, but I liked just about each one. If you haven't checked out the free preview...hurry up and do it before it is too late!
kalea_kane's Music and Book Reviews 
