English Lessons

I received a copy of English Lessons from Blogging for Books. I was so excited to chose this book from their site. I have long been a reader of Max Lucado and was interested to see what his daughter had to say. I also grew up in a Christian home and could relate to many of the topics discussed in the book. She tells of her time studying abroad and finding the foundation of her faith for herself. This is something everyone will need to do at some point. Andrea portrayed this struggle and process so honestly and I really appreciated that. I would definitely recommend this book to any Christian!

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Nothing To Prove

I've never read a book written by Jennie Allen, but a few years ago I went through a Bible study of hers entitled Stuck. I felt like she was so down to earth and very open about her life struggles. Since then I've meant to read a book of hers, but just hadn't made the effort to pick on up. When I saw this pop up as an option in Blogging for Books I was so excited. I felt like the topic was so appropriate for the culture we live in now with social media. The goal behind the book is to realize our worth is in Jesus alone. I would definitely recommend this book- even if you feel like you already have "Nothing to Prove" reading Jennie's story will be such an encouragement.

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Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton is quite the popular man nowadays. Luckily for us he is such an interesting figure once people delve into who he was. I thought this book was such an easy and fun read. The author did a wonderful job of informing but still keeping the topic interesting. The book was witty much like we imagine the subject to be. I would definitely recommend this book to just about everyone! Wit, comedy, history, self help- it's got it all!

I received this copy from Blogging for Books in exchange for a review.

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The Tea Planter's Wife

I just finished The Tea Planter's Wife by Dinah Jefferies. It started a little slow, and I can't say I was looking forward to reading it very much. However once the plot developed I couldn't put it down. The story follows Gwen, a new bride who comes to live in Ceylon with her previously widowed husband. There are a lot of family secrets and scandal involved which just makes the story more interesting. I thought that the author did a great job of keeping the readers attention, giving you just enough information so that you thought you knew what was happening, but saving some surprises for the end. I would definitely recommend this book!    

I received this book in exchange for a review from Blogging for Books.

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Taste and See

I have been reading "Taste and See" by John Piper as a daily devotional. I have heard great things about John Piper, but had never read any of his work before. Each devotional is different, but it has a very good mix of deeply theological and down to earth. There were a couple I came across that didn't apply to me (ex. specifically written to fathers) but I just read the next devotional so I would have something to meditate on for the day. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who uses these kind of devotionals, if you're wanting more Bible reading, he definitely references a lot so you move over to your Bible to get better context on the passage. I'll be looking for more John Piper books in the future!

This book was received in exchange for a review from Blogging for Books.

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The Little Paris Bookshop

The Little Paris Bookshop looked like just my kind of book. There was adventure, romance, literature, and France all waiting. Focused on a literature kind of pharmacist- it was definitely an angle that you wouldn't expect, but that was so refreshing! We sometimes limit the books that can help us to the specified self-help books, but the main character sees every book as an opportunity to pull the best out of or heal the reader. It was a beautiful thought, that was surrounded by wonderful characters, and a life changing journey for him! While it was slow at some points the general idea kept me engaged as well as looking up all the mentioned books along the way. I would definitely recommend this to anyone interested in literature. 

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for a review. 

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Hope Unfolding

I recently read Hope Unfolding by Becky Thompson. This was a very encouraging and easy read. I'm not a mom, but I've been reading Becky's blog for a while. While the majority of her writing is about motherhood, she does a wonderful job of giving you principles and truths that really apply to any stage of life. This book was no different. I almost decided not to get it since the subtitle was specifically aimed at mommas- but I'm so glad I went ahead and got it. All of us need some grace-filled truth, and this book was full of it! All her stories and real life comparisons keep you engaged enough that you didn't feel like you were reading straight through a Bible study. I would definitely recommend this book, and perfect timing on the release since Mother's Day is right around the corner!

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for this review.

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The Invisible Front

I thought this book was going to be very interesting and eye opening concerning modern problems in the military. It did not disappoint.

The book is about the Graham family and the death of their two sons. Though the family has a history in the military and both boys were a part of that history, there is a lack of support and consideration concerning the suicide of one son.

In today's society mental health has taken a much more prominent role not only in the military, but across the school system, workforce, and hospitals. This book puts forward a very strong case that the military needs to put more effort into caring for the mental well being of their charges, and I applaud the Grahams as they continue on this road.

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for the review. I would definitely recommend it.

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Plumdog

I thought this book looked so cute - it was an adorable design and was about dogs! It's a graphic novel/ journal type of book. It took no time to get through obviously because there's only a couple sentences on each page. The pictures were all pretty cute - I thought it was a sweet little premise. I wouldn't read it again, but it seems like it would be a great children's book, very easy to read and pictures to make it more interesting! I recommend it as a gift for a dog-lover, a child, or even if you want a beautiful book to sit on your shelf!

*I received this book from Blogging for Books in compensation for this review

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Reading Challenge Update

Well I have a little over 2 months left to finish up this reading challenge! I have most of my books selected at least, I have about 10 books left to go!

I just finished "The Secrets of Blood and Bone", this book was actually a sequel which I didn't realize until I got it. There were a few questions unanswered, but for the most part the author did a good job explaining what was going on. I don't like scary books, but I do like fantasy fiction, this was fantasy it pulled a lot off the vampire and werewolf legends, but it did get a little too into demons, for my taste.

This book also went back and forth between modern day and 16th century Italy. I don't feel like the Italy segments were as well thought out, there were also almost too many characters in those segments, it was difficult to keep track.

There are a lot of unfinished story lines, but it was very obvious there is another book to follow. I wasn't so interested in the story that I will be reading that 3rd book or going back to the first one.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for a review.

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The Martian & Other Reading

I have to say I'm pretty proud of how much reading I've done over the past few weeks. I am currently on my 30th book. 

I just finish the Emily books by L.M. Montgomery. They were very good, and I fell in love with Emily almost as much as Anne, I did read a lot of reviews that noted the darker writing, and I completely agree with that, but I still liked them. 

I also read A Thousand Country Roads - an epilogue to The Bridges of Madison County. I had always wanted to hear the rest of that story, this was a heartbreaking book, it didn't make me cry or anything, but I did hurt for every character!

I received The Martian from Blogging for Books for this review. I was so excited when I saw this was an option to read. I saw the trailer a couple months ago, and thought it looked so interesting. This book was so good! It was very intellectual and there were a couple parts I had to reread because of the science/math. I kinda looks books like that, I feel like they force you to use your brain, when so many books now-a-days are just fluff that you don't have to think about. While it was very intellectual it was very funny! There were quite a few times that the sarcasm and wit literally made me laugh out loud. They were just enough plot twists to keep it interesting and keep you reading well into the night! I would definitely recommend this, and I can't wait to see if the movie does it justice! 

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The Gracekeepers

Continuing on my Reading Challenge journey! I need to step up my game, that is for sure!

One of the best things I've discovered while doing this challenge, is the Blogging for Books program. I've received 4 books from them so far, their service is amazingly fast, and I think it's great that I get to read all these books that I wouldn't normally get.

The Gracekeepers was a very original and well written book. Often now-a-days you can feel like you're reading the same story over and over again. . . you know what I mean! This world setting was so interesting and made the story really intriguing. The two main characters were well thought out and very likable. I was very surprised the book ended where it did. I can't say I liked the ending that the author gave, but I didn't write it! I would recommend this book, but I probably wouldn't spend money on it. It was good, and I appreciated the new world the author created for us, but I don't think she developed that world as much as she could have.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books" for this review.

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The Mapmaker's Children & Other Reading

I'm just stopping in to catch you up on my reading challenge for this year. I haven't got as much done as I'd like, but I'm getting there! 

The Mermaid Chair - I read this after The Secret Life of Bees, I loved it so much I was excited to read something else by the author. It wasn't as good as The Secret Life of Bees, but I would still recommend it. 

The Tricksters Choice/The Trickster's Queen - I love Fantasy books, and Tamora Pierce was always one of my favorite authors in middleschool/highschool. These were both great! They were very easy reads. . . since they're technically Young Adult books. 

The Mapmaker's Children* - I really enjoyed this book! It was the perfect mix of history and modern day. Sometimes I can't follow along very well when authors switch back and forth, but this book seemed effortless. Set in New Charleston, WV it follows an Underground Railroad mapmaker, and a modern day wife struggling with infertility whose lives coincide through a house that was part of the URR. Some of the story was based on truth, and she brought a lot of interest into it with her own imaginings. I will say it didn't end the way I wanted to, but it was still happy! I would definitely recommend this book to a friend.  

Bossypants - I got 2 free audiobook downloads a couple weeks back, and thought well I'll pick 2 for my Reading Challenge. I don't normally like talk radio, and so many of them were like 20 hours long! I was a little nervous about finding one I liked. This was read by the author Tina Fey, which I think really made the book for me! She is so hilarious, and hearing her read the jokes made it even better! Now I just need to figure out another audiobook! 

Chronicles of Avonlea - I've read this before, and it's just a small collected of short stories by L.M. Montgomery the author of Anne of Green Gables. 

Nobody's Cuter Than You - I loved this book, and cannot say enough great things about it! Go get it, I'll just leave it at that!

There are a few more I've read, but I'll probably review them later! 

*This book was received from Blogging for Books in exchange for a review

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How to Get Dressed

This is an interesting book to review, I don't have any strong opinions about it. Since it was informational I did think it went a bit slow sometimes, but the author did manage to make it a little interesting, considering there were no amazing photos. I was expecting a lot of photographed examples from a book about clothes, but o well. I felt like it was very practical, but I also thought I knew a lot of the information that was given. This women definitely knew what she is talking about though and gave so many awesome tips! There are some people I think that could definitely use this book! I am glad that I have it now for future reference, but I don't think I would have bought it myself. I would definitely recommend this book to someone who wasn't comfortable with style and wardrobe choices.



*I received "How to Get Dressed" from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for a review*

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Grapevine Wreaths

One of my favorite things for a house is a good grapevine wreath! I feel like these beauties can be made to match any season, and you only need 1! I have had this grapevine wreath since we got married 2 1/2 years ago, and am constantly changing out the flowers for a new fresh look! Here are 4 of my favorites! 

1. Cotton Bolls - I love this one for late summer/ early fall!

2. Fall Berries - This one will last me from early Fall through Thanksgiving if I want. I put the berries through the entire wreath, but you could also just do a corner like I did with the other wreaths. 

3. Ombre Hydrangeas - This is always my favorite, it's so full, and you could do any color! I've also hung an initial in the middle for a personal touch. 

4. Roses - I did this one for Valentin'es Day this year, you can do as few or as many as you like! 

Do any of you have grapevine wreaths you use throughout the year? What type of decor/flowers do you put on them? 

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Five on Friday

1. My sister-in-law graduated!! I am so proud of her and had such a great weekend down there, it was much more relaxing than I thought it would be. My mother-in-law has better pictures, but this one will have to do!

2. For her graduation we got her a book called "Adulting" and I loved it, I'm tempted to go out and buy one for myself. It had such practical advice, but with some sarcasm and down to earth attitude!

3. As a thank you to our youth workers we got them succulents, and my sweet husband let me pick one out as well! Hopefully I'll be able to keep it alive!

4. A few friends and I found out that Tuesdays at our theater are $6 economy tickets! Our movie theater is so expensive, it's $11 for a movie, which is ridiculous. Now I see a lot of Tuesday night showings in our future! We went to see Hot Pursuit. . . I was literally crying from laughter half the time!

5. It's Friday!!!

I'm linking up with Caitlin, Amy, and April!

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Reading Challenge 2015 Update

Back here I wrote about the 2015 Reading Challenge I am doing. I will admit, I am a bit behind, but hopefully this summer I'll have a chance to catch up while I am not as busy! 

Here is my list so far: 

The 5 Money Personalities

Redeeming Love

Marley & Me

American Wife

Women of the Word

A Fifty-Year Silence

The Magicians

Little Women the Musical

Insatiable

The Secret Life of Bees

The Best Yes (in progress) 

The Spymistress (in progress) 

There are a few that I wouldn't recommend, and won't bother reviewing in detail since I am playing catch up those are: The 5 Money Personalities, American Wife, The Magicians. I felt like they were all too slow, or had over used premises. I also won't review Little Women the Musical, one of the challenges was a play, so since I was directing that show I read the script about 20 times! However, I don't think it will be going on your reading list anytime soon! 

Redeeming Love - I can't believe that I haven't read this before! This book was such a heart wrenching story, and a beautiful picture of sacrificial love. I definitely recommend it!

Marley & Me - Another one that is relatively old (I've been browsing the Goodwill racks for some of my 52 reads this year) and it was a tear-jerker! I love a good cry though!

Women of the Word - This was a very helpful and practical book. It did take me a pretty long time to get through considering how short it is, but I think that was because of her writing style. 

A Fifty-Year Silence - This was an interesting read. . . I wan't sure what to expect after reading some reviews of it. It was a very touching, and sincere story. It was very personal to the author, since it was about her grandparents. However, it didn't pull me in, and I can't say I would recommend it to many people. You may be interested in it if your grandparents went through a similar situation, or if you are very interested in history. But I know the story meant so much to her family so that made it a bit more endearing. 

Insatiable - This is one of the hundreds of vampire books that are currently out, I also picked it up at Goodwill. I knew it would be a quick, easy read, which I need for this challenge. It was better than I thought it would be! So if you're into vampires go and pick it up!

The Secret Life of Bees - I had heard plenty about this book because of the movie, and the popularity of the book. I couldn't put it down. This was a wonderful book that I would recommend to anybody!

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Five on Friday!

1. Outside Walks - Some friends and I have decided to start walking together every Tuesday, this past Tuesday was the first time, and the weather was so perfect! I am so excited about being able to be outside more!

2. The Best Yes - I started this book last week, and haven't wanted to put it down. . . unfortunately I haven't had many chances to read so it's going a bit slower than I had hoped. But if you haven't read it, you need to! This book is such an encouragement and a rebuke at the same time! I'm already seeing it make a difference in the decisions I make. 

3. Bonfire - We just recently started a small group in our church, and it has been going so well. This past Sunday we had a bonfire, and it was so wonderful to hang out with all of our good friends!

4. Audra McDonald - Tonight a friend and I are going to see Audra in concert. And this song. . . there are no words. . . 

5. Friday - I can't think of another highlight for this week, but that fact that today is Friday is highlight enough!! 

I'm linking up with Caitlin, Amy, and April!

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What's Up Wednesday

Well it's been quite a while since I've been on here! So what would be more appropriate than a link-up letting you know what has been going on?! 

What we're eating this week. . . 

Everything grilled! I am so glad to have the chance to eat outside every once in a while! I will be so glad when we can eat outside every night!

What I've been up to. . . 

I have been so busy the past few months! At the end of January I signed on to direct a local high school's spring musical! It was so much fun, we just finished mid-April and it was a great success! 

What I'm dreading. . . 

Working for 2 more days!!

What I'm working on. . . 

A blogging calendar that will keep me on track! 

What I'm excited about. . . 

A friend and I are going to see Audra McDonald perform on Friday night!

What I'm watching/reading. . . 

Well I'm still doing the reading challenge from earlier this year. I think next week I'll be doing a few posts reviewing the books I've done so far. Watching - I just started watching Parenthood last week, and am already in season 2 on Netflix, it is so beautiful, and heartwarming! I am also trying to catch up on the past 4 episodes of Grey's so I can watch the finale!

What I'm doing this weekend. . . 

The plan is to go kayaking with a few friends on Saturday (never been so I'm a little nervous!) I also think Aaron and I are going to try to see the Avengers at some point!

What I'm looking for to next month. . . 

I am so looking forward to consistently warm weather. Lately we've been anywhere between 40s and 70s.

I'm linking up with Sheaffer @ Pinterest Tole Me To for What's Up Wednesday!

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Weekending

I had a wonderful weekend and am so sad to see that it's over! 

I was so excited because on Friday, I had a surprise appointment, and got to leave early! I went to meet with a local high school, and I will be directing their spring musical! Little Women here I come! 

That night everything we were supposed to go to got cancelled because of weather, so we went to see American Sniper - such a good movie! It was very sad though, and I cried during most of it. I am so thankful to live in this country, and have men that are protecting us even when it hurts them (mentally, and physically)

Saturday, and Sunday were so productive, and relaxing! It was wonderful! 

We went for a walk up to out mail box (it's about a quarter of a mile away)

I made a Valentine's Day(ish) wreath, 

and watched a lot of The Office! 

I would definitely say that last thing was the most profitable part of my weekend! 

Happy Monday!! 

I'm linking up with Meghan!

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