Hollowmen (The Hollows, #2) by Amanda Hocking

the sequel to Hollowland....

After six months in the quarantine, Remy finds out things are much worse than she feared. Her plans to escape come with a heavy cost, and she realizes that zombies aren't the worst of her problems.

My Review - other then this book causing me to dream about zombies, I thought it was a great book. I guess I was just so into it that I started dreaming about it, which was creepy and freaky! I loved Remy, Max, Stella and all the other characters. I was wondering how the book would end up until the last page. Hocking is an amazing author and I've liked all of her books that I've read, and there are only a few that I haven't read yet. But overall this is a great sequel to Hollowland!

Alexander Death (The Paranormals, Book 3) by JL Bryan

While Seth searches for Jenny, Dr. Heather Reynard of the CDC unravels Seth and Jenny's secrets.

Alexander opens Jenny's mind to her deep past, and to the full horrific extent of her powers.

Torn between her feelings for Alexander and Seth, and between her past lives and her present, Jenny must prepare to face her enemies in the final, catastrophic battle...

My Review - This book was pretty good. It has been a while since I read the other two books in this series but it didn't take me long to get right back into the story line. I loved the ending but also hated that it was ending, if that makes sense. I loved when Heather and Seth were with her daughter and what all he did. How amazing would that be if it could actually happen? But overall I'm glad I read this whole series. But of the three books, the first one was by far my favorite!

Friday Fill-Ins

I haven't done this in a while so I figured I should do it! :) Enjoy!

And...here we go!

1. After a while, *it all starts to run together*.

2. *But God is on my side* at least.

3. Well, anyway, *life is busy these days*.

4. *Read* to me.

5. I always *am kind of OCD about stuff, (and it seems to be getting worse)*.

6. *God, Jamie and Maddie (and a small dose of chocolate) are what* keeps me going.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to *spending time with Maddie*, tomorrow my plans include *spending time with Maddie and laundry of course* and Sunday, I want to *go to church, spend some time with family and then my mother-in-law is coming for a visit*!

Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

A mysterious island.

 An abandoned orphanage.

 A strange collection of very curious photographs.

It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive. A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.

My Review - I debated giving this four or five stars. And ended up picking four but I'd really give this a 4.5, although I don't know what would have made it better. Anyhow, about half way through this book I started reading reviews that people had wrote on it and a lot of people were only giving it two or three stars. I don't understand why only to think that people just have different taste in reading. Yes this book did take some imagination to read it but isn't that the great thing about reading? Going to different worlds? I absolutely loved this book and am so thankful to Stephanie for winning it! It was amazing. I have to be honest that I judged it on it's cover first. I loved the cover and when I first saw the cover of the book, I thought I need to read that. So it's been on my TBR list for quiet some time. When I won the book I was excited to read it and I loved all the characters in it. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I want to know what happens to Jacob, Emma, Miss Peregrine, Brownwyn, and all the others. Okay I'm changing this to a five star rating cause while writing this I'm loving it all the more!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Yep you are reading this right, I read Harry Potter! My husband and mom couldn't believe I was reading it! haha

Harry Potter has never been the star of a Quidditch team, scoring points while riding a broom far above the ground. He knows no spells, has never helped to hatch a dragon, and has never worn a cloak of invisibility.

 All he knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley—a great big swollen spoiled bully. Harry's room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years.

But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to an incredible place that Harry—and anyone who reads about him—will find unforgettable. For it's there that he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic in everything from classes to meals, but a great destiny that's been waiting for him... if Harry can survive the encounter.

My Review - I can't believe I actually read this. When this book was published and popular I was only 15 years old and thought to myself I'll never read that book cause it just seems silly. Well, my book taste has definately changed in the last 14 years! I thought this book was pretty good. It wasn't one of those that will stick with me and make me think or anything. It was just a good light, fun read. I will read the rest of the series most likely as I'm a little OCD when it comes to series. Rowling had me guessing up until the end if it was Snape or not. I am hoping the next book will tell about how it was when Harry went back to live with Dursley's. Overall I give it 3 stars!

Still Missing by Chevy Stevens

On the day she was abducted, Annie O’Sullivan, a thirty-two year old realtor, had three goals—sell a house, forget about a recent argument with her mother, and be on time for dinner with her ever- patient boyfriend. The open house is slow, but when her last visitor pulls up in a van as she's about to leave, Annie thinks it just might be her lucky day after all. Interwoven with the story of the year Annie spent as the captive of psychopath in a remote mountain cabin, which unfolds through sessions with her psychiatrist, is a second narrative recounting events following her escape—her struggle to piece her shattered life back together and the ongoing police investigation into the identity of her captor. 

The truth doesn’t always set you free.

Still Missing is that rare debut find--a shocking, visceral, brutal and beautifully crafted debut novel.

My Review - WOW! I had had this book on my TBR list forever. And I always remember it because of it's cover. (Yes, I do judge a book by it's cover!) But Barnes and Noble put this on sale for your ebook and I had to have it. I'm so glad I read it, this story is amazing. And the wicked twist at the end just left me with my mouth hanging open. I couldn't imagine. The raw terror that was described in the book was just scary. And to know that there are women out there going through this right now who have been abducted is even more scary. Makes me want to double check all my doors and windows. Awesome book and can't wait to read more by this author!

Maddie is 4 months!

Here's my sweet girl... :)

Isn't she just beautiful?! :) I'm in-love for sure.

Please vote for me!

I entered Goodreads contest Independent Book Blogger Award...If you will please vote for me! :)

Vote for this blog for the Independent Book Blogger Awards!

Vote

Bumped by Megan McCafferty

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

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

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

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

From New York Times bestselling author Megan McCafferty comes a strikingly original look at friendship, love, and sisterhood—in a future that is eerily believable.

My Review - This was kind of hard to get into for me because of all the futurist wording. BUT once I got use to that then this book was pretty good. I got into sort of a reading rut for about a month as you can see, it took me over a month to read this book. That was just simply because I never wanted to read. I hated it! BUT I'm reading again now. :) I can't wait until next month when the second book in the series comes out. I loved that Melody came to realize how crazy it was was about being a surrogate. I wanna know what happens between Melody, Zen, Harmony and Ram. But I also wonder if the next book has anything about Jondoe in it. HUM...come on April!

Your Money Map by Howard Dayton

My husband and I read this book together and it's amazing. We started our journey to true financial freedom in February 2012. A month later and we're going to be starting Step 3. It's amazing what God can do when you just let Him have control of your life!

God in my life...

So, here lately God has really been working in my family's life. Years ago I'd looked into a book, Your Money Map by Howard Dayton, and had felt like that was something we should do. But my husband wasn't being led in the same way. Well, about a month or so ago God started working on Jamie's heart about this certain book. Since then we have been blessed beyond measure. The book basically helps you toward leading a debt free life. You ask why does it matter if you have debt or not. Well, the Bible says that we shouldn't have debt. And both Jamie and I have always wanted me to be able to stay at home once we had child(ren). Right now that's not possible but I'm not putting anything past my God! I think one day, someday (all in His timing) we will be able to transition into a one-income family.

Also here recently I found a blog and on this blog she had a post about Praying for her husband, here's that post. And I felt lead to pray for Jamie more. So here is the list broken down - it's a list of 25 prayers for your husband that you could add 5 or 6 more to round out the month and make it more personal. Here is the first 5 from the list...go check out the rest of the list! :)

25 Prayers for My Husband

I pray…

1. that he continues to grow spiritually through the disciplines of Bible study, prayer, and quiet times. (Proverbs 4:23)
2. that his relationship with God will bear much fruit in his life, and that he will be a man who seeks wisdom and understanding. (Proverbs 3:7, Psalm 112:1)
3. that he would walk humbly with God, and would always be convicted quickly about any sin in his life. (Micah 6:8)
4. that he will continue to grow as the leader of our family, and that God would be glorified in our marriage. (Ephesians 5:25-29)
5. that he would have a teachable spirit and a servant’s heart, and that he will listen to God and desire to do His will. (Proverbs 15:33)

So I'll be praying for Jamie! :) And I'm looking forward to seeing what God has planned for our family!

All about Maddie....

So I'm a little obsessed I guess. But hey, to me she's the prettiest little girl I've ever seen! :) Can you tell I'm in-love? :)

Anyhow, last week I asked for everyone to vote for Maddie. Great news ----SHE WON!! :) I'm so excited and proud.

Also, here is her monthly picture...Well, actually I'm posting the last 3 monthly pictures. And I'm just going to add to it monthly, so ya'll can watch my sweet girl grow with me!

Six Word Saturday

I now have a twitter...MrsKasiLou...

Follow me?? :) And any advice? I'm new to it so I'm learning still.

Please vote if you can...

I entered Maddie into a Cutest Baby (& Kid) Contest. The way you vote is through Facebook. You search for Murphy's Memories and Like her page. Then find this picture and vote :)

Thanks for any votes! :)

Six Word Saturday

What Maddie looks like upset/mad...

Haha...I read this book years ago to my class at work, The Pout-Pout Fish and then here lately when Maddie gets mad she'll make this face. It's so cute! So I asked my husband if he could turn the corners of his mouth down like that because I can't. Yep, she got it from him. They look just alike when they do it! Just thought I'd share! :)

The Mill River Recluse by Darcie Chan

Disfigured by the blow of an abusive husband, and suffering her entire life with severe social anxiety disorder, the widow Mary McAllister spends almost sixty years secluded in a white marble mansion overlooking the town of Mill River, Vermont. Her links to the outside world are few: the mail, the media, an elderly priest with a guilty habit of pilfering spoons, and a bedroom window with a view of the town below.

Most longtime residents of Mill River consider the marble house and its occupant peculiar, though insignificant, fixtures. An arsonist, a covetous nurse, and the endearing village idiot are among the few who have ever seen Mary. Newcomers to Mill River--a police officer and his daughter and a new fourth grade teacher--are also curious about the reclusive old woman. But only Father Michael O’Brien knows Mary and the secret she keeps--one that, once revealed, will change all of their lives forever.

The Mill River Recluse is a story of triumph over tragedy, one that reminds us of the value of friendship and the ability of love to come from the most unexpected of places.

My Review - I saw this book and decided even though I had over 300 books on my Nook that I was going to buy it (it was only 99 cents) and read it. This was all after pondering it for almost a month, can we say frugal? Anyhow, this book was pretty good. I couldn't imagine being Mary with her anxiety. I loved Kyle, Rowen and Claudia though. And the twist with Mary and Daisy was wild and I never saw it coming. The town coming together like they did and it being a small knit community made me want to live somewhere that small. There were some parts of the book that I couldn't put down but then some parts dragged. So overall I gave it 3 stars.

Spending a rainy day with Maddie.

So it's raining outside. I'm really wishing that rain would turn into snow but I don't think it's going to happen this year. But at least I got to spend the day indoors with my sweet Maddie. I love spending time with her and miss her through the week while I'm at work so today has been a wonderful day. She's such a good baby.

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

For a limited time, the complete text of the bestselling Body Finder—along with a sneak peek at Desires of the Dead, the much-anticipated follow-up—is available for a special low price.

Sixteen-year-old Violet has the unusual ability to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. She locates them by the echoes they leave behind...and the imprints they leave on their killers. Violet has never considered her strange ability to be a gift—more like a very disturbing nuisance. But when a serial killer begins terrorizing her small town, and more and more local girls go missing and later turn up dead, Violet realizes she may be the only person who can stop him. Violet’s best friend since childhood, Jay, is reluctantly helping her—and Violet is beginning to realize that what she feels for Jay is much more than just friendship. But even as she and Jay fall in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering the killer…and becoming his prey herself.

My Review - I liked this book a lot but I felt like it dragged in some places. It kept me guessing through-out the whole book as to who was the killer. At one point I remember wondering if it was Jay. I will be reading the other books in this series eventually. Pretty good book, 3 stars.

An Unlikely Pair by Carla Krae

Prequel short story for "My Once and Future Love". By typical standards, Beth and Jacob should've never been friends, but it's funny what Geometry class and a shared backyard wall can bring about.

My Review - This book was a freebie on my Nook and so I got it. I will pretty much try to read anything, especially when it's free. This book was just okay for me. I liked the story of Beth and Jacob and wish it'd give more details then just ending like it did. But I understand the author wanting the reader to buy the next book. I added it to my wish list and maybe one day I will buy it to read. Overall I gave it 2 stars for being okay.

A Sister's Hope by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Lose yourself in Holmes County, where romance, suspense, mystery, and faith-filled Amish ways rule the day! Martha Hostettler is concerned about the continuous attacks being made on her Amish family. With a definite motive and a myriad of methods, Luke Friesen looks like the culprit. Determined to clear his name, Martha decides to play detective. What will the search for truth cost her?

My Review - I loved this book! Finally finding out who was behind all the attacks and then watching Martha fall in love was so good. I loved how Wanda E. Brunstetter didn't give away who the culprit was until the very end. And I was guessing until the moment it said who it was. I hadn't even suspected who the culprit was either. I thought for sure it was someone else. Boy was I fooled, but in a good way! :) Overall, a great read. I gave it 4 stars.