Switched by Amanda Hocking

When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy finds out her mother might've been telling the truth. With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - and it's one she's not sure if she wants to be a part of.

My Review - WOW...I loved this book. I loved Finn and Wendy. But I also liked Tove and Willa. I kept trying to guess who'd fall in love with who and when. Their powers are amazing and I can't wait to read the second and third book to see what happens, especially with Wendy's powers. I felt sorry for Matt and Maggie though. I actually liked this book so much that I read it in a matter of 3 days. One of my favorite parts was where Finn said "A foolish man thinks he knows everything. A wise man knows he doesn't." So true! So excited to read the rest of the series that I went ahead and bought them so I'd have them ready! :) I'm giving this a 5 star (which I'm quiet stingy with my 5 stars!)

Egg Noodle Lasagna

I have been wanting to make this cause I love it and it's easy to make...Here's the recipe...

1 pound ground beef
1 onion
1 jar spaghetti sauce
16 oz. bag of egg noodles
1 block of cream cheese
1 cup cottage cheese

Boil pasta, mix with cream cheese and cottage cheese. Brown beef and drain, add onion and mix with sauce. Layer noodles, sauce, noodles, etc. Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees covered, uncover and bake for another 10 minutes. (I sprinkled shredded cheese on top but it's not a must).

Snow Days

Looking out the front door of my house...

I love snow! And I love being at home and having snow days...On Sunday night they were saying a big snow storm was coming. While we didn't get a whole bunch it has pretty much shut everything down for about two days...This is what we received...Have I mentioned that I love it?! :) After we got snow we got ice which just makes everything slippery and hard.

And looking out my back door...Mind you there is bird food in the bird feeder now! haha

Prayer for my Momma please....

A few months ago, on October 22nd to be exact, my Momma (Debbie) was diagnosed with breast cancer. On 11/3/10 she had a double mastectomy and then on 12/3/10 she had reconstructive surgery. And during that time I asked for prayers from all of the people reading my blog.

Well I need your prayers again. I probably should have posted this sooner but I honestly just haven't had a chance to post anything but copy and pasting my reviews from the books I read.

On 12/26/10 my Momma was running a fever of 104.8 so my Daddy took her to the hospital. He went ahead and took her to the hospital that had preformed the surgeries in all instead of the one close by because he figured all the doctors could work together. Anyhow, when he took her in they admitted her and when she finally got into a room they couldn't keep her blood pressure up so they moved her to ICU. She was in ICU until Friday, 01/07/11. We rang in the new year in ICU. It was a LONG process and she had a breathing tube and feeding tube in. They were also giving her a ton of fluid and she wasn't putting out much so they started dialysis to take some of the fluid off of her and to do the work that her kidneys wouldn't. I stayed the week after Christmas at the hospital with my Daddy. Poor thing has only been home about three time since the 26th. Anyhow, they finally took out the breathing tube on 01/06/11 and she was doing really good. She's weak but she was improving. Well, they finally moved her to a regular room on 01/07/11 and then they moved her to a bigger room on the dialysis floor on 01/08/11. BUT last night they realized that she was bleeding in her stomach so they put a tube down her nose and found an ulcer and a place that she was bleeding. They think that that is all due to the trauma and stress she's been going through while she's been in the hospital. So they moved her back to ICU early this morning to keep an eye on her and they are giving her medicine to heal the ulcer and stop the bleeding. I know she's tired of being in the hospital, so will you please pray for her. Also pray for my Daddy as he will not leave the hospital but for a few hours at a time. AND also pray for the doctors, that they'll have the wisdom to help her get better.

She was supposed to start chemo on 12/22/10 but they said she still looked to tight and weak from reconstructive surgery that they postponed it til 12/29/10, which she didn't have. So now we have no idea when she'll start chemo.

Cain's Apples by Bryan L. Lee

Ever bought an apple at a roadside stand? Joe Johnson wishes he hadn't in this suspenseful and spooky short story.

My Review - this was a book that was only 11 pages so does it count as a book. It was definitely weird and predictable. While reading it I was thinking this can't be going anywhere good. It was just an okay book and I'm glad it was free.

The Christmas Lamp by Lori Copeland

Nativity, Missouri, is in trouble.

When the small town is bypassed by the newly constructed highway, it loses its much-needed holiday traffic---threatening not only the town's financial survival, but its very heart and soul.

Outside consultant Jake Brisco threatens everything the community loves about Christmas with his budget-slashing solutions. Nothing is sacred---not even the traditional town Christmas tree. Long-time resident Roni Elliot knows some sacrifices have to be made, but can't let go of the customs and traditions that have marked her holidays since childhood. The decorations and customary activities have always generated vitality and joy throughout the whole season in Nativity.

Though their priorities and methods clash, Roni and Jake want the same thing---prosperity for the town. As the two get to know each other and become close, each begins to gain a new perspective on what the real wealth of Nativity---and the season---might be.

The Christmas Lamp takes an honest look into the issues and concerns we all face and sheds light on the real origins of Christmas spirit.

My Review - This book was very predictable and just okay. I knew from the get go who was going to fall in love with who. And how the town was going to act toward Jake Brisco. Overall this book was just okay. I gave it two stars.

The Potluck Club by Linda Ward Shepherd and Eva Marie Everson

Meet the Potluck Club--six women who gather each month to share their insatiable appetite for good friends, great food, and a pinch of prayer. Their seemingly unlikely friendship brings a little spice to life in Summit View, Colorado. But when they send up enough misinformed prayers to bring down a church, things get interesting . . .

Evie's niece arrives with a broken heart and a big surprise.

Lisa Leann tries to take over.

Goldie's marriage turns sour.

Donna stews over a strange encounter.

Lizzie's librarian eyes are on the lookout for trouble.

Vonnie must come to terms with a secret she's kept hidden from her best friends.

But who knows what life will serve as The Potluck Club discovers that friendship is no piece of cake and a little dash of grace, like salt, goes a long way.

My Review - I got this book as a freebie on Barnes and Noble and I'm not really sure why I got it other then for the simple fact that it looks nothing like what I'd normally read. I thought to myself when I saw it - it's free, not trashy and maybe I'll like it. And like it I did. Each character in the book had something to give and although it got a little confusing with so many characters at first it was worth sticking with.

I loved how the authors told the story of Evie's life and I loved the way her love life played out. I liked the way Lisa Leann's life took a turn in the book. Goldie is an amazing woman to put up with all the stuff she put up with and I was finally happy to see her stand up for herself! I would have liked to see more with Donna and how she ended up feeling toward Evie and/or Vonnie. I liked Lizzie and felt she was definitely the educator in the group because of her love for research. And Vonnie...I knew right away what was going on there but wanted to keep reading to see how it turned out. And I loved how it turned out. There was also another character in the book who wasn't one of the main characters but she still stuck out to me and that was Jan. Jan was a mother with breast cancer and I completely connected with her as my mother has breast cancer. Overall this book was a really good book and I loved how it was Christian fiction too. Overall I gave it 4 stars and will look into other books by the authors.

Wish by Alexandra Bullen

If you could have anything, what would you wish for? The impossible...or a real chance at being happy?

Olivia Larsen's twin sister, Violet, is dead. Olivia knows nothing that can change that . . . until the day she receives a beautiful dress. The dress doesn't just look magical: it has the power to grant wishes. And all Olivia wants is her sister back.

But Violet's return isn't what Olivia expected. As love, secrets, betrayal, and a haunted past collide, Olivia begins to wonder what a wish is worth . . . and if her life will ever look the same.

"Bullen delivers an enticing first novel . . . she makes the sights of San Francisco come alive in this sweet story of siblings determined to remain inseparable." - Publishers Weekly

"Touching....Readers [will be] rooting for Olivia to find her own voice and step into the sun." - Kirkus Reviews

My Review - I liked this book a lot. It moved pretty quickly and I loved the story line even though it was a YA. The only thing I didn't like in the book really was the drinking that the people did when they were supposedly in high school. But overall it was a pretty awesome book and I can't wait to read the next book by Bullen!

Color the Sidewalk for Me by Brandilyn Collins

As a chalk-fingered child, I had worn my craving for Mama’s love on my sleeve. But as I grew, that craving became cloaked in excuses and denial until slowly it sank beneath my skin to lie unheeded but vital, like the sinews of my framework. By the time I was a teenager, I thought the gap between Mama and me could not be wider.

And then Danny came along. . . .

A splendidly colored sidewalk. Six-year-old Celia presented the gift to her mother with pride—and received only anger in return. Why couldn’t Mama love her? Years later, when once-in-a-lifetime love found Celia, her mother opposed it. The crushing losses that followed drove Celia, guilt-ridden and grieving, from her Bradleyville home.

Now thirty-five, she must return to nurse her father after a stroke. But the deepest need for healing lies in the rift between mother and daughter. God can perform such a miracle. But first Celia and Mama must let go of the past--before it destroys them both.

My Review - I loved the story of Celia and Danny but to get to it kind of took a while. It could have been that I was also reading a book on my Nook. But I liked this book overall and will definitely read the 3rd book of the series.

Christmas 2010

Chubby had to climb in this box after I laid it down when I to wrap presents. This is my Christmas box...It's just tall enough to keep the wrapping paper in it and then where Chubby is I have a bag with gift bags that goes at the bottom then another bag of tissue paper that goes next and then on top I have a bag of bows. And YES I am one of those crazy people who save bows! :)

It's the first white Christmas since I was about 3 or 4. We got home around 3:30 and this is how much we already had... It started snowing around 10am and hasn't stopped yet! I'm loving it!

Jamie and I :)

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Just wanted to say.....

Merry Christmas!!

It's that time of year again, and with excitement and high expectations, Rose has planned the perfect Christmas for her family and friends. But when she feels them drifting away during a time that should celebrate togetherness, Rose is forced to slow down in the most unexpected way. In this whimsical, uplifting story, she discovers the true meaning of giving.

My Review - I liked this story pretty good. It's not what I would usually read by any means which is another good thing about the Nook...It brings you to books you wouldn't usually read. I got this book for Free on the Nook and I read it in about five hours (on our way home from Christmas with my husband's family). I liked how Rose finally had to slow down. This was a good quick read.

Code Blue by Richard L. Mabry, MD

In the first book of the Prescription for Trouble series, “Code Blue” means more to Dr. Cathy Sewell than the cardiac emergency she has to face. It describes her mental state as she finds that coming back to her hometown hasn’t brought her the peace she so desperately needs. Instead, it’s clear that someone there wants her gone…or dead.

Cathy returns to her hometown seeking healing after a broken relationship, but discovers that among her friends and acquaintances is someone who wants her out of town…or dead. Lawyer Will Kennedy, her high school sweetheart, offers help, but does it carry a price tag? Is hospital chief of staff Dr. Marcus Bell really on her side in her fight to get hospital privileges? Is Will’s father, Pastor Matthew Kennedy, interested in advising her or just trying to get her back to the church she left years ago? When one of Cathy’s prescriptions almost kills the town banker, it sets the stage for a malpractice suit that could end her time in town, if not her career. It’s soon clear that this return home was a prescription for trouble.


My review - I was very shocked by this book. It was one of the books that was from Free Fridays at Barnes and Noble. I'd never ready an of Richard L. Mabry's books and wasn't to sure in the beginning. But the twist was SO good. I never saw the twist coming and I loved the love story that was included and also the mentions of God. It represented what Christians should be through Will's parents. I can't wait to get the second one in the series. And I will be buying it!

I got it!

So, I posted recently that I wanted to know what people thought about the Nook vs. NookColor vs. Kindle...One person responded but that's beside the point, just wanted to note here that I do like comments! haha

So I asked that and the decided I wanted a Nook. And my wonderful, loving husband gave me one for Christmas. I got it early and I'm loving it! Here is a picture that my mother-in-law took. It's me holding my Nook and the gift card from Barnes and Noble that she gave me!

Now for some book reviews! :)

Stories Behind The Best-Loved Song of Christmas by Ace Collins

Behind the Christmas songs we love to sing lie fascinating stories that will enrich your holiday celebration. Taking you inside the nativity of over thirty favorite songs and carols, Ace Collins introduces you to people you've never met, stories you've never heard, and meanings you'd never have imagined.

The next time you and your family sing 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,' you'll have a new understanding of its message and popular roots. You'll discover how 'Angels from the Realms of Glory,' with its sublime lyrics and profound theology, helped usher in a quiet revolution in worship. You'll learn the strange history of the haunting and powerful 'O Holy Night,' including the song's surprising place in the history of modern communications. And you'll step inside the life of Mark Lowry and find out how he came to pen the words to the contemporary classic 'Mary, Did You Know?'

Still other songs such as 'O Come, O Come, Emmanuel' trace back to mysterious origins--to ninth-century monks, nameless clergy, and unknown commoners of ages past. Joining hands with such modern favorites as 'White Christmas' and 'The Christmas Song,' they are part of the legacy of inspiration, faith, tears, love, and spiritual joy that is Christmas.

From the rollicking appeal of 'Jingle Bells' to the tranquil beauty of 'Silent Night,' the great songs of Christmas contain messages of peace, hope, and truth. Each in its own way expresses a facet of God's heart and celebrates the birth of his greatest gift to the world--Jesus, the most wonderful Christmas Song of all.

My Review - I liked this book pretty good, it was my first Nook book and it was free on the Free Friday's, which is why I got it. Although I'd never heard of some of the songs, the ones I had heard of were cool to learn about. I especially liked the Mary Did You Know and how it told about who wrote it and all.

Cast a Road Before Me by Brandilyn Collins

A course-changing event in one’s life can happen in minutes. Or it can form slowly, a primitive webbing splaying into fingers of discontent, a minuscule trail hardening into the sinewed spine of resentment. So it was with the mill workers as the heat-soaked days of summer marched on.

City girl Jessie, orphaned at sixteen, struggles to adjust to life with her barely known aunt and uncle in the tiny town of Bradleyville, Kentucky. Eight years later (1968), she plans on leaving—to follow in her revered mother’s footsteps of serving the homeless. But the peaceful town she’s come to love is about to be tragically shattered. Threats of a labor strike rumble through the streets, and Jessie’s new love and her uncle are swept into the maelstrom. Caught between the pacifist teachings of her mother and these two men, Jessie desperately tries to deny that Bradleyville is rolling toward violence and destruction.

My Review - Although I thought I knew what the outcome of the story would be I liked the book pretty good. I loved Lee and Jessi together. I thought it was amazing the way the family shared God and His word with Jessi and Lee. Sharing God with family is probably harder then sharing with a stranger, sounds strange but it is true. I absolutely loved the ending of the book. I'm hoping I find out more about Jessi and Lee when I read the next two books!

The Seventeen Second Miracle by Jason F. Wright

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Wednesday Letters and The Cross Gardener, a story of small kindnesses-and life-changing miracles.

Seventeen seconds can change a life forever. This is what Rex Connor learned on a gorgeous summer afternoon in 1970 when, as a lifeguard, he diverted his gaze for seventeen seconds and tragedy occurred. Forty years later the waves of that day still ripple through the lives of countless people, including his son, Cole.

Cole Connor has become a patient teacher, and now he has invited three struggling teenagers to visit him on his front porch to learn about Rex Connor-and the Seventeen Second Miracle. Together they will learn how Rex Connor could have allowed seventeen seconds to destroy him, but instead he chose to live every day believing the smallest of acts could change the world for good. And the students, each with their own secrets and private pains, will begin to understand that even tragedy brings lessons. Even pain brings comfort. Even death brings miracles. A seventeen second miracle can change a life-if you let it.

My review - I liked this book. It was a pretty easy read and I read it in about 3 days. I liked his other book The Christmas Jars better but this was kind of like it but in a different way. It was a moving book just like The Christmas Jars and I think I'll be trying to preform at least one seventeen second miracle everyday like in the book. I thought the change in the three students was amazing. And I loved what happened with Jade's book store! Overall I give 4 stars and I will definitely read more of his books.

A Light to my Path by Lynn Austin

Refiner's Fire book 3 Kitty, a house slave, always figured it was easiest to do what she’d always done--obey Missy and follow orders. But when word arrives that the Yankees are coming, Kitty is faced with a decision: will she continue to follow the bidding of her owners, or will she embrace this chance for freedom? Never allowed to have ideas of her own, Kitty is overwhelmed by the magnitude of her decision. Yet it is her hope to find the "happy ever after" ending to her life--and to follow Grady, whom she loves--that is the driving force behind her choice. Where will it lead her?

My Review - This book was pretty good. I especially liked it after Grady and Anna/Kitty met. Until that point it kind of dragged. The way slaves were treated were horrible. I don't think I ever realized how bad they were treated or how wrong it was. And then when slavery ended I couldn't image how lost and unprepared people were. I mean you've basically been treated one way your whole life and for that to suddenly change to where you didn't have to be ordered around anymore. Overall I liked this book a lot after I got to a certain point. I can't wait til Lynn Austin comes out with more books since I've read all the ones up to this point.

Kindle vs. Nook vs. NookColor...

So I've been thinking about asking for an eReader for Christmas...What are your thoughts on these?? Which one do you prefer?

I've personally been leaning more towards the NookColor for a few reasons...1) After Amazon is going to sell the pedophile book I don't want them to have anymore of my money. And 2) On the NookColor you can surf the web. But those are my only reasons. So what are your thoughts????

Though Waters Roar by Lynn Austin

Harriet Sherwood has always adored her grandmother. But when Harriet decides to follow in her footsteps to fight for social justice, she certainly never expected her efforts to land her in jail. Nor did she expect her childhood enemy and notorious school bully, Tommy O'Reilly, to be the arresting officer.

Languishing in a jail cell, Harriet has plenty of time to sift through the memories of the three generations of women who have preceded her. As each story emerges, the strength of her family--and their deep faith in the God of justice and righteousness--brings Harriet to the discovery of her own goals and motives for pursuing them.

My Review - This was probably my least favorite book from Lynn Austin that I've read. I did read through it all but I was very hard for me to get through it. I didn't like how Harriet would just kind of be remembering but then it'd jump back to her. But I'm moving on to the next Lynn Austin book. I gave this book 2 stars.

Six Word Saturday

Thankful my mom is doing great!
So if you've read any of my other post you'll read that my mom has breast cancer and on November 2nd she had a double mastectomy. She came through surgery wonderfully and when they were doing the surgery they took out three lymph nodes. Well, those three lymph nodes were tested and they tested negative for cancer. Praise the Lord!! Now though it's been four days since surgery and she is doing awesome. I talked to my dad earlier and he said she had been more awake and alert this morning then she had since the surgery. I'm going to go see her in a bit. Thanks for all the prayers! :)

Friday Fill-Ins: #198

So...here we go!

1. Sometimes, you don't get what you want exactly when you want it..

2. You should trust God about the whole thing.

3. Small steps.

4. The Bible is very enlightening.

5. I keep meaning to get off this computer!

6. Is it time ...yet.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing, tomorrow my plans include sleeping in and Sunday, I want to go to church!

Update

So my mom is doing pretty good. The surgery was on Tuesday and they started around 11:30am and finished about 3:30pm. They took out 3 of her lymph nodes and there was no cancer found in those, praise the Lord! And she goes back on Wednesday to find out what stage the cancer was in. She's sore and in pain now but she went home today. She has a long road ahead from recovery and then starting chemo. So please continue to pray for her! I'm SO very thankful for all the people who are praying. She has told me that she can feel that there are many praying for her. Thanks again!

Prayer Please....

So to the left there is myself but it is also my wonderful, loving, caring, sweet (the list could go on and on) mother, Debbie. On 10/22/10 she was diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a lump in her breast. So I'm asking prayer for her. But tomorrow for her and the doctors. She's having a double mastectomy. She's completely at peace about all of this and I am at peace but then that's my momma and it's scary! The surgery is scheduled for 11am EST so if you think about it please, please, please say a prayer. During the surgery they will take out three lymph nodes and test them to see if the cancer is in them. Also during the surgery they will be able to tell what stage it is in. She'll stay in the hospital tomorrow night and maybe, hopefully get to come home on Wednesday 11/03/10. I know she already has a bunch of prayers being said for her and our family but a few more can't hurt.

I will try to post an update tomorrow evening but I may not get to because I'll be at the hospital all day and then getting home late. Thanks in advance for your prayers though! :)

Six Word Saturday

Excited that I'll be babysitting tonight!

So really, who gets excited about babysitting?! haha...I've babysat a few children and I love doing it but this little girl I'll be with tonight holds a special place in my heart! Maybe it's the fact that she wakes up the morning I'm going to be coming and says to her dad, What day is it? And he'll say Saturday. She'll say YEAH! Today is the day Kasey comes and it's going to be AWESOME! haha. Maybe that's it. But I am excited about it!

While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin

In an unassuming apartment building in Brooklyn, New York, three lives intersect as the reality of war invades each aspect of their lives. Young Esther is heartbroken when her father decides to enlist in the army shortly after the death of her mother. Penny Goodrich has been in love with Eddie Shaffer for as long as she can remember; now that Eddie's wife is dead, Penny feels she has been given a second chance and offers to care for his children in the hope that he will finally notice her and marry her after the war. And elderly Mr. Mendel, the landlord, waits for the war to end to hear what has happened to his son trapped in war-torn Hungary.

But during the long, endless wait for victory overseas, life on the home front will go from bad to worse. Yet these characters will find themselves growing and changing in ways they never expected--and ultimately discovering truths about God's love... even when He is silent.

My review - I liked this book pretty good. Took me a few chapters to get into it but once I got sucked into it I liked it. I hated how Penny's parents treated her. Whether or not she was their true daughter or not, they still treated her like crap. And I pinned her and Roy from the get go. And I loved the ending for all the characters. I also liked the time period in which the book was set. I've always thought the Holocaust was an interest time in history.

Monday Mayhem

1. Are you living the dream?? Yep. I'm saved by the grace of God, God sent me a wonderful husband and I love my family!
2. Is this what you imagined your life would be like? Hum...Kind of...I'd like a few children but they will come when God wants them to...
3. I'm coming for dinner, what will you make for me?? Probably Honey Mustard Chicken cause I know it's good :)
4. What's your favorite cuss word? Not really into using cuss words.
5. Tell me one thing you would change about anyone's blog and why? Nothing...I love seeing other people's blog and wondering how I can improve mine to look as good as theirs! :)
6. What is your biggest blogging pet peeve? Music that starts as soon as the page is loaded.
7. What's your favorite tv show this season? I need a new show! :) House, The Event, and Parenthood - it's my new favorite :)
8. What's your favorite 'down' time {nothing computer related}? Reading...If you've ever read my blog before you'd know I like to read...I ALWAYS have a book with me :)