Christmas With Mr. Darcy

Christmas With Mr. Darcy

By: Victoria Connelly

AVAILABLE ONLY IN KINDLE EDITION

 

 

Purely Hall is about to come alive as it hosts a Jane Austen Christmas Conference with Dame Pamela Harcourt at the helm. The characters she wrote about in her Austen addicts trilogy come back to celebrate Christmas and their favorite author.

 

The house is decorated to the hilt. The atmosphere is set. However, there are a few hiccups in the planned conference. Guests things go missing, an unexpected guest shows up, and a health scare descends upon the attendees.

 

For readers of Victoria Connelly's Austen Addicts books (A Weekend With Mr. Darcy, Dreaming of Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Darcy Forever) will love revisiting these wonderful characters. I loved catching up with the characters I loved from the books. Catch up with sisters Sarah & Mia, from Mr. Darcy Forever. See which sister gets surprising news. Be there when Katherine & Warwick, from Weekend With Mr. Darcy, make a big decision about their future. And revisit Kay, Adam, and Gemma, from Dreaming of Mr. Darcy- my personal favorite.

 

This book was a great to cozy up with and spend a weekend in the England countryside- complete with snow. Jane Austen fans will love how much attention to detail has been taken in regards to the beloved author. 

Our Version of Elf on a Shelf

Many houses enjoy the Elf On A Shelf tradition. You buy the elf, give him a name, and he hides throughout your house. Adorable tradition, I have to say. Not so adorable was the price tag. I thought $30.00 was a bit much. So, my family improvised. 

Allow me to introduce to Dasher. His full name is Dasher the Dashing Reindeer. Much like the famous elf, Dasher loves to hide all over our house and my 2 girls love searching for him. My little Love bugs have a Grandfather who works at Bass Pro Shop and last year we got to visit him during the Christmas holidays. In the store, you can pick out a stuffed animal from a selection and have it filled. (Much like the whole Build A Bear set up.) We chose the reindeer since it was Christmas. It wasn't long before my creative side saw opportunity knocking on it's door, and Dasher the Dashing Reindeer was born. 

My girls immediately took to the whole idea. They LOVED him! My husband and I would hide him when they weren't looking and they would embark on a search. The giggles, smiles, and glee on their faces when they would find him was priceless. 

I worried they may have forgotten about him over the year, but I had nothing to worry about. When it came to putting up Christmas in our house, my oldest (6) was anxiously awaiting Dasher's appearance. My youngest (3) was quickly on board with the fun. In fact, that night slept with him.

Dasher the Dashing Reindeer has joined our list of beloved Christmas Traditions. I realize that one day my girls won't be as excited for his arrival. They may outgrow the whole hide and seek factor behind him. I'm not looking forward to that day and I hope it's several years away. For now, my household loves having Dasher as part of our Christmas memories.

Angels At The Table

Angels At The Table

By: Debbie Macomber

240 Pages

 

Summary:

Debbie Macomber has brought back her beloved Angels. Shirley, Mercy, and Goodness are back, and this time they have an angel they are training: Will. They take Will to New York City's Times Square New Year's Eve party where he inadvertently causes trouble. What could possibly happen when he has two strangers meet before they were meant to?

 

 

It's New Year's Eve and the party is in full effect at New York City's Times Square. Shirley, Mercy, and Goodness thought it was a good opportunity for Will to see the people he would be working with once he begins to answer prayers himself. What could possibly go wrong? Plenty when Will accidentally has 2 strangers meet. Lucie is in the process of getting her restaurant to open. Her mother has invested her life's savings into this venture and Lucie is feeling the pressure. Aren is a divorcee who has just moved to New York after taking a job at a newspaper. They bump into each other at midnight, share a kiss, and the connection is instant. Aren tells her that if she would like to pursue a relationship with him, to meet him at the top of the Empire State Building in a week. On her way to meet him, Lucie's diabetic Mother is taken to the hospital after a fall. Lucie never makes it.

 

A year later has Lucie's restaurant open and widely successful. Aren is restaurant critic writing under a pseudo name. Anxious to right the wrong he name, Will and the Angels go to Earth to help things along. On the night Aren reviews Lucie's place, they all add a little extra of things to the food. It backfires and he gives the restaurant, and the chef, a scathing review. Lucie has no idea Aren is the reviewer and Aren has no idea the restaurant is Lucie's.

 

Once the two meet again, things pick up where they left off. However, reality hits Aren first. He lives in a constant state of fear for what will happen when Lucie finds out he was the one behind the horrid review. Eventually the truth is discovered and Aren's fears become truth. Lucie breaks it off with him. Good thing 3 Angels and a trainee are on the case.

 

The Angels are the stars of the book. They find a way to ruin a perfectly good meal, further complicating their jobs. They enjoy a Broadway show- until they decide to put their own "touch" to it. And I'm not saying who was responsible for taking a camel out for a mini walk amongst New York City, but it does happen.

 

Angels At The Table  is another delightfully charming Debbie Macomber creation. This book is a great Christmastime read. You will have a great time meeting the characters and laughing at the hi jinks these Angels get into. Curl up, get comfy, and see what happens when you read Angels At The Table.



Christmas At The White House

Christmas At The White House

By: Jennifer B. Pickens

 

Christmas is that special time of year when our lives get a little more sparkly and colorful. Stores decorate their windows and displays go from ordinary to amazing; homes get decked out with decorations of all kinds. The White House is no exception when it comes to Christmas decorating spirit. Christmas At The White House takes you behind the scenes to see how the most wonderful time of the year comes to the most famous house in the country.

 

Within it's pages, you'll learn how some the most beloved White House traditions were started. Find out which Presidency (mostly the First Lady) is responsible for introducing the Candlelight tours, the gingerbread house, and others. You'll get to learn how the Official White House Christmas Tree is chosen, and which President even dressed up as Santa himself.

 

This book is packed with wonderful tidbits from each Presidency it covers. I loved reading how Jacqueline Kennedy had American Citizens submit ornaments that were put on the trees on the first 2 floors of the White House. Or how, during the Ford years, the ornaments were handmade by the family. In fact, they even printed up instructions to pass out so families around the country could do the same since the economy was so bad at the time.

 

Christmas At The White House was a treasure and joy to read. I loved it!

Today's Shadows by Becky Melby

WOW was all I can say to summarize this book up...This was filled with page turners...ones which had me at the edge of my seat *wishing I could read faster however wanting to read slower so the book wouldn't end!*

This all starts with Heather Conrad who decides to take her boss up on the offer of house-sitting her new house while she goes away on a business trip, while also leaving her to take care of her 6 year old daughter "Izzy." Since Heather has been her personal assistant, she was very close to the daughter so while it was an inconvenience at first, she pleasured the company of the little vibrant girl. This house was not only big and huge, they soon find out that it is also filled with stairways and passages and hidden doors! I found that very intriguing! I would be so fascinated to live in such a house that not only a history, but a story! And this story was a doozie! 

Thinking Heather was being followed by a strange man, a security guard come to their rescue at a local coffee shop. Both Heather and Ryan actually start to hit it off and she opens up to him and starts to reveal her past...at the same time, Izzy was a little determined little girl. She decided to explore the house on her own. While getting lost through stairways she stumbles on an old chest - one that contained some stories of a maid working in that house prior to the Titanic sailing. The stories are then told at the same time -> In the perspective of Maggie the servant, then back to Heather and Izzy. Ryan, Heather, Izzy and Maggie have all experienced sadness in their life, but I will tell you this ending makes all that sadness worth while! This story takes you places, both good and bad that leave you feeling an array of emotions! The ending to this story really makes it complete :) 

I LOVED IT! I will definitely be buying this book when it does come out as well as I look forward to reading more books written by this author!!

The Secret Keeper

The Secret Keeper
By: Kate Morton
463 Pages

Summary:
While enjoying a lazy day, Laurel Nicolson sees a man walk up the driveway. What happens next changes her life forever. Now, as her mother is dying, Laurel is on a quest for answers to what happened when she was 16 years old.

This book was AMAZING! I have never read  a Kate Morton book before, and I can tell you I am now a fan who will be enjoying her works. Kate's writing style is melodic. She has the gift of telling a story in a beautiful way.

The story centers around Laurel who watched her Mother kill a stranger. The murder was deemed self-defense and rarely spoken of afterward. However, Laurel couldn't out run her curiosity. Now that her Mother is in her final days, Laurel is determined to get all the answers to the questions she never asked.

The book goes back and forth between Laurel's quest and her Mother, Dolly's (Dorothy), story. You see her odd family place and what happened during the war that forever altered her life. You get a front row seat to her romance with Jimmy. You also are there when Dolly meets the woman who completely changes Dolly's life. Once Dolly meets Vivian, nothing is ever the same again. However, is this friendship everything is appears to be?

Kate gives you up close glimpses into all the main characters' lives. She paints an amazing picture with who they are individually, and how they interact together. You get to see how misconceptions can lead to mislead decisions. You watch as revenge unfolds into tragedy, and ultimately how tragedy turns into beauty.

While the book is a long one at 463 pages, it is a story that is worth reading. The Secret Keeper is a book you are not likely to forget once you move onto other books.

Rating: Buy It!!

Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

I have been an dedicated Nicholas Sparks reader ever since I read "The Wedding." All of his books are beautifully written, I now have 15 of his books on my shelf which I have read and enjoyed! He is an AMAZING writer and it makes me want to marry a guy like the lead character in his books! I admit, I have had this book on my shelf for a month or so. I've put it off to read other books on my list, however when I saw the commercial for the movie coming out next year in February, I KNEW I had to put it on my next book to read! I started this book on November 20th, and finished it today, the 23rd! I completely threw myself into this book and the story.

It started off with Katie, a down on her luck girl looking for a job and a new start in life. She never talked about her past with anyone, not her co-workers or her next door neighbor "Jo." As she became a regular customer at a local grocery store, she became friends with the owner "Alex" and his friendly kids "Josh" and "Kristen." They started hanging out on a regular basis and she became more involved with the family. However, as time goes on, Katie starts talking about her more personal life and where she grew up and came from: bad parents who ended up dying when she was young, as well as an abusive husband who she ran away from. She tried running away twice but failed on both attempts. He threatened he would kill her if she tried to run away again. However, she tried reporting it to the police but they wouldn't do anything about it. Why you may ask? Because he WAS the police! One of the detectives at the precinct. Katie was a smart girl, and it took her a while of planning but she was able to concoct a plan to get away which worked! However, is Katie's life at Southport too good to be true? Can she really escape without her alcoholic husband trying to find her?

I could not believe how quickly I was pulled into this story, picking it up as often as I had the chance! I started it at work, and every chance I got (when the boss stepped away from his desk or left early) I busted it out right away!! As the story progressed, I found myself being pulled into the action, fully immersing myself into the small seaside town and the people in it! It's sad to know that this actually happens in real life: abusive in a relationship. People should never have to suffer something so bad as that, either mental abusive or physical abuse. Katie was a strong girl and did what she had to in order to live!

Nicholas Sparks has always been one of my favorite authors! Every time I hear of a new book coming out I look forward to reading it as I know he wouldn't disappoint me! This book definitely didn't disappoint me, I loved it from cover to cover!

Dead on Ice by Lauren Carr

This is the first book I’ve read by Lauren Carr and I extremely enjoyed it! It is the first in the series and I cannot wait to read the books that follow!

What would you do if you found the body of a porn star in a basement in the basement of your cousin? The books begins with a bomb being found in the house of a local attorney. However, the bomb failed to blow up a freezer: one that contained the body of famous porn star “Cherry Pickens.”  Cherry (later discovered to be Cheryl Smith) disappeared from Hollywood in the summer of 1985 and was never heard of. Cameron, a cop, and Joshua, a prosecuting attorney, work together in this case and uncover some fascinating details

Rewind 35 years to the year of 1977 - It starts off at a local ice skating rink when a group of people just graduated from high school and are having fun. However, it turns to nightmare when Cheryl Smith starts taunting the sweet girl Angie. Cheryl thinks Angie is sneaking around with Ned, Cheryl’s boyfriend. After everyone departs for the night Kyle, Angie’s boyfriend, takes her home and is planning on proposing to her later that night. However, when Kyle calls the following morning Angie never came home! Everyone suspects the bully Cheryl committed the crime but did she? And if she didn’t, who did?  

Fast forward 35 years when you find Cherry Pickens dead in the freezer found in the basement. However, when a bomb is shortly exploded almost destroying this evidence, the case is brought into light again! Cameron and Joshua are both a detective and a defense attorney that work together in this case to solve who the killer actually is.

The various threads start coming together, but in the end, the intricacies kept me turning pages and shaking my head. First I was sure it was this person, then that one, then several individuals sprang to mind!.

This is definitely a page-turner! I look forward to reading my mysteries written by Lauren!

Winning Balance

Winning Balance

By: Shawn Johnson

 

The world met Shawn Johnson, a little powerhouse of a girl, on the gymnastics stage. She vaulted her way onto the scene and quickly skyrocketed past every one's expectations. By the time she was 16, she was competing in the Olympics and thriving under more stress and pressure than most of us will ever experience. However, her gymnastics career wasn't without it's disappointments. Not all her dreams came true, and she had to learn some of life's hardest lessons with the world watching.

 

I've been a fan of Shawn since seeing her doing gymnastics on TV. I was watching her and amazed at all she could do. Obviously, I only knew a small fraction of her life. But, that small fraction held wisdom I could learn from. As I read her book, I couldn't believe how such a young girl had such a mature head on her shoulders. I truly wish more of today's athletes thought the way she did.

 

Her first coach informed her Mother that Shawn had no talent. Thankfully, her Mother didn't listen. Shawn later moved to a new gym that opened in her home town and history began. Through the help of a strong family base and loving people around her, Shawn took the world by storm. Beijing was the place where her Olympic dreams would come true, though not in the way she originally thought. I was constantly amazed at how Shawn was able to find the positive amongst every negative she faced. Instead of letting a disappointment stop her in her tracks, she chose to focus on the good. A key example of this is when she's at the Olympics, ready to do her floor routine in the hopes of scoring her dream: a gold medal in the Women's All-Around. However, as she's waiting for her turn she quickly learns her fellow teammate (and friend) got a higher score than her and there was no way she would be able to get the gold. Right there, on the floor with cameras rolling, she realizes her dream is gone. However, she is able to turn that thinking around. Amazing!

 

The book doesn't just focus on her gymnastics career. You travel with her to Los Angeles as she does Dancing With The Stars. She takes you through the whole experience- including the stalker incident that almost stopped everything in it's tracks. Again, in minutes she's able to turn the tables on a negative situation and focus on the positive. In the end, Shawn wins the show!

 

Shawn Johnson is an inspiration to the world- especially athletes. Through Faith, family, and a firm grounding she is able to live her life with dignity and respect. Anyone can learn from her lessons and experience.

 





Crossing On The Paris

Crossing On The Paris

By: Dana Gynther

 

 

Summary:

3 women board the Paris on it's maiden voyage headed to the United States. The next 5 days will change their lives. Constance is going to France in the hopes of bringing her estranged sister home to help her ill mother get better. Going against her husband's wishes in traveling alone and unable to convince her sister to return with her, the once hopeful Constance boards the ocean liner feeling like a failure. Will her fate change on the journey home? Vera has spent more than 30 years of her life abroad and is finally returning to the States. Is her family ready? Why is she coming home after all these years? Julie is leaving her mourning parents behind to take a job working on the Paris. All of her brothers have died in The Great War and her parents never recovering from their devastating losses, Julie is hoping to find a better life aboard the ship. Will she?

 

Fans of historical fiction may enjoy this book. I found the storyline too slow moving, myself. However, maybe others won't. It was interesting to see the background of each character. Each story was captivating in it's own way. I just wish they had been told at a faster pace.

 

Rating: Borrow From The Library



Refuge

By: Carole Rummage

Reviewed By: Debbie Hill

 

Laney is a gymnast awaiting her scores so she could make it to nationals, that's when her world came crumbling around her as she found out she lost her parents and autistic brother and now had to live with her aunt and uncle. While living there, she met Gabe: the handsome and friendly guy with this mystery disease that no one would inform her about. Being with him, she felt whole, she felt complete. After a death occurs in the town, Gabe and his family take off. Suspicious maybe? Well, that's when Laney finally comes to conclusion of what his disease is. Can she live with it? Will this be her happily ever after?

I admit, there are times in this book where I just could not put it down, it had the "it" factor where it just pulled you in. However, as much as I enjoyed this romance between the two, my favorite part was the relationship she had with her aunt and uncle. In the end, they all needed one another to help them fill an empty place in their hearts.

Can You Tell This Is A Knock-Off?

Can You Tell This Is A Knock-Off:
Finding Your Identity In Christ
By: Missy Horsfall & Jocelyn Hamsher
177 Pages

Summary:
Can You Tell This Is a Knock-Off? Finding Your True Identity in Christ offers a fresh perspective on identity. Short, easy-to-read chapters—overflowing with humor and insightful Bible-based encouragement—will inspire a new outlook, as you begin to discover your originality and value in the Master Creator.
--bn.com


The subject of this book is one that we can all relate to: our identity. As I was growing up, I never felt like I fit in- anywhere. I never felt like I was good enough. My identity has always been an issue with me. While my insecurities don't control me like they did in my youth, I'd be lying if I said I had a clear description of who I am.

For anyone who is religious, your identity is a personal and important issue. This book is written for Christians. Can You Tell This Is A Knock-off? provides that warm and loving embrace that reminds us we are not alone in trying to figure ourselves out. It also gives you that nudge to focus on what God wants for you and not let the wrong influences define you and your actions.

I enjoyed reading this book. In fact, as soon as I got the book I was excited to start it. Lately, I've been feeling changes coming in my life and this book was just what I needed. I loved how the authors put in their own experiences- good and bad- throughout the book. I didn't feel preached at, but like I was having a Girls Lunch where we opened up. I plan to buy this book and read it again.

The Air We Breathe by Christa Parrish

I would have to admit, this book did take me a little bit longer to finish than some other books I have recently read. However, after I started to read it and get involved in the stories and characters I truly enjoyed this book! Not only was it filled with mystery and intrigue, it was filled with faith and religion which is very enlightening!

Molly is an 18 year old girl who doesn’t leave the house, this being her choice of course. Running a wax museum with her mom, she sees people coming and going as an everyday routine. She fears going outside for something that happened to her in her past. Both she and her mother Louise don’t speak of what happened until one day when a stranger from the past walks into their lives and rekindles the past.

6 years ago, Claire Rodriguez became a newly single woman: having just divorced her husband, as well as losing her 2 kids and baby in a horrible car accident. One day at the park, fate brought Claire and a little girl together. The girl, however, was mute and didn’t talk to anyone. On this day, the girl finally starts talking to Claire which shocks her mother. One Saturday as Claire goes to their house to make a visit, both the girl and the mother are gone with no way to track them down.

One of my favorite parts of the book is the presence of religion. Molly has a bible in her room which she keeps hidden. I laughed at the part where she actually stated she took the Bible from a hotel room where she was visiting. In her defense, the last owner of the Bible did write a note saying the person can take the book if they want. :)

In the end, Will Molly and Claire be able to help one another fix the problems of their past so they can move on to have a happy future? This book was filled with drama, intrigue, love, perseverance, and faith in that anything can happen. I truly enjoyed reading this book – this book inspires me to have faith and believe in my religion! I look forward to reading more books written by Christa Parrish!

A Snowglobe Christmas

A SnowGlobe Christmas

By: Linda Goodnight & Lissa Manley.

224 Pages

Reviewed By: Betsey Brooks

 

I recently finished reading "A Snowglobe Christmas" by Linda Goodnight and Lissa Manley. Coming from the North East, these stories brought back wonderful memories of a small town Christmas. Both stories center around the weeks leading up to Christmas.  A Snowglobe is snuggled deep in the mountains of Montana. It has become well known for its picturesque setting and festive atmosphere. Every store, house, church and lamp post is thoroughly decorated for Christmas. Tourists from all over come to share in the town's Christmas Celebrations. From winter sports to charming stores the residents love Christmas and are pleased to share with the many visitors.

The first story Yuletide Homecoming, by Linda Goodnight, is the story of a young successful woman returning home to run the family business. Dana Caldwell is excited to have her daughter home and is looking ahead to retiring. Amy is just as excited to return home and help run "The Snowglobe Gift Shoppe". There is just one cloud hanging over this return and his name is Rafe Westfield, her ex-fiancee. But Amy has moved on and is anxious to celebrate the holidays with her Mom. Both mom and Rafe are about to shake up Amy's world in ways she never imagined. Will Amy leave again or stay in Snowglobe? God has all the answers she will need.

 

The second story A Family's Christmas Wish, by Lissa Manley, centers around Sara Kincaid and Owen Larsen. Both are single parents with three year old daughters. Owen arrives at "The Snowglobe Bed and Breakfast," owned by Sara, in answer to her emergency call concerning a big leak in her roof. Owen has brought his shy daughter Jane with him. Sara's daughter Mia is thrilled to see a playmate and whisks Jane off to the world of make believe.

 

With the girls happily playing Owen and Sara's attention turns to the leak. It turns out fixing the roof is going to cost a lot. Sara does not have the money. The holiday bookings were lost because of this leak . Owen has made plans to move out of town before Christmas so a job as involved as this will not fit into the one week he has left. God has other plans. The compromise that is finally worked out is almost too good to believe. When Owen reluctantly agrees to attend the town's Christmas Tree Lighting, he is surprised how much both he and Jane enjoy sharing it with Sara and Mia. A blizzard, prayers and a near fatal accident change Owen and Sara's life forever.

 

Both stories are a Christmas delight, uplifting and will put you in the mood for Christmas. So break out a cup of cocoa, settle into a comfy spot and drift into the charming town of Snowglobe.

A Walk in the Park by Jill Mansell

I have never heard of Jill Mansell, let alone read one of her books, so when I saw the cover and read what it was about, I knew I wanted to read it! This was a nice quick read, predictable at times. All the characters are likeable, and the book revolves around each of their story lines at the same time.

 

Lara is just a teen when she finds out she is pregnant, (whle her dad and boyfriend don't know that yet) her dad kicks her out and she turns to her aunt to stay with. 18 years later, Lara's dad dies and when she comes back for the funeral she realizes the house was left in her name. So moving back to her hometown, Bath, she finally introduces her daughter, Gigi, to her father, Flynn. The interation between Flynn and Gigi was particularly endearing to me. I found myself smiling and laughing when it came to their parts. Consequently, the interaction between Flynn and Lara is also filled with chemistry and love. Lara is determined to keep the relationship on a friendship-based level for the sake of her daughter, but does Flynn feel the same way? No. He is determined to win her back, but when Lara starts to get jealous of another woman in Flynn's life - will it be too late for her?

 

Lara's best friend from high school, Evie, is about to get married. On her wedding day, she realizes some last minute facts about her fiance, Joel, and runs out on him . As Evie decides to move in with Lara, Joel still has a never-ending quest to win back the love of his life. But, will it be too late for him? Can she forgive him? At the same time, Evie also gets set up by Bonnie (Joel's mom) as well as Lara. Will one of those suitors capture her attention instead? 

 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Jill. This was filled with twists and turns along the way and really kept your attention! Although it was slightly boring at times, I look forward to reading many more of her books! 

 

The Bridge

The Bridge
By: Karen Kingsbury
272 Pages
Reviewed by: Betsey Brooks

Summary:
The touching story of how a bookstore affects and changes a town and the people within it. 

** More details of The Bridge plot have been kept from this review so as not to give the story away. ** 

 

The story revolves around a new and used book store in Franklin, Tennessee. The owner, Charlie Barton loves people almost as much as he loves books. People of all ages have been touched by Charlie's caring ways as they passed through the doors of "The Bridge". That all came to a horrible end.

 

We learn about Charlie from two former students, Molly and Ryan.They have moved on with their lives, but brought with them the memories of the special times they spent together at "The Bridge". Both are very upset when they read about Charlie's unstable condition following an accident. The article continued on to tell of the bookstore's destruction by a devastating flood.

 

Ryan goes to the community with a plan to help Charlie get back on his feet. After reading the article Molly wants to help too. Their united effort brings more than the community together. Success seems doomed when they learn the owner of Charlie's building has decided to sell it. Charlie has until the first of the year to buy it. Will Charlie live to know of every one's love and effort? Is there any hope of saving "The Bridge"? Do Christmas miracles still happen? Pull up a comfortable chair and settle in for a wonderful read.

New Mug Magic!!!

There are many things I collect: books, music boxes, and coffee mugs. If you believe my hubby, and please don't, I have plenty. My theory is that one can never have too many wonderful mugs. They just make my hot chocolate taste better. Not to mention, they are more enjoyable to look at than a plain one.

Recently, I acquired a new mug to add to my collection. This one does something none of my other mugs can do. This new mug changes color when you add anything hot to it. I LOVE THOSE!!! I used to have a Phantom of the Opera mug where the mask changed colors, but it eventually died. It was well loved.

Allow me to introduce to you the newest object for my hot chocolate fascination!

Before Hot Chocolate is added.....

 

 

After Hot Chocolate is added!

 

 

It's the little things in life, right? I won't mind washing this mug by hand. 

Dracula- Halloween Reading Recommendation

Dracula

By: Bram Stoker

 

 

No Halloween is complete without Dracula! The most famous vampire of them all! Admittedly, I'm not a fan of the whole vampire/warewolf genre, but I LOVED this book! I didn't think I would, but I couldn't put it down!

 

Upon it's release in the UK in 1897, it wasn't an instant bestseller. No, like many beloved books written long ago, it didn't have immediate success. The original title was "The Un-Dead", but a last minute change gave it the name the world would come to know. Dracula, himself, also had a name change. This infamous character was originally called Count Wampyr. Personally, I think Dracula is a much better match.

 

As I was looking up information on this famous book, I found more arguments more than anything else. Some people say Bram Stoker did thorough research for the book, while others say that wasn't the case. Some argue the inspiration for Dracula was the 15th century Prince, Vlad The Impaler, who was born in Transylvania.

 

Either way, bram wrote a book that has stood the test of time. Not bad for a child who grew up with his Mother telling him horror stories.

 



Garment of Shadows

Garment of Shadows

By: Laurie R. King

260 Pages

 

 

Laurie R. King brings back one of fiction's most beloved characters- Sherlock Holmes. This time, he doesn't have his usual sidekick, but someone else: Mary Russell, his wife. 

 

Sherlock and Russell were supposed to meet at a certain place, at a certain time. However, when Holmes checks into the chosen hotel, he discovers his wife isn't there. What's more, she's been missing for a few days. While it may not have been cause for concern with the moving production she was with, red flags go up for Sherlock. Thoughts turn to action when he receives a note. Holmes soon sets off on a journey to find his missing wife.

 

Russell has just woken up in a room she doesn't know. Nor does she know how she got there, where she is, or who she is. Inner instinct kicks in and she leaves, doing everything she can to avoid being caught by the police. Flashbacks randomly hit her, but don't return her memory. She only knows she needs to find the Sorcerer's Clock. Both Sherlock and Russell find themselves in Morocco, trying to get answers. Civil War is brewing rapidly and they are surrounded by danger.

 

I started Garment of Shadows looking forward to an adventure. I wasn't a reader of the famous detective, but was curious to meet this new update to him. The book started off with the action and kept it that way with a great pace. However, I got confused and lost among all the political stuff and characters. I know very little about Morocco, which didn't help. I think long-time fans, who grew up with Holmes, would be very interested in this book. It's the most recent book in a series the author has written with Holmes and Russell. I would be interested in reading the first of this series.

 



A Patchwork Christmas

A Patchwork Christmas Collection

Reviewed By: Betsey Brooks

 

A Patchwork Christmas Collection features three inspiring stories. In these stories you see how the making of a quilt can be a scrapbook of life. As life weaves it's happy and unhappy events into the fabric of their lives you watch their faith and strength grow. Although the women's lives are completely different, their desire and need for God's guidance is the same. Their journey to find the joy and peace that only God provides gives the reader much to ponder.

Seams Like Love by Judith Miller

Karla Stuke bears the scare of an engagement broken by a cheating fiance and she has put a thick wall around her heart. Frank Lehner was a childhood friend who has returned to the "Community" to be an apprentice pharmacist. But that is not his only goal. His love for Karla as a friend has matured into the love of a man for a woman. Now he must figure out a way to convince Karla he is worthy of her trust. Both look to God for guidance, but is Karla willing to hear what God's will for her is? Will this Christmas be different than the last one? Only God knows.

A Patchwork Love by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Jane McClare finds herself a penniless widow with a young daughter to raise. Desperate times require desperate measures. Jane answers an add in a local newspaper and a relationship with a Mr. Howard Higgins develops. After a short visit to meet Jane and Molly, Mr. Higgins sends them train tickets to come and spend a Christmas holiday with him. Molly does not like him and claims he doesn't like her either. Jane's desire to provide a secure future for her daughter leaves her no choice. But God has his own plans for Jane and Molly. As the train travels west, a blizzard moves east. The train is stopped by a wall of snow and a raging blizzard. Meanwhile the little cough Molly started out with turns critical. Jane finally realizes only God can help them. Out of the blizzard comes a sleigh bringing more help than anyone can guess. Is settling for a life with Mr. Higgins what God really has planned or is there a happy loving life waiting else where?

The Bridal Quilt by Nancy Moser

Both Ada and Samuel had no doubt they were in love and marriage was in their future. It was the Christmas Social Season in New York City and they were pare of the elite social circle. Parties, balls, trips to the theater and lots of shopping was their world. This year both of their families were waiting to celebrate the engagement when Samuel finally proposed. Samuel loved Ada, but he just couldn't get the words out. He didn't know why he was having such a hard time so he prayed "Show me your will, O Lord". Samuel didn't hear an answer. Meanwhile Ada had been working on a marriage quilt which was a chronicle of her life. She was looking forward to adding the blocks representing her engagement and the events leading up to her wedding. While out for and evening with "the guys" Samuel rescues a little girl who was being beaten. Ada's brother is a doctor so Samuel brings the child to their house to be helped. When he returns the child to the slums he Samuel discoverers God's real purpose for his life. A year later Ada comes face to face with an unconscious Samuel as he lay in the street. God's will for their lives slowly emerges bringing surprises and change to Samuel, Ada and both of their families. Only God knew where the next Christmas would find each of them.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking to curl up and enjoy a good read. Each story features wonderful characters in unusual situations . I found myself sorry when each story ended. I will definitely look for more books written by these authors. Truly a book filled with the Christmas Spirit. Enjoy!

Halloween Reading- The Phantom of The Opera

It's the story known by millions. The story told on the Stage and lived out in several movies. I was shocked to find out how many people didn't know it was a book first. Well, it was and a very good one, too. Within these pages you get to visit the Paris Opera. Plagued with rumors of a Phantom living within it's walls, you get to read for yourself what is true or not. You are taken on an incredible journey and into the bowels of a famous opera house to see just who has made it so famous- and how. Love, control, and obsession all take turns wreaking havoc and making you see things in a different light. Here you meet the man behind the haunting and see what makes him tick. By the time you read the last page you will be on the edge of your seat and gripped to story of The Phantom and Christine.

 

Have you ever read a book and wondered how the author came up with the story they wrote? Turns out, Gaston Leroux didn't create this unforgettable story completely on his own. While working as a reporter, Gaston heard of strange events occurring in the Paris Opera House. He decides to investigate the famous opera house, and see for himself what there was to see. Upon his visit in the 1880s, Gaston even went to the underground lake where the Phantom was believed to live. It was there he found skeletons.

 

The Phantom of the Opera was published first in 1911, but to a disappointing welcome. The book's luck turned when it became a serialization in French, English, and American newspapers. This new success led to a movie being made in 1925. The opera house in the novel is based from none other than the world renowned Paris Opera House.



Miss Book Lovers Halloween Books Announcement

Hey there fellow book lovers!! Since October is the month of Halloween, we thought we'd pick a book each week that had a thriller theme of some kind. On top of the book, we also will be including some behind-the-story info on the selection! We hope you check back each week to see what we've dug up on some favorite books to read this time of year!

Peaches For Father Francis

Peaches For Father Francis

By: Joanne Harris

458 Pages

 

Summary:

Vianne receives a letter from a long dead friend. In it, Vianne is asked to go back to Lansquenet. Trouble is brewing and Vianne is the one who can set things right. Vianne and her 2 girls honor the request and find their former stomping ground a village divided. Another culture has moved in and one of the women in it is not well liked. Her schoolhouse (Vianne's former chocaltaire) is burned. The village priest, Father Francis, is being blamed for it, though no evidence can support the gossip claims. Can Vianne do as her friend asked and set the village right again?

 

I loved Chocolat. It was a magical, interesting, mystical read that I couldn't put down. The sequel to the book, The Girl With No Shadow, wasn't as good. Sadly, I can't say this book brings back what the original has. I found none of the charm and magic that drew you in I was able to find in Chocolat. What I did find was a story that seemed to move slowly and not an enticing storyline, at that.

 

While the curiosity factor kept me longer, I eventually stopped caring what happened to the characters I once knew and missed. I thought the story was finally going to start moving faster when Father Francis rescued Alyssa from her botched suicide attempt, but nothing. I got confused with all the new characters and how they were connected. I also had a hard time remembering some of the older characters from the first book.

 

It was with a heavy hand that I threw in the towel on this book. Having loved the first book in the series, I welcomed the chance to visit the old village. I hope that other Joanne Harris fans have better luck with the book than I did.

 

Rating: Borrow From Library?Buy It & Return It 

 

A Book Lover's Adventures in Potty Training!

Well, my youngest is potty trained. That's right, mini- book lover is officially a big girl now. It was a long journey that wasn't without a few bumps and laughs, but we got there. Allow me to share this adventure with you. Because you all really want to know. Lol.

Early on, Mini Book Lover decided she didn't want to use the potty training toilets. No, only the real thing was going to do for her. So, we thought we'd get a little seat to put on the big seat so she wouldn't fall in. She had her own thoughts on that, as well. She would have none of it. Bare tushie on the real toilet seat was the only way it was going to work for my littlest Love bug. If there was a seat on, she would promptly remove it. Okay then.

She was fascinated with the events in the toilet bowl once she started making donations to it. She would whiz around and make sure she really did something. Of course, in her eagerness to double check things, she would forget she's on the big potty. There were a couple of fall ins. I won't lie- they were funny. Thankfully, she learned quickly not to do that.

My youngest also felt that when she was done, she would wipe herself. Everyone else wipes when they finish, so why not? Well, there's a good reason why not. That's right, she plugged the toilet with her overly generous use of toilet paper. Daddy came to the rescue and she was grounded from wiping herself until later.

Another fun thing she did while mastering the art of potty donations was creating her own game. You've all heard of musical chairs. Well, my youngest plays musical potty. You guessed it! She'll climb on one and then decide she wants to use a different one. Or, there would be one toilet for #1 and another for #2. Sure enough, she'd bless both toilets with her tushie contributions.

After all is said and done, my beautiful 3 year old Love bug is potty trained. She doesn't even wear pull-ups at night. She has her big girl underwear that she picked out and is rather proud!

Mini Book lover: Mommy, am I pooh-pooh trained.
Me: Yes, honey, you're potty trained.
Mini Book lover: No, am I pooh pooh trained.
Me: Yes, my Little Love Bug, you are. :)

The Wind in the Willows (Journey Through The Classics)

The Wind in the Willows

By: Kenneth Grahame

 

 

I love it when a book surprises me. I love it when a book proves me wrong. The Wind in the Willows did just that. This book has been sitting on my bookshelf for a couple of years now. While I was curious enough to buy it, I was never really in that big of a rush to read the book. For some reason, I just didn't think it was going to be that great of a read. Truthfully, I wondered if I would even finish it. I was wrong.

 

This is the charming story of a handful of animals who live in the woods and along the riverbank. Mole has decided he wants to spend the day outside. He meets Rat and from there the adventures begin. Rat introduces Mole, and the reader, to a host of wonderful characters. You get to meet the eccentric Toad. He's a wealthy animal who likes to follow whatever whim he's interested in. He takes up a love of driving cars and proceeds to get into numerous accidents. His friends have an intervention, even go so far has to lock him in a room for his (and everyone on the road) safety. However, he escapes and finds more trouble than he thought he could.

 

While there are a handful of other characters to meet and enjoy the book centers pretty much around Mole, Rat, and Toad. Toad is the character that stood out the most for me. I loved reading about his adventures. His daring escape from the dungeon and all that happened on his way back home. He was a character who didn't disappoint. I think my favorite part of the story was when all the animals joined together to take back Toad's beloved house from the Wild Wooders who moved in while Toad was in the dungeon.

 

This is a book I can see myself reading again sometime. It was a fun, charming romp through the English countryside with some great animals.



Blackberry Winter by Sarah Jio

From the moment I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. Reading it within 1 day, I was amazed at how Sarah brings you into the storyline and the characters.

In May of 1933 during a freak snowstorm, Vera Ray came home early one morning after working and discovered that her 3 year old child, Daniel, went missing. While some people say he ran away, she knew that they were wrong, and rather he was taken. She takes it upon herself and does what she can as a determined mother to find her child. However, being poor at that time period didn't help. The police took no interest in her or what she had to say.

77 years later during another snowstorm in May, Claire, a newspaper reporter, stumbles upon the story of the missing boy and is determined to give his story an ending. Having lost her baby herself, she felt for the mother and wanted to finish her story for her. The book goes from past to present, which allows the reader the full story of Vera and her missing son, as well as Claire's search for the truth about him.

This was an amazing book that I will be buying to add to my bookshelf. Sarah is a phenomenal writer and I look forward to reading her next book!

The Classics... Oh, how I've missed you!

The Wind in the Willows

By: Kenneth Grahame

 

When Mole decides he has had enough tiresome spring-cleaning for one day, the scrappy nonesuch throws down his broom and bolts out of his house looking for fun and adventure. He quickly finds it in the form of the Water Rat, who takes the wide-eyed Mole boating and introduces him to the mysteries of life on the river and in the Wild Wood. Mole also meets Ratty’s good friends: the kindly, solid Badger and the irrepressible Toad. Soon, the quartet’s escapades—including car crashes, a sojourn in jail, and a battle with the weasels who try to take over Toad Hall—become the talk of the animal kingdom. --bn.com

 

I'm going on an adventure! I'm hitting the open river with a mole, a river rat, and various other animals. I have no idea what lies ahead, but I have a feeling The Wind in the Willows is going to take me on an adventure like no other I've gone on before.

 

After a rather extended break from reading the classics, the old itch has begun in earnest. I've missed reading the books of legend and days gone by. I miss the world they take you to and the characters you miss. So my Journey Through The Classics picks up again with this famous critter tale. I'm hitching a ride on a river rat's boat and I'd love for you to join me!

One Small Fib by Jan Romes

When I won this book on a twitter contest, I was excited to start reading it especially after seeing so many good reviews on this books! I started reading this on my flight home, from Washington -> California. The first thing I found funny was the fact that the main character was also a flight attendant! Too funny if you ask me. Well, from the moment I started the book I couldn't put it down. I was able to read the majority of the book during the duration of the flight. The chemistry between the 2 characters, Allie and Kipton was a love/hate relationship. Kipton was a billionaire, used to getting whatever he wants. Allie was a hard working girl, raised by a hooker of a mom, while trying to save up for her dream of owning a bed and breakfast. So when Allie is assigned as a special flight attendant to Kipton, he meets this fiery girl who is unlike anyone he is used to talking to; she actually speaks her mind and says what she wants to say, versus what he wants to hear. In the end, they probably have more in common than one would think!  "One Small Fib" is a fun romantic comedy that's sure to make you laugh. There are also a lot of heated moments between the two characters that leave you feeling the sense of attraction between the two.  I truly enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to reading more books written by Jan Romes!

Changes are afoot!

While I have loved running this blog by myself, everything in life grows and changes. As it is with this blog. During the time I've had Jen's Corner, I have been given incredible opportunities. Several of those have been people using my blog to do their own reviews for books they have read. For the past several months I have thought long and hard about what the future of my blog will be. Should I shut It down and try to do reviews for other blogs? Should I take a break from reviewing all together? Should I see if anyone else would like to run this blog with me? I have weighed the pros and cons for each possibility and finally came up with my choice.

I have taken on another blogger who will become my partner in crime. Because of this, the blog will no longer be called Jen's Corner. Instead it will now be called Miss Book Lovers! In the coming months you will meet my new blog mate and get to know her. We have several fun ideas for what we want to do. I hope you will enjoy it as much as we do!

The changes won't be severe, but slight and pleasant. I encourage you to check back often to see what's new. I will keep you posted!!

Born to Read!

The Inn At Rose Harbor

The Inn At Rose Harbor
By: Debbie Macomber
352 Pages
Reviewed By: Betsey Brooks

    I just finished reading "The Inn at Rose Harbor" by Debbie Macomber. It never fails to amaze me how Ms. Macomber intertwines characters from other Ceder Cove stories into the lives of new characters. It's like meeting old friends and making new ones.

    We meet Jo Marie, a young widow, as she sets out to make a new life for herself. She has come to Ceder Cove and purchased a bed and breakfast. Jo Marie has had no previous experience  running a bed and breakfast, but she knew this was where she was meant to be.  Her first visitor was Peggy Beldon. She and her husband own and operate a bed and breakfast further down the Cove. Peggy takes Jo Marie under her wing and gives her much needed advice in the day to day running of the Inn. This includes the name of a handyman that can build a sign featuring the new name of the Inn.  Mark Taylor turns out to be all, and more, than what Jo Marie expected.

     The first guest to arrive is Joshua Weaver. He has come back to the town he grew up in because his stepfather is dying.  Joshua and Richard never got along and the tension between them does not seem to have mellowed over the years. Michelle, a social worker and former childhood friend, has been helping to take care Richard. As Richard comes closer to the end of his life Michelle asks Joshua to come.  Joshua discovers he must face the past in order to find the future.

    Abby Kincaid is the second guest to arrive. She has come to celebrate her brother's wedding, but the excitement and joy of the occasion seems to be missing. Abby, like Joshua, grew up and left Ceder Cove after high school, not returning until now.  Memories of the fatal accident that took the life of her best friend, Angela, haunt Abby. Sure that everyone blames her for the tragedy, Abby fears meeting those friends she left behind ten years ago.  The unconditional love that Abby meets gives her the courage to face the demons that have haunted her all these years. Will she finally be able to move on?

    This story takes the reader into the lives of people carrying heavy burdens. Each one must find the courage to face truths about themselves as well as those they left behind. Debbie Macomber once again brings to life tragedy and shows the various ways her characters choose to handle it. You will walk along beside them as they go through this and into the future. So pull up a comfortable chair and put the world on hold. You will definitely want to visit Debbie Macomber's " The Inn at Rose Harbor" this summer.

Sharing Great Books

If I had a penny for every time I was called a bookworm, I would have enough to buy a lot of books. I remember being called that in junior high. When the "popular" kids were rushing to see the latest movie, I was engrossed in Anne of Green Gables. To me, there was nothing better than a good book.

As I have gotten older, and especially since starting a book blog, I've learned there is something just as good as finding a book that sucks you in: recommending it to someone and they love it every bit as much as you did.

This summer I had the chance to recommend several books I found to be absolutely wonderful to my cousin, Debbie. I told her about a few that I had me so engrossed they took my breath away. I was pretty sure she would enjoy them, but you never know. To my joy, she loved them all as much as I did!

She just finished reading a book I had the privilege to review, The Orchid House. This book is one that I couldn't put down. From beginning to end, I was so captivated. When Debbie bought it, I was a little nervous. What if she didn't like it? What if she regretted buying it? After all, there are so many genres of books because not everyone has the same taste. Knowing she had a set time to return it if she wanted to, I asked her to start the book right away. To my delight, she immediately had the same reaction I did. From page one, she was sucked in and immersed in the story. I was so relieved!

As she read the book, we were texting back and forth. It was amazing to read her reactions! It's like watching the world through a child's eyes. We had the same reactions at the same places! She was on the edge of her seat just like I was. She was blown away by the twists and turns in the plot, too! A book I adored had found another adoring fan!

Not only did she love The Orchid House, she's loved all the books I recommended to her! To me, that's a huge compliment. I'm still beaming from her saying I was her book guru. I love being able to review books and to share my thoughts with whomever wants to read my blog. I love, even more, when a book I've recommended is enjoyed. I don't think I'll be getting off of Book Cloud 9 any time soon. :) I wouldn't have it any other way.

Truth Be Told

Truth Be Told

By: Larry King

For 25 years, Larry King had an iconic show. He was given the opportunity to interview numerous people who have shaped our world. He was able to get to know these people in ways you and I will most likely never get to. Ever wonder what he thought of these people? Ever wonder what memories, guests, and moments stand out for him? Here's your chance to find out.

In Truth Be Told, Larry takes you for a walk down memory lane. You'll learn that every time Jerry Seinfeld was a guest on Larry King Live, he would steal Larry's clock and never give it back. You'll learn that one of his favorite songs is Janet Jackson's "Escapade" and that she gave him suspenders with the nipples cut out. You'll learn that Barbara Streisand was a diva who was always late for taped interviews, but was worth that wait.

You'll also take a trip down more serious side streets of Larry's life. He tells you how his Dad's unexpected death of a heart attack shaped his life. Larry tells you the decision for his departure was over the tabloid content his show had. He broaches his marital trouble with his current wife. He also informs you about his health. While he's more informative on some subjects and less on others, it's still a glance into a life I had only barely known of.

He shares amazing stories about Sidney Poitier's birth, meeting the richest man in the world and how down to earth the man was. Overall, the book gives you a little insight into people you don't really know. You'll get to learn of the human side to famous personas.

It was a fun, breezy read. I enjoyed getting the inside scoop on his show. I've always been fascinated with people and it was fun to look behind what the world sees. Some things I glanced over if they weren't of any interest to me. Other subjects I was engrossed in. I loved how Larry was more interested in the person, not the persona.

Rating: Borrow From The Library

When Creativity Returns...

I have missed my writing days. I've missed researching for the story, missed forming the plot, the characters, and the setting. I've missed the creativity of it all. However, being a Mommy to 2 young children, I didn't think I'd return to those days any time soon. Guess I was wrong. And it all started with a dream...

A couple of weeks ago I woke up from a dream. Usually, I wouldn't think twice about a dream and just go on with my life. But this dream was different. It wouldn't let go. Before long, where the dream left off, my creative side picked up. That's how I knew there was something to this dream. Maybe I was supposed to turn it into something. So now I am.

Knowing that my time isn't completely free to pursue this project whenever I want, I have no clue what will become of this story. I have written down thorough notes and am keeping everything that has to do with this project. I'm hoping I'll be able to see this project through from start to finish.

While I don't have the whole story mapped out, I do have the important parts. I'll say this is: it's another historical fiction piece and this house plays a big role.

If you couldn't tell by the style of the house, my time period is early 1900s. The above house is the model for the house in my story, but it isn't the actual house. The house in the above picture is the Long-Waterman House located in San Diego, California. Isn't it gorgeous?! Here's a picture of it from my time period.

Right now I'm in heavy research mode. I'm gathering all the facts and historical dates I need. Forming the storyline, characters, and setting as I go. I'm loving every minute of it. I feel my creative self coming out the further I go. I'm so excited!