Quick Post on what I have read recently

It has been forever since I have posted about books I have read. I am not going to go all the way back to where  I last posted about books, but will tell you the last few I have read. All of them I highly recommend!

Currently I am reading the second book(Catching Fire) in the Hunger Games series.

I just read Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins... I read it super fast and now Gabby is reading it. This series is set in the future and are all about the control of the government over the people. The main character is a teenage girl so it appeals to all ages.  I am not into sci-fi or futureistic things at all by the way.  

The movie is out soon... 

Before that I read Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay- this book was great also.  Sad but very interesting. It is all about occupied France during the war. I Love historical fiction and this was a good one! Chad read it and enjoyed it too. The movie is out for this one, so I will be watching that soon

Before that was Sea Glass by Anita Shreve.. Loved this one too!  It is set on the east coast during the depression.  I got this book at the library book sale for 1$ and bought it because I liked the title and the picture on the cover.... Yep, I judged the book by the cover... but it ended up being a great pick. Chad read this one also and liked it too.

If you have any recommendations send them to me!

Book Recap

I had planned on finishing these next couple of posts before the new year..clearly that didn't happen.  I have been   relaxing with the family and now have a horrid cold.:(

I haven't done a book recap in awhile... so here are the rest of the books I read in 2010.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett- This was a great book. If you haven't read it...and love a historical fiction,you will love this book. It is set during the civil rights movement and is about three black maids who put together a book of stories about how the white women treat them and their own children.

Me and Emma- by Elizabeth Flock.  This was not my favorite book, it was well written and there is a good twist, but it is a little sad and depressing. It is about a young girl who has the most awful parents and home life.

Dead until Dark-by Charlaine Harris- This is the first book in a vampire series.  It was entertaining, that being said. I didn't continue the series.  Too many other books I want to read.

Five Quarters of an Orange-by Joanne Harris- This book took me forever to read, it wasn't a big book, it was interesting... I think it was a bit slow.  Another historical fiction set in France during WW2. I thought I was enjoying it while I was reading...however I was happy when it was done.

Miracle on the 17th Green-by-James Patterson & Peter De Jonge.  After the last book I flew through this one.  It was such a fun easy read. I know just enough about golf to really enjoy this book. Chad really liked it as well. 

The Oak Leaves-by-Maureen Lang.  This book was so fascinating. It was set current day, but the main character found a journal from a member of her family from many generations ago, so a lot of the story was set in history. Which if you haven't noticed.. I love historical fiction:)

Still Missing-by-Chevy Stevens.  This was a great suspense novel.  I really enjoyed this book, the whole story was told during therapy sessions from a kidnap victim who was returned. 

And the Last book I read in 2010-

The Kitchen House-by-Kathleen Grissom.  This was an amazing book, it was up there with Water for Elephants in my opinion.  Historical fiction set in the late 1700's-early 1800's.  The story of a little white girl who was raised by the black slaves on a plantation in Virginia. The story continues through her early 20's.  I loved it.  MUST READ!

All of these books except 5 quarters of an Orange and Me and Emma were from my friend Jane, and are books that I would not have probably read if she hadn't given them to me, so THANKS JANE!

Tonight I will be starting a new book... not sure which one yet.

Book Recap

I have been reading quite a bit thanks to my neighbor Jane, she has been giving me all of her books when she is done with them!

The last book I finished was the Knitting Circle by Ann Hood.-  This book has lot's of sad parts but ends on a positive note. It confirms my belief that knitting is like doing yoga, it has a calming effect on your mind and body. 

Sizzling sixteen-by Janet Evanovich-  16th book in the series.  It was a quick fun read as usual, just not as good as the last one in my opinion.

The Walk-By Richard Paul Evans- This one is the beginning of a series.  I loved it and can not wait for the next one.  It is about a man who loses everything and decides to walk from Seattle to Florida. 

Split Second by David Balducci- Good suspense book,  not a must read but if it falls in your lap go for it.

The Endless Forest by Sara Donati - this is the last book in this FAB series.  Sad that it is over..  It was a great book and a great series... must read!

I am currently Reading the Help... so far LOVING it!

Book Reviews

I haven't posted about books in a long time, and I don't have time to upload photos as it is all ready midnight and I need to wash my hair still. Egads!  

Months ago I read the Katie MacAlister series  starting with: You Slay me... then the other 3: Fire me up, Light my fire, and Holy Smokes. This series is a super quick read.  They sort of remind me of the Stephanie Plum books By Janet Evanovich... in the way that they are funny and easy reads.  You do have to have an imagination as there are dragons that are in human form and other out of this world stuff.  I generally don't go for that kind of stuff, but it is done in a  similar way to the twilight series so it seems almost believable.

 Next was Tea Time for the traditionally Built by Alexander McCall Smith:  I have read this series from the first book. It is another nice easy read.  Set in Africa and just everyday type stories.

Last Book I finished was the Gate House by Nelson Demille:   I have loved all of his books, they are excellent. He is super sarcastic ... like my hubby, which apparently I enjoy.  This was the sequel to Gold Coast, which I read many moons ago.  If you like a little suspense without the gore and a little humor this is the way to go.

The book I am reading is a big one, and is taking me awhile to read!  Off to bed

Book Reviews

It has been awhile since I have chatted about the books I have read. Yes, I read through the whole move. Not as much or as fast as usual, but still reading:)

First book I finished was Telegraph Days by Larry McMurtry.

This was a great period book, set during the wild west. I love Larry McMurtry. Lonesone Doves is one of my very favorite books. I grabbed this book when I had nothing else to read and was comnpletely absorbed right away!

Next was the Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. This is her memoires.... a must read. Written really welll, I really enjoyed it. Chad just finished reading it, can't wait to hear what he thought about it. I would love for my kids to read this and realize how good they have it.

A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick. A fun read about a quilt shop and quilting. A great girlie book.

Last but not least: Tea Time For the Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall Smith. This is the 10th book in the #1 Ladies Detective Agency series. This is a fun series about a Lady in Botswana who started a dective agency. This book was lighthearted and quick to read.

I hope to get back to some sort of regular posting, not just on WED.

Off to bed I go.

Tea time for the traditioanly built

Must Read Books

A quick post....

Chad's co worker loaned this book to me, "The French Gardner" by Santa Montefiore
I have never read any of her books, but loved this one so much that I am going to look for some of her other books. Such a great story set in two different time periods. Just a great story.. some love.. some drama... and a look into the lives of a lovely family.

I know everyone has prob all read read this, but I had to jump on the band wagon. I like to read the book before I see the movie. Still need to see th movie!
Enjoyed the book a lot.. it is a bit confusing at first.


The third book that I just finished last night was: A single Thread by Marie Bostwick
A very sweet story about a woman who starts a quilt shop after her husband divorces her.
A very quick read... not an all time favorite, but a nice story!

Ok, back to packing. :(

Book Critique

Sorry for another picture less post, I hate not having photos in my posts.

Just a quick report on the books I have finished.

Miss Julia Delivers the Goods by Ann B Ross: Another cute book in the miss Julia series. Nice quick easy read. I have enjoyed this wholesome series very much. Kind of fun because it takes place here in NC:)

Finished The Final Detail by Harlen Coben: A good suspense/mystery. Very quick read, funny sarcastic main character. This I believe is also part of a series which bugs me because I read it out of order. Not that I plan to go back and start from the beginning, however it still bugs me. I like to red books in order.

Now I am on to the Time Travelers Wife, I am enjoying it so far. I am a little slow on this one because I am not getting as much sleep because of a sweet little girl names Scarlette:)

I hope to be able to post some interesting crafty stuff again soon. I spent today nursing... doing laundry... nursing...doing dishes... fighting with a stubborn 2 year old.... nursing...reading stories with Graham... nursing..... and making dinner ! Not complaining, just stating the fact that I thought about sewing and just didn't get around to it. Maybe tomorrow:) Today was our first full day without Daddy, so it was a bit rough with the little dude. He has been doing pretty well, but has hit the "terrible twos" and is not wanting to follow directions at all!

Miss Scarlette is calling!

More Books Finished

I finished reading a couple of books:
First one was "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
It took me a bit to get into this book, but once I did I had a hard time putting it down.
It is a very inspirational story of what one man can accomplish. It gave me a more realistic look into life in Pakistan and Afghanistan, which makes you feel soooo grateful for life here in the good ol USA. BTW- this is a non fiction book, which I normally don't read, but it was so worth it.

Second was: Finger Lickin Fifteen by Janet Evanovich.
The latest book in the Stephanie Plum Series. Hilarious as usual, I was laughing so hard at one point, I thought I would wake Chad up because I was shaking the bed.


My book stack is non existent, WOULD really love some recommendations!!!

Have a great day!

Book Review

I have been reading as usual, one of the books took me quite awhile though.

I just finished a book by: Sandra Brown called: A Whole New Light
It was a SUPER fast read, mostly because it was a mindless predictable romance. Not that it was bad, just predictable.

Before that I Read The Kite Runner by:Khaled Hosseini
It was an excellent book, set in Afghanistan. A lot of it was really sad, but really great. Makes you appreciate life in America.

The one that took me forever to read was World Without End by: Ken Follet.
It is a huge book, set in the 1300's when women were only good for a couple of things and were not allowed to have thoughts or do anything useful other than care for their man and have babies. It was a great historical fiction.

Just started reading "Three Cups of Tea" and am waiting for Finger Lickin Fifteen to come in the mail. Would love to know about some other good books, because my pile is empty after these two!

Happy Weekend!

A Quick Book Review

I have read three books since my last review. Two of the three were excellent, the other was just ok.

The just ok one was "The Grand Finale" by Janet Evanovich.
It was a super quick read, nice easy fluff. I needed a little break after the two I read before it. I would read it if someone gives it to you, but would not recommend purchasing it.

The next one was a recommendation from my life long friend Jenny K back in CA.
"A Thousand Splendid Suns" By : Khaled Hosseini
This was a great book set in Afghanistan. Chad also read it and loved it as well. It is a bit sad, but very well written and hard to put down. A great look into a very different way of life.

The last one was a recommendation from A family friend back in Napa.
"The Girl With The dragon tatoo byStieg Larsson
This was another great book, it took me a bit to get into it, but once I was I was reading into the wee hours. A great mystery suspense.



If anyone has any excellent recommendations, I would love to hear them!
Have a great weekend!

Book Review

It has been awhile since I did a book review, so today is the day. I have three books and a movie to talk about today.

Book 1- Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
This is the third book in the twilight series and probably was my least favorite. Don't get me wrong, it was good, just not as good as the others.
Book 2: Breaking dawn also by Stephenie Meyer
The fourth book in the twilight series. I loved this one, I had a hard time putting it down. It was my favorite in the series.

Movie: Twilight
Gabby and I watched this movie Saturday night. It was a good movie, just not nearly as good as the book, and some of the characters were not what I thought they should be. There were a couple of parts that were not even in the book, that always bugs me:)

Book 3: Heart and Soul by Mauve Binchey
She is one of my favorite authors, she tells great stories. If you haven't read any of her book, I would start at the beginning even though they are not a series, they tend to have some characters in common. This book was about the opening of a heart clinic and the peoples lives who worked there. Great Book.

I hope to post some easter decoration pictures in the next few days.

Let's Talk About Books

After finally finishing Atlas Shrugged, I jumped straight into "Plum Spooky" by Janet Evanovich. I think it took me less than a week to finish, it was great to read such a funny book after such a heavy one. I was literally cracking up while I was reading and hoping that I wasn't shaking the bed so hard that I would wake Chad up:) If you Have not read the Stephanie Plum Series, you must it is so entertaining. Start with the first one and read them in order! You will not regret it. I can't wait for number 15.

Right now I am reading the third book in the Twilight series and am enjoying it too. I just ordered Girl With a Dragon Tattoo and Mauve Binchey's newest book, can't remember the title. I am looking forward to both of them:)

Happy Reading!

Book Review

I guess this will be the last book review of the year. I am currently reading Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. It is the most read book behind the bible. Chad just read it for the second time and then gave it to me to read. It is a super thick book with extra small print, so it will take me awhile to get through. I read about 6 books while Chad was reading this one.

A few books ago I read Janet Evanovich's Foul Play- this was probably my least favorite of her books. It was a quick read, just very predictable.

Next I read Twlight by Stephenie Meyer: Which I loved!! Gabby is reading it now. Nice to have a book that I can read and feel comfortable letting my 11 year old read. Great romantic Vampire story.

Last, I read New Moon also by Stephenie Meyer. I really enjoyed this next book in the series, my sister said this was her least fave in the series. I have book three sitting on my night stand waiting for me to finish Atlas Shrugged.

Water for Elephants was my favorite book this year, Twlight second!

Anyone have any suggestions for must read books?