What is the value of written word?
The written word has such an impact on my life. To me, the most important written word is The Bible. I believe that it is the infallible word of God. Recently, my church had visitors who are Crimean missionaries who work to translate the Bible and introduce the Christian God to Islamic communities. The most memorable part of their visit to our church was their discussions of the troubles of translating the Bible into something that the inhabitants of that area would understand. What word would they use for God? The only words that meant "God" in their language was used for either polytheistic gods or the Islamic God. Which word would help the inhabitants better understand the God of the Bible?
Another struggle is also how they would keep the essence of the Bible the same. This led me to realize the importance of every word when translating any written word into another language. Not only is the denotation, the dictionary definition of a word, important; the connotation, the overall meaning behind the word, is also equally if not more important. The essence and feeling behind each word has to be the same. Translation software companies like Smartling who help to translate written word, such as novels, from one language to another must struggle with these same problems.
While translating written word, it is important to me to keep the emotions behind the story consistent throughout languages. For instance, I recently read Shaken by Kariss Lynch, the first in the Heart of Warriors series. I loved this book mainly because of the emotions that I felt while reading it. Although I usually do not cry during novels, I wept during this one. The emotions were so real and I could easy connect with the characters. If this book were to be translated into another language, I believe that the raw emotions behind the book and the feeling that I was left with after reading it would also need to be translated.
What do you think is the most important aspect of a novel that may not be easily translated? What novels would you like to see translated into another language?
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Monday, June 8, 2015
#CasualReadathonJ Readathon TBR and Daily Update Post (June 8-14)
The #CasualReadathonJ readathon is happening this week from June 8th-14th (Monday-Sunday) and I am participating. This readathon is hosted by BookaMeggle on Youtube (@lizameggle on twitter). This post is going to include my TBR for the challenges along with my daily updates on my progress. Here are the challenges associated with this readathon:
- Read 2 books.
- Read a book with blue on it.
- Read a book that has been on your TBR forever.
There are also some "overachiever" challenges, which are:
- Read 4 books.
- Read a book with red on it.
- Read a book with over 400 pages.
- Shadowed by Kariss Lynch (read 179/290 pages before the readathon began)
- A book with blue on it
- Almost Perfect by Dianne Daniels Manning (read 47/340 pages before the readathon began)
- A book that has been on your TBR forever
- The Matchmaker by Sarah Price
- A book with red on it
- Half-Hearts by Kealohilan Wallace
- A book with over 400 pages
- A book with red on it
- Love's Abundant Harvest by Beth Shriver
- A May Bride (A Year of Weddings, Novella 6) by Meg Moseley
- Because You'll Never Meet Me by Leah Thomas
- Forever Yours (five short stories) by Andrea Boeshaar, Gina Fields, Joyce Livingston, Kim O'Brien, and Kathleen Y'Barbo
- Taken by Dee Henderson
- The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
Monday
I finished the last 111 pages of Shadowed by Kariss Lynch, the second book in the Heart of a Warrior series. I loved the first two books in this series. I gave Shadowed a 4/5 stars. A review will be up on my blog on Saturday.
Today's Page Count: 111
Total Page Count: 111
Total Page Count: 111
Tuesday
I read 76 pages of The Princess Diaries which was not initially on my TBR, but I received it in the mail as part of a #booksfortrade deal that I did on Twitter. I have been wanting to read this series for a while, but I am not sure if I will continue the book. I really loved the movies as a young teenager and wanted to see if the book was as good. The main character, Mia, has really annoyed me thus far. She is really rude to everyone around her, but maybe that is because she is only 14. Also, there is a bit of talk about sex and other things that I do not think are appropriate.
I also started Half-Hearts and read 47 pages. I am not loving this book as of yet, but it definitely has some potential. This book has 582 pages and I am not sure if I will be able to complete this book during the readathon, but I am hoping to read a good chunk of this book. I received this book for review from the author and I hope to be able to review the book soon. With that being said, this book is a fantasy novel and I haven't read fantasy in quite a long time so I am excited to read another fantasy. Lately, I have read a lot of Christian Fiction and middle grade novels.
Today's Page Count: 123
Total Page Count: 234
I read 76 pages of The Princess Diaries which was not initially on my TBR, but I received it in the mail as part of a #booksfortrade deal that I did on Twitter. I have been wanting to read this series for a while, but I am not sure if I will continue the book. I really loved the movies as a young teenager and wanted to see if the book was as good. The main character, Mia, has really annoyed me thus far. She is really rude to everyone around her, but maybe that is because she is only 14. Also, there is a bit of talk about sex and other things that I do not think are appropriate.
I also started Half-Hearts and read 47 pages. I am not loving this book as of yet, but it definitely has some potential. This book has 582 pages and I am not sure if I will be able to complete this book during the readathon, but I am hoping to read a good chunk of this book. I received this book for review from the author and I hope to be able to review the book soon. With that being said, this book is a fantasy novel and I haven't read fantasy in quite a long time so I am excited to read another fantasy. Lately, I have read a lot of Christian Fiction and middle grade novels.
Today's Page Count: 123
Total Page Count: 234
Wednesday - in progress
I continued Half-Hearts by reading 71 pages. I am really beginning to enjoy this book. It is an amazing fantasy novel. The writing isn't excellent but the plot is amazing.
Today's Page Count: 71
Total Page Count: 305
I continued Half-Hearts by reading 71 pages. I am really beginning to enjoy this book. It is an amazing fantasy novel. The writing isn't excellent but the plot is amazing.
Today's Page Count: 71
Total Page Count: 305
Thursday
I continued Half-Hearts and read 50 pages. I was only able to read for about an hour yesterday. I hope to read more tomorrow and Saturday.
Today's Page Count: 50
Total Page Count: 355
I continued Half-Hearts and read 50 pages. I was only able to read for about an hour yesterday. I hope to read more tomorrow and Saturday.
Today's Page Count: 50
Total Page Count: 355
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
I continued Half-Hearts and read 120 pages. I am really loving this book and hope to finish it in the next week.
The Weekend's Page Count: 120
Total Page Count: 475
I continued Half-Hearts and read 120 pages. I am really loving this book and hope to finish it in the next week.
The Weekend's Page Count: 120
Total Page Count: 475
Totals
Total Page Count: 475
Books Started Before the Readathon: 1
Books Started During the Readathon: 1
Books Completed: 1
Books Started Before the Readathon: 1
Books Started During the Readathon: 1
Books Completed: 1
Book Review: Shaken by Kariss Lynch
Series: Heart of a Warrior (Book 1)
Author: Kariss Lynch
Publish Date: February 4, 2014
Genre: Adult Christian Romance
Genre: Adult Christian Romance
About the Book (from Goodreads):
When her world is shaken, will her foundation survive?
Idealistic and sheltered with a passion to change the world, Kaylan Richards leaves her comfortable life in Alabama to serve in poverty-stricken Haiti. Despite her inexperience and the opposition of a voodoo priest, Kaylan develops a love for the country and the Haitian people. But something deadly is about to strike.
It is the worst earthquake the country has ever seen, and in its aftermath bodies, buildings, and broken lives litter the streets. People she cares about are dead, and Kaylan is caught in the middle of the destruction, questioning a God who said He was good.
Navy SEAL Nick Carmichael never planned to find a girl he loved more than his country. Now she is a world away, trapped in a deadly situation nothing could have prepared her for. Can Nick’s love help Kaylan heal and show her the God who never abandoned her, or will tragedy shake even the most rooted faith?
Idealistic and sheltered with a passion to change the world, Kaylan Richards leaves her comfortable life in Alabama to serve in poverty-stricken Haiti. Despite her inexperience and the opposition of a voodoo priest, Kaylan develops a love for the country and the Haitian people. But something deadly is about to strike.
It is the worst earthquake the country has ever seen, and in its aftermath bodies, buildings, and broken lives litter the streets. People she cares about are dead, and Kaylan is caught in the middle of the destruction, questioning a God who said He was good.
Navy SEAL Nick Carmichael never planned to find a girl he loved more than his country. Now she is a world away, trapped in a deadly situation nothing could have prepared her for. Can Nick’s love help Kaylan heal and show her the God who never abandoned her, or will tragedy shake even the most rooted faith?
Review
Shaken gave me all the feels. I usually do not cry while reading books, but while I was reading Shaken I cried for at least an hour.
I connected so well with all of the characters. Kariss Lynch's writing style is so incredible that I cannot even express how much I enjoyed it. I read 3/4 of this book in one day which I only do with books that I love immensely.
My favorite part of Shaken was how God's love was expressed through difficult situations. I am accostomed to Christian romance novels being happy and sappy, but this novel was more realistic. It expressed the struggles of living in the world, but not being of the world.
Additionally, I loved this book because I felt like I was in the novel. Much of Shaken is set in Haiti. I have never been to Haiti, but I felt as if I was there with the characters. I felt like their friends were my friends.
I feel like everyone would find something in this novel with which they could connect; Therefore, I would recommend this novel to anyone and everyone.
Shaken gave me all the feels. I usually do not cry while reading books, but while I was reading Shaken I cried for at least an hour.
I connected so well with all of the characters. Kariss Lynch's writing style is so incredible that I cannot even express how much I enjoyed it. I read 3/4 of this book in one day which I only do with books that I love immensely.
My favorite part of Shaken was how God's love was expressed through difficult situations. I am accostomed to Christian romance novels being happy and sappy, but this novel was more realistic. It expressed the struggles of living in the world, but not being of the world.
Additionally, I loved this book because I felt like I was in the novel. Much of Shaken is set in Haiti. I have never been to Haiti, but I felt as if I was there with the characters. I felt like their friends were my friends.
I feel like everyone would find something in this novel with which they could connect; Therefore, I would recommend this novel to anyone and everyone.
Final Statements
Recommended Reading Age: 13+ for intense action
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Graphic Novel Review: In Real Life by Cory Doctorow and Jen Wang
Author: Cory Doctorow
Illustrator: Jen Wang
Illustrator: Jen Wang
Publish Date: October 14, 2014
Genre: Graphic Novel
Genre: Graphic Novel
About the Book (from Goodreads):
Anda loves Coarsegold Online, the massively-multiplayer role-playing game where she spends most of her free time. It's a place where she can be a leader, a fighter, a hero. It's a place where she can meet people from all over the world, and make friends.
But things become a lot more complicated when Anda befriends a gold farmer--a poor Chinese kid whose avatar in the game illegally collects valuable objects and then sells them to players from developed countries with money to burn. This behavior is strictly against the rules in Coarsegold, but Anda soon comes to realize that questions of right and wrong are a lot less straightforward when a real person's real livelihood is at stake.
From acclaimed teen author (Little Brother, For the Win) and Boing Boing editor Cory Doctorow and Koko Be Good creator Jen Wang, In Real Life is a perceptive and high-stakes look at adolescence, gaming, poverty, and culture clash
But things become a lot more complicated when Anda befriends a gold farmer--a poor Chinese kid whose avatar in the game illegally collects valuable objects and then sells them to players from developed countries with money to burn. This behavior is strictly against the rules in Coarsegold, but Anda soon comes to realize that questions of right and wrong are a lot less straightforward when a real person's real livelihood is at stake.
From acclaimed teen author (Little Brother, For the Win) and Boing Boing editor Cory Doctorow and Koko Be Good creator Jen Wang, In Real Life is a perceptive and high-stakes look at adolescence, gaming, poverty, and culture clash
Review
The first thing that I fell in love with in this book was the artwork. It is truly amazing. Not only is the cover amazing, but the artwork throughout is some of the best that I have seen in a graphic novel.
The basis of the storyline was also what brought me to want to read this graphic novel. The main character is a female gamer and she helps friends from across the world, not only in the game but also in real life.
I do not want to give away too much of this story, so I will keep this short. You will want to read this graphic novel if you want great artwork and a sweet and engaging storyline.
The first thing that I fell in love with in this book was the artwork. It is truly amazing. Not only is the cover amazing, but the artwork throughout is some of the best that I have seen in a graphic novel.
The basis of the storyline was also what brought me to want to read this graphic novel. The main character is a female gamer and she helps friends from across the world, not only in the game but also in real life.
I do not want to give away too much of this story, so I will keep this short. You will want to read this graphic novel if you want great artwork and a sweet and engaging storyline.
Final Statements
Recommended Reading Age: 13+ for some foul language (2-3 throughout the graphic novel)
Friday, June 5, 2015
#TBRTakedown Readathon Daily Update Post (Complete Thread)
Today, I have my wrap-up post for the #TBRTakedown Readathon. I have it broken up by what I read on each day of the readathon. Also as a reminder, there were 5 challenges for this readathon and these are discussed in length in my TBR post.
Monday
I read the first 19o pages (out of 304) of Shaken by Kariss Lynch. This book I used for the "First in a Series" challenge. I also read 3% (approximately 11 pages) of an e-book that I recently hauled from Netgalley, The Fixer by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. I loved the beginning of both of these novels. Initially, I planned on not reading two books at the same time because I thought that I would finish more books this way, but I started The Fixer because I needed a break from Shaken. Shaken has a very intense book and I ended up crying for over an hour during the section that I ended on. I wanted an action-packed novel to pick me up.
Today's Page Count: 201
Total Page Count: 201
Tuesday
I read 36 more pages of Shaken for the "First in the Series" challenge. I also read 55% (about 211 pages) of The Fixer. I was not planning on reading so much today, but I was really hooked on The Fixer.
Today's Page Count: 247
Total Page Count: 448
Wednesday & Thursday
I did not read much on Wednesday and did not really track my progress, but on Wednesday and Thursday I read the last 78 pages of Shaken. I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to pick up the second in the series, Shadowed. I gave this book 5/5 stars and I will have a review of this book up on my blog Tuesday.
Today's Page Count: 78
Total Page Count: 526
Friday
I read the last 42% (approximately 161 pages) of The Fixer. I loved this book and gave it a 4.5/5 stars. I will have a review of The Fixer on my blog on the release day which is July 7, 2015.
I also started Almost Perfect by Diane Daniels Manning for my "Out of My Comfort Zone" challenge. Almost Perfect is a young adult fiction novel about 70 year old dog breeder and her teenage neighbor who has autism and who has desperately wanted a puppy all his life. I usually read YA dystopian, fantasy or adult clean romance novels, so this book is out of the ordinary for me. I read 27 pages of Almost Perfect today.
I was enjoying Almost Perfect, but was not in the mood for this type of books today; it was too slow of a pace. So I picked up Shadowed by Kariss Lynch for the "Unread Sequeal" challenge. This is the sequel to Shaken that a read earlier this week. I read 15 pages of Shadowed today and I am really enjoying it. So far, it is a very fast-paced book, just like Shaken, and this is really what I think I need at this point in the readathon.
Today's Page Count: 203
Total Page Count: 729
Saturday
Today was a rough reading day for me. I am getting a tooth pulled on Tuesday and until then I am on pain medicine that is making me drowsy. I really wanted to read today, but it was hard to keep my interest up.
I read 62 pages of Shadowed. I am not enjoying this book as much as I enjoyed the first in the series. Although the series is written in third person, each chapter focuses on one of the two main characters: Kaylan or her boyfriend Nick. The first book, Shaken, was mainly about Kaylan and Shadowed seems to be mainly about Nick. Nick is a SEAL and although I appreciate that he serves our country in this series I am finding it more difficult to connect to his story line.
I also read 20 pages of Almost Perfect. Although I am enjoying the story, I don't think this is the book that I am in the mood to read today.
Today's Page Count: 82
Total Page Count: 811
Sunday
I read 102 pages of Shadowed. I am really enjoying this book.
Today's Page Count: 102
Total Page Count: 913
Totals
Total Page Count: 913
Books Started: 4
Books Complete: 2
Monday
I read the first 19o pages (out of 304) of Shaken by Kariss Lynch. This book I used for the "First in a Series" challenge. I also read 3% (approximately 11 pages) of an e-book that I recently hauled from Netgalley, The Fixer by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. I loved the beginning of both of these novels. Initially, I planned on not reading two books at the same time because I thought that I would finish more books this way, but I started The Fixer because I needed a break from Shaken. Shaken has a very intense book and I ended up crying for over an hour during the section that I ended on. I wanted an action-packed novel to pick me up.
Today's Page Count: 201
Total Page Count: 201
Tuesday
I read 36 more pages of Shaken for the "First in the Series" challenge. I also read 55% (about 211 pages) of The Fixer. I was not planning on reading so much today, but I was really hooked on The Fixer.
Today's Page Count: 247
Total Page Count: 448
Wednesday & Thursday
I did not read much on Wednesday and did not really track my progress, but on Wednesday and Thursday I read the last 78 pages of Shaken. I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to pick up the second in the series, Shadowed. I gave this book 5/5 stars and I will have a review of this book up on my blog Tuesday.
Today's Page Count: 78
Total Page Count: 526
Friday
I read the last 42% (approximately 161 pages) of The Fixer. I loved this book and gave it a 4.5/5 stars. I will have a review of The Fixer on my blog on the release day which is July 7, 2015.
I also started Almost Perfect by Diane Daniels Manning for my "Out of My Comfort Zone" challenge. Almost Perfect is a young adult fiction novel about 70 year old dog breeder and her teenage neighbor who has autism and who has desperately wanted a puppy all his life. I usually read YA dystopian, fantasy or adult clean romance novels, so this book is out of the ordinary for me. I read 27 pages of Almost Perfect today.
I was enjoying Almost Perfect, but was not in the mood for this type of books today; it was too slow of a pace. So I picked up Shadowed by Kariss Lynch for the "Unread Sequeal" challenge. This is the sequel to Shaken that a read earlier this week. I read 15 pages of Shadowed today and I am really enjoying it. So far, it is a very fast-paced book, just like Shaken, and this is really what I think I need at this point in the readathon.
Today's Page Count: 203
Total Page Count: 729
Saturday
Today was a rough reading day for me. I am getting a tooth pulled on Tuesday and until then I am on pain medicine that is making me drowsy. I really wanted to read today, but it was hard to keep my interest up.
I read 62 pages of Shadowed. I am not enjoying this book as much as I enjoyed the first in the series. Although the series is written in third person, each chapter focuses on one of the two main characters: Kaylan or her boyfriend Nick. The first book, Shaken, was mainly about Kaylan and Shadowed seems to be mainly about Nick. Nick is a SEAL and although I appreciate that he serves our country in this series I am finding it more difficult to connect to his story line.
I also read 20 pages of Almost Perfect. Although I am enjoying the story, I don't think this is the book that I am in the mood to read today.
Today's Page Count: 82
Total Page Count: 811
Sunday
I read 102 pages of Shadowed. I am really enjoying this book.
Today's Page Count: 102
Total Page Count: 913
Totals
Total Page Count: 913
Books Started: 4
Books Complete: 2
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Book Review: Numbers Game
Title: Numbers GameSeries: Numbers Game (Book 1)
Author: Rebecca Rode
Publish Date: March 10, 2015
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
About the Book (from Goodreads):
Treena is nervous for Rating Day. A single number will brand her forever—a valuable citizen, or a pathetic waste of space. Her top-Rated boyfriend is confident their scores will coincide so they can attend the academy together. But when the big day arrives, her true number shocks everyone.
To get her life and boyfriend back, she must go undercover and expose a military spy. Doesn’t sound too hard, except that someone wants her dead. And then there’s Vance, the mysterious soldier with a haunted past and beautiful brown eyes. Together, they discover a dark numbers conspiracy, one that shatters the nation’s future. Treena must join up with Vance if she is to survive the dangerous game of numbers—and the terrible war that rages within her heart.
To get her life and boyfriend back, she must go undercover and expose a military spy. Doesn’t sound too hard, except that someone wants her dead. And then there’s Vance, the mysterious soldier with a haunted past and beautiful brown eyes. Together, they discover a dark numbers conspiracy, one that shatters the nation’s future. Treena must join up with Vance if she is to survive the dangerous game of numbers—and the terrible war that rages within her heart.
Review
My favorite part about Numbers Game was the well developed characters. Many characters where introduced in this novel and each had a unique personality and unique goals/ambitions. Because the characters were so well developed, it was easy to predict what the characters would do next in the story line.
Numbers Game was very predictable. There were only a few things in the plot that surprised me. I believe that it was intended to be suspenseful, but it was not well executed. Additionally, there was a predictable love triangle in this book as well. This book was very similar to every other Dystopian novel out there.
I believe that I will continue reading this series just to see where the plot goes and because I enjoy the characters so much.
I would recommend this series to those who love Dystopian and are looking for a fast-paced and action-packed read.
My favorite part about Numbers Game was the well developed characters. Many characters where introduced in this novel and each had a unique personality and unique goals/ambitions. Because the characters were so well developed, it was easy to predict what the characters would do next in the story line.
Numbers Game was very predictable. There were only a few things in the plot that surprised me. I believe that it was intended to be suspenseful, but it was not well executed. Additionally, there was a predictable love triangle in this book as well. This book was very similar to every other Dystopian novel out there.
I believe that I will continue reading this series just to see where the plot goes and because I enjoy the characters so much.
I would recommend this series to those who love Dystopian and are looking for a fast-paced and action-packed read.
Final Statements
Recommended Reading Age: 13+ for intense action
Monday, June 1, 2015
#TBRTakedown Readathon TBR and Goals
The #TBRTakedown readathon takes place from June 1 through June 7 and is hosted by leaninglights on Youtube. You can find the official announcement video here. This readathon has 5 challenges. Here are the challenges and the books that I am going to try to read:
If you want to know more about these books, please check out this goodreads shelf that I created.
I probably won't read all of these books this week, but I hope to get through a chunk of them. I have a really busy week this week because I am a graduate student, but while reactions are running (such as PCR reactions) I should be able to get a good amount of reading completed.
- A book that's been on your TBR shelf over a year!
- Nettles by Ronnie Johnson
- An unread sequel sitting on your TBR shelf.
- Shadowed by Kariss Lynch
- A first book in a series on your TBR shelf.
- Shaken by Kariss Lynch
- An "out of your comfort zone" book on your TBR shelf!
- Almost Perfect by Diane Daniels Manning
- A book from your most recent book haul!
- The Fixer by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
If you want to know more about these books, please check out this goodreads shelf that I created.
I probably won't read all of these books this week, but I hope to get through a chunk of them. I have a really busy week this week because I am a graduate student, but while reactions are running (such as PCR reactions) I should be able to get a good amount of reading completed.
Are you participating in this readathon? What are your goals? What have you read recently? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet me @blog_gal.
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Novella Review: A February Bride by Betsy St. Amant
Series: A Year of Weddings (Novella 3)
Author: Betsy St. Amant
Publish Date: January 28, 2014
Genre: Clean Adult Romance Novella
Genre: Clean Adult Romance Novella
About the Book (from Goodreads):
Happily ever after guaranteed. Allie left the love of her life at the altar—to save him from a lifetime of heartbreak. When a Valentine’s Day wedding brings them back together, she struggles against her family’s destructive history. Can Allie ever realize that a marriage is so much more than a wedding dress? History repeats itself when Allie Andrews escapes the church on her wedding day—in the same dress passed down for generations and worn by all the women in her family—women with a long history of failed marriages. Allie loves Marcus, but fears she’s destined to repeat her family’s mistakes. She can’t bear to hurt Marcus worse. Marcus Hall never stopped loving Allie and can only think of one reason she left him at the altar—him. When the two are thrown together for his sister’s Valentine’s Day wedding, he discovers the truth and realizes their story might be far from over. Can Allie shuck expectation and discover who she is as a bride and in the Bride of Christ? And if she ever walks down the aisle, what dress will she wear?
Review
A February Bride is one of those pretty much perfect clean romances that I am always looking for. The main character is flawed; she has a fear of commitment because all of the women in her family have been divorced and re-married several times and she is afraid the same will happen to her. Although this novella is predictable, the writing style makes the journey exciting nonetheless. I read this novella in one day (practically one sitting).
I would recomend this novella to anyone looking for a clean romance story. You do not have to read the first two novella's in the series for this third installment to make sense.
A February Bride is one of those pretty much perfect clean romances that I am always looking for. The main character is flawed; she has a fear of commitment because all of the women in her family have been divorced and re-married several times and she is afraid the same will happen to her. Although this novella is predictable, the writing style makes the journey exciting nonetheless. I read this novella in one day (practically one sitting).
I would recomend this novella to anyone looking for a clean romance story. You do not have to read the first two novella's in the series for this third installment to make sense.
Final Statements
Recommended Reading Age: Any
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Novella Review: A January Bride by Deborah Raney
Series: A Year of Weddings Novella
Authors: Deborah Raney
Publish Date: December 24, 2013
Genre: Clean Adult Romance Novellas
Genre: Clean Adult Romance Novellas
About the Book (from Goodreads):
Who can work in a house that's overrun by contractors and carpenters? Not Madeleine Houser, a successful novelist who gladly accepts the help of her octogenarian friend, Ginny, to arrange for a temporary office in the charming bed and breakfast owned by Ginny's friend, Arthur. Maddie’s never met the innkeeper––but a friendship grows between them as Maddie and Arthur leave messages for each other each day. To Maddie’s alternate delight and chagrin, she seems to be falling for the inn’s owner––a man who's likely many years her senior––and who she’s never even met.
Review
This novella series has one thing in common: all of the books are incredibly interesting. This romance story started slow, but quickly progressed and I was excited to find out what would happen by the end of the novella. The romance story was cute, sweet, and clean. I would recommend these novellas to anyone looking for a good romance story. Each of these novellas can be read as stand-alones or as a series.
Final Statements
Recommended Reading Age: Any
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Children's Book Review Tuesdays: The Most Magnificent Thing
Title: The Most Magnificent Thing
Author: Ashley Spires
Publish Date: April 1, 2014
Genre: Children's Picture Books
Genre: Children's Picture Books
About the Book (from Goodreads):
Award-winning author and illustrator Ashley Spires has created a charming picture book about an unnamed girl and her very best friend, who happens to be a dog. The girl has a wonderful idea. "She is going to make the most MAGNIFICENT thing! She knows just how it will look. She knows just how it will work. All she has to do is make it, and she makes things all the time. Easy-peasy!" But making her magnificent thing is anything but easy, and the girl tries and fails, repeatedly. Eventually, the girl gets really, really mad. She is so mad, in fact, that she quits. But after her dog convinces her to take a walk, she comes back to her project with renewed enthusiasm and manages to get it just right. For the early grades' exploration of character education, this funny book offers a perfect example of the rewards of perseverance and creativity. The girl's frustration and anger are vividly depicted in the detailed art, and the story offers good options for dealing honestly with these feelings, while at the same time reassuring children that it's okay to make mistakes. The clever use of verbs in groups of threes is both fun and functional, offering opportunities for wonderful vocabulary enrichment. The girl doesn't just "make" her magnificent thing -- she "tinkers and hammers and measures," she "smoothes and wrenches and fiddles," she "twists and tweaks and fastens." These precise action words are likely to fire up the imaginations of youngsters eager to create their own inventions and is a great tie-in to learning about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
Review
The main character in The Most Magnificent Thing seeks to make something amazing. She has an idea in her head, but she cannot get it to work in real life. She gets frustrated and mad, but then walks around with her dog and cools down. After she cools down, she realizes that all her past failed attempts were really great at somethings and bad at others. She combines all of the good things from her past attempts and makes something magnificent.
I believe that this picture book is great for young readers. It teaches them not to get frustrated when things do not work out as planned and that failures are ways to learn from your mistakes. I would recommend this book to any young reader.
I believe that this picture book is great for young readers. It teaches them not to get frustrated when things do not work out as planned and that failures are ways to learn from your mistakes. I would recommend this book to any young reader.
Final Statements
Recommended Reading Age: young readers (children)
Monday, May 25, 2015
Spoiler-Free Book Discussion: The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker
Last week, I got together (via Google Hangout) with Kate Danielle from Creative House Blog and we discussed Rachelle Dekker's debut novel, The Choosing. I reviewed this book last week on my blog. You can check out that review here. Here is the video of our discussion:
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Novella Review: A December Bride by Denise Hunter
Series: A Year of Weddings Novella (#1)
Author: Denise Hunter
Publish Date: November 26, 2013
Genre: Clean Adult Romance Novella
Genre: Clean Adult Romance Novella
About Book 1 (from Goodreads):
What started as a whim turned into an accidental - and very public - engagement. Can Layla and Seth keep up the facade in Chapel Springs this holiday season - for the sake of her career . . . and his heart?
Under normal circumstances, Seth Murphy, the best friend of Layla O'Reilly's ex-fiance would be the last person she'd marry. But the news of their upcoming (and phony) nuptials convinces a big client that Layla may be high-society enough to work for his agency, a coup that would put her fledgling home-staging business on the map. Seth has secretly loved Layla for years, even when she was dating his best friend. Maybe she'll never forgive him for the way he hurt her back then, but he has to try. And Layla is willing to keep up their engagement farce until she's landed her client. For Layla, it's the chance to save her career. But for Seth, it's his last chance to win her heart.
Under normal circumstances, Seth Murphy, the best friend of Layla O'Reilly's ex-fiance would be the last person she'd marry. But the news of their upcoming (and phony) nuptials convinces a big client that Layla may be high-society enough to work for his agency, a coup that would put her fledgling home-staging business on the map. Seth has secretly loved Layla for years, even when she was dating his best friend. Maybe she'll never forgive him for the way he hurt her back then, but he has to try. And Layla is willing to keep up their engagement farce until she's landed her client. For Layla, it's the chance to save her career. But for Seth, it's his last chance to win her heart.
Review
A December Bride is such a sweet romance story. A fake engagement turns into... well you will have to see when you read the novella.
This novella series is a collection of clean adult romance novellas, which are each written by a different author. I love these types of novella series. I read this novella for the first time during the October 2014 Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon. I was busy at the time and did not get to review the novella. I re-read this novella recently.
An interesting aspect to the novella is that previous events that influence the current story are slowly revealed throughout the novella. So at first you do not know much about the previous relationships of the characters and this lead me to want to read more of the story.
This clean adult romance is perfect for anyone.
This novella series is a collection of clean adult romance novellas, which are each written by a different author. I love these types of novella series. I read this novella for the first time during the October 2014 Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon. I was busy at the time and did not get to review the novella. I re-read this novella recently.
An interesting aspect to the novella is that previous events that influence the current story are slowly revealed throughout the novella. So at first you do not know much about the previous relationships of the characters and this lead me to want to read more of the story.
This clean adult romance is perfect for anyone.
Final Statements
Recommended Reading Age: Any
Friday, May 22, 2015
Participation Announcement: Booking Through Summer Reading Challenge
I am happy to announce that I will be participating in the Booking Through Summer Reading Challenge which is hosted by kimberlyfaye reads and BookNerd Betsy. This challenge is reminiscent of the Book It Reading Challenges that school age kids would participate in over the summer.
This challenge takes place from Memorial Day to Labor Day and you can enter daily to read prizes by linking up reviews that you have written (either at Goodreads, a major retailer's website, or on your blog) of books that you have read throughout the summer. In addition to these prizes, there will also be weekly challenge hosts that will give away prizes associated with there challenge. How cool is that? You get to do what you love and sign up for a chance to win prizes!
You can find more information about the reading challenge here and here at the hosts' blogs. You can also sign up to participate in this challenge. I know you want to :)
Are you participating in this reading challenge? What books are you most likely reading this summer? Leave your thoughts in the comments or tweet me at @blog_gal
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Book Review: I Still Believe by Jeremy Camp
Authors: Jeremy Camp
Publish Date: September 5, 2011
Genre: Christian Nonfiction, Inspirational, Autobiography
Genre: Christian Nonfiction, Inspirational, Autobiography
About the Book (from Goodreads):
A leading artist on the contemporary Christian scene, Jeremy Camp has gained a sizable fan following. I Still Believe follows Jeremy's life from growing up in Indiana and his struggles as a teen, to his love for his first wife Melissa and her untimely passing, to his growing music ministry and re-found hope and love in his wife Adrienne. "We have choices when life hits us with tragedy or despair, crisis or loss. That's the message of Jeremy Camp's books, and it's the reason you will find hope and healing by journeying through the pages of this story."
Bestselling author Karen Kingsbury, from the Foreword
Bestselling author Karen Kingsbury, from the Foreword
Review
This book was so inspirational. Jeremy Camp has went through a lot of tribulation, but has survived by knowing that God is loving. For those who do not know, Jeremy Camp's first wife, Melissa, died from cancer very shortly after they got married. This book shows how his parents became Christians and his struggles during his teenage years, how he grew in his faith due to his first wife's passing, and how he came to love his second wife, Adrienne.
For me, this book encouraged me that God is always with you even when you are suffering, everything happens for a reason (God's plan), and that God always wants the best for us. This is a must read!
For me, this book encouraged me that God is always with you even when you are suffering, everything happens for a reason (God's plan), and that God always wants the best for us. This is a must read!
Final Statements
Recommended Reading Age: 12+ for very real emotions
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Release Day Review: The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker
Title: The ChoosingSeries: Seer (Book 1)
Authors: Deborah Raney
Publish Date: May 19, 2015
Genre: Christian Dystopian
Genre: Christian Dystopian
About the Book (from Goodreads):
“Not to be Chosen would yield a cruel fate of my own making.”
Like all citizens since the Ruining, Carrington Hale knows the importance of this day. But she never expected the moment she’d spent a lifetime preparing for—her Choosing ceremony—would end in disaster. Ripped from her family, she’ll spend her days serving as a Lint, the lowest level of society. She knows it’s her duty to follow the true way of the Authority.
But as Carrington begins this nightmare, rumors of rebellion rattle her beliefs. The whispers contradict everything she’s been told; yet they resonate deep within.
Then Carrington is offered an unprecedented chance at the life she’s always dreamed of, but she can’t shake the feeling that it may be an illusion. With a killer targeting Lints and corruption threatening the highest levels of the Authority, Carrington must uncover the truth before it destroys her.
About the Book from the Author:
Like all citizens since the Ruining, Carrington Hale knows the importance of this day. But she never expected the moment she’d spent a lifetime preparing for—her Choosing ceremony—would end in disaster. Ripped from her family, she’ll spend her days serving as a Lint, the lowest level of society. She knows it’s her duty to follow the true way of the Authority.
But as Carrington begins this nightmare, rumors of rebellion rattle her beliefs. The whispers contradict everything she’s been told; yet they resonate deep within.
Then Carrington is offered an unprecedented chance at the life she’s always dreamed of, but she can’t shake the feeling that it may be an illusion. With a killer targeting Lints and corruption threatening the highest levels of the Authority, Carrington must uncover the truth before it destroys her.
About the Book from the Author:
Review
This book was nothing like I expected. I have read several of her Father's books (Ted Dekker) and I have loved them, but Rachelle Dekker brings something new to the table. I have wished for a long time to find a Christian Dystopian novel and was excited to see this book available for review from Tyndale House.
I expected the typical Dystopian novel, but this book brought so much more. There is an underlying message of worth and where your worth comes from. The underlying Christian themes reminded my of God's love for all of His children. It made me feel whole and wanted by a loving God.
In many Dystopian novels, you are left with a feeling of loss and sadness. Many dystopian novels do not have a happy ending, but instead leave you feeling depressed. The Choosing is different. Although there are dark themes throughout the book, the overall feeling is happiness and hope.
The Choosing is an action packed novel set in a world where a woman's worth comes from being chosen to be a wife. Carrington, the main female character, is shown that there may be more to life than just being chosen and that there may be another way to evaluate her worth.
Although The Choosing was somewhat predictable, the underlying message of the novel and the story in general was exciting, fast-paced, and incredibly enjoyable.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a different kind of Dystopian novel, one filled with hope without lacking any of the action that we Dystopian lovers enjoy.
I expected the typical Dystopian novel, but this book brought so much more. There is an underlying message of worth and where your worth comes from. The underlying Christian themes reminded my of God's love for all of His children. It made me feel whole and wanted by a loving God.
In many Dystopian novels, you are left with a feeling of loss and sadness. Many dystopian novels do not have a happy ending, but instead leave you feeling depressed. The Choosing is different. Although there are dark themes throughout the book, the overall feeling is happiness and hope.
The Choosing is an action packed novel set in a world where a woman's worth comes from being chosen to be a wife. Carrington, the main female character, is shown that there may be more to life than just being chosen and that there may be another way to evaluate her worth.
Although The Choosing was somewhat predictable, the underlying message of the novel and the story in general was exciting, fast-paced, and incredibly enjoyable.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a different kind of Dystopian novel, one filled with hope without lacking any of the action that we Dystopian lovers enjoy.
Final Statements
Recommended Reading Age: 13+ for dark themes
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