"Daughter of Twin Oaks" by Lauraine Snelling

 Daughter of Twin Oaks by Lauraine Snelling is the first book in her Secret Refuge Series that I enjoyed.  It is at the time of the Civil War and Jesselynn is the daughter left to run the family's tobacco plantation called Twin Oaks.  Her brother is off at war, her parents are both dead and her two sisters are living with an Aunt in Virginia.  Twin Oakes is in Kentucky and she is trying to keep her few horses from being taken for use in the war.  After giving all her slaves their freedom, they decide to stay and keep working at Twin Oaks anyhow.  She proceeds to take the horses to her Uncle's farm in Missouri until the war is over, thinking they will be safe there.  She takes a few of her former slaves along, a wagon, a mule and her little brother Thaddeus.  Dressing like man, she and her group start their trek, trying to keep from soldiers seeing them along the way.  The other story line was about Jesselynn's sister in Virginia who volunteered at the wounded soldiers hospital.  The faith of the daughters is challenged by all the bad things that happen.

This book is full of action and adventure.  I was beginning to wonder if they ever would make it.  It is a quick read and left me wanting more.  Interesting characters and it made me more aware of the obstacles families in the south had to deal with during the Civil War.  I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
(Karen's review, 5 stars)     

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Prepared for a Purpose" by Antoinette Tuff with Alex Tresniowski--an Amazing Story!

Prepared for a Purpose by Antoinette Tuff with Alex Tresniowski is an amazing true story about how Antoinette stood up to a gunman who came into her school where she works and her own personal story.  Both are really good because this woman has been through a lot!  I enjoyed reading it and believe it will keep your interest as it did mine.  
(Gerard's review, 5+ stars)

Prepared for a Purpose by Antoinette Tuff with Alex Tresniowskiis mostly about Antoinette's personal life and very little about the gunman at the school who she confronted.  She is definitely a strong woman, coping with many problems while praying for God's help which is mostly what this book is about.  I liked it all right but it didn't really grab me.  I did feel sorry for her though having to deal with so many issues.  It's worth your time.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"The Invention of Wings" by Sue Monk Kidd is GREAT! (Updated)

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd set in the early 1800s tells the story of Sarah, a young white Quaker girl and Handful, a young black slave girl given to Sarah for her 11th birthday.  The story concentrates on both of them as they grow up and face their own adventures.  It is a great read right from the start.  I loved both girls.  This is the number 1 fiction book right now and I am not surprised.  I think it would make a fantastic movie and highly recommend it!  
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd is about slavery in Charleston during the early 1800s.  The story is told by Sarah, the daughter of a Judge, and Handful, the slave Sarah was given for her eleventh birthday.  It is the story of the lives of both these girls and their families.  Not only does it point out the injustice and brutality of slavery, but also addresses the women’s rights issue.  From a young girl, Sarah’s desire was to be a lawyer but no one encouraged her because she was a girl.  She gave Handful back to her mother but later offered to buy her back several times so she could set Handful free, but her mother would not give in.  Sarah searches for purpose and meaning to her life while Handful seeks to fulfill her mother’s dream of one day being free.

Although this book is very sad, it held my interest because I had to keep reading to find out what happened to Handful and her mother.  This is  great historical fiction novel about slavery and the abolition movement.  If I hadn't recently read the Sisters of Shenandoah series by Michael Phillips, I would have given this book 5 stars, but since I liked that series a bit better, I have to give this one 4 stars.

(Karen's review)

 

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

Joining in with the Feline Friday hop.  It's easy, just post a picture of a cat.

Teaser Tuesday: Four Today

Gerard's:

She reaches into her pocket and pulls out the haemanthus I gave her.  It is smashed and flat.  Then loudly she screams to all those gathered, "Break the chains!"

From page 3 of Red Rising by Pierce Brown.  (Review up tomorrow.)



But now I am not sure what is real or what the consequences of a wrong answer will be.  While my classmates are concerned about the test affecting the years ahead, I worry I will not survive the day.

From page 1 of Independent Study by Joelle Charbonneau.  (Click link for Karen's review.)

Karen's: 

Well, so much for propriety.  She'd practiced lying, gone on a political tirade, and deeply offended her pastor, all in a few short minutes.

From page 25 (Loc. 404) of Daughter of Twin Oaks  by Lauraine Snelling.

Still, I felt that same urgency to play Luke's game that I had when we were playing chess.  Maybe, like in the chess games we played, he was way ahead of me--his moves already planned, and my demise already assured.

From page 112 of In the Blood by Lisa Unger.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should  Be Reading. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just do the following

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page (well, we cheat and choose specific ones)
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on  that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away!   You don’t  want  to  ruin the  book for others!)
• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can  add the book to their TBR  Lists  if they  like your teaser.   

Happy Reading!

"Independent Study" by Joelle Charbonneau (Updated)

Independent Study by Joelle Charbonneau is the second book in this Dystopian series about revitalizing the United States after it became devastated by wars.  It is now called the Commonwealth and a University is set up for training leaders.  Cia, at 17, is very smart and is eager to continue on with her studies after passing the initial testing because she wants to make a difference.  She has a good heart and helps others even though it puts herself in greater danger.

I really liked this book a lot because it's about leadership and what qualities make good leaders.  It was a page turner for me and I like that Cia, the main character, has so much integrity.  I'm hoping she can keep it intact throughout the next book titled Graduation Day.  I highly recommend this but only after you read The Testing.
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

Independent Study by Joelle Charbonneau picks up where The Testing left off.  We continue to follow Cia who has moved on to the University.  The first part of this book sets the stage for the second half which I found much more interesting.  I'll have to read the third book (Graduation Day) to see how this all plays out. 
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"The Testing" by Joelle Charbonneau is all About Choices

The Testing is the first of a series of three books by Joelle Charbonneau and a young girl, Cia.  By orders of her government, she must go through a testing to move on to the University.  I thought the lead character was made to be a bit too smart compared to the other people, but near the end, an unexpected twist got my interest.  The last 100 pages or so were really good and it ended with a promise of a surprise in book two--Independent Study. 
(Gerard's review, 4 stars) 

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau is a Dystopian teen thriller that starts slow but gets better and better as it goes on.  About half way through, things really pick up.  Cia, age 17, is chosen for "The Testing" to see if she can attend the University and become one of the leaders of the United Commonwealth to restore the country.  However, she soon finds out that the tests are not easy and have dire consequences if she fails.  It has been years since anyone has been chose from her Five Lakes Colony, but several others from her colony are also going with her to Tosu City to be tested, including her childhood friend, Tomas.  Cia is pretty smart, mechanically inclined, compassionate and very knowledgeable about plants. 

I enjoyed this first book of a series and had trouble putting it down when Cia and her friend, Tomas were struggling to survive the fourth test.  The relationship between Cia and Tomas was interesting to me as well.  This book is all about choices and consequences and the pressure of getting into college.  Basically, Cia's father's advice about trusting no one serves her well during the testing, but unfortunately, she didn't always follow it.  I look forward to reading the sequel:  The Testing:  Independent Study coming out this fall.
(Karen's review of June 23, 2013, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"In The Blood" by Lisa Unger (Updated)

In The Blood by Lisa Unger is about a page-turning thriller about a young girl who takes a job of caring for a young troubled boy during the week for a few hours.  That is only one of the story lines though, there is a lot more to this book than that!  I finished it in two days because it was hard to put down.  The ending is fantastic but didn't see it coming.  Lisa Unger's books are always good, but she outdid herself this time!  I have not been "wowed" by a book in a while, but was with this one because the ending is so incredible.  This is a must read.  
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars) 

In The Blood by Lisa Unger is a psychological thriller that gets you hooked right from the start.  It is about family secrets and some bizarre behaviors.  This book has some very strange characters to say the least who kept me guessing.  Luke is an 11-yr-old boy genius psycho finds pleasure in manipulating and tricking people into doing what he wants.  Lana, a college student, is hired to be his “companion” after school to keep him out of trouble.  They play chess a lot and Luke keeps winning.  They change the game to a scavenger hunt which turns out to be much more than just a game.  I loved the ending!  If you enjoy a puzzle and intrigue with some mystery, this is a must read for you!  Although I was a bit confused at the diary entries, everything is explained in the end so stick with it and just see how the puzzle pieces fall into place. 
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

Joining in on Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop today with the book review prompt.

"Snowblind" by Christopher Golden

Snowblind by Christopher Golden is about a small town that a blizzard hit and people died with some other strange things occurring.  Twelve years later, another blizzard is about to hit and the town braces for what this storm will bring while remembering the last one.

This is a great read with tons of story lines and very believable characters.  I liked this page turner a lot!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

Tuesday Teasers: Four This Week

Gerard's:

When you stood outside my cage and my deep brown eyes met yours and I heard you say, "That's our dog," I could hardly believe it.  I was thrilled when you crouched down and reached in to pat me.

From page 3 of letters from Angel-In her own words, a true story of adventure, love and loss as told to Martin P. Levin.  (Reviewed this yesterday)

"You know," she said as she unlocked the door and then pulled it inward, snow flying in her face, "I really can take care of myself."

But, in truth, she could not.

And it was not her son at the door.

From page 26 of Snowblind by Christopher Golden. (My review up tomorrow.)

Karen's: 

After reading their letter, each Red panicked in her own unique way.  Each Red mistakenly thought she was maintaining control over emotions that seemed suddenly explosive.

From page 26 of RED 1-2-3 by John Katzenbach (We both reviewed this one.)

As I watch Will reach for the lid and pull it down, I hope Enzo is right.  Metal closes over me.  Everything goes black.

From page 119 of Independent Study by Joelle Charbonneau.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should  Be Reading. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just do the following

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page (well, we cheat and choose specific ones)
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on  that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away!   You don’t  want  to  ruin the  book for others!)
• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can  add the book to their TBR  Lists  if they  like your teaser.   

Happy Reading!

"Letters from Angel" as told to Martin P. Levin

4 paws up!

"Letters from Angel" is told by Angel, a senior dog who tells about his life with Mr. Levin and his aid, Paula.  It's a great story that Angel tells very well.  It is short but well worth reading.  Any dog love will love it just like I did!  Have some tissues handy, just in case.
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

"Letters from Angel" is a cute book written from the dog's point of view.  It is about the bond between a Sr. dog that was adopted from a shelter by a 90-yr-old man for companionship after his wife died.  It is a very quick read and even though it has a sad ending, the author shares his experience of having to put down his dog in a sweet way.  The dog is a Golden Retriever/Chow mix that won my heart.
(Karen's review, 3 stars) 

Similar Books that are good:  A Dog's Life--Autobiography of a stray by Ann M. Martin

Our dog Abby wrote a book too using Blurb -
See post about it:  Father's Day Gift Was a Hit--a Blurb Book
















Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"RED 1-2-3" by John Katzenbach

RED 1-2-3 by John Katzenbach is about three women who have been targeted to be killed by a man who calls himself the Big Bad Wolf.  They are called RED 1, RED 2, and RED 3.  Just an outstanding read!  The Big Bad Wolf is fascinating in how he plots the killings and the three REDS are good in how they try to keep from getting killed.  This is a real page turner with just enough twists to keep you guessing.  LOVED IT!  The ending was priceless!  
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Karen's review, 4 stars:
RED 1-2-3 by John Katzenbach is probably the most unusual thriller I've read about an author/journalist who writes thrillers but isn't satisfied just to write them--he actually wants to live them!  He stalks three red-haired women with the intent to kill them all on the same day but when they find out they are not alone and join forces, the table is turned.  Throughout the book he refers to himself as The Big Bad Wolf and his wife as Mrs. Bad Wolf.  Other than his secret stalking, they appear to be an ordinary couple.  I felt sorry for the wife.  My favorite of the three Reds was Karen, the doctor, referred to as Red 1.  Red 2 was Sarah, a middle-aged woman who lost her husband and little girl in a car accident, and Red 3 was Jordan, a student who played basketball at a private school. 

I liked this one which had a surprise ending.  I liked all three women but felt sorry for Mrs. Bad Wolf, realizing she's been married to a killer!  I didn't care for all the detail, but suppose it was meant to show how ordinary their lives were.  It just seemed to drag along sometimes, but it had built up enough suspense along the way to keep me turning the pages and anxious to see how it was going to end.  It's quite a story!

WARNING--Spoiler Alert, Stop now if you haven't read this yet but plan to:
This is an odd thriller because no one gets killed except for Karen's two cats which really got me angry at the Big Bad Wolf.  But then, when I thought about it I realized that he would not have been able to kill the cats in the short amount of time he had been in the house because if they were anything like my cats, they would have hid when they heard the window breaking and for sure would have stayed hiding somewhere when the strange man came into the house.  He would not know their hiding places and cats hide very well.  Also, he killed them with a knife which means he would have had to hold them down which is not easy to do to an strange cat.  They run really fast!   

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Miracles and Massacres" by Glenn Beck

Miracles and Massacres--True and Untold Stories of the Making of America by Glenn Beck is fascinating.  It is broken up into twelve really good stories that deal with American history over the years.   You might think you know some of these, but you read about people that I'm sure you never heard of before.  I enjoyed it a lot!
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: 3 Today

Gerard's:

Give Hetty back.  As if she was mine after all.  As if owning people was as natural as breathing.

From page 16 of The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd.

His life a mess, he was ready to drown himself in the river's muddy waters but something made him pause.  It was a noise, distant but steady:  the beating of a drum.

From page 64 of Miracles and Massacres by Glenn Beck.

Karen's: 

After reading their letter, each Red panicked in her own unique way.  Each Red mistakenly thought she was maintaining control over emotions that seemed suddenly explosive.

From page 26 of RED 1-2-3 by John Katzenbach


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should  Be Reading. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just do the following

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page (well, we cheat and choose specific ones)
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on  that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away!   You don’t  want  to  ruin the  book for others!)
• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can  add the book to their TBR  Lists  if they  like your teaser.   

Happy Reading!

Our Favorite Reads For January

Karen's Favorite:  The whole series by Michael Phillips (Christian Historical Fiction)

This Shenandoah Sisters Series was definitely my favorite for January.  It is a series of four books about the friendship between a slave girl and a daughter of a big plantation owner who both became orphans during the Civil War era.  The series is by Michael Phillips who did a fantastic job on it!  It could easily have been written as one big novel.  

Gerard's January Favorite:  Innocence by Dean Koontz

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Last of the Blue and Gray--Old Men, Stolen Glory, and the Mystery That Outlived The Civil War" by Richard A. Serrano

Last of the Blue and Gray--Old Men, Stolen Glory, and the Mystery That Outlived The Civil War by Richard A. Serrano is a fascinating look at the lives of some of the men who fought in the Civil War.  Most of these men lived to be over 100 years old--wow!  This book centers on one man who said he fought in the war but he really didn't.  I enjoyed hearing these stories!
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Together Is All We Need" by Michael Phillips (Book 4 of Shenandoah Sisters series)

Together Is All We Need by Michael Phillips is a wonderful book about friendship and family sticking together and sacrificing to help each other out.  This is a very enjoyable coming of age series with a marvelous ending.  Kathleen and Mayme not only became friends and together worked to save Kathleen's plantation and made it productive again after the Civil War, but also built a very unusual household with both blacks and whites living together under the same roof in harmony.  The girls also learn from a good friend, Henry, how to trust the good Lord. 

I highly recommend you read the first three books of this series before this last one to fully appreciate it.  I absolutely LOVED this historical Christian fiction series and zipped through all four books.  They were enlightening, giving insight into how things were after the civil war for both whites and blacks and how even though the slaves were set free, they were still looked down upon by most.  This series shows how much people can accomplish when they work together unselfishly.  I look forward to reading more books by this author.
(Karen's review, 5++ stars)

The first three books in this series are:
Angels Watching Over Me
A Day to Pick Your Own Cotton
The Color of Your Skin Ain't The Color of Your Heart

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Pure Joy--The Dogs We Love" by Danielle Steel

Pure Joy--The Dogs We Love by Danielle Steel is a short memoir about her dogs she had over the years filled with funny, sad and touching stories, including pictures.  She also gives some advice for dog owners.  If you are a "dog person," you will enjoy this quick read.  I am and I did!  
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"The Color of Your Skin Ain't the Color of Your Heart" by Michael Phillips (series)

In this 3rd book of the Shenandoah Sisters series--The Color of Your Skin Ain't the Color of Your Heart by Michael Phillips, Katie and Mayme continue to fight to save the plantation with the help of Henry and his son, Jeremiah.  Mayme gets a big surprise and Katie is thrilled to see her Uncle Templeton again and find the gold that was hidden in her house.  Will it be enough to pay off the loan on the plantation?  Will the bad men steal it from her?  How many more will find out her secret that her parents have died and what will happen to the four girls living on their own?    

This book has more surprises pop up, more action and some humor too.  I enjoyed this one too and look forward to finding out what happens next in the last book of this series. 
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

WOOL by Hugh Howey

WOOL by Hugh Howey is a science fiction novel.  The earth has been ravaged and people must live below ground in silos.  To go outside means certain death, or does it?  All is not well in the silos as good and bad people clash.  It took me a while to get into this, but once I did, I loved it!  There is plenty of action and well worth your time.  I plan on reading the sequel and hear there will be a movie too!  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

Tuesday Teasers: Four This Week!

Gerard's:

The view of the dead world filled up the entire wall of his cell, just like all the walls on the silo's upper level, each one full of a different slice of the blurry and ever-blurrier wasteland beyond.  Holston's little piece of that view reached from the corner by his cot, up to the ceiling, to the other wall, and down to the toilet..

From page 4 of Wool by Hugh Howey.  (My review will be up Wednesday.)

She looked down at the words on the letter.
"You have been selected to die."

From page 36 of RED 1-2-3 by John Katzenbach.
Karen's: 

Spooked all the more by Emma's sudden appearance on the other side of him from where Katie was trying to calm him down, Dover reared and whinnied and yanked the rope from Katie's hand.  The next instant he bolted past Emma and through the open door, and disappeared into the house.

From page 77 of The Color of Your Skin Ain't the Color of Your Heart by Michael Phillips.  See review of the 1st book in this series and 2nd book in this series.  My review of this one will be up Thursday.

     By the time he emerged back out onto the street two or three minutes later, a sober expression had come to the man's face--sadness tinged with a shadow of guilt.
     He knew what he had to do.  An apparently he had better waste no time doing it.

From page 91 of Together is all We Need by Michael Phillips.  (4th book of the Shenandoah Sisters series)


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should  Be Reading. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just do the following

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page (well, we cheat and choose specific ones)
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on  that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away!   You don’t  want  to  ruin the  book for others!)
• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can  add the book to their TBR  Lists  if they  like your teaser.   

Happy Reading!

"A Woman's Passionate Pursuit of God—Creating a Positive & Purposeful Life" by Karol Ladd

A Woman's Passionate Pursuit of God—Creating a Positive & Purposeful Life by Karol Ladd took me several months to get through because I was reading it for a ladies Bible Study that met just once a month.  I finally just went ahead and finished it out.  It is actually sort of a commentary on the book of Philippians.  It has study questions in the back for use in group Bible studies in addition to the reflective thought questions at the end of each chapter.  I particularly liked that the author includes chapter summaries of the main points following each chapter to easily find main points.

After reading this book, I am going to make an effort to more gentle to all.  That is the chapter that spoke to me the most.  Although I liked her other book better, The Power of a Positive Woman, I would recommend this one too.  It has a lot of good advice and interesting examples.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

Loved "Innocence" by Dean Koontz - A Must Read!

Innocence by Dean Koontz is about a young girl and a young boy who live away from people as much as they can because they both have issues with their appearance.  You will have to read the book to find out what they are.  When they come together one night, the story really takes off.  Wow, oh wow!  This is an amazing read!  I was into it from the get-go with plenty of action and characters I cared about.  It has a really , really good ending too!  I LOVED it!  This is my first "must read" book of 2014! 
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Zlata's Diary--A Child's Life in Sarajevo" by Zlata Filipovic

Zlata's Diary--A Child's Life in Sarajevo by Zlata Filipovic is her diary over a two year period of war in Sarajevo. She is 11 years old at the beginning and I was surprised to read how her life was much like that of American children. The book is pretty sad and depressing, day after day pretty much the same thing. It shows how terrible war is, how innocent people are impacted, and how very basic things made her so happy.

It made me thankful for all I have was a reminder to me that I have nothing to complain about! It goes fast but gives great insight into what it's like to live in a war zone.
(Karen's review, 3 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Thank You For Your Service" by David Finkel

Thank You for Your Service by David Finkel is non-fiction focusing on the men and women who fight our country's wars and the toll it takes on them and their loved ones.  It contains very interesting stories and reads like a novel.  It kept my interest throughout.  I can't say it was an enjoyable read, but you should read it if you get a chance to get a glimpse of the sacrifices made and the tragic outcomes in some cases.  
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"A Day to Pick Your Own Cotton" by Michael Phillips (Book 2 of Shenandoah Sisters Series)

Image source:  Goodreads (Read on Kindle)

A Day to Pick Your Own Cotton by Michael Phillips picks up right where Angels Watching Over Me left off and is just as good!  This series is about two white girls and two black girls all working together to run a plantation by themselves during the post-Civil war days when racism in the south was rampant.  Katie, the orphan of the plantation owners, has a warm heart and even though she is barely managing, takes in yet another young white girl to care for whose mother died and whose father is mean to her since being back from the war. 

The story is told by both a plantation owner's daughter and her former slave girl friend, but mostly from the slave girl's point of view.    This second book is about courage to survive and has both happy and sad parts to it.  Although it is the second of a series, it could also stand alone.  I loved it and can't wait to read the next one of this Shenendoah Sisters series.  It has interesting character development, excitement, suspense and a very good plot.  It's hard to put down and I highly recommend it!(Karen's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

Tuesday Teasers: Four Today

Gerard's:

She fills a drink container with enough water to weigh about as much as the baby, and as Adam continues driving and considering the gun, not yet, not yet, not yet, not yet, she rolls that off the edge, too.

From page 9 of Thank You For Your Service by David Finkel.

 He'll be back again and again and again until he finds you.  He'll never leave those wood for good until you're dead.  And then I'll be dragged into it.

From page 34 of Innocence by Dean Koontz.

Karen's: 

"Somebody came an' she had ter go wiff dem an' she put us down here so nuthin' would happen ter us or nobody fin' me."
"Who came, Emmas...who was it?"

From page 83 (Loc. 1158 on Kindle) of A Day to Pick Your Own Cotton by Michael Phillips.  See review of the 1st book in this series here.  My review of this one will be up tomorrow.

"The day before you give Jenna away," she had said, her hands and voice trembling as she handed me the heirloom, "give this to her for the gift."

I was puzzled by her choice of words.

From page 21 of Timepiece by Richard Paul Evans (my review posted yesterday.)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should  Be Reading. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just do the following

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page (well, we cheat and choose specific ones)
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on  that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away!   You don’t  want  to  ruin the  book for others!)
• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can  add the book to their TBR  Lists  if they  like your teaser.   

Happy Reading!

"Timepiece" by Richard Paul Evans

Timepiece by Richard Paul Evans is about a couple in the early 1900's--their love, grief, forgiveness and loyalty.  It is an emotional romance between Mary Anne (David's secretary) and David  (wealthy business man) who find great happiness together but also experience tragedy, losing a child.  This is an interesting and enjoyable read including some excerpts from David's diary, but it took me a little time to get used to the writing style.     
(Karen's review, 4 stars) 

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"The F It List" by Julie Halpern

T

The F It List by Julie Halpern is about two young teen girls, Alex and Becca.  Becca has Cancer and made a list of things she wanted to do.  Alex, her best friend, helps her accomplish them.  I loved this book!  I got into it and cared about both of the girls.  I liked how they handled the stuff life threw at them, and it was a lot!  Plus, it has a great ending!
(Gerard's review, 5+ stars)

The title turned Karen off this one.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Angels Watching Over Me" by Michael Phillips

image source:  Amazon

Angels Watching Over Me by Michael Phillips is about two teen girls whose families both got killed after the Civil War. Katie is a daughter of a white plantation owner and Mayme is a black slave girl who grew up on a different plantation. Shortly after the death of their families, the two girls actually become friends and help each other. Although they have different backgrounds and different talents, they work together to protect each other, and run the plantation on their own. Mayme is practical and Katie a dreamer, but both girls open their hearts up to God and seek His direction when they find themselves in a desperate situation.

I loved this historical fiction book and look forward to the next in this Shenandoah Sisters series. It was a good page turner with likable characters and action too! The story is told from the slave girl’s point of view for the most part. I am so glad I finally found this author and can't wait to read more by him!

This is currently free for Kindle on Amazon--hurry!

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Lies You Wanted to Hear" by James Whitfield Thomson

Lies You Wanted to Hear by James Whitfield Thomson is a real good page turner!  The two main characters are Matt and Lucy.  I liked Matt but he might have gone a bit too far and I did not like Lucy, but at the end I felt sorry for her.  You will have to decide how you feel about them and let me know!  I liked the ending too!
(Gerard's review, 5+ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Chaser" by John W. Pilley is About an Amazing Dog

I give this book 4 paws way up!

Chaser--Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who Knows a Thousand Words by John W. Pilley is the true story of a Border Collie who knows more than 1,000 words! John W. Pilley, a professor worked with Chaser and it's really something how he trained her.  LOVED it a lot!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesdays: 3 Today

Gerard's:

My heartbeat gradually slowed down after ten of the worst seconds in Sally's and my life.

     A few minutes later we were all having lunch together, laughing with Allyson about her flying grab of the leash.

 From page 62 of Chaser--Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who Knows a Thousand Words by John W. Pilley.  (My review will be up tomorrow)

No matter what the misadventure--wrecking the car ( a Thornhill family tradition), stealing pills from Amanda's cache, getting caught in the TV room in flagrante delicto--the best defense was to pretend it hadn't happened.  Or lie about it.

From page 29 of Lies You Wanted to Hear by James Whitfield Thomson. 

Karen's: 

The brain is like other organs and works better when the body is healthy.  Exercising the body regularly appears to help ward off Alzheimer's disease, as do reducing body weight, lowering blood pressure, and eating a more healthful diet.

From page 21 of BRAIN THE COMPLETE MIND, How it Develops, How it Works, and How to Keep it Sharp by Michael S. Sweeney

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should  Be Reading. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just do the following

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page (well, we cheat and choose specific ones)
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on  that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away!   You don’t  want  to  ruin the  book for others!)
• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can  add the book to their TBR  Lists  if they  like your teaser.   

Happy Reading!

"Doctor Sleep" by Stephen King

When I started reading Doctor Sleep by Stephen King, the sequel to The Shining, it did not make sense to me.  I picked it up a few days later to give it another go and then I finally caught on.  This is about a little girl who has a special power that some people want to use for evil.  Dad has the same power and fights against the evil trying to save the little girl from harm.

I enjoyed it once I got into it.  There is good action and I especially liked the parts about the little girl.
(Gerard's review, 4.5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"A Collie Rescue" by Lindsay Downs

A Collie Rescue by Lindsay Downs is a short book that I read on my Kindle. I thought it was going to be about Collies being rescued, but it isn’t. It’s about Collies being buddies for returning vets with PTSD. Actually, that is just a small part of the book. This is about the FBI hunting down terrorists with the help of a returning vet with PTSD who is homeless, and her new Collie, Taz, who has her back.

This started kind of slow and I lost interest for a while, but returned to it and liked the ending. I would have rated it higher if the characters were more developed. I think vets may like it and anyone who enjoys quick reads without a lot of description or in-depth characters. (Half the proceeds from this book go to the pet fund.)
(Karen's review, 3 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"The Goldfinch" by Donna Tartt

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt is a story about a young boy who tragically loses his mom at a young age.  To remember her, he takes a picture from an art museum.  This book mostly centers on the boy growing up and his placing with his foster families and then his dad who ran off and came back.  The boy also becomes involved in the criminal world.  Does anyone miss the painting he stole?  

Although this book is long, don't let that deter you.  It is well worth the time.  I enjoyed it. 
(Gerard's review, 5+ stars)
 
Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Words From a Fearless Heart--A collection of wit, wisdom and whimsy" by Laura Ingalls Wilder

After being married 16 years, I decided to start reading some of my husband’s books that are in our bookcases and this is one of them.  Words From a Fearless Heart—A collection of wit, wisdom, and whimsy by Laura Ingalls Wilder is a delightful read, especially since I always enjoyed watching “Little House on the Prairie.”  This goes very quickly and is as the title suggests, collection of short bits of wisdom, wit and whimsy.  It’s a great little book to read when you just have a few minutes.  I especially enjoyed the musing on pioneer eating that showed the huge contrast between then and our healthy focus on eating today.  Back then, not only did they eat lots of meat, but it was heavily salted!  Lard was used when cooking or baking and fried potatoes were a staple, cooked in lard.  Butter and sugar was considered good for you!   In fact, sugar was considered “essential to growing child’s health—a nutritious food.”   I recommend this quick inspirational read to anyone, but especially to fans of Little House on the Prairie and Laura Ingalls.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Touchdown Tony Crown and the Mystery of the Missing Cheerleader" by Peter Guy George

Touchdown Tony Crowne and the Mystery of the Missing Cheerleader by Peter Guy George is a fun read about three elementary school kids, Tony, Judd and Ash and Tony’s 80 lb. dog, Curly. 

This book had several angels to it:  football, a bit of mystery, and the chasing down of the criminal.  It is a book of Tony saving the damsel in distress, the missing cheerleader, with the help of a real detective, a friend and his dog.  It is geared to kids, but I enjoyed it—especially the football game part and the dog.
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

4 Teasers with Book Giveaway

Gerard's:

With both hands, he shoved me so hard I staggered and nearly fell.  "GET BACK FROM THE BUILDING!" he screamed, throwing up his arms with a flap of his rain slicker.  "NOW!"  He wasn't even looking at me; his small, bearish eyes were riveted on something going on over my head, up the street, and the expression on his face terrified me.

From page 49 of The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt.

Shy tightens his grip.  Grits his teeth and tries pulling the man up.  But it's impossible.  He's not strong enough.  Their positioning is too awkward.

From page 6 of The Living by Matt De La Pena.  My review went up yesterday.

Karen's:

Tony ran to his spot next to the Lion's sideline still thinking about Ash's disappearance.  His mind was churning through all the possible reasons for Ash not coming to the game and how Felicity could be involved, when he realized the "THUD" he heard was Tim Crossman's opening kickoff.

From 37%, Location 900 on Kindle of Touchdown Tony Crowne and the Mystery of the Missing Cheerleader by Peter Guy George. (My review will be up tomorrow.)

Paul's secret of contentment emerges from a universal principle of human nature.  It is to trust God regardless of the circumstances and not to expect too much perfection in this life.

Giveaway Book--leave comment if you would like this with an email to contact you for address.

From page 177 of Holding on to your faith even . . . WHEN GOD DOESN'T MAKE SENSE by Dr. James Dobson.

There are a few highlighted passages in this book so I cannot list it on Paperback Swap but thought I would offer to our blog readers first before releasing it into the wild.  If you would like to have this book, please let us know in a comment.  We will keep it available until the end of this week.  If more than one person is interested, we will randomly choose a winner on Saturday, 1/11/14.  If no one expresses an interest by then, I will release it into the wild.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should  Be Reading. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just do the following

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page (well, we cheat and choose specific ones)
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on  that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away!   You don’t  want  to  ruin the  book for others!)
• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can  add the book to their TBR  Lists  if they  like your teaser.   

 Happy Reading!

"The Living" by Matt De La Pena

This Living by Matt De La Pena is about a young man named Shy who works on a luxury cruise liner.  One day a man decides to jump off the ship and shy tries to save him but can't.  Who was that man and in the brief time they spent together, what did he tell Shy?  A huge storm comes and Shy finds himself in a lifeboat with the last person he wants to be with.

This book starts out slow but stick with it because there is action and plenty of it.  It is a quick read, finished it in two days.  A second book will be out later this year that I look forward to reading as well!
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Save Our Bones Program" by Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

When I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis and told to get a prescription for a couple drugs that promote bone density, I tried them but quickly quit because they made me feel worse.  I experienced side effects that I did not want such as pain in my legs and thighs and sometimes my leg even locking up on me.  Then my doctor advised me to take Prolia, a shot every 6 months.  I didn't do that because it even had worse side effects! 

I was thrilled to come across the New Expanded Edition of Save Our Bones Program-The Revolutionary Treatment That Prevents and Reverses Bone Loss Naturally by Vivian Goldschmidt, MA which gives an alternative to taking the prescription drugs to strengthen bones.  It contains diet information, exercises specifically geared to building bone density and lots of practical things to do to improve bone health without prescription drugs based on lots of scientific research!  I ordered it for my 60th birthday.

I like the specific lists of foods, the explanations for the do's and don'ts that affect bone health and that many of the things are easy to implement.  

I recommend it to anyone who is dealing with Osteoporosis.    Time will tell if it really works but others have testified that it has worked for them.  Visit www.saveourbones.com for more information or to order the book.
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"The System" is an Outstanding Book About College Football

The System--The Glory and Scandal of Big-Time College Football by Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian is an outstanding eye-opening look at college football.  It tells how it works and in some cased, how it doesn't work.  This goes beyond the scoreboard by dealing with coaches, players, the athletic directors and even people outside the program who make a big impact off the field.  I LOVED it and learned a lot!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Accused" by Lisa Scottoline (Updated)

I liked Accused by Lisa Scottoline because it is about Mary, a criminal lawyer who tries to get a case reopened because the sister of the victim believes the wrong guy was convicted for the murder.  It also includes the subplot of her personal life which includes her engagement to her live-in boyfriend and her lack of excitement.  Who the real killer is was a well kept secret and I liked how things were wrapped up at the end.

It's a good read if you don't need a lot of action to hold your attention and find crime investigations interesting.  I liked the interaction between the lawyers in this book and the Christian overtones with the accused and his mother.  I recommend it.  I think it is one of Lisa Scottoline's more believable novels.
(Karen's review 1-3

-13, 4 stars)

Accused by Lisa Scottoline is about a 13-yr-old girl who hires two lawyers to get the man who was found guilty of killing her sister out of prison because she thinks somebody else did it and he is innocent.  Her parents don't want this and it becomes a test of wills.  It's a good book but doesn't have enough action for me to give it 5 stars so it gets 4.
(Gerard's review 12-11-13, 4 stars)


Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Fifteen Minutes" by Karen Kingsbury

It's always good to start off the year with a good book and Fifteen Minutes by Karen Kingsbury fits the bill. This is a great takeoff on American Idol and how one young boy deals with fame and fortune.  I really cared about the characters and got into it right away.  This book shows that fame isn't all it's cracked up to be.  If you want a good read to kick start 2014, this is it.
(Gerard's review, 5+ stars) 

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

Our Favorite Reads For 2013

 Happy New Year!  Does anyone really care what our favorite reads were  for 2013?  Oh well, here they are whether you care or not.  Between the two of us, we read over 200 books last year so please do not think that these few are the only ones we liked.  We chose these as our favorites, but it wasn't easy.


Since I didn't read too many non-fiction books, I didn't make a separate list of them like Gerard did.


If you want to see our review of any of our favorites, just enter the title (or author) in the search box at the top left.

Books we both liked from 2013:

Champion by Marie Lu
The Program by Suzanne Young
In the After by Demitri Lunetta
The Blood of Lambs--A Former Terrorist's Memoir of Death and Redemption by Kamal Saleem (non-fiction)
Touch and Go by Lisa Gardner
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
Suspect by Robert Crais
Dinner With the Smileys by Sarah Smiley (non-fiction)

Have you read any of these? If not, hope you will this year. Happy Reading!