"Children of The Day" by Beth Moore is an Interesting Bible Study

I enjoyed Beth Moore's Children of the DAY Bible study on I and II Thessalonians very much.  I learned some new things and love how she applies the scripture to modern times.  I also like how she brings in scripture from other books related to the same topic.  This study seemed a bit less time consuming than some of her other ones because there are fewer fill-ins and questions to answer.  Much is just reading her commentary about the book.  I loved it!

I highly recommend that you also get the DVD that goes along with the study.  I did this with a group at church and the DVD enhances the experience--she's pretty funny at times.   
(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!

3 Tuesday Teasers

Gerard's:
  
He surprised all of us that week, actually.  It really was a remarkable buildup to an amazing moment. 

From page 3 of The Remaining by Travis Thrasher. (Just finished this Saturday, click link to see my review)

At one point just after Daisy pulled me off balance in her eagerness to become best friends with a placid black Lab across the room, I looked around at the other dogs sitting peacefully at their handlers' feet, and realized that Daisy was the worst behaved in the class, which is to say I was the student least in control of my dog.  It was humiliating, but a small part of me felt kind of proud of Daisy's fearless socializing.

From page 99 of Weekends with Daisy by Sharron Kahn Luttrell.

Karen's:

I am about to make the next turn when he grabs me around the neck.  He drags me down, whistling happily.

From page 35 of Above by Isla Morley.



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 pick two sentences from the book you are reading.

Happy Reading!

"The Remaining: After the Rapture, There are Fates Worse Than Death"

The Remaining:  After the Rapture, There are Fates Worse Than Death by Travis Thrasher is a thriller.  The first part of the book sets the scene--a picture perfect day with an outside wedding that goes according to plan, but . . . then a trumpet sounds, the sky goes black and people begin to die.  Is it the rapture as predicted in the Bible or something else?  Soon only a few members of the wedding party are left.  Will they find a way out?  Do they have long kept secrets to tell before the world ends?  Once that trumpet sounds, this book gets very good! 

I loved the ending and the message it sends.  This book is a movie too!  So do both or just one but give it a chance.
(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!

"Big Little Lies" by Liane Moriarty is GREAT! (UPDATED)

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty is realistic contemporary fiction about school politics, parenting, bullying, secrets, friendship, and domestic violence.  The novel primarily focuses on four couples and one single mother who all have children starting kindergarten at Pirriwee Public School.  The mothers are all very involved at the school and have a lots of interesting interaction.   The whole book leads up to the climax at the School’s annual Parent Trivia Night when one of the parents is killed.  Here is a teaser from pg. 637 that really sums up this whole book spoken by one of the mothers:

It occurred to her that there were so many levels of evil in the world.  Small evils like her own malicious words.  Like not inviting a child to a party.  Bigger evils like walking out on your wife and newborn baby or sleeping with your child’s nanny.  And then there was the sort of evil of which Madeline had no experience:  cruelty in hotel rooms and violence in suburban homes and little girls being sold like merchandise, shattering innocent hearts.

Right from the start the reader finds out there is a murder investigation and interspersed throughout the book are snippets of different people telling the detective what happened.  The writing is outstanding and cleverly done with a surprise ending, at least for me.  This is a page turner that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys family drama and a good mystery.  I think this would be a great book for a book club!

If you have read this one, who were your favorite characters?  Gerard liked all the mothers in the book.  I liked Ed most and Celeste second.  I loved how generous she was with her husband’s money!

(Karen's review-10/24/14, 5 stars)

Gerard's review, 5++ stars:
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty is told by three women:  Madeline, Celeste and Jane.  They all have children attending the same grade school.  This is a fantastic read!  I loved all the women and their different story lines along with plenty of action!  This novel builds up to one night when all the story lines finally come together.  I LOVED the ending!  Do not miss this one--it's a must read!  It does not get any better than this.  This is my new book of the month without a doubt!

We both liked The Husband's Secret by this author, but this one is way better than that even!

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

Gerard's:

And as I closed the door and returned to my bed, I heard a low creaking sound, somewhere deep in the joists of the house, as if the house itself were calling to me.

From page 16 of A Sudden Light by Garth Stein. (Just finished this yesterday, click link to see my review)

"There's something about that man that doesn't set right.  Why would he be driving down our way when he lives clear across town, especially at this time of night?"

From page 11 of Above by Isla Morley.

Karen's:

I interrupt him right there.  "Mrs. Kushel!" I cry.  "Mrs. Kushel, Josh broke a rule.

From page 41 of Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin. (Just finished this children's book yesterday, click link for my review.)

"Blame my ankle.  Quite seriously, it's a very lovely school and everyone is very lovely and we're all going to have a lovely, lovely time and make lovely, lovely new friends."

From page 62 of Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty.

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 pick two sentences from the book you are reading.

Happy Reading!

"A Sudden Light" by Garth Stein gets Exciting

A Sudden Light by Garth Stein is told by a 14-yr- old boy named Trevor and what a story he has to tell!  He comes to his family's mansion for the first time to help his father to sell the house and property because they need money.  But, there are plenty of secrets in that house and things do not go as planned.

This is a real good story for around Halloween.  I would have liked more action, but it does pick up near the end and gets really exciting!  Well worth your time.
(Gerard's review, 4.5 stars)

We both also enjoyed Garth Stein's other book, The Art of Racing in the Rain.

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!

"Remembered" by Tamera Alexander is a Funny Historical Western Romance

Remembered by Tamera Alexander is the third book in the Fountain Creek Chronicles Series.  I really loved the first two books in this series so was excited to read this one as well which proved to be good too!  It is about Veronique's journey from Paris, France to Willow Springs in Colorado territory to try to find her father to fulfill her mother's dying wish.  Her father was a good man who left her and her mother behind when he came to America when she was just a little girl.  Veronique had quite the culture shock when she first arrived and quickly became known by everyone in the small town with her pretty fancy dresses and her French words.  She learns about herself and finds romance she did not expect on her journey. 

I liked this book because of the humor in it and I enjoyed reading about the funny and sometimes scary things that happened to Veronique.  It was also nice reading about some of the characters from the previous books in this series, but this book can also stand alone.  If you like Christian historical romance and western fiction, I highly recommend it.
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

Rekindled and Revealed are the first two books of this Fountain Creek Chronicles series.

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 Wonder of All Things" by Jason Mott is Unputdownable!

"Some would later say it was all too fast to understand.  Others that they had never known horror could last so long."  Quote from page 11 of The Wonder of All Things.

Just thought I would "wet your whistle" for this book with a little teaser for you from it.  The Wonder of All Things by Jason Mott centers on a young girl named Ava.  One day the world finds out that Ava has a special power--the ability to heal--when she saves the life of her childhood friend.  However, this ability comes at a cost.  Will she use it to save the life of one she loves? 

This is an outstanding read with several story lines that are all good!  I really liked the ending as well.  Entertainment Weekly was right about this one!  The book and the author both rock! Read and enjoy!
(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!

"Rain Reign" by Ann M. Martin about a Girl and Her Dog

Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin is a story told by a young girl named Rose.  Rose loves homonyms which you will learn all about if you read this book.  She also loves rules.  When her dog, Rain, gets away during a bad storm, Rose must put all her know-how to use to find her dog.  This is an enjoyable read because Rose is sweet and funny.  This is a light read that you do not have to concentrate too much to enjoy.  The author dedicated this book to her dog!  How great is that!!  

(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin is a children's book about an autistic girl named Rose and her dog Rain.  She named it rain because her father found it in the rain and she loves homonyms so the name fit good.  This is a story of how Rain got separated from her during a hurricane.  When she tracks down Rain at a shelter, it's a bittersweet reunion.  This story shows the importance of micro chipping your pet and gives insight into autistic children.  It has lots of funny parts and a heartwarming ending.


This story touched me because it got me wondering about our dog's former owners.  We found her on Petfinder when she was 5 years old.  She's is such a good dog that makes me think she came from a loving home.  We got her micro chipped just in case she ever runs off.    

(Karen's review, 5 stars)

We also both liked another book by her:  A Dog's Life--an Autobiography of a Stray 

  
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 Young Elites" by Marie Lu is Different From the LEGEND Series--Still Good Though!

The Young Elites by Marie Lu centers on a young girl named Adelina.  She survived a deadly fever in her land but her features were unchanged.  She does have powers that she can call on at will so is called a “young Elite.”  When her kingdom wants to rid themselves of these kind of people, she joins other young Elites to strike back—but, can they really be trusted? 

I can see why people would be disappointed in this because it is not like her Legend series at all.  However, I liked it.  It kept my interest and I look forward to her next book!  

(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Check out yesterday's post for a teaser from it.

 

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:

I took a deep breath, then began to climb through the open window.  Cold rain lashed at my arms, prickling my skin.

From page 12 of The Young Elites by Marie Lu.

Then she turned around and said to me, "Are you freaking kidding?"  After she parked Bus #7 she went into Hatford Elementary and spoke with the principal.

From page 37 of Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin.

Karen's:

Veronique found it difficult to breathe, much less remain seated.  Her mother's last request played over in her mind. 

From page 20 of Remembered by Tamera Alexander.

Don't worry about doing something great.  Resolve to do some good.

From page 156 of Children of the Day by Beth Moore.

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 pick two sentences from the book you are reading.

Happy Reading!

Not Enough Time To Read All Our Books!

Our library now has only a 2-week loan period instead of 3 weeks which we do not like.  We both currently work full time so have to squeeze in reading time.  We often order books ahead from the library, some of which we have to wait for due to the popularity of the book.  Consequently, often several come ready at the same time.  Two weeks is just not enough time to get them all read. 

(I just noticed that I forgot to change the header picture for two weeks!)  I have been so busy with stuff and otherwise occupied that my blogging is suffering.  There is just not enough time to do everything I want to in a day so something has to give.  Unfortunately, it is our blogs.  Ah, I digress.

How long does your library loan books for?  How many books do you generally read in a week?  It usually takes me a whole week for one book now, maybe two if they are very good.


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!

"Five Days Left" by Julie Lawson Timmer is one We Both Liked! (UPDATED)

Five Days Left by Julie Lawson Timmer contains two story lines:  the first one is about a woman named Mara who is battling severe health problems; the second one is about Scott, a teacher, who takes in a younger brother of a star pupil of his.  When the boy's mom wants her son back, Scott has a hard time letting go.  Although the Scott story line is good, the Mara story line is gripping!  The endings of both are stunning.  It doesn't get much better than this!  I found this book very hard to put down, finishing it in just two days.  LOVED IT!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Karen's review 10/11/14, 5 stars:
I liked Five Days Left by Julie Lawson Timmer for the following reasons:
(1)  I learned about Huntington's disease, one I had never even heard of before;
(2)  Since I am a legal secretary, I could identify with the career aspect of Mara and her secretary;
(3)  The story line about Scott, a teacher, having temporary guardianship of Curtis was very interesting to me;
(4)  It brought out a lot of emotions for me:  sadness, anger, sympathy, empathy and
(5)  I wasn't sure how either story lines would end.

I felt very sad for Mara and her family and could easily understand why she planned to commit suicide.  I loved how Scott took in Curtis while his mom was in jail and was so upset at the thought of losing him.  It was kind of an interesting sideline how the author brought Mara and Scott together through an online forum that they both used for support.  This book shows how sometimes people need strangers who they can open up to as Mara did with her cab driver, Harry, a recovering alcoholic and with the online forum.

I was more interested in Scott's story line than Mara's because Mara's was just so sad.  In Scott's, I at least had hope!  I think this would make for a good book club read!  

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!

"Wild Within" by Melissa Hart is Educational

Wild Within--How Rescuing Owls Inspired a Family by Melissa Hart is a non-fiction story.  One day, Melissa takes her dogs to a dog park and makes friends with a guy named Jonathan.  He works at a raptor rehab center and invites her to join him.  I loved this book because Melissa tells the story so well and I learned a lot about owls and raptors that I didn’t know before.  This book kept me interested and entertained.  Put it on your TBR list—you will be glad you did!  The ending is just fantastic!  

 (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!