Goodreads

 

When the weather gets cold and gray there is nothing better than getting cozy with a warm blanket and good book! Cannon agrees with me--this is how I found him early one chilly Saturday morning:)  So fun to have another bookworm in the family!
 I thought I would share with you some of the books I have enjoyed recently and I want to hear what you are reading too!  I am craving a good book right now and having a hard time deciding what to read.

First up:

Although fantasy is not my usual preferred genre,  both of these series were good!  I will admit that it took me a little while to get into them but once I did I was hooked:) 

There is 3 books in this first series. I love the characters and was actually sad when I finished the last book!  I will say that although they are marked at Young Adult--I am not sure I would want my YA reading them.  There were a few scenes that would be inappropriate for a young girl in my opinion- especially in the 3rd book.
 

 

 This is actually the 2nd book in the series--I listened to them all on my phone while I exercised and really enjoyed the story!

 

 OK next is an oldie but a goodie-- I absolutely LOVE this book!  

 

  Light reading and so entertaining!  I have several books by this author, including this one that is great too

Both are good, clean adventure/ romance books!  Unfortunately these books are out of print.  I have a copy of both if anyone who lives close wants to borrow them. Look for it used online or at old library book sales.

Next

I just finished this book. 

A historical fiction set during the civil war time--told through 4 different people. Two are slaves (a man and a woman) and two immigrants (a young man from Ireland and a young woman from Spain). It is interesting to see how all their paths cross and come together in the end. I really liked all the characters except for Marcella (immigrant from Spain). I never "bonded" with her character.  Overall though it was  interesting and enjoyable.                  

So what are you reading?
  My favorites are  historical fiction books (adventure or romance) or a book with strong inspiring characters.
Any suggestions for me?
Are you on Goodreads?  (Its like a facebook for readers)
If so then lets be friends!
Have a great weekend!
xo
Melanie

A Walk with Anne

 

I decided to walk my 3 not so little boys to school this morning and then go on a morning walk. When we got to the end of the little tree lined walking path in our neighborhood, right before we set foot on school property my 11 year old Coleman tried to tell me good bye! He was very sweet about it, but I could tell he didn't want to be seen with his Mom walking him to school. Then I turned to Bridger who obviously agreed, giving me a quick little hug with a shy smile.  When I asked Cannon  if he wanted me to walk him to the school, he said "you can if I want to, I don't care."   Which I knew really meant that he didn't want to hurt my feelings but would rather be old and cool like his big brothers...ha ha! Even my baby is growing up!  

They were all so kind about it...but I was excused! So I wished them each a happy day and turned back for a brisk morning walk by myself.  No more clinging little ones.  It is bittersweet for sure, but I am trying to enjoy the freedom these days provide and not dwell on the fact that my boys are growing up too fast!   It was a chilly, but beautiful morning here in Tennessee, everything was covered in frost, but the sun was shining bright!  It felt so good!

 

I listened to Anne Of Green Gables on my phone and it was DELIGHTFUL!   I found myself grinning from ear to ear my whole walk--I am sure I looked kind of silly!  It was so fun to listen to that darling Anne Shirley! And  the thought did occur to me that I could not have done this years ago as I was always pushing a stroller and trying to keep a little person riding a bike upright, listening to lots of chatter and answering gazillions of questions.  I really do miss those days, but I remind myself that they were exhausting!  I am finding that each season of our lives are full of different blessings to be enjoyed.  I guess the key is to focus on the current joy and not what is hard or lacking. 

Anyway, this is the free app that I used and I highly recommend it.  Just type in Audiobooks and this one by Cross Forward will come up:

All the books on this app are free to listen to and there is a surprisingly large collection to pick from! I am so glad I found it!  After Anne Of Green Gables I will start Pride and Prejudice. 

In other news...I have new little niece...Ririe Malinda

 

 Isn't she so sweet?! My Mom sent me this picture and it made me homesick! How I miss my Mom and my family and I hate being so far away when my sisters have their babies. It breaks my heart a little. Good thing we have the technology to send lots of pictures and talk whenever we want!

 

 Well I am off to do my housework and a little baking.  I am trying very hard to stick to my own simple "work chart"--I will post on that soon!

Hope you have a wonderful Thursday!

xoxo

Melanie

 

Hijacked camera

 It is easy to figure out who takes lots of random pictures with my camera...he almost always leaves a "selfie" shot or two:)  This one was taken while he was waiting for his slow parents to finish getting ready before church last Sunday!  

Then he turned the camera on his little brothers...

Why is it that children always want to hang out in your room while you are trying to get to get ready to go somewhere.  I am not sure how many times I asked them to go sit on the couch and read or find their scriptures, or tidy up....anything but be underfoot in my room each Sunday!  I guess I should take it as a compliment that they want to be close:)

Time is flying by this summer and I have been mostly unplugged  and therefore "behind" with my blogs.  

I still have so many adventures to share from this summer--including most of our Utah trip!

The boys go back to school next week so we are squeezing as much fun into the last few days of summer as possible.  I will get back to blogging soon though...promise:)

xoxoxo

PS 

I wanted to tell you about a wonderful book I just finished.... 

This book is so inspiring!  I love to read about strong and faithful women who put their trust in God !

I hope I can be as valiant and true through all the trials and hardships of life.

Anyone who lives around here feel free to borrow it from me, or  pick up a copy for yourself here.

Best Books EVER for new readers

Bob Books.

Really, I think these are the best books for early reading. They build confidence and excitement. I only heard of them for my last two boys but I wish all my little readers would have had them. Both Bridger and Cannon would carry their little box of Bob books everywhere they went and read them constantly to themselves or anyone who would listen:)

They are awesome!

And before you know it your little reader will be onto bigger and better books...like Dr Suess:)

Some Early morning 'Cat in the Hat' reading while I made breakfast this weekend.

Happy Monday!

Posted with Blogsy

Little Book Worms

Fresh from the bath and what?!...reading BOOKS..without being forced to do so!  yipee

My plan is working!  Going to the library once a week and getting a pile of books is definitely making some magic around here.  I can't believe how excited these boys get to go to the LIBRARY.  Who knew?

We have not had a library card for years, so I guess I forgot how great it is.

I think this is worth the fee that I was so reluctant to pay for a library card, don't you?

OK now I am in the mood to read but the last few books I have picked up have been DUDS.

I need some recommendations...something fun, clean and even inspiring would be awesome!

What are your favorite books?  A few of mine are here.

And ideas for my next good read?

Books I Love

**Don't forget to enter my $100 Gatarade SportsMom Giveaway here**

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I love to read, but I am pretty picky about my books. When I take them time out of my busy life to read I want it to be worth it! I love the escape of a fun read but I also want to feel educated, uplifted or inspired in someway at the end. I thought I would start posting my reviews of some books that I have read and enjoyed. I will put links to all the books I love under my recommendations tab up top. And, I am always looking for a good book, so please let me know what you would recommend too!

The longer reviews are ones I cut and pasted from my Goodreads account. Are you on Goodreads? It is a fun website where you can record the books you have read and share reviews with your friends. It is a great resource. Check the site out here and if you join, let me know so we can be Goodread "friends":)

**Also I have linked all these titles to Amazon. I bought all these books for my library--and I usually buy them used through Amazon. I think they have great prices! And for those of you who live around the Chattanooga area you are welcome to borrow one from me:)

A Few of My Favorites to start out with:

#1 The scriptures (Bible, Book of Mormon , Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price)

I love the scriptures and read from one of them everyday. They are by far the most life changing and powerful books ever written and are a huge strength and influence in my life.


#2 The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
This is a truly wonderful book. It is a true story about a christian woman who along with her sister and father choose to help Jews during WWII. They are caught and experience all the horrors of the concentration camp, but remain so full of faith and the love of God. Nothing can take that away. I absolutely LOVED it and read it every few years to remind myself of the lessons it teaches. Powerful book!

#3 Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

I am sure you all know the story line. This is one of my most favorite books! A truly excellent read! FYI I read the abridged version--and I think it was still over 500 pages:)

#4 These is My Words by Nancy E Turner

This is a fantastic book! It will have you laughing and crying! Historical fiction of the life of a pioneer woman's experiences in the Arizona Territory. Adventure, history, romance, strong women... I LOVED it!!

#5 Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

I loved this book! Was it the most well written book? No,in fact it became a little tedious at times for me, but the overall message was POWERFUL and beautiful! I found it deeply touching and inspiring. It is a retelling of the story in the Bible of Hosea and Gomer--set in the 1850s California Goldrush. A valiant and faithful man named Michael has dedicated his life to following God's commandments and His will for him. Micheal lives such a good life, a perfect example of the scripture "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy paths"' MIcheal has been praying and waiting for a wife, trusting in Heavenly Father to direct him. He is given the distinct revelation of who to marry and to his absolute shock it is a young, beautiful and bitter prosititute. A poor young woman who was sold into prostitution at the age of 8 and has lived a horrific and sad life. This story was such a powerful reminder for me that with God anything is possible. That He can heal our hearts and redeem our souls--that His arms are always open to us. And, that a life given to Him is the happiest, and most fullfilling life you can live. I was also inspired to prayerfully study the holy scriptures more.

#6 A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers

My friend recommended this book to me after she heard me say I loved 'Redeeming Love' written by the same author. At first I gave this book a 4 star rating because although I loved many things about it, I thought it was a little dramatic in parts. But as time passes the story has stayed with me and still inspires me--so I have changed it to a 5 star rating. It is set in Rome (mostly) maybe 15-20 years after the death of Jesus Christ. It was very interesting to learn more about that Roman culture and the people of that time. There is a lot of immoral and disgusting behavior, --especially with the gladiators and people being fed to lions in the arena etc. It opens with the destruction of Jerusalem and thousands of Jews being slaughtered. This book was hard to read at times, but a definetly a page turner. The main character Hadassah is the only survivor in her family and is saved from death but sold into slavery. She is believed to be a Jew, but she is actually a Christian. At that time is was very dangerous to be a follower of Jesus Christ. I found this book very interesting and very powerfully inspiring to me. I love how Hadassah remains faithful and true and larns to overcome her fears. She is blessed with a inner peace and great love of those she serves. No matter the trials and harships she has in her life, she is happy and at peace because of her solid faith and devotion to living a Christlike life. There were so many wonderful examples of courage, faith and goodness in this story. In the end I was filled with a desire to be more faithful that I may be an instrument in God's hands for good. Overall,I really enjoyed this book! I bought the series--so I am already on volume 2

#7 The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

I just finished this book and loved it! It was entertaining, inspiring and relaxing! I found the characters charming and endearing. I absolutely loved reading accounts of the sacrifices some people made to help others during the horrible times of World War II. I love books that remind us that no matter what awful things happen one can choose to be a light and a force for good.

#8 Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier

I brought this book on a vacation for some light, fun beach reading. i am usually not a fantasy fan--but I have to say I really enjoyed this one. The writing is just OK--but what I loved was how thought provoking it was for me. This book is a detailed historical fantasy, that combines Celtic paganism and early Irish Christianity. I loved how Sorcha the main character rises to the challenges and trials she is given with such strength. I share that belief that each of has a path in life and will be tested to see what our true character and strenght is. I loved how, when times were really challenging she repeats to herself that she is a Daughter of the Forest and it gave her strength to remember who she is. It reminded me that each of us has a nobel birthright as daughters/sons of God and that we too can conquer the challenges and trials we are given when we remember who we really are. I also loved how Sorcha was a healer--she had learned the art of herbs and plants and how to use them to bless those around her. She was extremely selfless and kind and extremely loyal to those she loved (especially her 6 brothers). So--for a kind of silly fantasy book, it actually got me thinking deeply spiritually

Well that was a start, more to come:) But for now I want to know...

What are your Favorite books??