COWBOY FOR KEEPS

NO SUPRISES HERE

No surprise…that once I heard this book was coming out, I couldn’t wait.

No surprise…that once I saw it at the store, I snatched it off the shelf.

No surprise…that once I got it home, I had to start it…wait, I started it at the store.

No surprise…that once I started, I couldn’t stop.

No surprise…that I finished it in less than three days.

No surprise…that I loved the characters.

No surprise…that I loved the story.

No surprise…that it was well written.

No surprise…that there wasn’t one thing I’d have changed.

No surprise…that I can’t wait for the next to come out.

I guess I’d have to say in this case, no surprises were a good thing.

THE PAINTED VEIL

To be honest, the cover intrigued me when I spotted this movie at my local library. I took it home and it sat on my dresser for a week or so before I finally watched it. Several days later, the movie still resonates in me.

THE PAINTED VEIL is one of those stories that takes you slowly along for the journey. But that is not too say it is without context. There are many gentle, yet powerful messages woven throughout. One is set upon this emotional string of liking, then disliking, and then really feeling for the characters.

This is one of those “you don’t want to miss” movies. If it is in book form, I would have loved to have read it for I have no doubt that if I had, it would have been one of those powerful, forget-me-not books.

THE PAINTED VEIL is not just a great movie, it’s a great story that one would be wise to take note of the life lessons taught.

JULIE and JULIA

I’ve never really cared for Julia Childs or a Meryl Streep, so when I head of this movie coming out I wasn’t interested. A friend of mine told me she read the book as well as watched the movie, and gave it a rave review. When I happened to see the movie at my local library, I picked it up. I was still hesitant to watch, having little free time. Finally I did, and I’m glad that I did. It’s a wonderful movie, great acting, and a great story.

LESSONS FROM SAN QUENTIN: EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE I LEARNED IN PRISON

Wow, what an amazing book. I was quickly drawn into Bill's story of transformation from a selfish, godless human, to one devoted to his faith and living for God. This is a must read for all that are in the prison ministry, know of someone in the prison ministry, or are or have been in prison. I only wish it were currently available in paperback so I could order several copies for the inmates that I write too.

What a wonderful message of how God can transform our lives if only we allow Him too. Everything in this book is what I believe in, yet Bill has brought it to life in the pages in a way that will penetrate your soul, and having you saying, "yes, only God".

I hope that after reading this book and others like it, you will gain some insight to those that find their way into the prison system. That they too are people loved by God and created for a purpose, and deserve respect. There's not one of us who hasn't sinned or made mistakes.

If this story has tugged at your heart and made you think about those locked behind bars in a new way, check out the prison ministries available through your local church. I'm the coordinator for the adult prison pen pal program though my church. We go through, Christian Pen Pals. Check out their website at, christian-penpals.com. Their a great organization that matches inmates with Christian volunteers. It's a wonderful ministry, one that will bless you beyond the blessing you will bring to others.

A WHOLE NEW LIGHT

This was my first experience listening to fiction on CD. I picked this up at the library knowing I had a long drive ahead of me...seventeen hours to Wyoming. It was a good story, and most likely would have been better if I would have been able to read it, thus giving it more attention.

I haven't read a lot of Sandra Brown but what I have read, I've liked. This story was well written with a good story line. Always loved that "best friends discovered they love one another," scenario. Something I'm currently writing.

I don’t think I’ll be rushing out to hear more books on tape. I actually have thought about getting the book and reading it since I liked the story but wasn’t able to give it more attention. Maybe one day when I finished reading the stacks of books that await me on my bookshelf.

COUNTRY IS MY ROCK - TRENT TOMLINSON

This is a great CD. I don't usually listen to the radio but happened to have it on between CD's and heard, Just Might Have Her Radio On. When I returned home, I found the video on Youtube, then searched other songs by Trent. There were several great songs on the CD, and quickly purchased it. Trent has a amazing talent for singing moving songs. Can't wait until his next CD is released.

IF ONLY

This is an amazing movie. One that will shock you to the core! One of those movies everyone should see. Don't miss out...watch it.

THE LAST SIN EATER

What a great book. It was a bit hard to get into but there was just enough to keep you going, needing to get answers to questions. The ending was very meaningful, impacting me in such a way the story is still with me long after I stopped reading it. It really came together in the end. One of those books everyone should read. Once I discovered the movie was out, I had to see it. Of course as it always is the case, the book was much better then the movie, though I’m still glad I saw it. I suggest you read the book first; otherwise the movie won't make as much sense.

KATE WALKER'S 12-POINT GUIDE TO WRITING ROMANCE

This is a wonderfully written book. I've been writing for some time but it wasn't until I read this book that I realized why my writing wasn't working. This is a MUST read for anyone who wants to write fiction. Easy to read, to understand, and right to the point.

Read it...you won't be disappointed...in fact you'll wish you'd read it sooner.

I was told she's coming out with an updated edition, so watch for that.

TOO HOT TO HANDLE & SWEET WIND, WILD WIND

The first story, TOO HOT TO HANDLE is an amazing story. Right from the beginning I was hooked and hooked bad. I couldn't put it down and read it in only a few short days. This story was fast paced, well written, with a lot of tension between the main characters. The only thing I didn't like was that it was a little too heavy on the sexual talk but because of the rest being so great, I couldn't put it down, and loved it.

The second story SWEET WIND, WILD WIND, I started to read but soon realized I’d read it before but even so, I had a hard time putting it down. I have so many books I want to read, I can't justify reading the same one twice...at least not at this stage of my life. It too is a great story, fast paced, well written.