MISSON OF HOPE

Wow, wow, and triple wow. MASKED BY MOONLIGT was the first book I read by Allie Pleiter, and it blew me away. I’ve since read the Kentucky Corners series, and though they were good, I longed for another MASKED BY MOONLIGHT. When I heard she was writing a sequel, I was overjoyed.

The cover captured me immediately and being a historical, well I just had to read it. But what I hadn’t expected was that THIS was the sequel to MASKED BY MOONLIGHT. You can’t imagine my excitement when I made the discovery.

MISSON OF HOPE was amazing! From the first page I was hooked, and from there it never stopped. There are books that you can barely make it through…ugh. There are books that you fly through. And then there are those like MISSON OF HOPE…ones you read purposefully slow, absorbing EVERY word because it’s that good.

As an inspiring writer I was blown away by Allie’s writing, the plot, and the wonderful characters. All of them captureD me, so realistic as if they would suddenly step out of the pages. I'm in awe of how she writes so completely different from the Kentucky Corners, to a Historical.

MISSON OF HOPE was based on the same concept as MASKED BY MOONLIGHT, though Allie was able to create a completely unique story with just the right touch of MASKED BY MOONLIGHT to connect the two.

I will miss Quinn, he’s such a neat characters.

THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST

No kidding, this movie changed my life. In all my years I never really got it until this movie. Being a visual person, seeing THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST made me realize what not only God/Jesus went through but Mary as well. A mother myself, know no matter what I go through with my kids, it can't compare to what Mary had to endure, seeing her son go through what He did. And He was innocent.


This movie and reading "The Purpose Drive Life", catapulted me into a Christ Centered Christian. I now fully live my life for Him. I live to seek out and live out my passions that God has given me. There's nothing like a life serving others in His name.


I'm the adult coordinator for the prison pen pal program through my church, Willow Creek Community Church in, S. Barrington, IL. An amazing ministry. If you love to write, have the gift to mentor and encourage, check out the pen pal ministry through Willow Creek at, www.willowcreek.org.


There's no greater joy then to serve Him!

WIFE MOST WANTED

Well, LOVED the cover. I liked the storyline. But I couldn't get into the writing, and had to stop pretty early on which always pains me. I often wonder if things would change later in the story, if nothing else, wondered where the writer was going to take the story. But I've learned that life is too short and there are just too many books waiting to be read. I just don't have the time to muddle through one that is poorly written.

This was the first book I've read by this author so it may very well have just been an "off book" for her. I'd be willing to give her one more try, providing the title and synopsis grabs me.

A SIMPLE AMISH CHRISTMAS

A SIMPLE AMISH CHRISTMAS is simply delightful, and my first ever Amish read. I’m not sure why it took me so long to finally read one but I’m certainly glad I did. I grew up watching LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE and have always felt drawn to the “simple life”. So why not the Amish.

It’s hard to believe this is Vannetta’s first book, it’s that well written. As an aspiring writer I found myself rereading several parts in hopes of the words sinking in enough to emulate later in my own writing.

A SIMPLE AMISH CHRISTMAS is a sweet story with characters you’ll love, and a plot that will keep you turning the pages. You feel as though you’ve entered into the world of the Amish. The glossary in the back was helpful, though it didn’t take long to figure out the meaning of the words as you read along.

The ending was uniquely amazing. I just LOVED what Vannetta did with it. It nearly took my breath away. It gives me goose bumps just to think of it.

Vannetta Chapman is a name to look for in the future.

THE TIME TRAVERL’S WIFE

From what I'd been hearing THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE was a must see movie. I thought often about purchasing the book, and reading it first. I thought often about seeing the movie. My busy life didn't allow me to get to the movie theater, and the stack of unread books I have kept me from purchasing the book. Besides, I'm growing leery of reading a book prior to a movie. At least right before I know a movie is coming out, and it's in book form. When a book is so fresh in your mind, and the movie makes some major changes, and or leave some amazing parts out, its' hard to take. It's a whole other circumstance when I've read the book, and some time later, usually years; it comes out in movie form. I then HAVE to see it...if the book was good, of course.

While at the library the other day, I spotted THE TIME TRAVERL'S WIFE and didn't think twice about grabbing it. That very night I watched it.

After seeing the movie, though I know books are ALWAYS better, I'm glad I didn't purchase the book and read it. I believe I would have been thoroughly confused. But more than that I was a little mystified of what the story clearly missed in my eyes.

Why was he traveling back in time?

The movie was good in that it kept you interested. The acting was great. I even cried, yet I felt I was cheated. Cheated out of knowing the meaning to his travels. Why the author didn't make that know is beyond me. Or maybe it's me. Maybe I missed something. I just feel that if there was a clear reason for his travel, the story could have been hugely powerful; instead it left me wondering what'd it all mean. Why...

I'll still rate this movie high, and tell others that it was a good movie...just not great. Not great because the author missed their chance to make it great in my eyes. What a shame. But it was a unique romance if nothing else.

Maybe it's just writer in me.

OZARK WEDDINGS

In Ozark Weddings, you get three stories in one

LARKSPUR DREAMS – In Larkspur Dreams, Lark’s new neighbor couldn’t be any more different than she. But as they say, opposites attract, and attract they do. As different is West is to East, Lark is to Everett. But God has a plan for them, and they soon find themselves drawn to one another as love blossoms in an unlikely match.

THE LOVE SONG – Clair O’Neal is naive, and shy, living in her own world. When she meets Glenn Yves, he sees beyond her outer shell, and offers to help her become the beautiful person he know she is from the inside, out. Then comes along Hudson Mandel. A man who also sees Clair’s beauty. Which man will win her heart…

CASTLES IN THE AIR – Nori Kelly and Zachary Martin are neighbors, and an unlikely match. They both are reading a book in hopes of finding true love. Zachary realized he’s in love with Nori, if only he can just get Nori to notice him.

THE COWBOY'S SWEETHEART

THE COWBOY’S SWEETHEART…Ahhhhhh. What a great story.

Though I’ve only read one of Brenda Minton’s books prior to this one, it was so good I placed her on my list of favorite authors. So when I was at the store and spotted THE COWBOY’S SWEETHEART, I immediately picked it up. Then I made the dreadful mistake of reading the back…then the first page.

At home I was reading another book but Brenda’s book kept calling to me. Oh, I can wait until I’ve finished the book I’m currently reading. But the little bit I had read kept beckoning me. Oh, okay, I’ll just peek…and read a few pages.

Huge mistake! Once I started, I just couldn’t put it down. From the very first word to the very last, I was swept up in an amazing story with characters I quickly fell in love with. Can someone please tell me where this Ryder Johnson lives, AKA Prince Charming.

I loved this story, and as an aspiring writer I’m in awe of Brenda’s writing as well as her plot. Every character drew you into their world. I loved the storyline and what she did with it. It’ll keep you guessing, for sure.

I hadn’t realized when I purchased this book that the main characters had been in the previous book I read, THE COWBOY’S COURTSHIP. Kind of makes we want to read it all over again to refresh my memory of Andie and Ryder in that one.

Need I say I can’t wait for her next book to come out. I’m hoping we’ll hear about Ryder’s brother, Wyatt.

THE INHERITANCE

This book caught my attention from the bookshelf at the store. Great cover, exactly what calls to me. Love historical, cowboys and ranches. Once I discovered the main characters name was, MaKenna, I knew the book was mine.

My youngest daughter's name is, MacKenna. Not a popular name, and even more so in the way she spells it. It may be silly but when I see a book with her name or my other daughter's name, Callie, I purchase them and hope for the best.

The Inheritance proved to be a wise choice. The book was beautifully written, an amazing story with constant action to keep you turning the pages. No putting this book down at the end of a chapter.

I now have Tamera Alexander to add to my list of favorite authors. She writes right from my heart. I dream about one day writing as she does.

SPRING BRIDES

THREE BRIDES AND A WEDDING DRESS, by Judith Stacy

This one started out great but soon faded. It was a great storyline, though what it lacked was a deep POV. I just couldn't get into the characters. With that said, I have read other books by her in the past that I loved! This one just wasn't one of them.

THE WINTER HEART, by Cherly Reavis

This was the first book I've read by this author, and I must say I enjoyed it. The characters were likeable though she could have given a deeper POV. I like the storyline, and was kept wanting to know what would happen next.

McCORD'S DESTINY, by Pam Crooks

This was not the first book I read by this author, and I'm sure it won't be the last. I loved how it started out, and though it seemed to quickly switch gears, it was a great story, well written with characters you fall in love with.

ALL THREE STORIES

In this book SPRING BRIDES; I was reminded of a crescendo. Each one getting better. I'm glad I didn't let the first one deter me from reading the others.

VALENTINE'S DAY

My daughter had waned to see the movie VALANTINE’S DAY, so when our library got it, I borrowed it. From what her friends said it would be confusing in the beginning but in the end would make sense. I made sure to pay close attention.

The movie started out good enough, and kept my interest throughout. Lots of great actors, and situations. You could anticipate a few ending but it was fun just the same. What I hadn’t anticipated was two of the characters outcomes. And because of that I was sorely disappointed.

Oh why, oh why do they have to go there! That alone pretty much killed the movie for me. I won’t get into it for I will not judge, nor do I want to be judged for saying so. I just don’t understand why society feels the need to… Oh yeah, it’s all about money, and power, and “freedom of”…silly me.

Anyway, if the one situation hadn’t done it for me in killing the movie, the two main characters I would call them, didn’t deliver in the end. You knew what would happen, and that would be great. But in my eyes it kind of drizzled out. They could have done something really special with it, yet chose not to. Instead it was just kind of awkward, and bluntly ended.

THE STRATEGY OF SATAN: HOW TO DETECT AND DEFEAT HIM

What an amazingly insightful book. I really enjoyed this, so much that I've now purchased several more for others in my life. I feel it's a must read for every Christ Centered Christian. I discovered this book after reading, The Bumps Are What you climb on, by the same author. Another amazing book...and a must read.

RENDITION

I like Reese Witherspoon, and Jake Gyllenhaal so when I saw this movie at the library I quickly checked it out. Great movie. Great acting. But very disturbing. The thought of this kind of thing going on is inconceivable, yet I have no doubt that it does and THAT'S what is so disturbing.

HANNAH GRACE

I always feel blessed when I win anything, especially an autographed book. The only downfall is the pressure of whether or not I’m going to like the story, knowing the nice thing would be to later let the author know what I thought of it. Having never read any of Sharlene MacLaren’s books added to my worries.

I admired the front cover of HANNAH GRACE for a while before opening the book to the first page. It only took me HALF A PAGE to realize any fears of not liking Sharlene’s writing, to disappear. By the end of the first chapter I knew not only was she an amazing writer on so many levels, I was quickly falling in love with the characters.

I love to have a picture of the hero on the cover. It bothers me to not know what he looks like beyond the story description. The front cover of HANNA GRACE is wonderful, though I missed not having the hero on there as well. Upon day two into reading this wonderful book, I turned it over to study the back cover. To my utter surprise, there in the shadows was the hero! What a wonderful surprise that was.

As an aspiring writer, I was blown away by the great lines Sharlene delivered with humor that easily flowed rather then feeling forced and stiff. The hero and heroine were everything you’d want in a character, and so much more. You were even given a sense of who Hannah’s sisters were, leaving you wanting to read their story as well.

I’ll be ordering the other two books in this series, DAUGHTERS OF JACOB KANE, MAGIE ROSE and ABBIE ANN. I can’t wait to get started on them. Sharlene has now made my list of favorite authors for I’ll be looking for more of her great books in the future.

GOD’S HEALING FOR LIFE’S LOSSES, How to Find Hope When You’re Hurting

GOD’S HEALING FOR LIFE’S LOSSES may be small in size but it’s packed full. As I held this little book in my hand and studied the cover, and the title I thought I knew what I’d find inside. Once I began to read, I quickly discovered this book was much more then a book on healing for life’s losses. It’s a book filled with knowledge, hope, love, and faith. A way of dealing with not only death but disappointment on many levels in a way that God desires.

In only a little over a hundred pages this book brought to light many things. It made me realize how human, and normal I am, and how God, and being a Christian plays into it. That what we go through is “normal” but how we handle it is a choice. We can either choose the wrong way/mans way, or the right way/God’s way.

How do you handle trials and tribulations that come your way? Do you suffer, or do you survive? I was able to reflect back on my life and realized that early on, when I was far from God, I chose to suffer alone. Now I chose to survive. I can think of many that are still choosing to suffer.

I believe this book would be an amazing tool for those stuck in suffering, and worthlessness, and despair. Those that have been struck down by addiction, or found themselves behind bars. They need to hear the good news this book has to offer.

One of the many things that stuck out to me was that not only are we given permission to “complain to God” but that we should. God wants us to come to Him in ALL things. So much of what I read is exactly what I’ve experienced in my own life. This book puts it into words, and reaffirms what I already knew deep down. What a blessings that is.

It isn’t often that I wish to be rich for as the Bible says, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” but after reading this book I wish I had the funds to purchase this wonderful book for those in my life, as well as all those that cross my path that I fear are hurt, and suffering.

Not only is this book filled with great information, it also has handy worksheets. Each and every one is packed with amazing questions. It’s not just a worksheet; it gives you questions to ponder within your own life, thus giving you the knowledge and tools to better your future.

Everyone’s grief journey is unique, yet we all have the same choice. To either choose to suffer in handling things mans way, or surviving, doing it God’s way. For me the choice is easy. I’ve learned over the years the rewards of doing it God’s way. Bless Mr. Kellemen for putting this book together to teach those that don’t know, and to remind those of us that do, the importance of it.

I was shocked by the words on page 43. I’d gone through this very thing without even realizing it. How wonderful it is to have a confirmation of what I’d gone through, other have as well, and how blessed I am to have chosen the surviving rout when so many others have not.

Here are just a few great quotes from this wonderful book.

“Faith looks back to the past recalling God’s mighty works. Hope looks ahead remembering God’s coming reward.”

“God is a ‘time God.’ He does not come before time. He does not come after time. He comes at just the right time.”

“Faith is entrusting myself to God’s larger purposes, good plans, and eternal perspective.”

“Every problem is an opportunity to know God better, and our primary battle is to know God well.”

I could certainly continue to quote the words written in this book that impacted, and inspired me but in doing so, I’d have written every word from front to cover.

Knowing the truth has a huge way of lifting the heavy burden of life from ones shoulder. This is truly one of those “must reads’ to be placed on your “to read list”.

To learn more about RPM Ministies, http://www.rpmministries.org/writing/gods-healing-for-lifes-losses/

A CHANCE TO WIN A FREE COPY.

Would you like to receive a complimentary copy of God’s Healing for Life’s Losses? Dr. Kellemen has offered to make 12 copies available to 12 random people who leave a comment on the blog at which they read the book review. Leave a comment below to give yourself an opportunity to receive a complimentary copy of GOD’S HEALING FOR LIFE’S LOSSES.

Please check back at a later date to see if you're a winner.
God bless, and good luck!

Kym

COURTING SUSANNAH

Just as I had recently posted in my last blog post, a poorly written book can give me hope. Why? Because if that story can get published, then so can mine one day.

Once again this proves to be true.

One of my favorite writes is Linda Lael.Miller. I love her characters for their feistiness. To date I've read eighteen of her books...no make that eighteen and a portion. I was shocked after reading so many of her books to fun across one that started out with her usual "bang" just to quickly dissipated. And I do mean quickly. I actually had to look at the cover several times to be sure it was one of her books. Sadly, I put it down and moved on to another book.

Since then I've read a few more, and to my relief they were the quick page turners I'd come to know and love. Hey, anyone can have a bad story once and awhile. Writing is not easy, and so much plays into it. In her defense, it was a book written many years ago.

Several days ago I started another one of her books, and right away I sensed something was off...different. After a couple of chapters I looked to see what year it was published. 2000. That would make sense. Once again, something early on in her career.

So now I'm struggling to make it through this book. I have about a hundred pages out of a little over three hundred to go. I feel as though I have too much time invested to quit now. Besides, I want to know how it turns out, and honestly, it's giving me great hope so how can I abandon it.

It gives me hope in that I feel as though I'm reading all the mistakes I've been making in my own writing and to think that once Linda Lael Miller wasn't the amazing writer she is today makes my heart sore. If she can go from where I believe I'm at, to where she is now...whoo hoo. So can I.

What an inspiration!

SWEET HOME ALABAMA

I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! It's funny, and filled with the kind of characters that love one another but just don’t know it. That makes for a great movie. Josh Lucas and Reese Witherspoon do an incredible job at battling it out until they realize what they want is to give it another go.

The whole concept of finding your true love in a childhood friend is so touching. Jake's undying love for Mel is one every girls longs for. A knight, though not in shinning armor, who does what it takes to win his princess.

GIVE ME A COWBOY

SITLENT PARTNER:

As usual, Jodi Thomas didn't disappoint. Once again, she's written an amazing book. This story was well written, fast paced with characters you will fall in love with, as with all her books. Whenever I see a book by Jodi, I pick it up without a thought.

LUCK OF THE DRAW:

This one was okay, but in my opinion not well written.

TEXAS TEMPEST:

This one was nothing short of amazing! This is the second book I've read by Linda Broday, the other being the preceding book, Give Me A Texan. I would put her writing right up there with Jodi Thomas...she's that good. This story was wonderfully written. I'm an aspiring writer, and was flabbergasted by all the great lines she delivered. The story was fast pace, a great storyline, with wonderful characters.

ROPING THE WIND:

Another great story. I also liked her last story she wrote in Give Me A Texan. I caught myself often smiling because of the great lines she delivered. Great story, well written, with wonderful characters.

Don't miss out on these great stories, written by talented authors.

PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME

What a great movie, filled with action and romance. Great acting as well. Loved the whole concept behind it. There was never a dull moment, keeping you on the edge of your seat at all times.

Do you want an action packed story with adventure and just the right amount of romance threaded throughout...then this is the movie for you.

THE UGLY TRUTH

When looking over the shows that were playing some time ago, trying to decided what my 13 year old and I were going to see, we came across this one. We both like Gerard Butler after seeing him in a few movies, including PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Thank goodness I decided to look at the movie trailer. I quickly realized it was not appropriate for my 13 year old. When I later saw it at my local library, I checked it out, remembering that I had been interested in it. It didn't take long to realize the mistake I would have made if I'd allowed my daughter to watch it, much less if I'd seen it in the movie theater. It was far beyond inappropriate for her, and I would have turned three shades of red watching it in a room full of people.

With that said, it was hysterical! Very funny! Great acting and put together well. I haven't laughed that much in a long time.

HANNAH GRACE

I won, I won, I won.

I just won an autograph copy of Sharlene MacLaen’s book, HANNAH GRACE.

It sounds wonderful! I can’t wait to get started on it.
For more about Sharlene and her books you can visit her sites.

Blog:
http://sharlenemaclaren.blogspot.com/

Website:
http://sharlenemaclaren.com/

SUZANNE'S DIARY FOR NICHOLAS

I've been a James Patterson fan for years but was pleasantly surprised when I began reading this one. This is not his usual work though he did an amazing job. I could not put it down. I was lead to believe one thing and shocked to find out in the end that I was wrong. Just one of the reasons why this book is so amazing. Don't miss out. It's one that will stick with you forever.

SEASONS IN THE MIST

I must admit I had a hard time with the choice of words written, though true to their time. I am one for simple words. With that said, Deborah Kinnard wrote a fascinating novel. One that will take you back to the 1300's. I learned some fascinating things along the way as the characters swept me back in time. I really felt as though I were there, myself. Her thought to details had the words playing across my mind as if I were watching a movie, they were that detailed and true to the times.

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.