transParent

Happy Birthday to me, October!

2014-10-01T09:29:00.001-07:00

First giveaway just went live! Head on over to:

www.aTransParentMom.wordpress.com

Sad to say "good-bye"

2014-09-27T19:18:00.000-07:00

We have had a wonderful journey together...Unfortunately, I have had more problems with this site than I can handle. I've missed too many fabulous comments and followers.

So, I am pleased to announce that I have made the official switch to:

www.aTransParentMom.wordpress.com

Please check it out! Follow me there and you can join in on all the fun October Giveaway action (: Look forward to seeing you on wordpress!!

Problems with signing up...

2014-09-27T17:58:00.001-07:00

I am so sorry if you have been having problems signing up for email alerts or trying to comment. I have been having problems with the site for a couple of months now.

If it does not work, PLEASE shoot me an email at:

LoveMeMyJesus@gmail.com

I will get you all signed up. In the meantime, I will be looking for a solution. :-(

Lots o' Giveaways!

2014-09-25T14:07:00.001-07:00

So, some exciting news? I have lots of giveaways coming up in the month of October!!!! Lots of new release books...

Make sure you are ready! Look to the right of my blog (desktop view) and click:

Keep up to date on any new Giveaways, Blog Tours and Posts:

Fill in your email and hold onto your seats!!!! It's gonna be a fun filled October (:

I will have both fiction and non-fiction books to give away. Even an awesome book that is coming to screen this Fall.

So, hurry up! Do not delay!! Put in your email addy and wait for it...

Pumpkin Pie Frappe

2014-09-23T18:44:00.002-07:00

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups coffee, frozen, partially thawed
2 Tbsp. pumpkin, canned
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. pumpkin spice, ground
1 tsp. stevia
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk From a carton, not canned
2 tbsp. whip cream, fat free
1 dash cinnamon, ground

Instructions

In a blender add coffee, pumpkin, vanilla, pumpkin spice, stevia and coconut milk. Blend until smooth.
Pour into a glass and top with whip cream and sprinkle of cinnamon.

Notes

Calories for the whole thing including whip cream: 45.6, Fat: 2.6, Cholesterol: 0, Sodium: 8,9, Potassium: 35.6, Carbs: 3.9, Fiber: 1.2, Sugar: 2.2, Protein: 1.1

Credit where it's due:

http://www.peanutbutterandpeppers.com/2012/08/24/drink-your-pie/

A Lady at Willowgrove Hall

2014-09-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

by Sarah E. Ladd

Last year, a new author burst onto the scene. Sarah E. Ladd blew us all away with her first novel. I am sure many of you have seen the beautiful cover (which I have added to the bottom of this post). A Lady at Willowgrove Hall is her third book in the Whispers on the Moors series.

Here we find Cecily Faire. As a young, broken, and poor girl, she is sent away from everyone she knows and loves. Spending time in a boarding school has given her opportunities that she never thought possible. Her journey is one of forgiveness and closure. Will she choose to trust God and her heart, or has she been too hurt along the way?

Set in Regency England, this is a beautiful book. Of course, if you know me AT ALL, you know that I could never tire of reading a Regency novel. I enjoy the stories as they move right along. Her characters always have depth and keep me turning the pages. Bravo, Sarah. Keep them coming!!

Thanks so much, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley, for giving me this book in return for some feedback. Here's to many more!!

To read any of these books, please click HERE!!

Darkness and Light again

2014-09-21T19:10:00.002-07:00

I have no idea where the time has gone. One minute I'm Miss Bloggy Bloggy and then next, I am gone for about two weeks. I can't believe how busy life has been. Wait, isn't this time of year when things slow down and get back on track?!

What in the world?!

It's been a long couple of weeks. Little Toot has been going through a rough patch with his OCD and we have been struggling and seeking wisdom on how to best help him. Again, God is faithful and is giving us wisdom with each passing day. It is difficult when you look in your child's eyes and there is only hopelessness within. All you want to do, as a parent, is to protect them. We have been doing a lot of research and have found great tools. Thankfully, he is coming back out of this dark time and doing much better. There is life and there is joy in his eyes again.

We've been talking to him about Martin Luther and how God was able to use him in such a big way BECAUSE of his OCD, not in spite of. Luther was able to see that he would never be good enough. He knew he could never work hard enough to make it to Heaven. In a time when everything was about working your way to God, he knew that he could never cut it. His OCD showed him his flaws day in and day out. It was because of this that he was able to see God's grace and turn to Him as a flawed being. It was because of this that he was able to change the way the world had seen God for over 1,000 years. Unbelievable.

It's a beautiful think to see how God uses our darkest times to change the world. Whether it is just our own little world, or the actual world! (:

Love's Fortune

2014-09-17T17:14:00.001-07:00

by Laura Frantz

There are only a handful of authors that I adore enough to pre-order their books and read them right away. Laura Frantz is absolutely one of those. Her knowledge of American history is astounding and beautiful. She is so passionate about history and authenticity that she writes her manuscripts in longhand first.

Love's Fortune is the last book in a The Ballantyne Legacy Trilogy. This book revolves around Wren Ballantyne. Raised in the wilds of Kentucky during the early 1800's, she is wild, free and has no aspirations towards wealth and title. She is sent to live in Pittsburgh with her wealthy grandparents and must learn to become a gentile woman while finding a husband. She is thrown into the path of two exceptional gentlemen and must choose what it is she really wants in life.

Of course, I am sad to see the series end. However, I do look forward to seeing what Laura has next! I am giving this a rare 5 Stars because history is so beautifully intertwined with great storytelling.

Thanks so much, netgalley.com, for this book in return for an honest review. Here's to many more!!!

BTW, the first two books in the series are on Amazon. Just click here!!

Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Whoopie Pies

2014-09-16T09:48:00.002-07:00

Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Whoopie Pies
Original recipe from Baked: New Frontiers in Baking

Cakes
3 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
2 Tbsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 c. oil
1 c. dark brown sugar
1 c. white sugar
3 c. pumpkin puree
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs

Cream Cheese Filling
1/2 c. (1 stick) butter
1 8-oz. package cream cheese (you could use light)
3 c. powdered sugar
3 tablespoons maple syrup of 1/2-1 tsp. maple extract
1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350.

Lightly spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level with a knife. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat together the brown sugar, white sugar, and oil. Add the pumpkin puree and mix well. Add the vanilla and eggs and mix well. Slowly add in the flour mixture and mix until combined.

Using a 1 tablespoon scoop or a 1/2 tablespoon measure, drop the batter onto a baking sheet (lined, if possible, but not necessary), leaving about 1″ between the batter. Try to keep the batter as circular as possible. Bake for 10-14 minutes or until the tops are done and a toothpick inserted into the middle of one of the cakes comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes on the pan and then transfer to a cooling rack.

To prepare the filling, beat the butter on high for 1-2 minutes until smooth and fluffy. Add the cream cheese and beat until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, maple, and vanilla and beat until combined. Transfer to a large Ziploc bag and cut 1/2″-1″ off the corner.

Flip the cakes over on a flat surface. Squeeze about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per large whoopie pie (less if you used a 1/2 tablespoon measure) onto every other cake. Top each pie with the remaining cakes.

Serve immediately if possible; otherwise, these can be refrigerated in an airtight container.

Makes about 30 large whoopie pies.

Great Little Gifts to Knit

2014-09-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

by Jean Moss

Being relatively new to the art of knitting, I was really excited to check out this title. I was pleased to find that there were so many options and all skill levels. You can find a gift here for ANYONE. From your dog, to your kids, to your home, self, Grandma and husband, there is something to be found.

Thank you, netgalley.com, for giving me this book for my review. Here's to many more!!

Return to London

2014-09-16T09:17:00.001-07:00

by Terence Jenkins

Having never been to London, I found this a bit overwhelming, but fascinating. There are so many places that I now want to see. This is like a museum tour in your pocket.

If you have never been to England, or don't know much about the sites there, you will find yourself either doing a lot of research, or feeling very confused.

Great info (and lots of it!!).

Thank you, netgalley.com, for giving me this book for my review. Here's to many more!!

My Biggest Fear

2014-09-07T09:46:00.001-07:00

Christians are interesting people. It seems that we spent about 1,500 years being a church that got what we wanted in the name of religion. Crusades, Violence, Hate and Control. There is a sudden wave of change around 2000. Now, it's as if the pendulum swung to the opposite side. Now we are a religion of something completely different. Coddle. Look the other way. No Judgement. Always Mercy. I don't believe that any of it would even be called Christianity, let alone the same religion!

Look, I believe that God is a God of great mercy, compassion and love. I believe that He will love and take you at any place or turn in your life. However, I also believe in the God that is jealous.

People like to say that now we are a New Testament church. That the entire Old Testament is irrelevant. "I'll go with what Jesus said.". That's all fine and dandy, but Jesus was all up in the Old Testament too. So, yeah, I'll go with what Jesus said, but I'll take it as a whole.

There's plenty of judgement and mercy/anger and love in both. God wiped out nations of innocent children and then loved and took care of His people. Jesus helped the lame and hung out with the "least of these". But he also showed righteous anger. He also told Peter, "Get behind me, Satan.".

Look, I am not in the business of judging others. I am in the business of loving what God loves and hating what He hates. Jesus clearly loved the "sinners". But he also told them, "Go and sin no more". He never said, "Aw, I support you because I'm a merciful God!". Absolutely not!!!!

The God of the Bible is a complex figure. He should be. Why would I worship Him if I understood what He does? Why would I worship Him if I knew everything like He does?

I wouldn't. That's the point.

Stop trying to understand everything and put God in a box. He's GOD. We will NEVER, EVER comprehend His ways. They are above our ways. We can't box Him into what we think is the perfect God. That's a god of our creation.

Christianity is not the design for the church that Jesus left Peter with. We cling to that title and then make up our own gods. It is scary! People are so confused by what God is because everyone has their opinions and labels.

I am sorry if you feel like you are judging someone because you don't like their lifestyle. You should be loving them with everything you have. Not judging them. But supporting them in their sin is the exact opposite of what God would have you to do. Society has burned into our brains that we are judgmental and narrow minded.

Run away from it all. Get back to the roots. Love God with all of your heart, soul and mind. Love others as yourself. Period.

I feel that, more and more, we are being bullied into a faith that is against everything God stands for. It's not acceptable and I won't do it. I won't spend another 1,500 years letting the church confuse people again. Not if I can do a thing about it.

Stop worrying about our "acceptance" bringing them to Jesus. Jesus if fully capable of winning their hearts. We just need to love them (and I definitely don't mean support the things that Jesus hates). Loving God is taking Him as a whole. Even the parts we don't get, or the parts that make us feel angry.

Love Story

2014-09-06T19:17:00.000-07:00

by Nichole Nordeman

I sit here very torn. I have not been this undecided about a book in a long time.

Love Story is a collection of Nichole's perception of Biblical characters. I think it is wonderful that she is so in love with Jesus and tuned into the people she is writing about. I don't, however, agree with all of her ... findings?

Nichole Nordeman is a fabulous singer/songwriter. I am sure you have heard her music and probably sang it in your car a time or two. In fact, whenever I hear about her, I think of one of my sweetest friends. Before she moved far, far away, we swapped some Nordeman CD's. (Love you, Robyn!!)

Like I said, it's a collection of her views on religion and the Bible. Please take it for what it's worth and pray about your own conclusions. There are some really lovely pictures that she paints, and some really dark ones too. I love that she is open and vulnerable. I also believe that those struggles taint, in both good and bad, her view.

Because I struggle so deeply with a few things, I am going to have to give this book 2 stars. Again, there was good in it, but I fear that her fame will taint other people's views as well. Paul clearly didn't have a problem with women. He worked with them and encouraged them. His ideas didn't stem out of dislike or arrogance, but out of the inspiration of the Spirit. There were multiple things I disagreed with, Paul was just one.

Thank you, so much, Worthy Publishing, for the book. Here's to many more!!

Awesome website with FREE BOOKS

2014-09-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

I have been blogging/reviewing for Tyndale House and came across this rewards program. It's for FREE BOOKS through their publisher. They have Christian authors from the Robertsons to David Jeremiah (and everyone in between).

Anyway, check it out! I'll be doing a blog tour with Kay Robertson in October and you'll have a chance to win her newest book then too. For now, see what other good books you can score!!

www.tyndalerewards.com/signup/?pc=6r05-omwh-hz6c-3rpd

School Time

2014-09-02T10:25:00.002-07:00

The day is finally here. No, I am not going to post pics of my boys starting their new year of school...but that's because we homeschool and everyone is wearing something that we wouldn't wear out of the house...yoga pants, sweatshirts, etc... You know, one of the great things about homeschooling. Shlumping it all day.

I am super excited, not only because I have a pumpkin candle burning away, but because our schoolroom is so pretty and I love to be in it.

We have the perfect little set up for me and Little Toot here. I feel like I am a ship commander.

And then, here we have The Large Child's zone.

So, let the school year began.

The Maze Runner

2014-09-01T19:39:00.001-07:00

by James Dashner

Ok. Wow. This book is a MUST READ. I am going to come right out with it and get to the point.

5 Stars.

Thomas wakes up one day with his memory completely wiped. He remembers his name, but that's it. He quickly finds out that he, along with all the other boys in the same situation, are surrounded by a maze. Each night, at dusk, the doors to the maze close and everyone left outside will die. They must find a way out, but with nobody remembering, or knowing, anything, that may prove to be difficult.

The reason for 5 stars is simply that it held my attention without fail. The characters were interesting and the plot was intriguing.

Of course, there is a movie coming out THIS MONTH. So, here's the link to the trailer. Check it out!!

See you at the theater...

The One

2014-08-23T22:19:00.000-07:00

by Kiera Cass

Ah, what's a book review without some more dystopian future?

Well after WWIII, we have a very different world. What used to be North and South America, are all one nation called Illea and it is run by a king. Everyone lives in a caste system and it is out of this that Prince Maxon is supposed to choose his bride. Thirty-six girls are chosen at "random" from all over the nation.

In the third, and final book (not including the novella before this), the selection is narrowed down to four, very different, girls. There are choices to be made, rebels to beat, and parents that are impossible to please. All the makings of a great intrigue.

I really enjoyed reading this series. Of course, the front covers are half the battle and they are a win. I also appreciate the overall "cleanness" of the book.

As far as the characters go, they were very likeable, but it feels like this could have been written in one book. Maxon and America obviously care for each other from the start, but are too scared to tell one another. This leads to a lot of extra confusion and, mostly, stretches out the series.

Four stars from me. Enjoyable and light read.

The 100: Day 21

2014-08-21T16:10:00.000-07:00

by Kass Morgan

The 100 have made it to 21 days here on Earth. Day 21. That is the day that the effects of radiation start to show. Is it safe, or are those that are sick in the infirmary showing signs of chemical poisoning?

In the sequel to last year's best seller, The 100, we find Clarke, Bellamy, and Wells fight to survive on earth with little to no supplies. As they find "Earthborns", that are both friendly and hostile, they must decide whom they can trust.

Meanwhile, back on the space station, Glass is fighting for her life as they are quickly running out of oxygen and there aren't enough dropships to get everyone down to Earth.

Kass has, again, written an interesting and exciting dystopian future novel. This one has far less language, than the first. I am thankful for that. Because it held my attention and is such an interesting story, I give this book 4 stars. Keep them coming!!

Thanks, www.netgalley.com for giving me this book for my honest review. Here's to many more!!!

The 100

2014-08-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

by Kass Morgan

Boy, do I love a good Dystopian future novel! Of course, they are all the rage right now. With Hunger Games, Divergent, The Giver, The Selection and Maze Runner, people may start to feel the fatigue. However, this book manages to have a different twist which I found really interesting.

Centuries after a nuclear war, earth is abandoned and people have escaped to live in space. It is there that they have strict rules and harsh punishments. Feeling that it may be time to return to earth, the government decides to send 100 "criminals" (basically children fighting for their lives and being punished for it) to earth. They want to see if the radiation is cleared and if it is safe for the rest of the colonies to return.

While I really enjoyed the story and the characters, I was disturbed by the language in this Young Adult book. It wasn't on every page, but I expect, as a parent, for my children to be able to read a book intended for them without having to worry that it will have language and sexual innuendos in it. Because of that, I can only give it 3 stars.

Thank you, www.netgalley.com for giving me this title for an honest review. Here's to many more!! And, btw, you can catch the hit CW series here:

http://www.cwtv.com/shows/the-100

A Bride in Store

2014-08-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

by Melissa Jagears

I am excited about my latest read! In a town where mail order brides are being scooped up before they have a chance with their intendeds, we find our story. Eliza Cantrall is anxious to meet her own husband-to-be, Axel, and takes off early to surprise him. On the way, she is robbed of all her savings and is now showing up without the money she promised him.

Will Stanton is Axel's business partner and town preferred doctor. He has no practicing license, or schooling for that matter, but cares for his patients and they adore him. When Eliza arrives, Axel is nowhere to be found and Will finds himself drawn to her.

I love that this novel isn't just a love story, but a spiritual journey, as well. Both, Eliza and Will, have to work through their dreams, hopes and desires while learning to trust God. They both have to realize what is most important in life and trust that God loves them enough to provide through all things.

I am giving this 4 stars because I really enjoyed reading it, I liked Will and Eliza and their strong character. It was a light, easy read, but fun and had some depth. Great story. Thanks, www.netgalley.com and Bethany House for giving me this book for an honest review. Here's to many more!!

Bats really are from the depths of...well, you know.

2014-08-15T17:31:00.000-07:00

Last night, I decided to go against my first rule in life: NEVER EXERT MYSELF. I went for a walk after dinner. More like a stroll. As I was innocently walking back up my driveway, I suddenly screamed like I was being kidnapped. True story. A bat was crawling up my driveway on his nasty little wings.

As I refused to walk past it, or let anyone else do so, we all stood there and stared at it. My brother had the great idea to poke at it with his cane. Of course, it chose that exact moment to flap it's wings wide open and my brother took a nice little tumble after jumping like a little Mexican bean!

We all ran inside and slammed the door. As we watched from the window, it slowly crept up to my house. I was FREAKING. OUT.

I sent my Large Child to see what it was doing and get it away from the house. He poked at it with a stick and it HISSED AT HIM! So gross. I was still screaming like a little girl.

Finally, concerned it would get into the house and kill us all, I went outside and started spraying the crap out of it with Lysol. One can never be too careful. Determining all germs must be gone by now, I started spraying it with the hose while it hissed at me. I thought I was going to die.

Jared, fed up with my nonsense, came out of the house, AT LAST, and carried it away with a shovel. I have no idea where to, but I don't want to know.

After that experience, I have decided that the Batman franchise will never see another dollar of mine again!!!!!!!!! (Good timing anyway. Christian Bale is gone.)

Summers. Relaxing? HA!

2014-08-13T19:47:00.001-07:00

Summers are supposed to be relaxing, right? At least, that's what I am told. It seems that, no matter how hard we try, it is always the craziest time of year. Again, correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't crazy supposed to be the Holidays?!

Life on Planet Andrews doesn't slow down. That is exactly why I always look forward to Fall. Yes, Autumn. 70 Degrees. Pumpkin Bread. Orange Leaves. Pumpkin Muffins. Schedules. Pumpkin Rolls. Pumpkin Candles. Well, you get the idea.

Currently, The Large Child has returned from Honduras. He's all in one piece and has a terrible farmer's tan. Social workers, interviews, co-op scheduling, planning the three classes I am teaching at the co-op this coming school year... My brother is here, from upstate NY, for an extended vacation. Two of my awesome nephews are here to visit before they go away to their respective colleges/universities.

Did I mention we have a small house? It's been pretty awesome having us all crammed in trying to eat dinner and watch movies. Plus, I guess "connecting" on their devices is the thing to do. So long, board games.

Life is good, even in the crazy. Look at those pics. How could it not be?

The Healer's Touch

2014-08-10T19:11:00.001-07:00

by Lori Copeland

As a fan of Lori Copeland, I was surprised to find that this book was difficult to read. First of all, the appearance of the "Spooklights" throughout the book seemed odd and a bit far fetched. Apparently, there are some "spooklights" that mysteriously appear in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. Nobody can explain their existence, or where they come from. They "respond best to love and children". While, it is an interesting concept and tale, it just seemed very out of place in this story.

At the start of the book, we find Ian Cawley, a U.S. Marshal, spooked by the "spooklights". He ends up riding his horse through the barn door of a local home and wakes up not remembering a thing. Lyric Bolton finds him in her barn and the rest is history.

While I do enjoy a good, historical romance, I found this to drag and feel a bit far fetched. It was hard to connect with the characters and really care about them. As much as I wanted to enjoy this book, I have to give it two stars because it was very difficult to get through. However, I do want to thank worthypublishing.com and Netgalley.com for giving me this book to read and review! Here's to many more!!

The Brainy Bunch

2014-07-31T16:48:00.001-07:00

-- Kip and Mona Lisa Harding

The Harding Family's Method to College Ready by Age Twelve

You can imagine my complete skepticism when I first heard of this family, and then, saw the book. I had so many thoughts and questions about why parents want their children to grow up so quickly and why was it so important that these kids were rushed through school. As a homeschool parent, I was very curious. I wanted to see if they were raising a bunch of geniuses, or just plain crazy!!

As I started reading, those questions were quickly addressed. Not only that, I started getting really excited about some ideas that they had. Over the last couple years, I have been trying to find the disconnect between curriculum homeschool and unschooling. I thought that there JUST HAD to be some middle ground. There has to be a happy medium. The more I read, the more the puzzle pieces started coming together.

Of course, this isn't for every family, nor is it the perfect formula for each family. But, that is the beauty of homeschooling, is it not? She laughs about how her 10 year old (yes, you read that right) would be in his college class while she sat outside the door in a lawn chair waiting for him to be done. They would then go home and he would run around outside playing with his toy sword.

I was still questioning why the need to start them so early, when it all clicked into place. She had such wisdom listening to God in this. If your child has everything he needs for a full high school transcript, WHY SHOULDN'T he/she be getting college credit for the rest?

With four years of high school math, english, science and foreign language, PLUS enough history, music, and electives to give you the 22-30 credits (depending on whether you want enough credits to count as an average diploma or an AP diploma), it doesn't matter what age you are. I found this fascinating and, to be honest, so simple that I felt dumb for not thinking of it myself!

I am in NO WAY saying that every child is ready for college just because they are moving quickly through their school work. As the parent, you should know your child and what they can handle. I just thought it was really neat that this mother was so tuned into her children, she was able to listen to where they were spiritually and mentally. They are thriving in their school and careers.

I challenge you to pick up this book and give it a read. It's always good to challenge yourself. Whether or not you agree with their methods, there is a lot of good to be gleaned from it.

Have you read it? Let me know your thoughts!!

Books, Books, and more Books!

2014-07-26T22:32:00.001-07:00

Looky, looky who is back! I know it's summer, so I just have to help you all out. The question that everyone is asking, I am here to answer for you!!!!

WHAT BOOKS SHOULD I READ THIS SUMMER??!!

I have read over 25 books since the sunshine has come out. Here are a few that have been on my reading list:

If you have had the chance to see the movie Divergent, I hope you've read the trilogy first. Of course, Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort have been all the rage this summer, but before there was The Fault in Our Stars, there was Divergent. It's another great dystopian series that takes place sometime in the future of a war torn America. It's written in the first person, which isn't my favorite, but I really did like the idea of these books.

Once I had some of that under my belt, I went back to my roots. I sure love my historical novels!! I decided to get in the second book to Laura Frantz's "The Ballantyne Legacy" series. She is one of my favorite authors and I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book!!! Of course, I was not disappointed. I love how Laura Frantz always touches on the toughest relationships. Her stories always include some sort of spin from the Native American or African American point of view. It's beautifully interwoven into her stories. Looking forward to the third, and final, book this fall.

I was excited to see that another one of my favorite authors, Marylu Tyndall, had re-released a book of hers. She also released the third, and final, book in her latest series this summer. I can never get enough of her swashbuckling stories!! Always fun and light. Been caught up in the summer reading program at my library, so I haven't had a chance to pick this up yet. Believe me, it's KILLING ME!! You are next, Elusive Hope...

What's so fun about MaryLu is that she has a Pinterest page for all her books. She includes pictures of the scenery and of what she things her characters look like.

Lastly, I am currently in the middle of another dystopian series. This time, I am reading The Selection Series, by Kiera Cass. It is Young Adult, but I like having books that I can veg out and read without thinking too much. So far, I am enjoying it. Of course, the cover of a book is 90% of the battle. If it looks great, I'm probably going to love it. Kuddos to Kiera because look at these:

So, there are just a few of the books I've read in the last couple of months. I hope you can check them out. Let me know if you have any great books that you are reading!! I'm always looking for more.

Cheers!!