Chelle's Bookshelf

New Blog Site

2008-10-21T14:46:00.000-07:00

This has been a huge mess, but I've finally got something of a solution. I had two Google accounts, and there is no way to merge them into one. UGH!!! So... I've just created a new blog to go with the Google account that I use more often. I'm also going to combine my family-blogging and book-blogging into one blog. That cuts out some stress. I've been worried about not updating either enough, but if it's all one thing, then it will be updated more - I hope!!

Check out my new site at booksandcrayons.blogspot.com

See you around!!

Fall Into Reading 2008

2008-09-23T07:08:00.001-07:00

So, last spring, I found this great blogger who set-up two personal challenges a year for her reading lists. What a great idea. I think that's when I started my book blog, strictly for the ability to join in the challenge this Fall. Guess what!?! Fall is here. Well, according to the calender, anyway. It's been 80 degrees and sunny outside, but I do have squash on the menu for tonight, and we have painted pumpkins on the dining room table, so I do feel as if it is time for fall.

To get more info on the Fall Into Reading challenge, check out Callapidder Days: Fall Into Reading 2008. I'm excited to see what everyone else is reading, too.

Here is my list. Most of these are books sitting on my "To Read" shelf, so what a great time to get them done! This list only includes 10 books. I'd like to see if I can do more, but with Bible Studies for myself, and planning of studies for the teens at church, I don't know how much time I will really have. Here goes...

A Time to Mend, by Sally John and Gary Smalley. A book on the Christy Award Nominees this year. I had originally challenged myself to read all of the nominees for this year. I'm not done, yet, so I'm adding some of them to this list.

Captivating, by John and Stasi Eldredge. Multiple people have recommended this to me. I ordered it a couple of weeks ago, and finally picked it up yesterday - a good first book to start off the challenge.

A Proper Pursuit, by Lynn Austin. Another Christy Nominee.

Wounded Healer, by Donna Fleisher. A book about a couple of female soldiers from the first desert war. My father served in Saudi Arabia at the time, so I think I will enjoy this book - I'm especially drawn to military, soldier, family type stories.

A Perfect Love, by Lenora Worth. A book waiting to be picked up off my To-Read shelf. I've just gotten into Steeple Hill's Love Inspired books, and have enjoyed the ones I've read so far.

Loving Constance, by Lyn Cote. Another book on the To-Read shelf.

Death of a Garage Sale Newbie, by Sharon Dunn. Picked this up at a local bookstore, and since I'm a frequenter of garage sales, this looked interesting. I just hope none of my friends turn up missing or dead after going shopping on the street.

*DONE*

The Edge of Recall, by Kristen Heitzmann. Just won this on a book blog I frequent (Tree Swing Reading). Looking forward to starting this one.

*DONE*

The Rescue, by Nicholas Sparks. Yes, I've never read this. I read a lot of his books when I was college, and have not kept up, since. Can't wait to get back into the world of Nicholas Sparks.

*DONE*

Just Jane, by Nancy Moser. I recently read Washington's Lady by Moser, and LOVED it. Hopefully this one will be just as good. It's a fictional account of Jane Austen's life.

Three

2008-09-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

Three by Ted Dekker

Christy Award Winner, 2004, for Suspense

About the book:

The award-winning, best-selling suspense masterwork, now a major motion picture event.

Enter a world where nothing is what it seems. Where your closest friend could be your greatest enemy.

Kevin Parson is alone in his car when his cell phone rings. A man calling himself Slater offers a deadly ultimatum: You have exactly three minutes to confess your sin to the world. Refuse, and the car you're driving will blow sky high. Then the phone goes dead.

Kevin panics. Who would make such a demand? What sin? Yet not sure what else to do, Kevin swerves into a parking lot and runs from his car. Just in case.

Precisely three minutes later, a massive explosion sets his world on a collision course with madness. And that's only the first move in this deadly game.

From the #1 best-selling fiction author comes a powerful story of good, evil, and all that lies between.

My Review:

Picked this up on a whim. Will look for more of his books, now. What a great book. The characters were all so believable, and my brain hurt when I was done - a true sign of good book! I read it in a day and a half - while doing laundry and cleaning the house. Can't wait for the next one!

Trophy Wives Club

2008-09-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

Trophy Wives Club by Kristin Billerbeck

Christy Award Nominee for Lits

About the book:

Haley Cutler is the consummate trophy wife. Perhaps was is the more accurate term. Haley married Prince Charming when she was only twenty—back in the day when highlights came from an afternoon at the beach, not three hours in the salon.

Unfortunately, after seven years as Jay Cutler's wife, a role that provided significance and what she thought was love, Jay walks out, and Haley finds herself with few life skills that translate to the real world, not to mention a sense of amnesia about who she used to be. But before Haley can find her way, she must meet with Jay's lawyer, the strikingly handsome Hamilton Lowe. Although she can't stand his self-righteous contempt for her divorce, she takes his suggestion to attend a group at his church called "The Trophy Wives Club," a Bible study composed of women who have been dealt a raw deal. Haley's never been into the whole Jesus thing but could really use some friends to walk her through this phase (how do you apply for a credit card anyway?).

As Haley begins to realize that she really can stand on her own two feet, she also learns that sometimes in losing we find the real reward . . .

My Review:

I was very excited about reading this book. I'm not sure why, but after reading so many GREAT books, lately, this one wasn't as great as I thought it would be. I like the idea of the story, but felt the plot was hurried to finish. I would recommend this book, but it's not one of my favorites.

Reading too much.

2008-09-06T10:51:00.001-07:00

Note to self - no more challenges. I've been reading so much to try and finish this challenge, that I haven't taken the time to review any of the books. So... here will be an attempt to catch up. HA HA!

Reading Challenge

2008-07-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

I've been reading some other book blogger posts on reading challenges, and thought it would be fun to do one for myself. The Christy Award nominees seemed a safe place to start. They were all nominated for being good, right?? So, I've added all the 2008 nominees to my list on the right. We'll see how I do, and how long it takes. I'd like to say I'll be done by the end of summer, but that may be a little unrealistic. Especially with friends giving me books to read ("You have got to read this!"). So, here's to my first reading challenge!

Quaker Summer

2008-06-19T12:04:00.000-07:00

TITLE: Quaker Summer
AUTHOR: Lisa Samson
PUBLISHER: Thomas Nelson
# OF PAGES: 416

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sometimes you have to go a little bit crazy to find the life you were meant to live.
Heather Curridge is coming unhinged. And people are starting to notice. What's wrong with a woman who has everything--a mansion on the lake, a loving son, a heart-surgeon husband, and soapstone countertops--yet still feels miserable inside?
When Heather spends the summer with two ancient Quaker sisters and a crusty nun in a downtown homeless shelter, she suddenly finds herself at a crossroads.

MY REVIEW:
After reading a young adult novel by Samson, I was eager to read an 'adult' novel from her! What a great author! I'm very excited about her books and am looking forward to reading more from her.
Quaker Summer had a great story line. I related a little too closely to the main character. I struggle with my calling, and how do we know if we are doing things for our own good or the good of others. I felt myself sitting beside Heather during her faith journey, asking the same questions and awaiting the answers. I find myself wanting to buy some different colored dots and get started on coding my possessions. How much do we really need? Thank you, Lisa, for a great book that has given me motivation, too!!

Speak To My Heart

2008-06-10T13:09:00.000-07:00

TITLE: Speak To My Heart
AUTHOR: Stacy Hawkins Adams
PUBLISHER: Revell, 2004
ISBN: 9899759702
# OF PAGES: 253

About the Book:
Serena Jasper is a young professional woman on her way up the corporate ladder in a large advertising firm. She's always been close to her mother, especially since the death of her father. But when Serena learns of a devastating family secret, she feels betrayed by the one she trusted most.
As she questions how someone as devout as her mother could have lied to her for years, Serena pulls away from both family and faith. Without the haven of hearth and home, she flounders as she tries to help a girlfriend trapped in an abusive relationship. Burying herself in her prestigious career doesn't help either. With the help of a possible new love in her life, Serena realizes that, instead of resisting the voice, she needs to listen to the One who speaks to her heart.

My review:
WOW! How often do I hear things in my head and ignore them or push them aside. This book really hit close to home for me. And, I have to admit, I was probably 1/3 of the way through the book before I realized the heroine was black. Boy. It didn't change my opinion of the book or the author at all - it just caught me by surprise. I had purchased the book on a whim because I liked the cover. I didn't even read the back cover until I was wondering about something the heroine had said. This is such a good read, and I'm glad I stumbled across Stacy Hawkins Adams! I will look for more of her books, now!! Thanks!

Finding Hollywood Nobody

2008-06-10T12:51:00.000-07:00

TITLE: Finding Hollywood Nobody
AUTHOR: Lisa Samson
PUBLISHER: NavPress, 2008
ISBN: 1600062016
# of PAGES: 189

About the book:
For fifteen-year-old Scotty Dawn, life is starting to resemble a movie. After learning that her movie-industry mom is actually her grandmother, Scotty receives more shocking news: Her father was killed by the mob. With his murderer still at large, Scotty hides out on a film set in Texas. There she encounters old rivals, new friends, and a young girl caught in a desperate situation. But in the middle of her fears and intense loneliness, Scotty discovers the life-changing power of prayer.

My review:
This was a fun read! I should have read it while stretched out on a towel beside a pool. A large glass of iced tea, and I'd have had the PERFECT read! This book is intended for the young adult audience, but this 30-something mother of 3 (under 5) thoroughly enjoyed the story. I will now have to find the first book, and am awaiting the the next book. I enjoyed the gently reminder that prayer does work. Way to go, Lisa! I loved this book!!

When Crickets Cry

2008-05-27T20:56:00.000-07:00

TITLE: When Crickets Cry
AUTHOR: Charles Martin
PUBLISHER: WestBow Press
ISBN: 1595540547
# OF PAGES: 334

FROM THE BACK COVER:

A man with a painful past. A child with a doubtful future. And a shared journey toward healing for both their hearts.

It begins on the shaded town square in a sleepy Southern town. a spirited seven-year-old has a brisk business at her lemonade stand. Her latest customer, a bearded stranger, drains his cup and heads for his car, his mind on a boat he's restoring at a nearby lake. But the little girl's pretty yellow dress can't quite hide the ugly scar on her chest. The stranger understands more about it than he wants to admit. And the beat-up bread truck careening around the corner with its radio blaring is about to change the trajectory of both their lives. Before it's over, they'll both know there are painful reasons why crickets cry ... and that miracles lurk around unexpected corners.

MY REVIEW:
This was a good book. I thought it was slow at first, but then I was reminded that the majority of my reading this year has been suspense novels. So, taking into consideration that this was NOT a suspense novel - it was GREAT!! A wonderful story with poignant characters. I really got wrapped into the story of the hero and his blind brother-in-law. That was such a great relationship!
I don't think I would have picked this up, but I'm very grateful for someone recommending the book to me! I will also recommend this author to others, and I look forward to reading more of his books!

Redeeming Love

2008-05-27T11:08:00.000-07:00

TITLE: Redeeming Love
AUTHOR: Francine Rivers
PUBLISHER: Multnomah Books
ISBN: 1-60142-061-7
# OF PAGES: 486

ABOUT THIS BOOK
California’s gold country, 1850. A time when men sold their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep. Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside. Then she meets Michael Hosea. A man who seeks his Father’s heart in everything, Michael Hosea obeys God’s call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel’s every bitter expectation until, despite her resistance her frozen heart begins to thaw. But with her unexpected softening come overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. And so Angel runs. Back to the darkness, away from her husband’s pursuing love, terrified of the truth she can no longer deny: Her final healing must come from the One who loves her even more than Michael Hosea does…the One who will never let her go. A powerful retelling of the book of Hosea, Redeeming Love is a life-changing story of God’s unconditional, redemptive, all-consuming love.

MY REVIEW

This was GREAT! A friend loaned me her book with high recommendations. I couldn't put it down! Rivers recommends at the beginning of the book, that if it were a movie it should be rated PG or even PG-13. I agree with that. There were a couple of scenes that had me raising my eyebrows. But overall, this book really helped remind me of God's "redeeming love." I know I have gotten lost in my life, yet everytime I get back on track, God's love is still there for me. He never falters! I also haven't read alot of historical fiction, but I was surprised at how much I loved the descriptions of the gold rush. What a great novel!! I highly recommend this book.

A Soldier's Family

2008-05-15T13:24:00.000-07:00

TITLE: A Soldier's Family
AUTHOR: Cheryl Wyatt
PUBLISHER: Steeple Hill, Love Inspired, 2008
ISBN: 037387474X
PAGES: 216

About the Book:
She was the woman of pararescue jumper Manny Pena's dreams. But he'd stuck his foot in his mouth the last time he met Celia Munoz. Now, grounded after a parachuting accident, he was desperate to make amends with the beautiful widow.
But Celia wasn't having it. The last thing she needed was another man with a dangerous job—even if he had given his life to God. Yet Manny's growing commitment to her and her troubled son began to convince her that perhaps she should take her own leap of faith.

My Review:
I enjoyed this book. It wasn't as heavy as some of the other books I've read recently, and I appreciated that. Having grown up in the military, it was neat to read a book where the heroes are all called to serve our country. I can also understand Celia's side of not wanting a man with a dangerous job. I don't know what I'd do if my husband didn't have his desk job! The worry and stress - KUDOS to the wives who live that way all the time. I was impressed with Manny and his willingness to help out Celia's son. Nothing beats a guy who likes kids!! Thanks, Cheryl for a great read!

The Restorer's Son

2008-05-01T11:16:00.000-07:00

Title: The Restorer's Son, Swords of Lyric Series #2
Author: Sharon Hinck
Publisher: NavPress
ISBN: 160006132X
# of Pages: 416

FROM THE BACK COVER:
"Chosen to save a people, called to serve an enemy.
Plunged again into the gray world of Lyric and Hazor, Susan and Mark search frantically for their teenage son, Jake, as all signs hint that a trusted ally has betrayed them and threatens their son. Assassins and political intrigue, false leads, and near misses beset their path, which will lead them into the dark prisons of Hazor before the One's purpose is revealed.
Cast out by those he trusts and preferring to cross swords with the One rather than submit to His will, Kieran flees to enemy Hazor, only to find that the One knows no borders. Pursued by his calling, Kieran journeys to Sidian, where he finds a boy without a home, a king with burning questions, and a nation torn by darkness. As he embraces the tasks the One has set before him, this new Restorer learns that the One requires his all - perhaps even his life."

MY REVIEW:
This was my first fantasy Christian novel. There were times when I was a little confused about the setting, but Hinck pulls it off! The descriptions had me walking along side the characters in the forests, during the rain. It would have been even better if I had been reading during the gloomy winter months. The characters were easy to relate to. I know I question my calling, occasionally, yet God still loves me and will always be there for me. The idea of sharing your faith with those who don't believe was very moving. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading the book, as I'm not a real fantasy fan, typically.
My husband is anxiously awaiting for someone to buy the movie rights for this!!

Reviews and such

2008-04-08T10:05:00.000-07:00

I'm going to try and start writing about the books I read. We'll see if I can even do this, but I'd like to try.