The Most Well Christian Romance Reader in all of Indiana

In this past year or so I've become one of the most well-read christian romance readers in all of Indiana. Bragging rights? Anyhoo, I grabbed this After All by Deborah Raney because based on the description (and it's genre) I figured it would be a quick read and I need to start zipping through my insanely large "to read" book-pile from Goodreads.

It was as I guessed an insanely fast read, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The story follows Susan, the widow of a fallen fire fighter who struggles to deal with her loss, with her family (she has two adult sons), and her homeless shelter. Her husband and five other fire fighters died in a tragic fire the year before when her fledgling homeless shelter caught fire. Many people in the town thought good riddance of the homeless shelter and were aghast when she re-opened it in another location so soon after her husband's death. She faces opposition everywhere she goes, especially from Fire Chief Peter who harbors some blame at the homeless for starting the fire that killed five of his men, including Susan's husband, the year prior. Against his better judgement he starts to help out Susan and they begin to develop feelings for each other. Besides struggling to keep the shelter open, Susan must deal with the fact that her son informed her that her fallen husband had been cheating on her prior to his untimely death, and then she has to deal with the temptress herself as she tries to steal Peter away from her.

Overall, this was a small quick plot that was easy to plow through. Not the most romantic or impactful, but a light breezy beach read that fills the time. Not great, not bad. But alright for a Christian romance.

Disclaimer, this book is the third in a trilogy, although you would never know it by the way the story is set up. It stands easily on it's own, I was never once confused.

I received this book free from Goodreads giveaways in return for my unbiased, honest opinion.

It's Just another Self -Help Book, Isn't It?

Personally I am not a huge fan of self-help books (although I will admit to reading He's Just Not That Into You and It's Called a Break-up Because It's Broken when in a low point). They start off so promising, but who has the time or the will power to follow all the rules and advice that they present. Life is a little more complex then self-help books realize. 

That being said I just completed reading a self-help/dating book that isn't really a self-help book. Jessica Massa's The Gaggle: How the Guys You Know Will Help You Find the Love You Want, offered a surprising new take on post-dating relationships in this crazy new age. Instead of prescribing a set amount of rules to help you get over an ex or find the man of your dreams, Massa helps readers realize that by analyzing the men in your life (your gaggle) you can understand what you want in a man and how to get it. There are 10 men in every woman's gaggle whether she realizes it or not, there is: the ego booster, the ex boyfriend who's still around, the hot sex prospect, the career booster, the guy who just blew you off, the super horny guy who happens to be around a lot, and the boyfriend prospect. While you're most likely not going to find your true love in your gaggle of guy friends understanding what they offer and what they mean to you can help you realize what you need to have a satisfying and meaningful relationship. 

Massa also goes into what compromises a guy's gaggle and it was particularly enlightening. Guy's girl friends comprised of: the girlfriend prospect, the work wife, the short term investment, the last resort, the girl who's out of his league, the friend he's just not that into, the challenge, the crazy girl, the (maybe) one, and the possibility. 

It was really interesting figuring out what guy's gaggles I fit into and what categories different men in my life fit into. I also appreciated that this book wasn't meant to solve the hidden secrets of romance or offer ridiculous advice in order to snag a man. Massa interviewed hundred's of men and women (aged 22-35) and used their enlightening answers to come up with this quirky and eye-opening read. Definitely worth a read (even for you guys out there!).

I received this book for free from Goodread's giveaways in return for my honest, unbiased opinion. 

Blind Hope

I naively assumed that this book would be about a poor rescue pet that overcomes all odds to survive, basically I thought I was getting myself into a tear-jerker  where the dog dies at the end. That wasn't the case, in fact it was quite the opposite. There is a rescue dog, but instead of the woman saving the dog, the woman is saved by the dog (emotionally, not physically).

A mangy, bad breath, diabetes ridden dog (soon blind) slowly takes over Laurie's heart and helps Laurie realize that she's been living a lie and that she needs to be as honest and open as her lovable rescue is. The dog, Mia, helps bring Laurie closer to God and closer to finding herself.

The story is inspirational, although I believed the monologues were to dramatic even for me. It seems a little over the top? although it is based on a true story and there are photographs distributed throughout the novel. If you're sappy, and you love Christian inspirationals, and animals then this is definitely the book for you. Happy reading!

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Never Judge A Book By It's Cover

After reading a heavy duty romance I was due for a light-hearted sappy read and this fit the bill. It's a story about hope and redemption and looking beyond the surface, it's a great feel good read.

The story follows Sasha, a 37 year old world famous ballerina who has just suffered a life altering fall and will never be the same again. Sasha decides to retreat from the world, her fans, her friends, and her husband by going back to her hometown to re-cooperate and learn to walk again. The thought of never dancing again throws Sasha into a deep and miserable depression, enter Evelyn. Evelyn is a bright young girl who is happily engaged and does odd jobs around town to save up for her wedding. Everyone in town (especially her parents) is disappointed that she chose to turn down college for her fiance (who has questionable morals and is seemingly marrying Evelyn to get in her pants, something she staunchly refuses to do before marriage). Evelyn takes a job as in home care for Sasha and the two constantly butt heads. In time though they begin to depend and rely on each other. And the roles momentarily flip when Sasha starts to heal and Evelyn's life is turned upside down. The unwilling pair make an unlikely duo as they struggle through life's challenges together.

It was a cute read and it took no time at all to plow through it. Definitely a beach read :)

Outlander Read-A-Long: Chapters 8-14

1. Claire has been given the task of healer at the castle. She must adapt her nursing skills for the time and learn what herbs and et will cure each particular ailment that is presented to her. Do you have any home remedies that were passed down to you (cure for a cold, bee sting or what have you)?
My grandmother believed that vic's vapor rub could heel practically anything, but beyond that we stuck mostly to medicine. I guess we are a pretty boring family, lol.

2. What do you think would be the biggest challenge of living in the past? Clothing, hygiene, food, etiquette or etc.)
FOOD! I'm vegetarian and I'm pretty sure I would starve back then. Also, I don't think it would be much fun prancing about in petticoats and long gowns... especially in the summer, I imagine that would get a tad hot and uncomfortable.

3. Do you have a favorite character, scene or quote so far? If so share it with us.
I like Jamie, obviously, and I know I have a favorite quote or two. Unfortunately I don't have my book on me so I'll have to find it later.

4. What did you think of the addition of the blood bond in the wedding ceremony? Is this something you wish to do with the one you love?
Reminds me of being a kid and having "blood sisters," lol. I like that pagen elements still weave their way into the most Christian of ceremonies. Personally, when I get married, I think I'll do with out the blood bond.

5. Are you reading along closely with the scheduled chapters or are you ahead or behind?
I'm waaaay ahead. Hoping to finish it tonight!

I Need a Vacation From My Vacation!!

I need to get my butt in gear and get back into the swing of blogging! I feel as if I haven't been on here in ages! Between coming back from Russia, staying with my family up north, then going back home and visiting with my dad and brothers from Las Vegas, I'm exhausted! I've spent the past week unpacking, thrifting (my family loves goodwill... and so do I!), attending family get togethers, drinking, and catching up with friends. I've hardly had any me time and as a result I'm sorely behind on my reading and blogging! In the past three weeks I've only completed ONE book (Wuthering Heights on the airplane, so blah it's not even worth reviewing)! Ahhhh! I must catch up!

About a week ago I signed up for an Outlander readalong.  Each week there are different questions about the novel that many bloggers have faithfully decided to answer. Here goes!

These questions were put forth from Jess of Gone With the Words:

1. Outlander is a well-known book. Before you cracked it open, what were your expectations or assumptions about this story? Or did you jump into it with a blank slate?

Well, I've been hearing about this book for quite a long time. My aunt has been OBSESSED with Outlander for as long as I can remember. She would re-read the series each time a new one was released. All I knew was that it was a time-traveling romance that took place in Scotland. Sounds intriguing enough I suppose.

2. Claire’s husband, Frank, is fascinated with learning more and more facts about his family tree, which extends back pretty far. Do you or anyone in your family keep a family tree? How many years/generations back does it go? If not, have you ever considered or attempted to create one?

My grandma tracked my grandpa's family all the way into 17th century Italy. I'd love to go back farther or learn more about the other sides of my family but I'm a horrible researcher and I want everyone else to do all the hard work for me, lol.

3. How did you find Claire’s initial conclusion as to her surroundings after waking up from going through the stones? Did you think that was a reasonable conclusion?

I thought it was kind of ridiculous. Who thinks they've stumbled unto a movie set? Maybe that would have seemed like a logical guess for like 10 seconds but beyond that is crazy. If I see kilted men racing toward me on horseback, speaking gaelic, and heading into battle with swords and muskets, either someone spent thousands of dollars on a practical joke or I magically traveled back into time. 

4. How about her composed, rational way of dealing with the fact she’s traveled back in time. Did you find it believable? Do you think you would have acted the same way?

I guess it seemed pretty rational. Everyone reacts differently to situations and the fact that she adjusts fairly quickly isn't necessarily a bad thing. I would freak out for a while, but Claire is smart and realizes that there isn't a whole lot that she can do at the moment so she takes everything in stride  and tries to adjust as best she can.

5. At this point in the story, what are your feelings or expectations on Claire and Jamie? Is Frank still a factor for you?

Umm, if you travel back in time I don't think adultery is your biggest concern. Personally, I've already chosen to forget about Frank. I honestly didn't like him much to begin with anyway.

Bonus Question: Frank encounters a man outside of the inn where he and Claire are staying. He is afraid it might have been a ghost. What do you believe it was? Do you have any predictions or suspicions on what that was about?

I already forgot about that guy! I guess I assume that it's Jamie?! I'm not really sure. He was wearing a kilt and looking for Claire so that's probably the most logical guess one can make. 

Well that's it for the readalong this week. More to come! Also, I'll fill you in on how my new job is! Soo excited that I finally got a job in a library! I'm a big girl now! Woot Woot!

Trip Highlights

Things I Can't Believe I Got To Do!
1. See works of art by Picasso, Da Vinci, Renoir, Monet, Degas, Caravaggio, Raphael, Matisse, and more! And I got to take pictures of them!
2. Get a behind a scenes tour of the Hermitage and it's amazing library!
3. Meet the director of the BAN (it would be like meeting the director of the Library of Congress!) and getting to see rare materials that aren't put on display (medieval manuscripts, papyrus, 2,000 year old maps, etc!). Talk about red carpet treatment!
4. See the final resting place of Anastasia and the rest of the last Tzar's family!
5. See Peter the  Great and Catherine the Great's tombs!
6. See books signed and authored by Benjamin Franklin!
7. See musical compositions handwritten by Bach, Mozart, and Schubert and get so close to them that you could touch them!
8. See a page from the Guttenberg Bible!
9. See the "8th Wonder of the World" the Amber Room!
10. See Voltaire's personal library shipped over from France!
11. Walk in palace's that the Nazi's once destroyed but have been painstakingly restored!

Things I Don't Want to Forget!
1. Beer with low alcohol content is popular among children
2. No car seats required for babies
3. Tepemok has the best fast food (crepes and borscht!)
4. Drivers are insane, if there are traffic laws, none are followed
5. The metro is mildly terrifying. It's more than 6 stories down and you have to take an insanely fast moving escalator to get to the bottom (it still takes over 4 minutes to get to the bottom though!)
6. Armenian and Georgian food is amazing!
7. Boxed moscato!
8. Brides are EVERYWHERE! They like to pose next to monuments and as such I saw at least a dozen in the city
9. The freaky dead babies in jars at the Museum of Curiosities
10. A typical breakfast consists of hot dogs and macaroni noodles
11. The trololo guy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavMtUWDBTM
12. "The Diamond Arm" a hilarious soviet comedy http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062759/
13. Women wear high heels everywhere, to not wear heels is a sin, I'm not even kidding
14. Mr short shorts guy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlN5LC3I4SE
15. My awesome new friends!!!