Review of And Every Morning

While this may be a short story, the message it brings is worth reading and will leave a lasting impression. 

"This is a story about memories and about letting go.  It's a love letter and a slow farewell between a man and his grandson, and between a dad and his boy."

I have enjoyed Fredrik Backman's books and this one may top them all.  It is a simple book to read but is about a topic that is complex and heartbreaking.  It is simply a novella about 3 generations and the struggle with life, love and losing those closest to us.   The way the short story is told will captivate your heart and engage you throughout the short story.  His writing has  a way of pulling on your heart strings and causing some emotional breakdowns while reading but at the same time he can make you laugh and smile to get you through these tough issues.   While this is a short story, it is full of so many different emotions and so much love that it is outstanding.      One of my favorite quotes from the book is, "My memories are running away from me, my love, like when you try to separate oil and water.  I'm constantly reading a book with a missing page, and it's always the most important one."

There is not a lot to say about his short story other than to simply read it.  I will leave you with one last quote.   "I know that the way home is getting longer and longer every morning.  But I loved you because your brain, your world, was always bigger than everyone else's.  There's still a lot of it left."

I did receive this book for an honest review.  

Tim Tebow - Shaken

"I'm grateful for the life experiences I've had - the good, the bad, and the ugly."

"But I'll say that in those places of doubt and even of darkness, I've realized that who I am has nothing to do with wins or losses, applause, or negative criticism." 

What an amazing young man.  He writes his story not for the world to know about him, but to know that he is a child of God.  "My foundation for who I am is grounded in my faith.  In a God who loves me.  In a God who gives me purpose.  In a God who sees the big picture.  In a God who always has a greater plan."

Tim Tebow has always stood for what he believes in through his ups and downs.   This book is a look into Tim's journey from being a Heisman Trophy winner to not being sure what to do when it's all taken away.  The story does not follow a timeline of his life but rather a journey to who has impacted him throughout his life.  Tim writes about different people from celebrities to patients that he has visited that have made a huge impact on his heart and inspired him to intercept his fears and give them to God instead of him carrying the weight.   He rises above his feelings and those around him and focuses on "Staying grounded in whose we are.   And choosing to do what's right."

Tim's story is an amazing read for the young and old, Christian and non-Christian.  I have heard him and his mother both speak at different conferences and while he is a celebrity in the eyes of many, he truly just wants to share his passion for Christ and live it out each day.   "But the more you make the choice to live above your feelings, to trust God instead of what you may be feel like doing, the stronger your faith becomes.  It's not about being perfect.  We will always be on a journey of growing closer to God."  He is so correct that we will never reach perfection on this side of Heaven, but the stronger our faith becomes the deeper our relationship with Christ will grow.  I love all the inspiration and  could quote from his book all day.   The encouragement to stay strong and grounded while life continues to battle around us or maybe life isn't going the direction we want and need to put our trust in God instead of ourselves.   "Who are you when storms come?" And they will come as long as we live on this earth.    So glad I received this book from Blogging with books for an honest review.  Totally enjoyed reading his journey and insight into life.  

"Even if I wrestle with internal feelings, I can hold on to God's truth.  I can flow north again.  I know He's got a plan for me, even when I don't know what it is or when it seems to look totally different that what I imagined."  

Between Hope & the Highway

A story of discovering hope & love and running from your past.   This book was a fun read and pretty quick and easy to read.  I seem to enjoy these simple romances of boy meets girl and girl transforms the boy.   I actually give this book 3.5 stars.  

Liz has had a difficult time of love and loss and decides to run away from her troubles and ends up in Montana at the ranch home of the Law brothers.   Liz is a strong, pure and virtuous women who has energy and endurance that truly makes her a very likeable character.   She has had a difficult past, but yet she is robust and independent.   When she arrives in Montana she meets Bentley.  Bentley was in an accident and is disabled.  He is one of the most lovable characters and is like a teddy bear.   (Bentley needs his own story told in his own book.)   Liz and Bentley get along great and she actually moves into the ranch and begins filling the roles of Bentleys older brother, Rawson.  Rawson is a typically wealthy cowboy except he is a model who returns home to find Liz in his space.  Rawson is not a lovable character at the beginning.   He is pretty much a jerk, but a funny jerk.  

This story is told from three characters point of view and my favorite was Bentley.  It is also told from Liz and Rawson's point of view.  I did enjoy having all three perspectives.   I will say that the story takes place over a long period of time which helps with the character development and things don't really seem to be rushed.   At some points I felt like there were some of holes in the story but I think it could just be the characters personality on how she handles different situations or lack there of.   I think if this story were a movie, you would not need the words and the story would be told in certain instances.   I was not a fan of all the swearing and romance scenes that may have pushed the limit and were not needed in this story.   Rawson was already characterized without his lustful desires.   Religion does play a major role in Liz's life and Rawson does begin to transform and his perception of Liz begins to change as he discovers who she really is.  She seems to captivate his heart.     The ending was perfect but I would have preferred a little less romance in the end. 

I received this book from ebooks for an honest review. 

Gil by Darin Gibby

No Spoiler Review of Gil

Gil is a book for anyone to read.  Whether you are a baseball fan or not, you should read Gil.   I do happen to love the game of baseball, but this story is so much more than a story about baseball.

Darin Gibby has written an exceptional story about a man named Gil.  Gil gave up  his dream of playing baseball professional when his girlfriend (now his wife) became pregnant.  Gil became a high school teacher and baseball coach.   He has two wonderful children and life seems to be going along great until a lawsuit occurs and causes Gil to rethink life.   During this time, Gil discovers that he has a superb ability to pitch the ball at astonishing speeds.   There is a strike occurring throughout baseball and the local team, the Colorado Rockies, happen to be looking for undiscovered talent ("misfits, wannabes, broken down old men").  It has "America has talent in baseball" vibe in a very fun way to read.   Gil does join the Rockies team but encounters disapproval, contention from his father,  hostility from other players and aversion to his own natural ability to pitch the baseball over 100 mph.    
 
This is where the story truly began for me.  It is a story about love, friendship, family, dreams, and the ability to overcome obstacles while holding your head high.   I totally enjoyed reading the entire book but I absolutely loved Darin Gibby's ability to write a story about baseball that could be applied to life in general.  When the going gets really tough, we let our personality shine and keep on going.   We do not turn away or choose to frown.  Gil always smiled and always seemed to find the good.   Gil's wife gives him good advice early on, "You should follow your dream just because it is your dream."  We should not let others determine what our dream is but follow our own heart and encourage others. 

I was hesitate when I first received this book from library thing to review but oh I am so thankful that I decided to go ahead and read it.   It is a quick read that reads really fast and will consume your heart.  

Christmas GIVEAWAY!!!

Enter for a Giveaway of Heartless or $15 Gift Certificate!!!

 I love this time of year and want to celebrate with everyone.  Plus I happen to own 2 copies of Heartless.  I just finished reading Heartless and posted my review on my blog.   I want to giveaway my extra copy for someone else to read and enjoy.  I have a 2nd Giveaway for a $15 gift certificate to Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Target.  You can choose your favorite place to shop for books.   You can enter both giveaways but will only win one or the other.   Please see below on how to enter.

1.  Be a subscriber to my booktube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIKoNZRJObeMJXNPKKMi3PA.

2.  Comment on my Giveaway video https://youtu.be/yrfwN5G93vM and tell me what your favorite book (a must read) would be.  Also tell me your favorite part about this time of year.  Tell me if you would rather have a gift card to Barnes & Noble, Amazon or Target if you won and which giveaway you would like to be entered into or both. 

3.  You must be 18 years or older to enter or have parents permission.

4.  For a second entry you may subscribe to this blog and leave a comment which giveaway or both you would like to be entered for and I want to know how many books are on your TBR. 

Thanks for joining me on this giveaway.  I will post the winner on December 15th. 

Heartless - No Spoiler Review

"Sometimes your heart is the only thing worth listening to."

Marissa Meyer has the ability to take a classic story and make it into a captivating story with so many twists and turns. This is the 4th book I have read by Marissa Meyer and her writing style seems to dazzle my soul with every book I read by her. I become so fascinated and entwined into her story that I totally want to escape into her fictional world.

I have always enjoyed the Alice in Wonderland story and truly have not thought much about the Queen of Hearts until now. Heartless is not really a retelling but a creative telling of the Queen of Hearts. You could read Heartless without knowing the story of Alice in Wonderland, but oh how it enhances both stories when you have the background of Alice in Wonderland.

Catherine wants nothing more than to become a baker at her own bakery. It is her ultimate dream until she becomes charmed by the mystifying Jest. Catherine is truly determined to discover her own destiny but is also mindful of her parents and the Kings desires. But in a land full of magic, deception, and mad hatters, ones fate may take many twists and turns.

The character development was wonderful in this book. Yes there are some things that may be confusing if you have not read Alice in Wonderland, but with a little creative imagination you will be ok. There are so many moments in this book where I could not believe the direction that it went. The heart will take many turns throughout this book especially the ending.

There are a few moments in the book where I wish there was a little more world building or some more details were provided. Some things may have been just a little rushed but overall it did not affect my overall understanding of the book. I think ones imagination is extremely important when reading Heartless. You might have to read between the lines a bit which I think is rather exciting.
I absolutely loved the banter between Catherine and the Jest. Also, loved Catherine's demeanor around the King. Her love for lemon tarts and macrons totally had me baking while reading. This book makes me totally rethink Alice in Wonderland and I may have to revisit the book. Catherine is certainly a dreamer in a world full of wonder and possibilities. Sometimes our dreams and desires can change our hearts forever.

Follow my blog on bloglovin.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin Follow my blog with Bloglovin.

Lemon Tart Cookies

Lemon Tart Sugar Cookies

So this totally happened today.  I had checked out the book Heartless by Marissa Meyer from the library and began reading it yesterday.   I fell in love with this book quickly and I'm not sure why.  I guess I am a fan of any book that has delicious lemon tarts and Alice in Wonderland retelling.   I'm only a couple of characters into the book but I have enjoyed it so much that I had to purchase the book today while at Target.   Then some lemon tart cookies sounded so good I came home and decided to bake.   I can't review the book yet but I will once I'm done reading.   I have included the recipe for you to enjoy these delicious Lemon Sugar Cookies that I found on Pinterest.   Here is the blog where the recipe came from http://deliciouslysprinkled.com/lemon-sugar-cookies/.  I have included the recipe below.  Let me know if you have read Heartless or if you make these delicious cookies. 

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup (2 sticks) SALTED butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• zest of 2 lemons
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for rolling

Directions:

PRE-STEP: Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper      or silicone baking mats. Set aside.

STEP 1: Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a medium size bowl. Set aside.

STEP 2: In a large bowl, using an electric or stand mixer, cream together the butter, and granulated sugar until combined.

STEP 3: Add egg yolks, vanilla extract, lemon zest and lemon juice. Mix until combined.

STEP 4: Add flour mixture and mix until just combined. DO NOT OVERMIX!

STEP 5: Using a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop, scoop dough into balls about 2 Tablespoons each, roll in sugar and place onto prepared baking sheet.

STEP 6: Bake for 15-18 minutes or until tops of cookies start to crack. Let cool for 5 minutes on baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack. Let cool completely on wire rack.

A to Z Bookish Survey

A to Z Bookish Survey

Created by Perpetural Page Turner

http://www.perpetualpageturner.com/2013/08/some-friday-fun.html

Author you’ve read the most books from:

Cassandra Clare

Best Sequel Ever:

Twilight Series, I also have enjoyed the Mortal Instruments books after the first book.  I think each book gets better.  I could also list the Selection Series because I really enjoyed those books.

Currently Reading:

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

Listening to Court of Mist & Fury on Audiobook

Drink of Choice While Reading:

Tea! I love hot green jasmine tea and ice tea!

E-reader or Physical Book?

The answer below is actually Perpetual Page Turner's answer but it is exactly how I feel!

I’m definitely a physical book girl but love my Kindle for the gym, review copies and for vacation so I can have lots of options with me.

Fictional Character You Probably Would Have Actually Dated In High School:

Travis from the book The Choice. 

Glad You Gave This Book A Chance:

Love that Boy by Ron Fournier

the Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery

Hidden Gem Book:

Both books above

My Love is Blue by Rosemary Danielis

The Fall of Lord Drayson by Rachel Anderson

Important Moment in your Reading Life:

Definitely discovering BookTube and Goodreads.   I opened up the door for so many books that I never would have attempted to read. 

Just Finished:

Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Kinds of Books You Won’t Read:

I would have said non-fiction is not my favorite but with Non-fiction November I have discovered that I really enjoy non-fiction.  I do not enjoy a book that is full of erotica scenes and a lot of language.  

Longest Book You’ve Read:

11/22/63 by Stephen King

I read the pocket book which was 1120 pages

Major book hangover because of:

Twilight Series

Number of Bookcases You Own:

3 (8 cube) bookshelves and 1 (4 cube) bookshelf

My bookshelves contain books and scrapbooks

One Book You Have Read Multiple Times:

Where'd you go Bernadette by Maria Semple

Preferred Place To Read:

The couch or outside.  I enjoy just a lamp or natural sunlight to read with.  However, I often find myself reading wherever I am, especially in the car with the kids. 

Quote that inspires you/gives you all the feels from a book you’ve read:

"Painting is more like deepwater diving.  The colors call to the canvas, the brush takes my hand and I'm pulled in, under, swallowed whole."

"Don't think so hard.  Just react.  Find something that grabs you."

Both quotes are from the book My Love is Blue by Rosemary Danielis. 

Reading Regret:

I regret not really reading while I was growing up or in my early adult life.  I pretty much only read when I had to for projects or book reports.  Then in my adult life, I only read for leisure and on vacations.  I usually picked up whatever was on the bookshelf or pretty inexpensive reads.  I enjoyed what I read but never truly became captivated by reading.  Over the past few years since my kids are older, I have thoroughly enjoyed becoming immersed into a fictional word and living there for a bit. 

Series You Started And Need To Finish(all books are out in series):

Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices

Lunar Chronicles

Three of your All-Time Favorite Books:

A Monster Calls, Love that Boy, Twilight Series

Unapologetic Fangirl For:

Team Edward - Twilight

Very Excited For This Release More Than All The Others:

Our Dark Duet (Monsters of Verity #2)

Hunted by Meagan Spooner (A beauty and the beast retelling - Releases 3/17)

Worst Bookish Habit:

I often dog ear pages of my book when I don't have any postage notes available to mark a quote or moment I want to look back on.  I also carry my books everywhere so they sometimes take a beating
.

X Marks The Spot: Start at the top left of your shelf and pick the 27th book:

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

(I haven't read it and now I am going to over the next month)

Your latest book purchase:

Love that Boy by Ron Fournier

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

ZZZ-snatcher book (last book that kept you up WAY late):

Too many books to name but here are a few:

Twilight, Gone Girl, Me before You

I stay up just about every night reading!!

The Soul of an Octopus

The Soul of an Octopus

"By entering it, you are bathed in a grace and power you don't experience in air.  To dive beneath the surface feels like entering the Earth's vast, dreaming subconscious.  Submitting to it's depth, it's currents, its pressure, is both humbling and freezing."

Sy is absolutely one of the most creative writers I have read.  She has the ability to take an entire book about the world of an octopus and captivate my heart.   She discovers the emotional and physical world of an octopus.  They are complex and determined creatures.  Some are so complex and brilliant that researchers have to create complex activities for these creatures in captivity to keep them from escaping their aquariums.   An octopus has 50 to 75 lobes in their brain where a human has 4 lobes.   One octopus in her book had three individuals giving her attention but she was able to steal the entire bucket of fish without them knowing until it was too late.   Did you know that an octopus can camouflage itself at least 177 times in an hour.

  

Sy truly immerses herself into her writing and not only does she write about these creatures but helped me to understand them.  To see how they love and feel emotions by their responses.   An octopus is so different from a human but yet seems to have the emotional abilities and connections that a dog or human can have.  Even though an octopus has blue blood because it uses cooper not iron to carry it's oxygen, it still seems to connect with people.  While an octopus is a curious creature, I am curious to learn even more about this fantastic creature.  I am certified to dive and I am going to have to do some night diving to see if I can explore the octopus in his world.     If you love the ocean and the creatures that live in it, this is a definite read!!

I read this book during the #borrowathon.  Here is a link to the BookTube video of my #borrowathon wrap up and it includes a video at the end from my son and I diving in Cozumel. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1WfwCYF5QM

Here are a few pictures from our dive.

Highlight of all of dives was getting so close

to a nurse shark that was sleeping. 

A large eel that is not under a rock.

The Soul of an Octopus

"By entering it, you are bathed in a grace and power you don't experience in air.  To dive beneath the surface feels like entering the Earth's vast, dreaming subconscious.  Submitting to it's depth, it's currents, its pressure, is both humbling and freezing."

Sy is absolutely one of the most creative writers I have read.  She has the ability to take an entire book about the world of an octopus and captivate my heart.   She discovers the emotional and physical world of an octopus.  They are complex and determined creatures.  Some are so complex and brilliant that researchers have to create complex activities for these creatures in captivity to keep them from escaping their aquariums.   An octopus has 50 to 75 lobes in their brain where a human has 4 lobes.   One octopus in her book had three individuals giving her attention but she was able to steal the entire bucket of fish without them knowing until it was too late.   Did you know that an octopus can camouflage itself at least 177 times in an hour.

  

Sy truly immerses herself into her writing and not only does she write about these creatures but helped me to understand them.  To see how they love and feel emotions by their responses.   An octopus is so different from a human but yet seems to have the emotional abilities and connections that a dog or human can have.  Even though an octopus has blue blood because it uses cooper not iron to carry it's oxygen, it still seems to connect with people.  While an octopus is a curious creature, I am curious to learn even more about this fantastic creature.  I am certified to dive and I am going to have to do some night diving to see if I can explore the octopus in his world.     If you love the ocean and the creatures that live in it, this is a definite read!!

I read this book during the #borrowathon.  Here is a link to the BookTube video of my #borrowathon wrap up and it includes a video at the end from my son and I diving in Cozumel. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1WfwCYF5QM

Here are a few pictures from our dive.

Highlight of all of dives was getting so close

to a nurse shark that was sleeping. 

A large eel that is not under a rock.

Death Thieves

Extraordinary Futuristic World Building

Death Thieves - No Spoiler Review

Can our past change our future?   This is a sci-fi book that certainly makes your think about that question.   Summer Dawn Rae and Winter Eve Rae (I totally love their names) are twin sisters.  They have grown up in foster care and moved from home to home.  They finally go live with their Aunt Theresa and their Uncle.   Summer is very strong and independent, but certainly lives life to the fullest and may often cause torment in her own life and those around her.  Winter works hard in her life at following the rules and succeeding in school.   Summer loves and admires her sister and is often times her protector no matter the cost.    Summer has felt for some time that someone has been following her but can't figure out who.   As she sneaks out with her boyfriend, a truck hits them and Summer dies in the crash.  However, Tag, the one following her, takes her just before she died in the car accident to the future.  

This future world is a world where individuals cannot have children and is slowly ending.   Summer is a "Rae of hope" for this futuristic world.    I did feel that this book begins a little slow and you may want to put the book down but DON'T.   The character building that takes place in the beginning of the book is important.   There are so many wonderful twists that you will want to keep reading.   The characters and the world building are wonderful.  There are a few characters that we don't know a lot about but it did not leave me questioning their role in the book.   The plot and some of the twist and turns will make you stop and think.   Julie did a fantastic job with her creative writing in this book.  The futuristic world she created seems very believable and acceptable. 

There is minimal romance in the book.   Once you get about a third of the way through the book, it picks up pace and is very hard to put down.   One thing I didn't like is that the world building was so slow and wonderful but the ending was too quick and felt a little rushed.  However, I did enjoy the ending and maybe I was just sad that the book was over verses it ending too soon.   This is certainly a futuristic book with time travel.  Could this world that Julie has created ever be possible?

I did  receive this book for an honest review from e-books. 

Genesis Girl

Genesis Girl is a Brilliant and Enthralling Book

Review with No Spoilers

Genesis Girl is a wonderful new spin on our world of technology and how it controls our lives and what would happen if it were different.  I could not put down this book and it was certainly a page-turner for me.   The anticipation to get to the end and see how it ended was wonderful.   Blanca is the main character and she is loyal and follows all the rules.   Blanca lived in a world without any technology or exposure to the technology.   She doesn't have an "internet footprint" until a blogger takes her pictures and post it online.  The blogger's father purchases Blanca trying to rekindle his relationship with his son.  Seth is the opposite of Blanca and follows only his own rules that benefit his life.   Seth seems to be a giant grizzly bear but yet he is just a big teddy bear interior.  Blanca could initially seem wishy-washy because she is influenced by everyone else's opinion. As Blanca begins to discover more of the world she is living in, she becomes so strong and begins to think for herself.   Blanca realizes that the world is different and that relationships and choices actually matter.  

I love the whole idea of this book.  I have watched my kids become consumed by technology and how it controls their lives.    This book touches on the dangers of technology and the internal struggles it has on our lives.   I really enjoyed reading this book and can't wait for her second book, "Damaged Goods" to come out in January 2017 to see how Blanca and Seth's story continues.
I did receive this book for an honest review from e-books.  

Doodletopia Fairies

Doodletopia Fairies

Who wouldn't smile when they saw a fairy.  Fairies are magical creatures and explore a fun side of creativity.   Doodletopia Fairies helps one to explore how to draw a fairy from their wings to their magical world.   I am certainly not an artist but I sure do like to pretend like I am.  I enjoy crafting and scrapbooking and often try to paint and draw.  That's why this book was so much fun.   Millions of adults and kids around the world love to color inside the lines or at least attempt to.  With this book I was not only able to paint but attempted to draw the lines for me to paint  inside of.  I could take the basic design which helps you indicate the size and scale as well as fairy features, clothes, and magical creatures and houses.   This book gives great advice and allows your creative side to explode. 

Often times as adults we might begin to sweat or run away from drawing or coloring.  Most people seem to deny their creative and artistic talents and don't even attempt to try and often make excuses.   I love the fantasy-inspired pages of this book and the wonderful instruction should help any adult or child overcome their excuses and begin drawing.   The beautiful thing is that your art may not be ready for publication but it can certainly make you and your family smile.  That's exactly what happened at my house.  It does help that my 10 year old thinks that all my art is wonderful but it still made me smile.  

This book will help you overcome your fear and the scribbles that you might attempt on a page from your imagination or memory.  The instruction will help you to learn to draw and shows you the steps and examples of how to draw the fairies.   In the 2 examples above, I used watercolor (140 lb paper) to begin.  You could use any type of paper but I really wanted to paint so this is what I chose.  I used my 36 count Kuretake watercolor paints and a couple of aquabrushes to paint with.  I love the hi-polymer erasers and will eraser any mistake.  I also use the Copic and Micron .03 pen for outlining.   I highly enjoyed my time drawing and painting and can't wait to try more attempts. 

I did receive this book for an honest review and I would highly recommend it for anyone that works to open up their creativity and have fun.  

Everything Everything

No Spoiler Review for Everything Everything

Oh my goodness, I absolutely adored this book.  Yes I am over 40 and still love a YA contemporary novel when it is really well written.   Nicola Yoon did a fantastic job in writing and creating these characters.   I felt a connection to the story and was totally captivated to the very end.  So much so that I read the book in one day.  

This book is about Madeline Whittier and how she is allergic to EVERYTHING.   She has had very little contact with the outside world for the past 17 years, except for her mom and her nurse, Carla.   Until one day, she notices a young man who moved in across the street from her house.   Olly is a tall, lean young man who seems to wear all black everyday.   Madeline is totally and completely enchanted and captivated by Olly.   In fact, I love this quote from the book.   "Me in love would be like being a food critic with no taste buds.  It would be like being a color-blind painter.  It would be like -"  "Like skinny-dipping by yourself."   This book totally made me smile and simply enjoy reading a book.

  

I love how the story is told in this novel.  Nicola Yoon uses several different types of media to tell her story.  There are medical records, diary entries, drawing, emails and a variety of other medias used to tell the story.  It not only kept the story interesting but made it an enjoyable and quick read.   I also love how Madeline is an avid reader and she talks about several books that she has read throughout the book.  

Lastly, I am going to leave you with another large quote from the book that will surely make you smile. 

"You're born.  You get thrown onto this crazy contraption called life that just goes around and around."
"People are the luggage in this theory?"  .....
.."Sometimes you fall off prematurely.  Sometimes you get so damaged by other pieces of luggage falling on your head that you don't really function anymore.  Sometimes you get lost or forgotten and go around forever and ever."  

This conversation continues and is really funny but kind of true to life.   If you want an enjoyable read that is quick and fun then Everything Everything is a must read.  I simply could not wait for her second book to be returned at my local library that I ordered the book and will dive into it as soon as it gets here!  

Let me know if you have read this book and what your thoughts are.  Don't forget to subscribe to receive future reviews and blog posts.   

I also have a BookTube Channel where I discuss books https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIKoNZRJObeMJXNPKKMi3PA

OMG Kawaii

Review of OMG Kawaii: Kawaii Coloring Book

by LightBurst Media

What a wonderful surprise to receive this "Oh So Fun" coloring book for review.   There were so many different options for coloring.  You could color an ornate and detailed page or a very simple page like the coffee cup or sushi page.   Here is a teaser video with the coloring pages in OMG Kawaii  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhxWLL_QOoY.

This book has 35 fantastic pages for you to color and simply unwind.  The vivid illustrations help to clear your mind and totally relax while coloring.   It certainly helps to explore your artistic ability.   Besides, there is no right or wrong way to color.  That is what is so much fun.  To simply be creative.  Sushi could be bright colors and so can coffee (or tea which is what I prefer).   Just use your imagination and the possibilities are endless.  

I used a variety of medias while coloring.  First I received this coloring book as a digital download and printed the pages on 28 lb. media paper.   To color the coffee mugs I used the brights and regular color Crayola markers.  The unicorn drawing I used the 64 pack of Crayola crayons.  The fairy coloring page is used the Artist Loft Watercolor Markers from Michaels.  I did not apply any water because I don't think the paper could handle the color.   For the donut coloring page I used the 50 count Crayola Super Tip Markers which come in a variety of colors.  For the candy page I used the 50 count Crayola Color Pencils.  The sushi coloring page I used Spectrum Noir markers which are a water-based marker and don't blend through as much.   

I would highly recommend this coloring book.  Life is so busy and sometimes we need to just slow down and enjoy the simpler things in life.   Not only will the coloring books help to ignite your creative side but it should also bring a smile to your face or maybe make you Laugh Out Loud at your creation.  Either way, it brings shear joy to anyone's life at any age.   This book can be purchased on Amazon for $7.99.    Enjoy and take time to Color On. 

The Girl with all the gifts

No Spoiler Review of The Girl with all the Gifts

 

Melanie is definitely a special 10 year old.  She lives on a military base, "where every morning she waits in her cell to be collected for class.  When they come for her, Sergeant Parks keeps his gun pointing at her while two of his people strap her into the wheelchair.  She thinks they don't like her."  This is a quote from the book.    Melanie enjoys going to class though especially when Miss. Justinueau is her teacher.  Miss Justinueau tales storys to the kids about Pandora, Winnie the Pooh and a multitude of other tales.   The kids enjoy when she is there verses some of the other teachers.   Some of the other characters are Dr. Caldwell, who is a scientist, and only cares about anything that will further her research.   Sergeant Parks is certainly the stern military presence.  

 

The world building in this book is pretty good.  I certainly could imagine what was going on throughout the entire book.  I did listen to this book on audio through my public library.   The characters were pretty well developed, except a few that were pretty much there for plot changes. 

 

I do feel like this book is longer than it needed to be.  I became really bored a little more than half way through and did not feel like it added anything to the story.  The ending of the book was probably the only way the book could end and wasn't a huge surprise.  I did feel that the language throughout the book was unnecessary and really did not add anything to the character building.   As a mother, I'm not sure that I would let my younger teenager kids read this book.  It would have to be a case by case situation and their maturity.   There is also a lot of violence and situations where it could be too much for younger kids.

 

Overall, I'm not sure what I was expecting.  I picked this book up because I saw they were making it into a movie and wanted to read the book first.   However, I am not sure at this point that I have any desire to see the movie.   Curious to know what you think of the book or if you have seen the movie?

Laugh out Loud

Laugh Out Loud Moment

Do you have those days where you know you just totally made someone else's day and it makes you smile.  Well I don't know that that really happened yesterday but I want to believe that it did.  Let's just say that I was totally jamming to what my 13 year would listen to on the radio and may have been singing with a little dancing while driving.   The problem was we then stopped at a red light and I might have continued.   Now one would think that a 40 plus woman would not act like her 13 year old daughter but yes I did.   Well, I looked over at the car next to me and noticed that the man and woman were smiling actually they may have been laughing.   So in that moment one has 2 responses.  The first response could be to be highly embrassed, stop dancing, and maybe try to run the red light just to escape the embrassament.   However, my choice and favorite option was to smile really big, turn the music up louder and keep on singing and dancing.   I view this incident as a I made their day moment or I at least made them laugh out loud!  We all need that sometimes.  Life is hard and we get caught up and day to day rountines and sometimes we simply forget to dance and laugh out loud.

I think I make my kids laugh out loud frequently.   I do enjoy life and want to have joy each and everyday.  I can pretend that I live in my own fairy tale called life.   Sometimes we get to change the direction a story is going or sometimes we can just dance.   I hope that you have a day filled with laugh out loud moments and that you simply dance.

My Love is Blue

No Spoiler Review for
                                My Love is Blue

"His scenes were magnetic and deep". This quote from the book pretty much sums up how I feel about the book. I absolutely loved this book. I was totally captivated to this powerful and deep meaning book that I could not put it down. This is pretty much Emma's story and how she deals with the lost of Julian and other events that have occurred in her life. She is an artist and paints on one layer after another trying to conceal the grief and pain in her life and to kept Julian closer to her.   She needs money to pay her rent and she is forced to help outspoken yet charismatic Officer Grayson Tate learn how to draw and paint.   When an art fraud ring is discovered, Emma is forced out of her comfort zone has to take back her life and her future.

This book is beautifully written and covers topics from depression, suicide, grief and has some mystery and romance too. It will grab you as a reader and swoop you off your feet onto an emotional and powerful journey.

I not only give this book 5 stars for the writing and content but the cover should receive another 5 stars. Absolutely amazing and totally tells a story from the cover. I want to own a physical copy of this book and read it again and again. You just have to read the entire story and the colorful picture that Rosemary Danielis paints in the end is breathtaking!

Some of my other favorite quotes from the book are as follows:
"Painting is more like deep water diving. The colors call to the canvas, the brush takes my hand and I'm pulled in, under, swallowed whole."

"Don't think so hard. Just react. Find something that grabs you."

"Depression is a persistent and skillful liar that lures you away from the truth and those who love you."


I received this book for an honest review.

Fall of Lord Drayson

No Spoiler Review for 
                                       The Fall of Lord Drayson

I absolutely adored this book by Rachel Anderson.  I did receive this book for an honest review.   This was my first book to read by Rachel Anderson and cannot wait to read some of her other books. I felt as though I were reading another version of Gone with the Wind but with more laughter.    It was a fun and carefree book which made me smile just about the entire time I read the book.  

Lucy and her mom live on the property of Lord Drayson which he recently acquired after his fathers death.   However, he is ready to sell the property which means that Lucy and her mom will have to find another place to live but do not have the means to find another house.   Lucy's mom had an agreement with Lord Drayson's father but Lord Drayson was not concerned with their agreement.   Lucy did not like Lord Drayson's sudden appearance and when he left and was injured, Lucy decided to deceive him with her "creative truth telling" or maybe it was just a "plunker" of a lie!

Lucy is a delightful, gutsy, spunky, and lovable young lady.   Her helper Georgina was also a doll.  Georgina and Lucy were so close and their relationship was honest, fun and super lovable.   Georgina was funny and even though her lines in the book were written in slang it added character to the book.   Colin and Lord Drayson, while they were the same individual, had totally different characters.   I admired Colin but really did not like Lord Drayson in the beginning.  However, I grew to see his heart and I quickly changed my mind about Lord Drayson.    The entangled banter between Lucy and Colin totally had me laughing out loud and I simply could not put the book down until it was over.   In fact, I do believe I was captivated till the end.  Even though I figured I could guess how the book would end,  I simply did not want to think about it ending.  

The Fall of Lord Drayson never lacked plot or character building throughout the book and was just a fun and carefree read.   I can't wait to read any future books from Rachel Anderson.

Stalking Jack the Ripper

Stalking Jack the Ripper - No Spoiler Book Review
By Kerri Maniscalco

I absoluetely loved this book.   I rated this book 4.5 stars.   Audrey Rose Wadsworth is the spit fire daughter of a Lord and while there are certain expectation on her all she can think about is going to her Uncles Lab and cutting into the next cadaver.  Every since Lucy's mom passed away she is bent on trying to identify death and how someone died.   Once they begin realizing that their is a murderer that is causing all their victims to die, Audrey gets involved in the investigation.   Audrey is strong-minded and unwavering in her search for Jack the Ripper even dressed in her pretty Victorian dresses.  "I was determined to be both pretty and fierce, as Mother had said I could be."   "I was beautiful and dangerous at once."   These are both quotes from the book and sum up Audrey Rose without a doubt.   She goes seeking the killer and discovers the truth.

It is a tale of many tales for sure.  Thomas is very interesting and certainly takes on his own tale of Sherlock Holmes.   He investigates the crimes and definetely makes the book even more interesting.   This horrifying tale lures you in and is amzaing how entralled I became in reading this story.  The twist that Audrey looks like a prestine young lady but all she can think about is the lastest victim and the scapel to discover how they died is intriguing.   There is humor to break up the thrilling and chilling tale.  

This is the first book in a series and each book will be a stand alone.  I cannot wait for her to write another book and for me to have the opportunity to read it!!!!  The writing was wonderful and the characters were well developed.  All the old pictures throughout the book and the blood splatters on the chapter title page added so much more to the book.   Everyone should pick this book up!!

Hello!

Hello!!

I am so glad that you stopped by my blog.   I am totally new to blogging and I am sure that my blog will continue to change as I actually discover how to blog.   I want to share my crazy life with all our fun adventures and everyday ups and downs.  I also want to share my crazy obsession with crafting, scrapbooking, sewing, and reading!

Well today is November 1st and I do not know where the time has gone.   As I was sitting at soccer tonight with a book across my lap and watching my girls play I was creatively thinking it is time to start sharing our adventure and time to start blogging.   I am not a writer let me begin saying.   I can think creatively and often times think outside the box and just simply want to share my thoughts and our adventures.   I am a mom of 5 wonderful and crazy kids and a wife to a hard working husband.   I feel that I often wear many hats and so many times I don't know what hat I am supose to be wearing.   But I have come to realize that that is ok.   I am imperfect and will continue to strive each day to live the fairy tale called "My Life".

I will post throughout the week about daily life just for my own keepsake and journal and whoever else would like to share in our adventure.  I will also post book reviews, my lastest crafted items and whatever else I just need to share with whoever will listen.

I will keep it short today but will include a few pictures from soccer tonight and one of the halloween costumes that was created last minute for my little emoji loving child.    I also can't leave out my 3 furry children, Boomer, Bella, and Biscuit!   Thanks for stopping by.