Showing posts with label Books Movies and TV. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Books Movies and TV. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Love the Home You Have

Let's be real today. Raise your hand if you often find yourself comparing your home to those of your friends, favorite bloggers, or the ones you see in magazines or on Pinterest. Do you look around your toy-strewn, goldfish crumb encrusted family room and say to yourself, "That's it. I'm done. My dream home is never going to happen, so I just give up."? It's okay to admit it...because I'm raising my hand too! I want to share with you about Love the Home You Have, a new book by Melissa Michaels of The Inspired Room, and how it inspired me. I hope it will inspire you too!
"Love the Home You Have" a review of Melissa Michaels' inspiring new book...at Serenity Now


I rarely give a book its own review here on the blog, and I should note that this is not a sponsored post. Melissa didn't ask me to promote her book. She gifted me with a copy, and the second I finished up a book club read and put kid #3 down for a nap, I tore into the book.

First reaction?

Wow, she gets me!

I wanted to share about it with you because today is the official release day for Love the Home You Have, and if you struggle with finding contentment with your home, you need this book!

There are tooooons of housie books out there. Most of them are filled with jaw-dropping, glowing photos of homes so perfect that it makes your heart ache. Some have tutorials for DIY projects that cost money you might not have. They're fun to pore over during naptime, but they can also lead to frustration. 

So what do you do when you live in a home that doesn't quite live up to your expectations, and you lack the resources to transform it into one of those show homes you drool over in the housie books?

You see, according to Melissa, it's really a matter of the heart!

When I was finished reading Love the Home You Have, the book was so filled with highlighted advice, tips, and encouragement, that I should have just doused the whole thing in yellow marker. 

Melissa doesn't just fill the book with witty sayings, pictures, and Bible verses. (There are some lovely, whimsical illustrations that you can download as printables here-under "Downloads") She offers practical, real-life suggestions to help you see your home with new eyes. Once you understand that "creating a beautiful home is not about presenting a perfect image to the world," you can work to create an authentic home...right where you are!

Melissa shares tips on:
  • Hospitality
  • Clearing clutter
  • Finding a cleaning routine that works for you
  • Decorating 
  • Taking the leap from "dreamer to doer"
One of the things I really appreciated was that Melissa includes questions at the end of the chapter to make you dig a little deeper. And there's a special 31 Day "Love Your Home" Challenge at the end of the book. I'm planning on starting tomorrow!

Love the Home You Have takes the reader full circle...a thoughtful, authentic, gentle reminder that whether you live in a magazine feature home or a 1970s fixer upper (like me), a true dream home doesn't exist without contentment. 
Do you struggle with being content with your home? A review of "Love the Home You Have"

I'll leave you with some food for thought today...the first quote Melissa included in the book:

"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have." -Frederick Keonig
Struggle with contentment and your home? Review of the new book "Love the Home You Have"


Watch the book trailer below:


Love The Home You Have from The Inspired Room on Vimeo.

Get the book on Amazon here. They also have a kindle version, but I prefer paperback or hardback for books that I want to take lots of notes on. I'm waiting with baited breath for the next book in her series!!

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Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Encouraging Your Child to Read {Kindle FreeTime Unlimited}


Did you know that March is National Reading Month? The folks at Amazon are working with the National PTA, Amazon's Kindle, and the new FreeTime Unlimited program to foster a love of reading and learning in kids everywhere. I'm also going to share a few tips on how to encourage your child to read today.
Tips for Encouraging Your Child to Read, from Serenity Now blog


I've shared a little bit about my own struggles with my oldest, now nine years old. Story time was special for us, but like her mother (ahem, that would be me), she was initially very frustrated when it was time to learn to read on her own. If it didn't happen perfectly, the first time, she didn't want anything to do with it! There was an interest in the stories, but she didn't want to put the work in to read them herself. Fast forward two years, and she's now reading several grade levels ahead. They actually stopped testing her reading level because she's doing so well this year.

I don't say that to brag, but to encourage any moms or dads out there who may be worried about their child's progress. If my highly stubborn, cranky-about-reading-daughter can be transformed into a total bookworm, there is hope for you!
Tips for Encouraging Your Child to Read, from Serenity Now blog


Amazon knows all about reluctant readers, and they're making it easier on parents with their Kindle e-reader...just $79...and their new Kindle FreeTime Unlimited program, subscriptions starting at $2.99 a month!

My girls were beyond thrilled when a Kindle showed up at our door a couple of weeks ago. Here's what we love....


KINDLE:
  • Easily look up definitions to words, building their vocabulary
  • Love the Vocabulary Builder – which stores words that kids look up and allows them to quiz themselves with flash cards – and Word Wise, which provides short and simple definitions above difficult words as they’re reading along
  • Small and compact. No big unwieldy screen to tangle with. 
  • Carry their favorite books with them in one spot--with Spring Break approaching, this makes road trips easier to pack for! No lugging a bag of books with us
  • You can download books from your local library
  • Amazon also has a wonderful free books section for Kindle. I found Tom Sawyer, The Secret Garden, and Treasure Island...downloaded them for free!
  • No distractions- there are no extra apps, movies, or games on the Kindle. Just reading!
FREETIME UNLIMITED:

  • Unlimited access to hundreds of hand-picked chapter books and early-readers
  • Curated for age appropriateness
  • Easy to log in and browse titles (early readers, can search by character or theme with photos)
  • Just click on the book title/cover and it's downloaded into your child's FreeTime Unlimited profile!
  • Subscriptions start at just $2.99 a month. 

Note: FreeTime Unlimited also includes access to apps and videos, but I was unable to review this portion of the service because it is only compatible with Fire tablets and Fire TV.
Tips for Encouraging Your Child to Read, from Serenity Now blog

My conclusion? If you don't need or care for the apps and videos, the regular Kindle is an excellent way to encourage your kids to grow their reading skills. And incredibly affordable! With the FreeTime Unlimited, my girls have the freedom to choose which (age appropriate) books they want to browse and read. OR, I can go in and choose books for them.

Now...for my tips on encouraging reading!
Tips for Encouraging Your Child to Read, from Serenity Now blog

I may go into more detail in another post (and some of this I've touched on before), but here are a few tips and strategies that have worked for us:
  • Start early
The earlier the better! Experts recommend reading aloud to your little one every day for 20 minutes...from birth. As a mom of three, I don't think this is always possible. But I do try to set aside time with my youngest (15 months old) to read a few well-loved baby books. I credit reading to my older two from a very young age with sparking their interest in reading.
  • Be a teacher
When your little one hits the preschool/Pre-K years, take a few minutes every day during quiet time to practice letters and sounds. You can find flashcards online, in book stores, big box retailers, etc. This is key to what comes next...recognizing those letters and sounds and putting them together. Later on, use those few minutes to do sight words on flash cards.
  • Find a tutor
This was a toughie for my oldest, since she was starting to get embarrassed about her reading skills. (not surprising, since getting her to work on sight words and simple reading was like pulling teeth) My husband and I finally put our feet down and sent her to a tutor that my mom recommended. The tutor had years of experience with reluctant readers, and had all sorts of fun games and exercises to grow Natalie's reading skills.
  • The Twenty Minute Rule
You can read more about the twenty minute rule, and why I think it's important here (it's twenty five for us). In short, setting a consistent "no TV/movies/gaming/electronics" until you've read for twenty minutes keeps your child's skills sharp. This was a great way to back up all the skills Natalie was learning in her tutoring sessions.
  • Audio Books
Audio books are a fantastic way to whet your kids' appetite for a good story! I found that my middle daughter could listen to books like The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; Henry Huggins, A Little Princess, etc. and comprehend most of the story if I just stopped and asked questions and explained every now and then. You can find more on audio book suggestions and ideas here or here.
  • Make it Fun
Find some "out of the box" ideas that you can pair with reading time. Start a neighborhood "book club" with a few friends and host with snacks, an activity, and maybe a small craft. Ask lots of questions, act out parts of the book, or share favorite scenes. Encourage your little artist to start a book journal...they can illustrate their favorite chapter, write a summary, write a letter to the author, and pen their own novel!
  • Talk to the Teacher
If your son or daughter is struggling with reading, but enjoys electronics, ask about any school sponsored online programs that they can log onto at home to practice their skills. I personally love that the Kindle offers badges for readers who complete their reading goals!

Most importantly, set a good example for your kids! If they see you reading, if you spend time together reading or listening to classic stories, they'll see a glimpse into the amazing, creative world that is waiting for them.

Getting over the initial hump of resistance can be difficult, but once your son or daughter discovers a love of knowledge, imagination, and experiences, it will be hard to quell. There are nights that I have to be stern with Natalie about shutting her book and going to bed!
Tips for Encouraging Your Child to Read, from Serenity Now blog
Tips to Encourage the Reluctant Reader in Your Home, from Serenity Now


Do you have any tips for encouraging reading in your home?


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I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Spring Reading List {2015}

In Virginia, Spring Break is timed around Easter, so it's quickly approaching. I thought it would be fun to share my Spring Reading List for 2015 with you today. I've already read a few of these books, but am including them since they did not make it on the Winter Reading List.
A great list of must-read books, perfect for Spring Break! {from Serenity Now}


I'm excited about these titles...I've spent most of my free time reading lately...instead of blogging. With stomach bugs, colds, flu, and viruses making the rounds in our house, I've felt like escaping into a good story at night instead of writing and editing. Here are some of the books I'll be reading this season. 

Unbroken- Laura Hillenbrand

Confession: I finished this yesterday. Had to read it quickly because it's due back at the library, and is a highly sought after book. You may have seen previews for the Angela Jolie-directed film based on the book. It's the true story of Louie Zamperini, an Olympian, American solider, and survivor of Japanese POW camps during World War Two. 

It is one of the most inspiring personal stories I've ever read. Ever. A true testament to the human will, written with an almost cinematic quality to it!

Love the Home You Have- Melissa Michaels

Planning on starting this one tomorrow, and will share a review next week! Just browsing the table contents told me that this book was going to be a must-read for me...and anyone else who struggles with loving their home, just as it is...no comparisons, no wishing for more. 

The Girl on the Train- Paula Hawkins

Book club read for April...finished this one too, and it was a really good read! I love a good "whodunnit". Follows a girl who takes a daily commuter train and sees something suspicious...but is her witness reliable?

The Secret Life of Violet Grant- Beatriz Williams

I loved A Hundred Summers, so I have high hopes for this one. It's billed as a beach tale full of history and family intrigue. 

From Amazon: "Passion, redemption, and a battered suitcase full of secrets: the New York Times-bestselling author of A Hundred Summers returns with another engrossing tale."

Bitter Greens- Kate Forsyth

In short, a retelling of the Rapunzel story. I mean, how could it not be good???

The Emperor's Children- Claire Messud

A chronic judge-a-book-by-the-cover-reader, I picked this one because it looked nice. Amazon lists it as a novel that follows the lives of three friends in good old New York City.

Tyringham Park- Rosemary McLoughlin

The cover looks like Downton Abbey.

Amazon says, "Tyringham Park is the Blackshaws’ magnificent country house in the south of Ireland. It is a haven of wealth and privilege until its peace is shattered by a devastating event which reveals the chaos of jealousy and deceit beneath its surface."


Lisette's List- Susan Vreeland

I spotted this one at the library and snatched it up. Amazon calls it "a richly imagined story of a woman’s awakening in the south of Vichy France—to the power of art, to the beauty of provincial life, and to love in the midst of war."

These should keep me busy for a couple of weeks. I'm sure I'll have a whole new list for you soon!

What's on your Spring Reading List? Please share titles in the comments section!

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Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Winter Reading List {2015}

One of the things I love to do on the blog is share my current reading lists. The weather has been frigid here in Virginia lately. Makes me want to curl up under a big blanket with the dogs and read all day...except I have, you know, three kids and laundry and meals to cook and I like to watch The Bachelor on Monday nights. So I save my reading for before bed, but I try to fit in some time when I can. Here's my Reading List for Winter 2015! 
Find a great list of books to read this winter--at Serenity Now!



Small Victories: Spotting Improbable Moments of Grace -Anne Lamott
This one is our January pick for book club this month. It must be pretty good because I've been on the library wait list since November!! 

From Amazon: "Our victories over hardship and pain may seem small, she writes, but they change us—our perceptions, our perspectives, and our lives. Lamott writes of forgiveness, restoration, and transformation, how we can turn toward love even in the most hopeless situations, how we find the joy in getting lost and our amazement in finally being found."

Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons (Ballantine Reader's Circle)  -Lorna Landvik

Landvik's book is my pick for the February meeting of book club, and I'm really psyched to read it. It looks like a fun read...a nice mix of friendship, poignancy, and humor. Right up my alley!

From Amazon: "Sometimes life is like a bad waiter—it serves you exactly what you don’t want. The women of Freesia Court have come together at life’s table, fully convinced that there is nothing good coffee, delectable desserts, and a strong shoulder can’t fix. Laughter is the glue that holds them together—the foundation of a book group they call AWEB—Angry Wives Eating Bon Bons—an unofficial “club” that becomes much more. It becomes a lifeline."

The Apple Orchard (Bella Vista)  -Susan Wiggs

I finished this one and the sequel (listed below) in a few days. Compelling story that touches on the Danish Resistance Movement during World War II, it's set in modern-day California (Sonoma). I could picture everything...great descriptions. A fun read without being too syrupy sweet.

From Amazon: "#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs brings readers into the lush abundance of Sonoma County, in a story of sisters, friendship and the invisible bonds of history that are woven like a spell around us."

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Good Christmas Books to Read

If you read my post yesterday about celebrating the Christmas season in a simpler way, you'll know I suggested taking the time to read a good book by the Christmas tree. I did just that last night. After reading a Dave Barry Christmas story, I thought I'd share a short list of some good Christmas books.

The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog- Dave Barry

This is the Christmas book I read last night. At just 117 pages, it's a quick read, but so worth the time. Set in the 1960s, you are definitely transported back to a simpler era. The twist is that it's written from the perspective of Doug Barnes, a young boy. With Barry's typical sense of humor layering the story, you'll remember the whimsy and wonder of the season.

Skipping Christmas- John Grisham


I read this one every year at Christmastime. The movie (starring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis) is cute, but the book really captures the humor of the story. It reads quickly as well...not a tedious novel to get through at all.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever- Barbara Robinson


This one's for kids! I remember a teacher reading this to our class in elementary school, and also watching the TV special several years at school during Christmastime. This one is laugh-out-loud funny. There are a few words I edited out when reading the book out loud to my kiddos, but they loved it!

The Berenstain Bears' Christmas Tree- Stan and Jan Berenstain


If you grew up on Berenstain Bears books like I did, you may remember this one. I have my original copy, and my children love this one. It's written in verse, and the illustrations are just as sweet as I remember as a child.

Here's a quote from The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog that seems fitting, considering yesterday's post and my efforts to enjoy the season without all the blog stress:

"I really like Christmas Eve. I think I like it even more than Christmas Day. On Christmas Day, you get to open your presents and see what you got, but you also know that Christmas is starting to be over for a year, and by nighttime some of the stuff you got is already broken. But on Christmas Eve, all the tree lights are on and carols are playing and people are saying "Merry Christmas," and everything is about to happen, but it didn't happen yet. That's the best time of the year."

That pretty much sums it up, doesn't it?

I'd love to know what some of your favorite Christmas books are!


*As always, please be sure to Pin from the original source, unless you want to Pin the main "round-up" image to keep this post for future reference.

If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I hope you'll click your "Pin It" button to add this post to Pinterest, or a +1 for Google+. And I always appreciate kind comments.

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Thursday, October 30, 2014

Best Pregnancy and Parenting Books {Must Have List}

Last week, we opened up the Mommy's Must Haves series with a list of essential items for your first trimester. (You can view the whole series here) One of the things I mentioned was using your first trimester to get a hard start on all that reading! This week, I'm going to share some of my favorite pregnancy and parenting books.
Mommy's Must Have series from a Mom of Three! at Serenity Now

Remember, this series is based on what worked for me...I'm a mom of three little ones, so I've had a chance to read a lot, choose the methods I like, and discover what works for our family. What I found to be informative or useful might not work out for you. The key is to learn as much as you can and try out new things until you find your groove! Please no rude comments about how you dislike a certain parenting style or method. Those will be deleted right away.
Best Pregnancy and Baby/Parenting Book List: Mommy's Must Have series from a Mom of Three! at Serenity Now #pregnancy #baby #pregnancytips


What to Expect When You're Expecting- Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel
One of the long-time "pregnancy Bibles" for expecting moms. I've seen this book discouraged on some blogs for being too "Debbie Downer," but I'll give the authors props for being thorough. There are so so sooo many questions women have during pregnancy (especially their first), and this book really covers all the bases. My best advice for this book? Don't skip the part on cesarean sections, thinking it won't apply to you. The nurse that led our childbirth class said the same thing when I was expecting my first, and of course I didn't listen. Three c-sections later, I'm a pro, but I do wish I had been more informed going in.

Your Pregnancy Week by Week- Glade P. Curtis and Judith Schuler 
I referenced this one quite a bit during my first pregnancy because I loved reading weekly updates.

Baby Bargains- Denise Fields and Alan Fields
If you're a first time mama and have no clue what kind of gear you need, where to get it for a good price, and what to buy, this is a good one to pick up. I remember doing a lot of research on pack 'n plays, carseats, and strollers with this one.

The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy- Vicki Iovine
Reads exactly as if you are listening to a funny, honest, and experienced mom friend. She gives practical advice and talks about things your doc doesn't usually get to during those routine appointments. A great balance of funny and poignant.

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding- La Leche League International and Diane Wiessinger 
T's cousin recommended this one to me when I was pregnant with our first. I found a copy in our local thrift shop and found it to be very informative. Unfortunately, breastfeeding doesn't work out for every mom (and it's okay!!!!), so I worry that this book might cause some new moms undue stress or guilt if their breastfeeding experience (or lack of one) doesn't go the way they had planned. Exclusive pumping was not popular when I was doing it, so I wish my copy of the book had been more helpful in that area...perhaps the newer editions do?

What to Expect the First Year- Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel
Like it's counterpart listed above, this is a fabulous, thorough look at a baby's first year. I really really recommend reading the sections on the first three or four months before baby arrives so that you have a little bit of an idea of what to expect. It was even a good refresher for me to read with my second and third pregnancies!

Moms on Call- Jennifer Walker and Laura Hunter (not pictured above, sorry)
I read this one when I was pregnant with baby #3 and loved that they practically lay out everything a new mom needs to know, from how to diaper and how to swaddle, to how to give an infant a bath. They also offer some great schedules to try out, as well as a handy iPhone app!

Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care- Benjamin Spock, M.D.
This book is like the holy grail of information on caring for your baby. It may be old, but Dr. Spock's book has been in print for more than 50 years, so clearly something is working. I remember that my mom had a copy of this in our bathroom drawer! The most recent editions have also been updated along with current advances in health.

Sippy Cups are Not for Chardonnay- Stefanie Wilder-Taylor
A very humorous look at parenting an infant!

The Diaper Diaries- Cynthia L. Copeland
Another humorous read that will make you smile during those tiring first few weeks. I remember feeling so nervous and strung-out over breast-feeding, lack of sleep, and uncertainty...and this book made me smile. I knew the author "got it."

Note: I save these two for last because they truly saved my life. With my oldest daughter, I was exhausted, hormonal, and totally unsure of what I was doing. Reading these next two books and "editing" things to fit our family made mothering during that first year simpler. I loved having a loose schedule to follow and my daughter thrived as she grew older (seriously, off the charts in percentiles) and I set some "bedtime rules." The way the authors do things may not be for you, but they note that you can tailor things to fit your family, which is what we did. I have three happy, healthy, well-adjusted kids. They eat well and have been sleeping in their own beds with no problems whatsoever since being a few months old. I call that success. (Again, if you're not a fan, you don't need to leave an ugly comment--I will delete it.)

On Becoming Babywise- Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam M.D.
This is book one in a series. Wonderful, practical tips on feeding philosophies, sleep, day time play, healthy baby growth charts, etc. Again, not for everyone...but I have three awesome kids who harbor no ill will towards me for encouraging them to learn to soothe themselves to sleep.

Twelve Hours' Sleep by Twelve Weeks Old: The Baby Sleep Solution- Suzy Giordano and Lisa Abidin
In the haze of not having slept in weeks, I ripped this book off the shelf at our local bookstore when our oldest was a little over a month old. I didn't follow it to the "T" because we stretched things out and tweaked the timeline/scheduling to suit ourselves. But I loved her tips on soothing a fussy baby, keeping a little one awake to feed, etc.

I also wrote a post with the Best Pregnancy Websites and Blogs last year. I do hope you'll check it out!

Hope you find some of these titles helpful and inspiring!


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Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Fall Reading List {2014}

Despite the fact that good Fall TV is back, I have a nice line-up of books for my Fall Reading List to share with you. I have to tell you, the combination of having a baby who goes to bed at 7 pm, sleeps through the night with nary a peep, and the complete and total lack of any interesting summer television (with the obvious exception of ABC's "Bachelor in Paradise") made for some major summer reading.
Fall Reading List {2014} from Serenity Now...some great reads!

While I ended up swapping out some of the books on my Summer Reading List, I read a bunch. I was reminded why I worked for that degree in English, Speech, and Linguistics (my university wouldn't let me major in TV watching; I tried). Reading is fun again, now that I have a little time to do it in the evenings. Please do leave me titles on YOUR list in the comments section!

Here's what's on my list for this fall....

Yes, Please - Amy Poehler
Crossing my fingers that this one is as funny as Tina Fey's Bossy Pants. I'm not usually a fan of memoir, but I love it when they are humorous.

The Shoemaker's Wife- Adriana Irigiani
This is the pick for this month's book club. I like historical fiction, so I'm looking forward to this one. And, seriously, how fab is that red dress?


After Her- Joyce Maynard
Just started this one. I think it's supposed to be murdery, suspensey. I:m not feeling it so far, but I'll keep reading.

Bitter is the New Black - Jen Lancaster
Another memoir, but again with the funny. I've been told this is hilarious, so I better read it fast before it's due back at the library.

Dark Aemelia: A Novel of Shakespeare's Dark Lady - Sally O'Reilly
This one intrigued me. Aemelia Bassano lived in Elizabethan England and was the first woman in England to publish a volume of poetry.

One Lavender Ribbon - Heather Burch
Restoring an old house, old letters, flashbacks...what more could I want?

I have a few others in my library basket that I'm hoping to get to, but this list should keep me busy for awhile.

Have you read any of these? What's on your list? Do share in the comments section!

If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I hope you'll click your "Pin It" button to add this post to Pinterest, or a +1 for Google+. And I always appreciate kind comments.

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Thursday, June 19, 2014

Summer Reading List, 2014

Who's ready for summer reading? I have a reader's dream in my library book basket right now: a stack of really good books, and a kindle paperwhite loaded with 4 or 5 more new books, waiting to be read.

The only catch is that babies don't often grant you leave to read. While I had hours to read at the pool last year while the girls played tea party in the shallow end or risked their lives on the high dive, this year will be spent keeping the little guy from overheating and catering to his every whim and demand. However, babycakes goes to bed at a reasonable hour these days, and since there is no good TV during the summer months, I might just get through this list. At any rate, I thought I'd share some of the books on my Summer Reading List for 2014...maybe you'll find a few good reads to try!

Save the Date- Mary Kay Andrews

Andrews is the queen of the beach read. Easy-to-love characters, funny, great design thrown in...she's my fave! This one is saved on my paperwhite.



The Nesting Place- Myquillyn Smith ("The Nester" from The Nesting Place blog)

A long-time reader, I was so over the moon excited about this book that I managed to purchase a copy at my local bookstore the day before it released. I've been saving it for an afternoon where I can sit with a Coke and a highlighter and just breathe this book in, because I think her message of "it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful" resonates with my soul. It has a prominent spot on my coffee table...I truly can't wait to be able to read this one.



The Fault in Our Stars- John Green

We're doing this one for book club this month, so I better get started. I'm pretty nervous about reading it...my ugly cry leaves something to be desired. I hope it's better than A Walk to Remember



How to Control Your Emotions So They Don't Control You- Brooke McGlothlin

I may or may not fly off the handle from time to time. Excitable personality? Yep, that's me. Looking forward to be inspired by this one. 




The Baker's Daughter- Sarah McCoy



A novel set mostly in the World War 2 era. I like historical fiction.




Wedding Night- Sophie Kinsella

I'm late to the game on this one. I used to love Kinsella's books, but the last few fell flat with me. Going to try this one out.



Written in My Own Heart's Blood- Diana Gabaldon

I read the other books in the Outlander series a few years back and enjoyed them, for the most part. The plot line is really interesting, but I felt like Gabaldon went off on long, long, looong (novel length) tangents that didn't really add much to the story. It felt like a lot to keep up with, and I have a degree in English, Speech, and Linguistics. I'm honestly not even sure about the plot at this point, it's been so long...but I'm gonna read this one, maybe after checking the other books' plots on Wikipedia.



Family Pictures- Jane Green

I read Green's Jemima J. some time ago and really liked it. Hopefully this one is just as good!



The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane- Kelly Harms

Spotted this one at our local library and thought the cover looked fun. Didn't have a chance to read it before it was due and couldn't renew because someone else requested it. Drat! Guess I'm on the request list!


The Accidental Book Club- Jennifer Scott

Saw it in Costco and haven't checked it out from the library yet. Honesty...I liked the cover. And I like my Book Club. Put the two together, and it could be a recipe for a good read. {wink}


Death Comes to Pemberley- P.D. James

Fellow literary nuts might enjoy this one. A murder mystery that draws Jane Austin's famous characters into the story!


A Hundred Summers- Beatriz Williams

Another historical fiction piece. Set during the 1938 hurricane in Rhode Island.

So, what about you? Do you have any good reads on your summer book list? I'd love some more title recommendations...please feel free to share in the comments section!

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