Take Time to Read...

Now that the kids are back to school and our schedule has slowed down abit I'm taking more time in the evenings to read. 

I have just finished this one, an older book but still a good read! 

This is next on my nightstand and I'll start reading it tonight. 

What books can you recommend for me to add to my pile? 

~Better Than Before - A Book Review~

How Do We Change?

Gretchen Rubin's answer: through habits. Habits are the invisible architecture of everyday life. It takes work to make a habit, but once that habit is set, we can harness the energy of habits to build happier, stronger, more productive lives.
 
So if habits are a key to change, then what we really need to know is: How do we change our habits?
 
Better than Before answers that question. It presents a practical, concrete framework to allow readers to understand their habits—and to change them for good. Infused with Rubin’s compelling voice, rigorous research, and easy humor, and packed with vivid stories of lives transformed, Better than Before explains the (sometimes counter-intuitive) core principles of habit formation. 
 
Along the way, Rubin uses herself as guinea pig, tests her theories on family and friends, and answers readers’ most pressing questions—oddly, questions that other writers and researchers tend to ignore: 

• Why do I find it tough to create a habit for something I love to do? 
• Sometimes I can change a habit overnight, and sometimes I can’t change a habit, no matter how hard I try. Why? 
• How quickly can I change a habit? 
• What can I do to make sure I stick to a new habit? 
• How can I help someone else change a habit? 
• Why can I keep habits that benefit others, but can’t make habits that are just for me? 

Whether readers want to get more sleep, stop checking their devices, maintain a healthy weight, or finish an important project, habits make change possible. Reading just a few chapters of Better Than Beforewill make readers eager to start work on their own habits—even before they’ve finished the book.

   ~After reading this and really nit-picking each chapter to see where my faults are, taking the time to think about where I can start to adjust and change some things in my everyday life, This book has been a great tool to re-think how and why I do the things I do. I am certainly growing in my day-to-day life and while the changes are small, they are noticable.~

Have you read this book, if so What chapter made you really think?

What I'm Reading in April

I'm enjoying browsing through these Beautiful pictures in the new Cottage Journal  magazine and the articles are full of some nice decorating ideas. 

Nora Roberts second book in the Cousin O'Dwyer Trilogy has come out, I hope this one is easier to understand the language.

I'm most excited to load up my Kindle Touch with some great Ghost stories to read in the car and late at night though. I love the smell and weight of a good book in my hands but afterwards is becoming a problem, what to do with the book after I'm finished. Our small house is feeling cramped this Spring and my Kindle is helping me with this by storage. 

What are you Reading this month?

Spring Break 2014

So Spring Break 2014 has started with a trip to our local Barnes and Nobles where we let the kids pick out 1 new book to start reading.

Crystal~Sky on Fire

Abby~Wings of Fire

Tank~Jungle of Bones

After the bookstore we drove over to Melbourne Beach for some quick beach time even though we were not really dressed for the beach, sometimes ya just have to go with the flow and have Fun!

In the car and waiting to gas up

Soaked and Happy

So tomorrow is Monday and the kids have the whole week off , gotta make fun plans!

What do You typically plan on Spring Break?

What I'm Reading this Month

I only chose 2 books and 1 magazine to read this month. 

This month will be busy with Tanks 9th Birthday and The American Heiress is almost 500 pages long. 

What are you Reading this Month?

Starter House

In the vein of Heart-Shaped Box and The Thirteenth Tale, Starter House is a haunting and skillfully told debut novel about a newlywed couple and their first home-a home that seems to be haunted by a very malicious ghost

Lacey Miszlak grew up homeless; her crazy mother dragged her from one terrible living situation to the next. But now she thinks the pieces of her life have finally come together. She's pregnant with her first child and she and her husband Eric have moved into the home of their dreams. She knows soon its beautiful sunlit rooms will be filled with the joy of the new family she will build there.


But there's a strange darkness on the stairway and an odd little boy who won't leave Lacey alone and soon she's forced to realize that a danger she never suspected is lurking in the hallways of her beautiful new home. She's going to have to solve a decades-old mystery to save her family from an evil that has lingered in wait for them for years.

~I was very excited when I saw this book and brought it home to read late into the night since I gobble up every haunted house story line that I can find.

I am sad to say that I was a little dismayed at how weak the main character Lacey is. I kept wanting to yell at her for not telling her Husband about most events going on in the house that she was keeping from him.

Even though it didn't keep me reading with chills late into the night, as a light Ghost story it was acceptable and my Daughter is reading it now.~

Have you seen/read any new Horror books?

January~Month in Review

January started slow but it sure amped up with the purchase of this guy!

We are enjoying getting back into the swing of Horse ownership, I'm getting back into nightly habit of driving to the Boarding Stable for nightly stall cleaning. I do really, really miss having our own barn!

Richard has been doing Alot of travel for his work, gone for a whole week at a time, not loving it but it's needed with such a huge project out of state.

The kids are doing okay, nothing huge happened in January and we are ever so Thankful for it.

I did okay with my goal of reading 5 books in the month of january, I was able to read 3. Some weeks we are just so much busier than other weeks. I do try to read atleast 2 chapters are night.

I'm currently burning my Candle that I received for Christmas from an Etsy shop and it smells just like Balsam Fir. Sad to report that my light bulb in my Scentsy warmer died so I'm on the search for someone around here that sells them inorder to replace it, I miss having my Scentsy!

So January was a Happy, busy month for us!

Barnes and Nobles Haul

We went to Barnes and Nobles last night to let the kids pick up one book each. I of course,had to pick up a few books for myself. 

It was nice to see everyone's eyes light up with their choice of books. We have Reading time right before lights out for about an hour and for that hour last night everyone got lost in another land or another time/state and then this morning they shared what they had read so far. 

I can't wait to start reading the ZOO by James Patterson!

What are you reading for the month of Jan.? Do you have any reading goals for 2014?

Forever Friday~ A Book Review

Every Friday, a postcard.
Every Friday, a love poem.
Every Friday for sixty years. 
Adam Colby is just doing his job, sorting through the unsold Alexander belongings after the estate sale. He is unprepared for what he finds in an old photo album, overlooked by the bargain hounds and treasure hunters—six decades of postcards and poems from Gabe Alexander to his wife, Pearl. The mystery of the Alexanders’ love entices Adam, a man unhinged by divorce and puzzled by the depth of commitment that he finds in the unabashedly romantic cards.
 
Forever Friday invites you to travel back in time to the early twentieth century Texas Coastal Bend where a young couple—Gabe and Pearl Alexander—are swept up in a miraculous love. As the heartwarming, pulse-quickening story of their relationship develops through Gabe’s poems, the Alexanders reveal a new way to consider what it means to be truly devoted to each other. Could the secrets of their love affair, laid to rest twenty years ago, hold the key to one man’s future?

I haven't done a Book review in some time, I'm not sure why as I Love to read a chapter or a few at night. I really liked this book. The Romance between Gabe and Pearl was so Sweet and reminded me of " The Notebook" which is probably why I just loved this book. It flipp- flopped between Gabe/Pearl's years in the past and then into Gabe's present. The story line was not hard to follow and I really enjoyed the ending with Gabe's choices.

This book was sent to me for Review.

Comfy Spot

This is my new comfy spot !

I share my comfy chair with Regette, our new-ish kitty. He loves to stare out the window at the birdie who has a nest in the tree right out there. They share a love/hate relationship.

I have filled my bookcase with all of my Nancy Drew books, I have 3 incomplete sets and am always on the lookout to complete at least one. I'm going to re-read them this Summer, it's a tradition!

What Summer Traditions do you have?

I am joining in with these ladies at:

Metamorphosis Monday

MOMumental~ Book Review

One mom's humorous and candid memoir shows would-be supermoms how to create a realistically balanced family life without losing their minds.




~This was a cute book filled with laughable stories that any Mom can relate too. I enjoyed reading this even though my 3 are out of diapers. I have picked up a few good tips here on how to deal with my Tween, which I am glad for!~


Thanks for HandleBar Marketing for sending me this book to read and review, all opinions are my own.

Need You Now- Book Review

Darlene thought moving to a small town would bring their family closer together, but it just might tear them apart.

When big-city life threatens their children's safety, Brad and Darlene Henderson move with their three teenagers from Dallas to the tiny town of Round Top, Texas.

Married life hasn't always been bliss for Brad and Darlene, but their strong faith has carried them through the difficult times. When Darlene takes a job outside the home for the first time in their marriage, the domestic tension rises.

While working with special needs children at her new job, Darlene meets a little boy who steals her heart. His widowed father is paying more attention to her than is probably appropriate. Problem is, she feels like someone is listening for the first time in a long time.

The teens are struggling to adjust to their new, small-town life, especially since it seems all their parents do anymore is fight. And fifteen-year-old Grace is coping in a dangerous and destructive way.

Can Brad and Darlene survive the changes they face within themselves and their marriage . . . and find a way to help their daughter before it's too late?

         ~ This book was fast to read and the plot was easy to follow, it was a good book but one that has been written many times by many other authors. I do like how everything tidied up in the end. I will say that the subject of Cutting and teenagers bothered me as I have 2 daughters and I can't possibly imagine one of them doing this and we not noticing for months.~

If you would like to WIN a copy of this book Please leave a comment below!

This book was sent to me to read and review by HandleBar Marketing.

Simple Secrets to a Happy Life~ Book Review

Is it possible to stay full of life, laughter, love, and the Lord through eight decades in this crazy world? Is that even realistic? Yes! There is hope, and Luci Swindoll is living proof.

With heart and humor, this best-selling author and beloved speaker lays out the truths that can help us all become a little more creative, organized, healthy, and happy. This is not a complex prescription for how to become superwoman. These are simple secrets, the wisdom produced by years of walking with God and living well.

We don’t need more tips for “having it all,” but we could all use insight on “having what matters,” and there is no better guide than Luci Swindoll.

Luci has spent eight decades accumulating the stories, memories, verses, and practical tips that make up Simple Secrets to a Happy Life. Whether traveling the world or building life-long friendships, singing in the opera or working for Mobil Oil, every step has taught her a little more about how to love God, love her neighbor, and love herself.

The result is both personal and universal. Organized into fifty short chapters, her reflections form a simple and profound outline for making the most of the lives God has given us.

We could all use a little more joy in our lives, which means we could all use a little more Luci. Visit her through these snapshots of wisdom. You’ll find yourself drawn back again and again.        

~I loved reading and picking up tidbits from this book. Right now I'm feeling overly stressed during the week with my new  job and then coming home to homework and dinner/chores. Reading this book made me stop and find some joy in the day. The chapters are short and sweet and to the point. I enjoyed reading Mrs. Swindoll's stories about her life and what she has learned through out her years. It's an added bonus that the cover is simply cute too!~

BookSneeze sent me this book to read/review, all opinions are my own.

Illusion- Book Review and Give Away!

Dane and Mandy, a popular magic act for forty years, are tragically separated by a car wreck that claims Mandy’s life—or so everyone thinks. Even as Dane mourns and tries to rebuild his life without her, Mandy, supposedly dead, awakes in the present as the nineteen-year-old she was in 1970. Distraught and disoriented in what to her is the future, she is confined to a mental ward until she discovers a magical ability to pass invisibly through time and space to escape. Alone in a strange world, she uses her mysterious powers to eke out a living, performing magic on the streets and in a quaint coffee shop.

Hoping to discover an exciting new talent, Dane ventures into the coffee shop and is transfixed by the magic he sees, illusions that even he, a seasoned professional, cannot explain. But more than anything, he is emotionally devastated by this teenager who has never met him, doesn’t know him, is certainly not in love with him, but is in every respect identical to the young beauty he first met and married some forty years earlier.

They begin a furtive relationship as mentor and protégée, but even as Dane tries to sort out who she really is and she tries to understand why she is drawn to him, they are watched by secretive interests who not only possess the answers to Mandy’s powers and misplacement in time but also the roguish ability to decide what will become of her.

            ~I finished this book in 3 days, it was that good! I was hesitant to read this since I haven't read anything else  by Frank Peretti but I was hooked by the first chapter. The storyline just keeps growing and getting stranger, it's full of mystery and wonderment...with a touch of science fiction. I really loved the ending and was happily pleased with how everything was explained and left me with no loose ends and wondering about this or that. It was rather long though at 497 pages but the ending was so sweet that I hated to see it end, really!~

I was given 2 books by Handlebar Marketing for my review. 1 to read and on to give away.  Please leave a comment sharing what is on your TBR list for the month of April to be entered. I will pick a winner on Monday!

Zombies Don't Cry

In the sleepy small town of Barracuda Bay, Maddy Swift leads the life of a fairly typical teenager, but while attending a party one night, Maddy is struck by lightning and awakens to realize she has been reanimated and turned into a zombie. While becoming acquainted with her new "lifestyle," Maddy stumbles upon two unexpected undead chaperones, fellow students Dane and Chloe, who begin to teach her the ways of zombie life, including defending the populace from Zerkers—the bad zombies. Together, on prom night, the three teens must ultimately defend Barracuda Bay High from an all-out zombie Armageddon.

Another Kindle Touch book I have finished reading last night, this one was very "Twilight" like. Easy to follow the plot and you don't even have to think very hard to keep track of the events that are happening which is great for some late night chill time escape reading. There is a follow-up book coming out since this is a series but I'm not really sure if I'm going to seek it out although I would not have any problems letting my 13 year old read this, even though I haven't let her read the "Twilight" books nor will I till she's 30.....LOL

On another note we have let NetFlicks go for now as nothing was grabbing our attention or even some of the new movies were not becoming available fast enough for our liking...What to do now?

The Keeper~ Book Review

A family. A farm. A heart. All in need of repair.
Life on Windmill Farm hasn't been the same since Julia Lapp's father has had trouble with his heart. But that doesn't stop Julia from hoping for a bright future. She has planned on marrying Paul Fisher since she was a girl. Now twenty-one, she looks forward to their wedding with giddy anticipation. But when Paul tells her he wants to postpone the wedding--again--she is determined to change his mind. She knows who is to blame for Paul's sudden reluctance to wed: the Bee Man.

Roman Troyer, the Bee Man, travels through the Amish communities of Ohio and Pennsylvania with his hives full of bees, renting them out to farmers in need of pollinators. A mysterious man who relishes his nomadic life, Roman especially enjoys bringing his bees to Stoney Ridge each year. But with Julia seriously at odds with him, Windmill Farm is looking decidedly less appealing.

Can Julia secure the future she's always dreamed of? Or does God have something else in mind?

This is just a fun book that I read with no real review due on it. I really enjoyed this book and give it 5 stars, I will be eagerly awaiting the next one! Such an easy, simple plot to follow and lively characters.

I read this on my Kindle Touch..still haven't found a cover for it though.

Beauty for Ashes~ Book Review

So let's start of the first post of the Month with a Book review, I haven't done one in such a long time..Busy and I'm loving my new Kindle Touch but when I saw this one on BookSneeze I had to read it..nothing like an actual book smell again!

She’s a beautiful young widow. He’s a Southern gentleman with a thirst for adventure. Both need a place to call home.

After losing her husband in the Civil War, Carrie Daly is scared she will never have the family she longs for. Eligible bachelors are scarce in Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, but Carrie Daly has found love. Not the weak-in-the-knees kind, but something practical. Still, she isn't quite ready to set a wedding date with Nate Chastain.

Griff Rutledge is a former member of Charleston society, but has been estranged from his family for years. He’s determined to remain unattached, never settling in one place for too long. But when asked to train a Thoroughbred for an upcoming race in Hickory Ridge, he decides to stay awhile.

Despite objections from the townsfolk, and her fear that true happiness has eluded her, Carrie is drawn to Griff's kindness and charm. It will take a leap of faith for them to open their hearts and claim God's promise to trade beauty for ashes.

   I really enjoyed getting lost in the setting of this book, It was predictable in my opinion but easy to follow the storyline and I started to feel sorry for Carrie although at times I wanted to tell her to "Suck it Up" and deal with what life has thrown at her and look for the small Blessings in life...but that's just me. The closing was cleanly added up and ended sweetly, I liked it!

This book was given to me to read and review by BookSneeze, all opinions are my own.

An Early Christmas Present, Reading....

This Christmas I was surprised by my Husband with an Kindle Touch, a early Christmas present, My new toy that I'm having so much fun with!

I have already loaded her up with a few FREE Kindle books from Amazon. My Husband surprised me by buying and loading the new Diana GaBolden book "The Scottish Prisoneer". She is my all time fav. author and I'm eagerly awaiting her next book in the Outlander series. I still love hardback books but this is oh so easy to slip in my purse and my nightstand is looking clutter free since I don't have a stack of books on it..I found a nice candle to put in their place!

I am looking for a pretty cover for my Kindle's safe keeping...Do you know of any Etsy shops that sell these or maybe pretty ones in a store?

I'm linking up with Flip Flops & Pearls  for her Christmas Party!

Backyard Horses, Horse Dreams~ A Book Review

Fourth-grader Ellie James has a great imagination. She spends a lot of time daydreaming of owning a black stallion show horse and winning trophies in the horse show. But when the answer to all her dreams and prayers gallops into her life, will Ellie be able to recognize it? Join Ellie and her quirky family in their exciting, horse-loving adventures.

• Pub. Date: August 2011
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
• Format: Paperback , 160pp
• Sales Rank: 256,807
• Age Range: 6 to 10

• Series: Backyard Horses Series #1
• ISBN-13: 9781414339160
• ISBN: 141433916X              

~~My Daughter Crystal has read this book and since she LOVES Horses this was right up her ally. She stayed up way to late to finish the book and is looking forward to the series continuing. A must have for any young Horse lover!~~

This book was provided by "Tyndale" for my review, all opinions are my own.

Where Will You Go From Here~ A Book Review

   

• Pub. Date: June 2011
• Publisher: The Doubleday Religious Publishing Group
• Format: Paperback , 272pp
• Sales Rank: 81,504

• ISBN-13: 9780307729767
• ISBN: 0307729761

Has the unexpected knocked you off course? You lost your job to the latest round of layoffs. A relationship you thought would last forever, didn’t. A health challenge is disrupting your life. Life doesn’t always go according to plan, but with the right attitude and skills, you can persevere through even the toughest situations—and emerge stronger and better than ever.
 
Resilience to Get Through Any Challenge
 
In Where Will You Go from Here? Valorie Burton helps you navigate life’s obstacles and unexpected challenges. You’ll find all the tools you need to be resilient in the face of setbacks, now and in the future, including:
 
·   The Five Commitments that propel every successful comeback
·   Step-by-step guidance for restructuring your life 
·   Strategies to unearth the courage you need for any situation
·   In-the-heat-of-the-moment words to combat negative thinking
·   Practical exercises to become better, not bitter, as a result of adversity
 
Packed with uplifting insights and powerful principles, this personal coaching resource offers the wisdom and  encouragement you need to think differently about your circumstances and take hold of the lessons God is offering you. As you experience the “post-traumatic growth” that comes only through adversity, you’ll be equipped to unleash a stronger, more authentic you.




        ~~I read this book very slowly as I was trying to take it all in and I learned quite a bit. I can't believe how long it took me to finish it though because of chapters that were to me dragging along. Overall a slow but thought provoking book.~~


This book was sent to me by "Blogging for Books" all opinions and thoughts are my own.