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Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Day 3: Favorite TV Program

I've already talked a bit about a few of my favorite television programs, but I'll give you a little list of my current favorites.

Touched by an Angel: My all-time favorite!
The Golden Girls: Lots of good memories with the (former) roommate on this one! It always puts me in an instantly better mood to watch this program, no matter how many times I've seen each episode.
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman: Such a wonderful show! And woo, is Sully HOT! haha

Here lately, I've been watching a bit of Xena, Warrior Princess (another show used to watch when I was younger), and my mother watches a lot of The Waltons, so I've been watching it with her. Don't tell anyone, but I actually usually enjoy it. ha!

Monday, May 23, 2011

Return to the 30-Day Challenge: Day 2

Day 2: Favorite Movie

Yes, as you can see, I'm finally returning to the 30-day blogging challenge now that I actually have time to do this type of thing. I have a few other things I want/need to blog about as well, but I'll just start with this. So, without further ado, my favorite movie is...

The Sound of Music!! I've watched that movie more times than I can count, and it never gets old! I consider myself to be quite picky when it comes to movies, but this particular one has everything I could ever ask for in a movie: music, romance, humor, life lessons, nuns (lol), and so much more. I adore it, and if I ever have children someday, you can bet that they'll grow up watching this movie and learning these classic songs!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Review of Promises to Keep

Roz is an eleven-year-old girl whose world has been turned upside down when her mother decides to leave her alcoholic father and move the family to a new home. There, the family meets an elderly stranger named Tillie, who makes a significant impact on all of their lives. Despite multiple warnings, all Roz wants is her father back, and she, along with a new friend with a similar wish, is determined for this to happen. Secrets form and grow beyond Roz's control, and the consequences of them teach her important lessons along the way.

I feel as though I can't say enough about how much I loved this book. I hadn't expected to like it this much, but I found almost immediately that once I started reading, I didn't want to put this book down. The writing itself is powerful and beautiful, and the story is a truly captivating one. At first, I found myself annoyed with both Roz and Tillie, each for different reasons, but to my delight, they both developed into lovable characters (despite Roz's constant need to learn her lesson – until the end, of course). All in all, this was an excellent book, and I've already been recommending it to others.

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Review of The Seraph Seal

The Seraph Seal begins with Paul Binder being pulled into a complex mission of a search for answers from apocryphal prophecies of long ago that are finally coming to fruition in the year 2048. The story mixes fiction with fact to bring a new perspective on the end-times prophecies.

I really wanted to love this book. Really, I did... but I couldn't. I found the book long-winded and very slow-paced. I kept hoping that it would get better, but it never did. The basis for the plot line of the book is amazing, but it, very unfortunately, just didn't hold up in this case. I didn't feel that the writing style fit the potential for the story. I couldn't even finish the book, and that rarely ever happens, particularly when my expectations are as high as they were for this book.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Review of Save the Date

Lucy is an independent young woman who is the head of a transitional housing shelter for disadvantaged young women. Because of a painful history with a former boyfriend, Lucy is hesitant to share her heart again. Former NFL star and aspiring Congressman Alex Sinclair appears to be her complete opposite. When the two meet at a gala event, the media claims them to be a couple. Alex develops an idea that will help both Lucy in her efforts to save her home for the young girls and himself in gaining a seat in Congress.

This was a wonderful, well-written, and lighthearted novel from Jenny B. Jones. I had never read anything by Jones before receiving this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers, though I had previously heard of her work. I'm definitely not disappointed! The characters were likeable and realistic, and the story was painted in a way that really draws you in and keeps your attention the whole way through. I loved it.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Review of Max on Life

I was thrilled when Thomas Nelson announced they were releasing a new Max Lucado book. I was initially introduced to Lucado only a short while ago when Outlive Your Life was published, and I fell in love with his writings immediately. In his newest book, Max on Life, Lucado tackles some major life and spiritual questions that he has received over the years concerning issues such as love, death, grief, and the list goes on and on. With his relatable writing style and profound wisdom on a large variety of topics, Lucado definitely does not disappoint.

Max Lucado is the only author I have ever read who literally makes me read his books with a highlighter pen in hand so that I can go back and read certain special quotes over again and share them with others. Highly recommended author and book!

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Review of The Final Summit

I must confess that I was drawn to this book immediately without really knowing much of what it was about – I hadn't read Andrews' previous book, “The Traveler's Gift,” but I thought I would give the book a try anyway. The premise of the book is a fascinating one; seventy-four year old David Ponder is asked to discover the solution that will save humanity. His help for the task are the likes of Winston Churchill, Joan of Arc, George Washington Carver, and other notable historical figures. I've always been fascinated with stories involving historical figures in modern times, and this book was no exception. The solution they discover is a simple one; almost TOO simple, so I would suggest making the effort to keep from over-thinking it, as I am often prone to do. Nevertheless, Andy Andrews is known for the masterpieces he creates with his storytelling, and yet again, Andrews delivers.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.