Answer A Question: Paperback or Hardback?

I usually prefer hardback since I feel like they hold up better. It's really easy to bend the cover of a paperback. That being said, I feel like oftentimes they don't make the covers of the hardback as pretty, unless it's the dust jacket, which I feel like is too easy to rip or lose. Also, paperbacks as a general rule are cheaper. So maybe I don't have a preference? I don't know. There are pros and cons to both. Which do you prefer? Comment below!

How To: Easy Peasy Bookmarks!!!

I'm trying to diversify my posts, and so after a lot (like a whole lot) of internet searching I came up with this idea to have a how to on this bookmark!

All you'll need is an envelope and some markers, colored pencils, or crayons. Take the envelope and pick a corner. I usually pick the bottom corners since the top ones have that flap messing it up. Draw of the corner, and by that I mean do something like this..

Then color in the area that you marked off in any design you want. I've put quotes there, or drawings, sometimes flowers. Anything that you really like. Then cut along the line you drew and you have your bookmark. It slips over the corner of the page and I use these so much. I've made myself like 5 of them.

Series Review: Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene

The series of mysteries have been read by many generations. I'm giving this series that kept several of my summers occupied, a 5 star!

This is the first series review I've done, but here are a few things that I think are worth mentioning.

Nancy and her friends are always nice to people, making them good role models. They always solve the mysteries and manage to squeeze out of more than one tight spot, keeping everyone interesting and on the edge of their seat, so to speak. All three main girls have steady dates who often help in the mystery solving. The books introduce kids to many different cultures and even to many actual sleuthing tips. Hannah the housekeeper is very much like a mother to Nancy so these books also teach that family doesn't have to be blood. A few of the books deal with creepy things that I wouldn't read such as black magic. But other than that, this is an excellent series.

Review: One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury

The date- September 11, 2001. The setting- NYC. Jamie's husband is a firefighter, and she hasn't heard from him all day. A call from the hospital confirms that her husband was hurt in the crash when one of the towers fell. Only he doesn't remember anything. Not his name, not Jamie, not his deep faith. Only one thing is crystal clear to him. He knows he has a daughter. Follow Jake and Jamie's journey through one of the most horrible times in history.


This book.... 5 stars. It's awesome!

1: I will admit that this and its sequel Beyond Tuesday Morning (which is also a super great book which takes place about 3 years after this one) are the only Karen Kingsbury I've ever read.... My friend Mandy really likes her and so I decided to give it a shot. It was definitely worth the read and I'll be reading again sometime in the future. Any advice on which to read next? Please comment!!!

2: For some reason, stories about memory loss fascinate me almost as much as adoption. If you really like that kind of stuff like I do then this is incredible!

3: I'm not gonna lie. I cried so badly... Especially when Jamie went to the lake to (can I say it without spoiling the whole story? I don't think I can. I'm gonna try.) straighten out her memories and thoughts of Jake before and after 9-11. I mean 9-11 makes me cry anyway even though I was two and don't remember anything from the actual day, I always cry. It also didn't help that I was reading on a plane, late at night, on like September 21, or something.  And I also have no clue why it took me so long to review it... Anyway, main issue in point #3 here.. bring tissues.

4: I loved how Jamie and Jake became united over his journal entries and the prayers he had written down. And then she got right with God and I just can't even.  And I loved how Jake and Sierra were. That was possibly the sweetest thing ever...

5: Eric.... I mean if I say any more than just his name I risk giving away a lot of stuff, but seriously I was so conflicted over Eric and Jake and Jamie and arghh....

Review: Pony Express Hero by Rhonda Gibson

If you read my Blogmas book reviews you may remember Pony Express Christmas Bride. This book is from the same series, but it comes before it. In this one, Jacob Young is looking for his birth mom. Unfortunately, on his search he finds that she died in childbirth. The good news, he has a sister. If only he can get his sister's sister to trust him. And find out who wants to hurt 5 year old Daisy.

This book is a 5 star for sure!

1: This is the second book I've read by Rhonda Gibson. I was so not disappointed. I'm definitely going to be on the lookout for her books now!

2: I love how just a bit of mystery was thrown into this book. I really enjoy mystery and books that throw that in always get me excited.

3: If you've read any of my blog posts then you know that I adore having children in the books that I read. Daisy was so sweet and I was excited to see that she was a main character and not just a filler!

4: There was a theme of not judging a whole group based on the actions of one. Jacob couldn't think every woman was like his mom and Lilly found that not every man wanted her ranch.

5: I got really really really excited when Rebecca showed up in the epilogue. She was one of my favorite characters from Pony Express Christmas Bride.






                            



                                                

Review: The One Who Sees Me by Kandi J Wyatt

This historical fiction tells the story of Faru, a servant. She is traded from her first position to be lady's maid to Lady Cwen. Many servants at her new home don't like her, but she finds one friend, Cailean. The two plan on getting married until Lord Cegrol takes Faru as his second wife. Lady Cwen, consumed by jealousy over Faru's pregnancy, abuses Faru causing the servant to leave. While running away, Faru meets The Existing One and her life turns around.


This book, although fictional in nature, can be found in Genesis 12-21, & 25.

I keep debating over what to give this book, but I think I'm going with a 4.5 (on Amazon you can't do halves so I did 5 stars).

1: The story was really great, and I was super excited to recognize certain characters based on what I know about Genesis. It was such a neat idea to take this story and change it into something like this! I mean there were a few liberties, but it's not meant to be you know like a devotional book or anything. It's fiction.

2: I found it really interesting to see this story through Faru's eyes. When reading the biblical story, I have never really stopped to see it from this point of view.

3: So the only reason I was debating between 5 and 4.5 stars was a few places, there wasn't anything said outright, not at all!, but it was a little implied and I know it's like the whole part of the story, but I was still a little 😕... So I would recommend that this be a book for at least the higher end of the MG lit grade/age level spectrum. And I know that's probably a bit of a silly reason to whatever, but..(if you can understand any of that, I'm not sure that was English)

4: I loved the way Istik and Cegrol were together. I loved how the love between them was highlighted so well and the pain that Cwen caused them was shown so well.

5: Really, though, the title is so perfect. The One Who Sees ME, even a servant, and nobody special on this earth, He always sees and cares and I loved that.

                                            Thanks Pam for sharing this incredible story with me.

Top Reveiws!

Here is a list of the top three reviews by pageviews in each category. I thought it would be fun to switch it up instead of just pumping out review after review. There is some overlap in a few of the categories.


Historical Fiction: In the Shadow of Denali, Pony Express Christmas Bride, and A Lady Unrivaled

Contemporary Fiction: Fractured Memory, Someone Like You, and Mixed Blessings

Amish: Child of Mine, Fraying at the Edge, and The Confession

Mystery(which I have realized that I need to do more of): Fractured Memory, From This Moment, and Too Many Secrets

Children/MG: The Beat on Ruby's Street (which also gets the prize for most popular post), Dragon's Heir, and Dragon's Future

Fantasy: Dragon's Heir, Dragon's Future, and Dragon's Revenge

Christmas: Pony Express Christmas Bride, Cowgirl Under the Mistletoe, and Letters from Father Christmas

Classics: Great Expectations, Anne of Green Gables, and Little Men


So congrats to all the books that got mentioned here. There were a lot of really close calls, just a few points difference. I hope you really enjoyed this post and a little peak behind the scenes to see what I can, at least in part ( a very small part)

Review: Dragon's Posterity by Kandi J Wyatt

This book is the 5th in the Dragon's Courage series. I suggest that you read the previous books first as this book review may contain things that give away parts of the other books. In this book Kyn searches for a way to keep Ardyn and Ruskya from ruining their relationship as Ardyn struggles to grow up and Ruskya struggles to let go. Following a dream given him by Aislin, Kyn begins to organize a competition that will help all younglings and their trainers... and along the way unite the four corners.


This book like all the books in this series receives 5 stars. Here's why.

1: This book literally included every setting from the 4 previous books, it mentioned all or almost all the people from the other book. It was like a stitch to bring the four very different settings and cultures together. And they come together in the book too. This competition of Kyn's actually gets the four corners to cooperate with each other in an unprecedented way.

2: I loved that not only were all the parts together at the tournament, but there were at least two chapters, sometimes more that took place in each location. It was like taking a mental journey to all the places, not just having the places come to one plain.

3: I love love love how everyone has children. And the ones that I want to get together always seem to. I only wish that Serena and Kyn could have some kids, but there's time. And I mean they do have a super sweet relationship with Ardyn, Sylvern, Kathryn, and Tyler.

4: If you're as big a fan of the mental communications as I am, then you'll be glad to know that this book has plenty. In fact, Darryn has a new trick up his sleeve to use with his Calamadyn descendant abilities. One that I think took everyone by surprise, even himself. The only mental communication that I didn't really see was Ruskya-Duskya.

5: Aislin lives on... That was maybe one of the best parts of the book. Aislin just soaring through the sky sometimes.

I can't wait until the next book comes out in April!

                                                           Thank you, Pam, once again!

Review: Dragon's Cure by Kandi J Wyatt

This is the 4th book in the Dragon's Courage series. This book follows a young rider named Serena as she struggles through some personal fears and insecurities, as well as her absolute refusal to think of herself as a rider. When she runs away with Tyrell Duskya and Carryn must go after her. They know the things that Tyrell is mixed up in, and fear for Serena's safety.


This book, following the trend of its series, gets 5 stars.

1: I was so excited to have Duskya back as a main character again! Although, when the story opens up, I was shocked to find that she was no longer just a youngling or a mother of 5 year old Carryn and baby Darryn. She's a grandma! The story though, is a story within a story. Duskya tells her grandchildren a story from back when Carryn and Darryn were young teenagers.

2: One bit I found extremely interesting was that Carryn pointed out the difference between want and need. I think that is an element missing in a lot of Children/MG lit. I also liked how discontent led to wrong choices.

3: Honestly, this whole series has had several incredible redemption arcs, so to speak. People that you want to dislike but eventually get their head on straight. I like that about them. The power of forgiveness and the negative consequences of bitterness, hate, and anger.

4: Do you know that feeling when the book has gotten so almost tense that you can hardly keep reading. You want everything to happen and you can't hardly wait at all. When I get like that I have to take a minute and back away. I did that a couple of times with this book. The plot was extremely captivating.

5: I am a sucker for good endings, and this book (like the others) was no exception. I think I squeaked. I do that sometimes when a book ends just right.

Thanks once more to Pam Labbe for this book!

Review: In the Shadow of Denali by Tracie Peterson & Kimberly Woodhouse

This book is the first book in the series The Heart of Alaska. In it Allan tries to find out how his father really died six years ago. He's been told that his father's death atop of Denali (Mount McKinley) was the result of poor judgement and neglect by the trail guide, John Ivanoff. However, upon travelling to Alaska and meeting John, and his beautiful daughter Cassidy, Allan begins to doubt whether or not the stories he's heard are true.


This book is a 5 star book for sure.

1: First off, the cover itself was so beautiful. My mom saw the front cover, and without reading the back, said she wanted to read this. Not that it's always okay to judge a book by its cover, but in this case, the outside definitely reflected the beauty of the inside.

2: I loved the setting. I love Alaska. I never used to think about Alaska that much. I mean, it's just there right? But ever since reading the Song of Alaska, Yukon Quest, and Alaskan Quest series (what is the plural of series?) I've been fascinated with Alaska and the Yukon. Especially during this time period.

3: This book is so full of biblical encouragement for so many levels of need, for the angry ones in Allan, for the guilt-carrying ones in John, for those ready to absorb in Thomas, for those who can't see God's love in Mrs. Johnson, and for those who just need a reminder to stay hopeful and hapy in Christ in Cassidy.

4: I loved the reconciliation theme in this book. Allan and John, Allan and God, Cassidy and her grandparents. The intercharacter relationships were wonderful. I think my favorite was Mrs. Johnson and Cassidy. I can't wait for more books in this series.

5: This book.... literally I had chill bumps for a great portion of it. It was amazing in the plot and really in every way. I really do recommend this. I read it in one sitting... which I mean isn't that that unusual for me, but it is a big thing since sometimes I let it sit for a day or two before picking it up. Not this one!

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Dragon's Revenge by Kandi J Wyatt

This is the third book in the Dragon's Courage series. Books 1&2 (Dragon's Future and Dragon's Heir) are already on this blog.

This book starts with Kyn, one of the main characters from Dragon's Future, feeling like he has no place where he is. A lot of this is because he had a twin that died as an infant. He finds help in Ben'hyamene, the brother of Sarai (from book 2). Together the two go to a land called the Carr and help bring peace between the people there and the wild drakes (dragons). On the way, they find the source for the unreasonable anger and depression that the people of the Carr are suffering from.

5 star again! I am in love with this series!

1: Every story has a different setting. The first one was the canyons of the north, the second was the desert, and this story is set in the marshy mountainous Carr. And each setting has a different main color for their drgaons which I find very cool.

2: Again, the plot was different and interesting and awesome. This one keeps the excitement up for the rest of the series. It is just as good as the others in this series. I might even like it better than the second one. (Although I think the first one is still my favorite, so far)

3: I have no clue how Turqueso and Aislin did that thing to Ben'hyamene's hand ( I mean I know they breathed on it or whatever but) but that was so awesome. SO awesome.

4: I was so excited that Kyn and Ben'hyamene were able to find that bond that Kyn was looking for from missing his twin so much. And then Calum and Renfrow was possibly the sweetest thing ever. The mental communication, whether between people or people and dragons, is seriously amazing. I love it.

5: WarNinG---- Chapter 22 (I'm not gonna say what is in it but) you should have tissues on hand. This is the first book in this series that made me actually cry. I mean I almost did in the first one, but I actually did in this one. Someone help!

                                                        Thanks once again, Pam Labbe!

Review: Dragon's Heir by Kandi J Wyatt

This is the second book in the series Dragon's Courage. If you haven't read the first one or missed my review you can find it at this link.

http://lovewhatyourreading.blogspot.com/2017/01/review-dragons-heir-by-kandi-j-wyatt.html

This book's main character is a boy we were introduced to in Dragon's Future. Braidyn, after 8 years, is feeling restless, wondering what part he has in the dragon colony. He doesn't have to wait long, because someone has stolen two dragon nestlings. After recovering one, Braidyn must seek the help of Ruskya and Carryl to find Peri, the other stolen nestling.


This book is also 5 stars.

1: The plot was amazing. It was a whole separate, new, plot from the first book. It was exciting and refreshing, as well as fast-moving. So many second books are a drop off the cliff of anticipation, but this one just shoves you higher up the mountain, ready for book 3!

2: I loved how the characters from the first book were woven in, and I loved the fact that we got to learn even more about them, and take a deeper look into them.

3: I know I say this in almost all my posts, but I LOVE it when authors put lots of children into their books. I was excited to find out that Ruskya/Carryl and Cerulean/Duskya had plenty of children. I was so glad to see a little of the more grown up baby Ardyn from the end of book 1. I also loved that Carryn was able to communicate with Peri, and the fact that Peri chose the little girl before she was even hatched.... AH my heart so melted!

4: Avi'or became one of my favorite characters. At the beginning I thought he was gonna be scary and awful like his Ahbha but SPOILER ALERT he was seriously like the best big brother ever (well, and Ye'sock) and then during the dragon fight (which was epic) he and Ruskya had such an awesome team-up!

5: Sarai is so wonderful, and she literally had one of the best endings ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Help! And the necklace and then Sarai was able to comfort Peri and if I don't stop I'm literally going to accidentally spill too much. Trust me though, you want to read this.

                                            

                                              Pam Labbe, you are fast becoming my hero!

Review: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

This is one of Dickens's most famous books. It follows the adventures of a boy named Pip who is forced to help an escaped convict, is sent to play with the adopted daughter of a men-hating woman, and eventually grows into a young man with "Great Expectations" from an anonymous source. He falls in love with his childhood playmate and because of this misreads literally everything around him.

This is one of the very first classics I ever read. I love it. 5 Stars!

1: Miss Havisham, the crazy lady who hates men and stopped all the clocks in her house, is honestly one of my favorite characters in classical literature. She does some very not god things, and yet Dickens allows you to see her reasons. And for some crazy twisted reason, I love Miss Havisham.

2: Estella, Miss Havisham's adopted daughter, is a very complicated character. As you read the book you find out Estella's true parentage, and you can see that she is only what Miss Havisham made her. Estella isn't truly mean-spirited, just manipulated.

3: As with many of Dickens's novels, this story has several subplots. Only, by the end of the book they aren't subplots. Dickens is the master of twisting and turning until every unconnected detail plays hand-in-hand with each word.

4: The person responsible for Pip's fortunes... my mind yet struggles to wrap itself around it and yet it makes perfect sense, in a twisted Dickens way.

5: The ending, which by the way was not the original ending, left the story ending a little ambiguous but with enough clarity to be able to make an educated guess as to the future of Pip and friends.

Long story short, this story is all around a great read. Plus, it gave me the insult that I most often use on my brother, so that's not nothing!

Review: Dragon's Future by Kandi J Wyatt

Every year all the 10 year olds go to the dragon procession to see if they will be one of the lucky ones chosen to be a dragon rider. The dragons choose who they want to be their rider and Ruskya and Duskya are sure that they have no chance. They receive the shock of their lives when they are chosen by Wyeth and Wryn. Fast forward 15 years and the dragon colony is threatened by another dragon colony, led by a man riding a turquoise dragon. Ruskya and his friends must rally together to defeat this new threat.

This book is definitely a 5 star book!

1: I literally read this in one sitting. I could not stop! If you enjoy fantasy or stories about dragons then this is amazing.

2: The whole dragon communication thing was so.... the only way to describe it is "I want that!"

3: The characters! They were each so unique and amazing. They all had personalities that weren't something dropped out of a cookie cutter! Even the dragons were each unique.

4: The plot was compelling. It made me want Ruskya and Wyeth to win more than anything. I was rooting for them and probably held my breath a couple of times wanting things to go a certain way!

5: The inter-character relations........ Ruskya and Duskya's bond, Kyn's ability to communicate like the twins, Glendyn's relationship to literally everyone, the fact that Meredyth could talk to dragons and use the same bond that the twins and Kyn used, and especially Ruskya and Carryl. Everything is so perfect. You really need to go read this for yourself!

This another book I received from Pam Labbe! Thanks so much!

Review: The Beat on Ruby's Street by Jenna Zark

This book is set in the 1950s era in New York. It's about a girl who is looking forward to her 12th birthday when she is suddenly taken by a social worker to an orphanage-type place. Ruby has to fight against everything in order to be reunited with her family.


I give this book 4 stars.

1: It is really historical and I learned a lot about the Beat time period. (I'd actually never heard of it before reading this book)

2: While this book is written for middle school children there are things such as the artist mom's choice of painting models, and the fact that Ruby's parents were never actually married, that would make this a book that I wouldn't put in a Christian school.

3: My favorite part of the book was probably the part where Ruby was in the orphanage. I loved how the orphans kept sneaking around through the place at night. And I liked the resolve they made. Just kids trying to make themselves be heard.

4: Is the Beats era a pre-60s/70s hippie era? I really want to know. The school Ruby went to was unconventional. Her dad changed their last name from Tabita to Tabeata. It was a really interesting culture to look at. Ruby calls her dad Gary Daddy-o and her mom Nell-mom.


5: I loved that Ruby got to meet her hero at the end of the book. It was really nice!

                                                    I received this book from Pam Labbe. Thanks Pam!


Also I have no clue why that weird white box is in the middle of the post. I tried to get rid of it. I hope it only shows on my screen, but if not, sorry guys!