by Bookworm Mama | Aug 30, 2019 | Books, What We're Reading
Roseanna’s Reads
In My Devotions
Mere Christianity
As part of my C. S. Lewis kick, I’ve been reading Mere Christianity every morning along with my Bible. And it’s always nice to read something and immediately go, “Oh, so that’s why this has become a classic!” which has definitely happened with this one. Lewis really was a brilliant man, and his reflections on what lies at the heart of Christianity–not the details that separate one denomination from another, but rather what separates all Christians in their beliefs from non-Christians–are truly amazing. I can’t believe I haven’t read this one before and already know I’ll read it again. This one ought to be required reading for all of us!
For My Bookclub
The King’s Mercy
by Lori Benton
I love every book Lori Benton has written, and The King’s Mercy is certainly living up to her reputation for depth of character, scope of story, and amazing insight. The story follows a Scotsmen who was taken prisoner during the failed Jacobite rebellion and shipped to America as an indentured servant. Our heroine is the daughter of the plantation that buys his indenture, and she’s soon captivated by the towering Scot who’s learning to become a blacksmith. I love that Joanna is a woman who serves her family and servants with a full hard, chafing against the cruelties she sees in slavery in a completely believable way. And I think we can all understand Alex’s struggle, wanting a freedom that’s always out of reach. As always with Lori’s books, I recommend this one highly!!
For the Edit
Surf Smugglers
I’m really enjoying with Melody Carlson on her Legacy of Sunset Cove Series, which follows Anna McDowell and her daughter Katie through some adventures that result from Oregon’s Prohibition laws, which came half a decade before the nation’s. Book 3 features a wedding, more focus on the Great War that America that just joined, a new hospital, and of course some smuggling that our intrepid newspaper people have to help put a stop to. Can’t wait for the final book in the series!
For the Kids
Odd Girl Out (Being Zoe #2)
by Melody Carlson
Melody’s Being Zoey series is the perfect read for middle school girls! I adored the first book, Meet the Misfits, all about being who you are and learning how to love your enemies. Book two continues the identity theme, as Zoey begins her middle school career in a new school, where her only friend is out sick for the first week. She makes another new friend, but this one seems bent on tweaking Zoey’s appearance, making her ask herself how much she can change and still be true to herself. But what I thought made it a really spot-on story was how technology plays a role in Zoey’s struggles and triumphs in this story. At the start, she’s the only one without a smartphone. But getting one only ushers in the problems that leave her yet again on the outside looking in. But though there is a message, it doesn’t read like it–just like a fabulous story about a sixth-grader. Your middle school girls will love it!
Rachel’s Reads
Wow! This summer has gotten so crazy busy! I am so thankful for audiobooks. I would not be able to read as many books without them. Here are some of the books I’ve been reading this month. You can watch for my reviews over on my blog,
Bookworm Mama.
Audio
The Lost Girls of Paris
by Pam Jenoff
I’ve started listening to all the books that are on my TBR that aren’t on the docket for review this summer. I’m making pretty good progress too. This is such a heart-wrenching story. Based on the real women who went into France as radio operators during WWII. Oh, my heart. This is Historical Fiction and does NOT have a feel-good happy ending. Well written and fascinating all the same. I highly recommend this one!
PLEASE NOTE: This is a general market book. There is mild language.
For Fun/Review
Always
Jody Hedlund
I never get tired of raving about Jody’s books. This brand new YA series from her is superb. You can find my full review for this Novella HERE.
Evermore
by Jody Hedlund
Book one of the Lost Princesses series….Oh.My.Word. Jody Hedlund can weave words so beautifully. The (clean) passion, faith, strong women, adventure, SWOON! Y’all really need to check this series out. Adults and Young Adults alike.
With the Kids
Chamber of Secrets (Illustrated)
J.K. Rowling
It took a while, but we finally finished book 1 and have now moved on to Chamber of Secrets. The boys don’t have a super long attention span so we just read a couple of pages (the pages are LARGE in this edition) a night. They love the illustrations and are fascinated by the Harry Potter Universe.
Happy (End of) Summer!!!
by Bookworm Mama | Jul 26, 2019 | Books, What We're Reading
Summer is in full swing and between the chaos of conferences and writing, there is still time for reading. What books have you been reading this summer? Have you discovered any new-to-you authors? Or maybe a new genre you love?
Roseanna’s Reads
I feel like I haven’t gotten much reading done this past month…but I’ve been thoroughly enjoying what I have been reading. 😉
Audio
I read (and loved) the Selection Series years ago, and when I took my daughter to the Library a couple weeks ago, she snagged a hardback of The Siren by the same author. After she assured me it was awesome (what, you think I’m always the one to give her advice?? LOL), I snagged it on audiobook. It proved a delightful read to keep me company during my drive to a writers conference. There’s a bit of mild language and some references to other characters being promiscuous, but nothing from the POV character.
Love is a risk worth taking.
Years ago, Kahlen was rescued from drowning by the Ocean. To repay her debt, she has served as a Siren ever since, using her voice to lure countless strangers to their deaths. Though a single word from Kahlen can kill, she can’t resist spending her days on land, watching ordinary people and longing for the day when she will be able to speak and laugh and live freely among them again. (From Goodreads)
For My Bookclub
Code of Valor by Lynnette Eason
We’ve been reading the Blue Justice Series in my book club and highly enjoying them, so of course, this one was next on the list. 😀 It was fun to get one of the brothers’ stories this time–and this one was action-packed with some unexpected twists! Especially loved the scuba diving parts.
What Detective Brady St. John really needs is a relaxing vacation. Unfortunately, just as the sun is setting on his second day at a friend’s cabin on Lake Henley, he hears a scream and races to rescue a woman from her would-be killer. When the killer escapes only to return to finish the job, Brady vows to utilize all of his many resources to keep her safe—and catch those who would see her dead. (From Goodreads)
For the Edit
Gators, Guts, and Glory: Adventures Along the Florida Trail by Lauralee “Blissful” Bliss
I get to have extra fun since I edit for WhiteFire. 😉 And this month I was prepping the next Hiking Adventure book for publication! I’m not an avid hiker myself, but I do like the armchair variety. 😉 And I especially enjoy seeing how “Blissful” sees the hand of God in all her adventures. Definitely recommended for outdoor enthusiasts…or those who prefer to read about the great outdoors instead of visiting it themselves. 😉
Wander on the wild and humorous side of adventure with long-distance hiker Lauralee Bliss (trail name Blissful), hiking the 1,100-mile Florida Trail from Big Cypress National Preserve to Gulf Islands National Seashore. From alligators and cottonmouths to tenting among the palmettos and walking on water, from forests of cypress knees and lofty pine to the help of trail angels along the way, “Blissful” uncovers the hidden gems of glory in this National Scenic Trail with a unique journey unlike any other. (From Goodreads)
For Fun
A Defense of Honor by Kristi Ann Hunter
Okay, I admit it–as of the writing of this post, I’m not actually
finished with this book yet. But I’m about 1/3 of the way in and absolutely loving it. I can’t believe I’ve never actually read one of Kristi’s books before–I have them here, just haven’t picked them up yet. But you can be sure that’s going to change. Love her writing style, setting, and characters!!
When Katherine “Kit” FitzGilbert turned her back on London society more than a decade ago, she determined never to set foot in a ballroom again. But when business takes her to London and she’s forced to run for her life, she stumbles upon not only a glamorous ballroom but also Graham, Lord Wharton. What should have been a chance encounter becomes much more as Graham embarks on a search for his friend’s missing sister and is convinced Kit knows more about the girl than she’s telling. (From Goodreads)
Rachel’s Reads
Wow! This summer has gotten so crazy busy! I am so thankful for audiobooks. I would not be able to read as many books without them. Here are some of the books I’ve been reading this month. You can watch for my reviews over on my blog,
Bookworm Mama.
For My Bookclub (& Audio)
Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury
To be honest, I’d never even heard of this book before. It is the perfect read for summer though. I’m enjoying it so far. Here is a little bit more about it…
The summer of ’28 was a vintage season for a growing boy. A summer of green apple trees, mowed lawns, and new sneakers. Of half-burnt firecrackers, of gathering dandelions, of Grandma’s belly-busting dinner. It was a summer of sorrows and marvels and gold-fuzzed bees. A magical, timeless summer in the life of a twelve-year-old boy named Douglas Spaulding–remembered forever by the incomparable Ray Bradbury. (From Goodreads)
Midnight on the River Grey by Abigail Wilson
I LOVE this story. Mystery, secrets, murder, Regency England…Yup…I’m hooked! Abigail Wilson’s debut novel,
In the Shadow of Croft Towers, was fabulous! And this story is proving just as wonderful. Here is a little teaser…
She knew the house was keeping secrets. If only the darkness would speak . . .
After her elder brother’s mysterious death, Rebecca Hunter vows to expose the man she believes responsible: Mr. Lewis Browning—known by the locals as the Midnight Devil and by Rebecca as her new guardian. (From Goodreads)
The Girl From the Savoy by Hazel Gaynor
If you saw our last post, you’ll know that I have been devouring Hazel Gaynor’s books. I can’t believe I’ve never read these books! The Girl from the Savoy is so beautiful. Full of tragedy, love, dreams, and friendship…
Sometimes life gives you cotton stockings. Sometimes it gives you a Chanel gown …
Dolly Lane is a dreamer; a downtrodden maid who longs to dance on the London stage, but her life has been fractured by the Great War. Memories of the soldier she loved, of secret shame and profound loss, by turns pull her back and spur her on to make a better life. (From Goodreads)
Please Note: This is General Market Historical Fiction. There may be some language, but otherwise clean.
The Cottingley Secret by Hazel Gaynor
Yes, another Hazel Gaynor book…Surprised? They really are JUST.THAT.GOOD!!! This story is full of books, fairies, a dashing Irish man, adorable children, and a secret kept for a hundred years…
1917… It was inexplicable, impossible, but it had to be true—didn’t it? When two young cousins, Frances Griffiths and Elsie Wright from Cottingley, England, claim to have photographed fairies at the bottom of the garden, their parents are astonished. But when one of the great novelists of the time, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, becomes convinced of the photographs’ authenticity, the girls become a national sensation, their discovery offering hope to those longing for something to believe in amid a world ravaged by war. Frances and Elsie will hide their secret for many decades. But Frances longs for the truth to be told. (From Goodreads)
Please Note: This is General Market Historical Fiction. There may be some language, but otherwise clean.
With the Kids
Jack Frost The End Becomes the Beginning by William Joyce
Judah picked this book up at the Library last week. We have only read a few chapters so far but the boys are loving it and it is really fun. A new twist on legendary creatures, Jack Frost (obviously), Mother Nature, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, etc. Battling against evil forces to keep the world safe and whole. This is book 5 in the series, but it doesn’t seem to make that much a difference. Here’s to discovering new books…
The Guardians came together to protect the childhoods of all who dream, and they are a formidable team: Nicholas St. North, E. Aster Bunnymund, Toothiana, the Sandman, Nightlight, and Katherine have thus far prevented Pitch from fulfilling his nightmarish plans.
But Pitch and his nightmare men lurk on the fringes, gathering strength, stewing in hate, and the Guardians know their guard needs one more member if they are going to vanquish Pitch for all eternity. And once they find the last in their band, they’ll travel to the secret realm of the Man in the Moon, encounter armies of Moonbots, and face the greatest battle since the Golden Age; and that is just the beginning of this grand conclusion to a series most grand. (From Goodreads)
by Roseanna White | Jun 28, 2019 | Books, What We're Reading
You know, my reading time seriously suffers when I have a book coming out, LOL. Much of June seems to have vanished into the abyss of marketing and brainstorming and signing/shipping books. I’m not complaining–I’ve had a blast. But I haven’t been reading quite as much as usual, I have to say…
Roseanna’s Reads
Audio
This isn’t a book I’d ever have picked up on my own, but my husband got it with our Audible credits and then was so enthusiastic about it that he insisted I give it a listen too. And it’s been surprisingly fascinating, LOL. The premise of the book is that in sales/advertising/marketing, you have to ignore logic and reason and look for the “magic”–the things in human psychology that actually attract us to something despite what we “should” want. It’s an incredibly interesting take on the question of “how do we foster excitement about our products?” and introduces right off the bat to a revolutionary concept: don’t put it on sale. Just put more ducks in your advertisement. 😉
Plus, it’s narrated by the author, and who doesn’t enjoy listening to an English man deliver his own humor in that dry, deadpan way? I’m thoroughly enjoying this book–and getting some fun new ideas too. (As a note, this book does have some language in it, so if you’re sensitive to such things, steer clear.)
For My Bookclub
I’ve kinda read this one before. 😉 I’m not rereading, but I didn’t want to just delete the category, so, you know…Look at the pretty cover! LOL
For the Interview
My June interview was with Lauraine Snelling, and we were talking about her fun new contemporary, Half Finished. In this book, a group of ladies in a small city get together to begin what they call a UFO group–UnFinished Objects–and it really takes off. Crafters of all varieties start meeting once a week with the goal of finishing unfinished projects that are cluttering up their closets and lives. And of course, along the way life happens, and the friendships between these ladies (and some men too) are what gets them through.
I love this concept and also loved learning from Lauraine that it was inspired by a group she put together a few years ago. If you’re looking for a fun read that focuses on women of retirement age (though pretty much all generations are represented), then I highly recommend Half Finished.
This book has been making the rounds in my family, and my sister handed it to me a couple weeks ago. I hadn’t had time to pick it up for quite a while, but I finally cracked the cover, and it didn’t take me long to get sucked into life in the North Carolina marsh in the 50s and 60s.
(This definitely isn’t a Christian book–so just be aware of that. There’s some language and some sex. I haven’t found it to be at all over the top in those respects, but just FYI.)
I’ve enjoyed the split timeline in this book, especially, I think, because they’re only split by a few years. It’s been so interesting to see the crime in the more modern line and then work my way to what really happened in the older one. The word-pictures painted about marsh life are just gorgeous. This is definitely a book that makes me want to explore nature and find my place in it.
Overall, definitely a book that sucks you in and haunts your thoughts!
Rachel’s Reads
Hi folks! I am super excited to share my current reads with you. You may know me as
Bookworm Mama as
well as being Roseanna’s Assistant! I LOVE books and sharing my love of
books with others! Here is what I’ve been reading this month…
For My Bookclub (& Audio)
Wow. Wow. Wow!!! My dear friend (and co-founder of our Book Club,
Oh! Books) Lydia has been telling me to read Hazel Gaynor for MONTHS. And now that I finally have, WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG?!?!?!?!
The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter is the first official read for
Oh! Books and I devoured the audio in a day and a half…Split-Time Historical Fiction, this story expounds on the bond of family and the deep roots passed down from generation to generation. This story really touched my heart. The narrator was fabulous! Having to tackle several accents and she expressed the emotion in such a powerful way I just wanted more. I highly recommend this one for sure!
NOTE: This is not a Christian read. There is some language, but otherwise clean.
For Fun/Review
So…I loved
The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter so much that I HAD to read more by Hazel Gaynor. I downloaded
The Girl Who Came Home and listened to it while I drove 300+ miles to a family reunion, oh ya, that’s one way lol. I’m not super fond of driving and listening to this story helped keep me from stressing out too much. This story was fabulously done. Broke my heart and kept me on the edge of my seat. Unfortunately, we all know the fate of the
Titanic. But Ms. Gaynor kept the story engaging and unique. A split-time historical fiction read, you will get sucked into this thrilling and harrowing tale.
NOTE: This is not a Christian read. There is some language, but otherwise clean.
Ahhhh!!!! I love this story!!!! I am not finished with it yet (watch my blog for the review) and I wish there were more hours in the day to spend reading.
Until the Mountains Fall is the third book in the Cities of Refuge series by Connilyn Cossette (who I got to meet at CFRR 2019 and she is SUCH a delight! I LOVE HER) *ahem* anyhoo…..Connilyn writes Biblical Fiction in a way that I have never, personally, read before. She takes the approach of writing Historical Fiction that is SET during a Biblical period. This, to me, makes it so much easier to relate to the story, to SEE the setting, and to understand and comprehend the Bible stories that coincide in a more efficient way. If you haven’t read anything by Ms. Cossette, I recommend starting with
A Light on the Hill.
With the Kids
We didn’t quite finish all the reading for their schoolwork this year. So over the summer we will catch up on the read-alouds.
Homer Price is a fun and easy read about a boy who lives in a small town back when people still used a horse and wagon and cars weren’t very common. He has unique adventures and is quite the ingenious kid. The boys love having me read to them at lunch time.
by Roseanna White | May 31, 2019 | What We're Reading
Roseanna’s Reads
Audio
I’ve had this one sitting in my Audible library for a while but hadn’t yet gotten to it. Last summer I read and loved Bob Goff’s two books, Love Does and Everybody Always. When I saw that his wife, Maria, had published a book as well, I knew I wanted her perspective on their crazy, love-filled ministry of a life.
In
Love Lives Here, we get Maria’s perspective on what it means to live a life ruled not by fear or regrets or minutia, but by love. While Bob is jetting off to Uganda, changing the world, she’s usually at home,
building their world and maintaining it. I loved getting her POV on what it really means to make a home for a family to always want to come home to, and how important it is to love the people right in front of you, all the time. I’m much more like Maria than Bob, so I found this book so edifying!
For My Bookclub
I have somehow not ready any Lisa Harris before! Which I had to remedy. =) I really enjoyed this story and had no desire to put it down once I’d started it. It was fast-paced and jam-packed full of action, with some unexpected twists and surprises. I admit there are times when I read romantic suspense and feel like the romance part is just tacked on and/or weird, but that wasn’t the case with this one at all. The characters had known each other in college, so there was already that “remember when?” aspect to their relationship, which I always love. And the suspense! Oh my gracious. This book has me seriously contemplating building a bunker and becoming a prepper. 😉 (I’m only kinda kidding.) I love it when a story is that real!!
For the Interview
I’ve discovered it’s oh-so-much nicer to interview someone when I’ve read the book(s) we’ll be talking about, LOL. So before my interview with Johnnie Alexander this month, I spent the weekend with two of her novellas. They were very different, but I enjoyed both of them so much!
First was her selection in
The Erie Canal Brides Collection. I absolutely loved the concept of a postmistress for a character, and the fact that the climax tied back in with that theme–so brilliant! To top it off, her heroine brought to mind my Culper Ring Series (she hadn’t read these or anything, but it was a super fun coincidence for me!), almost combining Winter from
Ring of Secrets with Julienne in the free novella
A Hero’s Promise. It was so much fun to revisit themes from the abolitionist movement, but in a setting I’d never explored!
Match You Like Crazy is, by contrast, a contemporary romance set on a tropical island. A
perfect beach/vacation read! It was super fun, cute, and unique. Had me wanting to dive beneath some turquoise waters and dig my toes into the sand for sure!
Several years ago, we read
The Candymakers by Wendy Mass as part of our homeschool–it was the fun Friday read. Well, when we heard there was going to be a sequel, we were SUPER excited and promptly pre-ordered it. This was one of the only books my son was eagerly awaiting the arrival of, LOL. But for some reason or another, we never actually got around to reading it together. So we decided to remedy that!
In this book and the first one, we follow 4 very unlikely friends through some outlandish adventures that involve mysteries, spies, special talents and abilities…and lots and lots of candy. 😉 So. Much. Fun! (And for fans of Wendy Mass’s other books, some beloved characters make cameos as these 4 go on their road trip!)
Rachel’s Reads
Hi folks! I am super excited to share my current reads with you. You may know me as
Bookworm Mama as well as being Roseanna’s Assistant! I LOVE books and sharing my love of books with others! Here is what I’ve been reading this month…
Audio
I love listening to Rachel Hauck’s books on
audio. Her narrator, Lisa Larsen, captures the story with feeling and emotion. I’m only about halfway through at the moment and it is so good!!!
With a beautiful Victorian house at the center of this story, this split-time romance, filled with secrets and trauma and pain…Will be sure to wrap its arms around you. I love the way that Rachel Hauck weaves the past and the present together in a meaningful and memorable way.
For Fun/Review
FINALLY finished the completed version of
The Number of Love. WOW…y’all…And I’m not just saying that because I’m writing this ON Roseanna’s blog…but this is seriously her BEST! I’ll be reviewing this on my blog soon. You can
pre-order your copy today!
If you don’t know what this book is about…Margot DeWilde is a codebreaker in Room 40 during The Great War. She thinks in numbers. She is an unusual heroine, but the way that Roseanna wrote her, I could FEEL her. Seriously…just go order it, you won’t regret it!
Folks…I made a grave mistake the other night. I started reading a
Jody Hedlund book…at 11pm…Oh boy. I got VERY little sleep that night, let me tell you. And unfortunately, I’ve been pretty busy during the day, so, I’ve been up late EVERY NIGHT trying to finish it. I’m almost done. But you should be very proud of me that I actually took the time and did DISHES and LAUNDRY this week…Typically, when I crack the pages of a Jody Hedlund book…all school and housework goes out the window!
With the Kids
Are you ready for a terrible truth? I have never read this book…Well, not that I remember anyway. And I decided to start this with the kiddos and so far they like it! Of course, we are only about 1 chapter in so far lol!
For the summer, we are going to use
THIS cleverly constructed reading calendar for the kiddos. I am so excited to spend time reading with them this summer. My oldest, just finishing 1st grade, has gotten a really good grip on reading and LOVES discovering new books.
by Roseanna White | Apr 26, 2019 | What We're Reading
My fantabulous assistant, Rachel, and I have decided to introduce a new monthly post! Pretty simple in concept, and something we’ve certainly done before…just not regularly.
So the last Friday of each month, we’ll be talking about…
And as there’s no time like the present to begin, let’s get sharing!
We’d love to hear what YOU’VE been reading this month too!!!
Roseanna’s Reads
Audio
This is a really great non-fiction book that I’d seen recommended, and I knew it would give me an interesting perspective on the years surrounding the Great War. Which it has! Though C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien have been written about plenty, and World War I has as well, this book takes a unique perspective on the topics, talking about how the war instilled in these great writers an appreciation for nobility and the heroic quest of old, and also the need for faith–something most of their generation deemed impossible after the horrors of war. A very interesting historical perspective on two of the 20th century’s greatest writers, and one that inspired me to go on a Lewis and Tolkien kick! 😉
Which led me to…
I can’t believe I’ve never read this before! I’d actually bought the paperback about two years ago…and then gave it to my dad for his birthday, LOL, so I still hadn’t read it. But while listening to Loconte’s book, I really wanted to, so it was a happy coincidence when the book I’d put on hold at the Library was finally available for me. =)
My commentary on this one: C. S. Lewis was brilliant. His insights are nothing short of spectacular. And now I really need another print copy so that I can read it with a highlighter. (I never mark up my books, but this one will be bought for that express purpose because I NEED NOTES.)
For My Bookclub
I’ve long been a Laura Frantz fan–and for good reason. =) Her books are always amazing, and this one certainly lived up to my expectations! Set in Scotland and Virginia, with glimpses of Jamaica too, this is the story of one Highland lass who goes from serving in the stillroom (think herbs, bees, and medicinals) at the castle of her childhood friend to banished across the sea as an indentured servant when she’s accused of a crime she didn’t commit. A gorgeous story of faith, love, and what home really means. GO READ IT!!!
For Fun
Ever since I finished
Mark of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse in January, I have been SO eager for the second book,
Flight of the Raven, and it JUST ARRIVED ON MONDAY!!!!!! I’m a wee bit excited. 😉
I’ve only just cracked the cover and read the first two chapters as of when I’m writing this, but the first book in the series is one that has stuck with me waaaaaay after I finished it. I usually only have a very limited amount of time to read strictly for fun, and every time it’s come upon me in recent months and I pause to think, “What was it I wanted to read?” the answer is always “Mark of the Raven!” But of course, I’d finished it, LOL.
This is a fantasy series with a gorgeous allegory to our world of faith and the struggle between God and the enemy played out in the hearts and minds of men. I don’t read much fantasy, but these are awesome. I highly recommend them!!!
For Endorsement
This one doesn’t release until September, but go pre-order now!!! It’s a fabulous story. In Melanie’s split-time style, it shares the story of two families in WW2 Amsterdam, much of it pieced together by the contemporary characters. We get glimpses of the Resistance, the hardships, the incredible lengths people went to in that terrible time to save their children, and the price far too many of them paid. But as long as people fought, there was hope. Stunning story. Seriously, go reserve your copy. 😉
With the Kids
I read a ton of books with my kids during the school year, but to highlight just one right now…
Holes by Louis Sachar
This is a really fun middle grade read about a boy sent to a camp to dig holes as rehabilitation when he was found guilty of stealing a pair of shoes–a crime he didn’t commit. And there’s no one to blame for his troubles other than his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather, of course. Who brought a curse down on the family when he forgot to uphold his end of a bargain with a fortune teller. This Newbery Medal winning book well deserves its acclaim! It’s fun, but it also teaches the value of treating others as equals no matter race or background, keeping your word, and working hard. My kids highly enjoyed it, and so did I!
We watched the movie, too, which stuck really well to the book and was great fun.
That’s it for me this month! Now here’s Rachel. 😀
Rachel’s Reads
Hi folks! I am super excited to share my current reads with you. You may know me as
Bookworm Mama as well as being Roseanna’s Assistant! I LOVE books and sharing my love of books with others! Check out my current reads.
Audio
The Name of the Wind is my husband’s FAVORITE book! He reads it annually and I have FINALLY gotten on board. I am loving it so.much! And the narrator (Nick Podehl) is incredible!!! Beautifully written and captivating. I don’t read a ton of fantasy, so it took me a while to actually pick it up. So glad I did. I highly encourage you to check it out!
For My Bookclub
One of my mom friends and I are starting a book club! YAY!!! We have both picked a few books that we both have been wanting to read and our group will vote on it. BUT, we are doing fun little book box as a prize with a
Pride and Prejudice theme! YAY!
For Fun/Review
As a reviewer, I read a lot of books as part of street teams and influencer programs. Branching out and discovering new authors is always exciting. And I have a passion for supporting the authors I love!
After reading Stephaine Morrill’s
The Lost Girl of Astor Street, I have been anxiously awaiting her next release.
Within These Lines is a heart wrenching, make you cry, make you smile, story. Set in California during WWII, Morrill explores the harrowing effects of the internment camps here in the States. Love, love, love it! Make sure you get your hands on this one and get a new perspective on WWII.
I just finished up
The Artful Match by Jennifer Delamere. After going to the National Art Gallery in DC I think I was able to appreciate the references even more than I would have originally. I love the art and history that is discovered in the pages. This book is set in Victorian England, and is the last book of the London Beginnings Series.
With the Kids
I use a very similar curriculum as Roseanna for homeschooling. Books are a huge part of the daily routine and I LOVE it. So do the kids which makes it even better. Right now we are finishing up
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone….The Illustrated Edition! It is so gorgeous. And the kids are having a blast with it.
by Bookworm Mama | Jul 12, 2018 | Books, What We're Reading
Today’s Summer Reads Recommendations are all about Swoons and Giggles! These authors have managed to balance the beauty of ROMANCE with the release that LAUGHTER gives. So if you are looking for an amazing book to read this summer that is on the lighter side, check out these books!
Click the images below to be taken to the book’s Goodreads page for more information.
Jen Turano
Any book you pick up by Jen Turano is bound to leave you in stitches. A unique voice and engaging characters, you won’t want to miss her newest series!
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A USA Today Best-Selling Author, Jen Turano has written the critically acclaimed Ladies of Distinction series, and A Class of Their Own series, published through Bethany House Publishers. Her novel,
After a Fashion, was chosen as a top pick from Romantic Times, as well as being named a top ten romance of 2015 from Booklist. It is also a nominee for Romantic Times 2015 Reviewers’ Choice Award. Her book,
A Most Peculiar Circumstance, was chosen as a top ten romance by Booklist in 2013. Her seventh book,
Playing the Part, released in the spring of 2016, and will be followed by a new four-book series, Apart from the Crowd. When she’s not writing, Jen spends her time outside of Denver with her husband and neurotic Cattle Dog, enjoying herself as an empty-nester since her son recently abandoned her for the college life.
Mary Connealy
Who else can take cowboys (and cowgirls) mix in some comedy and add several helpings of romance? Mary Connealy has masted (and quite possibly created) the genre of Romantic Comedy Westerns…
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two time Carol Award winner and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.
She is the bestselling author of 48 books and novellas.
Her most recent book series are: Cimarron Legacy, Wild at Heart, Trouble in Texas, Kincaid Bride for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing and many novellas and several stand-alone books for multiple publishers.
Mary will be a published author for ten years in 2017 with nearly a million books in print. She has a degree in broadcast communications with an emphasis in journalism and has worked at her local newspaper.
Pepper Basham
Known for her swoony romance and #closetkisses, Pepper Basham is fabulous at intertwining humor and grace in her stories. You won’t want to miss these Romantic Comedies.
Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes novels inspired by her love for history and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Her Penned in Time series has garnered recognition in the INSPYs, Grace Awards, and the ACFW Carol Awards. Her contemporary romance novel, A Twist of Faith, received 4-stars from Romantic Times, and most recently, her newest release, Just the Way You Are, received a Top Pick from RT with 4 ½ stars. Her newest contemporary romance, When You Look at Me, releases Fall 2018.
Giveaway!
To kickstart your summer reading plans…I am hosting a THREE BOOK GIVEAWAY! 1 (One) winner will receive a print copy of The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy, Caught by Surprise by Jen Turano, and Just the Way You Are by Pepper Basham. Open to US mailing addresses only, please. Void where prohibited. Giveaway closes 7/18/18 11:59pm EDT. Please enter via the Rafflecopter form below.
*My thanks to Pepper Basham and Bethany House Publishing for providing the giveaway copies.
So what will YOU be reading this summer?
I never get tired of raving about Jody’s books. This brand new YA series from her is superb. You can find my full review for this Novella HERE.
Book one of the Lost Princesses series….Oh.My.Word. Jody Hedlund can weave words so beautifully. The (clean) passion, faith, strong women, adventure, SWOON! Y’all really need to check this series out. Adults and Young Adults alike.
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.