I Cheated...

Sigh...  I have a confession to make.  I cheated... had an affair...

I feel terrible about it, but I can't take back what I've done.  But at least if I share it here, I'll be held accountable.

It all started on Christmas.  My husband gave me a surprise gift (we weren't supposed to be exchanging gifts).  It was a Kindle Fire.

Picture courtesy of Amazon

Now prior to this gift, I mostly read Christian fiction, romance, cookbooks and Christian non-fiction.  Sigh... this is so HARD!  While I still read the aforementioned genres, I have branched out more into thrillers, murder mysteries, and ghost stories.  I know, I know, how could I.  I don't know, I just can't help myself!  I found sites like this which feed my addiction:

Ereader IQ

Pixel of Ink and Pixel of Ink Young Edition

The Vessel Project

New Free Kindle Books Discovered for you Daily

They are all list of free books that Amazon has available.  How could I NOT download them, they are free!  So now my paperbacks are being ignored, I'm reading about trips to Thailand and unrequited love.  Oh for shame for shame!

Please tell me I'm not alone!  Have you ever "cheated" on your favorite genre? 

Do you download a lot of free ebooks?

Love and Blessings!

Margaret

Book Review: Code Blue by Richard Mabry

Code Blue by Richard L. Mabry

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Code Blue was a pleasant surprise. When Dr. Cathy Sewell returns to her hometown, she faces many challenges to becoming one of the local doctors, including overcoming the shadow of her father's betrayal. But she soon finds out that not everything is what it seems. The author takes you on a trail that has some twists and turns but the surprise ending will really get you!

I thought the book was well written. There was romance, thriller and mystery all wrapped up in one. It starts off a little slow but really draws you in as you get further into the book. I think the character of Dr. Cathy Sewell is believable. The author does an excellent job of sharing her emotions and allowing you to see inside her character.

What I learned most from this book is that the journey to faith is not easy for anyone, no even doctors who seem to have to "play God" sometimes. Past challenges and hurts can serve to keep us from our destiny but if we trust in God, He will bring us through. Dr. Sewell's reconnection with her faith, was real. She went through many emotions that some of us can relate to as we are making our own journeys. I appreciate the way the author handled this topic.

Overall this was an excellent read, not only for the Christian reader, but for anyone who love a good thriller with a touch of romance thrown in!

This book was from my personal collection and opinions expressed are completely my own.

Love and Blessings!

Margaret

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Book Review: Beyond Molasses Creek by Nicole Seitz

Beyond Molasses Creek by Nicole A. Seitz

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

From the Book:  Having traveled to the ends of the earth as a flight attendant, Ally Green has finally returned to the Lowcountry to bury her father as well as the past. But Vesey Washington is still living across the creek, and theirs is a complicated relationship--he was once her best friend . . . and also part of the reason she's stayed away so long. When Ally discovers a message her father left behind asking her to quit running, it seems her past isn't through with her yet.

My review: I think this was a touching story with wonderful characters and a believable storyline for the time setting.  I thought Ally was a little odd at first but as her story came out, I got a deeper understanding of her character.  I believe the pain she felt was something that was not unusual for the time that she grew up, but it was still sad.  I thought Vesey was a beautiful character and reminiscent of the way I viewed men from back then.  He was strong and faithful and I loved him.  He reminded me a lot of my grandfather.  My heart broke for Sunila and then rejoiced for her!  I would love to see a book about her "new" life!

Overall, I thought this was an interesting read.   I enjoyed the characters and the settings.  It's not one of the best of the recent books I have read, but it's a nice weekend read.

Disclaimer:  I received a free copy of this book as part of the Thomas Nelson Booksneeze program.  The opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Love and Blessings!

Margaret

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Book Review: The Christmas Singing: A Romance From the Heart of Amish Country by Cindy Woodsmall

The Christmas Singing by Cindy Woodsmall

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The Christmas Singing is a lovely story about an Amish young woman Mattie, who is torn between two beaus, the one that left her heartbroken and the one that would never hurt her.  In the end she chooses between the two, but is it the right choice? 

The character of Mattie was bold and creative.  Mattie is a successful cake decorator, a business she started when Gideon broke her heart and she moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio.  When Mattie faces a tragedy, she is forced to go back to PA and to face Gideon.  Mattie's new love Sol, stands by her throughout it all, but in the end he knows that Mattie needs to make a decision.


This was definitely a quick and pleasant read. I love Amish stories, just the peaceful sense of life unencumbered. I think the author did a wonderful job of developing the characters and weaving them each into the story.  What I enjoy most about Amish fiction, is the wonderful sense of family and community these books promote.  I look forward to more books from this author! Oh and the recipes at the end of this book look wonderful!  I'll have to try one or two!


Disclaimer: This book was provided to me by Waterbrook-Multnomah as part of the Blogging for Books program.  The opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

Love and Blessings!

Margaret





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ShopRite Can Can Sale is on!

Hello everyone,

If you are in the Northeast, you've probably heard of or shopped at a ShopRite store at some point.  If you haven't, now is the time to go!  ShopRite is having it's 2012 Can Can Sale from January 5 - January 21 and YOU are invited!  Check the circulars from some great bargains for stocking up, then visit your local store. 

Did you know that during ShopRite's Can Can Sale (1/5 -1/21)  you can help donate to local food banks?  Last year in 2011, ShopRite donated 40,000 cans of food to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Can Can sale.  This year for the 41st anniversary, they are going BIGGER!  For each NEW Like that ShopRite gets on it's Facebook page, during the Cans for Fans promotion, they will donate a can of food to a local food bank in the community it serves, up to 50,000 cans!!  It's so easy to help the needy! 

Disclaimer: The information and opportunity to win a prepaid ShopRite gift card was provided to me by ShopRite through MyBlogSpark.

Love and Blessings!

Margaret

Book Review: The Road Trip - Sidecar Adventures with God by Jo Lynn Crozier

The Road Trip by Jo Lynn Crozier

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the book:

Liz always felt God beside her, but she never imagined she would be in his passenger seat! In this humorous, heartfelt adventure story, God invites an ordinary woman to travel with him on a life-changing road trip. Along the way, they encounter fantastic beings, heavenly houses, and extraordinary communities that Liz could never have imagined. But this is no vacation. God has a lot to teach Liz, and behind all the whimsy is a deeper spiritual message with real-life applications. Buckle up and join God and Liz on the journey of a lifetime.

My Review:
The Road Trip was a delightful book reminiscent of The Shack by William Young. The main character (besides God) is Liz, who takes a ride with God on a motorcycle. Liz rides in the sidecar (kind of like our relationship with God right??), and God takes her on several "adventures." These adventures drive home key spiritual concepts like Financial Stewardship, Wisdom and Virtue, and Faith among others. The dialogue is fun and interesting but serious enough to let you know which points are being driven home.

Even though the tone of the book was very light, it really helped to clarify some spiritual truths. There were several Ah's and oh that's what that means (from me, not from the book). The scriptural references were right on and helpful. Make no mistake, this book is a Christian centered book and could easily be used as a devotional book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review. No compensation was received and the opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Love and Blessings!

Margaret

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Book Review: Heart of Ice by Lis Wiehl

Heart of Ice by Lis Wiehl

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the book:

The Triple Threat Club novels follow three fiercely intelligent women-a TV reporter, a Federal prosecutor and an FBI agent-as they investigate crimes as current as today's headlines.
The Triple Threat women have faced intense situations before…but never such a cunningly cold-blooded murderer.
Elizabeth Avery is a stunningly beautiful woman. But her perfectly managed exterior hides the ice cold heart of a killer.  She ingeniously manipulates everyone who crosses her path to do exactly as she wishes--from crime reporter Cassidy Shaw, who thinks Elizabeth is her new best friend, to a shy young man Elizabeth persuades to kill for her.
As Elizabeth leaves a trail of bodies in her wake, Federal prosecuter Allison Pierce and FBI agent Nicole Hedges must piece together clues from seemingly unrelated crimes. Can they stop her before she reaches her unthinkable, ultimate end-game?


My review:
All I can say is WOW! To me this was a true Thriller. Mystery, intrigue and a splash of romance just for fun. I don't know how many times I caught myself gasping or saying Oh No!

I love the character development, I could relate to each of them Allison, Cassidy, Nic (Nicole) and even Lindsay. My favorite was Nic, she reminds me a lot of myself with not wanting to cry or to ask for help.

The story lines were excellent and when they came together it was perfect. To be able to manage a thriller storyline, a health crisis, romance and issues of faith and then to make it all come together is amazing to me. It really worked here.

There was mention of faith throughout the book but it was not preachy in the least, I loved it. Definitely a must read!

Disclaimer:  I received a free copy of this book as a Booksneeze Blogger for the purpose of review.  Positive or negative, the opinions expressed are 100% my own!

Love and Blessings!

Margaret
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