Magic Lost, Trouble Found by Lisa Shearin

I am a picky reader. By this I mean, I may love a genre, but certain types of books in that genre do not appeal to me. I love a good fantasy novel. My favorite fantasy novels are generally urban fantasies and my least favorite is the very in depth, intricate fantasy (for an example, I have never been able to finish The Silmarillion by Tolkien). So when I picked up Magic Lost, Trouble Found, I wasn't sure where it would fall on the spectrum. Three days later, after putting it down only for necessary reasons (i.e. work, sleep & kids), I can tell you that it's a keeper. Magic Lost, Trouble found is a very well written, fast paced fantasy novel that will definitely remain on my "to read again" shelf. I cannot wait to read the next one in the series.

The main character, Raine, is a witty, kick butt sorceress of mediocre talent. I love the whole cast of characters in this book and I found myself laughing out loud on several occasions. Raine finds herself as the very unwilling keeper of a beacon that will lead her to a very dangerous artifact. I don't want to give too much away for those of you who might read this book. If you like fantasy and humor, I highly recommend Magic Lost, Trouble Found. Now I'm off to find the second book......

Magic Lost, Trouble Found
Lisa Shearin
A

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

First, let me say that I am not a big fan of murder mysteries. In fact, the only ones I do read are the ones by Rita Mae Brown with Sneaky Pie Brown and JD Robb. So, in truth, I wasn't prepared to enjoy this book much but I figured that it wasn't actually a challenge if I didn't read anything that challenged me. Not so amazingly, I did enjoy the book. Hercule Poirot is a neat, amusing little character. He reminds me of the character, Sidney Wang (played by Peter Sellers) in Murder By Death. The book was well written and very easy to read. I loved how Christie kept me guessing until the very end. I admit, as is my habit, I had already predicted several suspects. Then, as the book would go on, I'd change my mind. Again and again. I don't want to give any spoilers so I won't say much more, but I will concede to all of those murder mystery lovers out there....Agatha Christie was very skilled at her chosen genre. I may even check out a few more of her books in the future.

Murder on the Orient Express
Agatha Christie
B

Simply Divine by Wendy Holden

Here was another quick read (I wonder if this says anything about my attention span?) that was light, funny and relatively predictable. I am a big fan of chick lit, primarily because I don't have to think while reading it and it almost always has a happy ending. This book did not disappoint on either front.

Poor Jane has a typical chick lit existence with her rather useless (and then nonexistent) boyfriend, her dead-end job, her concern over her weight and her crummy flat. The icing on the rotten cake is when she gets saddled as a sort of a ghost writer for Britain's newest, brashest and most obnoxious socialite, Champagne D'Vyne. The story follows Jane as her life goes through its various ups and downs. A lot of the book isn't very realistic (i.e. Jane getting dumped via phone by her live-in boyfriend and it's barely a blip on her radar), but this is chick lit and who expects realism from that?


This is a cute, popcorn fluffy type read that would be perfect on the sort of day where you've forgotten your purse at home, spilled coffee on yourself, accidentally hung up on a customer and then gotten a speeding ticket on your way home.



Simply Divine
Wendy Holden
B-

Seal Island by Kate Brallier

First, I will start by admitting that I am already on my third book for the Fall into Reading challenge. I just wasn't sure how the reviews were done so I wanted to wait until I saw one on someone else's page. :) Yes, this means that I read WAY too much. I know, it's an addiction. To be fair though, the first three have been very easy reads. That being said, on to the review....

This was an extremely quick read that didn't require much, if any, thought at all. The writing style itself was extremely repetitive. I stopped counting how many times the author used the word lugubrious after I hit eight. Brallier definitely went overboard on the adjectives. Beyond the writing, the plot itself was fairly predictable. The big "surprise" was obvious to me within the first few chapters and I already knew "whodunit" well before I reached the end. All in all, I wouldn't recommend this book and it's not likely to encourage me to search out any of the author's other works.

Seal Island
Kate Brallier
D

Thursday Thirteen #6

13 Movies I loved as a kid

1. Dunderklumpen
2. Murder by Death
3. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
4. Return to Oz
5. ET (now I can't stand the movie!)
6. The Explorers (bought this movie as an adult and cannot remember for the life of me why I liked it in the first place!)
7. The Pirate Movie
8. The Hobbit
9. McClintock
10. Ghostbusters
11. Jungle Book
12. Cinderella
13. The Goonies

Word-Filled Wednesday #4

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but

Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,

who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

Weekly Wrap-Up

WEEKLY WRAP-UP

09/15/08-09/21/08

Weather: Lots of warm, but not too warm, and sunny weather

Sunday sermon: This was the final sermon in the Getting Political series and it was war and its biblical perspective. Pastor Wayne did a great job as usual and he gave me a lot to think about in terms of the upcoming election.

Life lessons: That friends are the family that I get to choose and that they can lift me up if I just let them.

Favorite meal(s): Turkey, mashed potatoes, corn and rolls

Treasured moments: Saturday afternoon with my kids, Small Group on Sunday night, going over my son's first graded quizzes. He got an A- on his spelling test! A B+ and a B- on his math quizzes and an A on his geography!

Talked with: My parents, my small group members

Things I read: The bible, Frankenstein, Change of Heart

Things we watched: Fringe, Bucket List, Waitress, Gangs of New York and Igor

Places we went: Dance, swim, church, small group, the movies, shopping

Blessings: I've been blessed with good friends and a wonderful family

Challenges: Letting go and leaving God in charge of ALL of my life

Family happenings: Ani's dance class, Aidan's swim lessons, an outing to the movies to see Igor, Small Group

My Fall into Reading 2008 List

Since I'm completely addicted to reading, my list is 20 books long. :) Here's to hoping I haven't bitten off more than I can chew!

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie-I've never been big into murder mystery type books but I recently read a fictional book club book in which they read this and it actually seemed pretty interesting. I've never seen the movie either so I won't know the ending, which I hear is a surprise.

Dracula by Bram Stoker-I've recently realized that there are several classics out there that I have neglected to read and I need to remedy that. Considering it's fall and near Halloween, I thought I would go with Dracula. I've seen the movie in its many incarnations but I've never picked the book up.

(The Keep by Jennifer Egan-This is not a horror novel but it seems like it will be another good Halloween read with its gothic environment and creepiness. I've never read any Egan but I'm trying to expand my repertoir. I tend to find an author I love and then read all of their books. )*

The Shack by William P. Young-I'm definitely intrigued by this one....it is based on the diary of the author which he then fictionalized. It's about his journey to God.

The Queen's Bastard by C.E. Murphy-I've read all of Murphy's other books (see above, about falling in love with an author) and this one seems like it will be right up my alley. It's supernatural mixed in with court intrigue.

Magic Lost, Trouble Found by Lisa Shearin-Fantasy, a weakness of mine.

Seal Island by Kate Brallier-This one is a mystery/love/supernatural story.

Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult-I love her writing and the fact that she takes such controversial topics and makes you look at every side of them. She can make you feel pity for the supposed "bad guys" and anger at the "good guys". I'm trying to finish all of her books (again, see above).

Beyond Left & Right: Helping Christians Make Sense of American Politcs by Amy Black-Our pastor recently recommended this book while doing a series on voting biblically.

Chocolat by Joanne Harris-I'm sad to admit that I've never read this or seen the movie.

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield-I picked this one up from the library before because I always love a good ghost story, but somehow I never had the time to read that. It's time to remedy that.

Imaginary Men by Anjalii Banerjee-A well rounded reading list for me always needs to have some chick lit on it!

Doesn't She Look Natural? by Angela Hunt-And one step better than chick lit is Christian chick lit.

Finding Anna by Christine Schaub-This is the first in a music series where Schaub gives a story behind certain hyms. This is based on one of my favorite hymns, It is Well with my Soul.

Gods and Kings by Lynn Austin-This is a fictionalized account of the Old Testament.

Simply Divine by Wendy Holden-British chick lit.

The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry-A little bit of love, a little bit of suspense. It takes place in Salem, MA.

The Beach House by Jane Green-Green is another one of the authors that I have fallen in love with.

The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff-This is a ficitionalized account of one of the many wives of Brigham Young and how she devoted her life to destroying the Mormon leader.

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke-A young adult fantasy novel....it has always been on my list to read but it was recently moved to the top when I took my kids to the movies this weekend and saw that it has been made into a movie that will be coming out in January.

If you are interested in seeing what everyone else is reading, or in joining yourself, check it out: http://www.callapidderdays.com/2008/09/fall-into-reading-2008-time-to-read.html?showComment=1222089300000#c5547571690504590999

*I've removed The Keep from my list. I got about 80 pages in and I just could not force myself to go any further. I'm going to replace it with the second book in the Raine series by Lisa Shearin, Armed & Dangerous.

Weekend plans

What a crazy week it has been! I've been cranky and busy and I seriously need a break. It just seemed that we had way more things to do than normal and I feel so far behind right now on small things like household chores. Tonight we're supposed to go to a friend's house just to hang out and eat and visit but honestly, I feel so worn out that I might cancel. Tomorrow morning Aidan has swim and I have to run a few errands. After the errands, I promised the kids I'd take them to see Igor. Thankfully Saturday night is blessedly free. We have a huge pile of movies to watch so I think we'll just have dinner and relax all night. Sunday we have church of course, and then our small group meets in the evening.

I'm praying that I am able to let go of this anger and stress. I pray that I can learn to rely on God far better than I do now. And I pray that everyone has a wonderful, safe weekend! God bless!

Thursday Thirteen #5

Thirteen Things I love about Fall

1. The amazing color as the leaves start to change
2. Carving pumpkins
3. Decorating for Halloween
4. Da BEARS!
5. College football
6. Curling up in front of a fire
7. All those yummy fall scented oils from B & B Works
8. The smell of fall outside
9. Our annual trip to Traverse City
10. Trick or treating with the kids
11. The family's annual trip to the orchard
12. Fall meals (we're weird, I know!)
13. Baking yummy smelling fall stuff like apple dumplings and pumpkin cakes

Word-Filled Wednesdays

When I said, "My foot is slipping,"

your love, Oh Lord, supported me.

When anxiety was great within me,

your consolation brought joy to my soul.

Psalm 94:18-19

Weekly Wrap-Up

WEEKLY WRAP-UP

09/08/08-09/14/08

Weather: A very rainy, gloomy fall weekend but I love that kind of weather!

Sunday sermon: This was the second sermon in the getting political series. I was very impressed by how Pastor Wayne really made his way through it without aligning himself to any particular party, etc. This sermon was on the wisdom in the bible about our economy.

Life lessons: That sometimes I just have to let go of anger and disappointment. If I give it to God, He will give me peace.

Favorite meal(s): Manicotti with Italian sausage and crusty bread

Treasured moments: The time I spent with some girlfriends just having fun together, my relaxing Sunday at home with my kids.

Talked with: My parents, my girlfriends

Things I read: The bible, Frankenstein, The Secret Scripture, Be Sweet

Things we watched: An American Crime (so traumatic and wrenching!), the first episode of Fringe, and lots of football

Places we went: Grocery shopping, swim, church & dinner with my girlfriends

Blessings: I've been blessed with good friends and a wonderful family

Challenges: Letting go of some hurt that was just festering in my heart

Family happenings: Aidan's swim lessons, a visit from Jimmy's daughters

Thursday Thirteen #4

13 things that my kids do that make me smile

1. Call me "Mama"
2. Hug me
3. Laugh
4. Spontaneously tell me that they love me
5. Say "Mama you're the best!"
6. Tell me they love God
7. Share any of the biblical knowledge they have gained thus far in life, it's surprising how much they soak in!
8. Draw/paint pictures for me to hang up in my office & to share with my coworkers
9. The way they "take care" of me when I'm sick
10. The way my daughter pronounces the word movie "ooovie"
11. The way my son pronounces the word 2 only when it's following a title like High School Musical 2 "toot"
12. The way they pray at dinner and bed time
13. The way they adore "family time" (I wonder how long that will last!)

The power of prayer

My husband and I could really use some prayer right now. We're struggling through the joys and minefields of blending a family. My children are very well adjusted because, unfortunately, their birth father hasn't had anything to do with them pretty much since we divorced. They are used to Jimmy being their dad and they are with us constantly. There are no problems with them having two different sets of rules in two homes, or playing one set of parents against another. We are not so lucky with my husband's daughters. To begin with, they are not being raised in a Christian home...or even a home with many morals. It is not unusual for their mom to act in ways that make my husband and I cringe (such as getting a movie put in her bag by accident at a store and not returning it). Family time, regular homework time and monitored tv/video game time is also unheard of in their home. Sadly, the oldest daughter often plays the parent game. She will come visit us and tell us the horror stories of how her mom fights with her boyfriend, or how they have to deal with said boyfriend's spoiled daughter, etc etc. Then she will go to her mom and say that I don't treat them fairly, or that I act differently towards them when their dad isn't around (can we say "evil stepmom"?). Things seem to only be getting worse and every time they are out for a visit, there is bound to be some drama. As is typical of four children between the ages of 7 and 12, our four don't always get along. This is more fodder to go home to their mom with. I'm at my wits end and I know I just need to give this up to God. If anyone else could put this in their prayers, I would greatly appreciate it.

God bless!

Word-Filled Wednesdays #2

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Weekly Wrap-Up

WEEKLY WRAP-UP
09/01-09/07

Weather: Fall is on its way! It was gorgeous out, not too warm at all with bright blue skies.

Sunday sermon: It was the beginning of a new sermon series on politics and how we should use the instructions in the bible to chose our politics. I think this is going to be a very interesting series.

Life lessons: That my daughter is a magnet for disaster and that I just need to give it up to God. He will take care of her and make sure she's safe enough.

Favorite meal(s): Parmesan chicken with alfredo

Treasured moments: The evening I spent with our small group bible study, everyone is so amazing! And the time I spent making sun catchers with my kiddos.

Talked with: My parents, the urgent care doctors & nurses, my good friends in small group

Things I read: Daring Chloe, Breaking Dawn, the bible

Things we watched: Some of the VMA's and a LOT of football

Places we went: Shopping, swimming pool, urgent care, church and small group

Blessings: That my daughter didn't cause any permanent damage to herself

Challenges: Keeping my head when Ani's hand was gushing blood

Family happenings: Aidan's swim lessons, Ani sliced her thumb open & ended up at Urgent Care getting 6 stitches, church & Small group

Book update

In keeping with one of my goals (to read some of the classics I've never bothered with before), I'm currently reading Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. So far, I'm enjoying it far more than I thought I would (my only knowledge of Frankenstein before now was from Mel Brook's Young Frankenstein). I am only reading a little bit every night as I have to fit it in between the kids books, the bible, my nonfiction book and whatever fiction I'm reading for myself, but I don't think it will take me very long to finish.

Goal #2(reading an actual book you can get your teeth into with my kids) is Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone. They've seen the movies more times than they can count but I'm hoping this gives them a new appreciation for reading. My youngest can't read yet, but I'd love to instill in both of them the absolute love I have of reading.

Goal #3(a nonfiction book to further my mind/spirit) is A Mom After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George. It's filled with good advice on how to bring your children up with a love of God and this is one I'll read over and over again. It's already got little notes all over the place and highlighted sections.

And finally, my fiction book of the moment is Full of Grace by Dorothea Benton Frank. It's a wonderful book as usual. Frank has a way of making you fall in love with the Lowcountry even though you may have never seen it before. I'm close to halfway through and should be able to finish it tonight. It's a great book, if a little predictable and I would read it again.

Oh...and two days ago I finished Daring Chloe by Laura Jensen Walker. It was a very quick read, Christian chick lit but I would definitely read it again. I've never ever dreamed of going to France but the way Walker described it made me fall in love with the city of Paris and now I've added that to my travel wish list.

Good intentions

Have you ever noticed that even when you start out with the best of intentions, you eventually let things slide? It's the typical tale of New Year's Resolutions, or weight loss goals....you set them and within a week or two (or even less for some of us!), they've gone by the wayside, forgotten in the busyness of life. I constantly find myself setting very similiar goals which should be a sign in and of itself right? Maybe it's that I set too many goals at once, or that I shoot for the stars when I should be aiming a little closer to home. Whatever the reasoning, I find myself running in circles way too often and it's disappointing.

The beginning of a school year is always an auspicious time to attempt to set new goals and keep new resolutions. As a working mom of two energetic kids, I sometimes struggle in keeping my goals. Add the full time job outside of the home to the full time job of being a mom and wife, plus the sometimes debilitating effects of having Sjogren's Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, it's no wonder that I lose hope in ever being the person I want to be. But the book of Matthew reminds me that "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). With this in mind, even when I falter and lose sight of goals, I realize that I just have to rely on God and start fresh again.

I'm nearing the end of week one and so far, so good. I've been staying on top of the household chores and laundry, homework has been checked and double checked, I've been making yummy homecooked meals for my husband and his coworkers, I've been spending time in the bible every night, I've been reading a little bit every day in a classic novel plus reading with the kids every night (a fun book plus the bible). Even more amazing, I've been managing to get up early every morning to work out on my Gazelle and make a good, hot breakfast for the kiddos before their day starts. I pray that I can stay committed to these goals that I've set for myself and that I can continue to rely on God to give me the strength to do so.

God bless!

Thursday 13 #3

13 Things I love about the start of a new school year

1. Clothes shopping, especially for Ani (girls are so much more fun to shop for!)
2. School supply shopping
3. Getting the kids back into a routine
4. The start of their extracurricular activities
5. Bible club
6. Full Sunday school starts up again
7. JAM with the Fam starts up again
8. Earlier bedtimes :)
9. High school football games
10. Helping the kids with their homework
11. Halloween is not far away!
12. Hearing about how their days went at school
13. The excitement my kids have over starting school (I'm sure this won't last much longer!)

Word-Filled Wednesday

"Surely God is my salvation;

I will trust and not be afraid.

The Lord, the Lord, is my

strength and my song;

He has become my salvation."

Isaiah 12:2

Another school year begins

My kids were both so excited to start school today. This is Annika's first year going full day so I'm sure it will be a totally new experience for her. I can't believe my little baby is a first grader! It made my heart hurt to see her go off for this first day...they all grow up too quickly. Even harder than that, was to see my little man try so hard to make friends with people. For some reason, most boys Aidan's age just don't like him. Girls do, teachers, older kids, and younger kids, but not boys his age. There is this boy who has been in the same class with him since K who just does not like Aidan at all. :( When he walked up to the bus stop, Aidan tried talking to him and he wouldn't look at him. In fact, he went so far as to turn his back on Aidan and Aidan was just prattling on, like he didn't even notice. It made me want to ask that boy what his problem was but I know it won't do Aidan any good for me to get involved. Aidan tries so hard, he wants to fit in, but he just doesn't. Part of it is that my boy is so sensitive. He cries so easily and for boys going into third grade (and quickly moving to the macho end of the spectrum), that is just not cool. I don't know what to do to help him adjust better, to make friends easier. I have no fears with Annika who is a social butterfly and might give us problems on the other end of the spectrum (I have no problem imagining calls from the teacher complaining that Ani talks too much in class!) but I'm at a loss as to how to handle Aidan's situation.

**sigh**

Weekly Wrap Up

WEEKLY WRAP-UP
08/22-08/28

Weather: It was BEAUTIFUL out! Not a cloud in the sky. It was a little on the hot side yesterday but still beautiful.

Sunday sermon: It finished up the series on Colossians, this one was about how the people we choose as friends show lots of things about us.

Life lessons: That I need to be diligent in my bible time and prayer or else the enemy gets a foothold into my mind and life.

Favorite meal(s): Burgers on the grill

Treasured moments: Watching my kids play on the beach all day on Saturday, seeing Aidan take his first jet ski ride.

Talked with: My parents, Jimmy's coworkers

Things I read: Bitten to Death by Jennifer Rardin, the bible

Things we watched: Just plain ol' tv

Places we went: End of summer party at Jimmy's bosses house on the lake, the pool

Blessings: We had a safe weekend

Challenges: Trusting solely in God

Family happenings: Pig roast at Jimmy's bosses house, a trip to the pool.