Distant Hours...

 

“Happiness in life is not a given, it must be seized.”

 

Distant Hours  



A long lost letter arrives in the post and Edie Burchill finds herself on a journey to Milderhurst Castle, a great but moldering old house, where the Blythe spinsters live and where her mother was billeted 50 years before as a 13 year old child during WWII. The elder Blythe sisters are twins and have spent most of their lives looking after the third and youngest sister, Juniper, who hasn’t been the same since her fiance jilted her in 1941.
Inside the decaying castle, Edie begins to unravel her mother’s past. But there are other secrets hidden in the stones of Milderhurst, and Edie is about to learn more than she expected. The truth of what happened in ‘the distant hours’ of the past has been waiting a long time for someone to find it. ~Goodreads.

Author: Kate Morton

Published: 2010

Purchased: Amazon.com

 

REVIEW

 

I have read more than one of Kate Morton's books and enjoyed them all, some more than others. Kate Morton is a very accomplished writer. The way she tells her stories in flashbacks always makes me excited to get from now to then. Distant hours with it's castle, moat, and mysterious characters make it a hauntingly, gothic-like novel. The Blythe sisters each had their own story to tell and it kept me guessing and trying to solve the mystery. I did feel that it was a little too wordy and therefore could have been shorter and could have moved a bit faster in places, but it was definitely worth the read. I give it  four stars.  I can't wait to read her newest novel, The Lake House. I highly recommend any of Kate Morton's books.

 

Happy Reading!!!

 

The House At Riverton...

  

 

“Photographs force us to see people before their future weighed them down, before they knew their endings.” 

The House At Riverton

The House at Riverton is a gorgeous debut novel set in England between the wars. It is the story of an aristocratic family, a house, a mysterious death and a way of life that vanished forever, told in flashback by a woman who witnessed it all and kept a secret for decades.
Grace Bradley went to work at Riverton House as a servant when she was just a girl, before the First World War. For years her life was inextricably tied up with the Hartford family, most particularly the two daughters, Hannah and Emmeline. In the summer of 1924, at a glittering society party held at the house, a young poet shot himself. The only witnesses were Hannah and Emmeline and only they -- and Grace -- know the truth. In 1999, when Grace is ninety-eight years old and living out her last days in a nursing home, she is visited by a young director who is making a film about the events of that summer. She takes Grace back to Riverton House and reawakens her memories. Told in flashback, this is the story of Grace's youth during the last days of Edwardian aristocratic privilege shattered by war, of the vibrant twenties and the changes she witnessed as an entire way of life vanished forever. The novel is full of secrets -- some revealed, others hidden forever, reminiscent of the romantic suspense of Daphne du Maurier. It is also a meditation on memory, the devastation of war and a beautifully rendered window into a fascinating time in history.~~Amazon

Author:Kate Morton

Published:2008

Purchase:Amazon.com

 

Review

 

My daughter texted me one day to say that she was reading a really good book. She didn't want to put it down, so I ordered it on the Kindle. I started reading immediately and immediately loved it. It has over 400 pages, but you will hardly notice. The story is told in flashbacks reminiscent of "Water With Elephants". I love to find a new author to read and will definitely be reading more of Kate Morton. I give this book 5 stars. I didn't want it to end.

 

Happy Reading and Merry Christmas!!! 

Damaged Goods...

 

"As Clayton's hand opened, palm up, Joanna plopped the warm, heavy object into his hand. ' Why don't you hold it for a while.'"

 

Damaged Goods

 

"When Joanna Lucas moves to a small town to escape a scandal and a scoundrel, she finds herself in trouble again when she befriends a stripper-turned-Mormon, a one-legged woman thanks to a loose tiger, and a dirty-minded troublemaker with a love of inane questions, and they take on an industrial town. Erin Brockovich has nothing on these ladies! Prepare to laugh out loud and cheer them on as they set out to right a terrible wrong . . . no matter how outlandish things get."~~Amazon

 

Author: Alexandra Allred

Published: 2011

Purchase: Amazon.com

 

Review

 

When I decided to read "Damaged Goods" I wasn't sure if it was my kind of book. I don't usually read the more light-hearted, humorous, with quirky characters kind of books, but once I started it I knew I would finish it. Even though this book is fiction and full of humor the author addresses serious environmental issues that could affect us all. I give it three * stars for being a good book, with well-developed plot and characters.

     

Happy Reading!!!

 

 



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The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon...

"It was like drowning, only from the inside out."

The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon

Nine-year-old Trisha McFarland strays from the path while she and her recently divorced mother and brother take a hike along a branch of the Appalachian Trail. Lost for days, wandering farther and farther astray, Trisha has only her portable radio for comfort. A huge fan of Tom Gordon, a Boston Red Sox relief pitcher, she listens to baseball games and fantasizes that her hero will save her. Nature isn't her only adversary, though - something dangerous may be tracking Trisha through the dark woods.~~Goodreads

Author: Stephen King

Published: 1999

Purchased: Amazon.com

Review

I used to be a big fan of Stephen King. I loved Salem's Lot, Pet Semetary, Misery, The Firestarter, Cujo, and many others. The old Stephen King books seemed to take on a life of their own. I remember while reading Salem's Lot  I got up and closed the curtains, you know, just in case, and in Pet Semetary  the image of that little piece of garbage bag on the cat's mouth stayed with me for days.

 And then-I lost interest. Stephen King books became huge tomes that I couldn't plow through and to make it worse I didn't want to. One day I just stopped reading him. From that day forward I've missed him. When a friend recommended The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon  I became excited. She bragged about it to the point that I began to reminisce about Paul Sheldon. I ran out and bought it as fast as I could.

I was sorely disappointed. I want say it wasn't worth reading, but it wasn't my Stephen King. The Stephen King I loved. The Stephen King that made me close those curtains and go in search of a crucifix. That's the Stephen King I'm searching for and that, sadly, isn't the Stephen King I found.

 I give it 2 stars for being a readable piece of fiction.

Happy Reading!!!

Hunger Games Trilogy...

“To this day, I can never shake the connection between this boy, Peeta Mellark, and the bread that gave me hope, and the dandelion that reminded me that I was not doomed.”

Hunger Games Trilogy

Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.~~Amazon.com

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Author: Suzanne Collins

Published: 2008

Purchase: Amazon.com

Review:

I am not a big fan of Science Fiction, so it took some coaxing to get me to finally read Hunger Games, but when I did I read all three. As soon as I finished the third one my youngest daughter and I went to see the movie. She had already seen it, but liked it so much she wanted to see it again. I really liked the first book and enjoyed the second one, but by the time the third one ended I was ready. I'm glad I read them and would recommend them to anyone who hasn't read them yet. The movie was really good and followed the book as close as can be expected. Even though I'm not into Sci-Fi and was getting a little tired of it at the end it was well worth the read. I give it 4 stars for being unique and very entertaining. If you love Science Fiction you'll love Hunger Games, so you might as well get the trilogy.

Happy Reading!!!

Entangled...

"...we pick and choose the memories we need to remember, not necessarily the most important ones, but those useful to our continued well being."

ENTANGLED

A Minneapolis attorney inherits a small California winery, reawakening memories that have lain dormant for twenty years. One summer of her childhood is a mystery she intends to solve. But digging up her past also lays bare the skeletons of others, including her mother’s.

Author: Barbara Ellen Brink

Published: 2011 

Purchase: Amazon

Review:

I enjoyed this book very much. I read it on the Kindle for $2.99. I didn't expect it to be that good considering the price and the fact that the author self-published. I was in for a surprise. The characters were well developed and Mrs. Brink did a good job of throwing me off the trail. I didn't figure it out until close to the end. Her twists and turns were plausible and I never felt cheated. There was one spot that caused me to scratch my head and wonder why she left that scene in and what it had to do with the flow of the story, but even that was o.k.
Entangled was an excellent, fast, believable, who-done-it that I highly recommend. You want find better for the money. I have down-loaded her next book in the series called "Crushed" and can't wait to get started. I give this book 4 stars. 
Happy Reading!!!

Deeper Than The Dead...

"His victim would have screamed if she could have."

Deeper Than The Dead

California, 1984. Four children, running in the woods behind their school, stumble upon a partially buried female body, eyes and mouth glued shut. Close behind the children is their teacher, shocked by this discovery and heartbroken as she witnesses the end of their innocence. What she doesn’t yet realize is that this will mark the end of innocence for an entire community, as the ties that bind families and friends are tested by secrets uncovered in the wake of a serial killer’s escalating activity.~~Goodreads

Author: Tami Hoag

Published: 2010

Purchase: Amazon.com

Review:

I loved some of Tami Hoag's earlier books, but I can only say I liked this one. She left loose ends, didn't keep me guessing long enough and the romance wasn't typical Hoag. I didn't feel like I knew the characters or ever became truly invested in the story, but it moved quickly and kept my interest. Gruesome at times and not much of a "happy ending", but I give it 2 stars for being easy and moving fast. It was worth reading and I plan on reading the next two in this series of three.

Happy Reading and Happy New Year!!!

  

One Thousand Gifts...

"Christ incarnated in the parent is the only hope of incarnating Christ in the child."

One Thousand Gifts:A Dare To Live Fully Right Where You Are

Is a book that "invites you to embrace everyday blessings and embark on the transformative spiritual discipline of chronicling God's gifts". ~~Amazon

Author: Ann Voskamp

Published: 2010

Purchase: Amazon.com

My Review:

Let me start this review by saying it is only my opinion. This book is well liked by most readers and anything less than 4 or 5 stars is not going to be well received by the majority. This review is in no way a personal attack on the author. I feel certain the message she is trying to get across is sincere and heartfelt, but the book for me was difficult to read, difficult to keep my focus, and eventually left me confused. Confused by the writing style, some of the biblical interpretations and why so many are seemingly devouring this book. The last chapter left me perplexed at the need to describe perfect communion with God in sexual terms such as "making love" with Him.

While I don't agree with some of her theology I do agree that we should be thankful in every circumstance and I like her idea of a gratitude journal. If you choose to read this book I would recommend referring to the Bible to make sure that her interpretation lines up with scripture in every circumstance. I give this book two stars. It's worth reading.

Have a nice day!!!    

The Invention of Hugo Cabret...

           "If you lose your purpose ... it's like your broken."

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

"Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo's undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery." ~~Book Cover

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Author: Brian Selznik

Published: 2007 

Age Level: 9 and up

Purchase: Amazon.com

Review:

I started helping my 6 year-old grandson read this book Friday night and he loves it. You read a few pages and then are carried along by the magnificent drawings of author Brian Selznick. This book is 533 pages long, but with 1/3 of it being illustrations it doesn't take long to reach the end. Imagine the accomplishment a 6-9 year-old feels when he completes it. My grandson and I enjoyed it immensely and can't wait for the movie to open on November 23rd. I give it 4 stars. We couldn't put it down.

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Happy Reading!!!

The Jesus Storybook Bible Review...

"Every story whispers His name..."

The Jesus Storybook Bible is a children's book that tells 43 Bible stories from the book of Genesis through Revelation.

Published: 2007
Author: Sally Lloyd-Jones
Age: 4-8 years
Purchase: Amazon

Review:
Let me start by saying this is a good version of a children's bible storybook. At the center of every story is Jesus, but the author takes some liberties in her attempts to make it understandable for children that I really can't approve of. An example is Jesus playing games with children. Some of these things may or may not have happened, but the bible doesn't tell us this, so why not stay true to the bible . I think it is a good storybook as long as we correct it as we go and don't consider it a children's bible.
Have a nice day!  
    

More Crazy Quilting...

Thought I'd share some of my favorite Crazy Quilt books. These have instructions on how to make a Crazy Quilt. They also have embroidery patterns and many good ideas for embellishing your Crazy Quilt.

The Magic of Crazy Quilting by J. Marsha Michler is an excellent one. The Crazy Quilt Handbook by Judith Baker Montano is another good one. I bought my copies at the Houston Quilt Show, but they can be purchased at Amazon.com.

I am always on the look-out for material to use. I like to use velvets, satins, men's vintage ties, any type of material that might seem "elegant" or unusual. I find remnants at flea markets, yard sales, thrift shops...

Hope you have a great Sunday!!!

The Help...

"You is kind. You is smart. You is important."

The Help

takes place in pre-civil rights Mississippi during the early 1960's. A twenty-two-year-old writer and three maids embark on a risky project that could potentially put them and their families in danger.

                                                               Author: Kathryn Stockett

Published: 2009

Purchase at: Amazon

MY REVIEW

I enjoyed this book from start to finish. The characters were believable and endearing. There was plenty of humor mixed with sadness and nail biting suspense. I give this book five stars. I didn't want it to end. If you haven't read it yet be sure you put it at the top of your reading list. The movie is due to come out soon. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

HAPPY READING!!!

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane...

"...You can have this whole entire life, with all your opinions, your loves, your fears. Eventually those parts of you disappear. And then the people who could remember those parts of you disappear, and before long, all that's left is your name in some ledger.''

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane

tells the story of  Connie, a Harvard Graduate student who is preparing to put her deceased grandmother’s house on the market. In the process she finds a key and a note inside an old Bible. The note has a women's name on it, thus begins the mystery. The book shifts between 1991 Marblehead, Massachusetts and late 17th century Salem.
 

Author: Katherine Howe
Published: 2009
Purchase at: Amazon.com 

My Review:

I enjoyed the plot of this book, but the writing was weak. To tell you some of the things I didn't like about it would spoil it, so I will just say that it was predictable and contrived at times, but also very entertaining. I give it four stars for being a nice, easy, entertaining read. In spite of it's many flaws I couldn't put it down.

Happy Reading!!!   

A Room With A View...

"It isn't possible to love and part. You will wish that it was. You can transmute love, ignore it, muddle it, but you can never pull it out of you. I know by experience that the poets are right: love is eternal."

A Room With A View

This Edwardian social comedy explores love and prim propriety among an eccentric cast of characters assembled in an Italian pensione and in a corner of Surrey, England.--Goodreads

Published: 1908

 Author: E. M. Forster

Purchase at: Amazon

REVIEW

I read this book because the title kept drawing me to it. "A Room With A View" sounded intriguing, almost mysterious. What was someone going to see from that view? The book wasn't at all what I thought it would be and not really my kind of book, but I enjoyed it and think some day I might like to read "Howard's End" another E. M. Forster book.  I give it three stars for it's humor and vivid characters. I can't wait to watch the movie.

Happy Reading!!!  

My First Award...

I would like to thank Anne at McGuffy's Reader for choosing me to receive my this award! I appreciate her for thinking of me. She has a great blog. Be sure to stop by and see her.

In accepting this award I have to admit seven random things about myself and then choose five other bloggers to pass this award on to. Here goes:

1. Purple is my favorite color.
2. I have had as many as 21 cats at one time.
3. I'm a hippie at heart.
4. I love fiddle music.
5. Chocolate makes my clothes shrink.
6. I watch Nancy Grace.
7. I'm a recovering packrat.

Here are my five choices. Stop by and check out their blogs.

1. Must Love Books and Coffee
2. Book Garden Reviews
3. Brenda's Books and Blog
4. The Life and Times of Mama Hancock
5. It's Amanda With An A

Have a nice day!!!

Summer Reads...

With summer upon us there will be all sorts of relaxing temptations and I plan on squeezing in as many as possible. In the process of enjoying my summer there are a few things I never leave home without. Books. So I have put together a list of some of my favorites. If you can't decide what you want to take along this summer-consider one of these. The second list I plan to read this summer-starting tonight.


SOME OF MY FAVORITES:
                                   
1. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
2. A Time to Kill by John Grisham
3. Dances With Wolves by Michael Blake                  .
4. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
5. The Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers
6. Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling
7. The Sun Also Rises by Hemmingway
8. A Moveable Feast by Hemmingway
9. The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
10. Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriett Beecher Stowe
11. The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevelier
12. The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevelier
13. Any of Carla Neggers-Romantic Supense
14. Any Beverly Lewis-Christian
15. The Pelican Brief-John Grisham
16. Water For Elephants-Sarah Gruen
17. Salem's Lot-Stephen King
18. Pet Cemetary-Stephen King
19. Little Women-Louisa Mae Alcott
20. The Wind in the Willows-Kenneth Grahame

Ten that I plan on reading before summer ends:

1. Finish reading A Room With A View-E. M. Forster
2. The Trouble With Mattie-Mary A. Berger
3. The Whisper-Carla Neggers
4. For Whom The Bell Tolls-Hemmingway
5. The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon-Stephen King
6. Falling Angels-Tracy Chevelier
7. Anne of Green Gables-L. M. Montgomery
8. Just Take My Heart-Mary Higgins Clark
9. Freckles-Gene Stratton-Porter
10. Emma-Charlotte Bronte

You can purchase any of these books through Amazon.com.

HAPPY SUMMER AND HAPPY READING!!!

 

A Severe Mercy...

"To hold her in my arms against the twilight and be her comrade for ever - this was all I wanted so long as my life should last..."

A Severe Mercy

is the autobiography of Sheldon Vanauken and his wife Davy, their all consuming love, their friendship with C. S. Lewis, their search for faith and eventual loss.

Published: 1977

Author: Sheldon Vanauken

Purchase at: Amazon

MY REVIEW

This book started off slow and slowly drew me in. It wasn't until the fourth chapter when C. S. Lewis was introduced that I started to feel connected. The writing seemed over-dramatic and picture perfect. It almost had an unrealistic feel to it. I wanted to say, "No body's love is this perfect", but as the book progressed and as I became used to Vanauken's writing this was no longer an issue. I think he had to be that over-the-top in his description of their love in order for the reader to see and feel the depth of the transformation, so that we could know that to love Christ more than each other was an extreme devotion. When I read the final page and closed the book I said, "That was a good book."

If you are a C. S. Lewis fan you will most certainly appreciate it. It contains 18 letters written to Vanauken by Lewis. This book would be great for a discussion group. I didn't start out thinking I would like it, but I did. I think I will have to read it again to fully understand it. I give it three stars. It was definitely a good book and I have a feeling I will give it more stars after the reread.

Try it and let me know what you think.

HAPPY READING!!!

A Room With A View...

I have been trying to decide for a couple of weeks what book to read next on Kindle. I first thought I might like to read Hemmingway and then decided on A Room With A View. The name has an intriguing ring to it. I started it today.

Books I have read this year:

1. The Virgin Blue: A Novel
2. The Backyard Bird Feeder's Bible
3. Memories of the Old Plantation Home
4. Sunday at Tiffany's
5. Little Women
6. Wind in the Willows
7. My Utmost for His Highest (again & again)
8. Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope

Top five picks for summer reads:

1. Mark of the Lion Series--Francine Rivers(must read)
2. The Lady and The Unicorn--Tracey Chevalier
3. Water for Elephants--Sarah Gruen
4. Annie's People Series--Beverly Lewis
5. To Kill A Mockingbird--Harper Lee

I never go anywhere without a book. Hope you find some of these worth the read.

HAPPY READING!!!

Lost Cord...

Guess I pulled a "Kathy". I lost or misplaced my computer cord. My dear sweet hubby has ordered another one to arrive, hopefully this weekend. I will be back to blogging Monday. It isn't easy on a phone.
I finished "Little Women". It was one of those books that I hated to see end. Louisa May Alcott did such a great job of bringing her characters to life. Meg, Jo, Amy, Beth and Laurie are absolutely unforgettable. I was sad, when they were sad, happy and disappointed right along with them. Bringing out emotions in a reader is the mark of a good book. I will say it was dated at times and maybe a little much at the end, but on a scale of one to ten I give it an 8.5. If you like to read classics and haven't read this one give it a try.
I am now reading "Wind in the Willows". Rat just found Mole scared to death in The Wild Wood. Oh well, he tried to tell him. I'll put a link here if you are interested and now I must get back to Ratty and Moley.
                                                                                          

Happy Birthday to me...

I am back after a few days of being on the go. I have been celebrating my April 2nd birthday since April 1st and here it is April 5th. One of my best presents came from Hubby. Knowing how well I like to read he gave me a Kindle. It will never replace the feel, the smell, the essence of the "real thing", but I am loving it. It is going to be great as a traveling companion. Just think, thousands of books at the mere click of a button. I can handle that.

   

Then there's the cover. It gives it the actual feel of a book. I have even reached to turn the page. Mine is purple, of course.

At present I am reading a free download of "Little Women". Meg and Mr. Brooks are just beginning to realize that each other exists.

Another of my favorite presents came from my daughter's family. It is a darling tote bag with the name and representation of each grandchild.

Isn't this the cutest thang "evah"?

Hubby told me it was my weekend. I could pick anywhere and anything to do. I chose three things. First, on Friday I chose a trip to the baseball field to see my nine-year-old grandson, Brown Hawk play.  He did a fantastic job.

                                                                            Safe!!

Second, on Saturday, I chose a trip to Canton.  Canton is in East Texas and is billed as the "World's Largest Flea Market" and there is definitely more food and shopping than can be had in one day.

 

Next on the agenda was back to the baseball fields to see both grandsons play ball. This was a real treat as we had not seen the five-year-old play before. Both boys did well and I am not the least bit predudice.

Proud Mama & Papa

I completed my birthday weekend with a movie at the Movie Tavern.  We saw Lincoln Lawyer with Matthew McConaughey.  It was entertaining and enjoyable.

                   I had one of the best birthdays ever. The best part was spending time with family.