Mailbox Monday December 12

Happy Monday! The weekend sure was short! I was busy getting the living room ready for the tree. The tree is up and that is it. It is bare, not an ornament or a light on it yet. We get a real tree and this tree was very closed up. I gave it a fresh cut and trim, plopped it in some water and am waiting for the branches to finish relaxing. One year we made the mistake of decorating the tree right away and woke up the next morning to ornaments and lights on the floor. Hopefully we can decorate it tonight.

In other news, I have decided I am not happy with my weight. I was one of those gals others loved to hate. I could eat a whopper with cheese, a large fry and a milkshake and not gain a pound. Those days are over! Long gone those days are! Oh how I miss those days! I can not eat anything and I still gain weight. I avoid the scale. This weekend I was cleaning and decided to step on the scale. BIG MISTAKE! Let's just say it was shocking! I don't think I weighed this much when I was pregnant. Changes are coming to my diet. I did manage 1 hour on the treadmill on Saturday where I read 100 pages while walking. It's time to eat right and get moving. Any helpful tips anyone has would be more than welcome!

Now that I have totally depressed us all, on to Mailbox Monday! Mailbox Monday is the creation of Marcia from A Girl and Her Books. The meme is on tour and this month's host is Jenny Q at Let Them Read Books. Be sure to check out Jenny Q's fabulous blog! Thank you for hosting, Jenny!

I really didn't receive any books in my mailbox but did buy a couple of books on my Nook after reading reviews for two of this author's books on CMash Loves to Read. Cheryl's review had me curious and then I saw I already had one of this author's book on my nook. They all sounded like reads I would like. Thank you Cheryl for the review and the recommendations! I will let you know how I like them all!

Spinning by Michale Baron

When You Went Away by Michael Baron

I already owned this one but it is also by the same author so I included a link to it.

A Winter Discovery by Michael Baronhref

No review books or wins here but that is okay. Slow weeks are when I take a deep breath and try to do some catching up!

I am off to munch on some celery sticks. What wonderful books made their way into your home?

The Winters in Bloom by Lisa Tucker

The Winters In Bloom by Lisa Tucker

Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Atria Books (September 13, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416575405
ISBN-13: 978-1416575405

This is the first book I have read by Lisa Tucker but won't be my last. The first part of the book caught my attention and demanded that I read on. Kyra and David Winter experience one of the the worst nightmares a parent can experience, their son, Michael is abducted. We get a glimpse of what they are going through in the beginning and also get a glimpse of Michael and his abductor although the abductor's identity remains a mystery.

The book then goes into the past lives of Kyra and David. We learn how they got to be where they are today and the many people who have been a part of their lives, from Michael's ex-wife to Kyra's estranged sister to their parents. All of the people involved are very interesting characters. They are all very flawed and dysfunctional. This part of the book, while very informative, drove me crazy! It did not move fast enough for me. I wanted to know who had this young boy and why!

It felt like it took forever to get Part 3 of the book where we finally learn who took Michael. Part 3 made up for the all the aggravation I felt reading the previous two parts. The suspense was intense until the end. The story is full of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end.

If you like a good story about a dysfunctional family that is character driven, you may like this book. The story does bounce around a bit but if you have some patience, the ending is worth the wait.





I received this book for my honest opinion courtesy of Atria Books. This in no way influenced my review.

How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr

How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr

This book was a surprise for me. First off, I would have never read this book if not for the great reviews of other reviewers, so thank you reviewers!

Jill is a teenage girl who is grieving over the death of her father. She is hurting and just wants her life to go back to the way it was. Her mother, Robin, is grieving also but decides she wants to adopt a baby. Jill doesn't understand how her mother can think this is a good idea. I sort of agreed with Jill at this point. It just didn't seem to be the time to be making these types of decisions. I think the thought of the empty nest really pushes this idea along for Robin. Jill tries to be supportive since she feels that is what her dad would want.

Mandy is a pregnant teen with tons of baggage! She has been raised by a mother who didn't want to be a mother. There is no love lost between the two. Robin and Mandy find each other and before you know it, Mandy is on a train to come live with Robin and Jill to finish out her pregnancy, the goal being Robin will adopt the baby and Mandy will be able to start her life over, away from her mother. Mandy comes off as very manipulative and cold, which is no shock with her upbringing.

Jill and Mandy are not teenagers that are easy to like. They both have flaws. Jill is rude and unkind to Mandy. Jill seems to shut people out since her father's death. Mandy doesn't seem to be honest about her life and the pregnancy. She is not open to having relationship with anyone, including Jill. The both do grow on the reader eventually.

The chapters are alternately told between the two girls. The story flows well despite this. In fact, it was interesting to see where each girl's head was at. It was a perfect way to tell this story. You can feel each girl's pain. Even though the two girls are as different as night and day, you can't help but feel for both of them.

The story is beautifully told. The title fits the story perfectly. It actually made me think about whose life was being saved. All three characters seem to be in need of some saving. There is also the life of the unborn baby which needs saving. The book takes a surprising turn at the end which made for a satisfying ending.

I think this would make a great read for book groups as there is much one could discuss. I also would recommend this book for both adults and high school aged readers. This is a book you won't want to put down once you start reading it!

This was my first read by Sara Zarr but won't be my last. She tells a good, emotional story with characters that have some depth. Her writing pleasantly surprised me! I highly recommend this book! A 5 star read!



I received this book through Amazon Vine in exchange for my honest review

Mailbox Monday December 5

Happy Monday! I am not sure why but I am overly cheerful this morning! It has been dark and dreary in my neck of the woods. It kind of caused me to be lazy this weekend but this morning I woke up ready to face the week! It's rather shocking! Maybe I'm acclimating to the dark, dismal weather. I am reading a fun, light book right now so maybe that is the reason for my good mood. Maybe it is the holiday spirit working it's magic.

I am so not ready for the holidays. I haven't done a lick of shopping and haven't a clue what to buy anyone. It will all come together eventually. It always does. So, how many of you have all your decorations up and your shopping finished?

On to Mailbox Monday! Mailbox Monday is the creation of Marcia from A Girl and Her Books. The meme is on tour and this month's host is Jenny Q at Let Them Read Books. Be sure to check out Jenny Q's fabulous blog! Thank you for hosting, Jenny!

I received four books last week, three for review and one was a purchase to share with my mom. I knew she would love the book and I wanted to read it too. I love to share books with Mom. Our tastes in books have kind of changed over the years so when I find a book I know we both will enjoy, I jump on it. It's fun to talk about a book after we both read it. I love to hear when she gets excited and loves a book as much as I do.

Here is what I got last week:

Defending Jacob by William Landay

(This came with a matching bookmark which I forgot to include in the picture)
Hardcover: 432 pages
Publisher: Delacorte Press (January 31, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0385344228
ISBN-13: 978-0385344227
Andy Barber has been an assistant district attorney in his suburban Massachusetts county for more than twenty years. He is respected in his community, tenacious in the courtroom, and happy at home with his wife, Laurie, and son, Jacob. But when a shocking crime shatters their New England town, Andy is blindsided by what happens next: His fourteen-year-old son is charged with the murder of a fellow student.

Every parental instinct Andy has rallies to protect his boy. Jacob insists that he is innocent, and Andy believes him. Andy must. He’s his father. But as damning facts and shocking revelations surface, as a marriage threatens to crumble and the trial intensifies, as the crisis reveals how little a father knows about his son, Andy will face a trial of his own—between loyalty and justice, between truth and allegation, between a past he’s tried to bury and a future he cannot conceive.

Award-winning author William Landay has written the consummate novel of an embattled family in crisis—a suspenseful, character-driven mystery that is also a spellbinding tale of guilt, betrayal, and the terrifying speed at which our lives can spin out of control.

Received for my honest review from Random House

The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo

Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company; 1 edition (October 17, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 031609739X
ISBN-13: 978-0316097390

The tree is decorated, the cookies are baked, and the packages are wrapped, but the biggest celebration this Christmas is Gaby Summerhill's wedding. Since her husband died three years ago, Gaby's four children have drifted apart, each consumed by the turbulence of their own lives. They haven't celebrated Christmas together since their father's death, but when Gaby announces that she's getting married--and that the groom will remain a secret until the wedding day--she may finally be able to bring them home for the holidays.

But the wedding isn't Gaby's only surprise--she has one more gift for her children, and it could change all their lives forever. With deeply affecting characters and the emotional twists of a James Patterson thriller, The Christmas Wedding is a fresh look at family and the magic of the season.

I purchased this book

I am so excited about these next two reads which I received for my honest review from Amazon Vine. I adore Kristin Hannah and always look forward to her next novel.

The last book, What Happened to Hannah is an uncorrected proof. I wonder if they will use the picture on the cover? I see Amazon is listing a different cover which is a good thing since the picture on my uncorrected proof looks so similar to the cover of Here, Home, Hope by Kaira Rouda. I really dislike when pictures are used over and over for book covers.

Home Front by Kristin Hannah

Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Press (January 31, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0312577206
ISBN-13: 978-0312577209

From a distance, Michael and Joleen Zarkades seem to have it all: a solid marriage, two exciting careers, and children they adore. But after twelve years together, the couple has lost their way; they are unhappy and edging toward divorce. Then the Iraq war starts. An unexpected deployment will tear their already fragile family apart, sending one of them deep into harm’s way and leaving the other at home, waiting for news. When the worst happens, each must face their darkest fear and fight for the future of their family. An intimate look at the inner landscape of a disintegrating marriage and a dramatic exploration of the price of war on a single American family, HOME FRONT is a provocative and timely portrait of hope, honor, loss, forgiveness, and the elusive nature of love.

What Happened to Hannah by Mary Kay McComas

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks; Original edition (February 7, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 006208478X
ISBN-13: 978-0062084781

As a teenager, Hannah Benson ran away from home in order to save herself. Now, twenty years later, the past comes calling and delivers life-changing news: her mother and sister have passed away, leaving Hannah the guardian of her fifteen-year-old niece.

Returning home to bitter memories and devastating secrets, Hannah must overcome her painful past to pave a future with her niece, the last best chance at a family for both of them. She begins to create a new, happier life with her niece and rekindles a relationship with Grady Steadman, one of the few people she’s ever called a friend.

But she can’t forget what she cannot forgive, or lay to rest those ghosts that will not die. Will love and trust—and the truth—give her the strength to stand her ground and fight for what she deserves?


So those are the books that made their way into my home. What wonderful reads made their way into your home?

Weekend Cooking-Yummy Sweet Potatoes!

I love sweet potatoes and I am always looking for a new way to fix them. I saw this in my Kraft Food & Family magazine and thought it looked interesting. When we got to my sister's house for Thanksgiving she had made this recipe. My daughter and I loved it! In fact, I loved it so much I have a pan of it in my oven as I type! I thought I would share the recipe with you so you wouldn't have to miss out on all the goodness!

Photo and recipe from Kraft Food & Family Magazine/Kraft Recipes(I have a paid magazine subscription but you can find the recipe online for free)

Apple-Bacon Sweet Potatoes

1 large onion, chopped
4 slices OSCAR MAYER Lower Sodium Turkey Bacon, chopped
1-1/2 lb. sweet potatoes (2 large), peeled, cut into bite-size chunks
2 apples, chopped
1/2 cup apple juice
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped PLANTERS Pecans

Heat oven to 375ºF.

Cook onions and bacon in large nonstick skillet on medium heat 7 to 8 min. or until onions are crisp-tender.

Place potatoes in 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Add apples, apple juice and cinnamon; mix lightly. Top with onion mixture; cover.

Bake 40 min.; top with nuts. Bake 15 min. or until potatoes are tender and most the liquid is absorbed.

This turns out really flavorful and it isn't too unhealthy either. The Kraft Food & Family Magazine is a favorite read in our home. We always find great but simple recipes in it.

Weekend Cooking is a weekly meme sponsored by Beth Fish Reads.
Weekend Cooking is a chance to share the food love. Be sure to check out all the yummy cooking posts on Beth's blog.

The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt: A Novel in Pictures by Caroline Preston

The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt: A Novel in Pictures by Caroline Preston

This book is a book to be treasured! The story is wonderful and the way the story is told is fresh and new, at least to this reader. Caroline Preston tells us the story of Frankie Pratt through Frankie's scrapbook. At first I was afraid I would miss out on the story not being told in the traditional way one writes a story, through words. I was afraid I would get lost or miss out on something in the scrapbook. I need not worry. I caught on right away and before I knew it, I had read the whole book...in one sitting! The only thing that made me sad in this book, was turning the last page! I wanted it to go on and on!

In 1920, Frankie Pratt receives a scrapbook for her high school graduation, from her mother. Frankie dreams of being a writer but when circumstances force her to turn down a college scholarship, her dreams are set aside. Frankie keeps us updated on her life through her scrapbook. She uses her father's typewriter and her memorabilia to tell us her story. I found each and every page interesting. There are ticket stubs, newspaper articles, advertisements, postcards and so much more. On one page there were cards from a card game called The Authors card game by Walt Whitman. We had the same card game growing up, so it brought back great memories for me!

The story itself kept me reading. I had to know what happened to Frankie next. Her life is not always easy but she manages to rise above it all. Frankie finds her way into the reader's heart. She finds love, experiences scandal, travels abroad and through it all, Frankie grows as a person.

This is a book unlike any other! It is a book you will want to keep on your bookshelf to read again and again! There are delightful surprises on every page! This is a book not to be missed!

Be sure to check out the fun video below!



I purchased this book for my personal book shelf, where it will be for years to come!

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznik

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznik

Reading level: Ages 9 and up
Hardcover: 533 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press; First Edition edition (January 30, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0439813786
ISBN-13: 978-0439813785

Summary:
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.

My Thoughts

If you haven't read this book, by all means get it and read it! Brian Selznik tells a wonderful story through his writing and through his illustrations, which I must say are remarkable drawings. This author is extremely talented! He brings the words and pictures to life.

Hugo found a place in my heart right from the start. The mother in me wanted to take him in under my wing. Hugo is a brave boy who does what he needs to survive. He is driven to rebuild a automaton that his deceased father was trying to rebuild at the time of his death. I found the idea of the automaton quite fascinating.

Hugo lives in a secret world behind the scenes which adds to the mystery in the book. All of the characters in the book are well developed and to me all had a bit of quirkiness about them.

My thoughts cannot do this book justice. The format is unusual and works well with the storyline. I cannot imagine this story being told any other way. It is not only a great story but a work of art! Trust me, this is a book the whole family will enjoy.

I am looking forward to seeing how the story translates to the big screen! I hope the movie is as wonderful as the book!


I read this book which I purchased for the 2011 Just For Fun Challenge