2012 in Review

A lot happened this year for me. My business seemed to really take off. My grandfather passed away. My best friends each had a baby girl, so I have two more "nieces." My extended family welcomed 3 children into it via adoption. And I've stayed on track with my reading the Bible in a year.

I've read A LOT of books this year too. I read at least 120 books. I say at least, because I know that there are several I forgot to log. I discovered a bunch of new or new to me authors.

I saw a few movies at the theaters this year. My favorites being Avengers, Hunger Games, and Les Miserables. In fact I've love Les Mis so much that I've seen it twice since it came out and will be seeing it a third time!

My favorite books for 2012. (in no particular order, and they are not all 5 star ratings)

I'm including the Amazon links to each as well. Unless noted otherwise, all links are for the Kindle books. The author's name will take you to my review and the title is linked to the Amazon Kindle page.

Promise Me This by Cathy Gohlke

Attracted to Fire by DiAnn Mills

Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings

When Two Hearts Meet by Janelle Mowery

Short Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer - I read this one. Then once I finished it, I started it again.

Wildflowers From Winter by Katie Ganshert

Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittmore

Rebel by Linda Windsor

Prophet by RJ Lawson

Starring Me by Krista McGee

Over the Edge by Mary Connealy

Submerged by Dani Pettrey

With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin

Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz

The Girl's Still Got It by Liz Curtis Higgs

Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan - I think this is my favorite one so far.

Stars Collide by Janice Thompson

Marshal's Promise by Rhonda Gibson

Light in the Window by Julie Lessman

Alchemyst by Michael Scott - this was a reread but I still loved it.

I read quite a few more thought provoking books this year too. Or at least ones that I found fascinating, but didn't necessarily make my favorites list for year.

The Gifted by Ann H Gabhart

Thirteen Hallows by Michael Scott

Band of Sisters by Cathy Gohlke

He Chose the Nails by Max Lucado

Strangler Figs by Peggy Chitteron Brown

There are a lot of books coming out in 2013 that I am looking forward to. Julie Lessman, Mary Connealy, Dani Pettrey, Jody Hedlund, Regina Jennings, and Sarah Sundin all have books coming out that I am excited about. I can't remember titles or release dates at the moment. Oh yes. I forgot Karen Witemeyer. I think I'm the most excited about Stealing the Preacher by Karen than I am about pretty much any other book.

Groom By Arrangement - A Review

Eliza Kelly didn't answer an ad to be a mail-order bride. Yet there is a groom on the way to meet her at the station. She mistakes blacksmith Jackson Hart for her prospective groom. When she suddenly finds herself guardian to a small boy and her reputation in tatters, Jackson offers a chance for her to save face by offering a marriage of convience. Will these two souls find true love?

It was delightful to return to Cottonwood Springs and to catch up with Seth and Rebecca from Marshal's Promise. I enjoyed reading Eliza and Jackson's story as well. The twists that occured weren't what I excpected especially when Eliza's sister suddenly shows up in town. This was a fun book to read one evening after work as it only took me a couple of hours to read it all.

This is due out in February 2013. I received my copy as part of Reader Service Book club.

Recommended to fans of Janet Tronstead, Janet Dean, Love Inspired Historicals, Love Inspired, Love Inspired Suspense.

Rating - 4 stars

A bit of fun

Every year, or at least for the past few years, I take part in the Chamber of Secrets Holiday Calendar. Last year I shared the little story I did with Rose. This year I came up with something entirely different. I was having a hard time getting the characters to behave and let me write a simple Christmas story. So I wrote a poem instead. I don't rhyme, and I typically don't write poetry. But it's in fun. So here is my entry to this year's Holiday Calendar. So for all Harry Potter fans....

It’s that time of the year

When the Hogwarts Holiday Calendar brings much cheer.

I sharpened up my quill

And wondered what I’d do to fit the bill.

I tried to write

Even stayed up late at night!

But, alas to my dismay

There was nothing for me to say.

James and Lily didn’t make a peep.

The Trio and Ginny stayed asleep

Not a word from Scoripus or Rose.

Upon the twins I could not impose.

Busy with work and books,

I couldn’t even spare time to cook!

The deadline approached way too fast

An idea came to mind – at last!

Instead of a story I hold so dear,

I’ll write a poem full of holiday cheer.

Only as the words began to flow,

Did I discover it was full of woe.

I typically can’t rhyme

But I will just this time.

So that I can write my holiday wish

And pray that it sounds sweet-ish.

So with that thought,

I’ll give it a shot -

Merry Christmas to all

And may your holidays be a ball!

Deposit Slip Winner

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Giveaway

Happy December!


Today I'm going to give away Todd Johnson's Deposit Slip.

To enter, leave a comment of a Christmas tradition your family does. Extra entry for leaving a comment telling me you follow my blog and how. Extra entries for any comments on my book reviews (see the label on the top left). Ends Christmas Day in the evening, probably 9pm.

Secrets - A Review

Jessica Morgan hopes to escape her past by moving to the small town of Glenbrooke, Oregon. All she wants is to be able to live peacefully and make her own decisions. Yet life has a way throwing a curve at her. A car accident, a principal who is set on finding out anything that can be used to blackmail Jessica, a troubled teen, a trip to Mexico, and a handsome firefighter all shatter Jessica's peace. But as she falls further in love with the small town and its people, including the handsome firefighter, she finds herself drawn to the relationship with God that most of them seem to share. Will Jessica find a relationship with the God who loves her to distraction? Will she let go of her secrets enough to open her heart to love?

"Welcome to Glenbroooke - a quiet place where souls are refreshed," is the greeting of this small town. I've read this book several times over the years and I always find that it's so refreshing. For me, any of Robin's books - and I've read them all several times - is like a visit with a best friend. While it's been about four years since I've read this particular book, I was easily drawn into Jessica's story once again. The way that she searches for answers about faith is something I love. Each Glenbrooke book just infuses my desire to move to Glenbrooke.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook/Multnomah's Blogging for Books program for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Christy Miller, light romances, Colleen Coble, Denise Hunter

Rating - 4 stars

Light in the Window - A Review

Marcy Murphy is thrilled to return to the Boston she loves. She's also thrilled to be able to direct the church Christmas play fundraiser with her best friend. What she's not thrilled about is the attention of two rogues, Patrick O'Connor and Sam Rourke, who compete for her heart. Marcy doesn't want anything to do with men with reputations like they have. She wants a man who will love God as much as he loves her. Which of these two men will win her heart?

This sweet prequel to Julie Lessman's Daughters of Boston and Wings of Change Series tells the story of Marcy and the man she ends up marrying. I'm not telling who the man is, for those of you haven't read anything Julie's written. I loved the way that when there is a moment that Marcy's faith is hanging on by a thread, one of two rogues is there to encourage her and help her out. This man also discovers his own faith and the true meaning of redemption.

I read this book for pure pleasure.

Recommended to fans of family drama, Julie Lessman's other books, Laura Frantz

Rating - 4 stars