January Book Round-Up!

January is typically my hibernation month.  And this year's January was no different!  Every other night I was in bed by 8, with either my book in hand or listening to an audio book.
I think this helped me to really up my book quotient for the month. Because never have I ever read 13 books in a month!!  Crazy!!

13 is a lot to recap so for some you'll get more of a review than others!! That'll probably give you a good indication about how I liked the book too!

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkannn
This book became available to the public on January 9th, but I was lucky enough to receive an advanced readers copy from my library's advanced readers club, where I'm given the book to read and review.  I read this book over the course of two snow days.  I just couldn't put it down.  It was crazy, twisty good!  Not what I expected! Highly recommend!

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult was recommended to me by my bestie Mel, as her favorite read of 2017.  The audio book became available before the print version did at my library so I listen to it.  One of the narrators was stage and television actress Audra MacDonald, so I kind of loved that!  I loved this book, too!  It was a difficult subject matter to tackle, but I really enjoyed the story and the intertwining of characters.  One of my favorites of the month!

The Art of Racing in the Rain
This was another audio book.  And I'm glad I read it this way because the narrator is a dog.  Even though I didn't like the turn the story took in the middle, this book was still wonderful.  So many great insights about life and it's twists and turns.  At the end of the book I bawled...and bawled and bawled!!  I was sad at the turn of events but I was also sad to have it end.

Lilac Girls
Another book with different points of views and narrators was Lilac Girls.  Set in War time and spanning countries and generations, it tells the story of woman brought together by the war.  It took me a little bit to get into, but once I did, I really enjoyed this book.  Another one that brought me to tears!  Clearly, I read a lot of heavy books this month.

The Forever Summer by Jamie Brenner was one I had on hold at the library for quite sometime.  When it became available to me I was excited and read it rather fast.  I can see why it was considered a good beach read.  It was a fun story about a young lawyer, who after losing everything, gets the shock of her life, when she finds out she has a half sister.  From there, lots more family secrets are uncovered!  I liked it a lot!

So after so much heavy, I needed light and fluffy!  Three books fit the bill!

Writer and star of The Office (one of my most favorite shows ever!), Mindy Kaling's Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? and Why Not Me? fit the bill!  Her books of essays were thoughtful and funny and I really enjoyed both!  I have had Why Not Me? forever but after realizing it was her second book, I put it back on the shelf.  I'm glad I read the first book and then started her second again.  Both were quick reads (like a matter of hours...ha!) that entertained me!

My library recommended Furiously Happy to me.  It's a memoir by author Jenny Lawson, who was new to me.  She suffers from severe depression, as well as many other symptoms.  The book took a look at her illness in detail and how she deals with humor, because quite simply she needs to and she won't let her illness take over.  Honestly, her story was quite eye-opening to me and I felt myself rooting for her throughout!  Good...

I read two middle school novels this month by author Lynda Mullaly Hunt.  Loved them both.  Every teacher and student should read Fish in a Tree.  It's main character, Ally, is dyslexic and the story shows her navigating it in school.  With an inspiring teacher by her side she is able to make strides and get the help she needs. I loved the story and it's characters so much.  A true portrait of middle school...something I'm now navigating daily!! Gift this one to all your teacher friends!!!

Hunt's other novel, One for the Murphy's was both tough and inspiring!!  It's another one that had me in tears by the end!  I can't say I loved  the end but the story was wonderful.  Main character Carly is a heroine to root for!  Highly recommend.  Oh and I feel like the teacher in me should let you know I think it's best for grades 6 and up!  Some of it is tough to read...heartbreaking but uplifting at the same time...if that makes any sense!  Give it a read.

Not really worth mentioning were a trilogy of books I read called The Deanna Madden Mysteries.  Basically they were fluff.   Easy reads to to listen to while cleaning the house or fall asleep listening to at night... Just OK!  Lots of people on GoodReads seemed to enjoy them more than I did.  HA!!

Find all my January Reads on Good Reads here!!

Whew!  Lots of reading in January!  I don't anticipate reading as much in February.  I'm already behind.  The last book I started in January, I'm still reading, just about a hundred pages in.  But I'd love some recommendations.  Let me know what you're reading this month in the comments below!! 

At the beginning of the year I found this book bucket list for 2018 on author Debbie Macomber's Facebook page.  I saved it to my photos and while looking for pictures for this post, I came across it again.  Turns out, this month alone, I pretty much ticked off more than half this list! LOL  The only thing I need to finish it are:  a book that been made into a movie, read a book that's new this year, and read a book as a family!  #solitary life!  (maybe my sisters and I could all read the same book!!)  Are you a part of any reading challenges this year that I should know about??

Happy Reading!

Until next time...

*all books are linked to amazon, just because...I'm not an amazon affiliate!  :)

Summer is for Reading!

And boy have I read...and read...and READ!!
I have been a total book geek this summer!  And I'm not going to lie...I LOVE IT!

 I joined my library's summer reading program, my library's Advanced Reader's Club and have been going to a library program called Novel Brews at a local cheese shop/eatery that I love, since June. My library pretty much rocks!

I think I have to preface this by saying, I have never read this much in my life!  BUT some of these books I listened to, and I think that helped me up my Summer Reading total. Listening to books is pretty much the perfect thing to do while laying out...I go with it.

I am going to attempt to share my thoughts on the books I've read this summer in a number of posts. So the posts are not uber long, I've decided to split them up.  This week, I'm sharing my thoughts on the books I've read during the library programs! Next time I'll share audiobooks, then book, books, etc.

Today it's all about the library...pretty much my favorite place.  I am probably on my local library's website at least once a day.  I always request the books I am looking for and am notified via text when they are available for pick-up!  More than once, I've had to bring a tote bag with me to pick up my books! #sorrynotsorry

I mentioed that I joined the library's advanced readers club.  This is really cool.  The library puts out books at the beginning of each month and members can choose a book they would like to read, in exchange for a short, honest review after reading.  The books are free of charge and can be kept.

My first book I read for the ARC (and the first book I read this summer) was called Reading with Patrick. Being a teacher, I chose this book from the June list. Reading with Patrick was published on July 11th.  I finished it before the publishing date. It's a good timeline for me, as I always hope to get through the book before the publication date.  The book is a memior by Michelle Kuo, a young girl who completes a Teach for America stint in the Delta.  Here's my review of the book, submitted to the library:

"As a teacher and librarian myself, I was drawn to this book. And after reading it, am so happy that a book like this exists! Every teacher says that if they can have an impact on just one student in their career...for author Michelle Kuo, Patrick was that student. This memoir tells of their journey together over many years....from the classroom to prison. I loved this book form start to finish. I was engrossed in these people and rooting for them. I was astonished at Patrick's growth throughout the story- his drive and determination, in circumstances where others would just give up! But Miss Kuo was his guardian angel! I loved reading passages from books as they read together and even received quite the history lesson on the Delta! Highly recommend!!"


The ARC book I chose for July....I'll be honest...I didn't enjoy!!  Actually the more I think about it, I can freely say, I hated it.    I rated it two stars, and even I think that was generous!  The Marriage Pact  bt Michaelle Richmond was so unrealistic!!  But maybe it just wasn't my cup of tea.  Others seem to enjoy it.  It got an average of 4 stars on Goodreads!

Here's my review:

"This novel is a total work of fiction. The plot is so unbelievable and over the top! Yet, the narrator and his wife are likable people and it's a interesting look at marriage. It was a page-turner, but I'm not sure it's because I enjoyed the book or just wanted to get it finished. I didn't mind the end and how the story was wrapped up! It was just ok... "


I was able to get two books for August, one of which I am currently reading and think I am going to enjoy, Perfectly Undone.  I will let you know what I think soon!!

Another library program I've been attending is called Novel Brews. the group used to meet at a local coffee shop (hence the name!) but now meets at one of my favorite places in town to chat and discuss the books. I've known about this program for awhile,. but never thought to attend, because the book picks were not anything I thought I was interested in reading.  But after reading the newsletter in early June, I saw that the books for the summer months were actually ones that I had.  So I signed up to attend.

June's pick was I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh.  I kinda loved this book!  It centers around the death of a child, which is difficult, but is very well done!  It was a page-turner, and I didn't see that twist coming!!  Find out more about it here!

July's pick was A Man Called Ove which I've had sitting on my shelf since the inception of The Blended Blog's Virtual Book Club back in February!  It was Lana's pick!  And I can say without any question, that this book was my favorite of the whole summer!!  I laughed, I cried, I rooted for Ove and the rest of these characters!!  LOVED! LOVED! LOVED!!  Also, it should be noted that I listened to this book on audio while reading along with it! I enjoyed that...it helped me recognize the Swedish pronunciations!!  (Ove is pronounced ooohhhh-vaaa).

August's Novel Brews pick was Mrs. Houdini by Victoria Kelly.  A different sort of book than I am used to, but I think that's why I'm loving things like this and the TBB Book Club...because I am getting exposed to books I wouldn't ordinarily choose for myself!  This was not my favorite, but I did end up liking it.  I liked the twist in it, but during the discussion, found out, that THAT was a completely fictional part!  Bummer!  I did find it interesting to learn more about Harry Houdini and Bess though!

On tap for September is The Woman in Cabin 10.  Another TBB Book Club pick!  I've heard good things about it.  And want to get it read, because once school starts, I know things will be crazy!!

What have you been reading this summer?  I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!  And if you're on Good Reads, feel free to follow me here!!

The Magnolia Story: A Review

Today I'm linking up with The Blended Blog's Virtual Book Club to share a review of one of our May picks, The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines.  As a fan of the HGTV show Fixer Upper, I was excited to read this book.  And was even more excited to find out that one of our book clubbers, Valerie, picked it!  Especially since I actually read it!

I had been seeing this book around the blogs for awhile and finally requested it at my library.  When it came in, I read the first chapter right off the bat and was instantly drawn into the story of Chip and Joanna.  Joanna's primarily the one telling the stories of their life together and all of Chips antics!
It was recommended to me that I also pick up the audio version of this since the two stars tell the story themselves.  I did and think for me, this added to the fun of the story.

Without giving too much away, I will say that it's the story of the couple's humble beginnings and their rise to fame, how they overcome the obstacles they faced, leaning on each other and their strong faith in God.

The book is billed and categorized under the Christian/Faith window, which I didn't really realize when I got it but was able to recognize as I read.  Because of what I read in the story, I examined my own faith.  Chip and Joanna were constantly hitting snags in their plans but getting big breaks.  Was this luck, as I thought, or the work of God, as they believed? It got me to thinking and praying on things in my own life.

Reviews of this were mixed in the club's Slack discussions but I will say that because I was a fan of the show, I liked this story that much more. Are you a big Fixer Upper fan?  Have you read the book? I want to hear your thoughts!  Let me know in the comments below.

What did you read in May?  Head to The Blended Blog and link up your book reviews with us HERE!  And it's never to late to join the fun that is the TBB Book Club.  Register here and read with us this summer!

Looking for more good reads?  Check out my reviews of past book club picks here!

It's a Bestie Blog Takeover

Happy Thursday Morning Ya'll!
Today you are in for a super special treat!  My bestie, Mel is taking over!  You might remember meeting her here!  Mel's an awesome supporter of my blog and an avid reader, so when I mentioned The Blended Blog's Virtual Book Club to her she hopped on board.

Each month, club members are chosen to pick what's going to be read.  In April, Melanie was asked to share a book.  She thought her most favorite book, The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah was one that the book clubbers would enjoy.  And since it was her pick, I thought it'd be fun to have Mel takeover the blog today to share her review of the book with you!

Here's Mel!

Who'd write your life story?

With April being School Library Month, I thought since I’m a school librarian, this month I’d post some more bookish posts!

Last week, as I was perusing the blogs, I came across this one from Run Wright, who’s blog and Instagram I follow.  She is a super avid reader and a talented author, too!  I even have her book and it’s really great!! I really enjoy reading her stories.

The 10 authors she would want to meet was really thought provoking and got me to thinking about who I’d want to meet and perhaps write my life story, too!  Her list was a top ten, mine’s just five! After finding authors I enjoy, I tend to read many of their books.

Being a teacher, I’ve actually had the privilege of hearing a few talented children’s authors speak!  Lester Laminack and Mo Willems were two of my favorites.  Mo even taught us how to draw that famous pigeon! I wish I still had my drawing! I didn't do half bad!

And as an adult, my best friend and I had the chance to meet (super briefly!) and have our photo taken with Emily Giffin when  she came to a local book store. (Wish I knew where that pic was though...is it possible that we took it with like, an actual camera?!? LOL)

And when I think about it, Emily Giffin would be one I’d love to have write my story.  She writes woman well and could maybe make my ordinary life seem a little less so! Perhaps when I was younger I would have wanted Judy Blume or Beverly Clearly to write my story but now, in this season of my life, I'd gladly give it over to Ms. Giffin!

Nicholas Sparks is a romance man through and through.  So maybe he couldn’t write my life story, but I’m sure he’d write the story of some hot, rich guy who is just certain to fall in love with me and whisk me away to a lavish life on the beaches of North Carolina!

I’d really love to meet and have children’s author, Andrew Clements, spin my life as a teacher- librarian and tech teacher into a fun school story.  My students and I love his writing, his ability to relate to children and the smart teachers and other adults who support them along the way.

Someone I would have loved to meet was Irish author Frank McCourt.  I love his storytelling! His book, Teacher Man is an all time favorite of mine.  I read the book and then listened to the audio version, which he himself recorded.  I could listen to that man’s stories for hours and hours and never tire of them.

And just because I think this woman is a genius and has the best imagination, I’d love to meet and have a spot of English tea with Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling!  Any author who writes children’s books but also had adults reading them as well, is a woman whose hand I’d like to shake. With her introduction of Harry Potter reluctant readers picked up books, parents read to and with their children more, and everybody felt a sense of magic again.  Her own real-life story is one for the books and is quite inspiring as well.

That was a lot of fun!

What authors would you like to meet?  Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great day!!

March Book Reviews with TBB's Virtual Book Club

Today the girls of the TBB Virtual Book Club are sharing their book reviews for March.  This month's discussions in the Slack group are going strong and are super lively.

I hate to admit this but I'm behind.  Like still reading a February pick, behind!

Sadly, I've been reading  All the Missing Girls since February.  I just can't get to the end.  And I've heard that the end is AMAZING...so I want to get there!  I feel like the end for me will be this weekend, but I just couldn't finish it in time for posting!!

And I am really excited to read a few of the March books!  I have Behind Closed Doors on hold at my local library....looks super freaky but interesting.  Can't wait to read the reviews of it today!!


Still working on All the Missing Girls though doesn't mean I didn't read at all this month!! I actually read two whole books...each in one sitting!

The first was And Every Morning The Way Home Gets Longer and Longer.  This is a small novella by author Fredrik Backman, who also wrote TBB Book Club's February pick,  A Man Called Ove.  I have this too, and have yet to read it (shocking I know!).  But I ended up picking up this little book one day and reading it in about an hour!  I loved it.

It is about a young boy and his grandpa, who sadly, is falling into Alzheimer's.  But he's trying his best to hold on to his precious memories! Told on what I'd call a bridge between this life and heaven...where he goes and "visits" his wife,   It was a touching read that made me laugh and cry....more crying than laughing for sure!  This is a story I highly recommend and will read again and again.  Lots of take-a-ways and beautifully written.


Another book I read in one sitting was titled Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur. It is her debut. Told in poetry and prose, the book is divided into 4 sections and deals with the authors life of abuse, loss, and ultimately the healing that makes her whole again....or just as whole as she can be after such heartache.

Very well done, and not my typical read but I enjoyed it. As a reader, I was vividly immersed in the author's world, however difficult that was. I found myself flagging the poems that spoke to me and those whose words I wanted to remember.   Though difficult it's subject matter, many poems are filled with hope... I was happy I purchased this book rather than borrowed it from the library, because it's another one I'll read again.

Has anyone else ever read this?  I would love to know what you thought in the comments below.







With my spring break coming up in two weeks I have high hopes that I can read a few more books in April.  Looking forward to doing nothing and have the time...like hours...to veg and read for a week and a half!

Hop on by the link-up at TBB today to post your book reviews! No blog? No problem!  Hashtag the books you read this month across all social media with #TBBReads #TBBVirtualBookClub , so we can check them out.

 And it's never too late to join us in the Virtual book club!!  Get all the details here!

Until Next Time!

Big Little Lies: A Review

I'm taking a little break from my Throwback Thursday posts today to participate in The Blended Blog's Book Review Blog Hop!

YES, you read that right!  I actually read a book!

Earlier this year I joined The Blended Blog's Virtual Book Club.  A bunch of fun ladies who read, chat, and discuss books via the Slack app!  It has been a lot of fun.  And I am loving that it keeps me accountable!  Not only did I read my own book club selection, but I started another one!

So many great books were chosen by the ladies of the Blended Blog in last month as we kicked off this new virtual adventure!!  If you are visiting from Deena's blog, sincere thanks for hopping on over today to visit.

My book club pick for February was Big Little Lies by Lane Moriarty.  I am a fan of hers.  I read The Husband's Secret and What Alice Forgot, both great novels!  So I was excited to read this one as well.

I'll be completely honest here, I picked this book because I've had it for almost 2 years and never read it. In fact, I think it was one of the Reads on my Summer 2015 Reading List that I blogged about here. It might have even made a return appearance in Summer 2016's list, still to go unread!

I chose this book, in part, too because I knew the Book Club would keep me reading it and since I had seen that this book was being made into a series for HBO I knew I wanted to finish it before the premiere date of February 19th.  {Of course a TV show would finally get me reading!!}

Well, that was a success because I finished it..on the 18th!

Big Little Lies centers around the friendship of three woman who all have first grade students attending the same elementary school in a ritzy beach side town in Australia.

A fun element of the story is that it's told backwards.  As it begins we know that a murder has occurred at the school's Trivia Night and is now being investigated.  As the murder mystery unfolds, the lives of each of the women are explored.  Could one of them perhaps be the murderer?

Of the three main characters,  Madeline, Celeste and Jane, I didn't really have a favorite.  But I can tell you this....I loved them each at some points in the story and found myself absolutely hating them during others.  But I suppose, this is what authors do to help us really connect with the characters. And connect I did.  I even found that I compared myself to each of the characters at different points. Finding myself in each of them.

I even found myself yelling at the book..."How could she do that?", "or "what the heck lady?...fight!" #solitarylifeprobs

I think as I'm writing this, it's getting more difficult because I want to talk so much about the book, but don't want to give anything away!! So...

On to what you really came for.  My honest review of the book!

It took me a few chapters to get into it, but as soon as I did, I kind of couldn't put it down.  I really did love it.  It's a murder mystery, story of friendship...fierce lady friendships...and family, all rolled into one!!  And I guess I can tell you that there's a pretty big twist in the story, that I really didn't see coming, so I enjoyed that element of surprise!

  It's no lie...I highly recommend reading Big Little Lies.
Watching the show on HBO-jury's still out.  But we all know the book is ALWAYS better than the movie/show!!  :)

Have you read Big Little Lies?  Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!!


Now that you've made it through our hop, head on back to The blended Blog and link up your own book reviews with us here!!

My August Book Shelf...and planned September Reads!

Happy Friday and Happy Holiday Weekend!

This morning I posted my Friday Faves to the blog, forgetting that I was also linking up with some of my best bloggy buddies from The Blended Blog, to share my August reads!  But it's Friday, it's a holiday weekend and it's the unofficial last weekend of summer, so a two-fer is in store!  Who doesn't love two-fers?!?  

Unfortunately, my August reads list, is a short one....a very short one...like just ONE!!

Earlier in August, I blogged about what I hoped my life would be like 10 years from now on The Blended Blog!  The prompt, was an idea based on the book What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty.  I had hoped to finish the book before the post went live, but that didn't happen, because ya know...SUMMER!!  But I finally finished it!  And I gotta say!  I loved it!  I was really annoyed when I thought it was not going to end the way I had hoped, but in the end, all was right with the world.  I highly recommend it.  (Or am I the only one who had never read this one before!?!

Since I only read one book in August, I thought I'd share the books I have on tap for this month!  I am really committed to reading 30 minutes each night before bed so I hope that helps me up my "books a nonth quotient." 

Alison reads ALL THE BOOKS!!!!  A few weeks ago, one of her faves was The Last One.  I was immediately intrigued by it, so I requested it from my library.  I just picked it up!  I can't wait to start reading it this weekend!!  Read Alison's review here!

My Mom recommended the book When Friendship Followed Me Home as one I might like for my library and students!  She saw a review for the book in the newspaper, thought it sounded great so she bought it and read it.  After she read it, she said it was nothing like she thought I'd be and handed it over to me!  HA!!  I am resisting reading anything about it beforehand but there's a dog on the cover!  I'm thinking if it's about a boy and his dog, I may cry!!  It's a Middle School book, so I'm hoping I can get through it quickly like my mom did!

My sister, Tara lent me The Rumor by Elin Hilderbrand last week.  Tara reads all her books and really loved The Rumor. I had hoped to read it all this week and be able to return it to her by Sunday, but I don't forsee that happening!  And now that The Last One is a library book, I'm starting that first.  I like library books, they give me and end date!  Hahahahaha

Tara lent me a book, so I lent her these...

Some of my favorite reads!!

Wish Me Luck!!  See you back her at the end of the month to find out how I did with these reads and to hear my reviews!

What did you read in August?  Let me know with a comment below!  I'm always looking for great reads!!

Have a wonderful relaxing Labor Day Weekend!

My Summer Reading List

Summer is here!  And today I'm joining some of my Blended Blog buddies for a Summer Reading Blog hop! If you're visiting from Leslie's blog, welcome to my little corner of the world!  So glad you stopped by!  Hopefully hopping around to the blogs today, you'll get a few good ideas about what to read this summer.

Last year, the summer reading list I shared was a lengthy one.  I didn't quite make it through the books I originally shared, but did read a lot.  To see the books I actually ended up reading, you can follow my daily photos on Instagram here.

In last Tuesday's Summer Bucket List post, I mentioned that I had a goal to read 4 books this summer.  I think this is doable!! I hope to read more,  but think 4 is doable. Any more than that will just be a bonus!  I also have 2 books that I began earlier this year...and never finished, but those are not included in my 4.  I love to read and summer is really the only time I can devote time to it!!  So I am looking forward to these!!

These are my top 4 Summer Reads:

First Comes Love by Emily Giffin
Just started this one! Am really excited about it!!  I feel like Emily Giffin is summer!!

Wildflower by Drew Barrymore
I've had this on on my list since I think, January, when I saw Nicole had read it!  Excited to finally get to it this summer!!  It screams summer to me!  I buy books in hardcover, and by the time I get around to reading them, they're already in paperback...

For the Love by Jen Hatmaker
I had seen this book all over the blogs for awhile.  I finally bought it toward the end of the year last year and it has been sitting on my nightstand ever since!

I am Malala-
I saw this book at our schools last book fair of the year, so I picked it up!  It's the young reader's edition, which I'm totally ok with.

Other books I have that I want to get to this summer:

Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand- My sister raves avbout Elin Hilderbrand!

Big Little Lies and Wild were two from last year's summer reading list, that I never got to.

The Sleep Revolution- I got this book out of the library back in May and with all the traveling I did, never read it before it was due back!  My name is back on the list at the library to get it soon.

Rich and Pretty- I heard about this book from Emily Giffin actually, when I saw her interview on the Today Show last week!  I tried to get it out of the library, but it was out...added my name to that too!

I feel like when I get books out of the library, it makes me read, because I know I have to get them back!!  LOL

Is there anything on my list that you've read? Let me know in the comments below!  Or have a favorite book, you think I should read, let me know that too!!

Now head on over to Joy's blog to see book recommendations she has on tap!

A February full of reading!!

Hard to believe this month is already coming to an end!!  That's just crazy!!  But it was a whirlwind!  Filled with lots to do and still, due to the bone-chilling temps and cold weather, lots of downtime, too! Which I used to read!  Linking up with my bloggy buddy, Alison for Reading Lately, to share my February reads! {Find my January book review here!}


If I have to sum up my February reading, I guess it would be a lot of single girl, solitary life reads!  I suppose these are all under the category of self-help!  So I'm sure you can just imagine what my Amazon recommendations look like now!  HA!

I started the month reading Maybe He's Just an Asshole!  Ha!  It was a kinda like a parody of He's Just Not that into You.  It was really funny and filled with lots of good tips.  I actually highlighted a lot...LOL.  Super simple read.  I was able to read it over two days, but it was probably just hours worth!  I took it with a grain of salt, nothing set in stone, obviously, and just laughed a lot. Unfortunately in one or two of the scenarios I did she myself...(wah!!)  But I do know there are a bunch of assholes out there, so you win some, you lose some!

I wanted to finish the book because I wanted to start meynext one, so I brought it to school to read on my preps and during lunch.  But that required some creativeness!!

I follow The Single Woman Mandy Hale on Social Media and read her first book The Single Woman last year! I really enjoyed it!  It is filled with lots of great stories and faith!  My favorite quote from The Single Woman is this one....

I knew her third book was coming out this month and wanted to read her second, I've Never Been to Vegas, but My Luggage Has before it did!  I liked Vegas a lot.  It was filled with more stories of her life and dating and basically focused on a relationship that she had for many years, that she found it hard to let go off.  At times, I rooted for her, but at other times I found myself wanting to yell at Like...please don't go back to him again!!  But I really liked this!! And it made me excited for her next book!!

Beautiful Uncertainty (also by Mandy Hale) pretty much picked up where Vegas left off!  This one was really faith-filled and focused on helping the reader be a better you.  Wanting to embrace the uncertainty of life and give it all up to God!  I am really trying to do that.  Sometimes I lose my way in my faith, and in the past have found it difficult to give it all to God.  Mandy is so strong in her faith and the signs she gets from God are unbelievable to me.  I want to be as strong in my own faith and relationship with God.

To help me with this, I have been participating in the  Best Lent Ever.{I've talked about it here and here on the blog!}  It is an email  program created by author Matthew Kelly and is based on his book, Rediscovering Jesus.  Each day participants receive daily emails and videos filled with insights from Matthew based on a chapter of the book.  40 chapters, one for each of the 40 days of Lent leading up to Easter.  I am loving it and getting so much out of it.  I am really reflecting on the questions and spending time each day in the classroom of silence.  The book is not a requirement, but I am reading it too!  I'm learning that there's nothing that I can do that Jesus won't be willing to forgive me for...even reading a book with asshole in the title this month!! :)


I am in the middle of another book right now that I really hope to finish this weekend! It's the first pick in my brand new book club and the book club is getting together next Friday!!  I will post a review and let you know how our first meeting went, next month!!

Have a great weekend and Happy Reading!!!

Quote Challenge Mondays

I was so excited when last Monday I was tagged by one of my blog buddies Lana from Two Teens and their Mama, for the Blogging Quote challenge!  The challenge asks bloggers to share three favorite quotes.  Either all three at once or in three separate posts.  Lana has been sharing her quotes over three separate Mondays, so I am going to be doing the same.  And also, maybe because I have lots of favorite quotes and weeding through them is taking some time!  HA!

There are so many quotes that I love!  From the funny, to the serious....quotes from books, movies, song lyrics and others that I've just seen online!!

The first quote I'm sharing today is from one of my most favorite books!  It comes from Wonder by R.J Palacio. Wonder is a beautiful story of a young boy who was born with facial deformity.  The book chronicles his fifth grade school year...his first in a mainstream school.  Here, he learns to navigate this place,  meet new friends, which is sometimes hard and show everyone that he really is just an ordinary kid.   It's billed as a book for kids and young adults, but in all honesty, it's a book everyone can enjoy.

In the book Auggie's  English teacher, Mr. Browne begins each month of the school year with a precept.  According to Mr. Browne, "Basically, a precept is anything that helps guide us when making decisions about really important things."   It can be a quote, motto, a line from fortune cookie...anything that's a motivator, guiding you to live the best life.

The book begins in September, and his first precept is this:

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This is the first of many precepts throughout the book but the book is centered around this concept to #choosekind in all you do. I try to teach my students this and do this in my own life.  Is this always easy?  No!  Even as an adult it's not!  But I try my best to remember this in so many situations. 

 There's another quote I like to keep in mind that kind of goes along with this.  I don't know it exactly, but it's something about smiling at strangers...because this might be the only smile they see all day!  So I do this too.  Sometimes people are taken aback by it (which is sad!) but other times, I get the feeling it makes their day!

So Choose Kind today...and if you haven't read Wonder yet, add it to your summer reading list.  It's a book for EVERYONE!  And read more of my thoughts on the book here!  Mr. Browne's Precepts have also been made into a book of their own!  So many great little tidbits about life!!

Thanks Lana for tagging me in this challenge!!

Over the last two Mondays I've also been recapping the Create 28 Summer Looks.  I'm pushing that until Wednesday, so come on back for those! And I'll be back tomorrow with my weekend recap!

Have a happy Monday!!

Let's talk books!

I seriously can not even believe the year is more than half over!!  Eeeekkk...

Back in January, I posted my yearly goals and mentioned that I wanted to read more this year.  I set a goal to read 16 books in 2015 and  am using this as guide and to just read some different things.  This summer I am trying to read six of those books...and guess what?!?  I'm halfway there already! Woo hoo!!  I've been wanting to post an update on my progress for a while and thought this was as good a time as any!

A book by an author that you've never read before: The Husband's Secret was the first Laine Moriarty book that I ever read (and the first book I finished this year!)  I enjoyed it a lot...even though I figured "it" out fairly early! 

My next Laine Moriarty book, Big Little Lies is on tap to read this summer.  It fits into the category of a book with antonyms in the title  :) 

A book that made you cry: Easy....The Wednesday Letters, which I just finished last week.  LOVED it...a sweet story that I really couldn't put down! 

A book that your mom loves: Still Alice.  My mom loved this book!!  She told us all to read it so in case she ever gets Alzheimer's, we will know what to do.  This book also fits in the category of  a book made into a movie!  And as always the book was way better than that movie!!

A book you can finish in a day: Girl Talk was a book I read in a day.  Honestly, I probably should have read it in my twenties, but it was pretty funny!!

A book published this year:  Nobody's Cuter Than You by Melanie Shankle came out in April.  It was a book I had seen here and there, but after Leslie had it on her blog a few times, I picked it up.  It's another one I really really loved.  Cute stories, great little tidbits about friendship and really funny, too!  Didn't really want to put it down.  I thought about my BFF while reading it, so I sent her a copy.  I hope she enjoys it as much as I did.  It could really fit into the memoir category too!

A popular author's first book: I read The Girl on the Train, the first book by Paula Hawkins. It is a really popular book and so many people love it.  I had mixed feelings about it!  It wasn't my favorite AT ALL but I am really glad I read it!

Another book I read this year was The Single Woman by Mandy Hale. Great blog too!!! I enjoyed it. It totally spoke to me!  And was a super easy read.  It doesn't really fit into one of these categories.

I am currently reading Where'd You Go Bernadette. And see what else I have on my Summer Reading List here!


So I guess for the year being more than half over, I'm doing ok! 7 Books so far is almost halfway to my goal for the year!

 I have lots more books that fit these categories, that I can't wait to read!  One of the categories is read a book you were supposed to read in school but never did.  Maybe I'll pick up Jane Eyre again! HA!

What books do you love?  Share them with me in the comments!!

I'm linking up today with Vanessa and Penny for Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  

My Summer Reading List

WOOOOO HOOOOOOO  SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER!!!  Yesterday was my official LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!

I am so looking forward to SUMMER!!  I don't have much planned in way of a vacation but do have a few fun things in the works.  Last year's summer concerts totaled 7, This year I'm just going to two.  Tim McGraw who I saw earlier this month, and the main event, Kenny Chesney, (MY FAVE!!) in August!! I also have family coming for a visit and may or may not do a Road Trip or Staycation with my bestie, like I mentioned here!

With the rest of my time, I really hope to read.  Last summer I hardly read at all!!  I was sad about it too, because I remember in years past when I could read two books in a week!  So I WILL READ this summer!

Ever since my blogging buddies and I linked up a few months ago to share our favorite books, I have about two dozen books on my "must read" list, but I've set a goal to read 6 books this summer .  I believe this is pretty realistic. And if I can read more, great!!   Today we're linking up again, this time to share our Summer Reading Lists with you today!!

On the top of my list are books that I already have and have been sitting on my shelf just waiting to be read.  But there are also a few I purchased with Gift Cards!

I bought Big Little Lies by Laine Moriarty when it was on super sale at Amazon,  I had hoped to bring it to Florida with me.  Instead I brought Girl on the Train.  It was lighter!! ;)  So this is the first one I'm going to start.  I really loved the Husband's Secret and have heard great things about this one as well.

A while back I signed up for Blogging for Books, a website that sends bloggers complimentary books to read and review on their blogs.  Read my first review here.  I got my second book, before the end of last year. It's Neil Patrick Harris' book.  It's written like a Choose a Your Own Adventure, so that's what drew me to it!  But it's on my kindle so I have yet to read it.  I want to get through it because I know it'll be funny (I've always liked him!) and I want to start getting more books to review regularly.  So be on the lookout for my review of it at some point this summer!

When we linked up and shared, one of the books I reviewed as my favorite was The Pact by Jodi Picoult, the only one by her I've ever read.  It was one of Sarah's faves too, and many of the comments told me I had to read more from her.  So I just got Nineteen Minutes!  I realize it's a super heavy subject...not my typical summer beachy, chick-lit read...but I thought I'd give it a try!
Another one on Sarah's list that others had read too, was The Wednesday Letters.  Sounds like a great read...and a tearjerker!!  It's on my list!

Wild is another one on my list.  A number of people over the last few months have been telling me I have to read it.   It's not my typical read, but I'm excited about it. I hear it's a slow start but gets really good.  And that the author's writing is wonderful.  If I can get through the slow start that was The Girl on the Train, I can get through anything!  HA!!

Two books I am adding to my list I just received this week.  I guess It's now a tradition that our end of the year gift at work is a book.  We got one last year (which I never read...guess I should add it to this list!) and again this week.  This year's book, I'll read!  It's called Leaping and it's a collection of essays.  So I can read one or a few and walk away from it!  I can also be reading another book while I read this one.

And the last book on my list, a work friend gave me to put in the school library.  She received it free as a Scholastic Red Apple Teacher.  It's an advanced reader's copy of a YA novel called The Blackthorn Key.  It's not available until September. It looks like a really interesting mystery!

I'm really excited to check out what the other ladies are reading this summer, because I got a few gift cards as end of the year gifts, and want to use their lists to help me pick out a few more good reads!  Head on over to all the blogs and add to your summer reading list as well!

Shoes to Shiraz | Two Teens and their Mama | A Lovely Little Wardrobe | 
R Squared  | Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy 

The Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life |  Quilty Joy Joy

Making The Most of Everyday | Puppies and Pretties | She Thought She Could 

 Foxy's Domestic Side | Once Upon a Time &Happily Ever After 

Sprinkled Just Right | Nick and Nik | The Blondissima | Daily Style Finds | A Little Bit Of Cheer

An InLinkz Link-up


Have a great weekend!!
Katie