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19 December 2018

Review: My Girls: A Lifetime with Carrie and Debbie

My Girls: A Lifetime with Carrie and Debbie My Girls: A Lifetime with Carrie and Debbie by Todd Fisher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book!!! There things in here about not enabling family members with bipolar, about drug use, about growing up the child of a world-famous actress, about crappy relationships, Princess Leia, and giving up on a life-long dream. I loved every second of this journey. Never once did Todd portray himself as perfect. Never once did he try to tell us how great he is and how sucky we commoners are (as most celeb bios do)....no, he told us where he made mistakes. He told us what he did wrong and how he found a way out with the love of his two girls intact and strong. You could feel the hurt as he described the last days of Carrie and Debbie and he also talks about the bond that the two of them had. He never sounded like he felt left out either. He sounds like he is grounded, but realizes he isn't perfect and never will be. I appreciate his openness about the bipolar Carrie. She was open about it, but it was hers to own. He was open about how to deal with it and even though he didn't try (or I think he didn't) he helped me see some things.

A brilliant tribute to your mom and sister, Mr. Fisher. May God bless you and your family.

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06 December 2018

Martin's Hollywood Journey

The Golden Age of Hollywood invokes images of sophisticated movie stars living a life of decadence and excess.  My mind pictures movie stars emerging from the latest automobiles and decked in furs and diamonds just to go to Schwab's.  This is a time of outrageous living created by this new job market.
 I am fascinated by old Hollywood and many times I have typed in "golden age of Hollywood" in my library's book search box in order to find an interesting read.  It was during one of these searches that I came across an author's name...Martin Turnbull.  I had never heard of him and my library didn't have a book written by him but Amazon told me that he had a book called the "Garden on Sunset".  Martin actually offered the digital book for free, so you know I got it.

The story is about three up and comers, Marcus Adler-a potential screenwriter, Kathryn Massey-who dreams of being a newspaper reporter and Gwendolyn Brick-a woman that longs to be a movie actress. It follows their Hollywood dreams and adventures.  Along the journey, the reader gets to meet HUGE stars.  Some in their decline, some in their heyday and a few in places where they didn't want to be caught.  Clark Gable, Rudy Valentino, Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall,  F Scott Fitzgerald, and HG Wells (there are so many more).

I recommend this Garden of Allah series for anyone that loves the Hollywood set and forgotten movie stars.  The series is now complete so start the first one, read straight through and say "wow, that was fantastic".

I want you to check out his website where as of today you can get the first two books in the series for free.  You might as well buy all of the others because you will be hooked.

04 December 2018

My 31 Favorite Gifts for the Christmas Season (that are very affordable)

It is that time of year that we buy gifts for those that we love and whether we are watching every dime or could spend hundreds on a gift, we would rather buy a good gift than junk. Here is a list of my favorite NON-junk gifts, there may be one to fit every person on your list.

1.  A lunch box Crockpot.  I bought this for myself a few years back and love it so much I started buying it to give away. It has been one of the greatest gifts.  Fully customizable to the giftee.  They can put a can of soup in the kettle, leftovers and even a small tv dinner.   It won't cook the meal so you have to make sure it is something that is fully cooked, but what you get it a nice hot lunch.  I pack my lunch at home carry it to work in the pot and then plug in about 1 hour before I am ready to eat. I do recommend you get the pot with 2 inserts. That way there is almost always a clean pot for lunch the next day.

2.  Kindle e-reader.  I am talking about a dedicated e-reader here NOT a Kindle Fire.  The Paperwhite is at a great price point, and it waterproof and you can listen to audiobooks (you must have Bluetooth earphones).  For a reader with weakening eyesight or someone who reads so much they need more light, upgrade to the Oasis.  It has the same waterproof and audiobook capability, but it has more lights and more storage.  This is the one I use, only I added the 3g capability because I can finish a book a day and like to be able to download a new read wherever I am.  Here is a link I found on You-Tube that shows the differences.  The best part about a dedicated reader is there is NO distractions. You read and that is all. You can also make the font as big as you need it to be.


3.  Mrs. Prindable's Apples from QVC. We started buying these for just our family many years ago and soon discovered they are an even better gift.  They are kind of expensive so we aren't buying any this year, but I do think they are worth a lot.  If you buy a large box and ship the box to you, you can split the box up for many folks like a teacher, bus driver, scout leader, etc...they are simply delicious and there are many flavors to choose from (in my opinion the ones with the chocolate candies on the outside are the best ones).


4.  Purple Toad Wine.  It is made where I live in Paducah, KY and it one of the best things here in Paducah.  There are many, many varieties, but you can't go wrong with a good Paducah Blue or an Anglea's Black Cherry.  I gravitate towards the sweeter side, but they have dry and semi-sweet if that is your preference.  


5. The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg.  I wanted to go to this store when we took a trip to Virginia a few years back.  We found it right there near the campus of William & Mary.  There were samples all over the store of these delicious peanuts.  There were flavors like Crab, Bacon & Cheddar, Dill Pickle and lots of hot ones...so many.  I chose the Crab Town, a sweet and savory variety pack and Bacon & Cheddar.  They were so yummy.  They often run specials on their website too. 
6.  Cricut Explore or Maker.  With these machines, a crafter can do just about anything they would like to do.  I myself have made t-shirts, decals, computer covers, cards, and stencils.   If you can afford the Maker, go for that one because it can also cut out fabric!!! 

7.  Monin Cherry Syrup- I have tried all of the cherry syrups and this is the best tasting one by far.  I put it in tea all the time.  SOOO yummy.  They have lots of other flavors, but this gal is partial to the Cherry.  This would be a great addition to your home bar or just to liven up that sweet tea!!  This is the same brand that McAlister's uses. :)




8.  Starbucks Via Refreshers.  I discovered this little to go-pack when my daughter was a barista at the local Starbucks.  I prefer the Lime but they don't make it anymore, so this is the next best.  I don't like the in-store version nearly as much as I like this one (yes, that is weird).

9.  Dr. Bonners Peppermint Soap from Meijer. I have been buying this soap for a long time, but I have not found it as affordable as I have at Meijer.  The smell of peppermint wakes you up in the bath and it makes your skin feel smooth and soft.  The almond and eucalyptus are also nice scents. 
10. Nature's Truth essential oil.  I use this oil all the time.  It is more affordable than some brands so I can diffuse or make peppermint bug spray on a budget.  I know this one will cause controversy with the essential oil people but I am not in the right tax bracket for $30 bottle of oils.  These run about 2 for $10 at Wal-greens and Meijer all the time.  I would never ingest any oil and I feel perfectly safe diffusing these or adding the tea tree to shampoo to prevent lice or lavender to coconut oil for my hands.  




11.  David Venable or Joanna Gaines Cookbooks. 



Who doesn't need a good cookbook?  Here are two wonderful ones.  I have made many of the recipes in Joanna's book and David has made many of his on QVC (yes, I watch it every week to get a new recipe).  David's book was released last week and I have not had a chance to make much from there.  I do know it is full of shortcuts and has less than 10 ingredients.  I think you would LOVE either (or both) of them. JoJo cookbook features her famous biscuits and an incredible ranch dressing.

12.  How about a free gift?  Who doesn't love free?  If your little one does not have a library card, now would be a good time to make an event and give the gift of the public library.  If you don't have a good library in your community you can join one online (see my previous post on library cards). This free gift goes well with the Kindle gift #2.  I know for sure these are the two things I use the most of all my possessions.

13.  OttLite.  For the reader/crafter on your list. I have this one (it is one of the cheaper models) and it is outstanding.  The light is easy on your eyes.  The batteries last a long time (there is a slot for a cord but I don't have that).  You can often find a good deal on this model at Hobby Lobby or Michael's, but it is not too expensive on Amazon or the OttLite itself.  It makes a HUGE difference when working/reading.











14.  Rtic tumbler.  I know everyone has a Yeti or wants a Yeti, but they are kind of expensive.  Why not get a cup that functions the same way at a fraction of the cost and much cuter?  To me, that is a no-brainer.  Introducing the Rtic tumbler.  Cute and sassy and cheap!!!!













15.  Carnival Cruise Line gift card.  For the person in your life that loves to cruise (someone like me).  You can use these gift cards towards the cruise price, excursions, or that tab that you rack up while on board.  This is great especially if you know the person is going on a cruise or wants to and there is no way you could give them the cruise, may you can give them a piece of the cruise.  These can be purchased at Lowe's, Michael's and Kroger and I am sure other places too.


16. Book lovers.  I am about a 99.9% digital book reader, as a matter of a fact I am not buying paper books any more only digital titles.  If the person on your list is a book reader you may not know if they are digital or paper reader so maybe buy something bookish, but not books for them.  The first thing that comes to mind is an Amazon gift card.  With this, they can buy digital or paper books, or even a book bag.  I also love the site Uncommon Goods.  There are things featured that are off the wall unique but useful.  Like a book scarf,  a book flask, or a reading journal.

17.  Seems like everyone has a Kitchen Aid stand mixer.  I think they are divine and a tremendous help in the kitchen, but is everyone using that mixer at it's fullest potential?  For example,  I don't like store-bought shredded cheese, it is full of additives that no one needs in their body so I grate our cheese.  It is so simple when you have a Kitchen Aid, you just need an attachment.    The attachments fit any Kitchen Aid so don't worry if you don't know your recipients model.  My go-to time saver is this grater, I have found it on Amazon in this example but you can use your 30% off at Kohl's, or purchase from a kitchen store.  While you are looking you can see a ton of attachments that Kitchen Aid makes to help us have more time for other things....like an ice cream maker or pasta roller.


18.  Waterproof Bluetooth speaker from Amazon.  I got this for my husband and son a few years ago and I really think that they use it every single day.  I hear sports radio, ballgames and music coming from the bathroom.  I know they can take a call with it, but I bet they have never used that feature.  It is cute and I will tell you that I have sprayed cleaner on it and it still looks and works great.  Great price too.










19. Burt's Bees products.  I have tried many of these wonderful products and have liked each one.  Of course, I am never without a Burt's lip balm, but then if you come into my home you will find the face soap (which is incredible), tinted balms, hand salve, cuticle cream, and complexion sticks. They have products from makeup to soaps, shaving lotions to toothpaste.  I have not tried them all, but I am working on it.


20.  Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy line.  I have been shopping at this store since I was traveling with Cracker Barrel in the '90s.  I remember driving about 45 minutes away from the store where I worked in Newport News, Virginia to Virginia Beach to stock up on SeaSpray lotion because they announced they were discontinuing the fragrance (I still miss that smell). They have introduced a new line that thrills me almost as much.  I adore the scents of the Aromatherapy line. Recently they introduced my favorite scent in a Patchouli, but they have also added a Bergamot, Peppermint and Ylang Ylang.







21.  Michael's gift card.  Your giftee may not be a crafter so you may shy away from this one, but have you been to Michael's store lately?  Yes, they have craft supplies, but there is so much more.  Floral arrangements, wedding supplies, all kinds of kits, frames, quick gifts, home decor, gift cards and yes, craft supplies. My favorite part?  You can always find a coupon or a sale.  ALWAYS!!!


22.  Enstrom Toffee. I have had this exactly once, about 15 years ago and I have never gotten over it.  NEVER! The taste is smooth and almondy. You can sink your teeth into it...not break your teeth.  It is truly a gourmet experience because of the texture and high quality ingredients.




23.  Board games.  We have always been a family that likes board games, now we haven't played them as much as we used to because of Fortnight, but I am sure we will get back someday.  We have enjoyed Uno, Life, Connect Four and Trouble the best.  Have you ever tried to play Trouble while dad is sleeping down the hall?  It is not as easy thing to do because of the Pop-o-Matic but it can be done.  

24.  Tablet/phone stand for kitchen cooking.  How many of us use our smartphones or tablets to look up a recipe while cooking dinner?  I had so much trouble with how to see the phone while cooking. I could have bought something but I made it because I found a challenge.  This gift idea is some type of holder for the phone/tablet be it purchased from Amazon, Michael's or if you make one.  When I looked up this idea I saw many, many choices and the floral one pictured is the one that I designed and made myself.  

25.  A fitness tracker of some sort.  I have seen it work, when that line turns red or the watch starts vibrating, you get up and move.  I think these things were a brilliant invention.  There are so many different types to get you going.  I have tried many different ones, Fitbit, Garmin, Samsung, generic...and FitBit is my favorite.  I think the website is easier to use and it uploads easily to my insurance for points.  You may think differently though.  For instance, maybe your giftee would not like to charge their watch every day or maybe they want something slim, maybe they would not like a watch and would prefer a clip on?  There are many choices, but don't let that stop you from getting your loved one off the couch.

26.  Dr. Teal's bath bombs.  I LOVE Acti-bath tablets.  I used them all the time and then they stopped making them.  I have looked for many years for a replacement for those glorious little bath time relaxation tablets and this is the closest that I have found (and not cost a fortune).  I have found these as cheap as $5 at Big Lots.  Yeah, FIVE DOLLARS.  Some stores charge that much for ONE bath bomb.  The smell is very nice, my drawback is that they don't last very long, but at that price maybe I can use 2 :) 


27.  Food Saver.  We like to buy steaks in bulk and as I told you,  I like to grate my own cheese.  We decided to spring for the Food Saver to not only save money but to make food last longer. I don't use this every day.  I only use it about once a week, but I do think that I have paid for the system based on being able to buy in bulk and not having any wasted food.  I grate a 2-pound block of cheddar every 2 weeks. Then I put the extra cheese in food saver bags, seal them up and it is like having freshly grated cheese on demand.  We buy our steaks in bulk and package them in packages of 2.  Then whenever someone wants a steak just take a package from the freezer and you have 2 vacuumed packed steaks ready to go.  


28.  Capitol Flag Request.  Many years back I discovered a program called the Flag Request Program. That is where you can have a flag flown over the Capitol of the United States in honor of a birthday, an anniversary, the death of a loved one or a President.  It is rather easy to get it done.  You need to go to the website of your State Senator. My Senator is Mitch McConnell so here is a view from his site and how I order all of my flags. If you order a pre-flown flag you will not get a certificate in honor of someone, I do believe you get a certificate that it was flown over the US Capital, but I can't confirm that because I always ask for it in honor of someone.  Choose a size and a date you want it flown and then list in whose honor it is being flown.  Now my Senator sends me a certificate from his office as well so I have been getting two certificates. I have not framed them. I have left them in the box and put the boxes in a fireproof tote.  I do have the flags displayed.  My two prized ones are the flags flown over the Capital when Ronald Wilson Reagan and John Sidney McCain were lying in state in the rotunda.  The cost is approximately $25, but if you can go to DC to pick up the flag you save about $8. 

29.  Republic of Tea.  For the tea drinker on your list.  They have a good herbal, health teas, fun tea and a tea that tastes like sangeria...yeah pretty much everything.  They also list all the ingredients so if you have allergies you can see if the tea will kill you before you buy it.  #strawberries

30.  Olly. I am one of those folks that falling asleep is so easy, but if I get up to pee or hear a noise in the house, I wake up and then can't go back to sleep.  So when I want to stay asleep all night (about 2 nights a week) I take ONE of these.  They taste good and seem to make me stay asleep.  


31.  Sunbeam throw HEATED!! For the person on your list that is always cold, now they can have their very own warmer.  I think these are brilliant, almost as brilliant as heated seats!   


Now you know the 31 things that I think would make good gifts and not junk.  Way cheaper than Oprah's list.  My list is for the middle class.  Enjoy!!!




Review: Young Elizabeth: The Making of the Queen

Young Elizabeth: The Making of the Queen Young Elizabeth: The Making of the Queen by Kate Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this fascinating from the first page. The book started out with the backstory of David (Edward VIII) and Bertie (George Vi). I liked that because the two of them made Elizabeth what she is today. If you have studied the royals you know that David's action is the sole reason that Elizabeth II is on the throne today. I liked how it was explored here and finally, I saw how Lilibet felt about the whole thing. Everything I have read has been very hush hush about "that woman" so I liked it was talked about here. I guess my favorite part was to see how Lillibet fell deeply in love (and rather quickly) with Phillip and how some things changed when she was crowned. The only thing I didn't like about the book is it did go into the future a bit. I wish it could have stopped right there when she was crowned and let into a sequel book or just let you read another book about the Queen. I liked this book as a "pre-Queen" book.

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01 December 2018

30 days of books I am grateful to have read


Often in November, I see social media posts of 30 things people are grateful for.  One year I did a list of 30 days of objects you should buy and in an effort to be different and this year I am doing 30 books that I am grateful for.  These books fall into different categories for me so I will explain my choices after each book.

Nov 1-Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell-Before I had many books, I re-read this one all the time.  I was trying to do it once a year and finally, I can say I have read it 41 times. I remember reading this book for the first time in 8th grade because I was told by a teacher that it was too long for me to read and do a book report on.  She never thought I would get it done.  I did and completely fell in love with the text.





Nov 2-The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah-One of my favorite reads of 2018.  This book has Alaska at her best, her worst and her most violent.  Family drama and happy times.  This book has domestic violence in it, so if that might be an issue you may want to steer clear. It gets rather emotional for good feelings and bad.






Nov 3-A Night To Remember by Walter Lord-I am so in love with this book and have read it many times. I read this before they found the wreckage and afterward and it was almost like reading a new book because I could actually see it now. I have a sub-book on this day, Unsinkable by David Allen Butler, which is also about the Titanic.  Full of facts and tidbits....a true Titanic lover must have.  In my opinion, you can never read too many Titanic books.








Nov 4-The Jerk by Steve Martin-This was a companion book to the film and just as funny and it features many photos from the film itself.  I have probably read this a thousand times, I remember as a child reading it over and over and over.  I lost my book when we moved in 1990 and just replaced it a few years ago.  It was about 20 years in between readings and I loved it just as much as an adult as I did when I was a child.







Nov 5-Song of the Siren by Philippa Carr--I was highlighting the whole Daughters in England on this day because I love each and every book in this series.  It follows a family from Henry VIII to WWII.  The books are so hard to put down!! This one is my favorite in the whole series. It tells the story of the short life of Carlotta Main.  Carlotta was a spitfire from the day she was born until the day she died.  She wasn't afraid of anything or anyone and wasn't scared or ashamed to give up a sure thing for love no matter what the cost.






Nov 6 -Travels in Alaska by John Muir-I read this book before I ever went to Alaska but once I found myself in Glacier Bay it took on a whole new meaning.  The only thing I couldn't see was the Northern Lights.  This book was written was published around 1915, this is an Alaska I will never see.







Nov 7-The Radium Girls by Kate Moore-I had no idea this was real until I read this book. I mean this wasn't even on my radar.  Reading about the girl's stories made me sad, made me want to hug them and kick the butts of the companies they worked for.









Nov 8-The Secret of Nimh by Robert C O'Brien-One of the first books I ever remember buying myself.  It was purchased in downtown Paducah around 1982 at Readmore Books.  That was a place my parents took us to often.  We would read magazines, books and buy .25 jawbreakers. I loved this place.  Sadly bookstores like this don't really exist anymore.






Nov 9-Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton-One of the best reads of 2018 that is for sure, and without a doubt my favorite cover of all the books I have read that were published in 2018.  I longed to read this story before I went to Cuba in 2017, but it wasn't out.  I wish it would have been because we went to the cemetery described in the book.  We went to neighborhoods like the ones described.  I wish I knew more about them when we drove through.  I was mainly looking for Hemingway stuff.  This story is wonderful!! I do love how we have Cuba of the past and now the present.






Nov 10-Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford-I discovered this book a few years back and it was fascinating.  I never knew about the things that Jamie described that really happened right here in the USA.  This book started my love of WWII era historical fiction.








Nov 11-Faith of My Fathers by John McCain-I love this book so much.  The first time I read it I cried.  The second time I got even more out of it.  I really think that every American should read this.  It is about sacrifice, love of country, being a POW and how a POW comes back to society.



Nov 12-The Book of Royal Lists by Craig Brown and Lesley Cunliffe-This book is nothing but facts on the royal family.  It was written not long after the fairytale marriage of Chuck and Di so you only get positive stuff there, but you get the dirt on the other royal family members.  From Edward II and Richard III...oh, I am not going to tell you what you will learn, I will just say it is a fun and gross journey













Nov 13-A Farewell to Arms-by Ernest Hemingway-written by one of my favorite authors ever.  I am not sure what it is about Papa that I love, I just know I love him.  This is without a doubt my favorite book of his and I have read it so many times.  I still don't completely get Nurse Barkley, and the dialogue in spots needs work, but the story I adore.











Nov 14-A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner who is probably my favorite modern author.  She can write a beautiful story full of imagery and has a massive imagination.  This book is my favorite of hers because it is all about 9/11 and how our lives changed on that day.  The story follows a couple, but we all go back to our feelings that day.  Then it jumps 10 years into the future and ties that horrible past with a wonderful future.









Nov 15-The Prime Minister's Secret Agent by Susan Ella MacNeal- This series is like a female James Bond.  Maggie is an M5 agent in WWII times.  She doesn't get much respect because she is a female but keeps up with her male counterparts and in some ways surpasses them.  The series is kind of violent, but wasn't WWII?







Nov 16-The Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling- I am late to the game here as I did not fall for the books until I went to Hogsmeade in Universal Studios Florida in 2007.  I am not a huge fan of the younger years so I have only read those a couple of times, but I love the Deathly Hallows.  I mean LOVE!!!





Nov 17 North and South by John Jakes-What a GREAT novel.  Completely a soap opera saga in the TV series.  Here I think it is more of historical fiction with some trashy characters, but I love it!! Bent and Hazzard are my favorite characters in the book.  Bent is so twisted and sick and Hazzard is so good and honest.  Orry just kind of runs the middle of the road for me. I like he and George together as buddies and business partners.  Warning: this book is long but worth it.







Nov 18-Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery- I think this is a fun series. Anne Shirley is poetic, brattish and a little snooty which is odd for an orphan.  She is also a dreamer.  She dreams so much that she tends to miss the best things right in front of her face.  It takes her a while, but she eventually finds what she needs.









Nov 19 The Firm by John Grisham-I have read all of his books but the newest one, still awaiting my turn at the library.  I have favorites that are for sure, like this one, The Firm, A Time to Kill, The Chamber, Camino Island, The Last Juror, and the Rooster Bar are some of my faves.  He was my first crime novelist and I guess he will always be the best one to me.





Nov 20-The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot-I had no idea this book would be so emotional.  I had no idea that Henrietta's life was so hard.  I had no idea she was put through conditions that were inhumane.  I had no idea her cells were taken for research without the knowledge of her loved ones.  This book haunted me for a while and I had to read it again to try and make peace about what happened to Henrietta.  It was a grand book, but shocking because of the things that happened to her and her cells.

Nov 21-Looking for Alaska by John Green-A brilliant young adult writer that gets how teens think, act and feel.  I think his books are wonderful.  This one happens to be my favorite because I tend to be partial to the mysterious ways of Alaska.










Nov 22-Killing Kennedy by Bill O'Reilly- A brilliant series that makes me think.  I chose this one on this date because it was the anniversary of the assassination of Kennedy.  This book details the events leading up to the moment in front of the Book Depository and gives you a backstory on both the Kennedy's and the Oswald's.  My favorite book in this series is the Killing Patton book.






Nov 23- Hello Darlin' by Larry Hagman-I enjoyed this book because it gave us a glimpse into the life of Larry.  Everything I had ever read about him said he was a good person, married faithfully to one woman and a prankster...a bit different than one JR Ewing.  This book talks about back stories and his mom, Mary too.






Nov 24-The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald-This book fueled my love for the Roaring '20s.  There was so much greed and an awakening of individuality.  Scott was a fabulous writer and I wished he had more success in his screenwriting so we could see more of his work (like the stuff he did on GWTW), he was just too much attached to the drink.  What a shame he died so young.





Nov 25-Anatomy of a Misfit by Andrea Portes-This is a YA book that is like Mean Girls and a girl with a conscience.  I adored this book from the first time I picked it up and then I did that audio and it was equally as entertaining.  A very fast read too.






Nov 26-If I Stay by Gayle Forman-A big car wreck where people die.  A girl hangs onto life by a tiny thread.  She has to pull through.  She has so much to still live for and experience.  While she is suffering she looks back on what life was and could be....what will she choose?  Another YA and a grand slam home run winner!! Actually, every Gayle Forman book I have read is exceptional.






Nov 27-The Garden on Sunset by Martin Turnbull- This was a fun ride.  I found it while surfing the internet for books on Old Hollywood.  This popped up and the first book was free so I had to jump.  I got hooked with the first book, but then I read Trouble with Scarlett the second book and it was just perfect. Marcus, Kathryn, and Gwen are all trying to make it in Hollywood.  They all have trouble making it work, and have many famous people they befriend.  I enjoyed the dialogue with people that have been dead for a very long time.  People like Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe, Rudy Valentino, and Clark Gable!!!  I  have nothing but good to say about this whole series and they are not very expensive to purchase.  I am reading book 9 now (the last one), but I am taking my time because I am going to miss this.



Nov 28- Somewhere in France by Jennifer Robson-I like this book because it displays how great women were in WWI.  Jennifer writes a good female character and gives her a good love story too.  This was Jennifer's first novel, but her writing doesn't peak with this book...it just gets better and better so be sure to check out her other books.






Nov 29-The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy- I did NOT want to read this book. Our teacher made us and I wasn't happy about it.  I wanted to read new books not old then wanted to hug him.  So many emotions!!! It is an oldie but a goodie.
classics.  I wasn't going to read it but then the teacher made us read during class time so I had no choice.  Well, guess what??? I loved it!! I hated Michael Henchard, then I loved him, then felt sorry for him, then forgave him,




Nov 30-Tiny Little Thing by Beatriz Williams-This lady writes books that thrill me so much.  She writes in the style that Philippa Carr did so you have to pay attention. She may mention a minor character and the next book may be about that person.  She may have a family pop up in different books and you have to think about the connection.  You can read any of her books alone and not miss a thing, but if you read them all you will pick up on those little connections.  Her book covers are wonderful, but her writing is perfection!!

Review: The Wildest Sun