Review: The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Miguel Ruiz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second time I have read The Four Agreements. The message is soothing, the writing flows well. There is some repetition and the writing is simple, but the message is beautiful and worth the read. Some of the points made in the book hit so close to home for me. It is a short read and an enjoyable one. 

 

READING PROGRESS

December 9, 2020 – Started Reading 

December 31, 2020 – Finished Reading

Review: The Great Alone

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

This book should come with a warning.
I got the book to read because I thought it was about a family trying to survive in Alaska. You know, homesteading, self-sufficiency, surviving. Instead I got a book with tons of violence, mental health issues, and chock full of domestic violence. This book triggered so much for me. I found my mental health suffering. Things I have buried long ago came to the surface. I got about 2/3 the way through and let the book sit awhile. I decided now to shelf the rest of it. It is super rare that I do not finish a book but this one took me to all the dark places and made me feel horrible.
The book is dark, depressing, and nothing like what I thought.

READING PROGRESS

November 5, 2020 – Started Reading

December 28, 2020 – Finished Reading

Review: The Summer Wives

The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It took forever for the story to start. I couldn't get into the story.
It was boring. The characters are not very likeable or relatable.
The story was beyond predictable which was annoying. It is a story about rich, privileged
kids doing whatever they want, acting how they want. Superficial issues.

The only good part of the story was I enjoyed how the characters lives intertwined, tangled, untangled, and then intertwined again.

I struggled to finish the book. Just as I read the last page it got good and the story ended. I wanted to read the story after the last page of the book; that story seemed more interesting. Sort of ends on a major cliffhanger.

I would not read it again.

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READING PROGRESS 

November 10, 2020 – Started Reading

November 16, 2020 – Finished Reading

Review: Magic Lessons

Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story was well written. There are basically 3 sections to the story: When Maria was a little girl, when she was on her own/teenager, and then when she is older. Each part draws you in and you don't want to put the book down. I finished reading this in three days it was so good. As I was reading the book I kept getting this feeling that I knew this story somewhere - there were parts that were familiar. And then I looked it up and it hit me "Practical Magic." This book is apparently the prequel to that. It tells the beginning of the Owens women's story.

I was angry at times with this story - why do all books have the woman be stupid and do things for love even if they know how dumb they are? Why do they chase a guy that wasn't good to them? Just once I want a book where the woman knows how stupid the guy is and doesn't chase him. Just once I want that woman to pick the good guy, the right guy.

Regardless, this is a story about smart women that do stupid things because of their emotions. It pulls you into the story and you will be sad when the book ends. Some parts are a little wordy, and some parts could do with more explanation. Overall, a really good book.

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 READING PROGRESS 

October 20, 2020 – Started Reading 

October 23, 2020 – Finished Reading

Review: Where the Lost Wander

Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rarely is a book 5 stars to me. This book was an excellent read with many feels throughout it.

I wish the prologue wasn't there. After reading it, the immense sorrow I felt, made the rest of the book feel different. The prologue tells of a very important event in the story about 3/4 the way through. Then the book starts at the beginning and leads you up to that prologue and after. So the whole time I'm reading the book I am filled with sadness and dread because I already know what is going to happen 3/4 the way in. This doesn't take away from the book's greatness. I was still sucked into the lives of these people emigrating across the Oregon Trail.

Part of the fun of this book was reading about the travel across the Oregon Trail. Like any kid that grew up in the 80s and 90s I played "the Oregon Trail" game on the computer for school. It was fun to read about the places I had already been aware of from the game. It was like putting the game to life with real people. I knew where they were on their journey, I knew where they were going, and I remember the hardships my "settlers" faced at certain parts so I sort of knew what was yet to come.

I wish there was a sequel, the book was that good. I didn't skim any pages, I was thoroughly engrossed in the story the entire time. It took me 2 days to read but only because I had other things to do too. Nothing was predictable or stale, the story was awesome. 

READING PROGRESS

September 14, 2020 – Started Reading

September 14, 2020 – Shelved

September 16, 2020 – Finished Reading

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Review: Waiting for Hope

Waiting for Hope by Karen J. Hasley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second book in the series started out great. The first half kept me interested and I enjoyed the story of Hope's journey. About halfway through is when the book became super predictable and not as fun to read. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't exciting or new either. It was the same old "broken girl from wrong side of the tracks meets handsome rich guy; they fall in love but don't want to acknowledge it; tragedy happens and they realize they can't live without each other." This type of story has been written time and time again. If I hadn't wanted to read book 3, I probably wouldn't have finished book 2. It was nice to learn some of the things that happened between book 1 and 2 though; I enjoy reading about Lou's family.

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READING PROGRESS

July 13, 2020 – Started Reading
July 22, 2020 – Finished Reading

Review: Lily's Sister

Lily's Sister by Karen J. Hasley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first book in the series was a good read. I enjoyed it and skimmed only a few passages that became too wordy.

The story progressed nicely and kept me interested the whole book. A few times I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happened next; a few times I was sad with the events that happened and close to tears; and a few times I was so frustrated with the naivety of the character; and one time I gasped at the events. All together it was a good story and I'm glad I took the time to read it.

The ending is what I didn't enjoy. Not the words or even the events, but how they were portrayed. The entire story is about a short time in Lou's life and then the last chapter speeds through about 25 years of her life all at once. I would have loved another book instead that went more slowly and in detail through their lives.

I did purchase the second book in the series and am interested to see what happens. I know that it can be stand alone from the first book but also has some entanglement with the original characters.


READING PROGRESS
June 18, 2020 – Started Reading
July 13, 2020 – Finished Reading

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Review: Thorn in My Heart

Thorn in My Heart by Liz Curtis Higgs
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am not sure what I think about this book. At first I was interested but then it became dreadfully boring and I was just plodding though to get to the end. Did I love the book? no. It didn't have any exciting parts, no parts where I felt any particular emotion. Nothing was surprising. It was just dull and very long. Did I enjoy the book? not really, but I didn't hate the book either.

I didn't like the younger sister. The older sister was constantly seeking pity. They were both selfish. The cousin was an idiot and his flip flopping feelings annoying.

I decided to finish the 1st book but not continue the series. It just wasn't enjoyable and there are more than enough other books out there to read.


READING PROGRESS
March 16, 2020 – Started Reading
April 28, 2020 – Finished Reading

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Review: The Legacy of Armstrong House

The Legacy of Armstrong House by A. O'Connor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this series. I loved each family's era and lives. It was fascinating to read how older generations impacted the current generations. The secrets and lives of the family were so fun to untangle. Everything all came full circle in this final book.
This book jumps a lot between past and present but it makes for an interesting read. Kate is annoying in her pursuit of unraveling all the secrets of the family. The ending of the book was a little shocking, I"ll admit. I didn't see that coming. And I'm glad a certain secret was not unveiled in the end.
Great series, Great book. Worth the time.

READING PROGRESS
December 17, 2019 – Started Reading
March 20, 2020 – Finished Reading

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Review: The Fire Blossom

The Fire Blossom by Sarah Lark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was a good read. Some parts seem unrealistic and some parts irritated me. But overall it was a good read. The first half of the book is better than the last half. I looked for the sequel and realized it hasn't been written yet so that was a bit disappointing.

What I can't understand is how some people can be so rigid and pigheaded. Coming to a new country, a new land and expecting things to be the exact same as your homeland is foolish. By not learning the new languages and being ignorant about the natives is stupid and annoying.

To prevent any spoilers I'll just say I'm glad the German immigrants lived the life they did. I felt they lived the life they deserved because of their ways.

READING PROGRESS

March 11, 2020 – Started Reading

March 13, 2020 – Finished Reading

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Review: Growing the Good Life: Lessons in Parenting, Gardening, Health, and Meaningful Living

Growing the Good Life: Lessons in Parenting, Gardening, Health, and Meaningful Living by Alison E. Buehler
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Not at all what I expected. I expected Lessons in parenting, gardening, health, and etc. What I read was a book about her life. The author's tone is unpleasant she explains how she never had to struggle, she's never had major issues in life, she's better than all of us, she is this -she is that -- blah blah blah.

I got 3/4 the way through the book in disgust. I was still hoping for a bit of the "lessons" part to come into play. Then I realized this is not a how-to book at all, just a mish-mash of her blog posts.

Boring, pretentious, uninspiring.

READING PROGRESS
March 4, 2020 – Started Reading
March 9, 2020 – Finished Reading

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Review: Trusting God with My What-Ifs and Whys

Trusting God with My What-Ifs and Whys by Linda Dillow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I could read Linda Dillow's words all day long. She has this wonderful way of making things seem like they are going to be ok. She is very easy to understand and writes in a calming manner.
When I am stressed out or really depressed I always reach for her books.
This one is a quick, short read. It has many wonderful verses that I refer back to often.

READING PROGRESS
January 27, 2020 – Started Reading
January 28, 2020 – Finished Reading

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Review: The Secret Wife

The Secret Wife by Gill Paul
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I'm not sure how to review this book. Did I like it? It was just ok.
Did it give me any emotions/feels? No, not really. I didn't laugh, cry, or anything while reading it.
I didn't read every word; skimming the many boring doldrums. I felt like some of it got to be so repetitive.
I enjoyed the present day story much better with Kitty but I felt her character was inconsistent. For the most part she comes off as strong, independent, etc. But at a few parts in the story her character seem so incredibly off and not like her. I would have loved to know more about where her life ended up. Is there a sequel planned? I feel like her story just abruptly ended. Did she publish? Did she do the DNA? Short of adding spoilers I will leave it at that. I wanted to know more and not have it end as it did.
Normally I love historical romance, however the stories in the past were so much filled with war that it was hard for me to keep interest. I'm not into reading about the war or war strategies at all.
Therefore, this book is just ok. I won't read it again. I'm not mad I read it, but I don't know if I should have read it.

READING PROGRESS
January 14, 2020 – Started Reading
January 26, 2020 – Finished Reading

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Review: Pax

Pax by Sara Pennypacker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautiful and amazing story. The two things that stuck with me throughout the book were sorrow and adaptation. I cannot believe this is a book for young readers - the message is powerful and very much useful to adults.
The story was building and building and then it reached a climax and then ended! I was mad, sad, torn. I wanted more story. I wanted to know what happened to each of the characters (besides the dad, he was a jerk). I do hope there is a sequel. I felt like I was left hanging.
I read this because the reviews mentioned how it was a good book for adults to read and it sounded interesting. I loved having the two points of view, the fox and the boy. I really loved the dimension to the fox; I could have read from his point of view all day.
I tried to get my teenager (13) to read it but she felt too much sorrow after the first chapter and didn't want to go on. I highly suggest this book to any adult.

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Review: A Sword in Time

A Sword in Time by Cidney Swanson
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Wow. This series went from great to crap in one book. I did not like this third book in the series at all.
Davinci is annoying and childish. I couldn't stand to read about her thoughts and how she acted. I struggled to finish the book.
During her travel back in time I couldn't believe any person in their right mind would act like her. I did not relate to her character.
Also, I did not understand why another character was introduced (the investigator guy). It seemed weird and made no sense to the story line.
I have not purchased the 4th book in the series because this one was so bad. I need to take a break from it for awhile.

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Review: A Flight in Time

A Flight in Time by Cidney Swanson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This second book in the series was excellent. I was drawn into Jillian's story right away. The added elements to the story were great (no spoilers) and they made the story much more exciting.

The one issue I have a problem with is that Jillian's "big fear" is falling, yet this also makes her afraid of flying? ? It makes zero sense. Falling and flying are two totally different things. Also, she says that the time travel feels more like falling than flying and yet she is ok with that.

The story totally drew me in and I read it within 24 hours. I wanted to keep going with the story so I purchased the third book immediately after. FYI the third book is a bit disappointing compared to the first two.

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Review: A Thief in Time

A Thief in Time by Cidney Swanson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great story, captivating and held my interest to the end. There were a few surprising moments. I found myself laughing out loud a few times too.
It drove me nuts that the main character kept fantasizing a certain event. One event that happened in her past she let dictate her future choices. It kept ruining parts of her life and I just wanted to scream "get over it already!" I thought the revelation of that event was pretty funny and ironic.
I read the book within 24 hours because the story line was so good.
I purchased the second in the series within minutes of finishing this book.


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Review: EMBRACE THE WIND: An Historical Novel of the American West

EMBRACE THE WIND: An Historical Novel of the American West by Susan Denning
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second book in this series was much better than the first. I read it in less than 24 hours because the story was so good.
Things that bothered me are that the author spends long drawn out pages on one event and then skips briefly past others that seem more important. For example, one incident takes 5 pages and a death takes 2 sentences? It just doesn't make sense.
This book ended better than the first book; however, I still feel like some parts are written weird. The main character says and acts totally contrary to what she is like in the rest of the book. I can't give specifics without spoiling. The main character needs to be consistent. She was smart most the book but then in one part was completely dense and stupid? She is strong and smart mouthed most the book but is completely helpless and meak in another incident?
Besides these flaws I was totally drawn into the story. I loved every bit. I really wish there was a third in the series.

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Review: Far Away Home: An Historical Novel of the American West

Far Away Home: An Historical Novel of the American West by Susan Denning
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have a love hate with this book. I love the story, the characters, the time period.
I hate some of the ways the main character acts and her choices.
But I guess that is what makes a good book - the love/hate relationship. It pulled me in and I couldn't stop reading it until I was at the end. The end made me really angry. I hated the character's choice.
The minute I finished I grabbed book 2 in the series.

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