Monthly Book List: November

The monthly book lists will make it easier to browse the books read in a certain month, rather than needing to view each weekly post. If you are interested in seeing a picture of the front cover and my general assessment of any specific book listed below, go to that week's original post.

All books read in November:

Week 1 (November 1-4):
The Accidental Lawman by Jill Marie Landis (360 pgs)
Out of the Wild by Sarah Beth Durst (260 pgs)
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater (390 pgs)
To Know Her by Name by Lori Wick (432 pgs)
Ice by Sarah Beth Durst (308 pgs)

Week 2 (November 5-11):
A Texas Sky by Lori Wick (472 pgs large print)
Say To This Mountain by Bodie Thoene (447 pgs)
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Fisher (374 pgs)
Welcome to Camden Falls by Anne M. Martin (174 pgs)
The Divine Comedy Part 1: Hell by Dante Alighieri (346 pgs)
Spirit Walker by Michelle Paver (360 pgs)

Week 3 (November 12-18):
Lost in Las Vegas by Melody Carlson (197 pgs)
New York Debut by Melody Carlson (203 pgs)
Snow White and Rose Red by Patricia C. Wrede (288 pgs)
Soul Eater by Michelle Paver (352 pgs)

Week 4 (November 19-25):
The Spring of Candy Apples by Debbie Viguie (208 pgs)
Summer Moon by Jill Marie Landis (388 pgs)
Outcast by Michelle Paver (319 pgs)
Winds of Promise by Bodie Thoene (324 pgs)

Week 5 (November 26-30):
Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr (224 pgs)
Doomraga's Revenge by T. A. Barron (238 pgs)

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21 books total =) 6664 pages total!

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Weekly Book List: November 19-25 and November 26-December 2

The Spring of Candy Apples
Written by: Debbie Viguie
Published by:  Zondervan
Date Published: February 2009
Number of Pages: 208, Paperback
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Christian Chick-Lit
Summary: It's spring and Candace is busy working at the Zone's Candy Counter while struggling to make decisions about her future. She's been accepted to two different colleges, but family and friends are pressuring her to stay local. Her coworkers, however, are urging her to follow her God-given dreams no matter how far away they take her. 
Book 4 of the Sweet Seasons Novels. 
Review: I was so happy with the way this series ended! A wonderful closure to such fun stories! I hope Debbie Viguie continues to write Christian Chick-Lit, she does a terrific job!
Rating: 5 stars
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Summer Moon 
Written by: Jill Marie Landis
Published by: Ballantine Books
Date Published: July 2001
Number of Pages: 388, Hardcover
Genre: Adult Fiction,
Summary: Jill Marie Landis brings us a compelling tale of Texas ranch life following the Civil War -- a time when the full moons of summer often heralded brutal Comanche raids that devastated families. Born the daughter of a dockside harlot in a tiny village in Maine, and raised by nuns there in a school for girls, teacher Kate Whittington had few romantic dreams. Answering an advertisement for a mail-order bride was a miraculous chance to gain the home and family she longed for. The wonderful letters she exchanged with her prospective husband in Texas convinced her to risk everything for this one chance at happiness. The proxy marriage went off beautifully, and her new home was even more magnificent than she'd been told. Unfortunately, her husband was more surprised than delighted by his new bride. In fact, Reed Benton Jr. was absolutely furious to learn that his dying father had orchestrated a long-distance courtship on his behalf -- and forged his marriage documents as well. The proud Texas Ranger has just inherited a ranch he doesn't want and a bride he doesn't know. And to top it all off, his young son, Daniel, whom he'd long believed dead, has just been found living among the Comanche -- and Reed's lovely and loving not-quite bride may be the only one who can reach the boy, who is desperate to return to the only life he knows.

Review: This book was a huge frustration to me. I really enjoyed Jill Marie Landis's other books, The Accidental Lawman and  Homecoming, but this book was awful. Full of explicit premarital situations and rough language. Not recommended.
Rating: ZERO stars
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Outcast 
Written by: Michelle Paver
Published by: Harper Collins
Date Published: 2007, republished 2008 and 2009
Number of Pages: 319, Paperback
Genre: Juvenile Fiction,
Summary: The dreadful secret that Torak carries with him at the close of SOUL EATER is revealed and he is cast out from the clans. It's his fourteenth summer. He's alone, cut off even from Wolf and Renn. Hunted and on the run he takes refuge in unknown territory - the haunted reedbeds of Lake Axehead, where he is menaced by the Hidden People. Other threats lurk nearby and his battle with the Soul-Eaters is far from over ...As he fights for his life Torak uncovers a deception too awful to contemplate, one that shakes him to the core and shatters his world.
Book 4 of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series. 

Review: I've been a little hesitant about this series because books 2 and 3 were pretty creepy. But for some reason I've continued to read the next books in the series and I think they're getting better as I go. I enjoyed the twists in this book and look forward to learning what happens next.
Rating: 3 1/2 stars
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Winds of Promise
Written by: Bodie Thoene
Published by: Thomas Nelson Publishers
Date Published: 1999
Number of Pages:  324, Paperback
Genre: Adult Fiction,
Summary: It's a journey full of danger, excitement--and surprises. Eighteen thousand miles between New York and California. The threat of pursuit, the perils of yellow fever, the problems of taking on unexpected passengers, and the rigors of rounding the Horn are only the beginning. For brave, impulsive Rafer Maddox, this trip will introduce him to a boy and to a woman who will change his life forever--and bring his own soul closer to the will of the Almighty. Winds of Promise brings a colorful cast of characters and an unforgettable era alive in rich and historically accurate detail.

Review: This book didn't hold my attention. The story moved too quickly without enough information about the individual characters and concluded too quickly. If you're really into ships and sailing, it might interest you but I didn't enjoy it. Some slightly gory murders occur and there is an attempted assault on a woman although nothing happens.
Rating: 1 1/2 stars
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Once Was Lost
Written by: Sara Zarr
Published by: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Date Published: OCTOBER 2009
Number of Pages:  224, Hardcover
Genre: Young Adult Fiction,
Summary: Samara Taylor used to believe in miracles. She used to believe in a lot of things. As a pastor's kid, it's hard not to buy in to the idea of the perfect family, a loving God, and amazing grace. But lately, Sam has a lot of reason to doubt. Her mother lands in rehab after a DUI and her father seems more interested in his congregation than his family. When a young girl in her small town is kidnapped, the local tragedy overlaps with Sam's personal one, and the already-worn thread of faith holding her together begins to unravel.
In her third novel, acclaimed author Sara Zarr examines the coexistence of affliction and hope, and what happens when everything you thought you believed---about God, about your family, about yourself---is transformed.

Review: It's been interesting to find random Christian teen novels scattered throughout the library. I usually don't read books like this but I thought the cover was pretty and that it might interest me. It took me a little longer to read than most books (I was really busy) but I think it was good for me to take this one slower as it's a more serious story. I enjoyed it.
Rating: 3 1/2 stars
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Merlin's Dragon
Written by: T. A. Barron
Published by: Philomel
Date Published: SEPTEMBER 2009
Number of Pages: 238, Hardcover
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Summary: Basil becomes Merlin's partner as they battle the mysterious shadows that threaten the new Avalon.

A dark magic has been spreading across Avalon. Initially, the events seemed unrelated: a war in Fireroot between the dwarves and the fire dragons, blight in Stoneroot, and disputes throughout the realms. But as Merlin and Basil scour the realms, they begin to realize that looming behind the growing chaos is a single dark threat - an enemy that they've never encountered. One that must be stopped before all of Avalon is lost.
In this jaw-dropping sequel to the mega-hit Merlin's Dragon, T. A. Barron sends Merlin, Rhia, and Basil, the greatest dragon ever, on a mission across Avalon to root out this new enemy. But sacrifices will be made, relationships will be tested, and precious lives will be lost.
Book 2 of the Merlin's Dragons Series

Review: T. A. Barron has always been a favorite of mine. Actually, when I was younger, I wrote to him and got his autograph. So I was excited when I realized his next book had come out. I think this book is just as enjoyable as the others but since I'm older now it's not as thrilling as I recall the others to be. A good addition to the 3rd Merlin series by T. A. Barron.  
Rating: 3 1/2 stars
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Weekly Book List: November 12-18

Lost In Las Vegas
Written by: Melody Carlson
Published by: Zondervan
Date Published: 2009
Number of Pages: 197 pgs
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Christian Chick-Lit 
Summary: It's Christmas break and DJ accepts 'lonely' Taylor's invitation to come to Las Vegas, where her mom's performing. DJ soon discovers that Taylor just wants to party, plus she's invited Eliza. So DJ calls on Casey to help and things get wild before Taylor ends up in rehab.
Review:
Rating: 1 1/2 stars
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New York Debut
Written by: Melody Carlson
Published by: Zondervan
Date Published: 2009
Number of Pages: 203 pgs
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Christian Chick-Lit 
Summary: The girls return from the holidays in time for a New Year's party, and Mrs. Carter announces that it's time to get ready for Spring Fashion Week. A designer friend has invited the girls to participate in the big New York event and they have one month to get ready. Only God can catch those who fall this time.
Review:
Rating: 2 1/2 stars
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Snow White and Rose Red
Written by: Patricia C. Wrede
Published by: Firebird
Date Published: 1989, republished 2009
Number of Pages: 288, paperback
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy, 
Summary: In the village of Mortlak, near the river Thames, during the reign of Elizabeth I, live the Widow Arden and her two daughters, Blanche and Rosamund. The widow, who supports her family by selling herbs and making healing potions, lives in fear of being accused of witchcraft. Her daughters gather the herbs she needs, sometimes crossing into the realm of Faerie, one of whose borders lies in the forest nearby. Also residing in Mortlak is the real-life Doctor Dee, astrologer to the Queen, who with his friend Edward Kelly seeks to harness the magic of Faerie. Their efforts turn Hugh, one of the half-human sons of the queen of Faerie, into a bear. With the aid of the widow and her daughters, John, the elder Faerie prince, tries to disenchant his brother, who has crossed over to the mortal world. John is initially thwarted in his efforts by Madini, head of a faction in Faerie that seeks complete separation from the mortal domain. In putting her twist on the classic tale, Wrede uses language appropriate to the period and nicely evokes both medieval England and a magic land.
Review:
Rating: 3 stars
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Soul Eater
Written by: Michelle Paver
Published by: Harper Collins
Date Published:
Number of Pages: 352, Paperback
Genre: Young Adult Fiction,

Summary: Torak has survived the summer and his heart-stopping adventure in the Seal Islands. He and Wolf are together again. But their reunion is all too short-lived. As mid winter approaches Torak learns the worst from the White Fox clan. The Soul-Eaters have snatched Wolf and will sacrifice him. Desperate to rescue him, Torak hatches a perilous plan and one which he must carry out alone. He will find the Soul-Eaters and infiltrate the cult.
Review:
Rating:
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Weekly Book List: November 5-11

A Texas Sky
Written by: Lori Wick
Published by: Harvest House Publishers
Date Published: 2000
Number of Pages: 472 (large print)
Genre: Adult Fiction, Christian Romance, 
Summary: Dakota Rawlings, Texas Ranger, is accustomed to big adventure...but nothing in his work has prepared him for the seemingly easy task of escorting Miss Darvi Wingate to the town of Stillwater and on to Aurora.
Quick–witted, game for anything, and just as passionate about her newfound faith as Dakota is about his, Darvi seems to find trouble under every rock. When she becomes a pawn in one of the biggest rackets in town, she wonders if even a Texas Ranger can get her out of this one. Out here in the West, the stakes are high—for money, for power, and for love...under a Texas sky.
Part of the Yellow Rose Trilogy

Review: Lori Wick is one of my favorite romance writers. I don't think this book was her finest work but it was fine.
Rating: 2 1/2 stars
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Say To This Mountain
Written by: Bodie Thoene
Published by: Bethany House Publishers
Date Published: 1993
Number of Pages: 447
Genre: Adult Fiction, Historical Fiction,
Summary: The mountain of the Great Depression looms over their lives. But it’s nothing compared to the unfulfilled yearnings of their hearts.
Thousands are jobless after the stock-market crash of 1929. Former company owners now stand around smudge-pot fires to stay warm and live in shanties built of boxes, discarded lumber, and tin. With each day, more people lose their jobs, and the desperation grows. Where will it end?
Ellis Warne, a soldier wounded in the Great War, has overcome incredible odds to become a doctor. But his greatest failure shadows his every thought, separating him from the one he loves most. His wife, Becky, is lost in the sorrow of grief—her empty arms reflecting her empty heart. Jefferson Canfield, unjustly incarcerated for a decade, has at last fled home to Shiloh . . . and to the promise of happiness with the widow Lily. But will the darkness follow him there to steal his hope?
Max Meyer has given up everything to hide his newly found son, Davey, from Mob Boss Quinn. But they can’t run forever, and even little Shiloh, Arkansas, is within the clutches of evil.
Is it possible to move mountains? All wonder. . . .
Book 3 of the Shiloh Legacy Series

Review: I've continued with this series because I want to know what happens to the characters introduced in the first book. They're not my favorite books but if you're looking for historical fiction about the Great Depression, you'll probably enjoy these. This series has more mature content than most because the subject is so serious.
Rating: 2 1/2 stars
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The Hunger Games
Written by: Suzanne Collins
Published by: Scholastic Press
Date Published: 2008
Number of Pages: 374
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Science Fiction,
Summary: Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.
Book 1 of the Hunger Games Trilogy

Review: WOW. I don't know when I became a fan of science fiction... I was slightly hesitant about reading this but I ended up loving it! It was very different than anything I've read before so that was refreshing and it was very intriguing. The story is intense though so I wouldn't recommend this for younger teens.
Rating: 5 stars

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Welcome To Camden Falls
Written by: Ann M. Martin
Published by: Scholastic
Date Published: 2007
Number of Pages: 174
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Summary: Flora and Ruby do not want to move to Camden Falls. But they don't really have a choice -- their parents are dead and their grandmother, Min, is taking them in. It's strange to be in a new place. But luckily, it's a very welcoming place. Min runs a sewing store, Needle & Thread, at the heart of Main Street in Camden Falls. There, Flora and Ruby become friends with Olivia, who likes to organize things, and Nikki, who lives on the wrong side of the tracks. Even if Flora and Ruby never expected it to, Camden Falls becomes their home . . . and its stories become a part of their stories.
Book 1 of the Main Street Series

Review: I want to be able to recommend books to a broad range of ages so I picked up this book. It was a sweet innocent story but obviously didn't hold my attention because it is for a younger audience. A nice story for young readers.
Rating: 3 stars
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The Divine Comedy Part 1: Hell
Written by: Dante Alighieri
Translated by: Dorothy L. Sayers
Published by: Penguin Classics
Date Published: 1949
Number of Pages: 346
Genre: Italian Literature, Christian Literature
Summary: Guided by the poet Virgil, Dante plunges to the very depths of Hell and embarks on his arduous journey towards God. Together they descend through the nine circles of the underworld and encounter the tormented souls of the damned - from heretics and pagans to gluttons, criminals and seducers - who tell of their sad fates and predict events still to come in Dante's life. In this first part of his "Divine Comedy", Dante fused satire and humour with intellect and soaring passion to create an immortal Christian allegory of mankind's search for self-knowledge and spiritual enlightenment.
Part 1 of The Divine Comedy

Review: This book was fascinating. I really enjoyed reading it (for school) and can't wait to get started on the next book.
Rating: 4 stars
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Spirit Walker
Written by: Michelle Paver
Published by: Harper Collins
Date Published: 2005, republished 2006
Number of Pages: 360, Paperback
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, 
Summary: Thousands of years ago an orphan boy and his wolf cub companion challenge a demon bear that threatens to destroy their world forever. With the help of the World Spirit, Torak destroys the bear, but his beloved Wolf is lost in the ensuing avalanche. And Toraks quest is far from over. A strange creeping sickness, silent and deadly, is threatening the ravens. Word arrives that the seal clan have the cure and Torak must face a lonely journey to find it. On the Seal's island he stumbles into a world utterly ulike his own. Here life moves to the rhythms of the sea, the seals build shelters from whale bones and skim the waves in fast, beautiful kayaks. And here Torak is welcomed by the kindly Seal Mage, Teneris and kinsman, Bale. But all is not as it seems - Torak must keep his wits about him to judge who might be friend or foe.
Book 2 of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series
Review: This series is slightly disturbing. The evil magic that happens is creepy but the story does hold your attention so I guess it serves a purpose. For adventure lovers.
Rating: 2 stars

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Weekly Book List: October 29-November 4

The Fall of Candy Corn by Debbie Viguie (Young Adult Fiction) (203 pgs) (2008)

Halloween time at The Zone means monsters, mazes, and plenty of candy corn. Candace is shy about telling friends at church that she's working as a maze monster. However, when she discovers her youth group has planned an outing to the park, her embarrassment quickly turns to stage fright! 
Book 2 in the Sweet Seasons series. Perfect read for this week since it was Halloween week! An enjoyable read although you have to read the books in order for them to make sense.


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Dragonfly by Julia Golding (Young Adult Fiction) (390 pgs) (2008, reprinted 2009)

When the uptight Fourth Crown Princess of the Blue Crescent Islands is sent to marry the 'uncouth' Ramil ac Burinholt, heir to the throne of Gerfal, they are both horrified. The princess is used to a life of discipline, ritual and splendour, Ramil to a life spent hunting and carousing. But the countries of both are under threat from the fearsome warlord Fergox Spearthrower and the only chance of peace is for them to form an alliance. So when Ramil and Tashi - as he insists on calling the princess to her annoyance - are kidnapped, things look disastrous. But the kidnap is the start of an exhilarating journey involving circus troupes, bloody battles, unarmed combat, daring escape and breakneck chases. Along the way, Ramil and Tashi learn much about themselves and one another, and through the cast of characters they encounter - a circus strongman, dashing rebels, brave slaves and many ordinary people - they begin to see a way to bring the mighty Fergox Spearthrower low, and save their beautiful lands from devastation and war.
This book was really good. It had some suggestive humor in it but the rest was enjoyable. Similar to Tamora Pierce but much much cleaner.

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The Winter of Candy Canes by Debbie Viguie (Young Adult Fiction) (198 pgs) (2008)

It's Christmas time, and Candace is working as a Santa's elf at The Zone theme park, passing out candy canes. Her biggest worry is what to get her boyfriend for Christmas until she discovers that one of her coworkers may not celebrate at all. Will Candace and her friends pull together to show the true meaning of Christmas?
Book 3 of the Sweet Seasons series. I can't wait for Christmas! This was a fun read.


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The Accidental Lawman by Jill Marie Landis (Adult Fiction) (360 pgs) (2009)

Not five minutes in a one-horse Texas town, and Hank Larson foils a bank robbery. No matter that one of the bandits tripped right over Hank's dusty boots. Suddenly, the newcomer is hailed a hero and anointed sheriff. Hank came to Glory to report crime in the newspaper - not stop it himself. But everyone thinks the Lord led him there to save the day. Everyone except the town's beautiful healer, Amelia Hawthorne. The robber who got away was her nineteen-year-old brother. And it's Hank's job to bring the guy in.
Hank knows all about losing family. And he slowly sets about restoring Amelia's shaky faith. But doing what's right might mean breaking her heart...and his own.
I don't think this is the sequel to Homecoming but there are many of the same characters in it and the events that happen occur after all the events in Homecoming. An enjoyable Christian romance.

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Out of the Wild by Sarah Beth Durst (Juvenile Fiction) (260 pgs) (2008)

Beware the Wild - it bites.
Ever since Julie Marchen helped defeat the fairytale world of the Wild, life's been pretty much back to normal. That is, as normal as life can be for a girl whose mom is Rapunzel. Yes, that Rapunzel.
Then the Wild mysteriously releases Zel's prince (Julie's dad!) - a rescue-minded hero who crashes full-speed ahead into the 21st century! (YOU try teaching a 500-year-old prince to use a seatbelt.) Julie's over the moon, but when a wicked Fairy Godmother kidnaps Sleeping Beauty and reawakens the Wild, Julie and her dad set off on an action-packed adventure to save the distressed damsel. and the world. If they can't, they'll spend eternity in a fairytale.
Sequel to Into the Wild.  Again, not my favorite but there was nothing wrong with it.

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Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater (Young Adult Fiction) (390 pgs) (NEW October, 2009)
For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.
Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.
This book is hard to rate. I enjoyed it but also didn't like it. The plot was good but not very complex. Some of the story was so similar to scenes in Twilight that it got annoying. It had some slightly inappropriate parts (dancing, comments, etc), the guy sleeps in her bed (just like Twilight...) and a brief premarital situation. Her parents are really out of it (...just like Twilight) and the main character doesn't have a very strong personality (...just like Twilight...) 
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To Know Her by Name by Lori Wick (Adult Fiction) (432 pgs) (1997)
Lori Wick's novel presents an unusual story of love, intrigue, and faith. Can McKay Harrington penetrate the wall of secrecy surrounding Callie's true identity to share the saving love of Jesus Christ?
Book 3 in the Rocky Mountains series. This book was enjoyable. It was very similar to The Accidental Lawman so I wasn't very intrigued by the plot.


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Ice by Sarah Beth Durst (Young Adult Fiction) (308 pgs) (NEW October, 2009)
In Ice, main character Cassie encounters a Polar Bear King and a love that defies reason---maybe fairy tales aren't make-believe after all...

A retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon. This is another hard book to rate. I really like the original story plot so was excited to find a new version but the main character uses a mild cuss word a lot and there is a mention of birth control. It was a decent book though.


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Monthly Book List: October

The monthly book lists will make it easier to browse the books read in a certain month, rather than needing to view each weekly post. If you are interested in seeing a picture of the front cover and my general assessment of any specific book listed below, go to that week's original post.

All books read in October:

Week 1 (October 1-7):
Where the Wild Rose Blooms by Lori Wick
The Amethyst Heart by Penelope J. Stokes
The Sorcerer King by Frewin Jones
The Immortal Realm by Frewin Jones
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight translated by J.R.R. Tolkein

Week 2 (October 8-14):
June by Lori Copeland
Hope by Lori Copeland
Jimmy Stewart: A Biography by Marc Eliot
In My Father's House by Bodie Thoene
Sala's Gift: My Mother's Holocaust Story by Ann Krishner
Homecoming by Jill Marie Landis (311 pgs)

Week 3 (October 15-21):
Tempo Change by Barbara Hall (247 pgs)
The Summer of Cotton Candy by Debbie Viguie (209 pgs)
The Host by Stephanie Meyer (619 pgs)
A Thousand Shall Fall by Bodie Thoene (425 pgs)
The Blue Bottle Club by Penelope J. Stokes (342 pgs)

Week 4 (October 22-28):
Sister's Choice by Judith Pella (347 pgs)
Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver (293 pgs)
Glory by Lori Copeland (320 pgs)
A Winter's Gift by Lauren Brooke (189 pgs)

Week 5 (October 29-31st)
The Fall of Cotton Candy by Debbie Viguie
Dragonfly by Julia Golding
The Winter of Candy Canes by Debbie Viguie

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23 Books total =)
(I didn't start keeping track of the number of pages per book until the last few weeks but I'll make sure to do it for all the books in the following months)

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Weekly Book List: October 22-28

Sister's Choice by Judith Pella (Adult Fiction)
When it comes to quilting, Maggie Newcomb is all thumbs. And nobody rubs it in more than Emma Jean Stoddard. But Maggie swallows her ire for one simple reason: she has a crush on Emma Jean's handsome son, Colby, and doesn't want to ruin her chances. So she works hard to become the best quilter in Maintown.
      Her plan seems to be working...until Tamara Brennan comes to town. Tamara is wealthy, poised, and beautiful. Several of the local boys are immediately smitten with her, including Colby Stoddard. Desperate to keep Colby's attention, Maggie devises an elaborate plan with her friend Evan. But her scheme brings unexpected consequences, and before long Maggie isn't sure what her heart truly desires.
Book 2 of the Patchwork Circle series. I enjoyed this book better than the first one. It was a perfectly clean, good book. A bit slow for me but a nice, easy book to read. (347 pgs)
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Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver (Young Adult Fiction)
Thousands of years ago the land is one dark forest. Its people are hunter-gatherers. They know every tree and herb and they know how to survive in a time of enchantment and powerful magic. Until an ambitious and malevolent force conjures a demon: a demon so evil that it can be contained only in the body of a ferocious bear that will slay everything it sees, a demon determined to destroy the world. Only one boy can stop it - 12 year old Torak, who has seen his father murdered by the bear. With his dying breath, Torak's father tells his son of the burden that is his. He must lead the bear to the mountain of the World Spirit and beg that spirit's help to overcome it. Torak is an unwilling hero.
Book 1 of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series. Enjoyable teen fiction. The plot reminded me of The Lord of the Rings series but in Native American settings. (293 pgs)

Glory by Lori Copeland (Adult Fiction)
The fourth book in Lori Copeland's popular historical romance series about mail-order brides. Glory, a young woman whose only relative has just died, joins up with a wagon train of mail-order brides en route to Colorado. Lively adventures, valuable lessons, and a heartwarming romance soon follow.
Book 4 of the Brides of the West series. I liked this one too but the plot wasn't very realistic. It was a cute, clean romance though. (320 pgs)

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A Winter's Gift by Lauren Brooke (Juvenile Fiction)
Since breaking up with Ty and throwing herself into her college work, Amy is more independent and confident than ever. But when she returns to Heartland for her winter break she learns that a lot of things have changed. A pregnant mare will need both Amy and Ty's help to save her. But will the two of them be able to work together again? Amy never realized that coming home for the holidays would be so complicated.
I loved the Heartland series when I was younger so I decided to read this 'special edition' book. I don't remember everything from the series but this was a fine book. It took me about an hour and a half to read so it's not a very challenging book. It's an easy read. (189 pgs)
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Weekly Book List: October 15-21

Tempo Change by Barbara Hall (Young Adult Fiction) New book- October 2009.
Blanche Kelly's dad is a famous indie rock icon, but not many people at the private school she attends on scholarship know this. Her father left when she was in the first grade, and she can't quite forgive her mom for not understanding that an artist like her dad needs the time and space to connect to his muse.
When Blanche creates an all-girl rock band, their sound captures a wide audience and the band is invited to compete at the Coachella Music Festival. Blanche feels this could be the perfect time for a reunion with her father. Won't he be proud to hear her band? Won't he be happy to get to know his only daughter?
Author Barbara Hall sensitively explores the expectations between parents and teens, as well as the value of learning about your past to make your own future.
This wasn't a favorite but it was a decent book. I think the real reason I liked it so much is because the cover is so beautiful. (247 pgs)

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The Summer of Cotton Candy by Debbie Viguie (Young Adult Fiction)
Sixteen-year-old Candace thinks her vacation is ruined when her father forces her to apply for a job at the local amusement park, but when she meets a mysterious 'Lone Ranger' there she finds love and learns the value of true faith and friendship.
Book 1 of the Sweet Season series. A great easy read for teens! Similar to Melody Carlson but much cleaner. Recommended. (209 pgs)

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The Host by Stephanie Meyer (Adult Fiction)
Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed.
Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.
Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves-Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.
WOW. This book was SO fantastic. (the cover is creepy though) I can't even begin to explain how wonderful it is. I would recommend this book for 16 year olds and up. View my book review website (link below) to see my whole review. (619 pgs)

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A Thousand Shall Fall by Bodie Thoene (Adult Fiction)
The Shiloh Legacy series covers the lives of four young soldiers and their families through these great events: the end of World War I in France, the return of the soldiers to America, the Roaring Twenties, the stock-market crash, the resulting Great Depression, and the rebuilding of lives that must follow. Yet with all the racial, social, and cultural intolerance that marked the day--seemingly immovable mountains in the lives of these characters--God works through the tragedy, the laughter, the pain, the joy, the dramatic, and the ordinary to create a yearning in their hearts for a faith that moves mountains.
Book 2 of the Shiloh Legacy series. It was good, not a favorite. (425 pgs)

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The Blue Bottle Club by Penelope J. Stokes (Adult Fiction)
In the wake of the depression of 1929, four friends gather in a cold, dusty attic on Christmas day to make a solemn pact. Our dreams for the future, they whisper, as they place tiny pieces of paper holding their life wishes into the blue, cabin-shaped bottle. Letitia dreams of marriage and children; Mary hopes to be a painter; Eleanor aspires to help those in need as a social worker; Adora longs to be a Broadway actress. Four girls, four dreams, and four futures sealed in a cobalt blue bottle. Sixty-five years later, local news reporter Brendan Delaney stumbles upon the bottle, discovering the most meaningful story of her career and possibly the meaning missing from her own life.
Another enjoyable book from Penelope J. Stokes. I liked 'The Amethyst Heart' better though. (342 pgs)

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Weekly Book List: October 8-14

June by Lori Copeland (Adult Fiction)
Book 2 of the Brides of the West series.
Mail-order bride June Kallahan arrives in Seattle from Michigan to discover that her intended, Eli Messenger, the assistant to a famous evangelist named Isaac Inman, is ill. After he dies, June stays on to work at the local orphanage, where she realizes Inman is allowing the orphans to go without in order to build a showy tabernacle. A romance blooms between June and Parker Sentell, a friend of Eli's, as they try to convince Inman of the errors of his thinking
Not as fun as the 1st and 3rd books but still good.
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Hope by Lori Copeland (Adult Fiction)
Book 3 of the Brides of the West series.
Federal agent Dan Sullivan shelves his retirement to infiltrate a band of payroll thieves. But he didn't expect to meet stubborn mail-order bride Hope Kallahan, who gets kidnapped by the gang and held for ransom, or that she would be a veritable magnet for danger. As she intimidates hardened criminals into cleaning house and talks Dan into rescuing her, Dan believes God had a reason for throwing her in his path.
A very fun book. I liked it a lot. 
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Jimmy Stewart: A Biography by Marc Eliot (Biography)
Born to reserved parents in Pennsylvania, Stewart dipped his feet into theater at Princeton, joining the University Players troupe and cementing a fateful friendship with Henry Fonda. In the lean years of the Depression, Stewart won acclaim for Broadway roles, striking out West in 1935 to star in Capra films like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington....
I made myself finish this because I was about 2/3's of the way into it. The book was interesting but it focused too much on the "love" lives of the actors and actresses in Hollywood.
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In My Father's House by Bodie Thoene (Adult Fiction)
From every conceivable culture, men joined together in foxholes to fight World War I the Great War that would bring the world together in peace, for all time. Jews and Irish, blacks and whites fought side by side and formed bonds of friendship that would tie them together forever. Max Meyer, a Jew from New York; Ellis Warne, an Irish doctor's son from Ohio; Birch Tucker, an Arkansas farm boy even Jefferson Canfield, the son of a black sharecropper.
An interesting book. It was good but not my favorite. I liked it enough that I'm planning on reading the sequel.
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Sala's Gift: My Mother's Holocaust Story by Ann Kirschner (Biography)
Kirschner knew that her mother was born in Poland, the youngest of 11 children, and that she had survived a Nazi camp and came to the U.S. as a war bride. In 1991, when Sala Kirschner was 67, she learned that she needed triple-bypass surgery and then showed her daughter a collection of more than 350 letters, postcards, and scraps of paper, some written in barely legible, tiny, cramped handwriting, others in beautiful italic script, and some dashed off in blunt pencil scrawls. They were from her years in seven labor camps from 1940 to 1945. The letters were written by more than 80 people and they told the story of a family, a city, and an elaborate system of slavery. There are hand-drawn birthday cards, some with poems, and love letters
WOW. This has to be one of the best books I've read in such a long time. It was fantastic.
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Homecoming by Jill Marie Landis (Adult Fiction)
For the first time, Eyes-of-the-Sky prayed to the white man's God. One look in the mirror told her she was not a Comanche.yet she remembered no other life. She watched the whites who had taken her in after her "rescue," the mother, Hattie, and her handsome son, Joe, and wondered what her life had been like before her childhood abduction. She looked at Joe, who had suffered much and forgave little, and knew longing in her heart. But questions remained: What am I? Who am I?
Jill Marie Landis weaves an unforgettable story about a young woman adrift in two worlds, and her courageous journey to discovery, belonging and love..
It was cute =) (311 pgs)

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Weekly Book List: October 1-7

Where The Wild Rose Blooms by Lori Wick (Adult Fiction)
Clayton Taggart dreams of the day when he can fulfill his longing to teach school. Then he meets Jackie Fontaine, a strong, opinionated young woman, and the spark of love ignites. But the course of true love never runs smoothly, and the couple is soon separated by circumstances beyond their control. Will their love for each other be strong enough to survive their separation?
Book 1 of the Rocky Mountain Memories series
I thought this book was really cute! It was another of the books I purchased at the library sale last week.
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The Amethyst Heart by Penelope J. Stokes (Young Adult Fiction)
The only possession Miss Amethyst Noble loves as much as the antique brooch she wears at her throat is Noble House-a symbol of freedom, faith, and a family history proudly and inextricably entwined with the history of a nation. For a hundred and forty years, Noble House has been a place of shelter, hope, and healing in Cambridge, Mississippi. A place of miracles.
When she discovers her dissolute son has designs to sell the ancestral home out from under her, Miss Amethyst-ninety-three years old and as sharp as eve- isn't about to let that legacy go. If her son is lost to her, there's still her granddaughter. Little Am, who had once held such sweet promise, but the gentle, good-natured child has mutated in her teenage years into something else altogether. But whatever it takes, Little Am is going to know that the Noble family heritage is worth fighting for.
I was so excited after I read this book! It was fantastic! (and another of the books I got at the sale)
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The Sorcerer King by Frewin Jones (Young Adult Fiction)
Tania has brought the long-lost Queen Titania back to Faerie from the Mortal World of modern London. But when they cross between the worlds, they find only devastation.
The Sorcerer King of Lyonesse—ancient enemy of the Faerie Court—has been released from his amber prison. As the wicked sorcerer regains his power, King Oberon, Tania's father, is imprisoned and the Faerie Court is being destroyed.
Tania and her true love, Edric, must travel the Realm to try to find and rescue King Oberon, who is their only hope for defeating the evil Sorcerer King. And Tania must prepare for battle . . . and to fight a war that she may not survive.
The 3rd book in the Faerie Path series. I think I liked the first two books better but this was good too.
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The Immortal Realm by Frewin Jones (Young Adult Fiction)
Tania has finally found a way to bring her two worlds together, and while enjoying a long-awaited meeting of her Mortal and Faerie families, with her beloved Edric by her side, all seems right for the princess.
But when a Faerie baby suddenly falls ill, followed by more and more Faeries - including her own sister Cordelia - Tania knows that something is terribly wrong.
With no time to lose, Tania joins forces with her sisters to find a cure before this dark plague kills everyone she loves. Yet as the illness spirals out of control, Tania realizes that what they really need is help from the Mortal World. But will bringing another stranger to Faerie only make things worse? With countless lives hanging in the balance and a fast-growing Faerie suspicion of all things Mortal - including Tania herself - Tania makes a desperate move that will either save the land and people she has come to hold dear . . . or destroy their only chance for survival.
The 4th book of the Faerie Path series. Again, I liked the first two better but it was enjoyable.
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Sir Gawain and the Green Knight translated by J.R.R. Tolkein (Literature)
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" is the famous Arthurian tale about Sir Gawain and his encounter with the Green Knight. The work was written around the 14th century by an anonymous writer. J.R.R. Tolkien is one of the most renowned translators of the work. (review taken from: http://classiclit.about.com/od/sirgawain/tp/aatp_sirgawaing.htm)
This was an odd story but really interesting.
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Whispers of Moonlight by Lori Wick (Adult Fiction)
When Travis and Rebecca marry, rumors quickly spread that he has done so only for her dying father's ranch. Convinced that Travis can never truly love her, Rebecca disappears to make a new life for herself in a town far away.
Book 2 of the Rocky Mountain Memories series. A fun read!




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Monthly Book List: September

The monthly book lists will make it easier to browse the books read in a certain month, rather than needing to view each weekly post. If you are interested in seeing a picture of the front cover and my general assessment of any specific book listed below, go to that week's original post.

All books read in September:

Week 1 (September 3-9):

Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen
The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry
The Edge of the Sword by Rebecca Tingle
The Far Traveler by Rebecca Tingle
A Circle of Silver by Maxine Trottier
Beowulf translated by Charles W. Kennedy

Week 2 (September 10- 16):
Meet Dorothy Day by Woodeene Koenig-Bricker
The Story of My Life by Helen Keller
Tomboy Bride by Harriet Fish Backus
Faith by Lori Copeland

Week 3 (September 17- 23):
The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen
No Place For A Lady by Maggie Bendan
A Promise For Spring by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Into the Wild by Sarah Beth Durst
Bachelor's Puzzle by Judith Pella
Just Another Girl by Melody Carlson

Week 4 (September 24-30):
Rebecca's Reward by Lauraine Snelling
A Gift of Grace by Amy Clipston
The Song of Roland by Annonymous
White Chocolate Moments by Lori Wick
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20 books total! =)

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Weekly Book List: September 24-30

I went to a library booksale this week! It was fun! =)

Rebecca's Reward by Lauraine Snelling (Adult Fiction)
Nineteen-year-old Rebecca Baard has experienced more than her share of sorrow, and now she is afraid to open her heart to love. Besides, no man has ever shown enough interest in her to come courting. So Rebecca's friends set out to remedy the situation, concocting social events to attract all the eligible bachelors in Blessing and advising her in the use of feminine wiles. When none of these efforts seem to work, Rebecca tries yet another tack, only to discover that even the best of intentions can't keep events from taking a surprising turn. Will Rebecca overcome her fears, or will she settle for something less than love?
This was an enjoyable book but sometimes it went too slow.
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A Gift of Grace by Amy Clipston (Adult Fiction)
When Rebecca Kauffman's older sister, who left the Amish community when she was a teenager, dies in an automobile accident, Rebecca is left custody of her two modern non-Amish teenage nieces, Jessica and Lindsay. Will she be able to reconcile the two worlds in her home - or will the clash of cultures tear her world, including her marriage, apart?
Similar to Beverly Lewis' 'The Redemption of Sarah Cain'. In this case though, an Amish woman is taking in her "English" nieces, not the other way around. It was good.
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The Song of Roland translated by Dorothy L. Sayers (Literature)
Presents the classical epic, glorifying the heroism of Charlemagne in the 778 battle between the Franks and the Moors.
Read it for school. It was pretty gruesome but it was interesting and historical.


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White Chocolate Moments by Lori Wick (Adult Fiction)
After losing her parents, Arcineh Bryant lives with her grandfather as a girl. But growing up without her family causes her to hold resentment toward the man who took her in. Years later, when she meets a man she thinks she may love, she doubts whether she can trust her own heart.
A character - rich journey leads Arcineh back to her grandfather's home where there are surprises, questions, and for the first time in her life, an answer to “who will love me forever?” This compelling story about a woman's hunger for acceptance and wholeness points the reader home to God's love.
An enjoyable work of contemporary Christian romance by Lori Wick. This is one of the books I got from the library sale so I'm excited that it was worth buying!
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Currently reading:

James Stewart by Marc Eliot (Biography)
He had an interesting life but this author focuses too much on the "love" lives of people in Hollywood -which is not what I was interested in when I picked this up. I'll finish it but do not plan to read it again.








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