It's Chick Lit Time!!!!

Every Summer my friend and I read several books in the Chick Lit category as a "break," if you will.  This year I also am in a challenge to read 8 Chick Lit books by the end of the year and I don't believe that will be a problem. Before I start with all of my reviews on the various books in this category I wanted to share my point of view and frankly my scoring system for the Chick Lit genre.


My philosophy about Chick lit is really very simple: I expect to be entertained and I want a light read. I read a lot of reviews and always when it comes to Chick lit there's the 'there was no depth' or 'I knew what was going to happen.'  Yes, that is why we read Chick Lit!!!! It is what it is - it's a light read with fun, a villain, some quirky relationship, predictability and an ending we all hope for. Usually the story takes place in New York or a big city with a woman who wants to change something in her life, whether it be a relationship, a job or both.  Well isn't that why we read it?  We can't keep getting these books and expect it to be a literary work of art.


So as I review the Chick Lit genre I will rate it for what I think it is...did it make me laugh, did it entertain me, was it a light read that took me away from reality?  Then that to me is Chick Lit!!!!


Hope you enjoy the reviews!

To Be Perfectly Honest

Veteran author and speaker Phil Callaway is no stranger to daunting challenges. He has been laughed at—repeatedly—by large crowds of people from Halifax to Hong Kong. He fathered three children in three years, spent much of last year on airplanes built by the lowest bidder, and flipped an out-of-control ATV, which doesn’t mean he sold it for a profit. So who better than Phil Callaway to boldly accept a challenge that would make the average person run and hide?

I was excited to read this book and was so happy that it delivered! I found Calloway's humor refreshing and so on point, I enjoyed his writing and I felt like I got to get an inside look at his life.

I loved his candidness from the high school reunion to his conversations with God to the "Honest Confessions" at the end if each chapter. The author insights were heartfelt, inspiring and educational with the humor that makes a great read.

I have referred this book to many people and I am looking forward to sharing it with many others.

Called Home

Emma Benson's view of life was crafted by the death of her brother as a child, abandonment by her father and later, the man she trusted she would marry, until David Schlosser - back in town after years in New York writing best-selling novels - threatens her neatly tended life. Romance blooms. Emma and David eventually persevere in the face of tragedy, refusing to leave their dreams behind.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Of course it helped the fact that it was set in rural Wisconsin, about a farm girl who worked in a bookstore. I also immediately identified with David and his desire for what is real and that feeling of completeness when you are home where you grew up and how that isn't always there in a big city.

The relationship between David and Emma seemed to be a little confusing at first, however, I found myself drawn to keep reading to see what Emma's story was. I thought in the beginning that the plot was a little too predictable but then I got a surprise which made me like the book all the more.

Overall I thought this was a great read and I am happy I had the opportunity to enjoy it.  Out of 5 stars I give it 4.

Happy Reading and enjoy a glass of iced tea!

Fly Away Home

Slyvie Serfer is stunned when she finds out about her senator husband's affair with a staff member. Her daughter Diana, an emergency room physician, seemingly has everything you could want and expect in a happy marriage and Lizzie, the youngest, is working on getting her life back together after years of  addiction.                                               

As the story unfolds, the three women are forced to reexamine what they want out of life and where they want to go as they come together in their Connecticut home, each with their own demons to look at and face. I have to say that the story started off with a bang and I was ready for it to really face some tough issues. However, as I moved through the book, I found myself waiting for the character to become more real, more of someone I as a reader could relate to.
 

The character's strength was always a variable. I never found myself really believing that this would actually happen as far as a reaction. I know as a reader all of us try in one way or another to identify but really if my husband had an affair would I really not speak to him for months at a time? Would I really be okay with the fact that he comes to Thanksgiving and takes over? It didn't feel real to me it didn't feel like I was connecting to the character. 

I have to say I was excited to dig in to the book however I was disappointed in the end result.  As a rating of the book I have to say our of 5 stars I will give this 2 stars.  

Happy Reading and enjoy a cup of iced tea! 

Summer Affair

Sheila Crispin Cook, mother of four young children and a nationally renowned glassblower, bites off more than she can chew when she agrees to co-chair a huge benefit concert on Nantucket. Sheila is asked to chair the Nantucket Children Summer Gala, at least in part, because she is the former high school sweetheart of world famous rock star, Max West. Max agrees to play the benefit and it looks like smooth sailing for Sheila - until she agrees to create a "museum-quality" piece of glass for the auction, peremptorily offers her best friend the catering job, goes nose-to-nose with her Manhattan socialite co-chair, and begins a "good-hearted" affair with the charity's Executive Director, Lockhart Dixon.

Out of all the books by Elin Hilderbrand I have read this was my least favorite.  At first I though it was because of the subject matter but really I think it was because there wasn't any character in the book that I really liked. I tried to like Claire and I even identified with her, however, I found her frustrating and frankly spineless.

This definitely isn't the book I would spend a lot of time or money on and with all the other books this author has written I would go to those.

Out of 5 stars I would give this book 1 1/2 stars

Happy reading and Enjoy a glass of iced tea!

Bossy Pants

I have to say that listening to this book is why it was as  funny as it was. I think I would have laughed if I had read it myself, but her voice inflections and impersonations were what made this book funny.Her stories of her early days with the comedy team and of course the chapter about her father were what made me hold my stomach laughing hysterically.

There were parts that I of course wanted to skip over and that's what you get when you read or listen to a memoir, however, I would strongly suggest this as an audio. Tina Fey is smart, funny and of course always entertaining. Her book gives an insight into the Sarah Palin parodies as well as SNL and although I enjoyed it it didn't keep my glued to the book.  It is what it is -- a book written to entertain and for the most part it did that.

Out of 5 stars I give this book a 3 1/2 stars.

Happy Reading and Enjoy a cup of tea!
Kara

Hope in a Jar

Twenty years ago, Allie Denty was the pretty one and her best friend Olivia Pelham was the smart one. Throughout high school, they were inseparable…until a vicious rumor about Olivia - a rumor too close to the truth - ended their friendship. Now, on the eve of their twentieth high school reunion, Allie, a temp worker, finds herself suddenly single, a little chubby, and feeling old. Olivia, a cool and successful magazine beauty editor in New York, realizes she’s lonely, and is finally ready to face her demons. 

I thought this book was fun and I loved the references to all the beauty ads from the past. From Tickle deodorant to Enjoli perfume to Loves Baby soft, I enjoyed remembering the trip down memory lane. The first line of the book: "The only thing worse than finding out your boyfriend is cheating on you with a beautiful woman is finding out he's cheating with an average woman." Now that is why I had to keep reading. I found the characters interesting and what I would expect. They made me laugh and the villain made me boo. 

The chapters of the book went from present day to junior high and high school in the relationship of Allie and Olivia and that was how the story was presented. This friendship went through some tough times and yet after all the years they ended up finding their way back to each other which most true friendship will do.

I liked this book I read it on the plane in one setting and it kept me interested. On the Chick lit scale I give it a 3 1/2 stars out of 5.

Happy Reading and enjoy a glass of iced tea!

Still Alice

Alice Howland is a Harvard professor, gifted researcher and lecturer, and the mother of three grown children. At fifty years old she is proud of the life she has built and as she becomes increasingly disoriented and forgetful, a diagnosis of early onset  Alzheimer's Disease changes her life, her work and her family forever.

I wasn't sure what to think of this book when I began and although I liked Alice, as a reader I could tell she was a perfectionist and expected her family to do what was "best."   As the story progressed Alice's vulnerability became what endured me to her.  Heart wrenching in parts to the point of  being in tears and realizing this isn't made up, there are families everyday going through this turmoil and heartache due to this horrible disease.

I loved the author's ability to take a terrible situation and give all perspectives to the daughter who is trying to have a baby to the son who distances himself to the husband who almost seems angry with Alice for having the disease, and yet his love for her is truly amazing as he learns to accept her for the Alice she is now. Lisa Genova takes us there in each stage of the disease with Alice and with her family.

There is a quote in the book where Alice has a moment of clarity with John her husband and she says..
"I miss myself."
" I miss you too, Ali very much."
" I never planned to get like this."
" I know."
I think that is what defines how a couple gets through as they continue to love but miss what was there very much.

Her relationship with her youngest daughter is another part of the book that simply touched my heart. At one point, Lydia and Alice are talking and Alice reaches out to Lydia and tells her how proud she is of her and then tells her "in case I forget, know that I love you."  I felt like that was so much of what the book was about and defines a woman who had her life in control and within a year had virtually lost her ability to be on her own, work and even read a book or watch a movie.

I loved this book - I read it in less than a day simply because I couldn't stop thinking about Alice.  I recommend this book to everyone. I give this book 5 out 5 stars !!!!!

Happy Reading and enjoy a cup of Tea!
Kara

The Forgotten Garden

After growing up believing she is the daughter of  Hugh and Lil, Nell is told a secret, one that she spends the rest of her life hiding and trying to figure out as she creates a life for her and her granddaughter. After Nell's death, Cassandra  is alone and a little shocked after she is left with a cottage, a secret garden, a scrap book  and a mystery to follow her grandmother's life and who she really is. Cassandra travels to Cornwall, England to see the cottage and find more about her grandmother's past as well as heal and move on with her own life.

A novel that spans from 1913 to 1975 to 2005, this story includes a family saga, a mystery, fairy tales and even a bit of love. This book was a Pullman Page Turner selection for the month of June and July and I was excited to read it. In the beginning I felt let down because it was not an attention getter at all and I originally had a difficult time following the story, especially with the jumping back and fourth from the various years. 

I will say thank you to my friend Roz, who insisted that  I keep going and although I did not love this story I did end up liking  it. I was able to figure out what happened relatively quickly as the clues were pretty clear, however, I do think it overall was a good story! 

I give this book a 3/2 stars out of 5  

Happy Reading and have a cup of  Tea!!

Kara

Celebrate our Independance!!!!

Happy 4th of July America! 

I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend and we remember to celebrate our independence.  I will be celebrating with my family and friends and of course getting in some reading outside in the beautiful weather here in Southern California. It is supposed to be in the 90's on Monday so I believe I will be enjoying some iced tea.


Happy Reading and enjoy some iced tea!

Kara

The Promise of an Angel

 Judith is turning nineteen and sure her future is set with the courting and marriage of Levi Plank. When Judith's younger brother Samuel is hurt in an accident at a barn raising, she is sure she sees an angel. In her quest to convince the Amish community of what she has seen an heard from the angel named Tobias she ends up alienating herself and turning members of family and her community against her.

Through this time her friendship with Andrew, the bishop's son becomes stronger. Andrew believes Judith and many times is her only friend. As time goes on many of the people in Judith's life show true colors and through it all Judith and Andrew stay true to their faith and each other even if it means losing their family and community.

This was my first time reading the Amish Genre and I read this book in one sitting. I was taken with the characters and I loved Judith's deep love for her family and deeper faith. Her connection and her desire to do what was right in the eyes of God was heartwarming to read. Andrew's patience, awkwardness and his ultimate love for Judith and God was so touching and as a reader I was routing for him at the turn of each page. I found the story completely transfixing,entertaining and so worth the read! I loved it and I am looking forward to the next in the series!

This book was given to me by Booksneeze in exchange for the review.

Happy Father's Day!

 Today we celebrate Father's Day and my father, Don and my husband, Bob are two amazing fathers that I get the opportunity to have in my life.  Today I HONOR them and I hope you all stop and honor all of the fathers in your life both past and present!

Plain Wisdom

Novelist Cindy Woodsmall might seem to have little in common with Miriam Flaud, a woman from the Old Order Amish. With nine children and almost 60 years of marriage  between them, Cindy and Miriam have found secrets to facing life with strength and grace.

With poignant recollections, unexpected insights and humorous tales, the women welcome the reader into their unique friendship. With glimpses of traditions and ways of the Amish, Miriam also shares her traditions and even some family recipes.Truly a celebration of God, womanhood, and the search for beauty that unites us all.

I loved reading this book, not just because of the way it was told , although I felt like I got to know each one as an individual, but also I found myself savoring each moment I had with these friends.  I wanted to sit down and write a letter or call and see how the garden was coming or the milk inspection. The tenderness and yet the strength was so vivid that I would feel completely taken care of with either one of the friends. The sense of humor was enduring as was the stories shared by each writer. Many times after a charter I would reflect on the small pieces of advice  and find I just may have a place for it in my day.

I wrote down the recipes and even the poem. I can not wait to share this book with some very special people in my life an I am lucky to have met Miriam and Cindy!

I gave this book 4 out 5 stars!

Happy Reading and enjoy a cup of tea!

Kara

I received an advance copy of this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

What Matters Most

What if you could live one time in your life over? What if you could make a different choice that would make everything right?  For Bernadette and Tom, it is to return to their roots in Ireland and a love that broke every rule and one that broke their hearts. For James and Kathleen, the bond is what enabled them to survive an orphanage and a trip across the ocean to America when one gets adopted and the other is left with their dream to be together forever. Four lives come together in a confrontation that will challenge each of them to their very core and challenge them to leave behind the past and all that was important to at last embrace what is most important.

I read this book in one day, with characters who are in love and believe that all will work out. Bernadette and Thom were a little more complicated then James and Kathleen and the relationship was a little more detailed. Sometimes it was predictable and I felt as though maybe Tom should have fought a little harder for the "love of his life."   

The end was a little too clean for me as to say it all worked out a little too perfectly, however I felt like this was a good read to help escape with for a while. Overall it is what it is...a quick read and not real deep.  

I gave it  2.5 stars out of 5

Happy Reading and enjoy a cup of tea!

Kara

Night Road

Jude Farraday's entire life revolved around her twins Mia and Zach.  In eighteen years,Jude did everything to keep them safe and on track for college. When Lexi Baill, after losing her heroin addicted mother and living in foster home after foster home, moves into the small community, she is welcomed into the Farraday family as one of their own, becoming Mia's best friend and the love of Zach's life. Life has always been easy until one decision rips the family apart and changes the Farraday family and Lexi forever.

In the years to follow, each must face the consequences of those choices and find a way to heal, forget, and live with the choices. The hardest part of that decision is finding that courage to forgive. A heartbreaking novel that captures pain of loss and the power of hope.

I was excited to read this book as I am a fan of Kristin Hannah; of course, this book did not disappoint.  A story that was full of twist and turns as it went on, I enjoyed the plot line and found myself  engaged in the story.  The character's were complex and yet I liked the relationship between Mia and Lexi.  I felt like we got to be let in on their friendship as the reader.  The family dynamic, although over the top, was also believable and as a mother I felt many of the emotions Jude felt in wanting to protect her children (although I like to think I'm not as bad as her).

I did find myself needing a box of tissue at some points in the story and I did feel many times a real connection to the characters. Overall a great book and definitely a book that will stay with me, as will the characters. Not a light read but a great read!!!!  Enjoy it!

I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars!!!!

Happy Reading, and enjoy a book and Tea!

Room

To five year old Jack, Room is his world and all he knows. An 11x11 shed is where he was born and where he has lived with his Ma for the last five years.  It's where he reads, eats, plays, and when Old Nick comes in the night Jack goes to the wardrobe where he is safe.

Although Room is home to Jack it is prison to Ma since she has been held captive there for the last seven years. Her determination to keep Jack safe and create a life for Jack leads her to devise a plan of escape that relies on Jack's bravery and luck.  Told from Jack's prospective, the reader is led into a world that although tragic is also all he knows.

I wasn't sure I was going to be able to get through the book when I started because of the way it is written with Jack's pronunciation, however, as  I continued I felt as though I was truly getting a glimpse of the world in which Jack and his mother survived. I was intrigued by what Ma did to keep Jack occupied and I felt her struggle with getting out of the Room but also I felt in incredible desire to keep Jack safe.

Jack's perspective on so many things that are taken for granted hit me many times when I read the book.  "In the world I notice persons are always stressed and have no time," "Also everywhere I'm looking at kids, adults mostly don't seem to like them, not even parents do. They call the kids gorgeous and so cute, they make the kids do all the thing all over again so they can take a photo, but they don't actually play with them, they'd rather drink coffee talking to adults."

Their journey was not easy and was an interesting read and a fast read that did pull you in.  I thought the book was good, but I don't think it was great.  Out of 5 stars I give it 3.

Happy Reading and Enjoy a cup of Tea!
Kara

Same Kind of Different As Me

Denver, a man raised under plantation-style slavery in Louisiana in the 1960's, is a man who escaped, hopping a train to wander homeless for 18 years in Dallas, Texas. No longer a slave, Denver finds life hard to deal with and still feels hopeless in his choices.  A godly woman by the name of Deborah and her husband, Ron, come into Denver's life and as the story moves forward no of them will be the same. Deborah's discovery that she has cancer and is facing death pushes her husband to have an unlikely friendship with Denver. This story is an emotional  journey to an incredible friendship narrated by both Ron and Denver and told with both laughter, real pain and doubt in each other and even in the power of God.

I really enjoyed the book and although sometimes it is hard to believe that people can live the way they do, I found it so beautiful how the story was such a wonderful tribute to the amazing light and love that Deborah had in her. She touched so many people by her spirit and her ability to unconditionally love mankind. Denver in spite of himself became easy to like in the book and his wisdom and simplicity at looking at life was given throughout the book.  The big lesson as he talked about his homelessness was to accept life for what it is. 

I thought Ron's candidness with not only his mistakes but also his feelings, not only about his wife and her illness but also Denver and even his judgments, made the story real and easier to relate to these men who most of us would never have the opportunity to talk with or even, in many cases, allow ourselves to.  I cried, I was inspired and  I will always remember the bond that is shared by Denver and Ron and what it meant.  POWERFUL story!

5 out of 5 stars

Happy Reading and Enjoy a cup of Tea!
Kara

The Hangman's Daughter

A historical thriller set in 1660's Germany, after a dying boy is pulled from a river with a mark tattooed on his shoulder, hangman Jakob Kuisl is called to investigate whether witchcraft is involved. When more children suddenly start to disappear and another orphan boy is found dead marked with the same tattoo, hysteria threatens to create the witch trials of the past all over again.  Before the chaos forces Jakob to torture and execute  the woman who brought many of the townspeople's children into the world, including his, Jakob must find the truth.  With the help of his daughter Magdalena and Simon, a young physician, Jakob discovers pure evil and that the devil is truly alive in his town.

This book is not a normal read for me and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by not only the pace but also the way the story played out.  I was truly intrigued by the mystery and actually the characters were very believable. I enjoyed this book and felt like I got my money's worth at the end.  I am glad the Pullman Page Turner's picked this and I am glad I got to visit Jakob. 

I give this 4 out of 5 stars.

Happy Reading and enjoy a cup of tea! 

Kara

Life Without Limits

Life Without Limits is the amazing story of an amazing man born without arms or legs.  Nick Vujicic, tells the story of how he overcame his disability to not only live a fulfilling life, but share that life through his motivational speaking.  Nick shares how his physical disabilities and emotional battles and the love and support of his parents and family have brought him the strength to share his main message, which is finding your life's purpose no matter what odds face you.

Nick shares how his faith in God is his main source of strength and when he found his sense of purpose he found the confidence to build a productive life without limits.

This book was an absolute joy to read. I LOVED the stories of Nick's relationship of love with his family and his dedication to God and what that has meant to bringing his story to the world. Throughout the book Nick shares personal stories of his lowest points, where he thought of ending his life, to joking around with his cousins and pulling pranks on unsuspecting plane passengers as he climbs in the baggage compartment. Nick has wonderful stories of miracles happening in front of him and shares those with us as he describes his travels around the world.


I felt his pain, I laughed at his humor and his practical jokes and I am in awe of his spirit.  What a bright light Nick Vujicic is in this world.  I feel so lucky to have read this book and feel a little richer for having read this treasure.

5 out 5 stars for this book!!! 

Cutting For Stone

Marion and Shiva Stone are twin brothers born to an Indian nun and  British surgeon at a mission hospital. Orphaned by their mother’s death in childbirth and their father’s disappearance, bound together by a connection that only twins know and can understand; they also come of age as Ethiopia is on the brink of revolution.  Their passion for the same woman will tear them apart and force Marion, just out of medical school, to escape his homeland. In  America, finding refuge in his work as an intern at an underfunded New York City hospital, Marion finds his father in an unsuspecting moment. When trouble causes problems for Marion again,  he must entrust his life to the two men he thought he trusted least in the world: the surgeon father who abandoned him and the brother who betrayed him.

I was unsure how I felt about this book when I started, especially with all of the reviews that are out there.  I found the beginning incredibly slow and actually very confusing with the names and even what was going on.  After the first couple of chapters it did pick up though.  I found the detail of the customs, the medical procedures and descriptions and even the character's interactions to be very detailed and colorful, so much so that I even dreamed about them. I loved the relationship between the twins: although Shiva was less than an admirable character, their dedication and bond was incredible. I loved the relationship between Ghosh and Hema, the two people responsible for raising the boys, and even Rosina's(the twin's nanny) daughter Genet, who truly was raised by Hema and ended up having a pivotal role in everyone's life as time went on.

Although the descriptions were wonderful, in some areas of the book I also found myself at times struggling to stay with the story and frustrated with the painstaking detail of the medical procedures that frankly  really weren't that important to the ongoing saga of the twins.  I felt  that the story may have been able to end sooner rather than later, especially when we got to Marion leaving the country.  I did like how it tied together in the end and of course was consistent throughout the family tie that bound Marion to his country and ultimately to Hema, his twin brother, and his allegiance to Gosh's legacy which  was what made me end the book with a great feeling of satisfaction. Overall a great story, however it's for a reader committed to really digging in for a detailed heavy read.

On a rating scale I would give the book 3 1/2 to  4 stars out 5.

Beyond All Measure

Ada Wentworth takes a journey to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee all the way from Boston.  Traveling alone and penniless after losing her aunt, father and her fiance, Ada accepts a position as an elderly lady's companion by the name of Lillian Willis.  With the hopes of starting a new life and intending to use her millinery skills, Ada hopes to save money and establish a future for herself.

Lillian Willis, a pillar of the community and her nephew Wyatt Caldwell, a wealthy bachelor who owns a lumber mill become Ada's main friends as well as a mulatto girl, Sophia, at a orphanage in town.  In a town still not completely healed from the civil war, Ada's friendship with the young girl creates tension and Ada is threatened when she refuses to end her relationship with Sophia. A cast of characters both good and not so good fill the story with interesting tales.  A relationship between Ada and Wyatt starts as a friendship and struggles both to grow and to maintain itself after Lillian dies and Ada is forced to look inside herself and trust in God.

Dorothy Love's novel Beyond All Measure was a wonderful read.  A historical romance that made the issues facing the south during that time period a main point.  It was a an easy story to get lost in by really enjoying the characters and story of a young woman coming to terms with who she was, what she wanted out of life and out of love. A great story of love, loyalty, friendship and character that will stay with the reader.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars

*I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program. *

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://booksneeze%c2%ae.com/> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Saving Cee Cee Honeycut

Twelve year old Cee Cee Honeycutt has been her mother Camille's caretaker and with the lipstick smeared 1951 Vivaldi Onion Queen as your mother, life can be a little frustrating and embarrassing.  However, when her mother is hit by a truck her and her father decides he can't raise her, Cee Cee finds herself on the road to Savannah with her unknown great aunt Tootie Caldwell.

Tootie helps CeeCee begin her life with a cast of women who will forever change her life and bring her a summer she will never forget.  From Thelma Rae Goodpepper, the neighbor who bathes in her backyard bathtub, to Oletta Jones, the housekeeper who grows to love CeeCee and teach her what it is to live in a home filled with love, to Violene Hobbs, the town gossip. The Story is a southern novel with female friendship and charm that makes you laugh out loud and have to grab a box of Kleenex on the next page.

Not since the Secret Life of Bees have I smiled so much and my heart was actually singing when I read this book with the feelings of happiness.  I have bought this book for so many of my friends knowing they would love it.  I thought the characters were so likable and of course the wisdom and kindness of Ms.Gertrude Odell was my favorite.  I loved each one of these women and wished I could have them in my life.  I hope it becomes a movie!
 
On a scale of 1 to 5 this was a 5 for me!!!!!!!

Water For Elephants the Movie!!!

I try hard not to ever judge a movie by the book.  Mainly, because I try to think of it as two separate forms of entertainment and I don't want to combine or compare the two.  I have read books and thought they were okay then saw the movie and loved it, and of course loved the book and saw the movie and hated it.  In this case I LOVED both.  I thought the movie was wonderful!!!!

After sitting through the torture of the Twilight movie, I was not sure what to make of Robert Pattinson playing the part of Emile.  He was perfect for the role of the shy veterinarian who, after losing his parents, ends up working with the circus as a vet and falling in love with Marlena. I have to say he can act. I think this movie will allow him more serious roles and get out of the "teen heartthrob" role.

Reese Witherspoon was beautiful in the part of Marlena.  Although I didn't think this was her best acting, she played the part  well and believably. Actually, she seemed comfortable on an elephant which I can't imagine is easy. Although she was the headliner in the movie I don't believe this will be her most remembered role.

By the far, the best actor of the movie was Christoph Waltz, who was Marlena's husband August and the owner of the circus. You want to hate him and you want to like him and at one point you even start to feel a little sorry for him.  I thought he defined what the movie was about and really played August as he was portrayed in the book to a "T." 

Whether you have read the book or not, this movie is amazing - from the animals to the costumes and the storyline, I loved it and can't wait to buy the DVD (which, if you don't know me, I don't watch DVDs so that is saying something).  AWESOME!!!!!!

Every Last One

Mary Beth Latham is a mother of three teenage children: Ruby, 17, and twin boys Alex and Max,14. She has a career as a landscaper and her husband is a doctor. Taking care of her family is what her life is about and when her children have trials or wins in life she experiences those along with them. An act of violence shakes Mary Beth to her very soul and her sense of who she is and what her life will be is truly tested.

The very details of the everyday life hit very close to home and allowed me to feel as though I was in the kitchen or at the doctor's office as I read the thoughts that were going through Mary Beth's mind. I found myself feeling the tension between the characters in the story and as the violence happened I was shocked and mesmerized  by what happened next. I liked the characters and I love how they evoked emotion as they developed; some I grew to like and some even let me down. A worthwhile read with masterful storytelling that stays with you.

I found this book a great read and definitely a book to pass along. I give it a 4 1/2 stars out of 5.

Kara

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

As I was looking through my things for something to post for Mother's Day I found a copy of a poem that I had given my mom for Mother's Day a long time ago and decided to share it again.  Even after all this time this still fits and I still adore my mom! She is beautiful and graceful, gracious, smart and kind,loving, funny and truly one of  the best people I know.  I live each day hoping to be more like her.  I love you mom!

My mom and I

To Mom....
You've meant a million things to me,
You've stirred emotions in my heart .

When I was sick you cared for me
when I was sad you cried,
although some things are hard to get
you did your best and tried.

There have been days of sadness
and days of joy and glee,
In this whole world, I can't express
the things you've meant to me.

Sometimes I have forgotten you
and all your deeds so true,
but in my heart, there will always be
a place dear Mom, for you.

I could never repay you for
all the things you've done,
for all the happiness you've
brought the things for me you've won.

I could never forget you
forget your heart so true,
and always my ambition
is to be Mom, more like you.

Although your trials are many
and mine are very few,
there are three words,
Mom,please don't forget
and those are "I love you".
                               -Min Newbury



Another special mom and person in my life is my sister, Kris who is AMAZING!!!!! She has taught me so much about what it is to be a parent and to be a woman of grace. I love to share,cry, laugh,and talk with her and most of all we have the BEST adventures that are so unforgettable and always bringing us closer! She is an inspiration to me on so many levels and a key factor in me starting my blog! Love you!

Kris and I after our OWN Network debut

Let us see the Cake!

So I have to share this amazing cake my sister Kris..aka "Baker Extraordinaire" made for my niece Morgan's 14th birthday. I LOVE it and actually I like to look at it just to make me smile.  The cake fits Missy's(my name for her) personality so well and the best part of it is she got to share it with all of her friends.

So many exciting times ahead of her and I love to look at her face and think of all those happy memories of a precocious little girl who had and still has such wonder in her eyes. She lives her life to the fullest everyday and yet still has so many wonderful experiences to look forward to, I feel very lucky to be a part of it.

Happy Belated Birthday Missy and welcome to Novel and Tea

Thank you....A Simple Act

I am a big believer in Thank Yous and I was obviously drawn to this book, especially with the intention of following the idea of writing a thank you note every day.  The story begins with the author reflecting on how his life is basically at it's worst; he is getting divorced, overweight, struggling to keep his law practice afloat and living in a run down apartment where he finds himself in a constant battle to keep everything that he treasures close to him, mostly his relationship with his young daughter.

His ex-girlfriend sends him a thank you note for a Christmas gift and he reflects on the simple act, and while on a walk realizes he needs to be thankful for what he already has in his life. The commitment if made to write thank you notes everyday for not just material things but the simplest acts of kindness and so begins his journey of gratitude for 365 days.

I found the book interesting and of course there were even times when I got choked up with his stories of his friends - especially his friend who he ran the marathon with.  I loved his list at the end of the book of all the people who came into his life or are in his life, from his paralegal, to his daughter's teacher, to his brother for being a great caretaker, the Starbucks Barista who remembers his name and, my favorite, the lady at the dry cleaner.  I appreciate his awareness and of course since reading the book I have made myself so much more aware and for that I liked it.  I will say, however, at some points the author's self pity feels a little self serving and even pointless to the story and I found it even frustrating, not wanting to partake in the pity party. The good news: the stories of his friends and the responses he received in return outweighed the self pity. Overall, I did like the book and the message.  Thank You!

 Enjoy a novel and Tea!

Today is my official first day!

So I decided no more hiding behind the right Blog title and the right photos and all the other Blogging for Dummies that I have been doing for the last month and half.  I LOVE books and I LOVE sharing my joy of books.  I smell books and sit in book stores and even book fairs at my children's school and just smile.  I would love to share my ideas, my reviews, not just about books but about tea, and even a few other things. I am always asked what I think and what I suggest.  The decision came to me when my neighbor called and asked me what I would suggest for a teacher who was home sick and had lots of time on her hands.  I asked her why she called and she laughed and said I can't tell you how many people told me to ask you what book she would like and what we should get her.  She said.."You should get a blog or website to list your suggestions"....hmmm what a novel idea! So because this is my first post I am saying now this is a work in progress and please stay with me, I promise it will be a fun and interesting.  Tomorrow will be my first book review as I am just finishing the book tonight.  Thank you again for reading this and beginning my journey with me. Happy Reading!

 Enjoy a novel and Tea!

Kara