Reading Challenge: The Baby Bond

For this review, I chose The Baby Bond by Linda Goodnight.

Description from Goodreads:
Firefighter Nic Carano relishes his bachelor lifestyle. Then he loses his heart to a rescued baby. And when he meets the infant's lovely aunt--suddenly a mother--Nic starts considering love, marriage...and a baby carriage.

Yet Cassidy Willis isn't convinced. Nic's been a lifesaver with all that he has done, along with his big-hearted family and fellow firefighters, to help the new mom. But after all she's been through, could she really be happy with someone whose life is always in danger? Now it's up to Nic to show Cassidy that his bond with her and the baby is forever. 

I am going to do this review differently since their was Discussion Questions in the book of the book.  I am not answering every question, but the ones that were in my favorite part of the book.  If you want to see the other questions, please read the book and see them at the end of the book.  Thanks.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Name the main characters.  Who was your favorite? Why?
The main characters are Cassidy and Nic.  I love the character of Cassidy because she is a strong woman for what she has had to get through.  Too much for one person.  

2. What incident drew Cassidy and Nic together?

Nic is a fireman, who rescued Cassidy's nephew from a fire that killed his parents.

3. Although a Christian, Cassidy was riddled with fear.  What was she afraid of?  Why?

Cassidy is afraid of losing everyone she loves especially when she finds herself drawn to Nic.  She fears his job.  How can she be with someone who has a dangerous job?

4. Do you think Cassidy's fears were realistic?  Is it possible to be so afraid that fear interferes with a person's life choices?  

I do think Cassidy's fears were realistic especially since she has lost her parents in a terrible accident and then her sister and brother in law in a fire.  I do believe that it is possible to be so afraid that fear interferes with a person's life choices, but once they work through that fear, then they can live their life.

5. Some people believe that everything happens for a reason.  Do you?  
I do believe that everything happens for a reason.  I believe that if I did not injure my back, then we would not have Ethan.  

6. When Cassidy chose to raise her orphaned nephew, her grandmother fought against the decision?  Why?

Cassidy's grandmother fought against the decision she made to raise her orphaned nephew because her grandmother had a dream for Cassidy and wanted her to follow that, to have a career, and her fear of her own.  Her grandmother raised Cassidy and her sister.  She did not do what she wanted.  

7. Scripture says that love will cast out fear.  How does this relate to what Cassidy did at the end of the book?  
Cassidy left go of her fear.

I hope you enjoyed reading about this great book.  Sorry that I have been away for so long. 

Happy Reading!
Melissa

Reading Challenge:Fireman Dad

For this review, I chose Fireman Dad by Betsy St. Amant.  I wanted to read a few books on Fireman.   I also read a series on Firemen by Jennifer Be

Description from Goodreads:

"Mommy, I Want To Be A Fireman."Widowed mother Marissa Hawthorne's little boy wants to be like his new hero--firefighter Jacob Greene. But Marissa and her son lost too much to the profession of firefighting already. She can't possibly let either of them get close to the man, no matter how noble he is. Especially because her own father is Jacob's boss. But when Jacob hires her to plan a special birthday party for his niece, Marissa soon learns that Jacob is a hero in many ways. And that taking risks for love is what life and faith are truly about.

I am going to do this review differently since their was Discussion Questions in the book of the book.  I am not answering every question, but the ones that were in my favorite part of the book.  If you want to see the other questions, please read the book and see them at the end of the book.  Thanks.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Motherhood is often a challenge.  As a single mom, how did Marissa struggle more so than other mothers?  I do think Marissa struggled more than other moms because of her fear.  

2. Marissa lost her husband to a dangerous career.  How did this shade her view of heroes?

Marissa feared of losing her son and anyone she is married to.   With Marissa losing her husband, she forgot what her late husband is-a hero.  Her fear took over.  Marissa is afraid that her son will follow in his dad's footsteps on becoming a fireman.  I understand about the fear of losing someone in this field since my husband is a fireman.  I have a habit of not thinking about the what ifs.  It is the only way for me to deal with it plus it means a lot to my husband.  

3. Marissa had a bad relationship with her father because of resentment she carried over from childhood.  Have you ever let a childhood grudge affect your adult life?

Marissa left this childhood grudge affect her adult life with her dad.  She is missing all the things that her dad came bring into her life and her son's life.  It is better to let go of that childhood grudge than to carry around that negative energy. 

4.  Despite her struggles in her first marriage, Marissa made every effort not to speak negativity of her late husband in front of her son.  Do you think this was hard to do?  Why is it important for her to do so?

Marissa did not speak negativity of her late husband in front of their son because her son is dealing with the lose of his dad.  Owen does not need more on top of what he is already feeling.  I think it can affect his well being if he learns something negativity of his dad when he is young.  

5. Because of his father and grandfather, young Owen wanted to become a fireman.  Why do you think this panicked Marissa?

I think Marissa panicked when she learns that Owen wants to be a fireman because of the lose of her late husband, who died doing what he loved to do- being a fireman.  

6.  Why did Marissa think Jacob would become a bad influence on her son?

I think Marissa thought Jacob would become a bad influence on her son because he is a fireman and with her son's interest in firefighting, Jacob could increase her fear of her son wanting to be a fireman and she could lose her son like she lost her husband.  

7. In the story, the community banded together to help raise money for the families of those laid off from the fire department.  Has your city ever done something like that to help others?  Did you contribute?  Why or why not?

The city I live in comes together to help many causes.  We have helped the cause at times like for K-9 dogs.  

8. Marissa found herself drawn to Jacob even though she feared a future with him because of his career.  Have you ever been attracted to someone you didn't think you should get involved with?  How did you handle it?

I have been married to my husband for 17 years.  When I met him, I knew he was a volunteer fireman, but he left the department because he moved.  I knew that some day he wanted to go back.  I know he loves what he does and I am very proud of him being a fireman.  He is being a good example for our children. 

Happy Reading!!  This was a very good book and I highly recommend it.
Melissa

Reading Review- The Wishing Tree

For this review, I chose The Wishing Tree by Marybeth Whalen.  I loved the description I read after searching through a local library's ebooks.  I loved this book because it deals with forgiveness.  I think it is better to forgive than to be angry.  It takes up more energy to be angry than to forgive.  I think you are thinking about the situation and that takes energy.

Description from Goodreads:
Ivy Marshall, a savvy, determined woman, finds out her husband has cheated on her on the same day her sister’s perfect boyfriend proposes on national television. When Ivy’s mother asks her to return to her family’s beach home to plan her sister’s upcoming wedding, she decides to use the excuse to escape from the pain of her circumstances.
When her return to Sunset Beach, North Carolina, brings her face to face with her former fianci, old feelings rise to the surface and she wonders if there is a future for them. However, her husband has started tweeting his apology to her and doesn’t want to give up on their marriage. As she helps prepare the wishing tree for her sister’s wedding, she must examine her own wishes for the future and decide what love should be…..

I am going to do this review differently since their was Discussion Questions in the book of the book.  I am not answering every question, but the ones that were in my favorite part of the book.  If you want to see the other questions, please read the book and see them at the end of the book.  Thanks.

Reading Group Guide:

1. Ivy doesn't want to be alone.  Do you think her interest in Michael is fueled by that fear or real feelings?
I think Ivy's interest in Michael is fueled by the fear of being alone.  I also think it has to do with how hurt she is plus she is questioning her decision all those years ago. 

2. Can you draw a parallel between the wishing tree and Ivy's marriage to Elliott?

 Back when Ivy married Elliott, they eloped.  Ivy didn't have a Wishing Tree.  I think Ivy is sad that no one ever wrote down their wishes for her and Elliott and she is thinking what would those wishes be for them.  

3. Was Ivy right to give Elliott another chance? Why or why not?
I am not so sure about this question.  Every person is different.  I think Elliott learned a hard lesson and will not do it again, but part of me wonders the what if.  I had a friend that her husband to be cheated on her.  Their son was young.  He left my friend for her and eventually married her.  I knew with him that he was not going to pick my friend.  

4. Was Michael right to keep his distance from Ivy? Why do you think would've happened if he hadn't?

I think Michael was right for keeping his distance from Ivy.  I think Michael did not want to go through losing her again.  If Michael did not keep his distance, I think Michael would be hurt in the end.

5. The Wishing Tree is a story about forgiveness.  Name the people Ivy had to offer forgiveness to through the course of the story and, if you're comfortable, share a forgiveness story from your own life.

Ivy had to offer forgiveness to Michael, Owen, her sister, Shea, and herself for what she did all those years ago.

6. How does the last sentence of the book parallel to Ivy's prayer on the beach when she first arrives at Sunset?  What does that last sentence mean to you?

The last sentence means to me is that she is ready to be alone and completely content with it.  

I hope you enjoyed reading my answers to the Discussion questions.  I would love to read your answers so we can chat about the book.  Let me know if you read this book and what you think of it.

Happy Reading!!
Melissa

Book Review: The Rancher Next Door

I chose The Rancher Next Door by Susan Mallery, who is my favorite author!!  This is the first book in the Lone Star Canyon Series.  I fell in love with the town, the characters, and the storyline as I did for Fool's Gold.  I absolutely love the book cover.  It is so colorful and the colors just pop!  

Goodreads Description:

HER DADDY SAID THE DARBYS WERE DIRT…

But to young Katie Fitzgerald, the sun rose and set on rugged Jack Darby. Jack was her childhood hero, her secret teen beau. But he hadn't loved her enough to leave their feuding families behind, and blinding heartbreak had led her into another man's arms—and 11 years of loneliness.

FRATERNIZING WITH THE FITZGERALDS WAS FORBIDDEN…

When Katie returned to the ranch next door, emotions tore through Jack like a Texas twister. Anguish over her youthful betrayal, tenderness for her shy son—and a hunger so deep it hollowed him out. But hadn't 11 lonely years taught him he was a fool to love a Fitzgerald?

What would you do if you moved back to your hometown and would be around your high school sweatheart?  Plus there is a rule that being around the Fitzgerald's is not allowed.  Your father can not stand that family, but you think this family is fine.  Let's see:  You are an adult, who can make your own decisions.  Right?  If this was me, I would not allow my father to tell me, who I can be friends with especially if that friendship was important to me. 

Love how the book begins by telling us how Katie met Jack.  I do not like how Katie's father treats her.  Just because she was small and got sick a lot, does not mean she should not do everything that her siblings do like Ride a Bike!!  As a mother to a special needs child, if my daughter wanted to try to do something, I would encourage her to do so.  I would not say you can not do that.

Why is it that when one gets divorced or breaks up, they are gun-shy?  Both Katie and Jack are attracted to each other, but they don't want to take a chance.  Would you risk what could be for what could not be?

I feel so badly for Shane, who does not like his grandfather, Aaron.  

Shane wrinkled his nose.  "He's too loud and he never listens.  I'm not like him.  I'm not like anyone else." (Kindle 18%)  Shane opens up and does a few things out of his comfort zone.  I love how Shane interacts with Jack.  

I think one of my favorite scenes in the book was when Katie stood up to her father.

"Stop it," Katie demanded as she stepped between the two of them.  She took Shane in her arms and glared at her father.  "Just stop it right now.  Look at what you're doing to him.  What's wrong with you?" (Kindle 39%)  This is not good for Shane to be in this kind of environment.  I felt bad for him, but also his grandfather will not change.  He has done it to his own children.  Katie did the right thing.  Read the book to find out.  I can not stand that her father kept saying "Don't tell me what to do in my house." (Kindle 40%)  Katie is the mother.  Her father is not Shane's dad.  Thank God for that.  Katie's dad, Aaron, made me realize how lucky I am to have my dad.  Who has Aaron treated with respect?

I highly recommend this book.  I could not put it down.  There are a few quotes at the end of the book that I love, but I do not want to give away anything about what happens!!  So, what are you waiting for?  Go grab this book!!

Keep on Reading

Melissa

P.S. Discussion Questions for you: 

1. How did Katie and Jack meet? 

2. How do you feel about Aaron?

3. How old is Shane and where is his dad?

4. Have you gone back to your hometown?

5.  What did Jack bring for Shane?

6. What does Katie do for a living?

7. Who is Katie helping? Why?

8.  Where did Katie and Jack meet when they were teenagers?

Reading, Cooking, oh my!!

I posted the other day what that I won an Amazon gift card and asking for some help.  I posted some books I was thinking of getting with it.  

I took me a few days to decide what I wanted to get.  I knew I wanted a few romance books, but I needed to get some Gluten-Free cookbooks and books.  I was told to start cooking/baking like I did before my Celiac Disease.

I brought these books so far: 

1. Third Time Lucky (#1 in Coxwell Series- I have #2 &#3). 

2. All of Nothing (#4 in Coxwell Series) by Claire Cross.  

3. Deliciously G-Free: Food so Flavorable that You'll Never Believe It's G-Free by Elisabeth Hasselback  

4. The G-Free Diet: A G-Free Survival Guide by Elisabeth Hasselback 

5. Against All Grains by Danielle Walker  

6. Some Kind of Wonderful by Maureen Child 

7. Perfect Match by Kristan Higgins

8. The Next Rancher by Susan Mallery

9. Wife in Disguise by Susan Mallery

10. Unexpectedly Expecting! by Susan Mallery 

I already read The G-Free Diet: A G-Free Survival Diet by Elisabeth Hasselback.  I checked it out from my local library as an e-book.  I loved it a lot and decided I had to get it.  I also already read Elisabeth Hasselback's cookbook, too, as a library e-book.  Again I knew I wanted to get it.

I also brought this one, Gluten-Free Diet - A Comprehensive Resource Guide Revised and Expanded Edition (Celiac Disease Books), but I could not get it on Amazon because it was 2 times the price there.  So, I got it from the Gluten Free Mall, but it is not listed on the site right now. My account says it was delivered today, but it is not here yet.  

I will get cooking once I have read my new cookbooks!  What will be my first meal I make?  I can not wait.  Maybe we will all go Gluten-Free.  I want to make a dessert or 2 for Thanksgiving.  My turkey recipe is from another cookbook I want to try as long as I do it the G-Free way.

Melissa

If you have....

If you have $50 Gift card for Amazon, what ebooks/books would you buy?

I have a gift card for Amazon that I need to spend.  I want it to be for books!  I have a couple on my list, but wanting some ideas.  

1. Perfect Match by Kristan Higgin

2. Deliciously G-Free: Food so Flavorable that You'll Never Believe It's G-Free by Elisabeth Hasselback

3. The G-Free Diet: A G-Free Survival Guide by Elisabeth Hasselback

4. Some Kind of Wonderful by Maureen Child

5. Home Front by Kristin Hannah
6. Confessions of a PTA Mafia Mom by Elsie Love

Maybe these:

1. Dark Witch by Nora Roberts

2. Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts

3.

Update 11/14/2013 6:48p:
I brought these books so far:
1. Third Time Lucky by Claire Cross (#1 in the Coxwell Series- I have 2 & 3).
2. All or Nothing by Claire Cross (#4 in Coxwell series)

3. Deliciously G-Free: Food so Flavorable that You'll Never Believe It's G-Free by Elisabeth Hasselback

4. The G-Free Diet: A G-Free Survival Guide by Elisabeth Hasselback
5. Against All Grains by Danielle Walker
6. Some Kind of Wonderful by Maureen Child

Any ideas?

Melissa

What are you reading?

What are you reading?  What does reading do for you?  
Those are the 2 questions I would love for you to comment.  

I am reading several books right now:
1. The Newcomer by Robyn Carr
I love this series, Thunder Point.  It is a great community with characters I have fallen in love with.

2. Four Little Blessings by Merrillee Whren
Cassie is raising her 4 nieces and nephew.  Great storyline.

3. Too Good to be True by Kristan Higgins
I am only a little into this book.  No opinions yet.

4. Christmas on 4th Street by Susan Mallery
I am a huge Susan Mallery fan.  I am reading this book slowly so I can find the hidden phrases that was put into this book!

5. Sanctuary Cove by Rochelle Alers
I have not started to read this book yet, but it is on my next to be read as long as I can get there before it expires from my library.

I will be reviewing The Newcomer and The Wanderer both by Robyn Carr.  I just finished The Wanderer a little bit ago.  Liked it!! I love series.

Reading takes me away from the stress of my life.  It transports me into the town of the story.  I can see the ocean like in The Newcomer or the town in Christmas on 4th Street. 

Sorry that I have been away.  I was pretty sick this summer and needed to get myself better.  I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease.  

Happy Reading!
Melissa