Forever Safe -- Review

Author Jody Hedlund has done it yet again! Forever Safe, a Historical Christian Fiction novel, is the fourth book in the Beacons of Hope series but never fear for it can be classified as a stand-alone book. The author does a fabulous job of catching the reader up without going overboard.

The reader will be swept away as the author takes us on a journey through the lives of two people whose lives intertwine with others. Victoria grew up in a life of privilege yet it hasn’t kept her free of the troubles of life. Tom, her reluctant body guard, grew up without the privileges of life and still struggles with the memories and heartache of the past. He vows to protect her. She vows not to give him trouble. Will Victoria keep her end of the bargain? Forever Safe is a page turner, for sure!!

The author does a fabulous job, as always, of bringing the characters to life. Her knack of story-telling keeps the reader more than interested. She paints a beautiful picture through description that has one feeling, seeing and hearing it all. 

I was reluctant for it to end but couldn't wait to find out what happened next. The author sneaked in twists and turns to the very end. Forever Safe will have the reader contemplating all the little life lessons after the last word is read. I love when that happens; a book which has me soaking in life's chaos and how it affects me. 

There are so, so, so many great quotes from this book like "Some things are beyond our control. You can't be perfect. No one is. That's why we need God." Just one of the many! As well as a wonderful chapter on what it takes for a great marriage. I wrote the author and told her I am marking those pages and sharing it with our son. :)  One of my favorites quotes is in the author notes:

...I pray that you'll learn to run to the One who promises to walk beside us through our darkest valleys and fiercest storms. He may not take us out of the valley or storm, but He will hold our hand and stay by our side. With Him, we will be forever safe.

I highly recommend getting this book into your hands as soon as possible. It's that good. 

A Daring Sacrifice Book Review

By now, I'm sure you all know all too well how much I enjoy Author Jody Hedlund's books. I know, I know, it is a bit obvious. So, I'm going to go all fan girl (is that the proper use of fan girl?!) on her latest book, A Daring Sacrifice.

Stick with me...I do have some meaningful thoughts at the end. ;)

A Daring Sacrifice is in the teen fiction genre but anyone 13+ years of age would enjoy reading this fast-paced, sweet story. It is the second book in a series involving Knights. And, really, who doesn't want to dream about Knights?!

Juliana is a late teen who is similar to Robin Hood – steal from the rich and give to the poor. Juliana and many peasants from the kingdom hide in the forest for protection from a hideous Lord, who happens to be her uncle. Can you even imagine?! No friendly Christmas gatherings on that side of the family, for sure!!! At first Juliana is raiding/stealing to help people survive. But, is it the right thing to do? Juliana begins to question her method.

In walks Lord Collin who is a true gentleman. And, I imagine him ruggedly handsome...just throwing that in for free... He is home after his father died to take over the estate. This life is certainly different than his role as a Knight under the training of The Noblest Knight.

Juliana and Collin are re-introduced after a certain situation occurs. As one of Juliana's cohorts said, "He's a nobleman and the only good nobleman is a dead one." Well, now. Read how both of their worlds collide and struggle with understanding their completely different ways of living. Will their past keep them from working together for a greater good? They do have chemistry, those two!!

A Daring Sacrifice reminded me of the sacrifice Jesus made for each of us on the cross as Collin made a sacrifice of his own. At one point, it seemed they wanted to out-do each other in this department. They were both willing to give up something huge for one another. Neither one deserved it, but each was willing to sacrifice for the other. Just like Jesus did for us...

The plot line also encouraged me to contemplate how my life is so different than the life of, say, a person in a third world country. Maybe it is because our favorite #2 daughter is flying with a team to Nepal soon. What ever it is, it made me wonder. And, think. We all know how dangerous it can be when I begin thinking deeply. I'm over here in my comfy house and full refrigerator, freezer, cupboards, and a comfy 68 degrees in here. Other areas of the world are trying to survive the next hour or the next day. I can get enraged at the injustice. I can spend money by supporting goods made (fair trade) in those countries. I can even send money to a trustworthy charity or group working in that foreign, to me, land. But, will I ever truly understand what that person's life is really like? I don't have all the answers. I just have many questions and concerns. Oh, Author Jody, thanks for making me think! ;)

As I say with Jody's books...RUN or CLICK over to your favorite book retailer to get a copy of this fabulous book. Well done, Jody!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Undaunted Hope

You know my love for any book by Jody Hedlund. Undaunted Hope is another smash hit in my humble opinion. Her gift at character development and the way she can hook a person within a few pages of the first chapter...you need to really read this book.

Who among us hasn't experienced a situation in our past we wish we could forget. A bad decision, an indiscretion, words said in anger. The list could go on and on. And, just when we have moved on and getting along fine and dandy - BAM - it's back to haunt us.

Tessa is running from the mistakes of her past. She finally begins to believe she has found a safe place where no one will know or hear of her mistakes. Tessa believes she has a job as a school teacher...until she arrives and they discover T. Taylor is not a male but a female.

Since winter is on its way and it is too late to find a replacement, Mr. Updegraff, who thinks he is King of Eagle Harbor, MI in 1871 but really the superintendent for the copper mine, allows Tessa to stay. Mr. Updegraff is a nasty-nasty man and Tessa soon finds out just how far reaching his power goes. (side note: this guy is a meaner!)

Two Lighthouse Keepers keep life lively for Tessa. One of the Keeper's children makes it her personal mission to keep her brother and Tessa hopping. The Assistant Keeper and Tessa go toe to toe in the world of sarcasm and joking.

Tessa's past catches up to her. Will she lose the job she loves and the one she has fallen for? It's a tale of deceit, lies, hope, perseverance, courage, kindness and love.

I highly recommend the book. It is #3 in the author's Beacon of Hope series but Author Jody Hedlund has a knack for getting you caught up to speed without driving you insane. It can be a stand alone book but why would you not want to read books one and two?! ;)

As Lavar Burton from Reading Rainbow always said, "But, you don't have to take my word for it..."

I received this book from the publisher for my honest review.

Hearts Made Whole

"Sometimes even the strongest need someone to take care of them."

Caroline is a feisty little thing. She is determined to keep her family safe after her mother, and now her father pass away. Life isn't fair, yet Caroline keeps sailing full steam ahead tending the lighthouse. It's a job she loves. Too bad the inspector of lighthouses doesn't care.

In enters Ryan Chambers. He has a past in which he cannot let go - or maybe the past won't let go of him yet. He.is.a.hot.mess. Caroline just wants to shake him senseless. Yet, she sees something in his haunted eyes. She doesn't want to like him as her lighthouse job was snatched out from beneath her. Yet...

When someone keeps trying to hurt them or send a dangerous message to them, it only makes Ryan and Caroline work harder together. Even if it means giving up a dream.

Hope. Compassion. Love. Guilt. Forgiveness. Unworthiness. Overcoming. And a giggle or three. Those are emotions I would use to describe the theme of Hearts Made Whole. Who among us has not felt one or all of those emotions?

Hearts Made Whole written by Jody Hedlund is book two in her Beacons of Hope series. However, don't let that stop you if you haven't read book one. Jody is a master at series books. She expertly weaves the story and seamlessly welcomes character of one book into another without the reading being confused.

The mysterious happenings had me guessing which character was out to get Caroline. Or was it Ryan they were out to get? After two wrong guesses I finally discovered the culprit.

Toward the end of the book Caroline's sister says, "Sometimes even the strongest need someone to take care of them." I will admit I cried. Yes, I'm a natural-born crier. But, something about that statement just hit me. Maybe it has been several things I've been working through the last few months. Maybe I just needed a cry. Maybe, just maybe, when you're reading a well-written book and you're fully immersed in that world you become so emotionally attached to a character you feel what she feels. Maybe. Or I could have been having an emotional day. Shrugs shoulders.

RUN out to or CLICK on over to your favorite bookstore and purchase a wonderful book by a magnificent writer. You won't be sorry...although your household chores may be neglected for a few days because you can't put it down. Dust and cleaning will always be there so have some fun in the sun (or beach) and read this little beauty.

Author, Jody Hedlund, and her publisher have a great giveaway going on right now. Be sure to enter here.

A Bride In Store

Eliza Cantrell is not the most patient person on the planet earth. Raise your hand if you can relate. She's a feisty thing. So much so, it gets her in trouble. Raise your hand if you've ever done anything foolish. You had no idea there would be group participation when you innocently began to read this post, did you?! ;) She knows what she wants and will jump in without checking to see if the water is clear. Sound familiar anyone? Eliza is laser focused on her dreams...and a little too much on herself.

Eliza arrives in a western town as a mail-order bride. Except her groom is missing. In steps William (Will) Stanton - only to help, of course.

Will. Oh, the good wanna-be-doctor-but-have-no-funds-for-college-Will. He is a good man. But, Eliza seems to think others take advantage of him. Wave your hand wildly if you've ever had to remember to set boundaries. Will is so kindhearted and seems to have a knack at putting others above himself even if it leads to his unhappiness.

Troubles come along. Doesn't that sound familiar in our own lives. One thing after another after another. Their faith, at times, is shaky at best. Will their faith stand these testing times? Relying fully on God looks good on paper but when lives are full of turmoil, will they rely on Him?

Author Melissa Jagears is a terrific author. A Bride in Store is her third book. Her writing will make you feel as if you're there in the dusty Kansas town in the 1880s. I recommend her books to anyone who wants to read Christian Fiction. She has a way of pointing the readers to Christ without hammering the reader over the head.

I received this book from the author. In no way was I forced or asked to write a review. 

Rebellious Heart [Book] Giveaway

We have a winner. Sandy (aka: thewiggys8...) please check your email and respond to it within 24 hrs from the end of the contest. Congratulations and I just know you will love Rebellious Heart just as much as I did. 

My Dearest Friend,

Today is a most auspicious day. I, for one, am excited. For, today my friend, you will have a chance to win a marvelously written historical novel by author extraordinaire, Jody Hedlund.

Rebellious Heart's Susanna Smith is a young woman from a family of social standing. A saucy spitfire, this one. Eavesdropping is her specialty when it comes to desiring an education like her brother. Her compassion for others is evident in helping those less fortunate than her status in life. And, her love of books-like none other.

Ben Ross is a highly educated, poor country lawyer who is out to prove he isn't a lower class citizen. His fight for human freedom is of great importance. Ben knows Susanna from an unfortunate childhood encounter which left Susanna embarrassed and Ben harboring a feeling of resentment.

Years later the two are brought together by an unlikely situation. Danger and confusion over right, wrong and that ever-changing, pesky grey area becomes their life. One questions fear over man's authority verses doing right according to God. One breaks man's laws because it's not in accordance with God's.

Rebellious Heart, set in 1763 Massachusetts, is inspired by our second President and First Lady, John and Abigail Adams love story. Our dear author, Jody Hedlund, took liberty with her imagination to make this book a fine piece of fiction, indeed.

Ben Ross is swoon-worthy, kind and passionate in his beliefs. Susanna Smith is priceless in her fight between what is proper for her status and what her rebellious heart is screaming. You'll fight with yourself as the pages turn. You'll not want the story to end but cannot help yourself as the pages turn quickly with your need to know what happens next.

I, personally, devoured the last page three days ago. I have yet to start another book, which is uncharacteristic, because the lessons to learn from Rebellious Heart have kept my soul deeply searching.

In the joy of reading each and every page, may you ponder; if faced with similar situations could I really make a difference and face fear with courage or let someone else be the difference while I stayed comfortable.

Hurry, my dearest friend, hurry. For you only have a short period of time to enter the great giveaway.

May favor be upon you as you enter in the comment section.



Enter to win a signed copy of Rebellious Heart even before the book is released!!

To Enter:

• Leave a comment with your email address so I can notify you when you win. If you win, you'll then have 24 hours to email me your address or I'll pick another winner.
• You must be a residence of the lower 48 states (USA).
• And share. Share like your mamma and daddy taught you. Tweet, share link on facebook, email all your friends who can read, text someone you know would love this book. Shout it from the rooftops about the chance win this book. But, tell everyone to hurry and enter because....

Giveaway ends Friday, September 13th at 8 PM ET. At which time I will use True Random Number Generator at random.org....just to be fair and stuff.

Where readers can find Jody Hedlund:
Facebook: Author Jody Hedlund
Twitter: @JodyHedlund
Website: jodyhedlund.com

Kiss Me Awake Winner and 25 Years

May I just take a moment to tell you how I enjoyed your comments on the Kiss Me Awake Giveaway post? Your comments stating your favorite place to read were just plain fun to read. I admit I was jealous by a few of the places and inspired by other places. No matter where you read, as long as you have a great book you'll be happy.

Speaking of a great book [see what I did there?], the winner of Kiss Me Awake by Julie Momyer is........yes, why yes you do hear a drum roll in your head at this very moment...you're very welcome for that................................. Cassandra MacDonald!!!!

Cassandra's "favorite place to read...oh man I carry a book with me at all times so I can read when I have down time or am waiting. My all time favorite spot to read though is in a lounge chair outside on a nice spring/summer day, just relaxing and reading. Love that someone mentioned a hammock, I would love to have one!"

Congratulations! Check your email right now and reply with your mailing address so I can ship out your signed copy. Please respond in 48 hours or less. If I don't hear from you, I'll pick another winner.

If you didn't win, wipe away those tears and remember...you can always purchase it on Amazon in either paperback or Kindle form. If I were you I'd buy it. Yup, sure would.

Once you read Kiss Me Awake, which is awesomeness-in-a-book, think about posting a review on Amazon. But, I'm not the boss of you.

In other news: Hubs and I hit the 25th wedding anniversary mark this week. Obviously, we were both 10 years old when we married. Obviously, time really does fly. Obviously.

Ahhh, 25 years ago .... insert music as we enter the flashback portion of this post.....

He had a mullet...don't judge, it was in style way back then. I had a perm...I already had wavy hair. I don't know why I paid money for a perm. I.just.don't.know.

He wanted a small radio in his tux with an earphone to check on a baseball game score...ummm, no. Just no. All I could hear as I walk down the isle with my dad was my heart pounding in my ears...eyes on him, eyes on him.

We had a beautiful spring day 25 years ago. Blue sky, sun shining, perfect temperature and barely a cloud in the sky......snap back to the present day music inserted here.....

Have all our days since been sunny, bright and perfect? No. Not by any means. But in those messy bits of life we grow. Yes, I admit I've wanted to shake that man and I know he's felt the same with me. I really hope our children, who have seen the frustration and heard our arguments along with the love and laughter, have figured out marriage isn't for the faint of heart. Messy bits are work. Hard work. In that hard work, there is love. Love that is a choice. Some days we do better at choosing love than others. It's worth it at the very end of the day. I wouldn't want to go through life without him. Who else will get on my very last nerve just for the fun of it because he knows it will make me mad? ;)

So, 25 years. What are we doing for this major event? Ummm, well.....I'll get back with you on that one.

Kiss Me Awake & Giveaway

I have a secret. Come closer. Closer yet.

Glances to the right, then left. Looks under the desk and behind.

I am a very picky reader.

Shhhhh! Not so loud with your "wwwhhaaaat?!"

I have been known to keep a book as an example of how not to write. I judge a book by its cover. Phew, admitting that was scary. If I'm not 'into' the story by the second chapter (at the most), it is bye-bye-bye book. And sometimes when I see a book published the non-traditional way...well, I promptly skedaddle.

I know, I know. I'm a book snob. Are there recovery programs? Wait. I'm not sure I want to recover. I love to read. I love to be fussy, picky, snobby and all those other adjectives about the books I chose to spend my time reading.

All this to say one book has me shouting from the rooftop. All in a good way, of course.

READ EXCERPT

Kiss Me Awake is that book.

Kiss Me Awake is Julie Momyer's first novel. In fact, it was a finalist in a popular Christian writing contest a few years ago. And, well, you see...I know Julie. Which makes this all the more fun! Please don't let that little fact stop you from reading this review. Trust me; if I don't like a book I will honestly let you know. In the same regard, if I like a book I will gush on and on about it. Get ready for some gushing...

If you are a lover of mystery, suspense, real life hurts, real life love, guessing 'who done it',  you will absolutely adore this novel.

Julie brings the characters to life. No one dimensional characters here. Let's not talk about how I wanted to reach through the book to wring a few necks along the way. I may or may not have yelled at a character or two...but let's pretend that never happened, shall we.

The life-long hurt of the main character, Jaida Martin, effects every move she has made in her personal, professional and spiritual life. This hurt numbs her; closes down her ability to love. And, let's be honest, she may or may not have been one I was yelling at a few times...and no, I'm not proud of it. How many times have we readers been hurt and shut down our hearts. It is a defense mechanism that haunts me a little too often. I found myself, in a way, relating to Jaida with that one aspect of her personality.

We travel along with Jaida and Spencer as they deal with some very real life issues. Spencer's faith in our God is commendable as he has a world of hurts to work through and at times wants to give up. God doesn't allow him and He guides Spencer along the way.

I had a difficult time putting down Kiss Me Awake. Mystery, danger, suspense, betrayal, secrets, love, forgiveness, redemption; all words describe Kiss Me Awake. The plot is well thought out and the author, Julie, keeps the story moving with the right amount of twists and turns along the way.

The story is so beautifully shown it felt as though I was watching the story unfold as if watching a movie.

Giveaway is over. Thanks for everyone who entered. Love the comments of your favorite place to read. See the next post to see who won Kiss Me Awake!
Have I whet your appetite enough to want your very own autographed copy? Well, aren't you the fortunate one? I just so happen to have an autographed copy to give away.

All you need to do is.....

• Reside in the lower 48 states of the USA. No other countries, Alaska or Hawaii are eligible due to postage cost. Sorry guys!
• Leave a comment stating your favorite place to read.
• Also, include your email address so I can contact you...this is a must (ex: imadorbs AT provider DOT com).
• Deadline is Tuesday, May 7 at 9 PM ET just in time for Mother's Day! Hint, hint. And as long as the postal system is on the ball.
• If you are the winner, you must reply to my email with your mailing address within 48 hours or I'll draw another winner.
• I will determine the winner by using random.org.

Hurry! Spread the word and tell all your friends who love to read, who know someone who loves to read or just know people who know how to read.

If you are not chosen as the winner, grab some tissues and cheer up. You can purchase your very own copy by clicking here to order a copy or two or twelve. Available in Kindle and paperback.

A New Winner....

Due to the previously announced winner already winning the book on another blog, I redrew a name by using random.org's generator. And, the new winner is......................................................................................................................................................

Amy Campbell !!!!!!!!

 

Congratulations!!!!!!!

Thanks, everyone, for visiting and to those who entered.

If you didn't win, I strongly encourage you running or clicking over to your favorite book retailer. It is a book with a message you'll mull over long after you've finished the book.

Thanks, Jody, for offering the blog tour and a signed copy of the book for the contest!

 



 

Here is Unending Devotions book trailer recently released. Enjoy.



Secret Revealed...Jody's History-Making Moment

Secret #3: My participation in a history-making moment

I am so excited [eeee!!] to have the pleasure and honor of participating in author Jody Hedlund's Secrets Revealed tour. Read all the way to the bottom to see how YOU can win a free, signed copy of her latest book. Now, here's the kind, talented and beautiful Jody Hedlund...[insert thunderous applause here]  Winner has been announced....Congratulations Amy Campbell!!!

Author Jody Hedlund

By Jody Hedlund, @JodyHedlund

I don't have many claims to history (other than that I write historicals!).

But I can lay claim to participating in one important and exciting moment in history: I was in Berlin around the time when the Berlin Wall came down.

I even brought home a piece of the Wall.

I was visiting Germany after the collapse of the Berlin Wall in early 1990 with a group from college (which means I'm dating myself!).

Our group drove through what was then known as East Germany in order to reach Berlin. The entire area was still controlled by the Soviets, and we were unprepared for the poverty, the under-development, and the lack of modern conveniences.

The East German cars were identical, tiny, and looked like they were made out of cardboard. The buildings were old,  the stores nearly empty, and the toilet paper coarse (funny what leaves an impression—no pun intended!)

The Soviet soldiers patrolled the streets and borders. In fact no-man's land still existed between sections of the east and west Berlin Wall.

It was as if we'd been transported back fifty years into a war zone.

It was gray and dreary—almost like stepping into a black and white photo.

I could feel the sadness, the weight of despair, and the lack of hope that came from living behind walls.

From time to time, I pull out the broken, spray-painted portions of the Berlin Wall that I brought home those many years ago. I like to boast to my kids that "I was there" during that special time in history.

And those pieces of crumbling cement remind me all over again, that walls are oppressive. Whether those walls are built by a government, someone in authority over us, or even ourselves—walls keep us from moving forward and accomplishing our potential. [Whoa! Let's re-read this paragraph, shall we. I may need to write this down where I can see it. Every.single.day.]

We need to ask ourselves: What walls have we built in our lives? What walls have we allowed others to build around us? And what steps can we take to start knocking them down?

After all, we want to live freely, move forward, and accomplish all that we were made to do.

So, how about you? Have you (or someone in your family) ever been a part of a history-making moment? And what walls are holding you back from achieving your potential? 



 Publisher's Weekly calls Unending Devotion
 "A meaty tale of life amid the debauchery of the
lumber camps of 1880s Michigan . . .
exciting and unpredictable to the very end."

To celebrate the release of Unending Devotion, Jody is giving away a signed copy. Leave a comment (along with your email address) to enter the drawing. Valid only with US or Canadian addresses. Giveaway ends September 12, 2012 at 9 AM ET.  Winner will be notified immediately. 

Read what I thought about Jody's book here! Plus check out her first two books here and here.

For more secrets about Jody and additional chances to win her newest release, visit her Events Page to see where she'll be next in her "Fun Secrets About Author Jody Hedlund" blog tour.

Also join in the Pinterest Photo Contest she's hosting. Find more information about it on her Contest Page.

Jody would love to connect with you! Find her in one of these places:

Website: http://jodyhedlund.com/

Blog: http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.com/

Facebook: Author Jody Hedlund

Twitter: http://twitter.com/JodyHedlund

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jodyhedlund/

Thanks so much for stopping by! If you don't win the free book, run to your favorite book seller and purchase! You won't regret it.

 

Grace

Grace. God's grace. Grace for others. Really, what is grace?

I've heard people define grace as receiving something [good] we don't deserve. Example of the ultimate grace would be God's grace. We sin, He forgives. We don't deserve it but He graciously gives us grace.

Giving grace to others has been defined as giving others something [again, good] they don't deserve. Example of human grace could be someone in 'power' has made a mistake that effects you. You could either hold a grudge, and grumble and moan, or show grace and forgive.

But, do we extend this grace to ourselves? Are we so hard on ourselves that we cannot give ourselves grace? Does perfectionist come to your mind when I ask those questions? Yeah, me too.

I believe we are all perfectionist in one area or another. Some, it might show up in more than one area. What are we doing to ourselves? There is nothing wrong with trying hard and doing our best. But, when we mask it on the outside while we are a mess on this inside, it will get us nowhere fast!

I've been reading [slowly so I retain it] Grace for the Good Girl ~ letting go of the try-hard life by Emily P Freeman. Let me take a moment to inhale and exhale. It is that good. It is packed full of many things I want need to remember.

I've been reading this book since late fall. Not because it is a slow read. I need to retain this information. It isn't a book to read in a few days. Infact, I am planning on re-reading it soon. This time I'll be packing a highlighter!

Author Emily Freeman keeps it real. She keeps it truthful. I see so much of myself in this book it is a little creepy. How did she get inside my head? Yet it is comforting to know I'm not the only one with masks covering up what I don't want people to really see about me.

I know this post is not doing this book justice. There are just so many things about this freeing book it makes it hard to put into words all I'm feeling. I cried when Emily wrote about seeing a trusting friend and counselor. She confessed (pg 125) she didn't know how not to be this way. The coping, masks, and fear was all she knew. She was waiting for him to unveil a multi-step program on how to live, real and free. Instead, he said the next freeing words, "You're not this way. This may be how you cope, but this is not who you are." Insert tears rolling down my face when I read this. I agree with Emily. Those are freeing words.

{This is not a book I received to review. The author nor the publisher knows I'm posting about this book.}

Off My Bookshelf

Two books are off my shelf at the moment.

Great books.

One is thought provoking and deep. The other is just as great in its own way.

The first is One Thought Gifts by Ann Voskamp. I'm only on chapter three but may I just say WOW! I am not one to highlight in a book but Ann has caused me to break my own rule. And if the writing and deepness of the book is not enough, I'm watching the videos online after I read each chapter. Again, WOW! So far she has written about a painful experience when she was four, about God, about her life now, about how grace, thanksgiving and joy are connected and about God. It isn't one of those trite "I'm perfect and do everything right because I believe in God" books. It is real. It is honest. And it is most importantly relates to most humans if they are honest. And the videos are the frosting to my cake...and I like lots of frosting!

The second book is a lighter book. A you-have-me-giggling book. Save The Date by Jenny B Jones. I'm a little over half way done with this book but it calls to me. "Deanna, don't do the laundry...pick me up instead." "Deanna, don't feed your family...can't you see your need to find out what happens next?" Yeah, that kind of book. Will Alex be a stand up guy or be what everyone believes of him? Will Lucy use her sarcasm for good or evil? Matt. What is up with Matt? I can't figure out if I should love him or hate him. I'm seriously a little suspicious of that man. And Julian...I love that quirky guy....I need a Julian living in my house just for the entertainment factor only. Hmmmm.....these are the things that keep me up at night. And, how can I not love Jenny B Jones. After all, I did name her next YA book...There You'll Find Me. Okay, so I participated in a poll...but still, she picked the one I voted for so that makes me an influencer...right? (don't judge me people!)

Well, that is what's off my bookshelf.

How about you?