All Things Books

I thought I’d share a few of the books that are on my TBR list.

The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

When Ada’s clubfoot is surgically fixed at last, she knows for certain that she’s not what her mother said she was—damaged, deranged, crippled mentally as well as physically. She’s not a daughter anymore, either. Who is she now?

World War II rages on, and Ada and her brother, Jamie, move with their guardian, Susan, into a cottage with the iron-faced Lady Thorton and her daughter, Maggie. Life in the crowded home is tense. Then Ruth moves in. Ruth, a Jewish girl, from Germany. A German? Could Ruth be a spy?

As the fallout from war intensifies, calamity creeps closer, and life during wartime grows even more complicated. Who will Ada decide to be? How can she keep fighting? And who will she struggle to save?

Flying Angels by Danielle Steel

Audrey Parker’s life changes forever when Pearl Harbor is attacked on December 7, 1941. Her brother, a talented young Navy pilot, had been stationed there, poised to fulfill their late father’s distinguished legacy. Fresh out of nursing school with a passion and a born gift for helping others, both Audrey and her friend Lizzie suddenly find their nation on the brink of war. Driven to do whatever they can to serve, they enlist in the Army and embark on a new adventure as flight nurses.
 
Risking their lives on perilous missions, they join the elite Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron and fly into enemy territory almost daily to rescue wounded soldiers from the battlefield. Audrey and Lizzie make enormous sacrifices to save lives alongside an extraordinary group of nurses: Alex, who longs to make a difference in the world; Louise, a bright mind who faced racial prejudice growing up in the South; Pru, a selfless leader with a heart of gold; and Emma, whose confidence and grit push her to put everything on the line for her patients.
 
Even knowing they will not achieve any rank and will receive little pay for their efforts, the “Flying Angels” will give their all in the fight for freedom. They serve as bravely and tirelessly as the men they rescue on the front lines, in daring airlifts, and are eternally bound by their loyalty to one another. Danielle Steel presents a sweeping, stunning tribute to these incredibly courageous women, inspiring symbols of bravery and valor.

Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Ten-year-old Della has always had her older sister, Suki: When their mom went to prison, Della had Suki. When their mom’s boyfriend took them in, Della had Suki. When that same boyfriend did something so awful they had to run fast, Della had Suki. Suki is Della’s own wolf–her protector. But who has been protecting Suki? Della might get told off for swearing at school, but she has always known how to keep quiet where it counts. Then Suki tries to kill herself, and Della’s world turns so far upside down, it feels like it’s shaking her by the ankles. Maybe she’s been quiet about the wrong things. Maybe it’s time to be loud.

In this powerful novel that explodes the stigma around child sexual abuse and leavens an intense tale with compassion and humor, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley tells a story about two sisters, linked by love and trauma, who must find their own voices before they can find their way back to each other.

The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict

Her beauty almost certainly saved her from the rising Nazi party and led to marriage with an Austrian arms dealer. Underestimated in everything else, she overheard the Third Reich’s plans while at her husband’s side and understood more than anyone would guess. She devised a plan to flee in disguise from their castle, and the whirlwind escape landed her in Hollywood. She became Hedy Lamarr, screen star.

But she kept a secret more shocking than her heritage or her marriage: she was a scientist. And she had an idea that might help the country fight the Nazis and revolutionize modern communication…if anyone would listen to her.

What books are on your TBR list?

Last year I participated in the reading challenge. I set my goal to read 75 books. Unfortunately, I didn’t meet that goal. I read 49 books. Still good, I know. But this year I set my goal to read 50 books.

I’m currently reading The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. I’m really enjoying it. A former coworker of mine really loves this book and talks about it all the time so I decided to give it a read. 🙂

Ten-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada’s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn’t waste a minute—she sneaks out to join him. 

So begins a new adventure for Ada, and for Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take the two kids in. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan—and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother?

It’s actually a young readers novel but I love reading books of all age groups so it really doesn’t bother me.

I just finished reading The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict. SO GOOD! I highly recommend it

In the tradition of Beatriz Williams and Paula McClain, Marie Benedict’s The Other Einstein offers us a window into a brilliant, fascinating woman whose light was lost in Einstein’s enormous shadow. This novel resurrects Einstein’s wife, a brilliant physicist in her own right, whose contribution to the special theory of relativity is hotly debated. Was she simply Einstein’s sounding board, an assistant performing complex mathematical equations? Or did she contribute something more?

Mitza Maric has always been a little different from other girls. Most twenty-year-olds are wives by now, not studying physics at an elite Zurich university with only male students trying to outdo her clever calculations. But Mitza is smart enough to know that, for her, math is an easier path than marriage. Then fellow student Albert Einstein takes an interest in her, and the world turns sideways. Theirs becomes a partnership of the mind and of the heart, but there might not be room for more than one genius in a marriage.

Marie Benedict illuminates one pioneering woman in STEM, returning her to the forefront of history’s most famous scientists.

Are you participating in the Goodreads Reading Challenge? If so, what is your goal?

What books are you reading currently?

Karen Kingsbury is hands down my absolute, all time, favorite author. Her books are so enjoyable. She has a HUGE series on the fictional family, the Baxters! A friend in college lent me one of her books and I was HOOKED!!

Redemption is the 1st book in the series and I highly recommend it. It will suck you in from the beginning. I have read the series over and over for as long as I have had them and Karen gets better and better with each book!

She’s super nice as well, I was in college in Nashville when she had a book signing at LifeWay Christian Bookstore and I got her autograph and a picture.

I dare you to check her books out! You will not be disappointed. And if you are? Well….that’s why we’re all different, right? LOL

Now excuse me as I go start the series over again. 🙂

“The message of Christ’s love is found in Isaiah, chapter sixty-one,” the man was saying. “God himself will restore the crumbling foundations of your life. He will give you beauty for ashes. He’ll provide redemption, no matter who you are, where you are. . . .”― Karen Kingsbury, Redemption

Hey y’all! I am so sorry I haven’t been on here lately. I’ve been paying more attention to my other blog byfaithnotbysight.wordpress.com

I’m going to try to post more here, I promise!

So sorry guys for not posting often. Things have been crazy. 2020, well we all know how that went, was insane.

Anyways I’m rereading a book called Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman. It’s excellent.

Synopsis:

Are you a follower of Jesus? Don’t answer too quickly. In fact, you may want to read this book before you answer at all. Consider it a ‘Define the Relationship’ conversation to determine exactly where you stand. You may indeed be a passionate, fully devoted follower of Jesus. Or, you may be just a fan who admires Jesus but isn’t ready to let him cramp your style. Then again, maybe you’re not into Jesus, period. In any case, don’t take the question—Are you a follower of Jesus?—lightly .Some people don’t know what they’ve said yes to and other people don’t realize what they’ve said no to, says Pastor Kyle Idleman. But Jesus is ready to clearly define the relationship he wants with his followers. Not a Fan calls you to consider the demands and rewards of being a true disciple. With frankness sprinkled with humor, Idleman invites you to live the way Jesus lived, love the way he loved, pray the way he prayed, and never give up living for the One who gave his all for you.

I grew up thinking I was a follower of Jesus. I went through the motions. I was sure I was saved. But I realized, at church when an evangelist came to visit, that I was not right with the Lord. And so, March 16, 2003 I gave my life to the Lord and I am striving to live for Him each and every day. I fail sometimes and that’s going to happen. Just because we are Christians doesn’t mean we don’t sin anymore. We just sin less.

Anyway, this is the book I’m currently reading. It’s really really good! Please check it out!

Okay so I know I’m a little late to the game on this book but Oh.My.Goodness. This is probably one of the best books I’ve read this year.

SYNOPSIS (from Goodreads):

Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.

Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.

But what Starr does—or does not—say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.

Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, this is a powerful and gripping YA novel about one girl’s struggle for justice.

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My Thoughts:

I couldn’t put this book down! Angie Thomas sure does know how to capture the reader’s attention.

I wasn’t too crazy about the amount of language that was used in the book but the storyline was so good that I was able to overlook it.

I decided to watch the movie as well last night. I was impressed with how well it followed the book. There were a few differences but overall, I felt it was great!

Well hey y’all! It’s been a year since I last posted and I am so sorry!

Here are some books I can’t wait to start reading!

When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella’s side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward’s version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun.
This unforgettable tale as told through Edward’s eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting Bella is both the most unnerving and intriguing event he has experienced in all his years as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward’s past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he justify following his heart if it means leading Bella into danger?

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It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to outcharm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute. The odds are against him. He’s been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined – every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute . . . and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.

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Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.

Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.

But what Starr does—or does not—say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.

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Have you read these books? What did you think?

Wanda E Brunstetter teamed up with her daughter in law, Jean Brunstetter and created a story that I just couldn’t put down.

Synopsis:

When an Amish girl visits Hawaii, she discovers her calling. . 
Mandy Frey has always longed to see Hawaii, so before joining the Amish church and considering marriage with her boyfriend Gideon, she convinces three friends to join her on a cruise of the Hawaiian Islands.

But when Mandy and one of her friends miss the cruise ship after a port of call on Kauai, how will they adjust and get back home? Captured by the enchanting scenery and culture in Hawaii, their vacation turns into an extended stay. Special friendships are soon made, but home, family, and Gideon await Mandy back in Indiana.

Will time away from the Amish community change Mandy’s view of the world, her faith, and true love? Does a Hawaiian quilt have the power to bring two hearts together?

I literally read this in a day. I really love Wanda and her ability to create a story that keeps me entertained to the very end.

There is a sequel to The Hawaiian Quilt called The Hawaiian Discovery! I am not too far into it yet but it’s very good so far!

I LOVE Amish Fiction!

Have you read any books by this author? 

What’s your favorite genre? 

Let’s talk books!

I have always been fascinated by the Amish and their way of living. I wonder what it would be like to live the simple life, no electricity, no phones, no internet…..and it intrigues me.

I have two favorite authors who write about the Amish and I have been on a kick lately, reading book after book by Wanda E Brunstetter and Beverly Lewis.

One of my favorite series is The Prayer Jars series by Wanda E Brunstetter. The third book hasn’t come out yet but I was able to read an ARC. I loved it!

Another series I just finished reading by the same author was the Daughters of Lancaster County! I found the entire series in a 3-in1-book and literally devoured the series in a week. 

I enjoy reading about the Amish and their lifestyles. I would love to take a trip up north and visit areas where they live.

Amish fiction is definitely one of my favorite genres to read.

How about you? What is a particular genre you just love to devour? Let me know!

Let’s talk books!

Today I’m listing my top 5 favorite series!

First up is The Selection series by Kiera Cass! I love this series. They really ought to turn this into a movie!

Synopsis of book 1:

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn’t want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she’s made for herself—and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Next up? The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins!! This is one of my absolute favorite series. Both the books and the movies are fantastic! I read through the first book in like a day. My favorite book is definitely Catching Fire. The movie, Catching Fire is my favorite of the movies as well.

Synopsis of book 1:

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don’t live to see the morning?

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before – and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Next up is Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.

They attempted a movie based on the first book but it didn’t do well so I highly doubt they will finish the series. But the books are really good!

Synopsis of book 1:

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she’s struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town’s oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

Next is Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead.

This series is fun and interesting. I’ve reread this series several times. There is a spinoff series called the Bloodlines series that is also really good.

Synopsis of book 1:

Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with a rare gift for harnessing the earth’s magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest vampires – the ones who never die. The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa’s best friend, makes her a dhampir. Rose is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making Lissa one of them.

After two years of freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir’s Academy, a school for vampire royalty and their guardians-to-be, hidden in the deep forests of Montana. But inside the iron gates, life is even more fraught with danger . . . and the Strigoi are always close by.

Rose and Lissa must navigate their dangerous world, confront the temptations of forbidden love, and never once let their guard down, lest the evil undead make Lissa one of them forever . . .

And last but certainly NOT least….we have Harry Potter!

I know I’ve shared lists with this series in it but hey, it’s a great series! I’m currently reading the 2nd book. I LOVE Harry Potter! At work (Barnes and Noble) we have a birthday party every year in honor of Harry Potter! It’s so cool, the cafe fixes drinks that taste similar to Butterbeer, there are costume contests, the Sorting Hat, games, etc….it’s always a lot of fun!

Are any of these books in your top favorites?

Let’s talk books!