tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056623383969937772024-02-21T00:17:54.258-05:00AbbyJoy"You might be poor, your shoes might be broken, but your mind is a palace." -- Frank McCourtAbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-54080883563780502792018-02-23T16:26:00.001-05:002018-02-23T16:26:07.022-05:00A Dangerous Legacy<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1488174563l/34020181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1488174563l/34020181.jpg" width="206" /></a>I really liked A Dangerous Legacy, although that may admittedly be because the male main character, Colin Bechwith, in this book was British, so every time I read from his point of view I had a British accent going in my head. Haha! I really did like Colin, though. Not only was he entertaining, but he had an interesting background and wasn't quite what the female main character, Lucy Drake, thought. Plus his personal struggles made him a much more realistic (not perfect) character.<br />
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Lucy Drake, on the other hand, is an American who works in the same building as Colin, although for a rival telegraph company. Her family feud with her uncle draws Colin into her family affairs. The one thing that did frustrate me a little was that Colin was obviously after a rich wife in America--he blatantly admits to it, even after he and Lucy clearly have a thing.<br />
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I received this book from the publisher for free; I was not required to write a review, nor a positive one.AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-4748150187132930972018-02-23T16:01:00.003-05:002018-02-23T16:01:47.853-05:00A Love So True (Teaville Moral Society, #2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A Love So True was good, but not particularly my favorite. I had previously read the first book in the series, and I think I preferred the first book to the second. Not that the second was by any means bad, I just personally didn't find it quite as interesting.<br />
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This book continues the series in Teaville, where Evelyn Wisely seeks to help both orphans and their mothers, many of whom are stuck in a life of prostitution. Her efforts leads here to cross paths with David Kingsman, who has his own problems with his father's business. I did like that it wasn't just about the orphans, but also about the mothers. What did drive me a lil crazy was Evelyn's secret reason for resisting David's attempted relationship with her. Personally, I thought she should have just told him instead of holding back all the way to the end of the book. But that's just me.<br />
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Overall, it was a good story, just not my favorite in the series. I received this book from the publisher for free; I was not required to write a review, nor a positive one.AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-37463143712689964552017-04-13T11:51:00.000-04:002017-04-13T11:51:55.751-04:00Shine Like the Dawn ReviewShawn Like the Dawn was a book that I greatly enjoyed, largely due to the plot and the two main characters, Nathaniel and Maggie (although I liked Nathaniel better). A large part of the plot focuses on the "accidental" death of Maggie's parents and older sister; it doesn't take long for Maggie to come to the conclusion that their deaths were not accidental at all. This leads Maggie, and eventually Nathaniel, on a search for the truth. In the process, old secrets are dug up and revealed, bringing a dark spot to Nathaniel's family name.<br />
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My only real complaint with this story was Maggie's initial attitude toward Nathaniel. Initially, she believed that right after her family's deaths, Nathaniel had abandoned her, despite their strong childhood friendship. When she runs into Nathaniel as an adult, she still harbors a strong grudge against him for this supposed offense. However, it was her unwillingness to even explain to him why she was angry that frustrated me. Rather than at least point out why she didn't want to associate with him, she acted childish and refused to reconcile for a long time, until finally the two realized the misunderstanding that had occurred. Other than that, The plot was strong and I enjoyed the story.<br />
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I received this book from the publisher for free; I was not required to write a review, nor a positive one.AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-7945605061614775172017-01-02T21:07:00.002-05:002017-01-02T21:07:19.718-05:00Wildwood Creek (Moses Lake, #4)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Seems like it's been a very long time since I read a book all the way through, let alone reviewed it with the busyness of planning a wedding, having said wedding, moving 1,500+ miles, and getting settled in. Despite all that and being out of the swing of it, once I arrived at my new home and began reading this book, I finished it quickly. It was an easy read for the most part. The story of Wildwood Creek is divided into two time periods--part of the book is told from the viewpoint and time period of Allie Kirkland in present day Texas, while the other part is told from the viewpoint of Bonnie Rose in 1861 Texas.<br />
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I usually like split viewpoints, with one flashing back to a past time in the same location. My only problem with this one was that some times it was difficult to get through Bonnie's chapters due language barriers. Bonnie and some of the slave characters were at times difficult to understand because of their poor grammar. Don't get me wrong, it was completely understandable and true to the time...it was just difficult to read through sometimes because it didn't flow smoothly whenever a patch of dialogue hit. Other than that, the duel time periods/characters worked pretty well to communicate the story.<br />
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I liked the story line, plot, and characters. Bonnie's chapters had an eeriness to them that made me shy away from reading it at night or when I was home alone. I did feel like the romance in the story could have been developed a bit better over a longer period of time, but it wasn't terrible. I would recommend it. I bought this book, and therefore was not asked nor required to write a review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-4083880265987463482016-09-08T18:36:00.001-04:002016-09-08T18:36:47.849-04:00Delilah: Treacherous Beauty (Dangerous Beauty, #3)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I really wasn't sure what the expect when I began reading this, but it was a surprisingly good take on the biblical story of Samson and Delilah. I was glad that it did not twist the actual biblical account, but only speculated on what may have potentially gone on in the details which are not stated in the biblical narrative.<br />
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For example, the first chunk of the book is focuses largely on the events which broke Delilah and brought her to a place where she met Samson, and eventually needed him, fell in love, and betrayed him. It was interesting to see Hunt's take on what may have motivated Delilah to betray her lover--I also appreciated that in this fictional take of the true story, Delilah is shown to actually love Samson, rather than solely manipulating him purely for money. Rather, her love for her son and her need for vengeance are what bring her to the point of making the decision to betray him.<br />
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I thought Hunt did well with her take on the potential details which may have surrounded the story, and what may have motivated Delilah to do as she did. I would recommend this book in the future. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-91671348967410221052016-09-08T18:18:00.001-04:002016-09-08T18:18:38.464-04:00A Heart Most Certain (Teaville Moral Society, #1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a while since I've been this emotionally invested in a book. <i>A Heart Most Certain</i> was an awesome novel centering around Lydia King, a morally upright woman who at first does not realize she is not helping the poor or morally astray nearly as much as she thinks she is through the activities of the town's church moral society. Co-starring the novel is Nicholas Lowe, who at first glance appears arrogant and self righteous, as well as incredibly stingy and unwilling to give to "worthy" causes.<br />
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First off, I really loved the name Nicholas. I don't know why, I just did. I guess I don't see that name very often in books, and it's an attractive name. Okay, I really just loved his whole character. Although he ended up turning out better than Lydia first thought when she met him, he still had character flaws and made mistakes, which made him realistic. Plus, they both had to work for their happy ending.<br />
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I would certainly recommend this book, and will likely read it again in the future. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-39301209553289664672016-08-20T17:16:00.000-04:002016-08-20T17:16:33.191-04:00The Little Paris Bookshop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was kind of clashed on my opinion of this book. On the one hand, it focuses on a man who had a relationship (including sexual) with a woman who was married. While it was stated on numerous occasions that Perdu knew that the relationship should not have existed at all, I didn't feel that the book really ever condemned it or significantly resolved the wrong that had been done.<br />
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Outside of the morally wrong relationship between Perdu and his married lover, I thought the book was well written. Each character--even the secondary or briefly mentioned--was well rounded and had a story all their own. The focus of the plot, it seemed to me, was on Perdu and his journey though grief when he realizes 21 years too late that his lover did not abandon him at all, but rather died with the entire story untold to him merely because he refused to read her parting letter.<br />
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It's a sad story, but not the kind that makes you cry--more like the kind that makes you feel super mellow and maybe a bit depressed. And rather frustrated over the amount of sex involved in the story. If I were to recommend this book, it would most certainly be to adults due to the relationship dynamics. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-8523559780712720742016-05-07T23:10:00.003-04:002016-05-07T23:10:52.086-04:00Back in the Saddle (Double S Ranch, #1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This book was an interesting read for me. When I first picked it up I knew that I had not read many western's or western set books; it was only when I finished it and began my process of reviewing it that I realized I actually had never read one which was actually labeled as western. So really, I do not have much experience with westerns on which to base this review. However, despite my lack of exposure, I still really liked this book.<div>
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As far as plots go, I felt that this one was original and intriguing. I had no problem reading through it in a few days, and definitely enjoyed it. I really liked the characters. They felt very real, more real than in most books. My one negative thought on the characters was that at the very beginning, there was one section in which Noah did not sound as young as he was supposed to be. Other than that, all the characters were great and interesting, each with their own twists and backgrounds. </div>
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Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.</div>
AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-605637404655198742016-04-30T13:21:00.002-04:002016-04-30T13:21:33.450-04:00A Worthy Heart (Courage to Dream, #2)<i>A Worthy Heart</i> was one book that was so much better than I had expected it to be. Okay, maybe that sounds incredibly cynical of me, but I'll be the first to admit that I pick books based on their covers. I know, it's a terrible practice, but I'm attracted to pretty/interesting covers. I try not to let my eyes decide whether to give a book a shot...but it happens anyway. Anyway, I'm getting off-topic.<br />
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I really did like the cover of the book, which led me to give it a shot. However, I was initially a little hesitant for some unknown reason. I think I was just expecting it to be very similar to many of the other books that I have already read (you know how sometimes they all start sounding the same?). Despite this, the book was quite original and very well written. I loved the tension in the book between characters, and the very real insecurities and emotions going on between the main characters. I also liked the risks the author took in what happened to my favorite character (I won't spoil it by going into details). Honestly, some authors are just scared to put the favorite character on the line, but this wasn't the case with this one. Which only made me love it more.<br />
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Overall, it was a fantastic story with very real characters and circumstances. Definitely recommended! I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-90791830471055799602016-04-30T13:04:00.000-04:002016-04-30T13:08:45.489-04:00Letters to My Daughters: The Art of Being a Wife<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is by far the best relationship book I've read since I picked up <i>Praying For Your Future Husband</i> by Tricia Goyer & Robin Gunn way back in 2011. Rainey set up the book as a series of answers to a series of letters from and to her daughters, and framed them in a way that applies to all women and relationships across the board. While the advice which Rainey gives is directed toward married women, I found tons of application for myself in my close-and-serious-but-not-yet-engaged relationship.<br />
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What I liked most about this book, outside of the awesome, godly advice regarding marital relationships, was that Rainey compared marriage to many different visual/physical concepts. For example, she compared it to a masterpiece of art, to a dance, and to a garden. In each of these chapters themed around one concept, she drew out truths from things like dancing and showed how it applied to marriage. For me, a very visual and hands on learner, it was very helpful to have these tangible examples to understand more conceptual ideas in marriage. </div>
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This is a book I will definitely read more than once, and will keep for my own collection of helpful books. I would definitely recommend it to both married women and women in serious relationships. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.</div>
AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-29332272326639630792015-12-29T19:07:00.000-05:002015-12-29T19:07:25.251-05:00Until the Dawn (Until the Dawn, #1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Until the Dawn</i> was an interesting, refreshing read. It wasn't quite as captivating as some other books I've read, but it was interesting and a good read nonetheless. Sophie is a girl who has gone through some struggles, but still remains a positive, God-believing woman who only wants to help others and feel needed. Quentin, on the other hand, is initially a negative, rude atheist who desperately loves his son and wants to feel loved by his son. However, as time disintegrates for Quentin, his urgency to raise his son ends up being counterproductive and ruining the relationship repeatedly.<br />
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It was interesting to watch the two opposite characters interact and slowly change each other for the better. I liked the mystery and history behind the estate which the two attempt to save, as well as the background behind each of the characters. The end was a bit surprising; I'm not sure I saw it coming in the way that it did.<br />
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Overall, it was a good book and I would recommend it. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-18120323512511078762015-12-29T18:42:00.001-05:002015-12-29T18:42:32.150-05:00Citrus: Sweet and Savory Sun-Kissed Recipes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'll be the first to admit that I don't do much cooking, but I can honestly say that despite my inexperience I would feel pretty comfortable attempting the recipes in this book. After a brief introduction, the author shares many great tasting recipes. Each recipe has a list of ingredients, as well as detailed instructions on how to make it. Additionally, each one has a beautiful picture of the end result, which was super helpful to me to see how it is supposed to turn out, as well as tempt me to try it.<br />
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I liked that there was a section that went over specific types of certain fruits, such as oranges and apples. That will definitely come in handy for someone not as food-smart--like me. The book gave me lots of new ideas to try out someday, as well as ideas to tweak other recipes I know of.<br />
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This is a recipe book that I would recommend to others, as well as use myself. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-33171022469333465672015-12-29T17:04:00.000-05:002015-12-29T17:04:04.059-05:00The Lost Heiress (Ladies of the Manor, #1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a while since I really, really liked a book beyond others. I wasn't quite as crazy about it in the first few chapters, as the way in which Brook ended up reuniting with her long lost family was a bit uneventful, but nevertheless was necessary in order to establish the backstory and foundation of Brook's relationship with Justin. The relationship between the two was interesting to read and watch develop throughout the story; Brook's insecurities were realistic given the circumstances.<br />
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I loved the plot and descriptions, as well. Not an overload of description, but I was easily able to imagine the places the events unfolding for Brook. The plot was interesting in the twists that it took throughout the story. While it ultimately ended how I hoped it would, there were plenty of plot twists to make me wonder if it would ever end up working out in the end and to keep me guessing about how it would unfold.<br />
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Overall, I really liked this story, and would definitely recommend it (I'll probably reread it again sometime in the future as well). I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-69646315597680771222015-12-09T11:38:00.001-05:002015-12-09T11:38:14.324-05:00Love Everlasting (Brides of Seattle, #3)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Love Everlasting</i> is the third and final book in Tracie Peterson’s series Brides of Seattle. Prior to reading this book, I had read the second book in the series, but not the first (I still have yet to read the first). While the second book in the series focuses on Militine’s love life, this third book focuses on that of Abrianna. I wasn’t sure at first if I would like the book, since I wasn’t as interested in Abrianna while I was reading the second book. However, I ended up liking Abrianna in the third book, as it focused more directly on her and her thought process and actions.<br />
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A big part of the plot focused on Abrianna’s hesitancies toward marriage. It wasn’t that she didn’t love the man who was pursuing her; instead, she had fears about what would change in the relationship upon marriage. I thought this point was very realistic and relatable to many young women even today. The ways in which she handled it and worked through it, and the way it eventually ended, was realistic, relatable, and offers hope and comfort for women who hold the same hesitancies.<br />
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While I wouldn’t say this book is necessarily one of my favorites, I would certainly recommend it to others. It is a good, clean read with many good points and encouragements. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-13689917043779888352015-09-06T15:37:00.001-04:002015-09-06T15:37:46.450-04:00Reservations for Two (Two Blue Doors, #2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I liked this book--it was different. It was the kind of book that was much more realistic, because everything didn't work out just like the main character hoped it would. Not even at the end. I'm not sure the main character even knew what she wanted to happen, either, which happens all the time in real life.<br />
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Part of the book that I really liked was the letters that Juliette found from a deceased relative. I loved getting to a point where another letter was revealed. The writing and voice of the letters sounded so real. I love learning about characters through letters. It was fun piecing together the person's life, since obviously the letters didn't contain every single detail of what was going on.<br />
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Overall I really liked this book, and would recommend it. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-35486398725233030652015-07-16T19:35:00.002-04:002015-07-16T19:35:16.460-04:00Book Review: Mockingjay (Hunger Games, #3)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Mockingjay</i> is the final book of the Hunger Games trilogy. While the final book in some series can be a letdown, I felt that <i>Mockingjay</i> maintained and continued to increase the tension laid in the first two books. The plot continued to twist and take many unexpected turns as it continued and finally concluded the series.<br />
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I liked continued conflict in Katniss, which stayed right up until the last page. Throughout the whole series, I felt that Katniss was a relatable character who struggled with more than simplistic romance issues. Rather, she struggled through knowing and understanding the difference between right and wrong, discovering who she was, putting the pieces together on a situation that felt as if it could have been real for any of us, and so much more. While I'm a bit disgruntled at her final decision considering the love triangle between Katniss, Peeta, and Gale, I at least appreciated that she had a logical reason for making the decision that she eventually did.<br />
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Overall I thought it was a well written, well laid out plot. It was a bit more violent at times than I would have liked, but it also consisted of a war. I would recommend it to an older audience, due to the violence, and more intricate themes. I bought this book, and therefore was not asked nor required to write a review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-38630470223279414872015-07-16T19:35:00.001-04:002015-07-16T19:35:06.995-04:00Book Review: Catching Fire (Hunger Games, #2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Catching Fire</i> was a great addition to the Hunger Games series. The book begins with Katniss and Peeta going through the victory tour, only to fail to accomplish anything that could possibly continue to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. The top it off, the two receive news which rocks both their worlds far more than either could ever imagine.<br />
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I really like the point of view the book takes--going right into Katniss' head and telling the story as she sees it. It's so easy to get into the story when you feel like you're right there living with her. I liked that this way of relating the story allowed the reader to gather pieces of the puzzle and put some together, but still end up just as confused as Katniss, or whatever other emotion she was experiencing at any given scene.<br />
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While the violence continues in the book, I do believe Collins does a remarkable job in relating what can happen when people become callous to violence. I would recommend the book and the series to young adults and adults. I bought this book, and therefore was not asked nor required to write a review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-17403969754879766192015-07-16T19:25:00.000-04:002015-07-16T19:25:19.501-04:00Book Review: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia, Book #1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The first book of the series The Chronicles of Narnia, as well as the rest of the books in the series, is simply a classic, and always will be. I love the story of four children finding their way into Narnia through a magic wardrobe, and all the adventurous which they face.<br />
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The allegory in the story is impeccable. From the locations to scenes to characters, and particularly Aslan's sacrifice at the stone table and following events at the close of the story, Lewis has crafted a fantastic, interesting story which mirror's Biblical truths.<br />
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I have read this book countless times, both growing up and in my adult years, and have always enjoyed it immensely. I would certainly recommend it to anyway, at any age. I bought this book, and therefore was not asked nor required to write a review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-32159190653656558292015-07-16T19:14:00.001-04:002015-07-16T19:14:02.297-04:00Book Review: Refining Fire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Refining Fire</i> was a book which intrigued me based on the back cover description of the plot--the summary pricked an area of interest in my life, and so I was interested to read it. My only real complaint with the book is that the back cover led me to believe the book was primarily about Militine and Thane...however, I felt that Militine's friend, Abrianna and her friend Wade were actually the main characters of the story.<br />
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The story between Abrianna and Wade was interesting, and was totally fine for the main thrust of the story. I was just very confused through the whole book over who was the main characters. The part of the book which did deal with Militine and Thane didn't hold my interest very well. I felt it wasn't as deep as it could have been.<br />
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The plot of the book wasn't bad; it just wasn't what I was personally expecting or hoping for. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-87006744246207156452015-07-01T16:22:00.001-04:002015-07-01T16:22:33.611-04:00Book Review: The One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>The One</i> is a great book for those who are in a relationship, or single and preparing for a future relationship. The book begins by enlightening the reader to the love story of Ryan and Amanda Leak, who got engaged and married in the same day. After their super big day, they posted a documentary on youtube about their surprise wedding, and the video went viral.<br />
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After the initial introduction to the authors' story, the book moves on to talk about singleness and how to prepare during that time period of life, relationship obstacles, leading and submitting, expectations, culture, creatively loving, and much more. One of the chapters that I particularly appreciated was one on sexuality, particularly relating to ones who have had premarital sex or who struggle with sexual temptations in some way or another. With so many people struggle with this issue, I thought the Leak's take on it was great, and a much needed address both to those who have failed in this area and to those who look down on those who have.<br />
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Overall I thought this book was a great resource for those looking to lead a Godly, fulfilling, intentional relationship with their significant other, future or present. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-19047835327499622052015-06-16T19:52:00.001-04:002015-06-16T19:52:33.024-04:00Book Review: Couples of the Bible<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Couples of the Bible</i> is a unique couples devotional written in a format that makes it easy to read in a year, one day at a time. The content is wonderful. The book is set up so that each week you and your significant other can read about a couple from the Bible and learn together through that couple's example. The book contains both negative and positive examples, both from the Old and New Testament, including some which are not well known.<br />
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The format of the book was great. Each chapter covers a different Biblical couple, and is divided into sections with the intention of allowing the reader(s) to read one section per day, so that in one week they can thoroughly study the couple. Additionally, each section is labeled with the day of the week to help keep the reader on track (although, you can read the entire chapter in one sitting, if you so desire). Each chapter tells the basic story of the couple, and outlines their struggle within their relationship. The next section gives background information on the time period in which the couple lived, which helps the reader to better understand the situation/circumstances. The sections then move on to look into the couple's struggle, provide discussion questions, and finally outlines ways to pray based on the lessons learned by the couple.<br />
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I thought this book was a great resource for couples, whether married or in dating/courting relationships, and I would recommend it. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-18408982456991197782015-06-16T19:35:00.000-04:002015-06-16T19:35:02.762-04:00Book Review: The Long Patrol (Redwall, Book 10)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>The Long Patrol</i> was yet another fantastic installment of the Redwall series. While it wasn't my favorite in the series, the book held my attention and kept me reading, and I greatly enjoyed it. In <i>The Long Patrol</i>, the plot centers around the adventures of a young hare named Tammo, who aspires to be a part of the famous Long Patrol of Salamantron. The events accumulate into a devastating battle against Damug, the leader of the vermin band known as the Rapscallions.<br />
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This tale is full of colorful and memorable characters. I love the different dialects among the species of animals, ranging from hare to mole, to squirrel and mouse. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone, as well as the rest of the Redwall series. I bought this book, and therefore was not asked nor required to write a review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-79769451141379578042015-05-31T17:18:00.002-04:002015-05-31T17:18:45.447-04:00Book Review: Turning Points<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Turning Points</i> was a book that I had to read for a college class on Baptist history and Christianity; although only about 75% of the book was assigned for the class, I ended up reading the remaining chapters as well for my own benefit (although I personally got more out of the first 75%, but that's probably because I absolutely had to remember in case of a quiz the following day).<br />
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The book covers thirteen important turning points in the history of Christianity, although the author makes note that these thirteen are certainly not the only crucial turning points. Each chapter is informative and gives general information about the event before plunging in and explaining why it was important, and what impact it had in Christianity. I learned a lot from the book, particularly about events that I had a general knowledge of--such as the coronation of Charlemagne--but had never dove into deeply in order to understand why the event played out the way it did nor how it affected other events.<br />
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I would recommend this book to someone studying the history of Christianity, or someone looking for a deeper knowledge of important events which Noll covers. I bought this book, and therefore was not asked nor required to write a review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-50314145101273804742015-05-30T13:09:00.000-04:002015-05-31T17:08:23.006-04:00Book Review: Inspiralized: Turn Vegetables into Healthy, Creative, Satisfying Meals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is the first cookbook I have ever gotten myself, so I wasn't sure what exactly to expect or hope for. However, I am pleased to say that I think I will enjoy and use <i>Inspiralized</i> once I've settled into my future home--although some of the recipes can be made in a college dorm, as well! Now I just need to find myself a spiralizer...<br />
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I was very impressed by the easy and understandable setup of Maffucci's book. At the beginning, she introduces the book by explaining the importance of eating healthy, but also how her recipes allow versatility depending on individual food interests. I liked that she gave an overview of the spiralizer itself, and explained which blades should be used for certain results, as well as what vegetables should and should not be used with it. For a cooking newbie, I found this very helpful (without making me feel super stupid).<br />
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<i>Inspiralized</i> also includes charts showing the health benefits of the fruits and vegetables used, as well as in comparison to dishes such as regular pasta. Overall, I thought the book was very informative of basic healthy eating essentials, as well as containing countless recipes for healthy and creative dishes. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305662338396993777.post-22006839929274992492015-05-29T21:01:00.001-04:002015-05-31T17:08:08.383-04:00Book Review: From the Start<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1403013518l/22504496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1403013518l/22504496.jpg" width="206" /></a>This book was so stinking cute. <i>From the Start</i> is definitely on my favorites list as of now. Melissa Tagg wove a fantastic, unique plot filled with three dimensional characters. I liked that Colton, one of the two main characters, was a former football player (even though I know nothing of football...) dealing with a lot of life changes, as well as ghosts of the past.<br />
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The other main character, Kate, was the one I think I identified with the most, which made me like her more. The interest the two developed for each other was cute, realistic, and identifiable. But it still ended well, which I appreciated. :-) This is the first book of Tagg's which I have read; I definitely plan on keeping an eye out for more of her books!<br />
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I would definitely recommend this book. The cute romance weaved in with real life problems turned into a terrific blend which I enjoyed immensely. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.AbbyJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05520296803266272936noreply@blogger.com0