"Thereby Hangs a Tail" by Spencer Quinn

5 stars
Chet and Bernie once again take on the bad guys. This time we meet Princess, a tiny "show" dog, and find a murderous plot surrounds her. What do the hippies have to do with anything? How about the sheriff or the husband? As the plot unfolds, we find Suzy (reporter) back in the mix. Will Chet ever get more of the special bisquits?

I enjoyed this sequel to "Dog On It." Reading the book from Chet's point of view makes me look at my own dog and wonder what he is thinking. Spencer Quinn has another hit on his hands and I can't wait for number 3!!

"Before I Fall" by Lauren Oliver

"I suppose that's the secret, if you're ever wishing for things to go back to the way they were. You just have to look up." Sam's thoughts - pg. 284

Samantha is a senior in high school, someone who seems to have it all. But, does she? At the beginning of the book we learn that Sam dies in a car accident, BUT, she is given the opportunity to relive the day again and again to learn about herself and those around her. Why are she and her friends "mean girls?" Is Rob right for her? What is her relationship like with the members of her family? Sam tries to make some changes as she relives the day. Are they enough to save her?

I enjoyed reading this book as part of B&N's First Look program. Lauren Oliver writes with a style that invites you into her story. (i.e. "The sky is a perfect, pale blue. The sun has just risen, weak and watery-looking, like it has just spilled itself over the horizon and is too lazy to clean itself up." pg. 10) I didn't like many of the characters at first, including Sam, but as Feb. 12th was repeated and I learned more, I found myself drawn into their lives. What would you do if you could relive a day? Would you make it better? How would your changes affect others? Read this book and you might just find yourself looking for the answers to these questions. You might just join Sam in saying: "I love my life. I want my life." pg. 153 This is a really good book for young adults and their parents to read and discuss together.

"Love Your Heart" by Tim McGraw and Tom Douglas

Katie is going to be in a school talent show, but which talent should she choose? As she works to discover which one she is going to perform, Katie meets with differing results. She looks to her daddy for help. Tim McGraw and Tom Douglas bring us the second in a series of father-daughter books, this one about a little girl trying to discover her true talent. What she does at the talent show truly shows who she is. While worried that her daddy will be disappointed, she finds she need not worry about that. Katie may be a little girl, but her story teaches some powerful lessons.

There aren't many pages in this book, but the story is alive and applicable to people of all ages. In these pages we read about perseverance, friendship, and unselfishness. This is a great gift-giving book and will make many bedtimes more special as fathers read to and with their daughters. It is also a good book for young readers. Faith Hill writes a wonderful Forward, and Abigail Marble provides great illustrations. I found the story delightful and will be collecting the entire series (as I hope they write more) to have on hand when our grandchildren come to visit.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Mom's Bible": God's Wisdom for Mothers

The Bible, the inspired Word of God, is meant to be read and studied by us. Reading through the Bible provides strength for daily trials, and motivation for pursuing God’s plan for our lives. "Mom's Bible: God's Wisdom for Mothers" (NCV version) by Thomas Nelson Publishers is a wonderfully enhanced Bible written to help mothers glean special thoughts and strength from God's Word. This version of the Bible is filled with Scripture that is understandable and easy to read. It also contains explanations of the passages read, applications for daily use, and situations and stories that bring the text to life.
“Mom’s Bible” is set up traditionally, Genesis to Revelation, which makes finding your favorite passages quick and easy. The notes, etc., are well written and applicable to just about everyone. The setup of Scripture and notes on the same page may take a little time to adjust to, but everything flows easily and naturally so the adjustment time is short.
When I received my copy of this Bible, I was thrilled with the way it is constructed. While I like soft covers, this hard cover works. The pages have muted colors that draw your eye to the extra points but don’t “blare” at you. The extra notes and explanations touched me as a mother personally, and I will continue to enjoy this Bible for years. It is great for gift giving, something I will be doing.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”