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Okay, so I have made my decision...
I am not joining any OFFICIAL challenges this year. I have decided to just create a page to list the books I read. It is up at the top of my page, listed as "Reading in 2011" This is where I will list my goals regarding reading as well. :)
Happy reading everyone. :)
I have been inspired!! LOL
One of the blogs I started following that I found because of the Bible in 90 Days Challenge (see link on the side of my blog), I'll insert blog if I get permission from owner, is participating in a rather impressive list of reading challenges.
I have decided to follow suit! Here's the challenges I have decided to participate in:
The 2010 Support Your Local Library Challenge
As I JUST got my library card this week for my local library I think it rather fitting that I participate! LOL My plan is to aim for 50.
Books from the Library:
1. Nursing America: One Year Behind the Nursing Stations of an Inner-City Hospital, by Sandy Balfour
2. The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne
3. 1984, by George Orwell
4. Summer, by Karen Kingsbury
5. Someday, by Karen Kingsbury
6. Sunrise, by Karen Kingsbury
7. Soldier Dead, by Michael Sledge
8. Animal Farm, by George Orwell
9. Redemption, by Gary Smalley and Karen Kingsbury
10. Sunset, by Karen Kingsbury
11. Remember, by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley
12. Return, by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley
13. Rejoice, by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley
14. Reunion, by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley
15. Shades of Blue, by Karen Kingsbury
16. A Company of Swans, by Eva Ibbotson
17. The Yada Yada Prayer Group, by Neta Jackson
18. Divine, by Karen Kingsbury
19. The Parting: The Courtship of Nellie Fisher, by Beverly Lewis
20. Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury
21. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down, by Neta Jackson
22. The Forbidden: The Courtship of Nellie Fisher, by Beverly Lewis
23. Fame, by Karen Kingsbury
24. Forgiven, by Karen Kingsbury
25. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Real, by Neta Jackson
26. The Longing: The Courtship of Nellie Fisher, by Beverly Lewis
27. Charlotte's Web, by E.B. White
28. Found, by Karen Kingsbury
29. Family, by Karen Kingsbury
30. Bygones, Sommerfeld Trilogy Series #1, by Kim Vogel Sawyer
31. Beginnings, Sommerfeild Trilogy Series #2, by Kim Vogel Sawyer
32. Blessings, Sommerfield Trilogy Series #3, by Kim Vogel Sawyer
33. Forever, by Karen Kingsbury
34. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Tough, by Neta Jackson
35. The Telling, by Beverly Lewis
36. The Missing, by Beverly Lewis
37. The Telling, by Beverly Lewis
38. Plain Perfect, by Beth Wiseman
39. Plain Pursuit, by Beth Wiseman
40. Plain Promise, by Beth Wiseman
The Chunkster Challenge
CHALLENGE COMPLETED
This one will probably be my biggest actual challenge. Chunksters are books that are at least 450 pages long (525 pages if Large Print books are used). THIS challenge runs February 1, 2010 to January 31, 2011. I am aiming for the level of 3 books.
Chunkster Books-:
1. Remember, by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley, 593 pages Large Print
2. Rejoice, by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley, 530 pages Large Print
3. Reunion, by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley, 575 pages Large Print
4. American Wife, by Curtis Sittenfeld 550 pages Regular Print
5. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Real, by Neta Jackson 576 pages Large Print
6. Bible 1543 pages tiny print
100+ Reading Challenge
This sounds hard, but it isn't! LOL Since literally ANYTHING counts. I know I can do this one!! Even my Bible reading counts!! :)
100+ Reading Books:
1. Bible
2. Nursing America: One Year Behind the Nursing Stations of an Inner-City Hospital, by Sandy Balfour
3. What a Girl Wants, by Kristin Billerbeck
4. The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne
5. 1984, by George Orwell
6. How Starbucks Saved My Life, by Michael Gates Gill
7. Summer, by Karen Kingsbury
8. Someday, by Karen Kingsbury
9. Sunrise, by Karen Kingsbury
10. Soldier Dead, by Michael Sledge
11. Animal Farm, by George Orwell
12. Redemption, by Gary Smalley and Karen Kingsbury
13. Sunset, by Karen Kingsbury
14. Remember, by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley
15. Return, by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley
16. Rejoice, by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley
17. Reunion, by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley
18. Shades of Blue, by Karen Kingsbury
19. A Company of Swans, by Eva Ibbotson
20. American Wife, by Curtis Sittenfeld
21. The Yada Yada Prayer Group, by Neta Jackson
22. Divine, by Karen Kingsbury
23. The Parting: The Courtship of Nellie Fisher, by Beverly Lewis
24. Rebecca's Promise (Adam's County Trilogy Series #1), by Jerry Eicher
25. Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury
26. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down, by Neta Jackson
27. The Forbidden: The Courtship of Nellie Fisher, by Beverly Lewis
28. Fame, by Karen Kingsbury
29. Forgiven, by Karen Kingsbury
30. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Real, by Neta Jackson
31. The Longing: The Courtship of Nellie Fisher, by Beverly Lewis
32. Charlotte's Web, by E.B. White
33. Found, by Karen Kingsbury
34. Family, by Karen Kingsbury
35. Bygones, Sommerfeld Trilogy Series #1, by Kim Vogel Sawyer
36. Beginnings, Sommerfeild Trilogy Series #2, by Kim Vogel Sawyer
37. Blessings, Sommerfield Trilogy Series #3, by Kim Vogel Sawyer
38. Forever, by Karen Kingsbury
39. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Tough, by Neta Jackson
40. Above The Line: Take One, by Karen Kingsbury
41. Above the Line: Take Two, by Karen Kingsbury
42. Above the Line: Take Three, by Karen Kingsbury
43. Above the Line: Take Four, by Karen Kingsbury
44. Rebecca's Return (Adam's County Trilogy Series #2)
45. Rebecca's Choice (Adam's County Trilogy Series #3), by Jerry S. Eicher
46. Unlocked, by Karen Kingsbury
47. The Telling, by Beverly Lewis
48. The Missing, by Beverly Lewis
49. The Telling, by Beverly Lewis
50. Plain Perfect, by Beth Wiseman
51. Plain Pursuit, by Beth Wiseman
52. Plain Promise, by Beth Wiseman
Buy One and Read it in 2010
This challenge is different because I MUST purchase the books for this challenge. They must be both bought and read in 2010. My goal is 12 books, one a month.
Buy One and Read It in 2010 Books:
1. What a Girl Wants, by Kristin Billerbeck
2. How Starbucks Saved My Life, by Michael Gates Gill
3. American Wife, by Curtis Sittenfeld
4. Rebecca's Promise (Adam's County Trilogy Series #1), by Jerry Eicher
5. Above The Line: Take One, by Karen Kingsbury
6. Above the Line: Take Two, by Karen Kingsbury
7. Above the Line: Take Three, by Karen Kingsbury
8. Above the Line: Take Four, by Karen Kingsbury
9. Rebecca's Return (Adam's County Trilogy Series #2)
10. Rebecca's Choice (Adam's County Trilogy Series #3), by Jerry S. Eicher
11. Unlocked, by Karen Kingsbury
Just when I thought I'd found enough...
New-To-Me Christian Author Challenge
I must read 20 books by 20 different Christian Authors I have not read from before. For me this is good because I'm such a new Christian and should expand my authors list.
New-To-Me Christian Authors Books:
1. What a Girl Wants, by Kristin Billerbeck
2. Summer, by Karen Kingsbury
3. Redemption, by Gary Smalley (and Karen Kingsbury who is not new to me anymore)
4. The Yada Yada Prayer Group, by Neta Jackson
5. The Parting: The Courtship of Nellie Fisher, by Beverly Lewis
6. Rebecca's Promise (Adam's County Trilogy Series #1), by Jerry Eicher
7. Bygones, Sommerfeld Trilogy Series #1, by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Max Lucado (Proposed)
451 Challenge
Read 7 books from the master list on the link above. Several books on here I've been wanting to read or re-read!
451 Challenge Books:
1. The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne
2. 1984 - George Orwell
3. Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury
4. Charlotte's Web, by E.B. White
5. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - J.K. Rowling (Proposed)
6. Little Women - Louise May Alcott (Proposed)
7. The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams (Proposed)
8. Black Beauty - Anna Sewall
Now this time I really am done!! LOL
April 25, 2010: Okay, so since I have recently become virtually ADDICTED to some series' of books I thought it might be good to add these challenges too! LOL
First In A Series Challenge
CHALLENGE COMPLETED
To qualify, a book must be the first book in a series. There are 4 levels to the challenge, I am going to try to achieve the second level, 6 books.
First in a Series books:
1. What a Girl Wants, by Kristin Billerbeck
2. Sunrise, by Karen Kingsbury
3. Redemption, by Gary Smalley and Karen Kingsbury
4. The Yada Yada Prayer Group, by Neta Jackson
5. The Parting: The Courtship of Nellie Fisher, by Beverly Lewis
6. Rebecca's Promise (Adam's County Trilogy Series #1), by Jerry Eicher
7. Fame, by Karen Kingsbury (Firstborn Series)
8. Bygones, Sommerfeld Trilogy Series #1, by Kim Vogel Sawyer
9. Above The Line: Take One, by Karen Kingsbury
10. The Telling, by Beverly Lewis (Seasons of Grace Book 1)
11. Plain Perfect, by Beth Wiseman (A Daughters of the Promise Novel #1)
The 2nd Challenge
CHALLENGE COMPLETED
To qualify, a book must either be second in a series or the second book you have read by a particular author. Again, since I've REALLY gotten into series, or particular authors, this should be easy for me! This also has four levels and I am aiming for the second level of 6 books.
The 2nd Books:
1. Summer, by Karen Kingsbury 2nd in a series
2. Animal Farm, by George Orwell 2nd book by George Orwell
3. Return, by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley 2nd in a series
4. Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury 2nd read by Ray Bradbury (been a LOOOONG time, not on this list)
5. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down, by Neta Jackson 2nd in a series
6. The Forbidden: The Courtship of Nellie Fisher, by Beverly Lewis 2nd in a series
7. Forgiven, by Karen Kingsbury 2nd in a series
8. Beginnings, Sommerfeild Trilogy Series #2, by Kim Vogel Sawyer 2nd in a series
9. Above the Line: Take Two, by Karen Kingsbury 2nd in a series
10. Rebecca's Return (Adam's County Trilogy Series #2) 2nd in a series
11. The Missing, by Beverly Lewis (Seasons of Grace Book 2)
12. Plain Pursuit, by Beth Wiseman
13. Plain Promise, by Beth Wiseman
Finish That Series Challenge
CHALLENGE COMPLETED
To qualify, there is no number of BOOKS I must read, it is simply a matter of how many SERIES I finish. For the sake of simplicity I will list the book that COMPLETED the series however and then in parenthesis what the series title is if there is one. I'm pretty excited about this challenge and am shooting for the third level of FIVE series.
Finish That Series Challenge Books:
1. Sunset, by Karen Kingsbury (Karen Kingsbury's Sunrise Series, 4 books)
2. Reunion, by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley (Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley's Redemption Series, 5 books)
3. The Longing: The Courtship of Nellie Fisher, by Beverly Lewis (The Courtship of Nellie Fisher Series, 3 Books)
4. Blessings, Sommerfield Trilogy Series #3, by Kim Vogel Sawyer (Sommerfield Trilogy, 3 Books)
5. Forever, by Karen Kingsbury (Firstborn Series, 5 books)
6. Above the Line: Take Four, by Karen Kingsbury (Above the Line Series, 4 books)
7. Rebecca's Choice (Adam's County Trilogy Series #3), by Jerry S. Eicher (Adam's County Trilogy, 3 books)
8. The Telling, by Beverly Lewis (Seasons of Grace Book 3)
ADDED June 25, 2010
Summer Reading Program @ The Library
Program ended
Books:
1. Forgiven, by Karen Kingsbury
2. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Real, by Neta Jackson
3. The Longing: The Courtship of Nellie Fisher, by Beverly Lewis
4. Charlotte's Web, by E.B. White
5. Found, by Karen Kingsbury
6. Family, by Karen Kingsbury
7. Bygones, Sommerfeld Trilogy Series #1, by Kim Vogel Sawyer
8. Beginnings, Sommerfeild Trilogy Series #2, by Kim Vogel Sawyer
9. Blessings, Sommerfield Trilogy Series #3, by Kim Vogel Sawyer
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
REMOVED CHALLENGES:Christian Non-Fiction Challenge
For this challenge I need to read 10 Christian Non-Fiction books by the end of the year.
***6 March 2010: I am considering not doing this challenge at this point. I have become VERY intrigued in a couple different Christian fiction series that I am so interested in completing that I am not sure I have time to do this. BUT, I am not removing the challenge from my list, I still may be able to finish it!***The Colorful Reading Challenge
For this challenge I will read 9 different books with 9 different colors in the title.
***6 August 2010: I am pretty sure at this point I will not be completing this challenge. I have found myself too intrigued with Christian Fiction, particularly with those within the genre of the "plain" communities. To fulfill this challenge will be very difficult. I am striking it for now, but will continue to add to it IF books I choose to read fulfill the rules!***
Colorful Books:
1. The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne
2. Shades of Blue, by Karen Kingsbury
Black Beauty (Proposed)
I am VERY not patiently waiting for my blogger friends out there in bloggy land to post NEXT years reading challenges... Sad thing being, I know exactly which challenges I'm willing to do, and praying they repost them. I have such a full plate for next year, I cannot take on new challenges in this arena. I'm cutting down to very specific challenges.
*100+ books (divided by 2, meaning, my actual goal is only 50+ books for the year, and if I manage to do more, well that is simply FABULOUS)
*Support your Local Library (at least half my books read are from the library, plain and simple, I want a 50% ratio minimum, not too hard, currently well over half are from the library, and a good number more are already on the shelves at home!)
*First in a Series (6 books that are the first book in a series)
*Second (6 books that are either the second book in a series or you are reading for the second time, or are a second book by the same author, I think that was the rules on that one LOL)
*Finish that series (6 completed series. You have to read ALL the books in 6 different series for this one to count. But I LOVE series books. :) )
That should do it. If they don't post these challenges, I'll just do them on my own, because they are how I want to challenge myself in terms of reading.
Rebecca's Return (Adam's County Trilogy Series #2), by Jerry Eicher
Challenges: 100+ Books, Buy One and Read It, The Second Challenge
This book was significantly better in my humble opinion than the first book.
Rebecca has returned from Milroy, but her lack of communication while she was there has John, her boyfriend/fiance, very worried. He is concerned that he has been replaced. The night of her return they have a heated discussion, ending with and agreement to speak the following Sunday night.
Unfortunately, on his way home, his buggy is hit severely by a speeding vehicle and he is thrown quite a distance. He is hospitalized and in a coma. Will he recover and how will Rebecca handle it?
Above the Line: Take Four, by Karen Kingsbury
Challenges: 100+ Books, Buy One and Read it, Finish that Series
Such a fitting ending to this series, yet leaving the door open for the next series.
Bailey is asked to read for the lead role in Jeremiah Productions newest movie, and when she gets the lead it is opposite the biggest star in the country.
Andi is firm in her decision to give up her baby for adoption, until the ultrasound. In the end, her choice is the best for everyone.
Luke and Regan have decided to adopt, but will it work out?
Keith is worried about the decision Andi has made regarding his first grandchild, and in the midst of it, he is making his newest movie, Unlocked, with Dayne Matthews by his side as his co-producer.
Cody Coleman has finally admitted his feelings for Bailey, but then his mother slips back into drugs and he has to make a choice, the one he loves, or his mother. Is he truly making the decision based on what is best and what God wants him to do?
I can't believe I'll have to wait until MARCH 2011 for the new Bailey Flanigan series!! AHHHH!!! I will be reading Unlocked soon, I'm waiting for BFF to read it.
Above the Line: Take Three, by Karen Kingsbury
Challenges: 100+ Books, Buy One and Read It.
I read this one SO fast, and I'm reading to plow through Book 4.
Chase steps aside from Jeremiah productions after realizing that his daughters are struggling to remember what he looks like or sounds like. He is offered a position at their church as the youth pastor and he accepts.
Keith, struggling with this new fact, is blessed to find out that Dayne Matthews is looking to become more involved with Jeremiah Productions. Keith and Lisa decide to move to Bloomington to be closer to their daughter Andi, who has been distance and seems depressed.
Bailey is struggling still with her feelings regarding Tim and Cody. She is starting to realize that maybe her relationship with Tim is not all that great, especially whenever she considers that "what if's" of being with Cody.
This book was SO moving. I found it so hard to pull myself away from the book! :) Now I'm running upstairs to grab Book 4!
Above the Line: Take Two, by Karen Kingsbury
Challenges: 100+ Books, Buy one and Read it, the "Second" Challenge
WOW!!! Yet another incredible Karen Kingsbury Novel!!!!
Andi falls deeper down the slippery slope of "experiencing life" making decisions that may have permanent repercussions.
Bailey is still conflicted about her feelings for Cody, and is beginning to see the cracks in Tim, and is questioning her relationship with him.
Chase's wife Kelly can't find her way out of the hold depression has on her, and Chase is too busy and excited by the movies he is working on to even notice.
Keith seems to hold steady during this time and is trying to help Chase, but is the gentle prodding enough? Meanwhile his daughter Andi is hardly even talking to him.
WOW, so good.
Above The Line: Take One, by Karen Kingsbury
Challenges: 100+ Books, Buy one and read it, First in a Series
Yet another incredible book by Karen Kingsbury. I have been waiting it seems AGES to read this book. :D
This is a departure from the Baxter Family as the lead characters, but they are still there in the book. Bailey Flanigan takes a bigger role in this book than she had in the Baxter series's. It's really nice as a reader to not totally leave behind the characters that I'd grown to love so much, yet being introduced to new characters that are just as unique and exciting to learn about.
Chase and Keith met in college. Then they were missionaries in Indonesia. Now they are set to produce a movie designed to change lives. And it is being filmed in Bloomington. This is no accident, as Keith's daughter is attending school there. Keith wants to be near Andi and he and his wife have concerns about their daughter, who grew up in a totally different world, the jungles of Indonesia.
Andi is Bailey's roommate. She is a "good" girl bent on experiencing life, even if it's not what she was taught and knows in her heart it is wrong. Will she lose herself in the process?
As for the movie, it's a race to finish before the money runs out, unless they can find more money. They reach the end of their money, Keith is starting to tell the crew that they are out of money, even though the movie is not done. But Chase bursts in and stops him. Turns out an interview they gave for ET caught someone's attention, someone willing to invest!
I was so excited to read this book. And now I can't wait to run upstairs and grab "Take Two"!!
It took longer than expected, it took me 99 days. But tonight, October 11, 2010, I have FINISHED reading the Bible. Cover to cover. And it was WORTH every minute.
I would write something more extensive about it, but I am still processing it... :)
Wow, I did it!!! :D
The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Tough, by Neta Jackson
Challenges: 100+ Books, Support Your Library
Another great Yada Yada book. Tough to review as it took me a shocking 6 weeks to read. That's what happens when life and Bible reading take priority!!!! :P
There is a significant development to the character of Becky Wallace and her relationship with all the Yada Yada's. And the characters of Nony and Mark play a HUGE role in this book. It is a book about holding strong to faith under fire.
By my best estimate, I only managed to read FOUR books in August. :( This was definitely NOT my goal AT ALL. I was shooting for a significantly higher number. I got bogged down with a LOT of life! I guess life is good too though! :)
My Bible reading is going well, So hopefully, in the early part of October, I can officially list the Bible (book number 2) as completed! I believe I've accidentally been counting it for months anyway! It will officially count as a chunkster as well, since THIS time I didn't start it until after January 31st! LOL
Since I didn't read much this month I am choosing to skip my usual long percentages post this month, hopefully October will see the re-emergence of that post. And starting in October, I will begin looking for new challenges to complete. I am not sure I will be getting through ALL my list for this year, so I am hoping some of the challenges will be repeating themselves next year! :)
Forever, by Karen Kingsbury
I really loved ONE thing about this book... the list of Elizabeth's rules for marriage that are in the letter that John mails to his son Luke. So my review consists SOLELY of a copy of this list.
"Elizabeth's rules for marriage:
1. God has you here to serve one another. Love acted out is serving.
2. Women need respect and nurturing. Love your wife so she knows you'd lay your life down for her. Continue to date her and admire her. Share a hobby-find something you can do to have fun together.
3. Laugh often.
4. Be patient. Love crumbles quickly under the weight of unmet expectations.
5. Spend more time trying to fix yourself than your spouse.
6. Keep short accounts. The Bible says, "Do not let the sun go down while you are angry." Make it a habit to forgive.
7. Determine up front that divorce is not an option.
8. Learn about love languages. Not all people show love or receive it the same way. You want a back rub and your spouse wants a clean kitchen. The love languages are fairly simple: acts of service, time, physical touch, gifts, and words of affirmation. Learn them. Love is better received when it's in the language that person speaks.
9. Words of affirmation are a love language for all men.
10. Men are born to be leaders. He cannot lead unless she gives him the confidence to do so. If you love your husband, build him up. Confident men do not seek love outside the home. "
I think these are beautiful rules for LIFE, not just marriage.
Blessings, Sommerfield Trilogy Series #3, by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Challenges: 100+ Books, Support Your Local Library, Finish That Series, Summer reading program at the Library
I loved this book, but just don't have it in me to write the review... So here is the description from the christianbooks.com website:
Trina Muller has always had a passion for healing abandoned and injured animals. Her parents encourage this tenderness towards God's creatures until Trina confesses her dream of going to veterinary college. Why can't she accept that God's will is for her to be a wife and mother? Graham Ortmann loves Trina, but how can he possibly marry someone who is determined to go against the dictates of the Old Order Mennonite fellowship? Trina can never be happy if she is outside of God's will for her life. But which life will she choose-one with Graham or one in pursuit of her heart's calling?
Beginnings, Sommerfeild Trilogy Series #2, by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Challenges: 100+ Books, Support Your Local Library, The 2nd Challenge, Summer Reading Program @ The Library
A wonderful continuation to the Sommerfield Trilogy. It jumps a couple years from the end of the first book. It is a bit difficult at first to reconcile the ending of the previous book to the jump in time to the start of this book, with absolutely NO lead in to the shift. But quickly I became adjusted to it.
Beth has chosen to remain in Sommerfield and has found God and faith. She is not becoming Mennonite as her mother has, but she has found her way. She attends the Mennonite meeting house. It seems like a good middle ground for her. She is happy and has a Stained glass art studio that is starting it's way using her God-given talent. Before long a fabulous opportunity for her comes knocking, along with a man that just might be right. But complications with her mother's pregnancy may stop everything!
Bygones, Sommerfeld Trilogy Series #1, by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Challenges: 100+ Books, Support Your Local Library, New To Me Christian Author, First In A Series, Summer Reading Program
Okay, so with this book, this entire series, BFF read them first. She told me a lot of key details. Things that in some cases you would think, "why should I bother, I know how it turns out." But that is so not true, because it's NEVER the same as reading it, getting all the little nuances that the author places into the text. Feeling the raw emotions of the characters. Being a part of the twists and turns, the excitement.
That was how this was. Even though I knew key elements, I didn't know the details that went into them. Learning the details was the best part.
The quick synopsis of the book: Marie was raised Mennonite but fell in love with an outsider. She left the community, but not her faith, until her then husband died suddenly, leaving her pregnant and alone. When her baby daughter, Beth, was 2 weeks old, she returns home, only to be sent away, told she is not welcome because of her mistakes. At that time she sheds her Mennonite ways, clothing, and lifestyle, and proceeds to raise Beth in the outside world.
Fast forward 20+ years. Marie's favorite aunt left in the community, passes away, and Marie's old flame, Henry comes to tell her. And tell her about the will that was found. Seems that Aunt Lisbeth had left everything to Marie's daughter Beth, with a small stipulation. Beth must RESIDE in the home in Sommerfield for a period of three months before she can claim everything, or sell anything, which is all Beth wants to do. How will three months in Sommerfield effect them? And what about the family Marie left behind? And her faith?
To answer these questions, read this AWESOME book!
Okay, so one of my BIGGEST goals this year is the 100+ challenge. TO achieve this in what is left of the year, I will have to read books at a pace of basically 3 books a week. Not impossible, but hard. Wish me luck!!
Just a quick summary of how much I've done and how much I have to go:
The 2010 Support Your Local Library Challenge
My first goal: 50 books.
Longer term goal: 100 books.
Currently finished: 29
58% completed
Christian Non-Fiction Challenge
Goal: 10 books
Currently finished: 0
On March 6th I made the decision to put this challenge aside, I MAY come back to it.
0% completed
The Colorful Reading Challenge
Goal: 9 books
Currently finished: 2 books
22% completed
The Chunkster Challenge-COMPLETED
Goal: 3 books
Currently finished: 5 books
166% completed-my first completed challenge
100+ Reading Challenge
Goal: 100 books
Currently finished: 34 books
34% completed
Buy One and Read it in 2010
Goal: 12 books
Currently finished: 4 books
33% completed
New-To-Me Christian Author Challenge
Goal: 20 AUTHORS
Currently finished: 6 Authors
30% completed
451 Challenge
Goal: 7 books
Currently finished: 4 books
57% completed
I added three challenges on April 25, 2010, they are the three that follow:
First in a Series Challenge-COMPLETED
First Goal: 6 books
Longer term goal: 12, POSSIBLY 20
Currently finished: 7 books
116% completed
The 2nd Challenge-COMPLETED
First Goal: 6 books
Longer term goal: 12 books
Currently finished: 7 books
116% completed
Finish That Series Challenge
First Goal: 5 Series
Longer term goal: 10 Series
Currently finished: 3 Series
60% completed
Summer Reading Program @ The Library
Currently Finished: 6
Family, by Karen Kingsbury
Challenges: 100+ Books, Support Your Local Library, Summer Reading Program
Due to strained reading schedule this "review" is from the Karen Kingsbury Website:
A Sensational Trial
Katy Hart travels to Los Angeles to testify against the knife-wielding fan who tried to kill her. She is hunted by paparazzi who figure out that she is the mystery woman photographed with Hollywood movie star Dayne Matthews. Tension and pressure build to a dangerous level as Katy and Dayne seek private moments amidst the frenzy. In the end, Dayne’s celebrity life makes Katy certain that a future with him is all but impossible.
A Life-Changing Decision
As the trial comes to a close, Dayne searches for answers he cannot seem to find. Not until he talks to his childhood friend does he realize his desperate need for wisdom and direction. Ultimately his journey leads him to an isolated beach where God makes Dayne’s future as clear as the waters of Cancun. But can he live with the decision God places before him?
A Stunning Discovery
Landon and Ashley Baxter Blake are celebrating the happiest days of their lives, enjoying Cole and their newborn son. But Ashley cannot find peace until she finds her older brother—the firstborn Baxter sibling. Her constant questions to her father, John Baxter, have netted nothing. Now she receives news that rocks her world and threatens to end her search in heartbreaking finality.
Found, by Karen Kingsbury
Challenges: 100+ Books, Support Your Local Library, Summer Reading Program
I am really behind on reading #B90Days (twitter type) and in the interest of catching up there am foregoing my OWN review of the book. Here is the synopsis from Karen Kingsbury's Website, karenkingsbury.com :
A Desperate Search
Driven by his wife’s dying wish—to find their firstborn son—John Baxter sets about the search of a lifetime. His prayer? That Elizabeth’s wish would be fulfilled before the upcoming Baxter family reunion. One strange turn follows another, but John confides in a new friend and continues to look for his son. When the answers finally come, they shake John to his core. Will he agree to walk away and keep the secret of a lifetime, or will he decide it’s time to let the truth come to light—no matter the cost?
A Tragic Loss
Dayne Matthews is questioning his adoptive parents’ faith when he receives crushing news. He was ready to take on the responsibility of having a family, but now the future is drastically altered and Dayne is desperate for answers. Wisdom and comfort come from visits with a long-lost friend and then with Katy Hart, the girl Dayne can’t seem to forget. But will Dayne find the strength he needs to face a future laced with loss, and will that strength lead him to the greatest love of all?
A Terrible Storm
As the Baxters come together, the reunion is overshadowed by a miracle in their midst. But just as quickly, tragedy comes to Bloomington. Ashley is eight months pregnant and in the early stages of labor when a tornado rips through the community, leaving one family missing and destroying homes throughout the area. What will Dayne Matthews do when he hears about the storm? Will he finally find peace in a God he has been running from all his life?
A story of God’s divine leading and the truth that God rewards those who seek Him with all their heart.
Charlotte's Web, by E.B. White
Challenges: 100+ Book, Support Your Local Library, Fahrenheit 451, Summer Reading Program @ the Library
A delightful children's classic about true friendship, going out on a limb for someone, and growing up.
It's been ages since I read this, but opted to read it again as part of my 451 list. I'm glad I did. It's such a BEAUTIFUL story that even NOW makes me a bit sniffly!
The Longing: The Courtship of Nellie Mae Fisher, by Beverly Lewis
Challenges: Support your Local Library, 100+ Books, Finish That Series, Summer Reading @ the Library.
What a beautiful ending to a remarkable series. It definitely left me guessing right up to the last couple chapters. When I was less than surprised with the outcome. While I was not surprised, I was still pleased with the story.
The split in the Amish church has SHARPLY divided the people. And many Old Order Amish will barely even speak to the New Order. But an accident on David Yoder's farm leaves him infirm, and calling his estranged son Caleb back home to tend to the farm. Caleb is still stinging from the rejection of his love, Nellie Mae. She broke off their engagement when she decided to follow her family to the New Order church and Caleb could NOT see his way to accept this, much less follow her.
Over time, David Yoder's accident, and his renewed time with his Mennonite cousin John shows him the way to accept Christ in his life the way the New Order church members have. And then he shows Caleb this, and gives him the forgiveness he needs to allow him to quickly and quietly slip away into death.
Caleb is now free to run the farm, and marry whom he chooses, with his now deceased father's blessing, but first he must find his way to accept Christ too, if he will ever find his way back to his real love. Fortunately, his cousin Chris is there to help him with that, and help him get Nellie Mae back.
The Epilogue is written showing Nellie Mae and Caleb married and expecting their first child. And still changes occurring within the churches and their families. But they know they have a beautiful life ahead of them.
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