Double Take by Melody Carlson

Spring break means happiness, fun, and relaxation. But not for Madison Van Buren and Anna Fisher. Pressures from her family and friends leave Madison feeling attacked and stressed. Anna just wants to escape a monotonous life of chores and children. When the two girls meet, they realize they could easily pass for sisters and they have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to temporarily swap places. Anna will go to New York to experience life outside of the Amish community and maybe even find her old boyfriend. Madison will escape some pressure and stress by traveling to another Amish community to help Anna's pregnant aunt with chores and children. The quickly-hatched plan leads Madison and Anna on two incredible journeys to understanding another's point-of-view. Neither of them will be the same.

I expected Double Take by Melody Carlson to be a modern-day version of The Parent Trap without the part about getting the parents together. To some degree it was the classic swapping-places chick lit. However, I was pleased by the depth and originality that Carlson added by intergrating the Amish beliefs/practices and taking the characters on a spiritual journey. I would love, love, love to read a sequel. The ending was satisfying, yet there were a few things left open that could definitely be sequel-material.

Though targeted to young adults, I recommend this book to both young adults and adults who love chick lit or Amish fiction.

Click here to read an excerpt from Double Take by Melody Carlson.

Available June 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. 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."

It Started With The Babysitter's Club

Every week Crazy-for-Books hosts the Book Blogger Hop. Participants answer a question and then visit other blogs of fellow participants. This week's question is:

"When did you realize reading was your passion and a truly important part of your life?"

My answer: I have loved to read since I was a young girl, but it really became a passion when I started reading The Babysitter's Club books as a teenager. I couldn't get enough of those books! Every week my grandpa would take me to Books-A-Million and I would pick out two or three. My grandparents still have my collection of those books at their house. There's over 100!  

What about you?

Great Deals at Publix this week!

I went to Publix yesterday and got some great deals!

My favorite deal was Great Grains cereal for $.30 a box!  These were BOGO, plus I had store and manufacturer coupons to use. I've never actually tried these, so hopefully they will be good. If they aren't, I still only paid $.60 for two boxes. 

The other top deals of the day for me were:

• $.49 for 5 oz. Olay Regenerist Facial Cleanser.
• Free Tylenol Precise Pain Relieving Cream.
• $2.00 for 80 ct. Lysol Disinfecting Wipes. (I go through lots of these, so it was a great deal for me!)

Saving Percentage this week: 77% - My highest ever!

A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards

A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards recounts the Biblical stories of King Saul, King David and King Absalom in fictionalized form. As the story unfolds, the author frequently interrupts the story to give teaching regarding the themes and/or morals of that part of the story. The overall topic of A Tale of Three Kings is how a Christian should respond when hurt by church leadership or church members.

As for the audio quality of this recording, it was excellent. The narrator's voice was appropriate and he read the text at a perfect pace.

Regarding the content of A Tale of Three Kings, my response varied. I found the fiction portions entertaining enough. However, it was sometimes confusing and distracting when the author would jump from fiction to attempting to explain spiritual truths. I would have rather listened to a completely fiction book that challenged me to think or to a book in which the first half was fiction and the second half was teaching. I must respectfully disagree with some of the author's teachings. There is a lack of Scriptural basis for some of them. I only recommend this book to someone who is willing to consider what it teaches and examine it to see if it lines up with Biblical teaching.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this audiobook free from ChistianBook as part of their Blogger Review 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."

The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble

Finding a husband for Olivia is very important to her mother. Using a possible suitor as an excuse, Olivia travels to Mercy Falls, California, in search of the truth regarding her sister's untimely death. Unfortunately, Olivia meets Harrison Bennett, her late sister's fiancée and possible murder suspect, during an attempt on her own life. As a precaution Olivia assumes the title of Lady Devonworth to ensure her safety and anonymity. In an effort to uncover the truth, Olivia spends time observing Harrison. Unexpectedly, attraction grows between Olivia and Harrison and she begins to struggle with her hidden motives and identity. Harrison has a resolute dislike for the Stewart family and Olivia is searching for an unconditional love. Will Olivia and Harrison's relationship withstand the truth? Can love ever really be unconditional?

I enjoyed reading The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble. The Lightkeeper’s Ball is the third book in the Mercy Falls series, but it reads well as a stand-alone novel. The story quickly grabbed my attention and drew me back to it during the days I read it. The plot's pace was appropriate and Olivia's character was intriguing. While the individual scenes were unique and enjoyable, I found the overall plot was somewhat predictable. However, since it is fiction and I am a fan of happily-ever-afters, I still recommend this book to fans of historical romance. The setting and characters make it a very enjoyable read.

Click here to read an excerpt from The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from The B & B Media Group. 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."

Her Best Catch by Lindi Peterson

Between her family, her friends, and her job, Allison Doll has plenty of drama in her life without adding in a guy. Especially, a guy who has his heart set on leaving to play professional baseball. When the handsome Ashton Boyd begins showing up at her job and wisking her away to lunch or dinner, Allison is cautious. Afterall, Ashton is a minor celebrity and she's already got enough things to deal with. As Allison and Ashton spend time together, she is undeniably drawn to him, but hesitant to allow herself to pursue the relationship. Afterall, it would only take one phone call for Ashton to leave her... forever.

Her Best Catch by Lindi Peterson is a sweet, mostly light-hearted read. I read this story in less than 48 hours which testifies to the story's ability to hook the reader. Although some parts of the plot could be easily anticipated, I found it to be authentic and entertaining. Allison's character development was interesting to watch and the first person point-of-view was effective. The comic moments in the book were a nice touch. I recommend Her Best Catch to fans of Chistian chick lit and Christian romance.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ebook free from Bell Bridge Books via Netgalley. 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."