A Breath of Snow and Ashes by: Diana Gabaldon
If you have been following my posts about this series, then you know how much I have been enjoying it.
That continues to be true, I would encourage anyone to give the first book of this series a try- especially if you enjoy historical literature, romance, and a little fantasy (time travel) tossed in.
Great characters, love the way this author writes- she is becoming one of my favorites.
Just started The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon. This is the 5th book in the Outlander series. The fact that I am reading this book- when I have a list of over 100 other books on my to-read list- speaks to how much I am enjoying this series.
The majority of the books are 900+ pages. I have never read a series this long before.
And I continue to enjoy every minute. I feel pretty certain that I will buy this series once I reach the end.
Definitely want to purchase for my Kindle- 900 page books are REALLY nice on an e-reader.
If you haven’t tried this series, read the first book- if you like it, odds are you will be captivated (as I am) and not be daunted by the length of these books but grateful to linger in their world.
Of course, I am not to the end yet, but I seriously doubt that the author is going to disappoint me in these last few books.
I fully expect to continue to be engrossed in this series till I turn the last page.
Full review:
I don’t know what more to say except, I am still reading- this book was almost 1,000 pages. I would not spend my time reading these books if I did not love them.
I laugh, I almost cry, I turn the pages in excitement and anticipation. I love these characters and the way Gabaldon writes and continues to keep this story interesting- I would have thought it impossible.
So again, I urge you to consider giving the first book in the series a try. If you like it, well, you’ll have enough additional reading to keep you busy for a while.
Cover of Drums of Autumn (Outlander)
I have continued my reading in the series by Diana Gabaldon. The first book of the series is Outlander and usually the whole series is referred to as the Outlander series.
I am on the fourth book of the series. These are long books, they are not for the casual reader- at approximately 1,000 pages a pop- it takes some time to get through the books.
As an avid reader and a huge fan of this series- I am enjoying every moment.
By this time, the characters are familiar, almost like friends- you root for them and feel their pain and disappointment.
The plot has so many layers due in part to the complicated nature of these stories and time. I don’t like to give away too much but time travel is part of this series- and opens up so many new directions for the story.
This series has perfectly mixed almost all my favorite genres. I know this will not be the only time I will read this series. My only reservation lies in how it will all end- that will determine a lot for me.
More detailed review of Drums of Autumn coming soon.
FINAL REVIEW:
Sometimes, as you read a series of books, it gets boring, predictable, or the plot takes certain turns and you start to lose interest. It doesn’t seem to fit the characters- you wonder as the reader if they would really make those decisions based on their character…
Not so with Drums of Autumn. Not only am I enjoying this series more and more with each book- I am constantly surprised by the direction of the plot- her creativity in describing scenes and people- and there will always be some moments in each book- where I am thinking- I know what is going to happen next- and I am ALWAYS wrong.
I can’t wait to start the next book- it has been sitting on the shelf- waiting. If you haven’t read this series give it a try. For me, this is just a perfect case of all the things I love about books (genre, writing style) colliding in one perfect series.
I haven’t read the end yet- but the more I read I feel myself growing confident that the author won’t disappoint.
These are two books in the Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz. I read the first book, Blue Bloods, over the Christmas break. I was worried that this would be another knock off of some of the other vampire novels written in the past- with no original ideas or plot.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that Melissa de la Cruz has in fact found a niche all her own. So far I have found the plot predictable at times but not completely- so therefore there are some portions that keep me wondering- and very interested in the story.
If you are a fan of vampire fiction- you will really enjoy this series. They are fast reads and very enjoyable.
For the first post of books, look through the Random section of my blog. I am going to try to post lists of 4 or 5 favorite books periodically- I love to read and I know that rubs off on my kids, we are constantly bringing home stacks of books from the library- and it helps us to find those really fantastic books that you love to read again and again.
Counting Crocodiles by: Judy Sierra Illustrated by: Will Hillenbrand
Cover of Counting Crocodiles
This is a really fun book to read, and the story is really clever. I love books that rhyme.
Skip to My Lou by: Mary Ann Hoberman & Nadine Bernard Westcott
Cover of Skip to My Lou
I love to sing, so this book is really fun- has great illustrations and there is a whole series of Sing-A-Long books, so if you like this one there are others.
Goodnight, Sweet Pig by: Linda Baily and Josee Masse
Cover of Goodnight, Sweet Pig
Such a sweet story, with counting so if you like to practice numbers with your kiddo this book is a great choice. Love the illustrations and a great book to read before bed.
Goodnight Moon by: Margaret Wise Brown Illustrated by: Clement Hurd
Cover of Goodnight Moon
There is a reason why this book is so popular- what a great story- so simple but a great book to help settle a child down for sleep.
I hope that you enjoy some of these books and please share your favorites.
Some Moments
By: Rachel Newton
In some moments of life
Words fail
Silence reigns
And all the profound blunderings of moments past
Fall unnoticed into nothingness
And I listen
Listening for- meaning- a touch of you
Listening to loneliness
It speaks to me
Yet we do not understand each other
We are strangers 
Silence and words cannot mix
Or lack such in my imagination
A salad of mix and match
I never liked the onions
Sour words- bitter to digest
Darkness covers like the silence
And sadness- grieving for lost time
Remembering sweeter moments with you
I don’t reach for you
Fear paralyzes a once comfortable approach
I can’t let you see me like this
Distance from the light my only escape
Understand my fear
Yet please don’t accept it
Drown me in the light
Don’t let me escape the awakening in you
Bathe me in the light
And I will be whole
Soak me with your water
And I will be clean
Touch me with your love
And I will reach out
Some moments of life
Define the future- leave marks like scars
So we don’t forget- we must remember
Treasure the thorny valley-
For the beauty will bloom in time
How do you choose favorites? What makes a series stand out to you? I can’t imagine having to choose one favorite author or one favorite series. We are truly blessed to have a dizzying variety of books to read, and so many talented authors who bring continually bring unique and thoroughly entertaining works for us to enjoy. Here are some of my all-time favorites- please share yours!
Harry Potter Series by: J.K. Rowling
If you were living under a rock, I think it is still possible that you would have heard of the worldwide phenomena created by this series. Fantastic story. The world created by J.K. Rowling in a word- magical. Huge fan base due to this series appealing to wide age range. If you have not read it, I urge you to do so.
Chronicles of Narnia By: C.S. Lewis
These books have been some of my favorites since childhood. One of my goals is to read them again this year.
The Saxon Stories By: Bernard Cornwell
Have I mentioned I love historical fiction? I am a huge Bernard Cornwell fan, and his main character in this series- Uhtred- is one of my favorite characters of all time.
Sookie Stackhouse Series By: Charlaine Harris
There was no way I was going to get through this post without throwing in some vampire books. They are my favorite niche. Funny, creative, and romantic- nice light reading.
Myron Bolitar Series By: Harlan Coben
I love a good mystery, and throw in some humor and witty conversation- and a character named Myron- and you have struck GOLD. I own most of these books, love to read them over and over.
I hope I have inspired you to get out there and pick some of these up. Happy Reading!
This first list is Board Books so it is definitely focused more on 0-3 years old. However, my daughter still enjoys many of these books. She has them memorized so sometime she will (pretend to) read them to herself.
This book has mirrors on each page, and both of my children loved looking at themselves in the mirror and would even just play with this book on their own.
Love the illustrations, and this is a great book for helping your child learn parts of their body- while I am reading it I will touch their nose, ears, toes, etc. This book is also great for kids who have a very short attention span- it is short with only a few words on each page.
Lovely rhyming book that goes through all the seasons of the year with fun illustrations.
Great way to help your child start to learn their ABC’s. The rhyme and rhythm of this book makes it very appealing to kids.
Classic poem with illustrations that will draw your kids in and set this book apart- the illustrator is Jan Brett and she does fantastic work.
So, what are your kids favorites or your favorites from childhood?
Cover via Amazon
A friend has been very persistent in her praise of One for the Money, the opening book in a series written by Janet Evanovich, with a leading lady named Stephanie Plum. I have acquiesced and am beginning the book this week. I have a strict policy about books that are made into movies. I will not go see the movie until I have read the book. I believe more selfish motives may be behind her relentless nudgings- she wants us to go see the movie together. 
I am a huge fan of the Myron Bolitar series by Harlan Coben- and I have a theory that these books will be similar. We shall see.
Full review will be forthcoming. Stay tuned.
Review:
A good light read. Fun, interesting drama- though I was disappointed in how obvious the plot was- didn’t really keep me guessing- but I like Stephanie Plum’s character a lot- and that made up for some of the disappointments.
Not necessarily something I would want to read again- but an entertaining book.
Reviews sometimes leave me with just one phrase reverberating around my brain- too much information, too much information!! The joy of reading the book has been diminished by the thoroughness of the reviewer. One of my greatest aggravations in life.
So, as a preventative measure and for my own reading enjoyment, I take books on recommendations from friends. I like to know the genre and if they thought it was good- and that’s about it. I love to be surprised when I start reading- completely in the dark about the premise of the book.
So, if you are reading my reviews, be prepared for very little to be given away about characters and plot- and if you are looking for a review that gives more details, I encourage you to try Goodreads or Amazon. They both provide a basic review as well as showing the reviews of different readers- I like reading those after I have finished a book.
Happy Reading!
