Book Review: Fire & Ice

Fire & Ice

by Mary Connealy

Bethany House Publishers

Bailey Wilde is an independent woman who lives her life without depending on others, even if she has to pretend to be a man to do it. Gage Coulter is determined to build a successful ranch. Bailey has something that Gage needs: access to the land that rightfully belongs to him. And Gage has something Bailey needs: land for her herd to graze. When he realizes that Bailey Wilde is a woman, things change. And when a surprise visitor comes to visit Gage, he and Bailey realize that together they might both get something they need even more: each other.

I liked Gabe and Bailey. Individually, they are great characters and together they are even better. Connealy does a great job creating characters that you want to read about, and who really want to root for! I’m always hesitant about reading the last book in a series. Will it end the way I want it to? Will my characters all get their happy endings? Overall, I was very pleased by the ending to the stories about the Wilde sisters, and I look forward to the next adventure that Connealy takes us on.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: Chivalrous

Chivalrous

by Dina L. Sleiman

Bethany House Publishers

Gwendolyn is strong, heroic, and brave. But in the eyes of her father, she is merely someone who can marry well to keep the family strong. Allen of Elsworth is a man who has risen to the top, but who has never forgotten his roots. Both Gwendolyn and Allen have destinies they want to change and hardships to overcome as they try to find out where their true destinies lie. Will their destinies bring them together or tear them apart?

We know Allen from the previous book in the series, Dauntless. I think we really wanted to see where Allen ended up, especially since he didn’t get his happy ending that he probably would have wanted in the first book. And Gwendolyn is someone who definitely has a lot going for her, but has been knocked down by the world she lives in. Both heroes have things worth living for, and both need each other. What I really like about this novel is that it sets the stage for the next book in the series, which I will definitely look forward to.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review.

Journey Update

I've spent nearly two months completing my student teaching for certification to be a school librarian, and I'm about ten (school) days away from my last day at my final placement. It's been amazing how many people are so shocked to discover that, yes, you do have to student teach to become a school librarian. It's no different than any other teacher. So here are the top THREE reasons why I think student teaching as a librarian is important:

1. You get to learn from another expert! Spending time my with my cooperating librarian has really given me good, useful tips about my own skills as an educator and has given me so many opportunities to grow.

2. You are an educator! It's sad, but school librarians are often the "forgotten" educator. Their job is so much more than that of storyteller or book refer-er. The skills that can be taught in the library are useful for life outside of the library doors. The traditional role of the librarian has changed and will continue to change!

3. Student teaching is inspirational! It's a time to try things out, get help from other people in your program, and really figure out the type of educator you want to be. It's a time for growth!