Book Review: Heart on the Line

Heart on the Line

Karen Witemeyer
Bethany House Publishers

Grace is in trouble Hiding from the very people who killed her father, she has something that they want. She just out to figure out where it is. Amos Bledsoe has been communicating with Grace over the wire for some time. When he realizes she is in trouble, he travels to Harper's Station to help. Can the two of them solve the mystery before trouble shows up to town?

If I'm terribly honest, the first time I started this book I wasn't sure. It didn't hook my attention the way Karen's books normally do. I'm used to spunky, quick witted heroines and dashing, tough heroes so I put it on hold after a few chapters when the main characters weren't up to my "expectations". I ended up setting a reminder to pick it up another day when I could give it the chance it needed. A few days turned into a few weeks, and then I panicked when I realized I still had it on my to-do list and hadn't finished it. So I picked it back up.

AND IT WAS DIFFERENT THIS TIME. Knowing that the characters were different than what I was expecting, I found myself enjoying the story! Especially when a set of secondary characters showed up later in the book. In my opinion, they were the real reason I got hooked. I could have read an entire book about them! And Grace and Amos did end up becoming the heroine and hero that I needed them to be-they just did it in their own way, not the way that I expected them to. Karen did a great job of growing her characters, not evolving them. Because you shouldn't have to change who you are to overcome hard times. You can grow through hard times. And I think that's what Karen did with Amos and Grace. Their characters experienced growth, not change. And that growth ended up resulting in a sweet story line mixed with all the adventure I have come to expect from a Witemeyer novel.

Sorry my review is longer than normal, but I think that this book was important to me as a reader. Heart on the Line was not what I expected. But I think that Karen used this book to teach me a valuable lesson. I can't change characters into who I expect them to be. But that doesn't mean I can't still enjoy their story.

Book Review: Long Time Gone

Long Time GoneMary Connealy
Bethany House Publishers

The Bodens are back and the danger that found them in the first book of the Cimmaron Legacy has only escalated. Justin is the Boden sibling who is the most comfortable on behind the attacks on his family. Angie DuPree is new to town. Ironically, while Angie left home to seek shelter, she ended up finding herself in the middle of the the ranch. He desperately wants to figure out who is danger surrounding Justin and his family.

Angie wants control. Justin wants control. In the end, will these two be able trust each other?

This is the second book of the series, and I liked how the mystery has continued through each book. The author does a great job of pacing the story and keeping readers guessing as to who is behind all of the mayhem targeting the Boden family. What I wasn't quite expecting was how much more serious this series was compared to Connealy's other books. However, while Justin and Angie aren't my favorite "Connealy couple", it didn't keep me from enjoying the story as a whole. I look forward to the next book most of all!

Book Review: An Elegant Facade

An Elegant Facade

Kristi Ann Hunter

Bethany House Publishers

Georgia needs to find a husband.

To be exact, Georgia needs to find a titled husband that will allow her to live a comfortable life with the protection that a well established man can give to her. Plagued by flaws that the rest of the world can’t see, she knows that only the best match will keep her reputation intact. Colin is a shrewd businessman who owes his own success to his hard work. He may find himself surrounded by people with titles, but he is merely a gentleman with his own insecurities. Both Colin and Georgia have their own fears to conquer. As their friendship deepens, will these fears keep them from realizing they may be the best match for each other after all?

I have to admit something. It took me a long time to read this book. I LOVED the first book, A Noble Masquerade, and I thought I would love this book as quickly as I loved the last. However, Georgia annoyed me a little at first. I couldn’t figure out why she had such a need to be perfect. So….I stopped reading. It wasn’t until recently that I decided to give Georgia another chance.

A great storyteller entrances their audience by creating a powerful story with captivating characters and storylines. However, an excellent storyteller knows how to shock their audience. When I realized WHY Georgia acted the way she did, it all fell into place. And I felt shocked. So much so, that it made me realize how much the author truly developed the character so that you almost had to dislike her at first so that you could truly understand the depth of her facade.

So, long story short, I would definitely recommend this book. I look forward to the next book in this series, and I know you will, too!

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

Book Review: From This Moment

From This Moment
Elizabeth Camden
Bethany House Publishers

Romulus White is the publisher of a well known scientific magazine and the only thing that would make his magazine even better is the artistic skill of Stella West, a famous artist living in England. Despite his many offers, Stella hasn’t had a reason to come to the United States to work for him. However, when her sister dies under mysterious circumstances, she finds herself in the same city as Romulus hoping to prove that her sister was murdered.

I was very amused by both Stella’s and Romulus’ personalities as they are both stubborn, ambitious, and proud. What have easily been annoying traits were obviously written by a talented author who knew how to develop well rounded characters. Even though they thought they were strong on their own, Stella and Romulus needed each other to break down their pride and open themselves up to grow. The issue of pride was a major theme throughout the book, and we saw this not only with our two main characters, but also with Evelyn and Clyde (who are the stars of their own novella, Summer of Dreams. I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone wanting an amusing, historical novel with a touch of mystery. Well done, Elizabeth Camden!

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

School's Here! Celebrate with Reading

Well, for a majority of the United States, school is starting back again! It's an exciting time for teachers, kids, and parents. Back to early mornings, forming friendships, learning, and (my favorite part) more reading!

If you haven't already, I would highly recommend running to your nearest bookstore or library to get your kids a back to school book. Reading is such a vital part of a child's development, and my hope is that your kids will come back from the first day of school and be ready to dive back into a regular reading schedule.

Whether it's five minutes, one chapter, or one picture book per night, reading will positively impact your child's life and will create lasting memories!

Book Review: Her One and Only

Her One and Only
Becky Wade

Bethany House Publishers

When Dru Porter is assigned as protection agent for NFL player Gray Fowler, she knows that she will have her hands full. Dru is determined to move beyond her past mistakes, but that might prove tricky with this particular assignment. Gray is self assured, infuriating, and not too worried about the threats that he has been getting lately, which means he is not too happy that his agent is a spunky, headstrong woman who is determined to control his every movement. Dru just wants to keep her assignment safe. Gray just wants to play football and move on. But they might just find that protecting Gray will change both of their lives forever.

This is the fourth book in the Porter family saga and did not disappoint! I especially loved the themes that resonated throughout the book. The most impactful theme that I noticed in this book was forgiveness and moving beyond your past. Both Dru and Gray had issues from their past that shaped their characters and both had to come to a point of surrender in order to move forward. This truth just seemed to resonate throughout the book, and it was really interesting to see these characters evolve. Another bonus of this novel is that I loved that readers will also get an opportunity to catch up with the characters from Wade’s other Porter novels!

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

Summer Reading Programs!

SUMMER is the best. It really is. It's a break from the normal. We have more energy (mostly because it doesn't get dark at 3:00 in the afternoon anymore) and it always seems like there is more time in the day during summer. That being said, there is definitely one thing that you should do for your kids: sign them up for a local summer reading program. 

I mean seriously, there's no reason not to. Your kids get an opportunity to keep working on their reading skills AND there are usually prizes. I mean, who doesn't love getting free prizes??

So, look up a local library and sign your kids up. It's summer. And in my opinion, books always make summer 10 times more fun!

Book Review: Until the Dawn

Until the Dawn
Elizabeth Camden
Bethany House Publishers

Sophie van Riijn is quite content manning her beloved weather stations at the Vandermark mansion. Now an attraction for tourists, its owners have left it alone for years due to an unspeakable tragedy. At least, they did leave it alone until Quentin Vandermark returns to tear it down. Sophie and Quentin have very different ideas for the future of the Vandermark estate. But will the mystery of the mansion bring these two together or will past hurts and stubborn hearts tear them apart?

I have read quite a few of Camden’s novels and I am always impressed by her character development. I’ve read many books where authors are unable to create unique identities separate from their other novels. In Until the Dawn, I liked Sophie’s passion for her weather station and her ability to persevere despite so many obstacles. Additionally, I was especially impressed by the mystery and darker feel to this book, which was not what I was expecting. For anyone who has read any of her previous novels, I would consider this novel a solid addition to Camden’s collection.

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

Life after the edTPA

For those of you out there currently going through the edTPA process, stop right there. Take a few minutes and just relax. This isn't a blog with all of the answers to what you are going through. What I am going to do is give you the advice I wish I had before I went through it a few months ago.

 It's been a few weeks since I've officially passed the edTPA and it still seems like a surreal experience. I don't think I've ever wanted to pass a project like I wanted to pass the edTPA. Knowing that this project had such an impact on my future as a school librarian was daunting. At times, it was stressful. And yet, it is something that I count now as one of my biggest academic accomplishments.

So here's my list. Here's what I wish I had known. Maybe it will encourage you throughout the process and remind you that there is a great career at the end of this project. The best job in the world is waiting for you. Good luck!

5 Things I wished I knew throughout the edTPA:

1. Start from the end. What do you want your students to walk away with? I focused so much on building each week that I never really felt like the unit was solid. I think by envisioning what the end result should be, I could have better focused on creating a unit that made a little bit more sense.
2. Use the knowledge of others. Right now, you have the full attention of an experienced teacher. USE IT! I wish I had shown my teacher my ideas earlier and more often. I think I didn't want to really bother her with it at the beginning stages, and I should have used her knowledge and experience.
3. Devote a little time everyday to the edTPA. Whether it's time you devote to editing or just reflecting, it will help you in the long run. I wish I had better managed my time earlier on so that I didn't feel rushed at the end. 
4. Take notes!!  There are a few times that I really wished I had taken notes immediately after a lesson. Spending about five minutes reflecting on what worked and didn't work will be really helpful when going to put together your portfolio.
5.  Don't forget to enjoy the time you have with your students in the class you are using for the edTPA. There were times that I was so focused on the things I needed them to accomplish for my project that I didn't take the time to really slow down and enjoy teaching them the way that I was able to with other classes. SO SLOW DOWN! Ultimately, it's about them. They are the reason we are doing this.

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!

Book Review: After a Fashion

After a Fashion

Jen Turano

Bethany House Publishers

It was Harriet Peabody’s birthday. But when a delivery goes awry, it seems that the only birthday gift she will get is unemployment. Oliver Addleshaw just needs to make a good impression on some important people in order to make a business deal. He just needs a temporary solution for a temporary situation.

When Oliver meets Harriet, he realizes that he might have figured out how to solve his problem. He proposes a deal to Harriet that will benefit them both and then they can part ways after the business deal. Neither of them expect anything more, until they realize that sometimes temporary solutions don’t always want to be just temporary.

Jen Turano is one of my favorite authors. Therefore, I get excited whenever I open a package and see one of her books, just waiting to be read and re-read. (Yes, re-read) And this book did not disappoint! I love how Turano develops her characters. Their backstories and personalities are often a little quirky (sometimes very quirky) but this is what draws me to her novels. Both Harriet and Oliver are independent people who find that they have to depend on each other for at least a little while. It was enjoyable to see how they change each other. Like any other Turano novel, I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting read a book that just makes you smile.

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

Book Review: Sabotaged

Sabotaged

Dani Pettrey

Bethany House Publishers

Kirra Jacobs was only supposed to work the Iditarod race and get back to her quiet life. However, a twist of fate changes everything she knows. In order to save her cousin, she must work with Reef McKenna to solve the mystery about the group of people targeting her family. In the process, she will also be forced to confront a past she’d rather forget and a future she can only dream of.

This installment of the Alaskan Courage novels starts with danger and intrigue almost immediately. I is well paced, with complex characters who both struggle with their past. While I often find that some novels “de-mystify” their plot, this book actually caught me unaware at times, which I really liked and appreciated. Pettrey does a great job with the flow of the novel and dealing with the topic of Kirra’s past. I would definitely recommend not only this book, but this author as well, to anyone wanting a face-paced adventure.

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

Stop! Now Read.....

Back in high school, we had this thing where the school would stop for about 10 minutes or so and everyone in the school would stop whatever they were doing and read.

What a concept, huh?

In your gym class? You stopped running and read.
In math? You put down that calculator and read.
Drivers Ed? Well, I'm not sure how that worked, but you get my meaning....

The entire school came together for a few minutes and read. When I was the student, it meant I got out of schoolwork for a few minutes and I loved it. But as an adult, as someone who wants to go into education, specifically library and media, well....I think about it a little differently. Yes, we spent a little time exposing ourselves to literature. But really, the big picture of it all, was we spent time reading together. Everyone! Students, teachers, administrators...the act of reading, not just the literature itself, unified us.We talk about the power of words and the impact of literature, but when people are able to share those experiences together, not just alone, it creates a sense of importance to an act that we often don't get to experience.

There are some days, when I'm at work, when I just wish that announcement would come over the intercom. Maybe one day, it will again.

Book Review: Beyond All Dreams

Beyond All Dreams

Elizabeth Camden

Bethany House Publishers

Anna O’Brien leads a quiet life as a map librarian at the prestigious Library of Congress. Having lost her father at sea when very young, these maps are a tie to the family that she lost. Luke Callahan is an ambitious politician who is determined to have his voice heard in Washington D.C. His fearlessness has caused him to gain a reputation, and he soon finds himself in need of a librarian to help him with his political climb. When Anna and Luke team up, neither is prepared for what happens next. As tensions mount, relationships are tested,  and a big mystery becomes unveiled as Anne tries to uncover what really happened to her father. In the midst of governmental secrets, can the truth be unveiled?

Elizabeth Camden has wormed her way onto my book-shelf with her past few novels. However, this book wormed its way into a special spot in my heart. As someone who has a Master of Library and Information Science degree, I cannot even begin to say how excited I was that this book was centered around a librarian (not to mention one that was confident and spunky!) and around one of the most famous libraries!

Camden does an excellent job of diversifying her characters. As mentioned before, I have read several other of her novels. Her characters are unique and flawed. Both Anna and Luke are flawed. Both characters develop throughout this story, which makes it all the more compelling to see where their friendship leads.  I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a little romance, history, and mystery all in one book. Or anyone who loves to read a book featuring librarians!

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

Why I still Buy Books

Why do you still buy books? 

I'm a book buyer. It's true. I have nothing against those who choose not to. But whenever I hear this question, I do have to kind of refrain from rolling my eyes. Because, despite the fact that I am in the library field, I am a firm believer that the things that you spend your money on say a lot about what you value and who you are.

I buy books because I value the entertainment and enjoyment that they bring to me. By purchasing books, I am investing in the authors that spend time putting them forth into the world to be valued. 

And yes, although the library does offer books for free, there is nothing like being able to bring a book home, not worry about due dates or wait lists, and to be able to re-read it whenever I want (YES! I re-read, please don't judge) 

So whenever I hear that phrase, a little part of me just sighs. Yes! I still buy books.Print or e-book, it doesn't matter. And yes, I use my library! I relish in the chances I have to go and support them by being a patron. 

But I will always buy books. 

Book Review: The Secret of Pembrooke Park

The Secret of Pembrooke Park
Julie Klassen 
Bethany House Publishers

Abigail Foster bears the weight of her family’s financial misfortune on her shoulders. When the chance to inhabit an abandoned manor arises, she encourages her father to move their family into it, despite local dark rumors surrounding its past. But the manor is only as mysterious as the neighbors of Pembroke Park and Abigail soon discoveries that some mysteries can only be hidden for so long.

The sheer amount of pages threatened to overwhelm me when I first glanced at Julie Klassen’s latest book. Therefore, it sat on my shelf for a little while before I picked it up to read.

I fully regret that decision.

Despite its volume, I was immediately drawn into the characters and plot that Klassen weaved together. This book is a truly well done mystery, set in a historical time period, and is a perfect example to others that there can be a balance between the two. It is not often that I find myself surprised, and this book definitely accomplished that! I was second-guessing myself most of the way, and was impressed that, at its core, the book didn’t seem improbable unlike some mysteries. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who feels that they have been mislead or worn out by this genre. Give it another chance! You won’t be disappointed.

I recieved a free copy of this book from the publishers in exchange for this honest review. 

Happy New Year!

Okay, it's a day late, but what did you expect?

2014 was a fabulous year. I graduated with my MLIS, started a new program, read some awesome books, and got to spend some amazing times with my family. God has truly blessed me, and I am so excited to see what 2015 will bring. While I really don't like resolutions (not sure why, but I don't), I do have some goals that I want to begin this year, and hopefully they won't end when the year does.


The Big Things:
1. Speak less and listen more
2. Be more gracious
3. Appreciate what I have
4. Reach out to others
5. Practice patience

The Little Things:
6. Achieve my Goodreads goal
7. Finally complete the t-shirt quilt I started months ago
8. Figure out what I'm going to put in my picture frame
9. Clean my closet
10. Stop giving in to impulse purchases when it comes to clothing (probably should be higher on the list but let's be realistic, this one probably will get put off until next year again)

Book Review: A Matter of Heart

A Matter of Heart
Tracie Peterson
Bethany House Publishers


When the man she thought she would marry ends up marrying another woman, Jessica Atherton has a wake-up call. Tired of being considered self-centered and spoiled, she decides to change her actions so that others know her real character. As her hometown strives to become an official town, this change brings two very different men into her life. Will Jessica’s goal to become genuine help her realize where her heart truly belongs?


Tracie Peterson’s latest book is a tender story, and while romance is definitely a theme, so is identity. Jessica’s struggle with her own identity and how others perceive her is something that is relatable to readers, and Peterson deals with this theme while keeping the trilogy moving. The story is a little slower than the others, but is still a worthwhile addition to the trilogy. It was nice to see what happens to characters that we were first introduced to in a completely different series.

I recieved a free copy of this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.