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.

Book Review: With Every Breath

With Every Breath
Elizabeth Camden
Bethany House Publishers


Ever since they were young, Trevor and Kate have lived up to their competitive spirits which often left them competing against each other. Despite going different directions as young adults, both embrace life with a passion and the same commitment that often kept them on opposite sides. Years later, Kate finds herself in the employment of none other than the boy who used to drive her crazy. Except Trevor is no longer a young boy, but a man on a mission to save lives.

Trevor is dedicated to finding a cure for tuberculosis. Desperate for help in recording his research, he hires the one person tough enough and driven enough for the job: Kate. When the situation becomes dangerous, and Trevor becomes targeted by someone out to ruin his research, the two will have to work together to protect their lives and relationship.

I loved this book. It didn't catch me immediately, but slowly took me by the hand and led me down an adventurous journey. I became hooked, and could not wait to see what mysteries Trevor was hiding. It takes a lot to surprise me, but that's exactly what Camden did. I also appreciate books that become informational, and the topic of tuberculosis was introduced and discussed in a way that made sense for a fictional novel. I was able to learn about the disease, but Camden made it flow well with the story and not seem out of place. I will be "holding my breath" in anticipation of Camden's next novel.

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

Take your 10 minutes

Is it ironic that library school has resulted in less time to read? Or at least, read what I WANT to read rather than just what I should read.

Long ago, I used to have a pretty good routine. I would make sure that I read for a minimum of at least 10 minutes before going to bed. However, those measly 10 minutes were lost as the craziness of life stepped in and overtook that small amount of time.

As librarians, we often emphasize the importance of daily reading, even just 10 minutes, especially to younger readers. But the problem is, we often forget as adults just how impactful those 10 minutes can be to us! Just as we teach our youth the importance of everyday exposure to reading, we should also be embracing that time to enrich our own lives.

So, take 10 minutes. Maybe it's in the morning with your coffee. Maybe it's alongside your children as they read. Or maybe it's that late night, cherished 10 minutes when the rest of the world has already embraced slumber.

Whatever it is, just do it.

Book Review: A Match of Wits

A Match of Wits
Jen Turano
Bethany House Publishers

Agatha Watson is used to getting into trouble. As a reporter writing under a male name, she has used her articles to unfortunately make more than a fair share of enemies. When the threats turn dangerous, she leaves the city to find a story someplace where she won't get into trouble. However, when she bumps into Zane Beckett, she discovers that her old friend might need more saving than she does. When an unfortunate accident occurs, Agatha takes it upon herself to return to his family despite that danger that is still lurking.

I loved this installment of this series! Agatha is a spunky heroine whose personality makes for a fast-paced adventure. Turano brings back some of my favorite characters from her previous book, and in doing so will have readers craving for more. I appreciate Turano's ability to write her characters in non-cookie cutter roles. Her characters have the ability to remind you of people in your own life that you know and love. They are flawed, fun, and some of my favorite literary characters. I cannot wait to see where her career goes!

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