Category: Uncategorized

Book Lovers Planner by Always Fully Booked

I have to admit that when I first saw this planner, I knew I had to have it. After looking at all of it’s features, I decided that I should research a few other planners to make sure that this planner was really the one for me before I added it to my cart. I have to admit that this year, I was very unproductive in my reading. I really need something to help me get back on track besides Goodreads, which I enjoy very much but I need something physical.

I felt very disorganized this year. I thought with the virus and everyone being home, I would have more time to read but with caring for our young grandson full-time at our house and with the Derecho that hit our city in August, I didn’t have as much time to read as I thought I would. I do feel and hope that in 2021, this will change and I’ll be back reading more and that a planner will help me.

That being said, I checked out 3 other planners and I decided to purchase this one. I liked that it had a variety of options to keep track of my reading, it had places for me to keep notes while I’m reading specific books, it had a large monthly calendar so that I can write in it and see a month’s worh of data plus it had monthly lists. I feel though that it might have too many options for me but that’s okay, I just won’t use everything now. It was expensive though, more than I thought it would be when I placed it in my cart. I set the page for U.S. $, and it said that it was $36.00 in my cart, plus shipping and handling. Yet, when I paid through PayPal, the book went up to $45.92 plus the shipping of $15.73 making the total $61.65 (the exchange rate comes into play here, where on the website it didn’t). So, does anyone else use this journal or do you have a diffferent one that you use? I love the way this one looks but for the price, I’ll probably be looking for a new one next year.

https://littleinklings.ca/collections/planners/products/copy-of-always-fully-booked-2021-planner-horizontal

You’re Here for a Reason by Nancy Tillman

4.5 stars Children’s

Another fantastic book by Tillman.  Have you ever felt that you’re just not sure that anyone cares or is listening? What about the time you messed up and thought, well I’ve done it now, they won’t forgive me now?  Have you ever thought: I’m too ______ (insert an adjective here), I don’t really matter?   Well, my friend, we all matter because we all make the world go around.

I like Tillman’s approach in this book as she lets everyone know that no matter what they do or who they are, they matter.  Everyone is important to this world and although you may know it or may not know it, someone needs you.  This creates hope.  I also liked the mix of real and fantasy in the illustrations as that adds to the mystery of “you may not know” aspect of the book.  I don’t think this book is for younger elementary children as I don’t think they would really understand the concept of the book unless someone explained it to them first.   

Thanksgiving dinner?

I saw these last night but I just couldn’t buy them. The candy corn was all different colors but the thought of the flavors and the texture, made me cringe. Has anyone tried it? What’s your thoughts? I’m rather curious

Starting this

My vacation is almost over – dang it! I’m behind in my ARC’s but I’m determined to get caught up so I started this one this morning. I’m hooked and I know, I’ll have it finished before I go to sleep.

What they’re worried about coming, I don’t know but the few supplies Thea has stockpiled under the shed won’t last them long. Drunk Aunt Mae, whether she’s a witch or good with predictions, everyone better listen up.

Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen McManus

2.5 stars YA

My thoughts:

I picked this audio book up because I enjoyed the author’s first book, One of Us is Lying. This book was totally different.  I enjoyed this book in the beginning but then, I thought the book dragged on. 

The book is about a set of twins that have to live with their grandmother in Echo Ridge, as their mother is sent away for a while. The small town of Echo Ridge might be little, but within its borders, it contains big time drama.  With a tragic past that include girls that have either come up missing or dead, this year is no exception.  With a history to these crimes, the girls can’t take this year’s case lightly.    

I enjoy a novel where an author slowly reveals the mystery to its reader but I thought there was too much other stuff in this novel that didn’t matter.  Let’s cut to the chase and give me, what’s important. I also felt so lost with all the individuals in this novel.  I was so confused with all the people that I had to keep track of.  In short, this book just wasn’t right for me.  There are tons of great reviews for it so, perhaps it’s right for you but I will pick-up One of Us is Next and read it.  2.5 stars

Girl Made of Stars by Ashley Herring Blake

4.5 stars YA

Who’s the liar?  Owen is her twin and they’ve been close growing up but she’s been best friends with Hannah for years, yet now Mara has to decide whose story she believes.  She can’t imagine that either of them would lie about the incident but as Mara watches and listens, she’s able to uncover the truth.

Ashley Blake does a fantastic job covering some difficult issues including gender identity and rape.  As these topics touch the lives of family, friends and peers, the author shows the reaction and magnitude that they have on the individuals involved.

The night of the party, Mara saw her brother drunk with Hannah. Later that night, someone told Mara that they saw Owen and Hannah together and they seemed fine.  Owen claims now that what happened that night, was a misunderstanding and things between Hannah and him weren’t fine that night. Mara’s thoughts were like a swing, as she goes back-and-forth between believing in what her brother says and accepting what Hannah says was the real story. 

Her parents believe Owen’s version of the story and they tried to use family pressure to persuade Mara.  I liked how serious Mara felt about the situation as things around her began to close in. I liked the character of Alex for he felt as confused as Mara but for different reasons.  This was a great novel that I highly recommend if you like to read these types of novels. 4.5 stars

In the dark

The room went black.  The lights had gone out and I still couldn’t pull myself out of the car.  It was those pauses that occurred when he spoke, his voice which sounded so young and innocent and his honesty which touched everything that he looked at.   

I am loving this novel and I’m so glad that I am listening to it on audio.

I am the person laughing behind the wheel and miles later, there are tears sliding down my cheeks, and I find myself finishing each post with him……”Love, Charlie “

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