1. Heavenly Places by Kimberly Cash Tate
2. Faking Grace by Tamara Leigh
3. When the Soul Mends by Cindy Woodsmall
4. John 3:16 by Nancy Moser
5. Single Sashimi by Camy Tang
6. Hometown Favorite by
7. Goodbye Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson
8. The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner
9. Forsaken by James David Jordan
10. Rain Song by Alice Wisler
11. One Holy Night by Joan Shoup
12. White Christmas Pie by Wanda Brunstetter
13. Leave It To Chance by Sherri Sand

1. Easy Entertaining for Beginners by Patricia Mendez
2. The A,B,C's of Lighthearted Living by Dr. Maggie Mears
   
   

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....the 3rd annual

hosted by Katrina at Callapidder Days.

Click on the button for more details,
and start preparing your reading lists,
to be posted later this month.

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I haven't done a Booking Through Thursday topic in a LONG time.  But, this week's was easy, so I thought I'd participate:

It’s a holiday weekend here in the U.S., so let’s keep today’s question simple–
What are you reading? Anything special? Any particularly juicy summer reading?

I don't know if anyone noticed or not, but I removed the "on my nightstand" section from my sidebar.  I loved sharing my current reads with you, but I just do not have the time to keep up with it.  And, all my books later get featured on my blog anyway!  So, I liked this question, as I can share what I'm reading this week:

Sisterchicks Go Brit by Robin Jones Gunn ~ this is my first Sisterchicks book, but I've heard good things about them.  I'll be reviewing it on the 14th.

Love as a Way of Life by Gary Chapman ~ this is a "follow-up" to his Five Love Languages book, but actually it's more of a prerequisite.  I'll be reviewing it on the 16th, along with hosting a giveaway, so be sure to check back!

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I vaguely remember counting the days until spring would arrive.  Now, here we are, already, with summer starting tomorrow!  Wow~ where did the time go? 

It's time to wrap-up the Spring Reading Thing.  So, here goes:

• Of the 20 fiction books on my original list, I read 13.  Some of them I just couldn't get into, for various reasons.  BUT, I did read several other fiction books that weren't on the original list, so I'm sure I met my goal of 20 books there.
• Of the 4 non-fiction books on my original list, I confess, I only read 1 1/2.  Ugh!  I just am not as interested in non-fiction, I guess;  either that, or I have to be in "the mood".  I am using Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris with my Sunday School class right now and we are all really enjoying it. 
• I like the challenge because I love making lists and trying to accomplish my goals.  I'd like to say THANKS to Katrina for consistently putting these reading challenges together for us. 
• My favorite book from my Spring Reading Thing list was definitely Washington's Lady by Nancy Moser. I want to say that if I hadn't received this as a book to review, I might never have picked it up at a book store.  But, I'm so glad I got the opportunity to read this one~ I just loved it!  (Click on the link in my sidebar for the full review).
• I will definitely be looking forward to the Fall Reading challenge.

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TheRebelution.com is hosting an Amazon.com Book Bomb for Alex and Brett's new book Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations. On March 25th we're going to try and push it to the top of Amazon -- and we need your help!

Alex and Brett are two teen guys who care about our generation and want to see us living for the glory of God. This book is like a manifesto for the Rebelution movement!

This book has a message that teens need to hear. The book bomb is a great chance to get a copy for yourself (plus a few to give away) at a great price (can't beat Amazon!) and help get the book in front of thousands of new people -- all at the same time!

Also, for every copy of the book that people buy on Amazon.com on March 25th, Alex and Brett will be giving away copies to teens and ministries who can't afford them.

If you want to help out, go to TheRebelution.com and sign up with the number of books you plan to order on March 25th. Then help spread the word by sharing this email or putting up one of the ads on your blog or Myspace. We don't have much time!

P.S. One great idea some people have had is to see if you and some friends can order together. If you buy more than three, you get free shipping. You can also check and see if your church or youth group will buy some. Think outside the box!

THE AMAZON.COM BOOK BOMB
www.therebelution.com/dohardthings/book_bomb.php

FYI: I will be reviewing this book here on my blog on April 15th.  Also, watch for the first chapter to be posted here, as part of the non-FIRST tour, on May 15th.  I'm really excited about this book!

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This is my 2nd year to participate in the Spring Reading Thing hosted by Katrina at Callapidder Days.  I've finished up all the books I had on my Winter Reading Challenge list, so it's time to start thinking of my spring reading. 

I'm going to make my list just titles and authors for now.  I'll come back, as I read them, and add some brief thoughts and links to my reviews.  So, without further adieu, my Spring Reading Thing List:

FICTION:

1. Ryann Waters and the King's Sword by Eric Reinhold
2. When Zeffie Got a Clue by Peggy Darty
3. Trouble the Water by Nicole Seitz
4. My Soul to Keep by Melanie Wells
5. A Clearing in the Wild by Jane Kirkpatrick
6. A Tendering in the Storm by Jane Kirkpatrick
7. A Mending at the Edge by Jane Kirkpatrick
8. Winter Haven by Athol Dickson
9. Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson
10. Finding Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson
11. The Big Picture  by Jennie B. Jones
12. Healing Promises by Amy Wallce
13. Embrace Me by Lisa Samson
14. Ruby Among Us by Tina Ann Forkner
15. Pontius Pilate by Paul L. Maier
16. Dragon Light by Donita Pual
17. From a Distance by Tamera Alexander
18. I Heart Bloomberg by Melody Carlson
19. The Light Across the River by Stephanie Reed
20. Washington's Lady by Nancy Moser
    

NON-FICTION:

1. Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations by Alex & Brett Harris
2. Between Two Worlds by Mike Timmis
3. The Handbook for Discovering God's Will by Gordon Jackson
4. Exposing Darwinism's Weakest Link: Why Evolution Can't Explain Human Existence by Kenneth Pope

And that takes me through June 19th on my book calendar (I'm sure I'll have another review, or two, or three, to add.....)!  I better go get reading!
*If you've read books by any of the above authors, I'd love to hear your opinions.

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I've been tagged by my friend Isabelle.  Here are the rules for this tag:

1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages).
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people.

You're borrowing trouble, Des.  Geton with what you know to do.
She got her Palm Pilot from her laptop case and found Ramon Sanchez's cell number, then punched it in on her cordless phone.  Cell towers were down over a big area, but her house still had landline service.

*These lines are from the book Reluctant Smuggler by Jill Elizabeth Nelson.
It's laying on my computer desk, because I'm GIVING IT AWAY tomorrow!
If you're interested, leave a comment on this post.

*I'm not going to tag anyone specific for this one.  If you're reading it, and it sounds like fun to you, then GO FOR IT!  Let me know if you decide to share this tag on your blog.

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I want to preface this review by telling you a little story about "my friend".......
The other day, when she got her mail, there was a package there from Kregel Publishing.  She knew what was inside right away, so she quickly tore into it while her daughters were away at piano lessons.  Even though she knew that the contents of the package were probably more for her teenage daughter than for herself, she couldn't help it.  Not only is she rather nosey at times, but she was also excited to see the cover of the  book and read the summary on the back.
An hour later, when her daughters got home and her oldest daughter saw the book lying there beside the computer, she grabbed it up and exclaimed, "Oh, it came!  Yeah!"
Now, do you sense what may have happened next?  Mom and Daughter both excited about the same book and anxious to read it.  Could there possibly be a fight over this "Juvenille Fiction" book?! 
And, what exactly is this book that makes it so special?

Well, first of all, let me confess........
The woman in the above story is ME.
And the book is the newest book by my friend Susan Marlow (our own Suzy Scribbles)~ the third in the Circle C Adventure series~ Andrea Carter and the Family Secret.

Now, I'm sure you're wondering how this story is going to end and who got to read the book first, right?
Well, it just so happens that Ashley was invited to a friend's house after church yesterday.  And, despite the fact that I have quite a large stack of books laying here to be read and reviewed, I picked up THIS BOOK and started to read.
I finished it last night at 11:15.  Now, there's no need for a fight~ Ashley can have it! 

OK, I just have to tell you that when I read these  books, I feel like  a kid again.  I think it's fair to say that, despite the fact that the book cover suggests these books are "juvenille fiction", they're a fun read for anyone.  Andi Carter is so easy to relate to, and she's always got some amazing adventure going on~ if I were 12, I'd want to BE Andi!  (Much like when I WAS 12 and I wanted to be Trixie Beldon!)

In this particular adventure, not only does Andi find a mysterious, half-dead man on her family's property, but she also comes face to face with a family secret that is quite a shock and causes many different emotions.  As the story plays out and the two scenarios intertwine, you'll find yourself cheering for Andi, and  turning page after page until you get to the, always exciting, climax of the story. 

I've told Susan this before, but I have to share how much I enjoy her books!  She brings Andi Carter to life.  And, I love the way she leaves me hanging at the end of each chapter.  There is NO WAY you cannot start a new chapter.  For me, I just have to keep reading 'til the end!
 
Have you introduced your kids (or yourself) to the Andrea Carter books yet?  If not, you're truly missing out.    Andi is a great role model for kids, and you can trust that
they're reading something quality and clean.

If you and/or your kids have read the first two books, you'll want to be sure to check out the newest book in the series~ you won't be disappointed!  I'm already getting excited for book #4.

These books are available at all the usual places~ Amazon.com, Christianbook.com, barnesandnoble.com~ as well as from the publisher and right here at the TOS Homeschool Store. 

Here's a little preview of Andrea Carter and the Family Secret:

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Last week, as part of my Winter Reading Challenge post, I shared my "issues" with reading through the book Captivating.  I *want* to read the book;  but the problem is that when I have a fiction book laying beside a non-fiction one, I'll almost always gravitate toward the fiction book!  So, when I saw that Lisa Whelchel had chosen Captivating as the featured book in her Mom Time Book Club, I decided to join.  Misery loves company  No, that's not it at all~ I just need someone to be accountable too.  I know there's alot of good in this book;  and after getting a few chapters into it, I wished I had taken a highlighter to bed with me!  So, this will give me a chance to start over~ with my highlighter, this time.

I'll share the e-mail I got from Lisa this morning, in case any of the rest of you would be interested in participating:

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You all know me by now~ I LOVE TO READ!  So, when I saw that Trish over at A Joyful Heart was hosting this Winter Reading Challenge, I really had no choice but to participate.  I'm going to be reading anyway, so I might as well set some goals for myself.  Most of my reading revolves around my reviews.  Here's my list of books to be read before March 17th (when the challenge closes):

1. Captivating by John & Staci Eldredge~ seriously, how long has this book been "on my nightstand"?!  I really do pick it up and read parts of it here and there~ I promise!  I just can't seem to read through it.  The truth of the matter is that I'll always pick a fiction book over non-fiction.  When I saw that Lisa Whelchel was using this book for her latest Mom Time Book Club, I decided to join in~ maybe I'll actually get it finished! *I took this book off "my nightstand" here on my blog.  I'm feeling overwhelmed with all my reading and reviewing and something just had to go.  I know I'll actually sit down and finish this book sometime, but now isn't the time.
2. Masterpiece of Joy by Bobbi Grubb~ this is my current read.  I'm about 1/2 way through this book where Bobbi shares her adoption story.  Watch my blog for an up-and-coming review of this book. *I finished this book and posted a review here.
3. 101 Cups of Water by C.D.Baker~ this book is a devotional-type book.  I'm reading through it and will be featuring a review as well as a few words from the author and a book giveaway on my blog on Monday, January 21st.  You may have heard this book promoted on your local radio station~ if so, be sure to come back here and sign up for your chance to win a copy! *another book finished~ go here for the giveaway information~ entries accepted through 1/22.
4. Sisters, Ink by Rebeca Seitz~ I'm really excited about this  book as it just looks plain fun!  The cover appeals to me as it reminds me of a scrapbook page~ done up in shades of brown, light blue, and lime green.  Doesn't that just scream fun to you?!  Check back on February 1st~ I'll be posting the first chapter here on my blog~ with a review to follow on the 6th. *finished this one~ watch for the review on February 6th.
5. Healing Stones by Stephen Arterburn & Nancy Rue~ I've been familiar with Nancy Rue's books for the teen set, but haven't read anything she's written for adults~ I'm anxious to read this book, which is #1 in a series called Sullivan Crisp.  I'll share my thoughts on this one on February 11th.  *this was an excellent book!  I posted a review on February 11th.
6. Stuck in the Middle by Virginia Smith~ I recently read another of Virginia's book and enjoyed it, so I'm looking forward to this one too.  Check back on February 27th for my thoughts and more information about this  book.  *this book will be the CFBA featured book TOMORROW, so watch for it. 
7. The Middle Place  by Kelly Corrigan~ this book is a memoir, mostly about being in that place where you're a parent and a child at the same time.  This one looks like it could be a tear-jerker.  I'll be sharing my thoughts on this one~ just haven't set a date in stone yet. *I'm sorry to report that I didn't like this book, so I didn't finish it!  I did post my thoughts on it here on my blog.  I ended up giving it away on Bookmooch. 
8. The Restorer by Sharon Hinck~ ok, this one might be a hard read for me, so don't hate me if I can't get through it~ remember; me and fantasy don't always mix too well~ but, alas, I am determined to try!  If you love fantasy, check back on March 1st for the first chapter of this book.  *I'm crossing this one off even though I didn't read it.  I did post the first chapter of this one on March 1st (but the book came late and I didn't have time to read it before that time).
9. Only Uni by Camy Tang~ I'm anxious to read the 2nd installment in Camy's Sushi for One series. Not only will I be sharing my thoughts on this book on March 15th, but Camy has agreed to do a Guest Blog Spot here on my blog in honor of my birthday~ March 20th, which just so happens to also be the first day of spring!  I'm sure she'll come up with something clever and fun, so be sure to come and visit that day!  Maybe I'll even have a birthday gift to give away to my readers!    *this was a great follow up to Camy's first book Sushi for One.  I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to Camy's guest post here on my blog~ less than a month away!
10. Truffles by the Sea by Julie Carobini~ this one looks like another very fun book!  Anything involving the beach and chocolate has got to be a good read!  I'll be sure to let you know my thoughts on March 5th. *I just finished this one the other night.  Very good.  I have my thoughts saved in draft form~ come back to read them on the 5th!
11. The Perfect Life by Robin Lee Hatcher~ I always enjoy Robin's books and this one looks like it will be another good one.  Wanna know more?  Check back on March 10th.  *Excellent book~ review was posted on March 10th, along with a fun interview with the author.
12. Sweet Caroline by Rachel Hauck~ for now, I'll call this the "last book" in my Winter Reading Challenge, and I'll share my thoughts on March 12th.  *Review was posted~ I enjoyed this book also.
13. Death of a Six-Foot Teddy Bear by Sharon Dunn~ book tour and giveaway coming on February 18th *OK, this book wasn't really what I expected.  I shared my thoughts, along with a contest on the 18th~ only one person signed up~ nobody must have been too attracted to this one! 
14. Closer Than Your Skin by Susan D. Hill~ book tour and giveaway coming on February 25th *this was a really good book.  I would encourage anyone reading this post to go and sign up for my giveaway~ you have until Thursday morning to sign up~ I have 2 copies to give away!
15. The Next Level by David Gregory~  I finished this one in just one day.  I'll be sharing my thoughts and  giving away 1 copy on March 10th.  Be sure to check  back!
16. Lucky Foot Stables Series (books 1-3) by JoAnn S. Dawson~ I received these  books for review and also got an extra set to give away during my upcoming COUNTDOWN TO SPRING CONTEST.  Check back for the details in March (next week!)  Gracie and I are reading through these together during our school reading time.  *Gracie and I finished the first book in this series and have started on the second one.  Review to be posted today, or sometime this week.

And, I'm thinking that will be quite enough to keep me busy for the winter.  If not, I have some other books on my shelf that are waiting to be read.  If I get to any of them, I'll be sure to come back and edit this list.  Sometime, on or before March 17th, I'll share my final thoughts on the challenge. 

Edited 1/20/08~ I have a few more books to add to this list.   I'm going to cross out the ones that I've finished since posting this, and add comments. 

Edited 2/26/08~ I have more books to cross off~ and a few more to add.  Wow, I'm really doing quite well with the Winter Challenge!  So many books, so little time!

Edited 3/17/08~ As the Winter Reading Challenge comes to a close, I wanted to take one last time to update my list.  I pretty much met my goal of reading all the books on my list for winter.  Now, it's time to be starting my list for Spring!

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