Books, Movies, and Chinese Food

I am a huge Beatles fan. They've been my favorite band since The Beatles Anthology came out when I was in 7th grade. I've endured lots of teasing for liking a band that's been around for over 40 years but I don't care. The Beatles are the ones that shaped all types of music to the way they are today. Anywho so I picked up this documentary because it's about a former Beatle. I figured this would be a political movie and I knew he was very into the peace movement but I didn't really know the whole story. I learned a lot of stuff while watching this movie. Many other biographies and movies about John Lennon gloss over or completely omit his political movements. For someone who was not from our country, he was very passionate about what he believed in. I didn't realize how much the US government was afraid of him and how they tried to get him kicked out of the country. You don't think about it when you see John as the moptop Beatle from the 60s who...

I'm giving away a brand new copy of today's book! Leave a comment with your email address so I can contact you if you win. I'll pick a name and announce the winner on Wednesday, July 4th. Good luck! This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing THE DIVINE APPOINTMENT (Howard Books June 5, 2007) by Jerome Teel ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jerome Teel is a graduate of Union University, where he received his JD, cum laude, from the Ole Miss School of Law. He is actively involved in his church, local charities, and youth sports. He has always loved legal-suspense novels and is a political junkie. He is also the author of The Election , another political thriller that we reviewed November of '06. Jerome and his wife, Jennifer, have three children...Brittney, Trey, and Matthew...and they reside in Tennessee where he practices law and is at work on a new novel. ABOUT THE BOOK: "They aren't hiding just one something, but a bunch of somethings..." Small tow...

The Cats Rule the House There's a cat show in town and Cleo's an entrant. Jacques is wondering why the judges just give him the prize automatically. Kate is trying to juggle between relationships with Bev and Jake. Jake is now guardian to his best friend's estranged rebel daughter. Ocie has become a Christian and is eager to tell the world about it. Rhiannon's grandfather is very ill and needs a new heart. In the midst of all this, with the cat show in the background, someone keeps stealing all the cats! Ok the last time I reviewed a book in this series, my main gripe was that Jake was an annoying character. He was very chauvinist, rude and insensitive. He would always look down on others for not agreeing with him and pretty much keep making snide remarks at Kate. However in this book, he lessens up on all that almost making him likable. He finally comes through in this book with not being snobby, controlling or forcing others to give up non quality food. I re...

Christian Mom Selling Thongs? Heidi Elliot needs something to do. After taking off from work staying at home to be with her young daughter, she's starting to feel restless. Her husband, Jake, seems to be a bit on the worrisome side involving the families income plus the two have now decided it's time for another baby. So when during her Strut and Stroll class Heidi meets Kylie who tells her about a business opportunity she can do, she's all ears. All she has to do is sell lingerie to Christian women. This sound intriguing and something that Heidi would be good at. But will she give up her SAHM ways for the lure of the money making world? I really enjoyed this book. This wasn't your typical Christian fiction mom lit book. For one, Heidi is a new Christian who is still learning the ropes about her new faith. Therefore she still would question ideas about Christianity which I found perfectly realistic. She also has issues with other Christians who try to act too p...

This month the rules stated that two people had to read a book. So I got the boyfriend to join along with me. He chose a non fiction book, while I went with a mom-lit type. So two different types of book for this challenge. Here is his book: 1. Title 90 Minutes in Heaven 2. Author Don Piper with Cecil Murphey 3. Copyright 2004, Don Piper/Revell Publishing 4. How long was the book languishing in your TBR pile? 2 Weeks 5. What made you buy/borrow the book in the first place? Referrals from Friends/Relatives 6. What were your thoughts on the story? The story was very heart-warming, comforting, and offers hope to everyone who doubts the existence of heaven and the afterlife. This story reaffirms my belief in the afterlife and being welcomed into heaven by our loved ones. The author of the story is a Baptist Minister, in which experiences a horrific traffic accident; is pronounced dead by EMT’s on the scene for 90 minutes, and is brought b...

Quilted With Love The town of Maintown is all abuzz when there's news of the new minister arriving in town. Even better, he's young and single! The young women of the town (and their mothers) are gearing up to present with a quilt, showcasing the talent of potential wives. Sisters Maggie and Ellie are among those in the chase to make their mark of impression on the quilt for the new preacher. When he finally arrives in town, he's everything they wished for and more! However to Ellie, there's something not quite right about the new minister. What secrets are he hiding? What girl will win his heart? I learned tons about quilting while reading this book. Quilting bees were huge social events that many women in town looked forward too. This was a time to get together for talk and friendship. I didn't realize exactly how important it was to be able to make such intricate squares for the quilt. I'll never take a quilt for granted again! I liked reading about a...

Well all good things must come to an end. And the Spring Reading Challenge is now over. How'd I do? Well I read all the books (31) on my list (minus one exception) PLUS 17 more for a grand total of 50 books in 3 months !!!!! Here's a list of the books I read: Miss Invisible by Laura Jensen Walker The Perfect Match by Susan May Warren Scenes from a Holiday by Laurie Graff, Carrie Lissner, and Melanie Murray Moonglow by Peggy Darty Confessions of an Ex-Girlfriend by Lynda Curnyan A Dime a Dozen by Mindy Starns Clark A Time to Love by Al and Joanna Lacy Promises by Peggy Darty See Jane Date by Melissa Senate Tangled Web by Shirley Brinkerhoff Stealing Adda by Tamara Leigh Courting Trouble by Deeane Gist A Quarter for a Kiss by Mindy Starns Clark Denim Blue by Melody Carlson When the Storm Breaks by Bonnie Leon Love Me If You Must by Nicole Young Something Beyond the Sky by Siri Mitchell Death of a Garage Sale Newbie by Sharon Dunn Kingdom Come by Tim LaHaye & Jerry Jenkins...

Well it's that time of the year again! Katrina at Callapidder Days is issuing out the command to get our reading lists out and done! "I can't wait to see what everyone will be reading this spring. Whether you're reading for fun, for inspiration, for learning, or just to force yourself to finish up those half-read books, I hope you enjoy every page!" So without further adieu is here is my list for the challenge! (I will be having reviews for most of the books up on my blog once I am finished with the book, so this is a preview of what is to come for the next few months). Note: These are all my library books, which means these MUST be read by the end of the challenge or face the wrath of fines! I haven't listed books I own because I don't know if I'll get around to them, but they might pop up at the end of the challenge on my list. FINISHED!!!!! Miss Invisible by Laura Jensen Walker The Perfect Match by Susan May ...

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing RELUCTANT RUNAWAY (Multnomah, March 2007) by Jill Nelson ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jill Elizabeth Nelson is a member of the CFBA. Her blog, Artistic Blogger , addresses issues about art, art theft, antiquities preservation, and the art of fiction writing. She takes art seriously - when she's not having fun with it, that is. The To Catch a Thief Series combines her love of the written word with her love of other art forms. The first in the series was Reluctant Burglar , second is Reluctant Runaway . In January 2008, she will reveal the third book, Reluctant Smuggler . Jill is thrilled if the adventures that spill from her imagination can raise awareness about art theft - deemed "a looming criminal enterprise" by the FBI. Jill and her husband, Doug, have four children and live in Minnesota. ABOUT THE BOOK: Stolen Indian artifacts… A murdered museum guard … A missing woman… A baby in danger … Only Desiree can unearth th...

Lights, Camera, Meow! A movie is being filmed in White Sands and Kate, Jake, Jeremy and the cats are all involved! They soon find out that the Hollywood lifestyle isn't all that it's cracked up to be. When the acting double of an old flame of Jake's turns up dead, everyone's a suspect. From the nasty producer that everyone hates to the costar to wants a bigger role to even Jake himself, the small town becomes shaken by the murder. But when a second killing happens just days later, the only ones who can solve the case have four paws and a tail. It's up to Jacques and Cleo to come to the rescue again! I thought that this book was lots better than the first book in the series. The cats get more talking time and a bigger role in this book. They even get to star in the movie! I liked how Jacques and Cleo have more conversations and more opinions on their owners. I think that they are smarter than Kate and Jake in regards to their relationship. There are more new...

Cat lovers unite! Kate and her son Jeremy have discovered they have inherited a house in White Sands, Alabama which would mean a better life for the two of them. The catch is they have to share the house with another person plus take care of the many animals that already live there. Jake's not too thrilled about sharing the house with Kate and Jeremy plus their two cats Jacques the Ripper and Cleo. He doesn't like animals period and the cats share his same affection about them. The trio begin to adapt their new life together where all seems to be going well at first. Then a murder happens that affects them and it's up to the cats to save the day to find the killer. This is a new genre for Morris, he's written several mysteries before but none quite like this. What I found very different about this book was the use of pop culture and modern slang. I never would have thought I would have read the words Dr. Dre or 50 Cent in a Gilbert Morris book! Kate's and Ja...

PLEASE VOTE FOR ME!!!!! (Click above link) This is my entry for the photo contest from Write from Karen . My sister received a stuffed pug for Christmas. Everyone would mistake the stuffed pug for the real pug if you gave it one glance. We placed the pug outside the door of where my boyfriend was sleeping when he came to visit our family. We were hoping that when he woke up, being all groggy he'd think the real pug was outside his door. To our delight the real pug went and sat next to the stuffed pug and both waited for him to get up. It makes for a cute pic at least.

Congrats to all the winners! Please check back for more book giveaways this summer (yes that's plural!) Congrats to Ingrid for winning a copy of Fair Game by Carol Cox! Congrats to Cheryl for winning a copy of Bygones by Kim Vogel Sawyer! Congrats to Debi ( twiga92 ) for winning a copy of Gone With the Groom by Janice A Thompson! Congrats to Peggy for winning a copy of Veil of Fire by Marlo Schalesky! Congrats to Patty for winning a copy of Crime and Clutter by Cyndy Salzmann!

The Shrek trilogy is one of the most popular movies with all age groups. Kids love the talking ogres and animals. Adults love the in jokes and pop culture references that go right over the kids heads. 2007 is also the summer of 3-quels (Spiderman, Pirates, Shrek, Bourne Ultimatium not to mention Harry Potter, Fantastic Four, Die Hard 4) I chose to see Shrek because Pirates hadn't come yet at the time and I refuse to see Spiderman thanks to my Kirsten Dunst boycott (although Tobey Maguire AND Topher Grace in the same movie is very tempting). The third movie deals with Shrek and the possibility of becoming a dad mixed with Prince Charming taking revenge and taking hostage of the kingdom of Far Far Away. Shrek plus buddies must find the next heir to rule the kingdom. I like how Shrek is worried about how he's going to be as a dad. I really did like how he and Fiona's dad made up in the end and her dad called him son. Quite touching actually. I felt that Fiona wasn't...

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing As I Have Loved You (Revell June 1, 2007) by Nikki Arana ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Nikki Arana is an award-winning author of highly-acclaimed inspirational women's fiction who weaves today's social, political, and spiritual issues into her novels. She has received numerous awards, including the Excellence in Media 2007 Silver Angel Award for The Winds of Sonoma . The book was based on the true love story of how Nikki met her future husband Antonio as he was cleaning the stalls of her parents' Arabian horses. Nikki and Antonio have been married for over thirty years, have two grown sons, and live in Idaho. ABOUT THE BOOK: Contemporary Struggles... ...A Single Mom and College-Ages Son. Leigh Scott is a widowed, single mother who wants the best for her son Jeff. She would like him to graduate from college, land a secure job, and start a family. However, Jeff, who was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) at a yo...

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing DIVA NASHVEGAS (Thomas Nelson May 8, 2007) by Rachel Hauck ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Rachel is the author of many books. Her current release, Diva NashVegas is the second in a series which began with Lost in NashVegas . She is also a Blogger and a CFBA member! She lives in Florida with her husband. Visit her great profile and learn more. ABOUT THE BOOK: Even if you are not a lover of country music, you can enjoy this fun look at the Nashville entertainment industry. What do you do when the past you’ve been skirting shows up at your door with cameras rolling? Aubrey James ruled the charts as the queen of country for over a decade. She’d rocketed to fame in the shadow of her parents’ death-both of them pioneers in Gospel music. But while her public life, high profile romances, and fights with Music Row execs made for juicy tabloid headlines, the real and private Aubrey has remained a media mystery. When a former band member betrays A...

I'm happy to have here today Erynn Mangum , author of Miss Match . If you like chick lit, you'll love this book. I have a review of Miss Match of my blog, it is simply divine. And without further adieu, an interview with Erynn Mangum! 1. How did you get started into writing and why did you choose chick lit? I’ve been writing stories since I was tiny – I’d fill journals with almost every genre of writing possible! I didn’t think writing was ever something I could make a living at but my parents really encouraged me to pursue it after high school. I started taking courses from the Christian Writers Guild and learned so much! As for the chick-lit, I didn’t even know what it was when I started writing Miss Match . I just came home from a friend’s wedding and started typing! 2. How has your life changed since becoming a published author? It’s one of those weird things where it’s totally changed, but hasn’t at all. And I know that makes zero sense! It’s changed in that I...

Who says you can't go home again? Roxy wanted to make it big in the country music scene. She left her home and family on bad terms to become a music superstar, immersing herself in that lifestyle and falling away from the values she had been taught at home. Meanwhile back at home her older sister Elena has learned to come out of her sister's shadow and make a name for herself. She's finally at the place she's wanted to be, head of the family company and about to marry Wyatt, Roxy's ex boyfriend who's now planning on becoming a minister. Then Roxy shows up back home, unannounced telling everyone she's trying to change. Elena doesn't believe this and begins to doubt Roxy and her own self, to point where she drives even Wyatt away from her. It takes acceptance of God's grace for the family to become reunited once more. The story of the prodigal son is a familiar story to almost everyone, even if you didn't learn about it in Sunday School. I a...

I'm giving away a brand new copy of today's book! Leave a comment with your email address so I can contact you if you win. I'll pick a name and announce the winner on Wednesday, June 15. Good luck! “When life gets sticky, dip it in chocolate,” say the six feisty members of the Friday Afternoon Club (FAC) whom fans of Salzmann’s first book, Dying to Decorate (check out my review) , fell in love with. Luckily, the FAC always has plenty of chocolate on hand. At one meeting, the dog was poisoned with chocolate. (She survived, thankfully, although the carpet wasn't so fortunate.) Another time, they decided to highlight their own hair, resulting in pumpkin-colored stripes. But while carpets can be cleaned and hair color restored, this coming April, the FAC girls are about to find themselves in the middle of a sticky situation with ominous consequences. Club member Mary Alice keeps a perfect house, cooks perfect meals, and documents everything about her perfect world in he...