Book Reviews & My Favorite Book Ever

It has been awhile since I recommended any new books, the truth is I haven't read a ton of great one's lately with the exception of these three.

This book is a true story about one of the most amazing men in history.  No, he isn't particularly famous but he survived one of the most horrific experiences during WWII and this is his story.  It is unbelievable and inspiring.  Loved it!

This book is not new (notice the 35th Anniversary Edition on the front) and it had been on my MUST READ list for a very long time and finally I got around to it.  Again it is the true story of a Dutch woman who worked to help Jews in Holland during WWII.  This is such a faith promoting book and an amazing reminder that if we look hard enough, we can see Heavenly Father's tender mercies even in the darkest of places and most troubling of days.

5 STARS

DRUMROLL please.  Here it is my favorite book of all time.  I think it even knocked out Pride & Prejudice.  I know that is almost blasphemous, but this is an amazingly romantic, heart wrenching read.  Set in England during WWI.  Yeah, I am not sure what the WW theme is all about for me, but if you like Downton Abbey this is a very similar setting, but the hero and heroine are even more endearing than Matthew and Lady Mary. Again, blasphemous right.  It takes a little time to become enthralled but trust me stick with it and read this book. Also, if you hate it, well, don't tell me because I might not like you as much anymore. Warning: It is little bit sexy-nothing graphic-but it is there.

Inspiration

I started reading Stephanie Nielson's blog years ago when we first moved to Arizona. I had a friend who knew her and she was my first introduction to the blogosphere.  She was beautiful and inspiring then but nothing compares to how beautiful and inspiring she has become.  In 2008 she was in a horrific plane crash with her husband where she was burned over 80% of her body. This book is a chronology of her journey before, during, and after the crash.  You will cry with each turn of the page and you will walk away from this book a better person for getting to know this amazing woman. You will also gain a different perspective on what true beauty really is.  This should be required reading for every mother and woman in the world.

 20 Million Stars out of 5!!!

BOOKS!!!

 Here are some book reviews you might be interested in adding to your summer reading list!

This is a great book about the horrors of the Holocaust. A must read!

5 out of 5 Stars

Loved this simple romance.  If your are a fan of Jane Austen this is a must read!

 5 Stars

If you are a Jane Austin purist or dislike the idea of Elizabeth fighting Zombies DO NOT READ this book. If you think it might be funny to see Elizabeth and Darcy in a different light, as ninja zombie warriors, than you might get a kick out of this book. 

3 Stars

This is a fabulous book written about the last two weeks of Lincoln's life as it parallels the plans of John Wilkes Booth.  I absolutely could not put it down!

5 stars

These books have been around for awhile, but I was very reluctant to read them lest I betray my beloved Harry Potter. But, I finished the series several months ago and they were surprisingly excellent. That is coming from someone who, with the exception of Harry Potter, is not that into fantasy. (Disclaimer: I hated Hunger Games)  If you are looking for something else to read to your kids, something for them to read, or something for yourself, you cannot go wrong with these books.

5 Stars!

The only Nicholas Sparks book I have ever previously read is The Notebook, but since I think Zac Efron is lovely and he is going to be starring in this book made into a movie I had to read the novel. I enjoyed it, mostly because I could imagine the main character as Zac Efron!

4 Stars

You ever pick up a book because it has been highly praised and you really want to love it, but you just don't? That is how this book was for me!  The premise was really intriguing and the historical value was fascinating. I just could have used a lot less of each generation's promiscuity. It added nothing to the storyline.

3 Stars

If you want to read something more than brain candy and would like to learn something about history, engineering, government, and economics-this book is a must read.  It is a little heavy with information and is something that should be ingested in small bites or you will be easily bored. That being said,  David McCollough is a master of historical writing and I learned a ton.

4 Stars

My boys love these books about a boy who is terrified of everything!
5 Stars

For the wee ones! Harley saw a friend at church looking at this book. She went crazy for it!  It is absolutely adorable complete with tail wagging and dog pee! Every little girl's dream

5 Stars