Book Review: Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs

Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Werewolves, vampires, and fae, OH MY!!! This is the third book in the Mercy Thompson series and this one featured the story of the fae. Iron Kissed starts out pretty intense and doesn't let up until the end!! I'm not sure this is my favorite of the series but out of the three it's in the top 2.



I learned so much more about fae during the reading of this book!! They seem to be such fun creatures. If I had to pick between being a werewolf, vampire, or fae, I think I'd pick fae so I could be G-L-A-M-O-R-OUS whenever I wanted to be!!!



Patricia Briggs has written one more book in this series called Bone Crossed. It is my next book to read. After that I'm going to take a break from the mystical world and settle in with some of the other books stacking up around me. I like to keep my reading varied and I have some really good books that keep begging my attention. If you don't attend to them, they just might turn on you!!! LOL


View all my reviews.

My other reviews of the other books in this series: Moon Called, Blood Bound

Wonderful Women Wednesday

Today's wonderful woman is known as Kayla H. Kayla is a former student of mine, as of Friday, May 22. This young lady totally amazes me. She helped me to organize 5 blood drives this school year and played a huge part in running them. As a result, she won a scholarship from the American Red Cross! Kayla has been my right hand for the past couple of years at school. She is also the first student that I have taught all 4 years of high school (this was my 4th year teaching). When we started the CNA program, I didn't think I'd see a CNA so soon, but Kayla is the first student from our high school to become a certified nursing assistant.

I can't even begin to tell you how proud of this young woman that I am. She has faced many obstacles in the four years I have known her, but she has met everyone of them head on and survived. She has an adorable daughter who is 2 and the highlight of her life. She is one of the few teenage moms who's been able to "pull it off" and stay in school. Kayla plans on starting her nursing career this fall at a local community college.

Kayla if you read this (and I hope you do!) I wish you all the luck in the world. You are more than deserving of my "Wonderful Women" award for this week along with the other blessings that will fall your way throughout life!!!

Teaser Tuesday-Late Edition

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read.Let the book fall open to a random page.

Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Please avoid spoilers!

"I will be. I'm a legacy," Missy said. Like, duh. "Both my mother and my sister lived in Billings." Okay, Now I hated her more. The fact taht someone like that could just have something like Billings handed to her just illustrated that everything was wrong with the world.

Private by Kate Brian

I knew nothing of this book until I was cleaning my classroom out for the summer. One of my students must have left it. It's actually a series of books for young adults, grades 8 and up. It peaked my interest enough to look it up on Amazon.com and I might just start reading it, unless of course, my student comes back to claim it.

I apologize for this week's entry being late. I've been a little under the weather.

Mailbox Monday!

While the mail doesn't run today, I was blessed to have the following fill up my mailbox this week...

1. Sunsets by Robin Jones Gunn
2. Whispers by Robin Jones Gunn
3. Clouds by Robin Jones Gunn
4. Waterfalls by Robin Jones Gunn
5. Echoes by Robin Jones Gunn
6. Remembered by Tamera Alexander
7. Revealed by Tamera Alexander

My to-be-read list just became 7 books longer but I have so much to look forward to reading. I have a small stack forming on my bedside table and my dear daughter just added two more to it last night. Looks like I'll have a great summer lost in various exotic places (hey, it's exotic if it's outside of my home!!!)

How about you? What's in your mailbox?

Sunday Sillies

The correct way to weigh yourself:

I can't believe I was doing it wrong all these years. WE MUST SPREAD THE WORD.

Book Review: Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs

Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Blood Bound is the second book in the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. I, by far, enjoyed this book so much more than the first Moon Called. There was more action (mainly with the vampires this time and I'm more of vampire than werewolf fan), a twist in the love interests of various characters in this book, and it had me hooked from the very beginning.



I am still in love with the fact that their are some non-traditional roles highlighted in this book. Mercy is an auto mechanic amongst other things. Not many authors highlight non-traditional careers. This is one thing that drew me into this series. I also love the very vivid descriptions about vampires and werewolves that are used in this book. I feel as though I'm there, smelling the smells, hearing the screams, and that I'm in the thick of things.



I do not envy Mercy in this book as I did in the first one. She has far too many issues for me to deal with. As far as her choice for lovers go, I can't decide who I'd rather see her with. I also have a few more in mind than possibly the author is alluding to so please don't assume I've narrowed it down to two!! :)



My only real *complaint* about this series is that the book covers don't seem to match up with Mercy's character. The covers look a bit, umm...slutty but I don't get that vibe from Mercy in these books. We know she does have a tat on her stomach but other than that, there is no mention of these others that the covers are depicting. Truthfully, had this book not been practically forced in my face by a student, I probably would have never picked it up to read based on the cover. This just goes to show that you really can't always judge a book by it's cover!!



I now look forward to reading the next book in this series Iron Kissed!!


View all my reviews.

Wonderful Women Wednesday

Today's Wonderful Woman is an absolute gem!! I think the world of Dortha Wedeking! She is like an adopted grandmother to me. Growing up, I wasn't all that close to her but as I got older, I started "hanging out" with her. She has grandchildren around my age and her own children are more like older sisters to me. Dortha has been one of the most influential, positive women in my life. When I moved 500 miles away to go to college, Dortha moved back to her hometown area which is in the same vicinity of where I went to college. When times were tough for me, I'd go to her home for dinner or just go over for a visit. When times were even tougher and I had nowhere to live, this gracious woman opened up her home to me. I truly owe her for the lessons that she has taught me throughout life. She is a wonderful example of a Proverbs 31 woman and I can't thank her enough for showing me how a Christian woman should act and be.

It's been quite some time since I've seen Dortha but I'm hoping to be able to see her soon! I hope you have a wonderful woman who can influence you in the positive ways that "Grandma Dortha" has been to me!

Teaser Tuesday

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read.

Let the book fall open to a random page.

Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Please avoid spoilers!

"I watch Julian laughing at something Hillary just said, leaning toward her. Nobody would ever guess that they only met a week ago. Their interaction is fluid and natural, and she is doing none of the things that women do in the new stages of a relationship. She asks him twice if she has spinach in her teeth and she eats every last bit of her pasta, then insists that we order dessert."

Taken from "Something Borrowed" by emily griffin

Lean in 13: Days 5-10

Hmmm...something happened here because I thought I had posted an update on Monday. With all the computer problems I'm having, I'm not surprised though. :(

The past 5 days have not gone as well as I would have hoped for. I have been under a lot of stress lately and I am a stress eater. It's not been horrible, just not as good as I wanted. I have gained another pound back but I can get it off again with the water I've been drinking.

I'm not discouraged because I know that this is only 13 days long. I will start it again and keep on being persistent. School is out in 3 days and my summer starts June 2 so I will restart then. It will be time to do another cleanse, which will better prepare my body to handle Lean in 13. I will still post the "final results" of this Lean in 13 and continue to update my progress.

Weight loss is something that does not come easily for most people. It takes a lot of encouragement and persistence. I will have much more time to devote to weight loss during my summer months.

Until then...

Mailbox Monday

It's time for Mailbox Monday!

The mail carrier on my route is either too busy to deliver books or I really did just get one this week! It's "Arkansas" by Christine Lynxwiler. I've never read anything by this author before, however she comes highly recommended.

My TBR list just keeps getting longer. I have a student who keeps me in steady supply of books to read, along with my daughter, Goodreads, eBay, and a few publishers. I look forward to having more time to read this summer (which starts June 2 for me!)!!

Lean in 13: Day 4

Wow...I'm so proud of myself for sticking to this for this length of time. I feel better today than I have in awhile. The only exception to that is lack of sleep!!

I'm really thinking that I could turn this 13 day program into a lifestyle change...I'm modifying it some so while some may be doing the "real deal" according to the paperwork, I'm still proud of my progress. I can feel the abs tightening up, the weight coming off (even though I gained a small amount of weight since yesterday, I still feel great...it might be muscle weight...won't know until I measure on day 14).

My workouts are becoming more manageable and my soreness is diminishing. I am finding it hard to fit some of the components of this program into my super busy life right now. The hardest part is exercising. I managed to fit in 30 minutes before "Smallville" and "Supernatural" came on though! LOL

Until tomorrow...I remain leaner than four days ago!!!

Lean in 13: Day 3

If I can survive the first three days, I can do ANYTHING!!! This is the longest I have ever stuck with the Lean in 13 program. I know....I'm a wimp, non-committal, whatever you want to call it. There is a *HUGE* difference this time....I have a TON of support!!

So, last night's jaunt to El Charro's was not wise. I gained 1.8 pounds. Oh well, to me it was worth a little bit of cheese dip. That just means I have to work harder for the remaining 10 days.

Did I mention working harder? Have you ever tried to move your body when you can actually feel where every single muscle is?!?!? So, I can barely walk today but me and Jillian worked out when I got home from work (which btw was after 7 pm...missed church...me not happy!). While I hurt from the workout on Monday, it felt so incredible to work out tonight!! I feel so much better!! Who knows, me and Jill might actually form a friendship of sorts...albeit a volatile one at times!!

I look forward to tomorrow...it's "refuel" day...which means FRUIT!!! I've missed having fruit lately. Now I just have to decide which fruit I want! :)

Until tomorrow...

Wonderful Women Wednesday

Today's Wonderful Woman is someone very near and dear to me. Francis Briney, affectionately known by multiple members of my family as "Aunt Faffy" has played a huge role in my life. Aunt Faffy and her husband "Uncle Ralph" lived "up the sidewalk" from my maternal grandparents. Everytime we went to my grandparent's home, we also saw them. I am not sure just how the whole "Aunt and Uncle" routine got started, but I know that my mom and her brother and sisters have always referred to them as that.

Aunt Faffy had this house that had that smell. You know the one I'm talking about...old person smell with a mixture of downhome freshness after a batch of baked chocolate chip cookies. I mean no disrespect by this...it's just one of the things I remember most about her house. I loved going to see her and her dog. She taught me a few things about life (especially boys!!) and she was always encouraging me to pursue my singing career.

The last time I saw Aunt Faffy was on my wedding day. I wish I had the picture to put on here but I can't put my fingers on it at the moment. I was so thrilled to have her as an honored guest at my wedding. That just meant the world to me!! She passed away recently, but not before losing a granddaughter and daughter-in-law to cancer. She is still an inspiration to me today. I miss those Saturdays 'down on the farm".

Lean in 13: Day 2

Well, today was a bit interesting. I did my vitamins like I was supposed to, had my shake for breakfast and had a salad for lunch. I drank 7 bottles of water (a little shy of yesterday). The bad thing was I went to eat Mexican for dinner. The cheese dip was just too tempting!!! It was nice to have dinner with a friend. It has been quite some time since I've been able to do that! I also didn't get my exercise in today as we had Honors Night at school for our 9-11 grades. I didn't get home until after 10:00 pm. I will just have to work harder tomorrow!!

On a good note, this morning when I weighed, I had lost 4.8 pounds from yesterday! I'm sure the majority of it was water weight but I'm excited. I'm not sure I'll see those results tomorrow, but I'm proud of what I've accomplished so far!!

Onward to day 3!!!

Teaser Tuesday!!

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read.

Let the book fall open to a random page.

Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Please avoid spoilers!

"Today was even more special than most. Megan had agreed to go beyond friendship. His feet barely touched the ground as he walked out to the end of the driveways to get the newspapers."

From: Arkansas by Christine Lynxwiler

Lean in 13: Day 1

I hope over the next 13 days to chronicle my journey through the Lean in 13 program by Advocare. Today is day 1 and I'm scheduled to end on May 23.

So, I had a good first day. I took my vitamins like I am supposed to, added a Slim, drank 7 bottles of water (not quite the required 1 1/2 gallons...but sheesh!! How can a teacher do this and still teach?!?!?!?), followed the "prescribed" diet plan for the day (with the exception of the muscle gain shake....wasn't hungry so didn't fix it), and then had a KILLER workout on the Wii with Jillian Michels. Man she's brutal!!

Starting out here are my current measurements (I'm being super brave here...but I want to see the differences just like you do!)

Neck: 14.5 inches
R Arm: 13.5 inches
L Arm: 13 inches
Chest: 42 inches
Waist: 41.5 inches
Hips: 45.5 inches
R Thigh: 21 inches
L Thigh: 21 inches
R Calf: 16 inches
L Calf: 16 inches
Weight: 182.8

I hope to see these number decrease in the next 13 days!! I'll keep you posted!!

Mailbox Monday!

It's time for Mailbox Monday!

I have received quite a few "new" reads this week. I am even more confused now as to what to read next!!! Maybe I'll just throw them into a pile on the floor and blindly pick one...unless someone has a good recommendation!!!

Here's the list...

1. Olivia's Touch by Peggy Stoks
2. Romy's Walk by Peggy Stoks
3. Elena's Song by Peggy Stoks
4. Woodlands by Robin Jones Gunn
5. Wildflowers by Robin Jones Gunn
6. The Inheritance by Tamera Alexander
7. The Secret by Beverly Lewis
8. Wagered Heart by Robin Hatcher
9. A Song for Silas by Lori Wick
10. The Long Road Home by Lori Wick
11. A Gathering of Memories by Lori Wick
12. A Place Called Home by Lori Wick
    

Happy Reading!!

The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen

The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
This has to be one of my most favorite books of all time! This was my first read by Julie Klassen and certainly won't be my last!

***I have amended this review based on the advice of a fellow reading friend***

This story is about Miss Lillian Haswell, the daughter of Charles Haswell, the town apothecary. From a young age, Miss Haswell learns how to concoct the potions for her father from their physic garden they grow. They are toted as being "miracle workers" for their prescriptions and mastery of the medicinal herbs they prescribe.

I really enjoy how the author quotes various remedies or sayings from some rather ancient apothecaries and their writings. This appealed to me, I'm sure, because of my nursing background.

I also thoroughly loved the descriptions of high life in London during this time period. The descriptions of the frocks made me want to jump into the book and be Lillian for a while.

I also enjoyed the love interests that popped up for various characters throughout this book. I am one to try to guess the ending, but I wouldn't have guessed it to end the way it did. Was the right choice made? I think so!

There are many twists and turns in this book that tempt the reader to continue turning pages no matter what 'real life' is presenting at the moment. This is definitely a book that will stay on my book shelves!!!


View all my reviews.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

I love you mom!! Happy Mother's Day to all the mother's out there!! You are all very special and deserve this wonderful day to honor you!!

For those of you who will be mom's in the next few months...it's your day too!!

Wonderful Women Wednesday

This week's "Wonderful Woman" is actually a bunch of wonderful women!! I'll never be able to name them all, so please know that if you are a nurse or a teacher, I think *YOU* are a wonderful woman!!

This week is National Teacher's Week as well as National Nurses Week. Today is Teacher's Day and Nurse's Day. Both of these professions are near and dear to my heart, as I am a registered nurse and a teacher.

Be sure to thank and honor the teacher and/or nurse in your life. They put their best foot forward daily to ensure a better tomorrow!

Teaser Tuesday

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read.

Let the book fall open to a random page.

Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Please avoid spoilers!

"What is it you have, Miss Mary?" Mr. Shuttleworth asked eagerly.

Lilly sent him a warming look, but the man apparently did not notice or understand for his long-toothed smile did not waver.

Taken from page 270 of "The Apothecary's Daughter" by Julie Klassen

Mailbox Monday

It's time for Mailbox Monday! I'm a little late posting but here's what has come for me...

Scrapping Plans by Rebeca Seitz

I've never read anything by Rebeca Seitz before and since this is a book in a series, I'm wondering if I should read the first two before reading this one? Your input would be most appreciated.

I have several more books on the way as I've been shopping lately. With summer coming up, I will need some good hearty reads!!

What am I reading right now? I'm thoroughly enjoying "The Apothecary's Daughter" by Julie Klassen. Look for my review on here in the next few days!

Happy Reading!!

A Little Bit Wicked: Life, Love, and Faith in Stages by Kristin Chenoweth

A Little Bit Wicked: Life, Love, and Faith in Stages by Kristin Chenoweth

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
WoW!!!! Witty!! Whimsical!! Wicked!?!?! I absolutely loved this book from first page to last! I read this book in about 6 hours time and hated putting it down for a much needed nap. This is a short synopsis of the life of Kristin Chenoweth. As a lover of theatre and musical production, I really appreciated the "insiders view" of life in the limelight. Kristin's wit and humor kept me entertained, yet she let's her readers know that life isn't always a bowl of cherries. I have an even greater appreciation for theater now and I'm glad she shared the "secret" to Elphaba's 'Defying Gravity' flying scene. Having seen "Wicked" twice, I still find it amazing the things that are done these days!



Life as Chenorkin? Keep us posted please!


View all my reviews.

Review: Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love the diversity in this book!!! You meet Mercedes Thompson, who is a female auto mechanic and shape shifter, and then all the different beings around here...werewolves, vampires, fairies, and witches.



Mercy, as she prefers to go by, runs an auto repair shop on her own but needs some help. A young man, more than likely a runaway, comes to her and she offers him a job. He's just not normal though. "Mac" is very mysterious in his ways but Mercy smells what he is. He's a werewolf. Worried that her neighbor, Adam, the alpha male of his pack, will be upset with Mercy for keeping Mac a secret, Mercy tells Adam of him. Not long after that, all kinds of craziness begins!!



There is a dead werewolf and Mercy has a mess to clean up. She can't do it without the help of Adam and his pack, but then there is more trouble. Whatever is a girl to do? She does what any girl would do...she takes control and risks her life to do what is best for a wolf pack that she is not a part of.



This is a riveting read that will keep you captivated every page...wondering what character will pop up next. I look forward to reading the next book too!!


View all my reviews.

Getting to Know Me!!

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Not really, although my Aunt Ann is convinced I was named after her (my middle name is Ann...so is hers)

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Yesterday after a stressful meeting

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yes, I think it's beautiful if I may say so myself!!!

4. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
5 altogether...2 teenage step daughters, a 5 y/o son, and a 3 y/o daughter. I look forward to meeting my baby in heaven.

5. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I would hope so!

6. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Who me?!?!?!

7. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yep, sure do!

8. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Never in a million years!!!

9. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Considering I don't eat cereal much, I'd have to say Cap'n Crunch

10. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Not usually...most of my shoes are slip ons anyway.

11. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Depends on which way you are speaking of....emotionally? depends on what day it is...physically, well, I'm working on that!

12. FAVORITE ICE CREAM ?
I'm really boring....vanilla bean

13. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Sadly, any noticable medical conditions...sorry, it's just a habit!!

14. RED OR PINK?
Red

15. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My weight...which I'm working on

16. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST
Family!!

17. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
My black slides.

18. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Cheese pizza, steamed broccoli, pineapple, cataloupe, tea

19. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The other side of the phone conversation

20. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON , WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Purple!!!

21. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Rain, freshly baked cookies

22. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Kayla

23. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Atlanta Thrashers hockey baby!!!

24. Hair Color ?
Black

25. EYE COLOR?
Blue

26. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Most days

27. FAVORITE FOOD?
pizza

28. SCARY MOVIES OR Love Stories
Either as long as there isn't a ton of foul language or sex (which pretty much wipes them all out!)

29. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED
Bedtime Stories??? (It's been awhile....)

30. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Black

31. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer in the south, winter in the north

32. HUGS OR KISSES?
Both...the chocolate ones are the best!! LOL

33. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Strawberry cheesecake

34. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Moon Called

35. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Dell support

36. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
Smallville, Supernatural, and Southland

37. FAVORITE SOUND?
My children

38. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Don't really care for either

39. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Anchorage, Alaska

40. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Don't we all?!??!

41. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville, IL