March Recap 2015

My month will look a little boring this month I am afraid because in the realm of blogging, reading, and TV watching...I didn't do much. Or at least I FEEL I didn't do much. I will let you be the judge :)

Another fun month! Just two days ago my very pregnant neighbor gave birth to her second child...at home! Yikes! It wasn't planned :/ But both Mom and baby are well! 

Overall, March was an ...interesting month. I took my sister in law on her first college visit and later in the month we took Baby Girl to her first egg hunt. She LOVED it. 

Hubby also hosted his very own Chopped Challenge. If you've ever seen 'Chopped' on the Food Network channel, it is pretty intense. Because of space and money limits, we could only have three chefs and three judges. The chefs went all out and made some crazy fun dishes. As a judge I got help pick the mystery ingredients. For the dinner round we picked: pork tenderloin, tawny port, fennel, and Lo Mein Noodles. For the dessert round we picked: frozen french toast sticks, pudding cups, dried mint, and green apples. We can't WAIT to do it again!!

A Heart's Disguise Review + Giveaway

A Heart's Disguise by Colleen Coble

Journey of the Heart Book #1

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publishing Date: March 3, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

In the aftermath of the Civil War, a young woman searches for her lost love at the edge of the West.

The Civil War has destroyed Sarah Montgomery's marriage before it's even begun.

After Sarah receives word that her fiance, Rand Campbell, has been killed fighting for the Union, her brothers and ailing father persuade her to pledge herself to Ben Croftner--despite her strong misgivings. But when Sarah finds out that Rand is in fact alive--and that Ben Croftner knew it--she indignantly breaks off the engagement and goes in search of Rand.

But Ben Croftner does not take rejection lightly--and a single woman with a sick father makes an easy target. When Sarah is abducted by her treacherous fiance, Rand finally comes to her aid . . . only to reveal that he has been posted at Fort Laramie, Wyoming, and intends to take her there as his wife. But could Sarah leave her dying father's side for the love of her life? And what plans are forming in the jealous heart of Ben Croftner?

I received a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Buy a copy today! 

Cinder {Review}

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Lunar Chronicles Book #1

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Publishing Date: January 3, 2012

Goodreads Summary:

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl.

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future. 

I checked out a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own. Buy a copy today! 

My Audiobook Adventure Begins

I've entered the world of audiobooks. I've been quiet and sneaky about it. Frankly, I wasn't sure I was going to like them. As one of 'those people' who can't concentrate on reading or writing when there is music/TV/sound on in the background, I completely expected my foray into Audiobook World to end very quickly. And having only completed nine audiobooks I am far from being an 'expert', but I have found a way to make them work in my life and think that you could too. 

Introducing Sir Derrick + Giveaway!

I wrote my review and conducted an interview with Jody Hedlund and her debut YA novel, An Uncertain Choice. Our main character, Lady Rosemarie is faced with a tough choice: either marry by the end of the month or enter the convent. Of course there is a whole lot of other story going on, the best, for me, being Rosemarie's choice of suitor: either Sir Bennet, Sir Collin, or Sir Derrick. Today I am introducing Sir Derrick. Stick around and I just may tell you how to win an autographed copy of the book. Also, be sure to check out Jody's blog tour page for all the stops and more chances to win! 

Beauty of Grace {Quick Review}

The Beauty of Grace by Dawn Camp

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Revell

Publishing Date: February 3, 2015

Goodreads Summary: 

In this hectic life, we all need a little peace, a little quiet, and a little beauty. Combining heartfelt stories from some of today's foremost writers and bloggers with stunning photography of God's incredible creation, "The Beauty of Grace" is a haven of calm contemplation amidst the chaos. 
This uplifting collection includes moving stories of cultivating friendship, waiting on God, choosing joy, staying connected, and more from popular writers such as Jessica Turner, Lisa-Jo Baker, Holley Gerth, Ann Voskamp, Bonnie Gray, Tsh Oxenreider, Leeana Tankersley, Emily Freeman, Margaret Feinberg, and many others. Each story is accompanied by an uplifting Scripture verse, and the book includes Dawn's stunning photos. Foreword by Holley Gerth.

Lame Reasons I am Lame

As a peek behind the blog post is much needed, I thought I should provide to you a few *lame* reasons I am so lame. Commence:

1. I took a brief visit to the ER. It was quite uneventful, long, tedious and unproductive. It was how ever probably the most hydrated I have been in quite some time. 

2. I have an apparent complete lack of organizational skills. In one night alone:

    I sent my husband and daughter to a gymnastics class.....one hour late. 

Blood Soaked Ashes {Review}

Blood Soaked Ashes by Frankie Ash 

Book Two in Eramane Trilogy

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Self-published

Publishing Date: January 21, 2015

Goodreads Summary: 

A legion from across the sea wants her dead. The man she loves would die a thousand deaths to keep her alive. The demon she fears would cover the lands in blood-soaked ashes to have her again. Eramane is learning to accept her new life, a life that demands much from her. She is a Breather, and she has no idea how to be one. But when Eramane learns that a passage she opened between her world and the Reach cannot be closed, she will find herself on a treacherous journey searching for dangerous allies. In the north are the Cloud Walkers; across the South Sea is a kingdom with a massive army. Both could end up destroying her and all that she loves, if the demon she thought was dead doesn't do it first.

You're Loved No Matter What {Review}

You're Love No Matter What by Holley Gerth

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Revell

Publishing Date: March 3, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

How would your life be different if you truly believed you're loved just as you are?" Holley Gerth poses this compelling question at the start of her latest book. As someone who has connected with thousands of women, Holley has seen the dangers of becoming trapped by impossible standards of beauty, achievement, and even spirituality. We believe if only we were "perfect" we could beat our depression, banish anxiety, and develop the relationships we long for most. Holley shares how God wants to set the hearts of women free by revealing the lies we believe and the scandalous grace and acceptance offered to us instead. When we know we're truly loved, the response is to love in return--and that changes everything. 
Bestselling author and every woman's best friend, Holley Gerth helps women lay down their unrealistic expectations so they can embrace who God created them to be, pursue his purpose for their lives, and offer the love they've been freely given.

An Uncertain Choice Review and Interview!

An Uncertain Choice by Jody Hedlund

An Uncertain Choice Book #1

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Zondervan

Publishing Date: March 3, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

Due to her parents' promise at her birth, Lady Rosemarie has been prepared to become a nun on the day she turns eighteen. Then, a month before her birthday, a friend of her father's enters the kingdom and proclaims her parents' will left a second choice. If Rosemarie can marry before the eve of her eighteenth year, she will be exempt from the ancient vow.

Before long, Rosemarie is presented with the three most handsome and brave knights in the land. But when the competition for her heart seemingly results in a knight playing foul, she begins to wonder if the cloister is the best place after all. If only one of the knights the one who appears the most guilty had not already captured her heart. 

I Mustache You Some Questions

I was tagged by Kel from Booked Til Tuesday

Questions easy enough for me to answer? Heck yes, count me in :)

Four names people call me other than my real name:

Umm, not many options here

-Book Lady (from the kiddos)

-Melissa (I still respond)

-Mommy

-Wife

Four jobs I've had:

-Personal Shopping Assistant at Macy's 

-Cheerleading Coach

-Noodles and Co.

-Usborne Consultant

Four movies I would/have watched more than once:

-Pride and Prejudice (Keira Knightley) 

-Princess Bride

-Uhh...Twilight and New Moon

-..Disney movies?

Four books I'd recommend:

....right now...and only four?!?!

-A Thousand Pieces of You

-One Thousand Gifts

-Stitching Snow

-Sea of Tranquility 

Four places I have lived:

-Minnesota

-Minnesota

-Moorhead, Minnesota (college)

-Roseville, Minnesota (when I was cool :D)

Four places I have been:

-Banff, Alberta, Canada (LOVED)

-Cabo San Lucas, Baja, Mexico (Missions trip)

-Montego Bay, Jamaica (honeymoon)

-Phoenix, Arizona (Hi Bestie!!)

Four places I'd rather be right now:
-Hawai'i

-Italy

-A quiet, beach with my books

-Snuggled in bed with the Hubby

Four things I don't eat:
-Mushrooms (they are death)

-Spicy foods (I try! Sorry!)

-Olives

-Barbeque Sauce

Four of my favorite foods:

If you have sugar, than you have my heart

-Raised donuts

-THIS...oh jeepers...now I NEED SOME. NOW!!!

-Pasta

-Pepperoni Meatball Calzone from Pizza T

Four TV shows that I watch:I don't watch a lot of TV, and when I do it is on Netflix. But I've enjoyed:

-Doctor Who

-BBC's Emma Miniseries

-Gilmore Girls

-Stargate SG-1

Four things I am looking forward to this year (2015):
-Seeing the good ole BFF

-Duluth 2015 Trip

-Rocking Usborne!

-a Lutsen trip with the friends! 


Four things I'm always saying:
-I love you Baby G

-No

-I wish I was reading right now

-I'm tired. 


Four people I tag:

Jessi @ Novel Heartbeat

Charlene @ Bookish Whimsy

Quinn @ Quinn's Book Nook

Kelly @ Diva Book Nerd

The Infinite Book Blitz

The Infinite (Gates of Thread and Stone #2)

by Lori M. Lee 

Release Date: 03/10/15

Skyscape Publishing

378 pages

Summary from Goodreads:

The walls of Ninurta keep its citizens safe.

Kai always believed the only danger to the city came from within. Now, with a rebel force threatening the fragile government, the walls have become more of a prison than ever.

To make matters worse, as Avan explores his new identity as an Infinite, Kai struggles to remind him what it means to be human. And she fears her brother, Reev, is involved with the rebels. With the two people she cares about most on opposite sides of a brewing war, Kai will do whatever it takes to bring peace. But she’s lost her power to manipulate the threads of time, and she learns that a civil war might be the beginning of something far worse that will crumble not only Ninurta’s walls but also the entire city.

In this thrilling sequel to Gates of Thread and Stone, Kai must decide how much of her humanity she’s willing to lose to protect the only family she’s ever known. 

Blood Soaked Ashes Giveaway!

Blog Tour Hosted by MMSAI Tours

How to Catch a Prince Review + Giveaway

How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck

The Royal Wedding Series #3

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Zondervan

Publishing Date: February 24, 2015

Goodreads Summary: 

Prince Stephen came to America to escape responsibility. But what he found complicates his life more than ever.

Corina Del Rey is happy with her life in Melbourne, Florida. She spends her days engrossed in her career as a journalist and has her sights set on climbing the corporate ladder if for no other reason, to distract herself from her dissolving family. But when she is confronted with the past she fought so hard to put behind her, she struggles to make sense of her future.

Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom has moved on since the tragic death of his buddies in Afghanistan. A star professional rugby player, he has no intention of looking over his shoulder at what could've been.

But when a notice arrives in the mail requiring his and his wife s appearance before the courts to dissolve their marriage, he must deal with the questions rumbling around in his heart. He thought his marriage had been annulled long ago, but his memories of Corina Del Rey remain close. Does he still love her? Can he even find her? Above all, can he tell her the truth about that fateful night in Afghanistan seven years ago? If he does, he might really lose her forever.

Healer of Carthage {Review}

Healer of Carthage by Lynne Gentry

The Carthage Chronicles #2

Visit the Author's website HERE

Publisher: Howard Books

Publishing Date: March 4, 2014

Goodreads Summary: 

A twenty-first-century doctor. A third-century plague. A love out of time.

First-year resident Dr. Lisbeth Hastings is too busy to take her father's bizarre summons seriously. But when a tragic mistake puts her career in jeopardy, answering her father';s call seems her only hope of redeeming the devastating failure that her life has become. 

While exploring the haunting cave at her father's archaeological dig, Lisbeth falls through a hidden hole, awakening to find herself the object of a slave auction and the ruins of Roman Carthage inexplicably restored to a thriving metropolis. Is it possible that she's traveled back in time, and, if so, how can she find her way back home? 

Cyprian Thascius believes God called him to rescue the mysterious woman from the slave trader's cell. What he doesn't understand is why saving the church of his newfound faith requires him to love a woman whose peculiar ways could get him killed. But who is he to question God? 

As their different worlds collide, it sparks an intense attraction that unites Lisbeth and Cyprian in a battle against a deadly epidemic. Even as they confront persecution, uncover buried secrets, and ignite the beginnings of a medical revolution, Roman wrath threatens to separate them forever. Can they find their way to each other through all these obstacles? Or are the eighteen hundred years between them too far of a leap?

Flights of Fantasy February 2015

Here it is: my SECOND update! I'm rocking this guys :) Even better? I read two of my highlighted choices. The other two choices I highlighted will be re-reads. The books I can add to my Flights of Fantasy challenge are: