Friday, November 20, 2009

Christian Vampire Book Review

**Congratulations Holly! You won!!**

I know, I know...the post title sounds a bit oxymoronish! How can you possibly have a book that deals with Vampires within the perspective of Christianity? Even more to think about...how could the author come up with such a viable subject?

How many Twilighters are out there that just absolutely loved the Twilight Series? Hundreds and thousands of people have read the books and seen the movies (Yes, I am well aware of the fact that New Moon came out today!). I for one am not part of that crowd. Don't get me wrong I like the mystery of vampires and such, but it hasn't really interested me that much.

I did receive a new book to read and review called Thirsty by Tracey Bateman and I actually thought it was an excellent book. The book revolves Nina, a recovering alcoholic, who has pretty much destroyed her life, her family and her career. After finishing rehab she moves back to her hometown, taking her daughter along for Spring Break, and has to learn to deal with the past, present and future.

Upon her arrival strange things began to happen and she learns "stories" about local vampires. She scoffs at the stories and doesn't think they are real until it begins to involve her teenage daughter!

I really enjoyed this book, more because it focuses on the redemption and recovery of the main character rather than the vampires. But I find it fascinating how the author can combine a faith in God with the concept of vampires! I would highly recommend this book, especially if you are a Twilight fan...I think you will enjoy!

Along with this book I received a copy of Touched by a Vampire (Discovering the Hidden Messages in the Twilight Series) by Beth Felker Jones.

EXAMINING TWILIGHT THROUGH A BIBLICAL LENS

People around the world are asking the same question, enraptured with Edward and Bella’s forbidden romance in the Twilight Saga, a four-book serial phenomenon written by Stephenie Meyer. The bestsellers tell the story of a regular girl’s relationship with a vampire who has chosen to follow his “good” side. But the Saga isn’t just another fantasy–it’s teaching girls about love, sex, and purpose. With 48 million copies in print and a succession of upcoming blockbuster films, now is the time to ask the important question: Can vampires teach us about God’s plan for love?

Touched by a Vampire is the first book to investigate the themes of the Twilight Saga from a Biblical perspective. Some Christian readers have praised moral principles illustrated in the story, such as premarital sexual abstinence, which align with Meyer’s Mormon beliefs. But ultimately, Beth Felker Jones examines whether the story’s redemptive qualities outshine its darkness.

Cautionary, thoughtful, and challenging, Touched by a Vampire is written for Twilight fans, parents, teachers, and pop culture enthusiasts. It includes an overview of the series for those unfamiliar with the storyline and a discussion guide for small groups.

If you would like to own a copy of these books, you are in luck, because I have a copy of each to give away to one lucky reader! All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me if you are a fan of the Twilight series and why you enjoy it. Or if you aren't a fan let me know what you think of all the Twilight hoopla!

I will leave the contest open until November 30th (only because I will be out of town until then!!) and will draw the winner through random.org.

**Both books were received free of charge from Multnomah Random House Press as a means to review the books. No money was received to review these books or post the reviews on this blog.**

Friday, November 06, 2009

Book Trio Review

This time around I was given the opportunity to review three books from Multonmah Random House.

The first is Leaving Carolina by Tamara Leigh. I'm the middle of this book and I am really enjoying it. It is about a small town girl who moved to LA and is called back to her hometown to see to family matters. Along the way she has changed her name in order to not be connected to her hometown family; however, she is learning how important family (and God) really are! On top of it she is falling for the gardener for her Uncle's estate while trying to remain focused on the good and proper man she has picked out for her life!

The only thing that I don't like is that it is written from the main character's perspective so we are going from her thoughts in the first person to dialogue constantly, and I'm just not a big fan of first person writing. Although this isn't as difficult to follow as others I've read.

The second book is What Matters Most (Diary of A Teenage Girl) by Melody Carlson. This book is about 16 year-old Maya who has a lot of decisions on her plate and a lot of "stuff" going on in life...graduate school early? dealing with her ex-boyfriend, the cheerleader that is antagonizing her and the biggest problem? Figuring out what to do when her mother is released from prison and wants Maya to come live with her!

And last, but not least, Limelight by Melody Carlson. Claudette Fioré used to turn heads and break hearts. She relished the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle because she had what it takes: money, youth, fame, and above all, beauty. But age has withered that beauty, and a crooked accountant has taken her wealth, leaving the proud widow penniless and alone.

Armed with stubbornness and sarcasm, Claudette returns to her shabby little hometown and her estranged sister. Slowly, she makes friends. She begins to see her old life in a new light. For the first time, Claudette Fioré questions her own values and finds herself wondering if it’s too late to change.


All are great reads...book one up and enjoy today!

**Disclaimer: All books were given, free of charge, by Multonmah Random House book company for the express purpose of reviewing the books. I was not compensated in anyway for these reviews.**

Monday, November 02, 2009

Pumpkin Patch

A few weekends ago we decided to head to the Pumpkin Patch. We ended up going to the Thomason Family Farm in Enumclaw. They were a great place for kids to play and they were a lot cheaper than the other farms in the area!
My niece Dajia is on the left, Ellyson is in the middle and her big brother Carter is on the right.

That blur of pink you see flying in the air is Dajia jumping from the top into a huge mass of corn kernels. The kids were able to slide down the slides or just jump in!! Fun times; but man do you get dusty!

I needed a little potty break! :)

Dajia was standing on her tiptoes to take this picture!

Ellyson makes a cute little piggie!

Ride 'em Cowgirl!!

She was fascinated with this horse and tried so hard to rope the baby calf!

Hanging around waiting for the tractor ride to start!

There they go...off with one of the farmers! Taking a little ride around the farm!

Me and Holly

Ellyson, Dajia and Carter!

Sadly my camera died before we took actual pumpkin pictures. However, Holly took some for us....but they are still on her camera!!