Top Ten Tuesday 12/10

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the The Broke and the Bookish. Every week she posts an idea for a 'Top Ten' list relating to books, and encourages other book bloggers to respond and participate. All the details are listed on her site. 

This week's topic: Top ten books on my winter TBR list!

 

I actually started reading this already, but its such a long book that its going to take me a while. 

I recently finished The Christmas Shoes, and this is the second book in the series. Plus its all about Christmas, so I'm hoping to get it done before the holidays!

This one is also on my list to read before the holidays, so I should have a review posted within the next two weeks (:

I received a review copy of this book a while ago and haven't even started it yet! I feel so awful for being so far behind on my ARCs that I'm really hoping to get a lot done this winter. 

This is another review copy I got from the same publishers of The Panopticon. I've had it for a while, and picked it up a few times to start, but then started another book instead. Hopefully I finish it soon!

Another one of my goals this winter is to finish some series that I've started. Its been a long time since I read the first two books, but I really want to read this last one. I had started it before and just couldn't get into it, so hopefully I can this time. 

This is another series that I haven't finished, even though I've had the book forever. A friend of mine is currently borrowing the series, but I should just get it back from him because he's had it quite a while and hasn't started it yet! Not sure if I'll enjoy this last one because I got sick of the story after the second, but I'd at least like to try it (: 

I absolutely LOVED Divergent, so I don't know why it's taken me so long to read this! It's been on my shelf for almost a year....not acceptable! 

I haven't picked up this book yet, but maybe I'll get it for Christmas... either way, I need to get a copy soon and read it right after I finish Insurgent! 

I thought about reading this a couple of weeks ago, but then started crocheting a lot more to finish Christmas gifts and my reading time went down a bit. However, I'm thinking after the holidays will be a good time to start this again. (: 

I could probably make a huge list of all the books I'd like to read this winter, but it would be way too long (: 

Tell Me Something Tuesday 12/10

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Heidi @ Rainy Day Ramblings. Each week a new question is presented. Check out Heidi's blog for all the details :)

This weeks question:

Cookie Exchange: Share some of your favorite holiday cookie recipes.

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies are some of my favorite holiday cookies. They are so simple to make, but so good! And every time I have thing, it just reminds me of Christmas! The recipe is listed below (:

Ingredients 

48 Hershey's Kisses                

1/2 cup shortening

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg

2 tbsp milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

Additional sugar

Directions: 

1) Heat oven to 375* and remove wrappers from chocolates

2) Beat shortening and peanut butter in large bowl until well blended. Add both sugars and beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk, and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt in separate bowl. Gradually beat into peanut butter mix.

3) Shape dough into 1" balls. Roll in sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet

4) Bake 8 - 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into center of each cookie. Cookie will crack around the edges. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.

* Makes about 48 cookies.

What are some of your favorite holiday cookies?! Share your recipes! 

[Review] The Christmas Shoes by Donna VanLiere

The Christmas Shoes by Donna VanLiere
Publisher: St Martins Press
Publishing Date: 2001
132 Pages
Format: hardcover

Synopsis

Robert is a successful attorney who has everything in life - and nothing at all. Focused on professional achievement and material rewards, Robert is on the brink of losing his marriage. He has lost sight of his wife, Kate, their two daughters, and, ultimately, himself. Eight-year-old Nathan has a beloved mother, Maggie, whom he is losing to cancer. But Nathan and his family are building a simple yet full life and struggling to hold on to every moment they have together. A chance meeting on Christmas Eve brings Robert and Nathan together - he is shopping for a family he hardly knows, and Nathan is shopping for a mother he is soon to lose. In this one encounter, their lives are forever altered as Robert learns an important lesson: Sometimes the smallest thing can make all the difference.

The Christmas Shoes, a tale of our shared humanity, is a universal story of the deeper meaning of serendipity and of how a power greater than ourselves can shape, and even save, our lives.

My Review

This book is a perfect Christmas read; it's short and makes you think about what you really need in life. This book is based on the song Christmas Shoes by NewSong, which you can find below. If you've never heard of it, you need to listen to it! I may even tear up every time I hear it. This book definitely follows the song, but it elaborates so much more. The little boy in this story is so sweet and my heart just broke for him when I was reading this. But I also felt a lot of sympathy for the second family in this story as well. I definitely teared up while reading this too! It makes you think about what is really important in your life. Material things are everything, and even if you have everything money can buy, it doesn't mean you'll be happy. If anyone is looking for a quick Christmas read, I recommend you get a copy of this book (:

Buy on Amazon

Christmas Shoes by NewSong

It was almost Christmas time, there I stood in another line

Trying to buy that last gift or two, not really in the Christmas mood

Standing right in front of me was a little boy waiting anxiously

Pacing 'round like little boys do

And in his hands he held a pair of shoes

His clothes were worn and old, he was dirty from head to toe

And when it came his time to pay

I couldn't believe what I heard him say

                                                                       Chorus:

Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please

It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size

Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time

You see she's been sick for quite a while

And I know these shoes would make her smile

And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight

He counted pennies for what seemed like years

Then the cashier said, "Son, there's not enough here"

He searched his pockets frantically

Then he turned and he looked at me

He said Mama made Christmas good at our house

Though most years she just did without

Tell me Sir, what am I going to do,

Somehow I've got to buy her these Christmas shoes

So I laid the money down, I just had to help him out

I'll never forget the look on his face when he said

Mama's gonna look so great

Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please

It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size

Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time

You see she's been sick for quite a while

And I know these shoes would make her smile

And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight

                                                                         Bridge:

I knew I'd caught a glimpse of heaven's love

As he thanked me and ran out

I knew that God had sent that little boy

To remind me just what Christmas is all about

Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please

It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size

Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time

You see she's been sick for quite a while

And I know these shoes would make her smile

And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight

**Interview with Joanna Campbell**

When I was younger, I absolutely loved Joanna Campbell's Thoroughbred Series! I devoured them and for such a long time, they were the only books I read! Recently, I decided I wanted to revisit my childhood and read these books again! I ordered the first 7 books on Amazon and reread the first two so far. They're just as fun as I remember! You can find my reviews for A Horse Called Wonder here, and for Wonder's Promise, here.

    

I wrote to Ms. Campbell when I ordered the books and asked if she would be willing to do an interview with me. She agreed, and I am so thankful that she has taken time out of her busy life to write to me. Below are my questions and her responses. I hope you enjoy (:

1. Have you always wanted to become a writer?

I've always loved putting words together, in my head or on paper. Even when I was a pre-teen, I thought about what it would be like to write a book. I also did extremely well in English -- it seemed to come naturally (except for the spelling, which I worked on). Yet it wasn't until I was in my twenties that I actually say down to write a book after reading one and throwing it down and thinking, "I could do better." Eventually that first book, an adult novel, sold, and my career was started.

2. Why did you choose to write children's books and did you have to do a lot of research? 

My first horse books were written as a sideline to my adult work, and I published several individual titles before being asked tow rite the Thoroughbred Series. All of my horse related novels were based on my own love of horses and my experiences with them. I've owned two horses and took lessons in equestrian and open jumping, which I loved. I had to do extensive research when writing the Thoroughbred Series to buck up my knowledge of Thoroughbred breeding and racing so that the details I wrote would be accurate and believable. It was more pleasure than work. I went to live racing at Saratoga, Gulfstream and Belmont and one year went to the Breeder's Cup.

One of the things I keep foremost in my mind when writing for the young adult audience is never write down to my readers. Some of my editors have told me, "the won't notice," but I've found my readers notice everything, and I respect their intelligence.

3. What do you love most about horses?

I respect and love horses for their beauty, athleticism, grace and native intelligence. When estimating animal intelligence too many humans forget the fact that animals use their brains to best survive, and because of that they see the world differently than we do. Most animals must think we, as humans, are crazy for some of the silly things we do...and ask them to do.

4. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers? 

I don't have any magic answers for aspiring writers, but I do stress that a strong working knowledge of English grammar and punctuation is essential, as is a desire to write and tell a story. A great imagination wouldn't hurt either. And, of course, as with most other things - practice, practice, practice both reading and writing. Study the works you love and figure out what makes them special to you.

5. Where would you love to travel to?

There are several places I haven't been and would love to go - a river cruise through central and eastern Europe for starters - and I would always love to go back to England, South Africa, etc. If you haven't guessed, I love to travel.

[Review] Wonder's Promise by Joanna Campbell

Wonder's Promise by Joanna Campbell
Publisher: Harper Entertainment
Publishing date: September 15, 1991
192 Pages
Format: paperback, purchased

Synopsis 

Ashleigh's dreams are in tatters...

Ashleigh Griffen is thrilled when the owners of the horse farm where she lives puts her favorite horse, Wonder, into training as a Thoroughbred racer. Ashleigh has spent the past year turning the sickly filly into a beautiful, healthy yearling.

Ashleigh knows Wonder could be great, but Wonder dislikes her harsh new trainer. Soon she's bucking and disobeying all his commands. Ashleigh is heart broken when the trainer says Wonder is untrainable...useless.

Even worse, Wonder doesn't seem to know Ashleigh anymore. One day after Wonder fiercely throws her, Ashleigh becomes afraid of her own horse. Maybe the trainer was right after all - maybe it's time to give up on Wonder...

My Review

Once again, I love this series! Ms. Campbell does a wonderful job telling Ashleigh's story and the struggles she faces with Wonder. Although Wonder isn't Ashleigh's horse, she feels like it because of how much time they've spent together, and she really wants Wonder to excel in her training. I love the other characters in these stories as well, such as Charlie, Ashleigh's parents, her best friend, and her siblings. They all play smaller roles, but they add so much to these stories. If you enjoyed the first one, definitely get this second one!

Buy on Amazon

[Review] A Horse Called Wonder by Joanna Campbell

A Horse Called Wonder by Joanna Campbell 
Publisher: Harper Entertainment
Publishing Date: August 15, 1991
192 Pages
Format: paperback, purchased

Synopsis 

Ashleigh Griffen swore she'd never giver her heart to another horse - not after a terrible disease wiped out her family's breeding farm, along with Ashleigh's favorite mare, Stardust.

Now the Griffens are starting over as breeding managers at Townsend Acres, and Ashleigh's sure she is going to hate living there.

Then a small, sickly foal is born - a beautiful copper filly that looks like Stardust. No one thinks the foal will live or that it's worth trying to save. No one but Ashleigh.

Can one girl's love alone work miracles?

My Review

When I was younger, I absolutely loved these books! I had my nose stuck in them all the time, and they really fueled my love of reading. I recently decided that since I loved them so much as a kid, I wanted to reread them now. I bought the first 7 books on Amazon and jumped right in when they were delivered. These books are as good as I remember. Ashleigh is a very stubborn and smart young girl who just wants to save a sick foal. She nurtures Wonder every day in hope that Wonder will continue to survive. With the help of her family and friends, Ashleigh learns what it means to be responsible and fight for what you believe in.

Young kids will also learn so much about horses through reading these stories. I had 3 horses growing up, so I knew enough, but after reading these, I felt like I knew so much more about them, and not just terminology, but how they should be treated with respect. These stories are highly recommended for young children, especially those with an interest in horses (:

Buy on Amazon

Feature and Follow Friday! 12/6/13

Feature and Follow is a blog hop hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. The purpose is to meet new people and gain more followers in the book blogging community. If this is your first time here, welcome! You are about to make some new friends and gain new followers. But you have to know, the point of this hop is to follow other blogs also. I follow you, you follow me. 

The general rules are: 

- Follow the Feature and Follow Hosts (Parajunkee and Alison Can Read)

- Follow the Featured Bloggers

- Put your Blog name and URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts. 

-Grab the button up there and place it in a post. This post is for people to say hi and that they are now following you in your comments. 

-Follow, Follow, Follow as many as you can. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Don't just follow, comment and say hi in the post! Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say 'hi'

-If someone comments and says they are following you, please follow back! 

This weeks question:

Tell us at least one new or unusual thing you've done in 2013.

This year has been very, very good to me, and a lot of new things have happened!

1. I graduated from law school and officially became an attorney

2. I got engaged to my amazing fiance! And therefore, started planning a wedding (:

3. I've read over 75 books this year

4. I started crocheting (and started another blog for it just a few days ago: craftmethiscrochet.blogspot.com)