Tuesday, January 23, 2018

The First Phone Call from Heaven

The First Phone Call from HeavenThe First Phone Call from Heaven by Mitch Albom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I've always liked how direct Albom is when he creates his characters and how real the people seem because of the little details Albom includes from the color of their cell phone to the breakfast routine they follow every day. "The First Phone Call from Heaven" is no exception. I genuinely liked his characters, but I didn't love the plot. It was convoluted and seemingly, had too many moving parts. His asides about Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone were almost better than the story because they were more grounded.

I'm never sorry to read an Albom book, but I wouldn't start here if you are new to his work. His other books are much more compelling. Happy reading~

Thursday, January 18, 2018

As Long As I Have You

As Long As I Have You (Children of the Promise, #5)As Long As I Have You by Dean Hughes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's a little sad to be reaching the end of the Thomas family's stories, but I have loved going through them again. The nostalgia of these stories is so powerful that I can feel my teenage self every step of the way as I race through what is going to happen next to each of the characters. Hughes writing is sometimes too simple or the plot sequences too prosaic, but I can't resist the overall book and series. So glad to read about a few more classic Thomas memories. Happy reading--

Thursday, January 11, 2018

When We Meet Again

When We Meet Again (Children of the Promise, #4)When We Meet Again by Dean Hughes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book may be one of the most fulfilling of Hughes' series because so many of the early storylines hit their high points. Really do love these characters, especially Wally and Heinrich. One more to go in the series...good thing we have a three day weekend. Happy reading~

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Consistent Scripture Study

If you know me well, you know I've never been very good at consistent scripture study. I've tried on and off, but the habit never stuck. Enter Seth Mann and my realization that if we were ever going to do family scripture study (aka reading with kids), we would need to start with each other. We started reading together a few weeks before we got engaged, but we still would occasionally miss a day. Then our Sunday School teacher gave an awesome lesson on the power of daily study of The Book of Mormon two years ago on the first Sunday after the new year. He challenged us to read every day for thirty days. That first week after his lesson, I missed a day, and I was so bummed. I didn't miss a day after that...and I haven't missed since then. Most of the time, Seth and I read together. It's not always a lot, but it is truly a habit.

We finished The Book of Mormon (another goal and technically my 62nd book for 2017) on New Year's Eve driving to the Taylors' house for a party, and I was profoundly touched in part because of the truth of that great book and in part because of becoming a daily scripture reader. I'm so glad to add that to my days. It's truly a blessing.

Far From Home

Far From Home (Children of the Promise, #3)Far From Home by Dean Hughes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's strange that all my books are rereads this year, but I can't help it. I need to see the Thomas family through to the end of the war, and I definitely have favorites amongst the kids. Already have the next book in the series out...bring on the cheesy dialogue and warm fuzzies as the family members finally get to see each other again. Happy reading and happy new year!

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban...Again

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter, #3)Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once I've fallen back into Rowling's world, I can't seem to see my way out again until I've reread them all. This reread had me falling in love with Remus Lupin all over again - he's such a good mentor to Harry and the other characters. And let's be honest, I wouldn't be sad to borrow Hermione's time-turner because I could sure use a nap...or at least more time to read. Happy reading!

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets...Again

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter, #2)Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh Ginny Weasley, who knew we would love you so much as the books would continue to go on? Love these stories, and not sad at all that this reread was my first book of 2018. On to the next--

Happy reading!

ps. I listened to over six hours of this one in a single day while I took down Christmas decorations and worked on my house. Perfectly delightful way to spend a day. I love winter break.