When We Meet Again

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~

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 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 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 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.

Since You Went Away & Year End Reflection

Since You Went Away by Dean Hughes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One day this week, my husband and I went to breakfast with my family, and then we came home and I settled onto the couch to read. I got off the couch when it was time to get some dinner and go back to my parents' house to play games. That's how much I love Wally and Bobbi and the rest of the Thomas family. I ignored the social media posts of people cleaning up their holiday décor. I ate cold cereal for dinner that night. I only wanted to hang out with this family, and pretend we were neighbors. It was delightful.

This book will be my last completed book of 2017. Seems a fitting holiday reread to close out my best reading year in ages. 61 books is pretty great when you consider how many papers I grade and how much time Seth and I try to spend together. Here's to an even better 2018.

Happy reading--

A Bridge Across the Ocean

A Bridge Across the Ocean by Susan Meissner
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I don't usually feel that conflicted about book ratings, but this one is tricky for me. Again - Goodreads and the lack of half stars is ridiculous, but here's the deal: Meissner is a good writer, and whoever designs her covers does a great job. BUT I also felt a bit thrown off by a historical fiction book that is partially a ghost story. The book lost a huge portion of interest for me as soon as that storyline was entered in, and then the twist was even more frustrating. Strangely, I had a creepy experience on the Queen Mary when I visited the ship in Long Beach a few summers ago, but not enough to make me relate to the story. All that said, I will for sure read another Meissner book because she creates great characters and compelling plotlines...

Happy reading...but maybe not this one. Life is too short to not read amazing books.