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Dear Michelle,

Ok, so I have been listening to books. You already know this but Noah, my middle child, has dyslexia. Sooo, I decided that I would start listening to a book or two a month in the same way he does. It’s not as easy as you think, part of it is great, I gained all this reading time; busy work: I can listen, driving around in the car running errands: I can listen, BUT. . you have to focus, no mind wandering list making. Do that with a book and you’re still on the same page, do that while you are listening and the pages keep turning. Boom one second you are in the dorms with the Dauntless iniates and next you are being dangled over the Pit. . . What?!!! wait I only zoned out for a second.

Now the book, Divergent by Veronica Roth, http://www.goodreads.com/series/57530-divergent is a distopian young adult genre. It is a triology and the second book was just released. I am sure most Hunger Games addicts like myself, are searching for more, not the same but .. . . I was not ready to get off the Katniss roller coaster ride. Before I started writing this I promised myself that I wouldn’t bring up The Hunger Games but. . . too late. There are genres because types of books fit into a similar category, right? This doesn’t mean that the books are going to be the same. This “new world order” dives into human character, where an individual finds their strongest personality traits identifies the “faction” or community they choose to live with and work. The powers are shifting and the factions are at an unrest. The heroine will lead the reader though the next two books and a new world I’m sure will be created.

I am thinking you would like this one, Michelle. I am going to look to see if anyone is thinking of picking it up to produce. Oh yeah all ready picked up and set for a 2015 relaease. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1840309/

http://www.thefablife.com/2011-06-27/casting-divergent-hollywoods-next-big-book-to-movie-franchise/

Ok you have time, #2 just came out and we will have to wait to for #3. But put it on your list! It’s going to be one to watch for sure!

Love you,

Kristin

;c
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Kristin,
I’m laughing because I “pinned” the second book as a must read! (I liked the cover & read about it on goodreads). We have such similar tastes.. And ok so 2011 we searched for books that reminded us of Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman and 2012 we continue to search out more Hunger Games. :-p

Sounds awesome. Let me catch up and next month we can do the new book #2! If it’s going to be a movie.. You know I’m in! Xoxo

Love you & Miss you! Michelle

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Kristin,

I have to tell you about one more Angel Fiction I fell in love with! (sorry I’m addicted) This one may be my favorite of all (yes, I say that after each one.. and I can hear you laughing!) This book I found on USA Today.. and it even has it’s own trailer!

Where to begin.. I will keep it short. Angels, passionate love, a love triangle, good vs. bad, heartbreak and the next book, ENTICED doesn’t come out until SEPT. 2012! (but I might buy the hardcover book from an international supplier so I can read it NOW!) This is a book that is from Australia and thank goodness someone found it for the states. The series is referred to as “The Violet Eden Chapters” as well as “The Embrace Series”.

I couldn’t put this one down. One of my new favorite YA authors is definitely Jessica Shirvington! The tone in which the story is written, pulls you right into the book. The word “Embraced” is referring to the decision to take her destiny (once you embrace you can’t go back) basically becoming part Angel & helping all of mankind (kind of a huge responsibility). She develops a winding tattoo that is her “marking” and I have in my mind what it would look like (and how fun it would be to create it as a makeup artist!) I know a bit confusing, but actually once you start reading it = CLEAVER!

Let’s just say I am tortured until SEPT. 2012.

Sending you Love.. on angel’s wings!

Michelle xoxo {-}

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Dear Michelle

I had to write to you today because I learned something from the book I just finished.  The ending can make all the difference in the world.  I don’t want to gush too much, but I went about reading this book for the last week or so thinking, “it’s ok”, “I like it”, then I read the last two or three chapters and fell in love with the book.  I can’t exactly pinpoint when the author won me over but even 3/4 of the way through I was thinking, I wish I loved it more, and then I did.  It was almost like a bit of magic happened.  When I closed the book, I thought long and hard about just how important a good ending can be to the story.  It’s little like a wine’s finish or after notes, the taste you walk away with after you have swallowed your sip.  It really can win you over!

I am keeping this one short and sweet, like the book. It’s been around for a long time and so many have read it.  I think you would love it, and Janie and Tea Cake! Then you can go watch the movie with Hallie Berry, I know I am.

One of my favorite quotes, “Love is lak de sea. It’s uh movin’ thing, but still and all, it takes its shape from de shores it meets, and it’s different with every shore.” 

miss you!!

Love

Kristin

xoxo

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by Regina Brett

Kristin,
It’s been awhile and I know our schedules are crazy! Visits planned, teas missed, your kids & my BGC kids.. So this is the perfect time to post this book. You can pick a chapter each day, steal a quiet moment and breathe out a bit of stress after each passage from this book.

I LOVED this book. This is a book I will keep in my nightstand and re-read often. I already starting buying this book in quantity to start handing out as gifts! (I just gave it to a friend who is NOT a reader before my San Diego trip)

You saw some of the Lesson highlights I was posting and tweeting. Great right! This book is FILLED with those gems we love so much.  Reminders, affirmations, confirmations and new ideas. If you are looking for a charity idea, read this book.  If you don’t mind the “GOD” word, read this book.

Just simply beautiful!

Lesson 15: The Secret of Life is no secret.  It’s sprinkled all over your life!

Lesson 16: If you can’t be the Rock, be the RIPPLE!

Love you!
Michelle

 

Michelle,

This sounds like a perfect book for me right now, a little reflection is always good.  Perspective, even better! And I absolutely love finding “that” book which makes a perfect gift!

miss you tons!

Kristin 

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World Book Night is Monday, April 23,2012!

Kristin and I have been chosen to be book givers. We receive 20 free books to give out to promote reading & literacy. The book we are giving is one of the first novels that began our reading journey together: THE GLASS CASTLE by Jeannette Wells.

We both loved this book as a tale of the authors struggle with obstacles growing up. It is a difficult read at times, but overall an inspiring story of a strong woman’s survival.

We were so excited to be chosen back in January, as months have passed, we both find ourselves overbooked in life. Of course, right! Who isn’t. As busy as Kristin and I are, we always make time for a great cause.

For the entire week we will be leaving this book as “Random Acts of Reading” in various places we travel. We will post pictures and hope some of the recipients might find us here and let us know how they liked it!

“Random Acts of Reading,” hoping to promote literacy and taking time to find the wonderful world of books!

All our Best!
Kristin & Michelle

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Dear Michelle,

How about a short story. . .

Saturday morning we hefted the pile of YA books, mythological chapter books, audio books and easy readers into the mini van to return. First stop on errand day: the Library. The six year old attempts to carry all of the books, 10 yr old shakes head and warns of book injuries (which may be punishable by law), and 13 yr old heads for the entrance without a second glance back. We make it through the door unscathed. The 6 yr old attempts to sort and deposit our returns into the proper slots, while 10 yr old warns of the impropriety of me allowing the illiterate 6 yr old to do this task. Done books returned. Gather purse, keys and phone. Glance up. I’m alone in library lobby. Okay, there is no way I can deny kids who want to read more books and for FREE! So I make my rounds; YA section, (what’s the 13 yr old eyeing up, maybe I want to read it too) Then head over to audio/children’s chapter books, (challenge: find the audio version to match the chapter book, have them both be in stock and of interest to my 10 yr old. #dyslexia) Yes, I just used a hashtag in a post. hahaha Finally, easy readers with the 6 yr old, (she is not completely illiterate, she is exactly where she is supposed to be, I know because her teacher told me!) NOW we are almost done, just have to check out, the pile is bigger than when we walked in but . . . it’s books. 13 yr old walks outside to find a bench, (since we are taking soooo long), 10 yr old and 6 yr old argue about the proper way to scan bar codes and my attention drifts to the staff favorites shelf. That is where our eyes met, mine tired, and slightly twitching at this point and her’s strikingly beautiful blue and Cover Girlesque. Seriously. . .I’m kidding, I had to check it out.

OK, OK, OK, that was fun. I have to say I might have been a little inspired to share a silly story. Ellen’s book is just that; a collection of short funny stories. I am definitely a fan of Ellen’s stand up, she is a master at making everyday life, funny, without being offensive; which is pretty impressive. I read this book quickly, in 2 sittings, but I think it would be a great book to keep on your desk at work. You don’t have to read it in order so I picture someone picking it up on a stressful day and paging through, stopping on a random chapter, getting a good laugh, with a small dose of positivity and a sprinkle of inspiration. Perfect right? Skip the trending news on your break, (someone will fill you in, don’t worry) and head back to work giggling.

I leave you with a utube video from her show, promoting her book. Go ahead giggle.

http://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video;_ylt=A0oG7nRDzmlPWhgAwTNXNyoA?p=seriously%20i’m%20kidding&fr=fp-yie9-s&fr2=piv-web

Love you,

Kristin

xoxo

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Kristin,
S E R I O U S L Y, the best post EVER!
Giggling and laughing.. Great hilarious description! Gotta love kids (Ellen sure does!)
You should be a writer..

#bestpostyet
Love you!
Michelle

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Kristin,
Gosh I miss you! We are also to the debut of the movie HUNGER GAMES and we have both been swamped! The only way I have stayed sane this month is to make time at night to read before passing out.

I read about this book in an article online and heard about the TV interview with intrigue (which I haven’t watched yet). Why do certain stories hit us? Who knows, but I LOVED this one! I have recommended this to over 12 clients in less than 2 weeks. After listening to my review some even went to purchase the book directly from their appointment! Lol. Think we are on to something…

This story was honest, scandalous, charming, unbelievable, heartbreaking and historical. As I have told everyone, what I LOVED about this book most was the voice in which it was written. It is honest vivid memories and education through the naive eyes of a 19-year old.

Many people criticize her choices, her writing this book, blah blah blah. I believe this is story not of only one girl.. I believe there was a lot of truth in the story and alot of healing. Can you imagine having a HUGE secret that is both wonderful and heartbreaking and not being able to tell anyone about it for over 50 years?

This is a great read and unbelievable story with exact recollections of very detailed events of history as well as a look inside the workings of the White House. Unbelievable, entertaining and a riveting page turner, I couldn’t put this down. Unlike a lot of memoirs, this was not over written and wordy – it read like a tale of fiction. I am so glad Mimi wrote her story! With much admiration and empathy I finish this review with Mimi’s words:

“When someone listens to you, they may not realize it but they’re giving you a great gift. They’re making room for your voice.”

Miss you so much!
Michelle xoxo

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Kristin,
OMG! One of the benefits of being under the weather for me, is my ability to devour books! This time, I was able to plow through 3 great finds with Angels..

I loved these stories. But I love any stories involving Angels and human interaction. So new I am officially obsessed with Angel Fiction (but not the dark ones with too much fallen angel storyline.. I know).

I found these recommendations on Vivvene’s blog “Serendipity“, we definitley have the same taste in Angel stories!

First up “HEAVENLY” by Jennifer Laurens:

This story seemed so grounded in truth for me. The angelic descriptions in physical and emotional reactions were so visual and believable to me. I loved this story so much I’m on the fence whether to continue reading the next books in the series or leave this cliffhanger where it is in my..imagination & heart!

I was satisfied after completing this story, problem not a good thing since there are two other books. This book seemed almost “human-like” not as much a story?..

Second “UNEARTHLY” & “HALLOWED” by Cynthia Hands:

This story reminded me so much of my very first Angel Fiction love, “Halo” by Alexandra Adornetto. The characters grab you right away and leave your heart pounding throughout all their trials, scares, heartaches, heartbreaks, surprises and successes. The description of the landscape in Jackson Hole, Wyoming makes me wish I could fly there.. Literally. The thread running the strongest through this series is all about figuring out your life’s purpose, staying on the path and trying to fulfill it – enter the antagonist, “Free Will”! As a young adult we want to choose our life path, not have our live path choose us ( little do we know as an adult, it easier the other way around).

The heart of this story is a beautiful angelic theme as well as a love triangle. And you know how I love a great love triangle (Morelli & Ranger). This story teaches lessons along the way and makes choices so difficult in the process; just like real life.

Don’t want to add a spoiler, but my favorite book was the second, HALLOWED for a few reasons. Alot of Clara’s mothers secrets are revealed, the boys are intense, dark lured closer and my favorite part was the arrival of her father. I can’t say anything more, except I am dying on the YEARs wait for the final book in the series!

Sent on Angels Wings,
All my Love.. Michelle

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Dear Kristin,
James Patterson is definitely your author. The more I read of him, the more I love. I hear this series isn’t the tradition writings but this series is so light and fun for me I am loving it!

I do enjoy the biographies and theology picks I’ve read through so far this year, but this is a great contrast. Wisty and Whit. I can see them. I laugh with them. I feel like they are talking with me. It’s an adventure I’m in with them. I’m singing on stage with them. Running through lands out of breath with them. Just fun. Simply a great escape!

One of my fav quotes from the gift: “Music is a more potent force for change than you may think.. Never underestimate the power of what you or others create.. This is a life force!”

The first book Witch laid a great background for the main characters and the new order, which worked for me. The second book Gift reached more into the heart for me, literally. Young crushes, the road less travelled reference ( pg 132 loved that!). The magic. Just light and fun!

Can’t wait to grab Fire book three and what do you think.. Maybe a movie. Hmmm casting. Let’s see.

Now, who to pass the books too!? Adult or teen?!

Love you!
This is just so fun…
Michelle
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Michelle,

James Patterson is an author of books that most of the time I don’t even bother to read the back of the book before buying it. I don’t hem and haw over the possible plot or cast of characters; “will I like it, will the book keep my interest or will it get boring” I know before I crack the binding that I will get sucked in regardless if I am chasing a killer with Alex Cross, solving a crime with Lindsey Davenport, adverting disaster with Michael Bennett or in this case traveling in through a dystopian land and an unearthly plane with a band of teenage witches and wizards.

Right now in my reading world, I am finding that after a year of challenging ourselves to branch out and read books we likely would not have pick out for ourselves, that I am not really sure where to categorize myself in the read community. I am working on being comfortable with that idea. On one hand, it has given me the ability to recommend all kinds of books to all kinds of readers, because likely over the last year I have read at least one or two, non-fiction, chick-lit, young adult, mystery, romance, literary fiction, memoir, and the list goes on. But on the other hand, when I walk into the book store or get online for an ebook, I am more lost than ever.

I share this with you because I purchased Witches and Wizards a couple of years ago, cracked the binding and started reading. Within a couple of pages I realized this was a young adult book, I closed the book and stuck it on my daughter’s shelf as a “to read” for her, obviously because I don’t read young adult books. HAHAHAHAHA Fast forward 2 1/2 years, what have I been missing because I stuck myself into a reading category?! Not to worry I am making up for it.

What can I say about the Witches and Wizards series? Fun, escapism. The main characters are great portrayals of siblings, they are protective yet hold high expectations for each other. The plot while at times predictable allows the reader to just sink into the story and be pulled along for the ride. It is definitely a ride!

Looking forward to Fire!

Love,

Kristin

xoxo

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by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

 

Dear Kristin,

This book kept finding me. I read a lot of reviews in the monthly magazines and you know I’m always looking for unique fun pieces. Yes, Hunger Games is the bar.. Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt is the hope.. But this book was good and I’m glad I read it. I LOVE the use of flowers, ingredients, meanings and definitions when they integrate into the magic and meaning of a story. Sidebar: there is a bonus addition to this book, a dictionary of flower meanings! (heart that)

So the story is sad, a troubled girl who goes from foster home to foster home until she is finally turned out to the streets, to fend for herself at eighteen. The story really begins when she accidentally finds a flower shop owner in town. Enough said, I hate giving the story away. The girl has built up such a wall in communicating with others she actually has a hidden language – enter the language of flowers. She knows the meanings of flowers and offers them or leaves them behind to express her feelings. I didn’t realize but this is actually from the Victorian era where many authors actually wrote more in depth using the beauty and meanings of “the language of flowers.” (everything always seems so magical, regal and gorgeous from those eras) even Shakespeare used flower references!

This book had so many twists and turns and I can honestly say I never expected them. This is just a fun, interesting read to add to your wish list. It kept me guessing until the very last chapter. I will now spend some quality time going through the dictionary of flowers. Who knows, maybe there is so ‘magic’ to it after all.

So I’m sending you a virtual bouquet with Freesia (lasting friendship), Hibiscus (delicate beauty), Laurel (glory & success), a Pink Rose (grace), Stonecrop (tranquility) wrapped in Peppermint (warmth of feeling).

Michelle