In the Storm

all about me | READ December 2018

Today I am sharing two things: I am sharing my monthly re-cap of what I've been reading lately. And, I am sharing story #12 of my December Daily album. In December I tell 25 stories over the course of the month sometimes the stories coordinated with the same date as story number - but it isn't necessary for me to stay with a daily story. The stories, however will go in the album in sequential order. I finished the month strong, or should I say I finished the year strong. My goal was 100 books and with that last book I completed my goal.

I can count on few things throughout the year, but one of those is reading. I may have chucked other goals but one of those is not my reading goal.

For this 2-page, 6 x 8 layout I used Ali Edwards' digital Stories by the Month kit for December 2018. Perfect for telling a non-Christmas story, yet it is around Christmas. Thrilled with my reading success and how these pages turned out.

Secrets in Death by J.D. Robb. It is intriguing to read Robb's murder mysteries when Lieutenant Eve Dallas pursues the killer of a victim she despises or finds out is scum of the earth and, yet, because of her staunch adherence for justice, murder always loses. Secrets is one such novel. Dallas finds zero redeeming qualities in her latest case, one in which she herself was a witness, except the victim got dead. And that means the victim is now Dallas' and she has to wade through those secrets before she can find justice for the vile, morally bankrupt victim. 93/100

 

 

Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer. I don't listen to Meyers television or radio programs, nor do I generally read her books as she is often viewed as a prosperity gospel evangelist. But. I read great reviews about Battlefield of the Mind and I was looking for a book I could read aloud and one both Jeff and I could benefit. I have found this to be an exceptional read. Our actions - and words are a direct result of what is happening in our minds, where a battle for the mind is raging. Thus, if we can change our minds we can ultimately change our life. The book covers so many areas when, with an open mind to the Holy Spirit, you will see where you are falling short, and need to take captive that area of your thoughts in order to change your ways. One caveat, if you read this aloud, say - to your husband, Meyer uses the Amplified Bible for most of the Bible verses she references (and there are a lot - which is awesome!), however, reading aloud from the Amplified Bible is hard. I use the Amplified version regularly in my Bible studies and glean a plethora from using it but I found reading it aloud I needed to stick with reading the non-amplified words outside of the parenthesis. 94/100

Dark in Death by J.D. Robb. In this death imitating fiction murder thriller - or is it life imitating fiction. Either way it is a crazed fan of a novelist gone psycho and going on a killing spree imitating the novelists works of fiction. Another top-notch book in my all-time favorite, In Death, series. 95/100

 

 

 

 

As You Wish, Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes. Truly, a delight! A lover of The Princess Bride since that first time I watched it at the overseas Christian servicemen center, the hospitality house, just outside Camp Humphreys, South Korea, As You Wish takes me back to my favorite scenes, those that make me laugh out loud. Because my whole family loves the movie, it is probably the most quoted movie in our household and a transposed line or two has even been known to show up in a high school graduation speech. Written by Cary Elwes, the main character Westley, the farmboy/Dread Pirate Roberts, As You Wish spans the making of the movie, Elwes first meetings, and subsequent interactions with the cast and crew. I expected some mundaneness, yet found page after page of engaging, conversational storytelling. I do believe there is one caveat to reading As You Wish: you really need to have seen the movie, or at the very least, have read the book. I have done both so I was not literary, nor film challenged. 96/100

Dumplin', Go Big or Go Home by Julie Murphy. "Self-proclaimed fat girl Willowdean Dickson (dubbed “Dumplin’” by her former beauty queen mom) has always been at home in her own skin. Her thoughts on having the ultimate bikini body? Put a bikini on your body. With her all-American beauty best friend, Ellen, by her side, things have always worked . . . until Will takes a job at Harpy’s, the local fast-food joint. There she meets Private School Bo, a hot former jock. Will isn’t surprised to find herself attracted to Bo. But she is surprised when he seems to like her back. Instead of finding new heights of self-assurance in her relationship with Bo, Will starts to doubt herself. So she sets out to take back her confidence by doing the most horrifying thing she can imagine: entering the Miss Clover City beauty pageant—along with several other unlikely candidates—to show the world that she deserves to be up there as much as any girl does." - Amazon. I thoroughly enjoyed this critically acclaimed made-into-a-movie YA novel. It is YA but translated easily to adulthood. So many of Willowdean's own thoughts are the same that have run through my mind - often. The phrase that stuck with me the most is why can't I be fat and beautiful. Much to my surprise I was perusing Netflix one recent afternoon, actually the day I'd finished the book, and right there under 'popular on Netflix' was the movie, Dumplin'. Although some similarities were evident, the movie was quite different. However, the premise of the book was captured well in the movie. 97/100

Lizzy & Jane by Katherine Reay. Having recently read Dear Mr. Knightley and loving every minute of reading - and long after, I had high hopes for Lizzy & Jane. If you can hang on through the depressing beginnings, which ultimately are necessary (yet, frustrating) for setting up the story, you are in for a full-bodied flavor read of family navigating years of estrangement and unforgiveness, re-emergence of cancer, literature - always books, checked love breaking free - and, of course, the kitchen and food. There is absolutely nothing easy about this brilliant, yet heart-wrenching second novel by Reay but it is another amazing read and one I will be referring to regularly. Also, I realized I need some book darts. 98/100

The Rembrandt Affair by Daniel Silva. The Gabriel Allon character created by Daniel Silva is flawed, yet endearing. I never tire of an intricate spy story with Allon at the helm of mission. Sitting on the edge of my seat at the intrigue and suspense and figuratively biting my nails hoping the 'good guys' win.  99/100

 

 

 

 

The Women of Christmas by Liz Curtis Higgs. a beautiful re-read. Taking a walk in this sacred season, the birth of our Savior through the lens of three of the women of Christmas: Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna, seeing Jesus through their eyes and welcoming Him anew, fresh - beloved. Fitting to end my reading challenge for the year 100 Books in 2018 with a welcome of my Savior. 100/100

 

Best Books of 2018

I read 100 books this year.  It is the most I have ever read in a year. Setting personal reading goals while challenging, in the area of goal setting I seem to always meet or exceed my goal. I suppose it says something. I really like to read. I prefer goals that I can lounge around, snuggle under a throw, drink a cup of coffee, all the while meeting that goal. Ha. Ha.

I also enjoy rounding up, putting the finishing touches on my reading year. Reflecting on what I've delighted after. The hours of enjoyment, of pleasurable escape. Last year I did a playful my best books of 2017 list and that is what I'm going for again this year.

Without further ado:

Best book I most often mentioned in conversation: Even if those conversations were with myself as I skimmed the book titles on my bookshelf and my hand slides over the book and I say to myself, "I love this book!" I am referring to Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay as the book I most often mention.

Honorable Mention: If You Only Knew by Jamie Ivey and The End of Me by Kyle Idleman (probably because this is the first book this year I read aloud to Jeff)

Favorite new author I discovered in 2018: Definitely Katherine Reay! I only read two of her books, Dear Mr. Knightley and Lizzy & Jane and I loved both of them almost equal, but in decidedly different ways.

Honorable Mention: Ruth Reichl, who wrote Delicious! and Kyle Idleman, a Christian author

Best Christian non-fiction book of 2018: I read quite a few amazing Christian non-fiction books and honestly the best of this year's best is a toss up. I was blown away by If You Only Knew by Jamie Ivey who found grace - and freedom - in allowing Christ all the parts of her life, even the very messy parts, and mistakes. The End of Me by Kyle Idleman which examines The Sermon on the Mount and the upside down teachings of Jesus Christ that are the only way to live an abundant life. The Furious Longing of God by Brennan Manning shows off the unending grace of God, His reckless, radical love.

Best Non-fiction book of 2018: I'm going to stick with strictly non-fiction because I gave Christian non-fiction its own category. The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah MacKenzie was my favorite non-Christian, non-fiction.

Honorable Mention: Book Girl by Sarah Clarkson

10 Best J.D. Robb books: I read through the entire In Death collection except book #47 which came out in September (not sure when I'm going to get to read). These are re-reads (except #46 which came out in February). My 10 best J.D. Robb books (in no particular order) and still my most favorite book series:

Treachery in Death  |  Survivor in Death  |  Delusion in Death  |  Creation in Death  |  Origin in Death  |  Born in Death  |  Divided in Death  |  Reunion in Death  |  Naked in Death  |  New York to Dallas  |  Portrait in Death  |  Kindred in Death

Best J.D. Robb book: When I think to myself what is my favorite In Death book the first one I always think of is Survivor in Death. 9-year old feisty Nixie Swisher, sole survivor of a gruesome family murder with an overcoming spirit softens the heart of the fierce and battle-scarred Lieutenant Eve Dallas (and wins mine), and hangs on the assurance that Dallas always catches the bad guys. I was hoping Robb would bring Nixie back in future books and was delighted to see her cameo appearance in a more recent book.

Honorable Mention: Treachery in Death (Dallas and Peobody take down a dirty cop ring) and Portrait in Death (Roarke meets his extended family he didn't know he had)

Best fiction book of 2018: Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay. It is not surprising that I enjoyed this epistolary offering, especially when my 2017 best book was The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, another epistolary that held me captive with the first letter posted, just as dear, Dear Mr. Knightley. 

Honorable Mentions: Lizzie and Jane by Katherine Reay, as well. And, Delicious! by Ruth Reichl

Best un-put-down-able book in 2018: This one is tough! But, I'm going with Dear Mr. Knightley, again, by Katherine Reay but her latest, Lizzy and Jane, is a close second. I finished each in under 8 hours.

11 Best Books of 2018 (in no particular order):

(1) Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay  (2)  Delicious! by Ruth Reichl  (3)  Soul Keeping by John Ortberg  (4)  The Furious Longing of God by Brennan Manning  (5)  Survivor in Death by J.D. Robb  (6)  If You Only Knew by Jamie Ivey  (7)  The Fallen by David Baldacci  (8)  Letters to the Church by Francis Chan  (9)  The End of Me by Kyle Idleman  (10) Lizzy & Jane by Katherine Reay  (11)  The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie 

Best Book of 2018: It's no surprise, right?

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

And, that is a reading wrap for 2018.

all about me | READ November 2018

 

My year of reading 100 Books is almost over. With only 8 books left to reach my goal I am hopeful! I will also finish re-reading J.D. Robb's In Death series (assuming my beloved daughter sends me book 47 that she bought for me - and - had signed by J.D. Robb!) before the end of the year. Again, hopeful. I have a stack of library books I need to read that I've already re-checked out once and only have one more shot to get them read before I have to return them. Again, hopeful.

Realistically, it was a slow reading month mostly because the In Death series' are fast reads, usually a day or two, at most. A Long Obedience...was a slow read, intentionally. I wanted to soak in every word. I wouldn't be surprised if I re-read it some time next year. It's that good!

Festive in Death by J.D. Robb. Surprisingly Festive was heavy on the relational story surrounding the characters even so far as some lengthy conversations. All of which I adored. The murder mystery not so much. Eve was investigating a scumbag and while she pursued justice as she always does, because no one deserves getting dead by someone else, maybe, her 'heart' wasn't into it but simply her blazing sense of justice propelled her to find the killer. It was Christmas time and so much fun to see Eve navigate the relationship + gifts 'dilemma' and do it well somehow. 85/100

Bunker Hill, a city, a siege, a revolution by Nathaniel Philbrick. Empowered with my newly acquired PINES library card and after a fairly slow reading month last month I was determined to make a large dent in my reading repertoire and expanded genre. I had in mind to read another Philbrick historical non-fictional account but it was still considered new and not up for 'hold' so I pulled an older one from the shelf. 86/100

A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, Discipleship in an Instant Society by Eugene Peterson. It looks like I started this one and then realized it would take a 'long' time to finish it well so I set it aside for something I could 'instantly' check off as read...just kidding. I love Eugene Peterson. I love reading The Message as a companion Bible to the NIV, KJV, ESV, or even the NLT. A Long Obedience is, first of all, worthy of your uncluttered time. Peterson takes you through the path of discipleship via the Psalms of Ascent - Psalm 120 - 134. 87/100

Obsession in Death by J.D. Robb. This time less on the friendships and characters and more on the murder mystery. Pretty slow going at times but otherwise a satisfying read. Loved the finale. 88/100

Devoted in Death by J.D. Robb. At some point along my accumulation of the In Death series I stopped purchasing paperbacks and began buying the hardbacks the day they came out. I couldn't wait to read the latest in the series. I've been into the hard backs on my shelf and only have a few more to finish the series. Assuming my daughter sends me the signed copy of the latest book she purchased for me from J.D.Robb's very own bookstore in Boonesboro, Maryland, I'll definitely be able to finish the series this year. It's been a fun ride! Devoted in Death no less - interesting. Think Bonnie and Clyde, except exceedingly more vicious and evil. 89/100

Brotherhood in Death by J.D. Robb. Aside from the retribution killings (which is disgusting but an intriguing storyline, the entwining of Lieutenant Dallas' "people", those people who have come into her life over the past few years, who she has come to love, albeit reluctantly at times, yet truly -  is wonderful. This was a really good read! 90/100

Apprentice in Death by J.D. Robb. The power of parental influence. When a father seeks vengeance through his own daughter as a long distance serial killer. This is book 43 in the series. I know. Crazy, right? Like all series, the In Death series has had ebbs and flows. The characters for the most part continue to grow with each passing story. I enjoy the books best when many of the characters or effectively used within the story and this is one of those books. I also love the introduction of new, and the potential for recurring characters. Again, Apprentice In Death filled that bill. An all-around great read.  91/100

Echoes in Death by J.D. Robb. Can I just say as I get closer and closer to finishing my re-read of these books - I still love them! I'm not sure how many times I've read each book. Although, the re-read this year was after about a three-year hiatus. Even still, I am not tired of them, nor am I bored. I enjoy them. Every. Single. Time. Like all of the books, Echoes is a gruesome, skin-crawling, heart-wrenching, gut-wrenching, compelling murder mystery handled and solved superbly by the ever-growing character, feisty, and snarky protagonist, Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her hunka hunka burning love, billionaire husband who is himself a reformed thief. 92/100

all about me | READ October 2018

 

A slow reading month, for sure. I still have quite a few In Death books to get through before the end of the year and my mind was firmly set on our mission trip to Austria so I stuck with mostly re-reads of J.D. Robb's In Death series. I read Thankless in Death on the plane and in country in my 'free' time when I wasn't serving or sleeping because of exhaustion from serving. The In Death series re-reads are quick reads, not because I've read them before but because I love them.

I finally put together a 2-page 6 x 8 layout for my All About Me album, documenting what I read in October. I'm already considering how I'm going to document what I've been reading in 2019. I'm considering, heavily, a traveler's notebook-sized (4 x 8) or a 3 x 8 album which has become quite popular in my scrapbooking world.

My goal this year: read 100 books.

Celebrity in Death by J.D. Robb. Probably one of my least favorite of the In Death series. A high-profile case but low-profile story that dragged for me. Although, it did somewhat pick up in pace once Eve identified the murderer and began unraveling the threads only to find more skeins, enough so, I actually enjoyed the last third of the book way more than the lagging first two-thirds. I would never say skip this one because it's Lieutenant Eve Dallas and Detective Delia Peabody, and Roarke, of course, but there is such limited interaction with all the other characters that it seemed like the book missed a step. 77/100

 

 

 

Delusion in Death by J.D. Robb. Horrific. Mass murder. But. Really, really good murder mystery. 78/100

 

 

 

 

 

Beartown by Fredrick Backman. a riveting character-driven story fleshed out entirely in short vignettes or scenes zoomed in closely on the people, each with their inter-turmoil's, thoughts, flaws, and secrets. These are played out on the pages of a hockey town and a hockey team and hockey players, and yet - it's not so much about hockey, the game played out on the ice, but, hockey as another character played out in the lives of everyone in Beartown. When an ugly tragedy occurs even this is viewed through the lens of hockey. As I said - riveting. Did I like the book - no. Did I love the writing - absolutely! When I say I didn't like the book I mean it was so emotionally connecting, and frustrating, and personal I felt I was being driven crazy. Sprinkled with, even brimming, is the profound. 'A great deal is expected of anyone who's been given a lot.' 'People 'round here don't always know the difference between right and wrong. But we know the difference between good and evil.' 'If you are honest, people may deceive you. Be honest anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfishness. Be kind anyway. All the good you do today will be forgotten by others tomorrow. Do good anyway.'  'Difficult questions, simple answers. What is a community? It is the sum total of our choices.'  Are those pearls of profound, and the many, many others for the story - or more specifically - for the reader. Just wondering. 79/100

A Simplified Life by Emily Ley. Surprisingly quick read. I didn't do any of the 'assignments' mostly because of timing. I enjoyed Emily's writing style. She doesn't sound condescending but almost comes from a stand-point of this is how I did it and not necessarily how you should do simplifying. There were some really helpful tips and not-so helpful - to me. I'm already of the mindset to simplify life (actually, home) but there are stumbling blocks to navigate and I haven't figured those out yet. But, the book: worth it if you have no idea where to begin to simplify your life. 80/100

 

 

Calculated in Death by J.D. Robb. The goal is to finish all 47 In Death books this year as part of my Read 100 Books in 2018 goal. With Calculated in Death I'm getting closer and closer and don't see any reason I can't finish on - or even ahead of time. Calculated was okay. The book was totally about the murders rather than the characters which is okay - occasionally. Because it means Eve has grown in 'this' area and reached a plateau, or comfortable spot, before the author sends another growth spurt her way. Because I like reading how murders are solved as much as the play by play of character development and interactions this was a good book. Could it have been better? Sure. But, there were enough 'wowzers' weaved throughout that it was an okay, satisfying read. 81/100.

 

 

Thankless in Death by J.D. Robb. "Lieutenant Eve Dallas has plenty to be grateful for, especially Roarke’s big Irish family, which is a joyful improvement on her own dark childhood. Other couples aren’t as lucky. The Reinholds, for example, are lying in their home stabbed and bludgeoned almost beyond recognition. Those who knew them are stunned—and heartbroken by the evidence that they were killed by their own son. Turns out that twenty-six-year-old Jerry is not only capable of brutality but has taking a liking to it. With the money he’s stolen from his parents and a long list of grievances, he intends to finally make his mark on the world. Eve and her team already know the who, how, and why of this murder. What they need to pinpoint is where Jerry’s going to strike next." - Amazon. A brutal telling, for sure - yet, intriguing. A seemingly hapless murderer who keeps, dare I say - lucking out - in the murder department. Great read. 82/100

Prince of Fire by Daniel Silva. I finished this exceptional read on the plane home from Austria. I haven't read a Gabriel Allon, Israeli spy and master art restorer, series book in almost two years but recently I re-organized my bookshelves and, rather than by color, I sorted books by genre, fiction vs. non-fiction, and I arranged series' books together. Which made me realize I'm not anywhere near completing the Gabriel Allon series. Like Silva's other Allon books, Prince of Fire did not disappoint and I slid into the story, well-versed in the history of the characters and the feel for Allon's next challenge. The book didn't waste anytime grabbing the reader and the pace held on steady that I was completely satisfied. I still have a couple books in the series on my bookshelf but I will have to pick up the remaining. 83/100

 

 

Concealed in Death by J.D. Robb. "Leading the demolition of a long-empty New York building that once housed a makeshift shelter for troubled teenagers, Lieutenant Eve Dallas’s husband uncovers two skeletons wrapped in plastic. And by the time Eve’s done with the crime scene, there are twelve murders to be solved. The victims are all young girls. A tattooed tough girl who dealt in illegal drugs. The runaway daughter of a pair of well-to-do doctors. They all had their stories. And they all lost their chance for a better life. Then Eve discovers a connection between the victims and someone she knows. And she grows even more determined to reveal the secrets of the place that was called The Sanctuary—and the evil concealed in one human heart." - Amazon. One of my favorite characters in the book is Dr. Mira's husband, Dennis. I adore him and he is present in several scenes and does my heart good...just saying. Interesting read but a bit slow going and not the wow factor in many of the other In Death series books. Definitely wouldn't call it a favorite. 84/100

all about me | READ August 2018

 

I am excited to share 1) my latest scrapbooking page for my All About Me album, and 2) what I've been reading lately, in August 2018. First, the page.

I love how this 2-page 6 x 8 turned out. I used all things Ali Edwards from her monthly kits, both the May 2018 and August 2018 kit. I created that this is august journal card mimicking Ali's journal card in the May kit because I loved it! To be honest, I was totally inspired by one of Ali's creative team members for the entire page. I'm a lover of scraplifting; taking someone's idea or page and making it my own with my story, my photos. A favorite READ page this year, definitely.

Second, the books.

It was a slow reading month. Only 6 books, and four of those are re-read In Death books. However. And, that's a honking however. The two books I did read were amazing. In fact, Dear Mr. Knightley, is a contender, for sure, for the top fiction spot of 2018. The Seventh Most Important Thing, a middle-grade reader, provocative and engaging.

Strangers in Death by J. D. Robb. Think Strangers on a Train. Rarely, are we apprised of the would-be killer ahead of time from Lieutenant Dallas' point of view, but believing who the killer is and proving it are two different things. It is definitely and interesting way of approaching the investigation, yet intriguing how Dallas steps through what fits and doesn't to catch the one she knows in her gut is the killer. 60/100

Promises in Death by J.D. Robb. Really good. Sometimes bad things happen to good people. One of the beloved characters will have his/her life altered - and Lieutenant Dallas has to find out who wanted someone dead. This book shuttles Eve into the intimate friendship realm, something she doesn't do well navigating, but is now front and center amidst a murder investigation. I adore how Robb grows Eve Dallas with each book in the series; more tools in the friendship belt kit, or marriage toolbox, or working through her past. I never tire of this series. 61/100. 

Kindred in Death by J. D. Robb. Bring tissues. This was a very difficult read as the murder was most heart-wrenching. One of the series' more serious story lines, however, one of the most recent favorites. The relational side of the In Death series was scarce (the snarky quips, the playful banter, and character development, although Robb captured another facet of Dallas that even Dallas didn't know she had in her), rather, the murder investigation took front and center, understandably, with the difficult and brutal nature of the killing. If I were rating this book this one would definitely be a 5/5 stars. 62/100.

Fantasy in Death by J. D. Robb. Definitely, an outside-of-the-box, futuristic style murder, yet, intriguing. Wasn't a favorite; in fact, sort of sad but not in a bring tissues way. A young man loses his head during a holographic enactment and Dallas has to find out how a bright, energetic, mega star in the video realm gets dead when there isn't a trace of evidence to support someone else in the same room. 63/100 

The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall. This middle-grade (or, even younger) story opens with a young boy, Arthur, grabbing a brick and with no apparent reason hurls it at man, who is a fixture in the neighborhood known as the Junk Man because he goes through pieces trash and hauls his 'goods' in a shopping cart. But, Arthur did have his reasons, and the brick only hit the Junk Man in the arm, not the head. But none of that matters to the fierce judge who is ready to send Arthur to juvenile detention forever. After a surprising turn of events, Arthur is given 120 hours of community service as punishment working for none other then the Junk Man himself. What follows is a story of - redemption, especially in the reality that we are not defined by our last poor choice. And not just for the brick-throwing juvenile delinquent. I dog-eared so many pages simply for the thought-provoking quotes I want to reflect on and remember. Definitely a favorite this year. 64/100.

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay. Love. Love. Love. Epistolary novels I do so love you so. I had to look up the word. Going on my favorites list and could easily bump off every other fiction novel I've read this year. 65/100

  

 

 

all about me | READ July 2018

I'm back with another month of what I've been reading lately, in July 2018. It was a slow month of reading as I had family in the house for most of the first couple weeks of the month then I was scrambling to read. Read. Read. So maybe I didn't read as many as other months; a couple of the books, however, will be going on my best of the best lists for sure. Delicious! by Ruth Reichl may just be the best book of the year. I loved it! And, the non-fiction Christian book, my favorite genre by the way, Soul Keeper by John Ortburg is a - keeper! Of course, I'm fully entrenched in re-reading my all-time favorite book series In Death, by J.D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts; although I'm not necessarily a fan of Nora Roberts books, I have read a few that were good).

I created the 2-page 6 x 8 scrapbooking page - again - for my All About Me album 2018.

Here are ALL the books I've read so far this year: 100 Books in 2018

Without further ado...July 2018 what I've been reading lately.

Born in Death by J. D. Robb. This was a really intriguing story line and murder mystery. Robb wound together and overlapped two seemingly unconnected mysteries, one a murder and the other a missing person, seamlessly and continued the ongoing saga of Eve and Roarke and the ever-growing cast of characters. 53/100 books in 2018

Force of Nature by Jane Harper. Deep into the isolated forest, over the rough and tangled web of personal and professional terrain, and into the frigid temperatures and murky waters of betrayal and back woods wilderness where the disappearance of a colleague on a corporate retreat unfolds into a spell-grabbing what really happened to Alice and brings Federal Police Agent Aaron Falk, the flawed and brilliant character first introduced and developed in The Dry, Harper's stunning and brilliant debut novel, into the investigation once again. Along time to get there in a short amount of time, Harper - and Falk - tease the reader and fleshes out the mystery surrounding the disappearance and all the while you're on your edge of the seat. Not as perfect as The Dry, but pretty darn close. 54/100 books in 2018

Delicious! by Ruth Reichl. Stunning - and delicious! As a lover of food who also loves to cook with flavors this novel was perfectly infused with fascinating characters - oh my! so fascinating! - a savory, delectable work of art. Without a doubt this will be on my top ten books of the year and may even claim top billing. I hung on every word, every character, every piece of the story, weaved and fashioned in perfectly. Such a true delight! This is one of those masterpieces that when you finish you wished it wasn't over. 55/100

Soul Keeping by John Ortberg. A couple gentlemen I think highly of mentioned this book on Facebook. These guys are the type of people 'when they speak, you listen' - I have that kind of regard for their opinion. Honestly, I'm not sure I would have picked this up on my own anytime soon for not their recommendation. I was not disappointed! In fact, this book is going on that stack of life-changing books that I keep and return to, reference, think about, and ponder often. Just a couple thoughts to ponder: "Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day...you must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life."  "Your soul is what integrates your will, your mind, and your body into a single life. A soul is healthy - well-ordered - when there is harmony between these three entities and God's intent for all creation. When you are connected with God and other people in life, you have a healthy soul." Ortberg speaks of gratitude and generosity is essential for a healthy soul. The more we focus on our selves (self-care, self love), the more we neglect our souls. 56/100

Leave the Grave Green by Deborah Crombie. This is book three in the murder mystery starring Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James of Scotland Yard. While I wasn't on the edge of my seat, biting my nails (not that I bite my nails - but you get the picture), but, Leave the Grave Green is a solid murder mystery, cut into puzzle pieces and offered up to Kincaid and James to investigate. Crombie takes her readers step by step through the twists and turns of the investigation along with intricate character and a fully British ambient scene development. I feel like I have a personal connection with the persons and places, and that I'm not just on the outside looking in. 57/100

Innocent in Death by J.D. Robb. I have a love hate relationship with this book. The murder mystery is crazy good. Scary, in an I did not see that one coming sort of way. But, the personal storyline weaved within the book is what drives me crazy. Because I've read the book before and because I'm personally in a different place I was able to escape the to personal and read a good story. And, even though I'd read the book catching the murderer still blew me away! 58/100

Creation in Death by J.D. Robb. I am enjoying my re-read journey of the J.D. Robb In Death series this year. It has been awhile. While I remembered the premise of this book, the intricacies were a delight and the murder investigation was jam-packed intriguing. New York City, 2060: Lieutenant Eve Dallas never forgets a corpse. Her new case will resurrect the memories of women she couldn’t save—and the killer who slipped out of her grasp…When the body of a young brunette is found in East River Park, artfully positioned and marked by signs of prolonged and painful torture, Lieutenant Eve Dallas is catapulted back to a case nine years earlier. The city was on edge from a killing spree that took the lives of four women in fifteen days, courtesy of a man the media tagged “The Groom”—because he put silver rings on the fingers of his victims.  But this time, it becomes chillingly clear that the killer has made his attack personal. The young woman was employed by Eve’s billionaire husband, Roarke, washed in products from a store Roarke owns, and laid out on a sheet his company manufactures. Chances are, The Groom is working up to the biggest challenge of his illustrious career—abducting a woman who will test his skills and who promises to give him days and days of pleasure before she dies: Eve. - Amazon. 59/100

 

 

all about me | READ June

Today I am sharing what I have been reading in June 2018. For the most part I've had at least one book, or two, or three going at one time which is very normal for me. Generally, one or two fiction and a non-fiction. This month Just Open the Door by Schmidt was a looong non-fiction read, however worth it! I read almost everyday this month, yet I was still only able to complete 8 books.

The Lightning Thief, Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan. The other afternoon I was flipping through our DVD's looking for something to watch. I'd made a cup of coffee, changed into pajamas ready to snuggle in for the rest of the day and rather than watch NETFLIX which I might normally have done, or a television series on DVD I opted for a movie. Percy Jackson: the Lightning Thief passed through my visual scope. I'd never seen the movie, deeming it: not something I was interested in. But, I thought, it would be a connection with my sons that I hadn't breached. I plopped the disc into the changer and started watching. Jarrod came out of his room when he heard the television come on wanting to see what I was watching. His jaw dropped. He exclaimed, "Mother!" in unbelief, "What are you watching?" exclaimed Jarrod, rhetorically.

Of course, he very well knew what I was watching. He went back to his room and shut down his video game and came back out, grabbed a cup of coffee and snuggled in to watch the movie with me. I had to reprimand him a couple times not to give any secrets away, but other than that I thought it was a pretty good movie. Jarrod went back to his room afterwards and brought out his beloved, well-worn copy of The Lightning Thief. I was pleasantly surprised even though it was seriously outside of my comfort zone. 45/100 books read in 2018.

Origin in Death by J.D. Robb. Book 21 of the 47 (so far) book series. I know. 47 books. Criminal investigations. Murder. Snarky humor. Really creative story line. This one was way out there, but I loved it. 

Affaire Royale by Nora Roberts. Meh. I have only read a few Nora Roberts (except for her nom de plume, J.D. Robb whom I adore) and I have only enjoyed one or two of her full-length novels. On the off chance I pick up another here or there I'm always disappointed. Affaire read too much like a Harlequin Romance which I abhor; and, disappointed I even bothered with the purchase. Maybe, next time I even consider picking up a two-story paperback by Roberts I will be at the library for no money loss involved. I think this could have been an intriguing story line for a lengthy novel with tons of suspense and intrigue, unfortunately it fell flat and left so much to be desired. 47/100 books read in 2018.

Memory in Death by J.D. Robb. Definitely not a favorite of the In Death series books. It didn't have that who dun it and how is Eve going to get there from here in finding the answers, draw, or excitement. I recalled it not being a favorite re-read, previously, but I didn't want to skip it this time around. 48/100 books read in 2018.

Just Open the Door by Jen Schmidt. This book is long! Don't let the 195-pages fool you. The book print is tiny. But. Schmidt has a lot of important stuff to stay regarding the Jesus way of hospitality and you won't want to miss one word. I love the reader questions and her answers at the end of each chapter. She gives tons of examples for the types of hospitality she is sharing in each chapter. I didn't feel condemned or condescended but convicted in a healthy way. I wasn't unaware of the hospitality Jen writes about, I've read blog posts over the years, magazine articles, and even discussed this type of hospitality in Bible study classes, that re-directed the idea of hospitality being more than a beautiful home and having everything just right before you open your home, to the kind of hospitality that Schmidt thinks Jesus meant - and that hospitality goes way beyond our own home. This may or may not be a favorite book of the year. But, it will be one of those books I hold onto, reference, and re-read, slowly, again. 49/100 books read in 2018

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson. What can I say that hasn't already been said? Beautifully composed. Written in free verse, it caught me off guard and yet captured my attention immediately. I imagined I was sitting on a back porch swing overlooking a field of growing vegetables in the blistering summer drinking sweet tea or lemonade that came from a stand along a dusty road listening to these stories; and at other times I was in crowded cement streets and sidewalks, clothes lines hanging out windows, kids hollering and playing, music blaring, car horns honking, and a fire hydrant let loose with water spewing forth cooling down the neighborhood and laughter abounding - and listening to the lyrical stories. If I had one minor frustration...it would be some of the writing seemed clouded by adulthood even though it is presented as an observant child's memories. I imagine there was much that was Woodson's own childhood observations as she is truly a gifted writer but I also felt there was also the language of an adult laced in, too. However, this in no way detracts from my love of this book. 50/100 books read in 2018

Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty. I enjoyed this fast-paced, and actively engaging book, definitely written, and suitable for 8 -12 year olds, albeit, a bit strangely eerie, other-worldly, and magical. "A brave and unusual girl named Serafina lives secretly in the basement of the grand Biltmore Estate amidst the splendor of the Gilded Age. Serafina's pa, the estate's maintenance man, has warned her to keep herself hidden from the fancy folk who live on the floors above, but when children at the estate start disappearing, Serafina and her friend Braeden Vanderbilt must work together to solve a dark and dangerous mystery."  - Amazon. I think my granddaughter Ella would get a kick out of the book. 51/100 books in 2018.

Glass Houses by Louise Penny. Coming late to the Louise Penny party I picked up all of the Armande Gamache series in paperback thus when the hardback came out for Glass Houses I waited until it came out in paperback. It was an excruciating wait! While not all of the series are 5 Star reads the majority of them are, thus, there was tortuous anticipation as I waited for the much-acclaimed Glass Houses. I so wanted to love Glass Houses. But, I did not in the least. I was, instead, frustrated through the entire book, except for maybe -1/16th of the book and I was so disappointed:(  I'm sure anyone who is reading this will chide me for disliking Penny's latest but this one just didn't live up to most of her other books. I walked away frustrated, feeling like it was anti-climatic, and confused by the entire story line. 52/100 books in 2018.

Digitally, I created a 2-page 6 x 8 for my All About Me album that I am completing this year. I used a combination of Ali Edwards digital product and Paislee Press templates. I love the subtle tones of the teals, turquoise, and golds of the book covers and product.

all about me | READ May

It is that time of the month when I share what I have been reading lately in May 2018. My goal this year, again, is 100 Books in 2018. The one caveat: not necessarily all new books as I am re-reading through the J.D. Robb In Death series, my all-time favorite book series. This month was pretty standard; read an In Death book, read either a non-fiction Christian or another new book, then read another In Death book. I read 9 books this month (and began book 10 but I won't finish until I move into June). It was a good month for reading. I enjoyed everything I read this month. Even though I might have rated a few lower, overall, I still enjoyed each book.

My favorite this month was definitely Jen Wilkin's In His Image; so much so it will more than likely go on my favorite books of 2018 list.

Purity in Death by J.D. Robb. Continuing my 100 Books in 2018 and re-reading the J.D. Robb In Death series with Purity in Death. I've only been reading two or three a month with new books added in the mix so I'll be surprised if I even make it through the series' 46 books this year unless I binge-read through the series. Purity in Death was just as good a read through the fourth time or so as the first time back in 2007-08. It has been so long since I read the series that most of the books are almost like new. Sure, I know the gist of the story but don't remember the details. This book takes great liberties with its futuristic setting to tell an interesting story involving vigilante-type killings involving a computer virus that kills. 36/100 books read in 2018.

The Furious Longing of God by Brennan Manning. A 131-page nugget of gold. 'God loves me as much as He loves Jesus.' '...the outstretched arms of Jesus excludes no one...'- Brennan Manning, The Furious Longing of God. 'Employing adjectives such as furious, passionate, vehement, and aching to describe the longing of God are my mumbling and fumbling to express the Inexpressible." 'The living acts of a Christian become the acts of Christ.' [Gulp!]  I noted, lined, and underlined until the very end...and then 'simply do the next thing in love.' There were some reviews that this is a book of filled with mysticism and - well - I'm not sure where they got that from! Maybe, because Manning uses big words that I had to go look up in the dictionary or he says things like, 'according to that mysterious substitution of Christ for the Christian, what we do to one another we do to Jesus,' which is biblical by the way [Matthew 25]. "If we as a Christian community took seriously that the sign of our love for Jesus is our love for one another, I am convinced it would change the world." Can you even tell I loved this book? 37/100 books read in 2018.

Imitation in Death by J.D. Robb. Moving right along. Really good read. The story line was super interesting, a killer imitating serial killers and a letter at the scene of each murder addressed to none other than Lieutenant Eve Dallas to make the chase interesting  - and some intimate and explosive character development makes this a memorable read. 38/100 books read in 2018.

Unexpected: Leave Fear Behind, Move Forward in Faith, Embrace the Adventure by Christine Caine. I struggled through the first chapter or so until I found the books groove. I got the impression the subject isn't something Caine deals with much anymore. Instead, she used past unexpected events along with others' life unexpected to weave the story of how to let go and let God have all your unexpected's. Caine covered some great topics, lots of 'lists' of things that I found frustrating after the umpteenth time, but overall the read was worth it. I had really high expectations after reading her book, Unashamed, because that is on my all-time favorite reads; an unexpected favorite. Caine doesn't say anything here I don't already know. But. I always need to hear it again - and again. And, I did dog-ear a bunch of pages. So - worth the read. 39/100 books read in 2018.

Divided in Death by J.D. Robb. What I'm in the mood for drives what I read. If I don't want to 'think' much and I need a laugh (which I know I will get somewhere within), another re-read of Robb's In Death series is a good bet. This is my re-read year of the series and Divided in Death was another intriguing murder investigation with a slight mysterious twist involving all my favorite characters. Some interesting futuristic technology thrown in the mix, navigating ethical dilemma's and marital division makes for a great read - especially because there's making up. 40/100 books read in 2018

All Shall Be Well by Deborah Crombie. Reminiscent of Louise Penny, although not quite as intricately woven yet still cleverly drawn; the character development lends itself most intensely to the players of the murder investigation. Except, Crombie is painting a intriguing picture of main characters Kincaid and James that I am enjoying immensely. The story was one dead end after another in solving a murder-suicide, until... Looking forward to the next in the series and so glad I found another series to dig into, easily. 41/100 books read in 2018.

Visions in Death by J.D. Robb. This seems to be my roll this month: read an In Death book, read something else, read an In Death book, read something else...suits me just fine. Visions in Death is definitely an interesting change of pace as Lieutenant Dallas navigates the role of psychic's in a murder investigation and the 'conclusions' she comes to. The second half of the book is way more exciting and intriguing than the first half. 42/100 books read in 2018

In His Image by Jen Wilkin. Here is another of Wilkin's thin little books that packs a huge punch. What I have found after reading two other books my Jen is that ever word she writes is purposeful, selective, and pointed. She doesn't mince words but speaks clearly and succinctly - yes, that is it! Succinctly. A compact, precise expression without wasting words. Zero fluff. Succinct. And, because In His Image is all about the character of God, Wilkin spells out a character attribute of God in each chapter, efficiently and clearly. She tackles hard-core concepts such as grace, mercy, and justice that have me walking away with, "I get it, now!" There are a few books on my shelves that I will keep for all time. I'm adding this one to that stack. 43/100 books read in 2018

Survivor in Death by J.D. Robb. One of my favorite's of the In Death series. Lieutenant Dallas tackles a home killing invasion that leaves one survivor with seemingly no reason for the atrocity. Dallas creatively pursues every and all leads in pursuit of the killers and we are faced with another side of her humanity that needed a bit of - adjusting - in the process. 44/100 books read in 2018.

all about me | READ April

It is that time of the month - the beginning - when I share what I read the previous month. Thank you, beautiful weather! Inevitably when the weather is nice or unchanging I am able to devour books and April was one of those months. It was a great month for getting in lots of reading time but it was also a month of amazing books. I didn't read one book this month that I did not like and several, many, books that I completely adored, and at least one - if not two - that will be going on my top-rated books, my most favorites for the year or even of all time.

Like always I have created a scrapbook page to document what I've been reading lately. This year, all of my 'reading' pages are either a 1- or 2-page 6 x 8 and are going into my All About Me album. In 2017 I created 12 x 12 pages to document the 100 New Books I read. I love flipping through my scrapbook albums and seeing all the pages of what I've already read. This year I am well on my way toward another 100 Books in 2018 (rather than 100 new books because I am re-reading J.D. Robb's In Death series this year, sooo - not new, although almost every other read is new).

Joseph, Exalted through Trials by F. B. Meyer. This little nugget, written by renowned theologian, F.B. Meyer, sketches a biographical portrait of Joseph, the eleventh son of the Patriarch Jacob (Israel) and whose life is reminiscent of the story or Jesus Christ. If you are going through testing and trials and wondering why, or where is God read this along with the story of Joseph which is found in the book of Genesis and be blessed. I was studying the Patriarchs by Beth Moore with my daughter Ashley, and I read this as a commentary to enhance my studies. 24/100 books read in 2018.

If You Only Knew by Jamie Ivey. One of the best Christian non-fiction books I have ever read!!!! Vulnerable and authentic truth right here! Ivey speaks of how she found freedom in Christ. Literally, how! I am still blown away by this book. I can't even say how much I needed this book. For someone to tell the truth like this. To be vulnerable and authentic and real - I am blown away! I hope those who read this book will then go into your groups of womanhood and encourage authentic conversation and create an atmosphere for women to be real and truthful without being judged or shamed or condescended upon. 25/100 books read in 2018.

Seduction in Death by J.D. Robb. This is a really good murder investigation. Robb takes you into the minds of two young killers working in tandem. Interesting plot and more deeply vulnerable character development kept the book moving nicely. Really enjoying making my way, slowly, through this series again. 26/100 books read in 2018.

The Dry by Jane Harper. I have read some really good books this month and this is but another - amazing read. Not a fast-paced book but rather a book that moves unencumbered by meaningless words or words that contribute nothing to the story. It was, as if, every word was in its place so I flew through the book. I read this in a day! Hooked from the first page to the last, Harper reveals something new with each passing page. It is a brilliant murder mystery within another murder mystery that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. 27/100 books read in 2018.

The Reason I Jump, The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-year-old Boy with Autism by Naoki Higashida. Always on the look out for cutting-edge reading, anything to help me get into the mind of, and potentially see more clearly, my grandson Ian who has autism. While I think the author is deeper on the spectrum than my grandson, this is still a worthy read for any parent, advocate, or teacher who regularly lives with someone with autism because it may answer a ton of your why questions and, maybe, just maybe you'll be more patient and understanding, and gracious, to the child or adult with autism who, sometimes, have no way to express themselves in the way that we'll understand. 28/100 books read in 2018.

Reunion in Death by J.D. Robb. Another In Death re-read. I'd forgotten much of the book and loved how more of the series' protagonist, Eve Dallas, is continuing to be unfettered and she is breaking away from the hardened, staunch, and rigid and her vulnerability and feminine side is showing. This was a good read bidding good female versus bad female. Very interesting psychological thriller. 29/100 books read in 2018.

Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis. Although I have never heard of Rachel Hollis and have never read her blog, this has received rave reviews and came highly recommended. I was not disappointed. She said some words early in the book that I've been struggling how to say for myself, "I don't know the central tenet of your faith, but the central tenet of mine is 'love thy neighbor.' Not 'love thy neighbor if they look and act and think like you.' Not 'love thy neighbor so long as they wear the right clothes and say the right things.' Just love them. Yes, I also believe in holding each other accountable; but holding each other accountable takes place inside community and relationships. Holding each other accountable comes from a beautiful place in the heart of friendship that makes you sit down with your friend and ask with love if they've looked at their own actions in a particular light. Holding each other accountable comes from a place of love." If only reading those words of hers be words I've been trying to articulate myself were the only worthy words in the book I'd say, read it! But, there is so much more good stuff! 30/100 books read in 2018.

A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea by Masaji Ishikawa. A difficult and heart-wrenching memoir of one man's early life through his escape from North Korea. The book is well-written and not in any way flowery, or over-exaggerated, but a truthful essay of his plight from living poor in Japan as a Japanese-Korean to the hope of a good life propagandized in North Korean to living proof of the countries lies. It was, in many ways, frustrating to read because I just wanted to climb into the book and beat to a pulp those who are systemically enslaving a people.  If you take anything away from reading this book it is, I imagine, an unintentional lesson in gratitude. The plight of North Koreans is unbelievable and unfortunately is the worst socialism has to offer. Can anyone in our country really want socialism? 31/100 books read in 2018.

The Fallen by David Baldacci. My favorite Baldacci character, memory man Amos Decker, returns in this can't-put-down-until-I-finish-it, murder mystery. The police officer turned consulting agent for the FBI who never forgets and his partner Alex are on vacation and get involved in a small town multiple murder mystery that twists and turns crazy fast and I enjoyed every minute trying to pin down the guilty party - or should I say parties. Baldacci grew his Decker character by leaps and bounds with this book and opened up the potential for inevitable growth in future books. 32/100 books read in 2018.

Need to Know by Karen Cleveland. Recommended by a Modern Mrs. Darcy follower who gave it 5 Stars. I would have to agree with her! Vivian works in a special office within the CIA. She's a wife and mother of four young children and when she stumbles on something at work her life gets turned upside down. On the edge of my seat spy thriller that will make your head spin. 33/100 books read in 2018.

A Share in Death, the First Kincaid and James mystery by Deborah Crombie. For such a short book - well it seemed short anyway - it was packed full of mystery. My first introduction to the main character, Kincaid, and I already love him and really like Gemma James his partner/sidekick, even though she had quite the smaller part. This was a good first book [for me] by Deborah Crombie, who I've never read before. However, A Share in Death was quite heavy on the characters which I struggled to keep up who they were, so much so, that I just moved on hoping I'd figure it out in the next scene. I finally grasped who all the characters were, but not until the end. Besides that though I really enjoyed the book and will definitely read the next in the series. 34/100 books read in 2018.

Everybody Always by Bob Goff. I read Love Does, Goff's first book when it came out and it quickly went onto my favorites list. I have a sneaky suspicion that Everybody Always will do the same. Can I say upfront? Bring tissues. I'm serious. Goff writes through personal, individual stories with such joy and life and intricately weaves in his message that our greatest responsibility here on earth is to love everybody - always. Applying what I learned, this book made me repent, pick the hardest person to love, stop the strong-arming because I didn't want to get hurt again or betrayed again, and simply have normal conversation - without filters. It was a huge step for me in loving everybody - always. 35/100 books read in 2018.

 

all about me | READ March

Another month has passed and another month of slippery-sloped reading time. I am making my way through the 47 full-sized novels by J.D. Robb, the In Death series. But, I'm intentionally adding in various non-fiction pieces that have been setting, seemingly abandoned from being un-read, on my color-coordinated shelves - and one re-read for review. Non-fiction, in particularly non-fiction Christian is my favorite genre, so I was glad to have added a couple of those titles to my reading list. When I read non-fiction books I generally have pen (usually pen, sometimes pencil) in hand because I, inevitably, will be taking notes in the margin, bracketing paragraphs, and underlining quotes. Sometimes, this exercise spurs on further study, but, it helps me 'find' easily the parts of the book that spoke the loudest, to me.

Here we go:

Loyalty in Death by J.D. Robb. If you're unaware, J.D. Robb is a pseudonym for Nora Roberts only Robb's works are darker and grittier. Loyalty is definitely darker with a high body count and evil murderer. All of the In Death novels revolve around homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas, her billionaire husband Roarke, and her trusted sidekick Officer Peabody. But, the tremendous supporting cast of characters continues to grow as Robb grows Eve's character. Because these books are set in the not-so-distant-future in the late 2050's, Robb is afforded great liberties with technology and she uses it well in this exciting terrorist-driven murder mystery. 17/100 books in 2018.

Witness in Death by J.D. Robb. Lieutenant Eve Dallas' psyche had a work over in Witness, highlighted because of the current homicide she was investigating. It was a really good, and intricately woven story of a murder in real life on stage during a murder being acted out on stage and Lieutenant Dallas was a witness to the murder. Just as it was difficult for Dallas' to deal with, some of the content was especially disgusting but connected the motive to the murder. 18/100 books in 2018

Shaken by Tim Tebow. I'd heard such good things about Tebow's book, Shaken; and, while I know who Tim Tebow is and that he is a Christian and seems to live that life out well, I really didn't know much about him. This is not necessarily a biography, but there is glimpses of his younger life - and through the years. And, while this isn't a memoir, there are individual stories with individual testimonial lessons-learned. We may know Tebow as a successful collegiate athlete and Heisman Trophy winner and this may seem like he is un-relatable. But, Tebow the man, is very relatable. He exposed himself so we could see beyond who and how the world sees him, instead we see how Christ sees him - and how Christ sees us, too. 19/100 books in 2018.

Judgment in Death by J.D. Robb. In a club owned by Roarke a cop is bludgeoned to death. Motive is a mystery. Robb weaves in an intense and intricate storyline - and investigation for Eve. This one will keep you guessing. Some frustrating parts when Internal Investigations gets involved but a bit of a spice is captured with Eve and a former lover who happens to be IAB. Shake things up a bit, relationally. 20/100 books in 2018.

Grace by Max Lucado. There is more to grace than we ever imagined..."Behold the fruit of grace: saved by God, raised by God, seated with God. Gifted, equipped, and commissioned. Farewell, earthly condemnations: Stupid, unproductive, slow-learner, fast talker, quitter, cheapskate; no longer. You are who He says you are: Spiritually alive. Heavenly positioned. Connected to God. A billboard of mercy. An Honored Child. This is the aggressive forgiveness we call grace"...so good. 21/100 books in 2018

Betrayal in Death by J. D. Robb. One of Robb's more disgusting and vicious serial killers woven into revenge and betrayal that you do not see coming. Lots of players and a couple story lines to follow - but, easily followed and all pertinent to the murder mystery. 22/100 books in 2018

Many Thorns Yet Still Roses by Jessie Gallaher. I read through this new release by my friend Jessie who writes an excruciatingly brutal and revealing exposé on her and her husband's first year as adoptive parents to 5 siblings and the intense highs and lows they experienced adopting children with troubled pasts. We had the opportunity to befriend this couple - and these kids while they lived near us and went to our church. While I heard tell of some of their experiences it was nothing like I could have ever imagined. This book is not for the adoptive faint at heart. If you come into contact with adoptive families in any way, especially if those families adopted older children then this book is for you. If only to keep you from 'putting your foot in your mouth' when you attempt to tell an adoptive family how they should be doing something different. Because, truthfully, unless you are in the middle of it - you have no idea. But, Jessie, helps us see with clearer vision the struggles. 23/100 books in 2018