A Christmas Star by Thomas Kinkade

Blurb: Late one night, just days before Christmas, Jessica and Sam, and their two kids are woken up by a fire alarm. Their house ends up in flames, there is no time to save anything, and unfortunately, their dog doesn't survive. The whole family is devastated and has a tough time picking up the pieces and trying to move on. They stay with various family members, including Jessica's sister Emily, and Sam's sister Molly, but those arrangements don't last for very long. They soon move in to one of the Cabins at New Horizons where they try to get back into a normal routine. Through all this, Jessica and Sam's relationship is tested because they both have different ways of coping with things like this. But they pull through and they soon realize everything is going to be ok. Because Sam bought the house from an auction, and did alot of the renovations himself, the money they get back from insurance is not nearly enough to pay for building a new house exactly like the one they had. On Christmas, Lillian (Jessica's mother) surprises them by writing them a check for an amount that's more than enough to build a brand new house. They build their new house, that's not identical to the one they had before, but it's perfect for them. They also get a new puppy, much to Jessica's dismay in the beginning, but she seems to warm up to the idea as time goes on.

On that same night as the fire, Single mother, Julie and her young daughter Kate get stranded because of car trouble. They end up at Jack's Christmas Tree farm and she knocks on the door and asks to use the phone. Since it's so late at night, she's unable to find a tow truck so Jack offers to let her stay there for one night. Jack is a very lonely, disgruntled man who keeps to himself most of the time, and after losing his wife and son, has kind of given up and let everything go. The next morning, when Jack tries to help Julie get her car out from under the snow, he falls and sprained his ankle. Julie ends up staying with him longer to take care of him, and she soon works her way into Jack's heart. Then, Jack asks her to stay for Christmas. She leaves the day after Christmas. A week later, he decided he couldn't be without her any longer, so he goes to New York and tells her he loves her and asks her and Kate to come home with him.

Then, on Christmas night, Jack's son David shows up on his doorstep. He has been sent to Iraq and is to report to North Carolina in a few days. He came to spend a few days with Jack so they can talk and make amends and rekindle their relationship.

My thoughts: This book was definitely one of my favorites right along with A Christmas Angel and A Christmas To Remember. I can't wait until next year to read the next book in the series. The only people I didn't care for were Molly's sister and her kids. I thought the kids were spoiled Brats. I also really enjoyed hearing about Jack, Julie, and Kate, and hope to hear about Jack and Julie's wedding in the next book.

Forever by Karen Kingsbury

Blurb: This book starts out just after Dayne proposes to Katy. Dayne is ready to move to Bloomington, and one day Katie sees this perfect house thats right on Lake Monroe. It is really run down, and will need alot of work before they can move in, but Katy and Dayne both see the potential that house has. Then, a short time later, Dayne plans to go back to Bloomington to see the last performance of a show at the Drama camp. On the way to the airport the Paparazzi are trying to chase him and Randi Wells, his co-star Down. This results in a horrible accident leaving Dayne in a coma for 30 days and even the possibility of losing one of his legs. His prognosis does not look very promising. Through the Miracles of God, he pulls through, with Katy by his side the entire time. During this time, the media also finds out that the Baxters are Dayne's family and publish some nasty things about them in the tabloids. All of the Baxter Children seem very accepting of Dayne, and are eager to get to know him. All except Luke. He seems to be having a hard time getting used to the idea, and he feels like all anyone can talk about lately is Dayne. Almost like jealousy toward Dayne. He goes into a tumultous period for a short while and almost ruins his marriage. Luckily, John sends him a letter that Elizabeth had written each of their children. It was all about how to have a successful marriage. Regan finds the letter and realizes how some of this is her fault and realizes alot of things that she could've done differently. They have a long talk one evening and are able to work out alot of their problems. Luke also changes his mind about Dayne, and realizes how awesome it is to have that brother he always wanted. Dayne even offers him a position working exclusively on his contracts and holdings in Bloomington. Luke accepts this position, and they make plans to move their after Christmas.

After Dayne wakes up, though, and sees the article where Luke stated stated "Blood doesn't make him a Baxter" Dayne begins having second thoughts about moving to Bloomington. He is starting to wonder whether it was really a good idea to contact the Baxter Family. Katy still tries to assure him that it was a good idea to find them and that his sisters and his dad still love him. She talks him into at least going to visit for Thanksgiving and meeting Luke and Erin in person. Dayne agrees but is dreading the whole thing.

However, when they show up for Thanksgiving, they find their house is completed and BEAUTIFUL, even though they were told contractors wouldn't be able to get started until the spring. Instead the entire Baxter family, the Flanigans, friends of various family members, and family from CKT chipped in to help get their house ready. After seeing this, Dayne realizes that he is HOME and that this is where the belong. Now, it's time to start planning that wedding.

My thoughts: I think this was my most favorite book out of the Baxter Saga yet. I got tears in my eyes when I was reading about that beautiful new house, and all the people who worked together to make it beautiful. And also the day that Dayne and Katy came home. I CANNOT wait to read the next book in the series and plan to rush to the library to pick it up ASAP.

This is the review I left on Amazon.com:

Normally I don't post reviews for books, but I wanted to for this one. I found myself with tears rolling down my face in several parts of this book. I have read the Redemption Series and all the previous books in the Firstborn Series but this is definitely my favorite so far. I always keep these books coming and reserve the next 1 or 2 from the library as I'm reading each book, so I don't have to go too long between them. I, too, think this series would make a great movie, and often find myself thinking of actors/actresses to play each part.
I've read several of Karen's other books and I don't plan to stop until I've read them all.

I finished this book on 11/8/2008. This is book #61 for the year!!!

A Cedar Cove Christmas

On Christmas Eve, a very pregnant Mary Jo Wyse comes to Cedar Cove, hoping to find David Rhodes, who happens to be the father of her baby. She doesn't find him, but she does find Grace Harding and Olivia Griffin, who happens to be David's stepsister. It is snowing and there isn't any room in any of the hotels, so Grace invites Mary Jo to stay at her place for the night. Later in the evening, Mary Jo goes into labor and delivers a baby girl, who she names Noelle Grace. Mack McAffee is the one who ends up delivering the baby, and sparks definitely fly between him and Mary Jo.

Meanwhile, Mary Jo's brothers, Ned, Mel, and Linc, are on their way to Cedar Cove to find Mary Jo. She left Seattle without telling them because they said they were going to make David Rhodes pay, and Mary Jo wanted everyone to hear the news from her first. The brothers get lost several times, but eventually find their way to the Harding Ranch where they are reunited with Mary Jo, and they meet their brand new neice.

My thoughts: I did enjoy this book, but at the same time it was somewhat of a disappointment. Kind of the way I felt about 74 Seaside Avenue. The storyline seemed a bit corny, but it was still cute. I hope Mary Jo will end up in Cedar Cove (and of course I hope she ends up with Mac!) and we will get to know her better in 92 Pacific Blvd. I didn't really care for Mary Jo's brothers.

I finished this book on 11/8/2008. It is book #60 for the year.

A Virgin River Christmas by Robyn Carr

After losing her husband last Christmas, Marcie comes to Virgin River to try and find her husband's best friend, Ian, a man who saved his life a few years earlier when they were in the marines. Ian lives in a secluded cabin in the woods, surviving without an indoor bathroom, no shower, and living off money he makes moving people and chopping wood. Deep down, he's lonely, but he survbves and prefers minimal to no contact with people. Marcie just wants to talk to him, give him Bobby's Baseball cards, and thank him for saving her husband's life. Originally, he is not happy that she's found him, and demands that she leave immediately. She is on her way to the outhouse when she falls and is knocked unconscious. He later finds her and brings her inside to get her warmed up. She ends up very sick, so she stays in his cabin for days, which eventually turn into weeks. Ian starts to enjoy her company, meanwhile Marcie realizes she's not ready to leave yet, and keeps calling her older sister and telling her she needs more time. As time goes on , Marcie gets Ian to take her into town and into the library, and he starts to realize that being around people may not be such a bad thing. They soon fall in love with each other, and she plans to go home to Chico on Christmas Eve. Then, while she ends up helping by driving the ambulance for him, Ian shows up in town, and finds Marcie and tells her he wants to go to Chico with her for Christmas and he wants to see his dad again. He also tells her that he can't imagine life without her and wants to see if they can make their relationship work. He doesn't quite ask her to marry him, but I could see them going in that direction.

My thoughts: Honestly, at first I wasn't sure if I'd like this, since it didn't center around the people in the other Virgin River books (Jack, Mel, Preacher, etc.), but there was plenty of mention of them as it was. I came to love Ian and Marcie and was hoping they'd end up together, but I think I have yet to see more of their story in Second Chance Pass. I can't wait. I would really like to find some other series that have this small town feel. I'm thinking the McKettrick Series by Linda Lael Miller might be similar. I even got tears in my eyes when (they thought) they were saying goodbye to each other on Christmas Eve. THATS how I know this was a good book!!

I finished this book on 11/4/2008 and it is book #59 for the year!!

Family by Karen Kingsbury

Blurb: Some of the major things in this book that happened were centered around Dayne and Katy. Katy goes to Los Angeles to testify against the stalker/fan that tried to kill Katy. The fan is found guilty. While Katy is in Los Angeles, she and Dayne spend some time together, and try to avoid the Paparazzi. They both realize their true feelings for each other, and desperately try to tell themselves that a relationship would never work for them because their lifestyles are so different. After some soul searching, and a talk with his friend, Bob Asher, Dayne makes a list of things that are most important in his life. The first thing on his list is having Katy in his life. The second thing is having a relationship with his birth family.

That was the other major thing that took place in this book. Dayne has known about his birth family, and has met his father, John Baxter, and talks to him on a regular basis. John has been struggling with telling the kids they have an older brother, and also telling them WHO that older brother is. One night, he decides to call each one of them and tell them about their older brother. At that point, the shock that they even have an older brother is enough, so he doesn't tell them who he is. They are all anxious and surprised, but seem pretty accepting of the news. I'm not sure who was the most shocked. Probably Erin, because she seemed to have the closest relationship with their mother. Later, during the trial, Luke Baxter happens to be the defense attorney. Katy realizes how closely he and Dayne resemble each other, but shrugs it off. Dayne knows the whole time, but doesn't say anything. Then, one day Ashley is at her father's house painting. John's cell phone rings and it is Dayne calling him for Luke. Ashley is curious to know why her dad has Dayne's cell phone number in his phone. But she, too, shrugs it off, until she is at the Flannigans talking with Jenny who tells Ashley that she's surprised that Dayne didn't come to Opening night of Narnia, especially since his birth family lives in Bloomington. Ashley puts two and two together and figures out that this must be their brother. She calls him herself and asks him, and Dayne admits that he is, in fact their brother. Ashley and Dayne make a plan for Dayne to come to the 4th of July picnic and spend the day with the family. That is when the rest of the family will find out who Dayne really is. That day arrives, and Dayne brings Katy, who he has just asked to marry him, to the picnic. Everyone is shocked, once again, but accepts Dayne into the family. They all have a great day getting to know one another. Unfortunately though, Luke, Erin, and their families could not be there..

My thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed this book, just like all the others. I'm really going to miss this family when I'm done reading this saga. Luckily, I still have several books to go. I can't wait to hear more about Dayne and Katy getting married and starting their life. And I'm anxious to see how Dayne will fit into the Baxter family, and how Luke and Erin will accept him as their older brother. As always, I loved hearing about Landon and Ashley. I think theirs is my favorite relationship to read about. I plan to get right to the next book, Forever, as soon as I finish a couple other books I'm reading right now.

This was book #58 for 2008 and I finished it on 11/2/2008.

Just Breathe by Susan Wiggs

BLURB: Sarah Moon is a creator of a comic Strip called Just Breathe. She is pretty happy with her life with her husband Jack, despite the fact that they are having a difficult time getting pregnant. She comes home one day to find him in bed with another woman, and returns to her hometown, Glenmuir. Glenmuir is a fictional town based on the Marin area in Northern California. Soon after she arrives in Glenmuir, Sarah finds out she is pregnant, and later finds out she is expecting twins. She gets her life back on track, and meets friends, and even starts going to a support group for divorced people. She even becomes friends with a guy named Will Bonner, who she went to highschool with. They soon fall in love, and end up getting married. Will has custody of his stepdaughter, Aurora, who is entering those tough teenage years, and is beginning to have questions about her real mother. But, throughout the book Aurora and Sarah have a great friendship. And despite some tension when Aurora realizes Sarah and Will love each other, Sarah and Aurora manage to stay friends and keep the friendship strong.

My thoughts: I LOVED this book...I've loved all Susan Wiggs books I've read so far and can't wait to read more. My only complaint was that this book ended. I would've loved to have read further. And throughout this book I kept thinking how it would be a great movie.

I think my favorite character was Sarah. She sure had a lot on her plate, yet she managed to survive and deal with it all. I did expect her to get pregnant after moving to Glenmuir, but I expected it to come much sooner than it did, and I was definitely NOT expecting twins.

FINISHED: 10/31/2008 # OF BOOKS READ SO FAR THIS YEAR: 57

Catching up

I realized that I haven't posted anything in over a month!! I hate that so I wanted to try and catch up.



Since my last post, I've read the next two books in Karen Kingsbury's Firstborn Series. They were called Forgiven and Found. Both were really good stories. Forgiven focused on Dayne Matthews finding out more about his birth family. It also focused alot of Katy and the Christian Kids Theater. One night after one of their productions, there is a horrible accident which ended up being fatal, and resulted in two of the kids being killed in the accident. All of the kids at the Christian Kids theater took it really hard, but pulled through together with lots of prayer. They realized they should forgive the other driver, and try to move on and honor those two kids.

Ashley and Landon also find out they are expecting a child.

In found, Ashley gives birth during a horrible tornado to a little boy. The Baxters have another family reunion. Luke and Regan adopt a little girl, Malin. Hayley actually surprises everyone by taking her first steps without a walker since the accident. John Baxter also finds out who his first son really is. At first he thinks that Dayne wants nothing to do with him, after talking to Dayne's agent, which really isn't the case. And all this time Dayne is wondering about his parents. Finally, after John tries one last time to contact Dayne, he is successful and they meet in the park. Now, John must find a way to tell the other kids that they have another brother.

Next, I read Multiple Blessings: Surviving to Thriving with Twins and Sextuplets by John and Kate Gosselin, who are featured on TLC's John & Kate Plus 8. I love this show and tune in every week, and this book was GREAT!!! I only wish they wouldn't have ended it so early.....the kids were still young at the end of this book. Hopefully that means they'll write another book in the future.

I read Hold Tight by Harlan Coben. This book was about a 16 year old who's best friend committed Suicide, so his parents installed some spyware on his computer to monitor the websites he visited. This book was actually pretty disappointing so I ended up skipping alot of parts and skimming the rest.

I have also started the next book in the Firstborn Series, Family. I hope to finish that soon also.