TITLE: Left Behind
AUTHOR: Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins
COPYRIGHT: 2000
TYPE: Christian
PAGES; 352
SERIES: Yes

REASON FOR READING: My mom’s been trying to get me to read this series forever!

Summary : {From Goodreads}
Piloting his 747, Rayford Steele is musing about his wife Irene's irritating religiosity and contemplating the charms of his "drop-dead gorgeous" flight attendant, Hattie. First Irene was into Amway, then Tupperware, and now it's the Rapture of the Saints--the scary last story in the Bible in which Christians are swept to heaven and unbelievers are left behind to endure the Antichrist's Tribulation. Steele believes he'll put the plane on autopilot and go visit Hattie. But Hattie's in a panic: some of the passengers have disappeared! The Rapture has happened, abruptly driverless cars are crashing all over, and the slick, sinister Romanian Nicolae Carpathia plans to use the UN to establish one world government and religion. Resembling "a young Robert Redford" and silver-tongued in nine languages, Carpathia is named People's "Sexiest Man Alive." (This reviewer, a former People writer, finds this plot twist plausible.) Meanwhile, Steele teams up with Buck Williams, a buck-the-system newshound, to form the Tribulation Force, an underground of left-behind penitents battling the Antichrist.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I thought this is a good book talking about the end of times. Most people tend to forget that this is fiction which means two people set down and wrote it. However, they based it off of facts in the Bible the book of Revelation. So with that in mind this is a Christian book and while it seems unbelievable to some to me it is what I would envision happening. And personally makes me hope I go in rapture so that I’m not sticking around to watch this happen to the world.
The book starts off with a pilot who is thinking of cheating on his wife only before he can he realizes people are missing from his plane. As they get closer to home they realize that millions of people around the world are missing. They just disappeared in the blink of an eye. All the children are gone as well which frightens those left behind.
Hence the title. Anyway this book sets up the series of what will occur on Earth before the Lord returns. I think it had some pros and cons. I do believe if you are curious as to what the whole rapture thing is about then I suggest checking out your bible then reading this book

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Keeping it going to see if I want the rest.

SCORE: 8 out of 10
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100+ Book Challenge

53 / 100 books. 53% done!

Okay I really haven't talked about this book and I feel bad for that. This is one of those books that you either enjoy or don't. It is a religion book which I have never read before but thought that since I am growing as a Christian and exploring new areas of my faith that reading Christian literature might be a good step. So what did I start with? A book about the the end of times. Yeah very scary stuff.

So far we have delt with 2 main characters and a few minor characters. We now know who is the anti-christ and how easily he will win the world over. Rapture has occured (for those of you unfimilar with this that is when God will call back his people and in a blink of an eye they will be gone) And now the world is wondering why they were left behind, who stole the people and what is going on. Those that had been to church realized it was Christ's hand while others are doubtful and looking for any excuse.

Rayford one of the main characters is left behind. His wife and son were taken and now Rayford realizes that he was left and who is responsible. He is coming to find the Lord while at the same time hoping his daughter Chole finds him as well. Rayford is also starting to realize all of his sins and how that hurt him in the long run.

The other main character is "Buck" a young reporter who is unsure of what is going on but is so enamored with his job he isn't looking for any particular reason. Buck is the one that will become close to the anti-christ and is helping him by making him a major story.

Somehow these two stories will either come together or fall apart. I can't wait to see which. Left behind is the 1st of 7 I think and I am about done with it. I will post a review when I finish.

Has anyone else read this series? Did you find yourself with goosebumps while reading it?

So figured out why brother is being such an ass. He thinks the hero is in love with the woman he loves, but can't have b/c her father doesn't think he's good enough. Seems like a good enough reason. I am worried that the heroine is going to talk herself out of getting with hero. I know that is foolish but its still a worry I possess! I am mildly surprised at how slow but yet engaging this romance is turning out to be. I shall try to read faster seeing how its due on Wednesday at the library.

So far its pretty good. I like that the heroine is not the prettiest girl in the world. Although it gets annoying that the "hero" keeps reminding himself of that. Then again he is a guy. Also enjoy that she keeps rejecting him. Oh I know why she does but it is amusing to me.

Not really sure why her brother is being such an ass to the hero after he declared his attentions to her. I get he doesn't want his sister to be upset but still he doesn't have to be an ass about it.

All in all pretty good haven't really gotten too far with it yet.

Another one bites the dust and lands in the DNF pile. That would One Good Knight. I just couldn't bring myself to finish that damn book. It kept irritating me with the whole plot thing and the fact that the names were different but didn't even remotely follow the fairy tale they were set up to follow irked the crap out of me. So I said good bye to it. Which sucks b/c it would have qualified for my 2nd in a series challenge which I am sorely lacking...

So now I've moved on to Scandal by Carolyn Jewel, Keeping it Real, and Left Behind. Figured I'd try 3 totally different books in hopes of clearing out the cobwebs and jumping back on the bandwagon sort to speak.

Alright well has anyone read any of these books? Which should I start with?

One Good Knight, still have no idea what fairy tale this is suppose to based on or where the friggin story is even going. Can I just say for the record how is this a sequel when it clearly has nothing to do with the first in the series other than it takes place in one of the 500 kingdoms? I just don't get it. And it has Greek names which is really confusing me b/c to me the Greek names mixed with a fairy tale is not right. I keep getting it messed up with Greek myths which just puts it in a whole nother ball game.

URGH I wish I could just get to the fairytale part just so I could see where she is going with it.

So I just started this one and it is A LOT different but not. This time it looks as if the story will take place in the Greek times/background which makes it hard for me to figure out what fairy tale they are going to give. Other than the hint that it has to do with Sir George the dragon slayer... I have to admit this one didn't snag me right off the bat like the other one did.

Has anyone read this?

TITLE: Broken Wing
AUTHOR: Judith James
COPYRIGHT: 2008
TYPE: Historical Romance
PAGES; 350
SERIES: No I don’t believe it is a series I might be wrong though

REASON FOR READING: Kristie kept talking about it and I didn’t want to be out of the loop

Summary : {From Goodreads}
Set during the chaotic beginnings of Napoleon's rule, this saga tells the story of Gabriel St. Croix, a street survivor searching for a place to belong. Abandoned as a child and raised in a brothel, he has never known friendship or affection. Hiding physical and emotional scars behind an icy façade, his only relationship is with a young boy he has spent the last five years protecting from the brutal reality of their environment. But all that is about to change. The boy's family has found him, and they are coming to take him home.

Sarah Munroe blames herself for her brother's disappearance. When he's located, safe and unharmed despite where he has been living, Sarah vows to help the man who rescued and protected him in any way she can. With loving patience she helps Gabriel face his demons and teaches him to trust in friendship and love. But when the past catches up with him, Gabriel must face it on his own. Becoming a mercenary, pirate, and professional gambler, he travels to London, France, and the Barbary Coast in a desperate attempt to find Sarah again. On the way, however, he will discover the most dangerous journey and the greatest gamble of all is within the darkest reaches of his own heart

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I have to admit this book shocked me. Not something I would have normally picked up but I'm glad Kristie talked me into it. The budding love was fantastic. I was upset at how Gabe acted but I understood his actions and still loved him for it. Very, very good romance.

Things I enjoyed:
-The characters were strong in their own right. They both had a lot to work through and yet Sarah didn’t let it stop her from being a caring person. And even though it took more time for Gabe it still didn’t stop him from loving Sarah
-How strong Gabe was just to survive. And yet he still managed to let another person into his heart. Yes it took a while but that is what made the romance so sweet.
-OMG the romance was fantastic how they fell for each other and the struggles they had to overcome in order to be with each was a nice touch.
- The teaching him how to kiss scene priceless

Things I didn’t care for
- Okay I’m probably the only one who didn’t like the scenes where Gabe was a way killing to survive. Yes it was important to character growth but at the same time I just ended up skimming over those scenes. It did nothing to help me grasp the situation nor did it matter at the end to me.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing on it for now will end up buying though.

SCORE: 9 out of 10

Anything Else: At first this book turned me off b/c its not my normal read but once I started reading it I fell in love with it.
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100+ Book Challenge

51 / 100 books. 51% done!

Review to follow I am thinking about shutting down my reading challenges website and start posting my reviews here there is no good reason to have this site and a reading site. But we shall see.

Okay on to the simi/small review. Broken Wings was excellent I will post a formal review later but for now I have to say hands down the best romance I've read between 2 characters in a long time. I really enjoyed watching them come to care for each other. They truly needed each other and I liked watching it turn into love. LOVED Gabe very good hero with a horrible past. And yet he managed to come out of it with the love of his woman. Very sweet.

Had parts that I had to wipe away tears from, parts that I smiled and parts that I wished it was me that rescued Gabe. The only parts I didn't care for had to do with when he was captured. I understand why it was written but I was so into the romance I ended up skipping most of them. Maybe next go I will read them in full.

If you have read this book what did you think of it?

Okay Kristie you win. I seriously didn't think I would enjoy this book. In fact I put off reading it 2 times b/c it just didn't sound like something I was interested in. And I have to admit the first few pages I was wondering why I was reading this but then something happened.

I got sucked in... literally sucked into this world this horrible beginnig turned happy in the middle. Now I can't claim to know what is going to happen and I know that something will b/c it can't stay this happy and innocent for much longer. Something has got to happen to Sarah in order to have Gabriel fight for her. Which saddens me b/c right now I'm totally digging his happiness and may I add his well deserved happiness.

*Sigh* But alas something tragic must occur in order for something wonderful to happen. So wish me luck right now I'm on 146 and I am just waiting for the other shoe to drop (and hoping I can survive it)

TITLE: The Fairy Godmother
AUTHOR: Mercedes Lackey
COPYRIGHT: 2004
TYPE: Fantasy Romance
PAGES; 496
SERIES: 1st in the series
1. The Fairy Godmother

REASON FOR READING: Apparently I am on a fairytale kick

Summary : {From Goodreads}
In the land of Five Hundred Kingdoms, if you can't carry out your legendary role, life is no fairy tale…
Elena Klovis was supposed to be her kingdom's Cinderella—until an accident of fate left her with a completely inappropriate prince! Determined not to remain with her stepfamily, Elena set out to get a new job—and ended up becoming the Fairy Godmother for the land.
But "Breaking with Tradition" was no easy matter. True, she didn't have to sleep in the chimney, but she had to deal with arrogant, stuffed-shirt princes who kept trying to rise above their place in the tale. In fact, one of them was so ornery that Elena could do nothing but change him into a donkey.
Still, her practical nature couldn't let him roam the country, so she brought the donkey—er, the prince!—home to her cottage to teach him some lessons. All the while keeping in mind that breaking with tradition can land everyone into a kettle of fish—sometimes literally!
And so begins a whole new tale…
THOUGHTS/OPINION:
This is a different telling of Cinderella and what could have happened. It tells that all fairytales are really happening but due to the Tradition that is forcing them alone. With the help of wizards and Godmothers (as well as bad) they are happening one way or another. Unless a very cunning Godmother can redirect the Tradition in a way that still satisfies the storyline.

Things I enjoyed:
-Elena was a good strong character she knew enough to take care of herself and she was going to no matter how bad her life had been.
-The fact that Cinderella got a chance to be something other than the same old same old was refreshing. The plot was good and strong and I enjoyed watching how Ms. Lackey made her world work and function.
-I like the twist on the fairy tale stories and I liked the explanation of why there are so many.
-The secondary characters were fantastic! I enjoyed the Brownies and the mirror both added just enough magic to the story to make it really cool but not childish.

Things I didn’t care for:
- I didn’t care for the way the fairies are the ones that played a big role in Alexander’s transformation. If he would have come to the conclusions on his own I would’ve been okay but it just was strange one page he was an ass (for lack of a better term) on the next not.
- Also there was no real reason to have this story turn into a romance. Did it add a little extra yeah but not enough to matter.
-The sex scenes are kind of boring and pointless. We didn’t need to know that about them she could have skipped over the scenes and been just as good. Instead they kind of took away from the story and I ended up skipping them

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing on it only b/c it was a library book. I may end up buying it though.

SCORE: 8 out of 10

Anything Else: If you like fairy tales you will really enjoy this book it takes a twist on fairy tales and makes them even more interesting
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100+ Book Challenge

50 / 100 books. 50% done!

Not a bad read. This was my first book by Ms. Lackey and I can say I will be picking up the next in the series. I enjoyed the twist on the fairy tales and how Godmothers play a role. Had a romance in it which was always a bonus.

I enjoyed both characters and thought that Elena was a great Godmother. Her story line was suppose to follow Cinderella but didn't have the HEA she thought she would get. So instead she becomes an Apprentice to a Godmother to eventually run that kingdom on her own. The only part I question was where in the world did Bella go when she handed over the reins to Elenda? Does anyone know?

I plan to start One Good Knight next week taking a small break to read Broken Wing I think. Anyway has anyone else out there read this series? How many are in it so far?

TITLE: Night’s Rose
AUTHOR: Annaliese Evans
COPYRIGHT: 2009
TYPE: Paranormal Romance
PAGES; 384
SERIES: 1st in the series
1. Night’s Rose

REASON FOR READING: I love the story of sleeping beauty and had to see what she did with the fairy tale.

Summary : {From Goodreads}
For nearly one hundred years, Rosemarie Edenberg has worked tirelessly to wipe the dreaded ogre tribe from the earth. Now the tribe has gathered in London to work a spell that will destroy the scourge of their kind, the one they call the Briar Rose.

Two magnetic men will unite to aid Rose--her mysterious fey advisor, Ambrose, and the vampire Lord Shenley, an earl of scandalous reputation and even more scandalous appetites. One will save her, one will betray her, and both will challenge her to face the past that haunts her.

Once upon a time, she was ensnared in the mists of enchantment, cursed to sleep one hundred years. But this beauty wasn't awakened with a kiss and has never known happily ever after. But with the help of her handsome allies, Rose may find it yet.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I have always enjoyed the story of sleeping beauty. So when I found out that this was the main fairy tale this book centered around I got really excited and couldn’t wait to read it. It had some really good parts that I enjoyed.

Things I enjoyed:
-I liked that all the characters were fleshed out.
-Watching Rose’s background come out with the legend of sleeping beauty was heartbreaking (b/c of what happened to her) and yet very well played I really enjoyed the twist on the story.
-I liked that Rose was such a strong character. She was able to fight and yet knew that she wasn’t always able to do it alone.

Things I didn’t care for:
- I have to admit I didn’t care for who she picked it seemed to me he tricked her in a way like the other one did (granted the other man in the picture did something horrible that was way worse) still he tricked her.
- I ended up skipping a lot of the battle scenes after awhile they became the same scene

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing on it.

SCORE: 5 out of 10

Anything Else: If you like fairy tales you will really enjoy this book
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100+ Book Challenge

49 / 100 books. 49% done!

1st in a series Challenge

Review to follow on the Challenge site soon! I did enjoy the book and the back blurb is mis-leading in a sense, but I still enjoyed it.

I hurt for Rose and laughed with Rose, I enjoyed her happiness and shared in her sadness which is something I admire in a good author. I do recommend this book to those who enjoy reading about fairy tales b/c it has a very nice twist on it. I think this might turn into one of those wishlist kind of books.

Renee just informed me book 2 is coming out so I will do some research on it to determine what its about and get back with you!

Did anyone else like it? Did you figure out who Rose would end up with?

So far so good. This takes the story of Sleeping Beauty to a WHOLE new level. And seeing how Sleeping Beauty is my FAVORITE Disney/Fairytale I have to say on the whole I'm impressed. So far...

Let me see plot in a nutshell... Rose was put to sleep by the fairies only to be awoken early when she went into labor with an ogre's child. She was raped and got pregant. When she woke up she saw him trying to eat her and the children (I think, I've gathered this mainly through flashbacks) Currently Rose is in charge of wiping out the ogre population and does it well with the help of Ambrosa a fey advisor and Garthe a vampire. One will betray her according to the back blurb and one will save her but who will do what is so far a mystery.

If I had to pick which one I like the best I'd go with the fey only b/c he's pretty and yet with drawn you know never shows his emotions sort of guy LOL.

Okay here's the blurb:
For nearly one hundred years, Rosemarie Edenberg has worked tirelessly to wipe the dreaded ogre tribe from the earth. Now the tribe has gathered in London to work a spell that will destroy the scourge of their kind, the one they call the Briar Rose. Two magnetic men will unite to aid Rose--her mysterious fey advisor, Ambrose, and the vampire Lord Shenley, an earl of scandalous reputation and even more scandalous appetites. One will save her, one will betray her, and both will challenge her to face the past that haunts her. Once upon a time, she was ensnared in the mists of enchantment, cursed to sleep one hundred years. But this beauty wasn't awakened with a kiss and has never known happily ever after. But with the help of her handsome allies, Rose may find it yet.

Interesting no?

TITLE: Proven Guilty
AUTHOR: Jim Butcher
COPYRIGHT: 2007
TYPE: Urban Fantasy
PAGES; 496
SERIES: 8th in the series
1. Storm Front
2. Fool Moon
3. Grave Peril
4. Summer Knight
5. Death Masks
6. Blood Rites
7. Dead Beat
8. Proven Guilty
9. White Night
10. Small Favor
11. Welcome to the Jungle

REASON FOR READING: Come on I’ve read them all up to this one so I had to complete the series.

Summary : {From Goodreads}
The White Council of Wizards has drafted Harry Dresden as a Warden and assigned him to look into rumors of black magic in Chicago. Malevolent entities that feed on fear are loose in the Windy City, but it's all in a day's work for a wizard, his faithful dog, and a talking skull named Bob.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
We are back in Chicago with Harry picking up where he left off in the last one. This one involved the Carpenters which I love to learn about. If you remember or you might not the dad Michael is a White Knight of the sword. This one also reminded me of an episode of Charmed where movie characters are coming to life so that kind of ruined the whole OOHHH factor However, the twist at the end was pretty good and I enjoyed it so that helped redeem the book.

Things I enjoyed:
-Uh duh Harry! He’s the best wizard EVER!!! *clears throat* Okay let’s be more specific. He is loyal, trusting, honest and well just wants the good guys to win even if that means getting his butt kicked. (Still sticking with this statement from the last review)
-This plot helped move the whole story further and I can see where we are heading with it.
-I really enjoyed watching the Carpenters come together as a family and seeing Charity being knocked down a peg. I also enjoyed learning why Charity hated Harry so much.
-I also enjoyed the humor Harry has the best one liners ever.


Things I didn’t care for: - Like I said the plot didn’t wow me like it could of considering that I’ve seen it before on Charmed. However, it did have a nice twist to it that did redeem it.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing on it only b/c it was a library book and sadly enough I haven’t kept any of the series.

SCORE: 6 out of 10

Anything Else: You need to read the series to understand the complex nature of this book. Too many of the sub plots are taken from other stories in the series.
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100+ Book Challenge

43 / 100 books. 43% done!