Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson

My friend Alyson recommend Hattie Big Sky to me. Set during WWI, it shares the story of a young orphaned girl who bravely goes to Montana to homestead. Sharing her experience through letters to her friend serving in the military, she learns more about family, friendship, and what truly matters as she works her tail off trying to do the work of a whole family all by herself. This was a fast and interesting read and great for all ages.

Favorite Quotes:

"We'd both signed on for something we'd envisioned as heroic and glamourous. The heroiusm and glamour might be there somewhere, btu you had to dig and scrape and scrabble through the dirt, pain and misery to find it. Assuming youc ould find it."

"It's the company, not the cooking, that makes the meal."

"Rather, the lessons this life has planted in my heart pertain more to caring than to crops, more to the Golden Rule than gold, more to the proper choice than to the popular choice."

Discovery of Witches

The first in the All Souls Trilogy, A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness is another book recommended by the Phenomenally Decisive Book Club. Although I'd checked it out before and never made it past the first little bit, Jules' recommendations haven't let me down so I decided to forge ahead. I ended up LOVING this book and agreed with the comparison to a 'grown up Harry Potter and Twilight'. Similar in the 'lore', witches, vampires and daemons mingle with humans.

Diana Bishop comes from a long line of witches but tries to deny her power until the supernatural world ends up coming to her. Armed with a great vampire, she learns about her true history, family, and priorities in a fight for her life. This book was very smart and well written and researched (the author is a professor). The historical, cultural and scientific references were even entertaining to my husband and we both really liked this book. I always think the supernatural rules and worlds are fascinating. In this 'world', vampires can eat food (but have diets more like wolves), supernatural creatures aren't allowed to mingle or mix races (making a vampire-witch relationship tricky!), and witches have varying gifts that were really interesting. This was a really great read and I can't wait for the last one now (dang sequels!)

Favorite quote:
"Somewhere in the center of my soul, a rusty chain began to unwind. It freed itself, link by link, from where it had rested unobserved, waiting for him. My hands, which had been balled up and pressed against his chest, unfurled with it. The chain continued to drop, to an unfathomable depth where there was nothing but darkness and Matthew. At last it snapped to its full length, anchoring me to a vampire.

Heaven is Here by Stephanie Nielson

I read Stephanie Nielson's new book "Heaven is Here" about a month ago. 'Nie Nie', a popular blogger, Mormon wife and mother, was in a terrible plane crash a few years ago. This book recounts her life before and her recovery. It was pretty heart wrenching to hear of her loss but triumphant to see your recover, grow stronger each day and share her hope and message of the love of our Savior and the importance of our families. It made me want to be a better mother, to be more patient and appreciative. And never to ride in a small plane! I know that's terrible but this book was really inspirational and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to change their perspective for the better.

These is my Words

Book club has started at Church again. I have a hard time with this because people are really unpredictable in their book choices and preferences. I hate to recommend a book and be told off that it was terrible and inappropriate and then feel that I must be too by extension. So I'm along for the Church book club ride for now. But I jumped on the wagon to reread this book because I loved it so much when I read it a few years (for the first time in 2008 I think). This time I read it, I couldn't help but think about Claire and Jamie and their relationship compared to Sarah's. These is my Words is a beautiful novel, inspired by a true story of Nancy Turner's ancestor. She lives in the Arizona Territory, overcomes loss, disaster, death, and the run of the mill stuff that would probably kill the rest of us (primitive standard of living, limited women's rights, etc). This book inspired me to be stronger, to suck it up and be grateful I have a washing machine and remember that I can do hard things. And to hold my babies close and enjoy them- life can change on a dime and while it's not helpful to stress over that, it is important to stop and be grateful every day.

The Time Traveler's Wife

I posted about The Time Traveler's Wife last year but since I intend this blog to be a sort of personal reading log I'm posting again. Last night I was stashing something in the hall book case and saw this book and thought I should reread it. So I started, put in two or three hours last night and then finished this morning. I didn't mean to have a marathon session (particularly since I knew the ending already and easily started to tear up at all the foreshadowing) but I couldn't put it down. I love the characters and this reading I really saw a lot of my husband in Henry. I know it's easy to project when reading but I normally feel that way. This was another book that reminded me to treasure my life and my husband, to appreciate the everyday and not stress over the little things. A beautiful book to treasure and read again and again.

See it on Amazon.

The Hand that First Held Mine

The Hand that First Held Mine is the story of two women, living 50 years apart in London. Elina, in the present, is a new mother, trying to figure out parenthood, her relationship, and herself. Lexie, in the 50's, is trying to stretch her wings and see where she will go and what she will become. I loved reading their two stories and was waiting to see how they would eventually connect but when they finally did, I was pretty sad. I guess I would say I liked this book because I enjoyed reading the whole thing but it was sad how it all worked out. I did leave with a feeling of hope- that things can work out, that we can grow and do better, that there is a plan and it will all be alright, even if the ending is nothing like we imagined.

An Echo in the Bone

The seventh and most current book in the Outlander series, An Echo in the Bone was a fast read at my house. There are several concurrent plots- the British army, Claire and Jamie, Roger and Brianna. Lots of heart break and shock, love, and cliff hangers. When I shut the book I wanted to yell 'but what about Jem? William? Claire and Jamie? Lord John? UGHHH!!" It's SO frustrating waiting for the next part of the series. I really love these characters and admire them. The way that they just keep on going, loving each other despite weakness, hardship, insurmountble odds. I can't believe how many times they have to pick up and start over. It's inspiring and makes my life feel a little vain. The 'hard thing' I deal with aren't that hard when I think about it.

A few things I loved remembering what I read so far (a few books blending together since I read the whole series in about 3 weeks)-

*Claire's approach to the 18th century- medicine, culture, etc. I loved seeing the comparisons and how she adapted.

*Jamie's unwavering loyalty. Wow. He is such a good man to the core- even when no one is looking. It makes me want to develop my character and to be a better spouse.

*The older perspective on new things and vice versa- Brianna explaining toilet paper, reconciling knowledge of the 'future' with the realities they are dealing with, trying to innovate. I love how Roger makes little toy cars for the kids but kind of ache when they can't explain what they are (I think that was the previous book).

*I loved in this book when they 'met' some real characters- Benedict Arnold, Nathan Hale, etc. I know so much of history is speculative and it's hard to say how it really went but I loved learning more about the way people lived and dealt with their challenges. I know so many of them were honestly terrible- lots of hardship. They must have thought the world was ending (just as people do now) but from where we sit, that is just a few chapters in a history book, come and gone. It's refreshing to gain a new perspective and appreciation.

I am kicking myself that when I met Diana Gabaldon, I hadn't read any of these books, didn't know who Claire and Jamie were, and didn't take the chance to pick her brain. I am so sad they are 'over' for now and can't wait for the next one. I'm sure when I meet her again at the next signing there will be hundreds or thousands of fans instead of the intimate setting where she was hosting Sharon Kay Penman. For now I will have to suffice my Outlander kick by starting over, reading Diana's blog and excerpts, and thinking about naming my next son James (would go with the William we have already!)

A Breath of Snow and Ashes

Book Six in the Outlander Series, A Breath of Snow and Ashes is fast paced and exciting, lots of development in the characters and stories as war officially comes to the Colonies. With personal hardships, false accusations, kidnappings, and more, this book was one that I absolutely couldn't put down. Thank goodness the sequel was alright out when I read this one. There really was a lot of sad things happening to characters I loved but the lesson that the father teaches his daughter about forgiveness. Even in the face of serious betrayal and hurt, he teaches compassion, forgiveness, and what truly matters in a very poignant way. We would all be so lucky to have learned such a great lesson.

Scarlet Lion

In this sequel to the Greatest Knight, William Marshall is now a powerful Earl. The writing and story are great and I love this book. I was so caught up in what would happen to him, balancing family, crazy English kings, French and Irish assets- I didn't dare look him up on Wikipedia to see how his life ended, I couldn't wait to find out. This was a fun and engaging read, another historical fiction to remind me how blessed I am. Although things may feel difficult at times I'm grateful to know I don't daily risk losing everything at the whim of a volatile king. The perspective is so refreshing and I loved this book and will surely read it again.

Greatest Knight

The Greatest Knight by Elizabeth Chadwick was recommended by Sharon Kay Penman. It follows the amazing rise of William Marshall, who was nearly sacrificed as a hostage by his father and through his merits becomes one of the greatest knights and most politically powerful men in all of England. I loved learning about him (his is said to be the inspiration for Knight's Tale's William Thatcher, too) and Eleanor of Acquitaine of course. The characterization of the Angevin's was so interesting and makes me wonder how it really was (seems like they were all a little hot tempered and back stabbing if you ask me!) This book made me proud to have named my son William and hope he would be as brave, true, and chivalrous someday.

Drums of Autumn

Drums of Autumn, book 4 in the Outlander series, lived right up the previous novels. Set in Colonial America, Claire and Jamie have a world of opposition they happily face together. It's inspiring and a good reminder that we really are so blessed and need to give back. I loved the descriptions of medical knowledge and practice, cultural differences and the historical backdrop. Frank's letter of confession at the end literally haunted my dreams last night when I finished the book- thinking about it's implications and what the future will hold for the characters I have come to love. Can't wait for the next one (it's ready at the library tomorrow!)

Voyager

The third book in the Outlander series, I devoured Voyager in about 2 days (impressive considering I was still there for my kids!) When Claire learns Jamie might have survived the battle of Culloden, she goes back to search for him. The travel through Edinburgh and the Indies was fascinating, funny, and at time terrifying. Now a physician, Claire helps many but is faced with the reality that she often can't help those that are closet to her. This book was a joy and I loved it, even if it made me feel like my comfortable, 21st life was kind of vain. I need to find more ways to serve and help others.

Dragonfly in Amber

The second Outlander book, Dragonfly in Amber tells the tragic story of the Scotish rising in 1745. Knowing the disastrous results from the future, Claire and Jamie attempt to save their countrymen by preventing the rising. The time spent in France was interesting and reminiscent for me. Their relationship was lovely, of course, though real enough with the challenges and trials. I laughed and cried the whole time. Will read it again!

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Last October, I attended a book signing for Sharon Kay Penman. One of my favorite authors, I couldn't miss it. Diana Gabaldon 'hosted' and they answered questions, talked about the writing process, and their favorite characters. Diana was gracious and witty and I bought this special edition of her book that started it all- Outlander. With the holidays and everything I didn't get to reading it until the week of Christmas. Once I started, I COULD NOT put it down. The story follows Claire, a nurse in post WWII England as she is accidentally sent back in time to 18th century Scotland. With her medical knowledge and historical information, she seeks to help those around her and find her way back to her own time. Along the way, daring Jamie Fraser becomes her friend, forced husband, lover, and confidant. I loved their relationship and willingness to courageously help each other. The second I finished this I picked up the next.. and the next. All I can say is I have a lot of laundry to fold and my floors need to be mopped, but it was worth it!

The Birth House

I put this book on hold after it was recommended by my favorite 'mommy blog' Clover Lane and I loved it. Set in a small town in Nova Scotia during WWI, it follows a girl named Dora Rare as she transitions from childhood to womanhood and becomes a midwife along the way. The societal issues and point of view was fascinating- realizing how far we have come but how similar we are in some ways. Loved it.

Cleopatra's Daughter

Just finished this awesome historical novel by Michelle Moran about the children of Marc Antony and Cleopatra, twins Selene and Alexander who lose their parents young and are taken back to Rome to be raised at court. The glimpse into their world- the politics, gender roles, religions, and fashion was fascinating. Will read more of her books again soon I hope!

The Time Traveler's Wife

Long, long ago I heard about this book becoming a movie and that it was great. I checked it out from the library, read a few pages, and couldn't get into it, so I returned it. Later it finally became a movie (with the beautiful Rachel McAdams instead of Jennifer Aniston like I'd heard at first, is that even remotely true?) I put the movie in my Netflix queue ages ago, when it was in the theaters. We finally had it on the computer and I hadn't watched it for months. Ben kept threatening to delete it. One night I was up late working on my knock off Pottery Barn Kids Felt Telluride Advent Calendar and, having exhausted slutty medical drama's from my dvr (love you, Grey's), I watched this. It was great, so I decided to read it. As fate would have it, I found a copy at Saver's for two bucks a few days later so I took it home. I knew the ending (mostly) from the movie but couldn't wait to see how the book would be different.

I have to say, this book engrossed me more than any I've read in a long while. I was dying to find out what would happen next, see how the relationship would progress, how their lives would change. I loved it. I read it as quickly as I could (without overly neglecting my kids or my house) and wanted to tell everyone about it except, I was worried to recommend it. The language leaves something to be desired and there is a lot of sex in the book. I would give the book an R rating even though the movie was only PG-13! I don't think the book was really graphic or inappropriate, or even excessive, but I wouldn't feel comfortable recommending it at Church book club for sure! Call me a hypocrite, though, because I'm definitely reading this again, and that doesn't happen too often! I loved the characters, laughed and cried with them, and only wished she would have left out some of those bad words, because this book was wonderful!