Almost Forever...

Author: Deborah Raney

Pages: I returned it to the church library before I checked.

Summary: After five heroic firefighters die, their surviving spouses band together to cope - and to try to resolve the mystery surrounding the fire.

Thoughts: I had a lot of mixed feelings about Almost Forever. I loved that it had to do with firefighters. I love firefighters. They're brave and heroic and if you're lucky, really cute and sweet too. In my mind at least. I would totally marry a sweet, cute firefighter. But...it was SO hard for me to get into it for some reason! It wasn't bad by any means, but it just wasn't something that made me want to forget the rest of the world for a while. Something that bugged me at first was the sentence structure. I know that's weird, and I'm probably being stupid and too picky, but I felt like Raney could have worded something differently, or switched some things around, or left some things out completely. Nothing huge or even plot related, just little things that bugged me. I know, I'm ridiculous.

Favorite things: The firefighting aspect. It did make it exciting, even though the two main characters in this one were only married to the firefighters. I still got to imagine the uniforms. :) Oh and the romance was decent too.

Least favorite: That weird, indescribable sentence quirk I was talking about before, and the fact that I really had no desire to read the rest of the series. I did more so when I finally reached the end (it did get better, even though I was never really hooked) and I even got the second one from the library and started it, but I only got a chapter or two in before I decided that I have too many books on my to read list to be wasting my time on anything where I didn't care how anything turned out. I don't want to be too harsh though, because I don't believe these books deserve it. I think they're decent, even good, books, they just weren't my favorite.

The Cover Story: I think it's actually a pretty neat cover. It's dramatic and pretty, and I like the burnt edge thing. Ah, who am I kidding? I like the firefighter at the bottom.

My favorite quote: Do you really expect me to keep track anymore? I know I should and I really do want to, because I love quotes and I'm sure there are good ones, but I don't. *sigh*

Wedded Bliss?

Author: Susan K. Downs, Kristy Dykes, Sally Laity and Carrie Turansky

Pages: 349

Summary: Four stories about couples who have been married for a while, but are facing different struggles.

Thoughts: Why oh why do I keep reading novellas? Probably because they're on my shelf, have pretty covers and they deserve a shot too. Why must I treat book

s fairly? Clearly they are not equals. :P Wedded Bliss was...okay. It wasn't as painful to read as Alabama (a few reviews back), but it wasn't exactly a blast. I'm just a novel, or better yet, a big long series, kind of girl. I justcan't connect with the characters or the storyline in 70-ish pages. It's like I know they'll be leaving soon, so why bother getting attached?

Favorite things: I have to give it one thing - they still gave me a happy ending.

Least favorite: Zero feeling or connection. Not the stories or characters' fault, I just need more time.

The Cover Story: I like that it's uncomplicated, I guess, but it's kinda weird. I get the symbolism or whatever of the crooked wedding cake topper. What I don't get is why the whole thing is tinted green. Huh?

My favorite quote: Um, yeah, about that...none for this book either. Sorry!

WOF Conference 2011/ DREAM COME TRUE!!!

So, this weekend, my mom and I volunteered at the Women of Faith conference in Charlotte, NC. We worked at a sales booth, and it was so-so. I had to tell people about Karen Kingsbury and Chad Eastham books all day long. I met some average people. Oh, and I also met Karen. No biggie. We got to see all of the conference and overall the weekend was okay, I guess - KIDDING.

BEST.WEEKEND.EVER.

It was so much fun! I RAVED about Karen and Chad to anyone who would listen. I asked anyone who had read the Bailey Flanigan series if they preferred Bailey with Cody or Brandon. I only met ONE person on Team Brandon, and a TON on Team Cody. YEAH!!! The people we worked with were so sweet. They let me leave early both night so I could try to meet Karen. We were turned away the first night, but I MET HER ON SATURDAY!!! Oh my goodness, I am still on cloud nine! It was so great!! I also met her daughter, Kelsey, and she was just as awesome as her mom! This is how it went...

(before it was my turn, Kelsey talked to me about another fan. Yeah, yeah, I had to include it.)

Kelsey: Would you mind taking our picture?

Me: Sure!

(Someone else takes the picture instead. Bummer!)

(This is when I met them!!)

Karen: Hi!

Me: Hi! It's SO nice to meet you!

*HUGS ME!*

Karen: Thanks so much for coming out!

Me: Thanks for writing!

Karen: What's your first name?

Me: Jordan

**starts signing Remember. I gesture to Let Me Hold you longer and turn to Kelsey)

Me: (to Kelsey) Kelsey, will you sign this one too?

Kelsey: Yeah!

Karen: Did you enjoy the conference?

Me: Yes! It was awesome!

*silence while she's signing LMHYL*

Kelsey: I love your necklace.

Me: Thanks!

Karen: Do you want to get a picture? (They had stopped letting people get a pic AND an autograph, but SHE asked ME!!)

Me: YEAH! Kelsey, will you be in the picture too?

Kelsey: Yeah!

*gets awesome picture (shown below) with Karen and Kelsey)*

Me: Thank you!!!

Karen: *something I didn't hear because Kelsey was bringing us aside for the next fan. Bummer)

Kelsey: Let's step over here. *signs LMHYL*

Me: Thank you!

The End. They were so stinkin' sweet and friendly and not at all impatient, proud or rushed. Gah, I loved it! It was an odd experience too, though, because I felt like I already knew them. It was like seeing a friend for the first time in a (long) while. And I had to practice saying "Kelsey" in my head beforehand so I didn't accidentally call her Bailey! I totally understand when Karen says she has/will have trouble keeping her reality and fiction separated. Her characters ARE friends!

I so wish I knew them as "real" friends. I would love to just hang out with them, have coffee and talk. :)

His Hometown Girl

Author: Jillian Hart

Pages: 249

Summary: Best friends fall in love. Do you really need to know more? I didn't.

Thoughts: I cannot stop buying books. It's like a real addiction. I have 5 million Love Inspired books that I haven't read, but I can't NOT buy one that I don't have if I see it at a thrift store or something. So I made a rule (and I do TRY to stick to it. I broke it today because the book was only a quarter.), that I will only buy a LI book if it is about best friends falling in love (FAVE THING EVER), babies or someone with a disability finding love. His Hometown girl had the best friends, and even better, they were in a little bitty town. How could I not?

Favorite things: The best friends thing, obviously. I mean, what in the world could be better than falling completely in love with the person who already knows you and loves you, quirks and all? I know you're probably going to become best friends regardless, but I think it makes so much sense, and takes off so much pressure while dating, to be BFF's and let love come oh so naturally. At least that's what I'm hoping for. :)

Least favorite: It is not my real life. So. Not. Fair.

The Cover Story: Eh, it's okay. I think it's kind of older, and it doesn't give me a sense of the story (I was pleasantly surprised at the differences) but it's not that bad. Just doesn't live up to its potential.

My favorite quote: Once again, I don't have one. But it was probably something like "I love you," coming from the cute guy best friend. Someday...

Casting Call:

Actually, His Hometown Girl made me think of Luke and Lorelei from Gilmore Girls, with the whole besties thing, mixed with Melanie and Jake from Sweet Home Alabama, because of the small town thing. As for looks, though I'll go with:

Alona Tal as Karen McKaslin:

A lot younger than what I imagined, but the basic look.

Chris Evans as Zachary Drake:

Critical Care...

How weird is it that day I finally get around to reviewing this, I have spent 7 hours in the ER myself? Definitely not as pleasant as this book, that's for sure! I thought my shunt may be failing, but everything is good. Enough about me - on to the (very very late) review!

I tend to stick to the authors/genres I know, because I hate being disappointed in a book. It's just so...well, disappointing! Thankfully the risks I have taken in this area lately have paid off for the most part, at least in the books I purchase...the library, not so much. Which is nice, since I would hate to have spent money on something I hated.

Every author on my "favorites, so I have to read every book they ever write" list, have been unknowns to me, and I took a risk, bought a book of theirs, and fell instantly in love. I got my first Karen Kingsbury book (Even Now) as a gift. I bought my first Denise Hunter book (Convenient Groom) only because there was a "buy 3, get 1 free" sale and there were only 3 KK books I didn't have. I bought my first Colleen Coble book (Cry in the Night) when I spotted it in Dollar General. I bought my first Lynette Eason book (Too Close to Home) because it was on sale while I was on vacation. And finally, I bought my first Candace Calvert book (Critical Care!) on Amazon because I needed to use the last few dollars on a gift card. They say "Don't judge a book by it's cover", but I find some great treasures thanks to something just catching my eye!

Book: Critical Care

Author: Candace Calvert

Pages: 287

Summary: (back cover) After her brother dies in the trauma room, nurse Claire Avery can no longer face the ER. She's determined to make a fresh start - new hospital, new career in nursing education - move forward, no turning back. But her plans fall apart when she's called on to offer stress counseling for medical staff after a heartbreaking day care center explosion. Worse, she's forced back int the ER, where she clashes with Logan Caldwell, a doctor who believe

touchy-feely counseling is a waste of time. He demands his staff be as tough as he is. Yet he finds himself drawn to this nurse educator...who might teach him the true meaning of healing.

Thoughts: I don't usually read medical fiction. I'm more of a crime/suspense or plain ol' fluff kind of girl. All my life, I have been more drawn to the legal field than to the medical field, which I (try) to avoid at all cost. Until lately. I currently work as a legal transcription typist, but I will begin school to become an ultrasound tech *hopefully* in January. Lately, the medical field intrigues me. Blood still freaks me out, and today in the ER wasn't exactly "fun" - I am doing ultrasound, remember?- but I am much more interest than I ever have been.

Critical Care is the beginning of what I think will become a

"great fondness" for medical drama/romance. It was so good! It had the perfect blend of

heart-pounding drama (it starts with a daycare fire - if you know me, you know that grabbed my heart!) and sweet, sweet romance. I never thought a book about doctors would give me butterflies! The characters were three-dimensional and very likable - even when Logan was grouchy. Each was unique, and the secondary characters made me want to know more of their own story. I was very happy about this, because I hate not finishing a series, and lately the first book leaves me with no desire to read the others. Character development makes or breaks a story, and it definitely made it here.

Favorite things: The uniqueness. It wasn't just another romance novel. It stood out. There were "quirks" - Claire's cat, for example was a great addition to the story! And the daffodils! Daffodils are so super romantic now. :)

Least favorite: Not about Critical Care itself, but I kind of dislike that I only have the next two in e-book format on my Kindle for PC. I realized after I had bought it that I had the next one, Disaster Status, already on there! I just had to get the third, Code Triage, and I was set! I'm not much of an e-reader, but it's better than nothing. Since Critical Care is

on my favorites list, I'm sure I'll get them all in physical form eventually.

The Cover Story: Love it! Logan Caldwell's pretty attractive. :) Those eyes definitely played a part in my buying it. LOL.

My favorite quote: Gosh, I really need to remember to keep track of these while I'm reading! I will say that the quote on the front of the book was probably the biggest factor in my decision to try it out:

"Finally, a reason to turn off ER and Grey's Anatomy. Here is a realistic medical drama with heart." - Harry Krauss, MD

Casting Call:

Logan Caldwell: Logan was really easy to "cast." The guy on the cover looks just like Jake Gyllenhaal. Same slightly tousled hair. Same EYES. Even their lips look similar. Both are ridiculously good-looking. :)

Claire Avery: I knew I had an actress in my head for Claire, but I didn't know her name. While I was looking for her, I decided that Mila Kunis kind of fits the image I had in my head.

Oh one more thing! I found Candace Calvert on Facebook (I think it was on one of Denise Hunter's posts actually) and she is so sweet! She sent me a personalized bookplate, some bookmarks, and a letter saying she was looking forward to this review! It's always so neat when an author takes a personal interest in their readers. Hope you've enjoyed this, Candace, and thanks for sharing your God-given talent!

Learning...

I got the coolest surprise in the mail last week - an advanced copy of Learning, the second book in the Bailey Flanigan series by Karen Kingsbury. I had the privilege of review the first book, Leaving in March, but I didn't know that I was going to be doing the same with Learning. I knew it was a possibility, but when she didn't contact me, I assumed I hadn't been chosen again. So I was stoked to find it in the mailbox! I love love LOVE being on "Team KK." What an honor, and it's so much fun!

Book: Learning

Author: Karen Kingsbury

Pages: 328

Summary: Learning is the second book in the Bailey Flanigan series. It takes us with Bailey and Cody as they experience many new changes, choices, up and downs. We're also still checking in on the Baxters, thank goodness - I would miss them so much if we didn't!

Thoughts: (this is the review I submitted to Karen)

Oh my goodness!

Learning took me on an emotional roller coaster ride! I went from feeling happy to sad, to very, very frustrated and then back to happy all within a few pages. And I loved every minute of it!

Picking up right where Leaving left off, Learning takes us with Bailey as she faces a whole new set of trials and opportunities. I feel like we get to see a new side of Bailey in Learning, as she discovers a new side of life in NYC and on Broadway. It's exciting, terrifying, wonderful and challenging, and I felt like I was experiencing it all right along with her.

Cody Coleman is also experiencing new things, and it was awesome to watch the way God worked through him. I love how I can feel such a sense of pride for a book character. He's just such a great guy! After reading Learning, I am even more certain that I will always be on Team Cody!

Another great guy that I have grown to love dearly is Landon Blake. I am so glad we still get to check in on him and his wonderful family, and I can't wait to see what's next for the Baxters!

The faith we've always seen from our fictional friends is tested and stretched once again in Learning, and you'll be praying, as they are, that it will be refined and grow even stronger. The best part is, yours just might too!

Now that I've finished Learning, here comes the hard part: waiting til October
for Longing!

Favorite things: Visiting with old friends! Seriously, Karen has such an incredible gift for making her characters feel like real people that I know and love. I don't know how to describe it - she does the best job of that too!

Least favorite: Oh good grief, I was so angry/frustrated/irritated while I read this book! Certain characters were just NOT doing what I wanted!

The Cover Story: See that handsome guy on the cover? That's Cody Coleman aka Guy Who is Definitely in my Top 10 - make that Top 5 - Fictional Crushes/Loves. :D The "model" is Solomon Rexius of the band Caleb and Sol. I love how Karen uses people she knows and cares about for so many of her covers. Sol won a Cody Coleman contest a while back, and I am so glad! He is exactly how I imagined Cody - tall and athletic, with a great smile and gorgeous eyes. What a cutie! *blush*. Best part is, he seems like a fantastic guy in real life too! He couldn't be more perfect for such a wonderful character.

My favorite quote: Well, I started to write them down, but had to rush through it to have time to review before the deadline, so I didn't keep it up. My favorite that I wrote down was from Bob Keller, the husband of the couple Bailey is living with in NYC. He said it in a prayer...

"For it is only in our nervousness and inability that we find the strength to succeed in You."

I love it, and can totally relate! As I said with Leaving, you just HAVE to go out and buy this book! I absolutely CANNOT wait until Longing comes out - I'm desperate to know where Cody and Bailey go next!

A Killer Among Us...

Usually, I go at least a week (usually two or more) without posting a review. But this past week, I've read 3 books, and have fallen behind on the reviews! Woah! So be ready for some reviews!

Book: A Killer Among Us

Author: Lynette Eason

Pages: 343

Summary: (back cover) Kit Kenyon is a first rate hostage negotiator. Noah Lambert is a good detective with excellent instincts. These new partners have hardly had time to get used to each other when they are thrown into a grisly murder case. As evidence mounts up and more victims are found, Kit and Noah realize they are on the hunt for a serial killer. The problem is,

he may be hunting one of them too.

Thoughts: A Killer Among us is the third and final book in the Women of Justice series.

I feel like I hit the jackpot when I discovered Lynette Eason and this fantastic series. Although I am sad that it has ended, I love that it went out with a bang!

As with the first two novels, I was completely hooked from page 1. Lynette jumps right in on the action, opening in the middle of a hostage situation, and the action does not stop until you get to the last page. In book 2, I knew who the killer was right away. In this one, I had my suspicions about a few people. The actual killer was on my "suspect list", but not as high as

others, so I was still surprised.

I absolutely love the characters in this series. I love that, even from book 1, you feel for them and feel so involved in their lives. By book 3, they're almost like friends. I felt for them as they went through all their ordeals.

I didn't think I would like Noah and Kit as much as Jamie and Dakota, but I did! I love the strength of the women in these series. I think I'm unlike most people in the way I almost prefer a woman who "needs" the man, because hardheadedness and pride gets old fast, I think. But I loved the stubborn streak each "woman of justice" had, while still letting their feelings show. It made it so much easier to relate to them, and to admire their determination, without wishing they'd give it up already!

I love the men in this series as well. All three are great, Godly, manly men. I love a man with a badge, a gun and a Bible. *sigh* Noah was wonderful. I loved the way he reached out to every person he met. I liked that he made it clear that he was pointing them to God, not himself. I loved that he encouraged Kit in her walk, without judging or shoving it down her throat. I loved the flirting between the two of them - subtle, but so cute!

Another thing I love about this series is the familiar setting. I live in Columbia, SC, where they are set, and it gives such a neat perspective as I'm reading to be able to visualize exactly where the characters are. Then, in A Killer Among Us, Noah and Kit travel to Raleigh, NC, where I grew up. It was so cool!

As I said before, I hate to see this series end. It's the perfect blend of faith and love with non-stop action and heart-stopping suspense. Absolutely incredible! I would love to see at least two more books - one focusing on Serena, the ME, and one on Alena, Kit's neighbor (and maybe Brian?). *sigh* Oh, well. I throughly enjoyed it while it lasted!

Favorite things: I love everything about this series! I love the action and suspense, and, of course, I love the little dashes of love. Oh, and Noah gave me butterflies. :D

Least favorite: It's the last book! After I read this, I found out that Lynette is writing a follow-up novella for Samantha and Connor from book one, but I wish there were more full-length novels. I would love to see one featuring the ME, Serena, and one featuring Alena, Kit's neighbor (with Brian from AKAU, maybe?)

The Cover Story: The cover of book one is what made me stop to check it out. I love the crime scene tape look, with the eye-catching yellow, with the beautiful sister being featured in each particular book. I think it give a good idea of what you'll find inside - a crime novel with a bit of beauty and romance. There's no mistaking it for a mushy, fluffy read. And they look great on my shelf.

My favorite quote: With the romance and "religion" being on the subtle side in these books, there aren't a lot of quotes that stand out. I liked when Noah would share his faith in a unique, real way when he gave people his pastor's card. I think there was a way he put his

reasons that I liked, but I didn't keep track of it. Oops.

Casting Call:

Noah Lambert - Chris Pine, who also gives me butterflies. haha. He's just so handsome! I tried to find a picture with a "playful" expression, since I imagine Noah like that, with the teasing between him and Kit.

Kit Kenyon - After a lot of searching, I have settled on Leslie Bibb for Kit Kenyon (and Jamie Cash). There were other pictures of her that I think fit what I imagine better, but they were too big. I think she's gorgeous.

I've (obviously) read the first two books in the Women of Justice series, and reviewed them on Shelfari.com, but maybe someday I'll post them here too. I HIGHLY recommend this series.