Holiday Movies

Are you like me and watch the same Christmas movies every year? There's just something about Christmas that makes me want to snuggle up on the coach and watch a movie. For me, it's not the holiday season without seeing a few favorites:

You've Got Mail: Love this movie even through it's not really a Christmas movie.

Sound of Music: Yes I'm planning to watch the new one, probably tonight. I hope it's good, but I'm not sure how I feel about a remake as I love the original. There are just some things that can't be done again.

White Christmas: I've loved this movie since I was a kid. I sometimes watch it in July...

Love Actually:  I can't believe it's been out for 10 years. The perfect movie.

Others: Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Die Hard are all welcome.

I've also been watching some movies on the Hallmark Channel. I enjoyed Farewell Mr. Kringle and loved Fir Crazy.

What about you? Are you a holiday movie watcher?

Holiday Review Thursday: Starry Night

Carrie's fed up with writing for the society page of the newspaper. She wants to write about things that matter. She goes into her boss's office determined to quit if he doesn't give her a chance. Instead, he makes a deal with her. If she can get an interview with the hottest author on the planet, she can write whatever she wants.

Carrie accepts the challenge, but she doesn't realize the author lives somewhere in Alaska. She doesn't realize that he's a recluse nor that dozens of reporters are looking for him. Once she hears that news, she's more determined than ever to find him.

She succeeds - but the cost of finding him lands her at his Alaskan cabin with a storm coming through. By the time she's able to leave, she's not sure she wants to go. 

My Thoughts: It's not Christmas with out a romance from Debbie Macomber. I'm a huge fan of her books and read this in one sitting. I loved Carrie's determination and resourcefulness at finding him. I loved her time in Alaska - stuck with Finn, but trying to make the best of a strange situation. I adored Hennessey, the dog.  I liked Finn's perspective, especially when Carrie invades his privacy. A charming romantic tale that warmed my heart. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
Source: My Library

Mini Review: Instacraft

A craft book filled with easy crafts with easy to find materials if you don't already have them on hand.

The Good: I love the set up - the post-it notes for instructions and materials make the pages stand out. I like how it's broken up into sections according to how you create the craft. There are several projects that I tagged for myself and to use at the library with teens: Cookie Cutter Frames, Memory Wrapping Paper, Celebration Napkin Banner, Little Lined Frames, and Spaghetti-Stamped Tote Bag. 

The Bad: Nothing

Overall Verdict: It's cute, fresh, and fun. A great book for crafting.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Sent for Review

What's On My Hold List (69)

My Librarian friend Jess from I Read to Relax came up with a great idea.  It's to highlight the books on hold at the library. I usually have 20-40 items checked out at the library and another 20 items on hold.

Blackberry Pie Murder: I love this series, excited for the upcoming book early next year.

Racing Savannah: Really enjoy this series - and love books about horses = double win.

Fantasy Drawing Workshop: This one is for work, but I'm kind of excited about it too, Trying to put together a Hobbit party.

Giveaway: I Funny and I Even Funnier

Earlier today I reviewed I Funny. And if you think it sounds good, here's your chance to win a copy for yourself. It makes a great holiday gift - it's on my list for Book Gifts for Teens!

Read a little bit of the sequel I Even Funnier.

Link up!

Visit the Official Site

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One (1) winner receives:

        Copies of I FUNNY and I EVEN FUNNIER!

Prizing courtesy of Little, Brown

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Tween Tuesday Review: I Funny

Jamie has a rough life, but cracking jokes helps him gets through the day. He deals with bullies, a family who doesn't understand him, and a new life that left him in a wheelchair.

Without telling anyone, he enters a stand-up comedian contest for kids in Long Island.  If he wins, he moves onto challenge kids from all over the state. Could he be funny enough to win?

My Thoughts: A great novel for fans of Wimpy Kid in a similar style. I enjoyed it so much, I'm using it as my middle school book club pick for this month. I really like Jamie - he's clever, quick witted, and of course funny. I grew to like his family - well most of them. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel to find out what happens next. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Sent for Review

Top Ten Tuesday

This week's topic is books in 2014 we're dying to read. I had a really hard time narrowing down this list. I have one for adult books and one for teen books (both have 11 books on them).

- meme from The Broke and the Bookish

Teen Books:

Mortal Heart

Throne of Glass 3

Isla and Happily Ever After

Now and Forever

The One

To All the Boys I've Loved Before

Just Like the Movies

Summer State of Mind

Better Off Friends

Unforgotten

Cruel Beauty

Adult Books:

Lightning Bay

Diva Wraps it Up

Sugar and Iced

Blossom St. Brides

Come Home to Me

Sapphires are an Earl's Best Friend

Blackberry Pie Murder

Once in a Lifetime

Wild Things

Home to Seaview Key

Home of the Braised

Holiday Book Ideas for Teens

If you have teens in your life, here's a few suggestions of awesome books,  I read (mostly this year, but I did throw in a few favorites) that they might like. Please take a close look at the books as the ages range from middle school thru high school. I've read and enjoyed all of these books! Check out the 2011 year's edition and the 2012 edition for triple the amount of books!

College: Six Months Later and Roomies

Video Game/Ender's Game Movie: Epic, Heir Apparent, and Gamer Girl

 

Reality TV: Reality Check, Taste Test, and The Selection series

  

Harry Potter Lovers: Dear Mr Potter and Keeper of the Lost Cities

Action/Thriller: Boy Nobody, Naturals, Capture the Flag, Cold Fury, No Safety in Numbers, Lawless, and Playing with Fire

Fantasy:  Throne of Glass, Falling Kingdoms, Scorched, and Sweet Legacy

Historical Fiction:  Maid of Secrets and Dark Triumph 

39 Clues Fans: Seven Wonders, Double Vision, and Sasquatch Escape

 

Contemporary Romance: This is What Happy Looks Like, All I Need, Unbreak My Heart, Just One Day, Trouble with Flirting, My Life Next Door, and How Zoe Made her Dreams Mostly Come True

Spy:  Also Known As, Perfect Scoundrels,  Two Lies and a Spy, and Spies and Prejudice

 

Mysteries: Wig in the Window and Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library

 

Contemporary Fiction: Jessica Darling's It List, Five Summers, This is W.A.R., Pretenders, Dangerous Girls, Lost in London, and Prince of Denial

Wimpy Kid: I Funny and Genius Files

 

Dystopian: Dualed, Steelheart, and Never Fade

  

Paranormal: Infinfityglass, Let the Sky Fall, School Spirits, and Unbreakable

  

 

Animals: Stormwatcher, Mountain Dog, Canterwood Crest series

 

Picture Book: Snatchabook, I'd Love You Anywhere,Betty Bunny Didn't Do it, and  The Day the Crayons Quit