Top Ten Tuesday: Movies

This week topic is all about movies. Since it's 40 days until Christmas (can you believe it?), I thought I'd talk about some favorite Christmas movies. I love a good Christmas romance movie, so of course I'm addicted to the Hallmark channel from now until Christmas. These movies are especially fun to watch cuddled up with the puppy with a cup of hot chocolate in front of the fire.

- meme from The Broke and the Bookish 

Christmas Movies

Die Hard

Love Actually

White Christmas

I really love the Hallmark movies, some of my favorites from over the years include:

Crown for Christmas

A Very Merry Mix-Up

Christmas Detour

Christmas Ornament

Christmas at Cartwright's

Not Christmas, but just give me the urge to watch during the holiday season

You've Got Mail 

Little Women

Cutting Edge

Toe Pick

Tween Tuesday Review: The Littlest Bigfoot

Alice isn't like other kids - she has a hard time fitting in wherever she goes. No one seems to like her, not even her parents. She's attempted school after school, but everything results in failure. More than ever, Alice wishes for a friend.

Her newest school seems strange, but also freeing. Alice finds herself a friend, one who's just as strange as she is and who is hiding a huge secret.  The two of them form a tight bond, but Alice's new friend is a yeti child and can't be seen in the human world.

Their bond of outsiders brings them close together until an incident captures Millie on camera. Unless the two of them can come up with a plan, Millie and her tribe will move and Alice will lose the only friend she's ever known.

My Thoughts: Honestly this book didn't grab me at the start, but I really liked it. I loved the book's message - to be who you are and to be proud of it. I love how both Millie and Alice were outsiders in their communities and how they found each other and formed a tight bond. I loved how Millie was obsessed with all things human. I liked how different the school was - but how they came together. I loved Alice learning how to cook. I liked the other girls and their quirks. A great middle grade debut for Jennifer Weiner that's perfect for discussion, readers needing to accept themselves, and those interested in bigfoot. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Sent for review
Final Thoughts: A wonderful book about being yourself and owning it. Great for school and public libraries.

Review: Interference

Kate must take the high road in every situation due to her father's political career. But when her ex-boyfriends leaks unflattering pictures of her, where she looks angry and possibly on drugs, her father's political career takes a hit.

The family moves back to Texas, where they haven't lived in years. At first, Kate thinks this move is to become a family again, to heal. But in actuality, there's a seat open and her father's running yet again for office.

Kate isn't interesting in finding a new life in Texas, she's ready to extract revenge on her ex-boyfriend and land the best college recommendation she can. But of course life interferes with her plans.

Kate discovers herself in Red Dirt but when everything goes haywire yet again, she must figure out what she's willing to fight for.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this Emma novel crossed with Friday Night Lights. Emma's influence was subtle at first, but really struck a cord. I quite enjoyed Kate's failing as a matchmaker and the messes she created. I loved watching her attempt to fix them. I loved watching her love for photography grow and change in Texas. I liked her interaction with the yearbook coordinator. I enjoyed the banter between Kate and Hunter. I liked Kate wearing down her aunt. I liked Kate and Ana's relationship. I love how Kate didn't back down from a fight. Her determination carried her through several tough moments. A fantastic novel filled with friendship, romance, politics, and finding yourself.

Cover Thoughts: Cute, but doesn't match the book
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Perfect for school and public libraries looking for more contemporary reads, political YA books, or those looking for modern class retellings. 

Thoughts on how to move Forward

I've taken a few days to process my thoughts and I'm still in shock. I'll be honest, I NEVER thought this day would come. I thought Hillary would be in the White House come January. And I was wrong. I thought people who see through Trump. I was wrong. I may have lost faith in our country, but that doesn't mean I'm going to be silent. It doesn't mean that I'm going to wait quietly for four years.

Change starts now.

And it starts with all of us, If we want our country to be better and do better, we have to change ourselves.I'ts not going to happen overnight. But I have to do something to make this situation better. Sure it's going to be small, but even a small change can make an impact. What I do isn't going to ripple through the world, but if we all do something to improve someone's lives, than that is powerful.

Yes, I'm very privileged. I realize that. I acknowledge that.

I'd like to that I do good things for others less fortunate that I am. And I do.
I buy food for the food shelter every week
I knit scarves and give them to Holiday baskets in my hometown (I also give them pieces of jewelry I've made)
I donate money when I can to causes
I buy gifts on kids wish list for the Holidays in chain stores
I donate items in the community at events - this year the town where I work had a cool event to make the first day of school great for everyone. Loved this idea. I grabbed a bunch of things on the wish list items.
I desperately try to provide a safe space for teens at the libraries I've worked in - getting books they need, a place for themselves, and someone to just listen and sympathize with them.


But I don't feel like it's enough. I don't feel like I put a dent into anything.

So I'm on the lookout for local organizations where I can volunteer. Where I can do some good, spread some hope, and maybe feel better about the world.

I know I have my limits. I'm an introvert after all, but if we don't start helping to make the changes we want to see in the world, then what's the point of everything? If I have to leave my comfort zone, so be it.  I want to start making changes. I want to help. I want to bring someone hope. Or just make someone's day a little bit easier.

Adult Review: My American Duchess

Merry meets the Duke outside on a balcony during a party. She doesn't know his true identity and from his clothing, he's not a stuffed peacock. She lets her guard down and shows her American ways.

The Duke can't helped but be charmed by her. Even if she's already broken off two engagements and came to England to find a husband. Before he can think about courting her, the news hits him. She's the girl his brother asked to marry this morning.

His twin brother. The brother he hates. The brother who doesn't appreciate Merry. Trent isn't about to let him win...

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved how different Merry was from the other women of society. I loved that she wasn't perfect, that she fell in love easily. I felt bad that she fell for terrible men. I loved the banter and the honest moments between Trent and Merry. I love how protective Merry felt for her aunt and uncle. I love how she battled society when they tried to take her down. I loved Trent. I felt terrible for him and for his family drama. I love that Merry didn't hide her differences including her intelligence.  Of course the pineapple scene was amazingly clever. I do like how that turned out.  

Cover Thoughts: Gorgeous, it's perfect in every way
Source: Purchased
Book: Stand Alone
Library Recommendation: Heck yes, purchase for romance collections

Christmas Book Review: Christmas Caramel Murder

* Book 20 in the Hannah Swensen series *

Hannah recounts the story of last Christmas, the chocolate caramels, and of course murder to her new husband. The death of Herb's high school sweetheart, who may or may not have been making a play for him creates havoc for Lisa. She's seen as the prime suspect after her suspicions and jealously. Of course Hannah digs into the murder to help out her friend.

My Thoughts: A cute short novel. I like how the Christmas Carol was woven into the story. I liked learning more about Hannah's father. I liked learning more about Lisa and Herb and their past together. Of  course the treats they bake at the shop always make my mouth water. I was a little disappointed not to get much of Ross, but the next book is out just around the corner at the end of February. This was a fun seasonal read.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Purchase where this series is popular

Tis the Season: In my Etsy Shop

Last year around this time, I opened my own Etsy shop. Nothing fancy just a few things that I enjoy creating. I've shared a few here and a few on my social media accounts.

It's still a learning process for me and I'm a little slow at figuring things out.

Mostly I have jewelry, scarves, some spa products, and cards. 

All Handmade and Imperfect.

Button Bracelet

Sea Glass Pendant

Winter Card 

Coconut Soap

Let's Be Wild and Free Earrings

Harry Potter inspired scarf

If you like any of those, great. check out the rest of my shop.

And if you're inclined to purchase something, I have a small code for you: BOOKNERD16

It's good until the end of the year.