My Review of Love is Monumental

Thank you all for being so patient! I finally finished the book, and I can now share my review with you!

Here's the description of the book from Barbour Publishing: "Discover the Washington Monument along with park ranger Vickie Harris who loves her job. But while life in the District of Columbia is exciting and fun, shy Vickie has resigned herself to the likelihood of being single forever. She’s never been head-over-heels in love. . .not even really been kissed! But when a handsome professor asks the reserved, research-loving ranger for assistance on a project, will Vickie agree? Will she come out of her shell long enough to discover that Love Is Monumental?"

My Rating: Spring

My Review:
If I don't get to go to Washington D.C. this summer, at least I'll feel like I have been there after reading this book! I really appreciated the fact that the author knew what she was writing about, and I enjoyed getting to read about the life of a park ranger. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the monuments, and even just every-day life in general. I found that I often sympathized with Vickie and her romantic heart!

I agree with my friend Renee's review in that the twists in this novel were rather predictable, but I don't think that ruins the story because the merits of the book really are it's down-to-earth dialogues and emotions. A lot of what the character's go through, and a lot of what they say, can be easily related to, in my opinion.

That being said, I confess that Thatcher didn't really win me over until the end. I was quite frustrated with him for most of the book, and sometimes I just wanted to hit him upside the head and let him know, "Yes, you're going about this relationship all wrong." But he had his "charming" moments, and perhaps that made it all more real to me, as I couldn't help but feel bad for Vickie and understand where she was coming from.

All in all, the story fit together nicely. Perhaps a bit too nicely to be completely realistic, but it was still sweet just the same. And while at times the book felt a little long, I liked this story! The trip to Washington D.C. through the pages of this book was quite enjoyable!


~Quick Reminder: Tomorrow we'll be discussing Laura Frantz' The Frontiersman's Daughter. I hope to see you all here!~

Birthday Story Bash: Day 2

Welcome to the second day of the Toy Story party here on my blog! I know I'm getting this day started a little early (it's still technically the first day of my party!), but I thought I would post this when I knew I could find time. We'll just keep this party rolling!

Just as a reminder, each day of the party will include a guest interview; movie, book, and song-of-the-day selections; and a giveaway! And each day will have its own theme based off of one or more of the Toy Story characters.

Today's character is . . . Buzz Lightyear! Thus, today's theme will be space/flying (because Buzz can fly, at least when he has a rocket strapped to his back!).

To get us started, I invited Renee from Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot to get us started! Renee is a dear blogging friend of mine. When I have blogging questions, Renee has blogging answers! She is patient, kind, and she has a wonderful blog! If you don't already follow her blog, head on over there as soon as you're done reading this post!

Amber: Who is your favorite Toy Story character?

Renee: I would definitely have to say that Buzz Lightyear is my favorite character. He is super funny and way cool, I mean he can fly (kind of) plus he has little green men for groupies! I also liked Buzz in the TV cartoon series that was released, I believe, right after Toy Story 2! I loved XR the witty robot, and Buzz's sidekicks Mira and Booster. Is it okay if I admit that I also like Evil Emperor Zurg? Really, what is a movie without a villain or two to issue a good challenge?

Amber: What is one of you favorite stories? (This could be books, movies, family stories...anything goes!)

Renee: Oh goodness this is a toughie! I will go with a book, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Ever since I first read it in high school I've been enthralled with everything Austen (I've read most of her books plus a lot of the modern "retellings").

Elizabeth is the perfect heroine and Darcy...*sigh* there are no words for him. It's easy to see why these stories have remained popular for over 200 years. There are lessons that today's readers can take away regarding first impresions and the like. Plus it's also fun to see how society has changed and how it has remained the same.

Amber: If you could be any character/toy from Toy Story, which one would you be?

Renee: Hmmmm I would have to say I would love to be Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl! She is so independent and not to be crossed LOL! She's also a tomboy like me. However the girly girl in me also likes Bo Peep with her pretty pink dress. ;-) I'm anxious to see what they do with these characters in Toy Story 3!

Amber: Do you have any other Toy Story/Pixar info you would like to share?

Renee: Besides Toy Story I really love the Disney/Pixar movie Cars! Being a bit of a car fanatic I was pleased when they decided to release this movie. I love McQueen, Mater, Sally, Doc, Luigi and Guido. I usually like the secondary characters and Luigi and Guido are definitely my favorites, especially when they meet the Ferrari towards the end of the film...soooo cute!!! I thought it was really cool, too, that Dale Jr, Darrel Waltrip and other NASCAR folks lent their voices in cameo apprearances throughout the movie. It made it seem very authentic.

Amber: Thanks so much for joining us today, Renee! It was fun to read your responses! =)

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Now for the selections of the day! Going with the space theme, I have some fun recommendations for you:

• Movie of the day: WALL-E (Another great Pixar movie! It's a bit different from the others, but I suppose all of their movies are rather unique! The robots in this one are just too cute!)


• Book of the day: Once in a Blue Moon by Leanna Ellis (To read my review of this book, click HERE. And to read my interview with Leanna Ellis, click HERE.)


• Song of the day: When You Come Back Down by Nickel Creek

Here's a video of the song that I found on YouTube. It's a beautiful song, and I think it fits with the flying part of our theme!

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Today's book giveaway is from another dear blogging friend, Angie over at Never A Dull Moment. Thank you so much, Angie, for your generosity!

Here's the description of the book from Zondervan: "In this intense, emotionally charged supernatural thriller for young adults by author Dawn Miller, the angelic forces of heaven and hell wage battle over mankind, placing five gifted teenagers in the middle of a war only they can end. Each of the five has struggled since a terrifying night in their childhood, and as memories of that evening’s events come rushing back, and the dark angels make themselves known, they discover that what was meant to destroy them has instead opened their eyes to a world otherwise hidden from humankind."

I think the cover fits well with today's theme, don't you? =) To enter this drawing, just leave a comment saying you would like to be entered. You must have a U.S. mailing address, and you must leave your e-mail address in your comment to qualify. (Just as a reminder, all the winners this week will be announced on Saturday, June 5.)

Good luck to all of you! And I wish you a fabulous day, full of fun "to infinity and beyond!"

(Toy Story picture from the Pixar website.)

"Sharing a Smile" Saturday 2

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Saturday!

In order to hopefully elicit a smile from you, I decided to post a response on my blog to my friend Renee's post on her blog Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot. Her post was titled: "What Do You Look For in a Man?" The prompt was, "I thought since it was Friday it would be fun to talk about something that we all love whether we read Christian fiction or love a fun chick flick and that is...the hero! So I want to know who are your favorite fictional heroes from novels, movies or tv? Why do they appeal to you?" Such a fun question! So here are some of my favorite heroes (this is not a complete list):

Clark from Love Comes Softly. I love how the actor portrays Clark in this movie. He is a man of compassion: a family man who is not afraid to go after the woman he loves! He knows when to give someone time alone to think or to grieve. And most importantly, he is a man of strong faith, who goes out on a hillside to sing to God and prays wholeheartedly.

Mr. Knightley from Emma. (The movie version with Gwyneth Paltrow in it is my favorite so far.) What can I say? Who wouldn't want a hero who is your best friend? Isn't that where they say love should begin--as friends first? Well, Mr. Knightley is not only a great and handsome friend, but he is also a very honest one, who cares enough about Emma to tell her when she has messed up. And he is a great dancer (which is very important in my book)!

And on the subject of Jane Austen heroes, Henry Tilney is now probably one of my all-time favorites! (I love the PBS version of Northanger Abbey.) Henry Tilney is such a fun person to be with--he teases, but he also shows honor and care. He rides horseback, dances, and is quiet up-to-date on the latest fashions!

As for heroes from books, I'm sure I'm not the only one who cannot resist Michael Hosea from Redeeming Love (by Francine Rivers). How amazing is love that never gives up, that follows God's will! Michael Hosea goes after his woman over and over, even when she returns to her sins. He never stops loving her, and takes care of her.

Along those lines, Noah from Snow Angel (by Jamie Carie) stole my heart. He, too, is a man that pursues and protects. As much as a human can, he offers unconditional love. And what a sweet man!

Well, I'm sure there are many more that I could choose, but now it's your turn! Any readers out there want to share some of their favorite fictional heroes and why you like them?