Reading Retreats: My Home Away From Home

My grandparents' house is my home away from home. My grandma and I say that my parents' house is my first home; my grandparents' house is my second home; and college is my third home. =) I spend a lot of time at my grandparents' place--in fact, I just spent the night at their house last night! It has been more than wonderful to live so close to them, and their property is lovely.

The picture above is an area in their front/side yard. There used to be a really tall tree there that created a canopy, but they had it cut down and moved the fountain from the back yard to the front. The picnic table is nice there, and doesn't the lamp post add a nice touch? =) This picture was actually taken last year, I think, and I was reading Shadow of Colossus by T.L. Higley.

Higley's books are great! I actually won City of the Dead, the second book in her Seven Wonders series, over a year or two ago, and I loved it! I ended up getting the first book in the series (Shadow of Colossus) and then getting an ARC of Guardian of the Flame (the third book) while I was away at college. I cannot wait until her next book Petra: City in Stone comes out this fall! Higley really transports her readers into exotic locales of the past, and the mysteries and action in her books are fantastic!

Anyway, going back to my grandparents' house, I have a lot of great memories there, and I don't know how many books I've brought over there to read! Do you have a special place where you've read a lot of books? And do you want to share about any books you're really looking forward to reading this fall? (I've learned my lesson from Kav--I won't ask for you to pick just one! You can tell us about any number of books you can't wait to read!)

Once again, happy reading!

Reading Retreats: In the Company of Animals

Pets can make great reading companions, can't they? Of course, that's only when they're behaving--otherwise, they're horrible reading companions (even if they are cute). Above is my wonderful purring-machine, otherwise known as Mr. Murphy. Isn't he adorable? I agree that he does have the "fierce tiger" look, but don't let him fool you. He can be tamed by a simple scratch behind the ears or rub on the belly. =)

Anyway, today I would like to welcome one of my great blogging friends, Kav from Best Reads (2010)! She's got an interesting story to tell about her own furry reading companion, so be sure to take a moment and read the following interview:

Amber: Where is your favorite place to read? Do you prefer curling up by the fire or going out into the sunshine?

Kav: Pretty much anywhere I have a book in hand. Maybe the bus while I’m traveling to work and home again. I’d go squirrelly if I couldn’t read on the bus.

Amber: Where is the most interesting place in which you have read a book? (This could include an intriguing town, an exotic trip, or simply an unusual quiet spot.)

Kav: Okay…this is going to sound weird and definitely not glamorous – but walking my dog. I have this sheltie with a prey/herding instinct so high that he really should be a working dog. Wish I’d realized that when I got him. Let’s just say he’s had challenges adapting to city life since he was a puppy. He has issues with squirrels. BIG ISSUES. Basically he thinks this planet isn’t big enough for both species. His soul purpose in life is to chase (thankfully he never catches) squirrels. So what does this have to do with interesting places to read a book?

Well, after multiple obedience classes and personal trainers and oodles of cash I had a perfectly trained dog – unless there was a squirrel around. Since I live in a lovely treed neighbourhood with a squirrel family living in every tree…well, I won’t go into the grim details here. In desperation I tried the desensitization theory -- taking your dog into an area that is ripe with his problem and totally ignore him while he goes demented. You keep him on a short leash and only walk when he is behaving nicely. The minute he goes ballistic you stop and ignore. It’s very important not to make eye contact or engage the dog in anyway because that just feeds the frenzy. He thinks you’re joining in on the squirrel rampage. The dog trainer suggested reading a book.

So that’s what I did…for months. Walking down streets and stopping every time Simba saw a squirrel. I’d open my book and read and he would howl and yowl and moan and cry. It created quite a sensation. I could read pages before he’d calm down enough to continue the walk. We’d barely get half a block before there’d be another squirrel sighting and off he’d go again and I’d start reading again. The neighbours thought it was hilarious and still greet me with “Read any good books lately?”

And, in case inquiring minds want to know – alas, the desensitization method did not work on Simba. Seven years later after quite a bit of negotiating and mediation we are more or less on the same page now…He doesn’t chase squirrels on a walk and I don’t haul him back by his nice plumy tail.

Amber: Wow--that's quite a story, Kav! ;) If you could choose any location to read in for a day, with any kind of scenery, where would you want to go? And if you could choose to bring only one fiction book with you for this day trip, which would you choose?

Kav: Hmmm…only one location? Well, I guess I’d say I’ve always had a hankering to own a wingback chair in my very own home library. With a fireplace. And a window seat close by. And an old globe – the really big kind with an oak pedestal. And a plush comfy lounger. Oriental carpet on the floor. Brocade drapes framing the window seat (glass would be leaded). I’d spend the day moving from window seat to wingback chair to lounger with my nose stuck in a book all the while.

And you actually want me to name only one fiction book????? You know I’d read more than one in a day if that was all I was doing, don’t you? Well…it’s impossible for me to name just one. That’s like asking your mother who her favourite child is. It’s just wrong. I’ll just say that I would bring the book I was currently reading at the time and I’d sneak in the top book off my TBR pile when you weren’t looking.

Amber: I like the place you envision. It's lovely! So, which upcoming release (book) are you most looking forward to, and why?

Kav: Ack – is this a trick question? Book as in not plural? I can’t do that either…it’s just so wrong to pick favourites.

Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad (she’s a writing buddy of mine and she writes historical romance with a touch of comedy. I’ve read some of her other work and it’s fantastic. This is her debut novel with Revell and it comes out beginning of September).

A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman (need I say more…I’m really looking forward to this one – especially since she gave us a sneak preview on your blog).

The Healer’s Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson (Her debut novel as well. It’s a YA fantasy – retelling of a fairy tale – from Zondervan. I LOVE that kind of fantasy so I’m really excited to read this one).

Made to Order Family by Ruth Logan Herne (I’m committed because this completes her first series and she knows how to spin a tale full of laughter and angst and romance. Sigh. It’s also due in September…though if you order from eharlequin I think you can get it in August sometime.)

Okay – I could go on…but I’ll stop there. Those are the September releases I can remember at this point but now I’m feeling guilty because I’m sure I’ve left somebody out.

Amber: Remind me never to suggest picking just one book again to you! ;) I think I've learned my lesson now! Thank you so much for joining us today, Kav!

I'll leave ya'll with another picture of Mr. Murphy. I confess that usually he's not the best reading companion because he always likes to knead me and rub all over me, which is a bit distracting. Doesn't he look guilty here? =)

Reading Retreats: In Borders and Up a Tree

There are many interesting places to read a book, and today I want to share with you one of my favorite reading-places stories. It involves a book by one of our favorite authors: A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman.

It all began in Borders over a year ago, about a month or two before I was to graduate from high school. I began reading A Passion Most Pure little by little, snatching some reading time whenever we went to the mall. Then one day I "met" Julie on a blog, and I told her about how I was reading her book in Borders. I was promptly given the nickname "Borders Girl," and Julie and I formed a great friendship. I'm sure most of you would agree that Julie is one of the friendliest people you'll meet in the blogging world!

Anyway, I eventually got my dad to buy me the book. I don't think I was even halfway through when he bought it for me, so I got to enjoy the rest of it outside Borders. That's where the tree comes in.

For our senior class picnic we went to a local Boy Scout camp. There was a clearing with some trees where we gathered to hang out when we weren't running amok in the woods. Of those trees in the clearing, one of them became a fantastic "reading retreat!" I sat in that tree and continued reading A Passion Most Pure, falling more in love with the characters and becoming more entangled in their drama. What a book!

In time I finished A Passion Most Pure and I won an autographed copy of A Passion Redeemed. That's me with my great copy of the second book in Julie's series at my grandparents' house last year. And that might be an example of my "Why are you taking a picture of me right now?" face. ;)

I'll leave it to you, my readers, to decide whether the moral of this story is that Julie's books are wonderful and you can read them anywhere, or that reading in different, interesting places makes for a memorable experience and an entertaining story. Maybe it's both?

My Review of Abbie Ann & Giveaway

Here's a description of the book from Whitaker House: "Abbie Ann Kane, the youngest of Jacob Kane's three daughters, is a busy woman. Between running the Whatnot, the family's general store, being active in the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and assisting the elderly citizens of Sandy Shores, Michigan, she has little time for frivolous matters. And those include matters of the heart. When the recently divorced Noah Carson comes to town with son Toby in tow to pursue a shipbuilding business, Abbie Ann tries to keep her distance-especially when his flagrant ex-wife shows up. But God has other plans in mind…"

My Review:

I am sorry to say that this is another book I didn't finish. I read a little over a hundred pages and skipped ahead some, but I just didn't really get into it.

MacLaren's writing is good, no question! She gives a lot of details, which I enjoyed to some degree but also disliked in that they seemed to slow the story down. The characters were interesting, but I didn't feel emotionally connected to them and they often seemed kind of "unreal" to me.

However, I confess that this is another case where I tried to read the third book before reading the first two in a series. So perhaps it would make a difference if one reads the whole series in the order they were meant to be read.

That being said, I would like to give someone else a chance to read this book and see for themselves whether or not they like it. So I'll be giving away my gently used copy of Abbie Ann. And this way there will be some reading material given away during out "Reading Retreats" week. =)

If you would like to enter the giveaway, please note the following:

• You must leave a comment saying you would like to be entered, and you must leave your e-mail address.
• This drawing is only open to those with a United States mailing address.
• Winner will be announced on Saturday, August 7.
  

Reading Retreats: Among the Flowers

Take a few moments to get away from it all and join me on a "Reading Retreat" among the flowers! This week we'll be hearing from a couple of wonderful blogging buddies, and I'll be sharing some of my fun reading stories. I'm sure we'll also have to discuss where we would want to go if we could plan our own "Reading Retreat!"

This past week I was on vacation in Nevada, and on Saturday I had the pleasure of reading in a beautiful garden at Edith Palmer's Country Inn in Virginia City. That's me up above, reading Where the Dogwoods Bloom among the greenery! The sun was shining, the sky was a lovely blue, and the flowers were cheery as I held this delightful little book in my hands. (If you would like to read my review of the book, click HERE.)

Did anyone find some time for reading this weekend? (What a silly question!) If so, where did you do your reading? If you get a chance for some more quick reading, check out the poem I just posted by clicking HERE or scrolling down the sidebar. This poem was where the title of my blog came from.

And now, enjoy an interview with our very own Tammy (Bluerose) from Bluerose's Heart!

Amber: Where is your favorite place to read? Do you prefer curling up by the fire or going out into the sunshine?

Tammy: My absolute favorite place is on my front porch. I read somewhere (I can’t remember where) that a book is always better outside, and I completely agree. There’s nothing like hearing nature while reading! I live in the country surrounded by trees and fields, so I get to see a lot of nature, too. It’s so fun to look up from my book to see the hummingbirds fighting, or a rabbit hopping across the yard. We’ve counted 14 deer at one point in the field behind our house. Nature and a good book just makes the world seem more peaceful and brings me closer to God!

Amber: Where is the most interesting place in which you have read a book? (This could include an intriguing town, an exotic trip, or simply an unusual quiet spot.)

Tammy: The last book I read traveled a little more than normal. One half was read at the lake, where we went to visit my husband’s family. (I took advantage of a babysitter!!!) The other half was read in a vehicle on the way to and from my son’s doctor appointment, which was about 3 1/2 hours driving time. (I took motion sickness medicine to be able to do this!)

Amber: If you could choose any location to read in for a day, with any kind of scenery, where would you want to go? And if you could choose to bring only one fiction book with you for this day trip, which would you choose?

Tammy: I would definitely choose the beach! It’s been awhile since I’ve got to go enjoy the ocean. I’ll assume this trip is after September 1, and I would bring A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman.

Amber: Which upcoming release (book) are you most look forward to, and why?

Tammy: We all know I’m really looking forward to A Hope Undaunted, because Julie’s books have quickly became one of my favorite series’ ever! I also want to add two more, though. I can’t wait to read Karen Witemeyer’s Head in the Clouds, because I loved Tailor-Made Bride. And last, but not least, Jan Karon’s In the Company of Others. I started reading The Mitford Series several years ago, and it’s another of my favorites. I can’t wait to see what’s going on with Father Tim and Cynthia.

Amber: I'm definitely with you on the release of A Hope Undaunted! Can't wait! Thanks so much for joining us today, Tammy!

Happy reading, everyone!

My Review of Where the Dogwoods Bloom

Here's a description of the book from Heartsong Presents: "Jilly Gardner left home ten years ago with a broken heart, determined never to return. But the ache in her heart has never healed, and when Cam Lane calls to ask for her help...she finds she can't say no. Cam doesn't know what came between Jilly and her foster family, but he feels it's time she set things straight. But how can Cam address the unforgiveness in his friends' lives when his own is paralyzed with self-inflicted guilt and shame? Will Cam and Jilly ever realize that unconditional, forgiving love comes only from God the Father, whose mercies are new each morning?"

My Rating: Spring/Summer

My Review:

If you're looking for a sweet romance with a great message about forgiveness--look no further than Where the Dogwoods Bloom! Johnson's writing is engaging, and the settings and situations she puts together are quite unique. The two main characters have a lot of growing to do throughout the book, and it's a rather arduous journey at times, but the moments of humor and romance keep the story flowing and maintain the reader's interest.

I loved the details about the Inn, and a lot of the other places in the book (even the hospital!). Johnson made it easy to visualize what was going on throughout the pages. There was even a little bit of suspense thrown in there, which helped the romance along nicely, to my way of thinking!

All in all, the characters had their charms and flaws, and I enjoyed getting to know them and learn with them. This story is a great, quick read that's just right for a summer day (or two or three, depending on how fast you read!).

*With thanks to Casey and Myra Johnson (the author) for my copy of the book, which I won @ Operation Encourage an Author. Be sure to check out this great blog if you haven't already!*

Seasons of Humility

Following is the inspiration for the title of this blog: a poem I wrote called "Seasons of Humility." This poem is near and dear to my heart, one that I wrote the fall semester of my first year of college. May the Lord use it to encourage you and remind you of His Presence throughout all of our seasons of humility.

Seasons of Humility
By Amber Stokes

All that remains of a broken dream:
Shattered leaves strewn on the ground.
Once so whole, so vibrant, so green,
Faintly glowing without a sound
As darkness surrounds.

Just dead gold and red left on the tracks
And flying by the window in the wind.
Words that say, "No more lookin' back,"
But turn around and it's there again:
A plea to send.

Oh! The autumn ends so painfully;
Winter months last so very long.
Yet through it all, a Presence beside me:
Comforting, enduring, and strong,
Above the wrong.

Spring comes again; new trust blooms forth.
Bright blossoms grow from rain and tears:
A reminder of the journey's worth.
In the humble cycle of holy fear,
God is near.