Aslan's Book Fellowship

I'm finally in a book club.  Maybe I'm a big dork, but I've always wanted to be in a book club.  It's been a dream of mine since I was a little girl and I read my first chapter book... which was Me, My Goat and My Sister's Wedding, in case you were curious.  

My book club never happened because I never knew of a book club to join.  Sigh.

The other day, however, my friend Melissa invited me to join an online book club.  I was giddy with excitement and now I'm a proud member of Aslan's Book Fellowship.  Our first read is Anne of Green Gables, which I'm loving.  I can't believe I'm only just now reading it.  I loved it when the "Anne" movies came on PBS during their fundraising drives when I was little.  So funny.  I could relate to Anne because I loved to read, I was a little dramatic, my impulses got the best of me sometimes and I had a hard time being nice to myself.  Somethings never change, I guess.  

We're reading six chapters a week for the club and having discussions about what we read on Facebook.  Not exactly what I pictured when I thought of joining a book club... when I was little I imagined some friends sitting in front of a fire, our books and hot chocolate in hand, having discussions long into the night.  Welcome to social media! I love it, because there's no way I'd have time to join any other kind of book club!

So there you go.  I can cross one item off my Bucket List!

16

Iscariot:  A Novel of Judas by:  Tosca Lee

Well, folks.  Tosca's done it again.  She never disappoints me.  Several things grabbed me while reading this book.

1.  Man, those disciples had it hard.  HARD.  I guess learning about them in Sunday School just didn't make me appreciate what all the disciples of Jesus went through.  The criticism, the fear, the unknown of leaving their jobs and families to follow their Savior.  A savior that most of the world wasn't ready for yet.  They risked it all for Jesus.  They broke all the rules.  They were amazing.  We really do have it easy today. 

2.  Jesus was human.  And He is God.  Fully God and fully man.  Yes, I grew up hearing this truth, but His human characteristics came to life in this book.  He had supernatural powers but He was also, in a sense, very much like the people He came to save.  He got tired and hungry.  Angry.  Frustrated.  Scared.  

3.  Judas was only human, too.  It's so easy to judge him, isn't?  So easy to forget that we're really no better.  And Jesus loves us anyway. 

This book kind of messed me up.  

15

Bloom:  Finding Beauty in the Unexpected- A Memoir by:  Kelle Hampton

Okay, well.  Let me begin by saying that Kelle Hampton isn't my favorite blogger, but a lot of people enjoy her blog and if you'd like to check it out you can click here.     

I can't remember how I came across her blog, but I've been following her off and on for a few years.  I do love her photography.  She's got skills!

Bloom was written after Kelle's second child, Nella, was born with Down syndrome.  I, for obvious reasons, have a soft spot in my heart for special needs moms so I reserved a copy of the book from the library.  I finished it in two days.  I couldn't put it down.  

It was the best book I've read in a really, really long time.  

I love the honesty of this book.  While I don't have a child with Down syndrome, I do have a child with Cerebral palsy so I can kind of relate to how Kelle was blindsided at Nella's birth.  I loved how real this book is.  Kelle's raw honesty was so refreshing to me.  

Some of the thoughts that ran through my head after Shaun was born... I was ashamed to have thought them and had never admitted them to anyone.  What a relief to read this book and know that I wasn't the only mother out there who had had those thoughts.  I could practically hear special needs moms all over the world breathing sighs of relief and murmuring, Wow.  I can't believe she actually wrote that down... but I'm so glad she did!

I laughed and cried while reading this book, many times during the same paragraph.  And did I mention that it also contains pictures?  Lots and lots of pictures!  

Bottom line:  great book that can bring healing and comfort to all those "special mamas" out there and a wonderful celebration of a beautiful little girl.  

14

The Sanctuary by:  Ted Dekker

I'm a HUGE Ted Dekker fan.  Remember when I met him last year?  I blogged about it here in case you're interested.  

I usually fly through his books, but it took me six whole weeks to finish this one.  The Sanctuary is the sequel to The Priest's Graveyard, which I read last summer and absolutely loved.  I think I read it in a week.  But then, I was pregnant and had a lot more time to read.  I'd been excited to read more about Danny and Renee for a while, but it took me a while to get into it.  I had to renew it twice from the library and then I had to push myself to finish it yesterday so that I could turn it in without a late fee.  

I generally don't read a lot of Christian fiction because I find most of it to be cheesy and unrealistic.  And Amish.  There are a lot of Christian fiction books about the Amish.  Dekker's are edgy.  Dark.  Most of  his novels remind me of Dean Koontz books minus the sex and foul language.  This one was a little too dark.  Even for me.  Great story, just not my favorite read.  This wasn't a book that I couldn't put down and I probably won't read it again.  

13

Coming Home by:  Karen Kingsbury

Even though I've been over Karen Kingsbury for a few years now I decided to read this last book in the Baxter series because I just couldn't not find out how it all ends.  I invested a lot of time in the Baxter family over the years.  Time, tears, and laughter.  

The first half of this book was snooze-inducing.  I could barely stay awake while I was reading.  To be fair, it was boring to me because it was basically a recap of the "Redemption" series.  All of the Baxter kids and grandkids are coming back home to Indiana to celebrate their patriarch's birthday.  As each branch of the family was reintroduced, their story was retold.  I skimmed a lot.  

Then it came out of nowhere.  BAM!  Action.  Unexpected action.  Tear-jerking drama.  You better believe I cried like a baby.  Chris came home late one night to find me sobbing.  He thought someone had died or something, but I was just so upset over this book!  I won't give anything away, but Baxter Family fans- this is your warning to not attempt to read this book without a box of tissues and some ice cubes to reduce the swelling of your puffy eyes. 

11

Agenda 21 by: Glenn Beck with Harriet Parke

I promise I'll get back to regular blogging tomorrow.  But tonight, it's another "What I Read" post.  

Honestly, this book scared the crap out of me.  It's fiction.  Sort of.  Hits too close to home for my comfort, though.  It gave me nightmares.  

Again, I have my sister to thank.  This was my first Glenn Beck novel and I must be a glutton for punishment because I've already started to read another.  

10

Insurgent by:  Veronica Roth

The sequel to Divergent.  At the end, all I could do was sit there and think, "Wow.  Totally didn't see that one coming".  

A very good read.  

7

The Storyteller by:  Jodi Picoult

I'm actually speechless.  I have no words to describe how utterly wonderful this book is.  Seriously.  I could never do it justice and I won't even try.

Jodi Picoult's last few new releases were kind of disappointing to me and I almost didn't read this one.  I decided to go ahead and give it a try because I knew it was about the Holocaust.  And The Hubs bought me a new iPad so I had to try out the Kindle app.  :)

I've been interested in the Holocaust ever since I read about Anne Frank in the 8th grade.  Anne Frank and the tons of documentaries I've seen could never have prepared me for what I felt as I was reading The Storyteller.  The horror.  The sense of desperate hopelessness of the Jews.  The outrage of "Oh my gosh!  How could this have happened?  Why didn't someone do something about it?!?!"  This book got under my skin.  Gave me nightmares.  I couldn't put it down. 

Go read it!   

6

Divergent by: Veronica Roth

The first of a trilogy, Divergent is very "Hunger Game"-ish.  I think it might even be better!

Huge thanks to Kendra and my sister for insisting that I needed to read it.  I'm ready for the second book, as soon as Lori let's me borrow it!

5

Alice in April by:  Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Yes, I checked out two of these books.  Actually, 3.  I haven't read the other one yet.  I read two of the three last Friday when we were all iced in.  

I had never read this particular "Alice" book before and I was actually really excited to get it.  I was not disappointed.  More of Alice's journey through middle school with lots of laughter, tears, and most of all, the awkwardness!  One passage that sticks out the most is when Alice is getting a physical.  The nurse tells her to get undressed and Alice panics because she's afraid the doctor is going to walk in before she's "ready".  Who hasn't worried about that while at a doctor's appointment?  I laughed and laughed.  

This book was a little... deeper than the others I've read.  Growing up gets harder and harder for Alice, just like in real life.  

I have since decided that I must purchase these books for Violet to have when she's ready to read them.  :)

4

The Agony of Alice by: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

I promise that I really do read "grown-up" books.  Truly.  I am, in fact, in the middle of a fantastic Dean Koontz novel right now.  Sometimes, though, I'm too tired to think about what I read.  I just want to read something easy and funny and not have to pick apart the plot or think about it too much.    

The other day in the library (the same day that I set off the alarm) the kids and I were in the teen section looking for XBox games.  Speaking of the teen section... have you been over there lately?  Apparently, all books for the young adult audience must have vampires, witches, goblins, or wizards as the main characters. I'm all about a good vampire series, but I was dismayed at the lack of selection for teens in the library.  

Anyway.  Moving on. 

I was browsing the books in the teen section while waiting for the boys to choose their games.  In the midst of all that fantasy nonsense, a set of brightly colored books caught my eye way up on the top shelf.  The "Alice" books.  My elementary school librarian thought I would like these when I was in fifth grade.  And she was right.  Mrs. Gailey was usually right about what I'd like to read.  I loved that woman!  

So, I first read The Agony of Alice in fifth grade.  I laughed out loud then, and I laughed out loud last Friday when I read it again.  Alice just reminds me SO much of myself.  She's awkward.  She does some really dumb things.  She has a quirky way of thinking.  She is so stinking funny.  

I can't wait until Violet is old enough to read about Alice.  Maybe we'll read them together.  Or maybe I can introduce my niece to Alice and she'll love her as much as I do.  

Ice Day

It iced yesterday and the schools in our area were closed.  My kids heard about this on the news they decided that they should have an Ice Day too, and agreed.  

The Hubs had to go to work for awhile, but the kids snuggled up with blankets on the couch watching movies and playing XBox.  I did laundry and cleaned up the kitched and worked some more on my bedroom.  It hasn't been cleaned since Violet was born and the clothes are taking over.  We had Pumpkin Black Bean Soup and crescent rolls for lunch.  I read a lot.  I checked out a Dean Koontz novel from the library a few days ago and I finally got into it.  Now, I can't put it down.  

Chris finally made it home safe and sound from the elements.  He said the roads were quite icy, so we made plans to just not leave the house.  The boys spent the evening playing XBox with their daddy.  Did you know that it's Double X P weekend?  I have absolutely no idea what that means, but apparently it's important.  

Violet even got in on the action:

No one should be concerned... we were all right there beside her so she couldn't fall off the couch.  :)

I also made another one of those "thrown together because I didn't have a chance to get to the grocery store" meals.  Here's the recipe, if you think you can handle all the work! Ha!

Crock Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice

Ingredients:

4 Boneless chicken breasts, thawed

Salsa

Rice

Cheese

Sour Cream

Put chicken into the Crock Pot and dump a jar of salsa on top.  Set on low and go about your day.  

After 5 hours or so, mix it all up.  The chicken will be so tender it just breaks apart.  The end result looks like barbecue.  I added a little more salsa and continued to cook.  

When you're almost ready to eat, throw some instant rice on the stove.  When it's cooked, serve up the rice and top it with the chicken mixture.  Top everything with a sprinkle of cheese and a dollop of sour cream.  In a perfect world, I would have added some canned black beans, but we were all out.  I served this dish with green peas and it was so good. My kids and The Hubs all had seconds and it really filled us up.  

I don't know if you can actually call this a "recipe" but I will definitely be making it again.  I'm eating leftovers for lunch as I type and it tastes even better!

Shaun's basketball game was canceled this morning and we all slept in, which was much needed.  Shaun is the only one of us who's an early riser.  I think he woke up around 6:00.  

Someone is turning 7 years old on Monday, so I hope to go get his present later.

3

Superfudge by:  Judy Blume


Truthfully, Shaun read most of this one.  I "made" him read it for school while I listened and asked questions after each chapter.  I loved it so much that I had to list it here.  

I've been a fan of Fudge and his brother Peter since my teacher, the wonderful Mrs. Westmorland, introduced them to me in fourth grade.  When Shaun was in 4th grade, we read Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.  He's always been able to identify with Peter. Back then, he and Peter had the same "biggest problem"...their little brothers!  Now that Shaun and Peter are in 6th grade, the similarities continue as the Hatcher brothers adjust to the arrival of their new baby sister.  Weirdly, I can also identify with some characters in this book:  the parents of Fudge and Peter.  I used to think Mrs. Hatcher was such a "Debby Downer" and now I see myself in her.  I'm not the only one.  Shaun actually told me that I reminded him of Peter's mother.  I'm getting old, I guess.  : /  

I loved, LOVED this book and so did Shaun.  We laughed and laughed as we read it.  Those are the best books... the ones that make you laugh out loud. I have absolutely nothing negative to say.  We've already been to the library to get the next one in the series.  

2

The Secret Between Us by:  Barbara Delinsky

A mother and her teen daughter are involved in a fatal accident.  The police assume mom was driving when in fact the daughter was behind the wheel.  In order to protect her daughter, mom continues to lie to the police and the guilt eats both mother and daughter alive until finally they confess.  

Can you tell this wasn't my favorite book ever?  I didn't like it.  It was very monotonous.  That's really all I have to say. Except that this will probably be my last Delinsky novel for a while.  

On the other hand, I was quite impressed when Jordan correctly sounded out the author's name.  

1

Last year, I started out wanting to review and keep track of all the books I read.  I did really well at first and then sort of fizzled out.  But I really DO want to do this in 2013, so here we go again.  

My review of Deep and Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn:

Way back in the fourth grade, I had a wonderful teacher.  Her name was Mrs. Westmorland and she was the best teacher in the whole entire world.  I mean, she was amazing.  She was also a lover of books, and we clicked.  She read many, many books aloud to our class.  A few that stick out in my mind:  The View from the Cherry Tree, Where the Red Fern Grows, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, and Wait til Helen Comes.  Wait til Helen Comes was my first ghost story, and I've been a sucker for paranormal stories ever since.  A few weeks ago the kids and I were at the library and I noticed Deep and Dark and Dangerous.  It's also a ghost story and was written by Mary Downing Hahn.  Of course I checked it out, even though it was "just a kid's book".  

When Mrs. Westmorland read Wait til Helen Comes, my socks were scared off.  I thought it was soooo scary!  I remember checking out from the school library time after time and reading it over and over up in my room, each time deliciously terrifying myself.  Well, that was in the fourth grade.  Even though I'm 32 now and didn't get scared, Deep and Dark and Dangerous is of the same caliber as Mary Downing Hahn's first ghost story.  I loved it.  I want my kids to read it, since they love to be scared as much as I do.  

I thought this book was wonderfully done, even though the characters have the same traits as some of the characters in Wait til Helen Comes.  We see lots of family tension, sibling rivalry, and a drowned ghost.  I think that if I had read this book back in the fourth grade it would have in fact left me "deliciously terrified".  This is always a tell-tale sign of a great ghost story!

Review Number 11: Mocking Jay (The Hunger Games # 3)

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games # 3) by: Suzanne Collins

Published August 24th 2010 by Scholastic Press

ISBN: 0439023513

Genre: Fiction

Summary from Goodreads: Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains - except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay - no matter what the personal cost.

I finally finished this series, and now I'm a little sad that it's over. It's that good! This final installment was probably my favorite of the series. So much happened. Love, heartache, death. And of course there were some unexpected twists that blew me away. I was reading in bed one night and I actually said out loud, "Woah. I did NOT see that coming. At all". The Hubs just looked up from his episode of "Deadliest Catch", rolled his eyes, and muttered, "Enough with those books already"! Humph.

I was a little disappointed with the ending because I wanted Katniss to end up with the other guy. I expected it, so of course when she went the other way it threw me for a loop. However, at the end of the day she was happy, content, and cared for so I guess that's all that matters.

I can't believe I'm talking about her as if she's real. Have I mentioned that she's one of my favorite characters?

This book earned 5 stars from me. I'm debating on re-reading them so that I can catch all of the details I may have missed. I've loaned them out to my sister and I've instructed her to get busy reading so that she will be ready for our movie date. Yes, our "Twilight" group has turned into fans of "The Hunger Games". We're diverse that way.

Review Number 10: Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2)

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games # 2) by: Suzanne Collins

Published September 1st 2009 by Scholastic Press

ISBN: 0439023491

Genre: Fiction

Summary from Goodreads: Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before... and surprising readers at every turn.

Confession. I'm really beyond tired tonight, so this is going to be short. Once again, I loved this book. No better or worse than the first in this series. I thought they were both equal in their awesomeness. This one was different. More surprises that took me completely off guard. Not quite as gory as the original, but all the weirdness was still there. Ipecac party, anyone?

As always, I'm so glad that I began this series after all of the books were published. I really can't imagine having to wait months and months to find out how this all ends. It's hard enough not being able to read as quickly as I'd like due to being so tired... I'd hate to be left totally hanging.

Like I said, I'm exhausted and I know I'd do a poor job writing up a description, so just let it be sufficient for me to post that by this book's end I was still enamored by Katniss and her bravery. I was still riding the Gale/Peeta fence. And I was very disappointed in myself for not catching all of the subtle clues that hinted at the ending. I've never been good at that. I was just informed by one of my (much younger) friends that she had a correct idea of what would happen all along. Oh, to have her smarts and insight. But then, maybe I'm glad I was able to be surprised.

I also gave this book 5 stars. Now to go finish the last one.

Review Number 9: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Published October 1st 2008 by Scholastic Inc.
ISBN: 0439023483

Genre: Fiction

Summary from Goodreads: In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister Primrose, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before — and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.


An old friend of mine on Facebook suggested I read this series awhile ago, but then I forgot. Then I saw a poster for the movie adaption when my friends and I went to see Breaking Dawn. I asked if anyone had read it, and some people in line behind us began to tell us how good they were. I mistakenly thought The Hunger Games was another vampire series. Why? I'm not really sure. I saw the trailer that night and thought it looked interesting. Interesting, but not something I'd really love. I don't usually go for futuristic, survival type stories. But the more I researched, the more I thought I should give it a try. I'd actually made up my mind to buy it on my birthday when my mom and I went shopping. We met up with my friend Kendra for lunch first, and she surprised me with a present that just happened to be a copy of The Hunger Games. I was thrilled and started reading that night.

This book is great. No other words. Every bit as good as Twilight, if that means anything to you. I was sucked in. I probably could have finished the book in one day if I hadn't been so tired- I was pregnant but didn't know it yet!

The whole concept of life in Panem horrified me. A government abusing it's citizens. Hoarding all of the country's resources for itself while the "little people" starve. The sheer desperation of the characters. And then there's Katniss. She's one of the strongest female characters I've ever come into contact with. What a great role model. I even told Chris I'd be willing to entertain the idea of naming our baby after her if we have a girl. He was not amused and asked me if I was kidding. And I was. Sort of.

Then there's the love triangle. I haven't finished the series yet (I'm currently finishing up the last book) and I'm dying to know who Katniss ends up with. Sometimes I get way to emotional about my books. I keep flipping between Team Peeta and Team Gale. Right now I'm leaning toward Gale. We'll see, I guess.

I'm telling you... this book has everything. Action, romance, surprising twists. I can't wait to see the movie next month. I know it probably won't do the book justice, but I love seeing my favorite characters come to life. I'm also looking forward to reading this with Shaun. He's reading the Percy Jackson books now, along with Tim Tebow's book. The Hunger Games may be next on his list.

If you haven't, go read this book! I gave it all 5 stars!

review number 8: Longing

Longing (Bailey Flanigan #3) by Karen Kingsbury

Published October 25th 2011 by Zondervan

ISBN: 0310276349

Genre: Christian Fiction

Summary from Goodreads:
Longing, book three in the Bailey Flanigan Series, picks up where Learning ended. After a long and lonely silence from Cody Coleman, Bailey Flanigan becomes closer to her one-time Hollywood co-star, Brandon Paul. Nights on the town in New York City and long talks on the balcony of Brandon's Malibu Beach home make Bailey dizzy with new feelings and cause her to wonder if her days with Cody are over forever.Meanwhile, Cody's work coaching a small-town football team has brought him and his players national attention. In the midst of the celebration and success, Cody finds himself much closer to a woman who seems to better understand him and his new life. Even so, never does much time go by without Bailey and Cody experiencing deep feelings of longing for each other, longing both for the past and for answers before they can move forward.Will an unexpected loss be the turning point for Cody? Will Cody and Bailey find a way back together again for the first time in more than a year? And if they do, will their brief time together be enough to help them remember all they've been longing for?

My mom turned me on to Karen Kingsbury way back when I was pregnant with Jordan. I love the strong values and the fact that there's not always a happy ending in these books. I started with The Redemption Series and have worked my way through most of her novels. That said, I've "known" Bailey Flanigan since she was in high school. Now, in Longing, she has graduated from college and is living in New York City while working as a dancer on Broadway.

Honestly, Baily's not my favorite Kingsbury character. I find her somewhat annoying. Can't really put my finger on the reason why. Maybe she makes me feel like a hypocrite or maybe I'm burned out on her. I am, however, nosy enough to find out who she finally ends up marrying. She's having a hard time deciding between Brandon and Cody. If anyone cares, I'm Team Brandon all the way. Cody's had chance after chance to win her heart, and he still can't get it right. I'll have to wait until the next (and final) book in this series. I have a feeling Cody will be the winner.

But back to Longing. I just didn't like it. I found it predictable. I did read it in one day, but I skimmed a lot. Like I said, at the end of the day I really just want to find out who Baily's Prince Charming is.

This one just didn't do it for me.

2 stars.

review number 7: Immanuel's Veins

Immanuel's Veins by: Ted Dekker
Published September 7th 2010 by Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 140031674X (ISBN13: 9781400316748)
Genre: Fiction

Summary from Goodreads:
This story is for everyone--but not everyone is for this story.

It is a dangerous tale of times past. A torrid love story full of deep seduction. A story of terrible longing and bold sacrifice.

Then as now, evil begins its courtship cloaked in light. And the heart embraces what it should flee. Forgetting it once had a truer lover.

With a kiss, evil will ravage body, soul, and mind. Yet there remains hope, because the heart knows no bounds.

Love will prove greater than lust. Sacrifice will overcome seduction. And blood will flow.

Because the battle for the heart is always violently opposed. For those desperate to drink deep from this fountain of life, enter.

But remember, not everyone is for this story.

We all know I have a thing for vampires and I've always had a thing for a Dekker Novel. Was there ever any doubt that a Ted Dekker novel about vampires would become one of my favorite books? That said, the above synopsis is true. Not everyone will be for this story. It's hard to read. The subject of this novel is one that has always fascinated me: the "fallen ones" of Heaven. The angels that were kicked out with Lucifer. Then, the other night I read this little doozy in Genesis:

This was back in the days (and also later) when there were giants in the land. The giants came from the union of the sons of God and the daughters of men. These were the mighty men of ancient lore, the famous ones. Genesis 6:4, The Message

I must have read this verse a million times, and I'd never paid much attention to it until now. I almost fell out of my chair when I read it this time, because it means that the characters in Immanuel's Veins could have been real. I'm still trying to wrap my head around that one!

There are a lot of themes in this novel, but the one that stuck with me the most is sin.

Sin.

It sneaks up on us. Wraps it's ugly little fingers around us and before we know it we're doing things we'd never dreamed of doing. Things that repulse us. Things that make us ashamed. But even when we think we're too far gone, our Savior is waiting to take us back with open arms. He paid the price for our sin with His blood, after all. I don't want to give too much away, but I was moved to tears at this book's conclusion. Never have I been so in awe of my Father's unconditional love for me. I finished it at the doctor's office and I barely had my tears wiped away when she came into the room.

This was one of the best books I've read in a long time. I gave it 5 HUGE stars. I can't wait to read it again so I can pick up on all the things I missed.