Book Review: Annabeth's War/Favorite Authors & Books #9

    No matter how many times I read it (and I think I've read it at least three times), this one seems to never get old. Not sure why. Maybe it's because of the ending . . . ? Or perhaps just because it's one of my favorite genres of books? At any rate, I find it a very interesting read.

Sensitive content: one "idiot," use of the word "stupid," some romance (but nothing vivid or immoral), some intense scenes, swordplay, mentions of/scenes with torture methods

Age recommendation: 12 or 13+

My rating: 4.5 stars

   Let me clarify something here. As to the romance, it may be more than some readers prefer. However, there is nothing I personally find that makes me uncomfortable. There is some "hugging" if you can call it that, but a lot of the time, it's because the girl is injured *spoilers!* and leans against the guy for support. And there is a few kisses, but they are only on the forehead and maybe the cheek. I just wanted to specify that for anyone who might have qualms about how "much" the romance is. 

   I personally really like this one. It is perhaps more intense than a lot of the books I read, but I don't mind much, as those more intense scenes are crucial to the plot and are not vivid. There is some content dealing with the medieval torture rack, and for that, I would caution that this book probably wouldn't be best for sensitive readers. Other than that, it's a great read! And it has some fairly strong Christian themes in it.

   I love the medieval setting. It's similar to Robin Hood (though I must say I like this story better), with swordplay, daring chases and escapes, the heroine wielding the sword, and, of course, the evil king being brought to justice. I really enjoy a well-done kingdom adventure book, so this one suited me well. It's definitely a re-read.

   Also, may I just take a moment to express my delight at the gorgeous cover?

Happy Valentine's Day!

    Some people get cards for Valentine's day. Some get chocolate. Others (like me) are given balloons.

   Well, we got something unexpected this year. No doubt many of you have gotten it as well. Where I live, it isn't as common. Can you guess what I'm talking about?

Lots of snow!

The seeds in our bird feeder have gotten snowed in!

                                            

Our girl pup eats the snow. She was practically inhaling it!

   What's your favorite way to warm up after romping in the snow?

   Mine is sitting by the wood stove and snuggling into a blanket with a warm drink. It's the best!

   A-a-and moving on! I got caught up talking and almost forgot the real purpose for this post! But snow worries, I've remembered. ;) 

   

  

   Wishing you a happy and warm Valentine's Day!

Hope Chest Scavenger Hunt

Welcome to the Hope Chest Scavenger Hunt! Today, I’m taking part of this fun event and giveaway to celebrate the release of Sarah Holman’s new book Fanny’s Hope Chest.

Here’s how to play:

1.     Go to Tangled up in Writing or The Destiny of One and get the full list of items to search for and blogs taking part

2.     Find the hidden item on each blog

3.     Go to Tangled up in Writing or The Destiny of One and enter the giveaway with your completed list.

4.     Tell your friends about the scavenger hunt

5.     Watch to see if your name is drawn on February 16th for 1 of five

 

Okay, see if you can find the item I’ve hidden:

Did you find it? Don’t forget to enter the giveaway. There will be five winners!

Interested in Fanny’s Hope Chest? Grab it for $0.99 through the 14th (Price will go up to $2.99 after)

How old is too old for a hope chest?

When Ellie starts a new job as a home health aid, she doesn't expect to meet a woman in her eighties looking for her hope chest, nor a house as messy as Ellie's own emotional state. But as she cleans up Fanny's house, she begins to wonder if Fanny's hope chest might hold the answers to her questions about disappointed dreams and holding on to hope.

That is, if she can face both the mess and her own heart.

Find it on Amazon

Note: if you comment, please do not state what item you found on this blog, as this could spoil it for those who have not found it yet and do not know what it is! Thank you!

Scavenger Hunt

    Hey! This is just a quickie post to say that tomorrow, there will be a Hope Chest Scavenger Hunt going on to launch Sarah Holman's new book, Fanny's Hope Chest. Just in time for Valentine's Day!

   I myself have not read the book yet, but I hope to. It looks interesting, and that cover is just beautiful! (Whoever said "you can't judge a book by its cover" must have meant it symbolically; I certainly do judge books by their cover! Get an interesting cover, and I'll probably read over the synopsis. That's what the cover is for!)

 

   Also--unrelated note. I made myself a simple new signature. (Yes, another one.) What do you think?

Photo Dump

      Hello, and Happy-Beginning-of-February! I recently realized that I took some pictures a few months ago up that I was planning on posting but have not posted yet. So . . . photo dump! 

   First of all . . . we got a dusting of snow before Christmas. It didn't stay, but it was snow just the same, so we sort of got a white Christmas! I took the first picture with the flash on, and it turned out pretty neat and strange at the same time!

   Here's another Christmas picture. I know, it's way past December 25th now. But our cat was hiding in the Christmas wrapping paper, and he was just so cute!

   And here's another picture of him, but this time, he's sitting on the teddy bear's lap.

   And there was a gorgeous sunset some weeks ago. I just had to snap a photo!

   Well, that's all for now. I have an idea for a more interesting post lined up for another day. :)

Signed,

Martha