Book Review and Giveaway - The Island of Doves By Kelly O'Connor McNees

THE ISLAND OF DOVES

By: Kelly O'Connor McNees

Published: April 1, 2014

Fiction








This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to all who entered . 

THE ISLAND OF DOVES has already received praise from author Kristina Riggle who states it was "unforgettable" and author Susan Gregg Gilmore states, "It was simply gorgeous."  I will have to agree with them and include words like captivating and impassioned.  

THE ISLAND OF DOVES shares the story of two women in the early 1800's.  Magdelaine Fonteneau defies all ideas of what a woman should be by doing the job of a fur trader after her husband died much too soon. After suffering the loss of her husband and then both of her sisters, she sets off to make sure she and her son can survive.  Now as a wealthy and powerful woman, she wants to somehow redeem the loss of her sisters by opening her home on Mackinac Island to those who need protection and a new life.  

Susannah Fraser lives the life every woman dreams in Buffalo.  She resides in the finest mansion and is married to one of the wealthiest and most powerful of men.  What those on the outside don't know is that her husband, Edward, is a monster and her home is a prison.  Susannah is completely cut off from the outside world with no family left and no friends to talk to.  One day she meets a nun who offers her an escape from the world of abuse and she takes the chance at freedom on Mackinac Island.

Even though I found THE ISLAND OF DOVES to be a bit predictable, the vivid characters and scenery depictions held my interest.  McNees certainly knows how to plant you in the time and place of her novel and make the reader feel a part of the character's lives.  You feel the physical pain and debilitating fear of Susannah, the determination of Magdelaine, and the kindness of each of the strangers in Susannah path to freedom.  The descriptions of the remote Mackinac Island make me want to visit and hide away there myself.

Magdelaine and Susannah ended up really helping each other.  Susannah saw ways to encourage Magdelaine and Magdelaine had to remind Susannah of her own strength. I loved this quote from Magdelaine:

You did escape him. 

You're stronger than you think you are. 

Real strength isn't in the fight. It's in the enduring, 

the going on even when it seems like all hope is lost. Page 224

Most of the characters in this novel had their own personal battles ahead of them.  They each needed strength to face them and the perseverance to find hope and forgiveness on the other end. At the end of the novel, you are left feeling hopeful for each of the characters and their future.

  

My review is part of a series of blogs offering reviews and giveaways of THE ISLAND OF DOVES.  To read other reviews and sign up to win at other sites, see the tour list below.  Scroll to the bottom of the post to enter my giveaway of a copy of THE ISLAND OF DOVES.

THE ISLAND OF DOVES - BLOG TOUR 

April 1

Devourer of Books spotlight + giveaway

Entertainment Realm review + giveaway

April 4

Chefdruck review + giveaway

A Novel Review spotlight + giveaway

April 8

A Southern Girl’s Bookshelf spotlight

April 10

Hand Crafted Reviews review + giveaway

April 11

Rockland Mother review + giveaway

April 15

Jenn’s Bookshelves review

April 16

Burton Book Review review + giveaway

April 18

My Book Addiction and More review + giveaway

April 21

Maurice on Books spotlight + giveaway

April 22

Midlife at the Oasis review + giveaway

April 23

The Minding Spot spotlight + giveaway

April 28

Kritters Ramblings review

April 29

Leah’s Thoughts spotlight + giveaway

April 30

Sincerely Stacie review + giveaway

Crystal Book Reviews review

Kelly O'Connor McNees - Photo by Kate Emerson, source

Kelly O’Connor McNees grew up in Lansing, Michigan, and holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Michigan and a master’s in English education from DePaul University. A former seventh-grade teacher and editorial assistant, Kelly runs a busy editorial business called Word Bird Editorial Services, through which she helps authors of all stripes improve their craft and prepare their writing for publication. She is the author of three novels: THE ISLAND OF DOVES, THE LOST SUMMER OF LOUISA MAY ALCOTT, and IN NEED OF A GOOD WIFE, which was a finalist for the 2012 Willa Award. Kelly lives in Chicago with her husband and daughter. For more on Kelly, you can visit her website at http://kellyoconnormcnees.com/ or find her on Twitter, HERE and Facebook, HERE.

I am giving away one copy of THE ISLAND OF DOVES by Kelly O'Connor McNees. Here is your chance to enter to win a copy.  This giveaway is open to US residents only.  The giveaway will be open through Tuesday, May 6, at 11:59 PM. I will choose a winner on Wednesday, May 7 using Random.org. I will contact the winner through email.  The winner will have 48 hours to respond or I will choose another winner. Only one entry per person please.  I am not responsible for shipping the book and/or for the book not being delivered, but I will do my best to make sure you receive your prize. 

If you simply can't wait to enter to win your own copy, click the photo below to purchase your own copy.

I was sent a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any other way for this review.  If you choose to purchase this book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for the book. Thank you for supporting SincerelyStacie.com reviews. 

Book Review: The Other Typist By Suzanne Rindell

THE OTHER TYPIST
A Novel

By: Suzanne Rindell

Published:  May 7, 2013

Fiction

Rose is a typist in the local police precinct. It is 1923, and Rose records testimonies that no women should have to hear.  With Rose's background as a orphan, being raised by nuns, and having to work hard for everything she has, she takes nothing for granted and follows all the rules of society.  That is until Odalie, the new typist at the precinct walks into her life.  Odalie lives in a fancy hotel, has men falling at her feet, and gets everything she wants with a wink of her eye.  Rose immediately falls under Odalie's spell and their friendship turns Rose into someone she no longer recognizes.

Now, I have to stop here, after my brief synopsis of the book and tell you that I did not finish the book.  I tried.  I gave it several hours and days.  I got to Chapter 9 and page 130 and I just couldn't go any farther. This doesn't happen to me very often because I really feel like I am a pretty good judge of "book character". But, this one just didn't do it for me.  I was bored and felt like I was forced to read.  I have a "rule" that if I'm not enjoying my reading, I need to quit the book because I have too many other books to read.

So, with that in mind, I can only offer you that hundreds of other people have LOVED this book. There are rave reviews HERE and HERE for THE OTHER TYPIST. There are also several others who have felt the same way I did.  But, as a book blogger, I am not going to lie or tell you that I liked something when I didn't. It just didn't work for me.

Some things I did like though were the author's character descriptions.  I had no trouble imagining Rose or Odalie, the Sergeant or the Lieutenant Detective, or Dotty and Helen from the boarding house where Rose lived.  Rindell's details of the 1920's, the expectations of women, and descriptions of those trying to break out of those expectations depicted an era that showed how difficult it was for Rose to find a way to fit in.  Even though I couldn't find a way to be interested in the story, I found several quotes from the book that I enjoyed.

If it were not for the fact that they need so much typing done and cannot do it themselves, there would be no women employed at all. The typewriter is indeed my passport into a world otherwise barred to me and my kind.  Page 3 

So it's strange to me that with Odalie, I suddenly found myself breaking the rules I had once held in such precious regard....The thing about rules is that when you break one, it is only a matter of time before you break more, and the severe architecture that once protected you is destined to come crashing down about your ears.  Pages 119-120

THE OTHER TYPIST has also been optioned for film produced by and starring Keira Knightley. For more info on the film adaptation of the book, click HERE.  I would actually be interested in seeing the movie.

I am part of a blog tour for THE OTHER TYPIST, so you can certainly find several other reviewers raving about THE OTHER TYPIST.  To visit other stops on the tour and to enter to win a copy of THE OTHER TYPIST, visit any of the blogs below.  

THE OTHER TYPIST Blog Tour

April 2

LitChat spotlight + giveaway

April 3

Devourer of Books spotlight + giveaway

April 4

Entertainment Realm review + giveaway

April 7

Two Classy Chics review + giveaway

April 8

Chick Lit Central spotlight + giveaway

Chick Lit Plus review + giveaway

April 9

Here There Be Books review + giveaway

Help4NewMoms review

April 10

Minding Spot spotlight + giveaway

April 11

Hand Crafted Reviews review + giveaway

April 14

Examiner.com review + giveaway

April 15

Ashley Mott review + giveaway

Beth’s Book Reviews review + giveaway

April 17

Crystal Book Reviews review

April 18

Kritters Ramblings review

April 21

Book Nook review

April 22

Midlife at the Oasis review + giveaway

April 24

Literally Jen review + giveaway

April 25

Dolce Bellezza review + giveaway

Bookfoolery review

April 28

Dew on the Kudzu review

5 Minutes for Books review + giveaway

April 29

Sincerely Stacie review

April 30

Book Dilettante review

Rainy Day Ramblings review + giveaway

Suzanne Rindell - Photo by Emily Kate Roemer

Suzanne Rindell is a doctoral student is American modernist literature at Rice University. THE OTHER TYPIST is her first novel. She lives in New York City and is currently working on her second novel. For more on Suzanne Rindell, visit http://suzannerindell.com. 

To purchase a copy a THE OTHER TYPIST, click the photo below:

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.  This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any other way for this review.  If you choose to purchase a copy of the book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.  Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com reviews. 

A Little Monday Inspiration

Lately, I have been taking quotes and inspiration from the book SILENT IMPACT by Joe Schmit.  His book has made an impact on me and I want to share some of his wisdom with you.

"Get rid of the negative people. 

If you can't, at least try to diminish the influence 

they have on you and your family. 

To remain persistently positive, 

you have to rid your life of negative influences."

Joe Schmit, author, keynote speaker, and broadcaster

I learned the hard way that hanging around negative people turns you into a negative person.  I have a feeling this negativity led the loss of a close friend.  In looking back on my life, I realized I fed off of that person's negativity.  I am thankful I learned that spending time with that person was costing me relationships.  You may not be able to completely remove the negative person completely from your life. They may be a family member, a neighbor, a co-worker or someone in your "circle". But, you can choose their effect on you and your life. You can choose to limit your contact with them, stop their influence on you, and to not encourage or feed into their negativity. 

If you have someone who is negative in your life, make a plan for removing their influence on your life.  I promise you will see huge results and feel a weight lifted off of your shoulders. 

Life is too short to waste time with negative people. 

If you would like to purchase SILENT IMPACT, click the photo below.

Children's Book Review: Ten Busy Brownies By Talia Haven

TEN BUSY BROWNIES

By: Talia Haven

Illustrated By: Sytiva Sheehan

Published: November 6, 2013

Talia Haven has gathered ideas from the fairy tale books of my childhood and created a children's book that teaches counting in a unique way.  Through TEN BUSY BROWNIES, we get to see what happens (or as a mom, what I wish would happen) while we sleep at night.  Each page shows a brownie (think elf or pixie) or two or three brownies, all the way to 10, helping to pick up the house.  For example, "Two Busy Brownies pick-up clothes and toys." All these chores are done while the family in the house is sleeping.  The story shows kids the importance of working together to get jobs done.

If you notice the cover, the illustrations remind me of books from my childhood like Mother Goose or Grimm Fairy Tales.  They are richly detailed and each page has numerous things to point on to your child while reading. For example, you can help your children count the brooms or find the cute mouse peeking out on the page. The rhyming of the verses also brings a educational feature to the book.

This book is perfect for younger children. TEN BUSY BROWNIES goes beyond reading and teaches numbers, rhyming, and the fun of working together to get the job done.

For more on Talia Haven, check out her website, http://www.taliahaven.com/.

To purchase a Kindle copy of this book, click on the photo below:

I will be linking up with other bloggers and Booking Mama in her Kid Konnection Series.  Click HERE, to see other great children's book reviews.   

I received a free PDF of this book for the purpose of this review.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase this book through the above link, I may receive a small compensation without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com reviews.  

Book Review: Ember Island By Kimberley Freeman

EMBER ISLAND
A Novel

By: Kimberly Freeman

Published: April 15, 2014

Fiction





If you love novels that give you stories from the past and the present, this novel is for you.  If you love novels with strong female characters, this novel is for you.  If you love novels with twists and surprises that will keep you guessing all the way to the end, this novel is for you.

If you were shopping for a book, wouldn't this cover just jump right out at you? I think covers are really important in the selection of a book.  It is the first thing that catches your eye and makes you want to find out more.  If I hadn't received this book in the mail, this is a book I would have picked up, for the cover alone.

In EMBER ISLAND we are given two stories set over 120 years apart.  Both stories are located on the same remote island off of Australia, called Ember Island.  We first meet Tilly who is currently caring for her dying grandfather after her quick marriage to her husband, Jasper.  After her grandfather dies, Tilly is finally able to join Jasper in their home, but finds their marriage isn't what she dreamed. After a horrific night, Tilly flees and finds a job as a governess on Ember Island for the precocious daughter of the prison superintendent.  The daugher, Eleanor, or Nell, is a bright 12-year old who finds herself eavesdropping on her father and Tilly more than studying her Latin.  This curiosity could cause her trouble or save them all.

We jump to 2012 and meet Nina, an established author with some serious writer's block.  She has retreated to Ember Island and her great-grandmother, Nell's home to find some inspiration.  While there she finds slips of paper tucked all over the house detailing stories of Nell's childhood.  Can these give her the inspiration she needs to write her next book?

Even though this book travels back and forth through the past and the present, it isn't done with every other chapter, but after several chapters, so you feel like you can really get into the story of the time and the characters involved. I didn't have any trouble following along with the different characters in each time period and found myself getting attached mostly to Tilly, whom the story is really about.

I think female readers will identify with Tilly since she is someone who truly cares about others, but due to some bad circumstance and bumps in the road, has found herself in situations that she can no longer control. Tilly's anger and frustrations got in the way of her best intentions and she becomes worried that those consequences will catch up to her.  Like Tilly, I think most of us can think of situations we would like the chance to "do over" and readers will identify with her guilt and pain over the choices she has made.

Nina has also found herself in a sticky situation that she isn't sure she can recover from as well.  The past may end up catching up with her but with the help of her best friend, Stacy, and Joe, the handyman, she may be able find herself on path she never could have imagined.

There were several great quotes from this novel that I loved so much, all from Tilly's character.

Her mind was out there, in the cane fields, with the prisoners chained, one to another, for their sins. She had chains for her sins too, attaching her forever to things she couldn't run from and no golden plant high enough to hid behind.  Page 211

"I left a world behind me, and I feel I haven't arrived in a new one yet. 

I have often thought an island is the perfect place for me. 

It's neither here nor there, it's somewhere in between other places."  Page 229

"There is no such thing as too much love," Tilly said, her voice growing hot. 

"One can't measure or control it. 
One must simply feel it. It is the only moral thing to do."  Page 351 

I think these snippets from EMBER ISLAND really share some great pieces of Tilly's character and why I found myself rooting for her all the way through.  Even though I was a huge fan of Tilly and the other two main characters, Nina, and Nell, there were also some equally interesting supporting characters.  Hettie, the female prison inmate has a huge impact on Tilly's life.  Sterling, Nell's father, was a man that I would love on one page and get angry at on the next one. Jasper, Tilly's husband, made my skin crawl. Joe, Nina's hired man, along with his son, bring a lightness to the novel at just the right time. Finally, Stacy, Nina's best friend, was the kind of friend every woman hopes to have.

EMBER ISLAND is the perfect novel for book clubs.  There are discussion questions included in the back of the book, but I think members would find much to discuss in the stories of Tilly, Nell, and Nina. Trust, loyalty, forgiveness, and love are central themes to EMBER ISLAND. The rich descriptions of the land and sea off the coast of Australia may just make you want to visit there.  You  can, at the very least, go there in your mind, thanks to the vivid pictures Freeman depicts in both the past and present part of the stories.

Kimberley Freeman - source

Kimberley Freeman is an Australian author of contemporary women's fiction, who has an alter-ego as a fantasy writer under her real name Kim Wilkins. She has a PhD in English and teaches on faculty at the University of Queensland. She lives in Brisbane with an assortment of children and pets. For more on Kimberley, visit her at http://kimberleyfreeman.com/. You can also find her on Facebook, HERE, and Twitter, HERE. 

To purchase EMBER ISLAND, click the photo below:.

Thanks to Simon and Schuster for sending a copy of this novel for the purpose of this review.  This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any way for this review. If you choose to purchase the novel through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com reviews.

Book Review: Necessary Lies By Diane Chamberlain

NECESSARY LIES

By: Diane Chamberlain

Published: September 3, 2013

Fiction






I am late to the Diane Chamberlain fan club.  I have heard others rave about her books, but haven't read any until now.  I can't wait to be sucked in to another one of her books.  If you like books that are written around a moral or ethical issue than this book is for you.

In NECESSARY LIES, we are taken to the south in the 1960's.  The area is full of tobacco farmers and poverty stricken families like the Harts.  Ivy Hart is a fifteen-year-old who has the weight of the world on her shoulders.  She helps take care of Nonnie, her elderly and diabetic grandma, her older sister, Mary Ella and Mary Ella's son, William.  They all live in a shack on a tobacco farm that they also work on.  After the family's current social worker breaks her leg, Jane, a newlywed who lives a much more privileged life with her doctor husband, is assigned to the family.  As Jane learns the role of being a social worker she is introduced to the Eugenics Sterilization Program, the sterilization of women who are deemed unfit to have children.

Jane has concerns about the sterilization program and her questions to the department are met with anger and a direct order to fill out the necessary forms.  Jane's husband, Robert is not happy about the fact that she is working and is worried about how that will appear to his professional friends. Jane ends up feeling alone and confused as she realizes she can't talk to her husband about her job and the concerns she has about the Eugenics Program.  As she gets to know Ivy and Mary Ella, Jane becomes emotionally involved in their lives. When Jane finds out secrets about the family and their lives on the tobacco farm, she has to decide if she is willing to risk her job and maybe her marriage to help Ivy and her family.

The very first chapter of NECESSARY LIES grabbed me and pulled me right on through the book rather quickly.  I am ashamed to admit that I had never heard of the Eugenics Program before and Chamberlain shared both sides of the issue through each character's opinions.  Reading along, you will be wrestling with your own opinions on welfare, social work, poverty, and sterilization. Chamberlain definitely gives you topics for discussion. This was our book club choice this month and we had plenty to discuss.

I had so many favorite lines from the book, it felt like I was highlighting all the time.  I'll feature just a few of my favorites:

"Well, I think when we lose somebody, 

maybe we owe it to that person to remember them. 

To hold on to the good memories." 

I thought about that for a minute and liked what she said. 

Nobody wanted to be forgotten. Page 126

"There are too many silly rules in our lives," she said, 

"and our lives are far too short to pay attention to them." Page 199

"Sometimes, coloring outside the lines can cost you," she said. 

"Only you can figure out if it's worth it." Page 305

Chamberlain took great care researching the time period, location, tobacco farming, and the Eugenics program. The reader will have a hard time believing this is a fictional story since the characters and their struggles seem so real. Ivy is completely devoted to her family and to her one true love, Henry.  Ivy and Henry must be very careful with their relationship and even though you know it is forbidden, you want to root for their happiness.   I cringed every time Robert criticized Jane and am thankful I grew up in a different era of marriage.  I also understood Jane's emotional attachment to the Hart family.  As a former social worker, there are clients that you feel more compelled to help and you naturally get emotionally involved.  Jane took that to a whole new level in NECESSARY LIES and kept the reader guessing what would happen next. Chamberlain keeps you on the edge of your emotions with numerous surprises throughout the story. She kept me questioning my original opinions and frequently drying my tears.

I have no doubt that book clubs, readers of social justice issues, and those who love historical fiction will find NECESSARY LIES to be a compelling story and one they won't soon forget.

Diane Chamberlain - source

Diane Chamberlain is an international best-selling author and has written twenty-one novels. She lives and writes in North Carolina, the state which has become her true home and has also spawned many settings for her stories. She lives with her significant other, John, a photographer, and two sweet Shetland Sheepdogs, Keeper and Cole. She has three grown stepdaughters, a couple of sons-in-law and four grandbabies. For more on Chamberlain, check out her website, http://dianechamberlain.com/. You can also find her on Facebook, HERE and Twitter, HERE. 

To purchase NECESSARY LIES, click the photo below:

A Little Monday Inspiration

Today's inspiration is from a book that has had a big impact on me, SILENT IMPACT by Joe Schmit.  This book is full of life lessons and quotes that I have been sharing with you over the past few weeks.

"We make the biggest impressions 

when we are not trying to be impressive."

Joe Schmit, author, keynote speaker, and broadcaster

Joe shared this quote after telling the story of Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins MVP.  Mauer spent his life making an impact on the lives of many without realizing it. He did this with one small gesture when he was in high school, long before he became famous. That one act had a ripple effect that Mauer would have never imagined. 

We may never know the impressions we have on others.  Your kind word, deed, or smile just may have a ripple effect that could last a lifetime. 

To purchase this book and read Joe Mauer's story along with many others, click the photo below:

Silence for the Dead Winner

The winner of SILENCE FOR THE DEAD is..............................................................................................................................................................Ashley!

Thanks to everyone for entering the giveaway.  If you didn't win and would like to get your own copy, feel free to click the photo below!

A Mama's Love for 14 Years

On this day, 14 years ago, I became a mother.  Our "baby" Patrick is 14.  He isn't so much of a baby anymore, in fact he is taller than me.

Last week I babysat for a sweet 3 month old boy. His mama had to go back to work and their daycare wasn't available yet, so I offered to help out on her first day back to work.

Oh, my heart broke for this mama who didn't want to leave her sweet boy.  I remember not wanting to be separated from Patrick when he was born.  I took him everywhere and thankfully, I didn't have to go back to work and leave him at daycare.  My husband and I decided that I would stay home with our children and I left my social work career to be a full-time mom.  I know that isn't a choice for everyone, but it was our choice and I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Babysitting this sweet boy last week reminded me of a sweet boy 14 years ago.  Oh how those days rushed back to me.  I took books along that we read to Patrick.  I sang the songs we sang to Patrick while feeding and rocking him.  I soothed his cries the same way I did 14 years ago.

It also reminded me of that feeling of being a first time mom.  I was nervous to take him to Target the first time.  I think I put everything we owned in the diaper bag.  I remember fretting about driving alone with him. I worried about how to handle it if he cried while I was getting groceries.

I checked to make sure he was still breathing if his nap went longer than normal. I worried if he didn't poop every single day.  Since I struggled with breast feeding and not having enough milk for him, I also worried that he wasn't getting the "proper" nutrition.

As a new mom, there are so many uncertainties, first experiences, and questions we don't have all the answers to.  My dear new mama friend is struggling with many of those things.  I have offered advice and support, but have also listened to let her find her own way, just like I did.

Being a new mom is scary, I remember that feeling even though it was 14 years ago.  But, looking at this kid, I am guessing I did most everything right!  If you can't tell from these photos of Patrick, he has quite the personality.  He is talented musically and very bright.  He is growing like a weed.  I seriously can't believe he is taller than me! Anyway, as I look over these photos and relive the many memories with Patrick I guess I did something right.  Even though I was a scared mama 14 years ago, I figured it out.  I made mistakes, I learned from them and became a better mom for it.  Happy 14th Birthday Patrick!  I can't wait to see what life has in store for you!

If you know a new mama, be sure to offer her a hug, a few hours off, or a chat.  I am sure she will appreciate the support and the chance to brag and show off her new baby!

Patrick clearly isn't a baby anymore, but he will always be the baby that turned me into a Mama!

Some of My Favorite Things

Every once in awhile I like to share my favorite things that make me happy.  You might just find these make you happy too!

One song that I get excited to hear when it comes on the radio is THE WIRE by Haim from their CD Days Are Gone.

I just love the tune and how it just automatically makes you want to bounce along to the beat.  The video is kind of funny about the men who get dumped by the Haim gals.  They aren't taking the break-ups so well.

To keep talking about music, Martina McBride has a new CD out called Everlasting. The CD features covers of Soul and R&B singles from the past.  As a Martina fan, I am actually thrilled with her country twist on these classics.  Some of my favorites from the album are "Come See About Me" and "To Know Him is to Love Him" and her duet with Kelly Clarkson, "In the Basement" is super fun!

Finally, the last music related favorite is from iTunes Radio.  I have it on my iPhone and the app allows you to choose different stations like Rock Anthems, One Hit Wonders, Pure Pop, etc. My current favorite to put me in the best mood is "Frozen Radio".  It plays all the songs from your favorite Disney Movies such as "Just A Spoonful of Sugar" from MARY POPPINS, "Under the Sea" from LITTLE MERMAID, "Let It Go" from FROZEN, etc.  You really can't help smiling and singing along!

source

While I was in Minneapolis a few weeks ago, we went to a Thai restaurant.  I have been to a Thai restaurant several times and order within my usual genre of Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry.  Which is what I ordered, but my aunt and cousin were talking about getting Mango Sticky Rice for dessert, so I decided to order one too and try it.  Oh. My. Goodness.  It was amazing.  The rice was warm and gooey and the mango sliced on the top was sweet and cool and the perfect complement to the rice.  It is my new favorite treat.

My niece told me about a new app/game to try thinking we would like it. Well, I wish she wouldn't have told me because it sucks me in.  THREES is a tiny puzzle that grows on you, as the caption states.  By shuffling numbers on the board, you add the numbers and combine them thereby gaining more space on the board and adding up points.  1+2=3, 3+3=6, 6+6=12, 12+12=24, etc.  It is great for kids because it helps with those basic math skills and strategy in knowing which numbers to combine and when.  Check in out in your iTunes or Google Play app store.

source

My husband completely surprised me for our anniversary and gave me an iPad Mini with Retina Display! I was shocked and delighted.  I have been frustrated with my Kindle Fire for awhile kicking me out of websites and certain apps not always working right.  So, I was basically just using the Kindle Fire for reading and my phone for apps and web surfing.  I love the size of the iPad Mini and am using it exclusively for my eBook reading and then at night to play Scrabble, Words with Friends, and my other favorite social media sites.

My new favorite eye shadow that I wear nearly every single day is Mary Kay Shimmering Lilac Eye Shadow.  It has just the right amount of shimmer and is the perfect highlight when I am wearing blue, grey or black colors.

If I'm going to be in the car a long time, I like listening to Podcasts.  Some of my favorites are DEAR BOOK NERD, NUTRITION DIVA, THIS AMERICAN LIFE, and STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW.  I love listening to people talk about books, so Dear Book Nerd fills that need. I've learned lots of interesting health tidbits from the Nutrition Diva, for example the nutrient that can help treat restless leg syndrome, and it has helped me. The stories on This American Life make me laugh and cry and I love them because they are about real people.  In Stuff You Should Know you can learn all sorts of things, like how mudslides work, how 3D printing works, etc.  The best part is if something in the podcast list doesn't interest you, you can delete it.  There are thousands of podcasts out there in all kinds of categories.  If you don't already have the app on your phone/device, download it and start searching for things that interest you.  You might just learn something new or find a great story to share with someone.


I hope you have enjoyed my favorites.  If I have shared something that is now your new favorite, please let me know.  Or if you have a favorite you think I might like, feel free to tell me about it in the comments!