Reading, Not Writing

I haven’t been writing much lately… I hate that! It seems like every time I open my notebook and pick up my pen, my mind just goes blank.  Every day, I try.  Sometimes, I do end up writing a few lines; but that’s about it.  I have been reading quite a bit, though, so I thought I’d share with you what I’ve been reading in July and August and what I thought about each book.  If you want to read more about any of the books, simply click on the book’s cover and follow the link.

— July —

 “Summer Of Promise” by Amanda Cabot — Book one in the Westward Winds Series and my first book by Amanda Cabot.  It was a really good “first book” and has made me want to read more by this author. I gave this book 4 stars.

 “Before The Scarlet Dawn” by Rita Gerlach — Book one in the Daughters of the Potomac series and my first book by Rita Gerlach.  This book was kinda disappointing. I kept reading, hoping that it would get better and end well, but it never did.  I’ve heard that the second one will make book one worth reading, but I’m just not sure I’ll read it…  I gave this book 1 star.

 “Love Finds You in Wildrose, North Dakota” by Tracey Bateman —  Pretty good book.  Not one I’d rave over or anything, but I’d recommend it if you like Christian Historical Romance books.  I gave this book 4 stars.

 “From Ashes To Honor” by Loree Lough — Book one in the First Responders series. Okay… This is a good book and I did enjoy it, but… it didn’t end! I mean, the book ended but the story didn’t. However, there is a second book and I do plan to read it.  I’m excited to see where this story goes. I gave this book 4 stars.

 “Falls Like Lightning” by Shawn Grady — This is my first book by Shawn Grady and I really liked it! I’m already looking for more of his books to read.  I gave this book 5 stars.

 “A Tailor-Made Bride” by Karen Witemeyer — I’ve now read all of Karen’s books and loved every one of them!  This one was a great, funny read and I really enjoyed it! I gave this book 5 stars.

 “Submerged” by Dani Pettrey — Book one in the Alaskan Courage series and my first book by Dani Pettrey.  Dani Pettrey’s debut novel is a great read! I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the second book in this series “Shattered” which comes out in February of 2013.  I gave this book 5 stars.

— August —

 “The Jewel Of His Heart” by Maggie Brendan — Book two in the The Heart of the West series.  Though definitely not as good as book one in the series (“No Place For A Lady“), this was a pretty enjoyable read.  I gave this book 3 stars.

 “A Hometown Fourth of July” by June Foster — My first book by June Foster.  This one was okay. Not bad, but not great either.  I gave this book 3 stars.

 “Love In Disguise” by Carol Cox — My first book by Carol Cox.  This book was great! It’s funny and it kept my attention from start to finish.  I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of Carol’s books!  I gave this one 5 stars.

 “Short-Straw Bride” by Karen Witemeyer — Another really great book by Karen Witemeyer! I love her books!  “Stealing The Preacher” is expected to come out next year and will feature one of the other brothers from this book.  I can’t wait to read it!  I gave this book 5 stars.

 “True Valor” by Dee Henderson — Book two in the Uncommon Heroes series.  This was my third time through this book, I’ve read it once and listened to it twice.  I really like this series, but this is my favorite book in the series.  I just love this story! I gave this book 5 stars.

 “The Last Thing I Remember” by Andrew Klavan — Book one in The Homelanders series and my first book by Andrew Klavan.  I have seen this series in several different bookstores, but didn’t want to buy it because I just wasn’t sure that I would like it.  Then, my library got the whole series, so I decided to try it.  I was pleasantly surprised.  Not only did I enjoy it, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on book two (which is listed below)!  I gave this book 5 stars.

 “The Long Way Home” by Andrew Klavan — Book two in The Homelanders series.  This one was just as good as book one (listed above)!  I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to finishing the series and maybe getting some more books by Andrew Klavan.  I gave this book 5 stars.

 “My Stubborn Heart” by Becky Wade — My first book by Becky Wade.  I just almost gave this one 5 stars, but there were a few things in it that I didn’t really care for.  The story was great, though, and I did really like it.  I gave this book 4 stars.

 “Rocky Mountain Oasis” by Lynnette Bonner — Book one in The Shepherd’s Heart series and my first book by Lynnette Bonner.  I just started this one today, but I’m liking it already! 🙂