Book Review: The Fault In Our Stars

The Fault In Our Stars
by John Green
2012
318 Pages

Synopsis
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

Rating: 3.5 / 5 Stars

My Review:
It was a slow start getting into this book, but after the part of them being in Amsterdam, that's when it picked up for me. Some of the parts were either confusing or a bit much for me (like discussing the books that they enjoyed - I know that was a main part of the plot, but it didn't appeal to me at all). The dialogue was realistic for sure, as were the depictions of the characters going through the different stages of disease, suffering, survival and mourning. I of course cried during the sentimental parts between Hazel and her parents. Maybe as a mother now reading these types of YA novels will hit me differently than before.

Book Review: Sworn to Silence

Sworn to Silence (Katie Burkholder #1)
by Linda Castillo
2009
321 pages

Synopsis
A killer is preying on sacred ground....

In the sleepy rural town of Painters Mill, Ohio, the Amish and “English” residents have lived side by side for two centuries. But sixteen years ago, a series of brutal murders shattered the peaceful farming community. In the aftermath of the violence, the town was left with a sense of fragility, a loss of innocence. Kate Burkholder, a young Amish girl, survived the terror of the Slaughterhouse Killer but came away from its brutality with the realization that she no longer belonged with the Amish.

Now, a wealth of experience later, Kate has been asked to return to Painters Mill as Chief of Police. Her Amish roots and big city law enforcement background make her the perfect candidate. She’s certain she’s come to terms with her past—until the first body is discovered in a snowy field. Kate vows to stop the killer before he strikes again. But to do so, she must betray both her family and her Amish past—and expose a dark secret that could destroy her

Rating: 5 / 5 Stars

My Review

This book was fantastic. I found it extremely intriguing and I loved all of the characters. At first I wasn't expecting there to be so much discussion about the Amish lifestyle - I thought they were just using an "Amish town" as the setting, but it really goes much deeper than that. I thoroughly enjoy reading Amish Christian Fiction (which is of course much more happier and positive than that of a suspense thriller), so I was happy to appreciate all the Amish aspects of this novel. I found the writing really easy to follow, and it was quite realistic. The characters were great and easy to connect with. I especially enjoyed reading about the up-and-down relationship between Tomasetti and Katie. I'm so excited to read the rest of the series!

Recipe: Homemade Pizzas (with premade shells)

A family favourite for sure. Now I just need to learn how to make my own shells/dough.

Ingredients

• Premade frozen pizza shells (we buy them from Buns Master)
• pizza sauce
• green pepper
• pepperoni
• shredded mozzarella cheese
• any other toppings you like (mushrooms and onions - my parents like those on it)

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Spread sauce onto shells. Make sure it reaches close to the edges and is even throughout.

3. Add diced peppers.

4. Add sliced pepperoni.

5. Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese on top of everything.

6. Bake for 10 minutes, or until edges of pizza shell are brown.

Great for toddlers ;)

Recipe: Nutella Brownie Muffins

These are so delicious! My new go-to snack during pregnancy ;)

Ingredients

• 1 cup of Nutella
• 10 Tbsp flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Steps

1. Add first three items to a bowl.

2. Mix all together.

3. Stir in chocolate chips.

4. Pour into muffin cups.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-22 minutes.

- from Instructables, pinned from Pinterest

Don't Be Shaken

I'm very excited to do my first "Verse by Verse Link Up" with Blogs By Christian Women! I've been looking for inspiration and ideas of what to write in my blog, and along with my book reviews, recipes and product reviews, I really feel like I need to do more reflecting on my faith and devotions here too.

*I also hope I'm doing this whole link up thing right!

There are a lot of verses in the Bible that talk about keeping your focus on God, praying from the heart, and seeking Him in all that you do. It makes perfect sense on paper, after all God is in control of everything, but it is incredibly difficult to do, especially in some stressful circumstances.

I find that it's easy to praise God and focus on Him when things are going extremely well in my life. It's easy because I'm content, feel utterly blessed by Him, and I am thankful to Him for all that He's given to us. However the real challenge comes lies in keeping my eyes on God through the more difficult times.

This verse clearly states that if I always keep my eyes on God, He will always be right beside me, and I cannot be shaken. What an amazing promise that is! If I could only focus my attention on this promise, and not rush into worrying about what will happen or won't happen. God promises to take care of us, to comfort us, to lift us up in times of trouble, to protect us, and to provide for us. So how is it that things like money problems, health issues, relationship troubles and trivial things cause us to focus on those difficulties first, rather than focussing on the One who promises to keep us from shaking?

Such a powerful verse, and one that I really needed to memorize and learn. We're going through some financial difficulty at the moment, as I face a layoff in my job. However I am trying to stay optimistic and rely on God to pull us through this time. I'm praying for the numbers at my school to increase so that I can return in Sept. 2015 after my mat leave. I'm hoping that this is the institution where God would have me teach. Overall, I am realizing that I need to put my hope and trust in God, and know that He will protect me and keep from being shaken.

So in the meantime, I need to keep my eyes on God. I need to read His word. I need to pray to Him throughout the day, especially when I feel overwhelmed, worried, or exhausted. I need to talk with my husband about my worries, and pray with him over them. Likewise I need to listen to my husband, and pray with him over his worries.

Lately I've been listening to a lot more Christian music and I've found that I've been feeling more calm and peaceful about everything going on. I've been able to enjoy my pregnancy, and my time at home with my son now that it's summertime and school has ended. I plan to continue doing so, as I find this another great way to keep my focus on God and His presence in my life.

Recipe: Fruit Smoothies [Toddler Approved]

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup yogurt
• 1 1/2 cup fruit
• 2 Tbsp fruit juice
• 1/4-3/4 cups milk (I use closer to 3/4 cups)

Steps

1. Combine yogurt, fruit and juice into the blender.

2. Pulse several times to blend the chunks of fruit.

3. Add milk, Tbsp at a time, to get the desired consistency.

4. Pour into sippy cup with a rubber/soft plastic lid.

If you have too much and want to freeze it, just pour the remainder into a freezer storage bag. When wanting to eat it, let it thaw for an hour, and knead the bag with your hands. Add extra milk to make it the best consistency for you.

- from Once A Month Meals Blog

Smoothies I've Attempted for Ryan

#1 - 1/2 banana, field berry mix (frozen), apple & peach juice, original plain yogurt

My son is going through a very picky stage right now, so I thought smoothies would be the best way for him to get the extra fruits and veggies that he refuses to eat throughout the day. He took four big sips of this smoothie, but it isn't his favourite yet. He at least tried it, and kept trying to take more sips of it (granted the sips were 15 mins - 1 hour apart), which is more than what he's done with any other food lately.

Product Review: Kiwi Kraze Frozen Yogurt

My friends recently introduced me to the amazing place of Kiwi Kraze, which is a self-serve frozen yogurt place. I've been twice now, and I can honestly say I absolutely love it! While some people complain about the price - it's based on weight - the quality of the yogurt and it's toppings is well worth it!

There are so many flavours to choose from. They have chocolate for lovers like me, and strawberry for the fruit lovers. There's blueberry cheesecake, orange sorbet, french vanilla, cotton candy and peanut butter too! The best part is that the majority of these flavours are all non-fat, which is a great healthy option (as opposed to ice cream at other places.)

Then of course there's the toppings! Anything from fresh fruit, to candy pieces, to brownie bits and Reese's peanut butter cups. There's tons of sprinkle choices, Oreo crumbs, and crushed nuts too. Lastly the sauces are great too. I go between the Nutella and the hot fudge sauce. There's also caramel and strawberry sauce.

The best part for me is that this place is very kid friendly. My toddler loves the yogurt just as much as me, and he also loves the atmosphere in the place. He can colour a picture while I socialize with my friends, or pull up a little kiddie chair with me.

Both times that I've gone to the same location I've found it very clean, well-kept, and the staff was friendly.

I may have found a replacement for Dairy Queen!! (Although I do still love the Blizzards there, so it won't be a "permanent" replacement, just a better choice overall!)

Book Review: I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban

I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban
MalalaYousafzai, Christina Lamb
2013
327 pages

Synopsis
When the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley in Pakistan, one girl spoke out. Malala Yousafzai refused to be silenced and fought for her right to an education.

On Tuesday, October 9, 2012, when she was fifteen, she almost paid the ultimate price. She was shot in the head at point-blank range while riding the bus home from school, and few expected her to survive.

Instead, Malala's miraculous recovery has taken her on an extraordinary journey from a remote valley in northern Pakistan to the halls of the United Nations in New York. At sixteen, she has become a global symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest nominee ever for the Nobel Peace Prize.

I Am Malala is the remarkable tale of a family uprooted by global terrorism, of the fight for girls' education, of a father who, himself a school owner, championed and encouraged his daughter to write and attend school, and of brave parents who have a fierce love for their daughter in a society that prizes sons.

I Am Malala will make you believe in the power of one person's voice to inspire change in the world.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

My Review
This was definitely an interesting read, despite my personal preference of not really enjoying non-fiction books. However, she leads a very inspiring life as you discover more about the hardships her and her family faced growing up in a valley haunted by violence and religious ignorance. I learnt a lot more about the history of Pakistan and the Taliban, than I had ever known before. Seeing things through her perspective, as well as that of her father, I gained a lot more insight into the way of life over there. I'll be the first to say I'm usually oblivious to the events going on in the world, so it was refreshing to get more in-depth details about the way their culture has them live, as well as how they were treated by the Taliban and Pakistani Army. I also enjoyed how it took us through her life, day-by-day as she recovered from her almost fatal attack. I got to see how she reacted to her condition and what she was thinking during this difficult transition. As a teacher it also naturally interests me about her quest for having education available for all children. It was a well-written book, and one I'm glad I got the chance to read.

Book Review: Fine Things

Fine Things
by Danielle Steele
1987
398 pages
Synopsis from Goodreads
Smart, likable, Bernie Fine was the wonder boy of  Wolff's, New York's most glamorous department  store. A senior VP moving up, he arrives in San  Fransisco to open a West Coast store. His career is  skyrocketing, but his life is lacking a center.  When he looks into the wide, innocent eyes of  five-year-old Jane O'Reilly, and then into the equally  enchanting eyes of her mother, Liz, Bernie knows  he has found what he has been looking for. Bernie  thought he had found love to last a lifetime, but  when Liz is stricken with cancer shortly after the birth of  their first child, time becomes  painfully short. Alone with two children, Bernie  must face the loss and learn how to move on. New  people, new experiences, a new life alone with two  kids. He meets it with courage and humor, and  learns some of life's hard but precious lessons as he  does.

Rating: 3/5 Stars

My Review:
This book was an alright read, and I really got into it at some spots. But there were other areas where I either felt like the story could have ended, or it just seemed to drag on. I did love the children characters, as well as Bernie's first wife. They were all very genuine. I did end up coming to like Bernie's mom near the end, as her spunk got more active and she was used for comic relief. It was a sad story overall, with a happy ending.

Book Review: The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow

The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow
by Rita Leganski
2013
400 pages

Synopsis from Goodreads:
Conceived in love and possibility, Bonaventure Arrow didn’t make a peep when he was born, and the doctor nearly took him for dead. No one knows Bonaventure's silence is filled with resonance - a miraculous gift of rarified hearing that encompasses the Universe of Every Single Sound. Growing up in the big house on Christopher Street in Bayou Cymbaline, Bonaventure can hear flowers grow, a thousand shades of blue, and the miniature tempests that rage inside raindrops. He can also hear the gentle voice of his father, William Arrow, shot dead before Bonaventure was born by a mysterious stranger known only as the Wanderer.

Bonaventure's remarkable gift of listening promises salvation to the souls who love him: his beautiful young mother, Dancy, haunted by the death of her husband; his Grand-mere Letice, plagued by grief and long-buried guilt she locks away in a chapel; and his father, William, whose roaming spirit must fix the wreckage of the past. With the help of Trinidad Prefontaine, a Creole housekeeper endowed with her own special gifts, Bonaventure will find the key to long-buried mysteries and soothe a chorus of family secrets clamoring to be healed.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

My Review:
This novel was incredibly well-written and very captivating. I was shocked at the end by how all of the characters' lives were intertwined with one another - in ways I never even thought about! I definitely loved the character of Bonaventure Arrow, because he was such a sweet and innocent boy, who just wanted acceptance and love. I also enjoyed the character of his mother, Dancy, particularly in how she managed to raise her son alone and after facing the tragic loss of her husband. The grandmothers were so different, yet intriguing at the same time. The author used really poetic language, but it wasn't too obscure or flowery that you couldn't follow what she was saying. I definitely recommend this book to others. I picked it for my book club night, and all of the ladies thoroughly enjoyed it!