THE LUCKY ONE

This weekend I finally got around to watching the film version of The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks.

The Lucky One is the story of Marine, Logan Thibault, who finds a picture of woman, with the words “Keep Safe” written on the back, in Iraq.  Not only does the act of walking towards the picture save his life, but from the moment Logan finds this picture his luck changes and she soon becomes his lucky charm and guardian angel.  When Logan then survives several situations which should have left him dead, he decides to somehow find this woman and thank her for saving his life.  Logan locates Beth, a single mom still very much under the thumb of her ex-husband, Keith.  Logan repeatedly tries to explain to Beth why he has come to find her, but something always gets in the way, and before he can tell her the truth, Logan and Beth fall in love.  Logan also befriends Beth’s son, Ben.  Beth soon realises that Logan understands Ben much better than his own father does, and also treats him better.  A happy life beckons Logan, Beth and Ben; and the only person not happy with this situation is Keith - he is a Sheriff Deputy in town and his father is a powerful Judge running for Mayor.  Beth lives her life knowing that any misstep she makes could cause her to lose her son to the powerful Clayton family, so she numbly allows Keith to exert control over her life.  The question is, now that she has found Logan, will she allow Keith to destroy this precious chance of happiness?  And what has the greater chance of destroying their new-found happiness; Keith’s threats, or the true nature of Logan’s move to Hamden?

 

Zac Effron is the perfect Logan!  He did the character perfect justice and even added some depth to Logan.  As for Taylor Schilling, she did a good job with Beth, but as for the way the character was adapted for the film, I found Beth to be much more likable in the book.  Little Riley Thomas Stewart was also a perfect Ben, and I love Blythe Danner as Ellie - I just wish the character was as eccentric in the movie as she is in the book.  As for Keith, the movie omitted so much of just what a jerk he is!  The movie didn’t even mention the fact that he had spiked Beth’s drinks while they were together, leading to Beth sleeping with him and falling pregnant, and ultimately marrying him.  Keith is a jerk beyond compare, but for some reason the movie softened him up a little.  And then, my major complaint: Zeus.  I am so disappointed that he plays such a small role in the film.  In the book Zeus is a much more prominent character, and he hardly ever leaves Logan’s side – in the movie he’s hardly ever with Logan.  I understand it is difficult to work with animals, but he deserved a bigger role.  In the book he is, after all, the one who saves Ben from drowning – also omitted from the film.

As is always the case with an adaptation, the book obviously had more depth; but as far as adaptations go, The Lucky One was beautifully done.  Overall, the film version does the book justice.  

THE QUIRKS OF A BOOK NERD

The Women24 book club is fun to be a part of, especially receiving the monthly newsletters by fellow bookworm, Tammy.  Her newsletters eerily represent my own views and opinions, and this month's is no different.  Today I will share Tammy's quirks as a book nerd (Italics), and add a few of my own (bold). 

The Quirks of a book nerd:

The thing I love most about books and reading, is that it has resulted in me developing a lot of eccentric and bookish habits.

I've been thinking about the fact that we read so much and focus so much on the lovely interior and world within the books, that we forget how we appear on the outside. In fact, I can say with certainty that we often have no idea just how far their influence stretch to and beyond our daily lives and how it shapes our day-to-day routine.

And so, it's with this in mind I've come to realise the following about myself:

1. If I take a break, I have to stop when a new book chapter ends or starts. I hate bookmarking in between chapters because it makes me feel like I'm reading something incomplete.

Absolutely! I cannot stop reading mid-chapter.

2. If I buy a book series, they have to be in the same format and have the same covers. I recently bought The Hunger Games box set and gave away my original copy because it didn't match up with the rest.

Yes! They have to look like the unit they are. J.K. Rowling annoyed me to no end with the different looks of the Harry Potter novels - it looks silly not having the same size, some soft-cover and some hard-cover. Urgh!

3. I am a complete and utter sucker for a pretty book cover and will sometimes spend money (ill-advisedly I might add!) to splurge on a book because the cover entranced me.

Ah, yes. I have bought many a book simply because of the pretty cover.

4. I get excited about a book, buy it, and once I do, end up not reading it immediately. It's as if I first need to satisfy the need to have the book on my book shelf, let it soak in a little, and then maybe a month or so later, finally pick the book up. There are of course, exceptions to this rule.

This is so me! I have to have it, but usually end up only reading it weeks later.

5. Perversely enough, when I'm in the mood for a book, I tend not to be in the mood for one of my own, unread books on my shelf, and end up buying another one. Sometimes, I'll even read that one immediately and sometimes, I'll end up picking up a book from my shelf after adding the one that I just bought. (I know. I'm a walking contradiction).

This happens to me quite regularly. I'm in the mood for a certain type of book, and none of my unread books fall into that category, so I go out and buy a new book.

6. I've only recently learned how to abandon books that I don't like because there are simply too many books and too little time! Still working on the guilt issue though.

The one point on which we disagree. I have not yet developed the ability to abandon I book I don't enjoy.  I'll suffer my way through it because I know I'll always wonder, in the back of my mind, how it all ended; Alright yes, secretly I'm hoping the book will improve significantly within the next few pages.    

7. I know books are subjective and I know that I've written a column about how I don't need to love the books that you do, but secretly, it still annoys me when people don't recognise my favourite book for the awesomeness that it is (feel free to throw rocks at me if you want).

Yes! I take it really personally when someone doesn't agree with me on the literary brilliance of a book; And if I recommend a book and you won't consider reading it, we have a serious friendship issue.  

8. You are instantly my new best friend if you end up loving a book that I recommended to you. If you hated it, I don't want you to tell me (oh alright, you can tell me). 

Yes! If we can agree on books, we can agree on just about anything :)

9. I am the ultimate book hoarder. I hate letting go of books. Also, how can I let go of books when I'm planning to build a library bigger than the one that the Beast gave Beauty? Tsk.

I don't let go of books.  I just don't.  The other day my sister-in-law wanted to borrow Rapture (she's one of the few people I will lend a book to), and my brother helps me    move my book storage boxes (plastic ones, so my books will be perfectly protected until I finally find the absolute perfect book shelf) to locate the right one (luckily I know my boxes very well), and looking at all my books he goes "Why don't you sell some of these?"  What?! I am sure I looked as mortified as I felt.  Sell my friends?! Why would I possibly want to do that?! 

10. If I lend you books, I'm secretly hoping you'll read the book in a day so that I can get it back immediately. I have book separation anxiety issues, ok? They're my babies.

Book separation anxiety! Only a certified book nerd will truly understand this one.  When a book is so brilliant that I want you to read it, I would rather buy it for you as a present than lend you my copy! My condition is that serious.

11. If my book comes back to me in a bad condition, I make a mental note to never pass another book the offending person's way, and then ask them to buy me a new copy.

No doubt.  If you can't handle my books with the respect they deserve, you do not get a second chance.  My heart is still sore over my copy of A Walk To Remember that I came home with dog-eared pages, water damage and dirty finger marks.  Oh my heart.  The horror. I will never forget who ruined one of my favourite books.  I have considered replacing it, but it was a gift from my brother and I am a total sentimental nut.  Besides, it's not the book's fault!

And finally...

12. If I love an e-book, I absolutely have to buy the physical book as well.

Agreed.  Though I only read e-books when I have to review them for Tyndale.  Which brings me to a few of my own quirks:

13. I hate e-books.  I understand it fulfils a need for some people in this technological era we live in, but it's not the real thing.  I need a real, solid book in my hands.  I love the feel and smell of books, and I love marking my progress by literally seeing how many pages I have left.  That way I can also mentally prepare myself for the conclusion.  It's hard to say goodbye to a brilliant book. (And besides, you can't fill a book shelf with e-books.)

14. If I have decided to read a book, I want it now!  On Friday my best friend, Erika, gave me recommendations for two books she got hooked on, Hunting Lila and Losing Lila by Sarah Alderson.  This weekend I went looking for them.  To my utter frustration I found Losing Lila (book 2), and not Hunting Lila (book 1).  Exclusive Books has to order me copy.  I now have to wait days to get a copy.  It doesn't matter that I'm busy reading A Feast For Crows and won't be able to start reading it right away, I want it now! (See point 4)

15.  I assume the book in my hands is my own personal Do-Not-Disturb-Sign.  If you start talking to me while I'm reading, I might glare at you. Asking an essential question is acceptable, staring a very serious discussion is not.  Luckily, Erika gave me this less subtle sign:

When you really start thinking about it, being a bookworm brings with it many eccentricities and odd habits; but life sure is more interesting that way.  

NOW READING: RAPTURE ~ LAUREN KATE

The sky is dark with wings...

Like sand in an hourglass, time is running out for Luce and Daniel. To stop Lucifer from erasing the past they must find the place where the angels fell to earth. Dark forces are after them, and Daniel doesn’t know if he can do this—live only to lose Luce again and again.

Yet together they will face an epic battle that will end with lifeless bodies . . . and angel dust. Great sacrifices are made. Hearts are destroyed. And suddenly Luce knows what must happen.

For she was meant to be with someone other than Daniel. The curse they’ve borne has always and only been about her - and the love she cast aside. The choice she makes now will be the only one that truly matters.  In the fight for Luce, who will win?

The astonishing conclusion to the FALLEN series. Heaven can’t wait any longer ~ Lauren Kate website.

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE CASTING UPDATE

The first of the new main characters in Catching Fire has officially been cast and the first official announcement has been made.  It seems fan favourites are indeed being considered by Lionsgate, as Philip Seymour Hoffman has been cast as new Head Gamemaker, Plutarch Heavensbee!

Fans can now also keep an eye on the Catching Fire casting through this new feature of The Hunger Games Facebook page. Cathing Fire has been allocated a release date of 22 November 2013.

Furthermore, Lionsgate has also announced that Mockingjay, the third and final installment of the series, will be split into two films, and release dates have already been set down.

Mockingjay Part 1: 21 November 2014
Mockingjay Part 2: 20 November 2015

Personally I don't see the need to split Mockingjay into two films, but I'm sure Lionsgate has good reason; other than monetary gain, I would hope.

NOW READING: HOW DO I LOVE THEE ~ NANCY MOSER

Generally I am not a huge fan of poetry.  Mostly I find it annoying; circling a subject, being way too subtle, and I find myself thinking just say what you're trying to say, already!

One exception to my general dislike of poetry is the poem How Do I Love Thee by Elizabeth Barrett Browning:

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of being and ideal grace. I love thee to the level of every day's Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. I love thee freely, as men strive for right. I love thee purely, as they turn from praise. I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.

I am now reading the novel How Do I Love Thee by Nancy Moser, a biographical novel of Elizabeth Barrett's romance with fellow poet Robert Browning. The year is 1845. After her brother dies in a sailing accident, the grief-stricken, sickly Elizabeth Barrett becomes a recluse. She is a published poet - but a virtual prisoner in her own home. Blind family loyalty ties her to a tyrannical father who forbids any of his children to marry. She resigns herself to simply existing. That is, until the letter arrives... "I love your verses with all my heart," writes Robert Browning, a fellow poet. As friendly correspondence gives way to something more, Elizabeth discovers that Robert's love is not for her words alone. Could it be that God might grant her more than mere existence? And can she risk defying her father in pursuit of happiness? BEHIND THE STORY: The love story of Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning seems impossible—and it would have been, if God hadn't been involved. Over and over I was moved by evidence of Divine intervention. These two people needed each other so much that God went to great lengths to bring them together. They saved each other. It's truly an inspiring story. Also inspiring are the love sonnets Elizabeth wrote - for her eyes only.  As a bonus in this book, we have included the "Sonnets from the Portuguese" in the back of the book. Read them for yourself! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...



NOW READING: BEES IN THE BUTTERFLY GARDEN ~ MAUREEN LANG

I am now reading my next book for Tyndale Review.

Bees in the butterfly garden by Maureen Lang; Book 1 in The Gilded Legacy series.

Raised in an exclusive boarding school among Fifth Avenue’s finest, Meg Davenport has all she’s ever needed... but none of the things she’s wanted most, like family, or dreams of a future that includes anything other than finding a suitable match. So when her distant father dies, she seizes the chance to throw etiquette aside and do as she pleases. Especially when she learns that John Davenport wasn’t the wealthy businessman she thought, but one of the Gilded Age’s most talented thieves.

Poised to lead those loyal to Meg’s father, Ian Maguire knows the last thing his mentor would have wanted is for his beloved daughter to follow in his footsteps. Yet Meg is determined, and her connections to one of New York’s wealthiest families could help Ian pull off his biggest heist yet. But are they both in over their heads? And in trying to gain everything, will they end up losing it all? ~ Maureen Lang website. 

J.K ROWLING'S NEW BOOK DETAILS REVEALED

Little, Brown Book Group has released details of J.K Rowling's upcoming novel!  The new novel by J.K. Rowling is entitled The Casual Vacancy, and will be published worldwide on Thursday 27th September 2012.

The Casual Vacancy:
When Barry Fairweather dies unexpectedly in his early forties, the little town of Pagford is left in shock.  Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war.  Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils... Pagford is not what it first seems.  And the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations?

Blackly comic, thought-provoking and constantly surprising, The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling’s first novel for adults.

J.K Rowling

NOW READING: THE LUCKY ONE ~ NICHOLAS SPARKS

When Nicholas Sparks releases a new book two things are certain: 1) You are going to cry when you read it, and 2) it will, at some point, be turned into a feature film.

Nicholas Sparks writes beautiful, believable love stories. The thing is, though, where I love traditional, happily-ever-after endings, Nicholas seems to be a fan of bitter-sweet endings. For this reason I have avoided Nicholas Sparks novels for a while now; The guy, while brilliant, never quite gives me the ending I had hoped for.

I am now reading The Lucky One, my first Nicholas Sparks novel in a few years, and I have to admit it was the movie trailer which convinced me.  You might recall this was one of the 20 books to read before they're adapted into 2012 movies. 

When U.S. Marine Logan Thibault finds a photograph of a smiling young woman half-buried in the dirt during his third tour of duty in Iraq, his first instinct is to toss it aside. Instead, he brings it back to the base for someone to claim, but when no one does, he finds himself always carrying the photo in his pocket. Soon Thibault experiences a sudden streak of luck—winning poker games and even surviving deadly combat that kills two of his closest buddies. Only his best friend, Victor, seems to have an explanation for his good fortune: the photograph—his lucky charm.

 

Back home in Colorado, Thibault can’t seem to get the photo—and the woman in it—out of his mind. Believing that she somehow holds the key to his destiny, he sets out on a journey across the country to find her, never expecting the strong but vulnerable woman he encounters in Hampton, North Carolina—Elizabeth, a divorced mother with a young son—to be the girl he’s been waiting his whole life to meet. Caught off guard by the attraction he feels, Thibault keeps the story of the photo, and his luck, a secret. As he and Elizabeth embark upon a passionate and all-consuming love affair, the secret he is keeping will soon threaten to tear them apart—destroying not only their love, but also their lives.

Filled with tender romance and terrific suspense, The Lucky One is Nicholas Sparks at his best—an unforgettable story about the surprising paths our lives often take and the power of fate to guide us to true and everlasting love ~ Nicholas Sparks' website.

HUNGER GAMES HUMOUR

I came across this, and just had to share it.  I suppose you might have to have a certain kind of humour to appreciate this, but I, for one, thought it was hilarious.  If you've read (or seen) The Hunger Games, you'll know this exact scene.  This spoof is obviously written to Adele's song Set Fire To The Rain. 

All credit goes to the very creative mind responsible for writing this (It wasn't me).

NOW READING: MAID TO MATCH ~ DEEANNE GIST

I've been wanting to read Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist for quite some time now.    The only reason I've been putting it off, was that I wasn't convinced that a book about maids would capture my attention.  Knowing Dee, I should have known better.  I'm only a few pages in, and already I'm fascinated by the world she has created, and in love with the characters.  I simply adore Deeanne's books!  She does historical romance very well, and manages to concoct beautiful love stories without the need to cross the boundaries of propriety at every turn.  Maid to Match is quite the fan favourite having won many awards, and has also just been nominated for a RITA, the Oscars of romance writers!  See all the awards this wonderful author has been nominated for and/or won here. 

Falling in Love Could Cost Her Everything.

From the day she arrives at the Biltmore, Tillie Reese is dazzled by the riches of the Vanderbilts, and by Mack Danvers, a mountain man turned footman. When Tillie is enlisted to help tame Mack's rugged behavior by tutoring him in proper servant etiquette, the resulting sparks threaten Tillie's efforts to be chosen as Edith Vanderbilt's lady's maid. After all, the one rule of the house is no romance below stairs.

But the stakes rise even higher when Mack and Tillie become entangled in a cover-up at the town orphanage. They could both lose their jobs, their aspirations... and their hearts ~ Deeanne Gist's Website.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE MONTH: THE VAMPIRE DIARIES

My recommendation of the month is ‘n television series based on a series of books. The Vampire Diaries is ‘n young adult book series originally written by L.J Smith. Smith completed 7 books in the series, after which she was replaced by a ghostwriter. Though I have not read the books, the television series is one of my favourites. The storyline is well written, fast paced and very dark at times. It never gets old. The storyline is constantly changing, and is very unpredictable. A sign of a great series, the producers don’t hesitate to kill off important characters in the most unexpected ways. When you tune into an episode, you never know what you’re gonna get.

Stefan, Elena, Damon

The Vampire Diaries is a television series produced by the CW Television Network, loosely based on the book series of the same name. The story centers around a modern day love triangle between Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) and the vampire brothers Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley) and Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder).

Stefan & Elena

While Elena initially chooses Stefan, it is no secret that Damon loves her too, and throughout the series it is hinted that Elena might have romantic feelings for Damon as well.

Elena & Damon

It soon comes to light that the brothers had a similar love triangle approximately 145 years ago with Katherine Pierce, the (quite evil) vampire responsible for Stefan and Damon’s transformation into vampires.

Katherine & Damon 1864

It turns out that Elena is a descendent of Katherine Pierce, and Katherine’s doppelganger.

Elena 2009 / Katherine 1864

The question could therefore be asked if Stefan and Damon truly love Elena at all, or if they might actually be projecting their feelings for Katherine onto Elena.

Katherine & Stefan 1864

The plot thickens when Katherine returns to Mystic Falls, seemingly intent on winning Stefan’s heart again – and if she gets to destroy Elena’s life in the process, so much the better.

The contrast between the brothers couldn’t be greater. In their human years and early vampire years, Damon was the naïve, gentle, kind-hearted one, while Stefan was more of a rebel with a dark side. As the years have changed them, Stefan has come to be the dependable, serious one, while Damon has turned into a scheming, cold hearted killer (Elena’s faith in him, however, seems to trigger his softer side). Once the closest of brothers and the best of friends, Stefan and Damon have also come to hate each other over the years. It doesn’t exactly help that they now, again, love the same woman.

The colorful cast of characters also includes vampire slayers and werewolves (naturally), witches and warlocks, to name a few.

Earlier this year Nina Dobrev won the People’s Choice Award for Favourite TV Drama Actress, and in 2010 The Vampire Diaries won the award for Favourite New TV Drama. The Vampire Diaries has also won 12 Teen Choice Awards in two years, including Breakout Show, Best Villain (Somerhalder), Breakout Star Female and Male (Dobrev & Wesley), Best Actress (Dobrev) and Scene Stealer Female and Male (Katerina Graham as Bonnie Bennet & Michael Trevino as Tyler Lockwood). To date the show has been nominated for 37 awards in total.

The series is currently in its third season, each season consisting of 22 episodes. Seasons 1 and 2 are available on DVD, with Season 3 scheduled for release on DVD on 5 September 2012.

NOW READING: TRUE DEVOTION ~ DEE HENDERSON

I love Dee Henderson books, so much so I'm diving right on into my next one.

True Devotion (Uncommon Heroes Book 1)

She was going to drown...

Lifeguard Kelly Jacobs watched the sun go down and knew time for her rescue was running out.  The naval base glittered in the fading light, like a jewel she could not reach.  The sea surged and pulled, stinging her with cold.

Until he came.

Navy SEAL Lieutenant Joe "Bear" Baker plucked Kelly from the raging sea when she had nearly given up hope.  She'd known he would come  - he was her best friend - and she clung for all she was worth to the safe haven found in his arms.

Then she said the wrong thing...

Kelly had already paid the ultimate price of loving a warrior; she has the folded flag and the grateful thanks of a nation to prove it. She didn't dare risk loving another man in uniform.  But held close in Joe's arms, Kelly said the wrong thing, and their friendship suddenly hung in the balance.

Now they're both in danger.

The man responsible for Kelly's husband's death is back and closer than either of them realize. They're about to discover that God is a refuge, because this time there may be no rescue.

NOW READING: KIDNAPPED ~ DEE HENDERSON

It's gloomy, rainy and cold.  Perfect weather for my next read!

Dee Henderson's Kidnapped (Previously published as True Courage).

FBI agent Luke Falcon has a dead woman on his hands, a fresh victim from his old adversary Frank Hardin.  This time, Frank won't walk away.  But even that case will have to wait when Luke's extended family disappears over Labor Day weekend.  Is there a harmless explanation?  Or could they have been victims of a sordid crime?

Fifth-grade teacher Caroline Lane cares deeply for Luke, but she's not certain she can handle the pressures of dating someone in his line of work.  When foul play strikes his family, she gets a far closer view of those pressures than she ever wanted.  She's grateful that God brought Luke into her life.  But will they share anything more than tragedy by the time the storm passes?

Luke has never worked on a case involving family.  It's tempting to let his hardened exterior weaken, given the circumstances.  But he has to be strong if he's going to bring them all home.  When the ransom delivery doesn't go down as planned and the bodies start piling up, so does Luke's frustration.  He fears that innocent people may not survive this crisis... and neither will his relationship with Caroline.

THE HUNGER GAMES WORLD PREMIERE

Last night saw the highly anticipated World Premiere of the Hunger Games movie.

Josh Hutcherson (Peeta), Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss) and Liam Hemsworth (Gale) delighted fans with their presence at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.  Here are some of the the stars' interviews.

Jennifer Lawrence interview with Yahoo Movies:

Josh Hutcherson interview with Yahoo Movies:

Liam Hemsworth interview with Clevver:

Collage of interviews with the cast, director etc...

With the World Premiere over and done with, the rest of the world can officially get excited.  March 23rd is only nine days away.

MY NEXT BOOK TO REVIEW FOR THE TYNDALE BLOG NETWORK

The time has come to select my next book for Tyndale review.  As I was browsing my way through the possible selections for March, Candace Calvert's Trauma Plan caught my eye.  The description of the book just about had me convinced to give it a shot, but what totally tipped the scales in its favour was when I saw on Candace's Facebook page that the cover model is South African! :)

Proudly South African, I have selected Trauma Plan as my next Tyndale review.

TRAUMA PLAN (Grace Medical #1)

Sidelined by injuries from a vicious assault, nurse chaplain Riley Hale is determined to return to ER duties. But how can she show she’s competent when the hospital won’t let her attempt even simple tasks? Determined to prove herself, Riley volunteers at a controversial urban free clinic despite her fears about the maverick doctor in charge.

 

Dr. Jack Travis defends his clinic like he’s commander of the Alamo. He’ll fight the community’s efforts to shut its doors, even if he must use Riley Hale’s influential family name to make it happen.

 

As Riley strives to regain her skills, Jack finds that she shares his compassion - and stirs his lonely heart. Riley senses that beneath Jack’s rough exterior is a man she can believe in. But when clinic protests escalate and questions surface about his past, Jack goes into battle mode, and Riley wonders if it’s dangerous to trust him with her heart - Candace Calvert website.

NOW READING: WILDFLOWER BRIDE ~ MARY CONNEALY

This week I'm in the mood for something a little old fashioned and romantic.  Enter Wildflower Bride by Mary Connealy.  This is my first book by this author, so we'll see how it goes.

Glowing Sun, a white woman raised by the Flathead tribe, has never met a man she didn't want to pull a knife on, including the man who's determined to marry her.

Glowing Sun has vague memories of her former life, including a name—Abby Lind. When she’s forced to sever all links with her adopted Indian family, Abby wonders if she’ll ever find a home again.

 

Tenderhearted Wade Sawyer, responsible for Abby’s survival during the village massacre, convinces the knife-wielding woman to return with him to the Sawyer Ranch, never realizing danger lurks behind every corner. Can they survive long enough to fall in love?

NOW READING: A KILLER AMONG US ~ LYNETTE EASON

So I have finished Randy Singer's The Last Plea Bargain, but my official Tyndale posting date is April 16th, so I'll withhold all comments until then.

I have now started reading A Killer Among Us by Lynette Eason.  It's the third book in the Women of Justice series.  I read the first one (Too Close To Home) a couple of months ago, and wasn't terribly crazy about it, but it wasn't a horrible book, and I like to give authors second chances, so we'll see how this one goes. 

It seems I missed book 2 altogether as the stores don't even seem to stock it anymore (well, let's not get carried away, I tried three stores), but it doesn't seem to have had a major influence on book 3.  All the important information has been relayed already, so it's no problem to read these books individually.  At least that's something.     

NOW READING: THE LAST PLEA BARGAIN ~ RANDY SINGER

I have now started reading my first Tyndale Review book! 

My official posting date for the blog tour is 16 April 2012, so I'll share all my thoughts and comments with you then.   

J.K ROWLING IS FINALLY PICKING UP HER PEN AGAIN!

J.K Rowling, author of the best-selling Harry Potter series, has revealed that she has signed a deal for a new book, almost five years after the release of the final Harry Potter book.  The new book, which title, details and release date are not being made public just yet, will not be another children's book.  Rowling is trying her hand at adult fiction!

In a statement released by Little, Brown Rowling says:

“Although I’ve enjoyed writing it every bit as much, my next book will be very different to the Harry Potter series, which has been published so brilliantly by Bloomsbury and my other publishers around the world. The freedom to explore new territory is a gift that Harry's success has brought me, and with that new territory it seemed a logical progression to have a new publisher. I am delighted to have a second publishing home in Little, Brown, and a publishing team that will be a great partner in this new phase of my writing life."

 It will be interesting to see if Rowling can successfully make the transition from children's author to adult author.  I'm sure she will.  I've never really considered the Harry Potter series to be children's books.  I know many adults who have read it, and who agree.  J.K Rowling is a very gifted storyteller who always managed to surprise me with the conclusions of each of the Harry Potter books.  She always kept me guessing, and I always guessed wrong.  If her new novel is a crime drama as rumoured, I just know she will deliver another brilliantly written story with many twists and turns, and unexpected outcomes.

I, for one, am eagerly anticipating Rowling's new book, and I will definitely grab it off the shelfs as soon as it hits.

NOW READING: THE HUNGER GAMES ~ SUZANNE COLLINS

After some internal debate, I have finally decided to go ahead and readThe Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. 

Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When her sister is chosen by lottery, Katniss steps up to go in her place ~ as per Suzanne Collins' website.

Having read the Harry Potter series and the Twilight saga, I wasn't sure if I was in the mood for another young adult series, but lately I've just been hearing so many great things about this series. And with the movie trailer (which looks pretty awesome) doing the rounds, I've been convinced.  If nothing else it's a step away from the fantasy genre, and ultimately I do like to decide things for myself. 

So, let the games begin!