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Got my first one finished from my dusty bookshelves: The Carnivorous Carnival, by Lemony Snicket, 4/5 stars.

I got the entire "A Series of Unfortunate Events" a few years ago; I got to #8 near the end of last year so it was high time I read #9!

Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good, by Jan Karon, 5/5 stars.

I was a Mitford series devotee - really loved it! Later, when Jan Karon wrote her "Father Tim" series it just seemed like something was lacking so I never read beyond the first in that series, "Home to Holly Springs". My mother-in-law, however, gave me "Somewhere Safe" when it came out last year. I finally got over my hesitancy that came from thinking it might be a let down . . . but the magic came together for me again with Mitford as the location and with all of the locals part of the story again. Just loved it!

Karol, the Mitford series was one I always have wanted to read but never started. I may have to get the first one and give it a try.

The Chance, by Karen Kingsbury, 4/5 stars

The Bridge, by Karen Kingsbury, 2/5 stars

Both of these were books my mother-in-law loaned to me. She said "The Chance" was the better of the two books by far, and I have to agree with her. Romance - Christian or otherwise - is not my preferred genre but one in a while I get sucked into it as was the case here. I mean, how do you tell your mother-in-law that no, you're not going to read a book that she thinks you just have to?

So - I read these in time to return them with thanks when I saw her for Christmas. And really, I did like "The Chance" quite well despite having dragged my feet a bit to read it.

Hahaha, you just have to suck it up and read the book...lol

Getting Past What You'll Never Get Over: Help for Dealing with Life's Hurts, by John F. Westfall, 4/5 stars

I picked this book up about a year ago when I realized I was still struggling with some issues pertaining to my marriage then ended in 2012. I've since overcome the pain and anger and have found peace. But reading this book now has helped me see how the situation shaped me, why I struggled, and how I cope (or struggle to cope) with the negative things that happen in my life. So, I found the book rather insightful.


MOONEY The Life of the World's Master Carver, by John P. Hayes, 4/5 stars.

I have visited the Warther Museum in Dover, Ohio about a half-dozen times. I found the story of Mooney Warther, a small-but-loud Swiss man intriguing and I learned something new on each visit. I finally bought his biography, which is available at the museum a year or so ago. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which I found to be well-researched and more well-written than I expected for a book that is probably mostly of "local" interest. The man was a genius. For anyone who is interested, check out and you'll see why the man's wood carvings were so amazing.