 5/16/11 - I just finished reading Spring Break by Kayla Perrin. I'd have to give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. I must say that when I first started reading the book, it reminded me of the Natalie Hollaway case. But overall, I think the book had some sudden suprises and an ending I didn't expect. If your looking for a quick easy read, I would recommend this one.
5/11/11 - Just started reading this book today...hope it's a good one as this is the first book I've read from this author. Quotes I liked: "Even the darkest clouds have a silver lining. Me and you - we're that silver lining." ~ Jason, page 276 "Life is too short to live it being angry over what you can't change. It's too precious to let resentment keep you from accepting second chances with people you love." ~ Chanetelle, page 312 Read an Excerpt
 5/11/11 - Once again, Michelle Moran has outdone herself! This was a fantastic read. I love the way it's told in first person from Marie's perspective. This is a must read for anyone who is interesting in learning more about the French Revolution. I believe that Madame Tussaud (Marie), shows the compassion and strength of many women during this time. She was so much more than a woman who created wax figures.
5/4/11 - As I expected, I'm not disappointed in the least bit. I'm also excited to be learning more abou the French Revolution. I'm about 7 pages to the half way point...so I'm happy about that. So far, this is definitely something to put on your "To Read" list!
4/26/11 - I began this book at the end of last week and it's good so far. If it's anything like Nefertiti, The Heretic Queen and Cleopatra's Daughter, I know I'm definitely in for a treat! Back on with my historical fiction! LOL :) Quotes I liked:
"Perhaps. But now it's over, and the actor must return to his room and face the truth that for all of the masks, and all of the applause, there is only him. Your performance couldn't last, and now that it's done, all that's left if your own company. Do you enjoy it?" ~Marie Grosholtz to Marquis de Sade, pg. 88 "Symmetry truly is the essence of beauty, not only in architecture but also in people. My most beautiful subjects have faces that are perfectly symmetrical. You can give me a group of people's measurements, and without seeing them I can predict which man is the most handsome and which woman is the most attractive." ~Marie Grosholtz, pg. 69 "The only thing money is good for, Marie, is buying time. The time to do the things you like." ~Henri Charles to Marie Grosholtz, pg. 45
Read an excerpt.
 4/26/11 - I've had so much going on since January of this year, that I feel as though I’m am reading a bit slower, or having less and less time to actually sit down and read a good book. But overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The Audacity of Hope, I’m glad I took the time out to read it. I believe that Obama was genuine in his approach and rhetoric. Although he wasn’t at the time preparing to run for President of the United States, I believe this book gave him a platform in which to run on. A lot of his ideals and ideologies are showcased here and were reflective in his 2008 Election Campaign. It was also great to look back and remember the various events that have taken place in our American History over the beginning of this 21st Century….and to remember what was going on in my life during those events. This is actually the first political book I’ve read and I’m glad that I expanded my horizons and took a step back from my typical fiction novel, or my favorite historical fiction novels. I will definitely read more political books in the future. For anyone who wants to take a closer look at our President and what he stands for or the reasoning behind his beliefs and practices – they should definitely read this book!
3/23/11 - Still enjoying this book. So far, it's making me have a better understanding of our government, and why things are the way that they are.
3/9/11 - I started this book on Sunday, and it's pretty good so far..... Read an excerpt.
 REVIEW: I must say that all-in-all I thoroughly enjoyed Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a classic story of pride, love and of course prejudice. J No really it was a great read and I look forward to more than likely reading it again in the future. Although I read this on the Kindle, I do believe this is a book to be purchased for sure! I look forward to watching the movie soon as I hear it follows the book well.
Also, this weekend I made a trip to Barnes & Noble to try to spend my Christmas gift card and found a new book entitled Mr. Darcy’s Secret, by Jane Odiwe this book acts as a sequel to Pride & Prejudice. I think I may have to revamp my 2011 Reading List. LOL
2/9/11 - OMG - it's like with each passing page this book seems to be getting better and better. And yes, I'm finally a little more than half way through the book. I must say that so far, this book has some great surprises! So far, it's a DEFINITE MUST READ CLASSIC!!!!!
2/3/11 - I'm almost half way through the book - it's definitley has its surprises. I'm really enjoying it so far and can't wait to see what happens next!
1/25/11 - I decided to switch around January and February's books - so for the month of January, I will be reading Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I decided to read this book first because I received the Amazon Kindle for Christmas and this was one of the free books - and since I was sooooo excited to use my Kindle - I thought why not read this book first. I've heard a lot about this book over the years, but have yet to actually read it myself. So far, it's pretty interesting. I'm wondering about Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy....is there a connection there???? I don't know, I guess I better keep reading to find out! Keep you all posted on the progress - considering my recent medical condition, I'll probably finish this sometime in February seeing as how I haven't had much time to read this month. :) P.S. I'm loving my Kindle!
Okay - I think this is it - My 2011 Reading List: If you've read any of these books and would like to leave comments about them - please feel free to do so - I would love to read the feedback!
The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran
Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Spring Break by Kayla Perrin
The Hand I Fan With by Tina McElroy Ansa
Color Me Butterfly by L.Y. Marlow
Silk by Alessandro Baricco
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
What My Best Friend Did by Lucy Dawson
One More Winter: A Short Story by Rebecca K. O'Conner
Tuned In to Love: A Short Story by Karen Jerabek
Every Woman Needs a Wife by Naleighna Kai
The Tudor Throne by Brandy Purdy
I plan to post my 2011 Reading List by the end of the week - be sure to check out what I'll be reading and please feel free to leave comments, especially if you've read any of the books on my reading list. Also, if you'd like I'd love to have you join me on this journey - just one book a month!
~NJ
 1/4/10 - I was able to finish this book right before Christmas! It was a great book, it's told from the perspective of Cleopatra's Daughter, Selene, who is only 10 or 11 when the book begins, and by it's ending, she's 15. This book was absolutely amazing. Another great book by Michelle Moran. Again, she captures the reader from page one and paints a beautiful story which seems to come to life right from the pages. I look forward to her next book, Madame Tussaud, which is to be released February 2011! Again, if you're interested in ancient Rome, and the last Queen of Egypt's heirs Cleopatra's Daughter is a must read!
12/21/10 - Yeah, I guess with the Holiday's in full effect, it's taking me a little longer than I thought to actually finish this book. But with time off next week, I fully intent to complete it before the end of the year! :)
12/6/10 - I started out on the fast track, but things have gotten a bit busy, so I've slowed down my reading process. I'm almost half way through the book. It's still a good one!
11/19/20 - We all know the buzz about the Royal Family....So I'm about 60 pages into this book and while reading I can't help but think about Prince William and Kate Middleton. I guess stranger thoughts have come about. LOL
---------------------------------------------- So far, Michelle Moran has proved herself to be an amazing author. She has the abilty to capture you from page one, and she has a way to bringing ancient Egypt to life right before your eyes. If you ever get the chance to read one of her novels, I highly recommend it! I just started Cleopatra's Daughter this morning and am looking forward to yet another great adventure in the world of Ancient Egypt and Rome. My thoughts to come, in the meantime, please enjoy the synopsis from the back cover of the book - from Michelle Moran's website: The marriage of Marc Antony and Cleopatra is one of the greatest love stories of all time, a tale of unbridled passion with earth-shaking political consequences. Feared and hunted by the powers in Rome, the lovers choose to die by their own hands as the triumphant armies of Antony’s vengeful rival, Octavian, sweep into Egypt. Their three orphaned children are taken in chains to Rome, but only two— the ten-year-old twins Selene and Alexander— survive the journey. Delivered to the household of Octavian’s sister, the siblings cling to each other and to the hope that they will return one day to their rightful place on the throne of Egypt. As they come of age, they are buffeted by the personal ambitions of Octavian’s family and court, by the ever-present threat of slave rebellion, and by the longings and desires deep within their own hearts.
Read an Excerpt
 I finished Cover Girls yesterday afternoon (11-16-10). I must say that all-in-all it was a pretty good book. I agree with a lot of critics that this book was like every other Christian novel concerning women. But as women, a lot of our issues stem from our parents, past and current relationships, children, and work. We just can’t run from it!
This book overall was a fast and enjoyable read. The book is told from 4 different perspectives. The four women are Michelle, Tonya, Delores and Mz. Ida. The four women are all connected and they are each in different seasons of their lives – winter, spring, summer and fall. It’s liked how T.D. Jakes wove these four women’s stories together and connected them in such a way – in which really we are all connected. While reading this book, I was reminded that in life there are no such things as chance meetings, everything is planned and orchestrated by God. The main thing I took from this book is that no matter what we’re going through, or what we’ve been through, with a willing and open heart, God can and will bring us through. God only wants to see us succeed – He wants to take us to the next level if we’re willing.
I just started my November read by T.D. Jakes today. I'll let you all know what I think about it. What I know so far - 4 women - 4 Seasons. :)
 I'm currently reading Victoria Christopher Murray's Too Little, Too Late. I just started this book and it begins with the main character Jasmine being held up at gun point....by her husband.....this should be a good one!
More details to come.....
I was able to finish this page turning book this weekend. I must say that all-in-all this was a pretty good book. Although it was packed with drama for your mama….what I took from it most was that no matter how hard things are, we must sit back, be still and listen to God and what direction He wants us to go in. It’s so easy to try to handle things, in our own way, in our own timing, but no timing is better than that of God.
This book also focuses on the power of relationships and trust. If we value our relationships, we must make sure trust is at the forefront and be sure not to break that line of trust and communication. Without trust – and God one cannot truly be successful in their relationships. My favorite quote:
Marriage is difficult enough. Don't bring unnecessary complications to the table." ~Reverend Bush
 I just completed Chris Cleave's Little Bee. I must say that this book was quite interesting told from two different perspectives - a Nigerian teenager (Little Bee) and a middle aged English woman (Sarah). I don't want to give anything away in this book, but I will say that the author keeps you guessing until the very end. You will find yourself wanting for things to be just and perfect for Little Bee, Sarah and Sarah's young son, Charlie/Batman.
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