Tag Archive | summer

Jingle Bell Bride… a book review

Book covers really are a double edged sword. I honestly look for books that have everyone well clothed (personal preference) and try not to let it colour my views too much. But let’s be honest, we all look! Jingle Bell Bride by Jillian Hart had a a bit of a contradictory draw to me. I love the pretty Christmas scene and am a sucker for a pretty white dress. BUT I was a little concerned by the fact that the author’s name was THREE times the size of the title. In fact, I honestly read the book as Jillian Hart first when I was just skimming books at the library.

Thankfully my concerns were unnecessary. I really rather enjoyed this adorable contemporary Christmas romance. Perfect for a bit of seasonal reading and an escape from a world that seems a little too full of hate and anger. Escapism reading at its finest.

Set in snowy Wyoming in a town named Summer of all things, Chelsea McKaslin is back home after completing her studies to become a pediatrician. Still mourning from the loss of her mother the year before, she, her sisters and father are all simply trying to embrace a holiday that meant so much to the woman they love and lost. Stung by a failed love and committed to her plans and lists Chelsea is not ready for widowed father Dr. Michael Kramer and his adorable daughter Macie. But then again, neither is he.

With snowstorms, and memories and two grown adults dead set against love, this story is all sorts of sweetness, faith and love. There are children battling terminal or potentially terminal illness but there is light there too. OH and sleigh rides, Christmas lights and presents! All in all a lovely read in a series about the extended McKaslin family!51N2I9KWmwL._SX314_BO1,204,203,200_

Surprise Island, the Second of the Boxcar Children Series

And then there were two readers… for this second installment just Gavin and I read the book. This time a digital read again we took turns and I think I can safely say BOTH found enjoyment in the tale.

Surprise Island by Gertrude Chandler Warner brings us to an all new summer adventure for the 4 boxcar children. This time one that their gentle grandfather has planned out for them on an island his family owns. Again you have the 4 children off on their own for an extended period of time. This time, however, with much more supervision and provisions.

As with the other book in this series there is a mystery person in the form of an island handyman. There are some minor incidents of course but nothing hugely life endangering. Just moments of excitement!

I do love how this series has the children working on their own, creating and imagining with what they have. Definitely a series I will continue to suggest the kids read. You can read the first book review HERE.

But first, Gavin’s review:

It is a good story. It did not feel very long to me. I think 10 year old or old would enjoy reading it. Little kids would enjoy this if someone read it to them. I want to read more in the series. I like Watch the dog best because he does funny stuff. It was a funny book. There are lots of chapters. 51boWh7vF0L._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_

July 4th… a Quick Revisit

So I did cover what the girls and I did on Independence Day BUT Karen and Cory had their camera too so I figured why not add a recap with some more amazing pictures of new friends and their family! You can see my original HERE.

The girls loved that this pool was just like the one we had last year! (you can ALMOST see my American tank top)

The girls loved that this pool was just like the one we had last year! (you can ALMOST see my American tank top)

The girls loved that this pool was just like the one we had last year! (you can ALMOST see my American tank top)

The girls loved that this pool was just like the one we had last year! (you can ALMOST see my American tank top)

Mrs. Speltz (red) the hostess

Mrs. Speltz (red) the hostess

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AMAZING BBQ chicken legs and hot dogs!

AMAZING BBQ chicken legs and hot dogs!

Trinity and Anna

Trinity and Anna

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All the girls... Anna, Trinity, Echo, Tabitha and Julia

All the girls… Anna, Trinity, Echo, Tabitha and Julia

I love little Julia in  this one

I love little Julia in this one

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IMG_2030IMG_2027There were cows to visit that no one photographed and Karen certainly won over Trinity with the kitty visit!! What an amazing day to look back at. Thank you Karen for sharing your pictures!!