Starting the Carolingian Chronicles

Anvil of God by J. Boyce Gleason
Published: July 26, 2013 by iUniverse
Series: The Carolingian Chronicles #1
When this book first arrived I wasn't sure what to think. The cover wasn't really my type. Plus at first glace it looked long and dense, and I wasn't too sure what I got myself into. I started, finding myself in the middle of a battle scene with a ton of characters I couldn't straight, and was sure I had judged the book correctly.

Except, I kept reading, and fell in love with the story. The book takes place in Europe in the 8th century, and for me was a good mix of the Renaissance based historical fiction I tend to love and what feels like a fantasy world full of knights and dragons. The story follows the 4 children of Charles the Hammer, a history I knew nothing about. But what I learned when I finished was that Charles the Hammer is the grandfather of Charlemagne, a figure who I may not know a lot about, but I definitely know.

The story is told from the point of view of each of Charles' children, and while I found aspects of each to enjoy, but far my favorite was the sister, Trudi. But even as it jumped between character and location, I was surprised how well it flowed.

One aspect I found to be a pleasant surprise was the detailed author note at the end. In a book such as this, where the reader may not know what is true, it made the world of difference to me. I can hardly believe how much we do know about this time period, but on the other hand, how much of this history has been lost.

This book is the first in a series, and I can't wait to see how the story continues. Even writing this review, I don't feel like I'm doing justice to my feelings. But I'm so glad I decided to give this one a chance since I think I'll be thinking about this for a while now, and only hope you choose to do the same.

4.5/5

Disclosure: I was provided this book through Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

Tales of Four

As you may have seen in this week's Project 365 post, last weekend was my nephew's 4th birthday at Chuck E Cheese. Funny enough my niece's 4th birthday was there as well, so it was a fun little blast from the past.
A reminder of her birthday party, as well as the times I went to Chuck E Cheese as a kid. I don't think it's quite what it used to be, but maybe that's what it's always looked like, I just didn't notice it as a kid. I did play a few games a skeeball, and while fun, again, not what it used to be like.
Speaking of changes, back when my niece had her birthday, she was able to be in the ticket blaster herself. And while I'm not sure if it's a preference now or a requirement, but all the birthday kids had a parents join them inside.
As for gifts, when we asked our nephew what he wanted for his birthday his only response was a Batman cake. And while that wish was granted it wasn't from us. We did stick with the Batman theme though, and found a playset, plus my requirement for any gifts, books.

First was one by my favorite childhood authors Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, Baloney (Henry P.). It's about an alien boy who looses his homework, and tells his teacher all the crazy things that happened to him while in the process. Each page contains some crazy sounding alien word, but turns out every word used it actually from a non-English language that just sounds crazy to us.

The second was from an author that is new to me, but I'm sure one I would have loved growing up. It's My Name is Not Alexander by Jennifer Fosberry. It's about a little boy who imagines himself to be all types of famous historical characters. What I loved is that there's the expected movie star and sports hero, but also a scientist, president, and Indian chief.

If you're curious, these are the posts from my nephew's first and second birthdays.

When was the last time you were at Chuck E Cheese?

Monday Movie Review

Thor: The Dark World
I really loved the first Thor, so to say I've been looking forward to this is an understatement. Thankfully it didn't let me down.

This movie is a mix of everything I want to see onscreen. I love the beautiful worlds from Thor's universe. Chris Hemsworth is awesome and gorgeous (and shirtless!). And of course, Natalie Portman is pretty much perfect.

I would easily sit down to watch this movie again right now. And while by now you think people wouldn't have to be warned, but sure to stay till the very end of the credits for the second (and third!) extra scenes.

Mailbox Monday (54)

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. Each month a new bloggers hosts, and for the month of November our host is I Totally Paused!
From Paperback Swap
Sugar and Spice by Lauren Conrad
I really enjoyed Lauren Conrad's first two L.A. Candy books and now I'm finally getting to the third. Having loved The Hills back in college, I think these are such a fun nostalgic flashback.

For Review
Survival Lessons by Alice Hoffman
I've already read, reviewed, and loved this books. It's somewhat of a self-help book that feels like you're hearing from a good friend some of the best things to focus on and ways live your life when everything doesn't seem to go your way.

What did you find in your mailbox this week? And what were some of your favorite shows back in college?

Project 365: Days 306 Through 312

I'm going to try to keep this short and sweet, especially since by now you all know the deal, right?
November 2, 2013 - 306/365: My k-cups are all stocked up with pumpkin spice coffee and my favorite, apple cider.
November 3, 2013 - 307/365: At our nephew's 4th birthday at Chuck E Cheese.
November 4, 2013 - 308/365: Bell peppers and homemade pesto.
November 5, 2013 - 309/365: That same batch of homemade pesto, but now over pasta.
November 6, 2013 - 310/365: Cider, chocolate covered fruit, and a book before bed.
November 7, 2013 - 311/365: BLT sandwich from Three Bones.
November 8, 2013 - 312/365: Lunch at New York Bagel.

I'm linking this post up with Random-osity & Kleinworth & Co. for Project 52!

He's a Real Prince Charming

Woman on Top by Deborah Schwartz
Published: June 8, 2013 by Laudan Press
I wasn't too sure what to expect with this one, but I think that lent itself to be a good thing. Since sometimes when you don't have crazy high expectations it's far easier to be taken by surprise and really enjoy a book.

This book is told in two alternating stories lines. The first is in the late 1980s when Kate's husband develops cancer. The second is 5 years after her husband's death when she starts dating again, and to the perfect guy. He gets along great with her kids, her spoils her with expensive gifts, he takes her whole family on vacation... except he also wants her to fit into his idea of a perfect woman.

I really enjoyed my time with the one. No, it wasn't perfect and yes, it was predictable, but you couldn't help but enjoy yourself. It makes you think about what important in your own life, except without having to put to much thought into it (which for me is a positive aspect of this book!). I don't think you'd regret reading with one, and think it'd be the perfect read to transport you to the life of fancy dinners and exotic vacations, where you as a reader don't have to deal with the consequences.

4/5

Disclosure: I was provided this book through Virtual Author Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

Choose to Make Things Beautiful

Survival Lessons by Alice Hoffman
Published: October 1, 2013 by Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill
I was so excited when I received a request to review this book. I absolutely LOVED Hoffman's The Dovekeepers, and ever since then have wanted to read more by her. And while these two books are about two completely different subjects, both have a similar poetic beauty about them.

Survival Lessons is somewhat of a self-help book that Hoffman was inspired to write from her struggles cancer. It's the type of advice she received, would have loved to receive, or would later give herself. And while the advice was written for someone who many facing the end of their life, all of it is so universal for anyone going through any type of struggle or life in general. Each section contains a goal that sounds simple and almost intuitive, but is still nice to be reminded off, things like "Choose to Enjoy Yourself," "Choose to Dream," and the source of my post title, "Choose to Make Things Beautiful."

It is short, so much so that I read it over my lunch hour. But once finished it felt like I had just had a lunch date with a longtime friend, instead of one where I was sitting alone reading. It's almost like a book of poems or inspirational quotes that you know you're going want to refer back to. Speaking of quotes, there were so many I bookmarked that I wanted to share, but if I shared all of them I'd practically writing the book again. So I'll leave you with not necessary my favorite quote, since I don't feel that would be fair to others I enjoyed as well, but one quote that did speak to me,.

"I know why my grandmother always told me to bring along a sweater on cold nights. She was telling me I had to take care of myself, to watch out for chills and pneumonia. But she was also telling me that life if worth fighting for. I have every blanket she ever made for me even though they are heavy as armor. My grandmother's spirit is in every stitch, and her love for me is there as well."

5/5

Disclosure: I was provided this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.