Laura Jackson's Blog, page 3
June 21, 2015
In Good Company: A Review
Summary:After growing up as an orphan, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm aren't always well-received and she finds herself dismissed from yet another position. Everett Mulberry has quite unexpectedly become guardian to three children that scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he's desperate for competent childcare. Will they find they are the perfect company for each other?
My Thoughts:I loved this book even more than book one. I loved Millie from the first book, and I was really excited to read her story. She's fun, strong, and quirky. She carries around a dictionary and misuses words, and it's funny and endearing. I really like how both books in the series have strong women who influence men to do the right thing. It's not the man rescuing the woman like so many romances. Instead, they are both strong characters who balance and encourage each other. I think that's why Jen Turano is quickly moving up my favorite author lists. The plot moves quickly and has some twists and turns, making this book a must-read! I received this book in exchange for my review, but my thoughts are my own. '
A Love Like Ours: A Review
What I loved:The complex characters. I love that Becky Wade didn't treat PTSD as an "easy fix" where Jake finds love and suddenly has no issues/problems.
I really liked Lyndie. She's strong and independent.
I LOVED seeing the characters from the two earlier books in the series--catching up with old friends.
I thought the faith element was solid and added to the story.What I didn't like:
Ty is described throughout the series as very good looking. However, in this book, he is married. YET, Lyndie's friend (and side story in the book) gets flustered around him because he's so hot and comments/notices his good looks too many times. It had an uncomfortable feel to it. Overall, this is a great book. Becky Wade is a fantastic writer, and I can't wait to see what she writes next. I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own. '
June 15, 2015
After a Fashion: A Review
Summary:Miss Harriet Peabody dreams of the day she can open up a shop selling refashioned gowns to independent working women like herself. Unfortunately, when an errand for her millinery shop job goes sadly awry due to a difficult customer, she finds herself out of an income.Mr. Oliver Addleshaw is on the verge of his biggest business deal yet when he learns his potential partner prefers to deal with men who are settled down and wed. When Oliver witnesses his ex not-quite-fiance cause the hapless Harriet to lose her job, he tries to make it up to her by enlisting her help in making a good impression on his business partner.
Will Oliver and Harriet discover that love can come in the most surprising packages? My Thoughts:This is the first book by Jen Turano, and I loved it.
Harriet was spunky and strong, and the rest of the characters were unique and just as interesting. Even the dog added to the fun of the story.
The plot is quick--things happening on every page, funny mishaps and serious social implications.
Everything is tied together in a neat little package at the end and presented as a fun, lighthearted read.
I was given this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own. '
June 12, 2015
Friday Favorites
After two days of workshops, I'm not officially on summer break. And I'm excited. I did my first book art at our libarian's meeting. It's a great thing to do with weeded books. I had to delete this book from my library because it was missing pages. But, look at what I did. Step One: Fold two corners to make a triangle.
Step two: Fold the next page in half.
The end product:
I love it! It was easier than I expected. Now, I want to try more difficult ones, like where they spell things. Pinterest to the rescue! My niece and nephew had their piano recital last weekend. They are SO talented. I tried piano once. It was horrible. I'm not musically talented, so I appreciate it in others.
Finally, Worth the Time is still on sale for 99 cents. Link: Worth the Time on Amazon Doesn't anyone feel she's worth their time?
Routinely ignored by her single mother, high school senior Lindsey Hamilton hides her loneliness behind a mask of flirtatious self-confidence that has many boys wrapped around her finger. However, during community service required for graduation, she meets a shy guy with a haunted past who barely gives her the time of day. Why doesn't he like her?
Then the father she thought had abandoned her before birth wants to meet, and she discovers everything she believed about him is a lie.
How will Lindsey learn to trust so she can realize that she has been loved all along?
That's it. Have a great week!
'
Step two: Fold the next page in half. 
The end product:
I love it! It was easier than I expected. Now, I want to try more difficult ones, like where they spell things. Pinterest to the rescue! My niece and nephew had their piano recital last weekend. They are SO talented. I tried piano once. It was horrible. I'm not musically talented, so I appreciate it in others. 
Finally, Worth the Time is still on sale for 99 cents. Link: Worth the Time on Amazon Doesn't anyone feel she's worth their time? Routinely ignored by her single mother, high school senior Lindsey Hamilton hides her loneliness behind a mask of flirtatious self-confidence that has many boys wrapped around her finger. However, during community service required for graduation, she meets a shy guy with a haunted past who barely gives her the time of day. Why doesn't he like her?
Then the father she thought had abandoned her before birth wants to meet, and she discovers everything she believed about him is a lie.
How will Lindsey learn to trust so she can realize that she has been loved all along?
That's it. Have a great week!
'
June 10, 2015
Need a Summer Beach Read?
Worth the Time is on sale for 99 cents. It's book two in the Waltham Academy series. Find it here: Worth the Time on Amazon You don't have to read book one to follow book two, but if you're like me and like to read things in order, book one--Worth the Wait--is 3.99 on Amazon. Find it here: Worth the Wait on Amazon What other books are you reading this summer? I'm in the middle of Jen Turano's book After a Fashion, and I'm loving it! You can check that book out here (It's 9.99 for the kindle): After a Fashion on Amazon '
June 5, 2015
Friday Favorites: Alaska Edition
I LOVED Alaska. My mom had to teach a two-day workshop, so we decided to go a few days early and stay a few days after to make it a vacation. It's so gorgeous. I'm a writer, and I don't have the words. I may have to post some today and some another day because we saw so many amazing and wonderful things.
Everywhere you drive, there is beauty. I was reminded over and over of God's perfection.
So, you're driving around, and there's a moose. A MOOSE. In someone's yard. Just hanging out. This was one of two moose I saw just on random streets. Amazing.
This is how it looks at 10:45 p.m. in Alaska in May. Crazy. But it was great because we had plenty of time to explore since it was light so late.
We went to Talkeetna, which was one of my favorite little villages (not big enough to be a town or city). Anyway, it's eccentric and fun. Down the main road, there is a beach and water, where three rivers meet. Of course, I had to see how cold it was. It was cold but not freezing. Whittier, Alaska, is a small little place, not big enough to be a town either. You have to go through a 2.2 mile tunnel (through a mountain) to get there, and it's like a dock, shops, and some condos. But it was breathtakingly beautiful. I could have sat there all day.
We took a boat ride to tour the glaciers. We saw a whale. It as flapping its fins in the water like it was waving at us. Too cool.
My mom and I got to hold a piece of Surprise Glacier that had fallen.
We had a blast. I'm so thankful for a boss who let me miss work and a mom who invited me on her adventure. God is so faithful to give us rest and refreshment. And beautiful reminders of His power to create. 
'
Everywhere you drive, there is beauty. I was reminded over and over of God's perfection. 
So, you're driving around, and there's a moose. A MOOSE. In someone's yard. Just hanging out. This was one of two moose I saw just on random streets. Amazing.
This is how it looks at 10:45 p.m. in Alaska in May. Crazy. But it was great because we had plenty of time to explore since it was light so late.
We went to Talkeetna, which was one of my favorite little villages (not big enough to be a town or city). Anyway, it's eccentric and fun. Down the main road, there is a beach and water, where three rivers meet. Of course, I had to see how cold it was. It was cold but not freezing. Whittier, Alaska, is a small little place, not big enough to be a town either. You have to go through a 2.2 mile tunnel (through a mountain) to get there, and it's like a dock, shops, and some condos. But it was breathtakingly beautiful. I could have sat there all day. 
We took a boat ride to tour the glaciers. We saw a whale. It as flapping its fins in the water like it was waving at us. Too cool. 
My mom and I got to hold a piece of Surprise Glacier that had fallen. 
We had a blast. I'm so thankful for a boss who let me miss work and a mom who invited me on her adventure. God is so faithful to give us rest and refreshment. And beautiful reminders of His power to create.
'
May 10, 2015
A Love Like Ours: A Review
Summary: Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships.When Lyndie James, Jake’s childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend? My thoughts: What I loved:
The complex characters. I love that Becky Wade didn't treat PTSD as an "easy fix" where Jake finds love and suddenly has no issues/problems.
I really liked Lyndie. She's strong and independent.
I LOVED seeing the characters from the two earlier books in the series--catching up with old friends.
I thought the faith element was solid and added to the story.
What I didn't like:
Ty is described throughout the series as very good looking. However, in this book, he is married. YET, Lyndie's friend (and side story in the book) gets flustered around him because he's so hot and comments/notices his good looks too many times. It had an uncomfortable feel to it.
Overall, this is a great book. Becky Wade is a fantastic writer, and I can't wait to see what she writes next. Note: A portion of the proceeds from A Love Like Ours pre-orders and post-release sales through May 17 will go to support the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF), which builds centers on U.S. military bases to aid veterans in their recoveries from combat injuries. Wade selected this charity because IFHF goes beyond addressing physical rehabilitation, also helping with traumatic brain injuries and psychological health conditions. I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own. '
May 1, 2015
Friday Favorites
Friday Favorites!
My eccentric, sweet Grammy came over the other day. She has dementia, so most of our talks are a repeat of the same stuff. So, it was a surprise to her that I had written not one, but two books. I had to break them out and let her read a little. I love this picture.
The Rockets are in the playoffs! And they won round one! YAY! My friend Jamie and I went to game two. It was so much fun. I can't wait to go next round. Let's go, Red Nation!
I started babysitting for the Figueroas when Emily was just four. Here she is getting ready for her senior prom. I was there to hang out with Chloe, the younger sister, so I was able to take a few shots, see Emily all dressed up with her handsome date, and even get a picture with the young lady who filled my Friday nights with such joy. (I'm going to be so sad when Chloe doesn't need me anymore and I don't get to see this sweet family every week!)
What's your favorite thing from the last week? '
My eccentric, sweet Grammy came over the other day. She has dementia, so most of our talks are a repeat of the same stuff. So, it was a surprise to her that I had written not one, but two books. I had to break them out and let her read a little. I love this picture.
The Rockets are in the playoffs! And they won round one! YAY! My friend Jamie and I went to game two. It was so much fun. I can't wait to go next round. Let's go, Red Nation!
I started babysitting for the Figueroas when Emily was just four. Here she is getting ready for her senior prom. I was there to hang out with Chloe, the younger sister, so I was able to take a few shots, see Emily all dressed up with her handsome date, and even get a picture with the young lady who filled my Friday nights with such joy. (I'm going to be so sad when Chloe doesn't need me anymore and I don't get to see this sweet family every week!) What's your favorite thing from the last week? '
April 30, 2015
From the Start: A Review
Summary: Kate writes romance movie scripts for a living, but she's stopped believing “true love” is real. Could a new friendship with former Nfl player Colton Greene restore her faith? My thoughts: This is a solid romance story. All the elements are there and done well. Tagg is a great writer. Although the family dynamics are outstanding and I look forward to reading more about this town and family, this book didn't stand out to me as much as Tagg's other books have. I can't put my finger on why exactly though....maybe because everyone was too nice/supportive/kind/etc. The only "rebel" is a young, coffee store owner, who I really hope shows up again. I liked the foster care element--that was my favorite part of the book. This is a sweet, satisfying read. I recommend it to fans of Susan May Warren and those who like series surrounding a strong family. I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own. '
April 17, 2015
Friday Favorites
It's been a great week! My birthday was last Saturday. My uncle had a family crawfish boil. 128 pounds of crawfish. Heaven.
My friend made me these amazing cake pops and chocolate-covered pretzels. So good. I'm blessed.
Then, Sunday, I went to the Rockets game with my sister. They won! It was so much fun. I can't wait for the playoffs to start this weekend. Go, RedNation!
Wednesday morning, I left home earlier than I usually wake up to head to Austin for the Texas Library Association's annual conference. It's an amazing thing. Three days of workshops, author signings, author talks, and walking the exhibit hall where there are aisles and aisles of vendors, publishers, and stores.
I got to meet Ally Carter for the second time. She's my favorite YA author. If you haven't read her books, you MUST! Spies, art thieves, and granddaughters of ambassadors. What more could a reader want?
My hotel was near a river, so I hung out each night after dinner near the water. So relaxing and soothing.
Such a great week!
'
My friend made me these amazing cake pops and chocolate-covered pretzels. So good. I'm blessed.
Then, Sunday, I went to the Rockets game with my sister. They won! It was so much fun. I can't wait for the playoffs to start this weekend. Go, RedNation! Wednesday morning, I left home earlier than I usually wake up to head to Austin for the Texas Library Association's annual conference. It's an amazing thing. Three days of workshops, author signings, author talks, and walking the exhibit hall where there are aisles and aisles of vendors, publishers, and stores.
I got to meet Ally Carter for the second time. She's my favorite YA author. If you haven't read her books, you MUST! Spies, art thieves, and granddaughters of ambassadors. What more could a reader want?
My hotel was near a river, so I hung out each night after dinner near the water. So relaxing and soothing.
Such a great week!
'
