Miranda Atchley's Blog, page 34

Book of the Week #50 "Lizzy and Jane"

Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay
At eighteen, Lizzy (or Elizabeth, as she prefers to be called) lost her mother to cancer. Now, at thirty-three, she's a chef at her own restaurant, Feast, in New York. She rarely visits her home state of Washington and doesn't keep in touch with her sister, Jane. Yet now her sister has cancer. Her father, who has always felt responsible for the differences between Lizzy and Jane, begs Lizzy to come back and spend time with Jane. Things haven't been going well at Feast, and Lizzy accepts the offer, hoping that time away from the restaurant will help her career. Yet when she arrives in Washington, things are up and down between Lizzy and Jane. At first, Jane doesn't seem very sick, but her illness soon rears its ugly head. Lizzy is offended when Jane can't keep the food she prepares down and still harbors a grudge left from Jane's absence during their mother's illness and passing. She talks to Jane and finds out what flavors taste good to her now that the chemo has altered her taste. Lizzy finally figures out how to prepare foods that Jane will be able to keep down without getting sick, yet things are still rocky with the anger they both hold against each other. Amidst the turmoil, Lizzy becomes close with her sister's friend Nick. Over the course of the month, she finds herself torn between Washington and New York. One of which she wants to
I have mixed feelings about this book. I like it, but it just feels like there's something missing for me. I don't know exactly what, but it lacks something that could give it a good boost. I think part of the problem is I'm not terribly fond of Lizzy, or Elizabeth as she's sometimes called. She just doesn't stand out to me. She doesn't seem like a person that is happy, and I know she's supposed to be struggling, but even in the scenes where she is supposed to be happy and the writing says that she is happy, I don't feel like she really is. And she really was not nice to her sister. I get that Lizzy was mad that Jane didn't spend time with their mother while she was sick, but I don't know that Lizzy should have said some of the things she did while Jane was sick. I mean, they had fights while Jane was at the hospital having chemotherapy. That just doesn't seem right to me. Another small issue I have with the book is that the title led me to believe Pride and Prejudice would play a big role in it, but it didn't. That is one of the least mentioned Austen books in Lizzy and Jane. But that's not really a huge issue, though.
What I did like about the book was Cecilia. It was so nice to see such a caring nurse that really wanted what was best for her patients. She was also a good friend for Lizzy; someone totally opposite from her that brought out the best in her. And even though Lizzy kind of got on my nerves through a lot of the book, it was nice to see her take the time to understand why Jane and Tyler weren't eating and find a way to make food that tasted good to them. It's a neat concept. As someone who has been surrounded by cancer patients my entire life, I don't know how realistic it is, but if it is, I think it's amazing.
All in all, Lizzy and Jane may not have been one of my favorite books, but there are certain elements of the book that I liked. If you're a big fan of contemporary women's fiction, then you will probably enjoy this book.
I give this book a 3 out of 5. 

Top Ten Tuesday: My Top Ten Episodes of Gilmore Girls

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and The Bookish .        Happy Tuesday, readers and friends. This week, our Top Ten Tuesday is a freebie topic. And since I could pick anything I want to write about, I decided to use this opportunity put up a post that I had written awhile back. Gilmore Girls is one of my favorite shows. It's funny, there's drama, and I love the relationship between Lorelai and Rory because it reminds me of the relationship I have with my mom. It's a feel-good show. I can't think of any episodes that I out-and-out dislike. True, there are some elements of certain episodes that I'm not fond of, but there are many more episodes that I love. Here are ten of my favorite episodes of Gilmore Girls.


10) PilotS1: E1In the very first episode of Gilmore Girls, we are introduced to young mother Lorelai and her teenage daughter Rory at their favorite place to eat; Luke's Diner, in the center of Stars Hollow Connecticut. Lorelai runs the Independence Inn while the very smart Rory attends to high school. Later in the episode, Rory is accepted into the prestigious prep school Chilton. The Gilmore girls couldn't be happier- until Lorelai sees the tuition bill. After tapping all but one resource that comes to mind, she comes to the solution she's been avoiding for years; her parents.I recently re-watched this one and it's interesting to see how different things were. So many things looked different, like Luke's Diner, Emily and Richard's house, and the characters, which I suppose is to be expected when a show lasts seven years. It was nice to go back and see where it all began.
9) The Road Trip to HarvardS2: E4It's the morning after Lorelai has called off her engagement to Max. Not wanting to endure the whole town looking upon her with pity, Lorelai decides she and Rory should take a road trip. They have no idea where they're going, but wind up at a quirky B&B named The Cheshire Cat. The bed and breakfast is a flop, but the whole trip is worth it as Rory visits Harvard for the first time.It was sad to see Lorelai and Rory fighting because Lorelai didn't want to talk about Max, but it was definitely nice to see Rory visit Harvard for the first time.
8) A Tale of Two Poes and FireS3: E17After receiving acceptance letters from three universities (Harvard, Yale and Princeton) Rory cannot decide which school she wants to go to. The decision should be easy as she has planned on attending Harvard all her life, but Yale is awfully tempting in its closeness to home. Yet Rory feels Lorelai will be unhappy with her decision to attend Yale after the stunt Richard pulled to get her an interview at the school. Meanwhile Kirk is making shirts depicting various things he sees around town, such as "Babette ate oatmeal." An Edgar Allen Poe recitation is taking place in town, where two actors recite The Raven. And then the Independence Inn catches fire. Lorelai scrambles about to find places for all of the guests to stay and ends up wandering the streets of Stars Hollow after offering her bed to a couple. By the end of the episode, Rory has made up her mind to attend Yale University and to show her approval, Lorelai decorates Rory's room with Yale posters and flags and pays Kirk to make shirts that say "Rory's going to Yale!"This was a great episode because we see Lorelai put her feelings about Yale aside as she realizes how happy Rory will be there. And Kirk is always funny and I think the t-shirt bit was one of his funniest moments. P.S. If you'd like to own the "Rory's going to Yale!" and/or the "Babette ate oatmeal" shirts, you can purchase them here on Amazon.
7) You Jump, I Jump, JackS5: E7Logan has kidnapped Rory for a Life and Death Brigade event in the woods. People are bungee jumping with umbrellas, holding entire conversations without the letter "e," and shooting bows and arrows. Rory roams around writing down the things she sees for an article in The Yale Daily News as everyone is dressed in formal wear and drinking champagne in this dream-like episode. I'm surprised that an episode that contains so much Logan has made it to my favorites list, but this is a nice one. The outfits are neat and there is just a sort of whimsical feel that I enjoy.
6) The Fundamental Things ApplyS4: E5In this episode, Rory goes on her first college date. She and her classmate Trevor go to a restaurant where Rory can't seem to think of anything to say. Meanwhile, Lorelai invites Luke over for movie night after learning he has never seen the classic Casablanca. But it's just casual (wink, wink).I'm not entirely sure why I enjoy this episode other than the fact that I like hearing the song Rushmole Ruffians by The Smiths playing at the end. This is a more lighthearted episode without a ton of drama. Though I do enjoy the drama aspects of the show, it's nice to have a simpler storyline here and there.
5) Let Me Hear Your Balalaikas Ringing OutS6: E8Jess is back in town. Normally one would smell trouble when that phrase is uttered, yet there's something different. First of all, he's published a book. Secondly, he works at the publishing house that published his book. And lastly, he isn't arrogant anymore! It's a miracle! Finding that Rory has dropped out of Yale, Jess reminds her of how much she loved school and dreamt of being a journalist and encourages her to go back. After going out to dinner with both Rory and Jess, Logan lets his true colors show, causing Rory to see him in a different light.I love this episode because finally someone is telling Rory what she has needed to hear for so long and if there's anyone that can get through to her, it's Jess. And I love that Jess has changed his life for the better. It's just a great episode.
4) They Shoot Gilmores, Don't They?S3: E7 It's a throwback to the 40s with a dance-a-thon in Stars Hollow. Lorelai is determined to defeat the champion Kirk and win this year, but can't find a partner. So, she enlists Rory. Dean decides to tag along and watch from the bleachers, where surprise, surprise, Jess and his girlfriend Shane are also watching. Keen to Rory's attention to Jess, Dean breaks up with her on the dance floor. As Kirk does victory laps around the gym to the Rocky theme song, the Gilmore girls stand in the middle of the floor, Lorelai comforting heartbroken Rory.
3) The Lorelais' First Night at YaleS4: E2After rushing about to fit five days' worth of activities into two, Rory is finally ready to move into the dorms of Yale University. Or so she thinks. She and Lorelai borrow Luke's truck and move all of her things into the dorms, yet when it comes time for Lorelai to leave, Rory finds she simply isn't ready yet. So Lorelai stays for a sleepover.I think this is a good episode because it really displays Lorelai and Rory's relationship. In scenes like the party where they order food for the entire hall and at night when they howl at the boys through the window, you see how good of friends they are. Yet when Lorelai leaves Yale (both times) we see how close they are as mother and daughter.
2) Those Are Strings, PinocchioS3: E22After three years of hard work (plus the ten years before she transferred schools), Rory is finally graduating from Chilton, and with top honors as valedictorian at that. Yet there's still room for drama in that the check Richard gave Lorelai disqualifies Rory for financial aid from Yale. This means that the plans to open The Dragonfly will be put on hold yet again. But Rory won't let it go without a fight. The ones closest to Rory attend her graduation, all swearing that they are simply too happy to cry. Yet when they hear her speech, with such kind words, no one is immune to tears. By the end of the episode, Rory is ready to attend Yale after a summer of backpacking through Europe with Lorelai, whom will get her inn after all.The speech Rory gives gets me every time. Hearing her speak of her mother and grandparents in such a nice way is just so touching. And when Luke says, "I'm blubberin', you freaks," it's funny in a touching sort of way. He really does care for her.
1) Bon VoyageS7: E22On the last episode of this beloved series, Rory is offered a job as a reporter for the Obama ad campaign. It's bittersweet as Rory's dreams of a career in journalism are finally coming true, yet her and Lorelai's plans of having the best summer ever (filled with rollercoasters, no less) are put on hold. The whole town of Stars Hollow pulls together for a loving send off to their beloved Rory, organized by none other than Luke. Okay, I balled when I watched this. It was so sad to think of it being the last episode of one of my favorite TV shows. But I feel like the show ended in the best way possible; Rory is off to pursue her dreams, Lorelai is backing her, the entire town of Stars Hollow gathers for a farewell party, and Richard and Emily finally give Lorelai the credit she deserves. And there may be a little something going on with Luke. Perfection.



So there are my top ten episodes of Gilmore Girls. With a show this fabulous, it's hard to narrow it down, yet in my opinion, these episodes are wonderful and get down to the heart of the show.
So, fellow fans of the show, what are some of your favorite episodes? I'd love to hear in the comments.

-Miranda Atchley 

Anne of Green Gables Read-Along Chapters 22-30

Hello, readers and friends. Sorry this is coming late; my laptop was being worked on yesterday and I wasn't able to get everything ready in time. Today I'm checking in with the fourth discussion post for the Anne of Green Gable read-along. I can't believe that next our read-along will be over! Time flies when you're having fun.
These chapters are tinged bittersweet. Slowly and subtly, Anne is growing up. She becomes a teenager and begins classes to prepare for entrance exam into Queen's. She begins to wonder if she'll be able to use her imagination the older she gets. Yet her imagination still manages to get her into trouble. Such as when she floats down the Lake of Shining Waters in Mr. Barry's boat, pretending to be the dead Elaine. When the boat fills with water, who else but that wicked Gilbert Blythe is to row up and save her? Still holding her grudge, Anne is adamant to not forgive him. Yet unbeknownst to anyone, Anne does forgive and forget. Anne also breaks her ankle by walking a ridge pole on a dare, and has an unfortunate incident when she dyes her hair.
Discussion Questions
This week I have only one question.
1: Do you feel that one should quit using their imagination as one grows?No, I don't. Obviously, because I'm an author, I don't think anyone should ever stop using their imagination. Of course, there are times when we have to be sensible and focus on tasks at hand, but I think imagination is one of God's greatest gifts. They can provide endless entertainment and help carry us through not-so-great times.
Favorite Quotes:
"And there is no sweeter music than that which the wind makes in the fir-trees at evening."
I can't believe we're entering the last week of the Anne of Green Gables read-along! I've had a lot of fun with it, and I hope you all have, too. See you next week for the last discussion.

-Miranda Atchley

Book of the Week #49 "Ain't We Got Fun"

Ain't We Got Fun by Emily Chapman and Emily Ann Putzke
In 1936, The Great Depression is hitting families hard.  21-year-old Georgianna Rowland, or Gi, as her family calls her, wants to be on her own and independent. She leaves her prairie upbringing in Kansas to live in New York City, hoping to find a glamorous job that will leave her with enough money to take care of her family. Meanwhile, her younger sister Bess stays at home and the two correspond through letters. At 17, Bess doesn't understand why Gi would want to leave their beloved home, though she herself feels bursts of "wanderlust" from time to time. Though there are differences in the girls' age as well as their living arrangements, the two still experience some of the same things, like first loves, and are heartbroken by the poverty and struggling all around them.
I've always been drawn to books about The Great Depression. It isn't my favorite era, and it isn't a particularly happy period to read about, but there's some essence about it that I'm drawn to. Aside from historical fiction, I would label this book under the coming of age genre. It details those feelings of uncertainty that we all feel as we grow, and the want to get away and experience something new. Though there is a four year age gap between the two sisters, they still find themselves experiencing first loves and find that they can learn from one another. Even though this story deals with The Great Depression, which is a very serious subject, there are touches of humor throughout the story that I feel help round it out and keep it from becoming too heavy, though it does detail some of the sadder parts of the era, as well as some of the trials that the girls must face. I think this would be a good book for teenagers that are interested in reading about The Great Depression, because they could find something to relate to in Gi and Bess.
All in all, I think this is a very nice coming of age tale set in one of America's most trying times.
I give this book a 4 out of 5.

Anne of Green Gables Read-Along Chapters 13-21

Hello, readers and friends! It's the third week of the Anne of Green Gables read-along, and today we're discussing chapters 13-21.
This set of chapters starts off with Marilla telling Anne about the church picnic. Anne is very excited, because she has never been to a picnic before. Yet whether or not she may go is questioned after Marilla's amethyst brooch goes missing. Anne admits she played with it, but is adamant that she replaced it. Alas, after making Anne stay in her room, Marilla finds the brooch and lets Anne go to the picnic. In the next chapter, Anne starts school in Avonlea where she meets that troublesome Gilbert Blythe, whom teases her about her hair and soon after becomes Anne's rival. Anne and Diana have their infamous tea party with disastrous results. Then Anne redeems herself in Mrs. Barry's eyes as she nurses Minnie May when she has the croup.
I must admit, I relate to Anne as she daydreams while going about with her daily chores. When I was eighteen, I took a part-time job at our church as a janitor to earn the money to publish my first book, Stephanie's Story . I still have that job. It's not a bad job, but admittedly, it isn't very glamorous. A lot of times I'll daydream as I go about cleaning, sometimes pretending I'm Cinderella or a servant on Donwton Abbey. Thank goodness I've never had a blunder like Anne's with the mouse in the pudding sauce! And I think we've all let our imaginations run away with us like Anne and Diana did with The Haunted Wood.
Discussion Questions
1: If you were to base your judgment of Anne and Gilbert's relationship off of their first meeting, in which he calls her Carrots and she breaks a slate over his head, what would you say their future would be?It's hard for me to think of their relationship in any other way because it feels like blasphemy for Anne to not be with Gilbert. If I didn't know the story, I'd probably say it would be similar to its true outcome; that they would become rivals. Yet I'd probably think that Anne wouldn't come to think of Gilbert in a romantic way- though I'm glad that she later changes her mind.
2: Do you feel like Mrs. Barry's judgment after the unfortunate tea party was fair?I understand that it would be scary and maddening if your kid came home drunk, but I feel like Mrs. Barry wasn't even trying to understand the situation.
3: Do you find it very likely that Josephine Barry would take a liking to Anne?I do. Even though Josephine is a bit of a crusty woman and doesn't seem to like many people, I think Anne's personality contrasts her's and sort of catches her off guard. As Matthew always says, Anne is interesting, and I think that caused Josephine to want to visit with her.
4: Why do you think that Anne was so taken with Mrs. Allan?I think it was because Mrs. Allan was very fashionable, but also because she was very nice and sweet. She was a good role model for young girls.
Favorite Quotes
"Oh Marilla, looking forward to things is half the fun of them," exclaimed Anne.
"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."
"But, really Marilla, one can't stay sad long in such an interesting world, can one?"

"Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?"

Book of the Week #48 "Of Dubious and Questionable Memory"

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Of Dubious and Questionable Memory by Rachel McMillan
What happens when a former bachelor girl detective marries? Why, her partner simply has to travel down the street rather than the hall to stir up trouble and invite her friend on the case. Even with Jem now married to her dream guy, Ray DeLuca, Merinda still expects them to stay a team, and Jem couldn't stay away from detective-hood if she tried. When the two are contacted about a missing woman in Boston, they hop a train in no time flat, off to solve another mystery. Yet not without the disapproval of Ray and Jasper, who think Merinda and Jem are being a bit too reckless with their careers. Once in Boston, the two find it strange that the sister of the missing girl, Del, isn't more upset than she is. Even more so that the police gave up searching for her after little effort, and that no one in town seems to know who she is.
I think this is my favorite book in The Herringford and Watts Series so far, and that's saying a lot considering how much I enjoyed the other two books in the series. Little Women is one of my all-time favorite books, and I so loved reading about Jem and Merinda visiting Orchard House (that is on my bucket list!) and finding a copy of Little Women in Del's things. Rachel simply has knack for packing a lot of content into a small package and making it work. Though this novella is only 56 pages long, there is still much mystery and intrigue, wit, and deals with some of the issues between Jem and Ray. And it all works. For a short time in the book, I was almost put out with Ray, yet when he explained himself to Jem, I forgave him for his outburst at Jasper's birthday party. And he made lemon jam for her, and that definitely helped to smooth things over.
All in all, Of Dubious and Questionable Memory is, in my opinion, the best installment of this sparkling series yet. I enjoyed every bit of it, and look forward to more of Jem and Merinda's (and Ray and Jasper's) adventures.

I give this book a 5 out of 5.

Lately 6.10.16

Hello there, readers and friends. I hope the month of June has been treating you well thus far. I thought I'd write a lately post just to share some of the things in my life lately.
Reading
Right now, of course, I'm reading Anne of Green Gables as a part of the read-along (which has been a blast!). I read Rachel McMillan's new novella Of Dubious and Questionable Memory when it came out last week. I really loved it and consider it my favorite of The Herringford and Watts Series so far. I'm going to feature it as the Book of the Week next week, so keep your eyes peeled for that. I also read Jane Austen's Love and Friendship and I loved it, too. I'm really looking forward to seeing the movie. I downloaded Kristy Cambron's The Ringmaster's Wife when it came out on Tuesday and am enjoying it.
Watching
I haven't been watching much of anything lately. Just old DVDs I've seen a hundred times. I'd really like to find a new show to watch, particularly something light hearted and fun to watch when I'm feeling anxious. I'll probably sound like an old lady, but there is nothing worth watching on these days. Everything is either vulgar or just silly and nothing that is interesting. I can't remember the last new show I watched that actually grabbed my attention and held it. I've been considering giving The Office a try, but I'm still on the fence. I remember watching it with my brother some years ago, but I didn't see that many episodes. I so wish there were another show like Gilmore Girls or another good period drama like Downton Abbey on these days. Those are my favorites. If you have any suggestions, send them my way!
Writing
I've been working here and there on a sequel to A Castle in the Sky. I have the general idea for it worked out, I just need to get in gear and get it done. I kind of took a little bit of time off recently, which did me good, I feel. I'm ready to work on new blog posts and plan some new stories.
Other
I try not to get too personal on here, because let's face it; that's scary. And my intention with this blog is to talk about books and writing. But I don't feel like this is that soul bearing, just maybe a tad bit embarrassing, though I don't see why it should be. See, recently I was notified that our internet provider (Straight Talk mobile wifi) was discontinuing their internet service. To be honest, I had sort of mixed feelings when they told me a few weeks ago when I added more service for the month. On one hand, I was bummed because I do use the internet for my blog and to promote my books as well as for other things like email, Twitter, etc... But on the other hand, I was almost relieved. I'd been wanting to cut down on internet time, because I'm beginning to feel like the less time spent online, the better. There are so many negative things online these days, it's depressing. And it's such a distraction from more important things. And it's so expensive! I live out in the boonies, and it's incredibly hard to find internet out here. The service I had been using was basically the cheapest for the amount we could use (4 GBs for $40) but still, I feel like that's just too much. So, I've just started using a computer at our library. I was kind of nervous about this in the beginning, because I wasn't sure how I could work things out with my blog on a public computer. But it's actually pretty easy. I work on my posts on my laptop at home, put them on my flash drive and take it to the library with me. Thank goodness Blogger allows you to schedule posts and save them as drafts. I know what you're thinking; Why don't I just take my laptop to a place that offers public wifi? Well, you see, my laptop is getting on in years, and has become quite fickle about when it will connect to the internet. My brother is a computer programmer, and I'm planning on having him look at it soon, though chances are I will probably have to purchase a new laptop soon. I must admit the old fellow has served me well; it lasted through my short stint in college, I've written four novels on it, as well as begun tons more novels and written over 200 blog posts on it. But you know, I'm really not that bummed that I don't have internet at home anymore. It really isn't that bad. It certainly frees up time to write and read and paint and color in one of the adult coloring books I've become a fan of. My phone isn't a smart phone, but I do have a little bit of data each month on it where I can pop in on Twitter here and there as well as check my email.  So I want all of you to know that maybe I won't be able to respond to your comments as soon as you post them, but I will read all of them just like always and respond just as soon as I get the chance. The way I go about blogging may change a little, but I will still be very much involved.
Thank you all for stopping by today. I hope you all have a lovely weekend. See you next time with more tales of a real writer's life.

-Miranda Atchley

Anne of Green Gables Read-Along Chapters 4-12

Welcome to the second week of the Anne of Green Gables read-along, readers and friends! I hope you have all had fun with this read-along so far. I know I have. I find myself getting so wrapped up in the book that I forget I'm supposed to be writing down discussion questions to post.
During last week's chapters, we were just getting started with the book, and each chapter detailed the surprise that Anne's arrival brought. In this set of chapters, we read as Anne waits to find whether or not she'll be staying at Green Gables, as Marilla decides to let her stay, and as Anne begins to settle in at her new home. Yet Anne being Anne can't accomplish this task without falling into a bit of mischief because of her imagination- and temper. And, Anne finally finds her "bosom friend" in Diana Barry. We learn more of Anne's sad history and read more of her imaginings.
Discussion Questions:
1: In these chapters, we see more of Marilla Cuthbert than in the previous three. What are your impressions of her?When I first watched the movie as a teenager, I remember being sort of afraid of Marilla. She's so gruff in the beginning, but she does become softer as the story goes. I feel like in the book, L.M. Montgomery gives us peeks into Marilla's heart and that they make you like her more and makes her seem less scary.
2: Mrs. Rachel Lynde voices some strong opinions of Anne, and vice versa. What do you think of Mrs. Rachel's opinions? And what of Anne's reactionMrs. Rachel certainly threw out some opinions. She was quite harsh, and I feel like her statements were uncalled for.
3: Upon hearing Mrs. Rachel's opinions, Anne lashes out with some bold statements of her own. What do you think of her reaction?I feel like Anne's reaction was a bit over-the-top, too. But, I kind of can't blame her, because I'm not so sure I would react differently (I know I'd least be thinkingwhat Anne said) if I were in her shoes.
 4: Anne of Green Gables is L.M. Montgomery's most known work, yet she's written more than 20 other novels, hundreds of poems and just as many essays. Have you ever read any of her other works?Yes. I've read most of the Anne of Green Gables series, save for the last two. I've also read the Emily of New Moon series (and would definitely recommend it to those who love Anne of Green Gables) as well as Akin to Anne, Jane of Lantern Hill, A Tangled Web and The Blue Castle. Throughout the course of my life, I'd like to read everything L.M. Montgomery has written.
Favorite Quotes
Gossamers glimmered like threads of silver among the trees and the fir boughs and tassels seemed to utter friendly speech. (I feel like this is a beautiful example of L.M. Montgomery's lovely descriptions of nature.)
Gracious Heavenly Father, I thank Thee for the White Way of Delight and the Lake of Shining Waters and Bonny and the Snow Queen. These are all the blessings I can think of just now to thank Thee for. As for the things I want, they're so numerous that it would take a great deal of time to name them all so I will only mention the two most important. Please let me stay at Green Gables and please let me be good-looking when I grow up.
You're a queer girl, Anne. I heard before that you were queer. But I believe I'm going to like you real well.
If you're reading Anne of Green Gables (or have read it in the past) leave your thoughts in the comment section. And don't forget that if you're on Twitter to tweet your thoughts throughout the week using #AOGGRAL See you all next with more discussion about Anne of Green Gables.

-Miranda Atchley

Book of the Week #47 "The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder"

The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder by Rachel McMillan
Merinda Herringford and Jem Watts are two bachelor girls living in 1910s Toronto. The two are up and coming detectives, whose names are beginning to spread about the city. This could be accredited to Ray DeLuca of The Hogtown Herald, a friend to Merinda and Jem. The two also have a friend in Detective Constable Jasper Forth. When the body of an immigrant Irish woman appears on the floor of The Elgin Theatre, Jasper, against his better judgment, allows Jem and Merinda onto the scene to investigate. Jasper gets demoted for his letting the ladies onto the premises. And then another body turns up. Jem and Merinda are on the case, but not without causing an uproar. The Morality Squad, who feel it is their duty to keep the women of Toronto in their place, have their eyes set on the women detectives and one of their members is interested in Jem. Yet she has eyes only for an Italian newspaper reporter, who's journal she just so happens to be in possession of. His descriptions of the city Jem so dearly loves do a number on her heart. They're so beautiful, in fact, that they help her to look over the fact that Ray's poetry is atrocious. But all the hopes in her heart could be smothered by the reality of her career.

I enjoyed this book just as much as I expected to. I loved A Singular and Whimsical Problem so I had high expectations. It's charming and filled with suspense; both in how the case will turn out, as well as how Jem's relationships will play out. And The Ending; oh my word! I won't give away an spoilers; just suffice it to say that I did not see The Ending coming. I mean, I suspected it later in the series, but the fact that it happened in this book made me curious how things would go in future books.

The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder is a sparkling novel that fans of cozy mysteries and historical fiction will surely enjoy.

I give this book a 5 out of 5.

Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Reasons Why I Love Thrift Stores

Today's Top Ten Tuesday post is sort of an open topic. This week, we were asked to list ten reasons why we love "x". We can pick any topic we'd like, from certain book genres, food, television shows, nature, etc... The sky is the limit. I decided to go with thrift stores. I love thrift stores. It's one of the very few things my mom and I differ on (my grandmother left behind a lot of things and my mom doesn't see the point in going to thrift stores with all the stuff we already have). But it was one of the things my grandmother I did together. I must admit, when I was little and tagged along to yard sales and resale shops with her, I found it kind of boring and didn't see the point. But the older I've gotten, the more I've come to appreciate them and I have fond memories of outings to look for vintage gems.
Top Ten Reasons Why I Love Thrift Stores
10: Hidden GemsYou never know what you're going to find at a thrift store. One of the first things I look for at resale shops are books (are you shocked?) and I once found a signed copy of Sarah, Plain and Tall. I still consider it one of my favorite finds, though there are many that bring back fond memories.
9: Supporting Local ArtistsLots of times thrift stores rent out booths and people sell handmade pieces in them. It's nice to know that you're supporting an artist by purchasing something they put their soul into.
8: Good PricesGranted, I have been to thrift stores that I feel are too pricey, yet most are generally pretty reasonable. That signed copy of Sarah, Plain and Tall I mentioned? I got it for 10 cents. Yep; one little dime. You can find so many things for good prices at thrift stores.
7: My GrandmotherMy grandma loved to go to thrift stores, and her house still pretty much looks like one, because most of the things she decorated with came from a thrift store. We used to go to resale shops together a lot. Every time I go to a thrift store I think of her, and I'll take all the memories of her that I can get.
6: The AtmosphereMaybe it's the fact that they remind me of my grandmother, but to me thrift stores have a really neat atmosphere. It's sort of cozy and warmer than other stores.
5: The HuntI just find it really fun to go to a thrift store and search through the many piles of things. It's really neat to see the variety of items that numerous people have placed for purchase. You can go in looking for one item and wind up finding something really special you never dreamed you would have come across. Granted, that could be a bit dangerous, but it's pretty neat.
4: Retro ThingsHave you ever considered that the things you find at thrift stores have a story? That maybe the knick-knack you bought was once an anniversary gift, or someone originally bought the painting hanging on your wall because it reminded them of someone else. These things could hold endless stories and that's a beautiful thing. You can't get that a retail store.
3: Handmade CraftsMany times you'll find handmade items at thrift stores. It's really neat to see how people repurpose old items that seem unusable and make them something really great.
2: Waste Not, Want NotI'm not a huge recycling enthusiast, though I know it couldn't hurt to be a little more environmentally conscious. Still, I think it's great that people are able to find old things at thrift stores instead of letting them sit and rot.
1: Unique ItemsWhen it comes down to it, you just can't go to a place like Walmart or Target and find the things you'll find at a thrift store. If you're decorating, thrift stores are an awesome place to go. I'd wager to say that about 75% of the things in my room were in a resale shop at one point in time. And I love the way all of these neat pieces come together. You can find sturdy pieces that have stood the test of time for cheaper than a-not-so-well-crafted piece of furniture at one of the major retail stores. And they look so much more interesting than the run of the mill pieces.
Thank you all for stopping by today. I hope you've enjoyed this post. Swing by tomorrow for Book of the Week!
-Miranda Atchley