L-J's Review of Something Borrowed

I was looking for some fun, fast chick-lit and this book delivered.  It was fast-paced, entertaining and fun.  I loved all the supporting characters, especially Ethan in England and Hillary.  My only complaint is how it all came together rather quickly at the end.  I also feel like it left the reader hanging, wanting more.  Perhaps that was the author's intention as I'm fairly certain Something Blue is a sequel.

The main thing I can say about this book is that it's one of those where you just love the supporting characters.  I loved them more than I loved the main character.  The main character was kind of blah.  Don't get me wrong, I rooted for Rachel throughout, but she was blah nevertheless.

I look forward to seeing this book brought to life in the movies this spring/summer.  I am curious to see how Kate Hudson pulls off the role of Darcy though I DEFINITELY agree with the choice of Ginnifer Goodwin as Rachel.  My only reservations about Kate Hudson is that she is absolutely adorable and such a lovable character is all of her movies.  We'll see if she can pull off the girl we all hate.

L-J's Review of Barbara Walter's Audition

Barbara Walter's is such a fascinating human being.  I have been listening to her Monday afternoon radio program off and on for a few years now and used to watch 20/20 on Friday nights after TGIF at my great-grandparents' house.


Before beginning to read the memoir, I read a review in which the critic basically said it was a name-dropping extravaganza. Well, hello! She's been in news-casting FOREVER. That's half the reason for reading her autobiography; at least it was half of why I read it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, though she often went off on tangents and some parts seemed to be random ramblings of memories.  I did not mind it because I feel it's how I remember things in my life.


Overall, it was a fascinating read.  I'm a fan!

L-J's Review of Mini-Shopaholic

While it was not my favorite of the shopaholic books--nothing tops the first one of course--I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  Some of the funniest moments of the series happen in this book--like everyone performing at the baptism to make the priest have to wait for Luke to arrive.  I just love Becky and all her antics.  It was a fun fast read.

Based on the way it ended, I'm hoping there will be a continuation of the series.  If so, I certainly will read it!

L-J's review of Notorious Royal Marriages: A Juicy Journey Through Nine Centuries of Dynasty, Destiny, and Desire

This book, Notorious Royal Marriages: A Juicy Journey Through Nine Centuries of Dynasty, Destiny, and Desire, is a non-fictional look at various European Royal marriages throughout history.  It was a fun, engaging read and is something I'd recommend to anyone interested in what can only be called royal gossip.  As an avid fan of current celebrity gossip, of course I'm also obsessed with historical gossip.

My only complaint is that my own fault.  I have already read much on Henry the VIII and his 6 wives, thus making those 6 chapters a little boring for me.  

After reading this book, I discovered a trilogy of movies about one of the couples included, Franz Josef I of Austria and his wife Elisabeth of Bavaria (Sissi).  All three of the movies can be found on Netflix instant play right now.  I already have watched the first 2.  Unsurprisingly, the relationship between the two is much more loving and romantic in the movie than in the historical accounts, but I'm enjoying it nonetheless.

I realize this is not an in-depth review but I will say I thoroughly enjoyed this book, could not wait for a chance to continue reading it, and now plan to read another book by the same author: Royal Affairs: A Lusty Romp Through the Extramarital Adventures That Rocked the British Monarchy.

                                                  

L-J's Book review of Pretty Little Liars

I stumbled upon a fun TV series last summer called Pretty Little Liars on ABC Family and it became my immediate guilty pleasure.  I was intrigued from the beginning and when I discovered it was based on a book series, of course I had to read them.

I have read all 8 books and highly recommend them.  They are suspenseful, enticing, intriguing, delicious, and satisfying.  You wouldn't think a series (other than maybe Harry Potter or Twilight) could successfully linger on for 8 books but this one does.  Each book is different but keeps you wanting more.  The surprising twists and turns kept me going for weeks.  I could not put these books down once I started one.  

The TV series follows the books somewhat though with many changes.  I like some of the changes but do not understand some of the others.  Regardless, I cannot stop watching the show.  It's pretty awesome.

Another insulin pump convo with Gavin

Gavin and I had another conversation about my insulin pump yesterday.  It went something like this:

Gavin: Mommy, did you take your medicine?  The one that keeps you from dying?

Me: Yes I am still taking it.

Gavin: Why did you take it off?  Remember when you took it off a long time ago?  I told you not to.

Me: Sweetie, that was when I had to change out the insulin cartridge.

Gavin: Are you going to die?

Me: No, Baby!  I promise I will take my medicine so I can stay here with you.  You don't need to worry.  I promise you!

Gavin: Good.

Poor Gavin!  I don't want him to be worrying about this so young.  I always worried that something was going to happen to my mom and/or Dean.  I used to have to get "one more hug" over and over again before I'd leave or let them leave.  I did not overcome that issue until I was an adult.  I don't want Gavin to be inhibited by fear like I always was.

Where a song can take you...

It's funny how hearing a song can take you back to a moment or time period in your life.  For example...

Madonna's Like a Prayer takes me back to figure skating at Plaza of the Americas around the age of 6.

Bryan Adam's Everything I do (I do it for you) takes me back to riding around in a babysitter's car (Erin) with Sarah Kirby.

Celine Dion and Alannis Morisette take me back to middle school.

I swear,  Boyz II Men songs, and a lot of Green Day songs take me back to Camp Sweeney dances every summer.

Pretty much anything by *NSYNC or BSB takes me back to high school and early college.

Nelly's Hot in Herre and Ludacris's What's yo fantasy take me back to college.

Usher's Yeah takes me back to the summer before I met Brady

Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway takes me back to when Brady and I first got together.  It was playing on the radio when Brady was driving on our first date.

Ciara's Oh takes me back to the summer Brady and I spent in Vermont...

Nick Lachey's What's left of me takes me back to when Gavin was a baby (it was played all the time that summer, if I remember correctly).

Flo Rida's Low and Jordan Sparks's No air take me back to the spring of house hunting and moving

There are many more I could reference.  It's so crazy how you can hear a song and it just transports you back in time.  I love it!