In the beginning of this novel, before the story even begins, the author quotes this bible verse: “Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13: 1-2.

So what did I think of this book? I liked it. From the very beginning, it peek my interest. It didn’t start out slow to me at all. I was already intrigued.

This novel was written from the perspective of a Bed and Breakfast owner Edith Ryan, she is a Pastor’s wife and she has four grown married children. Edith lives in a Christmas all year round quaint little town called “Christmas Valley.” Where all the businesses are Christmas themed and named after something relating to the holiday, e.g, The North Pole Coffee Shop, Mrs. Santa’s Diner, Shepherd’s Inn Bed and Breakfast, etc.

Though most people in the town tend to get tired of the ongoing Christmas theme of the town, Edith loves it and loves it even more when Christmas season comes around and all her kids come home for the holidays. Edith loves being surrounded by her kids and grandkids during the holidays, but this Christmas none of her kids are able to come home.

Inspired by one of her husband’s midweek messages about being hospitable to strangers because you maybe entertaining angels unawares. Edith had a great idea. So that she and her husband won’t be alone this Christmas, she’ll open up the Bed & Breakfast for the holidays; and do her best to make her guest’s stay extra special and festive.

Edith anticipated what kind of guest would arrive. Her husband supported her idea, and they both prayed to God asking him to send the right people to them, people who needed a little Christmas cheer this year.

The arrival of her first guest really started to shake things up in Christmas Valley. She was a very cantankerous, opinionated, strong-willed, pushy old lady named Myrtle Pinkerton. A woman who was not afraid to voice her opinion to others openly, not worrying too much of who she offends or how she comes across.

Other guest included Jim and Carmen Fields, a thirty-something couple, who constantly argues, an elderly widower named Albert Benson, a divorced mother named Leslie and her five year old daughter, Meghan, and Lauren and Michael Thomas who have huge problems of their own.

Half way through the book marks the arrival of the very eccentric, very colorful Christmas Bus (so called by Edith), a home and mode of transportation for a very young and very poor pregnant couple, Collin and Amy, who were on their way to California, so Collin could find work, but got a little derailed by engine trouble.

Because it was snowing heavily outside, they thought they’d use what little they have to treat themselves to a room at the Inn for one night, but there was no room at the inn, this reminded Edith of the first Christmas story of so very long ago.

Even though the name of this story is “The Christmas Bus.” I think there was a character in this story that stood out more than the bus itself. Myrtle Pinkerton, as I mentioned before, really shook things up in Christmas Valley upon her arrival. She rubbed many people the wrong way, as did that very loud, eye-catching bus parked in front of Shepherd’s Inn, which the townsfolk including the Major thought was spoiling the well-planned ambience of the town.

Nevertheless, she changed the lives of all the people she came into contact with, without them realizing until she was gone. Leaving folks to wonder was she an angel disguised in a very unconventional package, but as for Charles and Edith Ryan they believed she was.

I thought the book was well written, I love the depiction of the characters; some more defined than others. I like that the setting of the story takes place at a Bed and Breakfast which leaves room for all kinds of characters of all kinds of different backgrounds, to come together under one roof and mix-mesh, but the true stand-out character was definitely Myrtle.

Although, I don’t really have much complaints about the story nor was I completely disappointed at the outcome, it felt a bit unfinished, like it was missing something and it needed a more powerful, heartwarming and impactful ending to knit the whole story and the character’s evolution together. I felt like I didn’t quite get the revolutionary ending I was expecting.

Coming to the last few chapters, I felt the character Myrtle cooking up a good stew that would change the town and the folks staying at Shepherd’s Inn lives forever. I just did not feel that it was clearly defined in the end. It left me really wanting to know, well, what happens now for all these people. The author just hinted at some possibilities, without truly giving us closure. I hate that.

Nevertheless, I still liked this book despite not getting the closure I was hoping for in the end. I don’t want to discourage you, it is a good book. It needed more but I still think it is a very nice book to read and relax with. So go for it and tell me what you think?

* * * * (4 stars out of 5)

Christmas in July Reading Marathon

Book One- The Treasure of Christmas- A 3-n-1 Christmas Collection

Novel One- “The Christmas Bus”

Up Next- “The Gift of Christmas Present”

Nevertheless, this year I am doing something different. This year I am launching a “Christmas in July Reading Marathon.” What that means is; I am reading a whole bunch a Christmas novels by Christian author Melody Carlson.

Where did I get the idea? Well, I very rarely read fiction, even though I do like fiction and often enjoy the books I choose to read in that department, I tend to gravitate more to non-fiction self-help/Christian living/inspiring/motivational type books featuring authors like Joyce Meyer and others. Nevertheless, this year, I’ve not been feeling so great, been having a hard time with my pregnancy, haven’t been feeling the renewal of body, mind and soul vibe lately, unfortuantely.  I just felt like reading something light and fun, where all I needed to do is sit back, relax and enjoy, not think so much about getting my act together. Can you relate?

So last month, I bought a book called “These Boots Weren’t Made for Walking,” which I loved, authored by Melody Carlson. It’s the first book I have ever read of hers. It got so good in the end, I couldn’t put it down, I loved how it ended but felt sad that that journey was over, I wanted more. So I went to my bookshelf, found the only unread fiction I had, and it was a Christmas book I bought last December but didn’t get around to reading and it was written by the same author Melody Carlson. I said “what the heck” and even though it was June, I read it; loved it and finished it in two or three days, a book has got to be good for me to do that.

That’s when I discovered all these other Christmas novels she has written and I saw a two book package on sale at Christianbook.com for $19.99; it featured two 3-in-1 Christmas books by Melody Carlson. One is called “The Treasure of Christmas” featuring “The Christmas Bus,” “Gift of Christmas Present,” and “Angels in the Snow.” The other one is called “The Joy of Christmas” featuring “An Irish Christmas,” “All I have to Give,” and “The Christmas Dog.”

I just finished reading the first novel, “The Christmas Bus,” it was very enjoyable, finished reading it in less than a week; I’ll soon post my review of that one and all the others. I hope to inspire you to share in the reading and discussing of these books with me or to talk about what you are reading. Nevertheless, it is going to be a fun summer for me, reading and otherwise. P.S- Though I’m calling this project, what I am calling it, I am not putting any pressure on myself to complete all six books by July’s end, what’s the fun in that, I’m just going to read as I can and enjoy them naturally, and post my review when I finish each book. It’ll be fun. Happy summer!

To tell you the truth it started off just a little slow in the first chapter or two, but then it really picked up for me and I really got into it. I thought it was a very compelling story of forgiveness. I couldn’t put it down; I read it in two days, staying up till three in the morning on day two.

This book spoke of a woman named Lena, who cared, who gave, who dared to dream but she had a bit of low self-esteem because of the way she was raised by her parents; and because of her own naivety and her father’s pushing, she married a dishonest man, who cheated her out of everything, her dreams, her money, her life, her faith and her will to fight.

Lena was accused of a crime she didn’t commit and everyone from her family and Church turned their backs on her. While she was in prison waiting for her wicked husband to fix everything, he was out there planting seeds of lies, convincing everyone in Lena’s life, including her parents, that she did what she was accused of.

So Lena served her time with a broken heart and a broken soul. Now she was on her way to a new start. She found her way to a town called “New Haven,” and interestingly enough, “Haven” means a place a refuge or rest, a sanctuary. Wow, I just thought of that.

She met some kind, accepting people there and somehow because of the second-hand coat she was given, got a job that saved her life and boost her self-esteem. When Lena first arrived at the place she was staying, which was kind of a dump where people who didn’t have much money lived; despite the hurt and pain she went through, she still gave her love and kindness to others. Just by a few small acts of kindness, she ended up helping a struggling single mother of one sweet little girl, get a job and get her life back together, and brought some happiness back their lives. This part of the story really touched my heart.

There is a lot to this story that makes it dynamic and gives it heart. I love the characters, I love the message of forgiveness, moving on and new starts, which is something unforgiving people don’t want you to have (that is also spoken of in this story). I love this book and it inspired me to launch a “Christmas in July” reading marathon featuring Melody Carlson. Tell you about that later. By the way, I bought this book from my favorite online Christian book store, where I buy most my books online these days, www.christianbook.com. I hope you buy it, read it and like it too. If you have already read it, please share with me what you think.

A Short film based on the short story written by Max Lucado entitled “The People with Roses” found in the book “And the Angels were Silent” by Max Lucado.

 I watched this short film on TBN last night, and found it to be a very beautiful story that truly came together and exerted its significance at the very end.

 The People With Roses

 John Blanchard stood up from the bench, straightened his Army uniform, and studied the crowd of people making their way through Grand Central Station. He looked for the girl whose heart he knew, but whose face he didn’t, the girl with the rose. His interest in her had begun thirteen months before in a Florida library. Taking a book off the shelf he found himself intrigued, not with the words of the book, but with the notes penciled in the margin. The soft handwriting reflected a thoughtful soul and insightful mind.

In the front of the book, he discovered the previous owner’s name, Miss Hollis Maynell. With time and effort he located her address. She lived in New York City. He wrote her a letter introducing himself and inviting her to correspond. The next day he was shipped overseas for service in World War II.

During the next year and one-month the two grew to know each other through the mail. Each letter was a seed falling on a fertile heart. A Romance was budding. Blanchard requested a photograph, but she refused. She felt that if he really cared, it wouldn’t matter what she looked like.

When the day finally came for him to return from Europe, they scheduled their first meeting – 7:00 PM at the Grand Central Station in New York. “You’ll recognize me,” she wrote, “by the red rose I’ll be wearing on my lapel.” So at 7:00 he was in the station looking for a girl whose heart he loved, but whose face he’d never seen.

I’ll let Mr. Blanchard tell you what happened:

A young woman was coming toward me, her figure long and slim. Her blonde hair lay back in curls from her delicate ears; her eyes were blue as flowers. Her lips and chin had a gentle firmness, and in her pale green suit she was like springtime come alive. I started toward her, entirely forgetting to notice that she was not wearing a rose.

As I moved, a small, provocative smile curved her lips. “Going my way, sailor?” she murmured. Almost uncontrollably I made one step closer to her, and then I saw Hollis Maynell. She was standing almost directly behind the girl.

A woman well past 40, she had graying hair tucked under a worn hat. She was more than plump, her thick-ankled feet thrust into low-heeled shoes. The girl in the green suit was walking quickly away. I felt as though I was split in two, so keen was my desire to follow her, and yet so deep was my longing for the woman whose spirit had truly companioned me and upheld my own. And there she stood. Her pale, plump face was gentle and sensible, her gray eyes had a warm and kindly twinkle. I did not hesitate. My fingers gripped the small worn blue leather copy of the book that was to identify me to her.

This would not be love, but it would be something precious, something perhaps even better than love, a friendship for which I had been and must ever be grateful.

I squared my shoulders and saluted and held out the book to the woman, even though while I spoke I felt choked by the bitterness of my disappointment. “I’m Lieutenant John Blanchard, and you must be Miss Maynell. I am so glad you could meet me; may I take you to dinner?”

The woman’s face broadened into a tolerant smile. “I don’t know what this is about, son,” she answered, “but the young lady in the green suit who just went by, she begged me to wear this rose on my coat. And she said if you were to ask me out to dinner, I should go and tell you that she is waiting for you in the big restaurant across the street. She said it was some kind of test!”

My Favorite Quotes in the Film were:

“Tell me who you love and I’ll tell you who you are”

“I’m as old as everything I’ve ever done and as young as everything I still want to do”

 I highly recommend this film. I give it four stars. I don’t think the true essence of its meaning has taken root in my heart yet, but I pray God gives me the full understanding in time. Maybe as my own life experience with real love and making Godly choices evolve. If you see this film show up on your t.v listings or have the opportunity to rent it. Go for it. It’s really sweet and meaningful.

1 Corinthians 13 (New International Version, ©2010)

1 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Happy Valentine’s Day

I thought this book might offer some inspiration and help me in my quest to be a confident woman, mother, wife and leader. So far I have read the first four chapters. So here are some excerpts here and there, that I have absorb from what I read so far.

Excerpts from Chapter One- Confidence

“A person without confidence is like an airplane sitting on a runway with empty fuel tanks. The plane has the ability to fly, but without some fuel, it’s not getting off the ground.”

“People with low confidence, on the other hand, are not sure about anything. They are double-minded, indecisive people who constantly get frustrated with life. If they do make a decision, they are tormented by self-doubt. They second-guess (and third- and fourth-guess) themselves. As a result, they don’t live boldly. They live little, narrow lives, and they miss out on the big, rewarding life God wants them to enjoy.”

Sounds like who I would completely become, if not for the encouragement of my husband to step out into very uncomfortable situations (outside my comfort-zone).

Another excerpt from this chapter:

“Fear is a dangerous virus, because a fearful person has no confidence and can never reach her potential in life. She won’t step out of her comfort zone to do anything-especially something new or different. Fear is a cruel ruler, and its subjects live in constant torment.”

I know these words well. I live these words, but I don’t want to anymore. For the sake of my kids I have to break free, break this cycle before my little all-stars never get to shine or live the way God intended.

In Chapter Two and Three; Joyce Meyer discusses women in ministry, discrimination against women, the Women’s Right Movement, the bible verse in which Paul says something to the affect of woman being silent in church and more. Not from a feminist stand-point but from a biblical perspective (her interpretation of God’s word).

In Chapter four; she list and expand on seven secrets of a confident woman.  Secret # 2 stuck out to me most because that is the stronghold I struggle with most.

Excerpts from Chapter Four- Seven Secrets of a Confident Woman

Secret # 2 – A confident woman refuses to live in fear.

“The Bible says that God has not given us the spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). Fear is not from the God; it is the devil’s tool to keep people from enjoying their lives and making progress. Fear causes a person to run, retreat, or shrink back.”

“Satan is a liar. He lies to people and places images on the picture screen of their minds that show defeat and embarrassment. For this reason, we need to know God’s promises (His word) so we can cast down the lies of the enemy and refuse to listen to him.”

Joyce Meyer had her fair share of emotional turmoil and bad experiences, and she pulled through to become a renowned bible teacher and author. If she can overcome who she use to be, with all she experienced, and live out God’s plan for her life; so could we.

Next Chapter: “The Woman I Did Not Like”…………

High School Musical 3: Senior Year Movie 

You know when you hear a song for the first time; some songs, they grab you right away and you know for sure you love them; and then there are other songs you listen to and it doesn’t catch you right away but you listen to it over and over a few times and then you’re hooked. Well; I am hoping that will soon be the case; where my opinion of High School Musical 3 is concerned. I really liked High School Musical and I absolutely loved High School Musical 2 but I am not at all sure; whether I love, liked or thought the third edition of that franchise was just okay.

            I am actually very surprised that I get to review this movie at this time; I was certain that I’d have to wait for the DVD; because I had no one to go to the theater with; luckily; I went with my pen-pal visiting from Japan (how cool is it to say that) and I thought since music is an universal language; taking her to see a musical; especially with a sexy cast her age (she’s nineteen); I can’t go wrong. She loved it.

            For me; I am not really sure how I feel about it; I mean the musical numbers; choreography and creativity were okay. The cast are so easy on the eyes; don’t tell my husband; but I have a little crush on Corbin Bleu and would put his poster on our walls; if he’d let me.

            This movie just reminded me that I am not a teen anymore; I am all grown-up now and that time of our lives is becoming un-relatable for me (scary); I think in a way; I am also a bit jealous of these teens; now at their crossroads and having the time of their lives. I can’t 100% say the same for me, when I was there. I am not sure now, that I used that time wisely. However, setting all emotions aside (if that’s even possible for me); I wasn’t in love with the music as much as I was with the previous HSM movies. I really think that they were way too many lovey-dovey scenes with Gabriella and Troy (not jealousy speaking here, I swear); after a while; it’s like enough already. Plus there really isn’t that much chemistry among the couples; it all felt like just acting to me. I don’t know why there was so much emphasis on the three new characters Tiara Gold; Jimmie Zara and Donny Fox; if it was so we’d fall in love with them and yearn to see them in HSM4; it didn’t do that for me. However; they were a couple of scenes with the character Jimmie that were cute; maybe a little funny. They were a’ight; but they didn’t add to the movie in my opinion.

            I am not being a hater; as most movie critics and reviewers often are; I love HSM and it’s cast; I am going to miss them when they go their separate ways; I felt very sentimental during the Graduation scene at the end but life goes on; we all have to grow up; whether we like it or not. I am looking forward to seeing all these great actors in the future and I am looking forward to seeing their growth. Meanwhile; I’ll watch this movie again, when it comes out on DVD and see what I think then.  

Kit Kittredge: An American Girl Movie

What perfect timing for this movie to come out on DVD. It’s a great family film with an excellent cast portraying a variety of quirky characters. Set in the early years of the Great Depression; we follow; Kit (Abigail Breslin); a 10 year old aspiring journalist; her kind parents (Julia Ormond and Chris O’Donnell); her friends; and boarders; a dance instructor looking for love; a magician; a mobile Liberian (who is a horrible driver) and others. With all that is happening in the world today; especially with the economy; this movie reminded me how significantly blessed I am. This was a really enjoyable film of dreaming, believing, hope, determination, courage, persistence and togetherness. This is a perfect Christmas gift for anyone who enjoys inspiring and enjoyable family movies. Watch and be reminded that no matter how bad things get we are very fortunate in this time; we have each other and hope. 

Iron Man Movie

I think Robert Downey Jr; whom I have always been a fan of many of his movies; did an excellent job as Tony Stark; a wealthy weapons manufacturer; he was compelling and funny. Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane was the villain in this movie and boy was he a villain. Terrence Howard was alright as Col. James “Rhodney” Rhodes, nothing to scream about but I heard they are going to replace him in the sequel with Don Cheadle, I’m sure he’ll do much better (don’t get me wrong, I do love Terrence but in this movie he lacked his usual “The Best Man” type charm).

Anyway; Tony Stark makes an armored suit to save his life after finding himself in a life-threatening situation. After witnessing first hand what his weapons can do when in the wrong hands; he decides he doesn’t want to produce weapons anymore; his business partner doesn’t like that very much and would stop at nothing to destroy anyone who get in his way; including Tony Stark. A battle ensues. What can I say about this movie? It’s very entertaining for those who like action, humor and suspense. Would make an excellent holiday present; a great gift combo would be with Iron Man and Hancock; even better would be to add “The Incredible Hulk” to the mix. Good movie. This is great entertainment for a movie night.

 Kristin Chenoweth – A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas

 This is my first Christmas product purchased for the season and the year. When I bought it I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into; even though I was some what familiar with Kristin’s voice; from the movie “RV” and t.v series “Pushing Daisies;” I had no idea; if I would like this album or not; I just knew I am a big fan of hers and Christmas; so why not buy her Christmas album. 

            When I pressed the play button on the C.D player; I knew it was going to be alright and I didn’t waste a dime; not that I thought I’d be disappointed anyway but you just never know. It’s jazzy; smooth; fun; joyful; sweet; enjoyable and Christmassy; if you love Christmas and traditional Christmas music then there is no reason you won’t like it.

            It sounds like an exquisite Broadway musical soundtrack. I love the song choice for this album; “I’ll be home for Christmas,” “Christmas island,” “The Christmas Waltz;” “Do you hear what I hear;” “ Sleigh Ride/Marshmallow;” “Sing;” “ Silver Bells;” “Come on ring the bells;” “What child is this;” “Home on Christmas Day;” “Born on Christmas day;” and finally “Sleep well little children/what a wonderful world.”

            Picking a favorite on this album will not be an easy task but if I had to it would definitely be Kristin’s take on the inspirational and beautiful Sesame Street classic “Sing.”

I think it really is a lovely way to spend Christmas indeed and it would make an awesome gift; a good combo would be to add the holiday 2006 movie “Deck the Halls;” which Kristin also co-stars.

 Kristin Chenoweth-Sing 

I Love you so much: Book written by Marianne Richmond

I love children’s books; especially books that speak to the spirit and confidence of a child. It is my desire to write children’s books for such a thing as reminding children how special they are no matter what; despite their imperfections and the mistakes they make; they are forever loved and are so precious. That’s what this book is about. The poem is absolutely uplifting and I will treasure its kind and loving words; this is the kind of poem we need to read to our children every night before they go to sleep or at the very least once a week to remind them how loved they are. This is a wonderful book about love and it has very beautiful illustrations. I would not only read it to my children; I would read it to my heart and mind to remind myself of God’s love for me and the love I should have for myself. I think it’s another wonderful holiday gift for children and adults alike. This treasured gift would fit perfectly in the hands of folks in need of a reminder that no matter what; every single one of us is special and loved in the unlimited and forgiving way describe in the book. This book is a new-found favorite for me and I hope for you too.