Happy Hump Day Wednesday

 Happy Hump Day

Hi. Nothing super exciting to post, but I have worked my BUTT off the last few days. 

 I am finally taking some time to actually read. Just read and not write for the rest of this hump day!

Oh, I did get my watermark made too.

What do you think? I don't have a "logo" per se yet, so this is what did. 

Just the "signature" for this blog. 

Welcome Back Wednesday

 Wow!

It has been a looooong time! I cannot believe four years have passed since I've posted on here! If you're still here, you either love me or you're just lazy like me and forget to update my follow list.

The past few years, I have been on a few too many roller coasters to mention. It's...life. The up, downs, and every crazy thing in between. This post won't be about those things. That will be sometime later, (maybe) on my other blog.

 I knowingly have the attention span of a fly, but I also have things that I will forever be passionate about. One of those things are books! Reading and reviewing, or talking about books, has always been something I feel strongly about. I'm also a complete introvert, so books break me out of my shell. 

I miss this blog. I miss writing about books. Not only that, but I miss all the fun, and interacting with people like me, it gave me.

I've been sitting here for days, trying to figure out how to upgrade, update, change things around, and re develop what I want this blog to be. Some things from the original, and some new, more modern elements. Thinking about what A Novel Experience truly is for myself. 

 I will forever be "tech-numb". I cannot keep up with the ever-changing codes, etc. It is something I just will never have the time or patience to master. This blog won't be filled with cool graphics, or a pristine design layout. It will be me, enjoying reading books and sharing them with you. Hopefully there will be a few themed posts and a variety of book related content.  

That's exactly where I am right now. It is wet and nasty outside, and I just want to write. Today, this is how A Novel Experience starts.

I'm currently reading four books. 1 audio, 1 Kindle, and 2 physical books.

Here are just a couple briefs about 2 of them.

1. A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael by Eilisabeth Elliot

I honestly, I am struggling with this book. Not because it doesn't have good content, but because 

1. It is a "Christian" based book, yet the author seems to completely idolize and be obsessed with the protagonist

2. The book is written in 3rd person narrative. I can't get over all the Amy this, Amy went, Amy saw...

It's just not my jive.

There's more, but I'll leave you here. I'm not sure this one will get finished. 

2.Maids of Misfortune by M. Louisa Locke

This one is on my Kindle/Amazon reads. It is #1 in A Victorian San Francisco Mystery series.

I'm starting to enjoy it. For me, it started a bit slow, but the "action" is starting to pick up. Now, I'm actually trying to squeeze in time to read and see where it goes.

In 1879, Annie Fuller, a widow, is in trouble. Her husband committed suicide five years ago, and now one of his creditors is threatening to take her boardinghouse. The only thing she owns. But Annie has a secret.

Have you read either of these books? I'd love opinions.

Both of these books are available through links above, if you're interested in a used copy.

You can also check Books A Million for a new copy.

I hope you've enjoyed this post.

Let me know if you have any good recommendations for books, or any ideas for themes, topics, etc. for this book blog! 

Happy Reading

Book Review: Before Women Had Wings by Connie May Fowler

Before Women Had Wings

by 

Connie May Fowler

*This post contains affiliate links

Quote:

" Listen to me, Bird, dreaming is for fools, and I don't ever want to be accused of raising up a little fool."~ Mama(Glory Marie) pg. 45

Started: September 23, 2018

Finished: September 26, 2018

304 pages/paperback

From the cover:

My name is Avocet Abigail Jackson. But because Mama couldn't find anyone who thought Avocet was a fine name for a child, she called me Bird. Which is okay by me. She named both her girl children after birds, her logic being that if we were named for something with wings then maybe we'd be able to fly above the shit in our lives...

My Review:

I have to admit I was intrigued by the cover of this book. I grabbed it and couldn't wait to get reading.

It did not disappoint. It had everything I had hoped it would.

There is struggle from the beginning. Trials and errors made by many. It has innocence of  childhood, yet children seeing and living such things they never should have to.

It is written showing a clear and honest character in "Bird".

The story starts out with Bird vividly recalling the day her daddy walked into the General Store, revolver in hand and threatened to kill himself in front of her mother, sister, and herself.

She was just six-years-old.

From there, the story takes you through her days, living in an abusive home. A drunkard father, a mean tempered mama, a brother that comes and goes, and a sister that loves or hates her depending on the day.

After tragedy hits their home, Mama decides to head south. To take the girls on a journey that will change all of their lives.

While things don't get better, they definitely change.

A new place, new school, and...a new friend.

Miss Zora, befriends Bird, not knowing that Bird has been forbidden from being around her.

Their secret friendship is exactly what Bird, and her family needs.

Will these women ever get their wings?

This is a must read!

Grab your copy here:

Before Women Had Wings by Connie May Fowler

Be sure to let me know what you think of this wonderful book! Leave a comment!

Book review: My Heart Belongs in the Superstition Mountains: Carmela's Quandary

My Heart Belongs in the Superstition Mountains:

Carmela's Quandary

by 

Susan Page Davis

*This post contains affiliate links

Quote:

"I don't understand why some people are so eager to hear about other's troubles." Deputy McKay

 pg. 70

Started: September 8, 2018

Finished: September 21, 2018

paperback 256 pages

From the cover:

A chance for escape takes two unlikely allies on a romantic adventure along a desert trail.

Orphaned at age twelve, Carmela Wade has lived a lie orchestrated by her uncle, pretending to be a survivor of an Indian kidnapping and profiting from telling her made-up story. But as she matures into adulthood, Carmela hates the deceit and longs to be free. On a stagecoach in Arizona Territory, Carmela and her uncle are fellow passengers with US Marshal Freeland McKay and his handcuffed prisoner. The stage is attacked. A chance to make a new life may suddenly be within Carmela's reach...if she can survive the harsh terrain and being handcuffed to an unconscious man.

Journey now to Tuscan, Arizona, and into the Superstition Mountains of 1866, where freedom will come at a high price for two determined individuals.

My Review:

This is the first book I have read in the My Heart Belongs series.

It was a light, easy read. I have to admit it was a big change for me. I've mostly been reading more thriller, dark, and mystery types.

This book was a total switch for me.

Normally, I do enjoy something lighter from time to time. This really was a sweet, innocent, well written, Christian fiction. Which is exactly want it was intended to be.

I can't say it was one that will go into my top 10 list.

I felt after reading the synopsis...that was pretty much it. That was the whole story, minus a few details. It sort of ruined the book for me. 

Everything was pretty much already there. Too predictable, no suspense...at all. I mean, you would think, wild west, captive characters, a stagecoach robbery, a lying uncle and the rugged terrain; there would be some action. I don't know,...just something.

I just felt like the whole book was drug out. A little back and forth with Carmela retelling her story to different characters as they showed up in the book, but nothing new.

And, the romance was too easy. The big, strapping Marshal, the damsel in distress....

Their time apart, hearts longing, and you guessed it...they make their way back together and ride off into the sunset.

Okay, I don't want to sound so harsh. It just wasn't for me.

I will say it was well written into short chapters. It had a few great characters( Mrs. Finney was my favorite). And, the good guys come out on top.

Overall, it was a sweet romance. Just don't be expecting any big wow moments.

I will check out the others in the series, just to see how they fair. 

Sometimes, it's nice to switch it up with something lighter. 

I would still recommend this book for those I know would enjoy it.

You can easily purchase a slightly used copy of this book,

My Heart Belongs in the Superstition Mountains:Carmela's Quandary

or many of the other, My Heart Belongs books, from my link provided.