The Magnolia Story - Chris & Joanna Gaines

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Summary (from goodreads):
Are you ready to see your fixer upper?

These famous words are now synonymous with the dynamic husband-and-wife team Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of HGTV’s Fixer Upper. As this question fills the airwaves with anticipation, their legions of fans continue to multiply and ask a different series of questions, like—Who are these people?What’s the secret to their success? And is Chip actually that funny in real life? By renovating homes in Waco, Texas, and changing lives in such a winsome and engaging way, Chip and Joanna have become more than just the stars of Fixer Upper, they have become America’s new best friends.

The Magnolia Story is the first book from Chip and Joanna, offering their fans a detailed look at their life together. From the very first renovation project they ever tackled together, to the project that nearly cost them everything; from the childhood memories that shaped them, to the twists and turns that led them to the life they share on the farm today.

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Edition Read: Overdrive ebook from local library
Where (else) to buy: kobo*, google play, amazon*, nook*

Thoughts:
Before I get into it, there are two things that rub me the wrong way.

The first is they say that if you work hard, everything will work out fine. While this is true for them, this is absolutely not true for most people. It's good to see they are hardworking people, who enjoy what they do, and have found greater success than they could have imagined. BUT... there have been people busting their asses throughout history who have never caught a break.

The second is Chip's impulse buying. I find it really disrespectful to Joanna and their relationship to make such large purchases without even consulting her. That said, without this habit, there would be no Fixer Upper.

Despite the above, I did enjoy the book. It's hard to dislike them over it because if I was lucky enough to have everything work out all the time, I'd probably feel the same way. Not to mention, they are so damn genuine and lovable. That's why they have a show in the first place. As for the relationship issues, it's definitely not something I want in mine, but they make it work or, at the very least, have made peace with it. It's really not my business.

I loved reading about how they met and the ups and downs they went through. Nothing very predictable here. As expected, their lives are "boring". I don't mean this in a bad or insulting way. (My life is pretty boring and I'm okay with it.) It's a quick read about two people I enjoy watching.

Verdict:

Exactly what it says on the tin. Nothing particularly groundbreaking or surprising, but if you like the show, you might like this book.

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Book Blogger Hop: Sept 29th - Oct 5th

Book Blogger Hop

Have you ever slept with a favorite, beloved book under your pillow, or cradled in your arms? Maria @A Night's Dream of Books

I used to keep a paperback (or two) stuffed into my pillowcase so it wouldn't fall off my bed, but I still had easy access at night.

I don't do that anymore, but I did crochet an ereader holder for my wall that is right next to the bed.

Edited:
Adding the picture since it's been commented on. This is a terrible picture, but you get the idea.

Bookish and Not-So-Bookish Thoughts is a weekly blogging event hosted by Bookishly Boisterous. It allows book bloggers (and non-book bloggers) to write about pretty much anything, bookish or otherwise (i.e. share exciting plans for the weekend, rants on things they’ve encountered during the week, etc.).

1. Was granted a gift from netgalley. O_O I thought it was some sort of mythical thing that never happened.

I have no clue where I got the reputation as a Sci-Fi reader. I'm not complaining, but it is very interesting to see my reputation (small as it is) evolve.

2. Going to the Halloween portion at the local amusement park tomorrow with a friend. I've actually never been (outside of working there last year). So, we shall see.

3. I really should be planning the kids' Halloween costumes. My daughter's school does a "Night at the Library" (like the movie "Night at the Museum") where kids are encouraged to dress up as a book character -come to life-. This year my daughter is torn between Hermione and Luna Lovegood. I've been trying to steer her towards Hermione, because Luna will require a wig. (Hermione, we can just braid her hair wet and frizz it a bit.) My son has no opinions on that, but he wants to be Yoshi.

4. I am trying to remain strong and not unfriend people purely because they have a differing viewpoint than my own. I am not going to get into specifics here, but, wow, I really lost my respect for a person today. (This wasn't someone I admired or anything. I was kind of neutral about her to be honest.) But this person went above and beyond. It's one thing to have a difference of opinion. It's another to open a dialogue and then start name calling, crying about other people having different viewpoints, and then blocking them because they refuse to submit to your will.

5. Just got a second Netgalley wish granted. ?!

I mean, I'm not complaining, but this is kind of weird.

I love covers these days, so many are just really attractive!

6. I actually finished Horizon: Zero Dawn last Thursday night. The game is not without it's faults, but I definitely recommend this one for the amazing main storyline.

Until next time. .~*💝Shannon

my favorite .. thing about my job

My Favorite.. is a weekly meme hosted by Maureen’s Books. In this meme we share every week something we love with each other. Because let’s face it.. The world can be a dark place and it’s time to share something positive. For more info: My Favorite Meme.

This week's topic: thing about my job

I don't like my job, but my two favorite things are my managers and job perks.

My managers are all around awesome who go above and beyond for their employees. I've had some shit managers in the past, but not the issue with these ones. 

I work at an amusement park so the only real perk is free admission for me and my family (plus some free ticket to give out to whomever I want). 

Tell Me Something Tuesday

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion created by Rainy Day Ramblings.

What are your favorite Urban Fantasy books?

I actually don't read a lot of Urban Fantasy, but I do enjoy what I have read.
(Can't wait to see what others suggest!)

 

You - Caroline Kepnes

This post contains affiliate links.

Summary (from goodreads):
When a beautiful, aspiring writer strides into the East Village bookstore where Joe Goldberg works, he does what anyone would do: he Googles the name on her credit card.

There is only one Guinevere Beck in New York City. She has a public Facebook account and Tweets incessantly, telling Joe everything he needs to know: she is simply Beck to her friends, she went to Brown University, she lives on Bank Street, and she’ll be at a bar in Brooklyn tonight—the perfect place for a “chance” meeting.

As Joe invisibly and obsessively takes control of Beck’s life, he orchestrates a series of events to ensure Beck finds herself in his waiting arms. Moving from stalker to boyfriend, Joe transforms himself into Beck’s perfect man, all while quietly removing the obstacles that stand in their way—even if it means murder.

.~*.*~.~*.*~.~*.*~.~*.*~.~*.*~.~*.*~.

Edition Read: Hardback from local library
Where (else) to buy: kobo*, google play, amazon*, nook*

Thoughts:
As much as I hate spoilers, I'll give one.
Ignore the blurbs on the inside of the dust jacket (at least in the version shown above). Joe does not meet Beck and instantly decide she has to die. Instead, he thinks she is perfect for him and chooses to stalk her until he can make her his girlfriend. To be clear, this isn't a point in his favor. I just spent a good portion of the book confused because the inside of the cover said he was doing something he clearly wasn't.

This book is somehow charming, witty, and creepy all at once.

I even found myself sympathizing with Joe at certain points. It's still completely obvious he is in the wrong and something is not right about him, but the writing takes you to his feelings in the moment. It was a very weird feeling.

There are even funny moments. Not funny-haha, but nearly every time Joe thinks he is about to cash in something goes horribly wrong. I felt his frustration, but it was still funny.

Mostly, as per above, this book is creepy. I couldn't put it down, but it made my skin crawl most of the time.

Verdict:

Super creepy thriller that will have you turning the pages non-stop.


*This is an affiliate link

Book Blogger Hop: (x2) Sept 15th - 28th

Book Blogger Hop

Okay, so I got confused on the dates and skipped last week's question. This week is a Two-for-One Blog Hop!

Have you ever bought a more expensive edition of a book, when a cheaper edition was available, just because you preferred the cover of the more expensive one? -Maria @ A Night's Dream of Books

It kind of sounds like something I'd do, but I'm too cheap for that.
.~*.*~.~*.*~.~*.*~.~*.*~.~*.*~.~*.*~.

In regards of Banned Books Week (www.bannedbooksweek.org/), what are your favourite books that has been banned or challenged? -Kristin @ Lukten av Trykksverte

As an aside, I love that this question has the British spelling of "favorite".

I pulled my list from the books off this list. I know there are far more than 100 books, but I couldn't find a master list and this seems like a fair place to start without compulsively going through, possibly, thousands of books!

     

   

There are a good number of books on that top 100 list that I own, but haven't read yet. I'll have to remedy that for next year! 

Bookish (and not so bookish) Thoughts

Bookish and Not-So-Bookish Thoughts is a weekly blogging event hosted by Bookishly Boisterous. It allows book bloggers (and non-book bloggers) to write about pretty much anything, bookish or otherwise (i.e. share exciting plans for the weekend, rants on things they’ve encountered during the week, etc.).

Not a lot going on this week, but...

1. I haven't been reading much this week because I finally got a game I've been wanting since before it was released...

I just found out that I'm (already) almost at endgame. :(

It's still an awesome game, I just forgot that they don't make games quite as long as they used to. (But the expansion comes out a week before my birthday, so there is that!)

Until next time! .~*💟Shannon

My Favorite .. Restaurant

My Favorite.. is a weekly meme hosted by Maureen’s Books. In this meme we share every week something we love with each other. Because let’s face it.. The world can be a dark place and it’s time to share something positive. For more info: My Favorite Meme.

This week's topic: Restaurant

I don't go out to eat much, but I would have to say my favorite restaurant is a local chain called The County Grill. 

There are two locations. One of the locations is amazing and the other is terrible. If you are ever in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia and want to try The Country Grill...

Make absolutely sure you go to the Yorktown location. 

My two standbys are the BBQ chicken salad and (if we are in a large group) the brisket quesadilla appetizer. I have yet to sample anything that isn't good though!

They do the Olive Garden thing with mini-corn muffins and they are amazing!!! 

I wish you could just go there and buy a bunch. They are very sweet almost, but not quite, like cake.

Soooo good.

Tell Me Something Tuesday

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion created by Rainy Day Ramblings.

Best Teen Romances

Yep, seriously.

Not my genres.

I Will Find You - Joe Kenda

This post contains affiliate links.

Summary (from goodreads):
Detective Lt. Joe Kenda, star of Homicide Hunter, shares his deepest, darkest, and never before revealed case files from his 19 years as a homicide detective.Are you horrified yet fascinated by abhorrent murders? Do you crave to know the gory details of these crimes, and do you seek comfort in the solving of the most gruesome?

In I WILL FIND YOU, the star of Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda shares his deepest, darkest, and never-before-revealed case files from his two decades as a homicide detective and reminds us that crimes like these are very real and can happen even in our own backyards.

Gruesome, macabre, and complex cases.

Joe Kenda investigated 387 murder cases during his 23 years with the Colorado Springs Police Department and solved almost all of them. And he is ready to detail the cases that are too gruesome to air on television, cases that still haunt him, and the few cases where the killer got away. These cases are horrifyingly real, and the detail is so mesmerizing you won't be able to look away.

The tales in I WILL FIND YOU will shock you like the best horror stories-divulging insights into the actions, motivations, and proclivities of nature's most dangerous species.

Don't mind the blood.

.~*.*~.~*.*~.~*.*~.~*.*~.~*.*~.~*.*~.
Edition Read: ARC from netgalley
Where (else) to buy: kobo*  google play, amazon*, nook*

Disclaimer:
Book provided by netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Thoughts:
First off, if you are interested in this book and have never seen even a single episode of Homicide Hunter... stop reading this review and get your hands on an episode or two. You can watch the first episodes of Seasons 1 & 7 for free on either the Investigation Discovery app or the website. For Hulu Plus subscribers, Seasons 3-5 are available in their entirety.
If, for some reason, you do not like the show or it's narration, walk away. This book isn't for you.

I feel the summary oversells this a bit. Yes, it does include cases that aren't ready for primetime, even on a network created exclusively to host murder shows. However, it's not the entire book, and that's not a bad thing. I won't discuss the unfilmed cases here, but caution that a fair chunk of the "not for tv" ones involve children. He also curses a lot more than in the show. This isn't a detraction and it suits him. Just caught me a bit off guard at first.

He briefly touches upon his childhood, meeting his wife, how he came into the police force ,and why and when he retired. He is candid about mistakes he made and how he learned from them. There are a good balance of cases that are far too gory/horrifying for tv and others that illustrate how Kenda honed his detective skills or used them in his personal life.

It's not as catch-phrase heavy as I thought it would be, but it's balanced nicely and there is definitely a "My, my, my" thrown in for good measure. (It wouldn't be the Joe Kenda we all love to watch if there wasn't one!)

His compassion for human life shines through. One thing I gush to others about this show is that Kenda doesn't victim blame and that same quality shines bright and clear here.

Verdict:

A must read for Homicide Hunter fans. Kenda's trademark charm, dark humor, and even a few pet phrases grace these pages making for a quick read that feels like Kenda is speaking directly to you.

*This is an affiliate link

Bookish (and not so bookish) Thoughts

Bookish and Not-So-Bookish Thoughts is a weekly blogging event hosted by Bookishly Boisterous. It allows book bloggers (and non-book bloggers) to write about pretty much anything, bookish or otherwise (i.e. share exciting plans for the weekend, rants on things they’ve encountered during the week, etc.).

1. School is in full swing. My daughter was randomly sick on Tuesday, but better the following day. (This is a confirmed sickness, not faking btw. I actually took her to school and she was sent home.)

2. Finally got the chance to play Horizon: Zero Dawn at a relative's home this weekend. It was enough to convince me to stop waiting for the price to drop and get it. I traded in 4 games, got a second controller for the PS3 (the daughter has been bugging me about this since our last one broke), and still have $10 left in trade credit. Not too shabby.

3. If you read my Tell Me Something Tuesday post from last week, I was declined for A Spoonful of Magic, but approved for Terminal Alliance. They are from the same publisher, so that was a bit weird. If someone had told me, I'd only get approved for one of these... I would have thought it was Spoonful because I'm kind of the target audience. O_O I'm definitely not complaining. Terminal Alliance seems like a fun ride.

4. Murder on the Orient Express (library ebook) finally came in! Then I went to transfer it to my ereader and there was some sort of bizarre error. We were getting ready to leave so I didn't have time to figure out what was going on. :( I need to figure that one out.

5. I don't really want to get into it here, but I had to call my daughter's medical supplier three separate times over the past three weeks to get her order shipped. I checked BBB and while the company has an A+ rating, there are numerous complaints that are similar to mine. Unfortunately, it's medical supplies and I don't have a whole lot of say who we get our supplies from because it's partly covered by insurance so there may be a hassle getting things switched. That said... I just got the shipment confirmation today! (Two days later.)

Until next time! .~*♡Shannon

My Favorite ..

My Favorite.. is a weekly meme hosted by Maureen’s Books. In this meme we share every week something we love with each other. Because let’s face it.. The world can be a dark place and it’s time to share something positive. For more info: My Favorite Meme.

This week's topic: Bookmark
I primarily use an ereader so...

Though, pre-ereader, I definitely used various playing cards, Magic the gathering cards, Digimon cards, and Pokemon cards.
I actually lost my FAVORITE Magic card in a library book back in 2002 or 2003. :(  It was some set that had a little story line going. About a human woman and a cat-woman who were enemies, but then one got hurt and the other helped her and they became friends.  I do have the other two floating around somewhere, but I lost the favorite one. 
Unfortunately, when we moved in March, a lot of things have been misplaced and I haven't been able to find any of my Magic cards (few that there were) since then.
I did find one portion of my Pokemon card collection, but they aren't even my favorites or much worth noting. (Though I do have an instagram picture from the last physical book I read.) 

Tell Me Something Tuesday

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion created by Rainy Day Ramblings.

Favorite Comedy Books

Full disclosure: It's been a very long day and I did not do this one in advance. (Yep, not even 10am and it's a long day.)

All three of these (and sequels) have made me laugh.

  


Disclaimer on Prairie Bitch.... She did suffer some abuse as a child. She is open about it. Still a great read, but could be triggering to some.

The Girl with All the Gifts - M.R. Carey

This post contains affiliate links.

Summary (from goodreads):
Melanie is a very special girl. Dr. Caldwell calls her "our little genius."

Every morning, Melanie waits in her cell to be collected for class. When they come for her, Sergeant Parks keeps his gun pointing at her while two of his people strap her into the wheelchair. She thinks they don't like her. She jokes that she won't bite, but they don't laugh.

Melanie loves school. She loves learning about spelling and sums and the world outside the classroom and the children's cells. She tells her favorite teacher all the things she'll do when she grows up. Melanie doesn't know why this makes Miss Justineau look sad.

.~*.*~.~*.*~.~*.*~.~*.*~.~*.*~.~*.*~.
Edition Read: kobo*
Where (else) to buy: google play, amazon*, nook*

Thoughts:
This one is hard to discuss without giving away spoilers. I know spoilers are pretty much everywhere for everything nowadays, but I don't like being the one who does it.

I wouldn't say I was completely satisfied with the ending, but there were really only 3 ways I could see it going that would make sense within the world. It took one of those. It was kind of abrupt, but that's really my only complaint with it.

This one starts off pretty slow, but it's worth it. Not in a "it's a slog, but the end is good" way. The build up explains the actions later on. Once it picks up, it does not stop.

Verdict:

Solid read with a different take on the zombie genre. A bit slow at first, but around 30% is where it really picks up. Highly recommend.

*This is an affiliate link