my story shelf

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T06:47:00.001-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! I hope your day is filled with laughter, joy, and of course, love. I decided to share some quotes about love with you today as my "Valentine" to my blog readers. The quotes are not just about romantic love but friendship love, God's love, and the power of love in general. I hope you enjoy them! Love to you all! <3

Love Quotes

"Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking,

it is not easily-angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts,

always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails."

-- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

"Who so loves believes the impossible." --Elizabeth Barrett Browning

"When one heart opens to another heart, it usually results in love." --from Echoes by Robin Jones Gunn

“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.” --from The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis

“There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.” --from Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

“Sonny, don't you tell me what's worthwhile--true love is the best thing in the world, except for cough drops. Everybody knows that.” --from The Princess Bride by William Goldman

“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” --Dr. Seuss

"Love is listening, really listening." --from Love Rules by Dandi Daley McKall

“Love is like the wind, you can't see it but you can feel it.” --from A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

"Who shall seperate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: 'For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.'

No, in all these things we are more than conquerers through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to seperate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

--Romans 8:35-39

“I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you for the part of me that you bring out.” --Elizabeth Barrett Browning

“Love is a great beautifier.” --from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

“When I fall in love, it will be forever.” --from Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (The Screenplay)

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” --Martin Luther King Jr.

"It's funny whom we end up choosing to love and who ends up choosing to love us. It's rarely the people we think it should be." --from Gardenias for Breakfast by Robin Jones Gunn

“Love is many things none of them logical.” --from The Princess Bride by William Goldman

"Love is a mystery. It can't be planned. It comes on its own schedule. It's inconvenient and organic, but that's what makes it real. Really good relationships are the ones that come naturally and are unforced. Like waves." --from Coming Attractions by Robin Jones Gunn

"God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgement, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us."

--1 John 4:16b-19

Novel Teen Blog Tour: Book Review of "Replication: The Jason Experiment" by Jill Williamson

2012-01-30T08:56:00.004-06:00

Abby Goyer's life has been turned upside down. Her mom died a year ago, her dad is consumed with work and his grief, and her dad's new job has transferred them from Washington D.C. to Alaska. Talk about a change of scenery. But with the change in scenery comes new secrets. Dr. Goyer's job at a place called "Jason Farms" is top secret, and when Abby discovers a young man in her room named Martyr who claims he's a clone from the Jason Farms, well, things start to get alot more interesting.

All his life, Martyr had been told by doctors that he and the other clones of the Jason Farms had one purpose to fulfill: to expire on their eighteenth birthday in order to save the people on the outside from the toxic air. But when Martyr sneaks outside to fulfill his wish of seeing the stars at least once before he dies, he discovers his life at the Jason Farms has been a lie, and his purpose may be something far different than he could have imagined.

One thing I can always count on when I read a story by Jill Williamson (Christy award-winning author of the Blood of Kings trilogy) is that I'm going to fall in love with the characters. Replication is no different. Abby is a feisty yet vulnerable heroine with very human emotions and reactions to the people and circumstances around her. But it was Martyr that I wanted to wrap up and bring home with me. He was so sweet! His child-like innocence made me smile constantly, and his strength and leadership qualities reveal the man he is rapidly becoming.

Parts of the story were hard to read because of circumstances that happen mentally and physically to some of the characters. I winced more than once. But these things show how dire the situations are and how high the stakes. The heart-pumping, fast-moving plot combined with the loveable characters make Replication a fun and thought-provoking read. I want a sequel just so I can visit with Martyr and Abby some more!

Read a character interview with Abby here.

Read a character interview with Martyr here.

Genre: Youth/Science Fiction/Christian
Ages: 14 and up
Pages: 286
Publication Date: December 2011

* I want to thank the publisher and author for sending me an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book for an honest review.

Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction. Check out other posts about Replication: The Jason Experiment by Jill Williamson by clicking on the links below, and check out the Team Novel Teen page for more information about Team Novel Teen.

ADD Librarian -- The Book Fae -- Books I Recommend -- Book Nook 4 You -- Bookworm Reading -- Christian Bookshelf Reviews -- Fiction Fire -- Gillian Adams -- Jill Williamson -- Katie McCurdy -- Kurly Katie's Ruminations -- The Pen and the Parchment -- Rachelle Rea -- SLY Games -- Sugar Peach -- Terri Harr

Character Interview: Martyr from "Replication: The Jason Experiment" by Jill Williamson

2012-01-29T13:55:00.000-06:00

Martyr's trailer:

(Some of the answers may contain spoilers for those who have not read Replication.)

Hi, Martyr! You once told Abby that red is your favorite color. Why is red your favorite?

Martyr: Because it's bright and strong. It always makes my heart race a little to see something red. Even with food. When I see a red food, I know it will taste wonderful.

I think I know what you mean. I love bright, red strawberries, especially when they're dipped in chocolate!

What do you and the other Jasons do for fun?

Martyr: When we were smaller, we played on the playground and played running games or hiding games. But the older Jasons don't get much free time. I liked to talk with Baby, whether we were sitting in cafeteria or walking around the track. I liked to throw balls back and forth with Baby. And eating food was sometimes fun. Some Jasons draw art. Dr. Max's class was fun as well. He sometimes told us things the other doctors did not. Talking with Dr. Goyer was also fun, but he was not a teacher, so we did not see him often.

Now that we don't live at the Jason Farms, we have more free time. I have been helping Abby teach the younger boys about the outside world. Some of the Jasons like to paint and draw. I like to make plans with Abby about things we will do to help the boys grow smart and be free. That is fun for me.

It's the beginning of a new year. Do you have any New Year's resolutions?

Martyr: I didn't know the word "resolution," but Abby has taught me how to use the computer's dictionary. (Dictionaries are fun for me. I'd like to add that to my list of fun things in the previous question.)

Now that I am free, I am determined to see that the Jasons--Abby calls them my brothers--have the chance at a regular life, like other people living in the country of the United States of America. Dr. Goyer tells me it will take time to ensure that my brothers have equal rights. I am willing to be patient and trust the Creator of Everything in this resolution. I am confident things will turn out well.

I think dictionaries are alot of fun too! :-)

At the end of Replication, there was a hint of further adventures. Will we hear more about you, Abby, and the other Jasons soon?

Martyr: I cannot give a proper answer to this. There is much going on. Dr. Goyer and I are trying to learn that location of the two other labs called Gunnolf and Camp Ragnar. And there is a reason that Dr. Kane wanted the little boys and said they were worth three million dollars each. But we cannot figure out that reason yet. We are still working on this. And we will prevail. I do not know if the publisher will want to share this story with all of you. But I am certain that our storyteller, Jill Williamson, will let you know the answer to that as soon as she knows it. :)

Thank you so much, Martyr, for stopping by and answering these questions!

(Stop by tomorrow for my review of Replication: The Jason Experiment and the Novel Teen blog tour.)

Character Interview: Abby from "Replication: The Jason Experiment" by Jill Williamson

2012-01-28T12:37:00.000-06:00

Abby's trailer:

So, Abby, what do you like to do for fun?

I used to hang out with my friends from youth group and do teen activities with my church, but now that I've moved, I spend most of my time reading Forensics Magazine and CRS Quarterly (which is Creation Research Society's quarterly journal). I really need to make some new friends. Right now it's all homework and reading and petting my cat.

Martyr was fascinated when he first encountered stars, a cat, a pair of Christmas socks, and other small things we often take for granted. What are some "small" things you've come to appreciate?

The biggest thing I came to appreciate was my dad's love for me. But I know what you mean about Marty and the little things. Since I've known him, I look at world differently sometimes. Like the freedom to wear what I want each day or being able to go outside. The beauty of our world and how truly amazing it is. And color. I never really thought about how wonderful colors are until I met Marty.

After meeting Martyr and learning the secret behind the Jason Farms, what have you learned about God's purpose for you and for others?

Well, I learned that God's plans aren't always clear at first. But if we trust him with our life each day, he will lead us right where he wants us to be. But we've got to be open to his plans and not so obsessed with our own goals and stuff. Not that we can't have goals, but I tend to get intense about my goals. And now I try to really trust God each day.

As for other people, I don't know their hearts or how God might be planning to use them. But I trust that God is way smarter than me, and he has amazing plans for every person on this planet. That's really pretty exciting to think about, you know?

Yes, it is! :-D

It's the beginning of a new year. Do you have any New Year's resolutions?

I used to be really obsessive about New Year's resolutions. But this year I decided not to make any specific plans or goals. I mean, Marty looks at life in such a neat way, I guess he's rubbed off on me a little. I want to trust God the way he does. So maybe I did make one resolution after all: to trust God with each day.

I'd say that's if you had to make just one resolution, trusting God more is the best. :-) Thanks so much for visiting today, Abby!

(Come back tomorrow for Martyr's interview!)

Book Review: "Love Finds You in Sunset Beach, Hawaii" by Robin Jones Gunn

2012-01-16T10:21:00.000-06:00

Sierra Jensen is in sore need of a vacation, and she's the last one to realize it. So when she is let go from her job in Brazil, her friend, Mariana, encourages her to take a vacation with her to Hawaii. Sierra hasn't been back to the States in four years, and her sister and brother-in-law are going to be in Hawaii attending a wedding, so she reluctantly agrees to go, thinking maybe she can figure out where her life is going next.

Jordan Bryce knows exactly where his life is going. He and his best friend, Derek, have been following their dream for years: Derek, making it big in the pro-surfing circuit, and Jordan, becoming a famous photographer for surfing magazines. An assignment in Hawaii to photograph the pro-surfers at Sunset Beach seems like the perfect step in the right direction for Jordan's career. A couple of chance (or maybe divine?) encounters with a young woman with long, curly hair like a mermaid and Derek's change of heart about his own surfing dream, causes Jordan to wonder what he really wants his future to look like.

I have been a fan of Robin Jones Gunn's books for years, her Sierra Jensen series being one of my favorites. You can read a little of what happens to to Sierra during her freshman year of college in Gunn's Christy and Todd: The College Years, but I always felt like Sierra's story was always a bit unresolved. So when Love Finds You in Sunset Beach, Hawaii was announced, I was ecstatic that I would get to read more about spunky, independent Sierra.

I definitely wasn't disappointed with this story, though I was a bit surprised at how mellow Sierra seemed compared to her younger, fiery self. However, I also kind of liked the change, which showed how much Sierra had matured. She also undergoes a certain amount of growth in Sunset Beach that merged the seasoned young woman with her old spark. Also, it took me a little while to get used to the switching point of views between Sierra and Jordan, because I was used to Gunn's usual approach of sticking with one character point of view. However, I quickly got used to that change as well and ended up enjoying it, for I got to see their circumstances and relationship from two different perspectives.

Joining Sierra on her vacation to Hawaii was like visiting with an old friend. Gunn's books are always like that: filled with warmth, fun, and God-Lovers who grow in their relationships with God and others in very organic and relateable ways. Love Finds You in Sunset Beach, Hawaii is a story that can stand on it's own without having read previous books, though the past stories enhance the present one. It's a story of dreams ending, dreams changing, and dreams growing, and the change in seasons for two characters who I would become friends with any day.

Genre: Christian Fiction/Romance

Ages: 13 and up

Pages: 309

Publication Date: 2011

Book Review: "Princess of the Midnight Ball" by Jessica Day George

2012-01-02T19:41:00.001-06:00

King Gregor...waved the slipper in her face now. "And how is it that you get out of your rooms to begin with? I lock you in every night my own self! Hey? Hey? Answer me! Put you in different rooms, and I wake up to find all the doors open and you all lying about the rug in Rose's sitting room like a litter of puppies! What was that about, hey?"

But King Gregor won't get an answer from his twelve daughters. It's not that they are rebellious and refuse to speak. They physically can't answer questions about where they disappear to at night. Why, you may ask? They're cursed.

For years, eighteen-year-old Princess Rose of Westfalin and her eleven younger sisters have been living under a curse they inherited from their deceased mother, Queen Maude. Every night at midnight, they are summoned to the evil King of Under Stone's enchanted palace...to dance.

Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George is an absolutely lovely version of the Brothers Grimm tale "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" (aka "The Worn-Out Dancing Shoes" or "The Shoes that were Danced to Pieces"). Rose is a heroine who carries the heavy burden of being a mother-figure to her younger sisters in addition to the duties of being the Crown Princess. When her father decides to auction her off as a bride to the first man who can solve the mystery of where the princesses disappear every night, Rose has a whole other problem on her hands. For every suitor who attempts to solve the mystery ends up dying a mysterious death. This does not help foreign relations one little bit.

Galen is a former soldier who now serves as an under-gardener at the palace. He's a kind young man who befriends the princesses, especially Princess Rose. When Galen volunteers to solve the princesses' mystery, Rose and her sisters fear for his life. But Galen has some tricks up his sleeve that include an invisibility cloak and his knitting hobby.

In fact, this story reminds me alot of something Galen might knit with his pair of very special, silver knitting needles. Woven within is suspense, humor, mystery, loveable main characters, and a downright nasty villain. Add in a glimmer of romance and a shimmer of silvery enchantment, and you have a classic fairy tale to wrap around yourself and enjoy.

Genre: Fantasy/Romance

Ages: 12 and up

Pages: 272

Publication Date: 2009

*Extras: In the back of the book, there are a couple knitting patterns to make replicas of two important knitted items in the story. There's also a Pronunciation Guide and the first chapter of the sequel, Princess of Glass, which is based on the fairy tale, "Cinderella." Poppy, one of the twelve dancing princesses (and perhaps the most sassy), is the main character.

Novel Teen Blog Tour: "The Merchant's Daughter" by Melanie Dickerson

2011-12-12T11:54:00.016-06:00

The Medieval Experience

In honor of the recent release of Melanie Dickerson's The Merchant's Daughter (read my review here), I'm going to take you on a small tour of the Medieval period today. So get ready to step back in time. (I always did like time travel!)

Ranulf was lord of the manor and the surrounding area. To pay off her family's debts, Annabel worked as an indentured servant in the manor.

Lord Ranulf's home may have looked alot like this 14th century manor in Kent, England.

Inside the manor, Ranulf, Annabel, and the other occupants often gathered in the great hall to eat, socialize, or take care of important matters.

This picture shows people in the 14th century eating bread and having something to drink. Bread was a staple in the Middle Ages. A common way to eat it was to sop it up in some liquid like wine, broth, or soup. The word "sop" actually evolved into the word "soup."

Because water was often contaminated during this period with no purification system, the common drink was often an alcoholic beverage like beer, ale, or wine. Juices made out of fruits and berries were also consumed.

One of Annabel's dearest wishes was to read the Holy Scriptures. Though born in a high-ranking family, her station as a female in society kept her from her dream. Annabel believed the only way she could have an opportunity to read the Bible was if she joined a convent and became a nun.

Here is a page of the Bible from the late 14th century. John Wycliffe was the first person to translate the Bible into the English language.

At one point in the story, two of the characters dance. Here's a picture of a 14th century dance, and below is Medieval dance music called an estampie that the characters perhaps danced to.

Thanks for going back in time with me to see what Annabel and Ranulf's life might have been like!

Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction. Check out other posts about The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson clicking on the links below, and for more information about Team Novel Teen check out www.NovelTeen.com

The Librarian's Bookshelf
Rachelle Rea
ADD Librarian
The Book Fae
My Life with a Mission

Katie McCurdy
Terri Harr
Book Nook 4 You
Sugar Peach
Jill Williamson

"Five Days of Fairytales" Day 5: Official Release Day of "The Merchant's Daughter" by Melanie Dickerson!

2011-11-29T10:02:00.003-06:00

Introducing Melanie Dickerson's...

As a certain teapot once sung, Beauty and the Beast is a "tale as old as time." The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson is a version of this timeless tale, and a most delightful story in its own right as well.

Annabel becomes an indentured servant in the new lord's manor to pay off her family's debts. She is a young woman who is noticeably beautiful inside and out. In Annabel's eyes, her beauty might as well be a curse, for she has caught the eye of the lecherous town bailiff, and he is possessed with the notion that he will have her as his wife.

The town believes they are under a curse, and that it's the new Lord Ranulf's fault. With his scars and beastly temper, the people are intimidated by him, and a series of unfortunate events, like a barn fire and possible murder crime, don't soothe their worries. Ranulf is haunted by his past, and now he wonders if he'll ever have the fresh start he longs for.

When Ranulf asks Annabel to read to him every night, the two form a special friendship. He provides her protection from the bailiff's advances and fulfills her dream of being able to read the Holy Scriptures. She reveals a beauty in life he's been lacking. But their relationship and lives are put to the test when fear and suspicion among the townspeople reach a fever pitch, and the dreams and ideas they once held so dear begin to transform, like a rose that's about to bloom.

Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite fairy tale, so naturally I was very excited to read this book. This version is loosely based on the original story, and I was grinning at some references as I read. However, The Merchant's Daughter is a story that could easily stand by itself with the historical setting, depth of character, and engaging subplots. My only wish is that it was even longer.

Genre: Fantasy/Historical/Youth/Romance

Ages: 12 and up

Pages: 268

Publication Date: November 2011

"Five Days of Fairytales" Day 4: Favorite Fairytale Quotes

2011-11-28T09:01:00.000-06:00

"Every man's life is a fairy tale written by God's fingers." -- Hans Christian Anderson

"Narrator: In a faraway land, long ago, there lived a King and his fair Queen. Many years they had longed for a child, and finally their wish was granted. A daughter was born, and they called her Aurora. Yes, they named her after the dawn, for she filled their lives with sunshine. Then a great holiday was proclaimed throughout the land, so that all of high or low estate could pay homage to the infant Princess. And our story begins on that most joyful day..." --from Disney's "Sleeping Beauty"

"If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales." -- Albert Einstein

"Gaston: How can you read this? There's no pictures!

Belle: Well, some people use their imagination." --from Disney's "Beauty and the Beast"

"So come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned. Just think of happy things, and your heart will fly on wings, forever, in Never Never Land!" --from Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie

"There have been five great kisses since 1642 B.C...(before then couples hooked thumbs). And the precise rating of kisses is a terribly difficult thing, often leading to great controversy...Well, this one left them all behind." --from The Princess Bride by William Goldman

"Narrator: If he could learn to love another, and earn her love in return by the time the last petal fell, then the spell would be broken. If not, he would be doomed to remain a beast for all time. As the years passed, he fell into despair and lost all hope. For who could ever learn to love a beast?" --from Disney's "Beauty and the Beast"

"There is a great lesson of 'Beauty and the Beast,' that a thing must be loved before it is loveable." -- G. K. Chesterton

"Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo!" --from Disney's "Cinderella"

"Flora: Thou sword of truth, fly swift and sure, that evil die and good endure!" --from Disney's "Sleeping Beauty"

"Queen: Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?
Magic Mirror: Famed is thy beauty, Majesty. But hold, a lovely maid I see. Rags cannot hide her gentle grace. Alas, she is more fair than thee.
Queen: Alas for her! Reveal her name.
Magic Mirror: Lips red as the rose. Hair black as ebony. Skin white as snow.
Queen: Snow White!"

--from Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"

"Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed." -- G. K. Chesterton

"Prince Edward: [talking to a TV] Magic Mirror. I beg you. Tell me where she is!

Mary Ilene Caselotti: [on TV] Reporting from 116th and Broadway.
Prince Edward: One hundred and sixteenth and Broadway! [hugs the TV] Thank you mirror! [kisses it and runs off]" --from Disney's "Enchanted"

"Prince Phillip: Now, Father, you're living in the past. This is the fourteenth century!" --from Disney's "Sleeping Beauty"

"Gaston: Lefou, I'm afraid I've been thinking.

Lefou: A dangerous pastime...

Gaston: I know." --from Disney's "Beauty and the Beast

"Rapunzel: I've been looking out of a window for eighteen years, dreaming about what I might feel like when those lights rise in the sky. What if it's not everything I dreamed it would be?
Flynn Rider: It will be.
Rapunzel: And what if it is? What do I do then?
Flynn Rider: Well, that's the good part I guess. You get to go find a new dream." --from Disney's "Tangled"

"Cinderella walked on broken glass. Sleeping Beauty let a whole lifetime pass. Belle fell in love with a hideous beast. Jasmine fell in love with a common thief. Ariel walked on land for love and life. Snow White barely escaped a knife. It was all about blood, sweat, and tears, because love, means facing your biggest fears. --Anonymous

"Danielle: You, sir, are supposed to be charming.
Henry: And we, princess, are supposed to live happily ever after.
Danielle: Says who?
Henry: You know, I don't know.
Grand Dame: [voiceover] My great-great-grandmother's portrait hung in the university up until the Revolution. By then, the truth of their romance had been reduced to a simple fairy tale. And, while Cinderella and her prince did live happily ever after, the point, gentlemen, is that they lived." --from "Ever After: A Cinderella Story"

I could go on listing quotes all day, all week for that matter, but I decided to stop here. What are some of your favorite fairy tale quotes? List them below. :-)

"Five Days of Fairytales" Day 3: A Few Facts You May or May Not Know about Beauty and the Beast

2011-11-27T12:00:00.003-06:00

1. The original title is La Belle et la Bete.

2. The first published version of the tale was released in 1740 and was written by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villenevue. This version was longer with subplots, like more backstory of the Beast with his father, and the fact that Beauty was the daughter of a king and a good fairy, and she was adopted by a merchant for protection from a wicked fairy.

3. The abridged version of La Belle et la Bete was released in 1756 by Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont. This version is the classic tale we're more familiar with today.

4. In the original tale, Beauty had three brothers and three sisters.

5. The first English translation of the tale appeared in 1757.

6. The very first film version of Beauty and the Beast was a short, silent film released in 1899.

7. Disney's 1991 version of Beauty and the Beast was the first animated film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.

8. I know I'm putting up Favorite Fairytale Quotes tomorrow, but I couldn't help but put this quote from the original La Belle et la Bete today:

At noon she found dinner ready, and while at the table, was entertained with an excellent concert of music, though without seeing anybody.

But at night, as she was going to sit down to supper, she heard the noise Beast made, and could not help being sadly terrified.

"Beauty," said the monster, "will you give me leave to see you sup?"

"That is as you please," answered Beauty trembling.

"No," replied the Beast, "you alone are mistress here; you need only bid me gone, if my presence is troublesome, and I will immediately withdraw. But, tell me, do not you think me very ugly?"

"That is true," said Beauty, "for I cannot tell a lie, but I believe you are very good natured."

"So I am," said the monster, "but then, besides my ugliness, I have no sense; I know very well, that I am a poor, silly, stupid creature."

"'Tis no sign of folly to think so," replied Beauty, "for never did fool know this, or had so humble a conceit of his own understanding."

"Eat then, Beauty," said the monster, "and endeavor to amuse yourself in your palace, for everything here is yours, and I should be very uneasy, if you were not happy."

"You are very obliging," answered Beauty, "I own I am pleased with your kindness, and when I consider that, your deformity scarce appears."

"Yes, yes," said the Beast, "my heart is good, but still I am a monster."

"Among mankind," says Beauty, "there are many that deserve that name more than you, and I prefer you, just as you are, to those, who, under a human form, hide a treacherous, corrupt, and ungrateful heart."

"If I had sense enough," replied the Beast, "I would make a fine compliment to thank you, but I am so dull, that I can only say, I am greatly obliged to you."

"Five Days of Fairytales" Day 2: Songs to Create a Fairytale Mood

2011-11-26T08:26:00.000-06:00

I was just going to have a list of random songs for everyone to listen to, but as I was listing them, I found a small story begin to emerge (that's the writer in me!). So here's a short fairy tale with a soundtrack! Enjoy! :-)

Once upon a time...

Fairytale--Enya
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOywIxC46nE

there was a young girl called to a great purpose...

The Call--Celtic Woman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRA1ToOQ_qk

She went on a fantastic journey to a far off land...

Fairy Dance--Peter Pan (2003 soundtrack)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtxT-bn18OY

It was in this land the young woman met a young man who was also on a journey of his own...

Enchanted--Taylor Swift
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAEqjdtVZjI

The two became comrades, and there were hints of a future love as their journeys became entwined...

Walking in the Air--Celtic Woman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcSOompLczk

They fought side by side for the cause of good against all that was evil...

The Battle--Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005 soundtrack)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc1KD5XOJak

Gone for so many years and facing hardships, the young woman and young man wondered if they would ever find a place to call home again, but then they realized...

There's a Place for Us--Carrie Underwood
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbtJsy2EBxs

After facing so much together and becoming mature in heart and mind, the young woman and young man fell deeply in love and were married. All who loved them rejoiced and blessed them...

Flying--Peter Pan (2003 soundtrack)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGQJ-6a4oKw

And they lived happily ever after...<3

Ever Ever After--Carrie Underwood
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MO_ezFo2JpM

"Five Days of Fairytales" Day 1: My Review of "The Healer's Apprentice" by Melanie Dickerson

2011-11-25T13:35:00.000-06:00

Welcome to "Five Days of Fairytales!"

On November 29th, Melanie Dickerson's The Merchant's Daughter will be officially released. I am really excited about this book, because it's based on the fairytale, Beauty and the Beast. I am a HUGE Beauty and the Beast fan. Yes, I have been known to watch the Disney version of Beauty and the Beast six times in one week. I also love all fairytales in general, so the next few days there are going to be posts to help create a fairytale mood. Here's what you can expect:

Nov. 25: My review of The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson
Nov. 26: Songs that Create a Fairytale Mood
Nov. 27: A Few Facts You May or May Not Know about Beauty and the Beast (yeah, I know it's a long title)
Nov. 28: Favorite Fairytale Quotes
Nov. 29: Official Release Date of The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson (and there was a grand celebration!)

So I hope you join me every day, because this is going to be fun! Here's my review of Melanie Dickerson's...

"God, if you have made a way for us to be together," he whispered,

"then let me awaken her with this kiss of true love."

Sigh.

So romantic.

The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson is first and foremost a story of true love. But, as Shakespeare said, the course of true love never did run smooth, so you know this story is going to take you on a ride with a few twists and bumps. If you haven't already guessed, this is a Christian version of the classic fairytale "Sleeping Beauty." Of course, there are many differences between the original tale and The Healer's Apprentice, but they both are enchanting.

The setting is Hagenheim, Germany in the year 1386. Rose, a woodcutter's daughter, has recently become an apprentice to the castle healer, Frau Gerusha. It is a great honor, but daily Rose wonders if she has the talent--and the stomach--to become a healer. All sorts of changes are happening in her life, but perhaps the most startling are the attentions of the Duke of Hagenheim's sons, Lord Hamlin and Lord Rupert. Rose feels torn between the two men for several reasons. Lord Hamlin is kind and chivalrous, but he has also been betrothed for years...to a woman he has never met. Lord Rupert has a reputation for being wild, but lately he seems to be reforming his ways...all for Rose's sake.

It's a story of choices and intrigue. Should Rose follow her heart concerning these two men or her logic? And which is right? Rose is a strong character and her struggle is sincere. Besides these two men, there's also a dark figure lurking in the background wanting to harm Rose, but no one (except maybe Frau Gerusha) knows why. The story increases in tension as the characters' relationships break, heal, and deepen, and a secret about Rose's past is revealed that will change her life, and the lives around her, forever.

Genre: Fantasy/Historical/Youth/Romance

Ages: 12 and up

Pages: 257

Publication Date: October 2010

Book Review: "She Walks in Beauty" by Siri Mitchell

2011-10-29T16:31:00.000-05:00

Debutante balls, handsome bachelors, fancy dresses, and...corsets? Seventeen-year-old Clara Carter's world is about to change when her aunt makes the decision that Clara is going to make her debut into New York's opulent society--a year early. It doesn't matter that Clara would rather read Byron than make small talk or study Latin rather than the flirtatious language of the fan. Her aunt is bound and determined to make Clara the belle of the season, because there's a certain dashing heir in need of catching and the Carter family honor that needs to be restored.

"She Walks in Beauty" by Siri Mitchell is set during the Gilded Age of New York City, when a young woman's looks, money, and social graces determine how worthy she is in society. Especially her looks. Sound familiar? Clara's world is scarily similar to our own. The young women in the story are pressured to do anything they can to conform to society's image of beauty, often to the cost of their health.

Clara is sweet and intelligent but naive when it comes to people. Several times in the story I wanted to shake the girl for being so blind to the obvious. However, it's Clara's innocence that also makes her such an endearing character. She has a whole cast of characters who help her throughout her journey: her loyal best friend, Lizzie, who is also her competition; her misguided but well-meaning Aunt; a cynical newspaperman with a secret; and an awkward yet loveable young man whom she is forbidden to form an attachment to.

Clara's personal growth and interactions with the people and circumstances around her is sometimes painful and sometimes humorous, but through it all, I'd say Clara is young woman who learns what it means to truly walk in beauty.

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Ages: 15 and up
Pages: 392
Publication Date: April 2010

Welcome to My Story Shelf!

2011-10-29T15:37:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much for stopping by! This blog is going to be mainly for book reviews and anything else pertaining to stories in general. I know that spectrum is quite broad, but that's what makes it fun! So please visit often because you never know what you'll find here.

Whenever I read a blog, I like to know a little about its author, so here's a short list about me:

1. I love God, people, and story.

2. Beauty is the lens through which I view life. Yes, I am an optimist. ;)

3. I've been a bookworm since I learned how to read. If I go too long without reading I have withdrawls like some people crave chocolate. (I do crave chocolate as well!)

4. I also love to write, so there may be some of my pieces on this blog from time to time.

5. Music is always interwined with any story I read or write.

6. I like to know the origins of things. For example, the meanings of names, the origins of a certain word, etc.

7. I love history.

8. A really good story would have a strong storyline and strong characters, but if I had to pick between the two, I would want a story to have good, strong characters that I can truly care about rather than a good story with weak characters.

9. I like food. Wait...scratch that--I love food! So expect some posts involving food on here. Why? Because it's fun, and I don't know anyone who doesn't like food!

10. I believe the random things in life can be the most fun. So expect some randomness and fun!

On that note, did you know that the term "Good bye" comes from the phrase "God be with (ye)you"?

So...God be with you! :-)