"Magic Hour" by Kristin Hannah

I have to say I absolutely loved this book. I would definitely have to categorize this one as "chick lit," but I have to give in to those books every once (or more than once) in a while.

"Magic Hour" is a fictional story about a child psychiatrist, Dr. Julia Cates, whose career is shattered by a scandal, which in turn also makes her a media target. As this is taking place in L.A., an unusual situation presents itself in Rain Valley, Washington. Dr. Cates is called back to her hometown due to young girl who emerges from the woods and seems to have been raised in the wild. This is the story of a woman who is beginning to doubt her own abilities and a young girl who doesn't understand the world around her and how they can save each other.

This was the first book by Kristin Hannah that I've read, but I definitely plan on reading more. As an author she writes in a style similar to Jodi Picoult. I really enjoy books from different vantage points as you really get to know all of the characters well throughout the book. I highly recommend "Magic Hour!"

"People of the Book" by Geraldine Brookes

I decided to try out this book, although I'd never previously read anything by this author. "People of the Book" had been chosen by my mother-in-law's book club, and I've enjoyed some of their other picks, so I thought I'd give this one a read. However, I gave up by page 80.

I found that this book moved a little too quickly with character's being involved with each other and not knowing anything about the characters previous to it. It struck me as a little strange, and it felt as if we were expected to already "like" the characters.

Well, needless to say, I have too many other books to read and decided to move on. I don't plan on reading any more by this author unless I hear endless raving by multiple people about a specific book. Hmmmm.... don't think that will happen anytime soon...

Yarn and more yarn!

I have developed quite a passion for yarn. Little Man actually finds bags of yarn everywhere and brings them to me. I think he's trying to make sure I didn't forget I had it!

I already have a need to buy more though, I swear projects come out of everywhere... One of my friends recently told me she is expecting a boy, so that means I need some more cute boy yarn! But, before I go overboard in a yarn store frenzy, I need to decide what to make, a hat, booties, blanket? The possibilities are endless!

The basic point of my blog this time though, I'd like to know how to start getting a yarn company to send me yarn to test and review for them... Hmmmm.... somehow this would probably only feed the yarn addiction.

So, if anyone knows of a way to do this, please give me a heads up, I've always got 4 or 5 projects going at a time, but could definitely do more!

"Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

I recently finished "Water for Elephants," by Sara Gruen, after my mother-in-law had finished and recommended it. I loved it!

The story is told by a man named Jacob Jankowski, who is 90 or 93 years-old, he can't exactly remember anymore. He tells the story as he is in a nursing home and having flashbacks to his life as a 23-year-old. During his first summer out of veterinary school he basically fell into a job as a veterinarian for a circus his first summer out of college. It includes all elements of a great story, love, suspense, and the commonality between all human beings. We all grow old and just hope that someday someone will want to hear our story, that is ultimately what Jacob wants.

I would definitely recommend this book, I enjoyed it through the ending and plan on reading more by Sara Gruen now.