Book Review: The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo #BookReview #KateDiCamillo

On By MischenkoIn Children's Books, Fiction, Reads6 Comments

The Tiger Rising

by Kate DiCamillo

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From Goodreads:

The National Book Award finalist from the best-selling author of BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE – now in paperback 

Walking through the misty Florida woods one morning, twelve-year-old Rob Horton is stunned to encounter a tiger – a real-life, very large tiger – pacing back and forth in a cage. What’s more, on the same extraordinary day, he meets Sistine Bailey, a girl who shows her feelings as readily as Rob hides his. As they learn to trust each other, and ultimately, to be friends, Rob and Sistine prove that some things – like memories, and heartaches, and tigers – can’t be locked up forever. Continue reading “Book Review: The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo #BookReview #KateDiCamillo” →

Book Review: Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman (Audible)

On By MischenkoIn Fiction, Reads, Thrillers21 Comments

Something in the Water

by Catherine Steadman

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From Goodreads:

A shocking discovery on a honeymoon in paradise changes the lives of a picture-perfect couple in this taut psychological thriller debut–for readers of Ruth Ware, Paula Hawkins, and Shari Lapena.

If you could make one simple choice that would change your life forever, would you? 

Erin is a documentary filmmaker on the brink of a professional breakthrough, Mark a handsome investment banker with big plans. Passionately in love, they embark on a dream honeymoon to the tropical island of Bora Bora, where they enjoy the sun, the sand, and each other. Then, while scuba diving in the crystal blue sea, they find something in the water. . . .

Could the life of your dreams be the stuff of nightmares?

Suddenly the newlyweds must make a dangerous choice: to speak out or to protect their secret. After all, if no one else knows, who would be hurt? Their decision will trigger a devastating chain of events. . . .

Continue reading “Book Review: Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman (Audible)” →

Book Review: The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain @StMartinsPress #BookReview

On By MischenkoIn Fiction, Reads25 Comments

The Dream Daughter

by Diane Chamberlain

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From Goodreads:

When Caroline Sears receives the news that her unborn baby girl has a heart defect, she is devastated. It is 1970 and there seems to be little that can be done. But her brother-in-law, a physicist, tells her that perhaps there is. Hunter appeared in their lives just a few years before—and his appearance was as mysterious as his past. With no family, no friends, and a background shrouded in secrets, Hunter embraced the Sears family and never looked back.

Now, Hunter is telling her that something can be done about her baby’s heart. Something that will shatter every preconceived notion that Caroline has. Something that will require a kind of strength and courage that Caroline never knew existed. Something that will mean a mind-bending leap of faith on Caroline’s part.

And all for the love of her unborn child.

Continue reading “Book Review: The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain @StMartinsPress #BookReview” →

Music Monday: Trump vs Talking Heads “Once in a Lifetime”

On By MischenkoIn Music, Music Monday18 Comments

-Music Monday-

This meme was created by Drew @ The Tattooed Book Geek. You pick a song that you really like and share it on Monday.

musicmonday

 I just about died laughing when I saw one of my favorite Talking Head’s videos transformed into a Donald Trump version by Swedemason on YouTube. It’s just plain fun. Hope you like it too.

Continue reading “Music Monday: Trump vs Talking Heads “Once in a Lifetime”” →

Music Monday: “Supermassive Black Hole” by Muse (Twilight Soundtrack)

On By MischenkoIn Movies, Music, Music Monday15 Comments

-Music Monday-

This meme was created by Drew @ The Tattooed Book Geek. You pick a song that you really like and share it on Monday.

musicmonday

It’s October and I’m thinking about “Twilight” the movie. I really like this song from the movie soundtrack by Muse. Hope you all enjoy.

Continue reading “Music Monday: “Supermassive Black Hole” by Muse (Twilight Soundtrack)” →

Book Review: I Can Only Imagine: A Memoir by Bart Millard with Robert Noland #ICanOnlyImagine #MercyMe

On By MischenkoIn Memoir, Movies, Music, Reads, Spiritual, True Stories19 Comments

I Can Only Imagine: A Memoir

by Bart Millard, with Robert Noland

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From Goodreads:

“The Story That Inspired the Major Motion Picture.”

The captivating story behind the bestselling single in the history of Christian music—and the man who wrote it.

MercyMe’s crossover hit, “I Can Only Imagine,” has touched millions of people around the world. But few know about the pain, redemption, and healing that inspired it. Now Bart Millard, award-winning recording artist and lead singer of MercyMe, shares how his dad’s transformation from abusive father to man of God sparked a divine moment in music history.

Continue reading “Book Review: I Can Only Imagine: A Memoir by Bart Millard with Robert Noland #ICanOnlyImagine #MercyMe” →

Book Review: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo #KateDiCamillo #UltimateReadingChallenge

On By MischenkoIn Children's Books, Fiction, Reading Challenges, Reads36 Comments

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

by Kate DiCamillo

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From Goodreads:

“Someone will come for you, but first you must open your heart. . . .”

Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. The rabbit was very pleased with himself, and for good reason: he was owned by a girl named Abilene, who treated him with the utmost care and adored him completely.

And then, one day, he was lost.

Continue reading “Book Review: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo #KateDiCamillo #UltimateReadingChallenge” →

Music Monday: MercyMe “I Can Only Imagine” Song/Movie/Book

On By MischenkoIn Movies, Music, Music Monday, Spiritual20 Comments

-Music Monday-

This meme was created by Drew @ The Tattooed Book Geek. You pick a song that you really like and share it on Monday.

musicmonday

I just finished the book this morning and I’ve seen the movie probably twenty times, no joke. It’s an amazing story how the song came about. I’ll be reviewing the book in the next few days. Hope you enjoy the song and movie trailer below.

Continue reading “Music Monday: MercyMe “I Can Only Imagine” Song/Movie/Book” →

Music Monday: Alt-J “Left Hand Free”

On By MischenkoIn Music, Music Monday23 Comments

-Music Monday-

This meme was created by Drew @ The Tattooed Book Geek. You pick a song that you really like and share it on Monday.

musicmonday

Summer’s leaving and fall’s creeping in. I appreciate the cooler temps, but summer seemed to go by so quickly this year. I ❤ fall and winter, but I’m not sure I’m ready for those darker days yet!

I thought I’d share this song I really enjoy with a summery video. Hope you enjoy…

Continue reading “Music Monday: Alt-J “Left Hand Free”” →

Throwback Thursday: The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans

On By MischenkoIn Animals, Movies, Reads, Throwback Thursday23 Comments

Throwback Thursday is a weekly meme created by Renee @ It’s Book Talk. This meme is an awesome way to share old favorites that were published over a year ago or even books that you’re finally reading after much time has passed. I have plenty of those to share! If you have your own Throwback Thursday recommendation feel free to jump on board. Please link back to her by using the link above.

BeFunky Design

Today’s Throwback:

The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans

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From Goodreads:

He is the stuff of legend. His voice can calm wild horses and his touch heal broken spirits. For secrets uttered softly into pricked and troubled ears, such men were once called Whisperers. Now Tom Booker, the inheritor of this ancient gift is to meet his greatest challenge.

Continue reading “Throwback Thursday: The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans” →

Music Monday: Nathaniel Rateliff & the Nightsweats “Still Out There Running” #NathanielRateliff

On By MischenkoIn Music, Music Monday10 Comments

-Music Monday-

This meme was created by Drew @ The Tattooed Book Geek. You pick a song that you really like and share it on Monday.

musicmonday

I shared “You Worry Me” a few Music Monday’s ago and honestly can’t say enough about this entire album. It’s the first album I’ve purchased in a long time that I can listen to from beginning to end and love every tune.

Nathaniel Rateliff & the Nightsweats

“Still Out There Running”

Continue reading “Music Monday: Nathaniel Rateliff & the Nightsweats “Still Out There Running” #NathanielRateliff” →

The Burning Within by RaNelle Wallace & Curtis Taylor #UltimateReadingChallenge #Bookreview

On By MischenkoIn Memoir, Reading Challenges, Reads, Spiritual, True Stories15 Comments

The Burning Within

by Ranelle Wallace & Curtis Taylor

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From Goodreads:

True story of a couple returning home after an unsuccessful vacation to revive their marriage, their plane crash, their rescue, survival, recovery, and coping with life after severe burns and disfiguration. Adding to this tragedy was a woman’s disregard for the warnings and strong premonitions of what was to come. That burning within all of us. Also a very compelling near death experience and confirmation of life after death beliefs that people of every religion can relate to.

Continue reading “The Burning Within by RaNelle Wallace & Curtis Taylor #UltimateReadingChallenge #Bookreview” →

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo: Book Review #UltimateReadingChallenge July

On By MischenkoIn Children's Books, Education, Pets, Reading Challenges, Reads23 Comments

Because of Winn Dixie

by Kate DiCamillo

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From Goodreads:

Kate DiCamillo’s beloved, best-selling debut novel is now available in a paperback digest edition.

Kate DiCamillo’s first published novel, like Winn-Dixie himself, immediately proved to be a keeper — a New York Times bestseller, a Newbery Honor winner, the inspiration for a popular film, and most especially, a cherished classic that touches the hearts of readers of all ages. It’s now available in a paperback digest format certain to bring this tale’s magic to an even wider circle of fans. Continue reading “Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo: Book Review #UltimateReadingChallenge July” →

Traveling the Blue Road: Poems of the Sea by Lee Bennett Hopkins – #NGEW2018 #NetGalley

On By MischenkoIn Children's Books, Education, NetGalley, Poetry, Reading Challenges, Reads17 Comments

Traveling the Blue Road: Poems of the Sea

by: Lee Bennett Hopkins (Editor)

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From Goodreads:

A 2018 Notable Poetry Book for Children (National Council of Teachers of English)

Selected for Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2018 by NCSS-CBC, a cooperative project of the National Council for the Social Studies and the Children’s Book Council

Traveling the Blue Road is a carefully curated collection of kid-friendly poetry about the ever inspiring subject of the ocean. Themes include pilgrimages, migration, culture, and more.

Prepare to be inspired by the sea with Traveling the Blue Road. This book is packed with gorgeous illustrations that surround a collection of poetry for children on the themes of the courage, beauty, and promise of sea voyages.

Continue reading “Traveling the Blue Road: Poems of the Sea by Lee Bennett Hopkins – #NGEW2018 #NetGalley” →

Thyroid Healing by Anthony William – My Story – Update and Results #2 – Hiatus

On By MischenkoIn Healing Autoimmune Disease, Health, Mental Health, Reads, Self-Help Books56 Comments

*Follow all of my updates on my Thyroid Healing Page by clicking here…*

On January 12th, I shared my book review for Thyroid Healing by Anthony William and I also shared my story about how I’ve struggled with anxiety and autoimmune disease. If you haven’t seen the original post and would like to read it, you can find it HERE.

On February 23rd, I shared my first update. You can find it HERE.

Today is August 2nd, 2018 and I’ve been on the protocol now for 7 months. I haven’t strayed at all and I’ve remained obedient with my supplements and my foods. Here’s what I’m doing now:

34324421.jpg Continue reading “Thyroid Healing by Anthony William – My Story – Update and Results #2 – Hiatus” →

Shabby Sunday: Bittersweet – Stories and Poems from Scholastic Writing Awards 1926-1960 – Jerome Brondfield – 1962

On By MischenkoIn Poetry, Reads, Shabby Sunday, Short Stories, Vintage Books43 Comments

Shabby Sunday

I have a lot of old vintage books and one of my plans when I first started blogging was to do a post every week or so that shared one of my cherished vintage books. Then I thought there might be other book bloggers out there that have some vintage books, heirlooms, or maybe some old books from childhood that they might want to share. I decided to start a weekly meme titled ‘Shabby Sunday’ for those who would like to participate and share some of their old vintage books. Do you have some shabby books you’d like to share? If so, please feel free to participate as anyone can join. Feel free to use the picture I’ve provided if you’d like to. If you decide to do this meme, please consider linking back to me so that I can see the book you’re sharing.

Today’s Shabby Share is:

Bittersweet: Stories and Poems from Scholastic Writing Awards, 1926-1960

by: Jerome Brondfield

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This is a book from my childhood that I know I’ve mentioned before on tags, but haven’t shared for Shabby Sunday. I’ve had this book since I was in 5th grade. Continue reading “Shabby Sunday: Bittersweet – Stories and Poems from Scholastic Writing Awards 1926-1960 – Jerome Brondfield – 1962” →

Flower Friday: Slideshow ~ Sunflowers – Zinnias – First Tomatoes

On By MischenkoIn Flower Friday, Plants and gardening40 Comments

I discovered Flower Friday last year while visiting Lorilin@Bugbugbooks and have been having a blast sharing some flower pictures and information. Please check out Lorilin’s blog if you haven’t already for book reviews and more!

The zinnias and sunflowers are blooming like crazy. Not only that, I was able to can a few jars of tomatoes already which is nice. This year we grew a few different types of tomatoes like Ukrainian yellow and galaxy. I thought for today I’d share a short slideshow of some of my favorite pictures this week, including a few butterflies in the greenhouse. I also added in a song I enjoyed this week by Arborea titled “Wayfaring Summer”. Hope you all enjoy!

Continue reading “Flower Friday: Slideshow ~ Sunflowers – Zinnias – First Tomatoes” →

Throwback Thursday: The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks

On By MischenkoIn Fiction, Movies, Reads, Romance, Throwback Thursday47 Comments

Throwback Thursday is a weekly meme created by Renee @ It’s Book Talk. This meme is an awesome way to share old favorites that were published over a year ago or even books that you’re finally reading after much time has passed. I have plenty of those to share! If you have your own Throwback Thursday recommendation feel free to jump on board. Please link back to her by using the link above.

BeFunky Design

Today’s Throwback:

The Best of Me

by

Nicholas Sparks

 

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Continue reading “Throwback Thursday: The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks” →

Tag: NetGalley Book Tag

On By MischenkoIn Reads, TAGS36 Comments

Hi everyone! I found this tag over at Dani’s blog@mousaibooks.com. I enjoyed reading through her answers and thought this would be a good tag to do this morning because I won’t be doing Breakfast and a Book. I wasn’t tagged for this one, but please check out her blog and post at the link above.

Rules:

♥ Link back to the tag’s creator Kourtni at Kourtni Reads.
♥ Thank and link back to the person who tagged you.
♥ Answer the questions the best you can. If you don’t use NetGalley, you can substitute other sites or places where you get books!
♥ Tag a few people to do this too.

Continue reading “Tag: NetGalley Book Tag” →

In the Shadow of the Hanging Tree by Michael A. McLellan | Book Review | Author Interview | Signed Giveaway Including a $25 Barnes and Noble Gift Card! #HistFic #BookReview #Giveaway #Fiction

On By MischenkoIn Author Interviews, Fiction, Giveaway, Historical Fiction, Reads27 Comments

HiIn the Shadow of the Hanging Tree

by Michael A. McLellan

From Goodreads:

In 1865 a shadow hovers over the nation: the shadow lingers still…

Born into slavery, Henry’s young life is spent working in tobacco drying sheds on Missouri plantations. Freed at the onset of the Civil War, he’s alone, starving, and on the run from Confederate militiamen.

Five years later, Clara Hanfield, the daughter of a powerful New York shipping magnate, escapes her tyrannical father and travels west in pursuit of John Elliot, the man she loves. John, a U.S. Army lieutenant, was sent to the Dakota Territory where he discovers a government conspiracy to incite an all-out war with the Indians; a war meant to finally eliminate them as an obstacle to the westward expansion.

Henry finds himself caught in the middle.

Aided by Clara, John, and his native ally, Standing Elk, Henry must battle hatred, greed, and the ghosts of his past during this turbulent and troubling time in American history.

Continue reading “In the Shadow of the Hanging Tree by Michael A. McLellan | Book Review | Author Interview | Signed Giveaway Including a $25 Barnes and Noble Gift Card! #HistFic #BookReview #Giveaway #Fiction” →

Music Monday: Chris Rodrigues & Abby the Spoon Lady “Mean Old Mrs. Jones”

On By MischenkoIn Music, Music Monday21 Comments

-Music Monday-

This meme was created by Drew @ The Tattooed Book Geek. You pick a song that you really like and share it on Monday.

musicmonday

I’ve always been fascinated with spoon players. Abby’s story is quite interesting. Hope you all enjoy.

Continue reading “Music Monday: Chris Rodrigues & Abby the Spoon Lady “Mean Old Mrs. Jones”” →

Already Here: A Doctor Discovers the Truth about Heaven by Leo Galland

On By MischenkoIn Education, Memoir, Reads, Spiritual20 Comments

Already Here: A Doctor Discovers the Truth about Heaven

by Leo Galland

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Blurb from Goodreads: 

Already Here tells of the death of Leo Galland’s son, Christopher, at the age of 22; the direct visual evidence Christopher showed him that our souls do go on; and the communications he received from Christopher’s spirit that dramatically changed Leo’s understanding of life and its meaning.

In life, Christopher was a brain-damaged special needs child who challenged everyone he knew with his unpredictable behavior and uncanny insights. After his death, he revealed to Leo the real purpose of his life, as a spiritual guide who taught others by confounding their assumptions and expectations. And he began to share with Leo a new perspective on everything from the nature of good and evil to the concept of timelessness—“God’s moment”—to the notion that the universe is, fundamentally, an act of love. Continue reading “Already Here: A Doctor Discovers the Truth about Heaven by Leo Galland” →

Flower Friday: Common Milkweed

On By MischenkoIn Flower Friday, Plants and gardening46 Comments

I discovered Flower Friday last year while visiting Lorilin@Bugbugbooks and have been having a blast sharing some flower pictures and information. Please check out Lorilin’s blog if you haven’t already for book reviews and more!

Today’s Flower is:

Common Milkweed

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I just adore these large spherical pink/purplish flowers. They have a wonderful smell too, so if you happen to stumble upon one of these beauties, don’t forget to take a whiff.  Continue reading “Flower Friday: Common Milkweed” →

The Wide Window (A Series of Unfortunate Events #3) by Lemony Snicket ~ Book Review

On By MischenkoIn Children's Books, Fiction, Reads, Series25 Comments

The Wide Window (A Series of Unfortunate Events #3)

by

Lemony Snicket

Illustrations by Brett Helquist

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From Goodreads:

Dear Reader,

If you have not read anything about the Baudelaire orphans, then before you read even one more sentence, you should know this: Violet, Klaus, and Sunny are kindhearted and quick-witted; but their lives, I am sorry to say, are filled with bad luck and misery. All of the stories about these three children are unhappy and wretched, and this one may be the worst of them all. If you haven’t got the stomach for a story that includes a hurricane, a signalling device, hungry leeches, cold cucumber soup, a horrible villain, and a doll named Pretty Penny, then this book will probably fill you with despair. I will continue to record these tragic tales, for that is what I do. You, however, should decide for yourself whether you can possibly endure this miserable story.

With all due respect,

Lemony Snicket Continue reading “The Wide Window (A Series of Unfortunate Events #3) by Lemony Snicket ~ Book Review” →

The Doggie in the Window: How One Beloved Dog Opened My Eyes to the Complicated Story Behind Man’s Best Friend by Rory Kress – Book Review – #NGEW2018 #TheDoggieintheWindow #Edelweiss

On By MischenkoIn Edelweiss, Memoir, Pets, Reads, True Stories39 Comments

The Doggie in the Window: How One Beloved Dog Opened My Eyes to the Complicated Story Behind Man’s Best Friend

by

Rory Kress

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From Goodreads: 

When Rory Kress began to wonder where her beloved Wheaten Terrier, Izzie, had really come from, she had no idea of the horrors she would uncover. With stunning insight and tenacity, Kress launches an investigation into the harsh realities of the American dog-breeding industry, exposing troubling ties to factory farming and big agriculture.

From a pet shop on Long Island to the puppy mills of rural Missouri, from the author’s own living room to a ride-along with a dog rescue organization, The Doggie in the Window is a must-read for all dog owners and a call to action for improving the lives of man’s best friend. Continue reading “The Doggie in the Window: How One Beloved Dog Opened My Eyes to the Complicated Story Behind Man’s Best Friend by Rory Kress – Book Review – #NGEW2018 #TheDoggieintheWindow #Edelweiss” →