A collection of stories of horses and the lives they impacted, this book will make you laugh and cry. I know it sounds cliche, but it really did for me!
I am a horse owner, so I could totally relate to some of the life-lessons that were learned by the authors that penned some of these stories. As I said, some made me laugh and a few made me cry...(I will let you figure out those.)
Even, if you aren't a horse owner, but are a horse lover, you could appreciate this book. Mainly, because lots of the story writers had that initial passion--love. Even if you aren't a "horse lover", I think you could still appreciate the lessons learned. The book reminded me of those human-interest type stores that the news stations put on once in a while that leave you feeling warm-fuzzies--that maybe there is still good that happens and the underdog does triumph.
As mentioned, the book is a collection of stories penned by several authors. Each story is not long in length, a few pages to several pages. The lengths would be good for a short read before bed or even something to read aloud at the dinner table for family time. Content is very family friendly.
Overall, 5 stars. Just a good book that is light and leaves you feeling good.
(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Saturday, October 31, 2015
"Murder At The Courthouse" Book Review
In the sleepy town of Hidden Springs, Kentucky, Micheal Keane can appreciate the slower pace of small-town life. But when a murder takes place--on the courthouse steps, no less--the town gets turned on its ear and the events that unfold leave Hidden Springs anything but "sleepy".
Ann Gabhart weaves a tale of mystery in her latest novel. This is the second book I've read by Gabhart. The first was her book, "The Innocent". This book is not historical or about the Shakers. A bit of a change from her other books, it is modern day and has a male protagonist.
I had a very hard time getting into this book. I felt it moved very slowy. The "landscape" didn't change much and the cast of characters was small. And it was a "conversational" book--lots of dialogue. It reminded me a lot of Tracie Peterson's books...which isn't necessarily a bad thing, just not what I prefer to read. Gabhart does give depth to the main character, Michael. He does have to come to grips with an event that happened previously in his life that almost is a subplot to the main plot which does add interest.
If you are looking for the romance element, there isn't much of one. But, if you are looking for mystery it's definitely in this book. There are some twist and turns that I was not expecting. I felt Gabhart did well in that respect. When twists started occurring, the book picked up pace and held my attention a lot better. By the end I was guessing, "who done it" and couldn't wait to see who really did. But, getting there was a bit painful for me.
Overall, I give this 3.5 stars. It just moved to slowly.
(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Ann Gabhart weaves a tale of mystery in her latest novel. This is the second book I've read by Gabhart. The first was her book, "The Innocent". This book is not historical or about the Shakers. A bit of a change from her other books, it is modern day and has a male protagonist.
I had a very hard time getting into this book. I felt it moved very slowy. The "landscape" didn't change much and the cast of characters was small. And it was a "conversational" book--lots of dialogue. It reminded me a lot of Tracie Peterson's books...which isn't necessarily a bad thing, just not what I prefer to read. Gabhart does give depth to the main character, Michael. He does have to come to grips with an event that happened previously in his life that almost is a subplot to the main plot which does add interest.
If you are looking for the romance element, there isn't much of one. But, if you are looking for mystery it's definitely in this book. There are some twist and turns that I was not expecting. I felt Gabhart did well in that respect. When twists started occurring, the book picked up pace and held my attention a lot better. By the end I was guessing, "who done it" and couldn't wait to see who really did. But, getting there was a bit painful for me.
Overall, I give this 3.5 stars. It just moved to slowly.
(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
"You Can't Text A Tough Conversation" Book Review
Technology. Communication. Can the two go hand in hand?
Mike Bechtle explores these two elements in his fourth book. At first I thought the book would address more the use of technology and ways to combat having and using technology and still be able to have conversation. He does make the introduction with mentioning technology, but shifts to the main element of conversation. Bechtle explores the deeper things that make up conversation, with relationships being at the core: how we interact, how we listen, how we are as individuals, how we relate to others, etc. Those things all influence and are basics of how we approach actual conversation. And conversation isn't actually talking, but listening as well.
I admit, I was a little disappointed on the focus about the building blocks of conversation and not the focus on technology. But, after reading the book I can see how "conversation" needed to be dissected first so we know what things can make or break good conversation. As with other books of this nature, I get a little bogged down in the explanation some times. Examples are great to make a point, but sometimes I feel like saying, "OK, I get it already." I felt that a few places in the book.
Bechtle adds statistics and study information to backup and add credence to his writing, which I always fund interesting and helpful. There were several pages that got "dog-eared" because of points he made or observations that were impacting. Something else that Bechtle does is add quotes from various sources, from famous to anonymous, as a "prelude to the chapter". Some I actually laughed out loud on they were that funny!
Bechtle, does brings the book full circle and concludes with things we can do to use technology for good and not evil in sustaining the life of old-fashioned conversation. Technology is here to stay. It's how we use it (or not) that makes the difference.
Overall, 4 stars.
(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Mike Bechtle explores these two elements in his fourth book. At first I thought the book would address more the use of technology and ways to combat having and using technology and still be able to have conversation. He does make the introduction with mentioning technology, but shifts to the main element of conversation. Bechtle explores the deeper things that make up conversation, with relationships being at the core: how we interact, how we listen, how we are as individuals, how we relate to others, etc. Those things all influence and are basics of how we approach actual conversation. And conversation isn't actually talking, but listening as well.
I admit, I was a little disappointed on the focus about the building blocks of conversation and not the focus on technology. But, after reading the book I can see how "conversation" needed to be dissected first so we know what things can make or break good conversation. As with other books of this nature, I get a little bogged down in the explanation some times. Examples are great to make a point, but sometimes I feel like saying, "OK, I get it already." I felt that a few places in the book.
Bechtle adds statistics and study information to backup and add credence to his writing, which I always fund interesting and helpful. There were several pages that got "dog-eared" because of points he made or observations that were impacting. Something else that Bechtle does is add quotes from various sources, from famous to anonymous, as a "prelude to the chapter". Some I actually laughed out loud on they were that funny!
Bechtle, does brings the book full circle and concludes with things we can do to use technology for good and not evil in sustaining the life of old-fashioned conversation. Technology is here to stay. It's how we use it (or not) that makes the difference.
Overall, 4 stars.
(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
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Roscoe
A good walking buddy and awesome frisbee catcher! Life cut short by a brain tumor.
Tuffy
If ever there was a candidate for Dog Heaven, it would be Tuff. Tuff was put to rest December 7, 2012. At almost 14 years old, he threw the longevity curve for dogs of his breed-makeup and size. He battled 2 types of cancer and Cushing's Disease as well as arthritis. Faithful to the end and never grumpy, depite the constant care and nagging from me. Always the protector, gentleman and companion--you will be sorely missed by all who had the opportunity to know you.
Cranky Thomas
Ever wonder why it's called "Life On CT Farm"? The horse you see in the pictures is Cranky Thomas, a registered quarter horse gelding. He was born May 5, 1980 in Galion, Alabama and passed away August 3, 2004 on CT Farm--his farm. He originally belonged to my husband, but I adopted him and I think he adopted me. We competed together in contest classes at local horse shows. But, an old injury finally slowed him down and I retired him in 2000. He was a loving and patient being that I completely trusted and admired. There will never be another like him, never. He meant so much to me that I named our farm after him as well as my company, Cranky T. LLC. He's gone now, but is still with me and now you.
