Book Club

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Bachelorette JoJo Week 3 Thoughts

This week was four hours of drama. So I have a lot of thoughts since it was stretched out over two nights. Get ready.

 

Here was my thought process during night one…

  • There are always those contestants that are absolutely floored that they aren’t the ones that get the one on one. Like how dare she play this game?
  • This hot yoga thing is so weird. “This angergasm looks more like an exorcism.” Yes JoJo, it is weird for us too.
  • I mean how would you not kiss holding someone like that doing the yib yab? You have to feel some connection. I feel like the producers set that one up.
  • Chad should be grateful he is on a date. He definitely looks like a dbag puffing up to everyone. Of course no one wants to go on a date with 11 other guys, but that is what you signed up for. Stop complaining.
  • Sextalks? These dates are awful. While I agree with JoJo that intimacy is important, I don’t think these dates are great for first dates. But I guess it breaks the ice.
  • Again, Chad’s approach is very aggressive and negative, however I agree with that she may have not earned that part of his history yet. Modest lady over here.
  • I love that Jordan keeps cozying up to JoJo in the audience.
  • Daniel’s hair cutting story was seriously creepy. How is he still here?
  • Evan’s stint during his sex talk…He did have the balls to say something.
  • Then the altercation with Chad…this is the start of something! Lots of trouble.
  • Chad trying to move on JoJo in front of everone…show stopper. How embarrassing.
  • “If I can’t lift weights, I am going to murder someone.” Yea because that doesn’t scream roid rage…
  • I am glad JoJo didn’t let Chad crash one of the one on one times during the group date. You don’t see that very often that they don’t let them interrupt.
  • ..Chad’s comments about Evan already having his chance at love because he has three kids. Because having kids means that you aren’t able to love again?
  • Also did we miss where Evan divulged about having 3 kids? While I am all for parents finding love, I don’t know how they do this show and spend this much time away from their kids. Just being real…I have a hard time being away from George for 10 hours.
  • Yes James T. got a date! I love him!
  • Oh Chad…you have to ask deep questions in this quick setting. Feelings are needed in this situation.
  • Evan should not have given JoJo that ultimatum. Yes bring up how he is not a good guy, but don’t make JoJo get rid of one of you right there.
  • Wow Chad. Showing jealousy much? Yes this is real life. Chad is a time-bomb waiting to happen.
  • James’s date of swing dancing is one of my dreams. (To which Tom responded with “yuck”)
  • Haha Daniel trying to give Chad advice of having a cooler head.
  • Flash dance that is swing dancing! Yes please! Make my dreams come true! James seemed to exude fun!
  • I almost choked on my drink when Daniel compared Chad to Hitler. So many thoughts.
  • Of course she is twitterpatted when James serenades her with that skyline in the background.
  • Evan telling Chris seems unnecessary. Wouldn’t the producers step in if there was a serious issue?
  • Chris telling Chad to go settle it in a way that will be well received seems like a recipe for disaster.

 

Here are my thoughts on night two…

  • Evan bleeding in the pool really?
  • JoJo and Jordan have the heat that is for sure.
  • I don’t think Chad ever learned how to be social.
  • JoJo really loves the two piece outfits. I am glad I am out of the social scene because I don’t see myself every feeling comfortable in those clothes.
  • Noooo I liked Christian! I am sad to see him go.
  • Yes Luke got a 1:1. And a really romantic one at that! Hopefully they have some good conversations in that time.
  • So do you think they are allowed books? I understand no magazines, but books? I mean what do they do all day? Just sit around and stare at each other?
  • The Two on One…dun dun dun. Alex and Chad. Honestly I am not really a fan of either, so this will be interesting.
  • Luke=rugged and sexy. Agreed.
  • Luke describing his military experience made me cry happy tears, and definitely makes me appreciate the life we have now. How he explained that emotions are not a positive thing in that experience definitely resonated with me. In some ways I think that is something that many of the soldiers have to learn all over again once they return. I think it is hard for them to touch that side again after things they have seen.
  • All those people with their phones taking pictures of Luke and JoJo…so many spoilers made right there. I still have managed to escape all of them!
  • I LOVE DAN + SHAY!
  • The guys are really aggressive on this football date.
  • BHAHAHA Ben Roethlisberger just chilling in the stands.
  • I love that Hines has viewing parties at his house.
  • They definitely played up all this blood to be because of Chad…and it’s not.
  • Aww James has to get stitches but doesn’t go to hang out more. That’s dumb James.
  • Chad going against two veterans doesn’t seem to be the best idea.
  • Evan, why are you trying to be stylish with the football garb?
  • I would not have called the blue team winning with all the injured people.
  • I think Alex hit on the head that Chad is really insecure. I think he is the one overly sensitive to how people react to him.
  • Do you think the producers pick who is on the two on one? There always seems to be one of the most dramatic contestants on this date. I mean I know they have an influence, but do you think they absolutely pick?
  • Chad threatening to come find Jordan after the show…That doesn’t seem to be a good idea.
  • That awkward silence of all the guys on that couch…That was comical.
  • I think she is going to send both home at the end of the two on one.
  • Why are they chopping that tree? It was not in their way.
  • Chad you aren’t aggressive person? Threatened people to keep them quiet? Again no social skills.
  • JoJo, I don’t think Chad’s mom would be happy about his behavior so don’t give him a pass on this.
  • Chad whistling is creepy.
  • Chad for real all you have talked about is violence.
  • Wait Chad is a marine too? Did I miss that?
  • Bye Bye Chad.
  • I am glad she picked Alex over Chad, but I don’t think that Alex is the right guy for her.
  • Chad is back at the house…WTH. Is this a horror film.
  • Again, how is Daniel still in the house?
  • There are moments that I feel sorry for Chad, but then I realize that he really is this awful. So many good nuggets to digest here. http://www.wetpaint.com/bachelorette-2016-chad-johnson-match-profile-photos-1498609/
  • I wonder if Chad will show up on the “Men Tell All” episode.
  • Also I think Chad makes Olivia (from Ben’s season) look like a saint. Also not to toot my own horn but she liked one of my Instagram photos…No big deal.

My favorites: Luke, James Taylor, Chase, and Jordan. (same as last week)

Were you in it to win it with both episodes this week? Who are your favorites? What did you think of the “intimate” dates?

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Book Review-Anchor in the Storm (And Giveaway)

I did receive this book complimentary from Litfuse Publicity Group for my review. These thoughts are my own.

 In a time of sacrifice, what price can one put on true love? Pharmacist Lillian Avery and Ensign Archer Vandenberg are about to find out in Sarah Sundin’s new book, Anchor in the Storm. During the darkest days of the war, Arch’s destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves—and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions Lillian has been filling? As the danger rises on both land and sea, the two must work together to answer that question. But can Arch ever earn Lillian’s trust and affection?

That is a snippet from the blog tour. Sounds intriguing right?

I read the first in this series almost a year ago, and I was excited to see this book come up! Here is my review on Through Waters Deep.

Unlike the first book, Anchor in the Storm I was able to get right into. Since I already knew the characters and the setting of the book, I was ready. I really enjoy Sundin’s writing style of back and forth between the two main characters.

This book was also a little different because it broached the world of disabilities with Lillian and the effects and stigmas of PTSD with Arch. Since PTSD is something that hits close to home for us, I really enjoyed reading the perspective written here. Even though it was fictional, it made me really glad that there have been a lot of changes for our military members, but it also reminded me that we still have a long ways to go to serve this population well. Just because you have PTSD doesn’t mean you can’t be a fully function member of society. But I digress.

Anyway, back to the book. I rate this one a 4/5. I honestly liked this one better than the first. It is a fun read with intrigue and romance.

I love the style of the women being heroines and being independent. The story does tell a lot about the push back of women moving into more traditional men’s roles, and I love the strength portrayed by these female characters.

 This is a great read for a WWII fictional time piece. What I liked about this was it really hit on how the home-front was affected. I think a lot of times when we look at WWII pieces, it focuses on what was happening overseas, so this was a different spin on that time. I was not disappointed, and I was often thinking about the book when I wasn’t reading it.

Celebrate the release of Sarah’s Anchor in the Storm by entering to win her All Hands on Deck Prize Pack!

anchor in the storm - 400

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A signed copy of Anchor in the Storm
  • Nautical tote bag lined with anchor fabric
  • Anchor necklace made from copper reclaimed from the USS Constitution in Boston during restoration
  • 365 Devotions for Hope by Karen Whiting
  • Shine: Nautical Inspirational Adult Coloring Book
  • “Hope Anchors the Soul” journal
  • Set of two nautical tea towels
LF AIS full group 2

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 8th. The winner will be announced June 9th on Sarah’s blog.

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Bachelorette JoJo Week 2 Thoughts

Ahhhh, another night of romance and roses. So what were my thoughts on this week’s JoJo adventures?

  • Do you think JoJo actually writes the date cards?
  • You have to admit…JoJo was gorgeous coming out of that firetruck.
  • Chad’s job is Luxury Real Estate…seriously? There is a field for luxury real estate?
  • Chad, could you be peacocking any harder? There has to be gym equipment on that property so why is there a need for him to bring a weight belt.
  • How much pressure is that for Grant on the fire fighter date? He has got to win right.
  • I’m right there with you Wells. I would pass out from that too.
  • The guys writing songs by the pool for JoJo was too cute. Bromance rising.
  • Derek’s date-I would totally pick sea. This is a cute date though with all the signs.
  • Beware of nice guys? Seriously? Chad and Dan you have the wrong approach. Also that protein shake analogy was not really an analogy.
  • The ESPN date would be so much fun!
  • These touchdown dances are so funny. Apparently most people only know how to do the ride the pony.
  • Wow Chad. Just to call her out as a nagger. Just dig your grave. This is supposed to be a cheesy date, just have fun with it.
  • Yes there is something to be worried about with Chad, JoJo.
  • While I don’t like Chad, he had some good points during his “press conference.” I appreciate that he wants to get to know her, and I agree that these guys don’t really know her yet. However, I don’t know if I would do it with that kind of delivery. So awkward.
  • I love the ESPN hosts approach of who they would like having over as a brother-in-law. I think that is a great way to be real about your opinions.
  • James Taylor was so sweet with the note. Also I just want to put my hands through that curly hair. Isn’t he dreamy?
  • JoJo hit the nail on the head that Chad is overcompensating for something. If he thinks this is so cheesy why is he on the show?
  • JoJo NOOOOO! Gross kissing Chad. And what is with the champion-winning music in the background?
  • I do agree that the guys got super sensitive about Chad getting the first moment during the rose ceremony.
  • Chase’s little snow date was super cute.
  • Did anyone else notice that Chase and Jordan look very similar?
  • The little bit about Chad’s eating habits made me super hungry…
  • This post is basically my reaction to Chad…
  • It does seem a little early to already have an intervention going on.
  • I can’t tell if Chad’s “in your face finger pointing” is alcohol induced or if he just has that intense of a reflex. Maybe he is having a reaction to all that he is eating.
  • Chad is snacking during the rose ceremony…now all of this lunch meat intake is making me nauseous.
  • Oh you know Chad is getting a rose because that is just the way of the world. But it was really labored how she said his name.

 My favorites as of this week: Luke, James Taylor, Chase, and Jordan. (My radio station had James T on this morning, and by some of the cryptic things he was saying I don’t think he will make it as the final guy. I still love him though. )

It looks like next week has the potential for a lot of drama to come up!

Did you watch this week? What did you think of the dates?

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Bachelorette JoJo Week 1 Thoughts

I love my Monday nights! Going from Dancing with the Stars to the Bachelorette-so good.

Let’s get to watching reality TV!

Here were my thoughts from this week’s episode of the Bachelorette.

  • I loved having the former bachelorettes back. They were so chill and gave really good advice. Also I love seeing Dez and Ali pregnant!
  • Everyone is so punny on the first night. “Mojo for Jojo, Be my first round draft pick. She can light my fire…”
  • Aaron Rodgers’s brother! Yowza!
  • Bachelor Superfan is a job? Where can I get paid for this?
  • Daniel, from Canada, seems like a skeevy perve.
  • Santa was a little weird and too gimmicky.
  • Hipster is a job? What is happening?
  • All 4 One!?!?!?! What the heck Wells?
  • Luke getting a “unicorn” was adorable, and he is from Texas. I think that will be a draw for JoJo
  • The kiss with Jordan gave me goose bumps.
  • Chad just wants to talk smack on everyone and seems very full of himself. He seems like bad news from the previews too.
  • I am sorry, but since when is your nationality a profession? Why do their jobs bother me so much?
  • The guys got obnoxious really fast. Have you not learned from other seasons? Do better with your alcohol intake! There is always that one guy that jumps in the pool.
  • I actually vomited when Jake Pvelka came out. Then they are family friends? Ok he redeemed himself by actually giving her good advice.
  • WHY DANIEL!!!?!?!?! My jaw dropped to the floor when she called his name…
  • If I was on this…I would have passed out in a corner somewhere not because I was drunk but because of physical exhaustion. I never made it through the night at sleep overs.
  • She makes out with a lot of dudes from what the previews show, but there doesn’t seem to be as much crying. Apparently there is a lot of blood though.
  • I am interested to see if she falls for more than one person and how she will handle that with what had happened to her with Ben.
  • BachelorNation thought-I am going to say it here, but I think Caila will be on Bachelor in Paradise. While I am excited about JoJo, I think that Caila got the raw end of the deal.

 I think this season will be extra fun to watch because the radio show I listen to in the morning is based out of Dallas. One of the DJs knows JoJo in real life, and another person behind the scenes has watch parties with people that JoJo went to college with. So I feel like I will get some great perspective with their recaps on Tuesdays. They say that she is really down to earth and super sweet. They claimed that she will be a “good” Bachelorette because she will be in tune to everyone’s feelings and be classy about the process.

We shall see!

My top picks as of the first night are:  Jordan, James Taylor, Christian, and Luke.

Did you watch the premiere with JoJo as the Bachelorette? If not you should at least watch this…

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Book Review-Through the Shadows (& Give Away)

I did receive this book complimentary from Litfuse Publicity Group for my review. These thoughts are my own.

I was really excited to pick up this book because it is not my typical historical fiction era. I don’t know much about the west coast development, so I was intrigued by the setting of this book alone.

This book is part of a series, which I did not realize until about a third into the book. I think it very much can stand alone since each book is written from a different character’s perspective. The only reason I realized that it was the third book in the series is because I looked the author up on Goodreads to see what else she had written because I was enjoying it so much. Because “The Golden Gate Chronicles” didn’t tip me off…whoops.

Like I said I really enjoyed this book. It was based in San Fransisco at the turn of the 1900s a couple years after a devastating earthquake. It follows the King family, but most specifically Elizabeth King the youngest sibling.

Throughout the book, you see Elizabeth trying to figure out who she is and get over some secrets of her past. She is trying to make up for past transgressions by getting involved in a mission that houses Chinese girls who were rescued from the slavery of the time. I really liked her spunky attitude and how she defied the role of a woman at that time to do something she believed in.

Charles McKinley is the other main character, who is also trying to make a name for himself as a new lawyer in town. He is attempting to change the crooked politics of the city but obviously hits road blocks along the way.

Charles and Elizabeth’s stories intertwine throughout the pages, and you can’t help but root for them in their quest to change the status quo. I think it is a great read about characters (especially for that time) fighting against inequalities and corruption.

There are a lot of things that went well for this story line. It is quippy and there are many references to faith. Barnett doesn’t give you all the pieces to the story at once, so that sense of mystery keeps you turning the pages. It was like she would give you little nibbles in the midst of this great buffet of information that made you want to come back for seconds and thirds. I was drawn in quickly with the believable plot and how the characters related. I wanted to know more, and I would think about the book when I wasn’t reading it. This is why I give this book a 5/5 rating.

If you want to read a book that gives you hope and is a little different than your mainstream historical fiction, this is a great read!

Lucky enough for you there is a giveaway going on for the book!

Follow this link to check it out:  https://promosimple.com/ps/99f1

What have you been reading lately?