Book Review: Operation Bonnet: a novel – by Kimberly Stuart

Book: Operation Bonnet

Author: Kimberly Stuart

Publisher: David C. Cook

Date: February 1, 2011

Genre: comedic fiction

Pages: 266

Price: $14.99

My Rating: An enjoyable read with tasteful humour; not totally predictable.

I won this book from somewhere, I think perhaps on Twitter.

This is the first Kimberly Stuart book I have read, and I enjoyed it. I wasn’t sure if a book written about the Amish community would hold my interest, but it certainly did. It isn’t even all about the Amish, but gives some insight into that lifestyle, while also following the main character in her own life in the mainstream community.

Operation Bonnet is about a young woman, Nellie, who wants to be a private investigator, but living in a small community she can find no one needing a PI. That is, until she meets Amos, a young man who, of his own accord, left the nearby Amish community and the girl he loves. He is forbidden to visit so hires Nellie to spy for him. To do that Nellie has to somehow infiltrate the strict community, so she pulls some trickery in order to get herself into the home and kitchen of the feared and respected matriarch of that community. It’s a nerve-racking experience for Nellie, for although she is quite good at keeping up in the kitchen (she loves to cook) she has trouble keeping out of trouble.

Even though Nellie is trying to help another in the romantic front, her own heart is tried because of her best friend, the guy with whom she grew up. As smart as she is she just doesn’t see what is happening in her own relationships.

What added another interesting dimension to this story, for me, is the fact that Nellie is trying to take care of her aunt who has dementia and resists allowing her parents to place her aunt in a home.

I don’t want to tell you anymore about the story because it is worth your reading it yourself. Kimberly Stuart writes with humour and heart, creating believable characters and realistic dialogue that I think you will enjoy in Operation Bonnet.

You can find Operation Bonnet listed on my BUY THE BOOK! page.

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings! 🙂

Does fear control your life?

FEAR.

What do you think of when you hear that word?

From the time I was a small child fear was my constant companion. It hindered me in every way. Sometimes it got pushed aside but rarely did it let go. It has taken years for me to begin living without it taking over, and even yet I struggle against its seemed power in my life. I have come to believe that when fear is not of value it is a choice to be made.

FEAR IS A CHOICE.

Without going into a lot of personal grief about things not necessary to mention at this time, I want to direct you instead to an excellent post I found. Titled “Is Fear Driving You Forward or Dragging You Under?” it was written by Kristen Lamb <—- so please take a few minutes to go there (just click on her name) and read it. She says it so well.

E. E. Cummings said, “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”

I’m still working on that. How about you?

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings! 🙂

Book Review: Infinity Ring, Book one: A Mutiny In Time – by James Dashner

Book: Infinity Ring, book one: A Mutiny in Time

Author: James Dashner

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Date: August 28, 2012

Genre: MG (age 9+, grade 4-6); dystopian

Pages: 192

Price: $8.99 US; also available for Kindle and as an audio book

My Rating: exciting read to start off the series

I won this book with a poster, a 3-D sticker and a fold-out map to go with the online game.

It’s always fun to win something, and when I win a book it is a special thrill. I received an autographed ARC (advanced reading copy) of Infinity Ring, book one: A Mutiny in Time, so now you know (if you read the stats above) I read it quite awhile ago. Even though I wasn’t asked to, I decided to post a brief review because this volume is the first of a series that might interest a child (age 9 and up) in your life. Book eight of the series is due to be released in August of this year.

The first characters we meet are a couple of adventurous young friends, Dak and Sera. Quickly the reader learns there is trouble in their world – the very real chance it is going to end soon. Something has to be done to prevent it. Also, there is Dak’s parents’ very important invention – the Infinity Ring, a device that allows time travel – that someone bad is after, and that Dak and Sera have found. Worse yet, Dak’s parents have disappeared – lost in time! The young friends are determined to help, but their discovery of the Infinity Ring has put them in danger. Of course, that doesn’t stop them and they decide to go back in time to find Dak’s parents and also fix history while doing it.

Now, how is that for an exciting story a youngster is bound to like? This adventure is very easy to read and get caught up in, the pace keeps one’s interest, and surprises along the way keep the story moving. There is decent humour, too, which always adds a nice touch. I didn’t try the online game but that is something maybe my grandson will do with me now that he is nearly nine.

Look for book one of the Infinity Ring: A Mutiny in Time. The series is written by several authors, but James Dashner is the author of books one and seven of the series.

You can find Infinity Ring: A Mutiny in Time listed on my BUY THE BOOK! page.

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings! 🙂

Does music inspire you? (very funny videos)

My topic for today is music.

(photo is of our white, blue-eyed cat, Scamper, whom we had for seventeen years.)

I enjoy music. Not all music, but likely most. When there is music playing I have a very hard time staying still. Music seems to speak to the depths of me.

Classical music is supposed to be good for the brain, especially good for the development of babies’ brains. I read that studies have found classical music is helpful during studying, doing homework, as background sound when doing other things. I find that particular music genre can simply be enjoyed without the listener being really intruded upon by it.

I came across this video that I think is one of the most hilarious things I have watched lately. Every time I view it – and yes, I like it so much I have viewed it multiple times, and will again – I either snicker or laugh out loud. It’s not only the involvement of the players but the audience reactions that get me every time. Take a look at this classical interlude and let me know what you think, but please remember to come back to see the next one I am including. Better yet, make it easier for yourself and just right-click so you don’t leave my blog entirely. 🙂

I understand not everyone appreciates music. There was a time it was considered to be evil-inspired on every level. But then on the other extreme there are those who enjoy not only listening to music, but playing an instrument AND singing along. That leads me into this funny clip which I think you will agree proves my point.

How does music affect you? Does it make you want to dance? Does it help your thought processes when you write?

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings! 🙂

How is your grammar? Take this quiz!

How’s your grammar? Ever wonder how you rate or what words still trick you?

I recently discovered a short grammar test. I’m always interested in knowing how I rate when it comes to proper grammar usage, so I took this twenty question quiz to test my skills. It is easy to do and I’m sure you will find it of benefit.

I didn’t get a perfect score, and would have been surprised if I had managed that. There are a couple of things that still trip me up. 85% isn’t bad, though. It makes me a Grammar Warrior. 🙂

Interested? Try it here.

How about testing your grammar skills, then please come back and let me know how you scored?

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings! 🙂

We have a winner of The Adventures of Tomato and Pea – by Erik Weibel!

Just a quick post to let everyone know ….

This evening, the name of each person who commented on my interview with Erik Weibel was placed in the random name picker tool I got for free online. (http://www.miniwebtool.com/random-name-picker/) It’s the first time I’ve used it for this and it works so well I will probably use it for future draws.

I contacted the winner and already received her mailing info. So, with no further delay …

The winner of a copy of The Adventures of Tomato and Pea –

by Erik Weibel –

is …

drum roll …

Patricia Tilton!

Congratulations, Patricia! You will be receiving your book soon.

Patricia replied very quickly to my email, saying, “Thank you Lynn. I’ve been wanting to read Erik’s book.”

Thank you, everyone, for participating in the draw to win a book. I know Erik appreciates your support. You can find his book on Amazon.

Stay tuned for more reviews, interviews, book giveaways as I am able to conduct them. I have loads of books to lose myself in! 🙂

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings! 🙂

Wildlife out my window; reminder of chance to win a book

First I want to remind you to enter the draw, if you haven’t already, for a paper copy of the book by Erik Weibel. The Adventures of Tomato and Pea is a good one for that special child in your life.

Now I want to tell you about something fun. Today I glanced out the window and was surprised and delighted to see a young deer! She was making her way through the snow on the far side of Dad’s lawn, following the brook to the back of the property. Upon reaching a bend in the brook she stepped in and took a long drink of cold water. Having enough, she raised her head, looked around and crossed the stream to climb the hill on the other side. Soon after the deer had ventured by, a cock pheasant hurried along the brook and also made his way up the hill.

It’s always interesting here at my dad’s. One never knows what will appear in the brook or on the lawn, at or near the feeders, or just passing through. Besides deer and cock pheasants and their hens we have watched ducks, a fox, raccoons, hawks, many other birds including cardinals, a kingfisher, and grey herons.

The images I’m including were not taken from today’s sightings, but they are my own pictures. The first photo is one I took of a young deer in my own driveway one winter. The others were taken at Dad’s last summer.

I just wanted to share this since I hadn’t been able to post over the weekend.

A final memory jog … the draw for The Adventures of Tomato and Pea is tonight, Tuesday, March 11 at 6:00 EST. Please encourage a new author and leave a comment on the interview.

What wonderful sightings have you had this season?

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings! 🙂