Solomon's Puzzle by Loris Nebbia

Solomon's Puzzle by Loris Nebbia

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I read this for my book club...doubt I would read it again as it was very long and felt very tedious for me. We had mixed reviews in our club. Some liked it, some had issues with the storyline (I did - too many rabbit trails and unanswered questions!).

The story did draw you in at first. School boy (Ben) is being abused by his dad (Max) and the question of Ben's parentage is a mystery. Is Max the real dad or is it Tom, someone who knew Max and his wife around the time Ben was born? While the reader knows who the real mom is, Ben doesn't find out until the end (sorry if that is a spoiler!). My biggest beef is that if Ben had been told the truth from the beginning, instead of the adults all waiting for him to guess his true parentage, it would have alleviated a lot of the pain this kid went through...and a lot of the text of the book!

I had a hard time relating to any of the characters. Certainly not either Max or Tom nor the wives, Donna and Mrs. McBride (who came across as a more perfect image of Martha Stewart than Ms. Stewart herself - I had to remind myself that this was fiction!). Maybe to the teens - Joe the goof-ball, Ben the serious one or Bonnie Jean, near perfect herself.

One good thing about the book, if you are local, you could really picture much of the scenery as you were reading.

Might make a good beach read for someone but it was definitely not a favorite!



View all my reviews

Book Review - Same Kind of Different as Me

"Same Kind of Different as Me" by Denver Moore and Ron Hall is the study of two very different men, from two very different worlds who are brought together - rather begrudingly - because a woman wouldn't let either of them go. As I read this book, I realized how truly ignorant I was to American History. I am sorry to say I did not realize sharecropping was a part of our country after the Civil War ended. This book was such a stark depiction of modern day slavery. But it is also the story of love, forgiveness, grace, determination and how, if you truly believe in someone and the power of the human spirit, anything is possible. I absolutely loved this story - so much in fact that it was my top pick of the 40+ books I read in 2010.

Many thanks to the Book Sneeze team for providing me with a copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Book Review - The Butterfly Effect

The Book Sneeze Team sent me a copy of The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews some time ago. Andrews is part of the Women of Faith tour and a wonderful motivational speaker. This gift book shares the tale of how the flap of a butterfly's wings can alter happenings on the other side of the world. You never know what kind of difference you can make by your actions - all of history could be changed! This is a beautifully illustrated book and would make a lovely graduation gift.

The opinions in this review are entirely my own. Other than the free copy of the book, I was not compensated in any way for my review.

Book Review ~ Pursuit of Justice

Fall has been exceptionally busy here at the Quiet House but I've been trying to catch snip-its of time to read. Tyndale sent me a copy of this book and I have to admit it is completely out of the genre I generally read. I'm not a big fan of mystery novels - Christian or otherwise - and I tend to shy away from them. I'm glad I received this book though because I really enjoyed it!

Author DiAnn Mills crafted this story, the third in a series, about Special Agent Bella Jordan who is assigned a murder case in Texas. We learn about Bella's past and how it intersects with the main male character, Carr Richardson. I enjoyed that Carr was a believer of Christ. I didn't really expect this - I think that stems from the genre's I tend to stick with. This book was action packed from the get go and kept me guessing the whole way through. I enjoyed the well-written dialog and the story was easy to follow. I'm sorry I missed out on Ms. Mills earlier works and I'll have to jaunt over to the library to check them out.

If you enjoy a good mystery, action with a little romance - and stories of God's grace and redemption - you will enjoy this book.

Many thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book to enjoy. My review is completely my own opinion and other than the free copy of the book, I was not paid to write this post.

"The Busy Mom's Guide to a Happy, Organized Home" - A Review

I recently had the privilege to read "The Busy Mom's Guide to a Happy, Organized Home" by Kathy Peel, who bills herself as America's Family Manager. A catchy title to bestow on oneself.

I have to admit that I skimmed through most of this book as I really didn't find any new (well, new to me!), useful information in the first few chapters that I did read. The chapters are broken down into: Managing Your Time, Managing Your Home, Managing Menus and Meals, Managing Relationships, Managing Your Finances, Managing Special Events and Managing Yourself.

Within each chapter you will find ideas and tips to make each area of your home run more efficiently thus giving you a happy and organized home. This would be a great book for a new homemaker who may feel lost in how to run their home. I have to admit this would have been a perfect gift for me when I got married twenty years ago. Learning something new is always a bonus - but I don't feel like I learned anything new from this book. I've read a lot of books on how to organize my home...it's implementing that knowledge that is where I could use the most help! Hubs would probably agree as clutter control seems to be one of my major issues!

A good how-to reference book for beginner's.

Many thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my review. Opinions in this post are solely my own.

Menu Plan Monday ~ August 9 - 15

Another week, another menu!

Monday ~ Fire Island Ziti

Tuesday ~ Kid's Create - Hubby and I attend Financial Peace University so I let the kiddoes fend for themselves

Wednesday ~ Haystacks Over Rice - a recipe that sounds fun and looks good!

Thursday ~ Salmon Patties, Peas and Buttered Noodles

Friday ~ Steak Subs and Salad

Saturday ~ My Birthday! Grilled Steak, Shrimp, Baked Potatoes and Salad

Sunday ~ BBQ Ribs, Macaroni Salad and Baked Beans

Menu Plan Monday ~ August 2 - 8

Wow - it's been awhile since I've done one of these posts. I'm trying to be more intentional about posting as I continue to figure this blog thing out. I sure do enjoy reading all the other great blogs out there but I'm still not sure there is a niche for mine. Anyway, we have a pretty simple, quiet week at the homestead before we get back into life in the fast lane. Here's what we're eating:

Monday ~ Grilled chicken quarters, grilled zucchini and roasted red potatoes

Tuesday ~ Hubs and I attend our FPU class where we have dinner with our group; kiddoes are having quesadillas and chips and salsa. I know, it's not very healthy. Here's to hoping they top those quesadillas with avocado and chopped tomato...doubtful but I can hope!

Wednesday ~ Cincinnati Chili and cornbread

Thursday ~ Grilled Salmon, more grilled zucchini and brown rice

Friday ~ Hubs and I are headed to a crab feast for a free date night; kiddoes are dining on...I don't know yet - maybe leftovers!

Saturday ~ Youngest child turns 13! It will be his choice for dinner but I believe he is leaning toward burgers on the grill and corn on the cob

Sunday ~ BBQ ribs, baked beans and macaroni salad

Sorry no recipes to share. Like I said it's a simple week here! Find more great menus over at Menu Plan Monday courtesy of I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Review ~ Friendship for GrownUps

Book Sneeze (Thomas Nelson Publishers) recently provided me with a copy of "Friendship for Grown-Ups" by Lisa Whelchel. I really enjoyed this book. Actually, I've enjoyed just about everything written by Lisa Whelchel! I also enjoy her on the Women of Faith tour - but that is a topic for another day! The author shared her struggles with making and keeping friends - not just acquaintances but friends who will there for you through all of life's challenges and joys. I loved the practical applications on how to be intentional with your friendships. An author who can share with me the where's, why's and how-to's, plus share her journey, is someone I want to continue to read and be mentored by (in the relative sense - I do not know Ms. Whelchel, although I believe we could be great friends if ever given the opportunity - which is slim). Her strong faith in Jesus and willingness to bare her soul before all of us is one of the reasons I enjoy reading her books. I recommend "Friendship for GrownUps" to anyone who is looking to be intentional with their friends. Thanks again to Book Sneeze for sending me this copy.

Tithing...Test Me in This ~ A Review

I was recently provided a copy of "Tithing...test Me in This", written by Douglas LeBlanc, by Booksneeze (from Thomas Nelson Publishers). First, let me say that my husband and I are committed tithers, so I was a little interested to read stories of others who also tithed and see the work that God was doing in their lives. The book included nice little vignettes of people of varying religions and the reasons why they tithe. It was encouraging, and motivating, to read these stories. This book was written as part of an Episcopalian Ancient Practices series. I have to admit that I had no idea what "Ancient Practices" were. I would recommend this book if you were struggling about your decision to tithe. Mr. LeBlanc does give scripture reference to back up the principle of tithing, which I appreciated. All in all, I did enjoy the book but I'm not sure I would have purchased it had I been perusing the bookstore shelves simply because it leaned more toward one religion.

The opinions in this post are 100% mine. I was provided a copy of the reviewed book from Thomas Nelson Publishers under the agreement that I would give an honest review.

Menu Monday for the week of 3/22

Another week ~ another menu! Hubby is away this week so my meals will be kid friendly and apparently not so good on my budget!

Monday ~ French Bread pizza and salad. Found a good deal today on an about to be expired loaf of french bread so a quick and easy meal. My original plan was leftover corned beef and cabbage (the kids weren't real keen on that!). Looks like that will go in the freezer.

Tuesday ~ BBQ'd turkey cutlets, buttered noodles and green beans.

Wednesday ~ Take-out pizza. Yep, pizza again! I have a meeting to go to and my son has been asking for "real" pizza.

Thursday ~ Scout night. Sandwiches or leftovers.

Friday ~ My son is headed to a laser tag birthday party right when I get home from work so that means the girls and I have to either grab something quick or go someplace while we wait for him to get finished. We will probably go out.

Saturday ~ Steak, baked potatoes and broccoli.

Sunday ~ Chicken-etti and salad.

See what others are cooking this week by visiting Menu Plan Monday .

Menu Plan for 3/15 to 3/21

Here is this week's menu:

Monday ~ Daughter #2 turns 14! Her dinner of choice is roast chicken, buttered bowtie noodles, gravy, green beans, biscuits and leftover ice cream cake (we had a family dinner on Saturday). Simplicity at its best!

Tuesday ~ Spinach, mushroom, swiss cheese omelets, toast and fruit.

Wednesday ~ St. Patty's Day! Corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, turnips, bread.

Thursday ~ Pumpkin Pasta and peas.

Friday ~ Dinner Salad Nite. I take a large serving bowl and fill it with chopped lettuce then put out bowls of a variety of salad toppings - shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, diced green peppers, chopped hard boiled eggs, beans, basically whatever I have handy. To get everyone to eat healthier, I've tried to incorporate this meal in at least once a week.

Saturday ~ Dinner Out! I have an all day scouting event and will be a little brain frazzled by dinnertime.

Sunday ~ Spaghetti, salad, garlic bread.

See what others are cooking this week by visiting Menu Plan Monday .

Still Plugging Along

I'm still here - hanging on by a thread and lots of prayer! Our family has had its share of illnesses, birthday celebrations (how did my oldest child turn 16 so quickly?), work, service projects and so on and so forth. I've been able to do a bit of reading and hope to jump back into some of the challenges that I was very excited about in the fall.

Still trying to figure out where I want this blog to go. There are so many great blogs out there and I enjoy them all immensely. Who wants to reinvent the wheel?