• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • The Reading Nook
  • The Happy Place
  • Recipe Index

Dine and Dish

Food blog with family recipes

November 6, 2014

Connect Through Reading Cozy Up Book Reviews

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly

Book reviews of some of my favorite books I’ve recently read to cozy up with this fall.

5 Great Books to Cozy Up With - reviews on www.dineanddish.net

The photographer in me really doesn’t like the time change… the earlier setting sun means the less time during the day for photography. The book lover in me loves daylight savings time because I feel like the colder weather and darker evenings are an open invitation to cozy up with a good book.

I haven’t read much this year. In fact I’m only half way to meeting my goal of reading 35 books in 2014 and there are only 2 months left in the year! I guess I’d better get busy so I can share more book reviews with you!

I haven’t shared a Connect Through Reading book reviews post since March…not because I haven’t read anything good. Quite the opposite. I’ve read some great books, but just haven’t found the time to share them with you. Of course,  if you follow me on Goodreads, you don’t have to wait to see what I’ve been reading and loved lately. Make sure to hop on over there so we can connect that way too.

I’ve read several books between my March book reviews post, but I’m only going to share my top few faves with you today! Read below for my thoughts on the books: Whistling Past the Graveyard, Landline, Love With a Chance of Drowning, and If I Stay. 

Whistling Past the GraveyardWhistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall is definitely going to be one of the top books I’ve read this year. Thanks to my friend, Amy’s, recommendation I moved it to the top of my “to be read” list and devoured it. Make sure to read Amy’s interview with the author, here.

Whistling Past the Graveyard is a story set in the 60’s, in the middle of segregation and the civil rights movement in the south. A young, red-headed southern girl runs away from home and seeks shelter with an unlikely African American woman. The two soldier through some tough times together and through it all, end up being more than just friends…they become family. If you enjoyed reading The Help you’ll definitely love this heartwarming story of friendship and survival.

I gave Whistling Past the Graveyard 5 stars on Goodreads. Download Whistling Past the Graveyard on your Kindle here, buy the paper copy on Amazon, or add it to your virtual library on Goodreads, here.

Landline book review

I’m going to preface this review by saying that I absolutely love Rainbow Rowell and her style of writing. She probably couldn’t write a bad book, in my opinion. With that said, Landline, might be a little far fetched for some people. Basically it is the story of a couple (Georgie and Neal) who have reached a point in their marriage where they need to decide whether their marriage is worth fighting for or if they should split up. When they are apart over Christmas, Georgie finds a “magic phone” that lets her talk to Neal in the past. I’ll let you find out what happens for yourself, but this is a sweet, heartwarming, quick read. I’ll give Rainbow Rowell credit… no one at all does chemistry as well as she does! You can practically feel the electricity on the pages, she does it so well!

I gave Landline 4 stars on Goodreads. Download Landline by Rainbow Rowell on your Kindle here, buy the paper copy on Amazon, or add it to your virtual library on Goodreads, here.

Love With a Chance of DrowningMemoirs are probably my favorite genre of book. I especially love memoirs of people who take you on an adventure you know you, yourself, would never experience. Love With a Chance of Drowning by Torre DeRouche is exactly that kind of book!

Torre DeRouche met a man, fell in love and then discovered that he had planned on leaving for an around the world sailing adventure for a year…and he wanted Torre to join him. The fact is, Torre was deathly afraid of the water. She decided to choose love over fear and ended up going on an adventure like no other around the world on a tiny sailboat. We read this for our book club and it was a great book to discuss with others.

I gave Love With a Chance of Drowning by Torre DeRoche 4 stars on Goodreads. Download the book on your Kindle here, buy the paper copy on Amazon, or add it to your virtual library on Goodreads here.

If I Stay

I have really been into Young Adult Fiction lately and was intrigued by If I Stay by Gayle Forman after seeing the movie preview at the theatre. I ended up downloading this book, started it and finished it in the same day.

I can’t share a lot about this book without giving away the plot, but the basic premise is when making the choice between life and death, which would you choose? Grab your tissues because this is a tear jerker but a great read! I’m anxious to see the movie when it comes out on DVD.

I gave If I Stay by Gayle Forman 4 stars on Goodreads. You can download the book on your Kindle here, buy the paper copy on Amazon, or add it to your virtual library on Goodreads, here.

I’m currently reading (and loving):

Big Little LiesAnd up next is:

Delancey

Also, Ella (my 8 year old) and I are currently reading this book and really enjoying it if you are looking for a great kids book:

malcom at midnight

That’s it for my book reviews for today! Make sure to leave a comment letting me know what you are currently reading!

Click here to see past Connect Through Reading posts.

Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly

Filed Under: Book Review Tagged With: amazon, book reviews, books, connect through reading, goodreads, reading

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Foodiewife says

    November 6, 2014 at 6:14 pm

    I read “Love With a Chance of Drowning” and enjoyed it. I did some internet sleuthing, and discovered her blog. I wanted to know what they looked like,in real life, and how they are doing (I listened to this in audible, so no pics). Bit Little Lies was good, as well. I’m currently reading Ken Follet’s “Edge of Eternity” that will take a very long time. Sheesh! I always enjoy your recommendations, because we share similar taste in books (and I do follow you on Good Reads).

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      November 6, 2014 at 7:27 pm

      I did that too after reading her book… I loved seeing actual photos of the boat they were on and things. So cool! I can’t imagine doing that.
      I am going to add Edge of Eternity to my list – I was just looking at it earlier today!

      Reply
  2. Cassie says

    November 6, 2014 at 7:11 pm

    Did you read “The Husband’s Secret”? Reading now cannot stop. I love her character development!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      November 6, 2014 at 7:26 pm

      Yes! I also read What Alice Forgot which is by her. She is an amazing author. One of my favorites!

      Reply
  3. Amy says

    November 6, 2014 at 8:36 pm

    Oh, I am so happy to see you loved Whistling Past the Graveyard as much as I did. It is definitely a top book of 2014 for me and I can’t wait to read her next one. I LOVED Love With a Chance of Drowning (I interviewed her too- she is amazing). I laughed out loud so much in that one. Big Little Lies is hilarious and kept me guessing until the end.

    I am definitely going to have to check out If I Stay.

    I keep debating if I should read Landline- I love her so much, but it had such mixed reviews. I probably will still read it though 🙂

    Always love your picks, friend! xo

    Reply
  4. Jan LeBaron says

    November 6, 2014 at 10:13 pm

    I loved ‘Whistling Past the Graveyard’. I read it a few months ago. Have you read, ‘All The Light We Cannot See’? It’s a very good read!

    Reply
  5. Kerry @ Kerry Cooks says

    November 7, 2014 at 3:22 am

    Great timing Kirsten – winter is definitely the time to find some great books and snuggle up with a cup of tea!

    Reply
  6. Les in NE says

    November 7, 2014 at 8:23 pm

    I enjoyed Landline, but thought Eleanor & Park and Attachments were better. Just couldn’t get past the magical realism with the phone! 😉

    I’m currently reading The Last Letter from Your Lover by Jojo Moyes. I loved Me Before You and am happy to report that this one is turning out to be a winner. I didn’t really care for another I read by her (The Girl You Left Behind), so I’m pleased that this one is holding my interest.

    I’m also finishing up 11/22/63 by Stephen King. I love his storytelling and am glad this isn’t one to cause me nightmares!

    If you haven’t already read it, give Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See a read. I think it’s my #1 pick for the year.

    Reply
  7. Courtney @ Neighborfood says

    November 7, 2014 at 9:34 pm

    I really enjoyed Attachments so I think I’m going to be checking out Landline, even if it is a bit far fetched. And I love, love, LOVED What Alice Forgot. Big Little Lies is next on my list! I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying it, because I was worried I might be disappointed. Right now, I’m reading Water for Elephants. I’m not far in, but I like it so far. Oh, and if you’re interested in YA books, definitely check out Wonder. A short, quick read but with a lot to say about how we view ourselves and each other.

    Reply
  8. s says

    November 8, 2014 at 5:48 am

    Great reads to add to my to read list and I sent a friend request on Goodreads. The kids book looks great too. I second everyone’s recommendations on All the Light We Cannot See. Book Thief was another of my top reads this year. I started The Martian but am not getting through it so may give it up and move on to another in my library pile.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

About Your Hostess

Kristen-125Hi friends, I'm Kristen! Mom of 4, Ambassador of Happiness, Coffee Lover and Connection Seeker. Come say hi! Read More…
Facebook    Twitter    Pinterest    RSS    Email Updates
seks yaparken fantezi dünyasının kapıları açılan sikiş kadın büyük penisli adamlarla seks yaparken acı çektiği porno resim anların çok zevkli olduğunu düşününce daha ileri bir boyutta sikiş yapmak mobil sikiş istediğini düşünür özellikle çevresindeki kadınlardan sikiş izle birisinin ona bağlanarak sikilmenin çok haz veren bir şey olduğunu sikiş izle söylemesi üzerine eskilerden büyük penisli olarak türk porno hatırladığı bir adamı arayarak fantezi yaşamak istediğini mobil porno söyler bağamalı sert sikiş yaşama üzere adamın evine sikiş gelir bağlanarak sikilmek isteyen ateşli kadını türk porno yıllarını spor yapmaya adamış

Don’t Miss This!

Garden Harvest Cheese Soup Recipe

Garden Harvest Cheese Soup Recipe from dineanddish.net

My Book Recommendations

Connect Through Reading – Prayers and Lies by Sherri Wood Emmons

Footer

food  FOOD

My love of how food connects people together runs deep. Explore a decade worth of Dine & Dish recipes, from sweets to savory as well as classic family favorites. Food lovers will want to check this out. Bon Appétit!
Crispy Chickpea Pantry Pasta with Spinach and parmesan cheese

EXPLORE FOOD

travel  TRAVEL

"I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list." I've always had a serious case of wanderlust, and traveling and exploring new places continues to be one of my favorite things. Come explore my favorite places with me!
5 Great Ways to Maximize Your Time at Walt Disney World Parks

EXPLORE TRAVEL

life  LIFE

More than just a food blog, Dine & Dish has always been a place where I've shared what's happening in our life. These life posts tend to be my absolute favorite blog posts. Come get a taste of life as it happens in our house!
broken plant pot on the floor with dirt

EXPLORE LIFE

happiness  HAPPINESS

I believe that in order to live a happy life, you have to make happiness happen through implementing simple things that make you happy into every day. Here are a few of the things that bring me happiness - I hope they do you too.

EXPLORE HAPPINESS

Open
I is for Inspiration!
.
The “long haul” effects of having Covid back in December are really presenting themselves lately. The continuous persistent headaches are taking a toll and the connection between the brain fog and word retrieval function of my brain has been extra challenging. I had no idea a couple months out, the cognitive effects would still be hanging around.
.
With that said, when I get a burst of inspiration I’m grabbing on for dear life. I made our favorite chocolate chip cookies recipe yesterday and felt the desire to update the blog post photos from 2007! We make these cookies all the time, so I’m not sure why it’s taken me so many years to give that poor post some new photos.
.
If you’re interested in the recipe you can find the link currently in my profile. Enjoy!!
.
.
.
@kimklassen_innercircle #kimklassen_innercircle #chocolatechipcookie #cookiestagram #foodphotography #feedfeedbaking #plateofcookies #cookiephotography #eatcaptureshare #recipeoftheweek
Open
H is for...high!
.
It was so strange being on a plane again. I’m so thankful I have the antibodies because the flights were full, which seemed wrong, but everyone around me did seem to keep their masks on, so that was good.
.
I can’t wait until travel becomes a regular part of life again. I’ve missed it so much!
.
.
 @kimklassen_innercircle @southwestair @windowswap #cloudphotography #cloudsofinstagram #flightview #iflyswa #imisstravelling #skylove #planepics #myviewtoday #beautifulviews
Open
G is for...oh so grateful!

I flew to South Texas yesterday to visit my parents whom I haven’t seen in 2 years. They live around 17 hours away from us. We typical get to see each other a few times a year but with the pandemic and other health issues it just wasn’t able to happen and I’ve missed them soooo much.

Grateful to have had COVID last month. Although it was not at all fun, it gave me the antibodies to make this trip possible. My dad is having surgery tomorrow so I’m helping with my mom so my dad can recover without having to worry about her.

Kansas is enjoying frigid temperatures and snow. I picked a great week to head south.
.
.
#palmtrees🌴 #palmtreesfordays #blueskiesandsunshine #wintersun #texasskies #kimklassen_innercircle @kimklassen_innercircle #silverlining
Open
F is for...food photography.
.
This time of year especially, food photography (and I guess all photography actually) is a tug of war with time and light. I had planned on making and photographing a delicious pasta recipe, but my grocery delivery ran a couple of hours late because of snowstorm. So, at the eleventh hour I decided to make a cake...that took over an hour to bake and I had about 90 minutes of natural light left...leaving me with about 30 minutes of ok light to work with.
.
Anyway, this wouldn't work for a client shoot because the cake, although delicious, didn't turn out looking so great. But it will work great for today's F photo for the @kimklassen_innercircle A-Z photo project:) Lemon Citrus Yogurt Cake from this weeks @cabotcheese newsletter. So good!
.
.
#eatcake #eatcaptureshare #eatcakebehappy #lemoncake #cakecakecakecake #foodiegram #yahoofood #dessertsofinstagram #sweettooth #kimklassen_innercircle #fisforfood
Open
E is for...Excitement!
.
There’s a lot of excitement in Kansas City as our beloved @chiefs head back to the Super Bowl this weekend! #runitback 🏈
.
It’s so strange because winning the super bowl last year was the last “normal” thing that happened before the pandemic hit. We went from a city full of excitement to shutting down and sheltering in place. Maybe when we win and bring the trophy home this year, it’ll be the start of something great. Let’s hope!
.
Who are you rooting for Sunday? Chiefs, Buccaneers or tacos? 😂
.
.
#chiefskingdom #superbowl2021 #kcchiefs #patrickmahomes #tattooideasforgirls #gochiefs #gameday🏈 #kimklassen_innercircle #eisfor #excitingthingstocome #excitingtimes #backtobackchamps
Open
D is for... Dreary (and Dog)
February has always been my least favorite month. I have a special name for this month that may start with another not so nice F word...🤭.
.
In Kansas, the sun usually doesn't shine that often, it's cold, and just kind of gray and blah.
.
My indoor jungle makes me happy though...especially this space in my office. Houseplants almost makes me forget we’re in the “F” month 😂.
.
Also, my dog (my favorite d word) would not sit still for a picture when I had my tripod set up, but I finally caught her sitting on her bed and had to catch a picture with my phone. Swipe and you’ll see she is much overdue for a haircut.
.
.
#disfor #houseplantdecor #leafy #plantsmakepeoplehappy #plantslover #plantsmakemehappy #houseplantlove #houseplantlovers #houseplanthoarder #houseplantsmakemehappy #fiddleleaffig #indoorplantsdecor @kimklassen_innercircle #kimklassen_innercircle
Open
C is for Coaching, Coffee and Crystals! Lots of C words today. My @rockyourhappy coaching practice has been the best thing. I am so lucky to be working with really great clients who are doing the hard work and making big changes in their lives. It’s been the perfect fit for me and I know it’s what I am meant to be doing. Coffee, of course, is my favorite C word and Crystals…my daughters got me into the energy powers of crystals and it’s been really fun to learn all about them.
.

My beautiful, custom, Rock Your Happy bullet journal is from @maisielaneco . Coffee/espresso is from @mistoboxcoffee Fabulous photography backdrop is from @poppybeesurfaces . Crystals are from a wonderful local shop here in town.
.

There’s still time to join in the @kimklassen_innercircle photography group, where this months theme is A-Z. Join us!
.
.
.
#flatlayphotography #flatlayoftheday #bulletjournal2021 #bulletjournals #crystalsofig #coffeephotos #coffeephotography #kimklassen_innercircle #prettylittleinspo #cisfor
Open
B is for Books! Are you a big reader? I wasn’t really a reader growing up. Well, I take that back. In junior high I plowed through the Sweet Valley High series (anyone else?) 😊 And when I was in elementary school I would bust my butt to get to the highest level in the SRA Reading box before anyone else. But I wasn’t a kid who you’d find with their nose in a book, ever.
.

It wasn’t until I was an adult, and my kids began to sleep through the night, that I started reading for fun. Now, I read all the time and it’s one of my favorite pastimes. I love talking books with people and sharing recommendations. I really don’t watch TV, so books, especially right now, is my main form of entertainment.
.

This is why for the @kimklassen_innercircle A-Z photography challenge, I knew that Books would be my B. It’s my favorite B word (beating out Bullet Journaling, Bread, Blankets, Be Happy, etc).
.
.
#simplepleasuresoflife #prettylittleinspo #bookcommunity #slowliving #cozyvibes #bookphotos #bookslove #beautyyouseek
Follow on Instagram
For our site policies, click here.

Copyright © 2006-2021 Dine and Dish | design by Feast Design Co | Wordpress VPS