Hi Ladies! It’s time to talk all things ENTERTAINMENT! Thanks to my getaway in April I had a chance to read a lot more books than I normally do. Let’s get started!
What I’ve been reading…
We all know Jodie Sweetin as “Stephanie Tanner”, right? I’d heard that she’d gotten involved in a tough crowd, but once I watched Fuller House I wanted to learn more about her story. Jodie documents her entire life-childhood all the way up to the book being published. She shares the good, the bad, and the ugly. She had a TOUGH life growing up as a child actress and not being able to move past “Stephanie Tanner”. It’s so nice to see her on the other side of this now. If you’re a Full House fan, I’d highly recommend it!
My mom came to watch the kids during out back to back vacations. Thank you, MOM!!! She finished this book while she was here and told me I had to read it ASAP! I packed it for New York and couldn’t put it down! It was SO good! It reminded me of a mix between The Kitchen House and The Help. If you were a fan of either of those books, you’ll love this one! This novel takes place in the sixties and it takes you on a roller coaster of emotions as Jane becomes a social worker. We ride all the waves of emotions with her as she gets to know her clients and we eventually discover some necessary lies. 🙂 GOOD read!!
Shay passed this book to me and I’m so glad she did. It’s a mom’s memoir about her family’s life raising a child who couldn’t talk but spoke more to their hearts than you could ever imagine. The author shares all the blessings she experienced “in the waiting”.
I’m a big fan of chick-lit and this book fit the bill perfectly! In this novel, we see the lives of three girlfriends who are all having different opinions on marriage. One is engaged, one is in the middle of a divorce, and one is tired of always being the bridesmaid. We get to see their friendship and struggles play out. Great vacation read!
I was a BIG Emily Maynard fan on the Bachelor/Bachelorette so I was so excited about reading this book. Emily documents her life-from childhood to today and shares what shaped and formed her into the wife and mom she is. She shared some memories from the Bachelor/Bachelorette which were fun to read. Throughout the book, Emily is describing her spiritual life. The bottom line is, “God is good”, and Emily does a fabulous job of sharing that!
Kelly Schaefer from the beginning got my attention and I was hooked on this one. She shares her accident-where she was hit by a drunk driver and became a quadriplegic. Kelly takes us through all the ups, downs, and moments in between. Her book is all about faith and redemption. It was so inspiring!
I just finished this one yesterday and LOVED it! I’m a big Kristen Welch fan. You should also check out Rhinestone Jesus. (One of my faves!) Kristen is a Christian mama, who does not claim to have it all figured out, but she shares how her family is doing their best to be grateful. This was such a good read and I had many “aha” moments throughout the book. If you’re raising kids in America, then I’d definitely recommend this one. 🙂
What I’m Watching…
Hart of Dixie
I shared a while back that I was watching this on Netflix, but I forgot to follow up. I finally finished! This series is super teeny-bopper but inappropriate topics for young teens, for sure. This was the kind of show I could put laundry away while watching and I’d know exactly what I missed. Does that make sense??
I’m looking for another putting away laundry kind of show, please let me know if you have any ideas!! Thank you! 🙂
Has anyone seen the new Jungle Book?? What’d you think?
Thanks so much for reading, today!
Love your book suggestions! We went and saw The Jungle Book last weekend! It was very cute, highly recommend it! Enjoyable for adults and kids, too! 🙂
I just started Hart of Dixie! I've only watched one episode but I already love it! Woohoo!
I am going to pick up Necessary Lies! I took my nine and fifteen year olds to The Jungle Book. I think it is a little overwhelming. Both of my kids were anxious thru some parts and my older one said she felt it was dark and scary for young kids. I can't imagine taking my six year old niece who has seen her fair share of movies. I felt like it was heavy and dark. It was much better than I expected but as a third grade teacher, it's not something I would want most of my class seeing. Does that make sense? It's one of those movies where you need to know your own kids and their boundaries.
This explains alot to me. My brother recommended it to me as a "thumbs up for adults" movie. He is not into giving ANY details or explanation so I was a little lost about what the movie was like until I read this comment. Now I get it! Thanks 🙂
I just got the Emily Maynard book Tuesday and finished it the same day. As a Charlotte girl, I've always loved her, and loved reading it!
I'm almost done with season 3 of Hart of Dixie! So cute!! Also, I am going to order Necessary Lies right now!! Looks so good!!
I started season 4 of Hart of Dixie last night! ❤️
We saw The Jungle Book! We LOVED it…but I'm thinking a couple of your kids might be scared!!! Call me later if you want details!
Emily's book was SO good! It definitely had the underlying tone of saying yes to God rather than other things in our lives. I'm so glad she found happiness.
Diane chamberlain is my FAVE author! The secret life of Cece Wilks is a must must read of hers, it's the one that got me hooked!
We loved Jungle Book! Cooper closed his eyes on some parts but was totally fine watching it. Depends on each kid I think 🙂
We loved the Jungle Book, but it was intense! My kids are 12 and 14 so weren't scared, but the 12 year old and I covered our eyes a few times!
I loved Emily Maynard's book too!!
A good putting laundry away show is Baby Mama.. Cutesy (kinda cheesy) funny show from ABC family so same thing.. Teeny bopperish but not quite appropriate! 😉 But a 30 min sitcom so easy to zoom thru it!
http://www.tryingtokeepupwiththejones.wordpress.com
Loved Hart of Dixie, but I agree…way inappropriate for its target audience. You should try Gossip Girl!
Have you watched pretty little lies .. I'm loving that !! Lol
I'm reading the new kate Hudson book.. I just started but it's a beauriful coffee table book !
We saw The Jungle Book last weekend. We really liked it!
Thanks for the book ideas–I am adding Fractured Not Broken and Necessary Lies to my reading list!
Jungle Book is AMAZING!!!!!!
I haven't watched Hart of Dixie, but I agree with Valerie- I am currently hooked on Gossip Girl!! It is so good! I also really LOVE Pretty Little Liars, although in some episodes you really do want to pay attention as to not miss details. Lastly, One Tree Hill was my ultimate fave in high school and the first part of college. I re-watched it about 2 years ago, and although cheesy in the beginning seasons, still a good show! All 3 of those shows (Gossip Girl, PLL and OTH) are all on Netflix, although PLL just finished a season that isn't up yet, but I'm sure it will be soon bc a new season is coming out this summer.
We saw JB yesterday. My 12 and 13 year old loved it. I think it would be pretty intense and maybe scary for young children.
I took my 6 year old and 3 year old to The Jungle Book last weekend and I loved it. It has been my 6 year olds favorite movie since he was just a tiny boy. They liked it but there were some scary parts. A couple of minutes of mama cuddling and they were fine. And it didn't give them nightmares or anything.
I absolutely loved, loved, LOVED Hart of Dixie!! Yes, a 40 year old woman loved a show created for teens! 🙂 I recently binge watched Nurse Jackie on Netflix, and am in the middle of "How to Get Away with Murder"….they are both a little more intense than Hart of Dixie, but really great. Nashville is next on my list!
Just added Diane Chamberlain's book to my list. I have so many!!!!
Hart of Dixie is just the cutest! Love that show.
My laundry and cooking shows during college were desperate housewives and one tree hill!
Just ordered Rhinestone Jesus. Can't wait to get into it!
I saw Heart of Dixie and totally get what you mean! I just started Vampire Daiaries (a little embarrassed to admit that!) but it seems good so far! Ha
xo, Kristina
All of your book recommendations sound great! I've got to do better at reading! Do you prefer "real" books or tablets? I'm a "real" book girl! I loved the first episode of Hart of Dixie, but it was downhill after that. I've only seen five or six episodes. Have you ever tried Everwood? It was one of my favorites when it was on…seven or eight years ago.
I didn't know Jodie had a book…I love her so I'll have to check it out. And can't wait to read the Grateful kids one. 😉 B woke up this morning and insisted on donuts…when I told him we weren't having donuts and gave him 2 options, he threw a stink and I told him how ungrateful he was! Clearly, I need to start this book asap 🙂
I love chick-lit, too, so I will definitely be checking out Always the Bridesmaid! Just added to my Amazon wishlist!
A cute (very cheesy) show to put on during laundry could be "When Calls the Heart." It's a Hallmark show, but very clean and entertaining.
I am reading Unsweetened now…total different experience from Candace's. I just finished hers. I have Raising Grateful kids waiting for me at home and I said Yes along with Necessay Lies waiting for me in my Amazon Cart. They all looked really good!! Thanks for sharing!
Lesley McFarland
http://www.kltfamily.blogspot.com
My sister in law wrote a young adult trilogy called Autumn in the City of Angels- you should check it out!
Jen
Hart of Dixie was so great! Have you watched Gilmore Girls? I've seen the entire series at least 4 times and it's definitely a great put away laundry kind of show! Also Friday Night Lights and One Tree Hill!! All 3 are on my all time favorite tv show list! Plus there's the always classic and wonderful Friends!
Halfway into Rhinestone Jesus…oh man its getting me. Would love to know if anyone has sponsored through Compassion International and their thoughts?
http://pumpkinsnpearls.blogspot.com/2016/04/thoughts-from-social-security-office.html
I'm amazed at you and mix and match mama how u read so many books. You ladies are beasts for the Lord and time management, and amazing mamas!
Hi Erika, I recommend The Mindy Project, and if you like silly humor, Angie TriBeCa!