Category: Books

Hush, Hush – A Review

I love to read – there’s nothing better than snuggling up with our dog, Daisy, on the couch with a cup of coffee and a good book. So even though my blog is not specifically tailored towards book reviews, I thought it might be nice to share my thoughts about some of the titles I read. Hopefully you’ll follow along! 🙂

When I purchased the book Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was walking around Barnes and Noble (in the YA section, of course), and several teens were browsing there as well. One of them pointed out to me several of her favorite books, and the Hush, Hush series was at the top of her list. So I decided I’d give it a try.

The first book in a series of four, Hush, Hush introduces the story of Nora and Patch. They are thrown together as lab partners at their high school…and Nora couldn’t be more frustrated with the situation. Patch was seemingly her opposite, and was mostly an annoyance to her. However as time goes by, Nora begins to get to know Patch, while at the same time being drawn in by his muscled body and mesmerizing eyes.

As Nora and Patch grow closer, Nora has more questions than answers. There is something different about Patch, but she can’t place her finger on it. Things start happening to her and to people around her, and she doesn’t know whom to trust…and whom to suspect. Is Patch someone she can feel safe with, or is he pulling her into a world full of danger?

I enjoyed reading Hush, Hush – it had well-developed characters, and there was a romantic tension between Nora and Patch that wove throughout most of the book. I liked how I could relate to the character’s thoughts and actions, and how it felt like I was right there in the middle of their world.

If you’re looking for a book with romance, suspense, and fantasy that will keep you turning the pages, I’d recommend Hush, Hush! And the great thing is, once you finish this book, you can move on to the next book in the series – Crescendo. I’ve started reading it and so far, so good. 😉

Books and Coffee: The Perfect Pair

I was blessed to be able to visit Barnes and Noble this afternoon with my Hubby. It was a nice time! 😀 We browsed through the store and looked at all kinds of interesting books, and then we sat in the cafe and sipped on drinks and nibbled on tasty confections. To be more specific, I had an iced Salted Caramel Mocha and a cinnamon scone, and my Honey had an iced White Mocha and a piece of apple crumble pie.

Some of the books that I perused were the Divergent series by Veronica Roth, the Hush, Hush saga by Becca Fitzpatrick, and the Maze Runner series by James Dashner (if you couldn’t tell, I enjoy Young Adult Literature, and I also enjoy series). I’m thinking about using a gift card to buy the Hush, Hush series and diving into a new adventure! Have you ever read any of these books? If so, what did you think of them?

All in all, it was a nice little “date,” and I’m grateful for the time that we shared together. ❤

What Drives Your Life?

I’ve been reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren for the past several weeks. I’ve read the book before, but it’s such a great book that it merits re-reading. 🙂

Last night I began perusing a Chapter entitled “What Drives Your Life?” It states that there are hundreds of things that could be driving your life – but it also lists five of the “most common” driving forces.

  1. Guilt
  2. Resentment and Anger
  3. Fear
  4. Materialism
  5. The Need for Approval

Unfortunately, I would have to admit that my life can be driven by all of these things at certain times. But the driving force that hit me the hardest was “Fear.”

Many people are driven by fear. Their fears may be a result of a traumatic experience, unrealistic expectations, growing up in a high-control home, or even genetic predisposition. Regardless of the cause, fear-driven people often miss great opportunities because they’re afraid to venture out. Instead they play it safe, avoiding risks and trying to maintain the status quo.

Fear is a self-imposed prison that will keep you from becoming what God intends for you to be. You must move against it with the weapons of faith and love. The Bible says, ‘Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life – fear of death, fear of judgment – is one not yet fully formed in love.’

I am so often driven by fear. I let it hold me back, let it cripple me, let it keep me from taking the next step.

Sometimes I feel that the Lord wants me to do something for Him, but I’m afraid to move forward in faith. Unfortunately, I miss the blessing that comes with being obedient.

What are you afraid of today? Is it progressing with a business venture (I’m having trouble with this, myself)? Returning to school or taking an educational course? Trying a new hobby or embarking on a new adventure?

Don’t let fear hold you back. Look to God, and rely on Him to help you take those “baby steps” forward. It’s the only way to beat this driving force!

Blessings to you today. ❤

Photo Credit: David Marcu