The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

by Carol4 Comments
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson (Suggested reading level: Grades 3-6) This is actually the second time Amber (10) and I have read this book. the first time was in 2008 and I don't think she remembered the story. She really enjoyed it this time around, got a kick out of the Herdman's antics,but still catching the meaning of the story. The Herdmans are the worst kids in town. They're mean, dirty and have a tendency to catch things on fire. They're also thieves, but they've decided to join the Christmas pageant this year. And they get all the big parts because all the other kids are afraid to try for a part that one of the Herdmans wants. Everyone is ready for this to be the worst Christmas pageant, but just the opposite happens. People are reminded about the true Christmas story, not a cleaned up, nicened up version. They looked like the people you see on the six o'clock news...
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Christmas Questions

by Carol4 Comments
I found these questions over at The Glamorous Life of a Housewife and thought they were fun. 1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both. I love wrapping paper and bows, but sometimes I get lazy and go for the bags. Of course, Amber says that bags are the best ones to pick at gift exchanges, that they usually have the best stuff. 2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial. I just sneeze too much around real trees. And artificial trees are more convenient and less messy. 3. When do you put up the tree? The weekend after Thanksgiving. 4. When do you take the tree down? It'll probably be January 2 this year. 5. Do you like eggnog? Yes, it's absolutely delicious. Of course, my husband and daughter don't drink it, so I buy the stuff in the carton even though it's not as good as homemade. 6. Favorite gift received as a child? My Cabbage Patch Doll 7. Hardest person to buy...
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A Christmas Journey by Anne Perry

by Carol4 Comments
A Christmas Journey by Anne Perry Dear Vespasia, It was certainly tragic that poor Gwendolen committed suicide during the weekend party at Applecross. I'm sure Isobel could never have suspected that her comment, cruel though it was, would lead to Gwendolen's death. I also think that Bertie takes some of the blame by not following after Gwendolen and assuring her that he truly wanted to marry her. And expecting Isobel to carry a letter to the dead woman's mother as a form of expiation seems a bit harsh. After all, she only made a rash comment. On the other hand, she certainly couldn't afford to have society turn its back on her. I do think it was kind of you to volunteer to travel with Isobel across Scotland in the winter. It's a rugged journey, though the scenery did seem as gorgeous even as it's dangerous. However, I know you had your own reasons between wanting to impress Omegus Jones and your continual...
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The Fat Man by Ken Harmon

by Carol3 Comments
The Fat Man by Ken Harmon I'm sitting here munching on butter cookies that one of the carpet cleaning/restoration companies dropped off at work. You know the kind that comes in the tin and you only get at Christmas. They're not very good, but I do love anything sweet. I'm kind of like an elf that way. Elves are fueled by sugar. Cookies, candy, cakes, pies - an elf's sweet tooth is primal and not picky. Need six million Poopy Droopy Diaper Dolls with Wipe-Away by sundown? Toss a handful of elves a couple of sleeves of chocolate chip cookies and get out of the way. During the Christmas of '88, when it seemed like every tyke in the hemisphere was clamoring for the Z-Box's Grandma Hostage Ninja Rescue, Santa stepped up production with a few dozen rhubarb pies and a turbocharged how chocolate. (pg. 133) But this "Tale of North Pole Noir" is definitely not sugary sweet. Gumdrop Coal has...
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Teaser from India Black

by Carol7 Comments
We each exercise our charm and wile to convince our customers to pay us or vote for us, for we're in competition with others who can provide the same services. And we'll both do just about anything, as long as the price is right. Frankly, I think it's a damned slur against the tarts to consign them to the social rubbish heap just for earning a living while praising the politicos as selfless public servants. At least bints aren't hypocritical: you'll never hear one of them blathering on sanctimoniously that they do what they do for the benefit of the British public. (pg. 3, India Black by Carol K. Carr) So far, I have to say that I like India Black. She's independent, intelligent, charming and resourceful. And the fact that she owns a brothel makes her stand out from the ordinary heroine. Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Play along. The rules...
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