Scrapbook Saturday – BTTI 2020
Katie 
Book Review: The 7 Rules of Moving On
After Valentine’s Day I was looking for something a bit light hearted to read and I stumbled upon The 7 Rules of Moving On which was a novella so I thought it would be a quick and easy read. I must have picked it up at all the wrong times, because I fell asleep during reading it SO many times – even when my kindle said I only had 4 minutes left. In theory, the story line was great, but I guess it just wasn’t grabbing my attention like I had hoped. (But it WAS steamy as promised, so there’s that!)
Kissie and her best friend have a weekend getaway to help get her best friend’s mind off of her recent breakup. While away, she meets a really hot bartender. A couple of years later, they end up having ANOTHER getaway because this time Kissie was the one having the break up. The really hot bartender, Trig, has not stopped thinking about Kissie since she was last there.
But Kissie has 7 rules of moving on – and being with Trig wouldn’t be following, well, any of them. But it’s right around Valentine’s Day and Twin Hearts is the perfect place to be to find love. Or so it would seem.
Without giving too much away – there was some drama, some will they, won’t they, some thoughts about is going far away for a job that’s not your dream job worth it.. and just what kind of magic is in that pool that brings talking bears to it?!
Overall it was a fun Valentine’s Day read, but probably not my favorite quick read ever. I wanted to like it, but it was just tough to get into it and stay hooked. But if you’re looking for light hearted and steamy – this ones for you.
I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review, I was not otherwise compensated.
About the Book
A lighthearted, low-angst, sweet and steamy Valentine’s Day novella perfect for fans of Tessa Bailey, Emily Henry, K. A. Tucker, and a little bit of magic with their romance!
For jingle writer Kissie Mitchell, rules are all that stand between order and chaos. Determined to move on from a breakup and a stagnant life, she heads to Mystic Hot Springs—a resort in the remote town of Twin Hearts, Montana—for a Valentine’s Day getaway with her best friend before embarking on a new job in Seattle and a more exciting life. She’s armed with a laminated list of rules to keep her heart safe and a simple plan: find a rebound guy, get lucky, put her ex behind her. Not part of her plan: the resort’s sweet and smoking hot bartender, Andrew Trig.
Trig, with his soulful brown eyes, thick beard, and Keanu Reeves good looks, is not no-strings-attached rebound material. He’s sell-all-your-stuff-and-move-to-the-middle-of-damn-nowhere-for-him material. Kissie is determined to keep her distance, but when he offers to act as her wingman for the weekend after her best friend gets sick in exchange for her help convincing Mystic’s owners not to sell the resort he loves, she can’t refuse.
The more time Kissie spends in Twin Hearts, she’s charmed by the town, by Mystic, and by Trig. As the sexual tension between them steams up the windows more than the hot springs water, Kissie will learn some rules are made to be broken. When a single night calls into question everything she thought she wanted, she’ll have to decide if big feelings will send her running away, or if sometimes moving on means staying right where you are.
Notes from Jess
Welcome to Twin Hearts! Where magic is in water, love is in the air, and talking bears play cupid.
Kissie and Trig came to me one night begging to meet. They were in the bar. Kissie was wearing a polka dotted mod dress and Trig was in jeans and a flannel. Kissie was all over the place, buzzing around and spilling her drink but absolutely convinced she had her life together. Trig was leaning against the door frame, arms crossed over his chest, grinning at her and thinking, “She is the woman of my dreams.” Literally. I adore these two love-struck goofballs and I sincerely hope you do as well. Stay tuned for book 2 this summer! If Ryan plays his cards right, he might finally get his redhead.
Book Review: Gloria Steinem
I really enjoy the “Little People BIG DREAMS” series because you can quickly learn a lot about some great people. This particular book is about Gloria Steinem, who as a little girl realized that she was treated a certain way just for being female. Gloria is now the world’s most famous feminist. Gloria from a young age realized that women and men should be able to do the same things – and maybe even together. Once she moved to NY, she found she fit in more and worked hard to have a job and support women. Gloria teaches us that it doesn’t matter what gender you are, what matters is your dream is only yours to determine.
I love how each book ends with a lesson for the young readers (or not so young, in my case) and helps them think about things. I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.
About the Book
In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Gloria Steinem, the world’s most famous feminist.
Gloria realised from a young age that the women were treated differently than men, and that wasn’t fair. Beginning her career as a journalist, her witty and honest articles challenged readers to see the world through her eyes. Following in the footsteps of her suffragist grandmother, she became passionate about feminism and grassroots activism.
There was so much work to be done, and Gloria kept working – she became a passionate leader in the women’s liberation movement and dedicated her life to brining about change. A spokesperson for an entire generation, to this day Gloria inspires us to keep working for a fairer society – for everyone.
This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of this amazing feminist’s life.
Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.
This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardback versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Paper dolls, learning cards, matching games and other fun learning tools provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children.
Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!
Book Review: Amanda Gorman
The “Little People, BIG DREAMS” books are some of my favorites, because it tells you about important people in a way that is easy for little minds to comprehend. (And let’s be real, some days my mind is little and I need to be told things as if I am 5.) If you watched the Presidential Inauguration, you may be familiar with poet Amanda Gorman. I did not realize that she had a speech impediment that she had to overcome and went to speech therapy to do so. Hearing her speak now, it is clear she worked hard to overcome. I liked how I can quickly learn more about her, how she is changing the world and tries to remind us that we are more powerful together than we are apart.
I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.
About the Book
In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Amanda Gorman, America’s astounding young poet and activist.
From an early age, Little Amanda read everything she could get her hands on, from books to cereal boxes. Growing up with an auditory processing disorder and a speech impediment, Amanda had to work hard, but ultimately she took great strength from her experiences.
After hearing her teacher read aloud to the class, she knew that she wanted to become a poet, and nothing would stand in her way. At the age of 19, she became America’s first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate. And, after performing her inspiring poem ‘The Hill We Climb’ at the Presidential Inauguration in January 2021, she became an icon across the world.
This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the incredible young poet and activist’s life so far.
Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.
This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardback versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Paper dolls, learning cards, matching games and other fun learning tools provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children.
Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!
Book Review: Here We Are . . . on Route 66
I have driven down part of Route 66 in Tulsa, OK – which was mentioned right in the beginning of this book as they are restoring neon signs to Route 66. I haven’t had the chance to see them lit up at night, but even in the daylight they sure look cool. I wish I could have driven down Route 66 in its heyday, but I still enjoy seeing all the “retro”. This book includes a lot of history – but also my favorite – a lot of PHOTOs. I feel like I have traveled down some more of Route 66 just by reading this book. (And I’m hoping to get to explore some more of it in the future!)
There are so many cool stops along the way featured in this book, I can’t possibly narrow down which ones I want to see the most, so I guess my future exploration is going to have to include a trip across the whole length of it. Has anyone done that before? Or any stretch of it? Do you have any tips?
In addition to the current, all color photographs throughout the book, I also love the old, historic black and whites that show what the area used to look like years ago. It’s always interesting to find out what once was, and how much has changed or how much things have stayed the same.
I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.
About the Book
Here We Are . . . on Route 66 explores and celebrates iconic landmarks and cultural touchstones associated with America’s most famous highway—and guides you to some lesser-known gems just off the beaten path.
Spanning nearly 2,500 miles and eight states—Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California—America’s Main Street has given rise to a colorful assortment of roadhouses, motels, greasy spoons, roadside amusements, and breathtaking natural scenery. Acclaimed Route 66 historian Jim Hinckley is your guide to a carefully curated selection of these sites, ranging from the iconic to the revelatory.
Arranged by classic Route 66 topics, each spread gives you a different 66 site or attraction, along with a concise and authoritative history illustrated with colorful photography, evocative historical imagery, and collectibles like postcards, ads, and more. Topics of organization include: Towns and CitiesNatural WondersRoadside AttractionsEateriesMotels and HotelsMusic, Film, and TV Hinckley is perhaps the most internationally recognized authority on the subject of America’s Main Street. This collection offers you the stories behind Route 66 icons such as Baxter Springs and Tucumcari, Meramec Caverns, Arroyo Seco Byway, Berghoff’s and the Oatman Hotel, Munger Moss and Wigwam Motel—and dozens more. Hinckley also treats you to a fresh look at lesser known but deserving attractions too.
At nearly a century old, Route 66 remains the embodiment of the classic American highway. Written by an acknowledged authority on the subject, wonderfully illustrated, and presented in a manner that allows you to dip in and out, Here We Are . . . on Route 66 is a must-have for your Route 66 bookshelf.
Book Review: Am I Allergic To Men?
Am I Allergic to Men is the 5th book in a series. I did not read the previous books, but I don’t feel like I missed any major plot points (I assume that the other books are about the main character Lucy’s sisters… as she has many.) I think that this book was hyped up a bit too much – but it was a fun beach read during my annual trip to Jamaica.
Lucy gets in an accident while riding a bike to get to a job where she will perform as the princess Elsa. When she wakes up in the hospital after having been in a coma, she can’t remember the last 10 years and still thinks she is 17. Her phone has a lot of dick pics in it and she is curious why she wasn’t married. She ends up tracking them down and trying to find out why there’s been no commitment – is she allergic to men? All the while rediscovering herself.
To be quite honest I am not sure I laughed out loud at all, but it was a fun story and you couldn’t help but root for Lucy to get her memory back and hopefully find a decent man! (At first I was a bit worried the story may hit too close to home.) The book is also based in the UK so maybe some of the humor was over my head.
I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review, I was not otherwise compensated.
About the Book
You think you’ve got it bad? I lost my memory, I’m so single I’ve basically got an allergy to men, and my own cat despises me.
‘Lucy! If you can hear me, squeeze my hand!’
That’s the first thing I hear when I wake up in hospital. Then my sister drops a bombshell: I’ve been in a coma.
It gets worse. In my head, it’s 2009 and I’m seventeen. Somehow, I need to remember the last decade…
Plan A: Track down my exes. Highlights include a one-night stand with someone in a Batman costume, and balcony sex that gave the neighbours a nervous breakdown.
Plan B: Get flirty. Lowlights include a fling with someone hairier than a yeti.
Plan C: Figure out why I have more exes than underwear. Am I allergic to men?
As I piece together my past, I find a mysterious note: Oscar, 9th February. Determined to work out what it means, I uncover a secret I’ve been hiding from everyone.
When the truth comes out, will my memory return? Will I get my life back? And will I ever find the cure to my singledom?
You’ll laugh so much your abs ache! The perfect page-turner for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and TV shows like Schitt’s Creek.