Six Sentence Movie Thoughts

Welcome to Six Sentence Movie Thoughts.

Where I try to express my thoughts on recent movies

using only 6 sentences!!!!.
At the end of each review I will post a
rating scale of 1-5 .
Rating scale will be as follows:

5 Stars- You must watch this movie NOW!!
4 Stars- A great movie, put it on your TBW list.
3 Stars- Happy that I watched it...a good way to spend a few hours. 
2 Stars- Just O.K but nothing to write home about.

One Day
~Reason for watching it: I have the book but just haven't made the time to get to it. Saw this at the library for $1.50 and figured why not.

I loved the concept of getting together every year on the same day and also the emotional turmoil Emma and Dexter experienced as their relationship changed and evolved. Even though much of it played out quite predictably, I still enjoyed the movie. I really want to read the book because I'm sure it will add a bit more depth to the story.

Rating: 3 Stars

One For the Money
~ Reason for watching it: I have been reading Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series forever. I had to see how it translated to film.

After watching this I can say that I accept Katherine Heigl as Stephanie and heck, I even liked who they picked for Joe Morelli. But, I totally can not accept who they cast as Ranger! Ranger needed to be larger than life, not a few inches taller than Stephanie. Other than that, I thought the movie was cute and not a terrible way to spend a couple of hours.

Rating: 3 Stars

The Vow
~ Reason for watching it: I thought it looked incredibly romantic and Channing Tatum is a hottie.

Who in the world wrote this piece of garbage??? OMG! I hated Paige after the accident...she was a cold-hearted person and treated Leo terribly. Yet, poor Leo kept hanging on and believing with time that she would love him again. I think the producers would have done better to stick with the true story instead of trying to put a modern (current time instead of the 1990's) twist on this stupid story. But I guess a couple with strong faith and values doesn't sell in Hollywood.
Rating: 0 Stars

The Hunger Games
~ Reason for watching it: I loved the book and missed the movie when it was in the theater!

Wow!! My husband and I watched this one together and I was pleasantly surprised at how much he enjoyed it. Have to tell you that it really stirred up a great conversation between us and we were talking about this one well after it finished. The costumes were amazing and I thought it stayed fairly true to the book. This one was worth the $3.00 I spent on all four of the movies!

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Six Sentence Movie Thoughts
© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Six Sentence Saturday (Friday Edition) - more steamy books....I have a problem!

Welcome to Six Sentence Saturday

Where I try to express my thoughts on recent reads using only 6 sentences!!!!.
At the end of each review I will post a
rating scale of 1-5 using the cute and original (lol) Playing Cards.
Rating scale will be as follows:

5 of Hearts- You must read this book NOW!!
4 of Hearts- A great read, put it on your TBR list.
3 of Hearts- Happy that I read it...a good read. 
2 of Hearts- Just O.K but nothing to write home about.
Joker Card - Don't bother (why did I?)

***PLEASE NOTE: My rating on this series was based on my overall enjoyment and how I felt after I read them! Though they are not literary works, they were fun and that is how I am rating them! 

Instant Attraction (Wilder#1)

Author: Jill Shalvis

Source: Public Library

Reason for reading it: Because I have a serious love affair going on with Jill's books.

For synopsis click here

~ I just can't seem to get enough of Jill's stories and of course the hot, sexy men who encompass them. I fell in love with the setting and Northern California is a place that I seriously want to visit. I really enjoy how Shalvis weaves all of her minor characters into the story and makes you want to learn more about them. But what I enjoyed the most is that she made Cameron a man I could fall in love with...

Rating:

Animal Magnetism (Animal Magnetism #1)

Author: Jill Shalvis

Source: Public Library

Reason for reading it: See above reason!

For synopsis click here

~ OMG! Hot men and animals??? Be still my beating heart...I'm in love!! This book just made me happy, happy, happy...did I tell you that it made me happy? I loved the way the  Brady and Lilah met, danced around their feelings, and eventually fell in love. (BTW..I don't consider that a spoiler because we all know how these books end, right?) I also adored the animal aspect of this story because I love animals and men who love animals and allow themselves to be vulnerable, get to me. Another great start to a fun series!

Rating:

Bookish Thoughts #46 and #47

2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission. 

Six Sentence Saturday (Friday Edition)- More HEA books!!

Welcome to Six Sentence Saturday

Where I try to express my thoughts on recent reads using only 6 sentences!!!!.
At the end of each review I will post a
rating scale of 1-5 using the cute and original (lol) Playing Cards.
Rating scale will be as follows:

5 of Hearts- You must read this book NOW!!
4 of Hearts- A great read, put it on your TBR list.
3 of Hearts- Happy that I read it...a good read. 
2 of Hearts- Just O.K but nothing to write home about.
Joker Card - Don't bother (why did I?)

***PLEASE NOTE: My rating on this series was based on my overall enjoyment and how I felt after I read them! Though they are not literary works, they were fun and that is how I am rating them!

Lucky in Love (Lucky Harbor #4)
Author: Jill Shalvis
Source: Digital review copy from Publisher
Reason for reading it: Because I am addicted BIG TIME to the Lucky Harbor series!

~Books 4-6 start the stories of the peripheral stories of characters that the reader meets in books one, two, and three. Mallory is a nurse and overall caregiver to everyone in Lucky Harbor. She's always bee the good girl and never really lived for herself. That is until she meets Ty Garrison and then the fireworks start flying!! I love Mallory and her drive to do "more" with her life. This was a great intro for the next two books.



Rating:

At Last (Lucky Harbor #5)
Author: Jill Shalvis
Source: Digital review copy from Publisher
Reason for reading it: I'm really into HEA and love the people in Lucky Harbor!

~Amy is a carefree spirit and does not want to be tied down. She's got her own problems to deal with and is not interested in having a man in the mix. Then while hiking, she gets lost and forest ranger Matt Bowers ends up having to rescue her. This was my favorite book of the last three because I felt that Shalvis really put some depth to Amy's past and emotions. It wasn't just a book filled with hot, steamy sex but also with characters that could be real. Now I'm hoping that if I ever get lost in the woods, a very buff, dreamy-looking forest ranger will rescue me! *** I know, it's not going to happen but a girl can dream, right?

Rating:

Forever and a Day (Lucky Harbor #6)
Author: Jill Shalvis
Source: Digital review copy from Publisher
Reason for reading it: I had to finish the Lucky Harbor series!!!

~ Out of all of the books in this series, this one was my least favorite. For some reason I really wanted Shalvis to take more time with Grace and Dr. Josh's love story. That's really my only beef with Shalvis' comtemporary romance series, Lucky Harbor. I wish that she would spend a bit more time on the relationships rather than the sex (but the sex is very good!). In the end, I was still happy and had a dumb smile on my face. The dog Tank and the little kid grabbed my heart from the beginning and if I ever had to have a doctor check me out, he damn well better look like Josh!!!



Rating:

Bookish Thoughts #42, 43, and 44

© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Six Sentence Saturday- FRIDAY Edition!

Welcome to Six Sentence Saturday

Where I try to express my thoughts on recent reads using only 6 sentences!!!!.
At the end of each review I will post a
rating scale of 1-5 using the cute and original (lol) Playing Cards.
Rating scale will be as follows:

5 of Hearts- You must read this book NOW!!
4 of Hearts- A great read, put it on your TBR list.
3 of Hearts- Happy that I read it...a good read. 
2 of Hearts- Just O.K but nothing to write home about.
Joker Card - Don't bother (why did I?)

The Sweetest Thing (Lucky Harbor #2)
Author: Jill Shalvis
Source: Purchased
Reason for reading it: Because I am addicted BIG TIME to the Lucky Harbor series!

~ I loved seeing the wall that Tara built around her heart get torn down by the sexy Ford Walker. Heck, even his name is hot!! Shalvis delivered once again with the second in her Lucky Harbor series and I loved this book from the beginning to the very end. I seriously love the quirky characters in this book. I will  even admit to checking Facebook to make sure that there wasn't a Lucky Harbor gossip page like there is in the book..the elderly lady who runs it is an absolute HOOT! Tara's story has a bit more depth to it than book one and I loved how Shalvis was able to take a serious subject and really put her magical twist on it.


My Rating:

Head Over Heels (Lucky Harbor #3)
Author: Jill Shalvis
Source: Purchased
Reason for reading it: I love HEA and I love Shalvis' mix of fun, sexy, and smart writing!

~ Can I just say that I loved Chloe's story??!! She's such a free-spirit and never really had a place to call home or anywhere to put down some roots. My heart soared when she realized that her sisters were there for the long haul and she opened herself up to loving them and letting them love her. I admired her loyalty to her friends and to what she felt was right and especially loved it when her shenanigans caused the blistering hot sheriff, Sawyer, to come to her rescue more than once!! I thought this was a solid book in the Lucky Harbor series and it brought to close the three sisters' stories perfectly! Lucky Harbor is calling my name!!

My Rating:

Bookish Thoughts #38 and #39

© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Six Sentence Saturday and Saturday Snapshot

Saturday Snapshot

is hosted by Alyce of At Home With Books.

It’s easy to participate – just post a picture

that was taken by you, a friend, or a family member and add your link on Alyce’s site.

I took this photo of Lily and Daisy because it goes with the title of the book that I am going to talk about below. Theirs is an unlikely friendship because of their sizes and attitudes. Lily is a moose and at first she used her size as a weapon to abuse Daisy. She wasn't that thrilled when Daisy came into her home. She liked being spoiled and wasn't ready to give up the spotlight. After plowing over Daisy and being put into time out on several occasions, she no longer tries to smash her into the ground. As for their temperaments, Lily is very laid back while Daisy is so high-strung that it drives the humans in the house crazy!! Daisy is very hyper and always on the go, whereas Lily is the exact opposite. But even with all of that, these two have come to forge a true friendship and a bond of sisterhood!!

Welcome to Six Sentence Saturday.

Where I try to express my thoughts on recent reads using only 6 sentences!!!!.
At the end of each review I will post a
rating scale of 1-5 using the cute and original (lol) Playing Cards.
Rating scale will be as follows:

5 of Hearts- You must read this book NOW!!
4 of Hearts- A great read, put it on your TBR list.
3 of Hearts- Happy that I read it...a good read. 
2 of Hearts- Just O.K but nothing to write home about.
Joker Card - Don't bother (why did I?)

Unlikely Friendships: 47 Remarkable Stories from the Animal Kingdom

Author: Jennifer S. Holland

Source: Public Library

Reason for reading it: Kathy@ Bermudaonion

Just look at that cover...look at it!! How can you resist reading stories about animals that in all reality shouldn't even like each other, but for some crazy reason end up comforting one another for a night or end up being best friends for years! This book offers up very original pairings of animals with pictures to confirm the stories. I read this over the course of two days and a few times I must admit to have been moved to tears. I've always thought that animals were God's gift to mankind. This is a must-read for anyone who loves animals and it confirms to me that animals have big hearts and old souls.

Rating:

Bookish Thoughts#7

© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Six Sentence Saturday- Friday Edition (4 mini-reviews)

Welcome to Six Sentence Saturday.

Where I try to express my thoughts on recent reads using only 6 sentences!!!!.
At the end of each review I will post a
rating scale of 1-5 using the cute and original (lol) Playing Cards.
Rating scale will be as follows:

5 of Hearts- You must read this book NOW!!
4 of Hearts- A great read, put it on your TBR list.
3 of Hearts- Happy that I read it...a good read. 
2 of Hearts- Just O.K but nothing to write home about.
Joker Card - Don't bother (why did I?)

Carrie Goes Off the Map
Author: Phillipa Ashley
Source: Review copy from Sourcebooks
Reason for reading it: I love British chick lit!
~  I love Phillipa Ashley's writing style! It never gets old and she always delivers a fun, cheeky, and sometimes steamy British Chick lit with more depth than realized at first glance. Her characters seem so real to me and oftentimes I have found myself wanting to be friends with them. I love learning British slang and there's so much of it in this one. I would love to try it out at work but I think a few of them would get me sent to the Principal's office!! If you're looking for a getaway book look no further than this one!
My Rating:

The Mercy (Rose Trilogy #3)
Author: Beverly Lewis
Source: Public Library
Reason for reading it: I needed a gentle read, plus had to finish the trilogy!
~ You all know that I love Amish fiction and in my opinion no one does it better than Beverly! This was everything that I wanted in a final book of the series. I loved how all of the pieces came together and it seemed so very authentic. Lewis' books always give me a sense of peace and serenity, but I recognize too that Amish life isn't as simplistic and wonderful as some of us outsiders may think. Lewis has captured the modern day Amish and how the English world continues to intrude on their lifestyle. She does a wonderful job of taking worldly problems and putting that Amish spin on them...excellent series!
My Rating:

Sizzling Sixteen (Stephanie Plum #16 (duh?))
Author: Janet Evanovich
Source: Public Library
Reason for reading it: Started the series a long time ago.....
~ A while back I told myself- enough of the Plum books! But then I was at the library, saw it on the shelf and said what the heck...read it! This one put a smile on my face and made me laugh on more than one occasion. I think Grandma and Lula were in rare form in this book. I also enjoyed that Stephanie is loosening up a bit and kissing on both Morelli and Ranger. But she's still a fool in my opinion for even thinking twice about Joe...I'm a Ranger girl all the way! Fun hijinks, fun story, made for an enjoyable way to spend the afternoon!
My Rating: (3.5)

The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Source: Public Library
Reason for reading it: Many bloggers loved it, while many were like "meh"
~ This book started out so very slow for me that I almost ditched it. Then as if one of the magicians from the story put a spell on me, I found myself deeply involved by page 100!! The story grabbed me and captured my imagination and I loved this world that the author created. The characters were interesting and I couldn't get enough of their stories. And then the last couple of chapters happened....and left me pissed off!! I hated how the book ended....I expected this apocalyptic showdown between the two magicians or something spectacular...but, no.  (Don't you hate the way I ended this review? Yep, that's how I felt when I finished this book!)
My Rating:

Six Sentence Saturday- Sunday Edition

Welcome to Six Sentence Saturday.

Where I try to express my thoughts on recent reads using only 6 sentences!!!!.
At the end of each review I will post a
rating scale of 1-5 using the cute and original (lol) Playing Cards.
Rating scale will be as follows:

5 of Hearts- You must read this book NOW!!
4 of Hearts- A great read, put it on your TBR list.
3 of Hearts- Happy that I read it...a good read. 
2 of Hearts- Just O.K but nothing to write home about.
Joker Card - Don't bother (why did I?)

The Chocolate Castle Clue (Chocoholic Mystery #11) by JoAnna Carl
Source: Jessica @ Penguin Group
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 230
Published: October 4, 2011 NAL


Brief Synopsis: Lee McKinney Woodyard discovers a dusty trophy inside TenHuis Chocolade that belongs to her aunt Nettie and her old high school singing group, the Pier-O-Ettes. It's a trophy that brings back terrible memories of an unsolved murder years ago. Before Lee takes aim at the past, someone is murdered in the here and now. Lee needs to keep her eyes on the prize, hoping the trophy is a clue to finding the killer-before she's a target herself.


My thoughts: I don't know about you, but for me a good cozy is such a great comfort read. This was my first introduction to JoAnna Carl's writing but it certainly will not be my last. I loved the whole idea of running a chocolate shop (I adore chocolate) and the added plus for me was having the story take place in Michigan. The characters weren't over the top and believe it or not Lee actually did stop herself from recklessly going into danger! Gasp! I know....sometimes cozies make us suspend belief but this one didn't have to do that...and I honestly enjoyed the afternoon I spent while immersed in Warner Pier. The added bonus were the side notes between chapters about chocolate shops within the U.S. that JoAnna has visited while writing this series.
My Rating:

A solid read with a fun mystery!

Disclaimer:Thank you to Jessica and Penguin Group for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.
 © 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Saturday Snapshot and Six Sentence Saturday- 2 for the price of 1

Saturday Snapshot

is hosted by Alyce of At Home With Books.

It’s easy to participate – just post a picture

that was taken by you, a friend, or a family member and add your link on Alyce’s site.

Left to right: Grandpa Brown and Grandpa Collins

I am the family historian. I'm the one who spends hours on Ancestry.com and has researched both sides of my family endlessly. With that responsibility comes all of the family pictures. I love spending time looking at my loved ones faces when they were young. These two men are my grandfathers. I was looking at their photos the other day when I noticed that they're both wearing hats, something you just don't see much any longer. I thought it would make for a great Saturday Snapshot. These photos were taken some time in the mid-30's. 

---------------------------------------------------------

Welcome to Six Sentence Saturday.

Where I try to express my thoughts on recent reads using only 6 sentences!!!!.
At the end of each review I will post a
rating scale of 1-5 using the cute and original (lol) Playing Cards.
Rating scale will be as follows:

5 of Hearts- You must read this book NOW!!
4 of Hearts- A great read, put it on your TBR list.
3 of Hearts- Happy that I read it...a good read. 
2 of Hearts- Just O.K but nothing to write home about.
Joker Card - Don't bother (why did I?)

Ten Beach Road by Wendy Wax (click on title for  synopsis)
Source: Joan Schulhafer Publishing & Media Consulting
Genre: Contemporary Women's Lit
Pages: 432
Published: May 3, 2011 Berkley Trade
ISBN: 9780425240861

My Thoughts: I picked the perfect time to read this book...when the weather gets a bit cooler and I long for the days of summer. The author did a great job creating these characters because I felt a kindred spirit with each one of them. I am a huge fan of strong female women and this story has them tenfold. What struck me the most is that even though they had lost all of their money they were not going to settle for crumbs. They put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into the renovation of the beachfront home and were able to reap the rewards of hard work. If you're a fan of stories that encompass women's friendships, hardships, secrets and hope, then this may be a good read for you!

Rating:

Disclaimer:Thank you to  Deb, Joan Schulhafer Media, and Berkley Trade for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.
 © 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Six Sentence Saturday- perfect beach read

Welcome to Six Sentence Saturday.

Where I try to express my thoughts on recent reads using only 6 sentences!!!!.
At the end of each review I will post a
rating scale of 1-5 using the cute and original (lol) Playing Cards.
Rating scale will be as follows:

5 of Hearts- You must read this book NOW!!
4 of Hearts- A great read, put it on your TBR list.
3 of Hearts- Happy that I read it...a good read. 
2 of Hearts- Just O.K but nothing to write home about.
Joker Card - Don't bother (why did I?)

Slow Dancing on Price's Pierby Lisa Dale (click on title for longer synopsis)
Source: Berkley/Penguin Group
Genre: Romance/Family Fiction
Pages: 356
Published: April 5, 2011
ISBN: 9780425239957




My Thoughts:
This is the perfect book to take to the beach and just escape into the pages. I really enjoyed the setting and the characters. I truly loved reading the intro pages for each chapter as they were based around coffee and interesting tid-bits that foreshadowed what was going to unfold next. Even though nothing earth-shattering occurred and I pretty much figured out how the story would end, I still enjoyed my time spent in Newport, Rhode Island. If you're looking for a great family drama with a bit of romance thrown in, this book may be for you! I would totally recommend that you enjoy a nice iced coffee while reading this one!!!
Rating:

Disclaimer:Thank you to  Erin Galloway and Penguin Group for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.
 © 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.