Yes, we're only 2 days into the fourth quarter of 2013 but I think I can call my favorite book of 2013. Robert Treskillard's Merlin's Blade. Not that the choice was easy but that it's just "that story". For me, the best book I read has to be well-written. Have a story world that loses me in… Continue reading I’m Calling the Game in the Third Quarter. My Favorite Book of 2013
Author: Gretchen E K Engel
Chemical engineer by day, spec fiction writer by night
Planes, Planes, Planes, and Minivans
I'm digressing from my usual reading update and reporting in on my journey to the ACFW Conference in Indianapolis. I grew up in Indiana, so the conference offers a good excuse to visit family. I got a great airfare that allowed me to depart from our small town airport. I love the flight on a… Continue reading Planes, Planes, Planes, and Minivans
On Holiday
Last week I borrowed my title from Jimmy Buffett, this week it's Green Day. Except, it's really because today is Labor Day and I'm on holiday. We took a road trip although by the time this posts, I'll probably be back home. I'm enjoying the extra day off reading and writing. The car ride is… Continue reading On Holiday
Reading Out of Culture
My past couple of Monday posts have mentioned the All of a Kinds Family. It's a series about a Jewish family of five sisters living in New York City at the turn off the twentieth century. Jewish celebrations and traditions are woven into the girls' adventures. I read the series in fifth grade and vividly… Continue reading Reading Out of Culture
Come Monday
If you're a Parrothead (Jimmy Buffett fan for the uninitiated), you will undoubtedly get my title. If not, that's OK. This is an announcement that something had to give, and that's my twice-weekly blog posts. Choosing between Friday and Monday, I picked the much maligned Monday hated equally by cubicle dwellers and fat orange cats. Hopefully,… Continue reading Come Monday
No Blogging in Church
OK I'm not really blogging in church but I am writing this in the car on the way to church. The kids are back in school and this year's schedule is reading friendly. It's good for my day job too. I have a nice long uninterrupted day. When they get home, I get to be mom/taxi… Continue reading No Blogging in Church
The Gauntlet Has Been Thown – A New List to Conquer
I was perusing Facebook updates today when I saw this post from Grace Bridges at Splashdown Books - The Science Fiction Reading Challenge. Considering I hate, loathed, and despised science fiction or fantasy until my late twenties, I feared this list. However, with this blog in mind, my first thought was "OH YEAH, the challenge… Continue reading The Gauntlet Has Been Thown – A New List to Conquer
Confession of a Soccer Mom Blogger
In keeping with Friday's post, I'm writing this post between my kids' soccer picture times. As soon as pictures are done, it's rushing to Bountiful Baskets for our bi-weekly produce pickup. A typical All-American Saturday with some combination of sports and errands. This week I've mostly deviated from my BBC 100 Book Challenge. I finished Jody Hedlund's… Continue reading Confession of a Soccer Mom Blogger
24 Hours Like Everyone Else – Finding Time in the Couch Cushions
You know the question I'm answering. How do you have time to read so many books? If you're a goal-oriented person and passionate about something, you've probably been asked that question too. And in the same two ways. I've gotten both the "you must be Supermom" way and the "you must woefully neglect your children"… Continue reading 24 Hours Like Everyone Else – Finding Time in the Couch Cushions
God and a Dog
Last week my reading list was heavy on animal books. Not usually my favorite type of story, but these were a pleasure to read. Black Beauty is a classic tale told from the point of view of a horse. After reading it, I understand why it's a childhood favorite for many kids. Because of Winn-Dixie is… Continue reading God and a Dog
Gretchen E K Engel 