Good Reads: Making Faces

Making Faces by Amy Harmon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sometimes I find a book that is so beautifully written it puts tears in my eyes. Making Faces is a story about the heroism of everyday people.

The story centers around several students in a small town high school. Each of them are trying so hard to grow up; some of them do reach towards their full potential, while a few never make it. I guess you could call this a coming of age novel, but it is also a tragedy and a romance.

The two main characters, Ambrose and Fern, are everyday kids, but through their actions and devotion become great. Their love story had me laughing and crying.

Secondary characters are well developed and each fulfill their roles in the story in memorable ways.

I highly recommend this novel. You won't walk away from it untouched.

I've Been Closed For Construction

I haven't been able to post very often because I have had construction going on around my house for a month and a half.  I had let some things go around here, so I decided that while repairs were being done I would have some other work done for esthetic reasons.

How did I start?  Well, as usual, with three estimates from reputable construction companies.  I researched companies using word of mouth, the internet, the Better Business Bureau and my county's Consumer Affairs Office.

I wrote and printed out exactly what I wanted done.  I not only did a walk around with the company's representatives, but they received the hardcopy.  It was amazing how different the estimates I received were.  Even with the hardcopy I gave out one company didn't include the most important work that I wanted done.  And their estimate was the most expensive!

One of the eternal varieties I learned from this project is that it will take double the time you think it will.  It will take double the time the construction company thinks it will.  I have spoken with friends and neighbors and they all agreed that this is true.  My job was supposed to be completed before Christmas, but this week the last task will be done.

My new driveway will be poured tomorrow and I am ready!  In a few days we will be able to park in our garage again!  Yay!

The Type of Driveway I Am Getting

The other big thing I learned is that even when I thought I had made myself clear about how I wanted something to look it wasn't always so.  I wish I had created a scrapbook of ideas by cutting out pictures from magazines or printing pictures from the internet.  A picture is worth a thousand words is absolutely true.  It is also necessary to check on the work often.  Several times I was able to catch a problem in the early stages just by walking around the house a couple of times a day.

I have promised myself that from now on repairs will be done when needed instead of letting them build up.  We'll see how I do with this.  By keeping on top of things I could have saved myself some money and a lot of hassle.

God bless,
Pam

Good Reads: Double Dip

Double Dip by Gretchen Archer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Double Dip, the second book in the Davis Way Crime Caper series, is a fast paced romp. The security team at a Biloxi casino uncover a crime while trying to keep the gamblers safe and the casino profitable.

Davis, the heroine, is a member of the security team plus she is the double for the casino owners crazy wife. She is a sweet southern woman, computer hacker with a good nose for solving crimes. She is never a helpless victim, but is resourceful at finding a way out of trouble.

I laughed throughout this book at the antics of Davis and the multitude of interesting secondary characters. There were also a few poignant moments and misunderstandings that had me feeling tearful.

I highly recommend this comedy/mystery/romance novel. It could be read as a standalone novel, but I would suggest reading the series in order.

ARC provided by Henery Press via Netgalley.