What We're Up To

   Hey, everyone! So sorry about the shortage of posts lately, we have had sickness in the house on and off all winter, but we hope we're finally coming out of it.

    Anyway, today we thought we would each share with you our top five books, movies, music etc. that we've been enjoying most these past few months, as well as any books, movies, music, etc. that we are looking forward to reading/watching/hearing.  We're hoping to make this a regular thing, so let us know what you think!

Marianne

   

1. Plant Life - Owl City

Seriously, guys this may be my new favorite Owl City song. I love his unique voice and creative lyrics... I've yet to hear one of his songs that I disliked. 

2. Roundtable Rival - Lindsey Stirling

I never knew instrumental music (with no lyrics) could be so cool! This girl is really talented too. She makes me want to learn violin... I should probably tackle guitar first, though, huh?

3. Unbroken

I saw Unbroken in December when it first came out and have been awaiting it's redbox arrival ever since. :) It's an amazing film that depicts a Japanese POW camp during WW2, and although it's a really rough one to watch, it's so worth it!

4. I See Fire - Ed Sheeran (The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug)

Ok, I know this song is from the second Hobbit and my fascination should have shifted from it to the new song in the end of number three (by Billy Boyd), but I just love how perfectly "I See Fire" captures the feelings that you get when watching The Hobbit. A mixture of sadness and victory that by the end, leaves this strange nostalgic feeling in your chest. The end of a great adventure.

5.  Notes From A Spinning Planet: Ireland by Melody Carlson

I haven't begun reading this one yet, but it's the next on my to read list. I know you can't judge a book by it's cover, or by it's back cover description, but it looks like it'll be a cute, light-hearted, fun read and I'm exited to start!

Elinor

1. Butterfly Palace by Colleen Coble

I haven't had much time to read in the past month, but this book has been the perfect thing to read in short spurts. I'm about a quarter of the way through it, and the great things that I had heard about it are proving true. I'm looking forward to a good review!

2. Hoppipolla - Sigur Ros

I haven't listened to any other songs by this band, but Hoppipolla (which is Icelandic for "Jumping into puddles") is just beautiful. Something about it is so child-like, innocent, and hopeful, but at the same time inspiring and empowering, it really doesn't matter that it's in another language.

3. Cinderella (2015)

It was simply breathtaking. It was far better than I had expected, and will be a favorite in our house for a long time! 

4. The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest by Melanie Dickerson

Melanie Dickerson's fairy-tale re-tellings are absolutely phenomenal. Marianne and I have read every single one and stalk her blog for any upcoming books. Her next one, The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest, is a re-telling of both Swan Lake and Robin Hood, and I cannot wait! I wouldn't be surprised if this book turns out to be my favorite of all of her stories!

5. Nancy Drew: Sea of Darkness

I don't really play many video games, but the Nancy Drew games have been something that I've played, and loved, for years. If you've known me since my tween years you'll also know that I have a big thing for pirates or any ocean adventure story. That being said, you can imagine how excited I am for the next Nancy Drew game, which brings both of my younger obsessions together!

Thanks everybody for reading, we'll (hopefully) be back in full swing very soon!

Book Friends #2

Marianne's Choice:

Gisela Mueller from The Captive Maiden

By Melanie Dickerson

   I loved reading about Gisela in The Captive Maiden. I think that she was truly beautiful, inside and out. She was compassionate, strong, courageous, and I know that she'd be a great friend. She went through many struggles in her life, beginning with her father's death, and going on to her awful step-mother and step-sisters treatment towards her. I think it would've been nice for her to have had a friend to talk to about those things instead of just telling herself she didn't care how they treated her.  She went through a lot, but she overcame and made it through the difficult times. She came out of it more beautiful than ever.

   I absolutely LOVED how the author described Gisela and her feelings. I loved how no matter what happened to her, she loved God and found her hope in him. I really enjoyed this book and if you haven't read it yet, I really recommend doing so. 

You can read mine & Elinor's review for The Captive Maiden HERE!

Elinor's Choice:

Nancy Drew

   I have always loved reading her adventures, and I've known her since I was about 9, so I think that Nancy Drew has already become a book friend that I will never forget! She is talented, clever, and quick on her feet. Her mysteries have kept me reading past bedtimes; and even though every time you read one, you know it will end with the classic super hero/Sherlock Holmes ending of nabbing the bad guy, you just have to keep reading!

   Her family and friends are very easily connected to as well. Some of the most memorable are Carson Drew (her father), George Fayne (her best friend), Bess Marvin (her other best friend and cousin to George), Hannah Gruen (her housekeeper), and of course, Ned Nickerson (her boyfriend).