Book Report: Virgin River series

I've been quite lax about my reading list and book reports. (Actually, blogging in general, but what else is new? Ha!)

I have fallen in love with Robyn Carr's writing. OMG! I'm usually not a "series" type of reader (I get bored easily), but have completely devoured her Virgin River series. Thus far there are 11 books. I read them all within about 8-10 weeks. I hope she comes out with more.

Yes, these can be classified as romance novels. No, they are not typical bodice-rippers. I usually don't read romance novels, I feel that sex is sacred and often really hate the way it is written about. Not Ms. Carr, she does a great job, and handles sex in a loving relationship with great care.

Virgin River is set in a small, close-knit, northern California mountain town. The characters are ones you can fall in love with and relate to. The men are chivalrous (but not perfect!), the women are strong and smart (none of this sniveling heroine stuff for me), and the adventures are fun.

My husband teases me that he can tell when I love a book because I wear my emotions on my face. This series totally has captured me, I laugh, I cry, I lust, I devour.

If you can't find the first book, Virgin River, you can pick up any other one. It'll take a minute to acclimate yourself, but the characters are friendly and within a few pages you'll feel as though you know them, and their stories.

Check out this series, you won't be disappointed. I promise.

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies, Ever!

1-3/4 Cups all-purpouse flour


1/2 tsp baking soda

14 Tblsp unsalted butter (1-3/4 sticks)

1/2 Cup granulated sugar

3/4 Cup packed dark brown sugar

1 tsp salt

2 tsps vanilla

1 egg

1 egg yolk

1-1/4 Cups semisweet chocolate chips (I splurge and use the 60% cacao Ghiradelli chips--so good!)



Preheat oven to 375* with rack positioned in middle. Line baking sheets with parchment if you wish. I usually don't and they turn out fine.
Whisk flour and soda together, set aside

Heat 10 Tblsp butter in skillet over med-high heat until melted. Continue cooking, swirling pan constantly until butter is dark golden brown and smells "nutty", about 2-3 minutes. Transfer butter into large, heatproof bowl. Stir in remaining butter until that is all melted.

Add both sugars, salt, and vanilla to butter. Whisk until well incorporated. Add egg and yolk, whisk until smooth. Let stand 3 minutes, whisk for about 30 seconds. Let stand & whisk 2 more times. "Caramel" mixture will now be thick, smooth, and shiny. (Don't skip this standing & whisking step, it really enhances the flavor.) Stir in flour by hand, then add chocolate chips. Be sure there are no flour "pockets".
Scoop balls of dough onto cookie sheets. These cookies spread a lot, so don't crowd the cookie sheet. Bake one tray at a time on middle rack about 10-14 minutes until golden brown. Edges should be set with soft centers. Makes about 16-20 large cookies.
 
Tips:
1) Use fresh, moist, dark brown sugar. It helps the cookies stay moist and soft.
2) Don't brown the butter in a non-stick skillet, it's very hard to assess if the butter is actually brown in a dark pan.
 
Enjoy the yummy-ness!

"I Will Carry You"

Angie Smith's new book I Will Carry You: The Sacred Dance of Grief and Joy is being offered as a free download today from Barnes and Noble.

Just download B&N's free PC/MAC reader, then download the book by clicking the above book title link.

Thank you, Angie, for sharing Audrey's story.

Moses

The latest antics in our home:

So cute!

Arizona

I just came across this picture and had a chuckle. I'm not a politico, in fact politics either bore me to tears or make my ears steam with anger, so I generally avoid them altogether.
Whatever your thoughts on the new Arizona immigration law, this picture is a pretty accurate portrayal of what life is going to be like down there...

originally seen via Reddit

Lingerie Shower/Mini Bachelorette

When I got married (just under a year ago!), I only had one shower. It was a huge shower that lasted the entire day, and I LOVED it. My friends and family made it such a wonderful day. My own shower is one of a handful of showers that I've attended. I am the first of many of my friends to get married, and all of my cousins are about 10 years older, so I was not paying attention at their showers. Therefore, my experience is limited.

My wonderful friend, K is getting married in July. This is her and me at my wedding.

K asked me to be her Matron of Honor, and I offered to throw her a shower. She already is having two traditional showers, so I thought a lingerie shower/mini-bachelorette party would be more fun. I'm ironing out the details still, but have an etiquette question for the invitations.

This being a lingerie shower, should I include the bride's lingerie sizes in the invitation? Should I not include it and answer only if people ask? What's your experience with this?

I really appreciate your advice!

Aren't A & K an adorable couple? (Almost as cute as J & me!)

March for Babies!

My region's March of Dimes walk "March for Babies" is today. I really wanted to participate this year, but have to work. Boo! Looks like it's going to be a nice day for it, and I have to stay inside sleeping. (Yes, I have to miss watching the Kentucky Derby too.)

Many of our graduates and their families turn out for the event, so it's like "old home week," but better. It is just so awesome to see our little itty-bitty 24 weekers running around as 4 year olds!

Not being able to go walking today makes me really want to see the new movie, BABIES.

Enjoy the trailer! The baby/goat bath made me giggle!



Happy May Day!