Missed My Chance...

Just last week I found out that a girl I went to school with passed away. She was younger then me. I meet her in guitar class. She was amazing. I thought that she had some thing going for her.

She graduated and moved on. I forgot about her in the business of my education and life.

And then my dad called from work to tell me that she and two other girls died of some kind of carbon monoxide poison. This just shows me that we are never to young to die.

So be wise when you do something or make a decision because it could al ways be your last one . I'm praying that she knew Jesus, because I missed my chances to tell her about the love that God has for everyone.

But I will never miss another chance like that ever again.

God loves you SO much that He came to Earth as a baby--Jesus. Jesus lived a perfect life, and was God here on Earth with us. I can't explain it, but the Book of John in the Bible explains it great. Jesus died a horrid death to pay for all the wrong stuff we do.

The Bible calls it sin--which is missing the mark. We can't hit God's mark of perfect, but Jesus was able to. So He died for us. Then, to prove He was God, He rose again back to life after three days. No other religious person in history ever did that.

Just Jesus.

And He wants to take away your sin, make your life worth living, and show you a better way to live.

Maybe I don't explain it so well, but I know it's true. And I want to see all of you in Heaven one day. Jesus is the only way. It's not popular, but truth isn't always popular.

Like the truth that we could all die any day.

It doesn't matter that we're young. She was younger than me. Now, she's gone.

This Christmas, think about that.

And take the greatest Christmas gift ever given--Jesus.

KT

My First Award!

One of my mom's blogging friends, Melissa at Bibliophile's Retreat, honored me with my very first blogger award. I feel almost as cool as my mom now!



The rules are that you link back to the one who gave you the award (Thank you, SO much, Melissa!). Then you pick 10 bloggers to receive this award.

Unfortunately, I'm just starting out in blogging. But my mom received The Butterfly Award, and she says it's always nice to share with your comment givers, so that's what I'm doing.

If you read my blog, you bless and encourage me...so feel free to receive this beautiful award from me, KT.

I'm so thankful that God has allowed me to do this blog for teens like me and for moms and dads who try to teach their kids right from wrong, good from bad, and what God wants for them.

Each reader out there makes me feel like I am doing what God wants me to do, and you encourage me to keep going, even when I feel like no one notices. Now, I know someone does. And that makes me feel SO special.

I'll be posting more reviews soon.

Till then, save my place for me!

KT

Single Sashimi by Camy Tang

From the Back of the Book:

Venus Chau is a high-powered video game developer. Now she might be working for the man she’s always hated … but what if he’s no longer the man she thought she knew? The third book in the Sushi series offers romance with the spice of ginger.

My Thoughts:

This book is the third in the series, and is far better than the other two (I know, I keep saying that--but it's TRUE!). I could NOT put this one down (I know, I keep saying that--BUT IT'S TRUE, I TELL YOU!).

The fact that Venus was such a control freak appealed to me. I like order myself, and it reminded me of some people I know. But when she finally decided to let loose, whoa, momma!

The way she allowed God to run her life when everything started tumbling down was amazing and so real. I could understand what she was going through; I could feel what she felt.

When it seemed God was holding her, it felt like He was holding me, too. It was a little freaky, but so cool! I want to learn to be as free and to let go like Venus learned to with God.

I loved the ending, but I'm not giving anything away. Just trust me, it was amazing--except for ONE PART--but I'm not letting that slip either. I was happy, yet not. Hey, I'm 18--what do you expect??

I can't wait to get my hands on the final book, but I'm going nuts just thinking about it. The final book. That will be so cool. Write faster, Camy!

Till then, hold my place for me!

KT

Only Uni by Camy Tang

From the Back of the Book:

Senior biologist Trish Sakai is ready for a change from her wild, flirtatious behavior, so she creates three rules to follow from First and Second Corinthians. But with a persistent ex-boyfriend and a gorgeous coworker in pursuit, suddenly Trish’s simple rules don’t seem so simple after all.

My Thoughts:

This book is the second book in the series, and I think it is way better than the first one!

The depth of character development drew me into the story like I was there. I loved how the consequences of Trish's past decisions were not overlooked, or treated like they didn't matter.

Trish was able to stand up for herself---oops, almost gave away some of the plot! My bad! But let me say she was amazing in how she changed from page to page, and I loved her so much!

I can't wait to find out what happens in the third book, and I have GOT to get my hands on the fourth one (I just know there's going to be a fourth one--four cousins--DUH!)!


I just had a conversation with some girls that was in this series of books, especially the one about Trish, and maybe by reading these books I can find the right words to help them get what I'm trying to tell them.

Or maybe I'll just give them the books...

Till then, save my place for me!

KT

P.S. To Camy Tang: KEEP WRITING!! You are an AMAZING writer, and I love you.

Sushi For One? by Camy Tang

From The Back of the Book:

Lex Sakai's family is big, nosy, and marriage minded. When her cousin Mariko gets married, Lex will become the oldest single female cousin in the clan.

Lex has used her Bible study class on Ephesians to compile a huge list of traits for the perfect man. But the one man she keeps running into doesn't seem to have a single quality on her list. It's only when the always-in-control Lex starts to let God take over that all the pieces of this hilarious romance finally fall into place.

My Thoughts:

This book is so amazing--as I read it, I felt like I was a part of this clan! When the hard or bad things happened to Lex, I hurt like she hurt. Lex was amazing in how she stood up to her Grandmother. I was cheering her on!

Grandmother is really, really mean!

When things got really tough for her, I thought it was totally amazing that she finally turned to God in the end, and because she trusted in God, everything in her life ended up great in the end.

Things didn't turn out like SHE wanted them--her list didn't work. But they turned out like God wanted them to. That taught me to always listen to God, and to keep my ears open to what He has to say about my life.

I would recommend this book to anybody who has a hard time with either family relationships or someone who isn't sure of what they want in life. By reading "Sushi For One?" we can learn that God has a plan for our lives and that it will always turn out good in the end.

I'm reading the second book in this amazing series...

Till then, hold my place for me!

KT

Do Hard Things By Alex & Brett Harris

From the Back Book: Most people don’t expect you to understand what we’re going to tell you in this book. And even if you understand, they don’t expect you to care. And even if you care, they don’t expect you to do anything about it. And even if you do something about it, they don’t expect it to last. We do. – Alex and Brett


My Thoughts: "Do Hard Things" makes you think that the world today has a poor view on teens and how that view makes us feel. They show us that we are not limited to what the world thinks of what we can do. When I read the book "Do Hard Things" I can see why some pople are were they are. They let the world hold them back and they never felt good enough to do anything else. Even thow I havent been through most of what they talk about in their book. I see how what they say is efecting teens today. They put so much stuff in to veiw for teens and they make you want to do hard things.

Till Next Time Hold My Place
KT

The Secret Life Of The American Teenager

My Thoughts: I know that this is blog about books for teens, but God put this in my heart to say today.

I know that a lot of you teens watch TV shows that you just love. Well, there is this new TV show that just came out and, like many girls, I had to see it.

At first it had a good message, but now it has strayed from their main point.

They were trying to help stop teens from having sex, but then some of their main characters started messing around, having sex and not taking it seriously.

I don't see how we as teens are supposed to get the message to not have sex at our age from a TV show like this. When they make it look like it's no big deal, many teens treat sex and hooking up like no big deal.

Just like in the movie Juno, the people behind this show are making it seem too easy and not all that life changing. I thought that this show would take this whole teen sex thing seriously, but it didn't and what does that say to us teens today?

That it's OK to have sex; that it's just fun and cool. Well, I have news for people that make movies and shows like this stuff. What you guys put out there for us to see does happen to have an effect on us.

We do listen to what you say in your shows and movies, and sometimes act on what you show us is OK to do. I know of teens that have had sex and gotten pregnant and have flipped out and didn't know what to do.

So for you teens out there, please talk to your mom or dad. Don't get your sex advice from the TV, books, magazines or movies.

Till then, hold my place for me.

KT

Goodbye Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson

From the back of the book:

Charley's off to Scotland with her new beau, and Scotty and her dad travel to Maine in search of Scotty's mom. That's not all they're looking for, though. There are still a lot of unanswered questions about faith. Scotty's faced with her bitterness toward Karissa and what it means to live a "Jesusy extraordinary" life. Shouldn't forgiveness play a role in that? And when Scotty and her dad land on her mother's last known trail, will their questions finally be answered?

My Thoughts:

I LOVED THIS BOOK! You can see how Scotty has grown in her relationship with God, and how she goes through so much pain and yet, in the end, she comes out gaining so much. She comes out with a better understanding of faith, and she ends up with everything she could have ever wanted.

It isn't everything SHE wanted--but it's what God had for her, which is WAY better than she could have ever asked for.

She learns how to love the people you think are unlovable, but Scotty realizes it's just an outer shell of protection she sees. Scotty meets all kinds of new and terrific people who end up being her "family"--the family she's always wanted to have.

By the end, you can see how she grows, her family grows, and how it is all created by God and her love for Him. These books taught me that it doesn't matter what age you are or how long you've been in Christ. You'll grow, you'll learn...and while you may get hurt, you'll benefit from it all in the long run.

This book taught me that, if I want to do something for teens my age and younger, and if I just put myself out there and stop being afraid of what I don't know...well, who knows? Maybe I'll be able to help someone who's in need of help, and may bring them to God...

...like my Mom does.

Till then, hold my place for me!

KT

Perfecting Kate by Tamara Leigh

From the Back of the Book:

Just when mural artist Kate Meadows resolves to embrace singledom and be unbelievably, inconceivably happy, it seems to be raining men. Hallelujah! Or not. First, there's Michael. He's the famous makeup artist determined to bring Kate's looks up to his standard. It's amazing what a few cosmetic procedures can do, but Kate's starting to feel like she's on Extreme Makeover, just without the TV cameras and someone else paying the bill. Then there's the enigmatic Dr. Clive Alexander. Despite his insistence that Kate is perfect just the way she is, he wants to change her in his own way. So, what's a single, thirty-something woman to do? It's a tough call. For as much effort goes into improving her appearance, even more is needed to jumpstart her "on hold" relationship with God.

My Thoughts:

Oh, wow! I LOVED THIS BOOK! I know, I know...it's been awhile since my last review...but summer = freedom! Now, I'm reading again, and I picked the best book to read!

"Perfecting Kate" was an eye-opening book. Like Kate, I feel like I have flaws. I've had guys tell me that I needed to fix or change this or that. So I got what she was going through, totally.

And even though the Kate in the book wasn't real, she felt real to me, and it was like I was right there in the story with her.

At the beginning, I thought, "Oh, this is just another one of those boring books my mom likes" (no offense, Mom!). But, I was OH. SO. WRONG. It turned out to be so much more.

As I kept reading, I had hope. Maybe my life might turn out like Kate's did in the book, except...oops! Almost spilled the ending there! My bad!

I guess maybe God has my life planned out, all mapped out for me, kinda like He did with Kate. I've just gotta listen, not ignore Him, and follow Him when He calls.

So if any of you are reading this right now and are like me and Kate, listening to the guys that pick at you and want to change you, and are NOT listening to God...

...you need to read "Perfecting Kate". It will open your eyes to a whole new perspective on things.

Till Then, Hold My Place For Me,

KT

Twilight By Stephenie Meyer

From The Back Of The Book: “I’D NEVER GIVEN MUCH THOUGHT TO HOW I WOULD DIE– I’d had reason enough in the last few months –but even if I had, I would not have imagined it like this. . . . Surely it was a good way to die, in the place of something else, someone I loved. Noble, even. That ought to count for something.”
When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret.
What Bella doesn’t realize is the closer she gets to him, the more she is putting herself and those around her at risk. And, it might be too late to turn back





My Thoughts:

This is one of the best books I have ever read! I love the romance between Edward and Bella. There are some moments in this book that have God in them, believe it or not.

This is the most thrilling reading experience I have had in a long time and I can't wait until the final book comes out.

I even told my mom that they should make it into a movie and they are! I have to tell the truth though: at first I didn't like the book, but my mom knew that I would, so she kept pushing me to keep reading.

I'm so glad she did! I read it and fell in love with the book and can't wait till the whole series is MINE.

Till Next Time Hold My Place

KT

Serenity #10:Girl Overboard!

From The Back Of The Book:
The outer girl is different, but what about her heart?

It's makeover time as Serenity sets out to do a radical overhaul on her closet--and her image. But major changes in her hair, her clothes, and her attitude just leave her feeling all wrong. Can she find her own voice--and the right hair color--before she loses herself completely?

Then, in a mini-movie that harkens back to the horror films of the 1930s, Serenity and her friends create "Fraulein Stein's Monster." When a mad scientist becomes obsessed, will the monster soon be the master?



My Thoughts: Well, reading friends, this is the last book for now in this series.

That I know of, at least.

I hope that you read this series, and that you get some great lessons from reading them. I will never forget the things these books have taught me. Plus, these are the kinds of books you can read again and again.

Till Next Time Hold My Place

KT

Serenity #9: Choosing Chang!

From The Back Of The Book: A Night at the Drive-in Leaves Serenity Reeling

Serenity decides the best way to make Derek jealous is by dating other guys. But the date she arranges forces her to decide what she really wants in a relationship. Who knew trying to do the right thing could be so confusing?

Then, Serenity and her pals film another mini-movie--this one a Biblical epic, "Esther, Queen of Persia." Whisked away to take part in a royal beauty contest, lovely young Esther realizes there may be a purpose and plan to life beyond what she can imagine.



My Thoughts: I love the two books in one thing--it is so cool!

People, you have got to read these books--they are so great for any teenager.

These books will teach you stuff about yourself you never would think of.

They make you think more than ever about stuff that really matters.

Till Next Time Hold My Place

KT

Serenity #8:Sunday Best!

From The Back Of The Book: Serenity's got a sinking feeling

Serenity wants to change for the better, but when a clumsy attempt at doing the right thing goes awry, she finds herself over her head in deep waters. Will she sink on her own . . . or accept help from an unexpected source?

Then in the latest mini-movie from Serenity and her pals--this one a disaster epic--an earthquake leaves the local mall crumbling. When a group of curious kids meet a gang of vicious looters, things really get shaky as they find themselves "Crawling from the Wreckage."

My Thoughts: This manga is great!

It shows us how hard it is for both saved and unsaved people to try to do the right thing.

We take things for granted and we don't even know we do it.

I think that this book is going to help us in things we struggle with.


Till Next Time Hold My Place

KT

TEEN First Presents Mixed Bags by Melody Carlson!

It's June 21st, time for the Teen FIRST blog tour!(Join our alliance! Click the button!) Every 21st, we will feature an author and his/her latest Teen fiction book's FIRST chapter!

Melody Carlson

and her book:

Mixed Bags (Carter House Girls, Book 1)

Zondervan (May 1, 2008)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

In sixth grade, Melody Carlson helped start a school newspaper called The BuccaNews (her school’s mascot was a Buccaneer...arrr!). As editor of this paper, she wrote most of the material herself, creating goofy phony bylines to hide the fact that the school newspaper was mostly a "one man" show.

Visit the Melody's website to see all of her wonderful and various book titles.

Don't miss the second book in this series: Stealing Bradford (Carter House Girls, Book 2)

And one of her latest, A Mile in My Flip-Flops will be featured on FIRST Blog Alliance on July 1st!

Product Details:

List Price: $9.99
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (May 1, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310714885
ISBN-13: 978-0310714880



AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

“Desiree,” called Inez as she knocked on the other side of the closed bedroom door. “Mrs. Carter wants to see you downstairs.”

“The name is DJ.”

“I’m sorry, but your grandmother has instructed me to call you Desiree.”

DJ opened the door and looked down on the short and slightly overweight middle-aged housekeeper. “And I have instructed you to call me DJ.”

Inez’s dark eyes twinkled as she gave her a sly grin. “Yes, but it’s your grandmother who pays my salary, Desiree. I take orders from Mrs. Carter. And she wants to see you downstairs in her office, pronto.”

DJ grabbed her favorite Yankees ball cap and shoved it onto her head, pulling her scraggly looking blonde ponytail through the hole in the back of it.

“You’re wearing that?” asked Inez with a frown. “You know what your grandmother says about?—?-”

“Look,” said DJ. “My grandmother might pay you to take orders from her, but I’m a free agent. Got that?”

Inez chuckled. “I got that. But you’re the one who’ll be getting it before too long, Desiree.”

“DJ,” she growled as she tromped loudly down the curving staircase. Why had she let Dad talk her into living with her grandmother for her last two years of high school? She’d only been here since last spring, late into the school year, but long enough to know that it was nearly unbearable. Boarding school would be better than this. At least she’d have a little privacy there and no one constantly riding her?—?-telling her how to act, walk, look, and think. She wished there were some way, short of running away (which would be totally stupid), out of this uncomfortable arrangement.

“There you are,” said Grandmother when DJ walked into the office. Her grandmother frowned at her ball cap and then pasted what appeared to be a very forced smile onto her collagen-injected lips. “I want you to meet a new resident.” She made a graceful hand movement, motioning to where an attractive and somewhat familiar-looking Latina woman was sitting next to a fashionably dressed girl who seemed to be about DJ’s age, but could probably pass for older. The girl was beautiful. Even with the scowl creasing her forehead, it was obvious that this girl was stunning. Her skin was darker than her mother’s, latte-colored and creamy. Her long black hair curled softly around her face. She had high cheekbones and dramatic eyes.

DJ noticed her grandmother smiling her approval on this unhappy-looking girl. But the girl looked oblivious as she fiddled with the gold chain of what looked like an expensive designer bag. Not that DJ was an expert when it came to fashion. The woman stood politely, extending her hand to DJ.

“I’d like to present my granddaughter, Desiree Lane.” Grandmother turned back to DJ now, the approval evaporating from her expression. “Desiree, this is Ms. Perez and her daughter Taylor.”

DJ shook the woman’s hand and mumbled, “Nice to meet you.” But the unfriendly daughter just sat in the leather chair, one long leg elegantly crossed over the other, as she totally ignored everyone in the room.

Grandmother continued speaking to DJ, although DJ suspected this little speech was for Taylor’s mother. “Ms. Perez and I first met when my magazine featured her for her illustrious music career. Her face graced our cover numerous times over the years. Perhaps you’ve heard of Eva Perez.”

The woman smiled. “Or perhaps not,” she said in a voice that was as smooth as honey. “According to my daughter, kids in your age group don’t comprise even a minuscule part of my fan base.”

DJ smiled at the woman now. “Actually, I have heard of you, Ms. Perez. My mom used to play your CDs. She was a serious Latin jazz fan.”

“Was?” She frowned. “I hope her taste in music hasn’t changed. I need all the fans I can get these days.”

Grandmother cleared her throat. “Desiree’s mother?—?-my daughter?—?-was killed in a car accident about a year ago.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry.”

DJ sort of nodded. She never knew how to react when -people said they were sorry about the loss of her mother. It wasn’t as if it were their fault.

“Desiree,” said Grandmother, “Would you mind giving Taylor a tour of the house while I go over some business details with her mother?”

“No problem.”

Grandmother’s recently Botoxed forehead creased ever so slightly, and DJ knew that, once again, she had either said the wrong thing, used bad grammar, or was slumping like a “bag of potatoes.” Nothing she did ever seemed right when it came to her grandmother. “And after the tour, perhaps you could show Taylor to her room.”

“Which room?” asked DJ, feeling concerned. Sure, Taylor might be a perfectly nice person, even if a little snobbish, but DJ was not ready for a roommate just yet.

“The blue room, please. Inez has already taken some of Taylor’s bags up for her. Thank you, Desiree.”

Feeling dismissed as well as disapproved of, DJ led their reluctant new resident out to the foyer. “Well, you’ve probably already seen this.” DJ waved her arm toward the elegant front entrance with its carved double doors and shining marble floor and Persian rug. She motioned toward the ornate oak staircase. “And that’s where the bedrooms are, but we can see that later.” She walked through to the dining room. “This is where we chow down.” She pointed to the swinging doors. “The kitchen’s back there, but the cook, Clara, can be a little witchy about trespassers.” DJ snickered. “Besides, my grandmother does not want her girls to spend much time in the kitchen anyway.”

“Like that’s going to be a problem,” said Taylor, the first words she’d spoken since meeting DJ.

“Huh?” said DJ.

“I don’t imagine anyone is going to be exactly pigging out around here. I mean aren’t we all supposed to become famous models or something?” asked Taylor as she examined a perfectly manicured thumbnail.

DJ frowned. “Well, my grandmother did edit one of the biggest fashion magazines in the world, but I don’t think that means we’re all going to become famous models. I know I’m not.”

Taylor peered curiously at her. “Why not? You’ve got the height, the build, and you’re not half bad looking .?.?. well, other than the fact that you obviously have absolutely no style.” She sort of laughed, but not with genuine humor. “But then you’ve got your grandmother to straighten that out for you.”

DJ just shook her head. “I think my grandmother will give up on me pretty soon. Especially when the others get here. She’ll have girls with more promise to set her sights on.” At least that was what DJ was hoping.

“Has anyone else arrived?”

“Not yet.” DJ continued the tour. “This is the library.” She paused to allow Taylor to look inside the room and then moved on. “And that’s the sunroom, or observatory, as Grandmother calls it.” She laughed. “Hearing her talk about this house sometimes reminds me of playing Clue.”

“What?”

“You know, the murder game, like where Colonel Mustard kills Mrs. Peacock with a wrench in the observatory.”

“Oh, I never played that.”

“Right .?.?.” Then DJ showed Taylor the large living room, the most modern space in the house. Grandmother had put this room together shortly after deciding to take on her crazy venture. Above the fireplace hung a large flat-screen TV, which was connected to a state-of-the-art DVD and sound system. This was encircled by some comfortable pieces of leather furniture, pillows, and throws.

“Not bad,” admitted Taylor.

“Welcome back to the twenty-first century.”

“Do you have wireless here?”

“Yeah. I told Grandmother it was a necessity for school.”

“Good.”

“This house has been in our family for a long time,” said DJ as she led Taylor up the stairs. “But no one has lived here for the past twenty years. My grandmother had it restored after she retired a -couple of years ago.” DJ didn’t add that her grandmother had been forced to retire due to her age (a carefully guarded and mysterious number) or that this new business venture, boarding teen “debutantes,” was to help supplement her retirement income. Those were strict family secrets and, despite DJ’s angst in living here, she did have a sense of family loyalty?—?-at least for the time being. She wasn’t sure if she could control herself indefinitely.

DJ stopped at the second-floor landing. “The bedrooms are on this floor, and the third floor has a ballroom that would be perfect for volleyball, although Grandmother has made it clear that it’s not that kind of ballroom.” She led Taylor down the hall. “My bedroom is here,” she pointed to the closed door. “And yours is right next door.” She opened the door. “The blue room.”

Taylor looked into the pale blue room and shook her head in a dismal way. “And is it true that I have to share this room with a perfect stranger?”

“Well, I don’t know how perfect she’ll be.”

“Funny.” Taylor rolled her eyes as she opened a door to one of the walk-in closets opposite the beds.

“I try.”

“It’s not as big as I expected.”

“It’s bigger than it looks,” said DJ as she walked into the room and then pointed to a small alcove that led to the bathroom.

“Do I get any say in who becomes my roommate?”

“I guess you can take that up with my grandmother.”

Taylor tossed her purse onto the bed closest to the bathroom and then kicked off her metallic-toned sandals. “These shoes might be Marc Jacobs, but they’re killing me.”

“So, you’re really into this?” asked DJ. “The whole fashion thing?”

Taylor sat down on the bed, rubbing a foot. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look good.”

DJ felt the need to bite her tongue. Taylor was her grandmother’s first official paying customer to arrive and participate in this crazy scheme. Far be it from DJ to rock Grandmother’s boat. At least not just yet.

“Well, thanks for the tour,” said Taylor in a bored voice. Then she went over to where a set of expensive-looking luggage was stacked in a corner. “Don’t the servants around here know how to put things away properly?”

“Properly?” DJ shrugged.

Taylor picked up the top bag and laid it down on the bench at the foot of one of the beds and opened it.

“Don’t you want to go down and tell your mom good-bye?” asked DJ as she moved toward the door.

Taylor laughed in a mean way. “And make her think she’s doing me a favor by dumping me here? Not on your life.”

“Here are some more bags for Miss Mitchell,” said Inez as she lugged two large suitcases into the room, setting them by the door.

“Put them over there,” commanded Taylor, pointing to the bench at the foot of the other bed. “And don’t pile them on top of each other. This happens to be Louis Vuitton, you know.”

DJ saw Inez make a face behind Taylor’s back. But the truth was DJ didn’t blame her. Inez might be a housekeeper, but she didn’t deserve to be treated like a slave. Suddenly, DJ felt guilty for snapping at Inez earlier today. She smiled now, and Inez looked surprised and a little suspicious. Then DJ grabbed the largest bag, hoisted it onto the bench with a loud grunt, and Taylor turned around and gave her a dark scowl.

“Thank you,” she snapped.

“Later,” said DJ as she exited the room with Inez on her heels.

“Mrs. Carter wants to see you downstairs, Desiree,” announced Inez when they were out on the landing.

“Again?” complained DJ. “What for?”

“Another girl just arrived. Your grandmother wants you to give her a tour too.”

“What am I now?” asked DJ. “The official tour guide?”

“That sounds about right.” Inez gave her a smirk.

DJ wasn’t sure if she could stomach another fashion diva with an attitude problem, but on the other hand, she didn’t want to risk another etiquette lecture from her grandmother either. Once again, she clomped down the stairs and made her appearance in the office, suppressing the urge to bow and say, “At your ser-vice, Madam.”

“Eliza,” gushed Grandmother, “This is my granddaughter, Desiree Lane. And Desiree, I’d like you to meet Eliza Wilton.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Desiree.”

DJ nodded. She could tell by how formal her grandmother was acting that Eliza Wilton must be someone really important?—?-meaning extraordinarily wealthy?—?-even more so than the Mitchells. And that’s when she remembered her grandmother going on about “the Wilton fortune” this morning at breakfast. Of course, that must be Eliza’s family.

“Nice to meet ya, Eliza,” DJ said in a purposely casual tone. This girl was pretty too, but not like Taylor’s dark and dramatic beauty. Eliza was a tall, slender, impeccably dressed, blue-eyed blonde. She wasn’t exactly a Paris Hilton clone?—?-and she didn’t have a little dog as far as DJ could see?—?-but there was a similarity, except that Eliza’s face was a little softer looking, a little sweeter, but then looks could be deceiving.

DJ wondered if the Botox was starting to wear off, as her grandmother studied her with a furrowed brow, probably comparing her to Miss Perfect Eliza. Naturally, DJ would not measure up.

“Eliza is from Louisville,” said Grandmother. “Her parents are presently residing in France, where her father just purchased a vineyard. But Eliza’s grandmother and I are old friends. We went to college together. When she heard about what I was doing up here in Connecticut, she encouraged her daughter to send dear Eliza our way.”

“Lucky Eliza,” said DJ in a droll tone.

Eliza actually giggled. Then Grandmother cleared her throat. “Desiree will give you a tour of the house,” she said. “And she’ll show you to your room.”

“Which is .?.?.??” asked DJ.

“The rose room.”

Of course, thought DJ as she led Eliza from the office. Next to her grandmother’s suite, the rose room was probably the best room in the house. Naturally, someone as important as Eliza would be entitled to that. Not that DJ had wanted it. And perhaps her grandmother had actually offered it to her last month. DJ couldn’t remember. But she had never been a flowery sort of girl, and she knew the rose wallpaper in there would’ve been giving her a serious migraine by now. Besides she liked her sunny yellow bedroom and, in her opinion, it had the best view in the house. On a clear day, you could actually glimpse a sliver of the Atlantic Ocean from her small bathroom window.

DJ started to do a repeat of her earlier tour, even using the same lines, until she realized that Eliza was actually interested.

“How old is this house?”

“Just over a hundred years,” DJ told her. “It was built in 1891.”

“It has a nice feel to it.”

DJ considered this. “Yeah, I kinda thought that too, after I got used to it. To be honest, it seemed pretty big to me at first. But then you’re probably used to big houses.”

“I suppose. Not that I’m particularly fond of mansions.”

“Why aren’t you with your parents?” asked DJ. “In France?”

“They’re concerned about things like politics and security,” said Eliza as they exited the library. “In fact, they almost refused to let me come here.”

“Why?”

“Oh, I think they felt I was safer in boarding school. If our grandmothers hadn’t been such good friends, I’m sure they never would’ve agreed.”

“So, you’re happy to be here?” DJ studied Eliza’s expression.

“Sure, aren’t you?”

DJ frowned. “I don’t know .?.?. I guess.”

“I think it’ll be fun to go to a real high school, to just live like a normal girl, with other normal girls.”

DJ tried not to look too shocked. “You think this is normal?”

Eliza laughed. “I guess I don’t really know what normal is, but it’s more normal that what I’m used to.”

“But what about the whole fashion thing?” asked DJ. “I mean you must know about my grandmother’s plans to turn us all into little debutantes. Are you into all that?”

“That’s nothing new. Remember, I’m from the south. My family is obsessed with turning me into a lady. That was one of the other reasons my parents agreed to this. I think they see the Carter House as some sort of finishing school.”

Or some sort of reformatory school, thought DJ. Although she didn’t say it out loud. Not yet, anyway.

Serenity #7:Space Cadet vs. Drama Queen

From The Back Of The Book: Serenity Stars in a Movie that's Really Out of This World

It's Life! Camera! Action! for Serenity and her pals when they set out to film their own sci-fi movie. “Space Cadet vs. Drama Queen” features two stories--the continuation of Serenity's adventures plus a bonus "movie" story that Serenity and her friends have filmed, "Terror from the Tarantula Nebula"--a high-adventure thriller complete with aliens, a mysterious princess, and one scary spider.

Ever the diva, Serenity steals the scene as she tussles with her friends and feuds with her mom. Can the gang hold it together long enough for the movie to wrap, or will they put Serenity on the first spaceship outta here?



My Thoughts: Now these manga have two stories in one book--isn't that great!

In this book they are making movies, fun and thrilling movies on their own.

And there's so much drama in this one that it's THAT good.

Till Next Time Hold My Place

KT

Serenity #6: You Shall Love

From The Back Of The Book: A Broken Bone -- and Heart -- Finds Serenity at a Major Crossroad.

Her leg's in a cast, the power's out, and Serenity's bored stiff. Searching for answers and willing to risk everything, Serenity gets serious about some major life changes. There's healing for the broken - and unexpected new challenges - in this transforming story.






My Thoughts:

I have been reading books for a long time now and I think that this is the first time I have ever gotten anything solid out of reading books.

These short books are great tools for Christian kids today.

It will make them think more and they will learn more then they would have thought possible. Especially about sharing their faith.

Till Next Time Hold My Place

KT

Serenity #5:Snow Biz

From the Back Of the Book: A Ski Trip of Hot-Dogging and Hot-Tubbing Lands Serenity in Hot Water.

Serenity's dream of the perfect ski trip is about to melt down. First she's not sure her boss will let her off work. Then she's clueless what to expect once she's actually on the slopes. One thing's certain, no one causes more friction on the slopes than Serenity.



My Thoughts:

I think that this manga and the other ones help us by showing us how real Christians can handle a friend like Serenity.

I have a friend almost like Serenity, and when I would talk about my faith she would change the subject on me.

In these mangas we're shown how to handle friends like Serenity and shown that if we're not acting like real Christians then our friends won't believe us when we talk to them.

Till Next Time Hold My Place

KT

Serenity #4:Rave-n-rant

From the Back of the Book: Serenity Finds Out the Hard Way What Happens at All Night Raves ...
Doesn't Always Stay There.

Escaping work, Serenity parties all night at a rave. But the rave turns into a rant when an intimate conversation reveals some frank truths. And when she realizes her friends may not actually even like her - things really come to a head. It's all about love in this all-new adventure.


My Thoughts:

This manga just gets better and better. I love this edition because it kept me on my toes the whole time I was reading it. It will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.

You will be so shocked at what you read in this one (and I mean that in a good way!).

Till Next Time Hold My Place

KT

Serenity #3:Basket Case

From the Back of the Book: Serenity a Mom?
The Thought's Enough to Make Her Crack.

It's the last project she ever expected. Her health class requres each student to care for chicken eggs 24/7 to simulate the round-the-clock nurturing a real baby needs. Serenity thinks that's a tough assignment until she finds herself with much more than a baby chick to care for!

My Thoughts:

I think that this manga will hold your attention and will leave you wanting more.

It is the most amazing manga. They writers keep making it better.

I can't wait for the next ones in the series to come out.

Till Next Time Hold My Place

KT

Serenity #2:Stepping out

From The Back of The Book:It's Deep Dish Trouble for Serenity.

Detention, date-stealing, and an out-of-control driving mishap. It all adds up to some unexpected twists and turns in Serenity's life - leading her to a job delivering pizzas and a desperate plea for deliverance that only God can answer.



My Thoughts:

I think that these books are great for people that are just thinking about God and for people that are wanting to help their unsaved friends.

I think that this series has helped me with my unsaved friends and helped me get better at being a Godly friend to them.

I think that those of you who read my blog should go out and buy them for your children.

I think that I'm done now:-)

Till Next Time Hold My Place
KT