Skizzer

We had a wonderful day today! Molly, Doogie, Mia, and I were out the door at 9:30 and picked Molly's friend Jesse up in Oconto Falls. (My Jesse was working overtime and planned to meet us later) We went to the NEW Zoo, but didn't stay too long. The humidity was awful, and Mia got tired pretty quickly. The original plan was for Jesse to meet up with us after the zoo, but circumstances (read: God) interfered, and he ended up going home after work. The rest of us went to Build a Bear for their big sale where Mia picked up the new Summer Hello Kitty (complete with hula outfit and coconut bra). Then we saw Kung Fu Panda. The movie as fantastic. We laughed throughout the whole thing. Mia laughed and clapped at the best parts. There were several scary parts involving the bad guy, and I had to hold Mia to make her comfortable, just a warning for other parents. But the movie rocked! We drove down and back listening to a mix CD I made of the kind of music you dance to at weddings: Twist & Shout, The Twist, Should I Stay or Should I Go, etc. We sang all the way down and back. Even though I'm aching and exhausted, it felt great to be able to do something for my kids, like a normal mom. I'm praising God for the strength to get through the day, and for the rain holding off until we got home.

Skizzer by A.J. Kiesling is a moving story of two sisters journey toward self-discovery. Claire Trowling has to search for her sister Becca when she disappears, leaving behind only a note for her husband saying not to worry. The quest forces Claire to revisit several places from their childhood and reawakens old memories. Claire's story is compelling, and her characterization is really the reason to read this book. Becca comes off as a bit of a flake, but her flight helps both sisters to understand each other and the other women in their family. A family heirloom's mysterious past throws in intrigue and suspense. Kiesling describes settings well from North Carolina to England, but it's her characterizations that really shine and carry this wonderful debut novel.

A.J. Kiesling is holding a contest during the blog tour for this book. Win a gift certificate for $40 to the restaurant of your choice...click over to the blog tour post and in the comments leave your answer to this question: What's the Most Important Thing You've Ever Lost and Then Found?I'm taking it easy for the rest of the night. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!