Storytime Monday

This is an incredibly interesting historical fiction. You will not regret reading this novel!

I was skeptical of a book that was originally written in another language (German) and then translated to English. I had been concerned that it would be too literal, that certain turns of phrase would not read well in another language. I had been completely wrong!

Even after purchasing the book, I was undecided about reading it. I gave it the first chapter test. If after one chapter, I did not want to know what happened next then I wouldn't read on. Well... the beginning of the book pulled me in immediately! I wanted to know what happened next for Jacob Kuisl, the hangman's son, who witnesses his first beheading.

The book continues decades later. Jacob is now the hangman of his village. He is married and has a daughter and much younger twins. The physician's son frequents the hangman's home despite the fact that most villagers avoid even eye contact with him. Hangman were considered to be dishonorable, it was considered bad luck to cross path with one.

The plot unfolds after a young boy is pulled from the river with the mark of the witch on his shoulder. The midwife is blamed, but Jacob and the physician's son believe her to be innocent. Something shady is going on in the village. While most of the town would be happy to explain this tragedy and the others that follow away as witchcraft, Jacob wants to uncover the hidden secrets and let the truth speak for itself.

Read the story of the Hangman's Daughter, you will not be disappointed. Supposedly, Oliver Pötzsch intended for this to be the first novel in a series. Unfortunately, these tales have yet to be translated into English, but when they finally hit the American market, I'll be at the bookstore grabbing them up!


Coffeetable Conversation:
Have you read this book? How did you feel about it? Would you read the next in the series?
What book or books would you like to see reviewed here?

Drum Roll, Please

And the winning NEW name for my blog is....

MOMMA'S TIME OUT!

Winner has been emailed and will receive a bracelet from my Etsy Shop:
Doodlebug's Jewelry Box

So welcome to the new and improved blog. We'll be reviewing books, talking diets, showing off our crafting skills, telling tales out of mommyhood and eventually having guest writers.

So grab a cup of coffee, get into your comfy chair and enjoy your five minute time out.

It's About Time For a Contest... Don't ya think?

This blog used to be about dieting. I thought that writing about my struggles and success would inspire others that were unhappy with their appearances. I hit my goal weight (and more) in less than a year. 69 pounds down. I've been maintaining my weight for over six months now. I don't have much to write about dieting anymore. Not enough for a blog about dieting anyway.

The weight watching is just one aspect of my life. First and most importantly, I'm a mama to a fun, energetic, smart, little three year old girl. I'm a stay at home mom, who used to work as Counselor before having my kiddo. In addition to my little girl, our family includes a 12 year cat named after a Beatle!

I started my Etsy shop a couple months ago. I've been making jewelry. Not trying to sound like a salesperson with a pitch here, but my bracelets and rings, pendants and children's jewelry are meant to be fun. They are colorful and unique (like a garden fairy's wings). This is a jewelry line that doesn't take itself too seriously!

I enjoy being creative. Whether I am knitting (my newest hobby), coloring with my kiddo or writing poems and short stories, I like to use my fingers to create.

Those that like to write usually love to read. I am an avid reader. I love books. I love the tangible aspect of a heavy book in my hands. I love the smell of a new book. I HAVE to be in the process of reading a book at ANY GIVEN TIME!

So now that you have a little history, let me tell you my plans.

I want to retool this blog. New Name. New feel. New posts.

There will be posts on dieting still, but I want to also blog about the books I've read (like Book Review Thursdays), post about my jewelry, blog about mommyhood and also post excerpts of a short story that I'll be writing soon.

Here's the Contest:
NAME MY BLOG!!!!

Submit your name, email address and new blog name suggestion to:

DoodlebugsJewel@aol.com

Winner will receive a piece of jewelry from my Etsy Shop: Doodlebug's Jewelry Box.