Church History Volume One by Everett Ferguson

Here’s the book summary:
Church History offers a unique contextual view of how the Christian church spread and developed. It did so, not in a vacuum, but in a setting of times, cultures, and events that both influenced and were influenced by the church. Church History looks closely at the integral link between the history of the world and that of the church.

Volume One explores the development of the church from the days of Jesus to the years prior to the Reformation. Filled with maps, charts, and illustrations, it offers overviews of the Roman, Greek, and Jewish worlds; insights into the church’s relationship to the Roman Empire, with glimpses into pagan attitudes toward Christians; the place of art and architecture, literature and philosophy, both sacred and secular; and much more, spanning the time from the first through the thirteenth centuries.

And now, my review:
This is a great educational book to put alongside of our learning the timeline of happenings in the history of the Church.  This one starts out at the time of Christ and runs to the Pre-Reformation.  It has 24 chapters and it’s broken up really nicely by centuries.  It has some pictures scattered throughout and that’s nice to add to all the learning.  Whether you’re looking at Diocletian, Constantine, Augustine or the First Crusade it’s in there.  I’m thankful to add this to our school library and I’m sure it will continually be a valuable resource as we journey through this time frame.
I received a copy of this work in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Church-History-One-Pre-Reformation-Intellectual-ebook/dp/B00CW4VQ4Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495755075&sr=8-1&keywords=CHURCH+HISTORY+VOL+1

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/church-history-volume-one-everett-ferguson/1116968702?ean=9780310516569

https://www.christianbook.com/from-christ-pre-reformation-volume-1/everett-ferguson/9780310516569/pd/516569?event=ESRCG

Fervent by Priscilla Shirer

Here’s the book summary:

You have an enemy . . . and he’s dead set on destroying all you hold dear and keeping you from experiencing abundant life in Christ. What’s more, his approach to disrupting your life and discrediting your faith isn’t general or generic, not a one-size-fits-all. It’s specific. Personalized. Targeted.


So this book is your chance to strike back. With prayer. With a weapon that really works. Each chapter will guide you in crafting prayer strategies that hit the enemy where it hurts, letting him know you’re on to him and that you won’t back down. Because with every new strategy you build, you’re turning the fiercest battles of life into precise strikes against him and his handiwork, each one infused with the power of God’s Spirit.

New York Times bestselling author Priscilla Shirer, widely known for her international speaking, teaching, and writing ministries, brings her new role from the 2015 film War Room into the real lives of today’s women, addressing the topics that affect them most: renewing their passion, refocusing their identity, negotiating family strife, dealing with relentless regrets, navigating impossible schedules, succeeding against temptation, weathering their worst fears, uprooting bitterness, and more. Each chapter exposes the enemy’s cruel, crafty intentions in all kinds of these areas, then equips and encourages you to write out your own personalized prayer strategies on tear-out sheets you can post and pray over yourself and your loved ones on a regular basis.

Fervent is a hands-on, knees-down, don’t-give-up action guide to practical, purposeful praying.

And now, my review of this book:

This book is a great read and follow up to the movie, “War Room”.  If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend that you do it this weekend!  The idea of Spiritual Armor is talked about in Ephesians 6 and it’s something we are to put on each and every day of our lives because Ephesians 6:12  states that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  In this book Priscilla walks us through each area of our lives where we can stand guard in prayer with our armor on and be ready to battle the attacks coming at us.  Whether you are young or old, single or married, a parent or not, this book is a great growing guide in this needed area in a believer’s life.  Check it out today along with other great reads by this author.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Fervent-Womans-Serious-Specific-Strategic-ebook/dp/B011395R2C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495727839&sr=8-1&keywords=fervent

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fervent-priscilla-shirer/1121692457?ean=9781433688676

https://www.christianbook.com/fervent-battle-serious-specific-strategic-prayer/priscilla-shirer/9781433688676/pd/688676?event=ESRCG 

The Secret Admirer Romance Collection by 9 Authors

Here it the book summary:

Shy Expressions of Love Lead to Nine Historical Romances

Declaring one’s love can be hard—even risky—especially when faced with some of life’s greatest challenges. Separated by class, time, distance, and more, some loves must remain secret until the time is right. Instead, notes of affection, acts of kindness, gifts of admiration, and lots of prayer are circulated. From New England mansions to homestead hovels, love is quietly being nourished and waiting for the right time to be revealed. But when love can finally be boldly expressed, will it be received by love in return?

The Cost of a Heart by Amanda Barratt - Newport, Rhode Island, 1897
Nathaniel Evans has stood by Lily Montgomery through a broken marriage and the death of her husband. On the eve of her return into social life, he battles his attraction to her. But he is a servant, she a socialite.

The Advocate by Lorraine Beatty - East Texas, 1881
Hannah Davis tries to get Mitch Kincaid, the man she secretly admires, elected sheriff by printing anonymous articles about his qualifications and sterling character. But will the truth win his heart or break hers?

Too Many Secrets by Molly Noble Bull - Frio-Corners, Texas, 1882
Abigail Willoughby hides her feelings for Luke Conquest, the handsome cowboy who introduced her to her mail-order husband. How could she have guessed that her future husband was ninety-years-old?

Love in Store by Anita Mae Draper - Miles City, Montana, 1890
Hidden love notes hint at what’s in store for a reserved shopkeeper when a straight-talking spinster sneaks anonymous declarations of her affections among the shelves of his store.

The Last Letter by CJ Dunham - Kansas,1865
The Civil War has taken everyone Emilia Davis loves. When she receives her dead fiancé’s last letter, she embarks on a journey into the Kansas frontier to fulfill his last wish. So who is sending her anonymous gifts?

The Outcast’s Redemption by Jennifer Uhlarik - Blackwater, Texas, 1872
When a reformed rustler is framed for stealing cattle, his secret crush—the daughter of the disgraced lawman who arrested him—comes to his aid. But who really saves who?

Beside Still Waters by Becca Whitham - Lawton, Oklahoma, 1901
Sarah Maffey is receiving worrisome letters that make her feel vulnerable. Her handsome neighbor has vowed to keep her safe. . .or is he playing her for a fool?

The Princess of Polecat Creek by Kathleen Y’Barbo - Texas and Washington, DC, 1886
Scandal divided them. Two kidnappings and a wedding later, can a Texas cowboy turned Washington lawyer and the girl-next-door who secretly loved him since childhood save their marriage of inconvenience?

Love From Afar by Penny Zeller - Ellis Creek, Montana, 1880s
When secret love letters are written in a clandestine plot to bring two lonely hearts together, will love from a distance finally bloom into matrimonial bliss for Gabe and Meredith?

 And now, my review of this work:

This 9-book compilation starts out with a great one, a chauffeur that is in love with the Lady of the house, Lily.  A great read!  Another story is a love romance with the town sheriff.  There’s a story with repentance and salvation, one dealing with bitterness and the harm it does to the person allowing it to fester in their soul, and some with love notes that were passed.  There’s a woman who travels West after purchasing a store unseen.  She finds the love of a little boy and a man in this one.  A quote I love from one of them says, “Just thinking how the prettiest gal in Blackwater is wearing my last name.”  And “Perhaps pitied wasn’t exactly the right word, for no matter what sort of orders her groom would be receiving, he would still be putting his boots under the same bed where that woman slept.”  It’s got you swooning at one moment and laughing-out-loud at the next.  Check out these funny quotes from the book.  “Sarah Maffey was a mystery wrapped in porcupine quills.  Trying to figure her out was like trying to solve a crime, and the Texas Ranger in him was intrigued.”  “Sakes alive!  From nothing to jackrabbit speed in an instant.”  And “Sarah no longer cared two bean or a pickle for the man.  Not when men like John Tyler lived and breathed.”  Of course, you have the usage of the new married name in “welcome home Mrs. Wyatt.” and the funny use of “Fiddlesticks!”  A great read all around.  Check it out for yourself at the links below.

I received a copy of this from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Admirer-Romance-Collection-Historical-ebook/dp/B06Y5YZPHR/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495725548&sr=8-1&keywords=secret+admirer+romance+collection

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-secret-admirer-romance-collection-amanda-barratt/1124707845?ean=9781683221753

https://www.christianbook.com/the-secret-admirer-romance-collection/amanda-barratt/9781683221753/pd/221753?product_redirect=1&Ntt=221753&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

My Heart Belongs in the Superstition Mountains by Susan Page Davis

Here is the book summary:

Journey now to Tuscon, Arizona, and into the Superstition Mountains of 1866, where...
 A Chance for Escape Takes Two Unlikely Allies on a Romantic Adventure Along a Desert Trail

Since orphaned at age twelve, Carmela Wade has lived a lie orchestrated by her uncle, pretending to be a survivor of an Indian kidnapping and profiting from telling her made-up story on the speaker circuit. But as she matures into adulthood, Carmela hates the lies and longs to be free. On a stagecoach in Arizona Territory, Carmela and her uncle are fellow passengers with US Marshal Freeland McKay and his handcuffed prisoner.

The stage is attacked. Now a chance to make a new life may suddenly be within Carmela’s reach. . .if she can survive the harsh terrain and being handcuffed to an unconscious man.

Will Carmela’s wish come true, or will she forever be branded by her past?

And now, my review:

This is a beautifully penned 255 page historical fiction.  I really enjoy the "My Heart Belongs..." books and despite my hesitancy due to the title of this one, I really thought it was well executed. It gave some Indian background of the times in the 1800s and the restitution for wrongs done was interesting to read through. It left me with a sense of hope and the message that it's ALWAYS important to tell the truth. Maybe you should check it out for yourself.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and I was under no obligation to post a review.

https://www.amazon.com/My-Heart-Belongs-Superstition-Mountains-ebook/dp/B01LZ29GYB/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1495242600&sr=8-9&keywords=superstition+mountain

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-heart-belongs-in-the-superstition-mountains-susan-page-davis/1125317838?ean=9781683220077

https://www.christianbook.com/heart-belongs-superstition-mountains-carmelas-quandary/susan-davis/9781683220077/pd/220077?product_redirect=1&Ntt=220077&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

True to You (A Bradford Sisters Romance Book 1) by Becky Wade

Here is the book summary:

Exciting Start of a Brand-New Series by a Contemporary Romance Fan Favorite

After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford has decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now.

Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. But when he's diagnosed with an inherited condition, he's forced to dig into the secrets of his past and his adoption as an infant, enlisting Nora to help him uncover the identity of his birth mother.

The more time they spend together, the more this pair of opposites suspects they just might be a perfect match. However, John's already dating someone and Nora's not sure she's ready to trade her crushes on fictional heroes for the risks of a real relationship. Finding the answers they're seeking will test the limits of their identity, their faith, and their devotion to one another.

And now, my review:

This book is less light-hearted than I thought it was going to be based on the cover and summary. With that being said, with a Navy SEAL and a person who loves genealogy, it's quite a match. They are on a genealogy hunt together and it’s entertaining to read the journey it led them on.  Just like in the name, they are true to each other. By the end of the story it was made clear that they were resting in their identity in Christ which is very encouraging.

Spoiler warning: be aware that suicide is part of the story of this one along with other tough subjects/topics.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/True-Bradford-Sisters-Romance-Book-ebook/dp/B01N3ASGTP/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495240278&sr=8-1&keywords=true+to+you

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/true-to-you-becky-wade/1124824748?ean=9780764219368

https://www.christianbook.com/true-to-you-bradford-sisters-romance/becky-wade/9780764219368/pd/219368?product_redirect=1&Ntt=219368&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

The Prince Warriors and the Swords of Rhema by Priscilla Shirer

Here’s the book summary:

In this third book of The Prince Warriors trilogy, the Prince Warriors finally receive their last piece of armor—the swords they were promised when they began their adventure in the unseen realm of Ahoratos. And none too soon, for they must face the ultimate enemy, one who is gathering his Forgers and creating unthinkable new evil to stop the Prince Warriors from winning any battle ever again.

And now, my review:

A most excellent read!!  Vivid adventure... Truth... Encouraging… You have all that you need... It's all over this series and this book being the last of the three book series, brings it all together. In this third book they complete their armor. Just like the other two books, this one had us laughing out loud.  One place was "Xavier calls it his "manly musk". To Evan it smelled of fish butt."....  Seriously, too funny on the fish butt!  Another place in the book she mentioned The Karate Kid movies, which were pretty funny. Overall, this book tugged at our hearts. It was amazing seeing them work together as the body, fighting... What a picture! The imaginary painted in this story is breathtaking, awe-inspiring and overwhelming in the most perfect sense. I really pray this author writes more and more because when we finished reading my daughter asked to start it all over again!!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/Prince-Warriors-Swords-Rhema-ebook/dp/B01N9PWZGM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494513198&sr=8-1&keywords=prince+warriors+and+the+swords+of+rhema

https://www.christianbook.com/prince-warriors-and-the-swords-rhema/priscilla-shirer/9781433690211/pd/690213?product_redirect=1&Ntt=690213&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-prince-warriors-and-the-swords-of-rhema-priscilla-shirer/1124075701?ean=9781433690211

A Stolen Heart by Amanda Cabot

Here is the book summary:
From afar, Cimarron Creek seems like an idyllic town tucked in the Texas Hill Country. But when former schoolteacher Lydia Crawford steps onto its dusty streets in 1880, she finds a town with a deep-seated resentment of Northerners--like her. Lydia won't let that get her down, though. All will be well when she's reunited with her fiancé. But when she discovers he has disappeared--and that he left behind a pregnant wife--Lydia is at a loss about what to do next. The handsome sheriff urges her to trust him, but can she trust anyone in this town where secrets are as prevalent as bluebonnets in spring?

Bestselling author Amanda Cabot invites readers back into Texas's storied past to experience love and adventure against a backdrop of tension and mystery in this first book in a brand-new series.

And now, my review:

A great historical romance based in the great state of Texas. Amanda does a great job developing characters well AND drawing you in to this story. I wouldn’t mind trying some of her bakes.  One of the quotes I love in this story exclaimed, "Mama told me there are two kinds of love. One is when a woman gives her heart to a man.  That's good, but she said it's even better when he steals her heart. That's the kind of love that lasts a lifetime.".  In this book there were characters I felt like I wanted to be friends with and there were some I am really glad I don't know. There was a surprise that really made me want to cry and over all I was really impressed with this great read. I highly recommend you check it out for yourself.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


https://www.amazon.com/Stolen-Heart-Cimarron-Creek-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B01LX9TB4S/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493837954&sr=1-1&keywords=a+stolen+heart

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-stolen-heart-amanda-cabot/1123923490?ean=9780800727567

https://www.christianbook.com/a-stolen-heart-amanda-cabot/9780800727567/pd/727567?event=ESRCG

The Bible is My Best Friend Bible Storybook by Sheila Walsh

Here is the book summary:
What story does your best friend, the Bible, have for you to explore this week?

Part of The Bible Is My Best Friend brand by best-selling author Sheila Walsh, these 52 Bible stories feature memory verses and “Find It” spot art. Both Old and New Testament stories come to life with whimsical artwork, letting kids envision their favorite Bible characters as never before. While learning God's story, readers will discover their best friend, the Bible!

Each Bible story inside corresponds with a devotion in The Bible Is My Best Friend Family Devotional, making it a great companion product. And don't miss the other delightful titles in the brand: Meet My Best Friend, The Bible Is My Best Friend Flip Book, and Where Do I Find Jesus?

And now, my review:

A great, fun read for your little ones.  It’s simply written and enjoyable for little ones to get some story time with you.  God is a Promising keeping God and the author continues to point out the faithfulness of our God!  God does not forget His people, His promises.  So for little ones this is a great starter Bible for them to get started in reading the stories of the Bible and to encourage even more sharing from you on all that you know about the True stories in your own copy of God’s Word.  Pick up a copy today and start reading it to your little ones.  They are sure to enjoy it.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Bible-My-Best-Friend-Storybook-ebook/dp/B01N6LPQ4P/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493834289&sr=1-1&keywords=the+bible+is+my+best+friend+bible+storybook

https://www.christianbook.com/the-bible-my-best-friend-storybook/sheila-walsh/9781433688034/pd/688034?product_redirect=1&Ntt=688034&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-bible-is-my-best-friend-bible-storybook-sheila-walsh/1123456440?ean=9781433688034

Zip It by Karen Ehman

Here is the book summary:

Zip It empowers readers to put into action the advice and commands of Scripture concerning the tongue. The New York Times bestselling book Keep It Shut covered many topics, including anger, truth-telling, people-pleasing, our digital tongues online, and gossip. Because there are more than 3,500 verses in the Bible that relate to our words and our silence, Keep It Shut only scratched the surface of these issues. Karen Ehman now takes a deeper look and offers practical how-to’s that will inspire you use your words to build, to bless, to encourage, and to praise.

Each of the forty interactive entries includes a Scripture verse focus for the day, a story or teaching point, and reflection questions with space for readers to write their answers and thoughts. Each entry ends with both a challenge that will help you carry out the directive in the verse and a prayer prompt. Rather than a traditional devotional, the entries in Zip It build upon each other, equipping you with new habits in how to, or not to, use words.

And now, my review:

Zip It!  Love the creative title and also the contents of this one.  WOW, are there times that I need to reflect on that.  This book is set up in a 40-day structure and each read is maybe 10 minutes in length with some time in addition to think of the authors thoughts that are shared.  Very Scripture based, which I LOVED!  And this author, one I know personally, is the same on the page as she is off it.  As I’m reading it, I can see her saying it like we are setting down to have a cup of coffee together in her kitchen.  She lives what she writes and so the genuineness is so precious and deep and challenging.  My favorite, most likely because currently I am studying the book of Colossians with Precepts Ministry International, is day 17.  It’s my heart cry, that God would season my conversations with salt and that my words would “preserve, soften, purify, add value, melt tension and stop the spread of pain and hurt”.  This is a great book to reference way more than one time!  I highly recommend this one!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Zip-Keep-Shut-40-Day-Challenge-ebook/dp/B01HAKH27G/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493833010&sr=1-1&keywords=zip+it

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/zip-it-karen-ehman/1123949198?ean=9780310345879

https://www.christianbook.com/zip-the-keep-shut-day-challenge/karen-ehman/9780310345879/pd/345879?event=ESRCG

Time for Kids: Presidents of the United States

Here is the book summary:
TIME For Kids presents a complete overview of our nation's chief executives from George Washington to the newly elected 45th president!

Did you know that James Monroe was the first president to appear without a wig in public? Or that George W. Bush appointed the first African-American secretary of state? Presidents of the United States invites the reader inside the White House to discover fascinating facts about the U.S. commanders-in-chief-their origins, accomplishments, and place in history-as told through famous quotes, important historical dates, and a timeline of events. Special sections cover the election process, the branches of government, and the role of presidents in the expansion of our nation from before the 13 colonies through westward expansion. With more than 200 photographs, illustrations, portrait reproductions, and maps.

And now, my review:

This is a nice, full-color, engaging book of the Presidents of the United States of America.  The things I like about it are that it’s current.  It includes a nice sidebar that gives pertinent information and then has some paragraphs, about 2-3 pages, about each one and often times it will include information about their families or “big” events that happened while they were in office.  I find for my family, that it’s a great addition to our American history class and it’s great for my youngest all the way to my oldest student. 
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/TIME-Kids-Presidents-United-States-ebook/dp/B01J6J1XQA/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493831842&sr=1-1&keywords=time+for+kids+american+presidents

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/time-for-kids-presidents-of-the-united-states-the-editors-of-time-for-kids/1124655748?ean=9781618934277

Seven Brides for Seven Texans Romance Collection by Various Authors

Here is the book review:

Meet the seven Hart brothers of the 7-Heart ranch in central Texas. Each man is content in his independent life, without the responsibilities of a wife and children—until their father decides 1874 will be the year his grown sons finally marry, or they will be cut from his will. How will each man who values his freedom respond to the ultimatum? Can love develop on a timeline, or will it be sacrificed for the sake of an inheritance?

And now, my review:

As I love the old movie, I was drawn in by the title of this one and premise that it set. This is set in the historical time period of just after the war at Gettysburg. The war is finished and life must go on. Each story builds from the main idea and the flow worked really well with well-developed characters in each story. At times my heart strings were happy and at times I felt like I was grieving right along with them. I loved the use of my husband's favorite saying "two shakes of a lamb's trail"!. That had me laughing out loud and I’m so very thankful to Jesus for giving me him.  Why don't you grab a copy for yourself?  I'm definitely thinking you'll be glad you did!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Brides-Texans-Romance-Collection-ebook/dp/B01M6DJM0B/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493830667&sr=1-1&keywords=seven+brides+for+seven+texans

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/seven-brides-for-seven-texans-romance-collection-erica-vetsch/1125479629?ean=9781634099653

https://www.christianbook.com/romance-collection-brothers-inheritance-historical-novellas/9781634099653/pd/099653?product_redirect=1&Ntt=099653&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

The Prince Warriors and the Unseen Invasion by Priscilla Shirer

Here is the book summary:

In this second book in The Prince Warriors trilogy, the Prince Warriors face new challenges on earth and in the unseen realm of Ahoratos. The enemy, angry about his last defeat, is targeting them with weapons and tactics they had never imagined, including the flaming Olethron. The kids must turn to Ruwach and the Source, who can give them more pieces of armor to help them stand strong against this deadly threat.

And now, my review:

Wow, the second book in the series and what a great adventure. Full of the characters from the first with more experiences with them. And some added additions to the mix. Seeing played out the importance of the armor and their job. There were great drawings that kept us reading and intrigued.  And long after the book, I'm still pretty creeped by "Stella"...  It makes me want to stay away from butterflies. (~Smiles) The Word says that the enemy can disguise himself as light...  Creepy but we, as believers, have everything we need!!. Praise the Lord. You'll want to check out this series. A great read aloud that creates great discussion and imagination that keeps going beyond the book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Prince-Warriors-Unseen-Invasion-ebook/dp/B01LXC0RCD/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493826710&sr=1-1&keywords=prince+warrior+and+the+unseen+invasion

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-prince-warriors-and-the-unseen-invasion-priscilla-shirer/1123456428?ean=9781433690204

https://www.christianbook.com/prince-warriors-and-the-unseen-invasion/priscilla-shirer/9781433690204/pd/690202?product_redirect=1&Ntt=690202&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

Tatting with Anne Orr by Anne Orr

Here’s the books summary:

"A wonderful book that shows beautiful pictures with detailed lists on how to use and make these ornate crafts." —Book Worm
Originally developed as an easy way to reproduce knotted laces, tatting dates back at least to the seventeenth century. Despite its seeming intricacy, tatting is actually a very simple form of needlework — as this book by legendary needlework designer Anne Orr proves. With only a few stitches to master, even beginners can produce dozens of delicate-looking but extremely durable tatted articles.
Comprised of rare patterns created during the first half of the twentieth century, this collection features more than 100 designs: over 50 edgings (shamrock, forget-me-not, and other motifs), 40 medallions (triangular, circular, square, and snowflake-like shapes), beautiful collars and yokes, lovely doilies, luncheon sets, and baby items, including three exquisitely worked caps for infants. Each step and stitch is fully described, enabling even beginning tatters to quickly create beautiful accessories for today and prized heirlooms for tomorrow.

And now, my review:

Here's a craft book for those of you into the oldies but the goodies. My Great Grandmother was the tatting queen in my life and so there's a warm place in my heart when it comes to this craft. I thought this book was well laid out. It gives a brief description of steps to get you started and has a handy abbreviations guide at the front as well. Then you go through the book looking at options. Pick one and away you go on a journey to create something meaningful with your hands. Maybe you should give it a try today.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Tatting-Anne-Orr-Dover-Needlework-ebook/dp/B01N4IAF1V/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493825965&sr=1-1&keywords=Tatting+with+Anne+Orr

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tatting-with-anne-orr-anne-champe-orr/1000093290?ean=9780486259826

My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho by Susanne Dietze

Here’s the Book Summary:

Journey now to Ruby City, Idaho of 1866 where...
A Marriage Mishap Creates an Awkward Love Triangle in this Silver Mining Town
 
Looking forward to a quiet life and a full stomach, mail-order bride Rebecca Rice is pleased to marry her shopkeeper intended, Mr. Fordham, until the justice of the peace calls him Thaddeus, not Theodore—proceeded by the title Deputy.

Is it possible to marry the wrong man?

When the newlyweds realize they’ve married the wrong partners with similar names, an annulment seems in order—and fast, since Rebecca’s true intended is impatient to claim her as his own, not to mention Rebecca would never marry a lawman like her father. But when the legalities take longer than expected, Rebecca wonders if Tad wasn’t the right husband for her all along. . . .

I thought that this was a wonderful, romantic historical fiction. At one point in the book the author mentions the stone, Jasper. The outside of the stone was dingy and not so pretty, but the inside was glorious. She relates this to people. This reminds me of Scripture, man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart. Another part I loved in the book was when she talked about grace. The lead lady extends medical help to a "bad" guy in need. "Because I don't think the Lord is upset that I tended a man who didn't deserve it. That's what grace is. Who would I be if I don't extend some myself?". And the last quote I'll leave you with, "What had his mother said about her squabbles with Pa?. Better to let some steam out of the kettle than get burned when things boil over.". With these quotes and many more, this author paints a great story with words. You'll want to check this one out!!

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Belongs-Ruby-City-Idaho-ebook/dp/B01MYEQM0D/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493824534&sr=1-1&keywords=my+heart+belongs+in+ruby+city+idaho

https://www.christianbook.com/heart-belongs-city-idaho-rebeccas-plight/susanne-dietze/9781683220114/pd/220115?product_redirect=1&Ntt=220115&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-heart-belongs-in-ruby-city-idaho-susanne-dietze/1124707835?ean=9781683220114