Too Far Down by Mary Connealy

Here is the book summary:

Cowboys, Action, Humor, and History Collide in Connealy's Latest

When an explosion kills men and damages the CR Mining Company, the Bodens realize their troubles are not behind them as they thought. Shadowy forces are still working against them. 

Cole Boden finds himself caught between missing his time back East and all that New Mexico offers. Sure he fights with his siblings now and then, but he does care for them. He enjoys running the mine and, when he's honest, he admits that Melanie Blake captures his interest in a way no other woman ever has.

Melanie has been a friend to the Bodens forever. A cowgirl who is more comfortable with horses and lassoes than people, she never expected to find herself falling for someone. Particularly for refined Cole Boden, a Harvard graduate who may not stay long at the ranch. She's determined, however, to help the Bodens finally put an end to the danger that's threatened all of them. But will putting herself in harm's way be more dangerous than anyone expected?

And now, my review:

This is book three in the series and I thought an excellent conclusion.  It can stand alone but is also nice if you have read the other 2, which by the way I recommend.  There is love, suspense, and I find that Mary has a way of painting her characters that make them seem legit.  This book involves a family legacy at stake.  There are snakes around trying to move in and kill off the offspring to take over the valuable land.  The parts about the gold mines really make you feel and smell and experience the mines in a believable way.  The family togetherness was tender and what everyone longs for their family to be like, there for each other and fighting the battle shoulder to shoulder. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Too-Down-Cimarron-Legacy-Book-ebook/dp/B0727S3Y1C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1516223358&sr=8-1&keywords=too+far+down+mary+connealy

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/too-far-down-mary-connealy/1125516144?ean=9780764211836#/

https://www.christianbook.com/too-far-down-3/mary-connealy/9780764211836/pd/211831?event=ESRCG

The Satisfied Soul by John Piper

Here is the book summary:

“May these meditations become in your life the living embodiment of God’s Word and penetrate to the deep places of your soul. God has a good work to do there.”   
                                                                                                                             –John Piper
 
ONLY GOD CAN SATISFY YOUR SOUL.
 
Every day, the world takes another step away from God’s truth and into greater moral and spiritual relativism. If your view of life is fed by a steady diet of television news and popular opinion, you’ll find yourself starved, parched, and confused.
 
But there is a way for your soul to be satisfied and at peace during these turbulent times. The answer is to turn those hungers, questions, and desires towards God.
 
These meditations offer a daily serving of God’s Word along with practical insights from beloved pastor and author John Piper. Each reading reorients you to the eternal rather than the popular.  In a world where ephemeral feelings are valued more than firm facts and eternal joys, each selection will awaken you to the truth of who God is—and who you are.
 
These 120 devotional readings celebrate God’s sovereignty in every aspect of our world, from how to feed our soul, the danger of hero worship, and loving our enemies, to suffering, having a passion for purity, and ways we can be a refuge for our children. This collection offers a daily feast of truth and wisdom that places God right where He belongs—at the center of our lives.
 
These meditations originally appeared in John Piper’s Pierced by the Word, Life as a Vapor, and A Godward Heart.

YOU ARE INVITED TO ENJOY THE RAREST OF TREASURES…
 
The world tries to distract our minds. Deaden our hearts. Water down our beliefs. If there are no absolutes, then we can pursue whatever tickles our fancy. We are the captain of our destiny. But, sadly, the result is that we remain hopelessly adrift in a constantly changing sea of confusion.
 
There is a better answer: Rather than numb our soul, we can fully satisfy it. Instead of letting the world squeeze us into its mold, we can be molded into sons and daughters of God. The solution is to feast on God’s Word and drink deep from His river of life. These daily meditations invite us into this central promise about God:
 
You are good and do good;
      Teach me your statutes.
–Psalm 119:68
 
Discover the supremacy of God in every area of your life...and as the only source of a truly satisfied soul.

And now, my review:

If you enjoy desiringgod.org like I do, you will enjoy this amazing 120-day devotional that directs you to reach for a satisfied soul in the One who is worthy with a thought to ponder throughout your day.  Each devotional is named and you could choose to skip around but I enjoyed reading them as they came.   Each one comes as a challenge in different areas and ways.  Like most devotionals, you’ll find some you like more or that hit harder than others.  That’s why it’s great to have 1/3 of a year’s worth of devotionals to choose from.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Satisfied-Soul-Showing-Supremacy-Life-ebook/dp/B01JWDWPDU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1515952719&sr=8-1&keywords=the+satisfied+soul+john+piper

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-satisfied-soul-john-piper/1124294865?ean=9781601429995#/

https://www.christianbook.com/satisfied-soul-showing-supremacy-all-life/john-piper/9781601429995/pd/429990?product_redirect=1&Ntt=429990&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

Contemporary Cables by Jody Long

      

Here is the summary of the book:

This collection of twenty-one patterns for cabled sweaters and accessories offer the classic style of Aran knitting in modern silhouettes. Schematics illustrate every pattern and charts accompany the more complex cable patterns.
Designed for intermediate to advanced knitters, the patterns include a variety of pullovers, including a mock turtleneck pullover, men's two-color pullover, men's crewneck and shawl collar pullovers, and a diamond cabled pullover. Variations on the ever-popular cardigan include a cropped boxy cardigan, buttonless chunky cardigan, grandfather cardigan, and two-color cardigan. Sweaters include the flowing Rapunzel sweater, garter and cable sweater, tunic sweater, and two types of shrugs. Additional garments include an oversized wrap, sweater dress, and waistcoat, along with such accessories as a market tote, cabled beret, and classic cabled mittens and scarf.

And now, my review:

Cables, Cables, and more Cables…  If you’re familiar with knitting, are looking to make a new sweater, enjoy the cable look, this might just be the book you’re looking for, especially if you’re looking for some sweaters for the males in your life.  I love that this author includes that, as I find that hard to find in most knitting books.  This book has a nice assortment of ideas and beyond sweaters; it includes mittens, a scarf and other things with the cable look. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Contemporary-Cables-Classic-Reimagined-Current-ebook/dp/B07845H9CD/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1515949853&sr=8-1&keywords=contemporary+cables

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/contemporary-cables-jody-long/1123664723?ean=9780486805276

Knit Mitts by Kate Atherley

Here is the book summary:

The Perfect Fit is at Your Fingertips!

Why settle for boring store bought mittens and cold fingers, when you could knit the warmest, best fitting pair yourself? With Knit Mitts as your guide, you'll have the comprehensive information you need to create snug, warm, and practical mittens and gloves--right in the palm of your hand.

Inside, knitting expert Kate Atherley offers solutions to common problem areas: stretchy cast-ons for cuffs, fixes for thumb gaps, tricks for working the tiny circumference of glove fingers. She also addresses yarn choices and knitting techniques for easy care and maximum warmth. Through basic mitten and glove recipes, Kate explains how to measure a hand, assess your yarn selection and gauge, and ultimately customize patterns—including the 10 gorgeous ones inside--to make the best fitting mitts for you and your loved ones. Because the very best mitts are knit to fit!

And now, my review:

From baby mitts to adult size, this author has thought of it all.  If you’re looking for the perfect pair of mittens or gloves to knit, you’re sure to find it in this book.  She really sets you up with all that you need to know and if you’re like me then you’ve made them before and struggled with measurements and sizes and having it fit just right.  One time I made a pair that had a super long thumb… L  I’m really thankful that this author goes through so much information.  I found it very helpful to be successful.  My favorite in this book is her sunflower mittens!! 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Knit-Mitts-Hand-y-Knitting-Mittens/dp/1632504928/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1515875225&sr=8-1&keywords=knit+mitts+by+kate+atherley

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/knit-mitts-kate-atherley/1127091237?ean=9781632504920#/

Snuggle and Play Crochet by Carolina Guzman Benitez

Here’s the book summary:

Snuggle up with a crochet comforter or play with a colourful character--this unique collection of 40 amigurumi patterns are simple to stitch and super cute! Featuring crochet toy patterns including boy and girl dolls, dogs and cats, bears and bunnies and many more, this amazing collection will give you over 40 different crochet toys to create.

And now, my review:

This is a lovely crochet pattern book full of fun gifts to give to people who are expecting and those with small ones.  It has a variety to choose from and there’s sure to be a favorite.  I think the frog is great for boys!!  In addition, my favorites are the Giraffe and the Hippo!  Each pattern has a blanket that you work through with very simple and complete instructions and then it has a section for the pattern for the animals.  You can go with their color choice or choose your own based on your needs or your supplies at the moment.  These are sure to please little fingers.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Snuggle-Play-Crochet-Amigurumi-Patterns-ebook/dp/B075FWPXP8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1515873301&sr=8-1&keywords=snuggle+and+play+crochet

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/snuggle-and-play-crochet-carolina-guzman-benitez/1126810211?ean=9781446306659

Uncommon by Carey Scott

Here is the book summary:

Uncommon is a battle cry for women to step out of the ordinary and live differently. 
It's a blueprint for a life full of passion and purpose. And it has the power to change everything.
     
Carey Scott, author, speaker, and certified Biblical Life Coach, invites you to journey alongside her as she introduces you to women from the Word who chose to live uncommon lives even in the toughest circumstances. From stepping into scandalous situations to breaking cultural norms to risking the departure of a comfortable life, you will discover hope and motivation to live God’s way in a world that screams, “Tuck your faith away! Just be normal like everyone else!”

Now more than ever, it's time to step into something new. . .something life-changing and life-giving. God is asking you to shine Him into a world that needs to know there is a better way to live. And when you say yes to becoming uncommon, it's a radical act of obedience to the One who created you to be extraordinary.  Uncommon offers personal stories, insights, life lessons, questions for further reflection, and biblical support written especially for women.

With authenticity, vulnerability, humor, refreshing boldness and anchored in the Beatitudes, Uncommon will empower you to rise up. . .to reject the common. . .to embrace your calling. . . and to live in a way that points others to God. Buckle up, friend. It's time to be uncommon.

And now, my review:

“Weebles Wobble, but they don’t fall down, a perfect mantra for uncommon faith,” this author puts it this way and then goes into more and more of the uncommon ways of living out our lives in devotion to the Savior.  She speaks of things that hold us back, like fear, offenses, and forgiveness, and she helps us work through those thoughts to free us to right thinking and living uncommon.  Extending lavish love is definitely uncommon and what God extends to me and to you.  Want to join the challenge? 

https://www.amazon.com/Uncommon-Pursuing-Life-Passion-Purpose-ebook/dp/B01MYEQRJ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1515773074&sr=8-1&keywords=uncommon+by+carey+scott

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/uncommon-carey-scott/1125051929?ean=9781683222750

https://www.christianbook.com/uncommon-pursuing-life-passion-and-purpose/carey-scott/9781683222750/pd/222759?product_redirect=1&Ntt=222759&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

Of Rags and Riches Romance Collection by various authors

Here is the book summary:

Love Flourishes during America’s Gilded Age
 
Journey along in nine historical romances with those whose lives are transformed by the opulence, growth, and great changes taking place in America’s Gilded Age. Nine couples meet during these exhilarating times and work to build a future together through fighting for social reform, celebrating new opportunities for leisure activities, taking advantage of economic growth and new inventions, and more. Watch as these romances develop and legacies of faith and love are formed.
 
Union Pacific Princess by Jennifer Uhlarik - Cheyenne, Dakota Territory, 1867
In the hell-on-wheels rail town of Cheyenne, grieving Boston socialite Dara Forsythe must choose between her estranged father; Connor, a bigwig with the Union Pacific Railroad; and Gage Wells, a former Confederate sharpshooter bent on derailing the Transcontinental Railroad’s progress.
 
The Right Pitch by Susanne Dietze - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1876
Guarded industrialist Beck Emerson agrees to sponsor his sister’s all-female baseball team. But when pretty pitcher Winnie Myles throws a curveball that makes him team manager, it challenges his plan to play it safe in life and love.
 
A Gift in Secret by Kathleen Y’Barbo - New Orleans, Louisiana, 1871
May Bolen offers Sam Austin a marriage of convenience. He will get to run the company that drove his into bankruptcy, and she will be free from her father’s rule to travel the world. But when Sam meets May, he knows the offer is too good to be true—or convenient—when hearts become tangled.
 
For Richer or Poorer by Natalie Monk - Newark, New Jersey, 1885
In order to bring her starving family to New Jersey, Polish immigrant Marcella Lipski must marry wealth. So she takes Americanization lessons from the poor-but-mysterious cart driver teaching her English—and loses her heart in the process.
 
A House of Secrets by Michelle Griep - St. Paul, MN 1890
Ladies Aide Chairman, Amanda Carston resolves to clean up St. Paul’s ramshackle housing, starting with the worst of the worst: a “haunted” house that’s secretly owned by her beau—a home that’s his only means of helping brothel girls escape from the hands of the city’s most infamous madam.
 
Win, Place, or Show by Erica Vetsch - New York City, 1890
Beryl Valentine, a socialite with a passion for horses, finds herself falling in love with her riding instructor, a man her parents will never accept. Will she follow her parents’ wishes, or let Gard Kennedy ride away with her heart? 
 
The Fisherman’s Nymph by Jaime Jo Wright - Flambeau River, Wisconsin, 1890
The reclusive daughter of a fly-fisherman guide must read the waters for a wealthy gentleman’s sport and send him back where he belongs before he hooks her heart and takes her away from the river she was born to love.
 
The Gardener’s Daughter by Anne Love - Bay View, Michigan, 1895
When the nephew of a prestigious Chautauqua resort founder sets his eye on the new library assistant believing her an academy student, it will take more than reciting poetry for love to bloom when he learns she’s the humble gardener’s daughter.
 
A Tale of Two Hearts by Gabrielle Meyer - Little Falls, Minnesota, June 1899
Reputations and jobs are on the line when lady’s maid, Lucy Taylor, and neighboring footman, Elijah Boyer, compete against each other for a place of honor during the annual community appreciation event hosted by their wealthy employers.

And now, my review:

What a great group of historical Christian fiction books.  All of these authors combined write a great book at a time in history that’s exciting to see penned about.  It starts with a great story about a woman who has not really had a present father in her life but now she faces time with him, a great story premise to start it all off.  There’s another story about a man who tries to save women from lifestyles that were unfortunate because he watched his sister go through it.  All together I would have to say that my favorite of all 9 was the Gardener’s Daughter by Anne Love because it’s set in Michigan and as I was reading I could picture its beauty.  It’s a story about seeing a person for who they truly are, with no pretense and loving them.   Check it out for yourself with the links below.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Rags-Riches-Romance-Collection-Opulence-ebook/dp/B072KM4ZND/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1515169043&sr=8-1&keywords=of+rags+and+riches+romance+collection

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/of-rags-and-riches-romance-collection-susanne-dietze/1125051944?ean=9781683222637#/

https://www.christianbook.com/romance-collection-stories-poverty-opulence-gilded/susanne-dietze/9781683222637/pd/3222637?product_redirect=1&Ntt=3222637&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP