Thursday, July 27, 2017

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island by Carrie Fancett Pagels


My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring by [Pagels, Carrie Fancett]










Here is the book summary:
Journey now to Mackinac Island where...

A Tangled Gilded Age Love Story Unfolds.

Although the Winds of Mackinac Inn has been in her mother’s family for generations, Maude Welling’s father refuses to let her run it without the guidance of a husband. So she seeks to prove her worth and independence by working incognito as a maid at the Grand Hotel.

Undercover journalist Ben Steffans, posing as a wealthy industrialist, pursues a story about impoverished men chasing heiresses at the famed hotel.  While undercover, he becomes attracted to an intriguing maid. By an act of heroism Ben endears himself to the closed-mouthed islanders—including Maude—and he digs deep for his story.

But when scandal threatens, will the growing love between Maude and Ben be scuttled when truths are revealed?

More from My Heart Belongs in Series...
My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss: Priscilla's Reveille by Erica Vetsch (January 2017)
My Heart Belongs in the Superstition Mountains: Carmella's Quandary by Susan Page Davis (March 2017)
My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho: Rebecca's Plight by Susanne Dietze (May 2017)
My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley: Lily's Dilemma by Andrea Boeshaar (September 2017)


And now, my review:
My Heart Belongs series is a great series to read!  If you haven’t read any of them, I recommend you check them out!  This book is located in my home state and having been to Mackinac Island numerous times, I could smell the water and the horse poo, see the bikes and the Grand Hotel and it felt really personal to read this.  To be around the island, on the water and on the mainland was really something that I could see happening.  I enjoyed the characters as they were well-developed.  There was some mystery and intense moments and happy endings are the best.  A favorite part in the book for me was when the leading female is made aware that the leading man is waiting for her and she’s quick to jump up and prepare herself.  Her maid says, “I thought that might put some rise in your shine!”

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

Snow on Martinmas by Heather Sleightholm

Snow on Martinmas (Xist Childrens Books) by [Sleightholm,Heather]
















Here is the book summary:

A grandmother shares the history of a special day with her grandchildren in this charming story about the origins of Martinmas, celebrated on November 11th.
This beautiful book with original acrylic paintings by Heather Sleightholm makes an excellent addition to any Christian child’s library with information about St. Martin, a hero of the early church.

And now, my review:
If you are looking for a book that describes and gives a feel for a man that lived in A.D. 316 and beyond this book might be of interest to you.  At the end of the book it gives a couple pages of history of him but before that, the book is written with the view of a Grandmother telling her grandchildren of how in her life, childhood and later, she has enjoyed celebrating this day, the day of Martinmas.  The day marks the end of harvest and the coming of Christmas.  It’s a time when the first snow is flying.  This book also includes pictures.  Disclaimer:  Although well written and illustrated by this author, this book is written from a Catholic perspective.

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


Design Your Own Crochet Projects by Sara Delaney

Design Your Own Crochet Projects: Magic Formulas for Creating Custom Scarves, Cowls, Hats, Socks, Mittens & Gloves by [Delaney, Sara]

















Here is the book summary:
You love to crochet, but you’re tired of the granny square and other predictable projects. Let celebrated crochet teacher Sara Delaney help you expand your skills while showing you how to create custom-fit wearable accessories. Delaney’s unique, flexible formulas let crocheters of all levels easily design scarves, cowls, fingerless mitts, mittens, gloves, hats, and socks. With fill-in-the-blank templates and a stitch dictionary, you can use your favorite yarn and stitch pattern, and make accessories that fit perfectly. Delaney offers a starter course in the technique with 18 of her own original patterns, along with the formulas she used to create them.

And now, my review:
I found this book very informative.  It starts out with gauges, yarn and all things that you need to know as you start out a project.  It includes Scarves, Cowls, Hats, Fingerless Mitts, Mittens, Gloves, Socks, and gives you freedom to put some design ideas to work.  Personally right now in my crafting I’m focused on socks and this book did not disappoint in that area.  This book includes 3 variations of socks and also a slipper which was really nice.  But wherever you find your flavor right now, this book has at least a couple of everything to choose from and unending designs you can think up yourself with the help of her direction to get started.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Crochet Stories: L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Pat Olski



















Here is the book summary:
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to a charming combination of storytelling and crocheting! Suitable for beginning to intermediate crocheters, this book features a retelling of the classic adventure story, punctuated with nineteen patterns for L. Frank Baum's beloved characters, plus their settings and accessories.
The much-loved tale begins in Kansas and follows Dorothy and Toto to Oz, presenting patterns for the little heroine, her dog, and her Uncle Henry and Aunt Em. Storybook chapters of her arrival and encounters with the people of Oz follow, accompanied by patterns for a Munchkin, the Good Witch of the North, the Wicked Witch of the East (consisting of Dorothy's house with the witch's magic slippers sticking out from underneath), and a stretch of the Yellow Brick Road. Subsequent chapters introduce Dorothy's new friends — the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion — and those they meet in the Emerald City — the Wizard, the Wicked Witch of the West, a Winged Monkey, and the kindly Glinda the Good. In addition to these characters, the full-color patterns include key storytelling items such as the poppy, Emerald City spectacles, water bucket, and magical golden cap. A photo gallery of many of the story's characters provides a delightful conclusion to the book.
And now, my review:
All you crochet people out there and fans of the famous old movie, this is a great book to get your hands on!  It’s well laid out and has some really well thought-out designs.  It starts out with an abbreviation page and quickly moves into the CUTE stuffies you can make.  Everyone in my family has a favorite and they are all different.  I’m also encouraged that I can use the pattern to make my own designs with choosing different colors if I want.  Pick up your copy today!

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Henry Hodges Needs A Friend by Andy Andrews

Henry Hodges Needs a Friend by [Andrews, Andy]













Here is the book summary:

From the author of The Kid Who Changed the World, this hilarious rhyming story, complete with charming art, offers comfort to children who often feel left out or are in need of a good friend.

At some point, almost every child struggles with feeling like they don’t fit in or are left out—just like Henry Hodges. Henry is a lonely little boy on a lonely little street who longs for a friend. One day, his mother and father take him to a pet rescue shelter and his lonely world is changed! Told in a playful rhyme with adorable illustrations, this book will be a favorite among children and parents who love dogs and, ultimately, will comfort and encourage children who struggle with feeling accepted and finding friends.

Kids will want to read this whimsical and imaginative story again and again!

And now, my review:
This was a nice read.  My children liked it and it opened opportunities for conversation on Jesus being the Ultimate Friend that will never leave us and wants to walk through our days with us.  He is faithful to lead us to the friends He wants us to befriend for Kingdom purposes.  And along the way He is beyond amazing to know us intimately and add blessings to our lives in the way of pets and critters.  We have had our fair share over the years and we count each one a blessing.  I really loved the author’s way of descriptive/creative one-of-a-kind searches.  They had us laughing out loud!  Pick this one up and read it to your littles.

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

Who Counts? by Amy-Jill Levine and Sandy Eisenberg Sasso


















Here is the book summary:

One sheep makes a difference. Without her something is missing. Now my flock is complete.

Oh, no! The man is missing his sheep! The woman is missing her coin! The father is missing his son! Can you help them find what they are looking for?

Who Counts? is a creative retelling of three popular parables: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. As young readers count to help the characters find what’s missing, Who Counts? teaches that every one of us counts in God’s eyes and that everyone should feel counted.

The stories are beautifully illustrated with modern-day characters and a diversity of ethnicities so that all children will be able to see themselves in the stories.

And now, my review:
What a great full color book for children of 3 great parables in the Word of God.  This book covers the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son (prodigal son).  Somethings missing in each of these stories and sought out until found!  My girls really enjoyed this one.  The pictures and the words flow great and it’s beautifully put together.  The illustrator did a great job and we enjoyed her work on this.  We really enjoyed the facial expressions throughout and the amazing hair in the lost coin story. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/Who-Counts-Sheep-Coins-Sons/dp/0664262740/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1499975380&sr=8-7&keywords=who%27s+counting

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/who-counts-amy-jill-levine/1124576239?ean=9780664262747

https://www.christianbook.com/counts-100-sheep-coins-and-sons/amy-jill-levine/9780664262747/pd/262747?event=ESRCG


Trusting Grace by Maggie Brendan

Trusting Grace (Virtues and Vices of the Old West Book #3): A Novel by [Brendan, Maggie]

















Here is the book summary:
All of her life, Grace Bidwell has longed for a loving husband and children, but now the chances of her dreams coming true are looking slim. Widowed and caring for her elderly father, she struggles to maintain her late husband's ranch, until she places an ad for a hired hand.
Robert Frasier arrives in town with three pitiful, bedraggled children who have nothing but the tattered clothes on their backs and a load of hurt, pride, and anger. Believing this is divine intervention in her life, Grace welcomes them with open arms. As feelings grow between her and Robert, Grace will have to convince him that she is a woman who can be trusted with his heart.

Readers will be swept away into 1860s Montana's lush Gallatin Valley, nestled among towering mountains and proud pines, in this emotional conclusion to the Virtues and Vices of the Old West series.

And now, my review:
The main character, widow Grace, in this book is a delightful person to follow throughout this story.  She has a town friend that is named Ginny and owns a potato farm with her father.  Her father is ill and so her friend, Ginny, advises her to put up a sign looking for help.  The person who responds to the ad is a widower who has inherited 3 children from his wife.  He didn’t know of the children when marrying this lady and thus he has issues with trust.  Can love come out of this situation?  That is the intriguing read of this one. 
I really enjoyed this book.  I felt that it moved quickly and the characters were well developed and believable.  I loved the children coming into Grace’s life after longing for children to love her whole life.  And I loved the road the father traveled and the outcome of that.  What an unexpected turn of events.  You’ll want to check this one out.  Pick up your copy with the links I’ve posted below and happy reading.
I’ve received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trusting-grace-maggie-brendan/1124824715?ean=9780800722661

https://www.christianbook.com/trusting-grace-3-maggie-brendan/9780800722661/pd/722663?event=ESRCG

The World of Laura Ingalls Wilder by Marta McDowell

The World of Laura Ingalls Wilder: The Frontier Landscapes that Inspired the Little House Books by [McDowell, Marta]

















Here is the book Summary:

A must-read companion to the Little House books


2017 is the 150th anniversary of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s birthday. Her beloved Little House series tells a classic coming-of-age story based on Wilder’s own family life and is a reflection of the pioneer spirit of the time. They are also deeply rooted in the natural world. The plants, animals, and landscapes are so integral to the stories, they are practically their own characters.

The World of Laura Ingalls Wilder, by New York Times bestselling author Marta McDowell, explores Wilder’s deep relationship to the landscape. Follow the wagon trail of the series, starting in the Wisconsin setting of Little House in the Big Woods to the Dakotas and finally to Missouri. Throughout, you’ll learn details about Wilder’s life and inspirations, discover how to visit the real places today, and even learn to grow the plants and vegetables featured in the stories.

The artful package includes original illustrations by Helen Sewell and Garth Williams, along with historical and contemporary photographs. The World of Laura Ingalls Wilder is a must-have treasure for the millions of readers enchanted by Laura’s wild and beautiful life.

And now, my review:
A great school book or a companion book if you just love the Little House of the Praise books or tv series.  I really enjoyed this book.  There are full color pictures in this book that brings what the author is talking about in a visual form.  That is SO helpful for all ages and keeps the reader reading.  We enjoyed reading about the “pioneers of our country” and the hardships they faced.  The way they lived off the land and made due with what they had.  I recommend you pick up a copy of this book for yourself and enjoy.

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

Welcome Home, Beaver! by Magnus Weightman












Here is the book Summary:
Beaver is seeking adventures, but he has lost the way. Now he wants to go home again. Does he live in that hidden hole underneath an oak tree? In the nest high up on the roof? Or in that big tower of mud?
Architect Magnus Weightman takes you along on a visit of numerous fabulous animal dwellings. Will you help Beaver to find his own home?

And now, my review:
What a delightful children’s read of an adventure with a Mr. Beaver and his adventure dog friend.  They travel all over the world, high and low, in a hot air balloon discovering housing and habitats in which other creatures live.  The illustrations are really wonderfully done and you can’t help but wish you could escape reality and climb inside some of them to have a meal, maybe a slumber party and fellowship with the family there.  I recommend this wonderful children’s book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Home-Beaver-Magnus-Weightman/dp/1605373923/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499966397&sr=8-1&keywords=welcome+home+beaver

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/welcome-home-beaver-magnus-weightman/1125337766?ean=9781605373928


Tuesday, July 11, 2017

The American Heiress Brides Collection by Various Authors, Barbour Publishing

The American Heiress Brides Collection: Nine Wealthy Women Struggle to Find Love in a Society that Values Money First by [Carter, Lisa, Davis, Mary, Dietze, Susanne, Draper, Anita Mae, Hall, Patty Smith, Hickey, Cynthia, Richardson, Lisa Karon, Sowell, Lynette, Woodhouse, Kimberley]

















Here is the book Summary:
Nine wealthy women seek men trustworthy of their greatest treasure—their hearts.


Meet nine young women in America between 1866 and 1905 who have been blessed by fortunes made in gold, silver, industry, ranching, and banking. But when it comes to love, each woman struggles to find true love within a society where “first comes money, second comes marriage.” What kind of man can they trust with their greatest treasure—their hearts?

The Heiress and the Homesteader by Lisa Carter
1880 – Montana
Running from the suitor of her father’s choosing, haughty silver heiress Eugenia falls for a most unsuitable, proud but poor, homesteader as she tends to his ailing grandmother during harvest. From separate worlds, can they find a place for love to flourish?

The Reluctant Heiress by Mary Davis
1905 – Boston, MA
Victoria must decide whether to accept her inheritance with its proviso of a forced marriage or walk away from a fortune. Her attorney, Graham, finds it difficult not to cross the line from business to love with the enchanting heiress.

In for a Penny by Susanne Dietze
1894 – Philadelphia, PA
Banking heiress Penelope Beale is pushed by her status-conscious parents to marry a lofty English lord, but she’s drawn instead to a lowly art historian who shares her passion for service—Emmett Retford, the lord’s younger brother.

Sweet Love Grows by Anita Mae Draper
1890 – McLeod County, MN
Amelia Cord never doubted her father’s love—despite her illegitimacy. When he dies without a will, handsome by-the-books attorney Jeremy Moore produces a vindictive legal heir who demands her eviction without an inheritance. Can sweet love grow in spite of the odds?

Hometown Heiress by Patty Smith Hall
1895 – Mills of South Georgia
Journalist Matthew Langley strives to make a difference in the world through his writing, but it’s not until he meets textile heiress Dania Eison that he learns that changing people’s lives starts at home.

Savannah’s Trial by Cynthia Hickey
1866 – Ozark Mountains
The fate of the ranch rests on Savannah Worthington’s shoulders. Can she trust the handsome stranger her mother hired to help her, or is he one of many who wants what Savannah has struggled to save?

A Family Inheritance by Lisa Karon Richardson
1883 – San Francisco, CA
Anne Shepherd has made her own fortune in the California gold fields, but what she’s always wanted was a family. When the aunt she’s invited to live with her arrives with Jack Wilberforce in tow, Anne may have gone bust or she just might have hit pay dirt.

Maggie’s Newport Caper by Lynette Sowell
1895 – Newport, RI and New York City
A Gilded Age heiress throws caution to the wind during the Newport summer season to hunt down a jewelry thief targeting the wealthy after her family is robbed.

All That Glitters by Kimberley Woodhouse
1895 – Juneau, AK and Denver, CO
Investing in Alaska gold mines, a Denver heiress and her father enjoy the reprieve from money-hungry relatives back in Colorado when disaster strikes. A trusted employee agrees to escort the heiress home, but keeping her alive proves almost as difficult as preventing himself from falling in love with her.

And now, my review:
This book is compiled of 9 wonderful, historical stories of life all over the United States.  The premise is intriguing.  I found these stories to be believable and each one has its own flavor of a story line.  It’s interesting how money can make some people go to some great lengths to keep it, even if it’s not really theirs…  And for the honest, it’s hard to keep what is yours when people try to take it for themselves, just for spite.  I highly recommend this read to you from Barbour Publishing.

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

https://www.amazon.com/American-Heiress-Brides-Collection-Struggle-ebook/dp/B01MU5O25Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499788265&sr=8-1&keywords=the+american+heiress+brides+collection

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-american-heiress-brides-collection-kimberley-woodhouse/1125479663?ean=9781634099974

https://www.christianbook.com/the-american-heiress-brides-collection/lisa-carter/9781634099974/pd/099974?product_redirect=1&Ntt=099974&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP




Reading the Bible Supernaturally by John Piper

Reading the Bible Supernaturally: Seeing and Savoring the Glory of God in Scripture by [Piper, John]

















Here is the book summary:

Does it take a miracle to read the Bible?

God wrote a book, and its pages are full of his glory. But we cannot see his beauty on our own, with mere human eyes.

In Reading the Bible Supernaturally, John Piper aims to show us how God works through his written Word when we pursue the natural act of reading the Bible, so that we experience his sightgiving power—a power that extends beyond the words on the page.

Ultimately, Piper shows us that in the seemingly ordinary act of reading the Bible, something miraculous happens: we are given eyes to behold the glory of the living God.


And now, my review:
GLORY… What an awe-inspiring, breathtaking, indescribable thing…  And yet John Piper does a great job of guiding and directing in this written work of his to steer us to how God is showing us this throughout Scripture.  We need to be praying for God Almighty to be giving us eyes to see and ears to hear as we are diving deep into His Word, the Written Word of God.  John Piper sets the thought and then unpacks it as we works through his book.  Lots of Scripture references backing up what he is saying.  And once you are finished reading you can’t help but see His glory and the purpose of it all over the place, for His Glory!  I highly recommend this read!

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

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/reading-the-bible-supernaturally-john-piper/1124588698?ean=9781433553493

https://www.amazon.com/Reading-Bible-Supernaturally-Savoring-Scripture-ebook/dp/B06XFZ648G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499786518&sr=8-1&keywords=reading+the+bible+supernaturally

https://www.christianbook.com/reading-supernaturally-seeing-savoring-glory-scripture/john-piper/9781433553493/pd/553494?event=ESRCG


Saturday, July 1, 2017

Between Heaven and the Real World by Steven Curtis Chapman

Between Heaven and the Real World: My Story by [Chapman, Steven Curtis, Abraham, Ken]
















Here’s the book summary:
For decades, Steven Curtis Chapman's music and message have brought hope and inspiration to millions around the world. Now, for the first time, Steven openly shares the experiences that have shaped him, his faith, and his music in a life that has included incredible highs and faith-shaking lows.

Readers will be captivated by this exclusive look into Steven's childhood and challenging family dynamic growing up, how that led to music and early days on the road, his wild ride to the top of the charts, his relationship with wife Mary Beth, and the growth of their family through births and adoptions. In addition to inside stories from his days of youth to his notable career, including the background to some of his best-loved songs, readers will walk with Steven down the devastating road of loss after the tragic death of five-year-old daughter Maria. And they'll experience his return to the stage after doubting he could ever sing again.

Poignant, gut-wrenchingly honest, yet always hopeful, Steven offers no sugary solutions to life's toughest questions. Yet out of the brokenness, he continues to trust God to one day fix what is unfixable in this life. This backstage look at the down-to-earth superstar they've come to love will touch fans' lives and fill their hearts with hope. Includes black-and-white photos throughout.
And now, my review:
I just love biographies and autobiographies and this one is of SCC’s life and he does such a great job writing it.  It feels like you’re sitting down across the table from him as you’re reading it.  It’s very personal and his heart is shared, the good things, the bad things and all the in-between things.  The struggles are real and felt as you’re reading along.  He seems real, transparent and raw.  I kept thinking, this has got to be hard to share with every single person that reads this book.  Just to put yourself out there is SO brave and obedient and the reason is all for the glory of the Father!  There would be no other reason to accomplish it.  And such the glory the Father receives when we share our stories with others.  How the Father has so faithfully moved in our lives.  Drawing us to Himself and giving us purpose and meaning beyond ourselves, to give us love for others and compassion on the lost, orphaned world around us.  I love the quote, “I love it when my whole family is together.”  Amen, and me too!  Pick up your copy of this book, sit back and enter into the setting of this beloved child of God.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/Between-Heaven-Real-World-Story-ebook/dp/B01LZJU4AH/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498962345&sr=8-1&keywords=between+heaven+and+the+real+world+steven+curtis+chapman

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/between-heaven-and-the-real-world-steven-curtis-chapman/1123923470?ean=9780800726881

https://www.christianbook.com/between-heaven-the-real-world-story/steven-chapman/9780800726881/pd/726884?product_redirect=1&Ntt=726884&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

A Layman Looks at the Lord's Prayer by W. Phillip Keller

A Layman Looks at the Lord's Prayer by [Keller, W. Phillip]

















Here’s the book summary:
A fresh look at a famous prayer

“There is inherent in this prayer all the strength and compassion of our Father in heaven. There moves through it a beauty and a serenity which no mortal man can fully explain. It reassures our hearts, strengthens our resolve, and leads us into personal contact with God, our Father.”

In this moving book by “an ordinary man and a child of God,” Phillip Keller takes each phrase of the Lord's Prayer one-by-one, unfolding it in wonderful detail and sharing insights he’s gained and experiences he’s enjoyed.

Next to Psalm 23, the Lord’s Prayer is perhaps the most universally beloved passage in Scripture. It has been repeated millions of times by countless individuals for nearly 20 centuries. Yet, in spite of so much use and familiarity it has never lost its luster. A Layman’s Look at the Lord’s Prayer presents that luster in a fresh way to help you rediscover its incredible power.

And now, my review:
I just love W. Phillip Keller books and this is another one I’m really thankful to have the chance to experience.  He writes in such a way that flows, draws you into whatever he is writing about, and paints such a descriptive picture.  This is a great book about the famous Lord’s prayer and he breaks it down by describing what each phrase means.  So he breaks down “Father”, “Heaven” and “Kingdom”, etc.  It’s great to dig into these phrases and all the more praise His name!  To see what He wants us to see in teaching the disciples and us this prayer and how to pray.  If you’re looking to do this, check this book out!  I’m sure you will not be disappointed.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/Layman-Looks-Lords-Prayer-ebook/dp/B01M2DIWSI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498959585&sr=8-1&keywords=a+layman+looks+at+the+lord%27s+prayer+by+w+phillip+keller

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/layman-looks-at-the-lords-prayer-w-phillip-keller/1100395051?ean=9780802415660

https://www.christianbook.com/layman-looks-at-the-lords-prayer/w-keller/9780802415660/pd/415664?product_redirect=1&Ntt=415664&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP