The Covenant Giving God the Reins by Kimberly Hicks Graham

Here is the book summary:

The Covenant: Giving God the Reigns by Kimberly Hicks-Graham

As the elevator door closed, I heard her words: Do you have a living will or directive if you were to code in this elevator?" Words that pierced my heart and would change my life forever. It was obvious she spoke these words often as they seemed to come off her lips effortlessly. How should I react? How would you react? The thoughts stirring in my head were overwhelming. Where are you, God? Speak to me. He had spoken: I just didn't know it yet. It is a miracle.

Whether you are beginning your walk with God or looking for a deeper relationship with him, you will find hope and inspiration as you read these pages. The powerful message of God's promises brought to life through one family's journey and the many lives it touched along the way.

Prepare to feel God's awesome power as you experience this true story. It can change your life.

And now, my review:

I found this book to be a very quick read. I don't completely line up with all her ways of thinking on everything, but it looks like in the end that she is growing in her walk with the Lord and that is what matters most. This is a book about a woman who shares her life story (so far). Everyone has a story to tell and their life matters to God and so then as a believer it should matter to me.  So by taking the time to sit and listen I was blessed with some takeaways that can be monumental in my walk with God. I know she does not mean for this book to be sad but, for me, it was so often as I was reading. I could relate to her story in some places (widowhood, control) and life lessons shared can be just the encouragement another person needs. That might be just what this book might be for you. You might want to have a box of Kleenex nearby for the emotions that are bound to come. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Covenant-Giving-God-Reins-ebook/dp/B077TTXJ4W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535648589&sr=8-1&keywords=the+covenant+giving+God

The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse

Here is the book summary:

Can a religious separatist and an opportunistic spy make it in the New World?
A brand new series for fans of all things related to history, romance, adventure, faith, and family trees.

Mary Elizabeth Chapman boards the Speedwell in 1620 as a Separatist seeking a better life in the New World. William Lytton embarks on the Mayflower as a carpenter looking for opportunities to succeed—and he may have found one when a man from the Virginia Company offers William a hefty sum to keep a stealth eye on company interests in the new colony. The season is far too late for good sailing and storms rage, but reaching land is no better as food is scarce and the people are weak. Will Mary Elizabeth survive to face the spring planting and unknown natives? Will William be branded a traitor and expelled?

And now, my review:

Kimberley Woodhouse did an amazing job of penning this intense, moving, hard-working, and tear bringing book. To set the imagination of what these people faced while crossing the great, deep, dark ocean in search of being able to live in freedom for their faith.  The times of sea storms, sicknesses, and death, she's included it all. As we study American History in school this year, I felt that this book was right on time and a great read gearing us up for our year of study ahead. I really look forward to continuing this series as new books come out!

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

https://www.amazon.com/Mayflower-Bride-Daughters-Book-ebook/dp/B074PJ1K65/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535645915&sr=8-1&keywords=the+mayflower+bride+by+kimberley+woodhouse

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-mayflower-bride-kimberley-woodhouse/1126627892?ean=9781683224198

https://www.christianbook.com/the-mayflower-bride-1/kimberley-woodhouse/9781683224198/pd/224190?product_redirect=1&Ntt=224190&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy

Here is the book summary:

When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes the hand behind the attack as the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago. Living off the wilderness since then, he'd finally carved out a home and started a herd--while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail, driving off dangerous men. He'd 
hoped those days were over, but the latest attack shows he was wrong.

Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace offers the only shelter for miles around, and agrees to take them in until she can safely continue. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling--yet enticing. 

Working to survive the winter and finally bring justice to the trail, Trace and Deborah find themselves drawn together--yet every day approaches the moment she'll leave forever. 

And now, my review:

The Accidental Guardian was a delightful read of a new series by this author and I found myself ready for a new series by her. She did a great job on this one. She engaged my heart from the start and, as is her way, she kept me reading to find out what happens to each character. I felt that she did well in bringing me into the drama of wagon trains back in the days of Early American History. The amounts of snow that had to be traveled through in one part of the book was crazy and the hospitality to put people up for long visits was inspirational. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Accidental-Guardian-High-Sierra-Sweethearts-ebook/dp/B07879BFB2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535645218&sr=8-1&keywords=the+accidental+guardian+mary+connealy

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-accidental-guardian-mary-connealy/1126332844?ean=9780764219290#/

https://www.christianbook.com/the-accidental-guardian-1/mary-connealy/9780764219290/pd/219290?product_redirect=1&Ntt=219290&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

Amish Cooking Class The Celebration by Wanda Brunstetter

Here is the book summary:

Return to Holmes County, Ohio, for Amish style cooking class.

Lyle and Heidi Troyer have taken in a brother and sister, who were orphaned when their parents were killed in a car accident. Hoping to help the children adapt and make friends, Heidi decides to hold a series of cooking classes for kids. But kids are always accompanied by an adult—and that is where the trouble arises.
 
Miranda Cooper is living the life of a single mom to her two kids while separated from her husband, but Trent is trying to worm his way back into her heart.
 
Denise McGuire’s life as a wife, mom, and real estate broker is full and spilling over.
 
Darren Keller, single dad and firefighter, and Ellen Blackburn, single mom and nurse, find a few things in common.
 
Will hearts be healed over plates of Amish food?

And now, my review:

I have read all of the books in this series and they are all based on an Amish Woman who offers to teach a cooking class in her home for anyone that is interested and they don’t have to be Amish to sign up and attend.  My girls and I enjoyed this book together.  It is a simple story. There were many outside stories but they were brought together by one main theme. Many testimonies of faith in Jesus were present. A great example of how they all helped each other through their ups and downs and in their journey to become more like Christ. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Amish-Cooking-Class-Wanda-Brunstetter-ebook/dp/B074TWDF8D/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535644344&sr=8-1&keywords=the+celebration

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/amish-cooking-class-the-celebration-wanda-e-brunstetter/1126627894?ean=9781624167461#/

https://www.christianbook.com/the-celebration-amish-cooking-class/wanda-brunstetter/9781624167461/pd/167460?product_redirect=1&Ntt=167460&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls New York by Amanda Barratt

Here is the book summary:

Journey now to Niagara Falls, New York, of 1870 where...
She avoids danger at all costs. He makes his living by rushing headlong into it.
 
Outwardly, Adele Linley’s trip to visit her American cousins is nothing more than a summer vacation. In reality, she’s the daughter of an English aristocrat with barely a penny to her name seeking a rich American husband. 

Having grown up in an overcrowded orphanage, Drew Dawson is determined to make a name for himself. He’ll take any honest job to provide for his sister—even crossing Niagara Falls by tightrope.
 
On a sightseeing trip to the Falls, Adele meets several eligible suitors. Incredibly wealthy and pompous, Franklin Conway takes an immediate fancy to her. But Adele would truly like to marry for love.  When she encounters the mysterious Drew in the garden, Adele is confused by her feelings for someone who is everything she is NOT looking for. Will they both stay the course they have chosen for themselves?

And now, my review:

All of these “My Heart Belongs in… “ books get you with the cover and blesses you with the read of them.  My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls New York by Amanda Barrett is a wonderful read of the power of God at work through hearts and lives of people that He draws to Himself. There are cringing moments of tightrope walking and there are moments of defeat and despair but they are so nicely packaged in this story of redemption and hope in God.  Without God comes the meaningless pursuit of life and all the empty problems and with God comes the eternal future purpose-filled life. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Belongs-Niagara-Falls-York-ebook/dp/B074V225C2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535641700&sr=8-1&keywords=my+heart+belongs+in+niagara+falls+new+york

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-heart-belongs-in-niagara-falls-new-york-amanda-barratt/1126583355?ean=9781683223412

https://www.christianbook.com/my-heart-belongs-in-niagara-falls/amanda-barratt/9781683223412/pd/223414?product_redirect=1&Ntt=223414&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

A Bouquet of Brides Collection by Various Authors

Here is the book summary:

A bouquet of brides is picked for love.
Meet seven American women who were named for various flowers but struggle to bloom where God planted them. Can love help them grow to their full potential?
 
Holly and Ivy by Mary Davis (1890, Washington State)
At Christmastime, Holly Harrison accompanies her impetuous younger sister on her trip across the country to be a mail-order bride. But even as she tries to persuade her sister that loving a stranger is foolhardy, Holly loses her own heart to a fellow traveler.
 
Periwinkle in the Park by Kathleen Kovach (1910, Colorado)
Periwinkle Winfield is a hiking guide helping to commission a national park. But a run-in with a mountain man who is determined to keep the government off his land may place her in great danger.
 
At Home with Daffodils by Paula Moldenhauer (1909, Oklahoma)
When her childhood sweetheart returns to town, will Dilly Douglas accept the worthy heart he offers, or will the old wound he opens keep them apart?
 
A Song for Rose by Suzanne Norquist (1882, Rockledge, Colorado)
Can Patrick O’Donnell, a tenor disillusioned by the performance industry, convince Rose Miller that there is more to music than her dream of joining an opera company?
 
Beauty in a Tansy? by Donita K. Paul (1918, South Dakota)
Tansy Terrell was named after a weed. When she opens shop next door, Arthur Blake recognizes Tansy's need to be valued as a beautiful flower but fails to see his own worth as a maker of instruments and music.
 
A Prickly Affair by Donna Schlachter (1885, Arizona)
A rough-and-tumble cowgirl, “Cactus” Lil Duncan longs for true love, but is afraid to let down her prickly exterior when a city slicker from New York City, with less-than-honorable intentions, tries to win her heart and her hand.
 
In Sheep’s Clothing by Pegg Thomas (1702, Connecticut)
Peter Maltby might be all good looks and charm, working in the new mill fulling wool, but Yarrow Fenn fears he is the Crown’s agent in disguise who will destroy the only livelihood she has.
 

And now, my review:

This book interested me because the premise was about 7 women struggling to bloom where God has planted them and I was looking forward to the encouragement I would receive about that in my own life and those God has placed around me as I read about these American women.  One of the stories brings out the reflection from one of the ladies as she looks out over a vast expanse and reflects on what in her life needs to change and what needs to stay.  Another is breathing a silent prayer for favor.  Another moment in the book is the truth of salvation.  That Jesus keeps on saving over and over, every minute.  This is just a few of the inspiring treats in this one.  There were funny moments as well and of course, there was romance in the bringing together of lives before God.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Bouquet-Brides-Romance-Collection-Bachelors-ebook/dp/B074TXGSWD/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535636814&sr=8-1&keywords=a+bouquet+of+brides+collection

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-bouquet-of-brides-romance-collection-mary-davis/1127049002?ean=9781683223818#/

https://www.christianbook.com/bouquet-brides-collection-bachelors-happily-after/mary-davis/9781683223818/pd/223811?product_redirect=1&Ntt=223811&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

One-Piece Knits by Margaret Hubert

Here is the book summary:

Knit your sweaters in one piece--from the top down, from cuff to cuff, or from back to front--for the whole family, with minimal seaming required!

One-Piece Knits offers charted patterns sized from toddler to adult and in multiple gauges for classic pullovers and cardigans in four styles: top-down (both raglan and yoke), side-over (from one sleeve edge to the other), and back-to-front (from back waist to front waist, then picking up stitches at the shoulders to knit the sleeves).

Additional patterns for each style feature alternate stitches, simple colorwork, and neckline and sleeve variations. A helpful resources section offers guidance on basic techniques.

And now, my review:

I have yet to complete a “people-wearing” size sweater, as I’ve only done doll-size, but the group of knitters that I’m part of makes sweaters and they always speak of “sewing” the pieces together as being not such a pleasant part of the process, to put it nicely.  This book drew me in because it is an all in one knitted pattern book.  I like that this book includes sizing for children, women, and men and it includes different designs for options. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/One-Piece-Knits-Essential-Multiple-Sweaters-ebook/dp/B07DLBJP4V/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535635623&sr=8-1&keywords=one+piece+knits

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-piece-knits-margaret-hubert/1127458313?ean=9781589239517

Siriously Delicious by Siri Daly

Here is the book summary:

Popular food blogger and TODAY food contributor Siri Daly shares her collection of cooking triumphs and mistakes, and delicious recipes for people who love food.

Like many of us trying to feed our families, Siri Daly is a very busy cook. As a mother of three under the age of 10, TODAY food contributor, and wife of a bicoastal traveling man, Carson Daly ("The Voice" host and TODAY show co-host), Siri often doesn’t know which end is up. Siri is not a serious cook, but she is serious about her food—and what she serves her family, friends and loved ones. Siriously Delicious is organized by how a busy mom gets through her day—breakfast, lunch, happy hour (her favorite!), dinner with sides, and dessert. Siri’s recipes are created with three goals in mind: to create food that is delicious and satisfying for both kids and adults, to prepare dishes packed with traditionally comforting flavors and ingredients (think cheese, avocado, chocolate!), and to make each recipe approachable for even a novice cook—no trips to specialty food stores are required.

Whether you’re looking for easy-to-cook recipes your kids will devour, such as mouth-watering Bacon Pizzadillas, or you’re dying to relax with a Spicy Grapefruit Cocktail when the days feel too long, this cookbook has a recipe for every occasion. Siri also includes extra tips to make your time in the kitchen easier: Siriously Simple offers a hack or time-saving tip, Siriously Sinful details how to make something even more indulgent, Siriously Nutritious explains how to make something healthier, and Siriously Mini advises how to satisfy the kiddos. Filled with Siri’s often hilarious anecdotes, Siriously Delicious will not only feed your family’s bellies but hopefully deliver a belly laugh along the way.

And now, my review:

From the creative way to spell the title to all the wonderfully delicious recipes, this is a kitchen cooking inspiration.  I found it jovial for her to mention and include “not so healthy” recipes along with the nutritious ones.  So there is bound to be something in there for everyone you’re cooking for including your own personal preference.  This is what I, and it sounds like many others, have found.  These recipes are simple, easy to follow, and able to accomplish a great finish.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Siriously-Delicious-Nutritious-Simple-Recipes-ebook/dp/B079FPTGXM/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/siriously-delicious-siri-daly/1126944177?ean=9780848758912#/

Make Your Own Ice Cream by Sarah Tyson Rorer

Here is the book summary:

Updated for modern kitchens, this vintage book of ice cream recipes offers a mouthwatering selection of frozen treats that's sure to include something for everyone. In addition to dozens of different types of ice cream and sherbet, the recipes cover frozen puddings, soufflés, parfaits, and mousses as well as tasty toppings. Numerous dairy-free options include sorbets, Italian ices, and fruit ices. Easy-to-find ingredients range from a variety of fruits and nuts to the traditional flavors of chocolate and vanilla. Brief explanations identify the differences between ices, sorbet, and sherbet and offer general instructions for making frozen desserts. 
Author Sarah Tyson Rorer (1849–1937), founder of the Philadelphia School of Cookery, was a pioneer of domestic science. Educator, author, editor, radio show host, magazine columnist, dietician, and lecturer, her emphasis on healthy eating was instrumental in the creation of the field of hospital dietetics. Her classic recipes, which are ideal for inexperienced dessert-makers, are compatible with modern ice cream machines. 

And now, my review:

Ahhh… perusing through this tasty treat of a book is an inspiration to lead the reader into making their own dessert.  I loved how this author had what I would call basic options and then there were some really creative “out of the box” suggestions to pursue.  I can use this book for my own use, or for a neighborhood porch gathering, or for company that is coming to visit.  I mean, my thoughts are, who doesn’t like ice cream.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Make-Your-Own-Ice-Cream-ebook/dp/B079VYN8MW/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1535204014&sr=1-2&keywords=make+your+own+ice+cream

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/make-your-own-ice-cream-sarah-tyson-rorer/1127202064?ean=9780486822174

Crochet Loom Blooms by Haafner Linssen

Here is the book summary:

Discover the blossoming trend of flower looming! It's quick, it's simple, it's fun, and with a bit of crochet you can create a stunning collection of 30 flower motifs. In Crochet Loom Blooms, you'll find everything you need to get you started including:

·        Step-by-step guide to using a flower loom, plus detailed illustrations on crochet stitches that bring your flowers to life.

·        30 unique flower motifs in a variety of shapes and styles--from simple and lacy to dense, multi-layers foliage, Crochet Loom Blooms has it all.

·        5 fabulous projects and valuable tips and tricks from best-selling author Haafner Linssen that will have your home bursting with crochet loom blooms in no time!

A garden of delight, you'll find yourself referencing Crochet Loom Blooms time again whether looking for specific instruction or a dose of inspiration.

And now, my review:

Crocheting and flowers all in one is a great treat!  This book hooked me with interest from the cover and I was super excited to find inside 30 great patterns to create lovely flowers.  It gave me step-by-step instructions and I found them easy to follow and very doable.  I like that I can put a border around them if I want but for me right now I’m making flower embellishments for hats and I can make these and use these without the borders.  I just love it! 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Crochet-Loom-Blooms-Fabulous-Projects/dp/163250619X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535201523&sr=8-1&keywords=crochet+loom+blooms

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crochet-loom-blooms-haafner-linssen/1126605208?ean=9781632506191#/

Plant-Powered Beauty by Amy Galper

Here is the book summary:

You know your diet should be rich in plants for optimal health. So shouldn’t the products you apply to your skin, which are absorbed into your body, also be filled with plants? 

If you’ve ever looked at the back of your so-called “natural” facial moisturizer or body cream and seen a list of complicated additives you couldn’t recognize or pronounce, then you know firsthand that mass-produced synthetic beauty products can be something of a mystery. 

With Plant-Powered Beauty: The Essential Guide to Using Natural Ingredients for Health, Wellness, and Personal Skincare (with 50-plus Recipes), harness the power of plant-based energy to maintain your natural beauty and let your skin glow like never before. Natural beauty experts Amy Galper and Christina Daigneault show readers how to deconstruct beauty labels, parse ingredients lists, make informed choices about the products they use—and, most important, better understand how their skin works. 

At the heart of Plant-Powered Beauty, you will find more than 50 easy-to-follow recipes to make your own plant-based skincare and beauty products, such as: 

·       Almond Milk Facial Cleanser

·        Anti-aging Facial Scrub

·        Blemish Gel

·        Choc-o-Mint Lip Balm

·        Coconut Whip Makeup Remover

·        Vitamin-Rich Hair Health Serum

·        Quick and Fresh Cucumber-Thyme Body Scrub

·        Moisturizing Body Oil for Super-Dry Skin

·        Natural Mouthwash

Plant-Powered Beauty unlocks sought-after wisdom for all aspects of plant-based personal skincare and celebrates the shift in beauty trends, bringing us back to natural beauty and reconnecting us with plants and healthy choices.

And now, my review:

What an exciting thing to take time to look into and learn about natural, plant-based ways of making everyday products that I use every day on my body.  This is what drew me into checking out this book and seeing what I could learn and use that was SO much better than all the harmful, chemical ladened products available at my local stores.  This book gives step-by-step instructions on how to make them yourself and it will most likely be less expensive in addition to being something that is a benefit to my body’s health as well.  A bonus to all this is that it’s a great inspiration to gift giving as well.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Plant-Powered-Beauty-Essential-Ingredients-Wellness-ebook/dp/B074P5G266/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535043445&sr=8-1&keywords=plant+powered+beauty

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/plant-powered-beauty-amy-galper/1126861875?ean=9781944648855