Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Book Review: Daily Wisdom for Women: Morning and Evening

This is just the right devotional to begin and end my day. This blessing touched my life in many ways by helping me to reflect on different issues within just a few minutes twice a day. What a great break from everyday busyness. I look forward to sharing this book with several friends of mine in a women's group.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Barbour book in exchange for my honest review. I would like to thank them also.



Book Review: A Gentleman's Kiss Romance Collection

A Gentleman's Kiss Romance Collection: 9 Modern Romances with an Old-Fashioned QualityA Gentleman's Kiss is a collection of old-fashioned romance stories by some of today's top writers. For a set of nice, feel-good books I would recommend it.

However, I am not the type for the typical story where it is predictable where the story is going from the beginning. I do know that there are many people that look for this type of book and for them I would say definitely a good read. Especially if they enjoy Ginny Aiken, Kristin Billerbeck and the others.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Barbour Books in exchange for my honest review. 

Children's book review: Rungle in the Jungle



I read this book to my grandchild and she loved it. She could not stop laughing and smiling through the entire book.

Written in rhyme, it gives the message of being boastful. There are three friend who decide to run a race. The giraffe, tiger and jaguar wanted everyone to be a part so then sent a bird to invite everyone. The day of the race a boastful snake talks about being the best. To see what happens next, share this book with a child.

The illustrations are as charming as the book and as I said they intrigued my granddaughter, a two-year-old.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. 


Book Review: Modular Crochet



This book, Modular Crochet, shows the reader how to help make their crocheting fresh and new. This is due to the techniques which makes all crocheting as easy as creating a dishcloth or a scarf. Using a basic shape, the crocheter can arrange them to make a number of different creations, no matter the dimensions.

This book would be ideal for the expert and the beginner as the directions are clear and the photographs help to see how the item could look.

I would recommend this book for any one that is looking for a fun and different way of crocheting.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.



Book Review: Summer Flings and Dancing Dreams by Sue Watson

Summer Flings and Dancing Dreams  is a fun, quick read which leaves the reader laughing, even when it is finished.

Laura decides to try some new things after her daughter left home. First she decided to try Zumba but unfortunately she had a clothing mishap which left her embarrassed. Next, she decided to try ballroom dancing which was so natural that it led to the next step in her life...flamenco dancing in Grenada. Along with the dancing, Laura was able to find some romance.

Sue Watson has a natural ability with words which make the reader feel they are right there with the characters. This is a funny, touching book that is all about dreams and fulfilling them.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.



Book review: The Artificial Anatomy of Parks

This book, The Artificial Anatomy of Parks, by Kat Godon is such a touching work. This debut novel is filled with characters that ar so well-written they feel like they are here with me. This family drama is filled with a lovely writing style which keeps the reader involved from the beginning.

I love it when an author does such a good job that I do not want to put a work down. This was that type of book. I look forward to reading this book again as well as any future works by  Kat Gordon.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Book review: Just the Facts

Just the Facts, by Ellen Sherman, tells the story of Nora Plowright. Nora just graduated from college with a degree in English. She would like to write a novel, but life is telling her that she needs a job to pay the bills. She is able to find a job at a newspaper at Anne Arundel County. Her main role is to write stories from the police blotter.

When she was sent to a meeting about a new highway, she uncovers signs of government corruption. She nows feel torn between continuing her current job of writing from the police blotter or following this new story which could lead to danger.

Ellen Sherman has written a fast-paced book that can have the reader worrying for Nora one moment and then laughing at a comment made by someone.

This book was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: The Milliner's Secret

The Milliner's Secret by Natalie Me Evan is the story of a young lady who left the abusive relationship with her father to move to Paris. Cora met a stranger in her travel and he helped her set up her new life as a milliner in Paris.

Set before WWII, Cora befriends a German who is also a high-ranking officer. He becomes her lover but during their relationship he would suddenly disappear and reappear, without any notice. However, she seeks protection from him. She also discovers that her work is filled with competion, not all of it nice.

Natlie Meg Evan is created a story that flows well and has characters that are complex but yet connect to the reader.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Cookbook Review99 Favorite Amish Recipes

I felt like I was in heaven when I came across this cookbook. Amish cooking is such a wonderful, comfort food and to have these recipes is ideal.

Each section of this cookbook is introduces by a scripture to be followed by some of the most wonderful recipes. Included are recipes for Cinnamon Rolls, Apple Crumb Pie, Farmer's Soup and more. 

Each recipe is very easy to follow and the recipes turn out as tasty as I remember. I think this book would be ideal for anyone that enjoys cooking and have fond memories of the way their grandmothers would cook.






I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.


Book Review: Two Minutes in the Bible™ Through Proverbs

Proverbs is one of my favorite books of the Bible. It seems like I am always coming across new teachings for my heart and soul. This book is a nice 90 guide through this book. Each of the entries are broken into small pieces so they only takes minutes a day to study them. Through these entries the reader gain wisdom from God that they can then apply to their own lives. The author also suggests other scripture to help deepen this time with God.

I see myself returning to this study many times throughout my life.

I would like to thank NetGalley for giving me this book in exchange for my honest review.

  

Monday, September 21, 2015

Book Review: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Between a Rock and a Hard Place: A Potting Shed MysteryBetween a Rock and a Hard Place, by Marty Wingate, is a part of the Potting Shed Mystery.  This book takes place in Great Britain, which is one of the reasons I chose it, plus centers around Pru Parker, a horticulturalist. Pru, age 50, moves to London to find a job and stays in Great Britain. There are mentions throughout the book of horticultural information and makes the reader feel like they are in Edinburgh, Scotland, the location of this installment.

I loved the characters and the descriptions throughout this book and it was a well-paced book which keeps the reader involved.  Prudence and her quirkiness is also fun to read and the mystery keeps going until the end.

I enjoyed this book very much and now I plan to go back and read the first two book.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. 


 

Cookbook Review: The New Sugar and Spice

The New Sugar and Spice by Samantha Seneviratne is filled with wonderful recipes and photographs of foods which are made of ingredients many have right in their cupboards. Along with these items, I also enjoyed the little tips and stories about the different items along with techniques to help anyone have success with their baking.

I enjoyed reading this book and when I would turn the page to see each photograph my mouth would water so that I can not wait to make each and every recipe included. I would encourage any baker or would-be-baker to buy this book and enjoy!

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Book review: The Vicar' s Wife


Katherine Schwartz was able to create one house to tie two families together. One family was its occupants before and during WWII. The young bride who moved here with her husband experienced loneliness, homesickness and heartache while here. The second family came from modern day New York, back to the husband’s homeland. The wife and children also experienced what the former tenant felt. However through there stories, their lives touched each other and the young vicar’s wife was able to make the other family feel like this is home.

Such a well-written book. I felt the feelings of each woman as they overcame their own hardships to see what is offered to them.

I loved this book and would recommend it to any who like the pull of the past in their present.

I was given this book by Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.


Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Book Review: Waiting for Morning

Karen Kingsbury is a powerful writer and she continues to deliver in Waiting for Morning, the first book in the Forever Faithful Series.

In this book, Hannah Ryan is waiting at home for her husband and girls. However, an accident destroyed this family and the dreams they held. The oldest daughter and the husband were killed at the scene, but the other daughter survives the event. The other driver was drunk and Hannah begins the process of convicting him of murder, but this decision creates a dilemma with her daughter.

Kingsbury has been named the "Queen of Christian Fiction" by Time magazine and she is a USA Today and New York Times best-seller.

Kingsbury is able to take a subject that could be depressing and fills it with hope, and love. Both the Earthly kind and the heavenly kind. As she writes she helps the reader connect with the characters through dialogue and her descriptive writing. I have loved her writing for a long while and this book proves that I shall continue to read her writing for years to come.



Children's Book Review: Nickerbacher: The funniest dragon

Nickerbacher, The Funniest DragonNickerbacher thought he was stuck in the traditional role of dragons: protecting princesses. He wanted to be a stand-up comic but he was afraid to tell his father. When a prince comes along he encourages Nickerbacher to tell his family. When he does, it changes Nickerbacher and the prince's lives.

Such a great story about not giving up dreams and the illustrations, by Kim Sponaugle, are so colorful and attention-grabbing.

This is the second book by Terry John Barto. He has a name in the entertainment world, so he knows about helping others with their dreams.

I was given this book by bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.

Children's book review: Gollywood, Here I Come!

Gollywood, Here I Come is a wonderful story about following your dreams. Anamazie has a dream of becoming a movie star. Right now she competes at talent competitions in her home town, and she wins. This is not enough. Until she discovers a talent scout saw her performance and her life changes.

The author, Terry J. Barto, is a familiar face with those in entertainment. Now he has branched out into children's books and I believe that he has done a great job.

This is a wonderful read for any youngster. It is about not giving up and looking for the "talent scout" in all we do.

I was given this book by bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.