Book Review: Christmas with Miss Austen

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Once I saw the name Austen in the title I was sold. I had a feeling I would like this book.
Julia Allen is a busy lady. She is a waitress, a painter and an 1800s authoress. She attends a historical open house as Jane Austen and she loves it. Then she gets locked inside after falling asleep. When she heads home she runs into a stranger, Eliot Weston. Weston thinks he must have imagined that historical figure. In her rush to go home, Julia loses a friends rare copy of Northanger Abbey. Weston finds it but cannot find any identification in it as to who the owner is.
This is a short book, 59 pages, and is a sweet Christian romance. I love the way there are little references to Jane Austen through the book. This is a nice, easy, fun read.

Book Review: The House by the Lake

This book was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The House by the Lake takes the reader from the 1930s to today as the main character, Anna has her world disrupted. Her grandfather, Max, shares a secret with Anna. She is a member of an aristocratic family. During World War II they lost everything and Max left behind something that was very precious to him. Now he tasks Anna with finding it.
Anna is filled with questions. What could be so important and why was it hidden. As she is on her quest she finds Wil. Wil is someone that may be able to help her solve this mystery. Together they discover that the secrets are more than they thought.
I found myself torn throughout this book. At times I wondered, along with Anna, why her grandfather would give this mission to her. Then I would turn around and praise Anna bravery and tenacity.
This is a fascinating book and shows a side of the war that it helps to read about.
I highly recommend this book.

Book Review: The Rejected Writers' Book Club Suzanne Kelman

 I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Janet Johnson is a librarian who, reluctantly, went to a meeting of the Rejected Writers' Book Club. This group of women love looking at each others manuscripts while having tea and lemon cake. None of them actually seem truly interested in publishing their books. This group gave Janet just what she needed after moving to Southlea Bay, Washington, a nice group of friends. At one of the meetings, the ladies were preparing to celebrate the five hundredth rejection letter in the group, when they received bad news. They all decide to travel to San Francisco to look for a secret. They come across many different dangers along the way.
If you have been reading this blog for a while you know that if a book mentions books, libraries or other such deliciousness I will request to review it.
I found this charming book to be so much fun to read. It was a little slow to start but soon the craziness comes along. I know that I will pick up this book again and again when I need some zaniness in my life.


situational-humor, verbal-humor, bad-puns, family-dynamics, friendship, women-s-fiction, whispersync
This is the very book you need on a bad day or after a really lousy shift! The characters certainly are and the interactions will have you laughing in spite of yourself. The publisher's blurb gives hints but doesn't begin to prepare you for all of the fun!
situational-humor, verbal-humor, bad-puns, family-dynamics, friendship, women-s-fiction, whispersync
This is the very book you need on a bad day or after a really lousy shift! The characters certainly are and the interactions will have you laughing in spite of yourself. The publisher's blurb gives hints but doesn't begin to prepare you for all of the fun!

Book Review: The Made-from-Scratch Life

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book, The Made From Scratch Life, takes the reader to their roots to help create new traditions. Inspired by her life with her family and their cattle and other activities. She teaches how to take a garden from planning to preserving and eating, how to use natural solutions for common garden problems and she teaches how to use natural cooking and cleaning to improve the health of your family.
This book is less than 200 pages in length but it is filled with pioneer goodness, filled with faith throughout the book. I felt like she was sharing her wisdom with me in person.
This book would be great for anyone that would like to learn how to cook from scratch, garden, raise animals, preserve food, clean naturally and more.

Book Review: Stories for the 12 Days of Christmas

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This is such a nice way to read Christmas stories. Linda Mansfield introduces the book by letting the reader know there isn't a wrong way to read this book. You could read one a day, or the whole book at once. Each story is separate from the others, they are all short, and realistic.
I could see myself taking this book when I am going to have to wait for something. I could easily read one of the stories in that time. I caught myself smiling at some of them, plus they helped to remind me what Christmas is truly about.
It would be a great gift for anyone, or purchase one for yourself.

Book Review: The Christmas Town

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is a joyful story. It is filled with love, and family, each which were found expectantly.

Lauren Gabriel spent most of her life wishing for her mother to come and get her from each of the foster homes she lived in.  She is now 20 years old and still looking for the ever elusive home. She is a cashier and feels like another Christmas is not what she needs. Trying to avoid her lonely apartment one night, she drives around, until she sees a car accident. This brings her to a small town called Grandon as a witness. Soon she finds herself volunteering for Glory's Place. This is a place which provides assistance to single mothers and families. This feels just right for Lauren. Could it possibly be that she has now discovered home?

The author, Donna Van Liere wrote a story which is engaging and thoughtful. It is filled with hope and I found myself thinking about the rich characters which she made complex and real. I believe I will keep this on my shelf to pull out every Christmas.

Book Review: Renovating the Richardsons

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Set in Goose Creek, Kentucky, Millie Richardson is renovating a Victorian house in a B and B. Al, her husband, spends his time writing the checks for this project. Susan, the new veterinarian has settled in and found a new boyfriend, Justin.
Things go along as usual for a little while, but never for long. There is an inner-county softball game approaching. Millie is going to be the manager for Al's not so great team. There was hope that Justin could play but he doesn't live in town, so he is not eligible.
This, along with other happenings, seem to require Al and Millie to come to the rescue.
This book is part of a series, but it was so much fun on its own that I didn't mind that at all. I will go and check out the Richardsons whenever I can. I loved this book.

Book Review: The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I first chose this book because I enjoy books like "The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry".
This is equally as charming.
Arthur Pepper is 69 years old and he has his routine. The time he does things and the clothes he wears all are the same as they were when his wife Miriam was alive.
After she had been gone for a year, Arthur found a gold charm bracelet amount Miriam's things. He had never seen this bracelet before. This set him on a trek to discover the truth of his wife's life before they met. through this journey he finds self-discovery and healing in very unusual places.
This is a charming book. It is interesting to watch Arthur change as he makes discoveries.
It made me feel good.

Book Review: Waterloo, Waterloo

I was given this book by Endeavor Press and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I loved this book. The characters were so realistic, crazy and outrageous. The story is tragic, funny and filled with pathos. The satirical humor can be found throughout and will have the reader laughing as they read.
The story is told from each person's inner voice. The story looks at ordinary life with a family that is anything but perfect. If looking close, the readers may find themselves or those of others in the characters.
This is a great read and I highly recommend it.

Book Review: Knitlandia

All those who know me know this book was made for me. I love the adventures that the author Clara Parkes goes on to explore the world of knitting.
Filled with her essays I was able to take part in each of her 17 journeys she went on in this book with her.
As an avid knitter I felt like I could see the rich colors, feel each fiber as she shared them with us. She let me go to Taos, Tacoma, Washington; the Hudson: The New York Sheep and Wool Festival and to Edinburgh. Some of these I will never see with my own eyes but I was able to see them with her.
If you like adventures, knitting or yarn I most highly recommend this book for you.

Book Review: Our Own Country

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This book is the second in the series The Midwife Book.
Eliza Boylston, a merchant's daughter was forced to leave her home in the 1770s when war came near. This war, the Revolutionary War, divided her family in many ways. Eliza finds herself attracted to John Watkins, her uncle's slave. This led her to Braintree, Massachusetts where radicals such as John and Abigail Adams lived.The life she is forced into leaves many questions and uncertainties about her and John's lives.
I am a history buff, so I was naturally drawn to this book. It was a good book which included historically correct details. I like it when authors take the time to research the time period and setting of a book. I had not read the first book but I was able to immerse into the book with little difficulty. It was a well-written book that I recommend for other history buffs.

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Book Review: Running With Rhinos

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"Running With Rhinos" was written by Ed Warner. He is, in his own words, "Radical Conservationist."
Warner has combined many stories from veterinarians and biologist who give care to the endangered rhinos of Africa.
I applaud this work he is doing to help this animal. You can tell there is a connection between himself, the animals and the people who he assists. Each of these people place their lives in danger while aiding these rhinos. They come across highly potent sedatives that could kill a person if one drop lands on their skin, goring, linguistic issues and more.
I was so glad that I came across this book and I hope more people read it so they may be inspired to help in any way they can.

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Book Review: 223 Orchard Street

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Katie and Shannon O'Connor traveled from Ireland to America at the beginning of the twentieth century. Each of them face a world that is different from the world they were expecting. One discovers a calling through serving those that are ill in the slums while the other goes down a path that may cost her her life.
Whereby, the story line was a little predictable, I still felt my heart tug for the lives of these two girls. I realized that many immigrants went through these same struggles when trying to find a new home in a strange country, including going through Ellis Island. It is a romance but I didn't think it sappy or explicit. It fit just right in the world of Christian books.
I enjoyed this book because it was an easy read.

Book Review: Gracie Meets A Ghost

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In this cute picture book, Gracie is a bunny who has new glasses. She loses them on the mountain one day so she decides to go there to get them back. Without her glasses, she doesn't see well, at all. So when a ghost appears it doesn't scare her at all, because she cannot see it.
I love this book and I believe that my grandchildren will also. 

Book Review: It Is Well

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This book is set before and during WWII. Jonathan Beecher lives in a small town. He is a widower and a store owner. When Pearl Harbor is attacked, his family is divided. His older son is trapped in the Pacific, on a Japanese occupied island. His younger son joins the army, against Jonathan's wishes and his daughter married an abusive man.
Soon his life intersects with Sarah, a widow. He wishes to remain true to his late wife but yet he seems to be drawn to Sarah.
This book is so well written. I would catch my heart tear and swell throughout the story. This can be a difficult time to write about, but the author uses Jonathan's voice to tell the story well. Quite a reminder of this time in history. It will be a book I will turn to repeatedly.

Book Review: Head Over Heels

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Jessie Roscoe is an interior designer with a secret. This is about to change when the unidentified father of her son moves into the house next to hers. A father and son meeting can't be too far behind. The father, Toby Gillespie, is married to a very understanding woman, Deborah. How will this all play out?
I enjoy reading Jill Mansell books. This book was so entertaining and easy to read. I was able to read this very quickly.
The recommendation is very high for this book.

Book Review: The Minimalist Home: A Room-by-Room Guide to a Decluttered, Refocused Life

I was given this book by Waterbrook in exchange for my honest review.
I know that my life is filled with clutter. It seems that when I begin to get rid of some, I get distracted by other thoughts or memories. When I cam across this book The Minimalist Home, I thought why not give it a try. This book, by Joshua Becker, is a great way to motivate myself. I am always afraid that if I put something away I will forget where I put it. Using Becker's advice of finding a better place for these things, I will hopefully not get so overwhelmed with clutter.
This book does not make a person feel ashamed but instead motivates by giving encouragement. When he talked about the peace one would feel when a space is decluttered, I was especially motivated.
He has you go through one room at a time, there is even a suggested list of which areas to begin with. Then he asks a series of questions to make the process easier.
This book is a great place to turn to in order to bring peace and focus to your life.

Book Review: Night of Miracles

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I love reading books by Elizabeth Berg and this book, Night of Miracles, was a book that made me feel good yet had enough substance that it kept me going.

Set in Mason, Missouri it follows up from The Story of Arthur Truluv, however, this book also stands very well on its own. Lucille Howard is a retired 4th grade teacher. She now is a master baker and teaches it out of her home.
There is also Jason, Abby and Lincoln who live next door to Lucille and then Iris Winters who is childless.
This is such an endearing novel, that words cannot express how highly I recommend it.

Book Review: Let There Be Light An Opposites Primer

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This is such an attention-getting book for little ones. Through this book children can be introduced to how God created all. Each page has a little reading about God, then the colorful pictures have the opposite word written in big print. So one page may say "Wet" over the water that God created and then the next page will have "Dry" for the land.
This book makes my heart soar as I think about reading it to my grandchildren.
I recommend this to parents, grandparents, classrooms, to everyone with a little one in their lives.

Book Review: Essential Oil for Beginners:

 I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review. 
I have been using Essential Oils for a couple of years, yet this book held so much information than I had. I believe that this is an important reference book for anyone that is interested int his topic. It even includes some ideas of where to get oils and how to use them. I highly recommend this book.

Book Review: Lists to Live By

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This is a good book for those who want to become more focused, especially list makers.
It is filled with prompts which helps to inspire. Each page has a Bible verse, a prompt, space for writing, a prayer and then extra thoughts to guide throughout the day.
I feel this would be a good book for everyone to purchase for themselves or for others.

Book Review: Winter Snow Fun

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book, Winter Snow Fun is part of a series called Tales of Buttercup Grove.
Skunk and Raccoon wake up to find the thing they have been waiting for, the first snowfall of the season. They invite all of their winter friends for a fun play time. Then the snow begins to melt. Does this mean the end to the amazing play time? All of the friends learn that fun times don't have to end just because plans change.
This was such a cute book. The illustrations and the story are sure to catch the attention of children. Showing children that they do not need to feel disappointment just because plans change, they can still play with their friends.
I loved this book and recommend it for children, parents, grandparents or any adult to share with a child.

Book Review: A Woman's Lot

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I do want to let everyone know that I have not read the first book in the series. Where this is not an issue all the time, I highly recommend going back to read it first. Here is a synopsis of the book.
When A woman tries to increase her sheep she receive the rage of a peasant. A man is scolded by his wife when he give in to idle talk. A priest decides that women should stay in their place.
All of this occurred after the Black Death occurred and the deaths caused women to take a different place in the land. They needed to take a bigger role in society. However, the men fight against them using the Church's teachings to aid them.
This book offered an interesting view of the world during Medieval Times. At time it made me uncomfortable but books that do this are often books that offer a big award if you stay with it.
Excellent writing and characters.

Book Review: A Harvest of Thorns

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Many young women die in a garment factory fire in Bangladesh. In the aftermath a picture of a teenager is taken. This young girl has a fabric with Presto Omnishops Corporation on it. This is one of the largest retailers in America.
In its headquarters a man, Cameron Alexander, watches the news coverage of the incident. He watches at the picture of the girl is everywhere making people wonder about the ethics of the company. Alexander starts an investigation which will lead him down paths that could devastate his world.
A reporter, a year later, receives information about the company and the fire. This is all Joshua Griswold needs to cover a story that could save his career from former disgrace.
The story was developed well as the author begins with a central story and then builds each character from there. It is a sobering story that gives insight in the garment industry. The real world settings helped me to see the world in a different light.
A very good book.

Book Review: My Garden of Prayer

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Just the name Helen Steiner Rice made this a book that I felt I needed to read. Her prayers are so faith-filled that I find a sense of peace once I begin one of them. They are filled encouragement and blessings.
I loved this book and I feel it would make a perfect gift for any occasion. Highly recommended

Book Review: The Invention of Wings

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Hetty Grimke, named "Handful" by her mother was a slave in Charleston. Hetty dreams to be away from this world.Then there is the Grimke's daughter, Sarah. Sarah knows that ther is something big in the world that is meant just for her, however, the world as she knows it limits what she is able to do.
Sarah is given Hetty for her 11th birthday. For the next decades the reader follows both of these girls as their relation changes and introduces new feeling to each of them. Hetty discovers loss, courage and self-worth through her journey. Sarah finds betrayal, crushed hopes andmore as she and her sister become abolitionists.
This is a fascinating story and Sue Monk Kidd creates such rich characters that I wanted to continue reading each day and not put it down. She used information that she found on Sarah Grinke and was able build her into well rounded person.
Fantastic book.

Book Review: Change the world before bedtime

I was given this book in exchange for my honest review.
Change the World Before Bedtime is such a cute book. It enables kids to be creative and see how small acts can help to change the world for the better.
From the very first page they encourage children to make this book their own. They then go through a child's potential day. After a good breakfast, filled with "brain food" they then meet their friends to have a day of picking up litter. It continues on with many ideas such as having a lemonade stand and giving the proceeds to a cause.
The illustrations are eye catching and filled with conversation bubbles. Then the simple rhymes throughout will help kids to think about what they can do to change the world.
I love this book so much I will be sending it to my grandchildren as soon as I can.
I highly recommend this book.

Book Review: Death Comes to Dogwood Manor

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This cozy mystery by Sandra Bretting is great fun. Missy, on her way to her shop, Crowning Glory, has a car accident in front of Dogwood Manor. This once beautiful mansion is being changed into a hotel by Herbert Solomon. His is the car that Missy runs into. A Rolls Royce, no less. This is not a big concern to Herbert as he is too busy dealing with the remodel.
Missy returns to the mansion to check out the chapel where one of her clients is getting married. While there she finds Herbert Solomon dead, by poison. Missy just seems to run into one misfortune after another in this enjoyable book.
I have enjoyed Sandra Bretting's books in the past and I have a feeling I will be reading more of her works int he future.
Highly recommended.

Book Review: A Fatal Collection

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I have fallen back in love with cozy mysteries. These are the kind of mysteries that make you want to sink back into your chair with a pot of tea and read.
In A Fatal Collection (A Keepsake Cove Mystery) I have found such a book.
This is the first in a series of books, I will be reading more in the series.
After spending the night at her aunt's house, Callie Reed discovers her aunt is dead. Callie doesn't agree with the authorities when they say her aunt's death was from an accidental fall.
Callie is left a music box store by her Aunt Melodie. This store fits in with the neighborhood as it seems where ever she looks she sees more stores with collectibles. This is the opportunity Callie decided to take. However, soon odd things happen.
This book was so fun to read and I liked the characters that the author, Mary Ellen Hughes created.

Acts: Everyday Bible Commentary

I was given this book by Moody Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
God's ways are amazing. Our pastor announced we were going to be studying the book of Acts. I had just requested and received this book a day or two before. This led my husband and I too take our time and use this as a devotional. It opened discussions and help us to see answers to some of our questions from this Bible book.
The book is broken down into 19 parts and within each chapter it is broken down further to help in the exploration. I have been amazed.
I highly recommend this book to others who would like to look into the book of Acts further.

Book Review: A Tapestry of Secrets (Appalachian Blessings #3)

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Before I go into my review, I feel I need to say that I have not read the previous two books in this series. Having said that, I don't feel like I need to. The characters in this book are so rich, I began to understand them easily.
Perla and Ella have lives that are intertwined. Perla is Ella's grandmother and experiences two strokes. Each had her faces things within, such as pride, and fear. From the first I felt I understood her very well.
Ella returned to her  home when faced with uncertainty in her own life. She also had a dream for her life and over time she had to learn that God also has dreams or goals for her and these are the most important things for her.
This is worth reading, even if you have not read the previous books but now that I have, I would like to start with book one and work my way through.

Book Review: This is the Day

I received this book from WaterBrook and Multnomah, as part of their launch team, in exchange for my honest review.
Tim Tebow is such an inspirational writer. In this book he shares how he is able to apply his faith to his life and then he gives challenges to show ways that we can do this too.
He shares how he feels the same we do at times. He can feel categorized, or put-down, just like us, but by staying true to God and the faith He has given us we can overcome and tackle these feelings and show how a Christian can excel with God. "This is the day" to begin.
I like the way he writes so it is easy to read yet challenging enough to make me think. The biblical references are now highlighted in my Bible and I have a feeling I will be referring to this book quite a bit in the future.
I highly recommend this book.

Book Review: The Art of Unpacking Your Life

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Connie invites her friends from college to a safari in the Kalahari. There were friends, but that was 20 years ago. Within a short time, they begin to enjoy each other, even though there is tension. Throughout the trip challenges occur which makes them see that even though time has passed there is still a link between them.
This book about friendship is written by a talented Shireen Jilla. It played on my emotions. At time I was cheering on the friendships, at other times I wanted to pull a character aside to let them know they should hang on to special people.
It was a very good book and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.

Book Review: Awakening (The Elemental Chronicles #1) by Ross Kingston

Awakening is the first book of The Elemental Chronicles. In this book, in the shadows, the elements have picked who they want as their champions and the Vassals awake.
One Vassal is Alicea. She leaves her kingdom to come to the call. Along with a thief, they take a stand against the darkness and prepare for the war that is going to come.
From the beginning I was enthralled with this story. It is a perfect lead-in to the next book in the series as it left me wanting to read more.
Excellent job. I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: A Winterfold Christmas

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Reading Harriet Evans' books give me a cozy, at-home feeling. In A Winterfold Christmas the Winter family are awaiting a family reunion. This reunion is to take place over Christmas. Martha Winter enjoys the joyful feeling of having family around but also feels the ghosts of the past surround her. This is a magical time and this is a wonderful place to experience it.
As with other works of Harriet Evans, she has a gift to make the reader feel that warm feeling that comes when most families come together.

Book Review: Thief of Corinth

I was given this book by Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.
Set in Corinth this book, The Thief of Corinth, tells the story of Ariadne. She leaves her father's home and finds that Galenos has been a thief of great renown. Ariadne chooses to keep him safe even if it mean her life is in ruins.
This is a beautifully told story which includes the story of Lydia. I loved "living" in that time for a while. I have now become a fan of Tessa Afshar and will be reading more of her books in the future.

Book Review: The Crescent Stone

The first three lines on the back cover were enough to bring me into this novel.
"A girl with a deadly lung disease...
A boy with a tragic past...
A land where the sun never sets but darkness still creeps in..."
This setup was ideal. The Crescent Stone is a fantasy novel by Matt Mikalatos. Madeline Oliver is the girl with the deadly lung disease. Jason Wu is filled with guilt that leaves him deciding to always tell the truth. They both end up in the land. A place they don't know anything about except each decision will touch others more than they could have anticipated.
This story is imaginative, deep, filled with humor and fantasy. It left me pondering things after I had finished it. Having never read a book by this author before, I look forward to more of his works in my future.

Book Review: Jacob's Ladder Reading Comprehension Program Grades 4-5

The Affective Jacob's Ladder Reading Comprehension Program grades 4-5 is part of an approach to reading which builds students learning and aids in inquiry-based discussions. This book goal is to help students progress their social-emotional needs. Included are works in biography, nonfiction and short stories.
Some of the works included are: 
The Man, the Boy and the Donkey by Aesop
Music by Arya Okten
The Leaping Match by Hans Christian Andersen
The Four Crafts-Men by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
Success is counted Sweetest by Emily Dickinson

Each work includes a ladder used throughout the series. The  ladder helps the teacher to lead the student through discussions in varying areas of social-emotional growth.
These books are a good resource for educators of the gifted students. It could be used on its own or with other resources as the different creations of literature are discussed.

Book Review: The Wedding Shop

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. 

This book fascinated me from the beginning. I love the way Rachel Hauck made the wedding dress shop the central character of this book. The story tells the story of  Cora Scott in the 1930s. She inherited the shop from her great aunt. Brides would come from far and near to purchase their dress and receive the bridal treatment form this shop in Heart's Bend, Tennessee. Cora, however, was waiting for her love, a river captain, to return to her. She has another in the town, Birch Good who would like to be her special one.

Eighty plus years later, Haley Morgan, an Air Force Captain, decides to fulfill the promise she and Tammy, now deceased, made years ago to own and run the Wedding Shop.

The dreams and love each of these ladies found through this shop is engaging. Rachel Hauck is able to entwine these two stories effortlessly. The Christian message underlies everything without being overbearing. This is a story of forgiveness and living the life God has chosen for you. 

This story of journey is highly recommended by me.  

Book Review: Empty Seats

Empty Seats follows the story of three men and their dream to making it to the major leagues in baseball. On their way they discover how life can help or hinder their dreams.
I love baseball. This story took me into the game from a side that I only had a small amount of knowledge. It is written by someone who loves the game and wants to share her love with others.
This excellent book receives high praise from me and I recommend it to anyone who has a love of the game.

Book Review: Daily Question for You and Your Child

I received this book from WaterBrook in exchange for my honest review.
When I first glimpsed at the cover of this book, The Daily Question for You and Your Child, then read the description, I thought this is the perfect book for either me to share with my grandchildren or to give to my daughter. After looking at it I still feel that way.
This is a 3 year journal which has 365 questions in it. The pages are like diary entries with a each day having a place to put a response for each of three years. I think this is wonderful as children can change their responses each year when asked.
Some of the responses involve writing a short story about an object, or to say what makes them feel a certain way, like joyful. There are also questions about their creativity or telling about traditions. This is just a tiny bit compared to what else this book has in it. I wish I had a book like this when my children were small, but I am so glad it is available today.
For parents, grandparents or those that care for children I feel this is a special way to spend some one-on-one time with a child in your life.
I highly recommend it.

Book Review: Finding the Love of Jesus

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I was given this book by Bethany Books in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoy reading the Bible and this book helped to increase that joy by looking for God's Love throughout it. The author, Elyse Fitzpatrick was able to reveal God's plan through his love in the Scripture. There are chapters with questions at the end of each to help the reader open their eyes, and hearts, even more.
I recommend this book to anyone who desires to feel even more joy and love of God. It is a wonderful book

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Book Review: Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstances

This is an excellent science fiction book. I enjoyed reading this story about magical beings. The author presents a boy, sister and his friend and built this fantastic story around them. It beautifully combines science and magic. Since I used to be a science teacher and am always a science-learner, this blending pulled me in more and more.

I recommend this book most highly. It is a delightful book.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

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Book Review: Victoria and Abdul: The True Story of the Queen's Closest Confidant

This is an interesting book. After Prince Albert died, the queen sought friendship in unconventional places. First their was her gilly at Balmoral. Then there was Abdul Karim, a young Indian Munshi. He arrived expecting to spend the year of her Jubilee  but then the Queen felt that she could not do without him at her side. He became her teacher, her counsel on Urdu and Indian affairs and a dear friend. The decade they were together was scandalous and her household did not like him or this closeness.
This book was written from letters and journals about this time. It left me at times puzzles and in awe of the lives of the people of that time. I felt the closeness and could understand it but I also felt the puzzlement felt by Queen Victoria's household.
This book was so well-written and filled with information. I highly recommend it.

Book Review: Lone Witness

I was given this book by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.
Sophie Dawson has just started working as a prosecutor in the White Collar division in Fulton County. Her first case is to investigate a bank employee who may be cheating customers. Soon she finds that she is the sole witness to a double homicide. This was not what she was expecting, at all.
Cooper Knight, a former police office and now a private security guard has accepted a job of keeping Sophie safe.
Before long, neither of them know who they can trust.
This book places the reader inside both of these legal professions. Dylan has created characters which are strong and complex.
This is the second book in the series. The characters from the first book show up as secondary characters. The third book in this series is due out in 2019.

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Book Review: Jacob's Ladder Reading Comprehension Program Grades 1-2

Jacob's Ladder Reading Comprehension Program is designed for students who have high-level learning abilities. Through a series of inquiry processes the students can become critical readers. This book is created for first and second grade students. The stories and tasks are meant to help these students become better communicators and listeners in addition to better their reading skills.

In addition to a Teacher's Guide to using this material, there are tasks to use for each of the works suggested. Some of the works include:

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

The Stinky Cheese Man by Jon Scieska

Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg

Where Go the Boats? by Robert Louis Stevenson

The Land of Counterpane by Robert Louis Stevenson

On Snow by Jonathan Swift

This book would make a great addition to a classroom or home school that has a gifted learner.

I recommend this book highly.

I was given this book by the publisher and by LibraryThing in exchange for my honest review.

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