Book Review: Traditional Knitting

Oh my goodness. This book, Traditional Knitting by Michael Pearson, speaks to me on so many levels. The history lover of this book is in love as Pearson looks into the history of so many different patterns. My love of all things from Britain is satisfied as he travels to source of the patterns and talks with people about the tools and patterns that have been passed down through he generations. Finally, as I am a knitter who is always looking for ideas and patterns, this book was a fountain of useful information.

This book is highly recommended for any knitter or those that are interested in traditions passed through the generations.

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

Book Review: Circus Mirandus

Circus Mirandus, by Cassie Beasley, is a wonderful, imaginative book for the fourth through sixth grade child. It captures the imagination from the first page as the reader discovers that Micah Tuttle lives with his ill Grandpa Ephraim and his disagreeable Aunt Gertrudis. Gertrudis does not seem to understand the connection between Grandpa and Micah, so Micah has to find minutes here and there to spend with his friend. Having heard tales about Circus Mirandus from Grandpa, Micah through they were fun tales until he finds out that they are more than imagination.

This debut book would be a great read for all children in this age range and I look forward to reading more of Beasley's work.

I was given this book by Dial Books, the author and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: How to Enjoy Reading the Bible

How to Enjoy Reading Your Bible, by Keith Ferrin, re-opened my eyes to the different ways to open the heart, mind and soul to reading the Bible. He uses various analogies and hints as to how to face what can be a daunting task. He uses examples such as interrupting a movie to discuss each scene, receiving a letter which is filled with blessings and so much more. Some of these analogies I have heard before but I had filed them away and forgot about them. This is a wonderful learning tool and refreshing book. It can be used individually or as a group as there are discussion questions at the end of each chapter.

Keith Ferrin performs one-man presentations of entire books of the Bible.

I was given this book by the publisher, Bethany House, the author and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Cookbook review: Lighten up, y'all

Oh, my. Lighten up, y'all: Classic Southern Recipes made Healthy and Wholesome is filled with comfort foods that maintain their taste and vision in spite of being redone in a healthy manner.

Virginia Willis has written other cookbooks, plus she is a blogger of Down-Home Comfort where she shares cooking with Food Network and the Cooking Channel. She has also made many guest appearances, been a director and a producer of different cooking shows. She is able to draw on all of the experience in this book to help the reader to enjoy the foods they have always enjoyed while maintaining a healthy diet.


This cookbook includes favorites such as Sinless Seven-Layer Dip, Barbeque Meatballs, Sassy Slaw, plus many recipes with starch, seafood, shellfish, poultry, pork, beef, lamb and, of course deserts.

I feel like I was very privileged to be given this wonderful cookbook to review by the author, Crown Publishing, Ten Speed Press and Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: The Canterbury Sisters

I started reading The Canterbury Sisters because the title and location of the story intrigued me. I enjoy Chaucer and this is a salute to his book The Canterbury Tales. Eight women met for the first time on a pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral. On the way they must each tell a story of love, much as Chaucer had occur in his book. The one that the group votes as most worthy will be rewarded by a feast at the end of the trail.

Along the way, the reader is introduced to each lady and, by the end of their tale, discovers the reason for each on to be heading to Canterbury. There are many versions of love as these women discover. The reader will be pulled into this book with the first words and will have their hearts lifted and broken as we hear tales of love.

Kim Wright wrote such a wonderful tale and I look forward to reading more of her works. Thank you so much.

I was given this book for my honest review by NetGalley and I most gladly gave it.

Book Review: The Summer's End

In The Summer's End, by Mary Alice Monroe, three sisters spend the summer at their grandmother's cottage. During this time, each sister confronts uncertainty from their lives. Through the help of each other and their MaMaw they are able to come to terms, not necessarily in the way they expected, with their concerns and they are able to end the summer knowing the importance each person in that cottage and in their lives have to their future.

I was not sure how I would like this book as it is the third and final book in the series and I had not read the others. However, by the end of the first chapter, I felt like I knew each of the characters and now I want to go back and begin the series with the first book.

Monroe takes the reader through the changes each girl faces without dragging out the story line but instead by letting the story unfold gradually. I will gladly read this book again and again.

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

Book Review: Moms' Night Out and other things I miss

Moms' Night Out by Kerri Pomarolli is filled with devotions that help mothers see life from another perspective. Each day begins with a Bible verse followed by her on insight on the verse and how Pomarolli has found it relevant to a time, either through her children or from other parts, of her life. After this she has two reflections that leaves the reader finding importance in different parts of their own lives. Finally each devotion ends with a wonderful prayer.

Kerri Pomarolli has placed so much of her self into each entry and has made it very do-able for the reader to find the relevance in the little things. I loved sharing entries with my friends and family and I look forward to other works by this author.

I would recommend this to anyone who likes to look at the lighter side of life or needs uplifting. Thank you Kerri Pomarolli and B& H Books.

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