CFBA: Dating Dining and Desperation

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Dating, Dining, and Desperation B&H Books (March 1, 2014) by Melody Carlson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from pre-school teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past eight years, she has published over ninety books for children, teens, and adults--with sales totaling more than two million and many titles appearing on the ECPA Bestsellers List. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards.

She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Daphne Ballinger has learned to accept her deceased, eccentric aunt’s strange request that she marry in order to inherit her estate, along with taking over her aunt’s hometown paper’s advice column. But knowing and accepting that God’s will be done becomes harder when a new neighbor, a divorced socialite, learns of Daphne’s predicament and takes on the task of finding her the perfect man, even if it includes speed dating. When God does open Daphne’s heart, it is instead to take in a young girl left parentless and in the care of her dying grandmother. It may be a temporary arrangement until the girl’s uncle returns from the Marines, but God uses Daphne to speak His heavenly love and protection into the life of the child -- whom Daphne soon discovers has a very handsome and single uncle.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Dating, Dining, and Desperation, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
This is the 2nd book in the Dear Daphne series, and this book continues where the first left off.  While it's best to read both books, I'm sure you'd do fine just diving into Dating, Dining, and Desperation!

Melody Carlson writes another charming winner that will have you laughing one minute and crying the next.  Daphne is on edge, having to find someone to marry within a year in order to keep the house her aunt has willed to her.....and finding someone isn't all that easy.

This is a fun read, but beware, once you begin you may not want to put it down...and the end will leave you hanging, waiting for the next book in the series....which for the time being will be an Ebook.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA

Have to knit this...TODAY!

So...now that I've decided I need to get back to knitting, I wanted to find a new dishcloth pattern, after searching for a while, I remembered one of my all time favorite dish cloth designers, Smariek Knits....she has awesome, incredible patterns!

You can find her on Ravelry HERE

I have some beautiful cotton yarn that I bought at Hobby Lobby, and I'm going to knit up a butterfly cloth with it....can't wait to get my needles clicking!



You can find Smariek Knits blog at:  http://smariek.blogspot.com/  ....I'll post a photo when I finish my cloth!  First though, I have a couple of dresses on order that I need to finish up....looks like I have a lot to do today!

 

Miracle of Hope Book Review

Book One in the Amish Wonders series.
How far can God’s mercy reach?


Lindie Wyse is pregnant out of wedlock and thinks an arranged marriage is the only way to preserve her future. Josiah Plank is certain he’ll never love again, but he needs someone to care for his eight-year-old daughter, Hannah. The two take on their arrangement tentatively at first but soon realize they are each in for more than they imagined.

Lindie experiences a breakthrough with Hannah when she recognizes Hannah’s special gifts, but a risky pregnancy and serious health issues threaten to demolish the foundation Josiah and Lindie are building. Will their growing love survive despite their struggles, or will their hearts become as cold as the northern winter?

Purchase a copy here.
Find out more at Ruth’s website.

*I am posting this on behalf of Litfuse Pulicity, I have not received the book, I will add my thoughts once I receive and read the book.

Book Review: My Amish Boyfriend

Shannon McNamara has exciting plans for the summer - getting her driver's license, a job, and more - and she can't wait to dive in. But her ill mother has plans of her own: to relocate them both to the heart of Amish country in Ohio where she has relatives who can help her.

Turns out a "simple" life is actually a lot of hard work. But when a hot young Amish guy named Ezra enters the picture, Shannon's ready to get an Amish makeover and even consider making it a permanent change. Will these plans come crashing down around her too? Or can she really make the jump into a whole new way of life?

Teen favorite Melody Carlson brings fans another surprising story of worlds - and families - colliding.




Melody Carlson is the award winning author of more than two hundred books, including the Life at Kingston High Series, the Dating Games series, Double Take, and A Simple Song.  She has received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice.  Melody and her husband live in Oregon.  Find out more at www.melodycarlson.com





MY THOUGHTS
A quick and entertaining read!  Perfect read for a teen, and an adult will enjoy it as well.  Shannon is quite the girl, not too many teens would be as willing and as kind hearted as she is.  She helps her mom without complaint, gives up her summer plans and learns about a family she never knew she had...all without complaint.

I enjoyed Shannon and her struggles, she had a lot of grace and strength.  This was the first Amish book that I've read with this type of a story line and it was really quite refreshing.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

 

Knitting......

 

It's seems like I've put my love for knitting on the back burner these past few months, but I've been itching to pick up my needles again, I found some inspiration on Pinterest, which led me Etsy,

 Isn't this scarf divine?

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/61887890/drifted-pearls-scarf-knitting-pattern

Over the winter, well, I guess it is STILL winter, but I've been in Arizona, so it doesn't feel very winter-like to my Minnesota blood!  Anyway, this winter I knitted up some headbands and sold quite a few to some friends who are currently being beaten up by Old Man Winter.

There are so many amazing things out there to knit....I'm almost overwhelmed, I'd love to dive into some of them, but for now, I need to replenish my washcloth stash....mine are getting a wee bit grungy.....but to make things exciting, I think I'll look for a new pattern.  What are you knitting?  What's your favorite thing to knit?  

 

CFBA: A Sky Withough Stars

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Sky Without Stars Abingdon Press (February 18, 2014) by Linda S. Clare ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Linda S. Clare is an award-winning author and coauthor of several books and has also published many essays, stories, and poems in publications, including The Christian Reader, The Denver Post, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. Her most recent book is A Sky without Stars, the newest release in Abingdon’s Quilts of Love line. Born in Arizona, Linda and her husband now make their home in Eugene, Oregon, where Linda has taught college-level creative writing classes, and writes, edits, and mentors other writers. She also is a frequent writing conference presenter, a church retreat leader, and mom to four grown children and five wayward cats.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Frankie Chasing Bear is caught between cultures. She wants to raise her son Harold to revere his Lakota heritage, but she also thinks he will need to learn the white man’s ways to succeed. After the untimely death of her husband, Frankie joins the U.S. Government’s Relocation Program and moves to Arizona. There she begins sewing a Lakota Star pattern quilt for Harold with tribal wisdom sung, sewn, and prayed into it. A bed without a quilt is like a sky without stars, but neither the quilt—nor her new life—comes easily to Frankie. Nick Vandergriff, for instance, is the last man Frankie wants to trust. He’s half-Lakota but Christian, and Frankie can see no good coming from that faith after her own parents were forced to convert at an Indian school. Can Nick convince Frankie that white men and Christians aren’t all bad? And will Frankie learn that love is the most important ingredient—for her son’s quilt and life itself?


If you would like to read the first chapter of A Sky Without Stars, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
This book is set in AZ, and there is one boy who is having quite a struggle being without a dad.  Frankie, his mom, is just trying to make their life better......and yet, she has some serious issues to work through.  As in the other Quilts of Love books, the quilt has deep ties to the story line and it helps to heal.

A very good read, a read about reaching out, helping, not giving up and love!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA

Book Review: Hopeful

Return to Sugarcreek, Book One

In the Amish town of Sugarcreek, love comes in many forms. But will it come at all for Miriam?

Miriam Zehr has worked at the Sugarcreek Inn longer than she cares to admit. The restaurant is a favorite of town residents as well as the many tourists who come to taste the famous Amish fare. Though she always tries to have a smile for every customer, deep down Miriam knows something’s missing: a family of her own.
Miriam has never felt particularly beautiful, especially because she’s always been a bit heavier than other girls her age. When Junior, the man she’s pined for all her life, suddenly seeks her out, she’s thrilled to be noticed . . . until she realizes he’s only asking her to help get the attention of Mary Kathryn Hershberger, her pretty friend.

If Miriam helps Junior court Mary Kathryn, she’ll get to spend a lot of time with him, but she might lose him in the process. Are these few stolen moments worth a lifetime of sacrifice? Is Miriam right to even hope for the life she dreams of?

Purchase a copy and learn more at Shelley’s website .

MY THOUGHTS
Miriam knows who she wants in her life, the problem is....he doesn't know it, which causes Miriam quite a bit of pain and even some embarrassment.

Junior just doesn't see Miriam's devotion to him, he only has eyes for Mary Kathryn, but she is running, hiding from her past...the mix makes for a bit of trouble in Sugarcreek, especially when Mary Kathryn's past comes knocking at her door.

This was a great start to a new series and I cannot wait to see what's in store for the characters in book 2!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Litfuse Publicity

Spirit Ball.......

Last Saturday I went to a greatly anticipated event. The Art Fair in Tubac, AZ. My daughter, sister-in-law and I spent the day together and had a day filled with fun, laughter, sun.....and some good old silliness! We spent the morning not buying too much, just a great book by a local artist, called 60 Miles of Border, but I'll tell you about that once I've finished reading it! Our fun find of the day were some Spirit Balls....have you heard of them? We were drawn to the booth by the sparkling balls....

The story behind the 'Ball"

The Spirit Ball dates back to 18th Century England, where hollow glass spheres were hung in windows to ward off evil spirits.  The glass strands inside each ball would capture the evil and keep it from entering a home.  To create a Scent Ball, you add drops of essential oil into the top pocket and hang it in a sunny window!

You can see the thin strands of glass

There were so many balls of different sizes and colors, it was hard to choose!  There were Christmas Tree Balls (bulbs) all the way up to some very large balls....maybe a bit smaller than a basketball...there were also hummingbird feeders, soap/lotion dispensers and more!   I love how the sunlight creates colors on my wall....just makes me happy!

I haven't tried any oils yet, not sure which scent I'd like to try!

The creator of this beautiful ball lives in NM, and has a website at www.robbinsranch.com

Can you picture these hanging outside in a tree?  I guess the very large ones are actually quite 'hardy' they can fall off the tree into the grass and not break, apparently the strands break, but not the ball....might not hold up in a severe wind storm...but.....

.......so that was my exciting find at the Tubac Art Fair!  Doesn't take a whole lot to make me happy, and now I'm keeping the evil spirits away as well....(we'll see about that part) !!!

 

Review: Brother Designio Series DZ1234 Serger

I love to sew, seems like I'm always making something, pillows, curtains, pillowcases, dresses, you name it, I'll try to make it!

I like to put a professional edge on my sewing, everything just looks so much nicer, neater, and seems to hold up better with a well sewn edge.

When I was given the opportunity to review the Brother Designio Series serger through Amazon, I jumped at the chance.  I was using an old serger that gave me more grief than anything.

Right out of the box, this serger was easy to use.  When I review items like this I like to see how easy 'they' are to use w/out following the directions.  This was pretty straight forward.  Threading the machine is very straight forward, everything is labeled and numbered, as long as you thread in the proper order, it's a whiz.

Basic seaming is easy as well, and everything worked beautifully, I didn't even have to make any adjustments to my tension.

As far as doing anything other than the basic serged edge stitch, I most definitely needed to use the manual, but it is very well written and easy to understand.

You can remove the cutting finger for a rolled edge, which I like to use on some of my seams, like this little dress I have for sale on Etsy

You can use a 3 or a 4 thread stitch with this machine, and it gathers very nicely as well.  A blind hem, gathering and piping foot are all included with the machine, as well as thread....although, I'd just toss the thread and use something better than what is sent....you'll be much happier with the results.

I truly enjoy using this serger, I think it's great for a beginner as well as a more advanced user, definitely worth the money.  My only complaint, is that the attachment that catches the cut off fabric is rather flimsy and doesn't hold a lot...but that's pretty minor when you look at how well the machine works!

*I received this serger in exchange for review from Amazon.

CFBA: Once Upon a Winter's Heart

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Once Upon a Winter's Heart Center Street (January 7, 2014) by Melody Carlson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from pre-school teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past eight years, she has published over ninety books for children, teens, and adults--with sales totaling more than two million and many titles appearing on the ECPA Bestsellers List. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards.

She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Emma Burcelli has suffered over a decade of dating disasters. But she concludes that love is officially dead when her grandfather Poppi suddenly passes, leaving her grandmother Nona devastated. To help out, Emma works in the family bookstore, which Nona insists must be decked out in sweetheart décor as Poppi would have done for Valentine's Day. Although she feels like a V-Day Scrooge, Emma quickly learns to enjoy the task with the help of a handsome family friend, Lane Forester, who shows her that hanging hearts is much more fun when done to the tune of Dean Martin. As Emma and Lane share time and memories of Poppi, she reconsiders the notion that romance is alive.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Once Upon a Winter's Heart, go HERE.

*I have not yet received my book for review, but will give you my thoughts once I do!

CFBA: Gabriel's Bride

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Gabriel's Bride B&H Books (February 1, 2014) by Amy Lillard

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I’m a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I’ve retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I’m from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son–a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, shoes, and romance novels–not necessarily in that order. I’m a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I’m shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that’s why I adore romances.

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I’m a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that’s me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twilight series (I’ll get to it or I won’t, either way I’m good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I’m alone on this last one, and again, I’m good with it.)

Favorite movies–(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940′s movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven’t seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn’s and Audrey’s.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Rachel Yoder has two choices: marry Gabriel Fisher or move to Ohio. As an orphan, Rachel doesn’t have much to offer; any match she can make will be a good one. She just didn’t plan on Gabriel with his big hands and permanent frown. As a widower Gabriel needs help caring for the farm and his six children. But he never thought he’d marry a slip of a girl who barely reaches his chin. Yet as time passes, Gabriel finds himself thinking about a real marriage. They have spoken vows to God and each other, but can he risk his heart with Rachel?


If you would like to read the first chapter of Gabriel's Bride, go HERE.


MY THOUGHTS
I enjoyed this book...although I did feel for Rachel when she went to live with Gabriel...even I felt nervous just reading about him!  His scowl, if you don't know him is enough to make you feel a bit on edge....and Rachel, well, she hasn't out and about all that much, living a bit of a sheltered life with her aunt.

Rachel, tiny as she may be, is really quite strong, you can definitely see her strengths as the book goes on.

Of course, you have your typical love story, but you don't always find a charming little boy like Samuel, nor little brothers who have as much trouble up their sleeves as Samuel has charm.

A very good read, and another side to the life of the Amish!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA

Etsy...I HAVE arrived

Well, I finally took the plunge and officially opened my Etsy store!  I've had a store for years, an empty store....but now it has items for sale!  I'm slowing adding more inventory, but you have to start somewhere!  I think it was the most difficult just getting over my insecurity and actually doing it.

Now that I have my store I've been having a lot of fun coming up with variations on my items, and hopefully, will soon offer little boy items as well as girl items.  I also have a few adult items...cosmetic pouches/purse organizers, which are actually really quite handy!

I would love for you to take a look at my store, spread the word....I have at least one blog who will be sponsoring a gift card giveaway for my store soon!  I'll let you know when the giveaway begins!

I'd love to hear from you, ideas, thoughts....what do you look for when buying a gift or an item for a little one?  Is there anything out there you can never find???

Here's the link to my shop!  https://www.etsy.com/shop/LilPieceofAttitude