tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87781343961565906642024-03-13T12:31:06.346-05:00Knits, Reads and ReviewsBook and product reviews, knitting, crafts and little bit more!
“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” Dr. SeussAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.comBlogger1148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778134396156590664.post-23061501473891104132016-12-07T19:01:00.002-06:002016-12-07T19:01:35.270-06:0040 Days to a Joyful Motherhood<span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481152808716_30034"></span><br />
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by Sarah Humphrey </div>
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<b id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481152808716_30058"><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481152808716_30057" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "itc avant garde" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;">Devotional/Mother</span><br /><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481152808716_30072" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "itc avant garde" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Abingdon</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , "itc avant garde" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;"> Press</span></b></div>
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Wouldn't it be marvelous if mothering came with a concrete set of instructions</div>
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---an
easy recipe we could follow? Instead, motherhood challenges women to
find their faith, their true selves, and their family through daily
doses of trial and error. It is a brilliant and healing time of life
that is full of jo<span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481152808716_30034"><b id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481152808716_30061" style="font-size: 8pt;"></b></span>y, pain, and beauty with a small side of crisis (and
humor). What mothers do not know, they learn. And through this lifelong
process of learning, they nurture and care for the most precious gifts
on earth: children. </div>
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In
a modern society where moms often have a full and busy plate, these 10
minute daily devotions focus on six key topics of motherhood:</div>
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* Self-acceptance</div>
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* Self-care</div>
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* Reconciling with grief, hope and expectations</div>
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* Generosity</div>
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* Presence</div>
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* Forgiveness</div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481152808716_30117" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "itc avant garde" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">In
addition to the devotions, these beautiful pages are adorned with
handmade illustrations to help you refresh from long days or even
occasional sleepless nights. So, grab your colors and a little quiet
time for yourself while doodling at the kitchen table. You will be
grateful you did! </span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481152808716_30117" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "itc avant garde" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481152808716_30117" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "itc avant garde" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">MY THOUGHTS</span></b></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481152808716_30118">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481152808716_30117" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "itc avant garde" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This is not only a lovely book to read, but a beautiful book! Doodle and color away as you think about what you've read, a perfect way to reflect as well as relax. I can't think of a better gift!</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481152808716_30117" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "itc avant garde" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Each of the 40 days begins with a Bible verse reference and a ends with a simple prayer. The coloring page is opposite the daily read. </span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481152808716_30117" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "itc avant garde" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Author Sarah Humphrey nailed it when she wrote this book with motherhood in mind! Even if you're not a doodler, or a coloring fan you will love this book for the daily devotions alone! </span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481152808716_30117" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "itc avant garde" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481152808716_30117" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "itc avant garde" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Litfuse Pulicity Group</span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Sister's Wish</span></span></i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">In
Shelley Shepard Gray's third book in her Charmed Amish Life series, a
respectable young woman finds herself falling for an Amish man from the
wrong side of the tracks.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Amelia
Kinsinger is the perfect Amish woman---at least according to her
neighbors. And while Amelia takes pride in her role as homemaker, she's
also harboring a secret: She's been in love with bad boy Simon
Hochstetler for as long as she can remember. Too bad he's about as far
from "perfect" as an Amish man could get . . . but that's exactly why
she's so drawn to him.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Life
hasn't been kind to Simon. He ran away from an abusive home at fifteen
and things went downhill from there. Eventually, Simon landed in prison.
But the experience changed him. Now back in Charm as a grown man, he's
determined to make a new life for himself and not think too much about
his wild past . . . unless it pertains to Amelia.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">He's
loved Amelia for years. To him, she represents everything good and kind
in the world. When he realizes that she returns his affections, he
starts calling on her in secret, even though her older brother
Lukas---who just happens to be Simon's best friend---has made it
perfectly clear that Amelia deserves better. Simon disagrees and
believes he's the only one who can truly make her happy. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">But
when Amelia gets hurt, it sets off a chain of events that forces them
to consider their future together---and face their past mistakes.
There's a chance for love . . . but only if Simon dares to trust Amelia
with the secrets of his past.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">MY THOUGHTS</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We all know<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> people who are sheltered, <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">people who have been hurt, and in this st<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">ory Ame<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">lia is that person. She <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">has a sweet <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">disposition which is quite good because she needs it with her family! Simon, <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">a good family friend, but is he good enough? Everything come<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">s to <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">a halt, or ma<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">ybe a whirlwind <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">is a better way to describe it when Am<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">elia has <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">an unfortunate accident. Enough fun, <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">romance and every day drama to keep your interest<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">, a fun read!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">An Amish Family Christmas</span></span></span></span></i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1476141707427_311784" style="font-family: "century gothic","itc avant garde","arial","helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">
In
Shelley Shepard Gray's fourth book in her Charmed Amish Life series, an
unlikely Amish romance reveals that Christmas is a time for family, miracles---and love<br />
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Ever
since his father died in a tragic fire, Levi Kinsinger has felt adrift.
Newly returned to Charm, Ohio, Levi is trying to fit into his old life,
only to discover he seems to have outgrown it.</div>
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But
when Julia, his young widowed neighbor, asks for his help with a
Christmas project, Levi finds a sense of purpose for the first time in
months. She and her daughter are new to Charm and could use a friend, a
job Levi takes personally. Soon enough, friendship grows into
attraction, but Levi can't help having doubts. There's something about
Julia that doesn't ring quite true . . .</div>
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Like
Levi, Julia Kemps has survived her fair share of hardships----but only
by hiding the truth of her past. Being an unmarried mother in an Amish
community was unthinkable. Feeling hopeless, Julia did the only thing
she could do: she moved to a new town and pretended to be a widow. But
meeting Levi, she's hopeful for the first time. Little by little, she
begins to imagine telling him her darkest secret, and eventually . . .
perhaps even sharing her life with him.</div>
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1476141707427_311792" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "itc avant garde" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Christmas
is a time for family, and as the holiday draws closer, Julia and Levi
will have to face their pasts together . . . in order to find the
healing, support and love they so desperately desire.</span><br />
<br />
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1476141707427_311792" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "itc avant garde" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">MY THOUGHTS </span></span></span><br />
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1476141707427_311792" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "itc avant garde" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">book was a <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">bit different, 'fresh' compare<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">d to many of the Amish stories I have rea<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">d, I enjoyed that! Full of plenty of excitement and adventure to keep the pages turning. Levi, he's a bit of a curio<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">sity<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">, people <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">like to talk about him, eve<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">ry one knows him. <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The opposite can be said about Ju<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">lia, <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">some wonder about <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">her, if she's telling the truth and <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">there are some fun turn of events that bring mystery to the story!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">*I received both books from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review </span></i></span></span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778134396156590664.post-31987633295773350032016-11-03T16:44:00.000-05:002016-11-06T16:44:35.735-06:00Christian's Hope<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Christians-Hope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Christian’s Hope" border="0" class="left" height="auto" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Christians-Hope.jpg" width="250" /></a>Christian’s Hope (Herald Press, October 2016)<br />
<br />
When Christian Hochstetler returns to the Amish after seven years in captivity, he finds that many things have shifted.<br />
<br />
Captured as a child during the French and Indian War, Christian has spent much of his life among Native Americans, who cared for him and taught him their ways. Now that Christian is home, his father wants him to settle back into their predictable Amish life of farming, and Christian’s budding friendship with Orpha Rupp beckons him to stay as well.<br />
<br />
Yet Christian feels restless, and he misses his adoptive Native American family—who raised him as their own son. When faced with a life-altering decision, will Christian choose the Amish identity that his father desires for him? Or will he depart from his family and faith community yet again?<br />
<br />
Christian’s Hope tells the story of the younger brother of Joseph and son of Jacob, whom readers have come to love in the first two books in the Return to Northkill series. Based on actual events and written by a descendant of the Hochstetler family, Christian’s Hope brings the sweeping epic of the Return to Northkill series to a soul-stirring end.<br />
<br />
<br />
MY THOUGHTS<br />
This is the 3rd book in this series, for once I'm going to recommend reading the entire series, you will enjoy the book much more. This story is based on a historical truth, and it is an Amish story unlike any I have ever read before.<br />
<br />
When reading about Amish, you don't generally think of Amish and Native American's in the same book, this is an entirely new aspect to the Amish, and I really enjoyed this book. I have not read the first two books, and I was able to enjoy this story, but like I mentioned, it would have been much more enjoyable had I read the previous books.<br />
<br />
Kudos to Ervin R. Stutzman for bringing up an entirely new Amish story line!<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review.</span> <br />
<a href="http://s66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/?action=view&current=SignatureLuLu.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="https://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/SignatureLuLu.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778134396156590664.post-62808088533361321062016-05-30T20:18:00.001-05:002016-05-31T09:29:30.335-05:00A Daughter's Dream and 5 book giveaway!<span style="font-size: large;"><i>A Daughter’s Dream</i></span> (Avon Inspire, May 2016)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/A-Daughters-Dream.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Daughter’s Dream" border="0" class="left" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/A-Daughters-Dream.png" height="auto" width="250" /></a><b>A young teacher and farmer discover they have much in common,
especially when it comes to healing old wounds from the past . . . and
finding love in one another.</b><br />
<br />
Rebecca Kinsinger has always dreamed of being a teacher. But when
she’s given the opportunity she’s been waiting for at Charm Amish
School, she’s dismayed to discover that teaching is hard work—work she’s
afraid she’s not very good at.<br />
<br />
That is, until Lilly Yoder joins the class. A thirteen-year old who’s
just lost her parents, Lilly is in need of someone like Rebecca. For
the first time since starting her new job, Rebecca feels a sense of
purpose. But when she meets Lilly’s uncle, Jacob, his good looks and
sweet, easy-going temperament are hard to ignore. How can she even
entertain romantic thoughts of Jacob when his niece is her student?<br />
Suddenly becoming Lily’s sole caregiver, Jacob Yoder never thought
he’d be a single parent—or a farmer. Having been living in Florida as a
carpenter, Jacob feels more at home wielding a hammer than a backhoe.
The only bright spot in his life is Rebecca Kinsinger. As Lily and
Rebecca develop a bond, Jacob’s fondness for the pretty teacher grows,
too.<br />
<br />
But when a fateful accident brings them together, Rebecca and Jacob
must choose between duty and desire. Will they follow the path before
them? Or set out to find true happiness . . . and true love?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>My Thoughts</b></span><br />
This was a fun read, there were times I found myself chuckling....like when Rebecca took over the classroom, or as I read other circumstances she found herself in.<br />
<br />
Rebecca lives with her brother and his wife, their parents have passed away, their dad in a terrible work accident at the factory the family owns....should Rebecca keep working there, or follow her dreams? That is the big question in this book.<br />
<br />
Jacob finds himself a single parent after taking guardianship of his niece. He moves from Florida to live with his parents...raising a young teen is definitely not his strong point!<br />
<br />
This book kept me quite entertained, it was fun, fast paced and easy to read. As always, Shelley Shepard Gray writes an interesting story line, clean, but yet, not preachy...a great read!<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Litfuse Publicity Group.</span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> How would you like to win 5 new books?!!! Click <a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/9a93">HERE</a> to enter the giveaway!</span></b></span></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778134396156590664.post-32312608702752100502016-03-16T20:23:00.001-05:002016-03-16T20:39:51.924-05:00Book Review: Favorite Flavors of Ireland<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: lime;"><b>In honor of St. Patrick's Day tomorrow, I'm reviewing a wonderful cookbook of Margaret M Johnson! </b></span></span></div>
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Favorite Flavors of Ireland invites readers, cooks, and armchair travelers alike on a nostalgic tour of one of Europe’s most beloved destinations. From her first visit in 1984, Margaret Johnson has forged an indelible bond with Ireland and Irish food, and she shares this unique relationship with you in her eleventh cookbook. You’ll find recipes that have become her favorites along with a few recent discoveries that are sure to please. The book brings home all the classics—Shepherd’s Pie, Bacon and Cabbage, Seafood Chowder, Bread and Butter Pudding—and provides an insightful look into the seasonal ingredients that shape the country’s cooking. With over 100 recipes and evocative photos that transport you to the Irish countryside, this colorful collection will awaken your senses to the delicious food of this warm and welcoming land and keep those Irish eyes smilin’ all through the year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ambassador-international.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Johnson-2-150x150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="attachment-thumbnail alignleft" src="http://ambassador-international.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Johnson-2-150x150.jpg" height="150" title="" width="150" /></a>Margaret M. Johnson is author of ten cookbooks—Christmas Flavors of Ireland; Flavors of Ireland; The Irish Pub Cookbook; Irish Puddings, Tarts, Crumbles, and Fools; The Irish Spirit; The New Irish Table; The Irish Heritage Cookbook; Tea & Crumpets; Cooking With Irish Spirits; and Ireland: Grand Places, Glorious Food.<br />
<br />
As a food and travel writer she has contributed to publications in both the U.S. and Ireland including Intermezzo Magazine; Cooking Light; Cara, the inflight magazine of Aer Lingus; Dublin’s Food & Wine Magazine; the Irish Echo newspaper; and to online sites such as thewildgeese.com, and irishabroad.com. She frequently appears at Irish food and cultural events, and when she’s not visiting her ancestral home in Ireland, she lives in Westhampton Beach, NY.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime;">MY THOUGHTS</span><br />
<br />
Let me just say, I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy this cookbook or not, I don't especially like to cook, but I do love to bake. I was happily surprised at the content in this book. The book takes you through all four seasons, and not only does it have recipes, but also beautiful photos of the Irish countryside and a little blurb about each season.<br />
<br />
Come Spring you'll find Carrot Soup w/Bacon, yes please! Wonderful sides, and delicious desserts such as Irish Cream Coffee Cake. Summer will have you eating Nutty Brown Bread, Fish and Chips, and Blackberry Almond Cake. Autumn brings Peppered Pork Loin Roast , Autumn Salad with apples and walnuts, and Marmalade Puddings. Last but not least you can cozy up in the winter with Cranberry-Oat Bran Muffins, Burren Smoken Salmon on Potato Cakes and Sticky Toffee Pudding.<br />
<br />
Hungry yet?<br />
<br />
I have tried a few of the recipes and so far find them to be easy to read, easy to make and very well written...as well as quite delicious! Ingredients are listed in US measurements as well at Metric.<br />
<br />
So glad I tried this book, would make a beautiful gift!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Alison over at Ambassador International</i></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/?action=view&current=SignatureLuLu.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/SignatureLuLu.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778134396156590664.post-33878478009216714952016-02-10T11:43:00.002-06:002016-02-10T11:43:33.589-06:00Book Review: Crafter's Market 2016<b><a href="http://cdn.fwmedia.com/media/catalog/product/cache/35/image/240x320/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/T/8/T8644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://cdn.fwmedia.com/media/catalog/product/cache/35/image/240x320/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/T/8/T8644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://cdn.fwmedia.com/media/catalog/product/cache/35/image/240x320/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/T/8/T8644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Turn your passion into a business with the second edition of Crafter's
Market. Both a starting point and a research tool, this guide is your
go-to resource to turning your love for crafting into a career.</i></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cdn.fwmedia.com/media/catalog/product/cache/35/image/240x320/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/T/8/T8644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" itemprop="image" src="http://cdn.fwmedia.com/media/catalog/product/cache/35/image/240x320/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/T/8/T8644.jpg" style="opacity: 1;" title="" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
<strong>You will love this book if:</strong><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>You are looking to start or grow your craft business</li>
<li>You need advice on how to promote your business and locations to sell your products</li>
<li>You are an artist in jewelry, fiber, quilting, or paper art</li>
</ul>
Turn your passion into a business with the second edition of <em>Crafter’s Market.</em>
Both a starting point and a research tool, this guide is your go-to
resource to turning your love for crafting into a career. Enjoy articles
from craft professionals providing insight, tips, and advice into
business-related subjects such as branding, packaging, social media,
publishing and copyright. A bulk of this 352 page book is filled with
listings--names, contact information, company descriptions, submission
guidelines and more--from companies and events that provide avenues for
building and growing a craft business.<br />
<br />
<strong>Order your copy of the <em>2016 Crafter’s Market </em>to learn how to successfully build and grow your art business while avoiding common mistakes new business owners face.</strong><br />
<strong>In the <em>2016 Crafter’s Market</em> you will find: </strong><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><strong>Complete, up-to-date information</strong> for 1,000 craft market resources, including craft shows, magazines, book publishers, online marketplaces and more!</li>
<li><strong>Markets for a variety of crafts</strong>, including quilting, sewing, knitting, crochet, papercrafting and jewelry making.</li>
<li><strong>A FREE subscription</strong> to ArtistsMarketOnline.com, the best site to help you learn how & where to sell what you create</li>
<li>And much more!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/crafters-market-2016">You can buy the book HERE</a><br />
<br />
<br />
SKU:
<span itemprop="sku">T8644</span>
<br />
Author/Speaker/Editor:
<span>Edited by Kerry Bogert</span>
<br />
Format:
<span>Paperback</span>
<br />
ISBN 13:
<span itemprop="gtin13">9781440244841</span>
<br />
Number Of Pages:
<span>352</span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;"><b>MY THOUGHTS About the book:</b></span><br />
If you have ever wondered about making money selling your crafts and designs this is a great 'go to' book.<br />
<br />
It begins with the basics of staying on track, getting paid and copyright info. From there you will read interviews and articles, getting tips on everything from pinterest, pricing and craft shows.<br />
<br />
Also included are lists of shows, fairs, online marketplaces, publishers, magazines, retreats and online communities.<br />
<br />
<br />
You will learn a lot from this book, you will not find cozy stories of success or ideas of items to make...definitely purchase this book if you're looking to get into the bigger market, this book is not really intended for the small school/church/etc. type of shows!<br />
<br />
<i>**I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Bethany over at Lifestyle, Craft and Design.</i><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1455080198491_83805" style="color: black; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://s66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/?action=view&current=SignatureLuLu.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/SignatureLuLu.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778134396156590664.post-54587856627743816132015-12-24T09:32:00.003-06:002015-12-24T09:32:54.785-06:00World Vision Winner!!I'd like to wish you all a very <span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: red;"><b>Merry Christmas</b></span></i></span>! I'm finished with my baking, my cooking, almost done cleaning, have a few beds to prepare and an apron and bow tie left to sew. Within 5 hours my family will start arriving from out of town! YIKES.<br />
<br />
Thanks for all of the great entries to the giveaway, I enjoyed reading what everyone would like to donate....I'll start emailing you to collect your donations after Christmas. JUST KIDDING!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
......the WINNER is:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">VICKI HOWES</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Congratulations Vicki!</span></span></span><i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/?action=view&current=SignatureLuLu.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/SignatureLuLu.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778134396156590664.post-33131564064880319732015-12-17T16:36:00.002-06:002015-12-17T16:57:49.454-06:00World Vision...and a giveaway!Have you heard World Vision? They have 46,000 staff members World wide and are in nearly 100 countries! They integraterating lasting solutions to the root causes of poverty and sharing God’s hope for a brighter future.<br />
<br />
There are several ways that you can help, here are just a few.....<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://wilkspr.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=5AD8DB6&e=848DC6&c=1EA2B&t=0&l=F652376&email=T%2FcviA3xk8uop%2B2GI908D93Dy2vOy32N&seq=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soccer Balls</a>
– Every parent knows one of the best feelings in the world is seeing a
child’s face light up like the Christmas tree as they discover what’s
been left for them by Santa. Donors can pass that same joy along to kids
across the world with their gift of soccer balls, which replace
makeshift balls made of banana leaves or rolled-up trash. The global
popularity of soccer makes this gift a great way to reach out with a
helping hand. $16 for two balls, $32 for four, $48 for six</div>
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<tr id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_534242"><td align="left" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_534241" style="color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;" valign="top"><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_534240" style="line-height: 150%;">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_534239">
<a href="http://wilkspr.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=5AD8DB5&e=848DC6&c=1EA2B&t=0&l=F652376&email=T%2FcviA3xk8uop%2B2GI908D93Dy2vOy32N&seq=1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_534333" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fruit Trees</a>
– Even with all the sweets and treats the holiday season brings, it’s
important to remember nature’s candy—and not just for the figgy pudding!
Donating five, ten, or fifteen fruit trees can help a family feed
itself and start a business. The seed of this gift can blossom for years
as a few trees turns into groves and orchards full of good, healthy
fruit. Partridges not included. $30 for five trees, $60 for ten, $90 for
fifteen</div>
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<tr id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_533505"><td align="center" height="259" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_533504" valign="top" width="50%"><img border="0" class="yiv8945928447mobile-img-large" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_533503" src="https://images.benchmarkemail.com/client125483/image2516895.jpg" style="display: block; max-width: 334px;" width="270" /></td></tr>
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<tr id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_533536"><td align="left" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_533535" style="color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;" valign="top"><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_533534" style="line-height: 150%;">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_533533">
<a href="http://wilkspr.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=5AD8D34&e=848DC6&c=1EA2B&t=0&l=F652376&email=T%2FcviA3xk8uop%2B2GI908D93Dy2vOy32N&seq=1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_534108" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goats</a>
– World Vision offers donors a variety of livestock to choose from, and
goats are their most popular option. One goat is a valuable source of
milk and fertilizer for a family. The milk provides children with
easy-to-digest protein and calcium, and the fertilizer helps crops
flourish. A gift of two goats sets a family on a path towards success as
shepherds who can start their own flock. $75 for one, $150 for two</div>
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<tr id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_534148"><td align="center" height="252" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_534147" valign="top" width="50%"><img border="0" class="yiv8945928447mobile-img-large" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_534146" src="https://images.benchmarkemail.com/client125483/image2516905.jpg" style="display: block; max-width: 500px;" width="270" /></td></tr>
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<table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv8945928447bmeCaptionTable" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_534189" style="float: left; width: 270px;"><tbody id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_534188">
<tr id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_534187"><td align="left" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_534186" style="color: #383838; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;" valign="top"><div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_534185" style="line-height: 150%;">
<a href="http://wilkspr.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=5AD8DB7&e=848DC6&c=1EA2B&t=0&l=F652376&email=T%2FcviA3xk8uop%2B2GI908D93Dy2vOy32N&seq=1" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_534540" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">Career Training for Girls & Women</a>
– Empower a woman with this investment in skills training, business
education, and, most importantly, hope. With opportunities in weaving,
jewelry-making, baking, dairy farming, and more, this gift helps create
the chance for mothers and daughters to take their future into their own
hands. It’s like they always say: Give a woman a fish, and you feed her
for a day. Teach a woman to fish, and you can change the world.
$25-$125</div>
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World Vision also has an amazing <a href="http://donate.worldvision.org/ways-to-give">Gift Catalog</a> where you can purchase many different ways to give, or even buy a beautiful handcrafted item!<br />
<br />
I was given a beautiful Turquiose Necklace, bracelet and earring set to review, and one of my lucky readers can win their very own set!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_xQrEjSe_uK-c1nBOIMDq4m_h9hrWlI_4OwYTkMNFVRLwAQ6_NQsn2yi5bpvfemENeOcbCrEOR8C1RUnbESsYXPrVr56w_TUV1RzOtRIrgwuV6N_ylFtuS8WySE2LJ-uQSxReYWjUPU/s1600/Turquoise+Earrings+and+Bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_xQrEjSe_uK-c1nBOIMDq4m_h9hrWlI_4OwYTkMNFVRLwAQ6_NQsn2yi5bpvfemENeOcbCrEOR8C1RUnbESsYXPrVr56w_TUV1RzOtRIrgwuV6N_ylFtuS8WySE2LJ-uQSxReYWjUPU/s640/Turquoise+Earrings+and+Bracelet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDVbi9BazRtIVDuEGe7zM9ay9AOsnzX86-AklDvM2rD0jjTaF-xQ0XLZ2520YIgwKGspwlV5QEG6jWpTnLLgaP2slyxbxNttqHq97dUdvPeNgwXaARIJjtw3yalRII7NZTd0CqUebWMQ/s1600/Turquoise+Necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDVbi9BazRtIVDuEGe7zM9ay9AOsnzX86-AklDvM2rD0jjTaF-xQ0XLZ2520YIgwKGspwlV5QEG6jWpTnLLgaP2slyxbxNttqHq97dUdvPeNgwXaARIJjtw3yalRII7NZTd0CqUebWMQ/s640/Turquoise+Necklace.jpg" width="356" /></a></div>
The photos truly do not give this Drops of Turquoise set justice. It was made by artisans in Delhi who are now able to support their family thanks to fair trade wages. The pieces are large, yet they are not cumbersome, heavy, or overly stated. They truly are beautiful, and I feel honored to have been chosen for a review, and to wear this beautiful set.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_533717">
<i>
Approximate size: 20" long<br />
Nickel-free.</i><br />
<br />
To order from World Vision’s Gift Catalog, call 855-WV-GIFTS or use the direct link below:</div>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_533723">
<a href="http://wilkspr.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=5AD8CE3&e=848DC6&c=1EA2B&t=0&l=F652376&email=T%2FcviA3xk8uop%2B2GI908D93Dy2vOy32N&seq=2" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_533729" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://donate.worldvision.org/ways-to-give/gift-catalog?campaign=108929254I</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
****************************************************************</div>
<br />
Now...how about on to the GIVEAWAY!!!<br />
*First, there are a few rules.<br />
-Separate comment for each entry, with email address so you can be notified when you win!!! <br />
-Winner will have 24hrs to respond, or a new winner will be chosen.<br />
-USA only for this one<br />
-The lucky winner will be sent the entire set directly from the company.<br />
<br />
HOW TO ENTER:<br />
#1 Visit the World Vision Site and tell me how you would donate<br />
<br />
#2 Follow World Vision on <a href="http://worldvision/">Facebook</a><br />
#3 Follow World Vision on <a href="http://worldvisionnews/">Twitter</a></div>
<br />
<br />
That's all...keeping this short, sweet and simple 'cause I know you're all busy with Christmas right around the corner. Now, what are you waiting for, hurry up and enter so you can win yourself this fabulous gift!<br />
<br />
Oh! I almost forgot...the giveaway will end at Midnight on Dec. 23rd!! I will notify the lucky winner here on my blog as well as in an email on the 24th!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>GOOD LUCK!!!</b></span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1450192995479_533723">
**I received these items in exchange for an honest review from Wilks Communications Group</div>
<a href="http://s66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/?action=view&current=SignatureLuLu.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/SignatureLuLu.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.com84tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778134396156590664.post-2373717961019925162015-11-22T14:33:00.001-06:002015-11-22T14:33:39.223-06:00An Endless Christmas, Book Review and a $100 giveaway!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><em id="yui_3_16_0_1_1448203361621_2734"><strong id="yui_3_16_0_1_1448203361621_2733">An Endless Christmas</strong></em> (Worthy Inspired, October 2015)<br /></b><b><img align="left" border="0" height="291" hspace="5" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1448203361621_2724" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.897" src="http://files.ctctcdn.com/d06cdd88001/b6da3e0c-cc0e-4ba5-a475-eea7d1d43111.png" vspace="5" width="192" />Too many people, too much snow, and too little room should be a recipe for disaster.</b><br />Christmas
takes a very different turn when the guests of honor break up instead
of announcing their engagement. Trapped with his family, they learn that
love looks different than either imagined. Both in their eighties,
Dodie and Wilson Binder celebrate every Christmas as if it were their
last. This year, their grandson Micah is planning to ask his girlfriend,
Katie, to marry him so they can celebrate with the whole family. But
things go very wrong when she says, "no." Now they are stuck. Too many
people, too much snow, and too little room should be a recipe for
disaster. But sometimes too much is just enough. Especially when it's
Christmas.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1448203361621_2731">
<span style="color: black;"><strong><br />Purchase a copy: </strong></span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kAmA0w0jfMopatnu9epi4TTZp8XA6LZoFj7vaa87Oh4Mt_a9yP6BdDnBWmwxHURjnZRMCVd3_qM_Q9SmA3NqXP2g9AbO6AnPa4JOJlJ_NWtpKKzUwhS_03vpdto9yN99Npx5potkbnMP_N9tULP98HKlD_YTdlSCSaQ-xuAE-fA=&c=U5aA_iM67jYhhOzs7AHNTsCb-WtsmxVI9nskSmMoS-_x3LnsCFoORQ==&ch=YhsUoa4Ss7u-PqrdgRjAcSCWBnfZj3GFv2yi3adlkRuQiUZ7oZcgyw==" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #6ba3a6; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/1PmF69N</a><br /><div>
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<div align="left" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1448203361621_2744" style="text-align: left;">
<strong id="yui_3_16_0_1_1448203361621_2747"> </strong></div>
<div align="left" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1448203361621_2744" style="text-align: left;">
<strong id="yui_3_16_0_1_1448203361621_2747"> </strong></div>
<div align="left" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1448203361621_2744" style="text-align: left;">
<strong id="yui_3_16_0_1_1448203361621_2747">About the author: <br /><div align="center" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1448203361621_2746">
</div>
</strong></div>
<div align="left" style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://files.ctctcdn.com/d06cdd88001/9cb7f9d3-d51b-4ed0-af47-31317744af6d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" height="200" hspace="5" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1448203361621_2745" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.151" src="http://files.ctctcdn.com/d06cdd88001/9cb7f9d3-d51b-4ed0-af47-31317744af6d.jpg" vspace="5" width="151" /></a>Drawing from 33 years of on-air radio ministry, <strong>Cynthia Ruchti</strong>
tells stories of hope-that-glows-in-the-dark through her novels and
novellas, nonfiction books and devotionals, and speaking for women's and
writers' events. Her books have been recognized by Romantic Times
Reviewers' Choice Awards, Selah Awards, the Gayle Wilson Award of
Excellence, Christian Retailing's BEST Awards, and Carol Award
nominations, among other honors, including a Family Fiction Readers'
Choice Award. She and her plot-tweaking husband live in Pittsville,
Wisconsin, not far from their three children and five grandchildren.<br /><br /><strong>Connect with Cynthia: </strong><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kAmA0w0jfMopatnu9epi4TTZp8XA6LZoFj7vaa87Oh4Mt_a9yP6BdD3bj0Opu1JTfBBCjVZXfLdLMvBb3R9uGioqcJuWORwHtKL0a0QXY7_D2SoIBBTLnXGHNnKlz0sEPc11nUEP207Meb7qXaerr9kX_YLBCZ9jFgP39XjxYI-QpQ988fQL3w==&c=U5aA_iM67jYhhOzs7AHNTsCb-WtsmxVI9nskSmMoS-_x3LnsCFoORQ==&ch=YhsUoa4Ss7u-PqrdgRjAcSCWBnfZj3GFv2yi3adlkRuQiUZ7oZcgyw==" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #6ba3a6; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">website</a>, <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kAmA0w0jfMopatnu9epi4TTZp8XA6LZoFj7vaa87Oh4Mt_a9yP6BdPY4epETbf_YwoqhszXvyOYKvQIKzZFA1qMJ_er96G2eqD-sKKNdsdtK4msKjZy4YiKDBq1P8yWW-Q3HQONfFzxNXnmjvidbsUrP_J6AcsYjm_12Tzfa6fPDB_TjY_N0TlQqVriLoPsV&c=U5aA_iM67jYhhOzs7AHNTsCb-WtsmxVI9nskSmMoS-_x3LnsCFoORQ==&ch=YhsUoa4Ss7u-PqrdgRjAcSCWBnfZj3GFv2yi3adlkRuQiUZ7oZcgyw==" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #6ba3a6; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kAmA0w0jfMopatnu9epi4TTZp8XA6LZoFj7vaa87Oh4Mt_a9yP6BdPY4epETbf_YgtUuQ01u5TCge2OvrGb3QmNCeqU2RViN1JYYPOXvxYibqkY5Y-ioXYMIFbx_TzP8uJOv8RHv5qeH-siuL2JfbdS3dFOW5U4k4IJ2AdFn0b-KfIiiqshUklKkVZR-dZLjna8-J3aDSJw=&c=U5aA_iM67jYhhOzs7AHNTsCb-WtsmxVI9nskSmMoS-_x3LnsCFoORQ==&ch=YhsUoa4Ss7u-PqrdgRjAcSCWBnfZj3GFv2yi3adlkRuQiUZ7oZcgyw==" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #6ba3a6; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>MY THOUGHTS</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I cannot lie, one of the reasons I enjoyed this book was due to it's setting. Stillwater is just a 40 min. drive for me, so I could easily picture the setting. The snow, the crowds while shopping downtown Stillwater...despite my knowledge of the area, I believe anyone reading this story will easily visualize the setting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I can't imagine how Katie must have felt upon her arrival at the Wilson's...much less the shock she's in for after walking in the front door!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Katie, as well as Micah's family are all gracious, Katie is waiting though....waiting for the family to show their true selves. One thing after another happens, some good, some bad. There are some realizations, a lot of love, a lot of commotion, and the book leaves you with a nice warm cozy feeling despite the snow being dumped outside!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">A very enjoyable get in the holiday spirit read! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><b> </b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>**I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Litfuse Publicity</i></span><b> </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b> ********************************************************</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Celebrate the holidays with Cynthia and <i>An Endless Christmas</i> by entering her $100 Target gift card giveaway!</b></span>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/8731" target="_blank"><img alt="endless christmas-400" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-17375" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/endless-christmas-400.png" height="300" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
<b>One grand prize winner will receive:</b>
<br />
<ul>
<li>A copy of <i>An Endless Christmas</i></li>
<li>A $100 gift card to Target</li>
</ul>
<b>Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 30th.</b> The winner will be announced December 1st on <a href="http://www.cynthiaruchti.com/hopenotes/" target="_blank"><b>Cynthia's blog</b></a>.
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/8731" target="_blank"><img alt="endless christmas-enterbanner" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-17377" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/endless-christmas-enterbanner.png" height="100" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://s66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/?action=view&current=SignatureLuLu.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/SignatureLuLu.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778134396156590664.post-30103751923750287362015-11-18T00:30:00.000-06:002015-11-19T10:49:17.444-06:00CFBA: Hand Me Down Princess<div align="center">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center>
<center>
<a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center>
<center>
<span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00ZYYUMYQ">Hand Me Down Princess</a></span></center>
<center>
CANDID Publications (August 31, 2015)</center>
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by</center>
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<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.carolmoncado.com/">Carol Moncado</a></span></center>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span></b>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WnJuvDQ71TumbL8pBZjrZ5dJY1WiIrCEWsB0bwn13io9QA8i46hVDlzcaGLOwlYDHZOlpxDJoyX3mo5hbC9Hi3Aclt55FTZ1C3edI0FncEm__a-DS1BJJIqXoMUgbpAwJhR300g_f1sB/s1600/Carol-bw-300dpi-300x217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WnJuvDQ71TumbL8pBZjrZ5dJY1WiIrCEWsB0bwn13io9QA8i46hVDlzcaGLOwlYDHZOlpxDJoyX3mo5hbC9Hi3Aclt55FTZ1C3edI0FncEm__a-DS1BJJIqXoMUgbpAwJhR300g_f1sB/s1600/Carol-bw-300dpi-300x217.jpg" /></a></div>
When she’s not writing about her imaginary friends, Carol Moncado is hanging out with her husband, four kids, and a dog who weighs less than most hard cover books. She prefers watching <i>NCIS</i> to just about anything, except maybe watching <i>Castle</i>, or <i>Girl Meets World</i> with her kids. She believes peanut butter M&Ms are the perfect food and Dr. Pepper should come in an IV. When not watching her kids – and the dog – race around her big backyard in Southwest Missouri, she’s teaching American Government at a local community college. She’s a founding member and President of MozArks ACFW, category coordinator for First Impressions, blogger at InspyRomance, and represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency.<br />
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></b> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIy3LL-XU3t_DjdbS-VgWYqwVFJ96T6L-vfHwQoGrfey_-CzsLdNunBAZ4D3Pgo1R_ePTBlAj3mv8AyEjcqeDxfR7-TBPp4R9E7yAUYywIn8H2cAPx_Wg3uHxNFiX2Zhp9QDJQRqesZtMM/s1600/Hand-Me-Down+Princess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIy3LL-XU3t_DjdbS-VgWYqwVFJ96T6L-vfHwQoGrfey_-CzsLdNunBAZ4D3Pgo1R_ePTBlAj3mv8AyEjcqeDxfR7-TBPp4R9E7yAUYywIn8H2cAPx_Wg3uHxNFiX2Zhp9QDJQRqesZtMM/s320/Hand-Me-Down+Princess.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Prince Malachi Van Renssalaer of Mevendia is getting married. The problem? He’s never even met his bride. His father arranged everything, right down to the marriage contract. Malachi swears to himself that he will be nothing like his father in the ways that count - including his fidelity to his wife.
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<br />
Jessabelle Keller would happily spend her entire life in obscurity, but her father once saved the life of a future king. Before he dies, her father is committed to seeing that king make good on his promise to have one of his sons marry her so she would be taken care of for life.
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<br />
No sooner than Prince Malachi and Jessabelle return from their honeymoon, they find themselves dealing with both private trauma and the very public drama of groundless accusations from the press. Just as they begin to weave their fragile trust back together, a ghost from the king’s past arrives and threatens everything they’ve ever held dear.
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<br />
Secrets have a funny way of coming out and this one could rip the faith of the country in their leaders to shreds. Malachi is determined to protect Jessabelle no matter what it takes, but will it ever be enough for her to not feel like a Hand-Me-Down Princess?
<br />
<br />
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00ZYYUMYQ">Hand Me Down Princess</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2015/11/hand-me-down-princess-by-carol-moncado.html">HERE</a>.<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">MY THOUGHTS</span></b><br />
Can't say I've ever read a book about a Prince with a forced marriage that included contemporary electronics! <br />
<br />
A very good book, kept me entertained. It was a little slow at first and it took me a bit to get into the story line, but once I did...it was so worth the wait! Jessabelle was a character that drove me nuts from time to time, I gave Prince Malachi a lot of credit for putting up with her!<br />
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The twists and turns were a lot of fun, and I thoroughly enjoyed the unexpected.<br />
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Worth the read. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA </i></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/?action=view&current=SignatureLuLu.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/SignatureLuLu.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778134396156590664.post-76431499324927737712015-11-11T13:30:00.000-06:002015-11-12T09:17:24.193-06:00CFBA: A Father's Second Chance<div align="center">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center>
<center>
<a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center>
<center>
<span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0373879784">A Father's Second Chance</a></span></center>
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Love Inspired (July 21, 2015)
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by</center>
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<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://mindyobenhaus.com/">Mindy Obenhaus</a></span></center>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5u07IQtNvGHhz96l1Grkn9Ilx36ojpyuZWWjnFxeycVOQ_pyZG49p2lvttFJwmP0p3ABWbWuTkBL0RrnZZwy7-mTbmpIq5X7cwpU6B6Xao6yVSXD99Haw9zkAAhfqR-jT6UDD4Nb-i3Pt/s1600/Harlequin-signing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5u07IQtNvGHhz96l1Grkn9Ilx36ojpyuZWWjnFxeycVOQ_pyZG49p2lvttFJwmP0p3ABWbWuTkBL0RrnZZwy7-mTbmpIq5X7cwpU6B6Xao6yVSXD99Haw9zkAAhfqR-jT6UDD4Nb-i3Pt/s200/Harlequin-signing.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>
<b>A Word from the Author:</b> To steal a line from Donny and Marie, I’m a little bit country, a little bit rock-n-roll. I’m trapped in the city, but prefer the country or the mountains.
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<br />
I love Jesus, my family, and just about anything sweet.
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<br />
I believe Jesus died for my sins, rose three days later, and will one day return. He has carried me through some of my darkest hours. Without faith in Him, I would be nowhere.
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<br />
I have a penchant for chocolate, clothes, and shoes. When I’m not penning romance novels, I enjoy cooking, decorating and shopping.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></b> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOYI5db5xQ2MYgs2g7sh4HH-G6atd4-oSwPqaq3OAY_HV3vhC063A4v7zcIupHDYAFCMOIvGrXTKPO0lpfo7OgBY39uNdJfKu0jxtGOTEo3Mwsvh0SiZIlUWBmRFsiDjQEMGF_sGCFVfj/s1600/AFathersSecondChance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOYI5db5xQ2MYgs2g7sh4HH-G6atd4-oSwPqaq3OAY_HV3vhC063A4v7zcIupHDYAFCMOIvGrXTKPO0lpfo7OgBY39uNdJfKu0jxtGOTEo3Mwsvh0SiZIlUWBmRFsiDjQEMGF_sGCFVfj/s200/AFathersSecondChance.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
Businesswoman Celeste Thompson has one goal: to make her restaurant and hotel a success. She doesn't need any distractions, even from handsome contractor Gage Purcell and his two adorable little girls. Besides, single dad Gage is just biding his time before a big job at the mines comes through. But as Celeste's project springs to life, their arguments transform into attraction. Gage isn't looking for romance, especially not with another career-driven woman like his ex-wife. But openhearted Celeste is more than just another work-consumed client. She might just be his happily-ever-after.
<br />
<br />
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0373879784">A Father's Second Chance</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2015/11/a-fathers-second-chance-by-mindy.html">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
MY THOUGHTS<br /> <br />
<br />
A few twists and turns, a mom who has an attitude and a man who refuses to repeat past mistakes and Celeste, who is finally happy....<br />
<br />
This was a rather predictable read, but I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The twists and turns as well as the colorful characters kept me well entertained, and there were a few surprises as well!<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>**I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778134396156590664.post-71712288143158673892015-09-30T10:46:00.002-05:002015-09-30T10:46:47.041-05:00Free Sewing Pattern!I just love testing patterns for Tammy over at <a href="http://www.lovenotions.com/?affiliates=45">Love Notions</a>, she has so many awesome, easy to read, and quick sew patterns that turn out fabulous!<br />
<br />
Last week I tested this awesome shirt, named <a href="http://www.lovenotions.com/?affiliates=45">Laundry Day Tee</a>! I chose a dressier fabric, not sure how I like the fabric yet, but I know I'll be sewing up more of these in a more casual knit.<br />
<br />
Afraid of knit fabric? Don't be...it is so easy to work with, set your machine for a knit stitch, and away you go! This shirt takes about 30min. to sew up. How cool is that? V-neck, Crew Neck, 3 sleeve lengths, and either t-shirt or tunic length. Fill your closet!<br />
<br />
Even more awesome....you can try out this pattern for <a href="http://www.lovenotions.com/?affiliates=45">FREE</a>, what're you waiting for? Go snag your pattern, have questions, message me! Let's see those T's!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FZXd0V6zD_ofQESZ8RHyGcTUhemeLn3ZhxNhOSkaspooGBMY0zsvo2yX7K9W0y3SNf1fVWCG_EkB6dVmifW_d0BhsTV4hZgkD0R_GajEFC0_YKQmFKKvbqLzRUSNr_seO14TkE8ERhI/s1600/Laundry+Day+Tee2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FZXd0V6zD_ofQESZ8RHyGcTUhemeLn3ZhxNhOSkaspooGBMY0zsvo2yX7K9W0y3SNf1fVWCG_EkB6dVmifW_d0BhsTV4hZgkD0R_GajEFC0_YKQmFKKvbqLzRUSNr_seO14TkE8ERhI/s320/Laundry+Day+Tee2.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo taken by Reyna Meinhardt Photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/?action=view&current=SignatureLuLu.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/SignatureLuLu.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778134396156590664.post-45333918821890559432015-09-29T10:44:00.002-05:002015-09-29T10:44:52.275-05:00Book Review: A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn<br />
<div class="accordionContent clear" style="display: block;">
<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/A-Wedding-at-the-Orange-Blossom-Inn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn" border="0" class="left" height="auto" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/A-Wedding-at-the-Orange-Blossom-Inn.jpg" width="250" /></a> <em>A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn</em> (Avon Inspire, September 2015)<br />
<br />
<strong>A wedding brings together two young widowed parents . . . and gives them a second chance at love.</strong><br />
<br />
Emma Keim was heartbroken when her husband, Sanford, passed away,
leaving her to raise three young daughters alone. Though several years
have passed, her relatives have made it no secret that they expect Emma
to remain a widow, mourning Sanford indefinitely. But when she meets Jay
Hilty—a handsome widower with three young sons of his own—Emma is
delighted to have a new friend who understands her struggles. Still, she
is dismayed that her family is so opposed to their friendship—and the
idea of it ever becoming anything more. She honors her husband’s memory
every day, but is she destined to be alone forever?<br />
Emma’s gentleness with Jay’s boys stirs something in his heart that’s
been quiet for far too long. But when his oldest son becomes engaged to
a local woman, suddenly Jay, Emma, and their children are swept up in
wedding preparations. Witnessing his son’s joy, Jay wonders if it’s time
for him to move forward, too, and find happiness again.<br />
Once again, love has come to Pinecraft. But can these two parties of four become a happy, healthy family of eight?<br />
<br />
<strong><a href="http://www.harpercollins.com/9780062337757/a-wedding-at-the-orange-blossom-inn" target="_blank">Learn more and purchase a copy.</a></strong><br />
</div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: orange;">MY THOUGHTS </span></b><br />
If you've read about the Orange Blossom Inn in the past, you'll recognize some of the characters in this story.....<br />
<br />
This is such a sweet story, which includes a very naughty dog who is determined to stir up trouble...especially when food is involved!<br />
<br />
Emma and Jay are both lonely, after losing their spouses, they turn to each other for friendship despite the fact the Emma's family is none to happy with her...but she's an adult, right?<br />
<br />
You won't become bored while reading this story, full of fun, heartbreak and a lot of happiness!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Litfuse Publicity.</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778134396156590664.post-28231569637977278362015-09-15T09:05:00.003-05:002015-09-15T11:43:51.315-05:00Sewing LoveLately I've been doing a lot more sewing than knitting and reading! I have an etsy store and it was going strong, then I dropped the ball and my stock ran low...SO....now I need to get back in the game.<br />
<br />
Anyway, when I sew I generally use PDF patterns which are written a lot better than those pesky patterns you buy in store....you know, those patterns on thin paper that shred easily, you cut one size, then you're out of luck if you ever need another? PDF patterns are AWESOME. Many are set up so you can print in layers, which means you print the size you want, but can always come back and print another size later since you have the file saved on your computer. Also, these patterns make so much more sense.<br />
<br />
I test patterns for a designer or two. What does that mean? Well...it's actually pretty awesome. The designer creates the pattern, then asks us to try it out. Which means that in the end you end up with a pattern that fits great and is easy to understand. We try to catch the typo's, we try to catch things that the designer may not, since all levels of sewists test the patterns!<br />
<br />
This past week I tested an awesome pattern for ...the Boyfriend Cardigan is all the rage these days, and this one is just perfect. I generally sew and sell children's items, but take custom orders for adult items so it's fun to try out new patterns and build my 'stash' of great items to sew!<br />
<br />
Anyway, do you sew? If you do....you can buy this pattern at 20% off through 9/19 using code 'sewallthecardigans' at<b> </b><a href="http://www.lovenotions.com/?affiliates=45">Love Notions</a><b> </b>tiered pricing is also available, so the more you buy, the more you save!<br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8G-5_cfZHyhPjIKMWfHoIXUIF8ipUYj3EL32ax0wQVQ7QqWk42PZclk8iHeIfhhDcNV5LdVV0GgcuP4KD1w4jMAcMv5NojSGJMo64SY54tEEIahXoYJkBQLsyqHNbllXNSxe5XLJvic/s1600/LauriM1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8G-5_cfZHyhPjIKMWfHoIXUIF8ipUYj3EL32ax0wQVQ7QqWk42PZclk8iHeIfhhDcNV5LdVV0GgcuP4KD1w4jMAcMv5NojSGJMo64SY54tEEIahXoYJkBQLsyqHNbllXNSxe5XLJvic/s320/LauriM1.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughter took these photos of me....isn't she a great photographer?</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> **Photo credit goes to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ReynaMeinhardtPhotography?fref=ts">https://www.facebook.com/ReynaMeinhardtPhotography?fref=ts</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I used a thicker knit for my cardigan, and left off the pockets, you can add the pockets, and leave the hood off, the pattern also comes in kid sizes!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Don't sew? Well, now you know who to ask for your very own cardigan! My store is on facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lilpieceofattitude">https://www.facebook.com/lilpieceofattitude</a> hopefully it will be 'popping' with all kinds of new children's items soon! </span></span><br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/SignatureLuLu.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778134396156590664.post-28926761114042401302015-08-26T20:11:00.001-05:002015-08-26T20:11:48.633-05:00Cold as Ice<div align="center">
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center>
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<a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center>
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<span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0991212479">Cold as Ice</a></span></center>
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Sydney Lane Press
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<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.markgilroy.com/">M.K. Gilroy</a></span></center>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span></b>
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Mark won’t claim he has done it all in the world of publishing, but he has packed boxes, edited manuscripts, made sales calls, created marketing plans, directed design and illustration, started companies, consulted, agented the works of others, and written advertising and catalog copy. He’s authored, compiled, and ghost written books that have landed on an array of bestsellers lists and sold millions of copies. His first ghost writing project, The Wal-Mart Way, was done for Don Soderquist, Sam Walton’s longtime right-hand man.
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In early 2012 he put on a new hat as a fiction author. His debut novel, Cuts Like a Knife, was released in April 2012 and was met with rave reviews from USA Today, Fresh Fiction, Publishers Weekly, and other leading national reviewers. His second novel, Every Breath You Take, second in the Kristen Conner Mystery Series, released in Fall 2012 to similar acclaim. Kristen Conner returns in Cold As Ice, which releases in Fall 2014.
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Gilroy has extensive writing credits. He scripted and served as creative consultant for a two-hour training video that was honored with the Award of Excellence by the International Television Association. He has compiled and written close to fifty books and penned hundreds articles and curriculum pieces for a variety of periodicals and publishers.
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Gilroy and his wife Amy reside in Brentwood, Tennessee. Their six children are Lindsey, Merrick, Ashley, Caroline, Bo, and Zachary—the youngest has now headed off for college, so he and Amy are officially empty nesters.
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></b> <br />
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<span id="goog_486209704"></span><span id="goog_486209705"></span>Detective Kristen Conner is back on a new murder case. She’s still fighting with her sister—and no surprise, someone new wants to kill her!
He was a pillar in his Chicago neighborhood: popular school teacher, devoted father and husband, political activist on behalf of underprivileged children—and a master gardener who liked to plant flowers in his neighbor’s yards. What wasn’t to love about him? Who would want him dead?<br />
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When Detective Kristen Conner lands the case she knows from day one who the key suspect is. That’s simple. The person most likely to kill you is someone close that you know and love. But the wife? She was always at her husband’s side and just as passionate about his causes as he was. No way could this loving wife and mother of three be a killer. Right?
Mix in her on-again, off-again relationship with FBI Agent Austin Reynolds, a quick trip to New York City where Kristen helps her media-star sister for a new apartment—only to discover the body of a man who appears to have been executed by a professional killer on a run through Central Park—and Kristen Conner is once again swept into a world of danger, intrigue, and a confusing love life.<br />
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What she doesn’t know just might kill her.<br />
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If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0991212479">Cold as Ice</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2015/08/cold-as-ice-by-mk-gilroy.html">HERE</a>.<br />
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<span style="color: orange;"><b>MY THOUGHTS</b></span><br />
The title of this book alone made me shiver....then I started reading.<br />
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A vacation and the Russian Mafia they just don't belong together, but they merge together in this New York City/Chicago mystery, sending shivers up and down your spine.<br />
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An extremely good read...one that kept me guessing page after page, the suspense kept me turning each page a little more quickly.<br />
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This is the 3rd book in this series, I have not read the first two, it is definitely a stand-alone read.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA</i></span><br />
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<a href="http://s66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/?action=view&current=SignatureLuLu.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/SignatureLuLu.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778134396156590664.post-75619919404302676032015-08-25T01:02:00.003-05:002015-08-25T01:06:10.794-05:00Childrens Book: Tillie and Clementine, Noises in the Night<br />
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Noises in the night....we all hear them....are they louder when children hear them, are they scarier...larger? Do you remember ever getting yourself more and more afraid with your imagination? As a parent did you ever have to 'save' your children from noises in the night? This is a super cute book with equally cute illustrations. Kids get afraid, but what's better to take away the fear than a bit of silliness, and this book does just that!<br />
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.....noises in the night are scary to children, but most fearful for mommies is leaving the children home with daddy. Daddy may have the trembles thinking about being left alone with the kids....read this story and you'll find out just what DOES happen when Daddy is left home with the kids!<br />
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Cute, fun read, a great cuddle-up and snuggle read!<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">About the Author</span></b></div>
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Dan Killeen is an author/illustrator living in beautiful and
humid St Louis. His books display a love of classic comic strips and
silly family humor.Dan Killeen is an author/illustrator living in
beautiful and humid St Louis. His books display a love of classic comic
strips and silly family humor.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from <span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1440349426435_86896" style="color: #336666;"><b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1440349426435_86895">Buoyancy Public Relations</b></span></i></span> </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778134396156590664.post-38650719265751146782015-08-19T21:46:00.002-05:002015-08-19T21:46:51.333-05:00Once Upon a Summertime<div align="center">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center>
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<a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center>
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<span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0800723570">Once Upon a Summertime</a></span></center>
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Revell (June 2, 2015)</center>
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by</center>
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<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.melodycarlson.com/">Melody Carlson</a></span></center>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span></b>
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My husband Chris and I live in a cabin-style home next to the National Forest in the beautiful Cascade Mountain area of the Pacific Northwest. Our two grown sons and granddaughter live nearby and we try to see them as often as we can. We also have two 're-homed' pets to make life more interesting-our yellow Labrador retriever Audrey and a Maine coon cat named Harry.
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My writing studio is in a separate building next to our courtyard (a garden area that's off limits to the voracious deer). The window behind my desk looks out into the Ponderosa pine forest, where I see deer, squirrels, rabbits, and an occasional raccoon. The other windows in my office overlook the courtyard which is frequented by numerous hummingbirds in the summertime-one August evening we counted nearly fifty of the little hummers.
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></b> <br />
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Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it's a safe choice for a woman whose childhood was anything but stable. Out of the blue, she gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reinvent herself by moving to New York City, where she hopes for a management position at a stylish new boutique hotel. The big city is full of surprises--not the least of which is Sean O'Neil. Her childhood crush has applied for the very same position!
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Sweet, romantic, and endlessly entertaining, this romp through the storied streets of New York City will enchant readers. Melody Carlson has created characters so charming that readers will long to meet them in the lobby of the stunning Rothsberg Hotel.
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If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0800723570">Once Upon a Summertime</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2015/08/once-upon-summertime-by-melody-carlson.html">HERE</a>.
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<span style="color: orange;"><b>MY THOUGHTS</b></span><br />
This is one of those fun, lazy day reads.<br />
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At a few points all I could do was shake my head at Anna.....I just wanted to give her a push, to tell her she could do better, but that was something she needed to find out herself!<br />
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Anna definitely took a gamble when moving to NYC, but then she fell victim to Sean O'Neil. That in itself is quite a ride.....and then you have the owners of the Rothsberg Hotel, characters themselves, really.<br />
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With it's ups and downs, romance, and friendship this book will keep you turning pages, mostly with a smile on your face.<br />
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I always enjoy a Melody Carlson read, and this book was no disappointment!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA</i></span><br />
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<a href="http://s66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/?action=view&current=SignatureLuLu.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/SignatureLuLu.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778134396156590664.post-37451084478919957752015-08-12T18:46:00.001-05:002015-08-12T18:46:19.681-05:00CFBA: Hope Harbor<div align="center">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center>
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<a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center>
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<span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0800724526">Hope Harbor</a></span></center>
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Revell (July 7, 2015)</center>
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<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.irenehannon.com/">Irene Hannon</a></span></center>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span></b>
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Irene Hannon is a bestselling, award-winning author who took the publishing world by storm at the tender age of 10 with a sparkling piece of fiction that received national attention.
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Okay…maybe that’s a slight exaggeration. But she was one of the honorees in a complete-the-story contest conducted by a national children’s magazine. And she likes to think of that as her “official” fiction-writing debut!
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Since then, she has written more than 45 romantic suspense and contemporary romance/women’s fiction novels. She is a seven-time finalist and three-time winner of the RITA award—the “Oscar” of romantic fiction—and a member of Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. Her books have also won a Daphne du Maurier award, a Carol award, three HOLT Medallions, a National Readers’ Choice award, a Retailers Choice award, two Booksellers’ Best awards and two Reviewers’ Choice awards from <i>RT Book Reviews</i> magazine. One of her novels was also named by <i>Booklist</i> as a top 10 inspirational fiction books of 2011. In addition, she is a two-time Christy award finalist.
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Irene, who holds a B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in journalism, juggled two careers for many years until she gave up her executive corporate communications position with a Fortune 500 company to write full. She is happy to say she has no regrets!
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In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, gardening and singing. A trained vocalist, she has sung the leading role in numerous musicals, including “South Pacific,” “Brigadoon,” “Oklahoma” “The King and I” and “Anything Goes.” She is also a soloist at her church.<br />
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When not otherwise occupied, Irene and her husband enjoy traveling, Saturday mornings at their favorite coffee shop and spending time with family. They make their home in Missouri.
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></b> <br />
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Tracy Campbell never wanted to leave Hope Harbor, Oregon, or the idyllic three-generation cranberry farm where she grew up. But life--and love--altered her plans. When tragedy strikes and changes her plans yet again, she finds herself back in her hometown with a floundering farm to run and a heartbreaking secret. Romance is not on her agenda. Nor is it on Michael Hunter's. The visitor from Chicago has daunting secrets of his own. But when Tracy recruits him to help save a struggling charitable organization, the winds of change begin to sweep through Hope Harbor, bringing healing, hope, and love to countless lives--including their own.
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Fan favorite Irene Hannon brings a whole new cast of characters to life in a charming Oregon seaside village. Emotional and heartwarming, this story invites readers to come home to Hope Harbor, where love and hope bloom--and hearts heal.
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If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0800724526">Hope Harbor</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2015/08/hope-harbor-by-irene-hannon.html">HERE</a>.<br />
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<span style="color: orange;"><b>MY THOUGHTS</b></span><br />
I always jump at the chance to read a book by Irene Hannon, and once again I was not disappointed!<br />
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At first I wasn't sure if Michael was a divorcee or a widow, but I did know he was definitely down, lost, and needing to 'find himself' again. Anna.....she wrapped herself around my heart right away. Kind of a loner, but willing to stick her neck out. Tracy...she's a bit feisty, but nothing wrong with that, and together all of these characters make for quite a read.<br />
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Of course, you can pretty much imagine on your own that Michael and Tracy will have a romance....they both have a past that needs to be healed, and maybe they both came to Hope Harbor for a reason.<br />
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Sometimes humorous, sometimes sad, the journey through the book brings happiness, healing and love.<br />
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A great read. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA </i></span><br />
<a href="http://s66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/?action=view&current=SignatureLuLu.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/SignatureLuLu.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778134396156590664.post-23825964450017500792015-07-28T02:30:00.000-05:002015-08-12T18:55:04.069-05:00CFBA: Dead Dog Like Me<div align="center">
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center>
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<a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center>
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<span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1617955248">Dead Dog Like Me</a></span></center>
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Worthy Publishing (June 23, 2015)
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by</center>
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<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.maxdavisbooks.com/">Max Davis</a></span></center>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span></b>
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Max Davis is the author of over twenty books, has been featured in USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly, and has appeared on The Today Show and The 700 Club. He holds degrees in journalism and biblical studies. In addition to his own works, he’s done a variety of ghostwriting and collaboration projects. Max and Alanna have three grown children and a grand baby.
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></b> <br />
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Nick Gregory regains consciousness after a horrific car accident to find he’s been transported back in time and that he has become Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son and King Saul’s grandson. Aware that he’s experiencing another man’s life, he has to learn fast. When mega-church pastor, Nick Gregory, regains consciousness after a horrific car accident, he’s on the ground in agonizing pain. Nick realizes he is in a bizarre place – a foreign, parched, ancient land, having been transported back in time to 800 B.C. Unbelievably, he is in the body of a prince named Mephibosheth, a son of Jonathan and King Saul’s grandson. Nick is fully aware of who he is and that he’s now living in Mephibosheth’s body, strangely able to speak and understand Hebrew. This experience helps him see that he, like Mephibosheth, is a broken man desperate for God’s outrageous grace and healing (2 Samuel 9:8). Returning to present day, Nick’s experience motivates a changed life.
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<br />
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1617955248">Dead Dog Like Me</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2015/07/dead-dog-like-me-by-max-davis.html">HERE</a>.<br />
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<span style="color: orange;"><b>MY THOUGHTS</b></span><br />
Oh my, this was quite a read....I was entertained throughout the entire book. I only have problems reading the word "Mephibosheth" because I could never pronounce it correctly in my mind!<br />
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I all respect, my problem was really quite small compared to Nick's. His problems were of a much more serious nature.<br />
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Imagine hurting your family pet and becoming a public figure because of it.<br />
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Imagine surviving an accident that you definitely should NOT have, only to find that you're someone else entirely.<br />
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Imagine that you're that other person in a time many many many years prior to your actual existence.<br />
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Poor Nick. At times I was thinking I would lose my mind if I were him, maybe he did in a way.<br />
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Waking up from his accident was a bit confusing for him, poor guy. Sometimes things happen for a reason, and as you read you'll find the reasons....be prepared for quite a journey!<br />
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Loved this book, something fresh and different. Quite entertaining.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA</i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778134396156590664.post-41579040800784155342015-07-22T20:20:00.001-05:002015-07-22T20:20:34.092-05:00No Safe Harbor<div align="center">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center>
<center>
<a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center>
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<span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764210394">No Safe Harbor</a></span></center>
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Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012)</center>
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by</center>
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<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.elizabethludwig.net/">Elizabeth Ludwig</a></span></center>
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<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEsboJKKn87zf1NUyPQpthIM2dcmcH6rNP9V9rSDvb4B9Ze1Ua4MTS-3F89IVq0Tg46THGjT3OvR6ps3J84fy8cbRVUjc5Bpf-u79CTxk6BORQ3mfsYdlO02S0urZWqKVhRvYLzB3-zGl/s1600/Lisa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEsboJKKn87zf1NUyPQpthIM2dcmcH6rNP9V9rSDvb4B9Ze1Ua4MTS-3F89IVq0Tg46THGjT3OvR6ps3J84fy8cbRVUjc5Bpf-u79CTxk6BORQ3mfsYdlO02S0urZWqKVhRvYLzB3-zGl/s1600/Lisa.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author whose work has been featured on Novel Rocket, the Christian Authors Network, and The Christian Pulse. Her first novel, <i>Where the Truth Lies</i> (co-authored with Janelle Mowery), earned her the 2008 IWA Writer of the Year Award. This book was followed in 2009 by <i>I'll be Home for Christmas</i>, part of the Christmas anthology collection, Christmas Homecoming.
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In 2011, her second mystery, <i>Died in the Wool</i> (co-authored with Janelle Mowery) was nominated for a Carol Award. In 2012, the popular EDGE OF FREEDOM series released from Bethany House Publishers. Books one and two, <i>No Safe Harbor</i> and <i>Dark Road Home</i>, respectively, earned 4 Stars from the RT Book Reviews. Book three, <i>Tide and Tempest</i>, received top honors with 4 1/2 Stars.
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Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, often attending conferences and seminars where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Along with her husband and children, she makes her home in the great state of Texas. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></b> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDlVM5oxDITjYhF8qsnnOI8KHpdb5CyPVF63h-RicXIp-7fMlVjgmyKkywog5xcn_d1uqM18c5IOOJBvYx-ubNut7GEC1i5L2fcNzO_CFmNuwsSu6Ip22LmZQaSOhxiXsen6kxyhqeSxx/s1600/No_Safe_Harbor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDlVM5oxDITjYhF8qsnnOI8KHpdb5CyPVF63h-RicXIp-7fMlVjgmyKkywog5xcn_d1uqM18c5IOOJBvYx-ubNut7GEC1i5L2fcNzO_CFmNuwsSu6Ip22LmZQaSOhxiXsen6kxyhqeSxx/s1600/No_Safe_Harbor.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
The Thrill of Romantic Suspense Meets the Romance of 1800s America
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<br />
Lured by a handful of scribbled words across a faded letter, Cara Hamilton sets off from 1896 Ireland on a quest to find the brother she'd thought dead. Her search lands her in America, amidst a houseful of strangers and one man who claims to be a friend--Rourke Walsh.
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<br />
Despite her brother's warning, Cara decides to trust Rourke and reveals the truth about her purpose in America. But he is not who he claims to be, and as rumors begin to circulate about an underground group of dangerous revolutionaries, Cara's desperation grows. Her questions lead her ever closer to her brother, but they also bring her closer to destruction as Rourke's true intentions come to light. <br />
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If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764210394">No Safe Harbor</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2015/07/no-safe-harbor-by-elizabeth-ludwig.html">HERE</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>** I have not yet received my copy of this book for review, but am posting this for CFBA</i></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/?action=view&current=SignatureLuLu.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/SignatureLuLu.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778134396156590664.post-13319791316319513162015-07-15T12:03:00.003-05:002015-07-15T12:03:39.239-05:00Summer's List<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Summers-List-PK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Summer’s List" border="0" class="left" height="auto" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Summers-List-PK.jpg" width="250" /></a><em>Summer’s List</em> (River North, June 2015)<br />
<br />
<strong>A dying wish alters the course of a young woman’s life.</strong><br />
Life hadn’t been easy for Summer Snow. In acts of selflessness-caring
for her ailing parents and running her grandmother’s bookstore-she had
forfeited her youth and dreams for the needs of others. And the only
tries she had at love… didn’t turn out. She had the bookstore, she had
her beloved granny, but she was missing something-or someone.<br />
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Opportunity strikes when Granny sends Summer on an unexpected
adventure with one Martin Langtree, a kind but gangly young man from
Summer’s past. A childhood friendship is rekindled, a romance is
sparked, and mysteries are solved in one magical Texas summer. Will
Summer strike out on love again, or will things finally go her way?<br />
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<strong><a href="http://www.anitahigman.com/books.html" target="_blank">Learn more and purchase a copy at Anita’s website.</a></strong><br />
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<strong>MY THOUGHTS</strong><br />
Despite some of the sadness this was such a happy read, I caught myself smiling so many times<strong>...</strong>even laughing out loud!<br />
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Summer and her grandma have a closeness to be treasured, and of course Summer's world comes to a sudden halt when she finds out her grandma doesn't have long to live. But leave it to her grandma to make a list for Summer...a list that will change her life! <br />
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You just can't help but love Martin Langtree..such an awkward guy but so very lovable. His brothers...they leave a bit to be desired, but then I think anyone would be a bit messed up with their past.<br />
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I truly loved this book, and now as I write this review, I think I'm going to read it again! Don't miss this one. It's quirky, funny, sweet, and yes, sad...but the sad doesn't overtake you.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>**I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Litfuse </i></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/?action=view&current=SignatureLuLu.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/SignatureLuLu.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778134396156590664.post-69896134408527454812015-07-13T18:56:00.000-05:002015-08-12T19:00:39.329-05:00Jack Staples and the Ring of Time<div align="center">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center>
<center>
<a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center>
<center>
<span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0781411076">Jack Staples and the Ring of Time</a></span></center>
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David C. Cook (September 1, 2014)</center>
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by</center>
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<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.markbatterson.com/">Mark Batterson and Joel Clark</a></span></center>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsIa43kkl00XPEm122xTm0GrwHJifPkre5dAqgZsqFJqGVeaIydjcKuD44lFw1x1pJxhiQYRln95ku9-880xQbOkJl015PZrokcp8RhU6cO_vKzaqwDlFJCNY1RioaXLNeadaT8DYdigd/s1600/MarkBatterson.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsIa43kkl00XPEm122xTm0GrwHJifPkre5dAqgZsqFJqGVeaIydjcKuD44lFw1x1pJxhiQYRln95ku9-880xQbOkJl015PZrokcp8RhU6cO_vKzaqwDlFJCNY1RioaXLNeadaT8DYdigd/s200/MarkBatterson.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Mark Batterson serves as lead pastor of National Community Church (www.theaterchurch.com) in Washington, DC. One church with seven locations. NCC is focused on reaching emerging generations and meets in theaters throughout the DC metro area. NCC also owns and operates the largest coffeehouse on Capitol Hill. Mark holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University and is the New York Times bestselling author of 11 books, including <i>The Circle Maker</i>, <i>In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Wild Goose Chase</i> and the two most recent, <i>The Grave Robber</i> and <i>Jack Staples and the Ring of Time</i>. Mark is married to Lora and they live on Capitol Hill with their three children: Parker, Summer, and Josiah.<br />
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<br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></b> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7BluTlwovEIyul5hQMrq7gODOHZ-lmLIGMtZ5Bu7iRpw-g-c2Njoygq-a_Va3QPpW_7cBzjbUvXBm4wWOigU2kYgvCOIlVso4iwq6wq6VXhzU6XjKHwMzYxyJ0n7pitgzR907hIxoD4t/s1600/JackStaples-theRingTime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7BluTlwovEIyul5hQMrq7gODOHZ-lmLIGMtZ5Bu7iRpw-g-c2Njoygq-a_Va3QPpW_7cBzjbUvXBm4wWOigU2kYgvCOIlVso4iwq6wq6VXhzU6XjKHwMzYxyJ0n7pitgzR907hIxoD4t/s320/JackStaples-theRingTime.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
Eleven-year-old Jack's ordinary life is upended when mysterious creatures attack his hometown and he is whisked into a fantastical adventure filled with danger at every turn.
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Jack learns that most live in a shadow of the world, their vision blinded by invisible scales that have covered human eyes since the beginning of time. But the Awakened experience the world as it truly is, where war rages between good and evil—and Jack is at the heart of it. The Awakened are searching for The Child of Prophesy who will both save the world and destroy it. When Jack joins in their epic battle he must learn to trust his friends and face his fears if he is to make his life count.
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<br />
If you'd like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0781411076">Jack Staples and the Ring of Time</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2015/07/jack-staples-and-ring-of-time-by-mark.html">HERE</a>.<br />
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<br />
MY THOUGHTS<br />Full of fast paced adventure and mystery.....you won't want to put this thrilling book down!<br />
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Mysterious creatures, and more will keep you highly entertained straight through to the end of this wonderful Young Adult book!<br />
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A great gift idea for the book readers on your lists! <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>* I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA </i></span><br />
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<a href="http://s66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/?action=view&current=SignatureLuLu.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/SignatureLuLu.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778134396156590664.post-8623160651084624392015-07-03T21:24:00.001-05:002015-07-03T21:24:53.058-05:00Two Roads Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What if it’s too late for dreams to come true?
Minor-but-nagging setbacks continue to sour Grant and Audrey Whitman’s initiation into the world of innkeeping, but larger challenges brew when an innocent flirtation leads to big trouble for the Whitmans’ son-in-law, Jesse. Jesse Pennington’s friendly, outgoing personality has always served him well, especially in a career that has earned him and his wife Corinne a very comfortable lifestyle. But Corinne and Jesse are both restless—and for similar reasons, if only they could share those with each other. Instead, too many business trips and trumped-up charges of harassment from a disgruntled coworker threaten their marriage and possibly put their three precious daughters at risk.<br />
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With their life in disarray, God is tugging at their hearts to pursue other dreams. Can Corinne and Jesse pick up the pieces of what was once a wonderful life before it all crumbles beneath them?<br />
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Learn more and purchase a copy.<br />
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<span style="color: orange;"><b>MY THOUGHTS</b></span><br />
This is the second book in this series, but can definitely be read as a stand-alone.<br />
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This is mainly Corrine and Jesse's story. Their marriage becomes precarious as Jesse struggles with a co-worker that seems to be set on ruining his life. <br />
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Corrine's family is one who pulls together, weekly dinners at her parents' with her siblings and all the kiddos, they help each other when they're down, they share laughs and love. You just know that the 'road home' to the parents house will not only be filled with love but a full dose of wisdom as well.<br />
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A very entertaining read, one that held my interest through each and every page of the book....and leaves you wondering what will happen in the next book! <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Litfuse publicity </i></span><br />
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<a href="http://s66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/?action=view&current=SignatureLuLu.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/SignatureLuLu.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778134396156590664.post-63082319011722383632015-06-24T22:28:00.000-05:002015-06-24T22:28:04.128-05:00The Ticket<div align="center">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center>
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<a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center>
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<span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1941103863">The Ticket</a></span></center>
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Firefly Southern Fiction (May 20, 2015)
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by</center>
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<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Debra-Coleman-Jeter/e/B00UDTPPC6/">Debra Jeter</a></span></center>
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<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCoKdtL7zxBzwXaTn5ZXRNJzPQo_FJ1V-RYhzGn0r0zs4M8nST8IMvAjp55Ive0TqAJTGsxvmyW5Cb7vANLl6Q_TtLep_lC1PU7rOPItOegeWgTfglhP21uftmWO7AuuFgHcLrqKAue6M/s1600/Debra+Jeter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCoKdtL7zxBzwXaTn5ZXRNJzPQo_FJ1V-RYhzGn0r0zs4M8nST8IMvAjp55Ive0TqAJTGsxvmyW5Cb7vANLl6Q_TtLep_lC1PU7rOPItOegeWgTfglhP21uftmWO7AuuFgHcLrqKAue6M/s200/Debra+Jeter.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
A Vanderbilt University professor, Debra Coleman Jeter has published fiction and nonfiction in popular magazines, including Working Woman, New Woman, Self, Home Life, Savvy, Christian Woman, and American Baby. Her story, "Recovery," won first prize in a Christian Woman short story competition, and her nonfiction book "Pshaw, It's Me Grandson": Tales of a Young Actor was a finalist in the 2007 USA Book News Awards. She is a co-writer of the screenplay for Jess + Moss, a feature film which premiered in 2011 at the Sundance Film Festival, screened at nearly forty film festivals around the world, and captured several international awards. She lives in Clarksville, Tennessee, with her husband. She is currently working on a novel based on the life of her grandmother, Effie Shultz McClain (1900 to 1985).<br />
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<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></b> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VY6YaSXsaloAQWjZn28logptg0fOObmVo2k6iIPyooEc-TuJx361Dp7NmO7bjBOGQggMLMzAiP4kAYzYhA9Povjz5_dcTjdWdVmDZN-x7OTyFyVeMasnn62v0aNVvj-Hgs0WJlCSSVrV/s1600/Ticket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VY6YaSXsaloAQWjZn28logptg0fOObmVo2k6iIPyooEc-TuJx361Dp7NmO7bjBOGQggMLMzAiP4kAYzYhA9Povjz5_dcTjdWdVmDZN-x7OTyFyVeMasnn62v0aNVvj-Hgs0WJlCSSVrV/s320/Ticket.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
Tray Dunaway longs to be part of the popular set at school but, she's growing too fast and her clothes no longer fit. The only person who understands Tray's need for acceptance is her grandmother, but when Tray wears Gram's hand-sewn clothes to school, the kids make fun of her tall, boney appearance. Tray's luck improves when Pee Wee Johnson, a down-and-out friend of her father's, buys two lottery tickets and gives one to Mr. Dunaway as a thank-you for driving him to Hazard, Illinois. When her father's ticket turns out to be the winner, Johnson demands his cut of the proceeds, but Tray's dad refuses. What seems like a stroke of good fortune suddenly becomes a disturbing turn of events as Johnson threatens to cause problems for the family and Tray. <br />
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If you'd like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1941103863">The Ticket</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-ticket-by-debra-jeter.html">HERE</a>.<br />
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MY THOUGHTS<br />
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This is a YA book. Teens, we've all been there...those awkward years where you're trying to fit in, the smallest thing makes you an outcast, the smallest things your parents do embarrass you half to death.<br />
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This book may remind you of those emotions, if you're a teen reading this book, you may not feel like the only teen with weird, crazy parents. You may not feel like you're the only one with problems. This book is an excellent read, this book is REAL. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA </i></span><br />
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<a href="http://s66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/?action=view&current=SignatureLuLu.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/SignatureLuLu.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8778134396156590664.post-43275640392278349292015-06-15T22:16:00.000-05:002015-06-24T22:22:52.004-05:00The Midwife's Tale<div align="center">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 130%;">This week, the</span></center>
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<a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: 100%;">is introducing</span></center>
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<span style="color: #993300; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/076421733X">The Midwife’s Tale</a></span></center>
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Bethany House Publishers (June 2, 2015)</center>
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by</center>
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<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Delia-Parr/e/B001IXMHFY">Delia Parr</a></span></center>
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<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6O84afc4X1Oso5tmUypg3LT9wZIZaF_87AjJvD-uw-EOiN5BkZ2hv2pvWVSPyHpHyC1oWlnqGH1Fz73DJCO_bEACXzR-07rmGtSv_00A2k6u_f0z2doXrb06hTEzUl8f0OABvyMyrWO-T/s1600/Delia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6O84afc4X1Oso5tmUypg3LT9wZIZaF_87AjJvD-uw-EOiN5BkZ2hv2pvWVSPyHpHyC1oWlnqGH1Fz73DJCO_bEACXzR-07rmGtSv_00A2k6u_f0z2doXrb06hTEzUl8f0OABvyMyrWO-T/s200/Delia.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
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Delia Parr is the author of sixteen historical and inspirational historical romance novels, including Hearts Awakening, Love's First Bloom, and Hidden Affections. The mother of three grown children, she was a long-time high school teacher in southern New Jersey before retiring to Florida.
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<b><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 100%;">ABOUT THE BOOK</span></b> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppGlcKGwgXSPSgPgfXWhBzHv3x2OVr7PN4mmwHMZqMd5yV8lFH5IHUJMepHRI-PDvvZwrEE4ArrkXOHpgan2U0EJORRk6f6gBQO2qWFYGAoRNDT5npbRAOTEIbo2-XG8c_ef3S310nHzi/s1600/MidwifesTale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppGlcKGwgXSPSgPgfXWhBzHv3x2OVr7PN4mmwHMZqMd5yV8lFH5IHUJMepHRI-PDvvZwrEE4ArrkXOHpgan2U0EJORRk6f6gBQO2qWFYGAoRNDT5npbRAOTEIbo2-XG8c_ef3S310nHzi/s320/MidwifesTale.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
Martha Cade comes from a long line of midwives who have served the families of Trinity, Pennsylvania, for generations. A widow with two grown children, she's hopeful that her daughter will follow in her footsteps, but when Victoria runs off, Martha's world is shattered.
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Worse, a new doctor has arrived in town, threatening her job, and she can't remember a time when her faith has been tested more. Still determined to do the work she knows God intended for her, Martha is unprepared for all that waits ahead. Whether it's trying to stop a town scandal, mending broken relationships, or feeling the first whispers of an unexpected romance, she faces every trial and every opportunity with hope and faith.
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<br />
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/076421733X">The Midwife’s Tale</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-midwifes-tale-by-delia-parr.html">HERE</a>.
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MY THOUGHTS<br />
Martha Cade....a woman who is a widow, and one chasing after a daughter who has run off. Yet she still has the time and the heart to continue being a mid-wife, coming from a line of midwife's it's in her blood. But yet, times are changing, Dr.'s are becoming a threat to her practice....which leaves a bit of drama for reading!<br />
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This is a fast moving book, not just a book about women having babies...plenty of interesting moments to keep your attention, and despite the fact that Martha'a livelihood revolves around babies, she is very much a strong, spirited woman.<br />
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A fun read.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*I received this book in exchange for review from CFBA</i></span><br />
<a href="http://s66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/?action=view&current=SignatureLuLu.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/ghosthorsemcc/SignatureLuLu.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04386995157864063609noreply@blogger.com0