40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood

 

by Sarah Humphrey   

Devotional/Mother
Abingdon Press

Wouldn't it be marvelous if mothering came with a concrete set of instructions

---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 joy, 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.

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:

* Self-acceptance

* Self-care

* Reconciling with grief, hope and expectations

* Generosity

* Presence

* Forgiveness

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! 

MY THOUGHTS

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!

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.  

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!

 *I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Litfuse Pulicity Group

Book Review: A Sister's Wish and An Amish Family Christmas

 

A Sister's Wish

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

MY THOUGHTS
We all know people who are sheltered, people who have been hurt, and in this story Amelia is that person.  She has a sweet disposition which is quite good because she needs it with her family!  Simon, a good family friend, but is he good enough?  Everything comes to a halt, or maybe a whirlwind is a better way to describe it when Amelia has an unfortunate accident.  Enough fun, romance and every day drama to keep your interest, a fun read!

 

An Amish Family Christmas

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

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.

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 . . .

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.

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.

MY THOUGHTS 
This book was a bit different, 'fresh' compared to many of the Amish stories I have read, I enjoyed that!  Full of plenty of excitement and adventure to keep the pages turning.  Levi, he's a bit of a curiosity, people like to talk about him, every one knows him.  The opposite can be said about Julia, some wonder about her, if she's telling the truth and there are some fun turn of events that bring mystery to the story!

*I received both books from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review 

Use this link to enter:  https://promosimple.com/ps/a725

Christian's Hope

Christian’s Hope (Herald Press, October 2016)

When Christian Hochstetler returns to the Amish after seven years in captivity, he finds that many things have shifted.

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.

 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?

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.


MY THOUGHTS
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.

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.

Kudos to Ervin R. Stutzman for bringing up an entirely new Amish story line!


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

A Daughter's Dream and 5 book giveaway!

A Daughter’s Dream (Avon Inspire, May 2016)

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.

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.

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?
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.

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?

My Thoughts
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.

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.

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!

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!

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

 How would you like to win 5 new books?!!!  Click HERE to enter the giveaway!

Book Review: Favorite Flavors of Ireland

In honor of St. Patrick's Day tomorrow, I'm reviewing a wonderful cookbook of Margaret M Johnson! 

 

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.


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.

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.

MY THOUGHTS

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.

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.

Hungry yet?

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.

So glad I tried this book, would make a beautiful gift!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Alison over at Ambassador International

Book Review: Crafter's Market 2016

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.

 

You will love this book if:

• You are looking to start or grow your craft business
• You need advice on how to promote your business and locations to sell your products
• You are an artist in jewelry, fiber, quilting, or paper art

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. 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.

Order your copy of the 2016 Crafter’s Market to learn how to successfully build and grow your art business while avoiding common mistakes new business owners face.
In the 2016 Crafter’s Market you will find: 

• Complete, up-to-date information for 1,000 craft market resources, including craft shows, magazines, book publishers, online marketplaces and more!
• Markets for a variety of crafts, including quilting, sewing, knitting, crochet, papercrafting and jewelry making.
• A FREE subscription to ArtistsMarketOnline.com, the best site to help you learn how & where to sell what you create
• And much more!

You can buy the book HERE


SKU: T8644
Author/Speaker/Editor: Edited by Kerry Bogert
Format: Paperback
ISBN 13: 9781440244841
Number Of Pages: 352


MY THOUGHTS About the book:
If you have ever wondered about making money selling your crafts and designs this is a great 'go to' book.

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.

Also included are lists of shows, fairs, online marketplaces, publishers, magazines, retreats and online communities.


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!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Bethany over at Lifestyle, Craft and Design.

World Vision Winner!!

I'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!  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.

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!

......the WINNER is:

VICKI HOWES

Congratulations Vicki!

 

World 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.

There are several ways that you can help, here are just a few.....

Soccer Balls – 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

Fruit Trees – 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

Goats – 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

Career Training for Girls & Women – 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

World Vision also has an amazing Gift Catalog where you can purchase many different ways to give, or even buy a beautiful handcrafted item!

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!

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.

Approximate size: 20" long
Nickel-free.

To order from World Vision’s Gift Catalog, call 855-WV-GIFTS or use the direct link below:

http://donate.worldvision.org/ways-to-give/gift-catalog?campaign=108929254I

****************************************************************

Now...how about on to the GIVEAWAY!!!
*First, there are a few rules.
 -Separate comment for each entry, with email address so you can be notified when you win!!!
 -Winner will have 24hrs to respond, or a new winner will be chosen.
 -USA only for this one
 -The lucky winner will be sent the entire set directly from the company.

HOW TO ENTER:
#1 Visit the World Vision Site and tell me how you would donate

#2  Follow World Vision on Facebook
#3  Follow World Vision on Twitter

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!

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!

GOOD LUCK!!!

**I received these items in exchange for an honest review from Wilks Communications Group

An Endless Christmas, Book Review and a $100 giveaway!

An Endless Christmas (Worthy Inspired, October 2015)
Too many people, too much snow, and too little room should be a recipe for disaster.
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.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1PmF69N

 

 

 

About the author:

Drawing from 33 years of on-air radio ministry, Cynthia Ruchti 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.

Connect with Cynthia: website, Twitter, Facebook

MY THOUGHTS

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!

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!

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!

A very enjoyable get in the holiday spirit read!

 

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

 ********************************************************

Celebrate the holidays with Cynthia and An Endless Christmas by entering her $100 Target gift card giveaway!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of An Endless Christmas
• A $100 gift card to Target

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 30th. The winner will be announced December 1st on Cynthia's blog.

 

CFBA: Hand Me Down Princess

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Hand Me Down Princess CANDID Publications (August 31, 2015) by Carol Moncado

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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 NCIS to just about anything, except maybe watching Castle, or Girl Meets World 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.


ABOUT THE BOOK

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.

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.

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.

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?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Hand Me Down Princess, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
Can't say I've ever read a book about a Prince with a forced marriage that included contemporary electronics! 

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!

The twists and turns were a lot of fun, and I thoroughly enjoyed the unexpected.

Worth the read.

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

CFBA: A Father's Second Chance

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Father's Second Chance Love Inspired (July 21, 2015) by Mindy Obenhaus

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the Author: 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.

I love Jesus, my family, and just about anything sweet.

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.

I have a penchant for chocolate, clothes, and shoes. When I’m not penning romance novels, I enjoy cooking, decorating and shopping.



ABOUT THE BOOK

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.

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Father's Second Chance, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS


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....

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!

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

Free Sewing Pattern!

I just love testing patterns for Tammy over at Love Notions, she has so many awesome, easy to read, and quick sew patterns that turn out fabulous!

Last week I tested this awesome shirt, named Laundry Day Tee!  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.

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!

Even more awesome....you can try out this pattern for FREE, what're you waiting for?  Go snag your pattern, have questions, message me!  Let's see those T's!

Photo taken by Reyna Meinhardt Photography

 

Book Review: A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn

 A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn (Avon Inspire, September 2015)

A wedding brings together two young widowed parents . . . and gives them a second chance at love.

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?
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.
Once again, love has come to Pinecraft. But can these two parties of four become a happy, healthy family of eight?

Learn more and purchase a copy.

MY THOUGHTS 
If you've read about the Orange Blossom Inn in the past, you'll recognize some of the characters in this story.....

This is such a sweet story, which includes a very naughty dog who is determined to stir up trouble...especially when food is involved!

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?

You won't become bored while reading this story, full of fun, heartbreak and a lot of happiness!

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

Sewing Love

Lately 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.

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.

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!

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!

Anyway, do you sew?  If you do....you can buy this pattern at 20% off through 9/19 using code 'sewallthecardigans' at Love Notions tiered pricing is also available, so the more you buy, the more you save!

My daughter took these photos of me....isn't she a great photographer?

 **Photo credit goes to https://www.facebook.com/ReynaMeinhardtPhotography?fref=ts

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!

Don't sew?  Well, now you know who to ask for your very own cardigan!  My store is on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lilpieceofattitude  hopefully it will be 'popping' with all kinds of new children's items soon! 

 

Cold as Ice

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Cold as Ice Sydney Lane Press by M.K. Gilroy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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.

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.

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.

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.



ABOUT THE BOOK

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?

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.

What she doesn’t know just might kill her.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Cold as Ice, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
The title of this book alone made me shiver....then I started reading.

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.

An extremely good read...one that kept me guessing page after page, the suspense kept me turning each page a little more quickly.

This is the 3rd book in this series, I have not read the first two, it is definitely a stand-alone read.

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

Childrens Book: Tillie and Clementine, Noises in the Night

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!

.....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!

Cute, fun read, a great cuddle-up and snuggle read!

About the Author

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.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Buoyancy Public Relations

Once Upon a Summertime

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Once Upon a Summertime Revell (June 2, 2015) by Melody Carlson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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.

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.



ABOUT THE BOOK

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!

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.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Once Upon a Summertime, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
This is one of those fun, lazy day reads.

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!


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.

With it's ups and downs, romance, and friendship this book will keep you turning pages, mostly with a smile on your face.

I always enjoy a Melody Carlson read, and this book was no disappointment!

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