Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Whose Waves These Are~A New Treasure


 42075068

 About the Book


In the wake of WWII, a grieving fisherman submits a poem to a local newspaper asking readers to send rocks in honor of loved ones to create something life-giving but the building halts when tragedy strikes. Decades later, Annie returns to the coastal Maine town where stone ruins spark her curiosity and her search for answers faces a battle against time. (Goodreads)
My Thoughts

This story is such a delight! I have been following Amanda for a few years now, so when I heard about her debut novel coming out I was excited! I knew this story would be good but truly it is a treasure. I loved the dual timeline, I thought it was well written and both stories engaging. There are so many layers with each character and also the themes in the book. The setting is perfect and it made me want to visit Maine. There is an underlying mystery that I thought was well written and it really tied everything together. The romance was perfect and sweet all while being realistic. Yes, this book was sweet but it also held depth that I wasn't expecting. If you are needing a fresh read that will carry you away to Maine this is the book for you!
Highly recommend. 

Five Stars.


"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."










Sunday, April 28, 2019

Currently April....





April has been all about spring and green for me. Also, our beautiful crab apple tree bloomed and I have spent a lot of time under it staring up in awe. 
April zoomed on by and now as we go into May I am realizing how fast spring will be over and how much I want to do! We have switched from inside projects to all of the outdoor projects we planned all winter. We have lived in our house for not quite a year so we are still discovering and dreaming. The yard and landscape needs a lot of work but my goodness you could spend all the money in the world on such things. So we have been taking it bit by bit, adding flowers, adding a tree, adding mulch, etc. We have our garden area all set up and I will be sanding and painting our picnic table here soon.
While it was a spring month in my mind we did have a blizzard type storm that kept me home one day. I decided to paint one of our bedrooms changing it from a dull purple to a bright white. 
We also made a short trip to the mountains to see some family and enjoyed getting out of town for a weekend. A dear friend of mine came to visit this month, we rarely see each other so it was a fun treat. We went plant shopping and now I am itching to plant all the things. 
Aside from those things life just keeps pushing forward. We started a new Bible study at church and are really excited to learn more. 
I have been slacking from keeping up with my to-read pile so I think this next month I will try to read a bit more. 
April has been a fun month and I am excited for the next month of spring as well before the summer heat takes over. 

New Fence






Thanks for stopping by!

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Joyful Surrender Review



About the Book

In our age of instant gratification and if-it-feels-good-do-it attitudes, self-discipline is hardly a popular notion. Yet it may be one of the most important lost virtues of our time. In Joyful Surrender, former missionary and beloved author Elisabeth Elliot offers her understanding of discipline and its value for people of all times. She shows readers how to

- discipline the mind, body, possessions, time, and feelings
- overcome anxiety
- change poor habits and attitudes
- trust God in times of trial and hardship
- let Christ have control in all areas of life

Elliot masterfully and gently takes readers through Scripture, personal stories, and incisive observations of the world around her to help them discover the understanding that our fulfillment as human beings depends on our answer to God's call to obedience. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I have been a long time fan of Elisabeth Elliot. This is a reprint of one of her books but I had not read it yet. I so enjoy reading her wisdom. Her point of view made her writing unique and to the point. She never beats around the bush even with difficult topics. This book might make you feel uncomfortable because of the truth that is in it. I really liked the section about trusting God at all times. Such a great reminder on anxiety and worry. Also the chapters about possessions stood out to me.
I really enjoyed this book. Five stars.

"I received this book for free from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Friday, April 12, 2019

Celebrate Lit Tours: The Governess of Penwythe Hall Review

The Governess of Penwythe Hall FB Banner





About the Book

The Governess of Penwythe Hall

Book: The Governess of Penwythe Hall
Author: Sarah Ladd
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: April 16, 2019
In the first of a new series from beloved Regency romance author, Sarah Ladd, Delia, a governess to five recently orphaned children, would risk anything to protect them . . . even her heart.
Cornwall was in her blood, and Delia feared she’d never escape its hold.
Cornwall, England, 1811
Blamed for her husband’s death, Cordelia Greythorne fled Cornwall and accepted a governess position to begin a new life. Years later her employer’s unexpected death and his last request to watch over his five children force her to reevaluate. She can’t abandon the children now that they’ve lost both parents, but their new guardian lives at the timeworn Penwythe Hall . . . back on the Cornish coast she tries desperately to forget.
Jac Trethewey is determined to revive Penwythe Hall’s once-flourishing apple orchards, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his struggling estate profitable again. He hasn’t heard from his brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced at Penwythe Hall, he battles both grief of this brother’s death and bewilderment over this sudden responsibility. Jac’s priorities shift as the children take up residence in the ancient halls, but their secretive governess—and the mystery shrouding her past—proves to be a disruption to his carefully laid plans.
Rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, this first book in the Cornwall Novels series introduces us to the Twethewey family and their search for peace, justice, and love on the Cornish coast.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author



Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing family and spunky golden retriever. Visit her online at SarahLadd.com; Facebook: SarahLaddAuthor; Twitter: @SarahLaddAuthor.

More About The Governess of Penwythe Hall

5 things to know about Cornwall, England:
  1. Throughout its early history, Cornwall’s inhabitants called the country Kernow.
  2. Early inhabitants largely spoke their own language known as “Cornish,” which became nearly extinct in the 1800s
  3. The country has a long and rugged coastline and there were frequent shipwrecks.
  4. Fishing was a major industry, with herring, mackerel, and sardines being common catches.
  5. In 1870, novelist and poet Thomas Hardy called Cornwall “the region of dream and mystery.”

Imagine yourself in The Governess of Penwythe Hall with these pictures of 19th Century life in Cornwall
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/gallery/2016/may/19/everyday-life-in-cornwall-captured-in-the-19th-century-in-pictures

Sources:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/empire_seapower/cornish_nation_01.shtml
https://www.maritimeheritage.org/ports/Cornwall.html
http://www.cornwallgoodseafoodguide.org.uk/cornish-fishing/history-of-the-cornish-fishing-industry.php

Blog Stops

Back Porch Reads, April 11
LifeofLiterature, April 11
Moments, April 11
Genesis 5020, April 11
Maureen’s Musings, April 12
The Power of Words, April 12
Mary Hake, April 12
To Everything A Season, April 12
KarenSueHadley, April 13
EmpowerMoms, April 13
For the Love of Literature, April 13
Inklings and notions, April 13
The Avid Reader, April 14
Blogging With Carol, April 14
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, April 14
Rachel’s Back Talk, April 15
Wishful Endings, April 15
Simple Harvest Reads, April 15 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Kat’s Corner Books, April 16
All-of-a-kind Mom, April 16
Daysong Reflections, April 16
The Becca Files, April 16
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 17
Blossoms and Blessings, April 17
Remembrancy, April 17
Worthy2Read, April 18
By The Book, April 18
Texas Book-aholic, April 18
Just the Write Escape, April 19
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, April 19
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 19
Babbling Becky’s Book Impressions, April 20
Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 20
For HIm and My Family, April 20
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 21
Inspiration Clothesline, April 21
Pause for Tales, April 21
Through the Fire Blogs, April 22
Bigreadersite, April 22
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 22
Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 22
Inspired by fiction, April 23
A Reader’s Brain, April 23
Hallie Reads, April 23
Henry Happens, April 24
Connect in Fiction, April 24
The Meanderings of a Bookworm, April 24
janicesbookreviews, April 24

Giveaway




To celebrate her tour, Sarah is giving away a grand prize of a finished paperback copy of The Governess of Penwythe  Hall!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!
Click here to enter. 

 My Thoughts

I have really enjoyed Sarah E. Ladd's books since the very beginning. She adds a touch of mystery and tension in most of her books and this story was no exception. I loved the setting and my goodness the cover of this book is beautiful. Now I will say Cordelia's predicament was written in a way that honestly made her seem to lack a bit of common sense. As she moves back within miles of her family from the past it would seem likely that they might find out she is near. I thought parts of this side of the story were a bit far fetched but none the less I enjoyed this book. I really liked Jac as a character and the children are great assets to this story. For a light historical romance this was a nice fast read. 

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

You're My Little Sweet Pea Review





About the Book

Show your child or grandchild they will always be your little sweet pea with this heartwarming board book filled with sweet rhymes and adorable illustrations that celebrates the deep bond between you and your little one. 

Featuring charming illustrations by Kit Chase of parent animals and their babies—kiss, cuddle, tickle, and rhyme your way through You're My Little Sweet Pea. This quick read is great for settling kids down for naptime or bedtime, and it is a great reminder to parents to slow down and just enjoy these precious moments with your little one.

If you enjoy books from authors like Nancy Tillman (On the Night You Were Born) and Sam McBratney (Guess How Much I Love You), then You're My Little Sweet Pea is the perfect book for you.

Little Sweet Pea, I love you. 
From button nose to baby coo.
Squishy cheeks and sparkly eyes, 
Pure delight and perfect size.
Tender feet and tiny toes, 
Where they’ll take you, no one knows. 

You’re My Little Sweet Pea:


Is the ideal gift for a new baby, baby shower, new parents, baptism, birthday, or any occasion to show children how special they are and how much they are loved
Shows all the wonderful moments shared between a parent or grandparent and their children and grandchildren
Has a soft padded cover that overlays a sturdy board book that can stand up to repeated readings at home or in a school or daycare setting
Has a cuddly and engaging cover adorned with spot gloss
Provides unforgettable cuddle time for mothers, fathers, grandparents, and caregivers of children ages 0–4 years old.


My Thoughts

This is a sweet board book. Some of the illustrations are adorable. Board books are always my favorite for littles. This would be fun to read to your very little ones. This wasn't my favorite kids book but I think some parents would enjoy it. 


I recieved this book from BookLook Bloggers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. 






Monday, April 8, 2019

A Love Letter Life Review






About the Book


More than 2.3 million people watched as Jeremy and Audrey Roloff shared their vows and committed their lives to each other. Now for the first time, the former co-stars of TLC's hit show Little People, Big World share their imperfect, resilient, and inspiring love story.
As Jeremy and Audrey write, if you can fall into love, you can fall out. True love is something you choose to live out each day through your actions, decisions, and sacrifices. To find andstill seek, now that is love. From the moment you meet your potential spouse, you can be intentional about shaping a beautiful love story, uniquely written for who God created you both to be. Whether you're single and searching, in a serious dating relationship, or desiring to love your spouse better, Jeremy and Audrey equip you to pursue an intentional, creative, and faithful love story by sharing theirs.

The journey to their wedding day was the culmination of a bumpy and complicated dating relationship. From health problems, to emotional walls, to being separated by one thousand miles, the couple faced daunting obstacles. But their unique approach to dating empowered them to write an uncommon love story and prepared them for married life. Because as beautiful as their wedding was, the Roloffs made a point to prepare more for their marriage than their wedding day.

Told through both Jeremy's and Audrey's voices, A Love Letter Life tells a passionate and persevering story of relatable struggles, hard-learned lessons, practical tips, and devout commitment. In these pages, they encourage you to stop settling for convenient relationships, offer perspective on male and female differences in dating, tackle tough topics like purity, give their nine rules for fighting well, suggest fun ideas for connection in a world of technology, and provide fresh advice on how to intentionally pursue a love story that never ends. 

My Thoughts

I did not know much about Jeremy and Audrey before reading this book. It was a recommendation from a friend and it is actually a pretty well written book. I enjoyed the love story since they group up together. I married my high school sweetheart so it is fun to relate a little. I thought it was written in a fun way, from both perspectives. It was not boring at all and there are some fun pictures of them as well. They included some great lists that relate to dating and marriage. This would be a good book for a teen girl. 

I received this book from BookLook for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.