Fun Fall Times At the Pumpkin Patch

 

We met up with a friend of mine and got to play with her kids for the day at the pumpkin patch. It was so much fun!

Good times and fun memories.

The Brickmaker's Bride Book Review

 

 Goodreads

About the Book

Yearning for a fresh start, Ewan McKay travels with his aunt and uncle from northern Scotland to West Virginia, promising to trade his skills in the clay business for financial assistance from his uncle Hugh. Hugh purchases a brickmaking operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, but it's Ewan who gets the business up and running again. Ewan seeks help from Laura, the former owner's daughter, and he feels a connection with her, but she's being courted by another man--a lawyer with far more social clout and money than Ewan. Besides, Ewan has resolved he'll focus on making the brickmaking operation enough of a success that he can become a partner in the business
and be able to afford to bring his sisters over from Scotland.

But when Hugh signs a bad business deal, all Ewan's hard work may come to naught. As his plans begin to crumble, Laura reveals something surprising. She and her mother may have a way to save the brickworks, and in turn Ewan may have another shot at winning Laura's heart. (Goodreads)



 My Review

This book was really hard for me to get into reading. The characters didn't stand out to me while the storyline was intriguing. I liked Ewan's side of the story more so than Laura's. The brick making aspect was the only thing that kept my attention and I had to push myself through this book. I really am not sure why but this book just did not suck me in. I wish I could say more but really I was just disappointed. 

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

Don't miss Judith Miller's latest novel, The Brickmaker's Bride. CBA Retailers + Resources raves, ". . . a wonderful story about faith and love throughout life’s trials."

Judith is celebrating with a Kindle HDX giveaway and  a "Refined by Love" Facebook author event on November 4th.

 One winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 4th. Winner will be announced at the Refined by Love Facebook Author Event. Connect with Judith for a fascinating evening centered around her new Civil War-era series. She'll be hosting a book club discussion, giving away prizes, answering your questions, offering an exclusive peek at the next book in the Refined by Love series, and much more!

So grab your copy of The Brickmaker's Bride and join Judith and friends on the evening of November 4th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

Flour + Water Pasta Cookbook Review

 About the Book

An elevated guide to the craft of pasta-making by rising star chef Thomas McNaughton of San Francisco's hottest Italian restaurant, flour + water.
San Francisco's flour + water has a devoted local following, a strong national reputation, and is well known for its specialty regional pasta varieties, all-Italian wine program, and star chef Thomas McNaughton. McNaughton is an artisan truly passionate about pasta whose inventive recipes and fresh flavor combinations--such as Corn and Crescenza Cappelletti with Bitter Honey; Spaghetti with Confit Albacore, Pole beans and Chili Flakes; and Asparagus Caramelle with Brown Butter--set "Flour + Water"apart from other pasta books. The 75 recipes are organized seasonally, and appeal to all pasta-lovers, from those who've never made it themselves to weekend warriors looking for their next challenge. Steeped in Italian tradition with a chef's flair, "Flour + Water "is a must-have for all home pasta-makers. (Goodreads)

My Review

I love pasta! I make homemade noodles for soup sometimes but never to the extent that a pasta book describes. This book was really interesting because it has a lot of history on pasta and a story of sorts on how the book came to be written. The second part of the book is recipes which are so yummy! I had no idea there were so many different kinds of pasta. The only downside is many of the recipes call for a Pasta Machine which is not something everyone will have. I don't think you have to have one but I'm sure it helps the process. The pictures are wonderful and give many step by step examples.

If you are a pasta lover this book is great, even just for new ideas!

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for an honest review." 

The Legend of St. Nicholas Book Review

 

 

 

 

Book Description

In The Legend of St. Nicholas, the new artwork, created by Marley and Me illustrator, Richard Cowdrey, captivates audiences and tells the story of a young man named Nicholas, who was moved by the plight of the poor and needy. Nicholas spent his life secretly helping the poor all over the world, giving gifts on Christmas Eve to remind people of the greatest Gift of all, Jesus Christ. This gentle Christmas book introduces the original St. Nicholas and offers inspiration for readers to become cheerful givers themselves. The final pages in the book include fun Father Christmas traditions in other lands.

About the Author

Dandi Daley Mackall is the author of over 400 books and still can’t believe she gets to write for a living, helping children of all ages grow spiritually. She and her husband, Joe, both write from rural Ohio, where they’re blessed with three children and a variety of horses, dogs, and cats.

About the Illustrator

Richard Cowdrey’s favorite things to draw and paint are the things that reflect the awesomeness of God and His creation. From vast landscapes to the littlest bug on a leaf, Richard marvels at the beauty in the details. Richard's bestselling children's books include Bad Dog, Marley and A Very Marley Christmas. (BookLook)

My Review

This is a fun Christmas book that tells the story of St. Nicholas, a young man who wanted to give. The book is mainly about a little boy who goes shopping with his dad (his dad just left him at the store to wander on his own which I didn't really appreciate) and discovers Santa telling the story of St. Nicholas. It's a great example on how great it is to give to others in need and a good lesson for kids. 

The illustrations are beautifully done and I can't wait to share this book with the little ones in my life! I love giving and I hope they grow up to understand the importance of giving to others. 

"I received this book from BookLook for free in exchange for an honest review."

Yuletide Ice Cube Fair Children's Book Review

 About the Book

It's that wonderful time of year again---the Yuletide Ice Cube Fair! It's a time of festivity and fun as veggies gather to munch on snow cones, slurp down slushies, and ice skate on the frozen pond. But the greatest part of all is the Ice Cube Carving Contest! The veggies have been busy! They've carved Christmas feasts, trees, angels, and more. Each one is trying to outdo the other in an effort to win the grand prize! But the smallest of all these ice entries is a carving done by Junior Asparagus---a tiny stable with a shepherd on one knee. Kids will discover that it's not what's grand, or bigger, or best that's most important on Christmas---it's Jesus!
(Goodreads)

My Review

This is the first Veggie Tales book I have read, but I have seen many of the movies. This book is fun for children who already love Veggie Tales or need a fun Christmas book. The pictures are colorful and this book is easy for them to understand. All the veggies compete in an ice carving contest. Everyone does something different on what they think is important during Christmas. This book is relevant because all we hear about during the holidays is gifts and food and pretty selfish things. This book reminds kids to remember Jesus is why we celebrate. 

Great read, five stars!

"I received this book from BookLook for free in exchange for an honest review."

Surprise at Yorktown Book Review

About the Book

Travel two centuries back in time to the final battle of the American Revolution at Yorktown, Virginia. Cousins Patrick and Beth sneak through trenches and race across battlefields to warn General George Washington about a dangerous spy. The spy is stealing his secret plans and giving them to the British. Cannons roar and the ground shakes as the struggle reaches a climax. Washington's ragtag soldiers are up against the most powerful army in the world. Will Patrick and Beth witness the American Revolution come to an end? Or will they be caught in a dangerous trap they can't escape? (Goodreads)

My Review

I love this series! I was so excited to be able to review this book, not only is it in this great series, but it's focusing on one of my favorite times in history! The Revolutionary War has always interested me and I love reading stories like this. This book takes the cousins back through the Imagination Station and once again they are in the middle of a battle, Yorktown. Unsure about where they are they discover they are on the British side. They really just want to meet George Washington, but they can't seem to get where they want to be. They aren't sure who to trust, and while running they run into some animals that add a twist in their adventure.

This book is great because it really shows how God was faithful and answered prayer.

This is a wonderful book for readers age 7 and up.

Highly recommend!

"I received this book from Tyndale Publishing for free in exchange for an honest review."

The Covered Deep Book Review

 Goodreads

About the Book

Bianca Marshal is holding out for the perfect husband. Finding a man that meets the requirements of her must-have list in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains has proven impossible. Bianca s mama insists that there s no such thing as a perfect true love, and that Bianca s ideal man is pure fiction. On the eve of her twenty-fifth birthday, Bianca discovers a devastating statistic: her chance of marrying is now only eighteen percent. Unwilling to accept spinsterhood, Bianca enters an essay contest that propels her into a whirlwind search for her soulmate. Via the opulence of London and the mysteries of the Holy Land, Bianca's true love will be revealed, but not without a heavy price. (Goodreads)

My Review

This is Brandy Vallance's first novel which is something I took in account while reading. I think this author could do better, as her knowledge is great and her passion is obvious. This book had way too much detail on little things. It was also a bit confusing at the start, I had a difficult time following the story line as it seemed to jump from one thing to the next. I love the story concept and Bianca's character is refreshing. The men in the book didn't stick out to me much but I liked the traveling aspect. There is a bit of a love triangle but I was more focused on other things that happened. 

I enjoyed the book and I am anxious to read Brandy's next novel. 

"I received this book from Worthy Publishing for free in exchange for an honest review."

To Everything A Season Book Review

About the Book

Lauraine Snelling Launches New Red River Valley Series

Trygve Knutson has been promoted from well drilling to heading a construction crew for the fast growing town of Blessing, North Dakota. Though devoted to the land and his family, he sometimes dreams of other horizons. But is he willing to leave Blessing permanently?
Miriam Francini hopes to become an accredited nurse in a large city hospital. She is simply tolerating her assignment at the hospital in rural Blessing because it will give her the experience she needs to accomplish her goal. She can't wait to finish her training and head to New York to begin a nursing career.
Then Miriam meets Trygve Knutson and all her plans are suddenly in a jumble. She quickly realizes she doesn't want to live without him, yet she's a smart, independent woman--she's even a suffragette. She can't let anything get in the way of her own plans, even if she's in love. Or can she?(Goodreads)

My Review

I think is the second book I have read by Lauraine so I really wasn't sure what to expect. I was excited because this is the first book in a new series so I figured it would be a good place to start. Sadly, I was very disappointed. This book reads like the middle of a series, I knew none of the characters and there was a ton of backstory that seemed important that I didn't know.

Also, the entire plot on the back of the book says this story is about Miriam, this is not the case. She doesn't even enter the picture until half way through the book. The first part of the book jumps from previous series characters until the middle when Miriam makes an entrance. At that point I was really not into the story. It's very slow and I really couldn't connect with the characters. I think this book could have been way better organized and should be part of another series, not promoted as the start of a new one.

If you are a fan of Lauraine already, I'm sure you will enjoy this book.

I wish I could give a better review but I was disappointed and I'm being honest.

Two and a half stars.

"I received this book from Bethany House for free in exchange for an honest review."

The Daughter of Highland Hall Book Review

About the Book

Fans of Downton Abbey, Jane Eyre, and Pride & Prejudice will enjoy this pure and inspiring romance taking place in Edwardian England amid a clash of cultures and changing times.

Eighteen-year-old Katherine Ramsey travels to London with her family to make her debut into society and hopefully find her future husband. Her overbearing aunt insists she must secure a proposal from a wealthy young man who is in line to inherit his father’s title and estate. But Katherine questions her aunt’s plans when she gets to know Jonathan Foster, a handsome medical student and strong Christian who is determined to protect the poor and vulnerable in London’s East End. When a family scandal puts a damper on Katherine’s hopes for the season, she has time to volunteer with Jonathan, caring for children in one of London’s poorest areas, and romance blossoms. Katherine’s faith grows and she begins to envision a different future with Jonathan. But when Katherine’s work in the East End puts her in danger, Jonathan distances himself from Katherine to protect her. A wealthy suitor reappears, and Katherine must choose which path to follow. (Goodreads)

My Review

I know that this time period is really popular right now because of Downton Abbey, of which I am a fan. I also know that I need to limit my reading of this time period because eventually they all start sounding the same. I enjoyed the first book in this series and it remains my favorite. The Daughter of Highland Hall was colorful and fun with Katherine's debut and the London season. The history is intriguing and I would have loved to travel with Carrie to explore this area and history.
The story line moved a bit slow for me and I couldn't really get into the characters. I do like this time period but this book just isn't my favorite. I felt like there was more depth of character in the first book and this one more lacking.
Anyway if you are loving this time period and can't get enough this is a good series to read.

Four stars.

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

Learn more, purchase a copy, and read an excerpt: http://ow.ly/C7LAY

About the author: 

Carrie Turansky is an award-winning author of more than a dozen novels and novellas. She has written contemporary and historical romances, women's fiction, short stories, articles, and devotionals. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, Scott, and they have five adult children and four grandchildren.

Find Carrie online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Choosing Gratitude Book Review

About the Book

Gratitude is a choice. If we fail to chose it, by default we choose ingratitude. And once allowed into the heart, ingratitude does not come by itself, but with other seedy companions that only succeed in stealing joy. To not choose gratitude is more costly than we usually realize. When we do choose a lifestyle of heartfelt, humble gratitude, we are mindful of the benefits received from our gracious Savior and those He has placed around us.

By intentionally thanking God and others, bitterness and entitlement are replaced with joy and the humble realization of just how undeserving we really are. Derived from a popular Revive Our Hearts radio series,  Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy challenges and equips the reader to live a life of intention. A life based on thankfulness for the freedom Christ has provided and for the blessings of others.

As a bonus, a 30-day plan of journaling, prayer and activities to help the reader on her path to joy is included. (Goodreads)

My Review

Having just finished One Thousand Gifts book and Bible study, I probably should have waited to read this book. They are very similar and Nancy encourages being grateful and showing others gratitude. I think what I enjoyed about this book is that while being grateful to God she also explains how much others appreciate being thanked or shown gratefulness. It's a part of being polite but it's also deeper than that. Do you just write thank you cards because you have to or because you really want to?

I thought the book to be a bit much all at once and read a bit each day. Some parts were nothing new and a few times I got a bit bored. I really love this concept and I think it's wonderful if we really do strive to be grateful.

I recommend if you need a new perspective and this would be a good morning devotional.

"I received this book from MP Newsroom for free in exchange for an honest review."

The Woman Who Would Be King Book Review

About the Book

An engrossing biography of the longest-reigning female pharaoh in Ancient Egypt and the story of her audacious rise to power in a man’s world.

Hatshepsut, the daughter of a general who took Egypt's throne without status as a king’s son and a mother with ties to the previous dynasty, was born into a privileged position of the royal household. Married to her brother, she was expected to bear the sons who would legitimize the reign of her father’s family. Her failure to produce a male heir was ultimately the twist of fate that paved the way for her inconceivable rule as a cross-dressing king. At just twenty, Hatshepsut ascended to the rank of king in an elaborate coronation ceremony that set the tone for her spectacular twenty-two year reign as co-regent with Thutmose III, the infant king whose mother Hatshepsut out-maneuvered for a seat on the throne. Hatshepsut was a master strategist, cloaking her political power plays with the veil of piety and sexual expression. Just as women today face obstacles from a society that equates authority with masculinity, Hatshepsut had to shrewdly operate the levers of a patriarchal system to emerge as Egypt's second female pharaoh.

Hatshepsut had successfully negotiated a path from the royal nursery to the very pinnacle of authority, and her reign saw one of Ancient Egypt’s most prolific building periods. Scholars have long speculated as to why her images were destroyed within a few decades of her death, all but erasing evidence of her rule. Constructing a rich narrative history using the artifacts that remain, noted Egyptologist Kara Cooney offers a remarkable interpretation of how Hatshepsut rapidly but methodically consolidated power—and why she fell from public favor just as quickly. The Woman Who Would Be King traces the unconventional life of an almost-forgotten pharaoh and explores our complicated reactions to women in power. (Goodreads)

My Review

I was really excited about this book because I know nothing about this time period or history. Hatshepsut is a name I have heard and read a little about but this book goes into a lot of detail on her upbringing, and how she ruled Egypt. I understand that we really don't know a lot from this time and history. I get that the author has to assume a few things, normal cultural traditions and such. I felt like a lot of this book repeatedly said, "she probably did this"  or we can assume that perhaps life might have been this way. So really we don't know a lot and I feel like it's a guessing game. It was very interesting reading about the cultural traditions and how they viewed many things. There is a lot of details about gods and what they believed in as well, which helped with understanding.  With her actual life I wish we knew more.

For this time period this book is a great resource and gives a glimpse into history.

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for an honest review."