Usborne Books-Have You Heard About It Yet?!

I recently discovered Usborne Books and decided I wanted to be a part of all the book fun! They have so many wonderful books for children of all ages, including chapter books! They offer a generous host reward program and since I am new, the amount of free books doubles for any host that has a party within the next three months! If you haven't heard of this company I encourage to look at the website and explore. These books are well made, I have many of them, and they are perfect for kids!

I love books and I have little kids in my life who I feel get too much junk thrown at them and need quality books to educate them. They also need books that help them grow and create imaginations, which I think is lacking in our society. Usborne Books has such a wide variety of books for multiple personalities, that is what makes it special! 

I just want to get the word out there about this company to those that have kids, know kids, have grand kids, etc.

For more info check out this link here.

Our Trip to Asheville

 I didn't take very many pictures this trip, mostly because one day I forgot my camera and also you can't take pictures inside. But we since we had been here before we knew what to expect and it was a great trip!

The entire house was decorated for Christmas, which was really pretty to see. The best part was the tours that we took. Last time we didn't go on any extra tours so we went ahead and did the roof tour and the butler tour. Since we are both history nuts we LOVED touring the behind the scenes and hearing about the incredible architecture. The details that went into building this estate are amazing for the time period. If you haven't heard of this place look here!

 This is the outside view of the large winding inside staircase.

 From the roof tour, it was a bit steep. 

 We also did the wine tour which happened to include a wine tasting. : ) That was quite fun and it is possible that we ordered wine and had it shipped back home....

So that was our short trip to Asheville and I would go back!

Whispers in the Reading Room Review

 

About the Book

 

Lydia’s job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart.

Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.

Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.

Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.

Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

My Thoughts

I was pleasantly surprised with this book and story line. It kept my interest as it is a bit of a mystery on the back streets of Chicago. The romance part I didn't really enjoy, but the historical side and intrigue make me give this book four stars. Of course I loved the fact that Lydia is a librarian and that is what made me want to read this book in the first place. I love to read about the behind the scenes in a library and Lydia is a fun character to read. 

Four stars.

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

My Nephew's Birthday

 This dude is 9. I was really excited that I got to celebrate with him this year! He happened to have a broken arm, but kept smiling all day.

 One of those family pictures where someone sets the timer on the camera and then runs really fast to be in it. I think this was our fourth try so not too bad.

 Doesn't he look so excited about the gift his Aunt Michelle got him?! : ) He was really sick of having his picture taken.

 The snazzy cake.

Until the Dawn Review

via

 About the Book

A volunteer for the newly established Weather Bureau, Sophie van Riijn needs access to the highest spot in her village to report the most accurate readings. Fascinated by Dierenpark, an abandoned mansion high atop a windswept cliff in the Hudson River Valley, Sophie knows no better option despite a lack of permission from the absent owners.

The first Vandermark to return to the area in sixty years, Quentin intends to put an end to the shadowy rumors about the property that has brought nothing but trouble upon his family. Ready to tear down the mansion, he is furious to discover a local woman has been trespassing on his land.

Instantly at odds, Quentin and Sophie find common ground when she is the only one who can reach his troubled son. There's a light within Sophie that Quentin has never known, and a small spark of the hope that left him years ago begins to grow. But when the secrets of Dierenpark and the Vandermark family history are no longer content to stay in the past, will tragedy triumph or can their tenuous hope prevail? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I am a huge fan of Elizabeth Camden and was SO excited to read this book! Camden has a way with words, history, and extraordinary characters and this book was wonderful. I won't say it's my favorite that she has written, but it is still a five star read. 

I loved the setting of Dierenpark and the mystery surrounding the odd circumstances of the story line. I thought it was interesting how we see more of Quentin's point of view and his life than we do of Sophie which I thought was nice. Many times you only see the woman's point of view and with his it adds another layer to the character that you wouldn't otherwise understand. Another topic broached in this book is the thought of an atheist versus a Christian. I think Camden did a good job explaining Christianity but I'm not sure she wrapped it up in a way I agree with. I felt like something was missing on that topic. So that was a slight disappointment. But otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed this story.   

If you haven't read any of her books, you should! I enjoyed this story and highly recommend!

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

Moved and On To The Next Adventure

I haven't been posting much lately as we have been super busy. I had my last day of work on Monday and was able to pack up and get ready to move to our new place. Then Chance's grandma passed away and that took us by surprise. She was a good lady and we had her funeral a couple of days ago. She will be missed. Now I am officially moved and with my hubby (he moved before I did, I worked a few more weeks). Tonight we leave to go to Asheville, North Carolina to visit the Biltmore as it is all decorated for Christmas. We have been there once before and it was one of our favorite places so it should be fun. We will only be there a couple of days then head back home. Pictures to come of our trip, new place and a couple new additions to the family. 

Check out this link it talks about how the Biltmore grows it's own poinsettias!!