Book Review: "Bride in the Bargain" by Deeanne Gist

Product Description (from Amazon):
Popular evangelical Christian novelist Gist tells a could-have-happened tale of a Seattle landowner who requires a wife to keep his 640 acres. In the land replete with timber but few women, widower Joe Denton signs a contract with Asa Mercer to deliver the wife he needs to ensure his land rights. Unfortunately, 19-year-old Anna Ivey doesn't realize she's signed on for marriage; she only wants passage out West and a job. Sparks fly as tempers flare when Joe and Anna discover they are at cross-purposes. Acquiescing to common sense as well as a sense of desperation, the two agree to work together temporarily. As Anna cooks up a storm in payment for the traveling debt Joe incurred on her behalf, Joe cooks up his own scheme for wooing Anna into marriage.

My overall feeling of the book:
I loved it!! Deeanne Gist is great as always.

My Favorite Character:
Anna, the leading lady. She was everything a heroine should be and more.

My Favorite Scene:
When Joe is cleaning up in the kitchen and knows that Anna is watching him.

It Would Have Been Better If:
This book was about as perfect as it can get. Wouldn’t change a thing.

I would recommend this book to:
Everyone!


Rating:
10/10. One of the Best Books I’ve Ever Read

Challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge
Romance Reading Challenge
Christian Historical Fiction Challenge
Historical Fiction Challenge

To view my challenges, please see my sidebar.

Book Review: "The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper" by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Product Description (from Amazon):
In 1880 America, socialite Eugenia Cooper's life is all mapped out, including a marriage to rich banker Chandler Dodd. But this lover or western dime novels longs for an adventure of her own. When the opportunity arises, she jumps a train to Denver, Colorado to pose as a governess for ten-year-old Charlotte Beck. What she discovers in Denver, however, can hardly be called a girl. The grubby thing not only wears britches and refuses to bathe, she stole Eugenia's pocketbook before Eugenia even left the train station.

Then she meets a handsome man at the local store and wonders if this western adventure won't have a little romance. What she didn't expect was that she would be thrust into a scandal that would not only ruin her good name, but that of Charlotte's father, Daniel Beck. What's a girl to do?

My overall feeling of the book:
While this wasn’t my favorite Kathleen Y’Barbo book, I did enjoy it.

My Favorite Character:
Charlie, aka, Charlotte. The daughter of the hero even if she is a bit precocious.

My Favorite Scene:
My favorite scene is in the general store when Eugenia and Daniel first meet and flirt.

It Would Have Been Better If:
I just wanted to get deeper into the book than I was able to.


I would recommend this book to:
All us girls who long for a “Wild West Adventure”.

Rating:
7/10. Good

Challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge
Romance Reading Challenge
Christian Historical Fiction Challenge
Historical Fiction Challenge

To view my challenges, please see my sidebar.

My copy of this book is listed in my store.

A Few Finishes

I finished a few projects this past weekend.

This is a Brown and Pink Tote Purse with a make-up bag.



I love making shawls with Lion Brand Homespun Yarn. I have a couple that I made for myself and they are so snuggly soft. The name of this color yarn is "Mediterranean"


This is from a Round Robin that I participated in. The center is a Hunter's Star quilt block. It measures approx. 34" X 34".

I've listed all these items in my store. You can click on the picture to go directly to that listing.

Thanks for looking! I just love finishing a project. But I also love planning new ones and shopping for "ingredients" and making them. I guess you could say I love the whole process!

I'm so excited!!

I sold the Blue and Yellow Sampler quilt from my store!!

It's the first actual quilt bought from my store and only my second quilt that I've ever sold.

I just had to let you know that I'm so EXCITED!

The button for my store is on the sidebar. If you've never checked it out, please do. Pretty please!

Thanks!

Easter Resurrection Girl's Tote Purse

I listed 4 of these Resurrection themed Girl's totes in my store and sold them all within a day.

I was able to get more of this fabric and have listed 8 more totes in my store.

Click on the picture to go directly to this listing or click on my store button to see all my items.

Thanks so much!

Free Shipping for My Followers!

Because you, dear ones, are the people who put up with me and read my blog, I am going to give my followers free shipping on any crafty item in my store, Colletta's Quilts Crafts and Books. This excludes books.

If you purchase something from my store and are a follower, please add a note to let me know you are a follower when you check out.

Sorry, but due to postal costs, this is for US residents only.

A special thanks to all of you who spend the time to look at my posts, my reviews and my creations. Even more thanks to those of you who comment and encourage me.

God bless you and yours!

Sewing up a Storm?

Or in a storm? Both!

I've made a bunch of girls' Easter/Spring tote purses. I have 4 of each listed in my store.


You can click on each picture to go directly to the store page for that item or click on my store button on my sidebar to see all the items in my store.

(All 4 of the "King of Kings" bags have been sold!
I'll try to get some more of this fabric.)

Thanks for looking!

Valentine Book Giveaway Winner!

The winner of "Miss Match" by Erynn Mangum is:

Scottsgal!!

I'll email you for your address.

Thanks everyone for participating in my giveaway! I had a lot of fun learning your favorite love songs!

25% Off Sale on Valentine Items

I'm having a 25% off Sale on Valentine items in my store.


If you order before Wednesday, I'll try to have your items to you before the weekend.

Thanks!

Book Review: "LFY in Miracle, Kentucky" by Andrea Boeshaar

Product Description (from Amazon):
Anything can happen when you live in Miracle After her life in Chicago falls apart, Meg Jorgenson arrives in the small town of Miracle, Kentucky, with plans to start over. She moves in with a grandmother she barely knows and takes a teaching position at the local elementary school. Meg soon garners the interest of Miracles eligible bachelors, but its eight-year-old Cammy Bayer who instantly wins her heart. Cammy has spent most of her young life in a wheelchair, but she firmly believes that God will miraculously allow her to walk again someday. Although Meg admires the girls optimism, she pities Cammy for believing something so impossible. Vance Bayer has always made Cammy his first priority. Though delighted by the attention his daughter receives from her pretty new teacher, the shy widower is embarrassed by Cammys not-so-subtle attempts to play matchmaker. Both Meg and Vance want the best for Cammy, but will they see eye-to-eye when it comes to an experimental surgery that might grant Cammy the use of her legs? Will they open their minds to the miracle of healing and their hearts to the miracle of love?

My overall feeling of the book:
This was my first “Love Finds You” read and I wasn’t disappointed. I read it in a day during a power outage due to the snow. I couldn’t wait to find out how things played out.

My Favorite Character:
I loved Grams. She reminded me so much of my grandmother trying to keep everyone in touch and basically being the matriarch of the family. I really miss her

My Favorite Scene:
My favorite scene was the bonfire scene. You’ll just have to read it to find out the details. Sorry

It Would Have Been Better If:
That creep, Kent, had been a gentleman and kept his hands and attentions to himself.

I would recommend this book to:
Children of broken families, grade-school teachers, those who are around disabled children, small-engine repair-people, those who have been given a second chance in life, small town dwellers and those who wish they were small town dwellers.

Rating:
9/10. Fantastic, couldn’t put it down.

Challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge
Romance Reading Challenge
What’s In a Name Challenge

To view my challenges, please see my sidebar.

My copy of this book is listed in my store. You can click the store button on my sidebar to see it.

Book Review: "Match Point" by Erynn Mangum

Book 3 of the "Lauren Holbrook Series"

Product Description (from Amazon):
Matchmaker Lauren Holbrook is happy after putting together four successful couples. That is, until the tables are turned and she’s on the receiving end of the matchmaking

Lauren and her boyfriend, Ryan, devise a plan to make it look as if they’ve broken up so people will get off their backs about marriage. No problem, right? That’s of course until Lauren realizes she’s in love.

My overall feeling of the book:
I really enjoyed this entire series. This book was a great conclusion that wrapped everything up nicely.

My Favorite Character:
For this last book in the series, my favorite character was the entire circle of friends woven through this series. I loved them all, each and every one.

My Favorite Scene:
My favorite scene was the fake break-up scene. I wondered how they were going to pull it off and it was great.

It Would Have Been Better If:
There was more fire in the first kiss. I waited through 3 books for Ryan and Lauren to kiss and then that’s all it said. Basically, “Ryan kissed her.” I’m a married mother of 2 young girls. I gotta get my romance somewhere Nothing distasteful or anything. Just some description would be fine.

I would recommend this book to:
Coffee lovers, chocolate lovers, photographers, matchmakers, girls whose best friend is a guy, those who have hypochondriac parents, aunts, sisters, EVERYONE

Rating:
9/10. Fantastic, couldn’t put it down.

Challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge
Chick-Lit Reading Challenge
Romance Reading Challenge

To view my challenges, please see my sidebar.

My copy of this book is listed in my store. Click the store button the sidebar to see it.

Book Review: "Rematch" by Erynn Mangum

Book 2 of "The Lauren Holbrook Series"


Product Description (from Amazon):
With two matches under her belt, Lauren's ready to get back to work. Lucky for her, her job at The Brandon Knox Photography Studio makes it even easier to work her magic on her best friend and boss, Brandon, and the adorable receptionist, Hannah. And since she's at Shawn's cafe every day anyway (a girl's gotta feed her caffeine and chocolate addictions, doesn't she?), why not look for his perfect match as well?
But with all her love-connection luck, Lauren's thrown for a loop when her dad announces that he's heading out of town for a singles retreat. But in the midst of panicking about her dad and potential future stepmom, there's also the matter of Ryan--love interest or friend? Only time, vats of coffee, and pounds of chocolate will tell

My overall feeling of the book:
I loved this, the second book in the series, even more than the first. It was so fun to read

My Favorite Character:
My favorite character was Lauren. She is so fun and real. I would like to be her friend.

My Favorite Scene:
My favorite scene was the secret spy operation to find out where Brandon was taking Hannah on their date. They had code names and everything. Hilarious

It Would Have Been Better If:
It would have been better if Ryan and Lauren would just kiss already

I would recommend this book to:
Coffee lovers, chocolate lovers, photographers, matchmakers, girls whose best friend is a guy, those who have hypochondriac parents, aunts, sisters, EVERYONE

Rating:
9/10. Fantastic, couldn’t put it down.

Challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge
Chick-Lit Reading Challenge
Romance Reading Challenge

To view my challenges, please see my sidebar.

Spring Purses and a Pink/Brown

This was a weekend of snow and purses.

While it was snowing outside, I was nice and cozy in my sewing room making these purses.

The "Springy" fabrics cheered me.

I have listed these in my store. You can click on my store button in the sidebar to see them also.

Listed a Bunch of Books

I just listed a bunch of books in my ebay store. A good many for only $1.00.

To see them, please click my store button on the sidebar.

Thanks!!

My 3-yr-old Groundhog!

Here she is: the Birthday Girl on her birthday, February 2nd.

And, yes, that is my pitiful attempt at a "pink kitty cake"!

Book Review: "Miss Match" by Erynn Mangum

Book 1 of the "Lauren Holbrook Series"

Product Description (from Amazon):
Lauren Holbrook has found her life's calling: matchmaking for the romantically challenged. And with the eclectic cast of characters in her world, there's tons of potential to play "connect the friends."

Lauren sets out to introduce Nick, her carefree singles' pastor, to Ruby, her neurotic coworker who plans every second of every day. What could possibly go wrong? Just about everything.

My overall feeling of the book:
I loved it! The characters are so much fun and I loved the witty comments and realness of the conversations.

My Favorite Character:
My favorite character was Ryan. I’d love to see his “fourth-grader-on-the-monkey-bars” grin. I really like Lauren too!

My Favorite Scene:
The blind date scene was probably my favorite. Lauren sets up her two “subjects” with other people to be at the same restaurant at the same time to show them just how much they like each other. Then she goes to the restaurant and hides at a corner table so she can watch!

It Would Have Been Better If:
It would have been better if I was able to read more about Lauren and Ryan and Brandon and Hannah. Oh, wait!! I CAN!! The next book on my TBR pile is “Rematch”, the second book in this series.

I would recommend this book to:
Coffee lovers, chocolate lovers, photographers, matchmakers, girls whose best friend is a guy, those who have hypochondriac parents, aunts, sisters, EVERYONE!

Rating:
9/10. Fantastic, couldn’t put it down.

Challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge
Chick-Lit Reading Challenge
Romance Reading Challenge

To view my challenges, please see my sidebar.

You can have a chance to win this book! On my sidebar is a button for my Valentine Book Giveaway. Go there to leave a comment to have your name entered to win “Miss Match.”

It's My Groundhog Baby's Birthday!

Three years ago today it was 8*F and snowing huge snowflakes when my baby girl was born.

I know this because as they wheeled my bed to the OR for my c-section, they had to wait in the hall a minute before taking me in. At the end of the hall was a window.

I could see these huge snowflakes blowing all around. I will never forget that.

Here she is:
She's 2 in this picture. I'll get a picture of her at 3 yrs old when she wakes up. lol

Isn't she beautiful, the little stinker?

Valentine Book Giveaway!!

I haven't had a book giveaway for a while and decided what better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than with a Christian Romance Giveaway.


"Miss Match" by Erynn Mangum is all about love and matchmaking.

Erynn Mangum was a new author for me. I follow her blog and couldn't wait to check out her books. I wasn't dissapointed.

For a chance to win this book:

1. Leave a comment telling me your favorite love song. +1
2. Be a follower or become a follower. +1
3. Post about this giveaway and let me know that you did. +2

That's a total of 4 chances to win this book.

I'll draw some lucky winner's name on February 8th at 12pm(est).

I'll be posting my review of this book soon. Watch for it!

Book Review: "Fit To Be Tied" by Robin Lee Hatcher

Book 2 in "The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs" Series

Product Description (from Amazon):
It’s 1916, and Idaho rancher Cleo Arlington knows everything about horses but nothing about men. So when charged with transforming English aristocrat Sherwood Statham from playboy into cowboy, she’s totally disconcerted. So is Statham, who’s never encountered a woman succeeding in a man’s world. Their bumpy trot into romance is frustrating, exhilarating, and ultimately heartwarming.

My overall feeling of the book:
I loved the character’s and the storyline of this book. I’ve always enjoyed books set in England and books set in the West. Combine those two and I would call it awesome

My Favorite Character:
My favorite character was Cleo. She was so strong physically and strong spiritually, completely dependant on God. She was willing to go wherever God’s plan for her life sent her even though she loved her ranch.

My Favorite Scene:
My favorite scene was the first kiss. These two characters were so completely opposite that it made the first kiss all the sweeter.

It Would Have Been Better If:
If Woody’s father had been more accepting. I hope to hear more about him in the next book of the series.

I Would Recommend This Book To:
Horse lover’s, ranchers and farmers, tomboys, twins, those who are waiting for God to send them their mate, all Robin Lee Hatcher fans.

Rating:
9/10. Fantastic, couldn’t put it down.

Challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge
Romance Reading Challenge
Christian Historical Fiction Challenge
Historical Fiction Challenge

To view my challenges, please see my sidebar.

Book Review: "A Vote of Confidence" by Robin Lee Hatcher

Book 1 of "The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs" Series



Product Description (from Amazon):
Beautiful and single, Guinevere Arlington knows her “place” in the early twentieth century. She just refuses to stay there. Gwen loves her life in Idaho—the mountains, the town, her independence. But when she runs for mayor—and falls in love with her opponent—Gwen realizes winning may come at too high a price.

My overall feeling of the book:
I enjoyed this book very much. I loved the characters, the time period and the location. It took place in a time where old was converging with new to create a very interesting storyline.

My Favorite Character:
My favorite character was the hero, Morgan. Sigh....What a man

My Favorite Scene:
My favorite scenes were the piano lessons. There was so much chemistry and the sparks were flying.

It Would Have Been Better If:
This was actually a very good book and nothing struck out at me majorly that I would want to change.

I would recommend this book to:
Twins, piano players, confirmed bachelorettes, anyone who has ever ran for an office, and all Robin Lee Hatcher fans.

Rating:
8/10. Very good.

Challenges:
2010 100+ Reading Challenge
Romance Reading Challenge
Christian Historical Fiction Challenge
Historical Fiction Challenge

To view my challenges, please see my sidebar.

I listed my copy of this book in my store. Click here to see it or click my store button on the sidebar to see all my items.

Black and White Patchwork Purse

I started this Black and White Patchwork purse yesterday afternoon. Then, I couldn't help myself from finishing it last night after church.

It is listed in my store here or you can click on my store button in my sidebard to see all the items in my store.

Thanks for looking!