Chats on the Porch ~ 10/31/12

This week's questions:

1. How are you when there is a storm?

I usually don't mind or even like storms.  I like the cozyness of being safe and sound inside while the weather is frightful outside.  During this storm, though, I was a bit uneasy.  My husband is on 2nd shift this week so he was working during the worst of the rain.  That left me to deal with the kids when the electric was flickering and then when we were under mandatory evactuation for my neighborhood.  My street isn't named River Drive for nothing!


2. Are you doing anything special in November?

I'm going to be doing "30 Days of Gratitude" on my blog.  I'll be starting tomorrow and hopefully will continue all the way through the end of November.  I posted yesterday with the graphic and the host info if you want to check it out.


3. Do you wear glasses or contacts?

I got my first pair of glasses either 6th grade.  I've been wearing contacts since 7th grade when I started playing Jr. High Volleyball and my glasses were a big pain.  I always hated wearing my glasses anyway.  I loved when I switched from Daily Wear contacts to Extended Wear!


4. Salty snacks or sweets?

Both.  Together.  At the same time, please ;)


5. Who would you bring to the farm with you for a chat, a tour, or perhaps a visit with Wendell?

Without a doubt I would bring the hubby and girls to visit Wendell.  I don't think Wendell would be wanting for attention with those three around.  They'd spoil him!  They are major animal lovers.  You probably wouldn't be able to get them to leave!
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Have a great day!

Wishing and Waiting ~ 10/31/12

These are two books, one released, one un-released that I can't wait to get my book-loving hands on!

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 Wishlist Wednesday is hosted by Pen to Paper 
spotlights a book that has already been released and I can't wait to get my hands on.

"Wings of a Dream"

Series: N/A
Author:  Anne Mateer

Published:  8/1/2011
Publisher:  Bethany House
Position on PBS:  #11

Rebekah Hendricks dreams of a life far beyond her family's farm in Oklahoma, and when dashing aviator Arthur Samson promised adventure in the big city, she is quick to believe he's the man she's meant to marry. While she waits for the Great War to end and Arthur to return to her so they can pursue all their plans, her mother's sister falls ill. Rebekah seizes the opportunity to travel to Texas to care for Aunt Adabelle, seeing this chance to be closer to Arthur's training camp as God's approval of her plans.

But the Spanish flue epidemic changes everything. Faced with her aunt's death, Arthur's indecisiveness, and four children who have no one else to care for them, Rebeka is torn between the desire to escape the type of life she's always led and the unexpected love that just might change the dream of her heart.

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WOW hosted by Breaking the Spine spotlights

an up-coming release that I'm eagerly anticipating.

"Betrayal"

Series:  Where the Heart Lives Book 2

Author:  Robin Lee Hatcher

Release Date:  11/13/2012

Publisher:  Zondervan

It's the turn of the twentieth century and drifter Hugh Brennan is a man well acquainted with betrayal. Hugh finds himself drawn to the attractive widow, Julia, yet when he looks into her eyes, he recognizes the same hurt that haunts him. Julia Grace has little reason to trust men, but she's going to have to trust someone if she's to keep her ranch from the clutches of her dead husband's half-brother. Is it possible God had a hand in bringing Hugh to her door? The latest historical romance from award-winning author Robin Lee Hatcher and the second book in the Where the Heart Lives series, Betrayal will take you to the high desert of western Wyoming, through the crags of the Rocky Mountains, and into the hearts of two seekers learning to trust God's love no matter the circumstances.

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Wishing and Waiting until next Wednesday,

 

 

30 Days of Gratitude ~ November 2012

Carla Kay White is hosting "30 Days of Gratitude" starting on November 1, 2012.  Her plan is to share 5 things each day that you are thankful for.

You can click on the button above to find out more info.

Won't you join in?

Recipe Archives ~ Pumpkin Brownies

This is a recipe I pulled from the archives.  I had forgotten about it, but think I'll be making it again sometime very soon :)

Pumpkin Brownies

1- 15 oz. can pureed pumpkin
1 cup applesauce
2 egg whites
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1- 10 oz bag chocolate chips (or cinnamon chips)
1 cup chopped walnuts

In a large bowl, thoroughly combine pumpkin, applesauce, egg whites and brown sugar.

In a small bowl combine flour, spices, baking soda and salt.

Stir flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture.  Mix well.

Stir chocolate (cinnamon) chips and walnuts into batter.

Pour batter into a greased 13X9 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

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If you give this recipe a try, let me know what you think.

Linking to:    Tempt My Tummy Tuesday

                    Tuesdays at the Table

Teaser Tuesday ~ The Breath of Dawn ~ 10/30/12

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title &; author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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Here's my teaser for this week:

~Seeing Morgan standing still as stone beside the freshly opened earth, Noelle St. Claire Spencer believed a man could shatter.  One touch, and he might crumble and blow away.  Ashes to ashes.  Dust to dust.~

"The Breath of Dawn"
Series:  The Spencer Family Book 3
Author:  Kristen Heitzmann
Page 7

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Happy Teaser Tuesday!

Book Review and Giveaway ~ A Merry Little Christmas by Anita Higman

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review as part of a Litfuse Publicity Blog Tour.  To see more about the book, author, and other reviews please click HERE.

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Title:  "A Merry Little Christmas"
Series:  Songs of the Season

Author:  Anita Higman
Publisher:  Summerside Press
Publication Date:  10/1/2012

Pages:  256

Buy From Amazon:  HERE

Book Description:

Fall in love with this cozy story about two people from different worlds.

Franny Martin is an Oklahoma farm girl who's preparing to spend the holidays alone...again. Then Charlie Landau shows up one day, all wealth and polish, and offers to buy Franny's farm. Franny has no money to speak of, but she is clever and spirited, and she's more than happy to sell the farm and move to the city. As Sinatra croons from the radio and Christmas descends upon her charming farm, Franny teaches Charlie the curious and sometimes comical ways of country life.

In the process, they unearth some discoveries of the heart--that sometimes love comes when you're least ready for it. Will the holidays bring their most impossible dreams within reach?

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

This is the first Christmas book I've read this year and I have to say that it has made me want to start all things Christmas.  Lists, shopping, baking, songs, etc.  I'll hold off for a few more weeks though or my husband will fuss :)

The whole time I read this book some of my favorite Christmas songs EVER were running  through my head.  Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Elvis...  You can't get any better than that.

The story itself is heartbreakingly sweet.  This is a great book to get you in the Christmas spirit!


Main Characters:

Franny Martin:  Franny has been running her family farm all by herself for ten years after both her parents where killed in a storm.  She doesn't realize just how lonely she has been until Charlie comes to the farm.

Charlie Landau:  Charlie comes from a rich family but not a happy family.  his whole life has been spent trying to please his unpleasable father who rules the family with an iron fist.  Franny helps Charlie find the courage to stand up for his dreams.

One of My  Favorite Scenes:

The night Franny and Charlie meet, they dance in the barn to Elvis Presley's "Blue Christmas.  I love that song!

A Brief Excerpt:

"I guess it's all right to love this farm and love music too.  God made our hearts big enough to love all sorts of things.  In fact..." Franny pointed to the other side of the canyon.  "If you'll look over there by that cluster of sumac, you'll see the perfect Christmas tree.  I spotted it some years ago, and not it's ready to cut."

Page 162 

The Cover:

Aww...This cover make me want to decorate and take a sleigh ride singing Christmas songs. 

Other Notes:

Wow!  Charlie's dad was a nasty piece of work through most of the book.  He has a sudden change of heart that seemed a bit...well.... sudden.  I'm not sure how realistic that is.  It did make for a nice moment though.

I used this book for a "Dream Cast" post.  You can see who I would cast as Franny and Charlie HERE.


Rating

4/5

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Now, for the giveaway!

To enter for a chance to win my review copy of this book:

*Mandatory-  Please leave a comment telling me what your favorite Christmas song is.

*Extra-  Follow my blog and leave a comment telling me you do :)

The giveaway will run until November 5, 2012 at 11:59pm.  The winner will be announced on November 6th.

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On to the next book,

Kay's Korner ~ Book Review~ The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine

"Kay's Korner"

is a new feature here at Colletta's Kitchen Sink.  It will consist of book reviews and art by my 11-year-old daughter, Kaylee.  She is very excited about this feature and I will be sure to pass along any encouraging comments to her.

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*Library Book*

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Title:  "The Two Princesses of Bamarre"
Series:  N/A

Author:  Gail Carson Levine
Publisher:  Scholastic
Publication Date:  4/15/2003

Pages:  272

Buy From Amazon:  HERE

Book Description:

Twelve-year-old Addie admires her older sister Meryl, who aspires to rid the kingdom of Bamarre of gryphons, specters, and ogres. Addie, on the other hand, is fearful even of spiders and depends on Meryl for courage and protection. Waving her sword Bloodbiter, the older girl declaims in the garden from the heroic epic of Drualt to a thrilled audience of Addie, their governess, and the young sorcerer Rhys.

But when Meryl falls ill with the dreaded Gray Death, Addie must gather her courage and set off alone on a quest to find the cure and save her beloved sister. Addie takes the seven-league boots and magic spyglass left to her by her mother and the enchanted tablecloth and cloak given to her by Rhys along with a shy declaration of his love. She prevails in encounters with tricky specters (spiders too) and outwits a wickedly personable dragon in adventures touched with romance and a bittersweet ending.

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

At first, I thought it was kind of confusing but then as I read on it got more exciting and easier to understand what exactly the Gray Death was.  It was very sad disease.

I liked everything about this book and will try to read more books by this author.

Main Characters:

Princess Addie:  She is very timid and shy but she was my favorite character because she gains courage throughout the book and in the end she saves her sister.

Princess Meryl:  She is very brave and she likes to fight monsters.  She made a promise to Addie to not go on any adventures until Addie was wed.  Meryl gets the Gray Death.

One of My  Favorite Scenes:

My favorite scene is when they almost made it to the waterfall where the cure for the Gray Death is, but Meryl doesn't make it and the fairies come and turn her into a fairy.


A Brief Excerpt:

Step follows step.
Hope follows courage.
Set your face toward danger.
Set your heart on victory---
Victory for Bamarre!

Page 241 (from the closing of the epic poem Two Princesses)

The Cover:

I really liked the pictures on the cover because it captures everything about the book. Meryl's sword "Blood Biter" and also Addie's magic boots that she uses to get places faster.


Other Notes:

-It was kinda violent when Vollys captured Addie.

-I think older readers would also like this book.

Rating

5/5

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 I'm so excited to have helped Kaylee with her very first bloggy book review!

Book Review: In the Shadow of Evil by Robin Caroll 5/5!

*I received this book from paperbackswap.com*

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Title:  "In the Shadow of Evil"
Series:  N/A

Author:  Robin Caroll
Publisher:  B&H Books
Publication Date:  3/1/2011

Pages:  320

Buy From Amazon:  HERE

Book Description:

Informed by the real-life fallout of the U.S. economy and devastation caused by multiple hurricanes along the southern coast, In the Shadow of Evil tells a modern day story involving the exposure of a building rebound scam. Amidst the layers of unethical practices, supply shortages, and excess murders, a top Louisiana homicide detective loses his heart to a charitable contractor while uncovering a secret about his tragic past.

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

I was a bit intimidated when I started reading this book.  I am not at all into scary movies, books, etc. and that is what the cover of this book reminds me of.

However, the evil alluded to is the evil of the heart of men.  Those who will step on anyone it takes to make it another rung up the ladder.  Those who will take advantage and use anyone and everything around them for their benefit.

After is realized that I didn't need to be afraid of getting spooked from reading this book, I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Definitely a great read!


Main Characters:

Layla Taylor:  Layla is a contradiction of stereotyping.  She was taught the construction business from her father and is a female contractor in a man's world.  She also ballroom dances competitively.  She is a big sister who takes the job seriously.

Maddox Bishop:  Maddox is a homicide detective who meets Layla as part of an investigation.  His investigation leads him further and further into Layla's world until that is right where he wants to be.  He has an estranged relationship with his father who and feels that he is never good enough to please him.

One of My  Favorite Scenes:

I just about cried when Maddox and his father finally talk about their issues.  They both blame themselves for a past tragedy and they finally are able to get past their differences and except each other.

A Brief Excerpt:

Maddox filled the doorway.  Not just physically, but the mere presence of him in the room pressed against her.

She swallowed and backed against the reception desk.  Heat fanned the nape of her neck most uncomfortably.  Made not sense at all.  She was a grown woman, a business owner in a male-dominated field--she could ignore the stupid stirrings in her gut.

Page 46

The Cover:

As I mentioned above, the cover is very eerie and spooky.  Maybe it is the way "Evil" is illustrated.  I've had the book on my shelf a while but was too scared to read it!  lol


Other Notes:

-The prologue is stunning.  Really.  It hooked me right in.

-Layla says "Splinters!" alot.  I found it somewhat amusing and somewhat irritating.  Maybe it will be my new go-to word :)  Yeah, probably not.


Rating

5/5

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On to the next book,

Listicle ~ Firsts ~ 10/29/12

"10 Firsts"

Warning:  Some of these firsts are very personal and maybe TMI :)  hehe
1.  My 1st Concert - Kenny Chesney 2001.

2.  My 1st Flight - Honeymoon to Disney World 2000.

3.  My 1st Love - The Hubby :)

4.  My 1st "Time" - Our Wedding Night.

5.  My 1st Period - 1 month before I turned 11 years old.

6.  My 1st Bra - 5th Grade.

7.  My 1st Dog - Pepsi, a terrior mix.  What a good dog.  I miss her :(

8.  My 1st Surgery - C-section with daughter 1 in 2001.

9.  My 1st Best Friend - My brother, Danny.

10.  My 1st Car -  1988 Chevy Baretta given to me by my aunt.


I can think of so many more firsts but I've kept the list at 10.  What/when were some of your firsts?


Happy Monday!

A Musing ~ Book Talk ~ 10/29/12

Each week Miz B at Should Be Reading asks a bookish question to muse over.

Q. "Do you have people online that you often discuss the books you read with? Not just book groups, but individual readers who share the same taste in books? If so, what do you like best about this? If not, do you wish you did?"

There are certain blogs that I follow whose owners have the same tastes in books as I do and we end up reading the same books at times.  I like to read their reviews after I've written my own to see how they compare.  I also enjoy getting new ideas for books to add to my wishlist and TBR pile.

I'm also friends on goodreads.com with several people who read the same genres and books that I do.  We comment on each other's updates and compare notes along the way.

I enjoy the sense of community that it brings as I don't really have anyone IRL to talk books with.


Musing along,

TSMSS ~ Cinderella ~ 10/27/12

As I mentioned in THIS POST yesterday, last night my 7th grader, Kaylee, went to her first Jr-Sr High Dance.  She had me straighten her hair and help her with her costume.  I'll be posting pictures in the upcoming week.

I can't believe that in just a few short years she'll be going to college and forever changing our lives. 

I need to remember to take the time to enjoy each and every moment as my girls grow up.  This song seemed so appropriate for the occasion:

Enjoy!





Have a blessed weekend!

Cover Crush ~ Big Sky Country ~ 10/27/12

Cover Crush is a new meme over at On The Shelf where beautiful and eye-catching covers are spotlighted! Any cover can be showcased whether it be old or new, read or still sitting in your TBR stack.

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My Cover Crush this week is:

The illegitimate son of a wealthy rancher, Sheriff Slade Barlow grew up in a trailer hitched to the Curly-Burly hair salon his mother runs. He was never acknowledged by his father-until now. Suddenly, Slade has inherited half of Whisper Creek Ranch, one of the most prosperous in Parable, Montana. That doesn't sit well with his half brother, Hutch, who grew up with all the rights of a Carmody. Including the affections of Joslyn Kirk, homecoming queen, rodeo queen, beauty queen-whom Slade has never forgotten.

But Joslyn is barely holding her head up these days as she works to pay back everyone her crooked stepfather cheated. With a town to protect-plus a rebellious teenage stepdaughter-Slade has his hands full. But someone has to convince Joslyn that she's responsible only for her own actions. Such as her effect on this lawman's guarded heart.

What I love about it:

I've always been a sucker for a cowboy!

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What are your thoughts on the cover of this book?

What's New With You ~ 10/26/12

Won't you come meet Alissa (above), me and the girls for a coffee date,

or in my case, hot chocolate with whipped cream or maybe a chai tea?

Here's what's new with me this week:

...There is a lot going on between today and tomorrow!  This afternoon my Kindergarten Girl will be having her Harvest Party at school which includes a Costume Parade around the school grounds.  She picked a cute, cute kitty costume.  I can't wait to go see all the kiddos dressed up.  I'll post pictures next week.

...This evening 7th Grade Girl will be going to her first "big kid" dance.  Sigh....  How did I she get so old?  The dance is being hosted by the Cheerleaders and is a Costume Dance.  Surprisingly, Kayle also picked out a cat costume.  I was shocked that she wanted to be anything even remotely near the same as her little sister!  She wants me to fix her hair before the dance.  I might cry :(  My girl is growing up...  Again, pictures next week :)

...Tomorrow afternoon is our town's Trick-or-Treat from 2-4 pm.  Instead of candy, this year I bought a bunch of Hugs to sit out.  That's right, I said "sit" out.  We take our kids out and about, so I usually just put a bowl of candy on a chair at the end of the driveway and trust that 1 kid won't take it ALL.  lol

...Do you remember me telling you that my cousing and his wife are having twins?  Well, here is how Michele announced it to the Facebook world:

Isn't that just too sweet!?!  BTW, the first picture shows the big-brother-to-be, Carl.  lol

...Uggh...  I have to tell you about this.  I had my post-op clearance appt with the Gyno on Monday.  I went, sat in the waiting room for at least 30 minutes, was called back, got undressed and was in "the position"  (you ladies know what I mean).  Then the nurse came in and said that the Dr. was called to the hospital and I would have to reschedule.  Next week!  I was beyond aggravated!  I am so ready to put this all behind me.

...We took Laken to her appt. with the Pediatric Dentist on Wednesday.  She has some cavities in her baby teeth that need taken care of.  She's going to have it done at the hospital because they put her under anesthesia.  I admit that it makes me nervous.  The Pediatric Dentist is so busy that the first available date to have her teeth fixed is March 14th!  So that is when we are scheduled for unless there is a cancellation.

...We added two new items to the etsy shop this week.  My shop link is on the sidebar:

Turkey Bird

Cabbage Patch Doll 

...And last...well we can't NOT talk about the weather!  Who is ready for FRANKENSTORM????  Better stock up on the bread and milk, all us East-Coasters!

So, how was your week?  What's new with you?

Book Blogger Hop ~ Favorite Blogs ~ 10/26/12

HAPPY FRIDAY, EVERYONE!

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This week the BBH is being hosted by Knitting and Sundries.

Q.  What are three of your favorite book blogs and/or communities? Why do you like them?

 

This question just is too hard and not fair!  lol

Well, first, I love Goodreads!  I've just started really utilizing it daily for the past few months and it is an excellent resource for tracking and community.

Second, I'll go with Miz B at Should Be Reading.  She hosts Musing Monday and Teaser Tuesday which are both awesome!

Third, I'll say is Kathy's I Am A Reader, Not A Writer.  She hosts the most amazing book giveaway hops and I have made so many new friends through them!

It doesn't seem fair to stop at three because I follow and love so many other book blogs.  I love you all!  Thanks for being my friends :)

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Have a great day!

Movie Night (1) ~ The Lucky One ~ 10/25/12

A weekly spotlight of a recently watched movie.  Everyone is welcome to leave a link to a movie review in the comments!  What movie should we watch this weekend for Movie Night?

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*Sources:  Yahoo Movies "The Lucky One"*

Title:  The Lucky One

MPAA Rating:  PG-13

Genre:  Adaptation, Drama, Romance

Run Time:  1 hr 41 min

Premiere Date:  4/20/12

Writer(s):  Will Fetters (screenplay), Nicholas Sparks (Novel)

Director:  Scott Hicks

Distributor:  Warner Bros.

Synopsis:

U.S. Marine Sergeant Logan Thibault returns from his third tour of duty in Iraq, with the one thing he credits with keeping him alive - a photograph he found of a woman he doesn't even know. Learning her name is Beth and where she lives, he shows up at her door, and ends up taking a job at her family-run local kennel. Despite her initial mistrust and the complications in her life, a romance develops between them, giving Logan hope that Beth could be much more than his good luck charm.

Cast

Logan Thibault:  Zac Efron

Beth Green:  Taylor Schilling

Ellie Green:  Blythe Danner

Ben Clayton:  Riley Thomas Stewart

Keith Clayton:  Jay R. Ferguson

 

My Overall Thoughts:

I read the book months before I had the chance to watch the movie.  Wne I read it, I knew that Zac Efron would be playing Logan's character.  I had a hard time picturing this because was hung up on thinking of Zac Efron as a "High School Musical" kid.  When I finally saw the movie, I was pleasantly surprised at how well Zac has grown up!  He pulled it off very well and banished all "HSM" associations from my mind.  lol  Especially with the....ummmm...love scenes.  Whoa baby!

I watched this movie one afternoon while I crocheted.  The kids were at school and the hubby was sleeping after working the night shift.  I thoroughly enjoyed it!  I would even say that I liked the movie as well, if not better, than the book.  And that is saying something!


MPAA Rating Thoughts:

This movie is rated PG-13 due to sexuality and violence.  I think they need a rating that is somewhere in between PG-13 and R because that is where I would rate this movie.  I think it was a bit too steamy for a 13-year-old to be watching but it wasn't explicit enough to be an R movie either.

My Favorite Scenes(s):

I love the scene when Logan, Beth and Ben are in the kitchen cooking and dancing.  We do that at our house so I really felt a connection.  It was a sweet, feel-good scene where a lot of character could be seen in the interaction.

I also really liked the scene with the storm and the rescue.  Very intense.

There were so many great scenes, but I don't want to give too much away!


Watch This Movie With:

I watched this movie by myself but that isn't optimal.  lol  I would have liked to have watched this movie with some of my girlfriends but it is so hard to get together with everyone's busy schedules.

It would also be a romantic movie to watch with your "SO" if you can get them to watch it with you.  I couldn't :(

Not one to watch with the kiddos, though.

Other Notes:

I do recommend reading the book first.  There is a lot of back-story and details that are in the book and made watching the movie even better.

As in most book-to-movie adaptations, there are some small and some rather large changes/differences.  I don't think they detracted from the story at all.

Be prepared to laugh and to cry.  Have the tissues handy.


Trailer:

My Rating:

4/5

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What are you watching this weekend?  Leave a comment or link :)

Dream Cast ~ A Texan's Choice ~ 10/25/12

Du Livre is hosting Dream Cast Thursday where participants can showcase which actors/actresses they would pick for the movie equivalent of their current read! Anyone can join, click on the button above and go link-up!

My current read:

Texas, 1874. Long ago, Scout Proffitt gave up on ever being a man of honor like his Civil War hero brother Clayton. But when Scout steps foot on the rundown remnants of the Circle C ranch, he wonders if maybe just maybe the Lord has something different intended for him. Rosemarie has lived most of her life doubting her worth and shouldering the blame for her brother 's death. But when a stranger rides onto her ranch, claiming he owns it, she suddenly is given a choice: either keep looking at the dark side of life . . . or dare to dream.

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Rosemarie Cousins:

Deborah Ann Woll

(True Blood)

Source:  Yahoo Images

Scout Proffitt:

Josh Duhamel

(Las Vegas, Transformers)

Source:  Yahoo Images

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Leave a comment telling what you think about my dream cast. 

If you have a dream cast post, make sure to leave a link so I can come visit!

Wishing and Waiting ~ 10/24/12

These are two books, one released, one un-released that I can't wait to get my book-loving hands on!

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 Wishlist Wednesday is hosted by Pen to Paper 
spotlights a book that has already been released and I can't wait to get my hands on.

"Heart of Gold"

Series: 
Author:  Robin Lee Hatcher

Published:  2/14/2012
Publisher:  Thomas Nelson
Position on PBS:  #17 

Against Shannon's wishes, love stakes its claim in her heart. Will she discover treasure or treachery?

In 1864, Shannon Adair dutifully accompanies her minister father to his new church in the gold rush town of Grand Coeur, in the Idaho Territory, but she secretly burns with resentment that she cannot remain in Virginia to support the Confederacy in its fight against the Northern aggressors. Shannon, who rejects her father’s belief that there is right and wrong on both sides of the war, hates everyone who does not stand wholeheartedly with the south. Despite her antagonism, Shannon agrees to nurse Alice Jackson, the ailing widow of a Yankee soldier. It soon becomes clear that Alice is dying and that her son, Todd, will be left in the care of her older brother, Matthew Dubois, a wanderer who loves his job as a driver for Wells Fargo.

This gentle and well-written story of the Old West proves, once again, why Hatcher’s novels are beloved by so many readers. Shannon and Matthew are likeable characters who come from such different worlds that it doesn’t seem possible for them to ever find happiness together—until a band of Confederate outlaws unwittingly gives them the opportunity to test their faith and their love. Recommended for all those who enjoy inspirational romance.


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WOW hosted by Breaking the Spine spotlights

an up-coming release that I'm eagerly anticipating.

"Every Perfect Gift"

Series:  A Hickory Ridge Romance

Author:  Dorothy Love

Release Date:  12/4/2012

Publisher:  Thomas Nelson

Sophie has spent a lifetime guarding her heart and a long-held secret. It will take all of her courage to speak the truth and embrace the future God has planned for her.

The year is 1886, and Sophie Robillard returns to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, after living in Texas for 15 years as the ward of Ada and Wyatt Caldwell. Now that the town's population has exploded, her intention is to reopen the long-defunct newspaper office that so captivated her when she was still an orphan. The rejection she experienced as a child because of her mixed parentage has left deep scars that she hopes can be healed by succeeding in this new venture.

Ethan Heyward was uprooted from his home as a boy following an unspeakable tragedy. Horace Blakely, a millionaire businessman, took Ethan under his wing and eventually put him in charge of the construction and opening of Blue Smoke resort in Hickory Ridge.

They meet when Sophie arrives at Blue Smoke to interview Ethan for her newspaper. As their attraction deepens, each hides a secret that, if revealed, could end their relationship.

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Wishing and Waiting until next Wednesday,