Book Review ~ Vanished by Irene Hannon ~ 9/30/15

Blurb:

   Reporter Moira Harrisons is lost. In the dark. In a thunderstorm. When a confusing detour places her on a rural, wooded road, she's startled by the sudden appearance of a lone figure caught in the beam of her headlights. Though Moira jams on her brakes, the car careens across the wet pavement--and the solid thump against the side of the vehicle tells her she hit the person before she crashes into a tree on the far side of the road.

A dazed Moira is relieved when a man opens her door, tells her he saw everything, and promises to call 911. Then everything fades to black. When she comes to an hour later, she is alone. No man. No 911. No injured person lying on the side of the road. But she can't forget the look of terror she saw on the person's face in the instant before her headlights swung away. The person she hit had been in trouble. She's sure of it. But she can't get anyone to believe her story--except a handsome former police detective, now a private eye, who agrees to take on the case.

From the very first page, readers will be hooked into this fast-paced story full of shocking secrets from fan-favorite Irene Hannon. "Vanished" is the exciting first book in the Private Justice series: Three justice seekers who got burned playing by the rules now have a second chance to make things right.     

 

My Thoughts:

When I was trying to pick out my next read, I decided I wanted something with mystery, intrigue and a fast pace.  I like to alternate my reading choices to keep it interesting.

This book started off high-paced, when Moira is in an accident and nobody believes her story about what happened.  Enter Cal and Phoenix Inc.  I loved learning about the PI aspects and the investigation. 

The author wrote the book with the mystery unfolding bit by bit throughout the book.  It was interesting to read as it was pieced together.

The only thing that bothered me was Moira being referred to as "hot" quite frequently.  It seemed a bit strange and got a bit old.

I really enjoyed getting to know the PI's of Phoenix Inc.  I can't wait to read more of this series.

 

On to the Next Book!

Teaser Tuesday ~ 9/29/15

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. 

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My teaser for this week is from:

 

 

~Art.  It drew her, calmed her, healed her, in a manner little else had ever done.~

Page 26

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Happy Teaser Tuesday!

Make it Monday ~ Scrappy Granny Stripe ~ 9/28/15

 

Have you ever made a scrapghan?  The closest I've made to one was using scrap yarn to create my Weekend in Stockholm afghan.

 

 

My current WIP is a true scrapghan, though.  I'm using skeins of yarn that were left over from other projects.  My options were to try to return them or meld them together and see what the outcome looks like.  I chose to be adventurous :)

 

Below are all the colors that I had a complete skein left.  They are all Red Heart Super Saver.  Per my usual, here is the "before" yarn:

 

They're not exactly colors that I would EVER have put together but I kinda like it so far.  I have two skeins of the gray so I'm thinking about using that for the border to tie it all in.

I'm using my go-to Granny Stripe pattern.  It is nice and easy for crocheting while watching TV.

It is also a nice break from all those African Flowers!

 

What do you think so far?  I'd love to see any scrapghans that you've made.

 

 

Please leave me a comment with a link so I can return the visit!!

Linking up to Making Memories Monday, Much Ado About Monday,  Making Your Home Sing , Inspire Me Monday, Merry Monday , Motivation Monday, Made By You, Creative Mondays, What'd You Do this Weekend and Pieces by Polly Block Party,  Monday's Musing and Making Monday, Stitch It Up and Hooking on Humpday, Yarn Along , Yarn Fanatic , Keep Calm Craft On.

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 9/28/15

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday.

 

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On the weather front:
 
Very dull and dreary!  Perfect weather to get things done in the house.

On my bedside table:

 

 
 
On my TV:
 
All the new shows!  I'm loving Castle, NCIS, NCIS NOLA, DWTS, and the Voice.  Am I missing any???

 

 
On the menu for this week:

Monday  - Chicken and rice, broccoli, grapes
Tuesday - steak, mashed potatoes, corn, apples
Wednesday - Dinner at my brother's house
Thursday - Keilbalsa, Cheesy potatoes, peas, apples
Friday -Pizza Friday!
Saturday - Out!
Sunday -  Mac-n-Cheese and nuggets
 
New Recipe I tried or want to try:

I want to try "Strawberry Chocolate Bars".  Still haven't made them!

On my To Do List:
 
Devotions
Clean kitchen, dining room, family room, laundry room and sewing room.
Laundry
Dishes
Walk
Make Supper
Help with homework
  
In the craft basket:
 
African Flowers, Scrappy Granny Stripe
  
 
Looking forward to:

Kaylee has a date for the Homecoming Dance on Saturday.  I can't wait to see her all dressed up :)

 What I plan on doing for myself this week:
 
Getting my sanctuary (home) cleaned up and situated in a pleasing manner.
 

Lesson learned the past few days:
 
Don't take an 8 year old, dress shopping!
 
Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."  Hebrews 4:16



Happy Monday!!!

Book Review ~ The Kissing Bridge by Tricia Goyer ~ 9/26/15

Blurb:

   Rebecca is an Amish woman whose pained past compels her to leave everything to become a nurse---abandoning her family and community. Caleb is an Amish man who is counting down the days until hunting season. At a crossroads in his own life, the excitement of hunting game is all he looks forward to. All the while he wonders what to do with the rest of his life. Even though he likes the Amish lifestyle, what good is an Amish man without faith in God?

An unexpected meeting pushes them together, and they embark with friends on a two-week-long wilderness wagon journey. Hardship tears down the flimsy walls of protection they've placed around their hearts, and as their friendship grows they open up to each other and eventually reveal their deepest secrets.

While on the outside they appear to be traditional Amish people, inside they both know they are anything but that. Will their secrets pull them together or draw them apart? And will their faith in God grow? There is a bridge to cross at the end of the journey. Will true love take them across?     

 

My Thoughts:

After reading the first two books in this series, I knew that this book would be a good read.  I wasn't disappointed in the least.

I enjoyed the story of faith throughout the book.  Rebecca and Caleb were being called to be something other than what they were raised to be and were listening to that calling.

This book was full of adventure and went by very quickly.

One pet peeve:  Caleb is described in the book as blonde and the cover has him with brown hair.  I don't know why that bothers me, but it does!

This was a wonderful series and I highly recommend it.

 

On to the Next Book!

Tea Time ~ 9/25/15

Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things that made me smile this week :)

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~Doug and I went on our Anniversary Date Night!  I have such a wonderful man :)

~I watched Age of Adeline!  Great story :)

~I watched Far From the Madding Crowd!  Awesome story :)

~Don't tell Kaylee that I told you this, but she has a date to the Homecoming Dance!  My little girl is growing up and we're going dress shopping this weekend :)

~Doug has been on second shift this week so I have been reading away in the evenings!  I finished a whole book just last evening :)

 

How's your week been?

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

Linking up with Friendship Friday, Friday Fragments, Five on Friday, Show Off Friday, Awesome Life,  Friday Favorites , High Five for Friday and OhHeyFriday

 

Book Review ~ Blowing on Dandelions by Miralee Ferrell ~ 9/25/15

Blurb:

  Do Dandelion Wishes Actually Come True?  

Katherine Galloway knew this moment of calm wouldn’t last, blown away like the dandelion seeds she scattered as a girl. In 1880, three years after her husband’s death, she struggles to run an Oregon boardinghouse and raise two girls alone. Things don't get easier when her critical, domineering mother moves in. Katherine must make the situation work, but standing up for herself and her family while honoring her mother isn't easy. And with a daughter entering the teenage years, the pressure on Katherine becomes close to overwhelming. T

hen she crosses paths with Micah Jacobs, a widower who could reignite her heart, but she fears a relationship with him might send things over the edge. She must find the strength, wisdom, hope, and faith to remake her life, for everything is about to change.    

 

My Thoughts:

Wow!  What a book!  I must say that I would give this book a 5/5.  I read the entire book in one evening and didn't once want to put it down!

I was drawn into the lives of the characters.  Katherine had two daughters, a teen and one younger, just like I do.  I have to say that some of her struggles as a mother were very understandable.

What she had that I do NOT have is a very critical mother.  There were times that I wanted to shout out in Katherine's defense.  Isn't that silly?  lol

The love story between Micah and Katherine was sweet but the resounding relationship struggles to me were mother/daughter which resolved rather nicely with each promising to "try" to do better.  After all, all we can do is try to change when we realize that we are doing wrong.

I thoroughly enjoyed this first book of the series and have the second book on my shelf waiting to be devoured!

 

On to the Next Book!

Book Review ~ A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano ~ 9/24/15

Blurb:

  Lady Eliza Sumner is on a mission. Her fortune was the last thing she had left after losing her father, her fiancé, and her faith. Now, masquerading as Miss Eliza Sumner, governess-at-large, she's determined to find the man who ran off with her fortune, reclaim the money, and head straight back to London.

Mr. Hamilton Beckett, much to his chagrin, is the catch of the season, and all the eyes of New York society—all the female ones, at least—are on him. He has no plans to marry again, especially since his hands are full keeping his business afloat while raising his two children alone.

Eliza's hapless attempts to regain her fortune unexpectedly put her right in Hamilton's path. The discovery of a common nemesis causes them to join forces and, before she knows it, Eliza has a whole retinue of people helping her. Eliza's determination not to trust anyone weakens when everyone's antics and bumbling efforts to assist her make her wonder if there might be more important things than her fortune and independence.

When all of Hamilton's and Eliza's best-laid plans fall by the wayside, it will take a riot of complications for them to realize that God just might have had a better plan in mind all along.     

 

My Thoughts:

Oh my!  The twists and turns and surprises within this book!  It was truly a historical romantic comedy.

Not only was this book highly entertaining it was downright funny :)  There were times that I couldn't help but laugh out loud.

I adored all the characters.  Eliza and Agatha were my favorites, though.  Even the older generation of "parents" were amazingly well-written.  And the children!  Hilarious!

This was a first read for me of Jen Turano, but I cannot wait to read more.  As soon as possible!

 

On to the Next Book!

In the Kitchen ~ Easy Oatmeal Cake ~ 9/24/15

 

This is an old family recipe and really easy to make!
(from the archives)

Easy Oatmeal Cake

Cake:

1 1/2 cups boiling water

1 cup quick oats

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

2 egg whites (save yolks)

1 whole egg

1 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla

Heat oven to 350 and grease a 9X13 cake pan.

Pour water over oats in a bowl.  Stir.  Add shortening, eggs, sugars and vanilla.  Mix well.  Add dry ingredients.

Pour into pan and bake for approx 25 minutes.

Topping:

1 stick butter

1 cup brown sugar

2 egg yolks

1/4 cup milk

1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Oatmeal

Melt butter in a suacepan.  Add remaining sugar, eggs and milk.  Mix well.  Add amount of oatmeal desired.  (I like my topping thick with oatmeal.  My aunt uses a good bit less.  I actually double the topping recipe because it is so yummy!)  Spread over baked cake.

Eat while hot, warm, or cold.  It doesn't matter.  It is delicious no matter what!

 

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

Linking up to:  Full Plate Thursday, Inspritation2 , Creative Ways, Grace at Home, Create It Thursday, Your Turn to Shine,   Project Stash  Homemaking Linkup and Home Sweet Home, Share Your Cup;  Grandma Ideas, Think and Make.

Book Review ~ Fade to Blue by Julie Carobini ~ 9/23/15

Blurb:

   Suz Mitchell is the determined dreamer we should all be and won't allow her ex-husband Len's jail sentence to ruin their young son Jeremiah's life. An accomplished artist, she moves with her child across the country to California's central coast and lands a sweet job restoring priceless paintings at the historic Hearst Castle overlooking the ocean.

To her utter surprise, a serious old flame, Seth, is also now working at Hearst and jumbles the dreams inside Suz's heart. While sorting out the awkwardness of their past split and current spiritual differences, a repentent Len shows up eager to restore his family.

Suz must learn to let God be the true restorer of all that once seemed lost.     

 

My Thoughts:

I just finished this book moments ago and it will probably take me a while to pick out another book to read.  This book sucked me in to another place.  I adore Otter Bay and wish I lived there.

I really enjoyed all the art and color that filled this book.  All the talk of sketching and painting really reminded me of my oldest daughter's love of all things art.

The book was written in the first person POV so I got to know Suz more than the other characters.  I would have loved to get to know Seth from his perspective. 

I don't always like first person POV but I did with this book.

Definitely a good read!

 

On to the Next Book!

Book Review ~ The Promise Box by Tricia Goyer ~ 9/23/15

Blurb:

   Every year, young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive “resident” status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides!

In The Promise Box, the second book of best-selling author Tricia Goyer’s Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series, Lydia Wyse, a book editor from Seattle who grew up Amish, returns to the small community of West Kootenai to give comfort to her father after her mother’s death. She is drawn back to the familiar Amish ways after finding her mother’s most precious possession, a Promise Box of prayers and scripture. What her publisher sees, though, is an opportunity for a sensational “tell-all” book about the Amish.

Lydia soon finds herself falling in love with Amish bachelor Gideon Hooley. She wants nothing more than to forget her past and look forward to a future as an Amish bride. But will the pain of her childhood---and her potential betrayal of her community---keep her from committing her whole heart?     

 

My Thoughts:

I absolutely loved the first book in this series and I absolutely adored this second book of the series.

Lydia's Mem had recently passed away and she had gone home for the funeral and to stay a while to help her father get adjusted.  She hadn't planned on returning to the Amish life.

Gideon just planned on hunting and going home.  He never planned on staying.

They come together in the most beautiful way.

I love how Gideon felt the first time he saw Lydia.  He knew there was something special but at the time she wasn't Amish.  I liked that Lydia didn't just come back to the Amish for Gideon.  She returned and then they fell in love.

Beautiful!

I already have the third book, The Kissing Bridge on my shelf to read and am really looking forward to it :)

 

On to the Next Book!

Teaser Tuesday ~ 9/22/15

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. 

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My teaser for this week is from:

 

 

~The fumes had overtaken me.  There could be no other explanation.  Of all the people I might have imagined seeing today through the windows of this graying warehouse, Seth Russo hadn't made the top ten.  Not even the top thousand.~

Page 1

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Happy Teaser Tuesday!

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 9/21/15

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday.

 

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On the weather front:
 
It was a beautiful fall weekend.  It looks like we're going to get a bit of rain this week but for the most part it will be gorgeous!

On my bedside table:

 

 
 
On my TV:
 
I am so excited for the new shows to start this week!  Finally, something new to watch!

 

 
On the menu for this week:

Monday  - Spaghetti, garlic bread, broccoli, grapes
Tuesday - steak, mashed potatoes, corn, apples
Wednesday - Dinner at my brother's house
Thursday - Keilbalsa, Cheesy potatoes, peas, apples
Friday -Pizza Friday!
Saturday - Out!
Sunday -  Grilled Cheese, tomato soup
 
New Recipe I tried or want to try:

I want to try "Strawberry Chocolate Bars".  I'll let you know how it goes.

On my To Do List:
 
Devotions
Clean kitchen, dining room, family room, laundry room and sewing room.
Laundry
Dishes
Walk
Make Supper
Help with homework
  
In the craft basket:
 
African Flowers, Scrappy Granny Stripe
  
 
Looking forward to:

The new shows!!  lol

 What I plan on doing for myself this week:
 
Drinking more water.
 

Lesson learned the past few days:
 
We constantly need to work on putting on the "new self".
 
Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace."  Ephesians 1:7



Happy Monday!!!

Make it Monday ~ African Flowers Part 4 ~ 9/21/15

 

(I'm using the pattern for African Flowers that I found over at  Made in K-Town . ) 

 

To see Part 1 go HERE.

To see Part 2 go HERE.

To see Part 3 go HERE.

 

Here's Round 5 from Part 3.

 

After Round 6, I added a round of yellow to create a border.

I'm going to join the squares in yellow so it will make it a lot easier with the yellow border.

Look at all these ends I have to tie in!  ahhhh!!!!

I have 11 blocks completed.  Only 24 more to go :)

 

Please leave me a comment with a link so I can return the visit!!

Linking up to Making Memories Monday, Much Ado About Monday,  Making Your Home Sing , Inspire Me Monday, Merry Monday , Motivation Monday, Made By You, Creative Mondays, What'd You Do this Weekend and Pieces by Polly Block Party,  Monday's Musing and Making Monday, Stitch It Up and Hooking on Humpday, Yarn Along , Yarn Fanatic , Keep Calm Craft On.

Songs on Sunday ~ Til the Day I Die ~ 9/20/15

 

I thought I'd feature a song today that is a little bit different than my usual features.  TOBYMAC!!!

 

ENJOY!       

                 

             

              

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

I'm also linking up to Spiritual Sunday and Counting My Blessings , Faith And Friendship , Grace And Truth , Dance with Jesus, Sunday Stillness, Give Me Grace , Sundays Down Under and The Weekend Brew.



Book Review ~ Stranded by Dani Pettrey ~ 9/19/15

Blurb:

    When her friend vanishes from a cruise ship, reporter Darcy St. James isn't satisfied with their explanation that she simply left her job of her own accord. Something isn't lining up, and Darcy believes the only way to find the truth is to put herself in Abby's position. Within days, Darcy learns her friend wasn't the only person to disappear mysteriously. Last summer, a woman vanished under almost identical circumstances.

Gage McKenna has taken a summer-long stint leading adventure excursions for the passengers of various cruise lines that dock for a few days of sightseeing. He's surprised to find Darcy working aboard one of the ships, investigating a troubling report. Something sinister is going on and the deeper they dig the more Gage fears they've only discovered the tip of the iceberg.

 

My Thoughts:

This is the third book in the Alaskan Courage series.  Darcy and Gage's story was briefly introduced in book 2, Shattered, which was an excellent read.

This book took off from the gate!  Darcy's friend goes missing and she is immediately on the case.  Gage is ever the protective type and even though he doesn't agree with Darcy's tactics, he has her back through and through.

There is a lot of tension throughout the story and the characters were complex.

The author also starts to introduce more about Kayden, Gage's sister, and Jake, a friend with a mysterious past.

This was a great mystery read and made me wish I was more outdoors-ish :)  I love the Alaskan setting and look forward to reading more of this series.

 

On to the Next Book!

Book Review ~ The Heart's Pursuit by Robin Lee Hatcher ~ 9/19/15

Blurb:

    A jilted bride desperate to save her family from ruin.
A bounty hunter seeking vengeance for a ravaged past.
An arduous trek toward justice—or redemption.

Silver Matlock and Jared Newman know traveling together is a bad idea. Bad for Silver’s already tarnished reputation in her small Colorado town. Bad for bounty hunter Jared’s secret, single-minded mission for revenge. But Silver is determined to track down the rogue who left her at the altar and stole the last remnant of her father’s fortune. And Jared’s in a hurry to hunt down the murderer who destroyed his family—even if Silver is too distractingly beautiful for comfort.

The pair takes off over mountain and desert, past bleak homesteads and raw mining towns, hot on the trail of the two villains who took what wasn’t theirs to take. Soon supplies dwindle, secrets emerge, and suspicion leave Silver and Jared at odds when they need each other most. To confront an enemy deadlier than desert rattlesnakes and rocky cliffs, Silver and Jared must learn to forgive and trust and face the question they haven’t dared voice: What happens next?      

 

My Thoughts:

Robin Lee Hatcher is one of my favorite authors, especially her historical romances.  When I saw this book, I knew I had to snatch it up and read it as soon as possible.

Jared and Silver's story is a sweet romance set against a very unsweet backstory.  Jared is looking for a wanted killer who makes women his prey and Silver makes sure she's along for the ride.  This set-up could have been very predictable but the author's imagination and writing made it very enjoyable and satisfying.

  I love western romances and this one didn't disappoint.  I especially loved the ending, but I won't give that away :)

 

On to the Next Book!

Tea Time ~ 9/18/15

Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things that made me smile this week :)

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~Saturday was a lovely rainy day!  Just what I needed to give me permission to laze around for the day :)

 

~I watched Runaway Bride the other night!  I love that movie!  I also dug out the soundtrack from my collection and have been listening to it :)

 

~Our 15th Anniversary was yesterday!  We're celebrating tonight :)

 

 

~Laken got a 100% on her comprehension test!  So proud of my little girl :)

 

~Kaylee was chosen to go to District Chorus!!  She is so excited and I'm so proud :)

 

How's your week been?

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

Linking up with Friendship Friday, Friday Fragments, Five on Friday, Show Off Friday, Awesome Life,  Friday Favorites , High Five for Friday and OhHeyFriday