Our First Crafting Bee

This morning our first ever Crafting Bee started at 10am. My oldest daughter decided that she wanted to stay home with her daddy so she could sleep longer. My youngest was raring to go.

This is Wills Mt. Church of Christ on Gooseberry Ave, Hyndman, PA. A lot of my life revolves around this place and the people who make up the church.



We needed some music, so I scrounged up some CD's in the Wee Church room. We sang away and my little on loved it. She even did ballet to the songs. She really picked up on some of the words to a few songs.

This is my area that I staked out on. I worked on hand-quilting my Butterfly Quilt. I brought my crochet along but didn't get a chance to work on it.

This is my sewing box. Ta-da!

Up-close of the quilt.

This is my mom, Ginny. She's working on a doily. She already finished one and is working on the second to complete the pair.

Smile, Mom!

She started this last night and this is her progress to that point.

Laken took her projects, too. She brought some new books to read and a few coloring books. She was amazingly good for the amount of time we were there.

Hard at work.

Laken had to take a break during one of her dance routines. It was possibly to the tune of "What a Friend We Have in Jesus".

At noon, we took a break for lunch and went for a quick stroll around the block to loosen up a little.

We were on the lookout for flowers to take pictures of. Can you see the big bumble bee rolling around coated with pollen in this Rose of Sharon?

Pretty yellow thingamagig.

Beautiful Habiscus.

Dianthys in the church flower bed.

Brown-eyed Susans. Or are they Black-eyed Susans?

After our walk, we got back to work and had a lot of fun. I really enjoyed our time crafting today. My mom said it was a Recreation Day without spending any money. I say that is the best kind.

Hopefully more crafters will be able to join us at our next meeting.

COMING UP: Tuesday, July 27th; 10am-2pm.

AUGUST: Saturday, August 7th and Tuesday, August 17th.

Movie Review: "The Flower Girl"

My husband has been on second shift this week, so I've been having a Hallmark Movie marathon of sorts.

I've been DVRing movies that look interesting and then when I get the time/opportunity, I can enjoy them.

Tonight I watched "The Flower Girl".

Movie Description:

Laurel (Marla Sokoloff) is always the floral designer, never the bride, and she despairs of someday meeting Mr. Right until, by luck, two equal but opposite suitors enter the picture, causing Laurel to see that love blooms in many varieties. On the one hand is courtly doctor Evan (Terry Maratos); on the other is moody writer Stephen (Kieren Hutchison) -- and well-meaning grandmother Rose (Marion Ross) is ready to referee in this Hallmark romance.

My Thoughts:

When the movie first started, I couldn't figure out where I had seen the leading lady before. I racked my brain until I realized she was in another romantic comedy I had seen called "Play the Game". Once I had that figured out, I was free to enjoy the movie. Don't you just hate when something is right there but you just can't pull it out of your memory?

This movie makes me want to be a florist. Or at least maybe go buy some flowers. Better yet, I've been wanting to get some more live plants for my house. I didn't want to have alot of live plants around when the kids were little, but now I think they would leave them alone.

The wedding scenes in the movie are absolutely stunning. And I want to work in the flower shop or at least go visit.

The love story was sweet although there was very little interaction between the her and the love interest(s). It was actually more centered on the relationship between leading lady and grandmother and friend and how they can interfere at times.

This was a nice little movie to sit and watch while I crocheted. If you get the chance, go ahead and enjoy.

Book Review: "Love on a Dime" by Cara Lynn James

"Ladies of Summerhill Book 1"

Book Description:

It’s the summer of 1899 in Newport, Rhode Island, and Lilly Westbrook is struggling to conceal her career from family and friends because of the stigma attached to dime novels. Lilly feels good about her secret-after all, she’s enlightening working class girls with her books and honoring God by using her talents to His glory.

But her secret is threatened when Jackson Grail, a former suitor, becomes Lilly’s new publisher. He’s determined to revive his floundering publishing house by maximizing their most promising--and most secretive--author. His plan? Find "Fannie Cole" and convince her to go public.

When a gossip columnist discovers Lilly’s true identity, she finds that being faithful to her calling involves more than just putting pen to paper. It requires that she stand up for her faith and for herself, no matter the consequences.

My Thoughts:

I wish I could have read this more in longer snatches of time. With the busy holiday weekend and "Spring Cleaning in July", I wasn't able to read for long lengths of time. So, that made my impression very choppy.

I enjoyed the plot of the book. I found it amusing that the author is writing about a lady author when lady authors weren't cool. (Ode to Barbara Mandrell from my childhood.)

There could have been so much less heartache for the characters if they had only put status and money after the things that are more important. Christ first, others second and ourselves last.

The second book of the series is already on my wishlist. The heroine is a reporter. Sounds interesting.

Bavaria Tirschenreuth Dogwood

I won this place setting on ebay last night. It was made in Germany and was part of the seller's Grandmother's estate. I'm not sure when it was manufactured.

The pattern is Bavaria Tirschenreuth Dogwood Pattern 1147. I think it is loverly.

I've been looking for a special tea cup to use at ladies teas. I found this set and won it for $5. It turned out that the seller had 6 more sets so I also won them for a total of $35 for 49 pieces.

I looked up replacement values for the pieces and according to that, I got a steal!

I can't wait to receive them. I hope they travel well and make it here safely.

My First Ever Professional Pedicure

Why did no one ever tell me? How did I possibly not know how pleasurable a profession pedicure is? Have I lived that sheltered of a life? Or, is it a conspiracy against me?

How have I lived for 32 years without the oh-so-wonderful experience?

I can now say, "I have lived!"

Last Thursday, (otherwise known as Grammy/Pappy Day at my house), I needed to get my eyebrows done. Mission accomplished, I contemplated the nail spa next door to the eyebrow plucking establishment. I've been wanting to get a pedicure for a while but have never taken the time, money, courage to do so.

I was feeling a bit needy at the time and decided to pamper myself. I had no idea!

I had no idea that the chairs were massage chairs. I had no idea how wonderful the foot spa feels. I had no idea how absolutely spectacular the actual pedicure would be.

I am now enlightened. And most likely addicted. Hubby better work some overtime.

**Warning: pictures of toes are forthcoming**

"You put your right foot in, you put your right foot out..."

"You put your left foot in, you put your left foot out..."

"You put both feet in, you put both feet out..."

I know, I know. My feet are both short and wide with small stubby toes. But I like 'em.

I'm already looking forward to my next pedicure. Is every week too often?

Very Interesting New Blog

I came across this really neat blog through another blog I follow. It is called "Sewing In No Mans Land" How far will 15 yrds go?

Here is the blog plot:

Hi! My name is Kelly. I am currently living in Dili, Timore Leste (East Timor, to most of the world) a tiny island off the coast of Northern Australia. My husband works for the US Government here so our families are diplomates to the country for the next two years. To learn more about Timor you can click HERE. The short version is it is a VERY war ravaged nation who only won it's independence a decade ago. They are a wonderful people although incredible impoverished. The majority of the capital was burned to the ground but it is slowly being rebuilt. When I came to Dili we were allotted a certain amount of weight for items we wanted to bring with us. The few items that were undebatable were my sewing machines, my camera and a heap of fabric. Well, I ended up with a little under 15 yards of fabric. The local “fabric stores” only carry solid colors or mildly hideous floral prints. This left me with a challenge. Although we have diplomatic pouch, making it so we have a US address and anything shipped to us costs the same amount it would if we were living in the states, I decided to see how long I could make those 15 yards of cute fabric last, and what new patterns I could make up.

The Rules

I can only use fabric I either brought with me or is sent to me by friends, family or readers. The only fabric I personally can purchase must be found locally. This does include when I am on vacation (They have some cool fabric in Bali!). Once the fabric I brought with me is out that is it, I have to make due with only local items. I am considering this a Global Experiment in Sewing and hope to get lots of feed back and suggestions. We will be moving every two years with a month back in the states in between so things should get pretty fun as I find fabric all over the world. Thanks for checkin it out and leave a comment, I love to hear from you!

Cheers

Kelly

I thought it was very interesting and am looking forward to following her creative thriftiness.

Go check it out.

200th Post Giveaway!!!

This is officially my 200th post. And, no, the giveaway is not $200! (the picture is just reprentative of the # 200, duh.)

So, here's the deal. My 200th Post Giveaway will include the following:

A hand-crocheted shawl made from Lion Brand Homespun yarn. Color to be decided at a later date. The below is in "Windsor". If you've never felt the Homespun yarn, it is so soft and comfy and just plain snuggly.

But, wait. There's more. You will also win "The Bridegrooms" by Allison Pittman.



Book Description:

It Only Takes an Instant for Love to Strike

Tragedy hits the Allenhouse family on a hot summer night in Ohio when a mother of four vanishes. Eight-year-old Vada virtually grows up overnight and raises her three younger sisters while her father loses himself in his medical practice in the basement of their home.

Now, Vada is a grown woman, still making her home with her father and sisters. Her days are spent serving as an errand girl for Cleveland's fledgling amateur orchestra; her evenings with Garrison Walker, her devoted, if passionless, beau.

Dizzying change occurs the day the Brooklyn Bridegrooms come to town to play the Cleveland Spiders and a line drive wallops the head of a spectator. The fan is whisked to the Allenhouse parlor, and questions swirl about the anonymous, unconscious man.

Suddenly, the subdued house is filled with visitors, from a flirtatious, would-be sports writer to the Bridegrooms handsome star hitter to the guilt-ridden ballplayer who should have caught the stray shot. The medical case brings Dr. Allenhouse a frustration and helplessness he hasn't felt since his wife's disappearance. Vada's sisters are giddy at the bevy of possible suitors. And Vada's life is awakened amid the super-charged atmosphere of romantic opportunity.

To enter the drawing you can:

+1 Leave me a comment telling me what your ultimate summer vacation would be.

+1 Follow my blog. Make sure you mention in your comment that you are following.

+2 Blog about my giveaway and let me know you have.

That is a total of 4 possible enteries.

There a bonus if I gain 10 new followers for a total of 135 followers. I will be giving away a 2nd book of my choosing.

The deadline to enter this giveaway is July 12, 2010 at 12pm EST.

Almost 200 Posts!!

My very next post will be my 200th post!! Aren't you excited? Ok, maybe not, but I am.

Actually, you should be too, because my 200th post is going to be a GIVEAWAY!!

I haven't yet decided what I'm going to be giving away. I'll work on that tomorrow. When I decide, I'll let you all know. Then you can start entering.

I might even add a "follower incentive" of some kind. Maybe if I get 10 new followers the giveaway will double or something like that.

I'll let you know the details in the next post. My 200th!!

"Crafting Bee"

We are starting a "crafting bee" at my church!

It will be time where we can just get together and work on whatever project or craft each person wants.

Whether it be quilting, crochet, scrapbooking, etc., it will give everyone a chance to sit down, work on their project and have a great time together.

It is going to take place in the Wills Mt. Church of Christ Social Hall in Hyndman, PA on the 1st Saturday and the 3rd Tuesday of the month. The time will be from 10am-2pm.

Each person will bring along their favorite teacup, their craft and a packed lunch. The packed lunch should be easier than trying to have a pot-luck each time.

I'm really excited and looking forward to spending this time with other crafters.

Happy 4th of July!!!

Book Review: "The Choice" by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Lancaster County Secrets Book 1


Book Description:

With a vibrant, fresh style Suzanne Woods Fisher brings readers into the world of a young Amish woman torn between following the man she loves--or joining the community of faith that sustains her, even as she questions some of the decisions of her elders. Her choice begins a torrent of change for her and her family, including a marriage of convenience to silent Daniel Miller. Both bring broken hearts into their arrangement--and secrets that have been held too long. Filled with gentle romance, The Choice opens the world of the Amish--their strong communities, their simple life, and their willingness to put each other first. Combined with Fisher's exceptional gift for character development, this novel, the first in a series, is a welcome reminder that it is never too late to find your way back to God.

My Thoughts:

I have to say that this is possibly my favorite Amish fiction that I have ever read.

Just when I thought I knew where the story was going, the author throws a twist and a turn and takes it a completely different direction.

I thought I knew what this story was going to be before I started reading it, but I was very wrong.

Great book! I'm looking forward to "The Waiting" , Book 2 in the series.

July 1st!?!

I just turned my calendar to July.

Where did the first half of the year go?

"Candy Apple", "Windsor" and "Ocean" Shawl/Wraps

I just listed a few shawl/wraps in my ebay store. You can click on each picture to go directly to the listing.

"Candy Apple"


"Windsor"

"Ocean"
I went to Joann's yesterday and stocked up on some more Lion Brand Homespun yarns, so more will be coming. Eventually.

Secret Lanuage of Fans

Today, Laken and I went to Joann's. I wanted some yarn and some fabric to finish two Round Robins so I can send them off to the next participant.

As we were standing in line to pay, I noticed some paper hand fans with cherries on them in the $1 bins by the check out.

Kaylee was recently admiring a fan my mom has so I grabbed three of the cherry fans. One for me, Kaylee and Laken.

After I put the groceries away, I started taking everything out of the Joann's bag and discovered the fans that I had already forgotten about.

I called Kaylee out from her bedroom and she was so excited to get her fan. Laken had already broken hers by this time. (thanks to daddy and glue it's fixed for now).

Kaylee asked me if me if I knew the different motions for the fan. She remembered it from "Princess Diaries 2". So, what else to do but search the internet for it.

We found a pretty good list describing the "Secret Lanuage of Fans" and printed it out. Kaylee is now hard at work learning a new language.

She has already started holding the fan over her left ear at Laken. Guess what it means... "I wish to get rid of you". Isn't that hilarious? Not that she wants to get rid of her but that she learned how to say it in "Fanese".

I also just went on ebay and won a lot of 12 fans. They were too pretty to let go. I can't wait to get them. Maybe I'll start collecting fans.

A Friend's New Blog

A dear Christian friend of mine, Kristie, has started a new blog called "Comfy Cozy".

She was a little nervous about posting so I gave her an assignment with three topics to pick from to write about.

Kristie has just posted her very first blog post and I'm so proud of her. She took the plunge.

So, please click on the links above to go check out her blog and encourage her in her writing. I've made some very dear friends in the blog world and wish the same for her. Tell her Lettie sent you over.

GO, KRISTIE!!!

Book Review: "Snow Melts in Spring" by Deborah Vogts

Season of the Tallgrass Book One

Book Description

She loves the land. Mattie Evans grew up in the Flint Hills of Kansas. Although her family has lost their ranch, she still calls this land home. A skilled young veterinarian, she struggles to gain the confidence of the local ranchers. Fortunately, her best friend and staunchest supporter is John McCray, owner of the Lightning M Ranch. They both love the ranch, and can't imagine living anywhere but in the Flint Hills. He's haunted by it.

Gil McCray, John's estranged son, is a pro football player living in California. The ranch is where his mother died and where every aspect of the tallgrass prairie stirs unwanted memories of his older brother's fatal accident. Gil decides leaving the ranch is the best solution for his ailing father and his own ailing heart. But he doesn't count on falling in love. Falling in love isn't an option. Or is it?

When Mattie is called in to save a horse injured in a terrible accident, she finds herself unwillingly tossed into the middle of a family conflict. Secret pain, secret passions, and secret agendas play out against the beautiful landscapes as love leads to some unexpected conclusions about forgiveness and renewal.

My Thoughts:

I always get excited when I get to read the first book in a series. I anticipate learning the character and the settings and then revisiting them in the next book. But, only if the first book in the series strikes something in me and makes me desire to read more.

This first book in the "Seasons of the Tallgrass" impressed me and I definitely want to read more.

I had a problem with how much stock the characters put into certain places and it almost costs them everything. But in the end this is one of the hurdles that they have to overcome.

I liked the ending even if it was a little bit predictable.

The Wedding 6/26/10

Saturday, June 26, 2010, Eric Charles Gibbons and Michele Ann Brady were married at St. Bellarmine Chapel at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.

Eric is my first cousin and we grew up together. This picture was taken before the wedding. The last pre-marriage picture of the Gibbons family.

Eric, Aunt Donna, Uncle Charlie, Steph and Brian

My girls were asked to pass out the programs.
Laken and Kaylee

Here is Eric and the Groomsmen waiting for the bride. Sorry, I missed one of the groomsmen. I didn't get a picture of the Bride's Maids because I didn't have a clear view. Michele's sister, Erin, was her Matron of Honor.

Eric (groom), Brian (brother and bestman) Nick, Jeff, Stacen (missing, oops)


My first glimpse of Michele on her wedding day. This is where I teared up.

Charles Brady (Father of the bride), Michele (bride)

I didn't take this picture but it is such a good picture and much better than the ones I got. I stole this from Michele's facebook page.
Michele and Eric

I wish this picture was clearer. Michele's dress was beautiful and she looked absolutely gorgeous.

I loved how they couldn't stop talking to each other during the ceremony. They were so cute!

I didn't get a picture of them walking back down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs. Eric Charles Gibbons, but I have to note that Michele did a little "bouquet in the air, hoorah, we did it!" action. I loved it!

The reception was on the balcony of the Lansdown Resort Clubhouse in Leesburg, VA. It had a beautiful view and they served appetizers and drinks while we waited for the Bride and Groom to get there.

The Wedding Dinner was in the Ballroom and it was amazing. The food was so good. I wish I would have gotten pictures of the plates before we ate.

The cake was lit and beautifully decorated with flowers.

The centerpieces were gorgeous. I love the flowers in the water.

My aunt took a picture of our family. We were at table eight and had a great time visiting with old friends Chris, Carla and Mia Poland.

Me holding Laken, Kaylee, Doug

My Dad and Mom

We had a great time and I can't wait to go back down to visit Eric and Michele when they close on their house.

I'm so glad to have Michele in the family and am looking forward to spending time with her.

Congratulations, Eric and Michele!!!!

Book Review: "After All These Years" by Sally John

The Other Way Home Series Book 2

Book Description:

Isabel Mendoza’s past is just a memory...until Tony, her boyfriend from college days, arrives in Valley Oaks. Romantic sparks fly again, but Isabel is a Christian now. Can she share her love for Jesus with Tony while keeping her painful secret?

Meanwhile, Lia Neuman arrives in town as new owner of the pharmacy. Isabel befriends and welcomes Lia, but vandalism threatens the pharmacy and Lia’s life. Officer Huntington, Valley Oaks’ deputy sheriff, investigates the crimes against Lia, and love unlooked for, begins to bloom.

After All These Years demonstrates how God’s redeeming grace can touch the past and bring healing to the present.

My Thoughts:

I think I liked this book better than the first in the series. That may be because I had already gotten familiar with the small town of Valley Oaks and reading this second book was like taking a trip back to a special place and visiting with old friends.

This book has two romances unfolding at the same time without be at all confusing. I enjoyed each romance equally and didn't mind when the scenes shifted between the two.

There was enough mystery and intrigue to keep it exciting. It also made the Valley Oaks seems more realistic.

I'm sure I will enjoy the third book in the series, "Just to See You Smile" just as much. I'm glad it is already in my TBR pile.

Book Review: "Maid to Match" by Deeanne Gist

Book Description:

From the day she arrives at the Biltmore, Tillie Reese is dazzled--by the riches of the Vanderbilts and by Mack Danvers, a mountain man turned footman. When Tillie is enlisted to help tame Mack's rugged behavior by tutoring him in the ways of refined society, the resulting sparks threaten Tillie's efforts to be chosen as Edith Vanderbilt's lady's maid. But the stakes rise even higher when Mack and Tillie become entangled in a cover-up at the town orphanage. They could both lose their jobs...and their hearts.

My Thoughts:

I always wait very impatiently to read the new Deeanne Gist book. So when I finally received it from a Paperbackswap.com member, it went to the front of my TBR pile.

This was a new setting for Deeanne's books and I completely loved learning about "Biltmore", the Vanderbilt mansion in North Carolina. It was such a unique setting compared to a lot of the historical books I've read lately.

At first, Tillie was determined to forego romance for a career as a lady's maid. I am so glad that she decides to follow love and not money as she realizes there are many ways in which to do the Lord's will. We have to carefully determine what His will for our life is because it might not be what we originally thought it was.

I once again am waiting impatiently for Deeanne's next book.

BTW, Deeanne is have a Girl's Getaway at the Biltmore this fall. Go to her website to learn more.

Book Review: "Ten Things I Love About You" by Julia Quinn

Book Description:

Ten things you should know about this book:

Sebastian Grey is a devilishly handsome rogue with a secret. Annabel Winslow's family voted her The Winslow Most Likely to Speak Her Mind AND The Winslow Most Likely to Fall Asleep in Church. Sebastian's uncle is the Earl of Newbury, and if he dies without siring an heir, Sebastian inherits everything. Lord Newbury detests Sebastian and will stop at nothing to prevent this from happening. Lord Newbury has decided that Annabel is the answer to all of his problems. Annabel does not want to marry Lord Newbury, especially when she finds out he once romanced her grandmother. is shocking, is delicious, is downright wicked, all of which leads the way to Happily. Ever. After.

My Thoughts:

For a long time now, I usually only read inspirational books. However, author Julia Quinn is my one reading guilty pleasure. I just really like her writing. So everytime she publishes a new book, I just have to read it. I do skip over (well I try to ) the parts that I shouldn't be reading.

Having said that, this book was good, good, good. Julia is definitely back in her writing groove. (There was one book that was basically a complete rewrite of the previous book only from another persons perspective. Didn't like it.)

I hope Edward Valentine's story will be next.

Book Review: "The Inheritance" by Tamera Alexander

Book Description:

Desperate for a chance to start over, McKenna Ashford accepts her cousin's invitation and moves west with her rebellious younger brother to a not-so-quaint mountain town in Colorado. She discovers that life in Copper Creek is far from what she expected. Having practically raised Robert on her own, McKenna is burdened both with her failure as a parent and her deep conviction to not let her brother throw his life away. Trusting has never come easily for her--especially in issues of the heart--and that inability to trust is put to the test when she meets U.S. Marshall Wyatt Caradon.

After years on the trail, Wyatt Caradon finds himself at a crossroads. He's brought countless men to justice, but he questions what lasting good his life has accomplished. When his path intersects that of young Robert Ashford, Wyatt glimpses himself, years ago, in the boy's pride and arrogance. He also sees a boy without a firm hand in his life. His well-meant attempt to help Robert brings him face-to-face with the one situation he never wanted to encounter--and the one woman who holds the key to helping him find his future.

My Thoughts:

This was a GREAT book! From beginning to end, it developed perfectly. I loved the characters, the setting and romance.

Tamera states in her "Note from the Author" that this was her first novel and it was rejected so she moved on to write other books. She came back to these characters that stuck with her and rewrote their story.

I declare it a success!

Movie Review: "Possession" 2002

There was really nothing on TV tonight to watch while I crocheted, so I looked through the movies on my XBOX Netflix and found "Possession" in my list of to-watch movies. It was the perfect night to watch it because Doug is on 2nd shift this week and there's no way he would watch it with me.

Movie Description:


Modern love and classic romantic passion meet in this lush adaptation of A.S. Byatt's brilliant novel. Academics Roland Michell (Aaron Eckhart) and Maud Bailey (Gwyneth Paltrow) are experts on the work of two different Victorian poets. As they pursue a possible connection between their subjects, the two sleuths begin to stumble toward a romance of their own.


My Thoughts:

First of all, I have absolutely no clue as to why this is named "Possession". My only explanation is that the book it was adapted from has to in some way have more detail that would lead to this name.

That aside, I thought this movie was great! It had contempory and historical love stories going on at the same time. It reminded me alot of a literary "National Treasure".

There is no way I could not have liked this period, mystery, treasure hunting romance.

To tell you the truth, I came straight to the computer to see if any of the characters were actually real. Sadly, no. All fiction.

If you get some time for a chick flick, this would be a great one to watch.

Book Review: "Wanted" by Shelley Shepard Gray

Sisters of the Heart Book 2

Book Description:
For a split second, Katie feels certain she's about to receive everything she's ever wanted...

Twenty-year-old Katie Brenneman has always quietly fancied Jonathan Lundy. So when the brokenhearted widower asks her to help him take care of his two young girls, Katie knows it will be a trying time -- yet she cannot pass up a golden opportunity to get to know this man better.

Just as she's settling into her new life, a message arrives from Katie's past, threatening to expose her darkest secrets. During her Rumspringa, her running-around years, she experimented with activities forbidden in the Amish way of life. Frightened by how far she'd strayed from her values, Katie ran back home, vowing to cut all ties with the outside world. Now her transgressions are coming back to haunt her, just as Jonathan seems willing to welcome her into his heart.

Will the past destroy Katie's chances for love? Or will Katie allow herself to accept God's love, forgive her past, and receive everything she's ever wanted?

My Thoughts:
I didn't think I could possibly like the second book in the "Sisters of the Heart" series as much as the first. I was so wrong!

Once again, Shelley Shepard Gray's writing touched me. I enjoyed reading about old friends that I met in "Hidden" as well as getting to know new characters.

Katie Brenneman's thoughts and feeling were portrayed so well, that I feel as if I know her personally.

I am greatly looking forward to reading the 3rd book of the series, "Forgiven". I also saw that a new Christmas "Sisters of the Heart" book, "Grace", will be coming out this fall.

I can't wait!

Book Review: "LFY in Last Chance California" by Miralee Ferrell

Book Description:

It's 1889 and Alexia
Travers is alone in the world. Her father has died unexpectedly, leaving her burdened with a heavily mortgaged horse ranch. Marrying one of the towns all-too-willing bachelors would offer an easy solution, but Alex has no interest in marriage. Instead, she dons men's clothing and rides the range, determined to make the ranch a success on her own.

Help arrives when Justin Phillips, an acquaintance of her fathers, comes to Last Chance with his young son. Justin's and Alex's combined effort to save the ranch quickly turns into a fierce competition between cowboy and tomboy. But when disaster threatens Travers' Ranch, they must work together to save someone they both love.

Can these two independent people learn to depend on God and on each other?

My Thoughts:

While I really liked the concept of this book, I just couldn't get into it. It seemed to move so slow and 3/4 of the way through the book and there was still very little romance or even personal interaction between the two main characters.

It wasn't as good as I thought it would be. I was a little dissapointed.

Book Review: "Love Finds You in Humble Texas" by Anita Higman

Book Description:
Trudie Abernathy is a little inelegant, and shes never had much luck in love. To make matters worse, her thirtieth birthday is fast approaching and her sister, Lane, has decided to treat her to a makeover and a few blind dates. Trudie is about to protest, but then she meets the kind and handsome Mason Williamson. In spite of her humble manner, Mason finds her attractive, funny and smart. But Lane inexplicably pushes Trudie away from Mason and toward the other willing suitors. The makeover has transformed Trudie from ordinary into stunning, but she isnt sure how she feels about all the attention from men. Can Trudie stay true to her humble self and find her hearts desire in the process?

My Thoughts:

I'm really enjoying the "Love Finds You" series. This book was one of my favorite so far.

The "pretty sister" sets the "mousy sister" up with "superman". They hit it off and it looked like true love was on the horizon. Then "pretty sister" decides that she loves "Superman" so "mousy sister" step aside.

I understand the love between sisters but I thought it was so selfish of the "pretty sister" to allow her sister to go through that kind of heartache because she was so fickle.

It turns out nicely in the end in a very artful, out-of-this-world, happily-ever-after.

Another great "Love Finds You" book.