Book Review ~ Josiah's Treasure by Nancy Herriman ~ CFBA ~ 4/15/13

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review as part of a Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Tour.  

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Title:  "Josiah's Treasure"
Series:  N/A

Author:  Nancy Herriman
Publisher:  Worthy Publishing
Publication Date:  4/16/13

Pages:  320

Buy From Amazon:  HERE

Book Description:

In 1882, Sarah Whittier dreams of opening an art studio run by immigrant women. She plans to use the house left to her by family friend Josiah Cady as collateral for her studio. But will all be lost when the inheritance is challenged by an angry man claiming to be Josiah's son and legal heir? Rumor of gold nuggets hidden in the house, place Sarah's life in danger. Her future uncertain and her safety threatened, Sarah has nowhere to turn. That is, unless she can soften a vengeful man's heart-and they both learn that love is finer than any gold. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Nancy Herriman abandoned a career in Engineering to chase around two small children and take up the pen. She has been writing for longer than she would like to admit. Her work has been a finalist in several Romance Writers of America contests and she won the 2006 RWA Daphne du Maurier award for Best Unpublished Mystery/Romantic Suspense. In 2009, she was an ACFW Genesis finalist. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America.

When she is not writing, or gabbing over lattes about writing, she is either watching history shows on cable TV or singing. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and sons, and wishes there were more hours in the day.

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

This book is full of interesting detail about historical San Francisco and the life women who lived and worked there. There are also tons of interesting details regarding artwork and design during that time period.

I thought Daniel was very hard and vengeful in the beginning but his true self comes through in a wonderful way.

The author kept me guessing as to Sarah's mysterious past eluded to and I couldn't wait to find out her history.

Everything came together nicely in the end. This was a very interesting read.


A Brief Excerpt:

"Perhaps if I gave you my name, you'll understand.  I'm Daniel Cady.  Josiah's son."  Daniel swept his hat from his head.  "And I've come to claim my money."

 Page 21

The Cover:

I'm guessing that the cover is representing the artwork shop that much of the story revolved around.  I can also see how Daniel's arrival was a surprise.  Almost as if he snuck up on her.  Sarah's dress is gorgeous.  Overall, I really enjoyed the cover.

Other Notes:

~The characters, especially, Daniel were a bit hard to get a feel for in the beginning.  Stick with it and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Rating

4/5

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On to the next book,

It's Monday! What Am I Reading? ~ 4/15/13

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The book I am currently reading is:

Mara Keegan is an uber-successful workaholic mother of three, widowed three years ago. She's been chasing success and all the "good things in life" for her family to make up for the cruel whim God played on them by taking her husband. In an effort to be the perfect mom, she decides to make a photo memory quilt, a graduation present for her daughter, Cadence.

She’s not yet finished when she experiences a heart attack. While Mara recuperates, she visits the choices she's made that led to this physically and spiritually broken heart. The memory quilt must be finished in time for Cadence's big day, but Mara struggles with her burgeoning feelings for the man who must keep Mara's business going during her recovery, Joel Ryan. Can Joel find his way into Mara's heart and onto Cadence's quilt?

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I started this book last night before bed so I've really only gotten into the introductory phase.  I've learned the characters who will be in the book and the general idea of what is taking place.  It will be interesting to read how Mara overcomes her aversion to Joel Ryan.

Also Hoping to Read This Week:

Seaside Harmony by Evangeline Kelly

Sunflower Summer by Evangeline Kelly

What are you reading today?

Crocheting the Miles ~ 4/12/13

Crocheting a one row for every 3 miles (5K) walked to make a "Life-ghan" with Cris.
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365 Miles in 365 Days Challenge

Total Miles This Week:  9

Total Miles in 2013:  102

Rows allowed:  34

Rows completed: 31

(No new pic...yet)

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Getting to Know: Kenya Johnson

Name: Kenya Gallion Johnson – Gallion is my maiden name

Home State: South Carolina is home but I was born in Pennsylvania

State of Residence: North Carolina

Height: I’ve been 5’5” since the nurses started asking me. Before that I was 5’4 and a half, which sounds silly to say it that way when you’re grown. I suppose that half inch will come back to bite me when I’m a little old lady and they start measuring me again.

Age: 42, I always have to think about that. I ask myself what year is it and then do the math.

Birthday: December 13^th.

Hair Color: Thank goodness it’s not Rihanna Red; the color didn’t take. Naturally dark brown. By accident, dark brown with light brown highlights.

Eye Color: Well they look black to me, but dark brown is technically correct.

Home life (Family, pets, etc.): Married 15 years to a Marine, who is now retired. We have one son, Christopher, who is 8 years old. Since my husband has retired, he works full-time as a photographer – a business we’ve grown here in North Carolina and the main reason we are staying here.

Occupation: I’m a writer, author, SAHM, photographer’s wife (which means unpaid assistant)

Hobbies that you enjoy: Writing, reading, listening to music, singing and dancing (with no witnesses)

Top three favorite TV shows: Modern Family, Scandal, hmmm those are the only ones I’ll sit still for without folding laundry or looking at my phone.

Celebrity crush: I really need Denzel to play a good boy role and keep a mustache so I can crush on him again.

Favorite authors: Wow that’s really hard. I haven’t read everything any single author has written. I guess I’m pretty close with Maya Angelou.

Favorite book: I’ll say Frank Peretti’s This Present Darkness since I bought it and its sequel on Kindle even though I own the hardbacks and had already read them. I intend to read them again.

Favorite food: Yummy. I’m approaching my third week of Weight Watchers and those two words together just made me excited. Hmmm. What is my FAVORITE food? I don’t want to think about this too hard. Okay Salmon. That’s safe. I love it and could eat it everyday.

Go-to beverage of choice: Water. I was supposed to say that. It’s really coffee. I’m currently in Barnes & Noble drinking tea. My coffee tastes better than theirs.

Favorite Outfit: What are all the women saying in 2013? YOGA PANTS. Add a Genie or Ahh Bra and a man’s large shirt from Old Navy’s clearance rack – then that’s my go-to stay at home outfit. I do change my shirt and bra if I have to go to Wal-Mart.

Favorite Accessory: My seven earrings never come off except to clean them. They are small hoops, four in one ear, and three in the other.

What's your blog/website(s)? www.kenyagjohnson.com/blog Titled: Here’s the thing… another storytelling publication dangling with participles. I try but don’t expect correct grammar through and through.

Why do you blog/write? What do you hope to accomplish with blogging? Oh it’s such a wonderful release to write and know someone is going to read it. Even before I really shared my posts in Social Media it felt good to put my thoughts on paper. I had no idea where blogging was going to lead me when I started. Now as an author, when people see the name Kenya Gallion Johnson on a book cover, I want them to say, “Hey I know her”, and then want to buy it. 

What's the latest goings-on that you would want others to know about? The Christopher Chronicles (my book) is my “latest goings-on” and I take every new opportunity (like this one) to tell people about it. The Christopher Chronicles, Age 5 is my first book. It is available through Amazon on paperback and Kindle. The title and cover are misleading. At first glance people think it’s a book for children. It’s a guaranteed to make you laugh, humor book for adults. I’m currently working on a more grown up cover for the second book.

Any words of encouragement or wisdom to impart? This is like one of those what are your strengths and weaknesses kind of questions. I never know what to say until the moment has passed. Okay, I’ve got something…

In my late 30’s and even at 40, I thought I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. I wondered what my purpose was. What was I called to do? I’m certain that God is happy with me, as I am on the ‘write’ path now. Whatever I do with my writing, I know that is the gift I was given. Where it takes me, I don’t exactly know. What I want to tell you is that if you don’t know what your thing is, it lies just beneath the surface of who you are. It’s painted on your heart. It’s buried under the phrase, “I can’t afford it”, “I don’t have time” and, “I’m too tired.” Do you have a recurring dream that disturbs you? I had one. Once I figured out that my dream was telling me that I was lost, I found my way out of it. Once I started writing again, I never had that lost dream again. When you “do you”, you’ll find your way around all the excuses that keep you from being who you are.  If you can’t move the obstacle that hinders you from doing you, go around it.

Where can readers connect with you online? I don’t know if you can call it “connecting”, my posts on Social Media are probably like a needle in a haystack. But you can find me on Facebook, Twitter & Google. Links to everything, including my books can be found on my website www.kenyagjohnson.com

If you'd like to be featured in a "Getting to Know You" post, please email me at collettaskitchensink [at] yahoo [dot] com .

No Strings Attached April Giveaway Hop ~ Ends 4/17

This blog hop is hosted by

 I'm a Reader, Not a Writer 

This is the No Strings Attached Hop for April.  Lucky you!!

The book up for grabs is:

"Shadow of Colossus"
 by T.L. Higley

To enter the giveaway:

*Mandatory-  Leave a comment telling me your name and how to reach you if you win.

The giveaway will run until 11:59pm EST, April 17, 2013.  The winner will be emailed on April 18th.

For more chances to win great bookishness,

check out these other giveaway hoppers :

Read, Crochet, Repeat ~ 4/10/13

My current read and project are:

Right now, my crochet project is a "Baseball Beanie".  I still have to sew the "stitches" on the sides and then add the braids on the earflaps.  Then, I have the matching diaper cover to crochet.  Hopefully, this will get finished today while sitting on the deck.  What glorious weather!

I just finished reading "A Noble Groom" by Jody Hedlund this morning.  It was such a great, fun read.  Next, I'll be reading "Josiah's Treasure" by Nancy Herriman for a blog tour that will run 4/15-4/18.  I hope you'll stop back for my review then!  Here's the description:

In 1882 Sarah Whittier dreams of opening an art studio run by immigrant women. She plans to use the house left to her by family friend Josiah Cady as collateral for her studio. But will all be lost when the inheritance is challenged by an angry man claiming to be Josiah’s son and legal heir? Rumor of gold nuggets hidden in the house place Sarah’s life in danger. Her future uncertain and her safety threatened, Sarah has nowhere to turn. That is, unless she can soften a vengeful man’s heart – and they both learn that love is finer than any gold.

I read.  I crocheted.  Now, to repeat.

Have a great day!

Teaser Tuesday ~ A Noble Groom ~ 4/9/13

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 is from:

~Peter scowled.  "What do you mean you aren't her groom?  Did my brother Matthias send you or not?"~

"A Noble Groom"
Series:  N/A
Author:  Jody Hedlund
Page 72

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Happy Teaser Tuesday!

It's Monday! What Am I Reading? ~ 4/8/13

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The book I am currently reading is:

Recently widowed Annalisa Werner has the feeling her husband was murdered but can't prove it. Alone with her young daughter in 1881 Michigan, she has six months left to finish raising the money needed to pay back the land contract her husband purchased, and the land is difficult to toil by herself. She needs a husband. With unmarried men scarce, her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find Annalisa a groom. 

For nobleman Carl von Reichert, the blade of the guillotine is his fate. He's been accused and convicted of a serious crime he didn't commit, and his only escape is to flee to a small German community in Michigan where he'll be safe. He secures a job on Annalisa's farm but bumbles through learning about farming and manual labor. 

Annalisa senses that Karl is harboring a secret about his past, yet she finds herself drawn to him anyway. He's gentle, kind, and romantic--unlike any of the men she's ever known. He begins to restore her faith in the ability to love--but her true groom is still on his way. And time is running out on them all.

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So far, this book has been an awesome read.  I read about a jailbreak to save a man from the guillotine = exciting!  Carl has just gotten to Michigan and barely escaped getting married the first night he was there until he explained that Annalisa's groom will be arriving in a few months and he is just there to help until then.  I was kind of hoping they would end up married right away but I look forward to enjoying how the story unfolds.

Also Hoping to Reading This Week:

Duchess by Susan May Warren

Angel Falls by Connie Mann

The Promise Box by Tricia Goy (if it comes in the mail)

Josiah's Treasure (if it comes in the mail)

Lots of reading to do this week!

What are you reading today?

Book Review ~ Scorned Justice by Margaret Daley

I am pleased to say that I am taking part in the above Pump Up Your Book blog tour!  You can click on the above picture to go find out more details about the book, the author, and other tour stops.

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.*

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Title:  "Scorned Justice"

Series:  The Men of the Texas Rangers Book #3

Author:  Margaret Daley
Publisher:  Abingdon Press
Publication Date:  4/1/13

Pages:  368
Buy from Amazon:  HERE

Book Description:

Texas Ranger Brody Calhoun is with his parents in west Texas when an unexpected attack injures the brother of Rebecca Morgan, Brody’s high school sweetheart. The local sheriff, a good friend, asks for Brody’s help. At first, it seems an open-and-shut case.

As Brody digs deeper, he realizes the attack may be related to an organized crime trial Rebecca will be overseeing. With Rebecca’s help, he compiles evidence involving cattle rustling, bribery and dirty payoffs that shatter the entire community and put Rebecca directly in the line of fire.

Brody expects to protect her. What he never expects is to fall for Rebecca all over again, or for a murder to throw the case wide open. Is Brody’s faith strong enough to withstand not only deep-rooted corruption and cattle rustling but also love?

ABOUT MARGARET DALEY

Margaret Daley, an award-winning author of eighty-three books, has been married for over forty years and is a firm believer in romance and love. When she isn’t traveling, she’s writing love stories, often with a suspense thread and corralling her three cats that think they rule her household.

To find out more about Margaret visit her website at http://www.margaretdaley.com.

TWITTER | FACEBOOK

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

What's not to love about a Texas Ranger?  Brody is the perfect specimen.

Rebecca is judge by day and rancher by night.  How in the world would a person do it all while taking care of her nieces and visiting her brother in the hospital.  She is superwoman!

I thought the story behind Brody and Rebecca's past was sweet and loved watching the fall in love.

Margaret Daley had me guessing the entire book.  I never would have suspected the culprit behind the mystery.  What a suspense!  It starts out a bit slow but once it gets moving, look out!

A Brief Excerpt:

"My life is about to change.  A shiver rippled down the length of her body as the paramedics hopped to the ground and hurried toward Thomas, grim expressions on their faces."

Page 30

The Cover:

I am just loving covers lately.  They have become so real and great at portraying the book.  I love how you can just see Brody's profile as he tips his hat.  The rope over his shoulder says he's all cowboy :)  The city in the foreground brings in Rebecca's career as a judge.  The two world's meeting makes for an awesome cover!

Other Notes:

~A good stand-alone book if you haven't read the full series.

Rating
4/5

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On to the next book,

Titanic Giveaway Hop ~ Ends 4/14

This blog hop is hosted by

 I'm a Reader, Not a Writer  and My Devotional Thoughts

I loved the movie Titanic!  Such an epic love story and tragic disaster all in one movie.  I remember when my best friend and I went to see it at the theater (the first time it came out), the film caught on fire and we had to get rain-check tickets to go see it at another time!  What a memory!

This giveaway is for either an epic love story or a tragic disaster.   This looks like it will have both for you:

"Beyond the Valley"
 by Rita Gerlach

To enter the giveaway:

*Mandatory-  Leave a comment telling me a memorable movie moment for you.  Or your favorite epic love story, either one.

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

The giveaway will run until 11:59pm EST, April 14, 2013.  The winner will be emailed on April 15th.

For more chances to win great bookishness,

check out these other giveaway hoppers :

Kay's Korner ~ Geisha Girl ~ 4/6/13

"Kay's Korner"

is a 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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This is a fashion sketch book that I received for Christmas.  It has tons of themes to design clothing for.

This picture started as a person and a dress form.  I could design any style clothing that I wanted.

I decided to draw a Japanese outfit like the ones we saw at Epcot Japan.  I drew this without using stencils.

I hope to have a book review for you next Saturday of "Luminous" by Dawn Metcalf.  I'm really enjoying the book!

Love,

Kaylee

Crocheting the Miiles ~ 4/5/13

Crocheting a one row for every 3 miles (5K) walked to make a "Life-ghan" with Cris.
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365 Miles in 365 Days Challenge

Total Miles This Week:  8

Total Miles in 2013:  93

Rows allowed:  31

Rows completed: 31

(No new pic...yet)

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Tea Time ~ 4/5/13

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

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

Hello, friends!  I hope you're having a good week.  How about some Tea Time chatting about things that made me smile this week :)

~Both twins are finally home.  Right after being born both, Chase and Connor, had trouble regulating their breathing.  Chase, who was a bit bigger at birth, regulated and was able to come home after a few days.   Connor kept having episodes where his oxygen levels would drop.  But...thank the Lord, Connor came home on Wednesday!  The brothers are together again!  I can't wait to get down to see them and kiss them all up!

Chase and Connor

~Yesterday, Kaylee had her very first Junior High Softball game.  It was a double header.  They lost both games but the second game was only by 1 run.  Bummer.  But for such a young team, they played really well and worked together as a team.  It was so fun to watch but it was FREEZING!  I came home and put my fuzzy winter jammies on.  lol

~The Pittsburgh Pirates had their opening game against the Chicago Cubs.  They played a 3 game set.  The Pirates won 1 game and lost 2 games.  Who would have thought that I'd get into watching baseball on TV?  Now, I'm hooked!  They play the Dodgers tonight at 10pm.  I'm now sure if I can stay up that late.

~Finally, the sun is shining!  Last Saturday was so nice and fairly warm out.  We had an egg hunt and worked on getting the deck furniture out and ready to enjoy.  Then...cold and snow flurries!  Argghhh....  Today is supposed to get into the 50's and then gradually increase to the 60's.  I can't wait to be able to get out on the deck to read or crochet or to just watch the kids play!

~One last thing that makes me happy this week is:  IT IS FRIDAY!!!!  I'm so ready for this week to be over.  I'm actually ready for the school year to be over and for summer to roll on in to town.  Can I hear an "Amen"?


What has made you smile this week?