Book Review ~ One More Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong ~ 9/14/17

 

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Blurb:

 

Sarah Cooley has come home to Last Chance, New Mexico, for one reason–because it doesn’t change. After an engagement gone bad with a man who wanted to change everything about her, Sarah is more than ready for the town whose motto may as well be, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Chris Reed, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to spark some change in the little town. As the new owner of the Dip ‘n’ Dine, he’s shaking things up to draw folks from all over the Southwest into his restaurant.

As it turns out, the winds of change are blowing into Last Chance–just not in the ways that Sarah or Chris might expect.

With the same evocative writing and fascinating characters that won fans for her debut novel, Cathleen Armstrong invites readers back to Last Chance for a soul-searching, romantic story of two people navigating the twists and turns of small-town life.  

My Thoughts:

 

I read the first book in this series quite a while ago and really enjoyed it.  I was eager to dig into this, the second book of the A Place to Call Home series.

 

I found it very interesting that Sarah absolutely could NOT stand Chris in the beginning of the book.  I couldn't wait to see how the author was going to develop a love story when Sarah didn't even want to be civil to Chris.

 

Chris, however, was smitten as soon as he laid eyes on Sarah.  It made for interesting dynamics and storyline.  Add in a seven-year-old niece with abandonment issues and it made for a delightful read!

 

The third book in this series is about Kaitlyn, Chris's sister, who I really disliked in this book.  I'm excited to get my hands on the third book and read how the author brings about Kaitlyn's redemption. 

For the Biblical "Way of Salvation" please see my header or click HERE.

 

Linking up to:  Share Your Cup;  Grandma Ideas, Literacy Musings and Saturday Situation, Booknificent. Party at My Place , Saturday Review of Book , Book Nook, Hearts for Home, The Monday Review, Homemaking Party,  Favorite Things, Home and Garden, Make My Saturday Sweet.

The Enchanting Rose's 11th Annual Tea Cup & Mug Exchange

I'm so excited to be participating in The Enchanting Rose's 11th Annual Tea Cup & Mug Exchange!

Click on the picture below for more information and to sign-up!

Hodgepodge ~ 9/13/17

  

 

Joyce's Hodgepodgey Questions:

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1. Is a picture worth a thousand words? Elaborate.


Usually, I would say yes, but...  pictures can sometimes be misconstrued and taken the wrong way.  And, with photoshop these days, you never know what is true.  But that can be for words also.  I DON'T KNOW!  It will be interesting to see what everyone else has to say about this question.



2. Have you ever driven any part of the Pacific Coast Highway? If so what was your favorite stop? If not, is this sort of trip on your bucket list?



Definitely on my bucket list but to this point the farthest west I've been is Ohio and I live in Pennsylvania!  I have been up and down the Atlantic Coast though.  At least from PA to FL anyway.  I'd also love to go up the coast to the New England states.


3. How do the changing seasons affect you? As the seasons change do you find yourself looking more forward or backward? Which season-season transition bothers you most? Why do you suppose that is?



I love the changing of the seasons.  Every. One. of. Them.  The changing of the seasons make me feel like New Beginnings are just around the corner.  I do get seasonal allergies though so there is THAT!


4. It's your birthday and you get to pick the dinner menu. What are we having? Do you ever lie about your age?



My birthday dinner is always Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes!  Yummy :)  I'm proud of my age.  Why lie?


5. What's a life lesson you've learned recently?



Wow!  This is a hard question.  I usually don't even realize I'm learning the lesson until it is over and I have time to look back.  I guess, I've been learning to take one day at a time.  Tomorrow will have enough worries of its own.


6.  Insert your own random thought here.


When I got to work this morning, a lovely co-worker had brought me in a delicious Peanut Butter Cinnamon Roll from his son's bakery.  Exactly the pick-me-up I needed this morning!  What an angel :)


Also, I've signed up for The Enchanting Rose's 11th Annual Tea Cup & Mug Exchange.  Click below for more information and to sign-up!

I'd love to return the visit!  Please leave a comment and a link!

Teaser Tuesday ~ Dancing with Fireflies ~ 9/12/17

My teaser for this week is from:

 

Jade McKinley lowered the stove to medium and returned the chicken breasts to the pan.  What had she gotten herself into?  She should've agreed to meet him at a restaurant instead of in the tiny apartment she shared with her friend.  But it had seemed easier, meeting on her own turf with Izzy in the next room watching the Jane Austen marathon on PBS.
 

Also linking up to:

 


Happy Tuesday!

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 9/11/17

 

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday.

 

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Update on Uncle Charlie:

He's home from the hospital and is on the mend.  He goes back for a follow-up appointment tomorrow and I'm sure he'll be looking at some physical therapy.

Many thanks to all of you who have said a prayer for him!


The weather outside is::::

 Cool and clear.

Just like that morning 16 years ago today.  It will be forever sketched in my mind.

Please be in prayer for those in the path of Hurricane Irma.  My Aunt Mary lives in Daytona Beach, FL and has evacuated.
 



On my breakfast plate:

Special K Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar

  

As I look around the house::::

 

More progress on the roof has taken place.  Doug had to work a lot of overtime this week, so we didn't get as much done as we'd have liked.  He's talking about taking another week's vacation to finish up the roof and the siding.

On today's to do list::::

Work 8am-1pm
 Exercise
Pick up the girls from school and tennis practice.
Make Supper
Blog
WW tracking

 

Happening this week::::

 

Monday.... See above.
Tuesday...  Work 8am-1pm, exercise, laundry, Ladies Meeting at Church
Wednesday... Work 11am-4pm, exercise, schedule for next week, Prayer Meeting.
Thursday... Work8am-1pm, exercise, Menu and Grocery List, Tennis Match
Friday...  Off Work, exercise, Groceries, Laundry.
Saturday...  Weigh-in, exercise,
Sunday...  Our 17th Anniversary!, Church, Exercise, Youth Group

Currently reading::::



Denise Hunter is one of my all-time favorite authors!  This is the second book in the "Chapel Springs" series and I loved the first.  I can't wait to dig into this one!
 

On the TV::::

STEELER football, baby!



Listening to:



 

On the menu this week::::

Monday - Ham, Fried Potatoes, Corn, Oranges
Tuesday - Leister's Special, Broccoli, Pears
Wednesday -  Pork Chops, Scalloped Potatoes, Green Beans, Strawberry Pie
Thursday - Chicken Biscuit Bake, Peas, Peaches
Friday -  Pizza
Saturday - Homemade Vegetable Soup, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Sunday - Dinner at Church

What I am creating at the moment::::

My cross-stitch WIP is still a WIP...

Bible Verse/Devotional

Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3: 5-6

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Linking up to :What Are You Reading,  Modest Mom Monday,  Art of Homemaking, Soul Survival,   Good Morning Monday, Menu Plan Monday ,  Mommy Monday, Busy Monday, The Scoop,  Homemaking Linkup,

 

Sunday Post ~ 9/10/17

 

This is a post to recap the previous week here on the blog.

The Sunday Post is hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

 

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Happy Homemaker Monday - 9/4/17

This is where I plan out the week ahead.

 

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This week's Teaser came from One More Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong.

 

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This week's Hodgepodge was about Hopes and Fears.

 

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This week's Book Review was:

From This Moment

by Elizabeth Camden

 

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Some of this week's Tea Time smiles were about

Spelling Tests and Newspaper Articles :)

 

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Come see how I did this week on my

Saturday Weigh-In!

 

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Have a great week!  Please leave a link so I can stop by your blog :)



Linking to:  Sundays at Home, Sunday's Best, Dishing It and Digging It

Saturday Weigh-In ~ 9/9/17

 

This week has been a bit of a bust :(

I didn't exercise and I didn't track.  So guess what happened...

I gained 1.4 lbs ;( :( :(  Honestly, I was expecting more of a gain.

What I've learned:  Discipline is essential if I want to reach my goal!

-  I must make the time to exercise even when my schedule is off routine like it was this week.

-  I must follow the WW plan to track my food intake and stay within my Daily Points.

I know this, so now I need to Just Do It!

Here's to a new week!

My week's stats:

Weigh-in: +1.4   Total:  -22.2 lbs.

Exercise: Sat:   minutes
                 Sun:   minutes
                 Mon:    minutes
                 Tues:    minutes
                 Wed:   60  minutes
                 Thurs:   minutes
                  Fri:      minutes
                   TOTAL: 60  minutes = 11/35 FitPoints

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Thanks for stopping by!  Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!


Linking to:  Dare to Share, Saturday Sparks, Bouquet of Talent, Saturday Shuffle, Saturday Sharefest

 

Tea Time ~ Spelling Tests and Newspaper Articles ~ 9/8/17

 

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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~Laken got a 100% on her very first Spelling Test as a 5th Grader!  She was also moved up a grade in reading!  Go, Laken :)


~Kaylee was featured in our local newspaper for being a returning letter-woman in Tennis!  She also had a match last night and was in the #1 position again :)  Go, Kaylee :)


~Uncle Charlie got home from the hospital!  If you've been following along, you know that my Uncle Charlie was in a motorcycle accident almost 2 weeks ago.  He finally got home on Monday.  He's still recovering but he is so glad to see something other than the four walls of the hospital room :)


~Saturday we went out for breakfast!  I love  breakfast food.  We didn't have much going on that day so we went to a little diner in LaVale called the Filling Station.  It has the best food.  Especially breakfast.  I got a ham and cheese omelet with toast and home fries.  Delicious :)

~The Steelers first regular season game is Sunday!  I'm so excited!  Love me some football in the Fall :)

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

Linking up with Friendship Friday, Five on Friday, Show Off Friday, Awesome Life,  Friday Favorites , High Five for Friday , Tricky's Five , Friday's Fave Five. Fresh Friday Finds, , Sweet Inspirations, Funtastic Friday .

Book Review ~ From This Moment by Elizabeth Camden ~ 9/7/17

 

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Blurb:

 

Stella West's artistic talent made her the toast of London, but when her beloved sister dies under mysterious circumstances she abandons everything and heads for Boston. With single-minded determination she fights to pierce the ring of secrecy surrounding her sister's death. Upon meeting Romulus White, a publisher with connections into every important power circle in the city, she quickly realizes he could be a valuable ally in navigating Boston society.

Romulus has been pursuing Stella for years to create art for his magazine. Her luminous illustrations are the missing piece he needs to propel his magazine to the forefront of the industry, and he will stop at nothing to get her on board.

Sparks fly the instant they join forces, but Romulus is unsettled by the unwelcome attraction he feels toward Stella, fearing she might be the one woman who could disrupt his hard-won independence. He may have finally met his match in Stella, but is helping her solve the mystery of her sister's death worth the risk to his publishing empire?   

My Thoughts:

 

This was the first historical novel that I've read in quite while.

 

Elizabeth Camden is one of the best historical author's I've read!  I really haven't read a bad one by her.  I learn so much and the books are so interesting!

 

In this book, I learned a lot about the start of building subways in America, specifically Boston.  I also learned a lot about what went into the making of a magazine around the turn of the 20th century.  Absolutely amazing!

 

I found the main characters a bit shallow at first with all their fascination with wardrobes and being stylish.  They were also both a bit egotistical and arrogant.  But then as the characters developed and I got to learn more about their insecurities, they became more likable.

 

 I also really enjoyed the side story about Evelyn and Clyde.

 

If you haven't read Elizabeth Camden, you really should! 

For the Biblical "Way of Salvation" please see my header or click HERE.

 

Linking up to:  Share Your Cup;  Grandma Ideas, Literacy Musings and Saturday Situation, Booknificent. Party at My Place , Saturday Review of Book , Book Nook, Hearts for Home, The Monday Review, Homemaking Party, Favorite Things

Hodgepodge ~ 9/6/17

  

 

Joyce's Hodgepodgey Questions:

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1. When you think about your future what do you fear most? Hope for the most?


Fear:  My girls growing up and leaving me :(


Hope:  Grandbabies!  I know.  I make no sense!  lol

 2. September is National Chicken Month. How often is chicken on the menu at your house? What's a favorite dish made with chicken? What's something you're a 'chicken' about doing or trying?


On the menu:  Usually 1 time per week.


"Chicken" about:  Flying.  I've only flown one time in my life and that was for my Honeymoon (almost 17 years ago) and it was before 9/11.  Now I'm afraid to fly.  I think I could overcome it with some heavy duty self-talk though.

 3. What are three things you don't own but wish you did?


1.  A rockin' body
2.  A truck
3.  A lake house


4. Would you rather be a jack of all trades or a master of one? Elaborate.  If you answered one, which one?


Jack of all trades for me!  I get bored easily with projects, so I like to have a lot of options.

5. Ketchup or mustard? On what?


Ketchup only!  NO MUSTARD!!!!!!  Disgusting!  I like ketchup with French fries (of course!) also on my hot dogs and cheeseburgers.

 6.  Insert your own random thought here.


My girls were sick yesterday.  Why do they get sick as soon as school starts?  They were healthy ALL summer!  Only on the 3rd week of school and they are both down...  I'll be next :(




I'd love to return the visit!  Please leave a comment and a link!

Teaser Tuesday ~ One More Last Chance ~ 9/5/17

My teaser for this week is from:

 

The day the new owner of the Dip 'n' Dine tried to put line-caught trout dusted with blue cornmeal and lightly napped in a tricolor chile cream on the menu was the day his cook nearly hung up his apron for good.
 

Also linking up to:

 


Happy Tuesday!

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 9/4/17

 

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday.

 

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Update on Uncle Charlie:

He's still in the hospital.  He ended up having to have surgery on his collar bone.  The had to put in pins and a plate.  The plan is to try to start weaning him off the pain pump and the IV meds and get him ready to possible come home the within a day or two.

Many thanks to all of you who have said a prayer for him!


The weather outside is::::

 It seems like fall has fell upon us in the span of a day's time!  We actually had a fire built in the cook stove this weekend.  It is supposed to warm up a bit this week and I'll take it!
 



On my breakfast plate:

Special K Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar

  

As I look around the house::::

 

The guys have been busy working on the roof of the addition.  The rainy weather over the weekend put a bit of a "damper" (hehe) on the progress but we'll get there eventually.

On today's to do list::::

Picnic
Exercise
Devotions

 

Happening this week::::

 

Monday.... Picnic, exercise
Tuesday...  Work 8am-1pm, exercise
Wednesday... Work 11am-4pm, exercise, Prayer Meeting.
Thursday... Work8am-1pm, exercise, Menu and Grocery List, Tennis Match
Friday...  Work 8am-1pm, exercise, Groceries, Laundry.
Saturday...  Weigh-in, exercise, Veteran's Picnic at Raystown Lake

Currently reading::::



This is the 2nd book in this series by Cathleen Armstrong.  I read the first book a good while ago.  So far I'm enjoying the interaction between the hero and the leading lady.
 

On the TV::::

We finally took some time to watch a movie together as a family.  Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2.  Have you seen it yet?



Listening to:



 

On the menu this week::::

Monday - Labor Day Picnic of Hoagies, Chips and Cookies
Tuesday - Chicken, Alfredo Noodles, Broccoli, Oranges
Wednesday -  Ham Pot Pie, Green Beans, Pears
Thursday - Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Peaches and Cottage Cheese
Friday -  Pizza
Saturday - Bacon, Eggs, Toast
Sunday - Dinner at Church

What I am creating at the moment::::

My cross-stitch WIP is still a WIP...

Bible Verse/Devotional

The earth is full of Your lovingkindness, O Lord; Teach me Your statutes.

Psalm 119:64 NASB

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Linking up to :What Are You Reading,  Modest Mom Monday,  Art of Homemaking, Soul Survival,   Good Morning Monday, Menu Plan Monday ,  Mommy Monday, Busy Monday, The Scoop,  Homemaking Linkup,

 

Sunday Post ~ 9/3/17

 

This is a post to recap the previous week here on the blog.

The Sunday Post is hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

 

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Happy Homemaker Monday

This is where I plan out the week ahead.

 

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This week's Teaser came from A Lady in the Making by Susan Page Davis.

 

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This week's Hodgepodge was non-existent for me.

 

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This week's Book Review was:

Twilight at Blueberry Barrens

by Colleen Coble

 

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Some of this week's Tea Time smiles were about

September and Family :)

 

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Come see how I did this week on my

Saturday Weigh-In!

 

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Have a great week!  Please leave a link so I can stop by your blog :)



 

Saturday Weigh-In ~ 9/2/17

 

This week was a mixture of great discipline and not-so-great discipline.

Saturday we had a family reunion and while I didn't do horribly with over-eating, I did indulge in the dessert table.  It was glorious!  My family is a family of great bakers!  Seriously.  I didn't even bother tracking that day.

I missed walking a few days, but still ended up meeting and exceeding my WW FitPoints goal.  The weather was gorgeous this week to walk.  The perfect temperature and nice cool breezes.  I heard that next week is supposed to warm up again, but I think it will still be fairly moderate.

I have a goal of trying to lose at least 1 lb a week until my birthday in late March.  (Then, I'll set my next milestone.)  So far, I've been on track and I'm excited!  This week I lost 1.4 lbs for a total loss of 23.6 lbs from my highest weight.  So close to 25 lbs!  Maybe this week I'll hit that goal :)

My week's stats:

Weigh-in: -1.4   Total:  -23.6 lbs.

Exercise: Sat:   minutes
                 Sun:   minutes
                 Mon:   60 minutes
                 Tues:    minutes
                 Wed:    60 minutes
                 Thurs:  30 minutes
                  Fri:      60 minutes
                   TOTAL:  210 minutes = 39/35 FitPoints


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Thanks for stopping by!  Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

 

Tea Time ~ September and Family ~ 9/1/17

 

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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~Happy September!  September is one of my most favorite months of the year!  The weather is starting to cool, the leaves are starting to change bit by bit, the sweaters are coming out...  And, Doug and I got married in September!  The 17th will be our 17th Wedding Anniversary :)

~Last Saturday we had a Leister Family Reunion!  It was the first one we'd had in quite a while, so it was really good to see some of the family that I don't see on a regular basis.  We had lots of great food and fun complete with a Corn Hole Tournament :)

~I was down 2.4 lbs last week at my weigh-in!  I was so excited!  Now I have to wait for tomorrow to see how I did this week...I think I can.  I think I can :)

~Kaylee had her last first Tennis match!  And she was in the #1 Spot!  Go Kaylee!!! :)

~Uncle Charlie's surgery went well!  Not so much "happy" about this as RELIEVED.  I mentioned earlier in the week that my Uncle Charlie was in a motorcycle accident.  He's been in the hospital since last Saturday with a broken collar bone, multiple broken ribs and contusions on his lung.  Yesterday, they decided he would need surgery to set the collar bone with pins and a plate so that it would heal well.  There still is no word as to when he might be able to come home, so keep praying!
 

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 , Diary of a Real Housewife and Tricky's Five , Friday's Fave Five. Life in Leggings, Fresh Friday Finds, Weekend Wind Down.