tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91697787002485375622024-02-20T19:10:39.951-05:00A Cooking BookwormA Cooking Bookwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826078992143497281noreply@blogger.comBlogger439125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-12722544044558062742019-01-08T13:29:00.000-05:002019-01-08T13:29:50.153-05:00A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span> <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2CX0921" target="_blank">A Silken Thread</a> will be released April 2 and is available for pre-order <u><a href="https://amzn.to/2CX0921" target="_blank">HERE</a></u>!</span></span> </i></b></div>
<b></b><i></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2CX0921" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="255" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmWkW77G9rLMZTrCtWX71PTVIhxbfUNIxsExp4DEyEVlTTYHoiuAjB1aZO-JkT6FJR3RhHJVB_vyXRAFSL8KC6UpOLcdYU-VgfMWwo4s8QpHCn-k_pQaZepHMBVr4CS_ydGXgrTL7Bmw/s400/a+silken+thread.png" width="266" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></b><br />
<b></b><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Eighteen-year-old Laurel Millard, youngest of seven children, is expected to stay home and "take care of Mama" by her older siblings, but Laurel has dreams of starting her own family. </div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></b><br />
<b></b><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br />
It’s been quite a while since I read a KVS book, but she quickly reminded me why I like her so much!<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The setting is the Atlanta Exposition in 1895, which I loved learning about! I googled several items of interest that I found in the story. I love when that happens and that’s why I enjoy historical fiction so much! A little - or a lot of! -learning in a story setting!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Laurel finds a job weaving silk in the Women's Building, which is not looked upon kindly by many locals who see it as a threat to their local cotton.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Add in Willie, a hard-working young man who desires to earn some extra money at the Exposition for his pa’s medical needs; Langdon, a rich boy who can’t please his father (and rightly so); Quincy, who has to learn that it’s not your outside that gives you respect; and a big, orange tabby (because anyone who knows even a little about KVS - she loves cats)!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This book was a little different - she gently wove in a bit more serious subject than some of her past books: racism. Luke 6:31, “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was a perfect blend of characters and situations. I was both satisfied and challenged by <b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2RBpczP" target="_blank">A Silken Thread</a></i></b> - and I think you will be, too!</div>
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Kim and Waterbrook Multnomah through NetGalley for sending me a Kindle copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3LJDR4QBO4BKD/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0735290121" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/a-silken-thread-kim-sawyer/9780735290129/pd/290122?event=#customer_reviews" target="_blank">Christianbook</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a complimentary product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**</span>A Cooking Bookwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826078992143497281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-51732773372017909782018-06-28T15:10:00.001-04:002018-07-01T18:34:26.538-04:00Engraved on the Heart by Tara Johnson<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2KrKR6t" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Nb7zGIm4sMuILUSAzi75lnpxyR9LmTDcj1k2iKyK647YRBOBLxFqX097vDezBZTW2YeJHb-9rhOjFf8h_HURm-b9IlWh9NXeVyWHXbc4tIFOpaor2KN4SMmySOahjHx007u9MePua7oB/s400/engraved+on+the+heart.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></b><br />
Reluctant debutante Keziah Montgomery lives beneath the weighty expectations of her staunch Confederate family, forced to keep her epilepsy secret for fear of a scandal. As the tensions of the Civil War arrive on their doorstep in Savannah, Keziah sees little cause for balls and courting. Despite her discomfort, she cannot imagine an escape from her familial confines—until her old schoolmate Micah shows her a life-changing truth that sets her feet on a new path . . . as a conductor in the Underground Railroad.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></b><br />
The last few months have been so very busy for me, and it has been hard to find time to read. When I am able to carve out some time to indulge in a book, I have found that the last few I have chosen haven't captured my attention from the get-go, and I plod the remaining way through the story.<br />
<br />
Whoa! Not <b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2KrKR6t" target="_blank">Engraved on the Heart</a></i></b>! What an amazing debut novel by Tara!! I sat down to start the book, and I must have been interrupted by a child, but as I checked my Kindle, I was 29% through the book! By my criteria, that must mean a good 'un! I was totally captivated by Tara's descriptions and characters, and she swept me right into the heart of the story without any effort on my part.<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2KrKR6t" target="_blank">Engraved on the Heart</a></i></b> had everything I love in a Civil War setting: the conflict, the suspense, the fear, the courage, the love! Tara captured it all, and I would definitely pick up her next book...whatever it is!<br />
<br />
I don't want to give spoilers, but the fight climax had some confusing issues. I couldn't quite figure out how it actually occurred (because of the disability of one of the characters) or was resolved...but, the rest of the book was too good to wonder about it for too very long. <br />
<br />
Well done, Tara! I loved it!<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Tara and Tyndale Blog Network for sending me a copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3K9NAP9SZ6FEG/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B077DX9KS7" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/engraved-on-the-heart/tara-johnson/9781496428318/pd/428310?event=#customer_reviews" target="_blank">Christianbook</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a complimentary product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-44194669898152069602018-06-12T11:15:00.000-04:002018-06-12T11:15:23.649-04:00A Defense of Honor by Kristi Ann Hunter<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span> <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2l2ZhyZ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioci4A2nWzH3qW8bVrpy6HRo15u-DJGg96fWXSnBs-TzxIkKWmdj6DCFTQZfHUC2bY20iEmAI_j5nJg6sWEgEPq9eAXFDnqpAiFjDvS1B-jX58OfrG1StDumCQcbml5LA2cj9J2-2WLjLp/s320/defense+of+honor.png" width="207" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>When Katherine "Kit" FitzGilbert turned her back on London society more than a decade ago, she determined never to set foot in a ballroom again. But when business takes her to London and she's forced to run for her life, she stumbles upon not only a glamorous ballroom but also Graham, Lord Wharton. What should have been a chance encounter becomes much more as Graham embarks on a search for his friend's missing sister and is convinced Kit knows more about the girl than she's telling.</i></div>
<i></i><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>After meeting Graham, Kit finds herself wishing things could have been different for the first time in her life, but what she wants can't matter. Long ago, she dedicated herself to helping women escape the same scorn that drove her from London and raising the innocent children caught in the crossfire. And as much as she desperately wishes to tell Graham everything, revealing the truth isn't worth putting him and everyone she loves in danger.</i></div>
<i></i><br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I really, really, really enjoy Kristi's writing style. Her books are engaging, and her characters are realistic and emotive.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This new series starts out with a bored earl-to-be who, after meeting an out-of-place woman at a ball, is challenged to make a difference in the lives of forgotten children. These forgotten children are illegitimate, which may or may not make you uncomfortable. Kristi is very tasteful in her descriptions, but the whole book does deal with the difficult, historic subject - of children born out of wedlock and the beginnings of informal adoptions.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I loved seeing Jess in this story (the spy turned maid from the <b><a href="https://amzn.to/2l39snh" target="_blank">Hawthorne House</a></b> series)! I hope Kristi is going to tell her story next!! I am so curious as to how she ended up at Haven House!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you've read Kristi's past books, you won't want to miss <b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2l2ZhyZ" target="_blank">A Defense of Honor</a></i></b>!</div>
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Kristi and Bethany House through NetGalley for sending me a copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/review/R1UNJUQHUUP4RX?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/a-defense-of-honor-1/kristi-hunter/9780764230752/pd/230753?event=#customer_reviews" target="_blank">Christianbook</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a complimentary product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-67318692137846586042018-01-04T11:29:00.000-05:002018-01-04T11:29:03.524-05:00Until We Find Home by Cathy Gohlke<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/2CUPSSo" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="420" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TnTw-tyCzDl3vOEGlSR-xPsSrCfyZ_p6OSwUgy8WwIBafEGmc8OngxLO26qFJZPJC81LqtHH4CrsxxT6OuvxyOzIzIyh8-j8QrsvHQYM9ARBeiAwHF2fz1Yjoy2mWBkqmGGKjFCcplMb/s320/until+we+find+home.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For American Claire Stewart, joining the French Resistance sounded as romantic as the storylines she hopes will one day grace the novels she wants to write. But when she finds herself stranded on English shores, with five French Jewish children she smuggled across the channel before Nazis stormed Paris, reality feels more akin to fear.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With nowhere to go, Claire throws herself on the mercy of an estranged aunt, begging Lady Miranda Langford to take the children into her magnificent estate. Heavily weighted with grief of her own, Miranda reluctantly agrees . . . if Claire will stay to help.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have really enjoyed Cathy's past books. I also love anything set in WWII. So, I jumped at the chance to read the story of Claire and her little French refugees. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Any avid reader knows that not all books written by a favorite author or set in a favorite era 'hit the spot.' Unfortunately, that was the case for me with <b><i><a href="http://amzn.to/2CUPSSo" target="_blank">Until We Find Home</a></i></b>. That's not to say there weren't parts I enjoyed. The end accelerated into some excitement with the escaped Nazi soldier and some of the children. It was interesting to learn aspects of the Britain homefront I had not previously known. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But for me, the problem was Claire. I just couldn't relate or connect with her. And, again, any reader knows that if you don't like the main character...well, that makes it pretty difficult to like the book. I tried to like her. I tried by restarting the book three different times!! I got 1/3 of the way through the book, and just did not like her. Even Aunt Miranda didn't endear herself to me.</div>
<br />
Ack! <br />
<br />
So, the book is definitely worth a try. Just because Claire wasn't easy for me to understand, doesn't mean you won't love her. ;-) Especially if you already enjoy Cathy's books or WWII settings. <br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Cathy and Tyndale through Tyndale Blog Network for sending me a copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/review/R3TCEMH81D7QQD/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/until-we-find-home/cathy-gohkle/9781496428301/pd/428306?event=" target="_blank">Christianbook</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-27193317185788471672017-09-05T10:08:00.001-04:002017-09-05T10:08:45.361-04:00An Inconvenient Beauty by Kristi Ann Hunter<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/2vHznZv" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAWVtpxTgaOcm9o0vH2_Q9ynGkmqDHlx7Xpl73c6VvFzYeA3XYEDsttYo3iix2EXHMg4rbxs1_nB2YeheCLE7sJaLnuOWbQLQip_QlShFrzm3Xn2gvUFeQNghMffSrn-aKsMzVPgm7Ww/s320/inconvenient+beauty.png" width="207" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Griffith, Duke of Riverton, likes order, logic, and control, and he naturally applies this rational approach to his search for a bride. He's certain Miss Frederica St. Claire is the perfect wife for him, but while Frederica is strangely elusive, he can't seem to stop running into her stunningly beautiful cousin, Miss Isabella Breckenridge.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Isabella should be enjoying her society debut, but with her family in difficult circumstances, her uncle will only help them if she'll use her beauty to assist him in his political aims. Already uncomfortable with this agreement, the more she comes to know Griffith, the more she wishes to be free of her unfortunate obligation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Will Griffith and Isabella be able to set aside their pride and face their fears in time to find their own happily-ever-after? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I thoroughly enjoyed the whole <b><a href="http://amzn.to/2vI9YyL" target="_blank">Hawthorne House</a></b> series. I've been waiting for this <b><a href="http://amzn.to/2vHznZv" target="_blank">fourth book</a></b> to see who would be good enough for Griffith, the Duke of Riverton, to marry.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was refreshing that Frederica was not awed enough by a very eligible, pursuing duke to give up true love. I know that times were different back then, with such focus for young ladies to make worthy matches for financial and familial security, but I still felt badly for Isabella. Because of her uncle's intimidation, I had a difficult time connecting with her at first. But, by the time Bella 'visits the trees,' I liked her and could see a little more of the real Miss Breckenridge. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was a little surprised at the manipulation by Griffith's family. Then again, I've seen close families do all they can to matchmake – with the best of intentions, of course! Obviously, in the fictitious Hawthorne House, it all worked to their advantage and showed Griffith just what they wanted to show him! That the other girls were wrong...and true love is the only right!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The book includes the rest of the family from the first three books: Miranda, Trent, Georgina and their spouses. Though you could probably read this book as a stand-a-lone, it is best if you read the entire series in order. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A satisfying conclusion to the series! </div>
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Kristi and Bethany House through NetGalley for sending me a copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/ROVVVFCXA4AX2/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B071KXHZDH" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/an-inconvenient-beauty-4/kristi-hunter/9780764218279/pd/218279#write_review" target="_blank">Christianbook</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**</span>A Cooking Bookwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826078992143497281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-64375986243699345662017-03-17T00:01:00.000-04:002017-03-17T00:01:02.922-04:00The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/2n7P3MK" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEh4pxVbWHbRuS2iVBa1KbmLKB5jXob8DsZxwIc2ihOciczUxPZfB_iC-GyC7WuiT14mUaNKtMXSo_L626wE4zuUoR3gyPc1AVGQjCk6rWIbxWXE52LNjn5-KyLAw6G_U2DOqyNzmdd4/s400/elusive+miss+ellison.png" width="258" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></b></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-image: none; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic",CenturyGothic,AppleGothic,sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 14.4px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Handsome appearance counts for naught unless matched by good character and actions.</strong></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-image: none; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic",CenturyGothic,AppleGothic,sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
That's the firm opinion of not-so-meek minister's daughter Lavinia Ellison. So even though all the other villagers of St. Hampton Heath are swooning over the newly returned seventh Earl of Hawkesbury, she is not impressed. If a man won't take his responsibilities seriously and help those who are supposed to be able to depend on him, he deserves no respect from her. In Lavinia's pretty, gray eyes, Nicholas Stamford is just as arrogant and reckless as his brother-who stole the most important person in Livvie's world.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-image: none; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic",CenturyGothic,AppleGothic,sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
Nicholas is weighed down by his own guilt and responsibility, by the pain his careless brother caused, and by the legacy of war he's just left. This quick visit home to St. Hampton Heath will be just long enough to ease a small part of that burden. Asking him to bother with the lives of the villagers when there's already a bailiff on the job is simply too much to expect.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-image: none; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic",CenturyGothic,AppleGothic,sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
That is, until the hoydenish, intelligent, and very opinionated Miss Ellison challenges him to see past his pain and pride. With her angelic voice in his head, he may even be beginning to care. But his isn't the only heart that needs to change.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-image: none; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic",CenturyGothic,AppleGothic,sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
These two lonely hearts may each have something the other needs. But with society's opposition, ancestral obligations, and a shocking family secret, there may be too many obstacles in their way.</div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-image: none; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic",CenturyGothic,AppleGothic,sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
Fans of Georgette Heyer, Lori Wick, and Julie Klassen will enjoy the spirited exchanges between the bluestocking minister's daughter and the bruised war hero as they move past pride and presumption to a humbled appreciation of God's grace and the true strength of love.</div>
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></b><br />
There is something that draws me in about the many Regency and Edwardian era books that seem to be popular now. I love the romanticized period of time, though I'm sure reality was much less so. <br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://amzn.to/2n7P3MK" target="_blank">The Elusive Miss Ellison</a></i></b> reads like a slightly different, yet strangely familiar, version of Pride and Prejudice. Nicholas definitely comes off as proud and aloof, whereas Lavinia, though sweet to her friends, seems much more brusque than Austen's Lizzy. <br />
<br />
Unfortunately, the writing dragged and did not draw me in to the story. I actually put the book down and restarted from the beginning three different times! Yes, three. No matter how hard I tried to get into the story, I just couldn't get past the twelfth chapter. Lavinia's harshness to Nicholas was off-putting, and though I understood her pain over her mother's death, I just couldn't connect with her (though I admit that nasty pride is a big struggle for me, too). I was also pained to see the Lord's name taken in vain (page 74). Nicholas' thought while seeing his friend's interest in Lavinia was not one of prayer or worship...it was flippant and disrespectful. I have been saddened to see this type of language occurring more and more from Christian authors. <br />
<br />
Due to these two issues, Miss Ellison's tale was truly elusive for me. <br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">That's what I thought! Click <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/author/CMiller" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see what other reviewers are saying! </b> <br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Carolyn and Kregel through Litfuse for sending me a copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/review/RZWYCGM8I68AW/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/the-elusive-miss-ellison/carolyn-miller/9780825444500/pd/5444500?event=#customer_reviews" target="_blank">Christianbook</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**</span>A Cooking Bookwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826078992143497281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-9899215806928798562017-02-07T18:36:00.001-05:002017-02-07T18:36:15.195-05:00An Uncommon Protector by Shelley Shepard Gray<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekYtjN_M_qZpdMcpbmV8pRL8tFhH9kbmuy5jiGXkG1mKsLvjrMAiNUWzUBaw19mlpkipXLHBh4Sl-7XEoCuUsp4Fv1qh-wTj4D24hhidDHQMUBcEFpuT3Umfo4mrMvHVTGDt7zHfZWf0/s1600/uncommon+protector.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekYtjN_M_qZpdMcpbmV8pRL8tFhH9kbmuy5jiGXkG1mKsLvjrMAiNUWzUBaw19mlpkipXLHBh4Sl-7XEoCuUsp4Fv1qh-wTj4D24hhidDHQMUBcEFpuT3Umfo4mrMvHVTGDt7zHfZWf0/s320/uncommon+protector.png" width="209" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></b><br />
Overwhelmed by the responsibilities of running a ranch on her own, Laurel Tracey decides to hire a convict—a man who’s just scary enough to take care of squatters and just desperate enough to agree to a one year post.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></b><br />
I thought the idea behind this story was a great one -- single girl with a ranch in danger hires a jailbird to protect the property. Obviously, her surrounding neighbors and townspeople think this is a bad idea.<br />
<br />
Lots of other things happen in the story: irritable step siblings who want Laurel to sell, a neighbor intent on marrying Laurel, sinister sabotage of the ranch and its animals... all make for a great story.<br />
<br />
However, <b><i>An Uncommon Protector</i></b> read kind of slow for me. I also found it odd that for that time period, both Laurel and Thomas were ok with him sleeping in a guest room. The book was ok...it just wasn't a 'couldn't put down' kind of read for me, unfortunately.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Shelley and Zondervan through NetGalley for sending me a copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/review/R2JH8X37H46Q4/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and Christianbook. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**</span>A Cooking Bookwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826078992143497281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-84437774807487799432017-01-09T13:43:00.000-05:002017-01-09T13:43:30.511-05:00An Uncommon Courtship by Kristi Ann Hunter<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7G0aNy4FWbB7tTdyK7jw_YZsoDiu8OoGNHGRCSCYHA5zKlfh0UvpNYzgIbJdC07e41Jos-x78EkDYNP3xq4Nmhf61-f8tPYKVjsFduyBUYvFLKeed-g_AYx4zW6WDkDkFMaje0eV53W4/s1600/an+uncommon+courtship.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7G0aNy4FWbB7tTdyK7jw_YZsoDiu8OoGNHGRCSCYHA5zKlfh0UvpNYzgIbJdC07e41Jos-x78EkDYNP3xq4Nmhf61-f8tPYKVjsFduyBUYvFLKeed-g_AYx4zW6WDkDkFMaje0eV53W4/s400/an+uncommon+courtship.png" width="258" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Life for Lady Adelaide Bell was easier if she hid in her older sister's shadow--which worked until her sister got married. Even with thepressure of her socially ambitious mother, the last thing she expected was a marriage of convenience to save her previously spotless reputation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lord Trent Hawthorne couldn't be happier that he is not the duke in the family. He's free to manage his small estate and take his time discovering the life he wants to lead, which includes grand plans of wooing and falling in love with the woman of his choice. When he finds himself honor bound to marry a woman he doesn't know, his dream of a marriage like his parents' seems lost forever. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Already starting their marriage on shaky ground, can Adelaide and Trent's relationship survive the pressures of London society? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ahh, the third story of the Hawthorne siblings. This one is about Lord Trent and his new wife, and I enjoyed it as much as the other two books! (An Uncommon Courtship can be read alone, but it is better if you've read the other books and understand the other characters).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I just love a good Regency and reading about all the manners and customs of the times. A lady's reputation was held in such high esteem then...so very hard to imagine today!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u></u><b></b><u></u><b></b><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Because of this belief, Lord Trent finds himself in a situation that can only be rectified by marriage. From the other books, I guess I got the impression that Trent was a bit spoiled and selfish, but he really isn't. I liked him a lot and thought he was the perfect guy for Adelaide.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And, poor Adelaide. How disheartening to come from a family like her's! What a great comparison to show the strong family ties that the Hawthornes have! Such fierce love and protection was foreign...then welcome...to Adelaide. I think everyone hopes for a close family like the Hawthornes!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
An Uncommon Courtship is a story of a gentle, lasting love that can come despite difficult circumstances. I loved it, and am so looking forward to Kristi's next book...it has to be about Griffith! I can't wait to see who is good enough for the duke!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>*NOTE:</u></b> <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">I would not recommend this book for unmarried young ladies. Some of the physical interactions (though between a married couple) were more descriptive than I would allow my daughter to read. Moms, use your own judgment!</span></i> </div>
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Kristi Ann and Bethany House for sending me a copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/review/R6AHEQBYI2W6N/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/an-uncommon-courtship-3/kristi-hunter/9780764218262/pd/218262?event=#customer_reviews" target="_blank">Christianbook</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**</span>A Cooking Bookwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826078992143497281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-25265148867669864752016-09-15T12:57:00.004-04:002016-09-15T12:57:54.815-04:00A Lady Unrivaled by Roseanna M. White<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/2cLTNr0" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRHyzTDGBWaq_X882ONKmv9qT2LNry25H7O69m0pCjxnSW6AyoUNV5ZiPwmePOQOld_miahmdGfVDA4RrCP8Unq3xyvN_qwS6Bznv1cxKz4G0AJ4j3hkTxcDvYkwF6CS-t2NjTDT8xsI/s320/lady+unrivaled.png" width="208" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></b><br />
Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile--even if it's just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well the danger that has haunted her brother and their friend, and she won't wait for it to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better.<br />
<br />
Lord Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he's determined to live a better life. But that proves complicated when old friends arrive on the scene and try to threaten him into a life of crime. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won't budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her--and his daughter--from those dangerous people who seem ready to destroy them all?<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></b><br />
Of the three books, I think I most enjoyed Rowena's story in book two; however, I enjoyed getting to know Ella better and seeing the change in Cayton, especially when motivated by Ella's upbeat personality.<br />
<br />
I thought the ending for the Fire Eyes was very clever, with no one the wiser but those closest to the jewels. And though Kira wasn't really my favorite character, I was happy that she decided to go back to her homeland and abandon her not-so-great circumstances. <br />
<br />
I mostly enjoyed the series and would pick up something by Roseanna again.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Roseanna and Bethany House through NetGalley for sending me a copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/review/R16IEM3I769R99/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/a-lady-unrivaled-roseanna-white/9780764213526/pd/213522?event=#customer_reviews" target="_blank">Christianbook</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><b></b></span>A Cooking Bookwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826078992143497281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-22713624676810455132016-09-05T18:01:00.002-04:002016-09-05T18:01:40.027-04:00God Bless Us Every One by Eva Marie Everson<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/2bSUr3r" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCkno7WG-D6e_2VaEAfDsZ6BtCkirCoVyB2OXcWWjyLuEG-iiUXWM9gt5A5gyWjqPmOVFT6Q0xoC8c8DraBRaAxtacCqgGvwstkBWuxHHqI4VC0m7IunODuP0py_ecabO4F6QCGS3i94/s320/Godblessuseveryone.png" width="207" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></b><br />
<b><i>A timeless classic can change the future</i></b>.<br />
<br />
Charlene Dixon—called Charlie by family and friends—is devastated at the recent loss of her job. For the last five years, the twenty-seven-year-old has blossomed as the activities director of an exclusive all-girls school. But when a misunderstanding with the head-mistress leads to a pink slip right before the holidays, Charlie packs up dreams and returns to Grandma Esther, who raised Charlie as her own.<br />
<br />
When Charlie arrives—broken and confused—Esther immediately puts her granddaughter to work behind the scenes of the local school’s Christmas play, A Christmas Carol. When Charlie disapproves of having to work with Dustin Kennedy, the seventh-grade English teacher, Grandma Esther encourages her to take a deeper look at why the book by Charles Dickens had been written in the first place and what the book could teach Charlie about the needs of the children in their own community.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></b><br />
This short Christmas novel was ok...but, not really my thing. Every so often a book blurb catches my eye, despite its contemporary setting (which I really don't care for), and I decide to read it anyway. <br />
<br />
Well...<b><i><a href="http://amzn.to/2bSUr3r" target="_blank">God Bless Us Every One</a></i></b> was pretty much as I expected...and everything I hoped it wasn't. Somehow, today's lingo and themes just aren't as charming to me as a historical setting. It's hard for me to feel warm and cozy with the mention of iPhones, pumpkin lattes, and (very) present-day artists belting out redone Christmas classics on the radio. <br />
<br />
May not be my thing...but it might be yours!<br />
<br />
I also thought the relationship between Charlie and Dustin moved too quickly. I mean, I know Charlie had been attracted to Dustin in high school, but on one page they were being reacquainted and by seemingly the next page, they were dating and smooching. Ok?! I just never felt the build-up of any romantic feelings (I know it was a short book, but still...). <br />
<br />
So, if you enjoy reading short, Christmas themed stories during the holiday season, you'll probably like this one. I however, prefer jingle-bell-decked horses, pulling red sleighs full of warm, muffler-clad people. <br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Eva and Abingdon Press through NetGalley for sending me a copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/review/R39DPCOXE44RRC/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/bless-every-one-contemporary-christmas-novella/9781501822698/pd/822698?event=#customer_reviews" target="_blank">Christianbook</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**</span>A Cooking Bookwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826078992143497281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-10223168642671752622016-09-01T21:54:00.000-04:002016-09-01T21:54:54.372-04:00Starving Hearts by Janine Mendenhall<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphCPMAWLePoVEr0RCDf1xDjKmd4TAWMAix50MP5WC1OkF_d8obLS4RHtEXSF9pKkg7atNW9RustKqHfxpDgUGHuAeQn9GkoB2bgW2_-t3WzL5fVyeagSt4XncAJipC_QliSCB5NQjct4/s1600/starving+hearts.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphCPMAWLePoVEr0RCDf1xDjKmd4TAWMAix50MP5WC1OkF_d8obLS4RHtEXSF9pKkg7atNW9RustKqHfxpDgUGHuAeQn9GkoB2bgW2_-t3WzL5fVyeagSt4XncAJipC_QliSCB5NQjct4/s320/starving+hearts.png" width="213" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></b><br />
<b><i>Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage</i></b>.<br />
<br />
She yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God's existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way. . . .<br />
<br />
Mr. Peter Adsley is joining the clergy, and he desires a godly wife by his side. After a failed attempt to obtain one, he engages in a clandestine meeting with the bewitching young woman who keeps crossing his path. But she is so unsettling.<br />
<br />
Destined for disappointments, Peter and Annette both endure disgraceful situations. Will Peter's faith sustain him through overwhelming setbacks? Can Annette overcome her doubts? Or will their starving hearts yield to the machinations of a mad man?<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></b><br />
I love that Jane Austen style, so I wanted to read <b><i>Starving Hearts</i></b>. Upon receiving the book, I noticed it was quite long (289 pages!)...with very small print. <br />
<br />
The story read very movie-like, and though that is usually something I like, as it makes the reader feel like they are truly experiencing the story, I found <b><i>Starving Hearts</i></b> to be a bit wordy and tedious to work through. I had a hard time connecting with Annette, though I found quite interesting the people's perception during that time period of a health issue such as hers. <br />
<br />
Mr. Slike, who is all things nasty, and the slavery side (bordered on the 'too descriptive') also made for very uncomfortable reading.<br />
<br />
But, unfortunately, what disappointed me most, was the occurrence of profanity. About 2/3 of the way through the book (page 183), Peter's father swears. In less than 20 pages later (page 202), Mr. Adsley again uses inappropriate language.<br />
<br />
This is something I just cannot tolerate. I find it very offensive and totally wrong in a 'Christian'-labeled story. I cannot recommend it.<br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">That's what I thought! Click <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/author/jmendenhall" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see what other reviewers are saying! </b> <br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Janine and Heritage Beacon through Litfuse for sending me a copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/review/R3F0V3FJA2JMBB/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**</span>A Cooking Bookwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826078992143497281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-75625868077875785672016-07-10T06:00:00.000-04:002016-07-10T06:00:07.572-04:00Like a River from its Course by Kelli Stuart<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/29e3gFF" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiuAaSlGuieLQ7fzVRIk54UIpxZOiAR5xB85PcnpmY0f_fMq-2yFdVUK7QJSDT_PRvfmF8RNswIt8HVCsT9SPrZB6VbzILzF4ym-g-ZTfkq9NnFTcXAOe-EsUvTFT4isf9rSX4Q1EpTg/s320/like+a+river+from+its+course.png" width="207" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
An epic novel exposing the ugliness of war and the beauty of hope.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The city of Kiev was bombed in Hitler's blitzkrieg across the Soviet Union, but the constant siege was only the beginning for her citizens. In this sweeping historical saga, Kelli Stuart takes the reader on a captivating journey into the little-known history of Ukraine's tragedies through the eyes of four compelling characters who experience the same story from different perspectives.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Maria Ivanovna is only fourteen when the bombing begins and not much older when she is forced into work at a German labor camp. She must fight to survive and to make her way back to her beloved Ukraine.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ivan Kyrilovich is falsely mistaken for a Jew and lined up with 34,000 other men, women, and children who are to be shot at the edge of Babi Yar, the "killing ditch." He survives, but not without devastating consequences.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Luda is sixteen when German soldiers rape her. Now pregnant with the child of the enemy, she is abandoned by her father, alone, and in pain. She must learn to trust family and friends again and find her own strength in order to discover the redemption that awaits.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Frederick Hermann is sure in his knowledge that the Führer's plans for domination </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
are right and just. He is driven to succeed by a desire to please a demanding father and by his own blind faith in the ideals of Nazism. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Based on true stories gathered from fifteen years of research and interviews with Ukrainian World War II survivors, <b><i><a href="http://amzn.to/29e3gFF" target="_blank">Like a River from Its Course</a></i></b> is a story of love, war, heartache, forgiveness, and redemption.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I found this book difficult to read. The four separate characters weren't woven together as much as I was expecting and the spiritual thread was almost non-existent.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(Near the end of the book, Ivan and his wife encounter and embrace a very Catholic-feeling kind of religion - a priest, stained glass windows, and icons of Mary and Jesus).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Luda's story was also very hard to read. I understand that such horrific things happened, but some of the language used by her father just made me uncomfortable.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It just felt like a book of sorrows. Oh, yes, I understand that so much of WWII was sorrowful...but, I do like reading about the hope and joy that some found despite the awfulness going on around them. Or at least some hope and joy that some may have found post-war.</div>
<br />
<b style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">That's what I thought! Click <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/author/kstuart" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see what other reviewers are saying! </b> <br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Kelli and Kregel through Litfuse for sending me a copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/review/R3118IC2RUYEHD/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/like-a-river-from-its-course/kelli-stuart/9780825444142/pd/444146?event=#customer_reviews" target="_blank">Christianbook</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**</span>A Cooking Bookwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826078992143497281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-64934402743317296082016-07-04T15:24:00.000-04:002016-07-05T08:39:12.513-04:00An Elegant Façade by Kristi Ann Hunter<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/29tJ28L" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzvGVVzqEGmvjQXjkajNiQ6KeFoGFjaQE1ybKzZizkVVQQeFN7t8Xp2Iut6ieh5QZMURtQE57sgRWE3FtEbh0VenwxdAYzuHzuJEfD914T_ePN92WdOP4Ms3oGgu7Hh01zUW3uk4x_do/s320/an+elegant+facade.png" width="207" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lady Georgina Hawthorne has worked tirelessly to seal her place as the Incomparable for her debut season. At her first London ball, she hopes to snag the attention of an earl.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With money and business connections, but without impeccable bloodlines, Colin McCrae is invited everywhere but accepted nowhere. When he first encounters the fashionable Lady Georgina, he's irritated by his attraction to a woman who concerns herself only with status and appearance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What Colin doesn't know is that Georgina's desperate social aspirations are driven by the shameful secret she harbors. Association with Colin McCrae is not part of Georgina's plan, but as their paths continue to cross, they both must decide if the realization of their dreams is worth the sacrifices they must make.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I really, really enjoyed this second story in Kristi Hunter's <i>Hawthorne House</i> series.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I must admit that it had been awhile since I read the first book, <b><i><a href="http://amzn.to/29e1jsw" target="_blank">A Noble Masquerade</a></i></b>...and at first I didn't remember Georgina. <b><i><a href="http://amzn.to/29tJ28L" target="_blank">An Elegant Façade</a></i></b> CAN be read as a standalone, but the two stories overlap for several chapters in the beginning (this was very unique -- I've never read a book with parts of the same story told from another's perspective). So...it's nice - and somewhat helpful - to read them both!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Georgina's 'flaw,' as she thinks it is, causes her to appear almost untouchable. I found Georgina's struggle with such a malady during that time period to be very interesting. As she is challenged by Mr. McCrae, a gentleman beneath her notice, I couldn't help but begin to like her more and more as I realized how her façade was just that. Her responses and mannerisms weren't really HER...but, my empathy and compassion grew during the fearful journey to find the real HER.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A very unique and enjoyable story that lends understanding to one of today's learning disabilities. I am hoping that Kristi will be writing next about the Hawthorne brothers! Because I'll certainly be reading them!</div>
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Kristi and Bethany House through NetGalley for sending me a copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/review/RRAPIT39JJEWX/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/1-an-elegant-facade/kristi-hunter/9780764218255/product-reviews/218255?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Christianbook</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**</span>A Cooking Bookwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826078992143497281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-64294714563637302522016-07-04T15:10:00.000-04:002016-07-04T15:10:43.761-04:00The House on Windridge by Tracie Peterson *Bonus novella*<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/29rBWEJ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_MlyFSnhmN6fTpzqtM3258yutPGTTicB_nrTN8lBLyspGUwFb4sSMe45g0FcfdXV3yNF28hZ8N9UQRmqP5gMGHAMg7RBLqEL_wmLrW1kt8JlpON7BvQkkVnGFm4RyEtn6WaRE2z8HvY/s320/house+on+windridge.png" width="207" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Rediscover this classic romance from bestselling author Tracie Peterson</i>. <br />
<br />
Jessica is alone in the world except for her infant son. She returns to the ranch where her life began, but Jessica doesn't know whom she can trust. Will Windridge become the home she has always longed for, or will it be the scene of her final betrayal? <br />
<br />
<i>Also included is a bonus historical prairie romance from author Joyce Livingston</i>.<i></i><i></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The prologue was actually my favorite part of <b><i><a href="http://amzn.to/29rBWEJ" target="_blank">The House on Windridge</a></i></b>...and I wished the story had continued straight from there. It was good, had me hooked, and I was disappointed in the 20+ year gap that picked up the characters' lives. Oh well... </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Still, the story was a nice prairie romance. Quite a twist to have a daughter come back 'home' to run a ranch she's never really been a part of. At times Jessica rubbed me the wrong way, but her insecurities, though not loveable, were understandable.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Devon, Buck, and Katie were the perfect characters to help a girl like Jessica along...and the romance was sweet. </div>
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Tracie and Barbour through NetGalley for sending me a copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/review/R1VHOFOD67C7Z3/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/windridge-includes-lucys-quilt-joyce-livingston/tracie-peterson/9781634097789/pd/097789?event=" target="_blank">Christianbook</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**</span>A Cooking Bookwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826078992143497281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-27494517136104817892016-05-09T13:54:00.002-04:002016-05-10T13:32:07.301-04:00Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/1QWCxXd" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXs07xghTEQZvZ-OY4BTCwT199s1VKuXYuXyyHOoZ101vkVYYWwqlWa_CRv3RFpL_t3pcpyYm0_HZf-H9VfVG4ishy7x_kjktezECc28CtNhYGzD5UK46w1B-U1vobNnvC1eT-7G4pw_xT/s320/dawn+at+emberwilde.png" width="210" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></strong><br />
<strong><em>Isabel Creston never dared to dream that love could be hers. Now, at the edge of a forest filled with dark secrets, she faces a fateful choice between love and duty.</em></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></strong><br />
Don't you just love computer errors? I had a nice review all written and saved...and my laptop crashed. Apparently the crash corrupted my file, as OpenOffice can't seem to recover it. I hate when that happens! I can't ever remember everything I so eloquently said! ;-)<br />
<br />
Well, let's just cut to the chase and say that Sarah's descriptions are rich and exciting. I love historical British Victorian/Regency kind of tales! Isabel is startled by her unknown family's summons, though she dearly longs for a home. However, it is quickly obvious that her aunt isn't welcoming to her niece or her younger sister. Isabel's uncle seems eager to marry her off, and the mysteries of the dark woods outside her window only add to the awkward and uneasy situation.<br />
<br />
<strong><em><a href="http://amzn.to/1QWCxXd" target="_blank">Dawn at Emberwilde</a></em></strong> will keep you reading to see if Isabel ever finds love and home.<br />
<br />
Another lovely novel by Sarah! I loved it!<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Sarah and Thomas Nelson through NetGalley for sending me a copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/review/R158LL5J9BMPE7/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/2-dawn-at-emberwilde/sarah-ladd/9780718011819/pd/011813?event=#customer_reviews" target="_blank">Christianbook</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-28330191368903240092016-04-09T09:53:00.002-04:002016-04-09T09:53:59.596-04:00The Reluctant Duchess by Roseanna M. White<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/1Yl2SUj" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hmF4NXvlS6YISxslQSvwhmXKvl_7Cftat2Gyqd6bMzo2ATC1_3nYTCAwxGvRES-AomSWNxaQI1lDdSQ64cs9pPEeucIvNJHXTE5QDUZFN89oUluwfKaVt94vX-1_ddmE-94JPo2NfIFe/s320/reluctant+duchess.png" width="207" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></strong><br />
Lady Rowena Kinnaird may be the heiress to a Highland earldom, but she has never felt good enough--not for her father, not for the man she thought she'd marry, not for God. But after a shocking attack, she's willing to be forever an outcast if it means escaping Loch Morar.<br />
<br />
Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham, has found himself in possession of a rare treasure his enemies are prepared to kill for. While Brice has never been one to shy away from manor-born ladies, the last thing he needs is the distraction of Lady Rowena, who finds herself in a desperate situation. But when Rowena's father tries to trap Brice into marrying his daughter, Brice makes a surprising decision.<br />
<br />
Rowena wanted to escape the Highlands, but she's reluctant to marry a notorious flirt. And when she learns that Brice is mixed up in questionable business with a stolen treasure, she fears she's about to end up directly in the path of everything she was trying to avoid. <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></strong><br />
It's been a long time since I read book one, The Lost Heiress, and at first I wasn't quite sure if I needed to remember that storyline. It would be helpful to remember Justin and Brook's story, though they are only barely mentioned in book 2...but, once the Fire Eyes were mentioned, most of what was important from Brook's story came back to me.<br />
<br />
I loved Rowena and her Scottish brogue right away. And even Brice, though I found it odd he called Rowena 'darling' as soon as they were married, was easy to like – as he made a conscious choice to love. <br />
<br />
Feelings eventually came, but Brice's choice to love Rowena, despite the circumstances, showed the true definition of love.<br />
<br />
I found some of the physical descriptions of Rowena's attack tiring. It seemed to be mentioned more than necessary...and I did not like that Rowena's father just stopping short of vulgarity in reference to a woman near the end of the story.<br />
<br />
Overall, I loved this honest look at true love.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Roseanna and Bethany House through NetGalley for sending me a copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/review/R2LL27FLVBU2HV/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/new-2-the-reluctant-duchess/roseanna-white/9780764213519/pd/213519?event=#customer_reviews" target="_blank">Christianbook</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-8657886376863952592016-03-26T11:31:00.001-04:002016-03-26T11:31:18.676-04:00Having a Martha Home the Mary Way by Sarah Mae<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/1USWXq4" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8eoJRVh1zosT93d4rxXi74kvfG78iAyGiUiAe0hX8bqtsc3qUo-JDhR8aSj1Thai_WdSjjqXMmu2MkiELEECxg3Jg0amzjc2LEnBmtoDW7c1uDO0AADtR6jDMpZcCXUtYRCkWF3CYrEk/s320/martha+home+mary+way.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>ABOUT THE BOOK:</strong></span><br />
<em>Is it possible to find a balance? To care for your heart―and your home―at the same time?</em><br />
<br />
Journey with Sarah Mae on this easy, practical 31-day plan to get you moving and have your house looking and feeling fresh. But even more than that, you’ll gain a new vision for the home of your dreams, and how to make it a place of peace, comfort, and community. Originally published as the e-book 31 Days to Clean and now revised and expanded in print for the first time, <strong><em><a href="http://amzn.to/1USWXq4" target="_blank">Having a Martha Home the Mary Way</a></em></strong> will inspire you to find a happier, healthier . . . cleaner way to live.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></strong><br />
<strong>This book is just like exercise: if you WANT to do it, and COMMIT to do it, you WILL see change!</strong><br />
<br />
I found Sarah Mae's writing style to be friendly and encouraging. She wasn't better than me...she struggles with feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, and tired...and comparing herself with someone else's 'clean' home.<br />
<br />
I really enjoyed the Martha/Mary format to the book. Most of us fall into one of those categories...and need work on the other! Each chapter is short – super short! No need to feel that this book will take hours to wade through, adding only one more overwhelming task to our day.<br />
<br />
Sarah Mae writes a short, engaging chapter before giving the reader two challenges: a Mary challenge, which takes a look at God's Word to motivate and calm your soul; and then a Martha challenge, which motivates you to take on a simple cleaning task for that day to get your home back into order.<br />
<br />
I really thought <strong><em><a href="http://amzn.to/1USWXq4" target="_blank">Having a Martha Home the Mary Way</a></em></strong> was wonderful and doable...and, again, I know it CAN work...IF I do it! So, if you need a little push, let Sarah Mae encourage and motivate you in 31 days to a marked difference in your home! You, too, CAN do it...if you WANT to and WILL!! <br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Sarah Mae and Tyndale through Tyndale Blog Network for sending me a copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/review/R2NPZTH4X69E7V/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/having-martha-clean-house-satisfied-soul/sarah-mae/9781414372624/pd/4372624?event=#customer_reviews" target="_blank">Christianbook</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**</span>A Cooking Bookwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826078992143497281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-37290279976716583712016-03-07T11:22:00.000-05:002016-03-07T11:22:35.528-05:00Room for Hope by Kim Vogel Sawyer<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307731375/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307731375&linkCode=as2&tag=cookingbookworm-20&linkId=V3SJFDAE3PMXDSJI" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSta1dsu67NOowG6pjRgeq7pqeC4aJHL7juJLLkNK90MjoUv1lWG5eIuTEvSenmRr42WSWc01yIXdZ-F-b2VMSPFK5diHL2bBxDwuqECR-u24Ba0MK2-AlM0wQZrOzdtz6qc1pW7d454Z3/s320/room+for+hope.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">In a desperate time, can Neva find forgiveness for a grievous wrong—and make room for hope?</span></em></strong><br />
<br />
Neva Shilling has a heavy load of responsibility while her husband travels to neighboring communities and sells items from his wagon. In his absence, she faithfully runs the Shilling Mercantile, working to keep their business strong as the Depression takes its toll, and caring for their twins.<br />
<br />
When a wagon pulls up after supper, Neva and her children rush out—and into the presence of the deputy driving a wagon carrying three young children. The deputy shocks her with the news that Warren and his wife have died, insisting it was their last request that the three children go live with “Aunt Neva.”<br />
<br />
Neva’s heart is shattered as she realizes that Warren’s month-long travels were excuses for visits with his secret family. She wants nothing more than to forget Warren, but can she abandon these innocent children to an orphanage? Yet if she takes them in, will she ever be able to see them as more than evidence of her husband’s betrayal and love them the way God does? <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></strong><br />
Ooh, I loved this newest story by Kim!<br />
<br />
Kim has such a way with her characters and often makes me teary-eyed within the first few chapters of her stories. <strong><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307731375/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307731375&linkCode=as2&tag=cookingbookworm-20&linkId=V3SJFDAE3PMXDSJI" target="_blank">Room for Hope</a></em></strong> evoked those sniffles.<br />
<br />
I absolutely loved the Depression Era setting, as well as the addition of hobos (and their secret code) in the story.<br />
<br />
And Kim's characters are always so great! I loved and empathized with Neva. I ached for Bud, Belle, Charley, Cassie, and Adeline. I was suspicious of Arthur and full of hope for Jesse.<br />
<br />
<strong><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307731375/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307731375&linkCode=as2&tag=cookingbookworm-20&linkId=V3SJFDAE3PMXDSJI" target="_blank">Room for Hope</a></em></strong> is a wonderful story of true forgiveness. You should pick up a copy for yourself!<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Kim and Waterbrook Multnomah through Blogging for Books for sending me a copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/review/R3PFSGAQXUJETL/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/room-for-hope-kim-sawyer/9780307731371/pd/731371?event=#customer_reviews" target="_blank">Christianbook</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-73135566455863087112016-02-22T13:34:00.002-05:002016-02-22T13:34:20.674-05:00With This Ring: A Novella Collection of Proposals Gone Awry by Witemeyer, Jennings, Connealy, and Jagears<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764217720/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0764217720&linkCode=as2&tag=cookingbookworm-20&linkId=HZP6O546HCB2TXRK" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SCzWxZ2QP1jkRqHCWypdeaQ7p2hGPzm8H94psIYJswuLgxYDqSzcqoXd0GN7DfB6D9PZeylF9PXSJ5wouz6FhVxDsMFgqnqnKwkgBgQLJQj4inrPGe1gmxanrqzo7jDUO9ipdFNZyc4/s320/with+this+ring.png" width="207" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>ABOUT THE BOOK:</strong></span><br />
Four top historical romance novelists team up in this new collection to offer stories of love and romance with a twist of humor that will delight readers.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></strong><br />
I don't normally reach for novellas unless I like the authors. <strong><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764217720/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0764217720&linkCode=as2&tag=cookingbookworm-20&linkId=HZP6O546HCB2TXRK" target="_blank">With This Ring</a></em></strong> was written by 3 authors I have read and enjoyed, and as I needed some lighter reading while my dad was recovering from surgery, I requested the book for review.<br />
<br />
<strong>4-1/2* <em>- The Husband Maneuver</em></strong> by Karen Witemeyer: Karen starts the collection off with a bang in her story. For those of you who read A Worthy Pursuit, you'll love hearing what happens to Stone's friend, Daniel Barrett, or 'Dead-Eye Dan,' as he has been portrayed in action-packed dime novels which he despises. <br />
<br />
I loved that each chapter started out with pages from the scorned dime novel...and followed up with the 'real life' Daniel.<br />
<br />
And I loved Marietta. She loved Daniel, but wasn't pushy in her attempts to show him. Well, she wasn't subtle, exactly...but, she was sweet and respectful...and you could feel her extreme longing that Daniel would notice her. I loved watching their relationship unfold. <br />
<br />
As for the other three short stories, they just didn't capture or hold my interest as much as Daniel and Marietta's story. <br />
<br />
<strong>2-1/2*-</strong> <strong><em>Her Dearly Unintended</em></strong> by Regina Jennings: Unfortunately, this one was my least favorite. The beginning started out exciting with Mary Ellen, the cow, and the raging river, but as the story progressed, I didn't really like Mary Ellen. She was so...sharp. Disagreeable. Way too OCD (and I'm a bit OCD myself, so that's saying something). ;-) Josiah seemed like a nice guy, I really couldn't understand her dislike...but I guess that's the way some women react to past hurts without explanation. And, the stranger was so creepy...I never reconciled myself to what he ended up being and felt weird about him the whole time.<br />
<br />
<strong>4* -<em> Runaway Bride</em></strong> by Mary Connealy: I have only read a few of Mary's earlier books, and they weren't really my thing. So, I was surprised that Runaway Bride ranked second for me of these four stories. Carrie flees from an arranged marriage, and Big John Conroy is the one sent to bring her safely to her sister. Carrie can't leave her younger brother behind, and John finds himself really liking the spunk and courage of the two siblings. Of course, we rarely run unless something is chasing us, and Carrie's intended groom is hot on her trail. <br />
<br />
As expected, John suggests that Carrie's only hope for safety is marriage...to him.<br />
<br />
<strong>3* -</strong> <strong><em>Engaging the Competition</em></strong> by Melissa Jagears: I did like that Harrison wasn't perfect – was blind as a bat without his glasses – but I never really felt the attraction between him and Charlie (Charlotte), who didn't seem that dense to not realize her 'better than boys' attitude could be blocking true love. Reading of fuzzy faces, though sad reality, (as both my husband and I were once with eye wear before Lasik!), lacked the warmth and romance I enjoy.<br />
<br />
So, <strong><em>With This Ring</em></strong> was mostly as I've come to expect of novellas – some of it I liked, some I didn't, and some surprised me! But, I would recommend picking it up, if just to read the story about Dead-Eye Dan (loved the last dime novel chapter that Daniel rewrote)!<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Karen, Regina, Mary, and Melissa and Bethany House through NetGalley for sending me a copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/review/R3NCKNRWBTTZI2/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/bended-novella-collection-proposals-gone-awry/karen-witemeyer/9780764217722/pd/217722?event=#customer_reviews" target="_blank">Christianbook</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**</span>A Cooking Bookwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826078992143497281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-47896591057933233502016-02-18T09:15:00.000-05:002016-02-18T09:15:03.802-05:00Blue Ribbon Trail Ride by Miralee Ferrell<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1434707369/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1434707369&linkCode=as2&tag=cookingbookworm-20&linkId=YIRPPLFEM3CKXTXF" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjH-1EnwcTFgNlqm8-DbfxzaJ1NWKMLGPZm7ghEYK69N6mx555dzVt-QHL9MzpOlgsZFlaRBN_iy9ElWX8nNGth-fB35It2NsjbDvQ_uEWc8J-fE2eUGctK4AlG0emhbSJLQdIe77yY4/s320/blue+ribbon+trail+ride.png" width="234" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></strong><br />
Thirteen-year old Kate and her friends came up with the perfect way to raise money for her autistic younger brother and others to attend summer camp---a horse scavenger hunt! As local businesses donate money and prizes, Kate keeps the entry fees in her mom's antique jewelry box.<br />
<br />
But when the box and the money disappear, Kate and her friends must unravel the clues, hold on to hope, and solve the mystery along the Blue Ribbon Trail Ride.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>MY THOUGHTS:</strong></span> <br />
I am always on the lookout for appropriate reading material for my children. My 9yo daughter loves to read and it is difficult to find books that I can approve. I was excited to check out <strong><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1434707369/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1434707369&linkCode=as2&tag=cookingbookworm-20&linkId=YIRPPLFEM3CKXTXF" target="_blank">Blue Ribbon Trail Ride</a></em></strong>, as my daughter has also hit that 'horse lover' age!<br />
<br />
Very generously, the publisher sent me all <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=horses%20and%20friends&linkCode=ur2&tag=cookingbookworm-20&url=search-alias%3Daps&linkId=ZSWNK76EQNP66AYF" target="_blank">four books of Miralee's Horses and Friends series</a></strong>, so though I only have to review the last book, Blue Ribbon Trail Ride, I read all of them to get a feel for the characters. I would recommend reading the first four books before picking up Blue Ribbon Trail Ride. It could be read by itself, but getting to know and understand the characters is best if you read the preceding books.<br />
<br />
<strong><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1434707369/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1434707369&linkCode=as2&tag=cookingbookworm-20&linkId=YIRPPLFEM3CKXTXF" target="_blank">Blue Ribbon Trail Ride</a></em></strong> follows Kate and her friends as they come up with a grand idea to raise money to send Kate's autistic brother to camp. As the preparations are in full swing, the cash from the contestant's entry fees disappears! Kate and her pals, along with two new characters: Mouse and Jake, start sleuthing to find the culprit! As with any good mystery, it will keep you guessing page after page...and surprise you at the end!<br />
<br />
As a girl, I would have thoroughly enjoyed these books.<br />
<br />
As a mother, I have cautiously ok'd this series for my daughter. The themes of loyalty, true friendship, forgiveness, and hard work are great, though a child will most likely be interested in the slight mysteries involved in each book.<br />
<br />
What concerned me most is some of the slang used in the stories. <em>'Hurl</em>,' <em>'dweeb</em>,' <em>'sissy</em>,' <em>'dissed</em>,' and referring to a boy as <em>'hot</em>,' were some of the words I found inappropriate. I also didn't enjoy the many pop-culture references that occurred in book 4 by Jake. These references were of movies, songs, whatever that we have not watched in our home.<br />
<br />
Aside from that, any horse-loving, reading girl will enjoy Kate's adventures.<br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">That's what I thought! Click <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/author/mferrell" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see what other reviewers are saying! </b> <br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Miralee and David C. Cook through Litfuse for sending me a copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/review/R3N88VIJ6ZCOB0/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/blue-ribbon-trail-ride/miralee-ferrell/9781434707369/pd/707369?event=#customer_reviews" target="_blank">Christianbook</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**</span>A Cooking Bookwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826078992143497281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-62412542017232756122016-01-25T13:53:00.000-05:002016-01-25T13:53:03.522-05:00Beyond the Orphan Train series by Arleta Richardson<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1434709558/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1434709558&linkCode=as2&tag=cookingbookworm-20&linkId=FSOT66N4CWANSK5S" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPGhHRSX8lRo6elZuTUuIpI92OxllbY4OUErUn-8HDA-VkdBsMQt3NkTB4s4GSYVDyHzZ5wZhPupGEvf_nFJavUBNde82v58u9oZB_BYeSmCaH805IQE5Ahidj7T5onvLSIyEXNwxTTE/s400/cover76089-medium.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></strong><br />
In the tender style of Little House on the Prairie, the <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1434709558/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1434709558&linkCode=as2&tag=cookingbookworm-20&linkId=FSOT66N4CWANSK5S" target="_blank">Beyond the Orphan Train series</a></strong> tells the story of the Cooper children who ride the orphan train to a new life.<br />
<br />
These four charming books will engage young readers with a forgotten era in American history when thousands of homeless children were relocated from the East Coast to live with families in the Midwest.<br />
<br />
Written for children ages 8 to 12, this fictional series captures the lives and adventures of Ethan, Alice, Simon, and Will Cooper as they travel from an orphanage in Pennsylvania to a farm in Nebraska to a new home in Mexico. Along the way, they encounter snakebites, dust storms, and other trials but ultimately learn that God will never leave them.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></strong><br />
I had hoped the <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1434709558/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1434709558&linkCode=as2&tag=cookingbookworm-20&linkId=FSOT66N4CWANSK5S" target="_blank">Orphan Train series</a></strong> would appeal to my 9 year old daughter who is a voracious reader, but her interest just didn't go past the first few pages.<br />
<br />
So, I read the four books, and I could see why it was difficult to get past the beginning. Ethan's story starts out pretty sadly and seriously. And, for the most part, the book continues to keep the somber theme. <br />
<br />
The story felt like several small incidents that weren't tied in smoothly. I loved that Ethan was a real boy – and I loved knowing that these events really happened: like painting the pig, the circus train, and Pancho Villa! – but the overall flow of the story was a bit choppy. <br />
<br />
Because Ethan's new family wasn't really loving, in a nurturing and compassionate way, I only felt sorry for him and his siblings, wishing for them the same tender care that his friend Bert received. <br />
<br />
Eh, but that's life...and history. Like Mrs. Richardson, the orphan trains fascinate me...and I enjoyed hearing a true-to-life, less-than-glamorous tale. <br />
<br />
Still, the Orphan Train series is worth the read. Just be aware it's a bit more serious than most children's books. Perhaps my daughter – or son – will prefer these books when they hit the higher end of the recommended age bracket (8-12).<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Arleta and David C. Cook through NetGalley for sending me a copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on Amazon and Christianbook. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**</span>A Cooking Bookwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826078992143497281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-30634828682711376382016-01-07T14:05:00.000-05:002016-01-07T14:05:15.623-05:00Beyond the Silence by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764214101/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0764214101&linkCode=as2&tag=cookingbookworm-20&linkId=4IMURW6T6CYBNVD2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKEdVIprJunicrl1DMQauiyJQekSF5vt9YqLELRRRu9o3epulA_MF944uAYY0aqsQ22lDh8c3-XwfUoDrmJdiqQJ6R3LVzEBw2NswJUUXZekAiaDOR3JHwlrIgK0p_BccF1ItMjTS_xs/s320/beyond+the+silence.png" width="207" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></strong><br />
In the 1890s a nanny accepts a position in California, but upon arrival she learns that her six-year-old charge hasn’t spoken since his mother’s death, fueling troubling rumors about her employer that do not align with the man she comes to know.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></strong><br />
I'm not sure if <strong><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764214101/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0764214101&linkCode=as2&tag=cookingbookworm-20&linkId=4IMURW6T6CYBNVD2" target="_blank">Beyond the Silence</a></em></strong> was more Kimberley Woodhouse's work or not, but I enjoyed this much more than the last few books of Tracie Peterson's that I've picked up.<br />
<br />
The prologue caught my interest immediately – how could it not?! – and I couldn't stop turning the rest of the pages for the rest of the story. In fact, once I ended the book, I was still thinking about the characters and wishing I could keep reading about them! They were well thought out and, except for the 'bad guys,' I loved all of them, from the housekeeper to the field workers to the mercantile man.<br />
<br />
Woody and Little Jimmy's story is one that tugged on my heart, and sweet, but strong, Lillian brought such healing and hope into their lives that I couldn't help but love her. <strong><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764214101/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0764214101&linkCode=as2&tag=cookingbookworm-20&linkId=4IMURW6T6CYBNVD2" target="_blank">Beyond the Silence</a></em></strong> definitely ran the gamut as far as emotions go, everything from intrigue...sorrow...hatefulness...genuine compassion and love...and innocence.<br />
<br />
I loved it...and I think you will too!<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Tracie, Kimberley, and Bethany House through Bethany House Blogger Review Program for sending me a copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/review/R1KCTMLIXYK5H9/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and Christianbook. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**</span>A Cooking Bookwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826078992143497281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-59674885444323142372015-12-02T11:26:00.001-05:002015-12-02T11:26:47.477-05:00A Thousand Shall Fall by Andrea Boeshaar<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0825443814/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0825443814&linkCode=as2&tag=cookingbookworm-20&linkId=UH44Y2H7SNN6KBTV" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAP2VMwlcAZkg7PtkQ4-JN8TbpT7iWif1KHjxakZO4y9am8e5tusQv_etEx9zXUXeS7RPk5IfdXpH5wD6n_gAy0-qWq2gY3vCE-74PuAVP-sOS1j5V0FWYbvtXo3HKM8dwnsjCuIZNPw/s400/thousand+shall+fall.png" width="258" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></strong><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>A story of love, hope, and healing set in the </em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>midst of the Civil War.</em></strong></div>
<br />
Nineteen-year-old Carrie Ann Bell is independent and spirited. The only thing she really fears are the Union soldiers fighting against her Confederate friends. When her youngest sister runs away from home, brave Carrie Ann is determined to find her and bring her back. Disguised as a soldier, she sets off---only to find she's fallen into the hands of the enemy.<br />
<br />
Her childhood friend Confederate Major Joshua Blevins has warned her against these Yankees: they're all devils, ready to inflict evil on unsuspecting young women. When Colonel Peyton Collier arrests her for her impersonation of an officer, it seems to confirm all her fears.<br />
<br />
Soon, though, she finds herself drawn to the handsome, gallant colonel. He rescued her, protected her, and has been every inch the gentleman. Carrie Ann discovers that her foe has become her ally---and more than that, someone she could love. But the arrival of Joshua in the Union camp as a spy will test her loyalties. Will she protect someone who has been like family or be loyal to this stranger to whom she wants to offer her heart? When her world is being torn apart around her, whom should she trust?<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></strong><br />
<strong><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0825443814/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0825443814&linkCode=as2&tag=cookingbookworm-20&linkId=UH44Y2H7SNN6KBTV" target="_blank">A Thousand Shall Fall</a></em></strong> was a bit of a slow book for me. The last third of the book picked up, and I was anxious to read to the end; however, it didn't feel like other books I've read of Andrea's. I wished the beginning had more depth or background to many of the characters and situations.<br />
<br />
I know it must be hard to write a book without having too much information. Too much can make the reading tedious. Nonetheless, I would have enjoyed a longer book with a bit more detail to Carrie Ann's younger years (the fire, her relationship with Joshua), and a little more background on Peyton. I liked Carrie Ann and Peyton, but I never really felt their initial attraction in the pages.<br />
<br />
Still, by the end, I liked the overall story and especially enjoyed the time Carrie Ann was at Aunt Ruth's house. Will I read book 2 (about Carrie Ann's sister, Margaret)? Probably. I hope a few things from book 1 will also be resolved.<br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">That's what I thought! Click <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/author/aboeshaar">HERE</a> to see what other reviewers are saying! </b> <br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Andrea and Kregel through Litfuse for sending me a copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/review/R1EOKBLB3A2AE8/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/a-thousand-shall-fall/andrea-boeshaar/9780825443817/pd/443812?event=#customer_reviews" target="_blank">Christianbook</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**</span>A Cooking Bookwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826078992143497281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-79144009749242728562015-10-08T10:12:00.001-04:002015-10-08T10:12:49.886-04:00The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764213504/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0764213504&linkCode=as2&tag=cookingbookworm-20&linkId=JLNON6OKZD4AK2FC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgko2-AF7zr-ByEEuIF-5GjnxRWGNLGfL_zwj6g6Yyqq63n7NMFZLEozUY6PyJzKk_R0QN4N58uE1HVr3imSzte4U1eNVQ2JQvy8NWHBctrTca-wBfbFidJh0__7t5VFS_i3qJr0Qejtck/s320/lost+heiress.png" width="205" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>ABOUT THE BOOK:</strong></span><br />
When Brook's friend Justin discovers that she may be an English heiress, she travels to meet her alleged father. But will her journey end in tragedy?<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></strong><br />
<strong><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764213504/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0764213504&linkCode=as2&tag=cookingbookworm-20&linkId=JLNON6OKZD4AK2FC" target="_blank">The Lost Heiress</a></em></strong> was a well written and very enjoyable Edwardian era story! I really liked Brook. I can be turned off by very strong protagonists, but Brook had just enough sweetness and vulnerability mixed with her independence that I couldn't help but like her. I also really liked Brook and Justin's relationship. Best friends that just weren't sure how, if, or when to go to the next step.<br />
<br />
Sprawling estates, spirited horses, snooty and greedy gentry, deceptive maids, loyal friends...ahh, all made for a satisfying story that I wished continued! <br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Roseanna and Bethany House through NetGalley for sending me a copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R9A3Y7YLOGIJ9/ref=cm_cr_pr_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0764213504" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/1-the-lost-heiress/roseanna-white/9780764213502/pd/642135?event=#customer_reviews" target="_blank">Christianbook</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**</span>A Cooking Bookwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826078992143497281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9169778700248537562.post-3511169235979254202015-09-08T11:37:00.002-04:002015-09-08T11:37:49.136-04:00The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz<span class="st_twitter_button" displaytext="Tweet"></span><span class="st_facebook_button" displaytext="Facebook"></span><span class="st_email_button" displaytext="Email"></span><span class="st_fblike_hcount"></span><span class="st_plusone_button"></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/080072044X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=080072044X&linkCode=as2&tag=cookingbookworm-20&linkId=TIF3RSLB2C566NMT" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnszCN26YPMkb7k_x1-zOGH5I2zTwlHf0npTjh6aJpX6KGw8vnR09i4T9D7Wilc8DkfRRFjfCg7LiomJT6L78Il3Gjkv3lGQf8B3glE5nUOJYTnXe37Hd4g6URWiYoKIZOYDbfvhDISzA/s320/mistress+of+tall+acre.png" width="207" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE BOOK:</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The American Revolution is finally over, and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news. When her nearest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come. But the general is now a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother. Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe, sensible arrangement. But when a woman from the general's past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the utmost. When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Triumph and tragedy, loyalty and betrayal--you will find it all in the rich pages of this newest novel from the talented pen of Laura Frantz.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY THOUGHTS:</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Laura has such a wonderful way of writing. She easily draws the reader into her storyworld within the first few sentences! Her attention to historic language and detail is natural and captivating, never overwhelming.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In <strong><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/080072044X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=080072044X&linkCode=as2&tag=cookingbookworm-20&linkId=TIF3RSLB2C566NMT" target="_blank">The Mistress of Tall Acre</a></em></strong>, she definitely captured my attention in the prologue and held it right until the last word of the epilogue!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Both Sophie and Lily Cate were equally charming and loveable. I wanted the best for both of them! Somewhere around the halfway mark, I guessed the dreaded twist that was coming. I'm not sure I was totally happy with the resolution of it all (hard to say more without giving away spoilers), but the whole situation definitely tugged at my heartstrings!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/080072044X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=080072044X&linkCode=as2&tag=cookingbookworm-20&linkId=TIF3RSLB2C566NMT" target="_blank">The Mistress of Tall Acre</a></em></strong> was the perfect blend of history, love, and mystery. Historical romance readers will love Laura's newest book!</div>
<br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79;">Thank you to Laura and Revell through Revell Reads for sending me a copy to read and review!</span> </i></b> <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Did you find my review helpful?</span> Please rate it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/review/RMQDRDHCTFYTY/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/the-mistress-of-tall-acre-novel/laura-frantz/9780800720445/pd/720446?event=#customer_reviews" target="_blank">Christianbook</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/about-cooking-bookworm.html" target="_blank"><img alt="blog signature" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIsPMdvmCOJayasF7_Zl5fL7S9jQXD4lQkCiVkCDFWmhIbsRSKnkw3RLNZArvVugNDKF8WjVbwccQhcPBRtMGlnWXPFrpkMUMgBSr2grUavecBRX8myfFAquG8q3Hn0ArqJ10rehXwMM/s1600/CookingBookworm_AdButton.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>**DISCLOSURE:</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy <a href="http://www.acookingbookworm.com/2009/12/disclosure-policy.html">HERE</a>.**</span>A Cooking Bookwormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10826078992143497281noreply@blogger.com0