Historical fiction you won't want to put down

There is not a doubt in his mind that Nolan will be able to fulfill his dying mother's wishes to marry the kitchen maid, Hannah, and make a life for the two of them.  He is the money saved to purchase a farm so that both of them can leave Stainsby Hall.  All the arrangements are made.  However, the one shocking piece of information he receives is that his father is the Earl of Stainsby and Nolan is his rightful heir.  From stable boy to heir, Nolan's life becomes quite complicated but his love for Hannah doesn't exactly fit into his father's plans.

Susan Mason is a new author for me but I was drawn right into the story. Her writing style is easy to follow and the pictures she paints with her words allowed me to see the manor, small towns, and countryside of England as I read through the story. Several times, I was a bit surprised by the turn of events which is quite refreshing that the story wasn't so predictable.  I also loved Hannah and Nolan's simple faith that was expressed throughout the story--not preachy at all but very believable and sweet. 

While this book doesn't appear to be one of a series, I think the author could easily open it up to be so.  Nolan enters a world where he has the siblings he has never experienced so perhaps Mason will choose one of them as a main character for her next book?

I loved the story--a page turner, a bit of mystery/suspense, love, conflict...it has it all.  I have no hesitation in recommending this title to anyone who loves historical fiction and/or Christian fiction.  Two thumbs up!

Thank you Bethany House for providing this book for review.  I was in no way obligated to write a positive one.

Journal Bible

Zondervan's new NIV Journal the Word reference Bible gives you plenty of room for note-taking and capturing your thoughts as you do your Bible study.  Complete with Jesus' words captured in red, this is the first Bible I have seen with such large columns on each page designed for note-taking.  The easy-to-read and understand New International Version text is my favorite for personal Bible study. I also love the elastic band closure and red ribbon marker.

Because of the fact that about a third of each page is a note-taking area, I assume some choices had to be made about what to exclude from this volume in order to maintain a reasonable weight.  One thing I may miss is the notes section I have in my previous Bible, giving me more insight to scripture.  But perhaps I lean too much on those notes rather than allowing God to speak to me?  Also a bit sparse is the small dictionary/concordance in the back.  However, neither are a deal breaker since I do have other Bibles to use as reference.  But those things that aren't included leave me a bit scratching my head as to why it is called a Reference Bible.  Another feature I would like to modify is the cover but that is simply a matter of personal preference in that I like a soft cover Bible. 

I am blessed to have both of my grandmother's Bibles.  How precious are the words each has handwritten in the margins.  I can still see one of my grandmother's Bibles sitting on the kitchen table and remember coming by her house often to see her pouring over scripture.  What a special heirloom this Bible can be as those who follow you look over your words as to how God spoke to you through His word. 

Overall, I love the concept and can't wait to get started with my own study and note-taking.  The big plus is the room you have to write notes.  The biggest negative to me is the hardback cover which makes it look like a hotel Bible.

I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and am in no way obligated to write a positive one.

Precious message for your child

This title immediately caught my attention.  Being a couple who had difficulty getting pregnant, how many times did we go to God and literally beg Him to give us a child. I can also see this book being perfect for an adopted child and their parents.

Throughout this book, from the time baby bear was born to taking their first steps to going off to school alone, the text makes it clear that Mama bear is praying for each and every event in baby's life.  What makes the pages extra special, is that while the text states that Mama is praying, the prayer that she is lifting up is also included in the text.  So, not only does the book acknowledge that God is the giver of all good gifts and the One we can go to with concerns, the text also teaches little ones how to pray and that God cares about even the little things in our lives. 

The watercolor or chalk drawings by Frank Endersby are precious.  I love how the book ends with Mama bear telling baby as he sleeps that even when he is grown and she is old a gray, she will always be praying for him. 

Again, a perfect gift for expecting parents, either their own natural ones or adopted.  This one definitely goes on my baby shower list.  I did receive this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and was in no way obligated to write a positive one.

Slimming down

I don't know about you but what used to be a once slim abdominal area just isn't anymore.  My calorie intake has changed little and my activity level is similar to what it was 20 years ago but I just can't seem to shake the extra bit of belly fat so this book caught my attention immediately.  Upon its arrival, I began reading that the tips within also might help with the joint pain of this post-menopausal body. 

While I don't know that I will be able to adhere to all the exercises and recipes contained within this volume, I am willing to give it a 10 day try as suggested, with maybe the exception of some of the recipes made from items that I just simply don't like or stock.  Some ingredients are fairly expensive to purchase as well.  Who knows, perhaps some of the suggestions will become habits. I particularly enjoyed the section Petrucci included about all the toxins in the items we use everyday.  That information will modify the way I shop.  I also appreciated the fact that she didn't suggest I throw everything away but practically offered options as items were used up.  One suggestion I might make if this volume is ever reprinted is illustrations with the exercises.   Overall, the book had several ideas I would like to put into practice but only time will tell if the extra body fat and pounds will stay way or if it will always be a constant battle for me.

I did receive this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and am in no way obligated to write a positive one. 

Children's board book for the senses

Each farm animal from horses to sheep to cows and pigs and more are settling in, taking baths and returning to their stalls for the night and saying goodnight.  Each set of pages is devoted to one animal family and contains texture somewhere on the page.  The sheep's wooly blanket and the cat's fur are the easiest to locate while others might take a bit of searching for young hands.

I love any and all board books if you follow my  blog at all.  As a former school librarian, I love books that small hands can hold and no one has to be concerned that pages will be torn or the book damaged.  I like the cute faces on these farm animals that I believe will engage the youngest "reader".  The little mice are the consistent in this picture board book and I enjoyed watching to see where they would turn up next.

On the flip side, I do wish there were more textured items to touch in the book.  As stated above, some of the items meant to be touched are difficult to find and not all that sensual such as the glittery moon and clouds and the glossy rooster combs.  Even the pig's blanket isn't fluffy and soft like I would think it would have been.  Perhaps, with time, some of the "fabrics" will soften but I'm not so certain. 

I like the drawings, the rhyming verse, and the setting of the farm.  However, I do think more attention to the "Touch and Feel" part would have been advisable.

I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and am in no way obligated to write a positive one.

Adult coloring book to encourage you and dwell on

Even as a "mature" adult, I love to color.  I love the escape from stress it allows as I concentrate on staying within the lines.  This adult coloring book is particularly special because each set of pages has a beautiful page to color, many containing birds, while the opposing page contains a word of hope and encouragement either in the form of a simple statement you might imagine Jesus saying to you or words taken directly from scripture, both Old and New Testament.

The pages are a nice card stock weight so markers would be less likely to bleed through if they are your preferred medium.  I love colored pencils and have had no difficulty using them on this weight paper.  I like the fact that, for the most part, all the drawings are not so tiny and intricate that it takes hours and hours to complete.

Also included in the back of this volume is a practice page for hand lettering.  Based on the subtitle of the book, I would have expected a bit more variety in hand lettering styles but this alphabet is lovely and I am hoping the author doesn't mind me copying the page because I will certainly need more than one page for practicing.  I will, however, be looking for other options for letter styles for variety sake.

I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and was in no way obligated to write a positive one. 

Beautiful volume to look at and learn from

I love gardening.  While the garden shops at the local hardware stores are still bare, I am pouring over catalogues and ordering, anticipating the spring and summer.  While I do grow a few annuals, by far my favorite flowers are those the perennials because they reward my efforts year after year. 

Martha's Flowers has selected some favorite perennials from the three growing seasons and featured them in this handsome new guide.  Within the pages, Stewart and Sharkey have featured daffodils, tulips, rhododendron and azalea, lilacs, allium, peony, roses, poppies, clematis, delphinium, hydrangea, lily, sunflowers and rudbeckia, and dahlias.  I list these so you know what is enclosed in the cover in case these aren't your flowers of choice.

Each flower/bush has a dedicated section with a story from Martha then specific, detailed directions regarding growing them and suggestions with how to arrange each cut flower with beautiful photographs the reader can mimic.  In many places, the authors drop the names of reputable companies you can order from.  Not only is Martha's Flowers full of information, it is a beautiful book to simply look through for ideas or just to appreciate.  Following the sections on the specific flowers is an area dedicated to arranging flowers with suggested tools, supports, vessels and techniques.

The hardbound volume is sturdy, the pages a bit on the glossy side so I wipe off my dirty prints as I come in from the garden for a break.  I am excited to use this as a new coffee table volume as spring is around the corner but gardening just isn't that likely yet.  I can easily recommend this volume for anyone who loves gardening or as a perfect Mother's Day gift.  It is beautiful and cheery inside and out.

I did receive this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and was in no way obligated to write a positive one.

Old Testament era fiction

It has been over seven years since Jericho was taken and Moriyah was kidnapped and branded as a temple harlot.  Calling out to Yaweh to either save her or kill her, no one could stop her tormenters from branding her face, giving up her dreams, and then hiding behind a veil.  Even today, her home with her father was Moriyah's refuge and she dared not step out into the small town unless she was ready for the words and stones to be thrown at her since no one took time to get to know Moriyah and just assumed her brand was the story of her past.

When an event is held calling all young maidens to wear veils, Moriyah is convinced to join in the festivities.  Her father has finally found someone willing to marry Moriyah, a widower with children, so this will be her last opportunity.  During the even, Moriyah meets a kind young soldier whose father is the father of her intended.  Assuming Darek is her intended makes her impending marriage not only tolerable but one to anticipate.

When the formal introductions are made, there are surprises in store for both Darek and Moriyah, and not pleasant ones.  When Moriyah accidently poisons two young men with her cooking, she is forced to flee for her life, leaving all the security of home and the people who love her.

I believe, because of the time period, it took me a bit of time to get into the story and the author's way of writing but, once I did, I didn't want to put down A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette.  I loved the characters, the unexpected events, and how Moriyah blossomed and grew into a woman of faith after feeling as if God had abandoned her in Jericho as well as how she examined how she had judged others just as she had been judged.  With that said, this book definitely isn't a "preachy" one and I found it interesting how some of the Biblical characters such as Joseph and Abraham were called by what I assume to be their Hebrew names in this novel.   While this is the first book in the "Cities of Refuge" series, I believe it stands alone quite well.  It will be interested to see if Cossette pulls any of the characters from this book for the second.  The novel also contains thought-provoking discussion questions perfect for personal reflection or to use with a book discussion group.

I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and am in no way obligated to write a positive one.