Book Review: From the Start

Yes, with moving and everything else going on this year, I've got a bit behind on my book reviews. :) We'll start with this one. ;)

Kate Walker is in a bit of a slump as a professional writer and returns to her hometown - small Maple Valley. Colton Greene is in his own professional slump as an injured NFL player and he retreats to a friend's home in the small town of, you guessed it, Maple Valley. They are both seeking where to go next in life, will they get a fresh start together?

This was a fun book to read, but honestly, not overly original as contemporary Christian fiction goes. I also found it a bit odd that with a very autumn looking cover and a football theme, this book released in March. Seemed like funny timing to me, but I'm not the expert. ;) Did I enjoy it, yes! Do I recommend it? Sure! Fun read!



Thank you to Bethany House for the review copy... my opinions are my own.

Book Review: Jesus Calling for Little Ones

If you haven't heard of the devotional, Jesus Calling, it is one of my absolute favorites. Based on Scripture, it is often exactly what I need for the day. I was excited to see this little Jesus Calling for Little Ones! It is very sweet, encouraging, and comforting for little ones. Like the adult version, each page and the encouragement comes directly from the Bible and the verses are printed there as well. 

It is a cardboard book, which is perfect for my little one right now. She loves to look at the pages, especially the one with the little girl praying. She loves to say prayers and play with her doll. :) I can see us reading this even more in the future when the words have even more meaning for her. 

Thank you to BookLook blogger program for this review copy. My opinions are my own. 

Book Review: Where Trust Lies

Where Trust Lies is the second book in the Return to The Canadian West series. While this series is meant as a companion to the popular television series produced by Hallmark, I feel the book is excellent on it's own. (And for me, reading the book doesn't pose the disturbing issue of having to watch the characters in a historic setting sporting modern day hairstyles... does this not bother anyone else but me?? ahem. back to the book...)  In this story, Beth is headed back home to her family and on to a steamship cruise of the east coast. They make some friends on the trip but also meet some people of questionable character, leading one of their party into danger! (Ok... no more spoilers here... read it!) :)

Janette Oke, yes she's been writing a while. Yes, some people feel that her stories are a bit formulaic. BUT, I'm really not of that opinion. While she does tend to stick in the same genre, historical fiction, that also happens to be one of my favorite genres and I feel she does a great job! Some of my favorite, re-read/comfort books are Janette Oke. :) This book is a quick fun read and I love the cover art - it can really make or break a book in today's competitive market! :)

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This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review by Bethany House Publishers. Just an aside... I love their review program. It is very personal and they are quick to answer any questions! I also love the quality books put out by Bethany House... some publishers I've had issues with content, but not Bethany. Kudos to a publisher for upholding high standards!

A bit of news and a book review!!

I'll start out with the news... our family is sooo excited! We have a contract on a house! It is a beautiful house with lots of room for our family, for us to (once again... finally) be able to entertain guests, and with a backyard for our little girl to have room to run!! I'm eager for that closing date to get here, but I've been keeping very busy with packing! Can you believe it's been almost two years since we sold our last home? I'm sooo ready to be in a home again!! And we are thrilled to be able to move into the neighborhood that we have dreamed about for years! (it just feels like home!) :) Prayers are very much appreciated though... that all will go well and that the transition will be smooth. :) In the mean time, I have a cute little helper!!! :)

A second item of news, my friends Brittany and Jenny have started a great new blog: Chapel Cottage Chicks!!! I love they're vintage cottage style, and I am working on getting them to make a "house call" after we get settled a bit!! ;)

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And now for the book review: I saw this book and thought, what a fun book to review for the 4th! So what better time to (finally) get this review posted! ;) I grew up with the Berenstain Bears as I'm sure many of you did as well. Both Stan and Jan Berenstain have passed away, but their son Mike continues to write and illustrate new books. These new books, under the Living Light series, are based on Christian principles! (you can read a bit more in this article.) So now, these favorite bears aren't just cute stories, but they are helping kids learn about God!

God Bless Our Country is a very fun book that has a brief overview of our country's history. I love that the illustrations are in part bear versions of famous paintings from America's history (including Washington crossing the Delaware and the signers of the Declaration of Independence.) Is it a history book? no... but it is a fun introduction to our nation's beginning appropriate for young children.

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Thanks to BookLook for the review copy... my opinions are my own. :)

NOT a book review

Goodness... I just looked at my blog and realized like every post for the past almost six months has been a book review...  I really DO more than just read, but who has the time for blogging nowadays? Some do, I know! Just not me, evidently... But I shall try. If there's anyone out there that still reads this. :)

What have I been up to? my #1 job is this little (but growing fast) girl!

She's sooo much fun and learning so much! She loves her books, music, play phones and Baby Signing time. She loves people! So much fun to go to the store because she loves to say "HI!" to everyone we meet... several times! ;) How is it even possible that 17 months has passed already? She is an amazing girl! But yes.... she does keep me quite busy. If she is awake, she is moving. ;)

My second (naptime) job is my business! I love my work as a Lilla Rose Independent Consultant! Mostly I do what I can during naptimes (or occasionally after kiddo is in bed.) I don't have huge requirements to keep my consultant status and if I have a very busy time, my job will be right where I left it. And it's such an amazing product that it sells itself! I did my first vendor event last week with my mom and a young friend (she was our hair model!). We had a lot of fun and got to introduce Lilla Rose to our community. :)

A third thing that is happening is, quite frankly, something that ISN'T. We are still. in. our. apartment. sigh... We ARE very blessed! We live in an older, but VERY well maintained complex with an excellent staff! (Our little one loves going to the office to say hi! And they have known her since she was born!) ;) But apartment living is just that. Apartment living. We have neighbors above us with pets - very sweet neighbors - but it is still close quarters. We're not so much "looking" for a house as we are "waiting" for a house. We are ready in every way to buy our long term home, but our home has yet to open up. I know God is working things out in His perfect timing, but sometimes it's hard to wait - especially when you don't see anything happening... But we keep trusting and praying for His will for our little family.

Ah... what else? VBS planning, helping mom with her recital last week, gearing up to plan my sister's wedding... EEEK!!! my baby sister is engaged!!! So happy for her! ;) And many, other things that just keep happening. I reckon you'd just call it life! :) So yes... I do something besides read books...