Book Review: The Potter's Lady

Ah, yes, once again a return to historical fiction - my first love! ;) I have a true love of history and enjoy books about different time periods. Judith Miller has my respect as a writer and has for quite some while. Some authors just stand out above the rest.

I really enjoyed reading The Potter's Lady. In this story, Rose McKay convinces her brother to invest in a pottery business. She loves designing pottery and wants to help in designing pieces that will make the new business venture a success. When the survival of the new business depends on the outcome of a contest that would result in an amazing pottery contract, Rose isn't sure who she can trust - company designs have been stolen.

I did enjoy this book - so much so, that I am excited to have received another in this series for Christmas! This is a sequel to another book, but knowing that does not interfere with enjoying this one. I also love when covers to books are beautifully designed, as this one is! I look forward to reading more of Judith Miller's books.


Thanks to Bethany House for the review copy. My opinions are my own.

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. :)