From the Heart Stamps - Progressive Challenge February!

Hi friends!

For some odd reason, I'm locked out (temporarily!) of my regular blog so I'm posting on my book review blog!  It IS the year of Adventure, after all! :)

This card is from the Progressive Challenge at FTHS, designed by the talented artist Faith.  What delightful images she creates!  If you play along in the challenge, you are given the next month's image for free to continue playing along, and they are all adorable.  It's like a surprise in your emails once a month :)

This is actually my 2nd card - my first one didn't sit well with me after it was done so I started all over.  I like the contrasting colors of this one much better so here it is!

Hopefully I'll be back to blogging at the regular blogspot soon - if you'd like to join me here,

or if you are an avid reader like me, then I welcome you! :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Big hugs, Bigger Blessings!
~Kelly

Book Review: Lots of knock-knock Jokes for Kids

Knock knock!
Who's there?
Ida!
Ida who?
Ida like to be your friend!

Haha!  This book is a riot!  I have 4 children and you'd think I've heard every possible joke there is!  But this hilarious 121 page book, chock full of over 250 jokes is was one of the best times I've had hearing the kids tell the jokes page after page. 

This book is good, clean fun. 

Lots of laughs and giggles, geared towards the younger crowd, but even my 11 year old was howling with laughter at most of these original, laugh provoking funnies!

5 well deserved stars!

Disclosure :  I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this by the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: An Amish Year

Bet Wiseman has done it again!  Such an incredibly faith-filled and wonderful author, tipping the pen to write a novel(s) that are as refreshing in faith as they are in proise!

Although I have read Beth's work previously, this novella of 4 stories contained new stories, new cast of characters that make you feel so at home - as if you knocked on their door and they invited you in to break bread and become part of their families.

While An Amish Year does contain one (possibly two?) repeat stories, this book overall has a wonderful flow as it follows Irma and Saul through their teenage years and beyond.  The surprising twist of why Irma originally breaks off her relationship with Saul is haunting and heartbreaking, but it weaves a tale to be told!  This book is faith strong and fast, heartbreak and redemption and, of course, love.

The recipe collection included in this book was an added bonus and wonderful surprise!

5 well deserved stars!

Book Jacket:

Spend a year in Amish country with four sweet romances.
Rooted in Love (previously published in An Amish Garden)
Rosemary Lantz is doing her best to run her family’s household. She excels at all her tasks except one: gardening. Saul Petersheim has pursued Rosemary for years, but Rosemary keeps turning him down. What Saul doesn’t know is that she has good reason—something no one can know—especially not him.
A Love for Irma Rose
The year is 1957, and young Irma Rose has a choice to make. Date the man who is “right” for her? Or give Jonas a chance, the wild and reckless suitor who refuses to take no for an answer?  Irma Rose steps onto the path she believes God has planned for her, but when she loses her footing, she is forced to rethink her choice. 
Patchwork Perfect
Eli Byler has been a widower for two years when he chooses to make a fresh start in Paradise, Pennsylvania. As Eli juggles the admiration of two women, he meets Miriam Fisher—the most unconventional Amish woman he’s ever met. She doesn’t fit the mold for what Eli is looking for, but it isn’t long before Eli realizes that Miriam is everything he wants. But Miriam has no plans to get married—ever.  Will Eli be able to change her mind?
When Christmas Comes Again (previously published in An Amish Second Christmas)
Katherine knows the first Christmas without Elias will be hard for her and the children. But when a mysterious Englischer appears with photographs of her late husband, Katherine begins to wonder what other blessings Christmas could have in store.

         I thank BookLook bloggers for the chance to review this book 
                        and my review is a positive opinion expressed by me on my own accord.

Book Review: Willie Out West

My Review: 

Absolutely charming book!

 This is a delightful little children's book,

creative, funny, and thought provoking.

The character drawings and artwork through-out give a greater sense of wholesomeness to this book,

from the octopus with his western hat and 8 spurs (one for each tentacle!) to the one-eyed whale named Old Walter.

Young Willie desperately wants to be important,

and he so very much wants to be needed.

As he sits in front of the tv, waiting for mom to finish dinner,

he couldn't imagine being whisked away to an underwater "Old West" 

where he'd be asked to save the day!

"We need someone with lots of courage and strength to save our town"

(book quote)

Willie is excited to be needed!

He comes up with a plan ("Like I learned in school!")

to scare the mean whale away and allow the town to be united again,

peaceful and in harmony.

 Whether intentional or not, I liked the way the author weaved into this tale the threat of a bully, using sheer size and brute strength to intimidate the other towns folk (which, by the way, are all under the sea, ocean characters - adorable as all get up!)

There is a fun 'western twang' and cute jargon that's spoken by the animals which kids will find entertaining.

A great message wrapped up in a short, lovely little read!

 

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: The Whisper Theory

Book Jacket:

Meghan Shanahan is confident in her Christianity, if not a bit selfrighteous . When she moves in with Jeff and Carol, her two unbelieving college roommates, she begins to unravel.

Meghan thought she could save Jeff, but in the first three months of college, she's breaking more rules than she's keeping. Even worse, she finds herself falling in love with Jeff. When a young woman in their apartment building is murdered, everything starts changing. Through heartache and despair, tragedy and suspense, Meghan learns what friendship is all about, and more importantly, she discovers the voice she's going to follow.

Book Review: 
I read The Whisper Theory as a e-book as a blind copy, meaning I basically had no idea what the book was or about!  It was like unwrapping a present,

pulling back the shiny wrapping, peeking under the tissue paper, 

and finally seeing it's content.

I was intrigued, at first, to see that it was a half story, half bible study.

It's a rather quick read, and each of the 16 chapters seem a bit choppy.  

We are taken on a journey of three young people (Carol, Jeff and Meghan)

as they venture through the woes and challenges of general life, though some of the decision they make are entirely intentional - drinking under age, partying, premarital sex, and more.  There is a real lack of character developing and I kept reading onward, hoping that more of the christian foundation would pour through.  Humbly, this e-book felt like I was reading through a really long term paper - it lacks focus, depth and development.  

I did appreciate the questions at the end of the chapters though it's mostly a series of questions.  I think this book could have benefited greatly from the author expanding on each of the questions by focusing on God's word in depth

and pitting questions with biblical scripture basis.

  I'm not sure if it's centered towards teens and young adults or just a general discussion guide for the 'over 21 crowd.'

Be warned: This e-book has topics and frank discussions that are not meant for the young christian crowds and this is NOT a youth group guide.

YES, these are topics many teens are faced with and 

YES, these are discussions that many parents/group leaders may encounter,

it's just not a very concrete guide or enjoyable read, frankly speaking.

I did so want to enjoy this book and bible study - it just fell very, very flat.

                  I thank BookLook bloggers for the chance to review this book 

                        and my review is a positive opinion expressed by me on my own accord.

Book Review: The Forgotten Recipe

 

Book Jacket: 

After losing her fiancé in a tragic accident, Veronica Fisher finds solace in the old recipes stored in her mother’s hope chest—and in a special visitor who comes to her bake stand to purchase her old-fashioned raspberry pies.
Veronica Fisher knows how lucky she is to be marrying her best friend. Seth Lapp is kind, hardworking, and handsome—but most importantly, he loves Veronica.

When an accident on the job steals Seth away from her, a heartbroken Veronica is certain she will never love—or be loved—again. Yet when she discovers a batch of forgotten recipes and opens a bake stand to sell her Mammi’s raspberry pies, Veronica picks up a regular customer who gives her heart pause.
Jason Huyard was with Seth when he lost his life—a memory that haunts him still. So when he seeks out the grieving fiancée to convey his condolences, the last thing he expects—or wants—is to fall in love. Nonetheless, Jason soon finds himself visiting Veronica’s bake stand every week . . . and it’s for more than the raspberry pies.

Now, as Veronica’s heart thaws, Jason can’t bring himself to tell her he was there when Seth died. Can he ever reveal where he was on the day her life derailed? Or will his secret rob them of the second chance at love they both want?

My Review: 

Dust the flour off your recipe books, put your apron on and pick up the rolling pin!  This book will make you want to head straight into the kitchen and make  batches of sweet breads, tasty cookies and velvety pies for all those you love.

What a scrumptiously told tale, captivating from the moment you open the first chapter.  With the opener of a tragic, sad accident, you'll be spellbound.  The captivating words will leave your heart hurting and your mind spinning, but you'll be drawn in by the sweetness of the characters and strength in the story - you will want to read more!

Veronica is strong and steadfast in her Amish faith, and comes from a loving, hardworking Amish family.  Her 2 sisters are instrumental in building a warm and loving home and helping her through this tragic loss, creating a bond of closeness captured beautifully by Clipston.   After losing her fiance, Seth, in an accident, she keeps guarded yet hopeful for a future and busies herself with recipes she found in a trunk belonging to her grandmother.  She notices Jason coming around often, a young Amish man from their town,  but doesn't know immediately that he was the best friend to Seth.  Her homemade raspberry pies, sold at a little farm stand, not only keep most of the English coming to buy them, but Jason as well and a wonderful friendship begins.  Jason tries to court her all the while keeping it a secret that he was with Seth when he died, fearful of losing her ... because Jason has a secret of his own:  He has fallen in love with Veronica!

This book has so many twists and turns.  From the many hours of baking pies and jams and relishes, friends trying to do their best (that sweet little picnic and skipping rocks at the water's edge is a portrait painted in words!) to set them up, girls vying for Jason's attention, and ultimately, a betrayal that nearly pushes Veronica over the edge with despair.  You'll be on the edge of your seat turning page after page to find the ending to this flawlessly written book!

Because it's so much more than just a novel of friendship and courtship, blossoming into a love so deep and pure.  There is something exquisitiely beautiful about Amish romance novels ~ and this one ranks BY FAR one of my all time favorites.  The sweetness rolls off the pages.  Just as you treasure the heirlooms you have as forever keepsakes, the story of Veronica and Jason will stay with you for a long time after the final chapter is read and the book is closed.

         I thank BookLook bloggers for the chance to review this book 
                        and my review is a positive opinion expressed by me on my own accord.

Book Review: From the Start

From the Jacket: Kate Walker used to believe in true love and happily ever after. While her own love life may have left her brokenhearted, it hasn't kept her from churning out made-for-TV romance movie screenplays...until a major career slump and a longing to do something meaningful send her running back to her hometown of Maple Valley.

Permanently sidelined by an injury, former NFL quarterback Colton Greene is temporarily hiding out in a friend's hometown to avoid the media and the reminders of all he's lost. Maple Valley seems like the perfect place to learn how to adjust to normal life. The only trouble is he's never really done normal before.

While Kate plays things safe and Colton is all about big risks and grand gestures, they both get what it's like to desperately need direction in life. An unexpected project gives them both a chance to jumpstart their new lives, but old wounds and new dreams are hard to ignore. Starting over wasn't part of the plan, but could it be the best thing that's ever happened to them?

My Review:  While you might be thinking "Football?  A book about football?", you'd be pleasantly surprised to find so much more packed into this sleepy little romance novel.  From the wonderful character roles, sweetness of the town, and the united front two 'broken, lost souls' put forth really brings home the mystery of falling in love unexpectedly.

The strong theme within From the Start is purpose.  Everything seems to need to have a purpose - from Colton's injuries and break up with his fiance', Lilah, and the book he wants to write about his life to his foundation.  And then there's Kate, with her disasterous, ill-fated relationship with former lover/co-writer Gil and dissatisfaction with her writing career - wanting so much to complete her mother's mission to Africa.  Having purpose for all things done seems to be the guiding force behind a lot of the story line in this one, along with what pulls Colton and Kate together.  

"I just need an open window, God." 

 Just a sliver of sunlight to remind her that He had a plan even if she didn't.  (book quote)

This book is full of events (tornado, dam breaking!) in a picturesque, quaint little town called Maple Valley.  From the description of the small, hometown feel, the friendliness of the neighbors and townsfolk, Megan and her coffeeshop, this sounds like one fabulous place!  I loved the relationship Kate had with her very good friend and her son, Breydan and pictured her playing Mario Kart much like someone would with a small boy. Tagg does a wonderful job of pitting desciptions to characters and makes them very likeable.

Overall, a surprisingly little read but this book didn't quite make a "touchdown."

 I burst through the first few chapters and then it just fizzled as I lost interest with the direction the story was going and how slow it seemed to get to the end.  

I do, however, like Tagg's writing style overall and hope to read another book by her again,

hopefully gaining favor as a author I'd favorite.

Disclaimer:  I received this book for an honest review from Bethany House,

a division of the Baker Publishing Group and was not required to write a positive review.  

Any reflection of such is my own and this review is an honest reflection of such