Pretty in pink

 

Everything goes better with pink :-)

Hope Between the Pages

 

What a beautiful love story. Hope Between the Pages by Pepper Basham is the most beautiful love story that I've read.

This enchanting story set in the early 1900's between Sadie, a housemaid at the Biltmore House, and Oliver, a young English gentleman. Sadie is the library maid, and they both discover they have a love of books, as she recommends new books to Oliver. Because of the differences in their stations, it is mostly forbidden, but they form a friendship. But as they know one another, they are drawn together.

In dual time-slip, Clara Blackwell, searches for the deed to the bookshop she has inherited from her late father. It begins an adventure, finding out what happened to her great-grandmother Sadie Blackwell. 

Sadie and Clara's story was so well crafted that several times I had to put the book down to gather my thoughts. It's emotionally touching, beautifully descriptive, with well rounded characters. 

Pepper Basham has done a wonderful job of inviting us into the lives of these people. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Bread for the Journey

 

Commit thy works unto the Lord, 

and thy thoughts shall be established.

Proverbs 16:3

Clear skies

 I am so sorry about the adverse weather around the country. Apparently because we have a system coming from the south, we have been spared the really cold weather. So I will share a little bit of our paradise.

Stay safe. Spring is on the way :-)

Happy Valentine's Day

 

The way it should be

 

Christina Suzann Nelson has such a compelling way of writing, you really become wrapped up with her characters and story. Such is the case of "The Way It Should Be."

Twin sisters Zara and Eve have not seen each other in ten years. A lot has happened during that time. Zara finds the love of her life and feels like she has been given a new start in life.

Eve on the other hand has made so many mistakes and poor choices. Drugs, men, pregnancy.... She is in so deep, she can't see her way out. But Eve is given a chance to change, with the help of Tiff Bradley. A woman who lost a daughter to drugs years ago. 

This story was one I couldn't put down. The way Nelson weaves these women together makes you want to root for their success. And it is so difficult. Especially since it involves Eve's two young children. So many tough decisions, and the strength needed to go forward. There are also questions. So much doubt that the reader comes to realize that this story could be about any family. It takes a lot of love to overcome the pain.

I've read Nelson's other two books and was just as blown away by how she can move me with her tasteful and excellent writing. 

I liked the review by Lisa Wingate. "Christina Suzann Nelson's beautifully written tale will have readers considering complex questions long after closing the cover." 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A special gift

 Recently I was having lunch with an old friend. Our boys grew up together, so we had a kinship that spanned the years. After lunch she asked me if I remembered the antique quilt that she had. I said yes, as I had encouraged her to take it to have it evaluated. I knew it was old, but not much else. She was clearing out things in her house and asked me if I would like to have it. Of course I said YES!

And here it is ...

A crazy quilt that was made in 1889.

Apparently made by A.C.Waterman

The stitching is amazing. And the crochet work is beautiful.

It is extremely fragile. As I was unwrapping it, pieces of the fabric were falling off.

It's really a work of art. But for 132 years old, I would expect no less. I really think it belongs in a museum. 

The Shell Collector

 

The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle is a touching and moving story about love, loss and second chances. 

Amanda Whittier struggles after the loss of her Marine husband two years ago. She moves to Whelk's Island North Carolina to start her life afresh. With plans to start her own business, she buys a run down cottage on the beach. She soon finds her neighbor, Maeve Lindsay, has experienced loss herself. Maeve collects shells on her walk every morning, and befriends Amanda's young children. 

Paul, a long time friend of the Whittier's, meets up with Amanda after a beach run. Hailey, Amanda's young daughter, runs to him thinking he is her father. A surprise all around, but Paul always cared for Amanda, and wants to be back in her life. 

This is such a beautiful story of how friendship can help mend hearts and move forward. I loved Maeve and how she opened her heart and her home as Amanda clings to the past. Maeve's relationship with Tug, the cafe owner, is sweet. And The Wife is an added fun aspect to the story.

I've read several of Miss Naigle's books and have always come away satisfied. But have some tissues available for this beautiful heartfelt story. Definitely a *5* star novel.

Waterbrook/Multnomah Publishing and NetGalley.com provided an e-copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Side of Murder

 

Who killed Estelle Kobolt! Estelle was a piece of work. Nobody liked her, and anybody could have done her in. But when Samantha Barnes finds her face up, obviously drowned, she is sure it is murder. Even though her death is listed as accidental.

Sam, taking a break from the food scene, as she wields a knife against her ex goes viral on YouTube, finds refuge in the house her great aunt Ida left to her on the Cape. And ends up writing restaurant  reviews for the Cape Cod Clarion. 

 Samantha narrates the book, and with the witty dialogue you can't help but get wrapped up in all the characters.  There were a lot of twists and turns, which kept my interest. This is a cozy mystery, fast paced and fun. A real page turner. And you will never guess who the murderer is until the very end. This is Amy Pershing's debut novel, and I think she did a great job with the setting, characters and dialogue. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Sweet Baby Ray's Chicken

I found this recipe online.  I had all the ingredients, so it was a go for dinner.  And I might add, it turned out great!

Sweet Baby Ray's Crock Pot Barbecue Chicken

5 - 6 skinless chicken breasts
1 small bottle Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce
2 Tablespoons vinegar
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
add in -
1/2 jar Peach Preserves

Mix sauce ingredients together
Put chicken in the Crock Pot and pour sauce mixture over the top.
Stir all around until chicken is well coated
Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until chicken is fall apart tender.

 Taking the chicken right out of the crock pot.

Shredding the tender cooked chicken

I made Fried Rice and Steamed Broccoli to go along with the chicken.  It was a um-um good meal.

 Grace at Home

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