The Nesting Place: A Book review

The Nesting Place:  It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful

By Myquillyn Smith (Published by Zondervan)

By the time we will hit our 11th Anniversary this coming spring, my husband and I will be moving into our 6th apartment since we got married.  The first few apartments we had our fair share of boxes, with nothing on the wall.  It was always going to be temporary, eventually we would find a place we could call home; we'd unpack, settle in...but rarely did it happen.  Then we moved practically to another world going from Alaska to Texas, then came babies, there never seemed any time to settle in.  I was greatly unhappy, disconnected from the place I was spending 98% of my time.

This book is not a miracle book, solving all of your problems, but what it does do is give a person permission to make a home right where they are.  Reading the author's experiences, thoughts and suggestions not only quieted that nagging dissatisfaction I was feeling that I needed to wait until I owned a home before I could make a place of my own.  As we embark on our next move in the spring, I have great plans on how I will make the place our home from the start.  I would high recommend this book for those who want to make a home right where they are, even if it might be temporary housing or apartment life.

Some lessons I learned from this book:

1.  To ask questions.  It can't hurt to ask your landlord if you can paint, we learned our current location allows us to if we will just paint it back before we leave.

2.  To make do.  You don't need to have a fancy magazine spread for a living environment, you can make do with things found on Craig's list, resale shops, garage Sales, or even repurpose things for alternative jobs from your own collection.

3.  Make space.  Sometimes clearing the space, getting rid of items that can be sold, traded or given away will help you obtain money or space for your ideas.

*\o/* Cheers

Shanna

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> 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  <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Murder Simply Brewed: A Book Review

Murder Simply Brewed

By Vannetta Chapman
Published by Zondervan

Publisher Book Description:  What will happen when two amateur sleuths, one Amish and one English, combine forces to solve the string of crimes happening in the Amish Artisan Village? Spring has arrived in Middlebury, Indiana, and Amber Wright can see profits in sight for her collection of Amish artisan shops—until she receives a call that Ethan Gray is dead. Hurrying over to A Simple Blend, she finds a single hole in the front window and Mr. Gray dead from an apparent heart attack. All the money is still in his register. Hannah Troyer takes over the shop’s duties, and she and Amber become fast friends as well as amateur sleuths. The police believe Gray’s death to be a by-product of vandalism, but Amber and Hannah aren't so easily convinced. Old Testament clues that don't add up, a neighbor who is pulled into the midst of the investigation, a town with secrets to hide, and blossoming romance—all will combine to push Amber and Hannah into unfamiliar roles in order to solve a mystery and bring peace to the Amish community.

My Thoughts:  This is the second Amish themed book I have picked up this month, so being more familiar with the culture from my last read, I was able to get into the book right away.  I am a big fan of mysteries in books, so I was rather delighted by how well the author continued the mystery without making me feel like it was dragging on.  I liked that the mystery was the main bit of the story, but built upon the friendships between several of the characters.  There was a bit of a romance weaving through the story, but not in a way that detracted from the story as a whole, nor did it seemed tacked on like some mysteries has been guilty of in the past.   Personally the story made me think of my interactions with both my friends and my acquaintances; how quickly one can go from only ones name to someone you would depend on & trust.  I would recommend this sweet story with a Mysterious bent; as for myself, I will be looking for more stories from this author.

*\0/* Cheers

Shanna

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> 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  <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Kissing Bridge: A Book Review

The Kissing Bridge

By Tricia Goyer
Published by Zondervan

Publisher Book Description:  In the third book in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series, award-winning author Tricia Goyer introduces a surprising new resident to West Kootenai as a young woman escapes from her stifling conservative Amish community to find a new life. Rebecca is an Amish woman whose pained past compels her to leave everything to become a nurse—abandoning her family and community. Caleb is an Amish man who is counting down the days until hunting season. At a crossroads in his own life, the excitement of hunting game is all he looks forward to. All the while he wonders what to do with the rest of his life. Even though he likes the Amish lifestyle, what good is an Amish man without faith in God?

My Thoughts:  I wish to say right off that I have not read the first 2 books in this series, nevertheless I think the book can stand on its own so I shall review it as it's own entity.   I ended up liking the main character of Rebecca right from the beginning;  I felt she had layers to her personality and real flaws I could Identify with.  Right from the start you are along Rebecca's journey with her as she makes decisions and wrestles with her relationship with God.  Though it is fiction I think it makes one turn inward to look at their own heart.  I have to admit that my heart is uplifted when an author can capture with their words a self-reflection of the reader's own heart.

I don't actually know how much of the Amish community characteristics are correctly portrayed, but it didn't seem that outlandish what was described.  This book was very enjoyable, so much so that I am looking forward to purchasing the first two books so I might be able to follow this series from the beginning.  So I would say that I would highly recommend this book.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  If you check back tomorrow I will have an update to the project I was working on earlier today!

*\0/* Cheers

Shanna

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> 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  <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A March Bride: A Kindle Book Review

A March Bride

By Rachel Hauck
Published by Zondervan

Publisher Book Description:  Susanna has found her true prince, and their happily ever after is just around the corner. But when Nate asks her to give up something precious to her, Susanna can't help but wonder if it's a sign that their love is not meant to be. Susanna Truitt (Once Upon A Prince) is three weeks from royalty. She'll soon marry King Nathaniel II of Brighton Kingdom. But when the government insists she renounce her American citizenship before the wedding, coupled with the lack of involvement by family and friends, Susanna's heart begins to doubt whether this marriage is God's plan for her. Nathaniel would do anything for his bride-to-be. But he knows his position requires that she give up a lot to be with him. Her life will never be her own---right down to her very identity. When she travels home to St. Simon's Island, Georgia, right before the wedding, Nathaniel fears she won't return. Gathering his courage, he devises a plan to win his bride all over again, and together they seek out a kingdom to treasure above all.

My Thoughts:  This book is part of a Year of Weddings series, each month bringing about a new story, some of them seem to intertwine into the same community so far.    Susanna Seems like she is a nice gal, but I felt that the author didn't really take a lot of time to flesh out the character.  I did not know at the time I started this book that it was a continuation from this particular author's own series of books which allegedly has a fleshed out set of characters.  I think the author depended too much on the reader having read this couples' first round in their love story, which I haven't, for this Novella to stand on its own.  I had nothing invested in any of the characters so in the end it just turned into an assignment that I loathed to finish, but I hate leaving books unfinished.  I felt real disappointed as this was clearly a missed opportunity for this author to get me to read their books.  It also was a shame that I didn't really enjoy this read as most of the others in this series have been a delight to read and I have even re-read the one from December as it was particularly humorous.  This book in the end was rather Blah so I cannot recommend this novella, but I urge you to check out some of the others as they truly are gems in this series.  

After I wrote my thoughts  I went to see what others had to say; I was rather surprised at the raving reviews but then I noticed that they all seemed to have read the aforementioned Author's own series which tells the love story of this couple.  I wanted to clarify before I get comments, that this review is only for THIS particular novella as it is, with no insight to the Author's previous writings, which I do not believe I should HAVE to read before giving my view of THIS book.  I hope you understand my position here.

*\0/* Cheers

Shanna

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> 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  <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Crimson Path of Honor: A Book Review

By M.B. Tosi
Published by WestBow Press

Book Description:

In The Crimson Path of Honor, bestselling author of The Indian Path Series, M.B. Tosi, has penned a historical novel filled to the brim with high emotion, irresistible wit and authentic realism. In this, the third book in her beloved series, the Civil War is over, and a violent period known as the Indian Wars is erupting. Ignoring the danger, a feisty young woman from Boston rebels against her tyrannical father’s plans to marry her off to a family friend and seizes an opportunity to go west to teach. On the way to the Oregon Territory, her stagecoach is attacked, and she is captured by a marauding band of Lakota (Sioux) Indians who call the Rocky Mountains home. Accepting her perilous situation, the young woman courageously confronts the daily hardships inherent in early Native American life, but will her growing feelings for her captors begin to outweigh her allegiance to her past life?

This book has some violence relating to the Indian Wars in the 1860s.

My Thoughts:

I love reading about Native American history, in part because of my own Native heritage.  I think that is why perhaps this book made me a bit irritated and slightly crazy. First of all, I understand wanting to show a difference in cultures, but I feel that the author made the main girl in the book like a bratty modern American Teenager, not a young lady from a wealthy family in Boston in 1870's.  The voice is all wrong if they were going for a historical figure.   Secondly, I felt that the addition of spiritual matters was tacked on somehow to try to make me suddenly like this main character.  I wanted to try to like the main character when this line of plot was added about 67% the way through the book, but ti just seemed so out of character for her that it was unbelievable.  In conclusion, I felt the use of modern phrases and the historical segments that read like it was copied from a 1960's Edition of the encyclopedia Britannica made it a book I cannot recommend.

If you are looking for a more authentic historical fiction book series to read that involves the different Native Cultures, I would suggest you look at Stephanie Grace Whitson.

Thanks for stopping by to read my thoughts.

*\0/* Cheers

Shanna

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> 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  <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Crispen Point: An Audible Review

Publisher's Description:

Charlotte is a successful romance novelist who escapes city life and moves to the small town of Crispens Point in Blackberry County. She immediately connects with some of the quirky but friendly residents and begins to feel at home right away. When a friend invites her to attend a local community church, Charlotte is attracted to the pastor, but refuses to acknowledge that attraction because of some dark things in her past.

What is the mysterious thing in Charlotte's past that seems to dominate everything? Is it enough to keep her from ever finding a lasting relationship?

My Thoughts:

I listened to the 2nd book before listening to this, the first book in a series.  First off, I can say that though they have characters in common, I think they each stand alone rather well.  From the very beginning of the book, I liked and understood the Character of Charlotte.  I also liked the secondary characters, I thought they were written with real flaws and brought humor with out being ridiculous in their descriptions, words and/or actions.  Thinking back to myself as a single woman (almost 10 years ago) in a Christian environment, I remember the struggle in my attraction to a Young man.  In such a culture, you feel as though everyone is not only watching you, but judging you as well.  The way the Author wrote of this struggle felt very real to me.  I think that perhaps if you do not live in a Christian culture you might not understand that bit in the book.  I have to say that I would recommend not only this book, but this author has very much pleased me. I definitely believe that this book has the quality in it that would have me re-reading or in this case re-listening to it all over again!

*\0/* Cheers

Shanna
PS- You can find the Audiobook version HERE if you are interested in picking up a copy yourself!  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author, but I volunteered to do a review of the audible book. 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  <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Rhyme Bible Storybook for Toddlers: A Book Review

By L. J. Sattgast, illustrated by Laurence Cleyet-Merle 

Published by Zondervan

Book Description

Children love the soothing sound of rhyme! And now they can enjoy ten classic Bible stories retold in delightful read-aloud rhyme in The Rhyme Bible Storybook for Toddlers. From the story of creation ("In the beginning God made the light. The light was for day. The dark was for night.") to the resurrection of Jesus ("All his friends were happy then. Jesus was alive again!"), this is the perfect choice for parents who want to introduce their toddlers to the Word of God. Newly updated illustrations and classic stories told in vivid verse make this padded cover board book a sure favorite that will entertain young ones and teach them biblical lessons that last a lifetime.

My Thoughts

My intentions were to obtain this book to use with my 2-year old daughter.  From the very moment I took it out of the box, she recognized that it was her type of book (IE. for small children).  The pages are bright but not in an overly busy sort of way.  Each story covers a few pages, the rhyming aspect is done well in all the stories except perhaps one, it was a little stretch that those words rhymed.  The best part is that the rhyming aspect has already had my daughter trying to memorize the words.  We have used this book every day for over a week, she often handles it when we are not sitting down together to read it.

My only complaint would be that I wish they had only done a two-page spread for each small story and then included more stories.  Even with that, it is the type of item I would purchase for a gift.

*\0/* Cheers

Shanna

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> 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  <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Kindle Book Review: A December Bride

Layla O'Reilly is a home stager who is trying to get her business off the ground. After she attends a wedding with Seth Murphy, she finds herself right in the middle of an engagement--a fake engagement that is.  Under normal circumstances Layla would have set things straight on the spot, but suddenly she needs to maintain this facade.  Across the back drop of Christmas she uses the moment of staging Seth's house for Christmas to find her balance.  

I found this book to be a nice diversion during my daughter's afternoon nap.  It is a short Novella, but I think it does well to develop the characters in the story for the time they are with you.  There is a lot of humor and sweetness to be found in these pages; it sort of read like a script from a Hallmark Movie Channel.  This is not a deep thinking book; its a purely read for enjoyment book.   If you are looking for deep theological overlay to the story then I would look elsewhere, however I would recommend it for those looking to be entertained for an hour or two. 

*\0/* Cheers

Shanna

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> 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  <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Cherry Cobbler: Book 2 of the Blackberry County Chronicles

I have a friend who offered this audio-book to me for free, I asked if I might be able to do a review of it on my blog.  All thoughts and opinions on this book are completely my own and will always be honest.  I can never be paid or offered something for free just to garner a good review from me, just so that you know.

(From Audible Website)

The Publisher's description:  

Quirky, funny, lighthearted Cherry is starting to panic. She's pushing 30 and has a bit of a weight problem. But most of all, she is looking for love in all the wrong places. For her, the wrong place is thinking she could handle missionary life with a young Indiana Jones look alike. Her complete failure to understand herself unfolds as she realizes the treasure she has been missing is right under her nose.

My Thoughts:

Cherry is going through the awkwardness of finding a partner in life and ministry.  I really liked Cherry, the character is not only beleiveable, but I felt alot like her in my early to mid-twenties.  Most fo my friends married young and were popping up babies all around me.  Cherry is rather likable, though there are times I wanted to shake her a little bit, her flaws & quarks and other aspects of her nature or personality was not far fetched at all.  In fact, the world that Ms. Reardon creates seems like a familiar place, like I have been there before.  I felt that in particular the author did a very good job fleshing out the male characters which si not always the case for Christian fiction I am sad to say.

One of the things that I really liked about this book is the fact that it did not trivialize the feelings of those who want to settle down, have a family and that they need someone following after God's ways to do so.  This book does come from a Christian world-view so there are some aspects to relationships that the main character expresses that is within that moral sphere.

I ran the gamete of emotions while listening to this audio-book.  There was a great deal of laughter, amusement and misty-eyed moments on my part which led me to thoroughly enjoy this book.  When the last page was read to me, i felt satisfied and happy at the conclusion.  I did not feel that the end was tacked on a reader had said on a kindle review of this book, I rather thought that one could look back and see the path the author was taking you on, even if it may have been a surprise to some readers.  I would recommend this book in either visual or audio format.  I especially liked the audio format as it allowed me to listen while I worked on some chores around the house as well as listening during my sewing work I had on my desk to do.  I really liked the voices used  for each character.

I already have a copy of the first book in the series that I plan to go back to, but I think this book might be able to stand on its own. 

*\0/* Cheers

Shanna
PS- You can find the kindle version HERE or the Audiobook version HERE if you are interested in picking up a copy yourself!

Written In The Pages Of My Life...

Source

I have a friend that I have known since we were teenagers that writes about writing, I mean he has books on the subject.  One of the things he tells people is that you can only improve your writing if you actually write.  So I started this blog 3 years ago with the idea that I would write about books and whatever else came to my mind!  But I wanted to join a particular blog ring so you go from one to the next and so on on the subject of one's fabric stash.  However, to join, one had to not talk about a list of items which for me meant I had to stop doing book reviews since they were not about quilting.  A couple of weeks ago I realized how much that has blocked me from being able to write my thoughts.

I am a religious person, it permeates every part of me, and to not be able to write about that kind of leaves my blog a bit empty.  I am not a political person, but I have thoughts on political topics, or atleast on topics polarizing the nation.  I am embarking on the journey of home-schooling, which is a whole barrel of fish in thoughts on both education and parenting.  So in an effort to be more intentional, I thought I would bring back the posts I moved off my blog, which are mostly book reviews.  For those who follow via a blog reader I am not quite sure how those will show up on your feed, but it might be all at once, so be patient with me.  You will also start to see new reviews added for all kinds of books, some on parenting, there will be some on quilting, some will be fiction and non-fiction.  The one I am working on right now is an audiobook which should be up later today.

Rainbow Trip Around the World

I know some might be turned off by content other than quilting, but in the end it's my blog.  I had a totally selfish purpose in forming it.  I don't make my living from it, I have no sponsors, but I have enjoyed my interactions with all of you my dear readers so my hope is that you will take these bits of me along with the quilting!  In Quilting news, I finally settled on a fabric for binding my Rainbow Trip Around the world quilt!  I am hoping to get the hand-sewn bit completed while I watch cooking shows with my husband tonight.  So look for a picture tomorrow, I will share the backing this time, even if the whole thing is not completed.

Thanks for sticking with me this far in my post today!
*\0/* Cheers
Shanna

Don't forget to check out the beautiful creations on the Kona Hop!


Day Eight

I Piece 2-Mary
A Reformed Heath'n
From This To That
A Quilting Sheep
CeLynn's Sunflower Patch
Robin's Fabric Nest
Quilted Delights