A Grand read

Friday, June 19, 2015

To capture her heart







I would like everyone here to know that To Capture her Heart is the second book in the Southold Chronicles and if you want to read this one you REALLY need to read the first one, A Place in His Heart.

Heather flowers struggles were very real, and the historical accuracy is very good in this book, and I found it interesting that Rebecca DeMarino based it off her own family members who settles here so many years ago. Unfortunately I think in her attempts to put all that in one book the story was left lacking. There were a lot of characters in this book, and I found it a little confusing. New charters pop up which have nothing to do with the story!

A good read
I received a complimentary copy from Revell Books for this review.

Monday, June 15, 2015

Beyond the ashes


Beyond the Ashes (Golden Gate Chronicles #2) I did not like how it started out.

Ruby originally came to San Francisco to watch out for her younger brother, and to work in the hospital. However, she seemed to spend less and less time in the hospital as her relationship with Gerald progressed, which didn’t seem like responsible nurse (or doctor) behavior. The pace slowed in the middle, then increased rapidly before reaching an abrupt end—perhaps too abrupt. It felt like I’d missed something. It was a sacrificial ending but still not as realistic as it should be.

Will be for sale this week.I did think this book was very heartfelt and compelling. It was uplifting to see characters start to trust in God and learning a few things along with them

I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are entirely my ow

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Heart made whole



Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund is book two in the Beacons of Hope series. The book is a historical fiction novel set in 1865 in Windmill Point, Michigan. Caroline Taylor has been running the Windmill Point Lighthouse on her own, while caring for her younger siblings, after the death of her father.Overall, the story is about Ryan Chambers’ and Caroline Taylor’s relationship.This is definitely not the best Jody Hedlund book.  Characters were enjoyable, but not much in the way of suspense.

In an unusual turn for this author, it does have a few steamy scenes which weren't too bad but I felt unnecessary.This book was a departure from the former writing style of this author and was disappointing as a historical Christian fiction book.

DISCLAIMER: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” we would like to note that we received an electronic of “Hearts Made Whole” provided by the publishers, Bethany House, in exchange for our honest review.

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Quaker Bride...


I was surprised that this one was enjoyable , even if it was a bit to long.   I don't read much fiction, but I have a fondness for historical fiction.  I have not read the entire series but hope to some day.

   I have always been an avid reader. Growing up, I loved historical fiction. Now that I am an adult, I still enjoy speed-reading books for a younger audience in the hopes of finding new favorites for my siblings as well as my future children. Although there are many wonderful books for children and young adults which are not particularly Christian (think Little House and such), it is always great to be able to provide books for your children which reinforce Biblical truths and grace. I have found that Susan's books stay true to the Christian faith without becoming fake or unrealistic.
Unusually for Christian works of fiction, her books are also quite exciting. These books make splendid read-aloud as well as personal reading books. And despite the fact that the faith message was indeed good, I found that it was lost beneath the romance aspect of the story. Teenage sex is a major, although discreet, topic in this book. 
There are some violent and graphic moments in this book which may be too much for younger readers. However, I think it is excellent for teenagers on up!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Not a favorite

 
A Friend in Me

This is  a new book which  gives advice to women on how to develop encouraging and beneficial friendships with other women. 
Being a friend is hard to do. It's hard to know when to speak and when to be silent. It's hard to know when to correct someone's thinking and when to just nod and hope she comes to the right conclusion on her own.
   I expected much of this book since I have for years, as we all  struggle with understanding friendships. However this book did not fulfill my personal needs.  She talks about how we should all have an older friend who can be our mentor to helps us through certain struggles in life.. I was entirely open to learning from her book but came away with less than I expected to glean from the chapters. 
That said, I am sure that this book will still help most readers. I just have had more opportunities to discuss relationships and such with family and friends and we've kind of gotten the information presented in the book on our own. Of course the BIBLE helps. ;) 

As a last note, I also looked up the author and found that I personally don't agree with certain opinions and stances she takes on current issues.


**I was provided a copy of this book for my honest review and opinion. All of the opinions here are my own.

Sunday, June 7, 2015

A book all Gentleman would love!

How to Tie a Tie by

This book makes me think of several of the gents I know! I was surprised and amazed at the variety of styles and the information that was out there on how to tie a necktie and make it look as good as it possibly can.  I think every gentlemen should own this book and  use it. if ladies try to dresss well so should  men!!

Jin begins with the fundamentals, such as fabric choices and matching ties to the rest of your clothes. From there, he moves to tying classic knots, to easy knots, and then finally to some bold looking knots. Some of these I may never use, but it’s good information to have handy in case I do.

A well-tied tie is the first serious step in life,”  quipped Oscar Wilde, a fashion genius who could knot an ascot as well as he could turn a phrase. For the rest of us, there’s How to Tie a Tie. Whether you have always wanted to master a classic Windsor knot or simply need to rustle up an acceptable bow tie, this is your personal guide to dressing seriously well.

Inside you’ll find:
* Step-by-step instructions to knot neckties for casual, office, and evening wear
* Tailoring basics for sartorial excellence
* Guidlines for matching cufflinks to shirts, foldng pocket squares, and other essential finishing touches
Every guy needs to know how to dress well, and this book is a guide to set him up for success. How to tie a tie is becoming a lost art, as many men do not wear ties on a regular basis. This book takes the mystery out of neck wear.

This book has a wonderful cloth covered hard back style. There are pictures and instructions to tie neck ties with various knots. Also included are bow ties and pocket squares. There are also suggestions for putting together dress outfits for various occasions.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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 Advertisin

Just a bit far fetched



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I have to say I didn't hate this book, as it showed the troubles that could happen in this world but I did not love it either, Two Roads Home by Deborah Raney just fell flat for me, it never got that punch which I was looking for.. The story revolves around a married man, Jesse who is supposed to be a christian, and his coworker, Michaela, which has misread his friendliness for interest in her and when he makes it crystal clear he is in no way interested in her, she begins the process of filing a sexual harassment case..

   I expected much of this book.   However this book did not fulfill my personal needs;  The story was a bit lame.

I was  provided me with a complimentary copy of this book  in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.