Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Book Review- Abducted

My Review:

Abducted is the second book to the Pacific Coast Justice Series. After reading the first to this series, Accused, I was long awaiting this next book. Janice not only continued on with the characters that we grew found of, she added continual suspense and action to keep one reading. I was very satisfied with this book.

The plot was so riveting and fast it was a blast to read. If you like a fast paced book, Abducted is for you. I enjoyed the Christian aspects to the story. We are able to grow in our "relationship" with Carly, as she grows in her walk with the Lord. The series finds her a coldhearted, hurting, against everything having to do with Christianity type of woman. It was actually nice to see how she changes dramatically in this book.

The writing was engaging, but sometimes all the legal and police officer talk was quite difficult to understand. I found myself skipping over the words I do not know, then figuring out the meaning a couple of pages later. Do not get me wrong the terminology was actually enjoyable, and different, but sometimes it was too confusing.

Since the story was called Abducted I was more focused on the actual return of the baby, so when that was over, I somewhat lost interest in the book. This book is not like Accused in the fact that, Accused kept me in suspense and was action filled to the very end. Overall this was a great read, and I am looking forward to reading the conclusion to this series. I give Abducted a 4 out of 5.

I received this book for free, from Tyndale, in exchange for this honest review.


Saturday, August 25, 2012

Litfuse Book Review- Over the Edge


About the Book:


Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he's never been the same. He was always a reckless youth, but now he's gone over the edge. He ran off to the Civil War and came back crazier than ever.

After the war, nearly dead from his injuries, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he's got a lot of excuses, but his wife isn't happy to find out Seth doesn't remember her. Callie has searched, prayed, and worried. Now she's come to the Kincaid family's ranch in Colorado to find her lost husband.

Callie isn't a long-suffering woman. Once she knows her husband is alive, she wants to kill him. She's not even close to forgiving him for abandoning her.

Then more trouble shows up in the form of a secret Seth's pa kept for years. The Kincaid brothers might lose their ranch if they can't sort things out. It's enough to drive a man insane--but somehow it's all making Seth see things more clearly. And now that he knows what he wants, no one better stand in his way.

My Review:

Over the Edge is the final book in the Kincaid Bride Series. Having read the previous book to this series I had a fairly good opinion of the characters and familiarity. Callie is mentioned at the end of the last book, so the fact that Seth had a mysterious wife, was not a shocker. Callie's personality was very different and likable. She was a strong woman who faced abandonment from her husband, pregnancy with no apparent spouse, rejection from her father, who later passes away, and now a stagecoach shootout. 

Seth though he was a little rough in the head was such a nice hero. He was so innocent in some of his ways, that it hurt one to think of all the pain he went through. He constantly faced nightmares, and spells of craziness, driving him to do the unthinkable. It was beautiful to see in the end how the Lord freed him from the demons that tormented him. Mary portrayed his deliberation with such a beauty, it can make one cry.

The cavern was a major focal point in this story. It started out as a brother clubhouse, then turned to a major accident scene, and a dangerous haven for Seth. The previous book mentions the accident and scenes that took place during, such as seth loosing his soul, and Ethan's near fall; but finally in this book does the author paint a vivd picture of what really happened. She takes the reader back in time to when the three brothers were just children. 

Then there was the mystery of the stolen money. Much to my delight it was resolved. The family finds they have a fortune of diamonds, and do not know what to do with them. When there "rightful" owner comes to claim them, as usual danger lurks near, causing pain to some, love to others, and  liberation to all.

Over the Edge was a beautiful end to the series. I would however, love for the author to make an overlapping series of the out- of- the- blue half brother. His story line felt somewhat incomplete. Overall if you enjoy a romantic suspense, this book is for you. It is jam packed with action and suspense. I give Over The Edge a 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this free copy, from Litfuse, in exchange for my honest review.



Meet Mary: 


Mary Connealy writes fun and lively "romantic comedy with cowboys" for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters series, and her novel Calico Canyon was nominated for a Christy Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.

Visit her on her Web site maryconnealy.com


Celebrate with Mary by entering to win a Nook Color with GlowLight!

See what folks are saying about Over the Edge!

One winner will receive:
  • A Nook Color with GlowLight
  • The entire set of Mary Connealy's The Kincaid Brides series
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 28th. Winner will be announced at the "Over the Edge" Author Chat Facebook Party on 8/29. Meet Mary, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and more. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group.)!

So grab your copy of Over the Edge and join Mary on the evening of the August 29th for a chance to connect with her and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)


Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!

First Wild Card Tour- Book Review


My Review:

High Desert Haven begins with a desperate family on the brink of loosing everything. Nicki will do anything to help her family, which includes marrying a complete stranger. The author documents Nicki's life from the moment John Trent bought her, and her move from California to Oregon. Through the hard years that follow Nicki constantly prays Psalm 23 to help her get through the dry spells in life. 


As the story progressed, other second characters, and families were added. At first I had trouble connecting their role and presence in the story line, but towards the end they played a big part into the story, adding much suspension and completeness to the story. The author did a good job communicating the passing emotions between the many characters. Though there were a couple of families and people that made up the book, she seasonly added there occurrences throughout, without taking from the main character Nicki and hero Jason. 


Villains there were, and although you knew who they were, the book was still very suspenseful. All the characters were very close together and close to ones heart, all except the villains, of course. I very much enjoyed the sprinkling of spanish words throughout the book, it added some flavor to this well seasoned book.

The writing was easy to read, and set at a nice pace. The characters were well relatable. The plot intriguing, the romance sweet, but the ending seemed lacking. When I reached the last page I was hoping for an epilogue of some sorts, but none was given. There was a big surprise in the book that made me wonder how married life would be for the two characters. I guess I'll have to read the conclusion to this series to tie up all loose ends for me. I give High Desert Haven a 5 out of 5.

***Special thanks to Lynnette Bonner for sending me a review copy.***

Friday, August 24, 2012

Litfuse Book Review: The Haven

About the Book:

When Sadie Lapp steps off the bus in Stoney Ridge after being in Ohio for the winter, she is faced with a decision–one that goes against her very essence. Yet it’s the only way she can think of to protect a loved one.

Schoolteacher Gideon Smucker has been crazy about Sadie since boyhood. But his response to her surprising decision undermines his own reputation–and his relationship with Sadie.

College student Will Stoltz is spending the spring at the Lapp farm as a guard for a pair of nesting Peregrine Falcons–courtesy of the Lancaster County Game Warden. Will needs to get his life back on track, but his growing friendship with Sadie threatens his plans.

The lives of these three individuals intertwine, and then unravel as unexpected twists create ripples through the town of Stoney Ridge . . . and through Sadie’s heart.

Once again, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher intrigues and delights with a story that explores the bonds of friendship, family, and true love. Readers will enjoy every surprise in Sadie’s story as they search for the truth hidden within these pages.


My Mother's Review:

Suzanne Woods Fisher begins The Haven with a flurry of activity and names. Since I had not read the first book in the Stony Ridge Series, I decided to continue with my reading and figure it out later who was who. 
The story's plot was very intriguing, piquing your interest and then moving on to another mystery. However, as the story continued, I found myself looking at the cover to insure I was indeed reading an Amish novel. The characters' moral behavior, haphazard acceptance of sin in some while condemning it others, and the integration of the English in their lives left me a little surprised. I was not sure if this was intentional on the author's part to showcase a different side of the Amish. 
As the story continues, the "heroine" of the story is praised for becoming a woman. She is admired for her strength and gentleness. Yet, I found her behavior hypocritical, her values skewed, and her naivete unbearable. She was no heroine in my book.
There were moments while reading this book that I laughed out loud and then there were others that were heartfelt riddled with forgiveness. Then there were others in which I would have wanted to put the book down and not continue. I am glad I did though. The surprise at the end redeemed this book in my eyes. The end included some loose ends which I assume the author will tie together in a future book. 

About the Author:
Suzanne Woods Fisher’s interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. In both her fiction and non-fiction books, she has an underlying theme: You don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate many of their principles–simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily– into your life.

When Suzanne isn’t writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

To Suzanne’s way of thinking, you just can’t take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone’s underwear in its mouth. Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.


Celebrate the newest book in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series with Suzanne by entering her 4 eReader Giveaway and Facebook Party and RSVPing for the Live Video Chat on 8/30! 

See what folks are saying about The Haven!

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Four grand prize winners will receive:
  • A Brand new Kindle Fire or Nook Color 
  • $25 Amazon.com or Barnes&Noble.com Gift certificate 
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 29th. Winner will be announced at Suzanne's Live Author Chat Party on 8/ 30. Suzanne will be hosting an author chat (party will start on Facebook AND then be Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and several Burt's Bees® Nourishing Radiance Kits!!

So grab your copy of The Haven and join Suzanne on the evening of the August 30th for a fun chat (both on Facebook and via Live Video), trivia contest and lots of giveaways. 


Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 30th!

Monday, August 20, 2012

15 Before 16


I got this idea from Madeline. It is very simple you make a list of ____ things you want to accomplish before your next birthday hits. The number of things on your list is one less than the year you are turning that year. So here is my 15 before 16...

Spiritual:

1. Memorize: Psalm 91
2. Sing a new song in church
3. Do an in-depth study of one of the topics I've been wanting to study in the Bible

Life:

4. Learn to swim
5. Try a new recipe
6. Study for my driving learner's permit
7. Volunteer at my Dad's job

Photography:

8. Learn to shoot in manual mode
9. Photograph a photo-shoot

Electives:

10. Play "In Christ Alone" on the piano
11. Write a fictional "something"

Arts:

12. Sew a skirt
13. Design my entire blog by myself
14. Draw something... beautiful
15. Finish my green scrapbook

So there you have it ladies, my 15 before 16! In the name of Jesus I will be able to scratch everything off.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

August Week 3-My Mother's Pictures

a quick shopping trip with bokeh on the list


texting with my sister most likely includes lots of laughter


i actually like the background hair accessory for everyday wear...can you find it?


this is just eeewww!


fresh and clean is more like it:)


won't get rid of my jean bag


this little flower stool is sooo handy

Book Review- Angel of Cove


It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book! 

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!





Today's Wild Card author is: 



and the book: 
Harvest House Publishers (August 1, 2012)

My Review:

Angel of Cove was a delightful read. It struck a deep chord in my life, because Anna had one same ambition as me, pursuing a career in nursing. The first page, though it begins slow, is just the right setting to thrust one into this wonderful tale of love, loss, and God's faithfulness. Sandra added enough description, without adding too much, or leaving one estranged, to completely fall in love with the beautiful cove hidden deep within the Smoky mountains, 

Anna was a very relatable character. Her continuous adventures added humor and depth to the story. From her first encounter with blood, to her first help with a birthing, and even to her encounter with a bear, will leave you laughing out loud at this petite farm girl who has no idea what strange wilderness she has found herself in. Though she was a worthy character to imitate, with her determination to let nothing and nobody side track her from her goal, she was so stubborn at times. Her stubbornness kept her from completely trusting God, and more than once I wanted to knock some sense into her. Her mistakes provided good lessons for the reader to learn from.

I liked the fact, that though the reason Anna came to the cove was to learn about midwifery, the author added other nursing, life, and spiritual lessons throughout the book. The spirituality of the book was so refreshing. One of the main characters was actually a minister, but the the book did not feel preachy at all. The clean romance was another plus in  this book. Overall this was a great story, that left you thinking afterwards.

I give Angel of Cove a five out of five stars. 

***Special thanks to Ginger Chen of Harvest House Publishers for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sandra Robbins and her husband live in the small college town in Tennessee where she grew up. They count their four children and five grandchildren as the greatest blessings in their lives. Her published books include stories in historical romance and romantic suspense. When not writing or spending time with her family, Sandra enjoys reading, collecting flow blue china, and playing the piano.




Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:



Anna Prentiss wants to be a nurse, but first she has to spend a summer in Cades Cove apprenticing to the local midwife. Anna is determined to prove herself…but she never expected to fall in love with the Cove. Has God’s plan for Anna changed? Or is she just starting to hear Him clearly?




Product Details:
List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (August 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736948848
ISBN-13: 978-0736948845


AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:


Mountain air was supposed to be cool. At least that’s what she’d always heard. 


Anna Prentiss couldn’t be sure because she’d never been this far into the mountains before. But if truth be told, they still had a fair piece to go before they reached the hills that rolled off into the distance.


The narrow dirt road that led them closer to those hills twisted and bumped its way along. The June heat had dried out the winter mud in this part of Tennessee and produced a dust that threatened to choke her, roiling up and around the buggy. Anna covered her mouth with the lace handkerchief her mother had tucked in her dress pocket and sneezed. The smudge left on the cloth made her wonder what her face must look like. 


She glanced at Uncle Charles, her father’s brother, who sat beside her on the leather seat of the buggy. Perspiration had cut meandering, dusty trails down his cheeks, but he didn’t appear to notice. His attention was focused on trying to avoid the holes that dotted the road. 


She wiped at her face once more before stuffing the handkerchief back in her pocket. It really didn’t matter what she looked like. There was no one to see her. The only living creatures she’d seen all day were some white-tailed deer that had run across the road in front of them and a fox that had peered at her from his dusky hiding place beside the road. In front of them trees lined the long roadway that twisted and turned like a lazy snake slithering deeper into the mountain wilderness. She’d come a long way from the farm in Strawberry Plains. 


A twinge of homesickness washed over her. She closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. The uneasy feeling lingered a moment, but with a determination she’d only recently acquired, she banished thoughts of those she’d left behind to the spot in her heart where her grief lay buried. 


Just then the buggy hit a hole, and Anna grabbed the seat to keep from bouncing onto the floorboard. Uncle Charles flicked the reins across the horse’s back and glanced at her, his spectacles resting on the bridge of his nose. Wispy gray hair stuck out from underneath a black hat. 


“Hold on. These roads can be a little rough. We had a hard winter up here.”


Anna nodded, straightening herself on the buggy seat and studying her uncle’s profile. How many times had he ridden this way to take care of the mountain people he loved? He looked every bit the country doctor. His smooth hands, so unlike her father’s work-roughened ones, gripped the reins tighter as he grinned at her. 


The corner of his mouth curled downward when he smiled, just as her father’s had always done. That was the only similarity she’d ever seen in them, though. Uncle Charles used to say he got the brains and Poppa got the brawn. When she was a little girl, she wondered what he meant. But she knew no matter what it implied, the two brothers shared a bond like few she’d ever seen. And they were the only ones who’d ever encouraged her to follow her dream of becoming a nurse. 


Anna took a deep breath and inhaled the heavy, sweet smell that drifted from the forests on either side of the road. She turned to Uncle Charles. “I’ve been noticing those white flowers that look like shrubs growing along the road. What are they?”


“Those are our mountain rhododendron,” said Uncle Charles. “There are also pink and purple ones. Sometimes in the summer you can stand on a ridge and look across the mountains at the rhododendrons blooming, and it looks like somebody took a paintbrush and colored the world. It’s a mighty beautiful sight.” 


Anna swiveled in her seat again and looked at Uncle Charles. “Thank you for working out this trip for me.”


A grin tugged at his mouth. “How many times would you say you’ve thanked me today?”


“Not enough yet.” 


A sudden breeze ruffled the straw hat her mother had given her, and Anna grabbed the wide brim. After a moment she released it and pulled the handkerchief from her pocket again. Grasping it with both hands, she twisted the cloth until it stretched taut between her fingers. “I hope I don’t disappoint Mrs. Lawson.”


He didn’t take his eyes off the road but shrugged. “I wouldn’t worry about that. She’s been delivering babies in Cades Cove for a long time, and she’s glad to have an extra pair of hands. It’ll be good experience before you leave for nursing school in the fall.”


The old anger rose in Anna’s throat. “Only if Robert agrees.” She spit out the barbed words as if they pierced the inside of her mouth. “Why does he have to be so selfish?” She clenched her fists tight together. Ever since their father’s death Robert had assumed the role as head of the family, and he took his responsibilities seriously. Too seriously, if you asked Anna. He never missed an opportunity to tell her how their father wasn’t around anymore to cater to her every whim. The first time he’d said that she felt as if he’d shattered her heart. The pieces had never mended as far as her relationship with him was concerned. But if things went as planned, she would soon be free of his authority.


“I don’t want you to be angry with your brother, Anna. You may not understand his reasons, but he’s trying his best to be the head of your family. He’s still young and has a lot to learn, but he loves you and wants what’s best for you.” 


Anna crossed her arms and scowled. “All he wants is for me to stay on the farm and marry somebody he thinks will make a good husband.” Anna shook her head. “Well, that’s not what I want. Poppa promised me I’d be able to go. Robert has no right to keep that money hostage.” 


“I know. Your father would have been so proud to know you’ve been accepted.” Uncle Charles’s shoulders drooped with the sigh that drifted from his mouth. “Try to see it from his perspective. You’ve led a sheltered life on the farm, and Robert feels like you aren’t ready for what you’ll see and have to deal with in a big hospital in New York. You think you’ll be able to assist injured and dying people, but it’s different when you’re right there with somebody’s life in your hands. If you find you can’t do it, then Robert is out the money for your tuition, not to mention travel and living expenses.” He cocked a bushy eyebrow at Anna. “And he doesn’t need to be wasting money that can be put to good use on the farm.”


“I know. He’s told me often enough.” Anna smoothed out her skirt and straightened in her seat. “I’m just thankful you came up with a plan that Robert agreed to. Spending the summer with Mrs. Lawson ought to prove I have the grit to handle New York.”


“Remember you’ll need a good report from Granny Lawson.” 


Anna smiled. “You don’t have to worry about that. I’m going to listen to her and do everything she tells me, no matter how distasteful I think the task is.” She clenched her fists in her lap. “When I board that train for New York in the fall, it will all be worth it.”


Uncle Charles shook his head and chuckled. “I’ll leave New York and all its hustle and bustle to you. I prefer to spend my time right here in these mountains.”


Anna let her gaze rove over the trees on either side of the road. “Still, maybe you’ll come visit me someday. I can show off the maternity ward!”


He flicked the reins across the horse’s back. “I’ve read a lot about that ward. First one in the country. You’ll be fortunate to work there. But don’t forget you may see a lot of babies born this summer while you’re at Granny’s cabin. And there’s not a better place in the world to learn about nursing. She can teach you things you would never learn at Bellevue. Listen to her and do what she says and you’ll be fine.”


Anna nodded. “I will.” Her hat slipped to the side, and she reached up and straightened it. “I really can’t thank you enough, Uncle Charles. Everything’s coming together just the way I planned it, and nothing—not even Robert—is going to stand in my way.”


Uncle Charles sucked in his breath and directed a frown at her. “Nothing? We can only follow the plan God has for us, Anna.”


She settled back on the seat and cast her eyes over the hazy hills in front of them. “But that is God’s plan for me.”


“And how do you know?”


“Because it’s what I’ve dreamed about all my life. God’s never tried to change my mind.”


“Maybe you’ve never listened to Him.” Uncle Charles stared at her a moment. “Like I said, pay attention to what Granny says. She’ll teach you how God uses those He’s chosen to take care of the sick. It isn’t all done with medicine, Anna. A lot of my medical successes—and Granny’s as well—have come about after a lot of prayer.”


The buggy hit another bump, and Anna bounced straight up. As far as she could see, the rippling Smoky Mountains stretched out toward the horizon. A plume of wispy fog hung over the valleys. A strange world awaited her out there. 


Mrs. Johnson, the owner of the inn where they’d stayed in Pigeon Forge last night, had taken great pleasure in warning her of what she might face in Cades Cove this summer. Anna clasped her hands in her lap and glanced at Uncle Charles. “Mrs. Johnson said the folks who live in Cades Cove don’t take to strangers.”


Uncle Charles nodded. “That doesn’t surprise me. What else did she say?”


Anna took a deep breath and brushed at the new layer of dust on her skirt. “Oh, not much. Just that everybody knows it’s a closed society in the Cove, but it doesn’t matter because no sensible person would want to live there anyway. She called the people there a strange lot.”


Uncle Charles cocked an eyebrow and chuckled. “Is that right? I hope you didn’t believe her. I know every family in the Cove, and some of them are my good friends.” He hesitated a moment. “Of course you’re going to find some who cause problems—just like you would anywhere else.”


“Like the moonshiners?”


He turned to stare at her with wide eyes. “What did Mrs. Johnson tell you about moonshiners?”


“She said all the men were moonshiners. Are they?”


Uncle Charles threw back his head and laughed as if he’d just heard the funniest joke of his life. After a few seconds he shook his head. “Nothing could be further from the truth. There may be a few who give the Cove people a bad reputation, but most of the men work too hard to waste their time on such nonsense.” He reached over and patted her hand. “I wouldn’t leave you in a place where you weren’t safe. Mrs. Johnson may run a good inn, but she’s the worst gossip in these mountains.”


Anna heaved a sigh of relief. “I guess I’m just a little nervous. I want everybody to like me.”


“They will. Just be yourself and they’ll all love you.”


Uncle Charles meant well, but doubt still lingered in her mind. Would the people of the Cove accept a stranger into their small community? And if they didn’t, what good could she possibly do in this place?


She had to succeed. Her future depended on it. She squared her shoulders. There was no turning back. 


As the day wore on, they found themselves deeper in the hills. As they did, a slow awakening began to dawn in the deepest corner of her soul. She’d never seen anything as beautiful as the lush growth that covered the vast mountain range. The air now grew cooler, just as she’d expected it to be, and the sweet smell of mountain laurel mingled with the rhododendrons. As her uncle’s horse, Toby, plodded along the rocky trail that grew steeper with each step, she saw the world through new eyes and stared in awe at the wonders of nature unfolding before her.


For the last hour she’d sat silent and watched the shallow river that flowed beside the road. The water bubbled over rocks like huge stepping-stones scattered across its bed, and the rippling sound had a lulling effect. She wished they could stop so she could pull off her shoes and wade in the cold mountain stream, but there was no time for such fun today. She turned her attention back to the steep hillside on the other side of the road.


“It’s beautiful here.”


Uncle Charles glanced at her. “We’re just about to Wear’s Valley. When we get there, we’ll be close to Cades Cove.”


Anna wondered if Uncle Charles was tired of her questions about the Cove. She hoped not. She settled in her seat and said, “Tell me more about Cades Cove, Uncle Charles.”


He pushed his hat back on his head and stared straight ahead. “Well, if you’ve noticed, we’ve been following that stream as the road’s climbed. Pretty soon now we’re gonna reach a place where we turn away from it and head into a flat valley right in the middle of the mountains. That’s Cades Cove. It’s almost like God just took His giant hand and tucked a little piece of heaven right down in the Smokies. The land’s fertile—not so many rocks you can’t farm—and completely surrounded by mountains. You’re gonna love it when you see it, Anna.” 


“How many people live there?”


He pursed his lips and squinted into the distance. “I’d say there are about two hundred fifty scattered throughout the Cove nowadays. Some left for town life—better work there, you know—but they’ll never find a place that’s as beautiful as these mountains.” 


“How far is it from Mrs. Lawson’s house to where you live?”


He thought for a moment. “It’s not that far as the crow flies, but it takes me almost three hours going around these roads.”


A lump formed in her throat. Now that they were closer, she didn’t want him to leave. She scooted a little closer to him on the bench of the buggy. “Will you stay at Mrs. Lawson’s tonight?”


He shook his head. “No, I’ll have enough daylight left to get home. But don’t worry, I’ll come to the Cove from time to time to check on you. Granny does a good job of taking care of the folks there, but she knows when it’s serious enough to send for me.”


Anna clasped her hands in her lap to keep him from seeing them tremble. The time had come to begin the test. She couldn’t fail. She squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. She dredged up all the determination she could muster. No, she wouldn’t fail.


“How long before we get there, Uncle Charles?”


“Not much longer. The entrance is up ahead.”



Friday, August 17, 2012

August Photo Challenge- Wk.3

Summer is...

hair accessories that are good bokeh opportunities

filled with laughter, how can one laugh without smiling:)

baby hair curls

dirty fingers and lips after yummy snacks

filled with each ones unique summer scent

is yummy deconstructed salads, or salad wraps, served on blue plates

when flowers are in their full glory, or my flexi clip that adorns my crown of glory

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

187

Via
This is my 187th post! Wow that seems like a pretty big number to me. For this post I am going to go back in time. Four years ago, I was in public school. I was not always home schooled as most are. Since pre- school till 6th grade I went to public school, P.S. I.S. 187. As I was nearing my 187th post, I remembered my old school. 

Homeschool is great. I am so glad my little sister does not have to endure the worldliness of public school. Even though I am glad God took me out of public school later on in my life, I wouldn't trade my school days. I made great memories, friends and experiences. I had a very good education, kind teachers, and wonderful opportunities.

Some of my favorite school memories, were the back- to- school shopping season. Packing your new book bag with your new supplies, then re-packing the night before school. Having the feeling like you can not sleep because of the excitement of starting school. Reuniting with best friends. Finding out what kids are in your class, meeting your new teachers, checking your schedule to see when you have your classes. Back to School atmosphere is filled with excitement.  

I do not know why God had me there, but I am thankful for the wonderful things that I got to experience during my schooling, in P.S. I.S. 187.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

The Choice- Book Review

The Choice- Robert Whitlow
Publisher- Thomas Nelson
Genre- Christianncontemporary 
Pages- 413
Rating- 5 stars
The book begins shortly after the Roe vs. Wade court case that legalized abortion in America. Sandy the straight A student, perfect daughter, cheerleading captain, finds herself pregnant at the tender age of 17. Her decision, wether or not to terminate the pregnancy, is influenced by many. Her boyfriend and his family think the best thing is to "fix" the mistake and have an abortion. Her parents want what is best for her future, leaving the decision up to her. Sandy's choice, though difficult as it was, was adoption. Later on, Sandy learns that her choice had many consequences that she will have to face.

The Choice, being the first book I have read from the best- selling author, Robert Whitlow, was thoroughly impressing. Impressing is an understatement. From the writing style to the plot, everything was excellently well-crafted to make an over the top book. Robert Whitlow focuses mainly on legal dramas, but his detailed descriptions on such a delicate subject was amazing.

Robert showed many different choices that girls in Sandy's circumstance made. He touches on, abortion, adoption, rape, and the choice to keep the baby. With each choice he gives a glimpse of the consequences that the mother faces later on. I loved the fact that the author, being a man, was still very capable of adding so much description, to make it a good read. The book, not a cheesy, laugh- out- loud, romantic story. It is a book that dealt with some serious topic, which I enjoyed, giving the book a three- dimensional feel.

The Choice was a very deep, emotional, and with a twist at the end as things begin get a thriller feel, was a great book. I recommend this book to all readers, you will not be disappointed. The Choice gets its deserved 5 stars!

I received this book for free, from BookSneeze, in exchange for my honest review.

You can purchase this book from CBD.

Entered Jessica's giveaway here!

Friday, August 10, 2012

August Photos- Wk.2

Summer is...

filled with yummy, colorful fruit and baby showers

little ones playing together

water fun, fishing, and ohh yes.. Swedish Fish:)

beautiful blue skies

standing in the sun and under the stars

nighttime cuddling

and morning routines, that don't always get done...

My Mom's August Week #2 Pictures


because unexpected news can bring out your best color


because to teach little ones you need the right gear


because Mondays can leave you feeling like a fish out of water


because the sky isn't the only place for lights


because as a homeschooler I stand in a sea of books


because things are on the move at night in the city that never sleeps

because morning routines need help

Wednesday, August 08, 2012

Be Still. Be Fearless.


Be Still... Listen. Really listen. What you are hearing is the warm sounds of summer.

Summer is upon us and what are we going to do? Are we going to spend the days behind the camera lens taking pictures, Instagramming about the yummy fruit salads we're eating, keeping our noses stuck in the latest new book? Or are we just going to be still and live?

Be Still...

Instead of always being behind the camera lens, why don't you be in front of it? Why don't you let your eyes do the capturing and your mind keep the memories. Instead of informing your friends through all sorts of social media networks what your doing, why don't you enjoy what you are doing at that moment without letting the world know. Instead of using your eyes to read those fascinating and appealing sentences, use them to look at the beauty that surrounds you.

In the world we live in, we are constantly doing, but the summer is a free ticket to just Be Still and enjoy all that God has done.

Be Fearless. Be Bold. Be Adventurous.

Apart from being still and just simply living, we have to learn to be dynamic. Learn something new. Go different places. Learn new facts. Make new friends. This summer though already half way done, still can hold bright things for us.

I hope to learn to swim this year. Yes, I'm fifteen and do not know how to swim. Water has been a long time fear of mine, that I want to overcome. My mom has threatened to throw me into a river. She says I'll have no choice but to learn. She was just kidding, but my dad looks like he would do it:) So I want to overcome that fear, and Be Fearless!

What about you? Will you Be sill... and Fearless?

Entered Jessica's giveaway!

Friday, August 03, 2012

August Day:1-3

Here are my first three photos for the August Photo-A- Day challenge! Don't forget to check the photos of the other girls.

Summer is... 

filled with simple words that make stories

Dirty toes after a day of running around, and

New summer titles (books)!

And these are my Mom's pictures for the challenge: