Blue Ribbon Trail Ride-Miralee Ferrell-Book Review

                                                     
This Y/A was a fun read for me. (even as an adult) I was super impressed with the authors knowledge about horses and riding disciplines.  She did an excellent job propelling the reader into the story.  
The story is about Kate and her friends Tori and Colt and their plan to host a Trail Ride to raise money for autistic children to go to a special camp just for them.  
Everything is going well until the money box disappears just before the event!  The three decide the only thing to do is try to find it kind of Hardy Boys style as suggested by Colt.
I loved the story because it reminded me of my years of reading Trixie Belden. 

I expected the other books in the series would be 'mysterish' storylines but they are not. 

What I enjoyed most about the book(s) besides the horse theme was that the author brought into the storyline some other themes/life struggles that the youngsters learned to cope and deal with. 

This book includes Autism (Kate's younger brother is autistic) as well as the struggles of the elderly.  (the neighbor is a hoarder)

Kate learns to trust God and to ask him for direction in many situations.  Sometimes only after making a few mistakes on her own. 

I loved the the additional 'A Little More' follow up at the end.
And the 'Secrets for your diary' questions. 

This was an easy read.  I would love to share these books with my grand children when they are a little older.
I think these would be excellent books to read together as a family. 

This series would be a great addition to a school library.

I highly recommend this series Horses and Friends by Miralee  and rate it worthy of 5 Blue Ribbons

Buy yours today at Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Christian Book(dot)com 
(click on the bold for a direct link to purchase)

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review.

This post is linked at
Blue Monday, The Art of Homemaking, Titus Tuesday at Cornerstone Confessions,Titus 2sday
at Time Warp Wife

Step By Step-Candace Calvert-Book Review

Step by Step is book two in the Crisis Team series.  I was intriqued to read this book because I am a Chaplain and have had to respond in Crisis situations.  

I think the author did a wonderful job of weaving a fictional story into the subject. 

As a former ER nurse Calvert has 'real life' experience that is woven into her story lines.

I loved visiting Ms. Calverts webiste and learning about her as an author. 

I found this quote . . . "Solid characters, real life and sweet romance." author Varina Denmane

I have to agree those three phrases describe this book completely. 

From the back cover . . .
Three years after a tragic accident left her a widow, ER nurse Taylor Cabot is determined to move on, checking off one item after another on her survival list. Her relationship with a handsome plastic surgeon even gives her hope for the last point—“fall in love again.” At least until crisis chaplain Seth Donovan steps back into her life, reawakening unanswered questions about her husband’s death.

While in San Diego to train community volunteers, Seth hopes to learn why Taylor is backing away from the crisis team and from their friendship. But nothing prepares him for the feelings that arise when he sees Taylor again . . . and sees her moving on with another man.

When a community crisis hits home and puts lives at risk, emotions run high and buried truths are unearthed. Will hope make the survival list?

And now for my thoughts . . . 

The first few chapters are faced paced and drew me in.

That was short lived and settled into a little routine and predictable.

At least I thought routine and predictable

I  began to have the feeling of there’s gonna be a bit of a villain here and began predicting something maybe a little sinister goin on. The main characters husband did die and she had questions.  So why not sinister?

By the half way part I was pulled into the sub characters and their separate stories.

The stories wove together into the main story and kept me interested and wanting more.

So much more that by the end I was wanting  the story-line to continue.

Admittedly there is a great ‘twist’ at the end that kind of threw me off on my predictions.

Isn’t that what makes a great story? 

I was thrilled to see that the next installment is scheduled for the Fall. 

I only wish I didn’t have to wait that long!

My rating . . . 

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.  Mainly because I did get a little bogged down. 

Part way through I was waiting for something to happen.  

By the end I wasn't disappointed.

For more information visit the authors website.  Click Here

I received this book  from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my review. 

This book  will be available February 1   (clock on bold)  Pre-oder your copy today at:
Amazon, Barnes and Noble,Christian Book (dot)Com

This post is linked at the following Blog Parties (click on the bold for a direct link)
Make My Saturday Sweet, Happy Homemaker Monday,The Art of Homemaking,
Simple and Sweet Fridays Home Matters Linky Party , Show and Tell at My Romantic Home

The Bronte' Plot-Kathering Reay-Book Review

              

From the back cover . . .

When Lucy’s secret is unearthed, her world begins to crumble. But it may be the best thing that has ever happened to her.

Lucy Alling makes a living selling rare books, often taking suspicious liberties to reach her goals. When her unorthodox methods are discovered, Lucy’s secret ruins her relationship with her boss and her boyfriend, James—leaving Lucy in a heap of hurt and trouble. Something has to change; she has to change.

In a sudden turn of events, James’s wealthy grandmother, Helen, hires Lucy as a consultant for a London literary and antiques excursion. Lucy reluctantly agrees and soon discovers Helen holds secrets of her own. In fact, Helen understands Lucy’s predicament better than anyone else.

As the two travel across England, Lucy benefits from Helen’s wisdom as Helen confronts ghosts from her own past. Everything comes to a head at Haworth, home of the Brontë sisters, where Lucy is reminded of the sisters’ beloved heroines who, with tenacity and resolution, endured—even in the midst of impossible circumstances.

Now Lucy must face her past in order to move forward. And while it may hold mistakes and regrets, she will prevail—if only she can step into the life that’s been waiting for her all along.

I loved what author Debbie Macomber had to say. . . "Katherine Reay is a remarkable author who has created her own stub-genre, wrapping classing fiction around comtemporary stories.  Her writing is flawless and smooth.  Her storytelling meaningful and poignant.  You'r going to love The Bronte Plot"

I loved that reading The Bronte Plot compelled me to go back and read Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. I have never read The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. (for info. on The Bronte Family click here.)

This was however a bit a slow read for me.  I really didn't develop a strong attachment to the characters.
I really wasn't sure how I felt about the characters. It was kind of a heavy read.  

If your a lover of  classics and literature you'll enjoy this book.  

For more information about the author and her other books click here. 

This book is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Christian Book.com

The fine print . . . 
I was offered this book for review by Harper Collins Publishers and Book Look in exchange for my honest review.  

The Rooftop Growing Guide-Book Review

The Rooftop Growing Guide-Book Review

                                                        
I was excited to see this book offered for review.  I couldn't wait till I received it!
                           And, I was not disappointed. 
This is a very interesting topic to me.  I'm not planning on
a rooftop garden but the information I think can be used when planning a container garden or patio garden.

From the inside cover . . . 
If you'd like to grow your own food but don't think you have the space look up! 
. . . Annie Novak's passion shines as she draws on her experience as  a pioneering sky-high farmer to teach best practices for raising vegetables, herbs, flowers and trees.  The book includes 
interviews, expert essays and farm and garden profiles from across the country . . . 

And there are lots of pictures! 
                                 
                                                        What a gorgeous view
 I enjoyed looking at the different profiles of different gardens.  Many of the gardens featured were from restaurants.  

There are lots of charts and how to's providing information and making it simple to plant a garen.  

Here are a few comments from chefs and other authors
Praise for The Rooftop Growing Guide: “[A] blueprint to reimagine thousands of underutilized acres in urban environments.” — Will Allen, MacArthur fellow and author of The Good Food Revolution “
Annie Novak explores every imaginable detail of how to turn any community’s acres of unused rooftops into deliciously productive gardens.” — Chef Rick Bayless, chef/owner of Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, and XOCO Chicago “
[F]illed with essential information about how to grow food on the alien plains of building tops.” — Joan Gussow, professor and author of This Organic Life

For more information about the author . . . 
Authors Blog (click here), Authors Facebook (click here) 

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in vegetable gardening.  

Check out this 5 star book!

This book is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and from the publisher click here. 

This post is linked at:
The Art Of Homemaking, Make It Pretty MondayTitues 2 Tuesday,  Titus Tuesday at Time Warp Wife, The Loft The Gathering Spot, Roses of Inspiration, Share Your Cup, The Classical Homemaking Party
Idea Box

I received this book from Blogging For Books for my honest opinion.

Layered--Cook Book Review

                                                         
Oh my goodness! Turn the oven on! Are you seein' what I'm seein'.  
How about a peek at the authors blog . . . 

                                          Source
Click on the source for a direct link with the recipe!

       This one is on the blog too with a tutorial.  
Here is the very talented author . . . 

Here's what the author says about the book . . .
The book, Layered: Baking, Building, and Styling Spectacular Cakes, is all about - you guessed it, CAKES!  Layer cakes, to be exact.  I've packed 288 pages full of my all-time favorite recipes, tips and tricks from my years making cakes, and some crafty tutorials so you can make bakery-style cakes at home!  From the classics like Red Velvet and Boston Cream Pie to more whimsical and adventurous flavors like Strawberry Confetti, Mango Coconut Cream, and Red Wine Blackberry, there is a recipe for every occasion.  I've added some helpful step-by-step photos as well as a stylish, full-page image (or two) for EACH cake.  

I don't know where I've been but this talented young lady has been published in magazines since 2008.  Here's the link to the press page with all the articles. 

And another author said . . . 

“Layered is a book that will have a permanent spot in my kitchen. From the stunning imagery to the decadent recipes, Tessa has created a must-have book for all bakers and cake lovers! She’s an amazing stylist and her recipes are flawless!”

— Courtney Whitmore, author of Frostings & Pizzazzerie.com

There is some bad news though . . . 

The book doesn't come out till April 19th.  

             Oh man, go and turn off the oven for now.  
But the good news is  its available for pre-order at Amazon  
Abrams, Barnes and Noble, Indiebound, Books-A-Million and
Indigo

So I'm thinking the perfect Mothers Day gift.  I know my mother would love this cookbook.  And my daughter even though she rarely cooks or bakes she's like me she dreams of finding the time. 

The fine print....I was offered this book through NetGalley for my honest review.  Unfortunately I was not able to open the document on my phone or my Kindle. 

This post is also linked at the following linky parties. (Click on each one for a direct link)
The Art Of Homemaking, Create with Joy, The Simple Woman's Day Book, Happy Homemaker,
Share Your Cup.,The Book Nook at Create with Joy

Always Watching-Lynette Eason-Book Review

                                                                   
Always Watching is Book 1 of a new series by Lynette Eason.
It's fast paced and suspenseful and a thrilling story to read. 

From the back cover . . . Intensity. Skill. Tenacity. 
The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have it all.
When it becomes clear that popular psychiatrist and radio personality Wade Savage has a stalker, his father secretly hires Elite Guardians to protect his son. But when Wade's bodyguard is attacked and nearly killed, agency owner Olivia Edwards must step in and fill the gap. 

Olivia's skills are about to be tested to the limit as Wade's stalker moves from leaving innocent gifts at his door to threatening those closest to him--including Olivia. But in her mind, even more dangerous than the threats to her life is the hold her handsome client has on her heart.

ENDORSEMENTS

"Lynette has written another fast-paced book--lace up your tennis shoes and grab a water bottle. It's a race against death."

DiAnn Mills, author of Deadlock

"Eason's Always Watching had me 'always reading' until I devoured it. Riveting suspense, complex characters, and a twisty, turning plot kept me up until I finished it at 2 a.m. This is one of the best romantic suspense novels I've read in a long time. Highly recommended!"

Colleen Coble, author of The Inn at Ocean's Edgee and the Hope Beach series

What I thought . . . 


Super fast paced.  The plot was full of twists and turns. 
Kept me on the edge of my seat.  This romantic thriller keeps you guessing at each page turn. I actually thought I knew who the villain was.  But I was dead wrong!   

Eason does a great job of weaving the subtle romance and the challenges the characters face with their faith beliefs.   

                            I received a complimentary copy for my honest review.  

             

Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Christian Book (dot).  This review is linked at these retailers and on Good Reads.  

A Son's Vow-Shelley Shepard Gray-Book Review

                                         

Book One of   The Charmed Amish Life a series taking place in Charm, Ohio a fictional little town.  The book is complete with a fun little map in the front.  I caught myself looking over the map as the story progressed. 
Book One is the story of a romance between Darla and Lukas. 
They've known each other all their lives growing up as best friends but when a tragedy strikes the town they drift apart. 
The author wove a sweet little romance together with the drama of 
domestic violence.  
This wasn't a story that I felt 'I knew what was going to happen'.
In fact I was pleased and surprised.  I had it all figured out based on the title and boy was I wrong.  
                     Isn't that what makes a good story?
I thoroughly enjoyed this installment and I look forward to the 
opportunity to read more.  
I want to know what happens with the sub characters like Hannah that worked as a nanny for an 'English' couple.   And the dog Rose that lived in the neighborhood where Hannah worked. 
                                   I look forward to the installment that tells Hannah's story!

On the negative side.  Yep there is one.  It's personal but I still want to include it. Get it said and be done with.  Personally I thought the inclusion of the Amish words was annoying.  Whew I said it. 
I might be the only one that feels this way.  But I personally didn't think it added to the story or to the realization.  I haven't been around the Amish and I might be totally off here.  But I think one word here and there was just annoying.  Personal opinion. 

One more negative for me. And it's not really negative exactly . . . 
 There was one point in the story.  A little mystery that was hinted at but didn't get solved and isn't really mention as if it will be solved in follow up stories.   
I don't want to give the storyline away.  But I'm just wishin' to find out what happened! 

All in all.  This was a great book.  I started it couldn't put it down. 
                              To me that's a good read.  

So here's my 4 stars for A Son's Vow. 

This book is widely available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and
Christian Book(dot)com
Here's the fine print . . .
I received this book from the Litfuse Publicity Group for my honest review.