Paula Deen Thoughts...

Is it me or does the media just pick up on certain people or stories and blow it out into a big mess. What is the deal with Paula Deen? I don't condone the word she used. It wasn't even a recent event. It is something she said in the privacy of her own home. Unless there is more to the story that hasn't came out. She said she was sorry. I don't understand why it would ruin her whole career?? It is said in rap songs all the time,but nobody says nothing and even some African Americans use it talking to one another. Why single out one person? I hate the word too,but I think this is just blown up into a bigger mess then it is. The media I think really builds up hype and throws every detail out there. Some stories that are bigger then this barely make the news,but then some stories they just over tell it and make worse then it is. Everybody deserves to be forgiven. There are things in our past we all wish we could take back. I don't think it's fair to bring up something in the past and something she said she is sorry for. All the comments I have seen are in support of her. 

This is some pictures when I seen her live in person one time!! She came to a furniture company near my home in NC!!

Sweet Surprise...

I have never really been a sweets eater. Once in a while I eat some! My sister surprised us with Gigi's Cupcakes in Nashville Saturday night on her way home. They are so good!! They have tons of flavors to choose from!!

 "She brought me Red Velvet". My favorite cake!!

Book Review:Adoring Addie by Leslie Gould

I read book 1 in this series and loved it. Book 2 is just as good,loved it!! For years there has been a feud between the Mosier and Cramer families. It's a secret really why the feud even started. I really like the main character Addie and feel so sorry for her at times. She was always trying to do good and got treated kind of bad by her family. Well full trouble blows out when she falls for Jonathan. He is a Mosier and her family and his family would not approve. So they court in secret. They are wanting her to marry a man Phillip they think would be good for her. It all comes out to the feud being brought to light once again. Full of twist and turns! For some reason Hatfield Verses McCoys kept coming to mind. It was just one lie that turned into a bunch of lies over a lifetime. I loved Addie and Jonathan,they were so sweet together. Some of the characters you just wanted to hit sometimes. Another great one in this series. I can't wait til the next book comes out!!

I received this book free from Bethany House for my honest review!

Book Review:The Outcast by Jolina Petersheim

I love Amish and Mennonite Christian fiction. I quickly picked this one to read as it looked like it might be another good one. The main character has a child out of wedlock and refuses to names the Father and is treated shunned like in her Mennonite community. I read almost 50 pages into it. I could not get into it. You had the main character telling the story and then the bishop that died telling the story from heaven. I think what threw me off  was the one bad word in it near the front(what people call a child born out of wedlock). I didn't see the need for that kind of language in a Christian fiction book. I still read on,but I could not get that out of my mind because I don't use that language and I don't want to read that language. Then I kinda figured out who the child's father was. I flipped through the book and I don't like the adultery in it. It says it's like reading "The Scarlet Letter",but I never read it so I can't compare. Even though I didn't read the full book,it  doesn't mean you might not like it. It just wasn't my style of reading.

I received this book free from Tyndale for my honest review.

Happy Father's Day...

Hope everyone had a great Father's day!! I am so thankful for my dad!! I love him very much!! He's a hard worker and puts his family first!! He has always provided and found a way for everything to work out,sometimes even working two jobs. He's always there when I need him. He's just a simple man and I love that about him. He don't live no life to show off or please others. He is himself all the time!! So thankful I have a dad that was home every night and not out on the town or in bars. I thank the Lord everyday for my dad. I love you very much dad!!!

 I made the candy poem poster. I got the idea off Pinterest and Google searches. I kinda put my own words and some ideas from the Internet together to make it! I made this picture collage below with lyrics to "Daddy Hands".

Book Review:The Winnowing Season by Cindy Woodsmall

I am enjoying this series very much. To read book 2, you will have to read book 1,as this is not a stand alone read. I was happy to get back to all the characters in book 2. In this book after a hearing in front of the higher up people,they finally agree to let the move happen after Samuel wrote about the wrong done to Rhoda. So we are now in Maine and they are starting up the Orchard they bought and living all together in one big house. We start to see a lot more in this book about all the stories coming out of each character. It keeps you reading and turning the pages to see what is coming next. New friendships,New Romances!! You must read book two. I can't wait to read book three. Love the characters and storyline!!

More Information on this Book

Read a Sample of Book

Visit Cindy's Website

Visit Cindy on Facebook

I received this book free from the publisher for my honest review!!

Book Review:Pennsylvania Patchwork by Kate LLoyd

The Plot:Meeting the family that her mother had kept hidden from her, Holly comes face to face with her real life and blood legacy. She also falls for the charming Zach, a handsome Mennonite veterinarian who is everything she's ever wanted in a husband: confident, kind, successful, and authentic. And Zach proposes marriage. Is this too soon? Is this the right choice? Mother and Amish grandmother think she's rushing into too much of a lifestyle change. Holly is in love with Zach and that precludes everything. Until she meets an attractive Amish man. And an old suitor shows up.


My Review: When I got this book to review I didn't know it was book 2 of the series. I quickly caught up with book 1 through reviews and descriptions. At first I was like I am not sure I like it,but keep on reading cause I got caught up in the characters after awhile and was wanting to see what happens. I ended up liking it and enjoying my read. I was able to understood what was happening even with not reading book 1. It had some different twist to it. From 3 guys after Holly for Marriage. To Esther's relationship with Nathaniel and what could come out of that. The ending was a surprise. I thought it was going another way. I found it to be a charming Amish read and I will most definitely get book 3 when it comes out to see what happens next! Great read!!

Read other Reviews Here

About the Author: Author Kate Lloyd is a passionate observer of human relationships. A native of Baltimore, Kate spends time with family and friends in Lancaster County, PA, the inspiration for her novels. She is a member of the Lancaster County Mennonite Historical Society. Kate and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest. Kate studied painting and sculpture in college. She's worked a variety of jobs, including car salesman and restaurateur.

Visit her Website

Purchase the Book

Kate Lloyd is celebrating the release of book two in her Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy, Pennsylvania Patchwork, by giving away an authentic Amish-made quilt!

 

  One "grand" winner receive:

• An authentic Amish-made Quilt
• Pennsylvania Patchwork and Leaving Lancaster by Kate Lloyd

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 29th. Winner will be announced on July 1st at Kate's blog.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

I received this book free from the publisher for my honest review

Yard Sale Saturday...

Well another Saturday of Yard Sales come and gone!! This weekend was the 400 mile sale in Kentucky. So we went to an area of it near where we live. I found a few deals.

Cutest little wooden box .25 cents, Brand new Note cards(Mary Engelbreit ones,love her stuff) .10 cents

Picture Frames .50 cents each. I like buying these here lately to put my prints I make to put out.

 I have been wanting another small shelf in my room. I found one for $5.00!!! It looks brand new!!

Can't wait til the next Yard Sales. Never know what you will find.

Ok and this was just a funny picture I wanted to share I made. Those freaky looking birds on our deck. It made me think of this saying..lol!!

Have a blessed Sunday everyone!!!!

Return of the Birds...

Every morning almost,these birds come out. They are so freaky looking!!! They all gaither and sleep on a tower on our road. In the morning times they sit and walk on roofs and decks. This one I got pictures of came this afternoon. I looked it up on the Internet and they are called Black Vultures. They are just so scary looking in person!!

 "What you talking about"??

 I put out a piece of bread so I could get some pictures of it.

Book Review:Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

About Stealing the Preacher:A cowboy who wants to be a preacher. An outlaw's daughter who wants to change his mind.On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can't believe it when he's forced off the train by an outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the preacher she requested for her birthday. He's determined to escape-which would be much easier if he could stop thinking about Joanna Robbins and her unexpected request. For months, Joanna had prayed for a minister. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. But just when it seems her prayers have been answered, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett he ended up right where he was supposed to be? With her signature blend of humor, history, and lively western romance, two-time RITA Award finalist and bestselling author Karen Witemeyer delivers a Texas love story sure to steal your heart.

My Review:When I decided to review this book I had no idea it was one of the characters from, "Short Straw Bride". I must say I got excited to get a update to the brothers of the Archer clan in this book since I enjoyed the other so much. You don't have to read the other book to get this book,but you can see a lot about them and where the preacher is from in the other one. I loved "Stealing the Preacher". It just keeps you reading until you just could not put it down. It is quickly on my favorites list now!! I loved all the characters!! This is the first book ever where I had tears coming to my eyes over Jo's Father and the moment where is life changes. I enjoyed the ending very much,it was like I was walking with them in the book. Just a all around good read. Another great one from Karen!!

Read other Reviews on the book tour here

Meet Karen: Two-time RITA finalist and winner of the coveted HOLT Medallion and ACFW Carol Award, CBA bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance because she believes that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children. 

Find out more about Karen at her Website

Purchase the Book

Karen Witemeyer is "kindling" the excitement for Stealing the Preacher (Bethany House) with a Kindle Fire Giveaway and connecting with readers at her June 18th Facebook Author Chat Party!

  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at 4pm on June 18th. Winner will be announced at the "Stealing the Preacher" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 18th. Connect with Karen for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Karen will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Stealing the Preacher and join Karen on the evening of June 18th for a chance to connect 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 fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

I received this book free from litfuse and Bethany House for my honest review!

Book Review: The Promise Box by Tricia Goyer

About the book:With her heart - and her loyalty - on the line, can she let true love in her life?

Every year, young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive 'resident' status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides! Lydia Wyse, a book editor from Seattle who grew up Amish, returns to the small community of West Kootenai, Montana to give comfort to her father after her mother's death.

She is drawn back to the familiar Amish ways after finding her mother's most precious possession, a Promise Box of prayers and scripture. What her publisher sees, though, is an opportunity for a sensational 'tell-all' book about the Amish. Lydia soon finds herself falling in love with Amish bachelor Gideon Hooley. She wants nothing more than to forget her past and look forward to a future as an Amish bride. 

Will the pain of her childhood-and her potential betrayal of her community-keep her from committing her whole heart?

My Review:I recently got a chance to read the latest in this series. It is a stand alone book pretty much and you don't have to read book one to read book two. This one I could not get into as much as the first one in the series. It was just kinda slow though out the whole book. Then quickly it rushed up the whole plot at the end and finish things quick. I liked how her mother had left her a promise box. I thought their might be more heard from that in the story but it was just a few times. I liked the characters and the story. I just could not get that connection feeling with this couple. It had a great meaning to the book. They both found the promise and forgiveness from God they needed. Overall I would give this a 6 out of 10. It was just kind of predictable. It was a nice read though.
Read other's Reviews

About the Author:Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of six, grandmother of one, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A bestselling author, Tricia has published thirty-three books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at MomLifeToday.com, TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites. In addition to her roles as mom, wife and author, Tricia volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Tricia, along with a group of friends, recently launched NotQuiteAmishLiving.com, sharing ideas about simplifying life. She also hosts the weekly radio podcast, Living Inspired. 

Find out more by visiting her website

Purchase the Book

Tricia Goyer is celebrating the release of her lastest novel, The Promise Box (Zondervan), by hosting an Amish Baking Box giveaway and connecting with readers during her June 12th Book Chat Party!

One "promising" winner will receive:

• Apron, hot mitts, and kitchen towels
• Amish baking items (rolling pin, pie plate, etc...)
• Sherry Gore's Simply Delicious Amish Cooking
• The Memory Jar and The Promise Box by Tricia Goyer 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 11th. Winner will be announced at the "The Promise Box" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 12th. Connect with Tricia for an evening of Amish fun - book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Tricia will also share an exclusive look at the next book book in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Promise Box and join Tricia on the evening of June 12th for a chance to connect 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 fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 12th!

I received this book free from litfuse for my honest opinion.

Yard Sales and Thrift Finds this weekend!!

We tried yard sales this weekend but made it to very few. The rain started falling :( Good news though it was 50% day at our local goodwill :) So I found some good deals still.

 Thrift Shop 50% everyday sale day! 2 pair of capri's 3.75 each. 3 pair of pajama type pants $2.15 each. Pocketbook 2.00

 Deal Yard Sale- I collect Christmas ornaments and mostly buy them after Christmas on clearance in stores or at yard sales and thrift stores. Got these 3 Thomas Kinkade ones all for 1.00

 Deals:Big Scrapbook 1.00(Yard Sale) Thrift Store 50% off day,Small photo album .50 cents,Medium Photo album 1.00,Picture Frames 1.00 and .50 cents.

The lady at the yardsale I got the scrapbook had free boxes. I didn't see much I needed but I did score a bunch of paper clips and paper free!

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Plus I forgot to post this the other Saturday. I went to Yard Sales and found the amazing following deal!!

 Very Bradley Wistlet. Priced on her website around $34. I got it for .25 cents!!

Vera Bradley Bag. Priced on her website at around $109. Got it for $3