Book Review - A Heart's Disguise

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In the aftermath of the Civil War, a young woman searches for her lost love at the edge of the West.

The Civil War has destroyed Sarah Montgomery's marriage before it's even begun.

After Sarah receives word that her fiancé, Rand Campbell, has been killed fighting for the Union, her brothers and ailing father persuade her to pledge herself to Ben Croftner---despite her strong misgivings. But when Sarah finds out that Rand is in fact alive---and that Ben Croftner knew it---she indignantly breaks off the engagement and goes in search of Rand.

But Ben Croftner does not take rejection lightly---and a single woman with a sick father makes an easy target. When Sarah is abducted by her treacherous fiancé, Rand finally comes to her aid . . . only to reveal that he has been posted at Fort Laramie, Wyoming, and intends to take her there as his wife.

But could Sarah leave her dying father's side for the love of her life? And what plans are forming in the jealous heart of Ben Croftner?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Colleen Coble has sold over 2 million novels worldwide. Seagrass Pier, the third installment in her acclaimed Hope Beach series, marks a new highpoint for emotion and complexity in Coble's addictive brand of romantic suspense.

Find Colleen online: website, Twitter, Facebook

MY REVIEW:

This is the first book is a series that Colleen Coble is re-issuing this year. This story is one that she published 10 years ago and it's been out of print and now we're getting the pleasure of reading this wonderful story again.

Sarah is a young woman who has lost everything when she lost her fiance, Rand, in the Civil War. She is a shell of her former self as she tries to go forward, taking care of her ill father and coping with a brother who is less than kind and arrogant.  She has recently been told by the doctor that her father's heart is failing and he has less than one  year to live. She is devastated and wants to do whatever she can to make him  happy.

Ben has been coming around and helping Sarah's family, as well as trying to court her, since Rand was killed. He is determined to marry her and Sarah's father encourages her to do so as he won't worry about what will happen to her after he's gone. He knows that Sarah's brother is not kind to her and he wants her to have a home of her own and be settled. She

I don't want to give away any of the story so I'm not going to go into any more detail. Suffice to say, there are lots of twists and turns and things get very complicated. This is a short book - 96 pages - so it would be hard not to give away the whole story if going into it more. The book ends on a cliff-hanger, obviously, since there will other books to this series. 

It was a quick and delightful read and perfect for those lazy days when you just want to read a good book for a bit. I really enjoyed this story and am anxious to read the next in the series to see what happens. I think you'll enjoy this book, too, and I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group

You can read more reviews of this book HERE

Blessings - Julie

Counting Our Blessings - Link Up!

It's time to count our blessings! I've been slowly healing and trying to accept my new normal. I do better some days than others. With God all things are possible and I believe that I will get better and learn to live with my limitations. I'm so thankful that I have Jesus as my Savior - that's the greatest blessing of all!

21. I've been feeling a bit better since my last bout of diverticulitis. I've been taking Slippery Elm religiously and it seems to be helping. I'm so glad the pain is better - that's the worst part of it all. I'm thankful and blessed that I have my family that takes care of me and loves me despite all these issues! MY BODY IS BATTERED BUT MY SPIRIT IS FULL!!

22.  I did get the baby items done for my son's friend and his wife. They had their little boy about a week ago and I wanted to make a few crocheted items for them. I did this cocoon

and this hat to go with it

and the two together.

Such a blessing to be able to make things for a new baby!


23.  I also made some booties for the baby. This is my go-to pattern for making booties. Simple pattern that takes about an hour to make one bootie. I love how lacey and baby-like they are. I hope that makes sense!

24.  After my doctor appointment last week, my son took me to Joann's Crafts. I hadn't been there for over a year and it was so fun to go there. I love Joann's, too, because they have the electric carts that I can ride on. I wish Hobby Lobby and Michael's crafts provided them. I have to have someone push me in the wheel chair there, which I'm not to excited about. I digress, though...

They were having a big sale on the scrapbooking supplies, including the Tim Holtz products! Everything was 50% off! I got these lovlies for my art, faith, and Bible journaling

I am loving these products! Such a blessing to get everything on sale!

25.  I also found some washi tapes. I am becoming quite a collector of washi tape and trying not to get too huge of a collection! I also found some tags for my journaling. Here they are -

I love using these not only in my art and faith journals but in my planner and my journaling Bible.

26.  Speaking of Bible journaling, here's a page from my Bible. I love doing this and it has added so much for my quiet time with God. This is a very simplistic page, but I still love it.

Such a blessing to read through the Scriptures and pull things out to focus on in the sidebar.

27.  I also got this wonderful thing at Joann's with a 40% off coupon. I have wanted one of these for a long, long time but they weren't available at our craft stores and were quite expensive to purchase online. I will be using it for my crochet to put my granny square project in so I can move it around the house, depending on which room I'm in. It will also be great if I actually go anywhere again! lol

28. Do you remember my book review of "The Hardest Peace" by Kara Tippetts? Her testimony, through this book and through her website, touched me and brought me into a greater longing to have a very firm relationship with Jesus. Her grace through her horrible illness of breast cancer kept me in awe. She made me want to do better and be better for God.

 We lost Kara to this horrible disease on Sunday. I did not know her personally, but she had such a profound affect on my life, it was like losing a dear friend. I cried tears of loss but also tears of joy knowing that she is with Jesus now and healed. Please keep her husband and four children in your prayers as they navigate this world without her. She was such a blessing and I count her as a huge blessing in my own life.

An InLinkz Link-up

Blessings - Julie

Book Review - Life Unstuck

ABOUT THE BOOK:

We all start life with the ability to dream, but somewhere along the way life gets sticky. We find ourselves wondering:

· Does anyone know me for who I really am?
· Am I going to have to "fake it" forever?
· What do I have to offer the world?
· How can I dream about tomorrow when I can't even handle today?
· Is this all my life will ever be?
· Do I dare to dream of more?

With passion and enthusiasm, Pat Layton invites you to imagine a life where you experience peace with the past, enjoy purpose in the present, and expect the possibilities that the future holds. With fresh personal tools and clear action steps, she delves deep into the areas we get stuck in the most and unveils the path to the life you long to live.

You are a one-of-a-kind design. Life Unstuck will help you live like you believe it! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Patricia Layton, founder and president of Life Impact Network (one of the nation's largest Sanctity of Life ministries), is a speaker, life coach, and author of A Life Surrendered and Life Unstuck. Founder of the national women's conference Imagine Me . . . Redeemed, Restored, Renewed . . . Set Free, Pat and her husband Mike have three children and five grandchildren and make their home in Tampa, Florida.

 MY REVIEW:

I think all of us feel stuck at times. I know I do. This book is for those who are looking to move forward from their past and move to a more productive, spirit-filled life. Pat encourages us to let go of our mistakes and allow God to work in our lives more fully.

Pat starts the book off with a hilarious story from her own life. This was a great beginning to this book and the whole book was a fun, yet informative read. I really liked all the stories, not only from Pat's life, but from the lives of others. You quickly realize you're not alone in this being stuck thing.

There is a personality test that shows you your traits and how these traits affect how you deal with life and also your walk with the Lord. I really liked this because I came to realize some things about myself that I didn't know and it helped me in my quest to be unstuck.

I really liked that she encourages us to read our Bible. She gives us some very compelling points for spending time with the Lord and reading His Word. I was so inspired to get unstuck in my spiritual journey and really make my time with the Lord my top priority.

This is a really wonderful book that has helped me in so many ways to get unstuck and move forward. The past tends to want to have a tight grip on me and I finally feel like I have the tools and information to move forward, get unstuck and do the things that God has given me to do! I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

This book was provided to me for my honest review by Revell Publishing



Blessings - Julie

Book Review - How To Catch A Prince

ABOUT THE BOOK:

American heiress Corina Del Rey's life was devastated by war. Every thing she loved was lost. But after five years of grief, she's shed her grave clothes and started over in the sunshine along the Florida coast.

But some things are not so easily forgotten. When a secret from her past confronts her face to face, she realizes she must follow her heart. Even if it cost her everything.

Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom is a former Royal Air Command lieutenant turned star rugby player, trying to make sense of his life after the devastation of war.
When his brother, King Nathaniel, discovers Stephen's pre war secret, he must deal with an aspect of his life he longed to forget. But how can he do so without exposing the truth and breaching national security?

Yet, true love has a destiny all it's own. As the cathedral bells peal through Cathedral City, Corina and Stephen must chose to answer the call of love on their hearts.
Or let it be lost forever?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as The Wedding Dress, Love Starts with Elle, and Once Upon A Prince. She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, Softly and Tenderly, one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.

Find Rachel online: website, Facebook, Twitter

MY REVIEW:

This is such a beautiful, almost fairy-tale like, romance. Just absolutely the type that brings you into the story and never lets you go. It's a book you'll love to escape into and won't want to leave after the last page. The gorgeous cover is the beginning of the beautiful story within!

Corina was married to a prince but they married against the laws of his country and so the marriage was annulled, much to her sorrow. Add the sorrow of losing her brother in the war and this affects her whole family and they fall apart. She is trying to move forward and get on with her life when Stephen, her prince, shows up and tells her that they are actually still married and he needs an annulment  before his pending coronation.

Corina is trying to find out answers as to why her brother died, so there's that aspect to the story as well as the love story between her and Stephen. There's also the story of Stephen who is trying to recover from the war he served in and the losses he encountered there. This story is rich with stories that draw you in and keep you there. 

I especially loved the beautiful spiritual story woven throughout. We see Corina, who is solid in her faith, and compared to Stephen, who is struggling with his. It's beautiful to see redemption and restoration in this book. I loved how we're reminded that we are daughters and sons of the most high King. It's just a beautiful thread that runs through.

I loved this book and I know you will, too. It's just a really great romance and such an enjoyable read! I highly recommend this and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group

You can read more reviews of this book HERE
 

Blessings - Julie

Book Review - Make It Happen by Lara Casey

ABOUT THE BOOK:

"You know all those things you've always wanted to do? You should go do them!"

In the constant chase for perfection women find themselves worried, anxious, and completely overwhelmed. Working women want to take their careers to the next level, but are struggling to "do it all." Stay-at-home moms look for relief from burning the candle at both ends. Aspiring entrepreneurs and artists seek the courage to jump into a new venture. Make It Happen is the tool these women need to finally let go of the chase for perfection and take the leap of faith towards God's perfect plan.
Author Lara Casey was once a burned-out workaholic buried by debt, depression, and a failing marriage. Now thriving as a wife and mother, and running a booming business that fills her with joy, Lara is on a mission to share her experience and help readers find the spark that lives inside them. "I believe in the impossible. I'm living it," Lara says. "Life is too short to wait to take the leap!"
Written for women who want to do it all and live a life of meaning, Make It Happen rescues them from being overwhelmed by endless to-do lists, paralyzing fears, and other obstacles that stand in the way of cultivating the rich life God desires for them.

With seasoned advice, wisdom, and encouragement, Lara helps them pinpoint what isn't working and how to get there from here so they too can make it happen!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lara Casey is a believer in the impossible, helping women to live on purpose through the many hats she wears in her parent company, Lara Casey Media. She is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Southern Weddings® magazine and the founder of the Making Things Happen movement. She lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with her husband, Ari, and their bubbly daughter, Grace. For more information, visit www.LaraCasey.com.

MY REVIEW:

We hear it a lot - "We are made for a purpose". Do we believe it? Let me tell you, Lara Casey will absolutely make you believe it! This book is so inspiring - so exactly what I needed!

The greatest thing that holds many of us back (including me) is fear and Lara gives us the tools to help us to identify that fear and then move past it. She also helps us to make that leap of faith and go after what we've been dreaming of doing for so long.

The greatest thing about this book that I loved (and is lacking in so many books like this) is that Lara is so transparent! She shares from her heart and doesn't portray herself as someone above us that we must esteem to be like. She encourages us to look to the Lord for our confidence and the help to go forward.

Another great thing about this book is that she gives us questions - encourages us to participate as we read - that we can answer and really understand ourselves better. I started a notebook that I wrote down the questions in and then wrote the answers in. The notebook gave me lots of room to expand on my answers. The fact is, I am going to re-read this book and go over the questions even more carefully because it was just that good!!

I can't say enough good things about this book! It's so inspiring and has given me a new direction and a new thinking regarding my dreams and goals. I love that it's God-centered and practical. Just a great book all the way around and I highly recommend it!! I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by BookLook Bloggers


Blessings - Julie

Book Review - Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe by Max Lucado

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Chelsea Chambers is on her own. After a public split from her NFL superstar husband, Chelsea takes a bold step out of the limelight and behind the counter of the Higher Grounds Café, an old-fashioned coffee shop in dire need of reinvention. But when her courage, expert planning, and out-of-this-world cupcakes fail to pay the bills, this newly single mom finds herself desperate for help. Better yet, a miracle.

Then a curious stranger lands at Chelsea's door, and with him, an even more curious string of events. Soon, customers are flocking to the Higher Grounds Café, and not just for the cupcakes and cappuccino. They've come for the internet connection to the divine. Now the café has become the go-to place for people in search of answers to life's biggest questions.

When a catastrophe strikes and her ex comes calling, Chelsea begins to wonder if the whole universe is conspiring against her quest to make it on her own. After a shocking discovery opens her eyes to the unseen world around her, Chelsea finds the courage to ask, and heaven answers in a most unexpected way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

More than 120 million readers have found comfort in the writings of Max Lucado. He ministers at the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and a sweet but misbehaving mutt, Andy.

Find Max online: website, Facebook, Twitter

MY REVIEW:

This book absolutely drew me in and didn't let go! I ended up staying up until after 3:30 in the morning to finish this book because I couldn't put the book down and wanted to find out what happened next! There were so many twists and turns and just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, something else would go on.

Chelsea is re-opening her grandmother's/mother's coffee shop after leaving her NFL player husband. She has caught him in an affair and when her mother dies, she feels like she needs a fresh start back where she started. She unexpectedly gets a bill that she must pay but the cafe just isn't doing very well. She doesn't have wi-fi and the decor in the old Victorian house doesn't appeal to the new generation.

Enter Manny who answers her ad for an employee. He is a strange little man who dresses quite strangely, but his enthusiasm brings Chelsea comfort. Soon after Manny shows up, he gets a new router put in but there is only one website that comes up when you log on to your computer - the God Blog. You can ask God one question and it will be answered. Suddenly, people are flocking to the cafe so they can log into the God Blog - only available in the Higher Grounds Cafe. 

This story was so uplifting! I really loved the issue of unforgiveness that runs throughout the story and how Chelsea has to come to terms with her issues on this. I'm sure many of us can relate to this - I know I could. I also loved the angels of this story and how they protect us from the evil spirits of this world at God's command. It was so comforting and so amazing!

This is just a great story, period! It has a storyline that makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. I really enjoyed all the supporting players in this story, too, and how so many of them were affected by the God Blog and God's great love for us. If you enjoy an uplifting story, then this book is for you and I do highly recommend it. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

You can read more reviews of this book HERE

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group

Blessings - Julie

What I've Been Up To

It's been a busy two weeks. Both my sons had birthdays (within 5 days of each other) and we celebrated each special day. I am so thankful to have these wonderful days with my sons. I don't take any of these days for granted. We went to Red Lobster for my oldest son and Peter Piper Pizza for my youngest. Quite a difference in choices and perfectly describes each of my sons. Both days were very nice and we all enjoyed being together.

I've had some very hard days the past two weeks. I've been having some very exhausting days again and also have had a bout of diverticulitis again. I'm so very careful about what I eat and have no idea how this happened. I went to the doctor and have antibiotics but also found out that Slippery Elm is a really good thing to take for this. My doctor agreed that it was a good idea so I'll be praying that this helps me not to have these problems again.

I pulled out an Easter cross stitch that I haven't finished and I'm hoping to get it done before Easter. I have a good start on it so, hopefully, I'll be finishing it soon. It's a Shepherd's Bush kit called "Three Pale Eggs". I've also been working on some crocheted things for my son's friend and his wife. They are having a baby very soon and I wanted to make some things for them. It's so fun to crochet for babies!

Many blessings to you - Julie

Book Review - You're Loved No Matter What

ABOUT THE BOOK:

As women, we tend to think that if we could only get our act together, life would be perfect. But you're not supposed to be perfect. You're supposed to be human. And humans are messy, flawed, glorious, and deeply loved.

It's time to lay down those unrealistic expectations that exhaust you.
It's time to embrace who you are--even the messy parts.
It's time to start living fully instead of just trying not to fail.

Let's do this. Together.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Holley Gerth is a bestselling writer, certified life coach, and speaker. She loves connecting with the hearts of women through her popular blog and books like You're Already Amazing, You're Made for a God-Sized Dream, You're Going to Be Okay, and more. She's also cofounder of the popular website (in)courage and a partner with DaySpring. Learn more at www.holleygerth.com.

MY REVIEW:

Holley Gerth is absolutely one of my very favorite authors. Her books are so inspiring and always point me to God's profound love for me. This book is another great one!

You're Loved No Matter What is such a wonderful book. It's very timely for those of us struggling with feeling like we have to be perfect to earn the Lord's love and the love of others. Holley points out that God loves us profoundly but we have a hard time accepting that we don't have to perform to earn His love.

The whole book is amazing but the one chapter that spoke volumes to me was Trading Guilt for Grace. If you're like me, you have the tendency to feel guilty and work toward perfection all the time. This is something that I have struggled with for years and Holley's book is the first book that really explains why guilt is a tool of satan and that we can confuse conviction from God with guilt from satan. This has helped me so much as I now know which one I'm feeling and I am learning to combat it.

I really loved the questions that are toward the end of each chapter. They get right to our hearts and it helped me to really understand myself. I also loved the questions at the end of the book as they got even more into depth of our heart. There's also a section on finding your strengths in five minutes. Oh, my - this was just amazing! I couldn't believe how this helped me to really focus in on my strengths and I had some I didn't realize!

Holley is such a beautiful Christian woman who shares her faith and encouragement on each and every page. The whole book is God-centered and I loved each and every page. This is a must have for any woman who needs to know that she is, indeed, greatly loved! I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

 p.s. If you’ve ever struggled with feeling like you need to be perfect, my friend Holley Gerth’s new book will encourage you. You’re Loved No Matter What: Freeing Your Heart from the Need to Be Perfect.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Revell Publishing Group


Blessings - Julie

Book Review - Q & A a Day

MY REVIEW:

This is a lovely little book and I love the concept of it. It looks so old fashioned, which is very appealing to me. I love books that look gorgeous on the outside and have that vintage feel.

This is a 5 year diary but the really fantastic thing about it is there is a question for every day of the year. You answer this question each day, for five years. It will be so amazing to see how you answer the question over a period of five years. There are four lines for each year so your answers can be concise and there's not a lot of pressure to make long dissertations. It forces you to make your answers to the point, which I like.

Some of the questions include:

• If you could acquire a talent (without any extra effort), what would it be?
• Something that made you worry today __________.
• Describe the room you're in right now.
• What's the newest things you're wearing today?
• On a scale of one to ten, how happy are you? 

I personally liked the size of this book. It's on the smaller size, but I found it to be easy to handle.As long as you prepare the book ahead of time and open the spine properly, the little journal lies very flat for writing in. I had no problems with it lying flat.

I really like this journal and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Blogging for Books program


Blessings - Julie

Counting Our Blessings - Link Up!

Hello, dear friends. Today is my son's birthday so I'm not going to be doing a post but I want you to please share your blessings on the linky. I will see you next week with my blessings and, in the meantime, I pray that your week will be wonderful and full of God's amazing blessings!!

An InLinkz Link-up

Blessings - Julie

Book Review - Twisted Innocence

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Holly Cramer's past choices have finally caught up to her, but she never expected them to endanger her baby.

Though Holly's stumbled through most of her adult life as a party girl, she longs to live a more stable life for her daughter. Then police show up to question her about the whereabouts of Creed Kershaw, Lily's father. She has kept his identity a secret from friends and family---she never even told him about the pregnancy. Now he's a person of interest in a drug-related murder case.

Determined to keep him out of their lives and turn him over to police, Holly uses her private investigating skills to search for him. But her bravado backfires when he turns the tables and takes her and the baby hostage. As desperate hours tick by, Holly realizes his connection to Leonard Miller-the man who has gunned down several members of her family. Creed claims he's innocent and that Miller is after him too. His gentleness with Lily moves her, but she can't trust a man who has held her at gunpoint . . . even if he reminds her so much of herself.

Dangers old and new threaten Holly and her baby, and lives are demanded as sacrifices for love. Through a complex web of mistakes and regret, redemption is the one hope Holly has left to hold on to.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Terri Blackstock has sold over six million books worldwide and is a New York Times bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of "Intervention," "Vicious Cycle," and "Downfall," as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, Restoration, and Moonlighters.

Find Terri online: website, Facebook, Twitter

MY REVIEW:

Terri Blackstock is one of my very favorite authors. Her books never fail to capture my attention and keep it. This book is definitely one of her best and I enjoyed it thoroughly! It's part of the "Moonlighters Series" but, not to worry, Terri is such a great writer, you will never feel lost because you didn't read the others in the series. Of course, you're going to want to, because they are excellent!

Holly is a single mother, working toward turning her life around after giving her life to Jesus. She had been a wild child after her father left the family and now she's trying hard to get her life in order. She is working during the day for her sister, Cathy's fiance Michael, who owns a PI business. It's not enough for her to take care of her child properly, so she drives a cab at night while her sister, Juliet, watches her baby. The book opens with her getting robbed and beaten after picking up a couple of meth heads.

Michael is in jail after breaking his probation while helping to save Juliet's children. He is a former police officer who really shouldn't be in jail and Cathy, who is a lawyer, is working to get him probation. They have been set up and their family members killed by one Leonard Miller, a horrible drug lord who brings drugs into Florida. 

This is a fast moving story - full of thrills and mystery and some romance. You'll find yourself pulling for this amazing family and their friends as they struggle to live their lives that have changed by the actions of this horrible drug lord. I enjoyed this book so much and stayed up almost all night reading it one night! The story will draw you in and won't let go, even at the last page. 

I also really was touched and moved by Terri Blackstock's "Note from the Author". She touched on things that I myself am struggling with and she had so much encouragement to give. Her words won't leave me as they were so encouraging and honest. 

I highly, highly recommend this wonderful book! You'll enjoy it immensely! I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group

Blessings - Julie

Counting Our Blessings - Link Up!

How was your week? I hope it was good and that you had a week full of blessings!!

15.  Do you go to the dollar store? I just adore going there and I always find something really fun there. I have been wanting to have something cheerful in the living room during the winter but I didn't want to spend a fortune. I found these cute roses there and they are just the cheerful touch I wanted.

There's three bunches there and so it just cost me $3.00! See those little pink hearts peeking out there? They were part of one of the bunches and made just a perfect touch to the whole thing. Such a blessing to find these fun things there.

16.  My parents send me the comics from their paper to help cheer me up. They know I love the comics and, since they live in a big city, they get a lot in their paper each day. I have decided to use them as a base in my art journal!  Here's a picture of two of the pages all done.

I will gesso over these slightly and then do my artistic touches over the top. It's turned out to be a great way to save the comics and have the remembrance of my parents doing this sweet thing for me. Truly a blessing all the way around!

17.  I'm doing the Lent Challenge Bible study that Margaret Feinberg is doing. We are reading through the four Gospels and this is a copy of the book of Matthew. You go through and circle the verbs, names, etc., and I'm finding that this is really helping me to get a lot out of what I'm reading! Here's the link to Margaret's website if you're interested.

I have really been so blessed by doing this and observing Lent.

18.  I am doing a faith journal and it has been such a great blessing to me! I love expressing my thoughts about Scripture through my art work! I received Copic pens for Christmas and I'm still learning how to use them. I did this artwork with the pens and really didn't get the hang of them until the last when I was doing the quail's feathers. It's not exactly wonderful, but I really like it and, now that I am getting an understanding of how to use the pens, I think my next entry will be much better.

I can't tell you what a blessing it is to be doing my art again and having this new way of expressing my joy at knowing the Lord!

19.  We watch my son's pug when he's at work. He works a 24 hour shift, twice a week, and Muffy is much better not left alone. She's 12 years old and we like to make sure she's okay. When we were taking care of her this past week, she found the clean clothes basket with the soft, fluffy blanket in it. Amazingly, she jumped in and slept there the whole day!

I didn't have the heart to shoo her out, so I let her sleep in it as long as she wanted. She's such a sweetie and it's a blessing taking care of her!

20.  You know I can't do a blessings post without sharing the poodles. lol  This week, they did something they have never done before - snuggled together and slept! It's was a momentous occasion and we made sure we captured it with the camera. Here are those sweet things all snuggled up.

Cookie and Mitzi just bless me so much every day!! They are so sweet and it's so wonderful having them snuggle up with me, too.

What are your blessings this week? I hope you'll share them! Don't forget to grab a button so others can find the link up you share on.

An InLinkz Link-up

Blessings - Julie

Book Review - Sabotaged

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now, working together as search-and-rescue for Alaska's arduous Iditarod race, a growing attraction seems to be forcing aside old arguments. Then Reef catches Kirra sneaking from camp in the middle of the night.

Kirra's uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing: Frank's daughter has been kidnapped. Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl's life--but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the Alaskan Courage romantic suspense series, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, and Silenced, and new release, Sabotaged. Her books have been honored with the Daphne du Maurier award, two HOLT Medallions, two National Readers' Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing's Best Award, among others. 

She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves--the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of her characters' faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their two daughters, a son-in-law, and a super adorable grandson. You can find her online at www.danipettrey.com.

MY REVIEW:

Dani Pettrey is fast becoming one of my very favorite authors! Sabotaged is a wonderful book that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Kirra is a Vet and she has known Reef McKenna since she was a little girl. She always liked him until he teased her in school and then became a rather wild guy. At that point, she gave him a wide berth. Fast forward and we find them thrown together as they find out that Kirra's cousin Meg has been kidnapped and her father, Frank, forced to do something for these kidnappers. They don't know what he's been forced to do, but they do know that if he doesn't do it, Meg will be killed.

Frank is running the Iditarod race when all this happens and so they are trying to figure out where he has gone as he hasn't checked in and they don't know where Meg is being held. Kirra and Reef start looking into Frank's past and Meg's life at college to see if they can find a clue.

I really liked all the twists and turns in this book and the fact that I never was sure who was the bad guy or why. I love a book like this that keeps you guessing! I also loved how Kirra and Reef turn to prayer when they need direction and how Kirra's faith is reinforced as she goes through this difficult situation. It's all so natural how the author writes their faith into the book.

This book is part of the Alaskan Courage series but you don't need to have read the previous books to know what's going on, however, I'm going to highly recommend that you do! It's a wonderful series full of wonderful characters that you won't soon forget. I hope you'll read this book because you'll enjoy it immensely! I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Bethany House


Blessings - Julie