Stepping Into A New Day-Book Review

About Stepping to a New Day

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (June 28, 2016)

In Henry Adams, Kansas, you can’t start over without stirring things up . . .

Many a good woman has had to leave a no-good man, but how many of them took a backseat to his six-hundred-pound hog? On her own for the first time, Genevieve Gibbs is ecstatic, even if certain people preferred the doormat version of Ms. Gibbs. Finding someone who appreciates the “new” her has only just hit Gen’s to-do list when T. C. Barbour appears in her life.

A tiny Kansas town is a far cry from his native Oakland, California, but it’s just the change T. C. needs. While helping his divorced nephew acclimate to single fatherhood, T. C. lands a gig driving a limo for the most powerful woman in Henry Adams. It’s a great way to meet people—and one in particular has already made the job worthwhile. All it takes is a short trip from the airport for Genevieve to snag T. C.’s attention for good.

But it wouldn’t be Henry Adams without adding more drama to the mix. When Gen’s ex Riley returns with his hog in tow, it sets off a chain of events that can ruin everything—unless the residents pull together once again to save the day.

Purchase Links

HarperCollins | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About Beverly Jenkins

Beverly Jenkins has received numerous awards, including five Waldenbooks/Borders Group Best Sellers Awards, two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine, and a Golden Pen Award from the Black Writer’s Guild. Ms. Jenkins was named one of the Top Fifty Favorite African-American writers of the 20th century by AABLC, the nation’s largest on-line African-American book club. She was recently nominated for the NAACP Image Award in Literature.

Find out more about Beverly at her website and connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

And I thought ...This was a good book.  I enjoyed the story line.  I loved the small town feel of the story.  I have to admit I did get bogged down with all the characters.  There were so many.  This is a book that takes the reader into the lives of almost the entire town.  At any other time I probably would have gotten more into the story and read it straight through but it did take me a while to get into it.  It did turn into a wonderful feel good story.  I warn the reader to plan a couple of days or more because you won't want to put it down.  I look forward to the opportunity to visit Blessings again. 

I received a complimentary ARC copy from TLC Book Tours.  A complete list of other reviews on the tour follows.  

My review is posted on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Good Reads.    I will be linking this post at blog tours including: The Art of Homemaking,Grace At Home Party,     Create with Joy, Share Your Cup

Tour Stops

Wednesday, June 29th: Gspotsylvania: Ramblings from a Reading Writer Who Rescues Birds and Beasts

Thursday, June 30th: The Book Diva’s Reads

Friday, July 1st: Chaos is a Friend of Mine

Tuesday, July 5th: Luxury Reading

Tuesday, July 5th: What Will She Read Next

Friday, July 8th: The Englishist

Monday, July 11th: Back Porchervations

Tuesday, July 12th: A Book and a Beer

Thursday, July 14th: Bookish Realm Reviews

Friday, July 15th: Literary Quicksand

TBD: My Journey Back

TBD: Queen of All She Reads

Good Fences

Joining Tex today to share some 'Good Fences' . . . 


                                                                 Source
Love this one from a fence builder here in Texas.  This one so reminds me of our bed . . . 
             
          A little sneak peek of my new Summer bedding. 

Now this is a cool fence . . . 

                                                Source
   
                     
                                                                    Source

                     I always wonder what's behind them.
So that's a just a few of the cool and interesting fences you can still find here in Texas.  

Wanna see more cool fences from all over.  Go by and visit Tex
at Good Fences.  Click here. 

Party With A Plan--Book Spotlight

                                           
About the book (provided by I Read Book Tours)

Finally! Here is a proven, practical way to drink alcohol and lower your risk for problems. Up until now, there have been two primary messages when it comes to drinking alcohol. One is “just say no,” which for the majority of the population is not an option. The other is to “drink responsibly.” But what does that mean? If you ask five random people to define responsible drinking, you will most likely get five completely different answers. This invalidates the term because it can be defined in so many different ways. Party with a Plan® gives a concise and research based formula that teaches people how to drink and lower their risk of negative consequences. It’s like creating a speed limit for drinking. If you stick to the speed limit, your chance of problems is minimal. However, the more you go over the speed limit, and the more often you go over the speed limit, the more you put yourself and others at risk. This book is long overdue!

Check out the trailer here

Enter the giveaway . . . 

Click here to enter

About the author...

Randy Haveson knows addiction. As an alcoholic in long-term recovery (May, 1984), he has dedicated his life to helping others make more empowered choices in their lives. He is a 25 year veteran in the substance abuse field with extensive experience as a counselor, Director of Health & Alcohol Education at highly accredited universities, and speaker on over 100 campuses, speaking about harm reduction, self-esteem, leadership, and supporting students in recovery.

Connect with the author: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

A Beauty Refined--Tracie Peterson--Book Review

A Beauty Refined--Tracie Peterson--Book Review

About the book (provided by Litfuse)...

What does it take to reveal the true beauty of a hidden gem?

Phoebe Von Bergen, the daughter of a German count, is excited to visit America for the first time while her father purchases sapphires in Helena, Montana. Little does she know, however, that her father’s intentions—both for her and the gemstones—are not what she thinks.

Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the dignified young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie–a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

Meeting Ian has changed everything for Phoebe, and she begins to consider staying in America, regardless of her father’s plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger that results when her family’s deception begins to unravel.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/29Sh70o

About the author:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.                                                                                 Website | Facebook | Pinterest And I thought . . .  I truly can't say enough good things about this book.   To tell you the truth I haven't recently been too interested in Historical novels.  I began my adult reading career reading Historical Romance.  And then I found contemporary. I was hooked.  And then I found Contemporary Suspense.  But because of Tracie Peterson's worked I am now a fan of Historical Romance again.   And now a fan of Tracie Peterson.      A Beauty Refined is book 2 in the series.   I look forward to reading more in this series. The story was interesting from page one.  I have to admit I expected a boy meets girl romance.  Followed by events that separate them.  And then the two getting together in for a happy ending.   I was very wrong.   And that was refreshing.            There is a Happy Ending  The romance is only part of the story.  The storyline as described above is about the challenges Phoebe faces once she learns about lies and deceptions in her family.   The story also has a bit of intrigue. There's some plotting, double-dealing, and  underhandness in more than one character.  These aspects of the story make it not a typical romance.   And I liked that. A Beauty Refined is worthy of my 5 star rating.  I wish to thank Litfuse for allowing me the opportunity to read this book.  I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.  A huge thanks Tracie Peterson for  re-introducing me to Historical fiction.  This review is posted at  MyJourneyback-thejourneyback.blogspot.com At at the following link parties: The Art of Homemaking, Share Your Cup,  Create With Joy This review is posted at the follow retailers Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and CBC. This review is also posted at Good Reads.

Golf Book Review

                                                            

About The Book (provided by TLC tours)  . . .

Golf can be a vexing and cruel game, and teaches us much about ourselves. It has been described as “a contest calling for courage, skill, strategy and self-control. It is a test of temper, a trial of honor, a revealer of character.” In the end, as with most of life, success hinges on the character and spirit we possess. But how would our tempers be tested if we suffered a career-threatening injury from a near-fatal car accident, as Ben Hogan did in the prime of his life? How would our honor be preserved if we faced constant derision and racism both on and off the golf course, as Charlie Sifford encountered his entire career? How would our character be revealed if cancer robbed us of the ability to play the game we loved, as it did to Babe Didrikson Zaharias? Would we give in to self pity, or persevere and keep going?

In Trials and Triumphs of Golf’s Greatest Champions: A Legacy of Hope, Lyle Slovick has pulled together the inspirational stories of six golfers and a caddy whose strength of character sustained them against the physical and emotional trials that threatened both their careers and lives. In an era when many athletes have lost their luster as role models, the people in this book—Harry Vardon, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Charlie Sifford, Ken Venturi, and Bruce Edwards—offer lessons in perseverance, dignity, humility, and faith. Slovick tells each of their stories with rich detail, including the childhoods that shaped their characters, their rise in the world of professional golf, the crises they faced in their lives, their struggles to keep doing what they loved, and their refusal to give up. They had their flaws, to be sure. But when faced with a true test of will, all showed a strength that inspired those around them.

The first book to gather the stories of these golfers into a single volume, Trials and Triumphs of Golf’s Greatest Champions offers a unique blend of characters who shared the same love for a game that gave them the courage and fortitude they needed to face whatever life threw their way. This book will not only interest golfers and fans of the game, it will also inspire those who have suffered their own personal setbacks and show them they are not alone in their trials.

About Lyle Slovick 

Lyle Slovick is a historian and golf enthusiast, having played and studied the game for over 40 years.  He has an M.A. degree in American History and is a former Assistant University Archivist at the George Washington University, where he worked for 13 years amongst the rare books and manuscripts in the Gelman Library Special Collections Department.  Lyle enjoys telling stories that shed new light and offer new perspective on often well-trod subjects – what he describes as “augmented interpretation.”  This book is an expression of his passion for the game of golf, which has taken him to various major championships around the world, including the Old Course at St Andrews, Scotland, the home of golf.  Lyle enjoys travelling, reading (especially biographies), and resides in Bedminster, New Jersey, where he currently works as a consultant for the United States Golf Association.

Find out more about Lyle at his  Website and Facebook

And I /We thought . . .(The Cowboy read it too)
And I thought interesting read for me.  This is a book for golf enthusiasts.  Although it was interesting it just wasn't a book 'for me'.  
The author did do an amazing job and I became interested in the stories of the lesser
known gold legends.  I wouldn't have known whether they were lesser known except the Cowboy pointed it out to me.  
It is a well written lengthy book which is what I think the intended audience would like and it is filled with photo's.  
The  ends with a good 'Notes' section filled with the authors sources.  Mr Slovick is detailed and does an excellent job of writing and detailing the stories of each of the individual players.  The book includes the stories of 7 players including 
Harry Vardon, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Charlie Sifford, 
Ken Venturi and Bruce Edwards.  
I was impressed that  Mr. Slovik included the female golfer Babe Didrikson Zaharias' inspirational story which is subtitled 'Spritual Muscle'.

And the Cowboy thought . . . (the man of few words) If I had purchased this book I would have been disappointed.  I probably would have enjoyed it more if I had borrowed from the library.  The first chapter was hard to read and just didn't flow mainly because Slovik is sighting references and that just began to bog me down. 
Most of the other chapters were interesting and easy to read. 
The chapter featuring Charlie Stifford bogged me down again mostly because I felt there was more about the racial tension on during the time than about his personal struggles.  

Overall we thought this was an o.k.   Someone really interested in the game of gold might have enjoyed the book much more.    Making it a good gift book for a golf enthusiast that 
is really interested in the history of the game.  

I received a complimentary copy of the book from I Tour Book Tours

This review is posted at the following retailers and on Good Reads

Purchase Links: Rowman & Littlefield | Amazon | Barnes & Noble   

This review is posted at MyJourneyback-Thejourneyback

and the following blog party  Create With Joy

Blue Monday--Dreamin' Of The Beach

Today we're a little Blue wishin' we were beatin' the heat at the beach!
                                                                                                                            
     I took this a photo of this Fabulous print when my grandson 
was in the hospital in January.  I just love this scene wish I could find the print. 

And sharing with you a picture painted by my 8 yr. grandson . . .     
                                  

Linking with Blue Monday

Simple Sunday

                                    
                                              May your day be Blessed

When Friday Leads To Saturday

On an occasional Friday night you might find me over at 
Amanda Jean's blog for Finish It Friday.  (click here) 

I enjoy a peaceful evening with a glass of wine sitting at my computer and getting inspiration from the usual over 100 links displaying gorgeous quilts.  

This morning I was inspired to gather a few fabrics together  and join some of the Pink Saturday Parties . . . 
       
My goal was to take these more modern themes and combine with more traditional and vintage fabrics . . . 

Each block is different. I tried not to use the same fabric twice. 
But I am sure eventually I will.  

                        Some fabrics are barely pink 

I sewed up a few blocks . . . 


Here is one  of the fabrics I pulled out and couldn't talk myself into cutting up . . .
                            
I just can't seem to cut this fabric!  Silly I know.   Maybe someday.




I sewed a few more blocks and then I remembered about the monthly challenge over at So Scrappy and decided to step out of my comfort zone . . . 

The challenge was to combine pink and lime green.  Still a work in progress.  We'll see how this one turns out!

This is another one of those projects that I am clueless what I'll do with it.  

There's always the option of a gift, a charity quilt or even maybe letting my mom sell at a craft sale.  

I'm still in a Pink mood so back to the sewing machine for me! 

                       Enjoy your weekend!

Linking with  Scrap Happy Pink Saturday , Pink Saturday , Finished or Not

Brad Stine Comic-DVD Review

                                           
                                         
About the DVD (provided by FishFlix)
Join Christian comedian or “God’s Comic” Brad Stine for 70 minutes of laughs as he studies the world and brings his own unique comedic insights straight to you. Stine has a unique blend of stand-up comedy with just a tinge of preaching and lecturing that will have you laughing out loud but also contemplating your own actions and life. Dedicated to more than just making you laugh, Brad Stine gets serious in moments to challenge you in your faith and your own personal beliefs. He is a man sold out to God and has chosen to use a unique platform to communicate his message: comedy!

Filmed before a small, intimate audience, Brad runs through his routine, showcasing some of his most hilarious routines to date including “Small Town”, “G-O-D”, “O Is for Our Fault”, “Texting and Cell Phones” and “Holiday of Extortion”. Similar in style to other Christian comedians like Tim Hawkins and Mark Gungor, Brad Stine is a hilarious comedian well-versed in the art of making your sides split. In a culture that generally downplays faith and God, Brad Stine helps to bring to light some of the undeniable truths of our Lord and Savior while also making you laugh at some of the oddities of our modern culture.

For more about Brad Stine visit FishFlix here

And what I thought . . . 

I'm a little undecided about how I felt about the DVD.  To me it was a little long.  But there is good in bad in that.  You can actually turn it off if you want and do something else so that is good.  

It is good clean family fun.  Small children will be lost but high schoolers would enjoy.  In fact there is a 16 year old in the audience that is actually part of the entire show. 

This is the part that I'm uncertain about.  I guess it really wasn't what I expected having seen other comics in large venues.  

I kind of had the feeling of a comedy club.  Very small intimate group.   

Again that is neither good or bad.  Just a thought.  

Overall I'd recommend this video.  It would make a great family Christmas present.  I'll probably purchase for my son and his family. 

I wish I could say it was great.  I have to say it was good.  And worthy of a watch. 

I received a complimentary copy from FishFlix in exchange for my honest opinion. 

This DVD is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and 

CBC .  This review is posted at all the above retailers.

Smoothies For Runners-Book Review

                                                            
Overview provided by Barnes and Noble . . .

Smoothie. Doesn't that word just roll off the tongue nicely?

The smoothie has to be one of the greatest inventions (or accidents) in the world of food.
 But for the runner, it can be one of our best friends. A smoothie can be the perfect recovery food after a long run, provide fuel before a workout and offer a quick and nutritious meal on the go.

CJ Has Been a Big Fan of Smoothies For Years

Not only are there endless combinations that taste great, but these same combinations can do wonders for your health. In every smoothie CJ makes, at least one fruit is listed in the ingredients. Some will have more. But in his humble opinion, when you remove fruit, you no longer have a smoothie on your hands.

What You'll Get:
Top 10 Tips and Tricks for Smoothie Prep
What To Eat Before The Run
8 Pre-Run Fuel Smoothie Recipes
What To Eat After The Run
8 Post-Run Recovery Smoothie Recipes
Finding Your Ideal (Racing) Weight
8 Raw Green Smoothie Recipes
8 Healthy Dessert Smoothie Recipes
Plus, a special bonuses at the end!

CJ looks forward to exploring the world of smoothies with you as we seek to give our bodies what they truly crave both before and after a run.

And I thought . . . I received a complimentary e-copy of this fabulous little book.  As I scrolled through the pages I couldn't help but want to go shopping and buy ingredients to make a smoothie.  And, I'm not a fan of smoothies!  I'm not a runner either but reading this book made me wish that I had/have a more active lifestyle.   

Some of the fabulous recipes inclue:

Cinnamon Roll Recovery

Blueberry Bonk

Savory Splits 

Mocha Morning Warm Up 

Each and everyone sounded delicious!  I am going to purchase this book for my daughter who is a new runner.  She would greatly benefit! 

I recommend this book for anyone who wants to get into shape!

I give Smoothies For Runners and high 5, a thumbs up and 5 big 'ole stars. 

I am also posting on Good Reads and linking at blog parties including:

The Art Of Homemaking,  Share Your Cup, Creatively Unleashed, Home Sweet Home Fri.,

Funtastic Friday, Simple Saturdays Blog Hop, Saturday Sparks, Sundays at Home,

Share It One More Time Sundays, Inspire Me Monday, Busy Mondays, The Scoop

Show/Share Tuesday, Tuesday with a Twist, and Wake Up Wednesday.

This review will be posted at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Books A Million.

Wordless Wednesday

                                     
          Linking with:  Outdoor Wednesday, Wordless Wednesday, Create With Joy,
 Imaging Wordless Wednesday, Camera Critters, Eileen's Camera Critters, Share Your Cup,
The Art of Homemaking

Parenting Book Review--52 Ways to Connect

                                                  
About the book (provided by Barbour Books). . . 
In 52 Ways to Connect with Your Smartphone Obsessed Kid, author Jonathan McKee offers just the help you need to have meaningful interaction with your kids instead of always overreacting to their unhealthy consumption of technology and media. In a world where over 80 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds now own a smartphone, parents are searching for ways to pry their kids’ eyes from their devices and engage them in real, face-to-face conversation. Mckee--drawing from his 20-plus years of experience working with teenagers, studying youth culture, and raising three teens of his own--provides an abundant supply of useful tips and creative ideas to help you bond with the Smartphone Generation.

What I thought . . . 
Superb 5 Stars! I just can't say enough good things about this little book.  And it is little.  But it is packed with valuable information for parents!  I wish every parent could have the and would take the opportunity to read this book.  Between it's 188 pages (including Engaging questions at the end)  this author shares worthy advice for all parents.  

Even though I am a grand parent I found the book very easy to read and interesting.  
The chapters are short and easily read in just a few minutes.  I'm a reader that likes short chapters in this kind of book.  It's easy to pick up and read a few pages and then go on about other activities.  A great read for the parent while waiting on a child at soccer or some other activity.   

I'll be purchasing copies for kids for Christmas!

This book has received endorsements from authors like Doug Fields and Jim Burns and others.

I am thankful that I was introduced to Jonathan McKee and his work by Barbour Books. 
You can visit his website for more information.  

I received a complimentary copy of 52 Ways To Connect  Barbour Books in exchange for my honest opinion.  

This review is post and is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and CBC (click the bold type for a direct link)
This review is posted at MyReadingJourneys.blogspot.com and at GoodReads and is linked at
The Art of Homemaking, Share Your Cup and Create Joy.  

Blue Monday Christmas In July

Traditionally at Christmas time I share a post all about Blue Christmas . . . 

Here's a repost did you know it is only 22 weeks till Christmas?

                                                      
                            I love Vintage don't you?  
                       
Of course being a Santa collector I loved this one.  
It is available as a puzzle here. This artists work is amazing.  I'm glad someone pinned it so I could find it!


                              
                              
                                                                        Source
I love festive looking cocktails.  The post here has 30 different 
cocktails.  


Fun free pintable Subway art.  Click here.

                    Source           
Oh my goodness.  I need to make these!
           
                                        Source
This post shared 37 photos.  All Blue!
                               

                                                                  Source
                  Gorgeous.  The Atlanta holiday walk. 
  
                          

Christmas is all about Merry and Bright.  This year Christmas falls on Sunday and we are planning a big event at the boys prison unit where we serve!  I'll be sharing plans between now and them. 

There are 48 boys that will be there at Christmas and away from family.  

Linking today with  Blue Monday.