Home To Paradise-Book Review

About the book 

The series. . . 

Where to buy

About the author...

I was intrigued when I read about the author.  Maybe you will be too. Check out her website and bio.

And I thought. . . 

Nothing like I expected. 

Barbara Cameron is a  new author for me so I didn't really know what to expect.   Sadly I had in my mind another ho hum Amish 

romance.  

And I was wrong!

I was totally enchanted.  Maybe it's because the main settings were the horse farm that John worked at.  And the quilt classes at the local women's shelter where Rose Anna works teaching classes.  Horses and quilts are my two passions. 

It's not just a romance between John and Rose Anna.  It's about the town and the people.  

I enjoyed all the characters from Brooke the quilter suffering from PTSD and her dog King to Kate the female police officer who has her own share of struggles from her past deployment.  

The class atmosphere drew this reader in.  The studio/classes were offered to women from a shelter.  

John's boss Neil who became a compassionate and father figure to John.  And even the horses the stallion Midnight and the mare Willow seemed to have personalities that drew me in. 

Each character was developed and made the story so interesting that I didn't want it to end.  

I enjoyed that most of the chapters ended with John or Rose Anna's thought and/or feelings about what was happening in the chapter... 

'...He might not have much,but he had a skill, a strong body, 

and determination to make his own way. 

He figured he had a lot after all.'

...What a morning thought Rose Anna, joining the other women in laughter.  it had stated with tears and high emotion and was ending in shared laughter.  

Quilting was the thread that bound them together just as it did the women in her community.  It gave them a reason to gather, to share their joy and their pain and their hopes and fostered their creativity...

I enjoyed reading Home To Paradise.  It is a book that has earned a permit home on my book shelf.  

This is a series that I plan to go back and read the other installments.  

I am interested in how the women's shelter came to be.  I wonder if there is more about Kate in the earlier books. 

And I look forward to reading about the romances of the John 

and Rose Anna's siblings.  

I received a complimentary copy of Home To Paradise from Litfuse. 

This review will be posted where the book is available for purchase. 
This review will be posted on Good Reads and My Reading Journeys. 

A New Tuesday Topic

I love topics

If your a regular visitor you'll probably I usually have methodical or topic driven posts.  

Some based on link parties.  

Some posts are written just because I'm kind of crazy and I write about what comes to my mind the day I'm writing.    

At least when I'm not sharing book reviews.  
Today I am introducing a new feature here at the blog.

Welcome to my new Tuesday Topic

What's On My Plate

Lately I've been taking pictures of my lunch or dinner plate

I love cooking and trying new things. We've tried a few new recipes that I have found on pinterest and other blogs over the last few weeks that I'll be sharing.  

Each of my What's On My Plate posts will be scheduled to post at 1:00 a.m. so you'll be able to read my post early if your an early riser. 

My book review posts will be scheduled at 8:00 a.m.  So if your like me and your not an early riser check the sidebar.  

 What's On My Plate will be the featured post on Tuesday's.  

I hope you'll come by often.  Maybe you'll see your recipe featured!    

Please leave comments. 

Have A Wonderful Day

Happy Homemaker Monday -My Plans For The Week

The Weather...

I love the Texas weather. We are jumping between beautiful Spring like days to cloudy Wintery days.

We get 'teases' of spring alot!  I love being teased!

Outside My Window...

Many of you know we moved from an apartment in Oct. to a wonderful house!  I just realized that even though I no longer have a view of an ugly parking lot.  I do have the same view. 

We are 1 house away from a school.  I can't see the school from my house.  But being so close I do see neighbors walking around the school and past my house.  I see lots of people walking dogs.

On My Reading Pile...

All for review in the next couple of weeks.  Most of my reviews are pre-written and scheduled.  I have to write reviews as soon as I finish a book it just works for me.  But this way I can get them scheduled and give myself time to write a regular blog post. 

Starting this week hpefully you'll be able to visit me everyday to see a blog post.  Even if there is a reviewing showing as the main post.  Look at the side-bar for a Featured Post which will be my post of the day.

Something Fun To Share...

The Fabulous Spring/Easter link party!  This months party is 

live over at Our Holiday Journey.  Click Here to visit and link.

On The Menu This Week...

Monday-Chicken Spaghetti, Broccoli Salad, Garlic Bread hmm need another veggie I think

Tuesday--The Cowboy Chef is in the kitchen. 

Wednesday--Briskit, Crockpot Pinto's, One Potato Salad 

Thursday-- Kid Friendly Homemade Mac-n-cheese, Homemade

Chicken Tenders, Homemade Olive Garden Salad & fruit for the kid.

Friday--Tacos, Leftover Beans, Rice

Saturday--Steak I hope we can find some one sale this week. 

Otherwise it will be 'Freezer surprise'

Blog Hopping a new discovered blog...
The other day I met Cecilla at The B Farm.  She has a lovely blog where she shares about home and life.   I enjoyed her latest post about her trip to England.  At the end she shared this . . .

A box to store tea. She made it!  How cute is that?  Click here to read the post and see how she did it. 

On My To Do List...

1. Keep myself organized all week. I seem to lately bog down on Wed after work because I am so tired.
2. Start more seeds in the greenhouse.
3. Rotate wall art and bring in some Spring time to the house
4. Begin planning (with my grandson) my daughters birthday in March.  It will be an elephant party with many 'old' friends
5. Plan a Spring Beatrix Potter tablescape

In The Craft Basket...

Post cards, junk journal for the winner of the February party

Looking Forward To This Week...

Being energetic and not tired at the end of the week.

Looking Around The House...

My sewing/crafting room is coming together.  I have fabric on the shelf now.  The mantle is bare but Spring is in the air.   

I am coveting our library table that is in the living room now. 

Hoping that The Cowboy gets the glass shelves put together this week so the library table can come into my sewing/crafting room.

From The Camera...And One Of My Simple Pleasures

This face ...

She tries not to laugh when he is being photo shy again.  See the entire shoot with no words on Wednesday! 

On The Prayer List...

 BJ Sweet Nothings click here 

to visit her blog.

So that's a few plans for my week.  I hope you have a great week!    

Linking with a few fav's

Happy Homemaker Monday

The Art Of Homemaking
Let's Be Social

This/That..Where I've Been/Where I'm Going

Hello Friends!  It's a beautiful spring like day here deep in the heart of Texas!

Soon we'll be seeing beautiful wildflowers popping up all over the place.  Our roadways are seeded with flowers making springtime a beautiful drive!

I have been lack in posting lately.  And I apologize.  I hope that time has passed.  A few weeks ago my schedule changed from working Tues, Thurs, and Fri. To my new schedule of working 

Wed. Thurs. Fri.  Doesn't sound like much of a change but with a new house to clean that takes two days it's just basically kicked 

my you know what!

I've been so tired that I've barely managed checking email. 
Forgive me for not posting and visiting. 

My Thursday afternoon and evening I usually spend with my grandson and we usually do an art project of cooking project but the last few weeks.  I've settled on the couch for a nap while he plays on his phone.

Our plan is for my schedule to change again soon.  And hopefully I'll have more energy.  And I'll be back to regular posting.  
For now I am pre-writing my posts so that I always have a post here for your visits!

So with all that said here's where I'm going with my plans for the next few weeks here at the blog!

I'm doing a series of book reviews.  I am now working Great Escapes Book Tours . . .  
They are offering some Cozy Mysteries.   I hope you'll come over and check them out.  Maybe plan your collection for summer reading.

 I'm also planing a daily post that will be featured on my sidebar.  So if you come by and see a review don't go away.  Look at the sidebar for a regular post!   

The Fabulous Party is still going on over at Our Holiday Journey

I hope you'll come over and link your posts. 

 March and April is a Spring/Easter feature!  

Come over and link often for a chance to win the Happy Birthday To Me Giveaway

Please remember my 'pretend' Sissy B.J. Mister Sweet in your 
prayers . . . 

.  

 B.J. is a super sweet blogger over at B.J.-Sweet Nothings
She is the 'sweetie' that made the buttons for the Fabulous parties.

Have A Good Week

Simple Sunday-Printable

Source

Have A Good Day

Wordless Wednesday

Add a caption _______________

Have a good day!

Linking with the Wordless Parties

Still Life-Dani Pettrey-Book Review

About the book...(provided by Bethany House)

Someone Is Out There. Watching Her. Waiting. 

Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime-scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime-scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright--and changed her life. But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart.

Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit for which her friend modeled. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead--and the photographer insists he didn't take the shot. Worse, her friend can't be found, and so Avery immediately calls Parker for help.

As Avery, Parker, and their friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.

About the series...

Praise for the Chesapeake Valor series and Cold Shot

"Fans of Pettrey will adore this new romantic suspense series. Dynamic protagonists and an increasingly tense narrative set the scene for a harrowing and thrilling ride."--Library Journal
"An intricate plot, a reunion of friends and an appealing lead couple make this a standout."--Bookliststarred review

Available...

Amazon, B&N, CBC click for a direct link to purchase or read additional reviews.

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, Silenced, and 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 danipettrey.com.

And I thought...

Get ready for a fast paced ride.  From beginning to the end the read will be on a roller coaster of twists and turns.  

Just the kind of ride I love in a suspense novel!

I am an old fan on Dani Pettrey so when I was offered this book by Bethany House and Baker Publishing.

 I signed up as fast as I could!  

The story is intriguing from page one drawing this reader in.  The storyline of Avery's search for her missing best friend is the main focus but there is another story that pulls in the characters from book 1.   

Of course I  loved the main characters Avery and Parker. 

I kind of think you almost have to really like the main characters to enjoy a book.  I loved their banter in a stressful situation they kept their cool and worked in a professional manner especially Avery is 'gritty' getting 'the job' done.   The romance develops through the story even though they each have struggles from their past that conflict with their hopes of a future together.  All ends well though.  That's what makes a good romance!

But there is a negative.  I am truly sorry to say but I wouldn't be writing an honest review if I didn't share my honest thoughts.  

Mainly there are it seems too many characters to keep up with. 

There are actually two different stories going on a terrorist and smuggling along with the search for Avery's missing friend.  

The thing I thought was negative is I couldn't keep the characters straight.  All the characters were introduced in book one.  I wish I had the opportunity to read it first.  I would have enjoyed 

Still Life much more and could liked/enjoyed all the characters more.  

I recommend reading book 1 Cold Shot first which introduces all the characters in Still Life along with one missing character Luke. 

Book 1 is on my 'wish list'.

I was left expecting book 3 to pull all the loose ends together.  

I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House.

This review will be post at Amazon, B&N, CBC  and Good Reads

And will appear on My Reading Journeys

My Husband Doesn't Like Cats--Yah Right!

This is a repost that warmed my heart.  Enjoy!

Today I am doing this . . .

Actually these aren't my boots but aren't they totally cute. I wish I had a pair of red rain boots! But I am tromping through the rain to take care of the animals outside and when I come in this is what my boots and floor look like. 

Actually no these aren't my boots either nor is this my floor. My floor is actually dirty but we can pretend right?












And this is not a photo of my cat but isn't it interesting? 

I was looking for a photo of a rainbow and I saw this one and thought it was neat and well it does actually look like my cat. And I thought it would work for the story I want to tell you about our cats.


In 1988 we bought our first house. The kids were in kindergarten and 2nd grade and we decided we needed animals so we got cats for them. They were really sweet kittens. Our son had a grey striped which he named Stripes (like the one in the photo) and our daughter had a solid black kitten which she named Boo because we got them around Halloween. (we are very creative in our animal names)

Our house was a two story. My husband traveled and so we got a burglar alarm with motion detectors.

We started having problems with the alarm going off when we weren't home or in the middle of the night. We found out it was because the cats would go up and down the stairs and set the motion detectors off. So we started locking the cats in the laundry room at night and while we were gone so they wouldn't roam the house.

My husband is not a cat lover. (so he says)I don't think I mentioned that the kids and I had to beg for the kittens. He is a dog person and just basically tolerated the kittens (he hates a litter box) but he is a good father and of course all kids need animals.

My husband had a habit(still does actually) of staying up late and watching t.v. The kids and I had gone to bed one evening. I went down a little later and found my husband asleep on the couch with our sons kitten Stripes. He had gone into the kitchen for a snack and the kitten was sticking his little paw out from under the door. So my husband took him out. This became his almost nightly ritual he would let the cats out for a while before he went to bed.

As I type this my husband is laying on the couch with the current cat asleep on his stomach.

My husband doesn't like cats. Does yours?    

Linking this repost at The Fabulous Warm Heart Party

 

Linking at some of my favorite parties too . . . 

The Art Of Homemaking
Dagmar's Home Link Party

Dream Create Inspire

Cuppa Tea

Share Your Cup

Talk It Up Thursday

Thoughts of Home

Door To Freedom-Jana Kelley-Book Spotlight/Reviews

About the book (provided by Amazon)

It's rough and it's smooth. It's dark and it's light. It's a masterpiece. It's us. Here in Sudan. We are scared of it and drawn to it. There is an open door, and there is much opposition.

In the dusty, Islamic country of Sudan, Mia, who is raising her family in a Muslim country, has learned to boldly share her faith. Rania, the daughter of a wealthy Sudanese Arab, seeks to find the reason for her sister's sudden disappearance. Mia holds some of the answers, but both women quickly discover they must each walk through their own doors to freedom, the freedom that only comes when you trust God's sovereignty more than manmade security.

Part of New Hope Publishers' line of contemporary missional fiction, Door to Freedom, the sequel to Side by Side, opens the reader's eyes to modern-day persecution and the life of Muslims in Sudan. Based on real-life events, Door to Freedom also reveals some of the struggles that Christians face when living under Islamic law. The reader will be inspired to pray for those who are persecuted for their faith as well as for the salvation of the persecutors.

About the series

About the author 

Jana Kelley is a Texan who hardly ever lives in Texas. Raised in Southeast Asia, Jana developed a love for cross-cultural living early in life. Her love for writing came soon after. Jana returned to Texas to attend college. She and her husband married a month after she graduated and by their second anniversary, they were living in a remote African town. Together with her husband and three boys, Jana enjoys travel and overseas living. After thirteen years in Africa and the Middle East, Jana and her family moved to Southeast Asia where they currently live. You can learn more about Jana at www.JanaKelley.com.

Available

Amazon, B&N, CBC

I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse

Happy Homemaker Monday

The Weather...

Can't ask for better.  The weekends have been beautiful.  

Rain is predicted but should be gone by noon.  The end of winter and beginning of Spring in Texas is gorgeous. Most years.

On My Reading Pile...

A few print copies from some favorite authors all for review. 

And a few new to read on my phone...

    

Favorite  Blog Post From Last Week (mine or other)

My Simple Sunday post featuring a printable 

by The Time Warp Woman 

 Here's my link to the printable with a link to TWW.

Something Fun To Share...

A new link party for this week at Our Holiday Journey

Come over and link your 'Warm Heart Posts'.  Any post that warms your heart.  Here's the link. 

Blog Hopping (newly discovered)

I love the name of this blog.  Amore, Pasta & Pizza.  A yummy food blog.  Click here to visit.

On The Menu...

Monday--Mushroom Ravioli, Salad, Bread

Tuesday--Chef Cowboy Choice

Wednesday--Chicken Strips, Mashed Potato's, Fried Zucchini

Thursday--Kid Friendly  Blue Box Mac&Cheese (AKA Kraft)

Pork Chops, Green Beans

Friday--Spaghetti, Salad, Bread

Saturday--Taco's, Beans, Rice

Sunday--Hmmm... Sunday Supper What should I cook.  Come over for my new Sunday feature!

On My To Do List...

What I wanna do...

• I've unpacked a lot of books hoping to get them on shelves.
• We've decided to go ahead and put together the glass shelves as an entertainment unit. Hope to get started.
• Plant more seeds get veggie and flowers started
• Finish unpacking fabric and getting it sorted folded and on shelves.

Looking Forward To This Week...

Being off work on Monday and Tuesday.  My new schedule of working Wed. Thurs. and Friday is tough!

Looking Around The House...

Valentines are going away and different decor. is coming out. 

I've added my church prints to the dining room.  Changed the mantle and the glass room room.  I need to take photo's to share!

From The Camera...

On The Prayer List...

My blogger friend B.J.  and Mr. Sweet's Health.  Click Here to visit B.J.'s blog. 

Linking the plans for my week with Happy Homemaker Monday hosted by Sandra at Family Corner 

Simple Sunday

Source

The Timewarp Woman

The Jesus Club-Brian Barcelona-Book Spotlight

About the book (from Amazon's discription)

How a Simple Act of Obedience Is Igniting Revival in Our Nation's Schools
What happens when a teenage convert from atheism hears a challenge from the Lord--and decides to act on it? This true story is the catalyst for a move of God that is taking the high schools of America for Jesus.

Brian Barcelona, a dynamic leader on the forefront of youth evangelism, recounts how he answered God's call on his life with dramatic and miraculous results. Just a few months out of high school, Brian obeyed God's directive to return to his alma mater and preach the gospel to the kids in the Bible club. Suddenly lives began to be changed. Hearts were saved. Numbers grew. Soon other schools joined in, sparking a youth revival in which thousands of teens are letting Jesus heal their lives.

This remarkable story will inspire you to reach out to others, particularly young people, and believe that God will equip you for the call he gives you. Let your heart be energized through simple acts of obedience and watch as God does mighty things!

About the author... (provided by TBN)

Brian Barcelona is the visionary and founder of One Voice Student Missions. 

He was a former atheist who at age 16 had a love encounter with God that changed his life forever. Brian’s passion is to see every high school student in the nation heard The Good News and be saved, discipled and sent. 

One Voice Student Missions was founded in Northern California with Brian and a group of high school students. He started by preaching the Gospel in their high schools and began seeing thousands saved. Bible Clubs were growing as big as 600 students, gathering every week during lunch in various campuses. 

Now, Brian is a voice that calls the youth of America to surrender their lives to Jesus along with calling the local churches in America to reach their most “unreached mission field” - public high schools. 

He resides in Los Angeles, CA and is under the leadership of Pastor Netz Gomez, the senior pastor of Houses of Light Church in Northridge. 

CONTACT INFO

One Voice Student Missions

1530 Elizabeth Street

Pasadena, CA 91104

www.onevoicestudentmissions.com

office@onevoicestudentmissions.com

Facebook / Instagram: One Voice Student Missions

OVSM Twitter:  OneVoice1963

Instagram: BrianMBarcelona

Snapchat: OVSM63

626-398-2146

Click here for the TBN video interview.

The Forward by Nick Vujicic

The story of how God has used Brian Barcelona in high school campuses through One Voice Student Missions is one that has changed lives of thousands of students across this country.  I personally have seen and believe that now more than ever there is a window of opportunity that we must seize to reach the youth of this nation right where they are every day.  The awakening of local churches to reach youth is happening like never before, and everyone is asking, "How do we reach the next generation?"

One Voice Student Ministries is wisely and strategically using the local church as a focal point to sponsor the mission field where the Good News still can be shared.  While that window remains open,

now is the time of salvation and discipleship!  This book is one I would recommend you read-- to get

inspired but also to realize what is possible and that you can live out these stories in your city campuses as well.  You will be moved, challenged, not to just sit in back in the church seats as "consumers"

but be moved, to go and love students unconditionally.  If you're a student, pastor or leader, I 

encourage everyone to see this model and book of testimonies as a way that we as the body can be unified in our vision to see Jesus lifted high for all to see. 

Available...

Purchase at these retailers or read reviews.

Amazon, Barnes&Noble, CBC

Control Girl-Shannon Popkin-Book Review

See below for info. and link to enter

About the book (provided by Litfuse)
Lessons on Surrendering Your Burden of Control from 7 Women in the Bible (January 2017, Kregel)

Tension, anger, fear, anxiety—it all begins with a heart that craves control.

Little fights with your husband and kids. Unhappiness when things don’t match your version of perfect. When your perspective of how life should go replaces God’s, you doom your quest for security, peace, and joy before it even starts.

Thankfully, there is a better way.

Join Shannon as she shares what she has discovered about her own control struggles and
about God from studying seven Control Girls in the Bible. Whether it was Eve’s desire to know instead of trust, Sarah’s inability to wait for God to move, or Rebekah’s controlling hand on her family’s future, each of these women’s stories contain warnings and lessons for us today.

Learn how you too can lay down this burden of trying to control everything and find rest in surrendering to the One who truly is in control.

Available
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBC



About the author 
Shannon Popkin is a wife and mom, a speaker and teacher, and a leader of small group studies. She's been published by "Family Fun," "MOMsense," "Focus on the Family Magazine," and other outlets. She is a contributing blogger for True Woman.com and has blogged for several years at shannonpopkin.com. "Control Girl" is her first book.
Click Here to visit the author site which includes additional resources. 

And I thought
A great resource for all women.  We all seem to have areas that we feel a need to control.  Which is not unlike some of the women of the Bible.  To 'control' seems to be an ageless 
The author begins the by detailing 'the path of a Control Gil'.
Followed by separate chapters featuring 7 women of the Bible 
including:
Eve, Sarah, Hagar,Rebekah,Leah,Rachel and Miriam. 
Ending with Control Girl To Jesus just the title of the final chapter is/was an encouragement to this reader. 
Each chapter is easy to read with short sections breaking the chapters up making them easy to read in short spurts of time. 
Each chapter ends with questions to ponder. 

This would be an excellent book for a group study. 

This review will appear at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBC and Good Reads
I received a complimentary copy of Control Girl from Litfuse
This review will appear at MyReadingJourney

The Giveaway

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Control Girl
• A Vera Bradley tote
• A rose gold arrow bracelet
• A set of Moleskine journals

,

Click Here To Enter

Click Here to visit