Photo Friday

Hello.  Welcome to Photo Friday the day I share the story behind
a photo I shared for my Wordless Wednesday post.  

Here's the photo

I thought it was a cool pic.  And a few people left some great comments/captions . . . 

. . . Let there be light

. . . The Christmas lantern is lit.

Great ideas.  Hmmm how about a few more pics to give you some more ideas . . . Hmmm so Pinterest where I store my photo's is not working!  Bummer.

. . . 

Here's the story.  Last week I had a house full of company.  It was 

a Blessing to have our son and his family for a few days.  And they 

arrived just in time for my birthday! Actually they came for my 

M.I.L's memorial.  We were just glad they could come!

We planned to have a fire pit on Saturday night but the weather was frigid and raining! 

So we waited until Sunday.  It was a fun night.  We had sparklers left form our daughters wedding in May.  I have some great photo's to share on another day!  

The fire pit was nice but the wonderful new heater in the photo made my night.  I love the heater.  We found it on the side of the 

road.  Well Cowboy did.   The owner said it worked at it did. 

Just had to get a new hose.  Their lose was our gain and a huge 

Blessing for us. 

Thanks for visiting.  I am sorry there are no more photo's I'll 

add more as soon as Pinterest decides to work. 

Have a Wonderful Friday

Silent Days, Holy Night by Phyllis Clark Nichols-Just Read Tour-Giveaway

About the book 

Title: Silent Days, Holy Night
Author: Phyllis Clark Nichols
Publisher: Gilead Publishing
Release Date: October 30, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction/Christmas

The sounds of Christmases past echo through a silent house…

Everyone in town knows Emerald Crest, the green granite mansion atop the highest hill: the legendary, lavish Christmas festivities that used to light up the nights— and the silence that followed when the parties abruptly stopped many years ago. And everyone has heard whispers about the reclusive, mysterious master of the manor, Henry Lafferty the Second . . .

When eleven-year-old Julia Russell steps into the great house for the first time and meets Mr. Lafferty, the entire course of her life is altered. She meets a man who is nothing at all like the rumors she’s heard from neighbors and classmates. He’s kind and extraordinarily talented—he also happens to be deaf and uses a wheelchair. And when she overhears a secret about him, Julia decides it’s time for the town to bring Christmas back to Emerald Crest—an act that will change them all forever.

And I thought

If you have a few hours and need a good read this is the one. 

It is even perfect to share with the family.  A cozy evening read for everyone.  And that doesn't happen often.  You'll be smiling as you turn the pages and maybe shedding a tear or two.  

It's just that kind of story.  I cannot say how good it is.  

The characters are charming and delightful. 

The story is not only heartwarming it's touching. 

Silent Days, Holy Night would make a great gift book.  Your 

friends or family will want to keep this one to read again and again

as a perfect Christmas book to keep. 

I received a complimentary copy. 

My review will appear on retail sites and Good Reads.

Buy the book 

 Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository

Visit the tour

Giveaway

Visit the tour to enter.  Click here. 

Wordless Wednesday

Welcome To Wordless Wednesday 

A post with no words

Add a caption ______________

Come back Friday for the story

Eggs On Ice by Laura Childs-Great Escapes Tour

About the book 

Some say that casting crusty attorney Allen Sharpe as Scrooge in the Kindred Players production of “A Christmas Carol” is just playing to type. He’s not the most beloved man in town. In fact, you’d have a dickens of a time finding someone who liked him. Still it’s a shock when the Ghost of Christmas Past stabs him during the first rehearsal. Suzanne, co-owner of the Cackleberry Club café, Kindred’s favorite combination diner, craft store and bookshop, chases the murderer out of the building but loses him in the alley.

As the days pass the list of suspects grows longer. Is it the disgruntled partner? The former secretary whom Sharpe sexually harrassed? Or is it fellow owner of the Cackleberry Club, Toni’s almost ex-husband, Junior? The women of the Cackleberry Club are determined to find the killer before he can add another victim to his Christmas list.

And others are saying

Sweet town filled with wonderful characters that will make you feel like you are home while keeping you guessing along the way.
~Books a Plenty Book Reviews

The first murder occurs in the opening pages, and its haunting image stayed with me throughout the book.
~The Power of Words

This time I was totally gobsmacked when the killer was revealed. Not on my radar, not in my wildest dreams. Twists galore sent me in a whole different direction.
~Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

Laura Childs is a gifted author when it comes to blending the setting and the characters into her mysteries.
~Carla Loves To Read

A really compelling cozy mystery laden with intrigue . . .
~Mallory Heart’s Cozies

I love the characters in this series. Petra, Toni, and Suzanne always crack me up and leave me with all the feels.
~Valerie’s Musings

I really like the fact that the Cackleberry Club is always prepared to step up and do something for someone else, whether an individual or a group, charity doesn’t always begin at home sometimes it begins at the Cackleberry Club.
~A Wytch’s Book Review Blog

Ms. Childs starts her books off quickly with a crime, which moves the story along instead of dragging down the pace with too much backstory and set up . . . there is a heart-pounding conclusion to wrap the story up, and had me sitting on the edge of my seat.
~Cinnamon, Sugar and a Little Bit of Murder

Eggs on Ice is a cute and humorous cozy mystery set is a charming small town filled with off-beat individuals.
~The Avid Reader

And I thought

I met Laura Childs only a year ago when I got the chance to read 

a book from her Tea Shop series.  I asked myself then what rock I had been under!  That book and series was a delight. 

Eggs On Ice from the Cackleberry Club is just as much fun! 
The town is warm and cozy.  Even though crime is a foot and murder always seems to hang around.  

The read is fast paced with the big crime happening just pages in 
leading the reader on a little journey that ends with a bit of a surprise at the end.  

Laura gives us some great characters that are charming and a bit quirky and funny but fun non the less.   

I enjoyed Eggs On Ice and can't wait till the next chance to read another Laura Childs book.  

I received a complimentary copy.
My review will appear on retail sites and good reads.

Followers of My Journey Back watch for a post including a yummy recipe from the book.  

Buy the book 

Amazon    B&N    Kobo   Google Play   IndieBound 

Visit the tour

To read more reviews, and guest posts click here. 

Giveaway

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Prepare Him Room by Marty Machowski-Advent Devotional

About the book 

Make Room for a New Christmas Tradition

Christmas traditions become a treasured part of a family’s heritage, passed down from generation to generation. This brand new, four-week devotional guides your family on an unforgettable advent journey, exploring some of the most wonderful prophecies in the Bible and how God fulfills them in Christ.

Prepare Him Room is a tool to help families focus on Jesus during the Christmas season. Tying together the whole Christmas story from the prophecies concerning Jesus; to his birth, death, and resurrection; culminating in the return of Jesus, Marty Machowski challenges families to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.” – Sally Michael, Cofounder of Children Desiring God; author

From Bible devotions which tell the Christmas story through the eyes of the prophets to an original Christmas short story called “Bartimaeus,” Prepare Him Room helps you build family Christmas traditions around Christ. The memorable and meaningful activities, songs, and stories of Prepare Him Room will become the fabric of your family’s Christmas memories. So gather them to watch the amazing gospel story unfold every December for generations to come!

Praise for Prepare Him Room

If you want to be purposeful about making this December more Christ-centered for your children, then look carefully at this little book. Marty Machowski provides the ideas, the plans, and the details: all you have to do is follow his lead. He will help your family have a more gospel-filled Christmas season.” – Donald S. Whitney, Professor of Biblical Spirituality, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY; author of Family Worship: In the Bible, in History, and in Your Home

Prepare Him Room is one of the best resources I’ve seen to counter the commercialism, materialism, and sentimentalism that our culture serves up each Christmas. Through Scripture, creative stories, crafts, songs, prayers, and activities, families will be able to reflect on Christ’s birth and the gospel with wonder, gratefulness, and joy. It was a privilege to collaborate with Marty on this project, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.” – Bob Kauflin, Director of Sovereign Grace Music

Yet again, Marty Machowski gives us a solid, gospel-centered resource in his new book Prepare Him Room. I deeply appreciated the Advent devotionals that consistently pointed to Christ, and my children kept begging me to read the story of Christopher and the Bartimaeus house! In addition, new Advent songs by Bob Kauflin and activities for the children all make this a wonderful resource for every Advent season. Our family will treasure this for years to come.” – Deepak Reju, Pastor of Biblical Counseling and Families, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington, DC; president, Biblical Counseling Coalition; author of The Pastor and Counseling and On Guard

And I thought

I wish I had this book when my children were young. 

Prepare Him Room is an excellent Advent Devotional for families.

The activity is meant to begin on December 1st but there are not activities everyday making it east to fit into a busy schedule.

There are only 3 days activities for each week. 

Each weeks of activities include:

Bible Verses to memorize or discuss

Suggestions for Prayers

Suggestions for songs 

Suggestions to talk about each devotional/theme

Craft activities

Families can include all the family in the devotional times.  Younger children may not be able to do all the activities.

The book is a medium sized hardcover containing 82 pages.  

I recommend for all families.  It is economically priced so that you

could 'gift' a copy to family, friends or your church library.

There are also resources for churches to use.  

I received a complimentary copy from New Growth Press. 

My review will appear on retail sites and Good Reads. 

The book will be spotlighted on social media. 

Buy the book  

                                Amazon CBC 

As I was gathering buy links I noticed that CBC offers the book for $12.99.  It is $14.39 at Amazon

                                                         

Simple Sunday -The Fabulous Party

Have A Blessed Day

My love of Christmas is why I started the Our Holiday Journey blog. 

And ultimately The Fabulous Party

I would love to see your Christmas posts. 

Old or new.  

We love them all.

Link up.

Happy Homemaker Monday-Merry Christmas Edition

Welcome to Happy Homemaker Monday
I am joining Sandra at Family Corner
She provides the prompts.  I add a few of my own.

The weather 

Fall in Texas.  How I wish I could be outside.  It's a bit chilly in the
mornings and them warms up nicely.  Some days no sweater is even needed in the mornings.  

Right now I am 

Enjoying the sun shining in my window and waiting on a breakfast 
casserole to come out of the oven 

Thinking

Hope Happy I am.  This week our son and his family are coming to visit.  

On the breakfast plate

I found the recipe on pinterest.  Click here.

On my reading pile

I always have a lot.  You can see what I have been reading over at my book blog.  Click here. 
Today though I wanted to share this one here.  It is so good.  I wanted you all to know about it!

This is a family devotional and I am sorry I didn't look at it sooner so I could share it. It's being featured by the publisher and I received a complimentary copy.  I'll be writing a review.

But you can visit the authors site to learn more.  Click here. 

On the t.v.

Old family videos. We got out the VCR and old films to show the kids.

On the menu this week 

Not planning a menu.  I am still getting Christmas decorations up and preparing for the kids visit.  Here is a list of a few of the things I'll/we will be cooking 
Smoked Briskit,Venison and Chicken D.I.L's homemade Pizza,
Smoked Jalapeno Poppers, Smoked Pineapple
Hash brown Casserole, Baked Potatoes, Pasta Salad, Fruit Tray,
Broccoli Casserole, Green Bean Casserole, Mexican Street Corn, 
Green Chili Rellenos, Pinto's, Guacamole. And I'll make another Breakfast Casserole.  (Today I am testing the recipe)
On Wednesday we are making sugar cookies for the kids to decorate Thursday or Friday

On my To Do list

Today: Bake a Chocolate Bundt Cake and a Lemon Bundt Cake
            Finish decorating
            Laundry/clean
The rest of the week: Cook/Bake/Clean and put my feet up!
Thursday thru Monday Enjoy

My Ta Da moment(s)

Patiently waiting till Thursday!

What I am creating 

A welcoming home filled with wonderful aromas and a festive environment.

The Fabulous Party Features

Carol at Comfort Spring Station shared tips.  Click here to read her post.  

Jennifer Lambert shared these tips on Essential Oils.  Click here. 

You can join the party too!  Come by anytime  and link!

Looking around the house

 

Santa Claus already came to town!

From the camera 

I've been cuddling with a quilt (the first I ever made) that I brought home from my mothers.  Domino seems to know not to lay on it. 

Scripture/Devo.

Photo Friday

Welcome to my sometimes Friday Feature

Photo Friday

Where I share the story behind my 

Wordless Wednesday Post

Read Me A Story Mommy

Thanks to everyone that visited and left comments.  I loved the comment and caption from mine and Domino's friend.

This is our friend Molly.  She lives way up north where it's cold.  They came up with the best caption for our photo. Click here to visit their blog. 

And now what you've all been waiting for the story. 

I was reading this book the other day

It was a very good book and I'll share a review soon.  

But today is all about Domino and what she is actually saying at the moment that she has her head in my lap.  

I think I'll share the story first in a photo. 

As sweet as the 'Read me a story' caption was.  She was really telling me I was sitting in her chair and she wanted in it!

Actually it's not her chair but she has taken it over.  It is my mothers chair we brought it to our house for when she comes for a visit.  

       I guess Domino is just keeping it warm for her!

The funny thing is the only spot we had for it was in The Cowboy man-cave room.  Notice the flag hanging behind the chair.  Cracks me up every time I look at it.  I know my mother will love that!

Thanks again for stopping in.  Have a wonderful Friday!

Book Spotlight-I Read Book Tours-Steps to Knowing God by Correna R. Barzey

About the book 

Book Details:

Book Title: Steps to Knowing God by Correna R. Barzey
Category: Adult Non-Fiction, 118 pages
Genre: Christian Living
Publisher: Westbow Press
Release date: February 28, 2018
Tour dates: Nov 12 to 30, 2018
Content Rating: G

Book Description:

For an action-packed revelation on how to live a satisfied life with Christ, every page of this book highlights the truth of God and His desires for us. It is filled with spiritual nutrients and helpful tools that will transform and change lives for the glory of God, thus giving us the ammunition needed to withstand the evil one Gaining a better understanding of God and developing spiritual qualities that will deepen your devotion to Him and will steadily transform you into His likeness.

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Google Play ~ Kobo ~ Christianbook.com

​

Visit all the stops on the tour by visiting here.

Giveaway

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Wordless Wednesday-Add A Caption

Welcome to Wordless Wednesday

The day I share a photo and no words. 

I would love to see your idea of a caption

Add a caption ____________________

Have A Great Day

Simple Sunday-The Fabulous Party

Source

And now for the party. 

I am behind because of Thanksgiving and Decorating but I will Pin all links. 

Let's Party

Have A Wonderful Day!

Simple Sunday-The Fabulous Party

Source

Have A Blessed Thanksgiving 

Saturday Blessings-This/That

 

I hope you all had a great week  and got a chance to come by for a visit.  I had planned to share some great Christmas reading options but my week turned out very busy. 

My Mother in Law has been ill so we've been spending a lot of time with her and my mother who is in a Nursing Facility.   On Thursday 

my M.I.L. passed away.  

It was expected but unexpected that it was so soon.  But my Cowboy was able to help her out and spend a lot of time with her over the last few months.  There is a lot to deal with now and his siblings are not accepting of his involvement so he is having a difficult time.  

I am praying that My Cowboy will be able to establish a new/better relationship with his brother today and that they can work together.  

Today I am staying home to catch up on laundry and cleaning. 

Our new Son in Love is coming by with our grandson to help me get the 'big' Christmas tree out of the garage.  It's the one we were Blessed to find in the box at the curb.  It fit perfectly in our space. 

But it is 'big'. 

I hope you have a Blessed Day

Wreath Between The Lines by Daryl Wood Gerber

About the book 

The Agatha Award–winning author of Pressing the Issue returns to the Cookbook Nook, where Jenna Hart is busy decking the halls and ducking a killer . . .

The holidays are Jenna Hart’s favorite time of year, but just as she’s decorating the Cookbook Nook for all the festive events, her imperious older sister makes a surprise visit, anxious that her husband’s been more naughty than nice. To make matters worse, her father’s good friend Jake shows up on her doorstep with a frantic report that his friend has been murdered—trussed with Christmas lights and impaled with a tree star.

Worried that Jake was the intended victim, Jenna makes a list of suspects and checks it twice. Swapping her Santa’s hat for a sleuthing cap, she gets busy investigating Jake’s long-lost sister, his Grinch of a neighbor, and a stamp collector who covets Jake’s most treasured piece. When Jake himself is poisoned and nearly dies, Jenna knows she’ll have to do whatever it takes to corner the culprit before it’s lights out for Jake . . .

Includes tantalizing holiday recipes!

And I thought

A Merry Christmas read with a little bit of mystery.  This is my 
first chance to read this series and this one was delightful. 
All the holiday cheer in the midst of the mystery of who did in 
Jake's friend is a fun and fast read. 
I enjoyed the characters it was easy to stay interested in the story as your enticed by the setting of the cookbook shop.  I wanted to go shopping myself. 
The plot/storyline has some twists and turns and there is some family drama that adds to the mix.  Giving nothing away here but just a tidbit Jenna's Brother in Law might be a wee bit of trouble 
gasp Does he have an alibi for the night that Jakes friend is stabbed with a Christmas star and trussed like a turkey. 
And even worst Jenna's sister fear what exactly is her husbands alibe?

 The plot thickens as the suspects line up  and a strange homeless woman begins hanging around town.  

Wreath Between The Lines is a fun Christmas themed cozy read.
I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more in this series. 

I received a complimentary copy. 
My review will appear on retail sites and Good Reads. 



Buy the book 

Amazon

Visit the tour

Click here to visit the tour.

mistletoe in mayhem by L..E. RicGoddess Fish Promotions-Book Blast

This is a spotlight post only

I have not had the opportunity to read.

About this post.  I this one sounded like a fun read and so I join the tour promote and share with you.  I hope I get the chance to read it soon.  Let me know if you do!  If you want to read reviews and check it out scroll down to the visit tour for the list and links to read more posts. 

About the book 

A Christmas Wedding In Mayhem 

You’re cordially invited to the wedding of the century! Please join bride-trying-not-to-be-a-zilla Hennessy O’Halloran and her prince-in-shining-snow-boots as they finally say, “I do.” Unless a rogue wedding planner and a blizzard that takes out the entire Midwest can stop them, these two will get married on Christmas. The town of Mayhem will make sure of it. 

A Surprise Baby In Mayhem 

The town of Mayhem, Minnesota, is about to have a population explosion…and the Whiskey Sisters are getting more than they expected! While newlyweds Henny and Bryan are anxiously awaiting not one but two little bundles of joy, Jameson and Scott are focusing on planning their own perfect wedding, with only one troublesome toddler in tow. But babies have a way of arriving on their own schedules…and fate has a way of intervening in this quirky hamlet. Now, the couple finds themselves scrambling to beat the clock—and the odds—to their own happily ever after before their unexpected special delivery arrives. 

Travel to the quirky town of Mayhem, Minnesota, with these two companion novellas that prove love, and sisterhood, will always save the day.   wedding planner and a blizzard that takes out the entire Midwest can stop them, these two will get married on Christmas. tow. But babies have a way of arriving on their o, will always save the day.

Buy the book 

Amazon

B&N

Visit the tour

Click here for links to reviews on the tour.