"Handbag Workshop" by Anna Mazur Reviewed for NetGalley

Loved this book!
The step by step photos were so helpful and the walk-through of how to-s are spot on.
I have made some bags in the past, and SO wished that I had had this book earlier for making those bags. I am sure I would not have made silly mistakes, or struggled with the things I did if I had read this book before attempting to make a bag.

The use of fabrics and the notions are spot on! The help with adding lined pockets and 2 way zippers are invaluable. The different presser foots for the sewing machine and threads are also talked about.
This is so much better than an online pattern or a video tutorial as Anna covers all the little how-tos that make a bag special and professional looking.

Again, I am so happy to have this book!! And would happily recommend it to any bag sewers I know.

NetGalley did not do a good job of translating this book into a readable format for kindle. The photos are out of sync with the text and makes following the tutorials harder. Otherwise, it is a wonderful book.

5 out of 5 stars.

**This was a digital ARC book received from Net Galley. All views are my own, I received no compensation for my review. **

Review of "A Lady at Willowgrove Hall" by Sarah Ladd for Net Galley

I enjoyed this book - especially after reading "The Curiosity Keeper" also by Sarah Ladd.

Like a lot of us, Cecily Faire has a secret... one she carries with her and influences all the the thoughts and decisions she makes. This fact is laid out in the beginning of the book with a tumultuous scene with her father which splits the family and from her twin. Time passes and Cecily is introduced to Willowgrove Hall where she is to be a companion. Upon arriving she is introduced to Nathaniel Stanton - who is Willowgrove's Steward, has a secret that is thrust upon him and seems to rule his fate and keep him stuck in decisions not of his own making.

The tale is intriguing and most engaging! As Cecily grows closer to Nathaniel, his sisters, and the Mistress of Willowgrove whom she was to be companion to, she learns what family is really about and what trust is and how the past can rule you if you do not let it rest and move on.

I loved that in this book there were references to prayer and to faith. Cecily was given a book of the Proverbs and she comforted Mrs Tryst (to whom she was companion) and in turn found comfort in it too. This display of Christianity was not forced or focused on, but was a quite witness and reminder. 

This was a lovely read, with no drawbacks or negatives.
I would recommend this book to all my friends.

A lovely regency read!

4 out of 5 Stars

**This was a digital ARC book received from Net Galley. All views are my own, I received no compensation for my review. **

Journey's Ending... with hope and reconciliation. A Review...

When the Soul Mends - Sisters of the Quilt, Book 3... by Cindy Woodsmall, as reviewed by Tami.

A book full of re-connections and rediscovery. Hannah Lapp has gone through a long journey in 2 other books to get to the point she is in book 3. From a tragic rape, rejection and fleeing to the unknown... to the strong confident nursing student we meet in "When the Soul Mends". I had not read the other 2 books of this series (and seem to be getting the end of alot of stories with my review books) but was able to get the idea of the story by reading this book, I do think that the book would have had more impact and made more sense if I had read the other 2 books.

A well written story of hope about Hannah Lapp as she journeys home to help her sister - and reconnects with family, friends and an order and pace of life that is a part of who she is. Being pulled between helping her sister and attending school and being engaged to an 'Englisher' with whom she is helping raise 2 children. The 2 worlds and pace of life are highlighted and compared neatly in this book... without blame or making the other better. And served to show how Hannah was part of both... yet like all of us a time of choosing comes around.

I really enjoyed Hannah's growth to discover that it's okay to want the things that bring joy to your soul. To listen to ones inner voice is what brings peace in the long term. 

Ms Woodsmall did a great job bringing the characters to life and making all the situations believable. I loved the reconciliation theme and the longing to have that peace in ones soul that passes all understanding.

I am sure this is a great series... enjoy it~

3 of 5 stars.


Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. The words and thoughts used to describe the book are strictly my own.

A Ball of a Story!

The Lightkeeper's Ball is the third installment for the Lightkeeper's trilogy (or The Mercy Falls Series). Ms Coble did a lovely job in making this a fine stand alone read. Having not read the other 2 previous books in the series, I was able to read and understand all that was going on without missing any vital information.

This story is an excellent mystery and romance rolled into one. With just the right amount of Christianity showing through, it warms the soul and dispels doubt with hope and freedom.

Our main character in this book is Olivia Stewart, who is being forced to marry a man she does not know - her sister's fiancé. With the death of her sister a mystery, Olivia sets out to find out more about the death of her sister and the man that she is going to be engaged to. Leaving the security of the New York social set for the relative wilderness of California - in the age of innovation and invention... The book weaves the tale of determination and courage when everything seems to be against you.

With the lighthouse destroyed by a sever storm, Olivia plans an elaborate ball to raise the funds to rebuild the needed lighthouse. So the story gets it's title.

This book highlights the trait of honor... And shows how worthy it can be for a person. And hints to the fact that God is a personal God who sees all, knows all and is involved in even the small things of your life. Which is the journey our main character takes.

One thing I would have liked to see in the book, but was not, was the small church mentioned in the book by some of the characters. Perhaps that is explored more in the other 2 books. The main character, Olivia, mentions that her church is a social event... Who's who, and who wore what... While in Mercy Falls the church is a different more real experience.

Unlike some other books I have read, I do not feel compelled to read the other books in the series. It would be nice... But I do not NEED to.

Our second main character is Harrison Bennett, who shows us the meaning of finding a balance between passion and gifts from God. We are all given these for reasons... If we use them to better others then they are a blessing, and will grow. This was a nice twist and a touch that was not needed but surely made one consider gifts and purpose.

A short, comfortable read, this book offers. But to the casual reader who is in search of a quick diversion from life's busy pace. With a murder/suicide to solve, an attraction to deal with and friends to support and guide - makes this book fun and a delight.

A Scottish Biblical Ruth?

Mine Is the Night - by Liz Curtis Higgs  as reviewed by Tami.

This is the second and conclusion book in a series based loosely on the Book of Ruth from the Bible. I have not had the privileged to read the 1st book of this series - but was very glad to get the 2nd book as I love historical fiction books!

As a stand alone read. This book does just fine with out knowing all that happened in the 1st book, but does reference some things in the 1st book, and explains them - as a memory - so you are included with the character in real time with out feeling you've missed a vital step somewhere. Great Job on that Ms Higgs!

Our main character, Elizabeth Kerr - affectionately known as Bess - is the reflection of the Biblical Ruth. A recent widow, who chooses to embrace Christianity and because of that chooses to stay with and assist her mother-in-law - Marjory Kerr. Like the Biblical story, these two start out with virtually nothing but faith. And hope that God will provide all their needs. Having supported the wrong side of the war - they are labeled as rebels and are fleeing for the relative safety of the Scottish Highlands where Marjory lived as a young bride.

This time period in history where ones religion is mingled with ones political allegiance - leaves our two Kerr women with doubts as to the churches acceptance of them. (An aspect of Ruth I had not thought about...) Having supported the "wrong" side and having become widowed and penniless - the church has an obligation to see if the heresy is or has been spurned by the member... if not the member is cast out and not supported or welcomed by the church and it's members.  This all adds to the drama and suspense in the two ladies lives.

I truely enjoyed the fact that Ms Higgs included other characters - such as the cousin Anne Kerr and Michael the tailor. These add flavor and friendships that lend support to the Kerr's. And gives practice to the women in being proactive about Love and matters of the heart.

On the subject of matter's of the heart... the book is delightful in the way it shows hope and equality in a time where class and station are very much relevant and can hinder the matters of the heart more then help. As today there are many obstacles that arise when you decide you are actually in love. So with the Kerr women - all three are deeply smitten - yet do not want to fly too far in the wind of convention or society that they maybe outcast completely. Suffice to say  - love in Christ conquers all!

And as the Book of Ruth ends in a birth - so does this one... with the promise of a new generation and restoration of honor.

I LOVED this book!! And would LOVE to read the 1st one... maybe sometime. ;)

I look forward to reading another book by Ms Higgs...

Five out of Five Stars!!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Video Review



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Mom - What's 'the World' ?

Book Review of "God Gave us the World" by Lisa T. Bergren

Finally!! A book I can review and sit with my boys to read. I have 3 boys - 4,5 and 8. All of whom LOVE reading... so one weekend the 2 little ones sat with me and we read this book. My 5 yr old loved it! And kept asking why all the bears looked different and why the little bear kept asking questions. Too funny as he is my question asker. While the youngest did not quite grasp the book - until I kept pointing out the photos of the different bears and asking him (when his brother was not asking questions) what the differences were between the bears and what they ate.


This is a fun book which highlights the differences and similarities between the bear families and habitats. While they are all bears, they all look and act differently. The main message in this book is that God is good and love us all no matter what we look like or eat. He made each of us special just the way we are.


I give this book 3.5 stars out of 5


I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Seek Me With All Your Heart - Review

A Review of 'Seek Me with all your Heart' by Beth Wiseman

Unlike most Amish books, this one is not set in the traditional settings of the Pennsylvania Dutch areas. But is a tale of leaving hurt and trouble, memories and pain, burdens and preconcieved notions behind and starting fresh in a new area... namely Colorado!

2 families move into the area with in 6 months of each other. Both families are looking for a fresh start... and having left behind all their support - family, friends and church - they forge ahead looking to create new friends and church family.

The 1st family, Emily Detweiler’s family, abruptly moved to Colorado after tragedy struck in Ohio. But Emily can’t get far enough to escape what happened there. Something I did not know happened in Amish communities - and yet, people are people and evil and unrestrained behavior, sadly, happens in all cultures today. Their tale is of healing, and renewing faith and hope in the future.

David Stoltzfus is not happy when his family relocates from Pennsylvania to Colorado. Nevermind that they haven't told him why. David struggles not only with this unwelcome move, but also with the fear that a health condition could keep him from living his life in full. Again, he is struggling with the unknown... the Amish way of not being too open with their children and spouses is highlighted here, and a glimpse is given to us of how the Amish deal with Medical troubles and money - gives insight to the care and community they left behind. This gives a common thread for Emily and David's character - hope... what it is and if they have any for the future.

This book is a delightful read with quirky characters thrown in to lighten and liven up the story and make it more relate-able to readers who do not read many Amish stories. Beth makes this a fun and easy read - and the heavy parts and unanswerable parts are not so oppressive that you do not see the golden thread of hope and Love from God in them.  I believe this is the first book in the series and truly look forward to any more books Beth Wiseman does.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this ebook for free through the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze Program in exchange for my unbiased review.

For Your Sweet Tooth

A Book Review of 'Always the Baker, Never the Bride' by Sandra D Bricker.

If you love Cupcake wars or Cake Boss then this book is for you!
With an engaging opener and a twist of diabetes, this book has something for every romantic and christian reader.

Emma is a talented baker who can't even taste what she creates because of her diabetes. Her creations earn her awards and with that comes demand for her as an asset as an employee. She gets offered a job as Head baker for a new specialty boutique hotel catering for one stop weddings - from the celebration dinners to the venues and honeymoon. A recently widowed man takes on the job of creating this hotel from top to bottom out of an older hotel with the help of his 4 sisters (all of which are southern, and care greatly for their brother and others).

A relationship blossoms and others are brought to full light, and through it all remains family, friends and prayers.

There are recipes throughout this book - adding to the charm.

This story has all the right amounts of everything to bake up a delicious story... including twists and prayers. And I'd ask for seconds!

A delightful, fun read!

5 out of 5 stars

I received no compensation for this review.

This book was a free Amazon ebook download.

An Interwoven Story of Jane

A Book Review of 'Lady In Waiting' by Susan Meissner

The cover and the teaser at the back of the book do not do this book justice. With an interesting twist of parallels and a soul searching look at ones self and ones definition of happiness and joy... this book has a way of reaching into you and touching a cord.

Starting in the present, Jane an Antique store owner, is faced with a blow that shakes her to her toes. Her husband leaves her, and with that her stability and her understanding of happiness. The story explores all the supporting relationships Jane has with her family and friends as she discovers a ring in a locked box...

Switching to the Story of Lady Jane Grey and her relationship with a dressmaker and friend. And the discovery of truth, loss, sadness, choices and loss of choice, and love. The history is woven with hope of joy in this sad tale. Although the character of the Dressmaker is fictional the insight of relate-able things are brought to light and the joy and hope of love is paralleled by this character. The Ring and all that it symbolizes is explained.

Back to the Present Jane, we see that she is trying to discover her self, her joy, her strength to stand on her own and decide for herself what those things hold.

This is a book that highlights pain, and shows you how to heal. Also, it does not throw Christianity in your face... nor does it use Christian principals to solve the pain in the characters.

This is a good read... I enjoyed it. I really LOVE history and historical fictions, so I loved the story about Jane Grey more then the Modern Jane. But I must admit I took a long hard look at what makes ME happy because of the modern Jane story.

Thank you Susan for such a heart searching book!

4 out of 5 stars

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

Book Review - Two Ticket's to the Christmas Ball by D K Paul

This book was an easy, light romantic, fun read. The book's premise of comfort zones, expectations and hopes of each of the characters is what makes all the twists and turns of the plot believable, even though there is an undercurrent of mythical-ness in it.

As a christian - who does not believe in faeries or such... the mixing of wizards and myths is a little hard to swallow. But the true level headed attitude of the author's approach to a Christians response to problems is relate-able and can show flaws in even a seasoned Christians attitude.

I really appreciated the "non- preachy" dialogue in this book and the light approach to some hard subjects like anger towards a family that do not believe as you do. Or hurt and how that can cut us off from even those people God puts in our path to help us grow.

Over all a nice book to curl up with on a cold winter's night.

Book By - Donita K Paul

This book was given to me to review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

I give this book 3 out of 5 Stars.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr3-m5YpQpU

The Secret by Beverly Lewis

I was loaned two Beverly Lewis Books, these are not the 1st books of hers I have read... but they are the 1st I've read that were only the beginning of a series. (I tend to like to read a whole series at once - sequentially.)

'The Secret' it is Book one of "Seasons of Grace" Series by Beverly Lewis. Like all of Beverly Lewis books this one had the slow paced reading to set the stage of the Amish world and had all the beauty and richness the setting gives in ones imagination. The Secret is about the Byler family and the unexplained behavior of the mother, Lettie. It gives glimpses in to relationships we can all relate to and sometimes face - people who do not communicate well, workaholics and 'lost souls' who wander around looking for meaning. Added to the old charm of the Amish is the new fangled “Englishers” who visit the area in search of simplicity.

This book was riddled with questions and anguish that comes with secrets that impact families. This being the first book in the series… we the readers, are left with some frustration as many of the intriguing points are not resolved in this book. Hence we look forward to the next one in the series. The majority of the book focuses on Grace Byler – the oldest Daughter in the family. She seems to be most impacted by her mother’s decisions and has the most questions and life decisions to make without the normal aid of family that most Amish have. Interjected in the story is an Englisher who comes to stay the summer and has anguish of her own and whose future and happiness seems undetermined at this point.

There is a lot of heartache and pain in this book – and I found it to be uncomfortable, the Amish characters tried to embrace faith and hope, while the Englishers searched for solace and simplicity. Neither are fulfilling at this point.

I am not sure if I would recommend this book, it is a hard read… there is a lot of raw emotion covered by the simplicity of the Amish. Quite a lot of High drama, if you like that – then you will like this book.