“Katie’s Choice” by Amy Lillard, book review

“Katie’s Choice” by Amy Lillard, book review

Clover Ridge OK is an Amish community in the center of the Bible Belt, and seem to be worthy of a news article, or so Zane’s Carson’s boss tells him, as she gives him the assignment.  Zane is a war correspondent and is recovering from a gun shot wound, but Oklahoma?  Hardly a war zone. But in hopes of getting a better assignment later, Zane goes.

The Abrahm Fisher family agrees to host Zane during his time in Clover Ridge in hopes that the news article will bring more tourists to their community to buy their wares and boost the community savings, which has dwindled paying for Ruth Fishers cancer treatments.  The family embraces Zane and brings him into their family.

Zane learns much of the Amish beliefs and faith in God during his time in Clover Ridge.  He learns about love and honor.  He also learns what it is to be apart of a family.

I enjoyed this book.  It was easy to read and help my attention.  This is the 2nd in a series, with the 1st book released in 2012 “Saving Gideon” which introduces the characters in the community.  I look forward to reading book #3.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book by being a member of the Christian Fiction Alliance. All opinions expressed are my own.

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Katie’s Choice

B&H Books (May 1, 2013)

by

Amy Lillard

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I’m a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I’ve retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I’m from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son–a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, shoes, and romance novels–not necessarily in that order. I’m a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I’m shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that’s why I adore romances.

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I’m a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that’s me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I’ll get to it or I won’t, either way I’m good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I’m alone on this last one, and again, I’m good with it.)

Favorite movies–(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940′s movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven’t seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn’s and Audrey’s.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Katie Rose Fisher loved Samuel Beachy with an intensity that shook their Amish district. No one doubted they would one day marry, until Samuel turned his back on the church and joined the world of the English.

Alone now in Clover Ridge, Katie Rose dedicates her life to God and the school children she teaches each day. Although she secretly longs for more, Katie knows God’s hand is at work, and she is happy.

News correspondent Zane Carson never even knew Oklahoma had an Amish community until he got the chance to live among them and learn about their day-to-day activities. Their simple way of life is intriguing, but not half as much as the young teacher.

Katie Rose is flattered over the attention she receives from Zane, but she has resolved to never marry. Even if she were to entertain the idea, it surely couldn’t be with an outsider like Zane.

Never one prone to the restraints of organized religion, Zane finds a comfort in the rituals and blessings in the day to day righteous living of this small Amish community. He finds himself, God, and love with Katie Rose.

But as Zane draws closer to Katie Rose, Samuel comes back to repent his ways and return to his place at her side. Can Zane convince Katie Rose that he is committed to adapting to her way of life, or will Samuel win her affections back for himself once again?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Katie’s Choice, go HERE.

“The Winnowing Season” by Cindy Woodsmall, book review

“The Winnowing Season” by Cindy Woodsmall, book review, Amish Vines and Orchards, book #2

Rhoda, Samuel and Jacob are the owners and operators of Kings’ Orchard, but when a tornado devastates the apple orchard, they decide to move to Maine and start over. With the help of the English friend, Landon, they buy an abandoned apple orchard with the hope of starting a new Amish community. They are all really counting on this move to be the beginning, a fresh start. But they are plagued with past problems even before they leave. Rhoda is brought before the Amish elders to answer claims that she was wronged by the destruction of her herb garden. Jacob gets a frantic call from an English friend who needs help. And Samuel just tries to keep the family together.

The story continues with the struggles of moving, made a little more challenging by being the first Amish in the new area, so folks are not used to how they live. Each works for the better of the family and the hopes that the new community will soon attract more Amish families. The book definietly is open about the differences between Amish and English and the struggles for both sides.

I was a bit overwhelmed by all the time spent in the beginning with the dispute between Rhoda and an Amish neighbor who destroyed her garden, and the way the church leaders handled the meeting. While I am not Amish, so I do not understand all their rules and laws, the way the meeting was described, it did not seem fair the all parties involved. But overall, I did enjoy the story and will look forward to reading the next in the series.

Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher, Waterbrook Press. All opinions expressed are my own.

Ivory 2-in-1 Hair and Body Wash, product review

Living on a farm, we often get dirty, then have to clean up. This new Ivory product has just made that process a bit simplier. The new Ivory, 2-in-1 Hair and Body Wash lets me use just 1 product to get everything clean. No more multiple bottles in the shower. Just one.

I have used Ivory for many years and like the fresh light scent and great cleaning. It is easy on the skin, especially those in my family with very sensative skin. And it is a very frugally priced soap to use for every day. So I was eager to try the new 2 in 1 product. The first day I washed my hair and body with the new Ivory product. It did a good job. After styling my hair, it was a bit frizzy, but it could also be the humidity we are now starting to have. The second day I again used on both hair and body. I was really not happy with my hair. It just did not feel very soft/ conditioned. I have gone back to my usual shampoo/ conditioner and continue to use the body wash, and really like it!

Other possible uses for this: boys who like to just sorta run through the shower and cannot be bothered with bath products; camping or summer camp- makes packing easier, just send 1 bottle for showering; same for gym bag.

Over all, I really like it as a body wash, just not so much for hair care.

Disclaimer: I recieved a sample of the Ivory 2 in 1 hair and body wash product from Influencer program. All opinions expressed are my own.

Soft Scrub Mold and Mildew Stain Remover, product review and giveaway

More cleaning!  Soft Scrub is really inspiring me to try their new products and I like this one the best of all, so far.  The new Mold and Mildew Stain Remover is a hard worker!  I know that I can remove mold and mildew stain with bleach and it does a good job, but even though I am careful with the bleach, I aways get it on my clothes or somewhere else it was not intended to be.  So, the new Soft Scrub product seemed a bit easier to use as it came in a spray bottle, and said it was a gel, so it was not as likely to overspray.

I tried it on 2 showers and it worked well.  It was easy to spray in just the places I intended without any overspray.  And after just a few minutes the black or orange stain was gone.  Easy.  The Soft Scrub spray had a rather pleasant smell, not overpowering and did not linger.  The spray was a bit thick, but did stay on the wall well without running down to much.

Ready to try it for yourself?  Soft Scrub had sent me 3 coupons to giveaway to you.  Entry is easy:  Visit Soft Scrub Sweepstakes and enter the $1000 drawing, then return here and let me know you entered.  I will draw winner and email on 5/9.

Disclaimer:  I received a sample of Soft Scrub Mold and Mildew Stain Remover from the Purex insiders program.  All opinions expressed are my own.

“Letters to Katie” by Kathleen Fuller, book review

“Letters to Katie” by Kathleen Fuller, book review

This is the newest in the Middlefield Family Novels and we see many of the same characters as in previous books.  Katherine Yoder has had her eye on Johnny Mullet since they were children in school together, and he has disappointed her so many times that she thinks she should give up, but does not want to, quite yet.  Johnny wants to prove to himself, his family and community that he can make something of himself, so he buys a small farm to begin his dream a horse farm.

Meanwhile, Sawyer and Laura, who we met in the previous book, are preparing for marriage, but this decision seems to be complicated by both of their families.  Sawyer’s grandmother, Cora, wants him to return to New York and run the family business.  While Laura’s family is concerned that she is rushing into marriage to quickly again and will be hurt.

This novel is easy to read and enjoyable.  The strong family ties that we often see in Amish communities was very evident in this book.  And the ability of the community to care for those in and out of their bounds was quite refreshing.  While this book will stand alone, it is better read after the previous ones in the series.

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of the book from the publisher, Thomas Nelson.  All opinions expressed are my own.

 

“The Icecutter’s Daugther” by Tracie Peterson, book review

“The Icecutter’s Daughter” by Tracie Peterson, book review.

Merrill has taken care of her father and brothers, as she promised her mother on her deathbed, 10 years ago.  The new novel by Tracie Peterson is set in Minnesota, 1895 and I was immediately drawn into the family, as they work together to provide for themselves.  The raise workhorses and cut ice.  The two industries go together, as they use the horses to haul and transport the ice, which is stored and shipped.  The Krause family is well-respected in their community, and Merrill has the reputation of being a hard worker and a great cook.

Rurik Jorgenson comes to town to help his ill uncle with his furniture business.  The trip comes at a good and bad time in his life.  His father arranged his marriage to Svea while they were both young, as a way to tie the families together and provide for both farms.  But Rurik wants more for his life than this, he wants to love a woman with his whole heart, and that would not be Svea.  When he tells her he wants to reevaluate their engagement while he is away, she becomes quite angry and calls it off on the spot.

As Merrill and Rurik meet and become friends they both explore new feelings.  But their relationship is complicated when Nils and Svea show up quite unannounced.  How will this complicate the budding romance between Merrill and Rurik?  Read the book.

I enjoyed this story.  It was easy to read, with enough drama to keep me interested but not so much that I was distracted or displeased.  I appreciated how the author wove the love and forgiveness of God into the story, while not sounding fake.  I took this book on vacation to Puerto Rico and enjoyed it on the plane and around the pool.

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Spring Cleaning- Soft Scrub toilet cleaner, product review and Giveaway!!

Giveaway has ended.  Check back soon for the next product review and giveaway.

 

Spring time is made for heading out doors and enjoying the warmer weather after being inside for so long.  And Soft Scrub has produced a new product that helps keep your bathroom cleaner so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time in the garden.

The new Soft Scrub 4 in 1 toilet care product is easy to use!  It fits under the rim of the toilet and when it is flushed the bowl is washed with 4 different cleaners.  So easy!  The fragrance is clean and fresh, but in my opinion a bit too strong.  It does not color the water blue (which I really don’t like) and so far is keeping the bowl clean.  I do not like the way the product looks in the toilet, but I guess it is ok.  Not my favorite style of cleaner.  I prefer the tablets that go in the tank, so they are out-of-the-way.  This project will need to be removed and reattached when cleaning the bathroom.

Want to try this new product?  For free?  Soft scrub sent me 3 coupons for my readers.  To enter, go here to enter the $1000 sweepstakes, and return to let me know you entered.  I will chose 3 winners on 4/25/13.

Disclaimer:  I received a sample of the Soft scrub 4 in 1 toilet care products from Purex Insiders.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Spring Time! Grass and bugs growing again- Giveaway!!

Spring is here!  And with it comes all sorts of outdoor chores:  mowing, gardening, and soon haying.  The warmer weather has brought out all sorts of bugs too, and some want to move indoors.  If that is the case, Combat has a great new product to help with ants and Roaches in the house.

This new product is easy to use as it has an adhesive so you can hide the roach killer up underneath a cabinet or under a shelf.  This is much easier than setting it on a shelf and bumping it or worry about the dog, cat or child eating it.

Want to try it out?  Purex insider’s program is giving away one coupon for a free package of ant or roach product. And you could win a little money too, simply  go here to enter the sweepstakes and return and leave a comment with your preference of formula and I will chose a winner 4/26/13.

“Josiah’s Treasure” by Nancy Herriman, book review

Sarah just wants to give young women a chance, like she was given when she needed it most.  The shop she is determined to open, in Josiah’s memory, is the answer to so many problems, for her and her girls.  But when Daniel Cady arrives in town, to claim his inheritance, Sarah is fearful that all her dreams may be gone.

This novel takes place in the 1800′s in San Francisco, CA and is an eye opening view into the society of the time, and in many ways, our society in our town today.  There were women who had no way to support themselves when tragedy strikes their husband or father, and they turn to those who say they will help, but really are only out for greed.  And the same is true today.

The story is easy to read and the characters are developed well.  The story is one of love, forgiveness and trying to help others.  Great to take along on vacation or read in the evening by the fire.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Josiah’s Treasure
Worthy Publishing (April 16, 2013)
by
Nancy HerrimanABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Herriman abandoned a career in Engineering to chase around two small children and take up the pen. She has been writing for longer than she would like to admit. Her work has been a finalist in several Romance Writers of America contests and she won the 2006 RWA Daphne du Maurier award for Best Unpublished Mystery/Romantic Suspense. In 2009, she was an ACFW Genesis finalist. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America.

When she is not writing, or gabbing over lattes about writing, she is either watching history shows on cable TV or singing. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and sons, and wishes there were more hours in the day.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1882, Sarah Whittier dreams of opening an art studio run by immigrant women. She plans to use the house left to her by family friend Josiah Cady as collateral for her studio. But will all be lost when the inheritance is challenged by an angry man claiming to be Josiah’s son and legal heir? Rumor of gold nuggets hidden in the house, place Sarah’s life in danger. Her future uncertain and her safety threatened, Sarah has nowhere to turn. That is, unless she can soften a vengeful man’s heart-and they both learn that love is finer than any gold.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Josiah’s Treasure, go HERE.

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of the book from the publisher, Worthy Publishing.  All opinions expressed are my own.

“Freefall to Fly” by Rebekah Lyons, book review

“Freefall to Fly:  A Breathtaking Journey Toward a Life of Meaning” by Rebekah Lyons, book review

This new book by author Rebakah Lyons follows her family move from the stability and familiarity of Atlanta to the adventure and unknown of New York City.  Lyons shares about her very personal journey of being a wife, mother, woman and Christian in this loosely journal style book.

Lyons explores many issues that are often not openly discussed in polite conversation including mental illness, special needs children and parenting, women’s worth and fulfillment.  Each of these issues has been a real part of her life and she shares from her personal experience as well as those of her friends.  She struggles in many areas of her life and finds the courage to overcome her fears.  And she shares the real down and dirty of living in the trenches of life.

The book has a beautiful cover!  The book is easy to read and I enjoyed meeting her family and friends, mentioned throughout the pages.  I would suggest the book for anyone who wants insight into dealing with mental illness as it touches family and friends.  Also, women who are searching for their own “place” will find the discussion of discovery interesting and helpful.

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book from Handlebar publishing.  All opinions expressed are my own.