Cara Box Exchange with Pretty in Pink Rachael!

I'm tickled pink since I joined the Cara Box Exchange with Wifessionals!

My new friend, Rachael, and I both LOVE pink so I had the best time creating a fun swap package for her.

June's theme was "Going to the Fair" but Rachael and I both enjoy amusement parks more so I combined the two ideas.;)

-The Little Black Book of Walt Disney World (TJ Maxx) was a *must* for Rachael- she used to work at Epcot!  (How cool is that?!)

-A pink pennant was in order as they are always found at the fair- although these fabrics were much more fun.;)  

-Caramels and Kettle corn are sweet treats that don't melt.  After all, Rachael is living in Georgia for the summer.  

-The polka dot mug reminded me of a clown's hat!

-Rachael loves to read (sound like anyone you know?) so I included one of my favorites summer books for her to enjoy by the pool.

A Two Silly Sisters Posie necklace for Rachael's next date, Girl's Night Out...

or trip to Disney!

I missed the sign up for the July swap as I was out of the country, but I'm definitely not missing August's sign up.  Feel free to join the fun!:)

Rainbows for Rainy Days- Precious Encouragement!

Last year I had the pleasure of reviewing God Knows Your Name by Catherine Campbell.  Every word in that book was a blessing and comfort to my heart.  You see, Catherine has lived through trials in her life- ones that would make some turn away from God (see description below).  How easy it is to find the sunshine when there are no clouds, dear friends!  Catherine has been through storms and made it through- but only by the grace of the Lord.  Her kindness and genuine faith will inspire you and encourage you when you need it most.  I didn't hesitate for one second when I saw that her book Rainbows for Rainy Days was up for review.  I knew that it would be wonderful.  And it is!

Rainbows for Rainy Days is filled with 40 precious and thought-provoking devotions.  Each entry  delivers a warm hug for days when life is not as sunny as we'd hope it would be.  The times when we need an extra dose of courage, encouragement and reassurance.  

I was particularly moved by the entry that begins with this verse: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you... for a I am the Lord your God."Isaiah 43:2-3

Catherine Campbell then goes on to share the day when her pediatrician told her, "Mrs. Campbell, don't you realize that your little girl is handicapped- she will never be normal!" 

She was thrown into a very dark place of despair until the day she realized that she was never alone.  God was always with her and would "walk us through any storm."

Amen.

I plan on purchasing a pile of Rainbows for Rainy Days.  It's a thoughtful gift for both friends and family, but particularly for those who are struggling in one way or another.  Sometimes we don't know the right words to say so I'll let God (and Catherine Campbell) do the talking for me.  A precious, uplifting collection of devotions. 

 Thank you so much for creating this book, Catherine.

---

Description:

40 short devotions on the different aspects of God's love in hard times
Catherine Campbell's experience as a nurse and as the mother of two girls who both inherited a rare genetic condition that required constant care until their deaths at ages 10 and 13 has given her a unique insight into suffering. As an inspirational speaker, she frequently encounters people with tragic stories. And yet she believes that God is Lord and that in both good times and bad, He is always good.
Isaiah 40:31 says, that "those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles." Campbell comments:

How often have you wakened in the morning knowing that the problem, or the pain, or the unpaid bill has not disappeared? We worry and fret ourselves into exhaustion. Yet God has promised us endurance.

The great eagle cannot reach the heights merely by its own strength. As it spreads its impressive wings the bird allows the wind to carry it to places no other bird can go. This kind of flying appears effortless because the eagle trusts in a power bigger than itself . . . the wind!

In this unique devotional, Catherine examines different aspects of God's love for those times when life gets hard. Perfect for anyone needing encouragement in difficult times, Rainbows for Rainy Days gently shows readers how to turn pain over to Him.

*I was given this book by Kregel in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

Pennsylvania Patchwork- Holly's Destiny




My Thoughts:

Pennsylvania Patchwork, by Kate Lloyd, keeps the reader constantly guessing.  There is a love triangle- or perhaps more like a love square- as there are four people involved!  Holly Fisher has three men that want to court her and her head is spinning!  Zach, the Mennonite veterinarian, Armin, the impulsive "almost" Amish drifter and Larry, the wealthy Englishman who, out of nowhere, arrives at Holly's home, all want to marry her.  Not only that,  Holly's grandmother, Mommy Anna, is unwell and Holly's mother, Esther, is soon to remarry after losing her husband many years ago.  But can it be that her husband really survived the war?  I'd call this book an Amish soap opera as some of the storyline is a bit far fetched but fun just the same!   The three men fighting over Holly are a riot of testosterone and laugh out loud funny!  Unanswered questions, a mysterious box, and even a missing wife (Is she still alive?) will keep you reading to discover answers.  I truly didn't know what was going to happen next!     Pennsylvania Patchwork is lighthearted, fly by the seat of your pants fun!




About Pennsylvania Patchwork:

Seattle native Holly Fisher is smitten by Lancaster County, its simplicity and her long lost relatives. In the sequel to bestselling Leaving Lancaster, Holly embraces the Amish culture, learning to slow down to see what --- and who --- really matters.

Meeting the family that her mother had kept hidden from her, Holly comes face to face with her real life and blood legacy. She also falls for the charming Zach, a handsome Mennonite veterinarian who is everything she's ever wanted in a husband: confident, kind, successful, and authentic. And Zach proposes marriage. Is this too soon? Is this the right choice? Mother and Amish grandmother think she's rushing into too much of a lifestyle change. Holly is in love with Zach and that precludes everything. Until she meets an attractive Amish man. And an old suitor shows up.

Pennyslvania Patchwork is the moving, richly told story of one woman's heart, her faith and trust, and the choices she makes. Never easy, but one choice can change your destiny.

Meet Kate: Author Kate Lloyd is a passionate observer of human relationships. A native of Baltimore, Kate spends time with family and friends in Lancaster County, PA, the inspiration for her novels. She is a member of the Lancaster County Mennonite Historical Society. Kate and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest. Kate studied painting and sculpture in college. She's worked a variety of jobs, including car salesman and restaurateur. Learn more about Kate at http://www.katelloyd.net

Kate Lloyd is celebrating the release of book two in her Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy, Pennsylvania Patchwork, by giving away an authentic Amish-made quilt!






 




One "grand" winner receive:



• An authentic Amish-made Quilt


• Pennsylvania Patchwork and Leaving Lancaster by Kate Lloyd

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 29th. Winner will be announced on July 1st at Kate's blog.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.




*I was given a copy of this book by Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

THE BELOVED DAUGHTER by Alana Terry- Eye Opening and Life Changing

My Thoughts:

The Beloved Daughter, by Alana Terry, opened my eyes, broke my heart and changed my life.  It's the story of Song Chung-Cha, a 12 year old girl, held captive in a North Korean prison camp to suffer for the crimes of her father.  Is he guilty?  Yes.

His crime?  Being a Christian.

I promise you, guarantee you, that Chung-Cha's story will grab hold of you from the first page- and it will not let go until the last page.  Being punished- even killed- for loving the Lord.  It's hard to even comprehend.  While reading The Beloved Daughter, I found my mind racing at the diabolical acts of the prison guards and the sheer hate that flowed through their veins.  The story affected me throughout the day as I pondered the plight of North Koreans.  I started to pray for these precious people that are starving and living in fear.  Many have never even seen a Bible.  They are now a part of me.  Yet, flickers of hope are present through the story empowering Chung-Cha.  So often she's only able to endure through God's love.  The words will anger you, sadden you, hopefully motivate you but ultimately they will make you take a good, hard look at yourself.  Chung-Cha is a fictional character but her struggle is happening today and it's real.  How blessed we are to be Christians in America!  It's a true privilege, but we must try and help others who are not so fortunate.

Before receiving the book, I asked Alana Terry if I could read it with my daughter's, ages 10 and 15.  Her answer was, "No, I wouldn't recommend it."  And this is why.  The scenes in this story are hard to read.  They will haunt you and make you cry.  But, they are words that need to be said.  Like the Holocaust, you can't candy coat this story.  It's a message of hope, but there's way too much violence for younger eyes to read.  Alana Terry has done an amazing job of shining a light into a part of life I knew nothing about.  I'm richer for having read her book and highly recommend that you read it, too.

More about The Beloved Daughter:

In a small North Korean village, a young girl struggles to survive. Catastrophic floods have ravaged her countryside. But it is her father’s faith, not the famine of North Hamyong Province, that most threatens Chung-Cha’s well-being.

 Is Chung-Cha’s father right to be such a vocal believer? Or is he a fool to bring danger on the head of his only daughter? 

 Chung-Cha is only a girl of twelve and is too young to answer such questions. Yet she is not too young to face a life of imprisonment and forced labor. Her crime? Being the daughter of a political dissident.

 “The Beloved Daughter” follows Chung-Cha into one of the most notorious prison camps of the contemporary free world. Will Chung-Cha survive the horrors of Camp 22?

 And if she does survive, will her faith remain intact? A winner in the 2012 Women of Faith writing contest.

The Beloved Daughter won Second place in the Women of Faith writing contest in April 2013.  $5 from every direct purchase (through her website) will sponsor 1 Bible, to be sent to a restricted nation via Voice of the Martyrs Bibles Unbound Program.

About Alana Terry:

Alana Terry is a homeschooling (hurrah!) mom of 3 (first grade and younger).  She's a mother of a special-needs (tube-fed) son.  Alana's also the author of A Boy Named Silas, which is a memoir about her son's medical condition, and What, No Sushi (book 1 in a time-travel fiction series for homeschoolers published by Do Right Life).

*I was given a copy of The Beloved Daughter in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.  Thank you, Alana.  It was an absolute privilege.*

Barefoot Summer- Heart Pounding Romance with Heart!

My Thoughts:

Barefoot Summer.  The name itself makes me smile.  Denise Hunter beautifully captures the innocence of youth, the sweet ache of love from afar and the desperate anguish experienced by the loss of a loved one.  This is a delightful and utterly swoon worthy book you'll want to read by the pool, vacationing on the beach or relaxing on your front porch with a cold glass of sweet tea.  Let me tell you why...

#1- The kissing.  Yep, I'm going to say it- there is kissing in this book.  It's a romance!  Denise- Keep writing scenes like in the book- please.  You made me blush in a very, very good way.  My favorite kiss was the night of the dance.;)  (Nothing inappropriate, just some good old fashioned swooning!)

#2- Madison McKinley is the perfect heroine.  She's a veterinarian with a heart of gold.  Her visits to the retirement home are precious- lots of love and laughter with the Kneeling Nanas!

#3- Beckett O'Reilly is the ultimate bad boy turned good.  His past with Madison is heart poundingly romantic!  This guy can make any girl swoon.  (The new Superman- that's how I envision Beckett.;) )

#4- Madison's family is a joy to be around.  Her parents feed their hired hands- even serve them- and her siblings are crazy, good fun.  I want to live on their farm, play HORSE in their driveway and eat corn under the twinkle lights at night.

#5-The town- Chapel Springs is cozy and safe- but never dull.  Coachlight Coffeehouse is the place to hang out and Cappy's has the best pizza.  People always seem to know the current gossip but pray for you- even if you don't think you need it.

#6- The flashbacks.  I love little peeks into the past and Barefoot Summer delivers.  The first time Becket sees Madison at school is straight out of a love song beautiful.  He remembers every detail- sigh...

#7- Michael's dream is Madison's dream.  Madison's twin brother, Michael, always dreamed of winning  the town's annual regatta but tragedy stole the opportunity from him.  It's incredible seeing the lengths that Madison takes to make this dream a reality.

*Barefoot Summer is absolutely delightful.  I can't wait for the next book in the Chapel Springs romance series, Dancing with Fireflies, to come out!*

Barefoot Summer is the first book of Denise Hunter's new Chapel Springs Series. Set in a midwestern river town, this four-book series will feature the close-knit McKinley family. Each of the four adult siblings will be featured in his or her own romance-and let me tell you, the sparks are a-flying!  

In Barefoot Summer, Madison's faith in God-and everyone else-has been on shaky ground since the tragic accident that stole her twin brother's life. When she meets Beckett O'Reilly her walls start coming down, but will the secret that Beckett is keeping from Madison shatter everything they have?  

Meet Denise: 

Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

Learn more about Denise athttp://www.denisehunterbooks.com

Denise Hunter is celebrating her new Chapel Springs Romance series with a Summer Fun Giveaway. The first book, Barefoot Summer, is already a favorite with readers. “Hold-your-breath romance, heartache, and laugh-out-loud moments. It’s more than a good read. It’s a delight.” -- Lisa
 

Summer: it’s all about sunny skies, star-gazing, swimming, spending time with loved ones, and living as if a small part of the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders.
Get ready for some serious summer fun with Denise’s 12-Day Summer Sun giveaway. From June 10-21, keep your computer near as you head to the lake or your friend’s barbecue because Denise will be giving away a summer essential each day!

*I was given a copy of Barefoot Summer by Litfuse Publications in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

Bloglovin! and a Fun Giveaway!

Oh my goodness!  I just found out that Google reader is ending July 1st. (That's just around the corner!) Soooo, I'm switching over to Bloglovin!  I'd love it if you'd follow me there!  Just click the following link.;) Follow my blog with Bloglovin

My friend, Jennifer, is giving away an awesome HOMESCHOOL PLANNER on her blog!  Stop by and enter HERE!

Afloat by Erin Healy

My Thoughts:

Afloat, written by Erin Healy, is unlike any other book I've read before.  The characters were unusual and intriguing, the setting is beyond unique (apartments that float upon a river!) and secrets are everywhere.  Mysterious lights shine in the water.  Cryptic messages are delivered- "What will come must happen, but you need not be afraid if you open your eyes to see." What?  And are there people existing under the water??  

I was particularly fascinated by Zeke, the blind man,  and his visions that foretell the future.  He and his seeing eye dog, Ziggy, contribute an added dimension of suspense and excitement.  I was immediately sucked into the story by the first paragraph:

"The wet suit and the water are black, and after the man slips into both, he seems to vanish from the world.  He has come on a starless night to avoid being seen, to hide a few containers where they won't be found..." 

I know, right?

Afloat is a delicious combination of mystery, suspense and survival.  I loved not being able to anticipate what was going to happen next.  Perfect for summer vacation!




More About the Book:




Eagle's Talon is an architectural marvel-shining residential units afloat in a protected cove of the gorgeous Rondeau River. The project is nearly complete, partially occupied, and ready to make investors rich when a sinkhole gives way. Then torrential rains and a flood leave a ragged collection of builders, investors, and residents stranded in one floating building, cut off from the rest of the world.

They're bitterly divided over what to do next.
 

Architect Vance Nolan insists they should sit tight and wait for rescue. Developer Tony Dean wants to strike out into the darkness. And single mom Danielle Clement, desperate to protect her young son, Simeon, struggles to hold their motley band together.
 

Power failure, a pall of unnatural daytime darkness, explosions in the distance, then a murder ratchet tensions to a boiling point. But Danielle's young son, Simeon, has spotted something strange underwater-beautiful, shifting lights in the dark water below.
 

In this watery world where everyone's secrets will eventually come to light, salvation may mean more than just getting out alive. 




More About Erin Healy:




Erin Healy is the best-selling co-author of "Burn" and "Kiss" (with Ted Dekker) and an award-winning editor for numerous best-selling authors. She has received wide acclaim for her debut solo novels, "Never Let You Go" and "The Promises She Keeps". 

She and her family live in Colorado. 

Erin can be contactedthrough her website  or through Facebook.


Erin Healy is celebrating the release of her latest novel Afloat (Thomas Nelson) with an iPad Mini giveaway.





One winner will receive:


• An iPad Mini 
  

iTunes gift card

Afloat by Erin Healy 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 15th. Winner will be announced on Erin's blog on June 17th. Save the date and click HERE to see if YOU won the iPad Mini!








Don't miss a moment of the fun; ENTER today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Visit Erin's blog on the 17th!




*I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse Publications in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

June 10 on 10

Yep, the summer heat has arrived.

They even served us bottles of water at the Brighton store today.

Chocolate chip cookies, too.:)

Then, we were off to Backyard Burger for 99 cent Kid's Meals.;)

Chik Fil A was even hydrating the masses today.

FREE iced tea- no purchase necessary!

The gentleman gave me a bit of a hard time since I ordered UNsweet tea.

Afterall, we live in the South, ya'll.:)

I promised the girls snow cones.

Yes, I did.

It was $1 day...

and for that price I wanted one, too!

Wedding Cake and Fairy Floss flavors- who could resist?

The volleyball sand was HOT.

I didn't give a thought to turning on the oven.

Fruits and veggies were on the menu.

Mmmm.....

Cowboy Caviar.

We ate dinner on our back porch.  

Lovely in the evening when things cool off a bit.

Our tomatoes look promising...

and the roses haven't been invaded by Japanese Beetles...

yet.

The Promise Box by Tricia Goyer

My Thoughts:

The Promise Box is the second book in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series by Tricia Goyer.  I was truly excited to review this book as I absolutely loved the first book in the series, The Memory Jar!  The main characters, Lydia and Gideon, live in different worlds and yet they come from the same place.  You see, Lydia was raised Amish but because of a tragic secret from her past she felt compelled to leave her home, as well as her upbringing.  Returning home after her mother's death she meets Gideon, who is also struggling with a tragic secret.  Their attraction is quite evident but the future is unsure due to their differences.  

The Promise Box is a keepsake filled with letters and prayers from Lydia's mother.  It's all that Lydia has left of her and the letters are a treasure indeed. Ada Mae wanted nothing more than for her daughter to return to the Lord and the Amish way of living.  Her words are an example of faith and patience and I loved reading them.  I really wanted to care for Lydia and Gideon, but they fell a bit short for me.  I found Lydia to be wishy washy on many occasions.  For example, she wants to be Amish and then she doesn't, she wanted to be a writer and then she wanted to be a teacher, she wants to focus on the Lord and then she wants to fall in love.  Hmmm....  Gideon has good intentions, but I didn't care for the way that he spent time with Eve (and he knew she cared for him) and then dropped her like a rock when he saw that Lydia cared for him.  Not nice, Gideon.  

The Promise Box is an intriguing peek into the life of the Amish.  It's filled with love, life choices and not allowing your past to control your future.  It was refreshing how the characters turned to the Lord when they were troubled.  I just wish it also contained the depth and beauty of The Memory Jar- one of my favorite books.  

About The Promise Box: With her heart - and her loyalty - on the line, can she let true love in her life? Every year, young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive 'resident' status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides! Lydia Wyse, a book editor from Seattle who grew up Amish, returns to the small community of West Kootenai, Montana to give comfort to her father after her mother's death. She is drawn back to the familiar Amish ways after finding her mother's most precious possession, a Promise Box of prayers and scripture. What her publisher sees, though, is an opportunity for a sensational 'tell-all' book about the Amish. Lydia soon finds herself falling in love with Amish bachelor Gideon Hooley. She wants nothing more than to forget her past and look forward to a future as an Amish bride.  Will the pain of her childhood-and her potential betrayal of her community-keep her from committing her whole heart? Purchase your copy: http://ow.ly/l6QH1 Meet Tricia:  Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of six, grandmother of one, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A bestselling author, Tricia has published thirty-three books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at MomLifeToday.com,TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites. In addition to her roles as mom, wife and author, Tricia volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Tricia, along with a group of friends, recently launched NotQuiteAmishLiving.com, sharing ideas about simplifying life. She also hosts the weekly radio podcast, Living Inspired.  Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com. Tricia Goyer is celebrating the release of her lastest novel, The Promise Box (Zondervan), by hosting an Amish Baking Box giveaway and connecting with readers during her June 12th Book Chat Party! One "promising" winner will receive: Apron, hot mitts, and kitchen towels Amish baking items (rolling pin, pie plate, etc...) Sherry Gore's Simply Delicious Amish Cooking The Memory Jar and The Promise Box by Tricia Goyer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 11th. Winner will be announced at the "The Promise Box" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 12th. Connect with Tricia for an evening of Amish fun - book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Tricia will also share an exclusive look at the next book book in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Promise Box and join Tricia on the evening of June 12th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 12th!




*I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse Publications in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

Under the Stairs Club

Summer will be arriving tomorrow.

The weather here has been delightful.  (Minus the tornado warnings- shudder)

Windows open, jackets at night, warm brownies after dinner.

Took a peek at the weather and the heat is heading our way.

Boo.

Unless someone wants to whisk me away to the beach.;)

The girls and I have been visiting the local gardens- sketching, exploring, chatting, taking pictures.

It's amazing how relaxing it is being among all this beauty.

This makes me almost think orange is my favorite color...

Until I see this, and the pink and yellow/green combination blows me away!

There's a sign here that says, "Please, run in the grass."  

Well. OK!

This reminds me of Jeremy Fisher (Beatrix Potter book).

While sitting on a lily pad, he dipped his toe in the water and a fish bit him!

("Jaws" music plays in the background)

You'll never look at a lily pad the same way again.

Pretty chicken.

Yes, they exist!  Looks like God took a bit longer coloring her.:)

The rooster.  So noisy, but look at his colors.

Pretty boy.

See the clouds?

Yeah, they were crazy.

That evening we had a meeting of the Under the Stairs Club.

We even inducted a new member!

More about that later.

Look at the cute little Bumble Bee.

Chubby works for them.;)

Ah, the rush of water...

School is out!

(Except for some children who have a mean homeschooling Mom.)

She makes them spend time outside sketching and socializing!

(Perhaps she's not too bad.)

Did you know that same Mom has a sketchbook?

She was so proud of herself for drawing a picture, until she realized she'd started at the back and her picture was upside down?

Going downhill quickly, dear friends.

Please send chocolate.

4 leaf clovers?

Favorite picture of the day.

Standing in front of the building she drew.

Excellent job!

Secret places all over this place.

You never know what you'll discover!

Precious friends.

They didn't know I took these pictures.

I can be a spy.;)

Tornado warnings late in the evening.

The lightning was insane!

Under the stairs we went.  4 girls- check.  Pillows- check.  Ruby- check.  Snookie- check.  Flashlights- check.  Snacks- check.  Phone- check.  Prayers- double check.

And this is how our evening ended.  The Little Mermaid and then off to my bed, reading.  

Tornado warning recovery is better spent in Mom and Dad's bed.

I slept on the couch.

And I was happy to be safe- in my nest.