Starbucks Happy Hour, Locks of Love and 17 Pounds

Ladies- I have lost 17 pounds so far.  It feels amazing.  But nothing is going to stop me from going to Starbucks when Happy Hour is going on.

My girlies enjoy the fraps and I indulge with a Skinny Caramel Macchiato.  Smiles.

Found a pretty for my Mom for Mother's Day.  I almost skipped out the door!  Not only that, she is coming for a visit!  I have a few more surprises planned for when she gets here.  Cannot wait.

It was time.  Cute, fun hairstyle (flat iron recommendations, please) and virgin (giggle- what the stylist called it!) hair donated to Locks of Love.  But seriously, it is a wonderful cause.  My sweetie pie loves her new do and that makes me so very happy.  Super big smile.

What do you dream of for Mother's Day?

Beyond Hope's Valley Blog Tour and Review

   Beyond Hope's Valley, by Tricia Goyer, is the third book in her Big Sky series.  Marianna Sommer must make a very important choice- one that could change her life forever.  Always driven to put others first, she finds herself being distanced from all she has ever known simply by following her heart.  Secrets are revealed, whispers from the past come to light, and what had seemed proper and expected is no longer clear.  She begins to question what is truly right and wrong.  Is it really sinful to read the English Bible?  Is it Godlike to condemn another for mistakes they have made?  I quickly read through the book to see what choices Marianna would make!  Tricia's story is tender and well written.  Amish books are not normally a genre of book that I gravitate toward but this story was engaging through the well developed characters, the secrets tucked throughout, and the surprise of Ben, the songwriter/singer- just the right combination of old world and new world.  It was refreshing to see that we all make mistakes and need to look to God to lead us in life.  


Read the first chapter here!


About the book: 

Beyond Hope's Valley – Book Three in the Big Sky series
 
After an extended stay in Montana, where Amish traditions are different than in her home state, Marianna Sommer returns to Indiana for two reasons, first to help her brother and his girlfriend prepare for a baby and their wedding. Second, to plan her own wedding to Aaron Zook -- a marriage she’s been dreaming about ever since childhood. And yet, although she had missed the idyllic farms and families of her upbringing, Marianna is surprised that Indiana is somehow making her long now for Montana.

As months pass, secrets that were hidden in winter’s frozen grasp thaw and take on a life of their own. The truths about a child, about a past relationship, and about God’s plans are being revealed. Walking through a valley of questions, Marianna must hold on to hope as she decides where and with whom her heart truly belongs. 
 
About Tricia: Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of thirty-two books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

More info: Living Inspired and www.triciagoyer.com.
 
 

Blog tour schedule

Tricia is hosting a Custom Amish Prize Pack Giveaway and an All Things Amish Author Chat Party!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• Custom Amish Wall Hanging {You choose the colors!}
• An Amish Doll {Sweet.}
• Amish-made basket {It’s picnic season!}
• Doilies, potholder and an Amish cookbook {All items form Bird-in-Hand, PA!}
• Three book Big Sky Amish series {Be swept away by this captivating series.}

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 20th. Winner will be announced at "All Things Amish" Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/21. Tricia will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and more! 

So grab your copy of Beyond Hope's Valley and join Tricia on the evening of the May 21st for a fun chat, trivia contest (How much do you know about the Amish?) and lots of giveaways. (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 and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 21st!

*I was given a copy of Beyond Hope's Valley by Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

Surprise Vacation, Lulu's, and Baby Kangaroos

It. Was. Beyond. Amazing.

Best idea my husband ever had.:)