Courting Cate by Leslie Gould

My Thoughts:

Courting Cate, by Leslie Gould, grabbed my attention from the first page.  The story of Cate, who adores books (so much like myself!), begins with her memory of getting caught reading under a blanket at the age of 7- while holding a candle!  She's a spunky one, Cate Miller is, and nothing like her sister, Betsy, who appears to do everything right- cooking, gardening, flirting, etc.  Cate certainly has her own strengths but keeps people (particularly men) away with her "prickly" nature.   There is a story behind her behavior that involves deception but I don't want to give everything away.;)   I admired Cate's determination and fire and was intrigued by Pete Treger, the handsome stranger that has just arrived in town.  I wasn't sure what his intentions were as the rumors are whispered all around, but I raced to the end of the book to find the answer!  The relationship between Cate and her sister, Betsy, was entertaining and funny at the beginning but made my heart ache for Cate as the book went on.  The characters in this story were endearing and richly developed.  Leslie Gould knows how to touch her readers hearts and then make them giggle at just the right moment.  I'll be eagerly waiting to read more of her stories!

About Courting Cate:  When This Couple Gets to Courting, Sparks Will Fly! In Paradise, Pennsylvania, Cate Miller is known more for her sharp tongue and fiery temper than her striking appearance. Her sweet and flirty sister, Betsy, on the other hand, seems to have attracted most of the bachelors in Lancaster County! But the sisters' wealthy father has made one hard-and-fast rule: older Cate must marry first, before younger Betsy can even start courting. Unfortunately, untamable Cate has driven away every suitor-until Pete Treger comes to town, that is. Prodded by the men of the area, Pete turns his attention to winning Cate's hand. But is his interest true or is there a scheme at play? Book 1 in The Courtships of Lancaster County series.

Meet Leslie:   Leslie Gould is the co-author, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 bestselling The Amish Midwife and The Amish Nanny. She is also the author of numerous novels, includingGarden of Dreams, Beyond the Blue (winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice for Best Inspirational Novel, 2006), and Scrap Everything. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She resides with her husband and four children in Portland, Oregon.  Learn more at www.lesliegould.com.

A retelling of the Taming of the Shrew! Leslie Gould is celebrating the release of Courting Cate with a fun Kindle Fire Giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party (11/20)!

One lucky winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire


• Courting Cate by Leslie Gould

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 19th. Winner will be announced at the "Courting Cate" Author Chat Facebook Party on 11/20. Connect with Leslie, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at an Amish trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Courting Cate and join Leslie on the evening of the November 20th for a chance to connect with Leslie 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 20th!

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

Cleaning House by Kay Willis Wyma

Cleaning House was a real eye opener for me.  I truly thought that by doing most of the work (laundry, bed making, potty cleaning, cooking, etc.) around the house that I was loving my children.  I was making life easier for them.  Wow, was I wrong.  Kay Willis Wyma originally thought this, too, but then her "lightbulb" turned on.  She explains in Cleaning House that by doing everything for your children you are sending the message that they aren't capable of doing things for themselves.  Like I said before, Wow.  

Kay Willis Wyma explains the ideas she used with her family in a very entertaining (she's real and funny!) and thorough way.  I felt like she was right there with me- like a close friend.  Great book with helpful ideas- I want to buy a copy for all my friends! 

The topics in Cleaning House are covered in chapters:

Making beds and keeping clutter off the floor
Planning and cooking a meal, cleaning up kitchen afterwards
Working outdoors (planting flowers, weeding, mowing, etc.)
Making income
Cleaning the bathrooms
Laundry
Small maintenance/repair jobs around the home
Hospitality
Working as a Team
Running errands
Service to others
Good manners

I used to order for my children when we went out to eat, but no more. I used to do most of the chores around the house, but not any longer.  My girls are helping more and I believe that they are becoming more confident in their lives.  They are capable of so much and I'm letting them see this for themselves.:) 

*I was given a copy of Cleaning House from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer

My Thoughts:

I'm always excited to get my hands on a book written by Tricia Goyer.  She's one of my favorite authors and never fails to deliver a heartfelt story that will stay with you long after the last page.  In The Memory Jar, she has created a masterpiece of friendship, memories, heartache, love and "fancy" cupcakes.:)  I found Sarah's memory jar absolutely charming as we discover through the course of the book what each trinket represents.  I particularly enjoyed getting to know Patty, Sarah's best friend, through flashbacks and daydreams.  Love is presented in a deeply caring way by getting to know someone and their dreams- not just by outward appearances.  Jathan is a dear!  Your heart almost aches with the way he cares for Sarah.  Getting lost in the woods and cooking in the kitchen have never been so romantic!  

{MORE ABOUT THE MEMORY JAR}

Book One in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series

Every year, 30–40 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! Sarah Shelter has lived in West Kootenai for the last ten years and wonders if she will ever fall in love.

Since the tragic death of her best friend, she carries her memories in a jar along with the small items connected to them. For just as long, she’s also been carrying around her emotions instead of allowing them to penetrate deep into her heart. Now she’s met a kind and gentle man who may be able to break down the wall. But can Sarah risk her heart to finally achieve her dreams?

{MORE ABOUT TRICIA GOYER}

Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of over thirty 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.

Find out more about Tricia at http://triciagoyer.com.

Celebrate with Tricia by entering her Amish Kindle Gift Pack Giveaway and RSVPing to her Facebook party on November 7th. (And be sure to catch the fun video trailer or try your hand at one of the simple, keepsake crafts Tricia has put together on her website.)

One fortunate winners will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire


• Custom-made Memory Jar Kindle Cover


• Amish-made decorative items {Wall hanging, horse/buggy and Amish houses}


• The Memory Jar {Be swept away by this captivating series.}

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 6th. Winner will be announced at the ”Memory Jar Author Chat Party on 11/7. Connect with Tricia for an evening of book chat, Amish trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of The Memory Jar and join Tricia on the evening of the November 7th 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 7th!

*I was given a copy of The Memory Jar from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

Tangled Ashes by Michele Phoenix

My Thoughts:

Tangled Ashes is a compelling work of fiction based on actual history.  World War II, Nazis, and gorgeous Meunier manor in Lamorlaye, France that holds a secret.  I was captivated by the story of two young ladies trying to survive the war.  After they gain employment at Meunier manor, medical equipment and pregnant women begin arriving.  Slowly the pieces fall into place and the girls are horrified at what they discover.  What they saw and experienced will both intrigue you and haunt you.  The book begins in present day with architect Marshall Becker.  He's angry, difficult and tortured by his past.  He's not easy to like but give him time to tell his story.  Marshall is hired to renovate Meunier manor and thus begins the twisting of past and present.  Taking turns between the time periods I was swept away to World War II.  There are mysterious characters, love interests and questions that demand answers.  Tangled Ashes is a story that will keep you reading late into the night.  The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger and so I hope there will be a sequel in the future.

About the author:   Michele Phoenix - Born in France to an American mother and a Canadian father, Michele Phoenix is an international writer with multi-cultural sensitivities. A graduate of Wheaton College, she taught writing, music, and theater at the boarding school for missionaries' children she attended as a teenager. She currently works for Global Outreach Mission as an advocate for Third Culture Kids, helping them transition back into North American culture and educating stateside churches and missions about the special needs of this people group.

*I was given a copy of Tangled Ashes from Handlebar Marketing in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

Georgia Races, Surgery Faces, and Justin Bieber Dances

Wow.

To say the last few weeks have been a whirlwind is an understatement.

We are now home and there truly is no place like it.

I'm not photogenic, but I wanted you to see that I'm still "me".:)  My winker is still not winking correctly and my smile is wonky, but thank the Lord I'm here.  

Last week we were able to travel with my husband to Georgia.   The 10+ hour drive included a wicked rain storm complete with tornado warnings.  Even so, I'm so glad my sweetie asked us to join him.

Thanks to my trusty phone and cute little navigators we were able to locate Starbucks, TJ Maxx, the American Girl store and Pottery Barn Kids.

Katie has put this room on her Wish List.:)

She also loves this kitchen.  So darling.  Love that she's not too grown-up for it yet.

I feel the same way, Cutie!

My parents even drove 8 hours to join us!  We were thrilled that they were willing to make the long trip.  Even more so, when Ruby started coughing...  terribly.

She sounded so horrible that the girls and I ventured out at 6:30 AM to locate a vet.  After saying a quick prayer, God sent us to the sweetest clinic.  Turns out Ruby is in heart failure, has a collapsed trachea (common in Pugs) and may be experiencing early kidney failure.  My Mom being there was a godsend.  We were all a mess.

Thankfully, Ruby survived the trip home and is now on some wonderful medications.  Praying she stays with us as long as she can.  She's one in a million and we adore her.

Meanwhile, my husband was at work.  The business trip included passes to the Petit Le Mans at the Atlanta Speedway!  After taking such care of me throughout my surgery he certainly deserved some fun.:)  My sweetie and my Dad had the best time.  They were VIPs for the day and even had a personal chef.  Nice.  Heard McDreamy was racing that day, too.;)

Crazy fun.

It made me so happy to see them happy!

See why I love this girl so much?  Love her smushy face, curly tail and sweet disposition.

Last week also included a trip to my surgeon.  Had a needle poked in my neck- twice.  The numbness in my face/neck didn't cover these areas.  Wheeee!

He told me that my facial weakness is more than most people have but that he truly believed everything would get back to normal- in time.  So thankful!

After my appointment we hit the mall and also had a fabulous lunch al fresco.  Happy days are here again- just around the corner.:)

This weekend was the BIG ONE.  The one that I've been waiting for for 5 months.  I've been bursting with a SECRET!

But first, we had to go shooting.  Yes, I even had a turn.;)

WE HAD TICKETS TO SEE JUSTIN BIEBER!  My sweet sister, Lindsay, had the creative idea of using a puzzle to tell the girls.  So, I mixed up the letters to- "tonight", "Bieber", and then "concert".  It was so fun to watch their "lightbulbs" turn on!

Bieber Fever.:)  We've got it! (my husband thinks he's a good kid and puts up with all the craziness.  Love you, Sweetie!)

The concert was Rad. Sick. Like Nothing I've Ever Seen Before.  My husband even said it was awesome.  

I've asked for tickets for my birthday.  Don't hate. Just help me find some in Little Rock, Memphis or Tulsa.  Pretty Please.:)

The girls and I so want to go again.  It's like the ultimate aerobic workout- with fireworks and confetti.  Crazy, I tell you!

Katie keeps saying she can't believe she got to see Justin.  She screamed, cried, and sang.  Me- I almost had to leave due to all the lights and sound.  I was starting to hyperventilate!  Then, I recovered and had the best time.

He comes in flying with wings! (below pic.)  The beginning of the show is intense, in a great way.  Don't want to ruin it for you, just in case you are going.:)

Believe.

Haunted Houses- Yes or No?

It's almost that time again.

We're hosting an evening of trick or treating/sleepover and I'm on the quest for crisp, sweet apples for Caramel Apples.  One of my favorite treats.  My caramel apple will be covered in mini Reese's Pieces which is crazy delicious.  (You can also use mini M&M's, but they are nowhere as good as ET food.)

Once again I will avoid haunted houses at all costs.

Do you go through them?

I went one time but ended up trying to make friends with the people that were there.  Being new besties and all, it made things a bit less awkward when I grabbed their hands and held on for dear life later in the evening.  (Not the scary people! The innocent victims.)  

The monsters always target me.  

I swear they can smell fear.

At the Feet of Jesus by Joanna Weaver

My Thoughts:

At the Feet of Jesus is a 365 day devotional that can be started at any point during the year.  I began reading at the beginning of October and was immediately impressed.  Joanna Weaver covers issues that I personally encounter daily (a jealous mind, true humility, unfairness, etc.) and clearly ties them to God's word in a way that's enjoyable to read and easy to understand.  The book is exactly what I look for in a devotional- entertaining (through the use of the author's personal stories), it cover issues that I can relate to, plus it makes me think long after I've read the words.

You were made for more than serving God; you were made to know Him.

Intimacy with God—to know Him and be known by Him. It is what our hearts desperately need, but somehow life conspires to keep us busy and distracted.

For anyone who struggles when it comes to daily devotions, At the Feet of Jesus extends an irresistible invitation to set aside your duties and find the amazing peace and incredible joy that come from time alone with Him. Drawn from Joanna Weaver’s beloved Bethany trilogy, each reading in this 365-day devotional includes a Bible reading passage and reflection question. All-new material and “Going Deeper” sidebars are also woven throughout.

Discover for yourself the riches that come from spending a portion of each day alone with God. At the feet of Jesus—where true life begins!

Includes a unique One-Year Bible Reading Guide.

Order a copy here.


Celebrate the release of At the Feet of Jesus with Joanna Weaver by entering to win an iPad and RSVPing for the "True Life" Webcast Event on 11/8!




One blessed winner will receive:

• An iPad


• The Year in Bethany Trilogy (Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, Having a Mary Spirit and Lazarus Awakening 


• At the Feet of Jesus for YOU and Five of your friends.

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 7th. Winner will be announced at the "True Life" Live Webcast Event on November 8th. Connect with author Joanna Weaver and her special guest for an evening of encouragement, laughter and a Q&A! There will also be gift certificates and books given away to participants.

So grab your copy of At the Feet of Jesus (or one of Joanna's other books) and join Joanna on evening of November 8th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books - 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 8th!

*I was given a copy of At the Feet of Jesus from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.  No other compensation was received.*