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. 

A Heartbeat Away by S. Dionne Moore

My Thoughts:

A Heartbeat Away is a historical novel filled with plenty of drama, action, emotion and romance.  It takes place during the Civil War when two brothers venture out to fight for what they believe in.  One of the brothers, Joe, becomes badly wounded but is rescued and brought to Beth Bumgartner and her grandmother.  They tend to his wounds and a friendship is kindled among the chaos, fear and gunshots.  But where is Joe's brother?  

S. Dionne Moore definitely captured the emotions and passion of war in A Heartbeat Away.  She doesn't candy coat the brutality and desperation felt by those caught in the midst of battle.  The words are often raw and occasionally difficult to read, yet the author is true to her characters and storyline.  Runaway slaves, families desperately fleeing the enemy, badly wounded soldiers (often covered with lice) and gun shots occurring during the day and night all paint a tragic but realistic portrait of the Civil War.  The two shining stars are Beth and her grandmother, Gerta, who do everything in their power to help the wounded and the hungry.  Throughout the pages of this book there are bright moments captured through memories shared and the comfort of kind words and actions.  A Heartbeat Away is bittersweet, as any well written story of the Civil War should be.  History lovers that appreciate a touch of romance will enjoy this book.

More About the Book:

When a band of runaway slaves brings Union-loyal Beth Bumgartner a wounded Confederate soldier named Joe, it is the catalyst that pushes her to defy her pacifist parents and become a nurse during the Battle of Antietam.

Her mother's mysterious goodbye gift is filled with quilt blocks that bring comfort to Beth during the hard days and lonely nights, but as she sews each block, she realizes there is a hidden message of faith within the pattern that encourages and sustains her. Reunited with Joe, Beth learns his secret and puts the quilt's message to its greatest test---but can betrayal be forgiven?  

Dionne Moore is a historical romance author who resides in South Central PA with her family, surrounded by the beautiful Cumberland Valley and lots of fun, historically rich locations. She is a weekly contributor to "The Borrowed Book," a blog for book-lovers, and "Cozy Mystery Magazine," for all things cozy mystery.  Learn more about S. Dionne at her website.  *I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse Publications in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

Catch a Falling Star by Beth K. Vogt

My Thoughts:

Beth K. Vogt knows that everyone deserves a happy ending.  In Catch a Falling Star she tells the story of Dr. Kendall Haynes, an attractive 36 year old physician who ponders life and what God has planned for her.  She adores her Goldendoodle "Sully", has a knack for fixing Jeeps (this turns out the be quite important!) and has a no nonsense approach to relationships.  Kendall also longs to discover her happily ever after as she watches all her friends walk down the aisle.  Griffin Walker, a 38 year old (hunky!) Air Force pilot who has found himself to be the guardian to his 16 year old adopted brother, Ian, is lonely and unsure of what God has in store for him. Vertigo has grounded him from flying and the frustration is almost too much for him to take.  Kendall and Griffin appear to be complete opposites and that's what makes them so great together!  Of course, there's the matter of Dr. Heath Parker...

I adored Kendall Haynes.  She's smart, independent and not afraid to speak her mind.  She cares deeply for her patients, coworkers, friends and God.  I loved reading her reflections on the past- memories of rebuilding her Jeep with her Dad and fairy tales and memories shared with her precious Mina.  I admired the spunk Kendall displayed when she refused to give up Mina's ring!  Beth K. Vogt has a gift for creating characters with unique story lines that touch your heart.  Wish You Were Here (about a runaway bride) and now Catch a Falling Star- a physician who fears she may have sacrificed love for a career.  Please keep your fabulous stories coming, Beth K. Vogt!:)

What does a girl do when life doesn’t go according to her plan?At 36, Kendall Haynes has seen some of her dreams come true. She’s a family physician helping kids with severe allergies and asthma achieve more fulfilling lives—a childhood struggle she knows all too well. But the feeling of being “the kid never picked” looms large when romance continues to evade her and yet another one of her closest friends gets engaged. Are Kendall’s dreams of having it all—a career, a husband, children—nothing more than childish wishing upon a star? Should she hold out for her elusive Plan A? Dust off Plan B? Or is it time to settle? God says he knows the plans he has for her—why can’t Kendall figure them out and be content with her life?

Griffin Walker prefers flying solo—both as an Air Force pilot and in his personal life. But a wrong choice and health problems pulled him out of the cockpit. His attempts to get out of “flying a desk” are complicated by his parents’ death—making Griffin the reluctant guardian of his sixteen-year-old brother, Ian. How did his life get so off course? Can God get his life back on track … or has there been a divine plan all along?

Catch a Falling Star reminds readers that romance isn’t just for twenty-somethings and that sometimes letting go of your “wish I may, wish I might” dreams is the only way to embrace everything God has waiting for you.

Purchase a copy here.

Beth K. Vogt believes happy endings aren't limited to novels. She provides her readers with a happily ever after woven through with humor, reality, and God's lavish grace. Married to her husband Rob for 31 years, as the mom of three adult children and one 10-year-old, Beth embraces her less-than-perfect life. Her degree in journalism helped establish her as a nonfiction writer. Beth was the editor of Connections, the leadership magazine for Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) International, for four years and continues to be a consulting editor, as well as a bimonthly columnist for MOMSnext, their ezine for moms of school-age children. After focusing on magazine writing and her book Baby Changes Everything: Embracing and Preparing for Motherhood after 35 (thanks to a surprise pregnancy at 41), Beth turned a season of burnout into her debut novel, Wish You Were Here.

Learn more about Beth at http://www.bethvogt.com


Celebrate the release of Catch a Falling Star (Howard Books) with Beth K. Vogt by entering to win a Romantic Weekend Getaway and RSVPing for her June 4th Author Chat Party.









One "lucky" winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Cash Card (Perfect for a weekend stay at a hotel or B&B!)

Catch a Falling Star and Wish You Were Here by Beth Vogt (Swoon-worthy!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 3rd. Winner will be announced at the "Catch a Falling Star" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 4th. Connect with Beth for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Beth will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Catch a Falling Star and join Beth on the evening of June 4th 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 4th!




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

Summer Bucket List Craft

What are your big plans for this summer?

The beach is calling my name, but, sadly, it's not in our plans.

Soooo...

We're going to focus on the fun we will have! :)

Found this awesome framed chalkboard at TJ Maxx.

Ordered some fabulous washi tape (I've been anxiously awaiting a chance to try it!) and got busy with my crafting buddy today.

The designs are terrifically happy!  Just proceed as pictured above and you can make your own washi tape banner.  It works just like regular tape, but this stuff makes you smile.:)

Then, trim the edges, if you choose, and hang!

Look up and giggle, smile or sing a song.  In the words of Martha Stewart, "It's a good thing."

What does your Summer Bucket List look like?  I'd love to hear about it!  We need 2 more ideas.;)