Spoken from the Heart a Review

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 Spoken from the Heart by Laura Bush is an amazing book. I don't know about you, but I have always had the feeling that Mrs. Bush is a very personable lady, from her book she is. I don't know if it is the "teacher connection" or what, but she is someone I would love to meet.

In her book, Mrs. Bush paints a beautiful picture of her childhood. Honestly, I was drawn in to what she was saying, that I actually felt that I grew up with her. Mrs. Bush ( I want to call her Laura, but I guess out of respect, I just can't do it)  tells how her parents wanted children and after several miscarriages, Laura was their only child.  There is also the sad story of how a school mate was killed in a car accident that she caused. This was something that was never talk about. Mrs. Bush now regrets not facing this "problem" and she encourages people to face their problems without backing down from them.

I love this statement, "the most eligible bachelor in Midland marrying the old maid of Midland." Actually, I really don't love it, because I would not want it being said about me. This was said about Laura when she and Mr. Bush were getting married.

Something I was able to see is the true love the Bushes have for each other and for their family.  Mrs. Bush is the kind of wife and mother that puts her family first, even while she was the First Lady of our country.

Mrs. Bush includes a little bit of history of the White House, which I thought was very interesting. Some of the stories I have not heard of before, but some are well known.  I loved learning how she was able to use her position to focus on education, literacy and humanity throughout the world.

Reading about what took place on September 11, 2001, and all of the security measures that President and Mrs. Bush went through is astonishing. This part of the book is written with such real feelings, all of my emotions came rushing back, remembering how everything for our nation changed that day. I knew that the Bushes have visited the sites and with victims families in the New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania areas, but they also met with families across this country that lost loved ones.

If you've been thinking about reading this book, or it hasn't crossed you mind to read it ~ Read the book, I highly recommend it. Spoken from the Heart would definitely make a good addition to any library collection.

Spoken from the Heart By Laura Bush / Scribner Spoken from the Heart is an encouraging and insightful look into a compassionate and memorable first lady. From growing up in Midland, TX to living under the media fishbowl of the White House, Laura Bush has showed the same grace, sensitivity and common sense. In this memoir, she shares her story, revealing much about her family history, past griefs and present joys.

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball a Review

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Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball is written by Donita Paul. The story is about a young woman trying to get all of her Christmas shopping finished early to beat the holiday rush. Cora stumbles upon an unusual book store looking for a Christmas present. When Cora returns home with her package, she finds a ticket to a Christmas ball. Little does Cora know that she along with a coworker have been chosen for a matchmaking scheme. Both Cora and Simon receive a ticket to the ball. Simon plans on taking his younger sister until circumstances arise for him to ask Cora to go with them. Both Cora and Simon begin to research the Christmas ball and find that there is not much information out regarding the ball. The only people that know anything about the ball are those that are in location of the mysterious street that does not exist. As they begin to plan on attending, Cora gets to know Simon more than just the serious, focused coworker.

My Thoughts:

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball is a cute book. It was a little short and not enough romance for it to be called a romance book. The cover is amazing. My only draw back for the book is that it deals with wizards. The author tries to explain that wizards are very wise people. If you use a modern dictionary for the definition of wizard then yes, you will find " a wise man" and you'll find "one skilled in magic."  As a Christian I stay away from anything that has to deal with the occult.  The book did not go in detail of "wizardry" but just having an appearance in the book is something I feel I need to mention for my non wizardry readers.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball: A Novella - eBook By Donita K. Paul / WaterBrook Can mysterious matchmaking booksellers bring two lonely hearts together in time for Christmas? In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball. Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they’ve decided to bring together. This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers’ best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?

Day Book

Outside my window... it's dreary! The clouds are hanging around, but it hasn't begun to rain. The temperatures are cooler that it has been, it actually feels like fall. Some would probably say that it feels like winter. But not in my opinion.



I am thinking... where has this year gone? It seems just like yesterday was January 1, 2010.
I am thankful for... this warm bowl of Chicken and Sausage Gumbo. Unfortunately, it's not my concoction, it belongs to someone named Campbell's.
From the learning rooms... we are trying to get back into the swing of things. Being off all last week (something that I did not intend on doing, it just happened) has put a little fog over our brains. I'll be glad when January gets here, so we can stay focused on getting work done without holiday interruptions.
From the kitchen... I have my beans cooking, so I can make Chili for supper.
I am creating... I finished the shepherd costume that I started last week. I'm working on several fleece projects that will be Christmas gifts. I'm also planning on trying my hand at cloth diapers along with more bibs to sell. I also bought extra fleece to try making a soaker.
I am reading... I'm still reading Spoken from the Heart by Laura Bush. Reading about her life is amazing. She tells the story of how she was in a car accident that killed one of her high school friends. This book is full of love for her dear family.
I am praying... for my husband to have wisdom in a situation that we may be facing in the very near future.
Around the house... it seems no matter what I do, I have a little Messy Monster that comes behind me and leaves his mark on a room.
A few plans for the rest of the week... we have our Homeschool Class Day tomorrow, since it was canceled the week before Thanksgiving due to sickness. On Wednesday we have our full dress rehearsal for our Christmas program that is on Thursday evening.

On This Day in Christian History a Review

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About On This Day in Christian History

Amazing stories of faith from twenty centuries of church history.From the Roman Empire to the Reformation, St. Valentine to St. Francis, Martin Luther to Billy Graham, On this Day introduces readers to a parade of preachers, popes, martyrs, heroes, and saints from 2,000 years of Christianity.

This introduction to 365 of the most interesting men and women of faith brings a year's worth of inspiration and spiritual challenge and offers an enjoyable glimpse into church history. Each day includes a related Scripture reading and a simple, colorful story about history-making events in the lives of people who loved God wholeheartedly.

My Thoughts:

I was a little eager to get this On This Day in Christian History because I love reading about people and events that helped shape our Christian heritage. The men and women in this book, that stood for their beliefs came from many walks of life. Some of the people you will read about are Amy Carmichael, Rodney "Gipsy" Smith, George Mueller, Susanna Wesley,  etc. There were some stories that dealt with torture and martyrdom. Of course, we all know that many Christians were tortured and even put to death for their beliefs, so reading about it in this book was not surprising.

This is a devotional book. For each day of the year, you will read about a person who stood for the cause. Along with it is a short scripture passage. The verses that are included are from another version of the Bible, so I used my Bible to look up any unfamiliar verses.

This was an interesting book, it did keep my attention as I read it in two days. Would I recommend it? Yes and No. Yes, to those who are interested in the history of Christianity and those that are taking a class related to the subject. There are some stories in this book, that I've not heard of, so I'm sure that others probably have not, also. No, to those who are wanting a devotional with more Biblical meat. This book does not have any.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze. I was not required to write a positive review, the opinions I have expressed are my own.

On This Day in Christian History: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories About Saints, Martyrs, and Heroes By Robert J. Morgan / Thomas Nelson * From the Roman Empire to the Reformation, St. Valentine to St. Francis, and Martin Luther to Billy Graham, Morgan offers a yearlong introduction to the heroes, saints, and martyrs of 20 centuries of Christianity. Perfect for sermon illustrations or personal devotions, these 365 vignettes include a related Scripture reading and black-and-white artwork. 384 pages, softcover from Nelson.

Day Book

Outside my window... it's a wonderful fall day. The sky is blue with big puffs of white and gray clouds floating by. The temperature is just perfect. No need for a sweater yet.



I am thinking... about how this year has flown by. I can't believe that in a few short days will be Thanksgiving and then in a few short weeks will be Christmas and then the New Year.
I am thankful for... for a house to live in. I found out this week that 2 of our neighbors have lost their homes. This is extremely sad. One neighbor was the first original homeowner in the neighborhood. The second one lives right next door with three teenagers. My heart goes out to the kids.
From the learning rooms... we've be plodding right alone. I had hoped that I would be able to buy the SOS fifth grade English/Lanuage/Grammar but since I had already spent money on the books we are using this year, I felt that I need to use them. We  are slowing down just to make sure that we have the parts of speech down. I remember trying to teach Abeka fifth grade Language in school and seeing how several students really needed a slower pace and not being able to, it hurt their grades. I just want Monkey to fully understand everything before moving on. ~ The most loved freedom of home educating!
From the kitchen... I'm working on a list of things that I want to bake next week for Thanksgiving; Pumpkin Bread, Sweet Potato Pie, the list goes on.
I am creating... I'm working another precious baby sweater. The front around the button flap, I'm having a little difficulty, so I'm working ever so carefully. I really DO NOT like to frog my knitted work. Later today, I'll be starting a shepherd costume for my little guy for the Christmas program with the Homeschool Group.
I am reading... Spoken from the Heart by Laura Bush. So far I'm enjoying it.  I love reading about her childhood.
I am praying... for my family. My husband and son are hunting today. I'm praying for safety and for a deer if the Lord sees fit.
Around the house... since the men left yesterday, I spent last evening doing all of my cleaning. YAY! I'm enjoying today ~ doing NOTHING! ;)
A few plans for the rest of the week... since this is Thanksgiving week coming up, I'll have to take each day, one day at a time.

Dining with Joy a Review

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Dining With Joy

Joy Ballard has a secret: she's a cooking show host who can't really cook.

When her South Carolina-based cooking show, Dining With Joy, is picked up by a major network, Joy Ballard's world heats up like a lowcountry boil.

Joy needs help. Then she meets chef Luke Davis who moved to Beaufort after losing his Manhattan restaurant. A cook at the Frogmore Cafe, he’s paying debts and longing to regain his reputation in the elite foodie world.

Luke and Joy mix like oil and water…until Joy is exposed on national television. With her career and his reputation both under fire, they’ll have to work together to fix the mess. Is it possible that they can learn to feast on God’s love and dine with joy?

My Thoughts:

Dining With Joy is a really cute book. I love cooking, so this was a no brainer for me, when I chose the book. I love the idea of the "famous" cook not being able to cook. The story seemed like it was being drawn out too much. I guess you could say "too much extra" that was not needed throughout the book.  I was not swept up into the story, like I would have loved. It did keep my interest, and that's a good thing. There were a couple of phrases and words that were used that seemed a little off for it being a Christian fiction. But not everyone has my convictions.

I received my book from Book Sneeze in return for my honest opinion.

Dining with Joy, Lowcountry Romance Series #3 By Rachel Hauck / Thomas Nelson "Chef" Joy Ballard longs for a simpler life. But when a good-looking outsider arrives and spices things up, life becomes deliciously complicated. Host of a regionally syndicated cooking show, Joy Ballard has a little secret: she can't cook. But when her show is picked up by a major network and given a prime time slot, her world heats up faster than a lowcountry boil. Enter Luke Redmond: handsome, creative, and jobless after having to declare bankruptcy of his Manhatten restaurant. When her producers ask him to co-host the show, Joy sees Luke as her way out. But Luke sees much more than just a co-host in Joy. Their relationship begins to simmer on and off set. Until Joy's secret is revealed and her reputation is ruined on national television by her rival, Wenda Devine. But could Devine's cruelty be a divine gift? Losing Luke--and her sister--forces Joy to consider where her worth really comes from. Could God be cooking up an even bigger adventure from the mess? And will Joy hang on long enough to find out?

DayBook

Outside my window... it is a fabulous fall day. There's not a cloud in the sky with just a whisper of a breeze blowing. I have a nest of sparrows in the bushes outside of my bedroom window. The must know that I love to hear them sing, because they are singing praises at the moment.



I am thinking... that I should not have eaten that Chick fil A grilled sandwich so soon after exercising.
I am thankful for... a wonderful husband that works hard for his family.
From the learning rooms... we did school work today, since Monkey and his Dad went hunting yesterday.
From the kitchen... I'm brain dead here. Since we have a week long trip to Alabama next week, I have not bought any groceries. We may just eat some sandwiches tonight.
I am creating... I'm still working on my one sock. "Slow and steady wins the race", right? I bought some yarn for a new baby sweater, last week. I'm hoping to start working on it while traveling next week.
I am reading... nothing fun at the moment.
I am praying... for the Lord to guide our family in a situation, and for the upcoming elections.
Around the house... I was able to get all my cleaning finished yesterday while everyone was away.
A few plans for the rest of the week... Church tomorrow, our trip to Alabama on Monday

The Waiting a Review

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The Waiting

Book 2 in The Lancaster Secrets collection and hot on the heals of the best-selling The Choice. The Waiting, a stand alone story, is a compelling page turner. Jorie King has been waiting for Benjamin Zook to return home to Lancaster County so they can marry. When news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie finds comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. That friendship ripens into love, and it seems that they are meant to be together. But when the unexpected happens, their worlds are turned upside down once more. Will Jorie trust God to lead her into the arms of a new man? 

A multifaceted story about complex people living the simple life. Readers will find themselves transported into the world of the Amish and deeply invested in these wonderful characters.

About the Author:

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the CBA bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, Amish Peace, and Amish Proverbs. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Suzanne is the host of a radio show called Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California.

My Thoughts:

I never read books that are set in modern day. I'm more a historical fiction type of reader. I've never been drawn to reading anything related to the Amish.

When I signed up for The Waiting, I thought that it would be a good book to try.  When I didn't get the email about not being chosen for the review, I forgot about it. So of course, when I got the message that I had been chosen, I was surprised! ~ Does that make sense?

What can I say? I could not put the book down. I read the book in two days. The way Suzanne writes had me right on the sidelines watching the daily lives of the characters in the the book.

I received this book for free from Litfuse in return for my honest opinion in this review.

The Waiting, Lancaster County Secrets Series #2 By Suzanne Woods Fisher / Revell Jorie King has been waiting for Benjamin Zook to return home to Lancaster County so they can marry. When news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie finds comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. That friendship ripens into love, and it seems that they are meant to be together. But when the unexpected happens, their worlds are turned upside down once more. Will Jorie trust God to lead her into the arms of a new man?