Wednesday, March 21, 2018

A Refuge Assured Review Part 1!

Hello all! :) So since A Refuge Assured is a 400+ page book, and I am a self proclaimed "slow reader", add in there that it is a pretty deep book, and broken into 5 parts of it's own. I was Inspired to review it in pieces.

So as I read I'll be posting mini reviews on what I think about what I've read. I hope you enjoy this new idea and follow along! :)

Happy Reading! ~ASC

A Refuge Assured by Jocelyn Green

Book Description:

Vivienne Rivard fled revolutionary France and seeks a new life for herself and a boy in her care, who some say is the Dauphin. But America is far from safe, as militiaman Liam Delaney knows. He proudly served in the American Revolution but is less sure of his role in the Whiskey Rebellion. Drawn together, will Liam and Vivienne find the peace they long for?

My Opinion:
DEEP READ! Ok so I know that France has a very bloody history especially with the revolution times. And that's where Jocelyn immediately drops you in the beginning, right in the beginning/middle of a lot of blood shed. I will say that the horror of the details doesn't sit that well with me. Especially because I read right before going to sleep so....... I skimmed through many of the terrible details. When I read the book description I was hoping that we would start in America and find out some of Vivienne's details looking back. And since I had to skim through a good deal of horrifying detail I felt it could have easily been done. This could be my own personal preference however, so if you're more hard core than I am perhaps you will disagree! ;) Yes that's right, I might be a wimpy reader, but I'm embrace it! :D The main character Vivienne however is a highly interesting one! I can't wait to see what else happens to her and where else the story leads! Also I absolutely LOVE the lacemaker parts and I hope there are more of those! :)

Songs: (I've chosen these songs because I hope that Vivienne will cling to The Lord and remember she is not alone and that she can find strength in Him. I hope as the book goes on they will still fit :) ) "Healing Hand Of God" by Jeremy Camp, "Chain Breaker" by Zach Williams, and "Greater" by MercyMe
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Psalm 142:5

~ASC

*I requested and received this book from Bethany House for the purpose of reviewing it. This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about A Refuge Assured. ~ASC

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Amish Cooking Class Cookbook Review!

Amish Cooking Class Cookbook: Over 200 Practical Recipes for Use in Any Kitchen

"by Wanda E. Brunstetter"

Book Description:

Amish Cooking Basic Enough for Beginners

Fans of New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish romance novels are invited to go back to cooking basics with characters from the bestselling Amish Cooking Class series. Heidi Troyer, her students, and other contributors share over 200 practical recipes for use in any kitchen, along with tips to keep things running smoothly. From learning how to boil eggs and knead biscuits to building a German Pizza and an Amish Haystack feast, The Amish Cooking Class Cookbook includes something beneficial for every age and skill set. Divided into traditional cookbook categories, there is a recipe everyone will find to love.

My Opinion:
Well....... There are things about this book that I loved, but then there are quite a few issues I have to. First of all I LOVE the addition of all the Bible verses! What pictures are included are gorgeous, but that seems to be where the issues start. There aren't nearly enough pictures. Now, I realize that I am the type of person that thinks that cook books should have a picture of every single recipe. I'm a visual person, and I like confirmation that what I made is supposed to look like that! ;) LOL! Secondly this book REALLY needs to add how many servings will be made from the recipes. It kinda scared me when one of the cookie recipes called for half a dozen eggs and 8 and a half cups of flour!!!! Now I LOVE cookies, but WOW! I hesitate to agree with the for Beginners part also. I grew up watching cooking shows and learning recipes and the like since my mom LOVES to cook and reads cook books like they're novels ;) so I'm not necessarily a novice in the kitchen. And I have to say that some of the "tips" I read aren't going to work very well for many things. And there are some recipes through out the book I'm not sure will come out either. :/ The setup is a little strange as well with having the main dishes after desserts and the like. I always like to try at least one recipe from a cookbook before reviewing it, but I'm sad to say that it wasn't good. I tried the "Fruit Filled Coffee Cake" but the consistency of the batter or dough was really gloppy and I wasn't very happy with it from the beginning. Then when I baked it is just didn't taste very good. To give my honest opinion it called for a can of cherry pie filling and that was the only tasty thing in it. But perhaps it was just my personal tastes; I was just pretty disappointed. I think it needed more liquid to help it be less gloppy and more batter like, and I'm not quite sure what would help the taste :/ . I will be trying again with another recipe (the hot fudge sauce) and then write another blog post with my results of that.

Songs: "Amazing Grace"
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Matthew 4:4

~ASC

*I received this book from Barbour for the purpose of reviewing it. This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about Amish Cooking Class Cookbook: Over 200 Practical Recipes for Use in Any Kitchen. ~ASC

Saturday, March 17, 2018

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

He was an amazing Christian man! A Scotsman kidnapped by the Irish then once released he felt God calling him to leave Scotland and return to Ireland and tell them all about Jesus!

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Treacherous Trails Review!!!!!!!

Treacherous Trails by Dana Mentink

Book Description:

Falsely accused…

Can she escape the real killer?

In this Gold Country Cowboys story, farrier Ella Cahill is accused of murder—and only former marine Owen Thorn, her brother's best friend, can help clear her name. Now with someone trying to kill Ella, Owen must protect her…despite his promise to her brother to stay away from her. But can they work together to find the true killer before she becomes the next to die?

My Opinion:
WHAT A BOOK! I LOVED THIS STORY! And I must say I am LOVING this series! I can't WAIT for the next book! :D I really enjoyed meeting these two main characters in the last book and I was looking forward to Owen's turn! And let me say that Dana did not disappoint!!!! This one is also totally different in style of mystery and plot which I also truly LOVED, because when a sequel just repeats the original it's not good. But with completely different situations in this one I think I loved it even more than the first (and I will also say, without giving too much away, that I usually don't like this style of mystery, but still ABSOLUTELY LOVED this one!)! The character's backgrounds are highly interesting to me. Two people that have overcome their pasts and continue to overcome obstacles in their present as they come together to survive! Add in just enough suspense and intrigue and you've got a recipe for a highly entertaining read! I HIGHLY recommend this one and truly can't wait for the next two brother's to get their stories!

Songs: "Jesus I Believe" by Big Daddy Weave, "All My Hope (feat. Tauren Wells)" by Crowder, "Control (Somehow You Want Me)" by Tenth Avenue North, "Miracle" by Unspoken,
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Jeremiah 29:11, Isaiah 41:10

~ASC

*I received this book from the author for the purpose of reviewing it. This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about Treacherous Trails. ~ASC

Saturday, February 17, 2018

Phoebe's Light Review!!!!!!!

Phoebe's Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher

+Suzanne Woods Fisher

Book Description:

Phoebe Starbuck has always adjusted her sails and rudder to the whims of her father. Now, for the first time, she's doing what she wants to do: marrying Captain Phineas Foulger and sailing far away from Nantucket. As she leaves on her grand adventure, her father gives her two gifts, both of which Phoebe sees little need for. The first is an old sheepskin journal from Great Mary, her highly revered great-grandmother. The other is a "minder" on the whaling ship in the form of cooper Matthew Mitchell, a man whom she loathes.

Soon Phoebe discovers that life at sea is no easier than life on land. Lonely, seasick, and disillusioned, she turns the pages of Great Mary's journal and finds herself drawn into the life of this noble woman. To Phoebe's shock, her great-grandmother has left a secret behind that carries repercussions for everyone aboard the ship, especially her husband the captain and her shadow the cooper. This story within a story catapults Phoebe into seeing her life in an entirely new way--just in time.

About the Author:

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Anna’s Crossing, The Newcomer, and The Return in the Amish Beginnings series, The Bishop’s Family series, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

My Opinion:
I LOVED THIS BOOK! WOW what a read! I loved the characters right off. Usually I want the book to start right where the book description describes and I don't want a lot of lead in or set up to get there, but even though the back's description doesn't take place until further into the story I didn't mind at all. In fact I truly enjoyed getting to know the characters and their motives on a deeper level in this way! I loved both the past and the present stories and how they weave together so beautifully! As well as all of the historical details, the new things I learned about the Quakers, and the fantastic Faith messages! Plus the fact that this book has a little bit of everything, including a wrap up and a cliff hanger! :D I could read it all again and a again! And I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK!!!! This is a Must Read!

Songs: "God Shaped Hole" by Plumb, "Jesus I Believe" by Big Daddy Weave, and "God Help Me" by Plumb
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Mark 9:23-25, John 1:9

~ASC

*I requested and received this book as a member of Celebrate Lit for the purpose of reviewing it. This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about Phoebe's Light. ~ASC

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a grand prize of a Kindle!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

Blog Stops

Aryn The Libraryan, February 15

A Simply Enchanted Life, February 15

Moments Dipped in Ink, February 15

Kaylee’s Kind of Writes, February 15

Girls in White Dresses Blog, February 16

With a Joyful Noise, February 16

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, February 16

A Greater Yes, February 16

ASC Book Reviews, February 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 17

Book by Book, February 17

Texas Book-aholic, February 18

The Power of Words, February 18

Two Points of Interest, February 18

Splashes of Joy, February 18

A Reader’s Brain, February 19

Karen Sue Hadley, February 19

Blossoms and Blessings, February 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 20

The Fizzy Pop Collection, February 20

All of a kind Mom, February 20

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 20

Reading Is My SuperPower, February 21

Baker Kella, February 21

Mommynificent, February 21

Janices book reviews, February 21

Lighthouse Academy, February 22

Readers cozy corner, February 22

Mary Hake, February 22

Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 22

Pause for Tales, February 23

Have A Wonderful Day, February 23

Faery Tales Are Real, February 23

Blogging With Carol, February 24

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, February 24

Among the Reads, February 24

Carpe Diem, February 24

Black ‘n’ Gold Girl’s Book Spot, February 25

Red Headed Book Lady, February 25

Just the Write Escape, February 25

A Baker’s Perspective, February 25

By The Book, February 26

For The Love of Books, February 26

Margaret Kazmierczak, February 26

Simple Harvest Reads, February 26 (Guest post from Mindy)

Maureen’s Musings, February 27

Connie’s History Classroom, February 27

proud to be an autism mom, February 27

Bigreadersite, February 27

Bibliophile Reviews, February 28

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 28

Pink Granny’s Journey, February 28

Pursuing Stacie, February 28

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Way of the Raven Review!

Way of the Raven by Jackie Zack

Book Description:

Two Converging Paths…
NYC editor David Wappelhorst has everything going for him except what he’s wanted in life. Concerned he’s waited too long to pursue his dream of writing a bestseller, he ditches his prestigious career and relocates to his hometown.
After witnessing a murder and given a new identity, Megan Summers finds herself in a Podunk Pennsylvanian town far away from family. Stunned with grief, she wonders if it’s possible to rebuild her life. A nearby abandoned brick house with a grim history lends more unease to her situation. Has she escaped one deadly past to live in the shadow of another?
David is intrigued by crossing Megan’s path. Why does she seem familiar? And by meeting her has his desire turned tragically unattainable?

My Opinion:
An interesting read. There were times when I wasn't so sure about this read. There are moments that are dark and kinda creepy, but only a couple of times. Personally I also found myself wanting more mention of The Lord, Bible verses, and prayer. But when Faith is mentioned I really enjoyed it and there were times I really liked this book. The characters are will developed and they're very likable. The plot is unique and entertaining. There were sometimes I wondered were the story was going, and there are still somethings that I'm not quite sure I got. :/ Plus a few things that didn't get fully explained. Overall I felt this was a quirky read, but I loved the characters and the ending!

Songs: "Miracle" by Unspoken, "Amazing Grace",
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Jeremiah 29:11

~ASC

*I received this book for the purpose of reviewing it. This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about Way of the Raven. ~ASC

Friday, January 26, 2018

Their Daring Hearts Review!

Their Daring Hearts by Sharlene MacLaren

Book Description:

Levi Albright rebelled against his Quaker roots to fight for abolition in the Union army in the first year of the Civil War. Two years later, 19-year-old destitute orphan Josephine Winters, with chopped hair, boy’s clothes, and new name, “Snipp,” enlists in the Union army out of sheer desperation.
Just over five feet tall and barely weighing as much as a newborn calf, Snipp seems to Levi to be barely old enough to hold "his" gun. But despite being teased by the regiment, Snipp quickly earns admiration for skill with a musket and unequaled bravery. When Levi explains one night that he is a Quaker leading a regiment, it leads to a late-night discussion of faith and a developing friendship.
But Snipp’s secret can only be hidden for so long. After an injury forces Josie to reveal her real identity, Levi is angered by her deception. Worse, Josie is marched out of the company without a chance to explain—or even say goodbye. Will their friendship survive? Or will the hatred saturating the war-torn nation affect even the heart of a peace-loving Quaker?

My Opinion:
An interesting read! Though not necessarily one I devoured. This is my first read from Sharlene. And I really enjoyed her style of writing. One thing the book description doesn't say, and I personally think it should, is that there's a hidden traitor in this story. And right when I started feeling like the pace of the story was starting to lull Sharlene would throw another crumb in about the mystery! It was nice since my intrigue was once again spiked and I'd want to go on! I also liked learning more about the Quakers! There were some interesting things I hadn't known before! I have known about and heard about women disguising themselves and joining the army in the civil war, but hadn't read a book with the main character doing just that. It was really interesting with all the details included about what Josephine had to go through! I really LOVED the Faith messages in this story! Both main characters have VERY strong relationships with The Lord and I loved that! Plus this story does have a little of everything in that, there's redemption stories, secrets revealed, mysteries solved, healing, romance, and more! Overall this was a sweet read that I enjoyed!

Songs: "Battle Hymn of the Republic"
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Deuteronomy 31:6. Philippians 4:6, Romans 3:23, Psalm 4:8, Luke 4:10, Psalm 91:11, Psalm 46

~ASC

*I requested and received this book as a member of Celebrate Lit for the purpose of reviewing it. This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about Their Daring Hearts. ~ASC

Giveaway

About the Author

Born and raised in western Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren graduated from Spring Arbor University then traveled nationally with a contemporary Christian vocal ensemble. She married Cecil, with whom she’d grown up in Spring Arbor, and the couple had two daughters. Shar embarked on a teaching career that would span over 30 years. As she contemplated retirement, Shar sought God’s guidance, praying for a vocation that would provide the kind of fulfillment and joy she experienced as a teacher and mother. A lifelong gifted story teller, she began to write Christian romance novels. Her first book, Through Every Storm, published in 2007, was met with critical acclaim and brisk sales. The rest, as they say, is history. Whitaker House’s bestselling fiction author, she’s subsequently published 18 books, mostly historical romances. Shar enjoys reading, singing in her church choir and worship team, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She’s very interactive on Facebook and Twitter. For more: www.sharlenemaclaren.com, www.facebook.com/sharmaclaren, Twitter @ sharzy_lu.