Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason Review

This story takes place in Long Island in 1911.  The O'Leary family own a horse farm, but it is close to financial ruin.  James O'Leary, a strong figure of a man and patriarch, has determined to wed his two daughters to prominent families in hopes of saving the farm.  Colleen is jealous of her sister and strives to make her life miserable.  Brianna, a quiet and intelligent girl wants to attend college, but her father has other ideas.  The story centers around the sisters following their own dreams or obeying their father's wishes, mending all that has come between them and sorting out their future.  Will Colleen grown in maturity  and learn there are other things in life beside fashion and pretense?  Will Brianna follow her dreams of going to college, thus leaving the home of her family and the one man she loves?  I loved the depth of the characters and the portrayal of Irish immigrants, since all of my grandparents came from Ireland.  Will Brianna work out her relationship with Gilbert and will Colleen marry Rylan?
I loved this story; it was a quick read, but especially enjoyable after I just got back from Ireland.
I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series, just disappointed I have to wait until next year.  I would definitely recommend this book.  Susan Anne Mason is a wonderful story teller.
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing, provided me with this book; I received it in exchange for my honest review.  
Noreen

A New Amish Series

I haven't seen any books by Kelly Irvin until seeing this book; I can tell you that I will be on the lookout for more of her books.  Here is the synopsis from the back cover:
"Sometimes it takes a barren landscape to see the beauty of God’s creation.
Phineas King knows better than to expect anything but shock and pity wherever he shows his face. Horribly scarred from the tragic accident that claimed his mother’s life, he chooses to keep his distance from everyone, focusing his time and energy on the bees his family raises. If no one sees him, no one can judge him. So why does he start finding excuses to seek out Deborah Lantz, the beautiful new arrival in town?
Deborah can’t get out of Bee County, Texas, soon enough. Once her mother and younger siblings are settled, she is on the first bus out of this dusty town. She is only waiting on the letter from Aaron, asking her to return to lush Tennessee."
It was an intriguing story, focusing on looking beyond outward appearances to  the inner heart.  I was somewhat surprised at part of the story line, but loved the rich characters and settings.  I would rate this book 5 star for the twist on the lifestyles of the Amish.
I also finished another book last night, so now I'll be back to a more normal routine of stitching and blogging.  Our weather is incredible and will stay warm for the rest of the week.  Hubby is loving it and playing golf tomorrow.  Walking is so nice when it is mild outside.  
Hoping you get to get out and about today.
Sunshine & smiles to you.
Noreen

From My Library

During the winter, I tend to read much more than when the weather beckons me outside.  Of course, being at home during my recovery has left me with time to read even more.  The funny thing is that I didn't grow up reading and it wasn't until I was in high school that I discovered the joy of it.  Whenever we travel, I take books along or in the last couple of years I have our IPad with my ebooks on it.  Last week, hubby and I ran into Wal*art for a couple of things and I had to stop in the book section. I saw this book and picked it up-it was pretty cheap.  I haven't read anything by Rose Ross Zediker before; this book is three novellas or short stories centered in South Dakota, about quilt projects that lead to true love.
Each story was unique and relevant; but all the stories had quilts woven through the plot and also had situations that the characters had to overcome.  The book was a quick read, which is something that I needed at this time.  I would read one of the novella's and then pick up my quilting.  I would rate this a Five Star and hope to find any other books that the author has written. 
I've got one more book to read and plan to take it to the mountains with us.  The family is looking forward to our get together, unfortunately though our youngest granddaughter was sick last evening so we are praying they are all well enough to join us.  Our other sil will be traveling out of the country for 12 days and no one wants to share any bugs with him.
On another note-my dear sister of my heart, aka sil, is having surgery today.  I never would have thought the two of us would have the same surgery within a month of one another.  If  you would lift up a prayer for her, it would be appreciated. She is the rock of our family, we love her all so very much and want her to fly through the surgery without any complications. 
I hope you have a wonderful Thursday and remember to give thanks for this day!
Joy to you~
Noreen

Review on Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey

Happy Wednesday to you!  When I got home from the hospital this new book came for me to review.  I love Bethany House Publishers blogger review program, if you are a blogger and interested in receiving books to review you should check out Bethany House.
Here is a synopsis of story from the author:
"Alaskan Courage Series – Book 5
Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now paired together on Yancey’s search-and-rescue canine unit, they begin to put aside old arguments as they come to see each other in a different light.
Then a call comes in from the Iditarod that will push them to their limits. Kirra’s uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing. Frank’s daughter has been kidnapped. In order to save her, the man must use his knowledge as a mechanical engineer to do the kidnapper’s bidding or she will die.
Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is only threatening a girl’s life, but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen."

There are two book genre's that  I am drawn to-firstly any books about the Amish/Mennonites and secondly-stories that take place in Alaska. Dani Pettrey has woven a masterful tale of intrigue that centers not only on Dog Mushers and the Iditarod race, but also the oil industry.  I found this book to be so captivating that I was able to read it within a day.  Initially I was concerned because it was book 5 in a series that I hadn't read, but found it wasn't an issue at all.  The characters are well developed and the story one that could take place today.  I love Alaska and given my love for dogs, it isn't surprising this book held me captive.  The author reminded me so much of Dee Henderson, in fact at first I wondered if she was writing undo another name.  I loved how Dani weaved scripture through the story as well.  Now that I've finished it, I want to go back and read the rest of the series.  I would give this book 10 stars. 
I received this book from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing, free of charge in return for my honest review. 
If you need a great book to read this winter, look for any of Dani Pettrey's books, you won't be sorry.

Noreen

The River by Beverly Lewis

The River is Beverly Lewis' newest book; it accurately portrays life among the Amish and gives us another glimpse and understanding into their lives.This is a story line that draws the reader deeper into each page with the rich characters.  The story takes place in Eden Valley, Lancaster County, Pa. in 1977.  Two sisters, Tilly and Ruth, have left their family and chosen to live in the outside world. They are plagued by unresolved relationships when they return  for their parents' wedding anniversary, as well as seeing their father who is gravely ill. Returning would mean facing memories of a  family tragedy that tore the family apart and left Tilly guilt ridden; she is reluctant to return to her parents home.  Although married to an Englisher, Tilly holds onto many of her Plain convictions.  Ruth, the younger of the two, left her family and community with a broken heart; although she remains single, she never got over her broken courtship with her Amish beau. The reader feels the heartbreak, bitterness, unforgiveness that that Tilly has lived with.  Will these sisters return for good to their family and beliefs or will they make peace and return to the outside world?
While this book held me captive, I did foresee where the story line was headed.  I love all Amish stories and this one was another great book from the author.
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publisher, provided me with this book in exchange for my honest review. 

Miracle in a Dry Season by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Happy Wednesday to you friends. As promised, I want to review my latest read. It felt good to have something to read in the evening and this book was so good that I could barely put it down. I was not familiar with Sarah's book, but now that I've read her first book in the series, I will definitely look for more.

The story is set in Wise, West Virginia in 1954; a young woman named Perla and her daughter want to begin a new life, unnoticed there. Sadie, her daughter, is a charming little girl who quickly grabs the hearts of many in the town; not so with her mother who is unwed. As Perla and Sadie settle into the quaint town, rumors begin to fly about her past. Casewell Phillips has given up on love and marriage, but will this young woman change that? In the midst of the gossip and judgements, the town and whole area suffer a awful drought. Perla has a God-given gift of cooking and providing for people abundantly. More rumors spread as to whether she is a witch or not. Even the local pastor is turning the town against Perla. This story could have taken place in today's world as well, with the pain caused by unnecessary words. It deeply touched my heart, for many reasons-the lack of grace given to someone who so desperately needed it and also for forgiveness and life being poured out on all through the love of a child. I would rate this book 5 stars and highly recommend it. I finished it in a day and a half; the characters are rich and it is easy to imagine life in Wise. I also received this book free from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

I am offering this book to anyone who would enjoy it.  If you are interested, please leave me a comment and I will draw a name on Friday.
Blessings,
Noreen

A Review of Critical Reaction by Todd M. Johnson and Giveaway

Good Morning Friends~Hope your week is starting out well. Here is the latest book I received from Bethany House.

From the author: "After decades of turning out plutonium for the arms race, the Hanford Nuclear Facility has long been shuttered, though its deadly legacy cannot be fully contained. The men who guard the facility from sabotage or monitor its buildings for radiation leaks are told the risks are under control. They believe it, until the worst happens: a thunderous explosion in the dead of night. Two workers, lifer Poppy Martin and new hire Kieran Mullaney, believe themselves lucky to survive the blast. But as the debris is cleared, they discover their safety is not assured. Dead ends and closed doors halt their efforts to discover what really happened--and what radiation may have poisoned them. When stalling and threats force them into the hands of experienced trial lawyer Ryan Hart, they learn that theirs is no ordinary lawsuit. There is something still hidden in the desert of eastern Washington, and someone is willing to go to extreme lengths to make sure it never sees the light of day."
 I have never read a book by Todd M. Johnson, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I will say that this is a book you either love or one that won't be on your top ten list. A relevant story, a legal/environmental thriller that could come off the front page of our newspapers today. I love thrillers and suspense stories; one of my favorite authors is Dee Henderson, but for some reason I just didn't get into this story line. Maybe it was because it shadows reality; I'm not sure, but I do know it wasn't a book that kept me on the edge of my chair. I have read other reviews and their are many that found this a book they couldn't put down. Perhaps the story line was out of the norm for what I typically read; I thought the characters were authentic and the plot intense but it just didn't grab me.
 I want to thank Bethany House Publishers for providing this book to me for my review. I didn't receive any monetary compensation for my review.
 If this is a book that sounds intriguing to you and you would love to read it, please leave me a comment and I will draw a name of a winner this Friday. Make sure I have your email address so I can contact you.
 Have a great day.
Noreen

Another Great Book

Tracie Peterson has done an award winning job writing the second book in her Land of Shining Water series. Tracie is one of my all time favorite authors and this series is right up there on top, in my humble opinion.  With having a busy life, I love picking up books that whisk me away to another time and place.  The Quarryman's Bride is the story of an engaged couple, deeply in love, that face a family tragedy and the hardship ends their engagement.  The story is filled with authentic compromises that young woman would have faced during the late 1800's.  Tracie weaves scripture and biblical principles throughout her stories; another thing I love about her writing.  For so many of you, summer ushers in a very busy time; however if you find you might have a chance to pick up a book-say to read during sports activities or nap time, by all means find this new book.  I am so glad to know that book three will be released in August.  I always feel like I've spent time with a good friend when I read Tracie's books. I love her graphic descriptions of the land and its hardships, as well as its beauty.
I would like to thank Bethany House for the privilege of participating in their Book Review program.  I received this book, free of charge, for my honest review.

I'm off walking again this morning as well as a bike ride~we will ride at least 5 miles, unless I can talk Kam into more.  For many of you who happen to think I'm in such good shape or so dedicated, well thank you for the compliment.  However, I must say I am not in good shape, at all, and feel that I have to ride to try and get back into shape.  The older I get, the harder it is to stay in shape.
Blessings on your day today!
Noreen & a very tired Hunter

One Of Our Own

Today I want to highlight a new release written by a good friend, Bobbi Phillip.  When I first started blogging, my hope was simply to keep a journal of daily happenings for friends and family; it quickly turned into an important part of my daily life, by helping me get to know some wonderful friends.  Bobbi was one of the first gals I got to know; specifically because of Gracie, her beloved Cockapoo.  At the time, this was the mix hubby and I were after, that was before we found our Hunter.  When Bobbi shared about writing this Memoir, I was excited and had no idea what the subject matter would be.  This book chronicles the story of divorce and parental alienation; the heartbreak that occurs when one parents sets a child/children against another.  There was once a time where many didn't have family or friends that were divorced; but I am certain that every family, in one way or another, has been impacted by it.  Bobbi wrote about her husband's fight to have visitations with his daughter and the extent that his ex-wife went to to keep them apart; at the end of every chapter Gracie shares her thoughts.  I laughed and cried throughout this book.  I know this wasn't an easy book for Bobbi to write, but on the inside page she says "At the end of the day only the good stuff matters".  It is amazing that she and her husband survived the trials and have come out on the other side.  I would highly recommend this book; it was not only educational for me but also I love supporting a blogging friend.  I hope one day to meet Bobbi and Gracie in person!
It's another cold day here but the sun is out and the mountains look so beautiful.  I finished organizing half of my fabric yesterday and will get in and do the rest today.  I also need to get stew in the crock pot for tonight; I hope to visit with you today as the stew is cooking.
Thank you Bobbi for gifting me with your book; I am honored to have a signed copy.  You can visit Bobbi at www.gracieownsme.blogspot.com  
Stop by and say hello. I also forgot to tell you that you can find this book at Amazon.

Love, Noreen and Hunter

Modern Day Miracles

Recently I received this book, free of charge, from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review.  I was not compensated in any way for this.
In each of our lives, at some point or another we will all face situations beyond our control; it could be an illness, a loved one who is fighting for their life or a tragedy.  Many today believe that miracles only occurred in biblical times or in third world countries.  What we need to remember is that God is still on the Throne and often works in ways that are different from what we'd like.  This book chronicles, in 30 chapters, the lives of regular people who have experienced supernatural miracles in their lives.  It is not a formula but rather faith building testimonies of those who have seen the Lord restore health and life.  About half way through the book, I was reading a chapter and a name I was familiar with(from our old city in Ca)was in the story.  Seeing this man's name and knowing his character further testified to the validity of these stories.  If you are looking for a last minute Christmas gift or a book that would encourage someone walking through trials, I would highly recommend this book.  I plan on getting another copy to give to a friend and will share my copy with others.
I hope you have a wonderful evening and are able to just enjoy the last few days before Christmas.
Blessings to each of you.  Noreen