From My Library

Recently, I received this book from Bethany House to review. I had not read anything by Jody Hedlund before, so I was excited to read this book. I will tell you the story line was taken from an actual town and lumber area. Below is the story line for you to read.

"In 1883 Michigan, Lily Young is on a mission to save her lost sister, or die trying. Heedless of the danger, her searches of logging camps lead her to Harrison and into the sights of Connell McCormick, a man doing his best to add to the hard-earned fortunes of his lumber-baron father.
Posing during the day as a photographer’s assistant, Lily can’t understand why any God-fearing citizen would allow evil to persist and why men like Connell McCormick turn a blind eye to the crime rampant in the town. But Connell is boss-man of three of his father’s lumber camps in the area, and like most of the other men, he’s interested in clearing the pine and earning a profit. He figures as long as he’s living an upright life, that’s what matters.
Lily challenges everything he thought he knew, and together they work not only to save her sister but to put an end to the corruption that’s dominated Harrison for so long."

I have not received any payment for my review and the book was sent to me, free, from Bethany House. I enjoyed this book but found it a bit long; I also thought some of it could have been made into a second book.  I would definitely read another of her books; she developed her characters in a deep manner and you felt like you had known them in today's world.
I would love to send this book to one of my readers to enjoy; if you are interested please leave me a comment and I will draw a name on Thursday.
I forgot to add this on-I am thankful for receiving free books to read and I am thankful for the gift of eyesight and the ability to read.  
Have a great day!
Noreen

Thank You

Although this day is set aside to honor all our service people, I think we should be honoring them every day.  To all those who are serving, have served or are the loved ones of those fighting for our country, I salute you and say thank you for all you give for our freedom.  God Bless You!
I am so thankful that we live in this country and for all the freedoms you secure for us!
Noreen

Christmas Music and Snow

Happy Saturday Friends~Yesterday  I remembered that one radio station starts playing Christmas songs on Nov. 1st, so I did what any gal would do and turned our stereo to that station.  Had a busy and tiring day yesterday but was refreshed when our friends came for dinner.  They are home for the holidays and then will head to the desert after New Year's.  We always have such fun times together and I love it when they are back here!  This morning it is cold and snow is coming; I still marvel at the fact that I can smell it in the air.  I've got the stereo going and would be content to stay inside all day.  We do have some friends coming for dinner, a simple dinner of Enchiladas and Beans.  I also have to run to the dollar store to get some things for our "Operation Christmas Child" box before we turn it in next week. 
Tomorrow we are going to a Bronco's party-taking our favorite soup; actually it will be our second favorite because Chicken Noodle is always number one in our home, but I decided to take Taco Soup.  It should be a fun gathering; don't know if we will be able to stay the entire time because Hunter will be home alone, crated since the sliding door won't be open due to the snow.  He is really good if the door is open to the outside and there aren't tempting things within his vision. 
Today I am thankful for relaxed days ahead where I can just stay inside and sew or blog.  I am thankful that we have super Tuesday Senior Days at the movies; during snowy days, hubby and I try to go out for a movie each week-it helps him not get stir crazy.  I am thankful that Monday's weather forecast is clear since I'll be taking him to the airport.  I do not like traveling during bad storms. 
I am thankful that we have computers that can link us to each other, if not face to face.  I am thankful for the little fluff ball snuggled up on my feet. 
I am thankful for Christmas music-the joy it brings.
Hugs, Noreen & Hunter

Happy Happy Friday my friends~I hope your week has been productive and good!  There is a big storm coming to the mountains this weekend, but the projected amount of snow isn't as much for us; this is great.  I had a lovely day yesterday; my ladies study in the morning which I was leading, as our leader was away.  I do have to say though that everyone was really late and I was wondering if anyone was coming.  I got to hold our little guy while his mama did some chores and in the afternoon we headed up to Carrie's house.  Papa and the kids are making a wooden advent wreath so they had to go get the wood.  The kids love doing projects with my hubby and this should be a fun one.  I felt fine yesterday, all my energy was back; don't quite know what was going on Wednesday when I was fatigued walking, it might just have been from not eating enough breakfast.  Today, Kam and I are going to some garage sales before we walk the dogs.  Hunter is generally really good when left home alone, if the outside door is left open but five hours is a long time to be left alone.  Today, we are having a fly-over by a Air Force jet so I will leave him crated.  The noise always scares me, if I'm not expecting it and I don't want him freaking out.  Tonight we are having our friends, who are snowbirds and back for the holidays, over for a welcome home dinner.  The rest of the weekend is just as crazy-dinner here with friends tomorrow night and then a Broncos & Soup party at another home on Sunday.  When is a girl supposed to sew? I am still working on the border, have half done already but I think I will need to wait until next week to work on it.  I am thankful for days that are spent how I choose,not by a time clock.  I am thankful for different interests-hubby's woodworking and my quilting.  I am thankful that my schedule will be more relaxed next week, while hubby is away-but I have to say I wish he didn't need to take this particular trip as it is going to be very stressful.  I am thankful for the little fluff ball that will be keeping my company while he is gone.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Noreen & Hunter

Hi there,  Half the day has already flown by and I'm just now thinking about a post.  Yesterday was a busy and tiring day-hubby and I decided to walk around our town lake, the one we always ride bikes around in the summer. I could tell one of two things yesterday-either I was very tired and hadn't eaten enough breakfast or I am really out of shape.  It might just be the combination of both; the path is at least 3 miles, which normally is a really nice and easy walk but for some strange reason I was exhausted and feeling a bit shaky.  Hunter was so enthralled at the new sights and smells that his training pretty much flew out the window.  You'd think he'd never heard the word "watch" before because he wouldn't do it.  I had tried to get a halti type harness for him the day before but it was a small and he needs an extra small so we had returned it; coming away without one because they don't stock many in that size.  The afternoon I had craft group and made three Santa ornaments that I saw on Pinterest.  It was fun!  Last evening we watched the Voice and I dozed on and off. 
Today, I had my ladies study and then stopped by my youngest girls house to see if she needed any help before her in-laws arrive this afternoon.  I was able to hold the baby while she did last minute chores.
This afternoon I will probably read and try to finish my two books for reviews. 
I am thankful that the only mischief Hunter got into while I was gone was to chew up the back pages of a new Country Sampler.  I had forgotten to check and make sure everything was out of his eyesight. 
I am thankful for the beauty of a fall day.  I am thankful for the first snow forecast for this weekend.
I am thankful for computers-really, what would we do without them!  I am thankful for the golf tournament that the course is hosting for all Vets.
I am thankful for those, past present and future, who serve our country and secure our freedom. 
Blessings on your day!  Noreen & Hunter

Good Morning Friends,  I don't know about you, but I am so very thankful that all the political stuff is over!  I am thankful we live in a country where we have a choice in elections.  I am thankful for the freedom to cast my ballot.  Regardless of who you wanted for president, what you feel about our current president and his winning the election-he is still President and is due our respect.  I can only hope that the economy will turn around; hubby was unhappy about the stock market this morning.
Here is Colorado, Pot was legalized and I'm not happy about that.  Not sure how it will play out between the federal regulations and the state.  I want us all to move on. 
I am thankful for the beautiful fall day today and for the ladies I will be joining today for crafts.  I am still, slowly, working on the border for my quilt; if it snows this weekend, I may just get more time to work on it-although we do have commitments on both days, so maybe not.  Next week, my hubby will be away so that means time when I can do what I want and not worry about having dinner on the table etc.
I hope you have a wonderful day. Lifting up prayers for the east coast and recovery happening, as well as the new storm not materializing.
With Gratitude,  Noreen & Hunter

Happy Tuesday to you.  Yesterday was a very full day, overflowing with love and energy. The morning was spent running errands and gathering craft supplies for activities with our granddaughters as well as a new craft group I've joined(using ideas from Pinterest). I am also looking for the perfect Christmas hat for Hunter, no luck so far.  In the afternoon, our oldest called and asked if she could come over with the grands for a few hours.  What a fun time; we visited outside and then went in to play Quirkle and also Uno. I love those moments spent with the kids-they are getting so big, so quickly.  Last night, we had our youngest daughter's four girls over, so they could run errands; we played with Legos and Papa built them a tent too.  Let me tell you that by 9:00 p.m. we were tired. 
Today, Hunter surprised me by eating all his kibble after I put some Coconut Oil on it; just a little, mind you, to see if it would help with his tear stains.  I thought sure he would turn up his picky little nose at it, but he gobbled it down.  Yippee!  I so prefer kibble to canned food but he has been so picky that I will admit I've been giving him the canned food each meal-with some kibble. If Lily is here, he will eat the kibble right up; I've been told he is a social eater.  I know that our pups also need a good fat in their diet and this will just be a good addition.  We've already gone on our walk with our bff's; I will say we still struggle with his focusing  if he sees or know that we will be passing yards that have dogs.  I have to keep reminding myself that he is still just a puppy; in all honesty though this is one area where we really need work and I'm trying hard not to get frustrated.  I am continuing to think about a Halti or Gentle Leader type collar for him or the harness that has the ring on the side so the dog is pulled sideways-don't know what it is called.  Any of you that have small dogs or Bichons, if you have any advice on these collars please let me know. I don't always want to have to go on trails or paths where there are no dogs. I think he is just anxious to see the other dogs but if they are barking up a storm, he also gets fixated on them.
The rest of the day will be pretty normal-laundry, cleaning, study and hopefully even some sewing.  I've got two new books I need to review, so I hope to have some good reading time too.
~Today I am thankful that all the election ads will be off the t.v.,radio,newspapers.
~I am thankful for the love of grandchildren-oh they make life so much richer.
~I am thankful that Hunter is growing and learning and I will figure out(hopefully sooner than later)what the best approach for him is on walks.
~I am thankful for so many great friends in blogland
~I am thankful that the temp is supposed to reach the high 60's today and tomorrow before the snow falls on the weekend.

Praying that the storm headed towards the east coast, specifically where Sandy already hit, doesn't materialize.  Snow would only complicate an already messy situation.
Blessings to you friends.
Noreen & Hunter