In the Field of Grace - Book Review

In the Field of Grace by Tessa Afshar is a beautifully written historical fiction book based on the story of Ruth out of the Bible.  This is the first book I have read by Author Tessa Afshar and she has made me an instant fan!

I have read several books in the past from various authors based on biblical stories and more often than not I am left disappointed.  A lot of times the truth of the story gets twisted, but that is not the case with In the Field of Grace.  The author takes the Bible story of Ruth and weaves a fictional story based on the truth that the Bible shares.  It takes the reader to a deeper understanding of that day and time and for me it helped me to connect and see the Bible characters of Ruth, Naomi and Boaz as real people, not just a story.  It brought the story to life!  I will say that for me, after reading a fictional story based on a Bible story I always like to go back and read the Bible account afterwards.

I think most Christians are familiar with the story of Ruth so it is pretty clear how the story will unfold, but what you don't know is how the story will take hold of your heart.  You will experience the grief that Naomi felt when she lost her sons, you will experience the determination of Ruth to help Naomi and you will read about a love that is sweet and pure and sent from God above.

I highly recommend this book and believe that within it's pages you will be reminded of God's great faith, love and provision.

If you would like to learn more about the author Tessa Afshar and other books she has available you can do so HERE.

You can purchase the book by clicking HERE.

***This book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

For Love and Honor - Book Review

Lady Sabine is harboring a skin blemish, one, that if revealed, could cause her to be branded as a witch, put her life in danger, and damage her chances of making a good marriage. After all, what nobleman would want to marry a woman so flawed?

Sir Bennet is returning home to protect his family from an imminent attack by neighboring lords who seek repayment of debts. Without fortune or means to pay those debts, Sir Bennet realizes his only option is to make a marriage match with a wealthy noblewoman. As a man of honor, he loathes the idea of courting a woman for her money, but with time running out for his family’s safety, what other choice does he have?

As Lady Sabine and Sir Bennet are thrust together under dangerous circumstances, will they both be able to learn to trust each other enough to share their deepest secrets? Or will those secrets ultimately lead to their demise?

If you have read any of my past reviews you know that I am a huge Jody Hedlund fan. I hate to say it, but this young adult series has been a struggle for me. I have never really felt connected with the characters. This book in the series definitely left me wanting something more. It seemed more of a chore to read than a delight. 

I'm hoping that the next series will be something more enjoyable. I still consider Jody Hedlund one of my favorite authors. This book was just not for me.

***Thanks to booklookbloggers for providing me with a copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review. 

Tranquility: A Prayer and Reflection Coloring Journal

I get excited about adult coloring books, but it seems to me that so many of them are basically the same.  What interests me is something unique and different.

Tranquility, the prayer and reflection coloring journal is unique in every way!  The cover itself is absolutely gorgeous and what you find within the pages is even better.

Each page includes a small devotion, a Bible verse, something to color and a few lines for the reader to write.  The pages have some color on them and it's not set up for complete coloring.  A lot of the pictures have been filled in.

What I like best about it, is that you can have a devotion and while your are thinking on God's word you can color and reflect.  I like that there is not a whole lot to color.  This goes well with the devotional.  You don't have to worry about completing a whole coloring page before moving on.  There's a perfect and enjoyable amount.

I think this book would be a great gift.  With graduation just around the corner and Mother's Day as well, this would make the perfect gift!

***Thanks to Tyndale Publishing for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Gifts From Heaven - A Book Review

I love to read, but truth is I don't always have the time.  Springtime is always extra busy around here.  By the time nighttime rolls around, I'm ready to collapse into bed and I can barely keep my eyes open for more than 15 minutes.

What works great for me this time of year is short stories.  I still can enjoy some book time, but not feel tied down to a long story.

Gifts from Heaven is the perfect book for this.  Not only can you pick it up and read a "story" here and there, it truly encourages the reader spiritually.  The book is filled with true stories of miraculous answers to prayer.  The book is complied by James Stuart Bell.  Each chapter/story is written by a different person.

I believe this book will encourage each reader.  Sometimes I get discouraged and feel like God is not hearing my prayers.  I think we all feel that way sometimes.  This book is a great testimony as to how God not only hears our prayers, but comes through in miraculous ways.

Thanks to Bethany House Publishing for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

If I'm Found - Book Review

If I'm Found is the second book in the If I Run Series by Terri Blackstock.  I have been waiting for this book to be released since the day I finished the first book, If I Run.  The first book was the best suspense novel I ever read and I have eagerly anticipated If I'm Found.

If I'm Found continues the story of Casey, who is still on the run from the cops.  She is wanted for committing a murder that she didn't commit.  She is trying to collect evidence on the real murderers while on the run.  Dylan is still after her.  He insists that he believes that Casey is innocent and even though he let her escape once already she is leary to trust.

As Casey is fighting for her own self she stumbles upon another injustice.  She wants to help, but would it mean her own capture and paying for a crime that she didn't commit?

This is truly the best series!  The author alternates between characters and gives first hand accounts.  I really like this as it gives more insight to what each character is feeling.  Although this second book was not quite as good as the first, I have a feeling that the third and final book in this series is going to be amazing!  I can't wait to see how the author wraps this story up.  The worst thing about it is that I will have to wait a year before the next release.  More waiting!  UGH!

***Thanks to booklookbloggers.com for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Long Time Gone - Book Review

Long Time Gone by Mary Connealy is the second book in the Cimarron Legacy series.  I first became familiar with this Authors novels with her first series The Kincaid Brides.  The Cimarron Legacy series has brought back the delight I had when I read that first series.  It's set in the old west with plenty of laugh-out-loud humor and romance.  It's the perfect balance to make a very enjoyable series.

Another thing I like about Mary Connealy's writing style is that when she writes a series, all the books connect.  I always enjoy seeing how they interweave with each other.  When I read a book that I really like I get "attached" to the characters.  When there is a series like this that connects, you still get glimpses in to the characters lives that you connected with in the previous book(s).

The only negative thing I can say is now I am going to have to wait until October to get the last book in this series!  If you are looking for a good, light hearted read, that is set in the wild west this series is the one for you.  Be sure to start from the beginning with No Way Up!

MORE ABOUT THE STORY:

The Boden clan thought their problems had ended with the death of a dangerous enemy, but have they uncovered the real plot to take their 1880's New Mexico ranch?  Justin Boden is a top rancher and a rugged man, and yet with his brother, Cole, shot and in mortal danger, even a tough man faces doubts.  And it doesn't help that Angie DuPree, the assistant to the doctor trying to save Cole, is as distracting a woman as Justin has ever laid eyes on.

With her and the doc's timely skills, Cole looks to be on the mend.  Now Justin and the rest of the Bodens can turn their attention back to the threats facing them.  It's clear now that everything that's occurred is part of a much bigger plot that could date back to a decades-old secret.  Can they pull together all the pieces before danger closes in on them, or is the risk of losing the ranch even greater than any of them could imagine?

***Thanks to Bethany House Publishing for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Acid Watcher Diet - A Book Review

I picked up The Acid Watcher Diet - A 28-Day Reflux Prevention and Healing Program for different reasons than what most people would get it.  I have Interstitial Cystitis.  It is a chronic bladder disease and causes great pain.  A lot of what I ingest plays a big part of where my pain level is.

I have a very acidic body.  There are times that I feel like I am burning from the inside out.  When the acid is up the pain in my bladder is worse.  If I eat bland food it seems to help.  I wanted to check out this book to see if it would help me to understand more of what I battle concerning the acid and hopefully get some new knowledge and recipes.

I was not sorry.  This is a highly informative book.  It does not only tell you the "why" but also gives the solution.  It explains the dangers of why high acid is so bad...it can lead to cancer, inflammation in the body, choking, post nasal drip and more. The diet recommended is a well balanced diet that is definitely attainable.  There are so many great recipes included and also an exercise plan. Following this 28 day program you will be well on your way to feeling better!

Whether you are needing help to lower the acid in your body due to acid reflux or other reasons such as mine, this book is a great resource.  Following the guidelines set within the pages you will be on your way to a much healthier lifestyle.

***Thanks to Blogging For Books for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Chicken Pot Pie

I have been searching for a good Chicken Pot Pie recipe for a while now and I am happy to announce that I have found success!

I've made this yummy recipe a couple times now and it has quickly become a family favorite.

Instead of putting it in a pie pan I make it in a 9x13 glass casserole dish.  This is what I like best.  To each their own!

The last time I made it I made a roast chicken the night before and used the left over chicken for this recipe.   I loved doing it this way.  It made the recipe so much easier and allowed one chicken to stretch for two delicious and very different meals.

This would be a freezer friendly meal if you make it ahead.  Or if you have a smaller family you can eat half when you fix it and freeze half of it for later.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup peeled and diced potatoes
3/4 cup sliced carrots
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 1/4 cups milk
2 cups cooked and cubed chicken
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup frozen corn
1 package of refrigerated pie crust (2 rolls)

DIRECTIONS:

1.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Place peeled and diced potatoes and sliced carrots in a large saucepan.  Add water to cover.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook covered about 8-10 minutes until crisp-tender.  Drain.

2.  In a large skillet heat butter over medium-high heat.  Add chopped onion and cook until tender.  Stir in flour and seasonings until well blended.  Gradually stir in broth and milk.  Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.  Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until sauce is thickened.  Stir in chicken, peas, corn and potato and carrot mixture.  Remove from heat.

3.  Unroll on of the pie crusts into a 9 inch pie plate.  Trim even with rims.  Add chicken mixture.  Unroll remaining pastry.  place over filling.  Trim, seal and flute edges.  Poke with a fork on top.

4.  Bake 30 minutes or until crust is lightly brown.  Let stand 10-15 minutes before cutting.

An Uncommon Protector - A Book Review

Historical fiction is my favorite genre and I have always enjoyed reading books from the Civil War Era.  For these reasons alone I was excited to read An Uncommon Protector.  Not to mention the fact that I always enjoy Author Shelly Shepard Gray's books.  This is the second book in A Lone Star Hero's Love Story series.  I did not read the first book in the series and it is definitely not needed to enjoy this one, but if the first book is half as good as this one it will be worth the read.

The years following the war have been hard on Laurel Tracey.  Both her  brother and her father died in battle, and her mother passed away shortly after receiving word of their demise.  Laurel has been trying to run her two hundred acre ranch as best she can. 

When she discovers that squatters have settled in her north pasture and have no intention of leaving, Laurel decides to use the last of her money to free a prisoner for the local jail.  If she agrees to offer him room and board for one year, he will have to work for her to pay off his debt.  

Former soldier Thomas Baker knows he's in trouble when he finds himself jailed because he couldn't pay a few fines.  Laurel's offer might be his only ticket out.  Though she's everything he ever dreamed of in a woman, he's determined to remain detached, work hard on her behalf, and count the days until he's free again.  

But when the cattle start dying and Laurel's life is threatened, Thomas realizes more than just his freedom is on the line.  Laurel needs someone to believe in her and protect her property.   It isn't long before Laurel realizes that Tomas Balker is fare more than just s former soldier,  He's a trustworthy hero, and he needs more than just his freedom.  He needs her love and care too.

From the first chapter I was hooked on this book.  The chemistry between Laurel and Thomas jumped from the book. Thomas seemed to have a "bad boy" demeanor about him and watching him soften around the edges was heartwarming.  Laurel is determined to keep her land and is a character that is easy to relate to.  

If you are needing a good book before the last few weeks of winter are over, this would be a great one to curl up on the couch with a blanket and a cup of coffee!

***Thanks to booklookbloggers.com for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Be Bold - An Adult Coloring Book Review

If you still haven't tried adult coloring you really should.  It is so relaxing and the perfect way to end a stressful day.

My newest coloring book that I want to tell you about is Be Bold - A Coloring Devotional by Ellen Elliott.  It is definitely my new favorite. Another past time of mine is doodling and the images in this coloring book reminds me of images that I would doodle.

On each page there is a short devotion that includes a Bible verse and a story that can be applied to your life. On the opposite page is a big bold picture for you to color. What's even better is that each coloring page features a Bible verse.  While you are coloring you can reflect on the Word of God!

If scheduling a daily quiet time with God has become challenging, it is time for you to Be Bold!  This coloring book was created for people just like you.  Your quiet time will quickly become something that you will look forward to.

***Thanks to Tyndall Publishing for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.