The Atonement by Beverly Lewis

Book Description: 

Jah, Lucy thought.  Tobe would have known what to say.

"But what would he say to me if he knew the truth?" she murmured into her hands, leaning on the desk.

Alas, that was something she could not afford to find out.

The mistakes of the past haunt Lucy Flaud, now twenty-five and beyond Amish courting age. Instead, Lucy focuses on volunteering in both the Plain and fancy communities of Lancaster County. Yet no matter how hard she strives, she never feels she's doing enough. Then her father strikes up an unexpected friendship with an Englischer in search of a simpler way of life. Lucy forms a connection of her own with the thoughtful young man even as she rejects courtship with her longtime Amish friend. Is it too late to embrace redemption . . . and the power of love?

My Thoughts:

Lucy is a young lady that is having a difficult time dealing with her past.  Her emotional struggle within has been a part of her for quite some time.  She deals with the struggle within by always trying to stay busy with her volunteer work.  Lucy is no different than so many of us who try to make up for the things we did in the past by trying to do make up for by the things we do now. 

 This book is a simple book but left me with so many thoughts that left me wondering about so many things.  It spoke to my heart in so many ways!  Throughout the story, my heart yearned for Lucy to find the redemption that she needed.  If you are looking for a heart-warming story about love and forgiveness, then this is a book worth considering.  😊o very different walks of life - can somehow find a new beginning?

Disclosure:  Disclosure statement:  I received this complimentary book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions are my own.

Review: Everyone Brave Is Forgiven by Chris Cleave

This book takes place during World War II. In fact, each chapter lets the reader know exactly what month and year it is.  The book starts in September of 1939 and the book ends in June of 1942. 

Mary North is from a family that has political ties and are very wealthy.   When war is declared, she volunteers for duty.  She is disappointed when she finds that her volunteer services will be to teach a small group of children that are of various ages, ability levels and disabilities.  However, Mary quickly grows to love and nurture all of these students.

Another character in the book is Tom Shaw.  While many young men went off to war, he decides to ignore the call and remain in London.  He is left in charge of all the schools that remain open in London during the War. 

Alistair is Tom Shaw’s flat mate in London. Tom surprised Alistair by telling him that he had joined up to fight for his country and he would be leaving soon.

As the story of each of these characters is highlighted in the book you are able to see how each of their lives change throughout this War.  The reader is also able to visualize the horror of this war!  I must admit that the horrible details overcame me at time nd I had to stop reading and walk away. 

If you are interested in World War II, this is a book that you will want to read.  It is definitely captivating with a glimmerof hope brought out through the characters. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley.  In exchange, I have given an honest review of what I thought about this book.  

The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen

I’m always excited when I find a new author that I can add to my favorite's list and Julie Klassen has been officially added to it!

This is a Christian/Historical/Romantic Fiction book.   What a perfect combination of a book for me.  I was immediately drawn into the story by the characters.  Sophie is the painter’s daughter.  While working as an apprentice for her father, she meets an artist (Wesley Overtree) and a romance begins to develop between them.  When an opportunity arises for him, he quickly gets on a ship and sails to Italy…leaving Sophie overwhelmed with emotions… and in a predicament.  Stephen Overtree (Wesley’s brother) suddenly appears in the story looking for Wesley.  When he learns about the pregnancy he felt that he needed to try to clean up the mess that his brother left behind.  Thus…he offered Sophie marriage so that she and the baby would be taken care of.  She quickly decides that although it’s not what she really wants, she believes it is the best things for the unborn baby…so she quickly marries him. The decision is made that she will stay with his parents while he is away serving his country.  Thus…a new life for her begins.

As the plot continues the story just seems to keep getting better and better!  The character’s lives seem to unfold right before your reading eyes.  I’m going to stop here and let you get this book and read this book without me ruining it for you.  lol  

Although this book is not what I would call a religious book… God’s Amazing Grace and His Unbelievable Forgiveness were definitely shown in it.  

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley.  In exchange, I have given an honest review of what I thought about the book.  

Review: House of Doolittle Planner & Calendar

January is always the time that I find myself scurrying around trying to find a calendar.  This year I didn’t have to do that thanks to Shoplet.com.    Look at these!  Just what a busy girl like me needs! 

                                             

I instantly knew that I was going to like the House of Doolittle 3-Month Vertical Compact Wall Calendar!  Take a closer look and you will see why I liked it so much.  It measures only 8” x 17” so it is slim enough to fit in a narrow spot I have in my kitchen.  It also has a very nice hook that holds this calendar in place quite nicely.  Absolutely no worry of it falling down.  

The best part though is that each page has the month before…and the month after on it...  Yeah!   Okay, I do have to admit that there is not A LOT space to write all my very important information, but as you can see I was able to squeeze it all in! That is saying a lot...because I write rather large.  

I almost forgot...did you also notice that it lets you know how many days of the year and also how many more days there are in the year.  Love that!

The Meeting Planner is pretty unique.  I love that is is VERY sturdy.  I have used it numerous times already when I didn’t have a hard surface to do my writing on.  My favorite part of this planner is that it is not dated!   What is so great about that you might ask?  Well… I may not have a meeting for two weeks…so my planner have been empty…wasted paper!  But this planner you put your own date and add as many notes you need to… even use the next page if needed.  There are over a 100 pages in this planner so I guess I will have to quit have meetings when my planner is full. I can’t show you my meeting information…confidential…but here is a blank page for you to view! 

Did you notice that it also has the entire 12 months down at the bottom?  I know they are small..but I have to wear my glasses when I write anyways.  J    

There you go!  Two great products that might be able to make your life more organized.  They definitely do for me! 



***Disclosure*** I received these Doolittle products at no charge,  In exchange I have given an honest review of their product.  The opinions expressed here are my own.

If I Run by Terri Blackstock

Several years ago I discovered Terri Blackstock.  I think I have read every single one of her books and she is now my favorite author.  I was excited to be able to review this book.  She has the wonderful ability to keep the reader in suspense… this book was definitely suspenseful!  The two main characters iin the book tell their story in first person. So…the story goes back and forth between these two characters.

      Cassey Cox is a young lady that discovered Brent (her best friend) murdered in his home.  She makes the mistake of not contacting the police immediately when she discovered his body.  Realizing that her DNA would be at the scene… and that she would most likely be the prime suspect, she decides to investigate on her own…knowing that she would be on the run.  To carry this off, she took on the identity of a woman that was deceased. 

      Dylan Roberts was also a friend of Brent’s.  He is hired by Brent’s family as a private investigator to find the person that killed their son.  After reviewing all the information that the police allow him to see, he also believes that Casey killed Brent.  However, as his investigation continues and as he digs deeper and deeper… he begins to form doubts about her involvement with the murder.

     I love how the author brings people into Casey's life who love the Lord.  Although Casey is not a Christian these people are able to influence Casey in a positive way.  

      I find that whenever I am reading a book that Terri Blackstock has written, I ALWAYS have an extremely  hard time putting them down.  This book was no different.  I was finished in 2 days!!  I love the suspense so I have to keep reading.  I do  like closure in a book...but this on did leave me hanging.   I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley.  In exchange, I have given an honest review of what I thought about the book.   

 

 

 

Rising Darkness by Nancy Mehl - Finding Sanctuary 3

Nancy Mehl is a brand new author to me.  She definitely has an art for writing a book that is suspenseful with a romantic storyline that was so refreshing to read.  I will definitely not hesitate to read more of her books!!  

Sophie Wittenbauer is a young lady that finds herself in a position that she believes might allow her to become the investigative reporter that she wants to become.   She decides to follow up on some information that she overheard at the newspaper office about a robbery that occurred several years ago.  She became even more interested when she realized that a prisoner involved in the robbery was someone from her past.

Sophie’s investigation leads her to a small town in Missouri called Sanctuary.  She believed that one of the robbery suspects might be hiding out there.  While there, she decides to use a false identity.  It didn’t take long for her to realize that lying about her identity created a web of lies that quickly spiraled out of control.

Sanctuary reminded her of the Mennonite town she was raised in.   Her childhood was full of abusive memories.  As an adult she continued to deal with forgiveness and lack of self-esteem because of the abuse she suffered.  The storyline takes the reader on her journey to face her past with the help of the people she meets in Sanctuary while she also searches for the robbery suspect. 

As her undercover investigation continues she develops relationships with many of the people.  She realizes that her false identity might be in danger when she meets a Jonathon, a local pastor who she had feelings for in her hometown.  She quickly realizes that she still has feelings for Jonathan!.  As their relationship blossoms, her desire to find the robbery suspect continues to be strong.  When she realizes that she is in danger, things start to fall apart. 

Will she find the man she is looking for?  Will her lies ruin any chance for a relationship with Jonathon?  This book is full of suspense and will keep you guessing up to the end.  Get it!  Read it! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley.  In exchange, I have given an honest review of what I thought about the book.  

Oriental Trading Halloween Products Review & GIVEAWAY!!!

Halloween is almost here and if you are looking for Halloween products you definitely need to check out Oriental Trading.  They have a HUGE selection of items that will make your party more exciting! I was given the opportunity to review a few of their products and I jumped at the opportunity.   I decided to let my students pick a theme for our fall party.  They quickly chose monsters!!!  How fun is that going to be.  Here are the products that we chose for our MONSTER PARTY!   If you are interested in them...please click on the picture and it will take your directly to this product.  

I personally would have picked something chocolate, but my first graders chose these Frosty Monster Bash  Suckers. Aren't they about the cutest thing ever!   They come in a box of  12 with four different monster faces.  

Every monster party needs a couple of crafts to go along with the monster theme and the students finally decided on this Monster Weaving Mat Craft Kit.  They come in a package of 24!  I had to put one together and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my students will be able to put them together without being to frustrated! The paper is perforated and so I folded them to make it easier for the students to tear off.  They are going to love them!

We are going to a pumpkin patch in a few weeks, so I thought the students might enjoy decorating their pumpkins with this Foam Monster Pumpkin Decorating Craft Kit.   Each student will be given their own individual package.  Yeah!!! So much easier for me.  I would love to have decorated a pumpkin and shown you how cute they are...but I refused to go shopping today.  So... here are the pieces that came out of just ONE of the packages.  

Doesn't every party now days have a Photo Booth???  We decided that it was a must for our monster party.  I can hardly wait to get pictures of them using these Monster Photo Stick Props!   It's going to be hilarious!

This Pin the Eye on the Monster will be a party favorite for sure!   Would you just look at the eye blindfold!  It it made out of cardboard...so I hope it makes it through all of my students.  My only complaint is that there are near enough eyeballs for my students.  Therefore, we will not be using these eyeballs...but making our own.  Fun!  Fun!  Fun!

And of course no party is complete with out plates and napkins.  The students always seem to get an abundance of food for this fall party so I decided we needed LARGE Monster Party Dinner Plates.  They never seem to use the napkins but these Mini Monster Luncheon Napkins were to adorable to pass up.  The plates come in packages of 8 and there are 16 napkins in each package.  

A monster day would not be complete without writing a MONSTER story.  These pencils might help them as they write their story.  These will be a fun surprise for them.

Monsters...Monsters...Monsters.   This is going to be such a fun day!!!!  

Are you planning a Halloween party?  If you are you will definitely want to check out Oriental Trading for your party needs.  They have over 400 items that will make your party super cool!  Don't be surprised if you find yourself spending quite a bit of time looking through all their merchandise though!

Thank you Oriental Trading for making this possible for my first graders.  If you want to create a special day for your classroom or children, please  go check out all the merchandise they have to offer.   You will also find a variety of fun recipes, costume ideas, and other Halloween party ideas.

Oh, I almost forget.  Oriental Trading is having a fun giveaway. Click on the picture below and enter to win their weekly prize -- $250 in Halloween products of your choice!!!  They are also giving away a $25 Oriental Trading gift card every single day!  Hurry...Hurry... Contest ends October 17, 2015.

Disclaimer:   I received the above products from Oriental Trading in exchange for my review of their products.  I did not receive any other compensation for this review and all opinions are my own.