Forgiving My Daughter's Killer by Kate Grosmaire

Too Many Carrots by Katy Hudson

My 1^st graders loved this story!  They got so excited when I showed them the cover.   They all wanted to climb up on a huge pile of carrots too!  

Everywhere Bunny goes he can’t seem to help himself… he picks up carrots.  As you can see from the cover, he is quite the little hoarder!  These carrots become a problem when Bunny realizes his home is just not big enough for him and all his carrots.   And…Of course.. no bunny wants to be homeless.  Luckily for Bunny he is blessed with some wonderful friends that are more than willing to help him out.  He soon realizes that relocating and living with his friends is not working out so well either. 

This is a great book to discuss friendship, sharing or being selfish, just to name a few.  It is definitely a keeper for my classroom.  

Disclosure:  I recieved an e-copy this book from Capstone Young Readers through the NetGalley reviewer program at no charge.  In exchange, I agreed to review this book and to nd to give them my honest opinion.  

Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey

As I continue to expand my repertoire of different styles of authors I came across a book written by Dani Pettrey.  When I read the cover of one of her books, I knew I needed to give her an opportunity to be added to my list of "want to read" authors.  Cold Shot is the book I chose to read.

SYNOPSIS:

Griffin McCray is an ex-sniper who now works as a park ranger at Gettysburg.  After he discovers a body in a shallow grave near Little Round Top, Finley Scott is brought to the site.   She quickly concludes that the remains are relatively recent.  Declan Gray, an FBI agent is brought in to take over the case.   Parker, a crime scene analyst is also brought in to to help solve the case.  The reader quickly learns that these three men were best friends at one time.  However, events that happened in the past have left Declan and Griffin’s friendship quite strained.  As they investigate the murder, they quickly realize that all of their lives are in danger.  Relationships develop... Issues from the past surface...  Mysterious disappearance are investigated... 

MY THOUGHTS:

Cold Shot is apparently the first book in Dani Pettrey’s Chesapeake Valor series.   After reading this book, I can definitely see several different directions that the author could go with these different characters.  

I did enjoy the romance between the characters that developed throughout this story.  The characters’ faith in God was woven into the story and the author was able to portray that with the characters personalities and the needs of each of the characters.   The characters definitely needed to work through issues by trusting God and forgiving others.  However... it wasn't what I would call a "religious book!"  

The book was suspenseful and it didn't turn out quite like I had anticipated...or as I would have hoped...but I still enjoyed the read.

As I began this book… I must admit that Ifelt like maybe there was a book before this one.  Since I am a fast reader, I initially thought I probably just missed something... However, after several hours of reading I found myself continuing to flip back in the book to clarify who the characters were.   

Although I will most likely read the next book in the series, I did find a few things a bit annoying.  There are brief paragraphs of unknown characters sharing their thoughts and conversations and I found them a bit distracting. I also like to visualize books when I read them... and for this book I never really had a picture in my head. 

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

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.