The Space Between Words by Michele Phoenix

SYNOPSIS:

“There were seconds, when I woke, when the world felt unshrouded. Then memory returned.”

When Jessica regains consciousness in a French hospital on the day after the Paris attacks, all she can think of is fleeing the site of the horror she survived. But Patrick, the steadfast friend who hasn’t left her side, urges her to reconsider her decision. Worn down by his insistence, she reluctantly agrees to follow through with the trip they’d planned before the tragedy.

“The pages found you,” Patrick whispered.

“Now you need to figure out what they’re trying to say.”

During a stop at a country flea market, Jessica finds a faded document concealed in an antique. As new friends help her to translate the archaic French, they uncover the story of Adeline Baillard, a young woman who lived centuries before—her faith condemned, her life endangered, her community decimated by the Huguenot persecution.

“I write for our descendants, for those who will not understand the cost of our survival.”

Determined to learn the Baillard family’s fate, Jessica retraces their flight from France to England, spurred on by a need she doesn’t understand.

Could this stranger who lived three hundred years before hold the key to Jessica’s survival?

mY rEVIEW:

The first time I tried to read this book… I couldn’t’ seem to focus on what was happening.  However, the second time I absolutely couldn’t put it down.  This book was not what I was expecting at all.   There was a mixture of friendship, terror, relationships, grief, healing, history, tragedy, family, and so much more that was woven throughout the storyline.     

Jessica is on a journey that she (or the reader) have no idea where it will lead.  I found myself hurriedly reading each page in anticipation of what might happened next.   

The emotions that Jessica experienced were illustrated so wonderfully throughout the pages. 

I love this book and am looking forward to reading more books written by Michèle Phoenix.

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

Cutie Meets Mr. Lizard by Felicia Di John

I fell in love with this picture book almost instantly!  Just look at the front cover of the book with the adorable Chihuahua and those HUGE ears!   I can’t think of a better name for this dog than Cutie!  (I must admit i am a huge dog lover though!!!!!)

When Cutie’s mom (a six-year-old girl named Ava Rose), goes to school one day, Cutie decides to venture outdoors and explore.  The reader realizes quickly that this dog is full of curiosity and is definitely seeking some adventure in her life.  As she explores in the dessert near her house, she gets scared very easily!  She quickly makes a new friend however and notices tht they have some very weird eating habits.  Her day is over before she realizes it and knows she needs to hurry home before Ava Rose gets home! 

My first graders were totally engrossed with this book.  It seems like they looked at every detail of the pictures and they couldn’t help but show their excitement with their friends. 

This was a fun book to read to my students and am certainly looking forward to reading other adventures of Cuties that may come along in the future.  

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

Oriental Trading - Lots of 4th of July Items!!!!

In just a little over a week, my husband and I will be hosting our annual 4^th of July picnic for our church.  This year we wanted to make it extra special for all our guests by decorating more and having a few treats for them.  ORIENTAL TRADING with their wide variety of patriotic items came to the rescue! 

Candy Buffett anyone???  I started off with some red containers from Oriental Trading's patriotic selection to put all the goodies in.   They also have a HUGE selection of candy to pick from.  I ended up picking the Sweet Creams Hard Candy, Candy Sticks, Tootsie Rolls, and Butter Mints.   What child (or adult for that matter) will be able to resist these eye catching sweets?!  

When I saw these Red White & Blue Leis I knew they would be absolutely perfect.  Everyone can use a bit more red, white, and blue on the 4^th of July!!!

We wanted to decorate just a bit, so we decided to add a few bows to the trees around the picnic area.  These will definitely be a cute addition to our picnic area. 

What’s a party without a photo booth?  I’m sure these will be a big hit.  The best part…everyone has a camera on their phone now days…so it will be a do it yourself.  J

The 4^th of July wouldn’t be complete without a few glowing items!  Aren’t these Glow Necklaces awesome!  There are several kiddos in our church that are going to love them.  I might have to put a sign up that says “children only.”  J

I hope you found something that you liked.  If not, you need to head on over to Oriental Trading and find items that will make your 4^th of July even more special.  You still have time but you need to hurry if you want them for your 4^th of July Celebration!!!!

Happy 4^th of July and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!

Disclaimer:  I received the above products from Oriental Trading in exchange for my honest opinion of their products.

To the Farthest Shores by Elizabeth Camden

This historical love story was a quick read for me.   I found myself totally engrossed and finished it quickly.   Janet Bennett is a nurse that worked at the Presido Army Base when she meets Ryan Gallagher.   In the brief time they are together, they quickly fall in love and start planning their life together.

        Suddenly, Ryan tells Janet that he is leaving and is unable to give her any information about where he is going and when he will return.  Something didn’t seem quite right to her… but there was absolutely nothing she could do about it.   He tried to reassure her that he would be back soon and they would get married and spend their life together.

        Ryan promises he will try to write… and he did... one time...  apologizing for leading her to believe they had a future and wished her the best. (Wow!) 

        Six year later he returns to the Presidio… and needs her help! Janet is filled with raw emotions and doesn't know quite what to do.  There continues to be a cloud of mystery that surrounds Ryan's life that Janet doesn't understand. Will she help him?  Should she help him?  You will have to read the book to find out!    

        This book is a good read! I’m looking forward to reading other books by Elizabeth Camden.


I received an ebook of To the Farthest Shores by Elizabeth Camden from Bethany House Publishers and in exchange I have written my honest review of this book.  

The Jesus Club by Brian Barcelona

This is a true story about a young man named Brian Barcelona that God used to ignite revivals in the lives of thousands of teenagers. 

When he was 16 years old he realized that God in fact did exist and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as he savior.  Growing up he had believed there was no way there could be a God.  

A few months after he graduated from high school, his life change in a direction he was not expecting.  The Lord called him to go into schools across America and share the Gospel.  Because of this call, he stepped out in faith… going and doing things that he would never have done on his own.  He went to school after school and continued to trust God and watched how hearing the Gospel changed the life of thousands of young people. 

This book made me aware how sometimes we forget how God can use ME, YOU,  or ANYONE that will heed his call to make a difference in the world.  Brian’s obedience to God’s call was amazing and because of his obedience many teenager’s lives were change forever.

If you are looking for an inspirational book… this is a good one to consider!


Disclosure: I received this e-book  from Chosen Books and the NetGalley reviewer program free of charge. In exchange, I agreed to review The Jesus Club by Brian Barcelona  and give my honest opinion of the book.

Still Life by Dani Pettrey (Chesapeake Valor Series #2)

If you are looking for a good read with romance and suspense, this just might be the book for you.  I wanted to read it as soon as I saw the handsome man on the cover and even more when I realized it was the 2nd book in the Chesapeake Valor Series written by Dani Pettrey.  If you haven't read the Cold Shot (the first book in the series), you might want to get that book and read it first.  J

I enjoyed every single minute I spent reading Still Life.  Just like every book I have read by Dani Pettrey, I can’t bring myself to put it down until I finish it.  This book was no different.  From the very beginning of the book, I wanted to keep reading… and reading… and reading… 

This is a very fast paced book.  When a young lady is discovered missing the characters from the last book begin to show up as their expertise is needed in solving the mystery.  The characters are unique and they work well together and make quite an interesting group of people.  This book will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.  Just when you think you have things figured out, another twist happens in the story. 

I received an ebook of Still Life from Bethany House Publishers and in exchange I have written my honest review of this book.  

Emerald Tree-Free Bath & Facial Tissue

     If you are looking to go green Emerald Tree-Free is a brand of bath & facial tissue that you might want to check out. 

     This Emerald Tree-Free Bath Tissues comes individually wrapped!  I don’t think I have ever had any toilet paper in my house that was individually wrapped!  J  It is 2-ply and is also much softer than the toilet paper we normally use.  However, it is definitely not the softest tissue I have ever used either.  The roll doesn’t disappear overnight like some brands I’ve used in the past.  I don’t know much anything about bagasse, but it is made with that as well as bamboo and eucalyptus.

     These Emerald Facial Tissues came at just the right time.  I’ve had a sinus infection for the past week.  I went through the entire box of tissues!  The tissues have a texture that I’ve never felt in other tissues.  They definitely aren’t like the soft ones with lotion…but after blowing my nose a million times a lot this past week… my nose survived! 

     I just read the bottom of the box and I learned something new.  BAGASEE is the residue from the sugar cane stalks!  Wow!  It’s amazing the things people discover that we have wasted for so many years!

     Shoplet offers so many wonderful products!  Chances are they will be able to meet most of your shopping needs… including medical supplies, cleaning supplies, office supplies as well as office furniture. 

Disclosure:  I was provided a sample of both of these items.  In exchange I have given an honest opinion of these products.