Modern Pioneering

About the book (from the publisher):

A cookbook and backyard gardening and homesteading guide for women who want to grow food efficiently, cook seasonal recipes, or even try foraging, camping, and living off the land.

Self-sufficiency is the ultimate girl power 

Georgia Pellegrini, outdoor adventurer and chef, helps you roll up your sleeves and tap into your pioneer spirit. Grow a small-space garden and preserve a little deliciousness for the cold months; assemble the makings of a self-sufficient pantry; learn to navigate without a compass for your next camping trip; or even forage for plants that give you energy.

Whether you’re a full-time homesteader, a weekend farmer’s market devoté, or anyone looking to do more by hand, this overflowing resource will help you hone new skills in the kitchen, garden, and great outdoors. It includes:

• More than 100 recipes for garden-to-table dishes, preserves, and cured foods
• Small-space gardening advice on building a raised bed, choosing what to grow, and saving seeds
• DIY projects, such as Mason jar lanterns and homemade notecards
• Superwoman skills like assembling a 48- hour survival toolkit in an Altoids tin

Packed with beautiful photographs and illustrations, Modern Pioneering proves that becoming more self-sufficient not only means being empowered, but also having a lot more fun. 

My thoughts:  

I was so excited and waiting in anticipation for this book to arrive!  Boy was I relieved, this book did not disappoint me...it has everything from changing a tire, to cooking, to building your own raised boxes for gardening.  

An Iced Coffee cold brewed recipe?  Yes please!  Pink Pickled Eggs?  Eeek....my children would LOVE me (their all time favorite snack)!!  Learn how to make beeswax candles, and even turn a tree stump into a table!  The biggest drawback to having this book?  Finding the time to work my way through it.

I will definitely be recommending this book to my friends, after all, there are more than 150 recipes, projects, and skills to browse through!  Even if you're not a self-sufficient, do it yourself type of girl, there are several projects in here that would be excellent for entertaining purposes!  

Just in case you're wondering, I give this book 5 stars!  ;)

**I was given this book in exchange for my honest review**

A Broken Kind of Beautiful - Katie Ganshert

About the Book (Provided by Publisher):

Sometimes everything you ever learned about yourself is wrong

Fashion is a fickle industry, a frightening fact for twenty-four year old model Ivy Clark. Ten years in and she’s learned a sacred truth—appearance is everything. Nobody cares about her broken past as long as she looks beautiful for the camera. This is the only life Ivy knows—so when it starts to unravel, she’ll do anything to hold on. Even if that means moving to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina, to be the new face of her stepmother’s bridal wear line—an irony too rich for words, since Ivy is far from the pure bride in white.

If only her tenuous future didn't rest in the hands of Davis Knight, her mysterious new photographer. Not only did he walk away from the kind of success Ivy longs for to work maintenance at a local church, he treats her differently than any man ever has. Somehow, Davis sees through the facade she works so hard to maintain. He, along with a cast of other characters, challenges everything Ivy has come to believe about beauty and worth. Is it possible that God sees her—a woman stained and broken by the world—yet wants her still?

My thoughts:

Katie Ganshert is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!  The writing is wonderful in this novel, as it is in her past ones.  The subject matter is a very realistic one in our world today...too often the world judges someone based on their outer appearance, rather than looking at their true character on the inside.    If you're looking for a novel that will powerfully stir your inner emotions, then this is the one for you!  I give this book 4 stars and highly recommend it!

**I was given this book in exchange for my honest opinion.**

Though My Heart is Torn - Joanne Bischof

About the book, from the publisher...

Gideon O’Riley has two wives—but he doesn’t know it.
  
Settling into a simple life in the majestic Blue Ridge mountains, Lonnie and Gideon O’Riley have finally found happiness after the rocky start to their marriage. The roguish bluegrass musician has fallen in love with his gentle wife and the God she serves, and Lonnie rests secure in his tenderness for her and their young son. A heartless ruse interupts their peace, bringing them back to Rocky Knob—and forces them to face the claims of Cassie Allan, a woman who says she is Gideon’s rightful wife.

As Gideon wades into the depths of his past choices, Lonnie is stunned by the revelations. She has no choice but to navigate this new path, knowing that surviving the devastating blow will take every ounce of strength  she has.

While Gideon’s guilt  and his bitterness towards Cassie threatens to burn up his fledgling faith, Lonnie wrestles to find the courage to trust the God who brought them together in the first place. Will their hard-earned love be able to conquer all?

Lonnie only wanted her husband’s love. Now that he belongs to another, can she surrender Gideon to a God with a bigger plan? 

 

My thoughts...

Oh...my...goodness!  I can only imagine what I would think if another women showed up claiming to be married to my husband!  What a topic for a novel though!  

While I don't remember reading the first book in this series, I must have at some point because parts of the back cover sounded familiar to me.  With that being said, I don't think I ended up being too lost or confused without knowledge of book one.

Bischof is an excellent author that writes in such an easy flowing manner, and that means a lot to this reviewer!  If I'm spending too much time stumbling over sentences, or not following the dialogue, you can be sure I am contemplating abandoning the ship!  But so not the case with Though My Heart is Torn!  

If you're looking for a super fast read, and would love to hear how Gideon get out of this mess, then this 4 Star book just may be for you!

**I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion**

A Christmas Home - Greg Kincaid

About the book...

Todd McCray, hero of A Dog Named Christmas, is now twenty-four years old and working at a local animal shelter, where he meets and quickly becomes best friends with Laura, a young volunteer. Laura, like Todd, has disabilities of her own, but her struggles are more physical than developmental. Their friendship is sealed when Todd—with the help of his trusted companion, the tenacious Labrador retriever named Christmas—trains a beautiful dog named Gracie to help Laura with the day-to-day life tasks that are difficult for her.

Life seems good for Todd, but all is not well in his hometown. Struggling families unable to make ends meet are abandoning more and more dogs, and the shelter is swelling to capacity.  The local government is struggling to meet its obligations too, and in early December, on the cusp of another holiday season, Todd’s boss delivers the bad news.  Due to funding problems, the shelter will close its doors before the end of the year.  But what will happen to all the animals? 

As the Christmas holiday approaches, Todd has limited time to find homes for all the dogs. Not to mention that he needs to secure a new job and figure out what to do when his friendship with Laura takes an unexpected romantic turn. All this seems overwhelming unless you’ve got a loving family, dedicated friends, and a couple of very special dogs behind you. In which case, nothing is impossible.

My thoughts...

Not just for the Christmas season, this book would make an excellent gift for any animal loving reader! Dog lovers (especially) will love this story and be able to relate with the way humans and dogs connect.   A short, quick read, I give this book 4 stars!

**I received this book for free in exchange for my public and honest opinion.

The Girl's Still Got It - Liz Curtis Higgs

About the book...

You know Ruth's story.

Now meet her in person.

And prepare to be changed.

Walk with Ruth as she travels from Moab to Bethlehem, certain of her calling, yet uncertain of her future.  Hold naomi's hand and watch love put the pieces of her broken life back together.  And hang out with Boaz, their kinsman-redeemer, who blesses both women and honors God, big time.

With best-selling author Liz Cuirtis Higgs by your side, you'll tarry in the corners of their ancient houses, listen to their conversations, and consider every word of every verse until you can say, "I totally get the book of Ruth.  And I see what God is trying to teach me through this rags-to-riches redemption story--he has a plan for my life."

Girl, does he ever!

My thoughts...

The title of this study, The Girl's Still Got It, could just as easily be referring to Liz Curtis Higgs.  After umpteen book releases, she is still able to deliver what readers are looking for!

While I did read through this study on my own, I think I would have enjoyed it a tad more if I had been with a group of ladies, able to discuss and fellowship along the way!  That being said, I cannot wait to introduce this book to some friends, and possibly get a group study started!

If you're familiar with Higgs books, you know she deals it straight...tells it like it is...doesn't hold anything back.  And we wouldn't expect anything different from her!  In her normal writing style, Higgs walks us through the life of Ruth, one misstep at a time!  Things may not always be smooth on her path, there do happen to be some rocks/boulders that get in her way, but she just keeps trudging along none the less.  And just wait until Boaz enters the picture! Talk about some humorous writing!

If you're looking for a refreshing new study to work your way through, I highly suggest this one!  There is even a study guide in the back that you can do with friends or on your own!

I give this study 5 stars, and loved the new, refreshing way, Ruth's story was told!

**I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.**

Fearless - Eric Blehm

 Interested in purchasing the book or downloading the first chapter to read?   Click here

Wildflowers from Winter - Katie Ganshert

 

Like the winter, grief has a season. 

 Life returns with the spring. 

A young architect at a prestigious Chicago firm, Bethany Quinn has built the life she dreamed of during her trailer-park teen years.  An unexpected call from her estranged mother reveals that tragedy has struck in her hometown and a reluctant Bethany is called back to rural Iowa.  

Determined to pay her respects to her past while avoiding any emotional entanglements, she vows not to stay long.  The unexpected inheritance of five hundred acres of farmland and a startling turn of events in Chicago forces Bethany to come up with a new plan.  

Handsome farmhand Evan Price has taken care of the Quinn farm for years.  When Bethany is left the land, Evan must fight her decisions to realize his own dreams.  But even as he disagrees with Bethany's vision, Evan feels drawn to her and the pain she keeps so carefully locked away.

For Bethany, making peace with her past and the God of her childhood doesn't seem like the path to freedom.  Is letting go the only way to new life, love, and a peace that she's not even sure exists?

My thoughts...

While this book was a slow start for me, once I was fully engaged in the storyline, I could not put it down.  Not even on our family vacation, up North at a cabin, with friends.  I eagerly awaited the times I could slip away and read a few chapters after the kids were put to bed.   Never mind the other adults were waiting for me so we could begin our nightly tournament of games!

The character of Bethany was a mystery to me in the beginning, I wasn't sure what to expect from her, were her loyalties laid, and what her future would hold.  I think her story really started taking shape once she moved back to the farm, met Evan, and started to get back in touch with her childhood roots!

I give this book 3 stars, if your able to get past the first few chapters, you just might end up enjoying the story!

 **I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group and was not required to post a positive review.**

Not This Time - Vicki Hinze

 

Back Cover...

Small Town Scandal.

International Terrorist Attack.

Who Among Them Is The Traitor?

Sara and Beth have built a multi-million dollar business together, but their once solid friendship is now strained.  Beth is leery of Sara's husband, and when he is kidnapped, authorities consider Beth their prime suspect.

Then their small town of Seagrove Village is rocked by an act of terrorism, and Beth doesn't know who to trust.  Someone she knows is linked to the attack, but who?  Is there a connection to Crossroads Crisis Center?  In the midst of the confusion and fear, Beth finds herself attracted to a man from her past.  She knows she shouldn't fall in love with him, but she can't resist or even explain their bond.  As her world unravels around her, she wonders, is it possible to be beyond redemption?

My thoughts...

Not This Time is part of the Crossroads Crisis Center Series.  The author does an excellent job following up with all the characters we have come to love in the first 2 books of the series , Forget Me Not, and Deadly Ties.

There are many twists throughout the story, ones you may not have seen coming.  At times when I thought I had things figured out, like who the traitor was, another twist would be added, which would keep me guessing!

While I would love for the series to go on, the Epilogue sounds as if this is the end, the final book.  I know all good things must come to an end, but I really enjoyed these characters we have come to know through the evil attacks of NINA.
 
This is one of those books that will keep you on the edge of your seat!  I could not put it down, it was always with me in case I had an extra few minutes to read!  I give this book 5 stars, and wish the story would never end!!

**I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group and was not required to post a positive review.**

His Little Princess - Sheri Rose Shepherd

 

"A True Fairy Tale

Cinderella is a great story, but after the last page is turned, little girls can’t look forward to the tale coming true when they grow up. It’s just “for pretend.” Now girls ages four to nine can unveil the reality of their royal calling! His Little Princess shows them that they are not pretend princesses…because God is for real! When a grown-up sits down to read out loud these touching love letters, girls will come to understand and embrace how much they are truly loved and adored by God, the King of kings!"

My thoughts...

What an absolutely beautiful book!  The page layouts are wonderful...a letter from the King on one side, and a prayer for your princess to repeat or read on the opposite page.  While there are no distracting pictures through out the book, the pages are wonderfully colored and pleasing to look at.

What better way to end your day then reading a love letter to your daughter?  This book would make an excellent gift, and is easily geared toward the upper age suggestion as well as the younger one (ages 4-9).

I give this book 5 stars!

**I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group and was not required to post a positive review.

The Christmas Singing - Cindy Woodsmall

 

Just in case you haven't noticed, it's that time of year!  The temperatures are starting to cool, Christmas music can be found on radio stations, stores are getting decorations ready, and I am reading and watching anything Christmas!!!  I get so excited to be able to review Christmas books!  Take a look at my latest review, I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed this book!!

From the author...
After Gideon coldly broke her heart, can the warmth of the season revive Mattie’s hopes?

Mattie thought her childhood sweetheart adored her until he abruptly ended their engagement on Christmas Eve.

Three years later, will learning the truth behind his rejection restore her Christmas joy – or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?

Spend Christmas with the Amish in this story of love, romance, heartache, and restoration.

My thoughts...

Are you looking for a good book to curl up with while sipping a hot beverage on a cool autumn day/evening?  Then this book may be for you!

Mattie Lane, as she is known to Gideon, has had a rough few years.  A broken relationship, her mother's illness, a move to another state, and then losing Mattie Cakes.  Is this really what God has in store for her life?

With an unexpected move back home, Gideon is suddenly back in her day to day life.  While seeing old friends should put a smile on her face, having to interact with Gideon does not have the same effect, she would like nothing better than to never see him again!  And where does Sol fit in...he seems to be the safe answer, they work well together, even if they do more things apart than with each other.  Is this relationship truly how love works?

Woodsmall does an excellent job portraying Mattie's feelings.  At times it seemed as if I was sitting down with a friend and listening to her problems, trying to figure out the answers to her questions.  I could see the kitchen we were sitting in, smell the cakes she was baking, and hear the clip clop of buggies as they were driving past.  Such vivid writing is always a pleasure to read!

I enthusiastically give this book 5 stars and highly recommend it for your autumn/Christmas reading!

**I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group and was not required to post a positive review.