Dueling Horses

These are my horse-riding, loving, and oh, so much fun babies with such wonderful (and sometimes tiring) personalities.  I love these precious two!
Both of the babies have a love for horses.  I don't really know where it came from, but if they see a horse, they have to go and look at it and pet it (if they're at Pop's) and we talk about horses a lot.  There's a horse and donkey on our road and if I take a different way home where we don't pass them, B always asks me where they are.  Otherwise, it's a daily game for us: what are the horse/donkey doing, where are they, and do they have enough water in their pond?

Since I haven't started them on riding lessons, they like to each take their own horse and tie it up, gallop, and even head butt them.  They both play so well together....when they're on their horses!

Book Review: A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander

The setting is the historic Belmont Mansion in Nashville during the 1860s.  (Already, you can see why I bonded with this book!)  This book truly has it all: suspense, deception, and of course, a love story.  when Claire Laurent just wants to be herself, the sweet and kind person that she is, what will happen?  Will she chose to trust the wrong person?  Does she really know who is a fake and who is being real?  Claire really longs to make a difference in the world using her art, but the only way that could even be a possibility is if her past stays hidden and people don't find out about who she really is/was. 

This book is the first in the Belmont Mansion Series.  I loved Tamera's writing and definitely want to keep up with the books that she writes.  I found myself turning page after page long after I should have turned out the lights.  She definitely has a talent to make history into a live, realistic story.

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.  Read more reviews here: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13436980

You can buy the book here:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0764206222/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0764206222&adid=1SZK3Y9GZE37X3HZPY6J

 

About the book:

A fake. A forger. More than anything, Claire Laurent longs for the chance to live an authentic life, to become the woman she wants to be. And she'll be given that choice. But will it come at too costly a price? Claire Laurent's greatest aspiration is to paint something that will bring her acclaim. Yet her father insists she work as a copyist. A forger. When she's forced to flee from New Orleans to Nashville only a year after the War Between the States has ended, her path collides with attorney Sutton Monroe. She considers him a godsend for not turning her in to the authorities. But after he later refuses to come to her aid, Claire fears she's sorely misjudged the man. Finding herself among the elite of Nashville's society, Claire believes her dream to create a lasting impression in the world of art is within reach--but only if her fraudulent past remains hidden. The Federal Army has destroyed Sutton's home and confiscated his land, and threatens to destroy his family's honor. His determination to reclaim what belongs to him and to right a grievous wrong reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined--as well as the woman he loves.Set at Nashville's historic Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, A Lasting Impression is a sweeping love story about a nation mending after war, the redemption of those wounded, and the courage of a man and woman to see themselves--and each other--for who they really are.

About Tamera :

Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Nashville Tennessee, along with their two adult children who live near by. And don't forget Jack, their precious--and precocious--silky terrier.

For more information please visit www.tameraalexander.com

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Book Review: Dry As Rain by Gina Holmes

Kyra has just found out that her husband, Eric, has not honored his marriage vows that he had made on their wedding day, or so she thinks.  She has found an email on Eric's computer from a very attractive coworker that hints that something might be going on.  Eric promises that nothing has happened, but Kyra doesn't believe him and kicks him out.

Kyra ends up in an accident where she loses some of her memory.  When Eric hears about this, he thinks that perhaps a miracle has happened in one sense.  If Kyra has no memory, then perhaps she won't remember why she was so mad at Eric.  However, what happens if her memory comes back?  That's the nagging thought that Eric can't get out of his head.  What choice will he make when it comes to telling her?  What really happened with his coworker? 

I haven't read Holmes' first book, but I definitely want to read it now that I've read this.  Holmes has a wonderful way with words and is quite a talented writer.  She doesn't shy away from those difficult and ugly things that we see in marriages today.

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I received this book free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Book Review: Never the Bride by Cheryl McKay and Rene Gutteridge

I've got a new favorite chick flick!  Based on Cheryl McKay's screenplay, Rene Gutteridge turned it into a delightful book that had me laughing.  When I saw that Kristin Billerbeck wrote a review on this book, I knew that I would like it.  Based on real life and real pain and real emotions, readers can all relate to the setting of this book.

Jessie Stone finds herself on the side of the road trying to change a tire.  She becomes frustrated with the fact that there's no man in her life who can help her do the things that come easily for a man.  After trying all of the "modern" ways of dating, Stone comes to the realization that God may have different plans for her.  What are they?  Will she be able to accept His plans over hers.  What if she doesn't really like God's plan?

I will warn you that this book isn't your traditional Christian book.  Some books tend to lean towards "the perfect life."  This book highlights some real issues and real problems people face.  God is apparent throughout the book, but it may be a little uncomfortable for those who like lovey circumstances tied in a bow instead of real life.

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I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Latest Sewing Project

My latest sewing project is pajama bottoms.  They are super easy!  I made B some, too, but I didn't take a picture of him in them.  I'm also embroidering matching shirts with the bottoms that I make so that I can make cute matching pajama outfits.  Yes...my kids are even going to have matching Christmas pajamas.  I'll be sure to take a picture of it when I get it done.  Have I said that I love sewing?!

B's Cowboy Party!

Yes, I know I'm quite late with sharing pictures of B's party.  It was in August.  This is November.  It's not like I haven't been busy or anything! 

We had so much fun at B's party.  We went to a horse ranch and all of the kiddos got to play games, ride horses, and take a hay ride.  They all had so much fun!  Oh...and the positive to it being outside was that they could run all of their energy out.  B had almost all of his friends there (one even made a special trip from the farm county to come to his party), except for a few that couldn't make it.  He had so much fun with those that were there, though.

We originally got the idea after going to a party like this for a friend back in the spring.  B loved it and I didn't know that a horse riding place existed for little kids.  I was thrilled that it did!  B still talks about it and how he got to ride a horse for his birthday.  Perhaps one day we'll start taking lessons. 

I keep telling B to talk his Pop into buying a horse for the farm.  Pop just says that they're useless and takes him to his neighbors fence (which backs up to his) and lets B and Baby M feed their horse and mule.  I guess that works for now....until B decides he wants to ride it!  Thank you to all that came and made B feel so special.  He is so blessed to have so many friends who put up with even his bad days....and those who truly know him know the fits he can let out and that stubborn streak.

Book Review: The Three Trees by Elena Pasquali

I have always enjoyed this children's book from the time I first read it as a child and even now as I am reading it to my own children. 

The Three Trees is a traditional folktale that talks about, of course, three trees.  Two trees want to be cut down and made into something great.  The other tree doesn't want to be touched.  It just wants to continue growing and pointing to heaven.

Years later, all the trees get cut down and are used for a purpose that was not what they were hoping for.  I can't really tell you anymore or I'll spoil the book!  The illustrations throughout this book are beautiful.  They are very appealing to the eye and isn't crowding the pages.

If you have children, this would make a great stocking stuffer or present for any child who likes to read or be read to.  It also opens the door for some questions to be asked from your children, which I always welcome that.

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I received this book free from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Book Giveaway!!!

I am giving away a copy of this book to the first person who leaves a comment at the bottom of this blog.  Be sure to leave your email address so I can get your address to mail the book to you!  You'll like this book.

Book Review: Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride by Sandra D. Bricker

The second book in the Emma Rae Creation series, Always the Wedding Planner Never the Bride is a book for any girl.  If you are looking for a book full of humor, pick up this book.  I found myself laughing and enjoying the romance that filled these pages.  It's also full of wedding tips and recipes.  I definitely want to try a few o the recipes that are included.  They just sounded good!

Sherilyn is a wedding planner who is engaged to a man that she's only known for a few months.  They move to Atlanta where Andy works at a sports medicine hospital and Sherilyn takes the job as a wedding planner where she is helping everyone else but herself plan their weddings.  Her mother-in-law doesn't like her and she has trouble with her wedding dress.  Oh, and did she just happen to not inform Andy of her past?  How will Andy's ex-girlfriend respond when she finds out that Andy is back in Atlanta for good?

I'm going to have to check out the first one in the series now and am looking for the third book.

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About the Book:

As a wedding planner, you'd think she would have the perfect wedding experience... Sherilyn Caine has left Chicago behind to marry Andrew Drummond IV, an Atlanta native with a family name that tops all the social registers. Landing the job as The Tanglewood’s wedding planner is a piece of cake for someone with a Type A personality; she’s the perfect fit for a wedding destination hotel known for its attention to even the tiniest details.

But when everything else is going along swimmingly, why are her own wedding plans drowning right before her eyes? One way or the other, Sherilyn is determined to make this wedding work—until the latest development threatens to call the whole thing off. Is it possible that Sherilyn is allergic to her fiance? For more than a decade, Sandra D. Brickerlived in Los Angeles and, while writing in every spare moment, worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television's hottest stars. Since then she has written three novels for middle-grade readers and several romance novels, including unWANTED: Husband, Change of Heart, Sins of the Past, Wish I Weren't Here, Love Finds You inSnowball, Arkansas and The Big 5-0h!. Visit Sandra on the web at www.sandradbricker.com.

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I received this book free from NetGalley and from Abingdon Press Publishers in exchange for my review of this book.

Book Review: Heaven is For Real by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent

I'll be honest.  I was doubtful of this book.  I honestly didn't know what to think when it first came up on the Booksneeze list of available books.  I let it pass the first time.  However, after my mentor read it, I decided I wanted to read it.  Thankfully, it popped back up on the list and I was able to check it out for myself.  I fell in love with this little boy and his family.  I honestly pray that I never have to go through what his mom and dad went through, but what an encouraging book that reminds me that even if I do, a much better place exists. 

For me, this book reminded me of how wonderful heaven will be.  It will make me not want for the things that I'll leave behind.  After Colton experience an illness that left him with a glimpse of heaven, he came back to life and was able to share with his parents people that no one had ever told him about. 

Whether this book is true or not, I found myself thinking purely about heaven and how awesome it will be when I get there and can see Jesus. 

I would definitely recommend this book for all!  It was very encouraging and reminds you that there is more to this life than what we see here and now.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.