Friday, December 30, 2016

My life in 2016 In Review

Well I decided to do a year in review for 2016 for my life.  Please don't take this as a brag as my year has had its ups and downs just like any other.  Just really wanted to point out the boring of this weirdo's life.

1.  My oldest spread his wings and flew the coop (1200 miles away).  He is doing very well even with the normal ups and downs of being an adult.
2.  Lost a job but got another one and I am so much more relaxed now.
3.  Financial more stretched but the Lord has provided.
4.  Parents lost their home in a bad fire.  But praise the Lord they and their landlord were ok.
5.  Married for now over 16 years and still going strong.
6.  Read over 125 books this year which was more than my goal (yes I read that many I am a speed reader)
7.  Did not lose very much weight but I am stronger and have slimmed down some.  (please don't tell me that muscle weighs more than fat as that is not true a pound is a pound just a pound of muscle takes up less space than a pound of fat.  If you don't believe me then look it up for your self.)
8.  Some of my medical issues have stabilized more this year than in years past.
9.  Started to get to back into my art.
10.  Youngest son is doing better with his homeschooling (still rough at times but that's normal even public or private school kids have tough times)
11.  Turned 39 this year and looking forward to turning 40 next year.  I don't hide my age as I believe age is just a number.  Why do I say that I have met teens that act more like adults and have met older people that act more like toddlers.  It is all in how you act.
12. Lord showed me to be who he made me not to be a cookie cutter of those around me just to fit in.

And best of all the Lord is still on His throne no matter what is happening in the world or in my life.

Friday, December 9, 2016

The Pattern Artist by Nancy Moser

"The Pattern Artist" by Nancy Moser is a novel about English housemaid Annie Wood and the adventures she ends up having after coming to America with her wealthy mistress in the early 1900's.  Annie's story is very interesting as she starts out as a wide-eyed young woman looking for adventure and finds it in more ways than one.  This is a very good story with a strong lead character in Annie.  I really enjoyed how the story progress over time and we see that our pasts can effect our future or others in ways we could not imagine.  We also see how woman were treated by society at the time which was not always good.  We even have a small section of the story that includes the titanic which added a little more history to the story.  I highly recommend this book as it is such a good one that I got physical copy of it just for my bookshelf to be able to re-read it again.

I was given this book from Net Galley for free and was not required to give a positive review.

Sunday, December 4, 2016

Spy of Richmond by Jocelyn Green

"Spy of Richmond" by Jocelyn Green is the fourth book in the Heroines Behind The Lines Civil War book series.  This was interesting book but since I had not read any of the other books I don't if I was missing some information on the main characters.  For most of the book I was able to easily follow the story but then near the end another character pops up and I got confused on the past of this character.  Her story might have been in a previous book but since I have never read them so the last part of the book got muddled for me.  Other than that it was a very interesting well wrote historical fiction that I really enjoyed.  I do recommend it but I will say I believe you should read all the books in the series in order since it does seem like a book that was built on from other books.  But I may be wrong on that point.

I was given this book from Moody Publishers for free and was not required to give a positive review.

Sunday, November 27, 2016

The Mystery by Lacey Sturm

"The Mystery, Finding True Love In A World of Broken Lovers" by Lacey Strum is a memoir about the author's relationships and finding true love thru it all.  You might know the name of the author as she is a Christian musician.  This book was ok as it seemed to not flow very well.  I think what really got me was I would get into reading her story and then in between some chapters she would have notes from her heroes that just did seem to add to the book for me.  Also I really did not need all the deep down details of her emotional affair she had with a man.  Maybe it will help someone but for me it was just too much information.  Overall it was not a bad memoir about the relationship part of the authors life.  So in other words I recommend it but interesting read.

I was given this book for free from BakerBooks and was not required to give a review.

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Fatal Frost by Nancy Mehl

"Fatal Frost" by Nancy Mehl is mystery novel about U.S. Marshall Mercy Brennan who without realizing it is put into danger and is taken to an area for her protection that could keep her safe or kill her.  I really like the way this author writes she always does a very good job at bringing us mystery with topic that could be so cliche but doesn't do it. I will admit a little bit of the beginning does get a little confusing but as the story goes it clears up and becomes very understanding.  I enjoyed how we see a little bit of Mercy's past and how it affects her present.  I hope in the next book of this series that we get a little more back story on Mercy and other main characters.  I recommend this book for a good murder mystery.

I was given this book from Bethany House publishers for free and was not required to give a positive review.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

All The Pretty Things by Edie Wadsworth

"All Pretty Things" by Edie Wadsworth is the memoir of the author's life in extreme poverty with an alcoholic father and how no matter what happened in her life she seen God's hand in it.  Wow the things the author went thru and had seen in her childhood I all can say is wow.  Now don't get me wrong its not like I have not seen kids go thru things similar to her (I seen it with neighbors and friends), but what got me was that she did not do what most do which is stay in it she worked her way out of the attitude she grew up around.  She became a Christian as teen but as you should know that did not make her life any easier yes she did end up becoming a doctor but not without sacrifice.  She did well in society's standards but as she got closer to God she knew need healing and rest that only he could provide.  This was a wonderful and sad story but it shows that we don't have to stay where we came from especially if its a very toxic life as in the authors past.  I highly recommend this book as it is a great reminder that our past is not always our future.

I was given this from Tyndale Publishers for free and was not required to give a positive review.

Fixing Perfect by Therese M. Travis

"Fixing Perfect" by Therese M. Travis is a murder mystery about psychopath killer who is obsessed with disabled artist Robin Ingram.  This was a tough book to read if you are not interested to read about kidnappings of kids and murder of an adult close to them.  This was a very good murder mystery novel with just the right amount of detail so that it was not too graphic.  Now I will admit the one point in the book that kinda of annoyed me was how easy it was for me to figure out the bad guy.  I can't write about how I know who it was as if I do it will be way to obvious if you decide to read the book.  I really enjoyed how the author dealt with false accusations. This was really good book with some really great characters.  I would love to see more of the main characters in this book. If you can't tell I highly recommend it.

I was given this book from NetGalley for free and was not required to give a positive review.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Shadow of the Storm by Connilyn Cossette

"Shadow of the Storm" by Connilyn Cossette is the second book in the Out From Egypt series.    This book is about Shira who with other Hebrews have escaped Egypt with Moses.  As they are at the base of Mount Sinai she finds herself chooses a life as a midwife which will her problems emotionally and physically.  This is another series of books that I have read that did not need to be read in order as I did not even realize that this was a series of books.  I was very impressed by the detail in this book as it made me think I was right there with Shira.  Now I will admit normally I am not quite a big fan of books taking place in Biblical stories but this one was nice.  As it took place during the Exodus but that was mainly the location and the back story not the main part of the story.  The main part of the story was Shira (who is not in the Bible), her family and others around her.  Parts of the story are hard to read because of what happens (I will not give away) but I still really enjoyed this book.  Once I picked it up I could not put it down so I highly recommend it.

I was given this book from Bethany House for free and was not required to give a positive review.

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Waves Of Mercy by Lynn Austin

"Waves Of Mercy" by Lynn Austin is about Chicago Socialite Anna Nicholsen and her search for answers from her past and present.  While there she makes friends with a hotel work Derk Vander Veen who helps answers her questions about both with the help of his Aunt Geesje.  This book takes place in the late 1800's in Holland, Michigan.  This book goes between Geesje's past, some of Anna's past and the present of both women.  As always Lynn Austen gives us a very well written book.  I really enjoyed the story of Anna and the similarities with Geesje's story.  This book is a bit mystery, romance but mainly it is about a fork in the road and the decisions we have to make when we come to one.  We see what happens in the past can effect our future.  What a wonderful book to read and I highly recommend it.

I was given this book from Bethany House for free and was not required to give a positive review.

Friday, November 11, 2016

Photographs From The Edge by Art Wolfe

"Photographs From The Edge" by Art Wolfe is a book of photo's, details on how they were taken and photo tips on how to take the photos.  This book is not just scenic pictures but also of people from all over the world.  The author/photography gives us such great detail on what equipment he used to take the photos also in tips.  We also learn when and where the photos were taken.  The photos in the books are some very beautiful pictures.  However I would say that some of the photographs beauty was not portrayed as well as they could have been because of the book's paper.  But still beautiful no matter what. I think some of my favorite photos were some of the ones taken in India so colorful and beautiful.  I highly recommend this book especially for ones interested in world photography.

I was given this book from Blogging for Books for free and was not required to give a positive review.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Feast For Thieves by Marcus Brotherton

"Feast For Thieves" by Marcus Brotherton is about World War II veteran Rowdy Slater who after the war decides to rob a bank but after his confession to a sheriff the sheriff gives him the option go to jail or preach.  This book had some interesting plots and points to it.  It does hint at some horrible things that were done to kids even back in the late 40's.  But the main point of this story just does not make sense to me which is the Rowdy must choose between going to jail or preach.  How in the world did a man decide well this possible criminal who doesn't even say he is a believer would be good preacher. Also was not really into reading a man describe the shape of a woman's body beneath her clothes.  Other than that the story was interesting, well paced and had interesting characters but overall I just was not a fan of it.  It is a toss up book for me to recommend in one way I say no but then at times I would yes.

I was given this book from Moody Publishers for free and was not required to give a positive review.

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

The Missing Matisse by Pierre H. Matisse

"The Missing Matisse" by Pierre H. Matisse is the memoir of the author life in France before, during, and after World War II.  This is not just a memoir of the war but of Art also as the artist/author is the grandson of the famous artist Henri Matisse which makes the author life even more interesting.  I have read a lot of different memoir's on World War II but this one was different.  It gave details that I had never heard of which is what happened when Germany first invaded France.  The details and information the author gives is are so powerful and sad.  The war not only brought him to struggles with what was happening in his country but also on the personal level.  This memoir was very powerful and I really liked how the author did not hold anything back.  What a life he has had.   I highly recommend this book.

I was given this book from Tyndale Publishers for free and was not required to give a positive review.

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

David Bowie Retrospective and Coloring Book by Mel Elliott

"David Bowie, Retrospective and Coloring Book" by Mel Elliott is a neat book that highlights a few of David Bowie points in life with coloring pages.  Each pages is one side a snippet of David Bowie information and the other side is a picture of him with both pages to be colored.  This is a fun coloring book especially for David Bowie fans.   I really enjoyed how the artist put together little bits of history with some of David Bowie's most iconic outfits.   One thing I really enjoyed was in the back was a list of his albums and a list of his awards.  The pages were nice and thick to be able to color with markers.  It also even had  a little ribbon you can use to mark where you are at.  I highly recommend this book as it was just a fun coloring book about David Bowie.

I was given this book from Blogging for Books and was not required to give a review.

Friday, October 28, 2016

Rant Ahead (politics)

Okay normally I don't say much about politics but right now I feel I need to. So I am going to rant on some touchy subjects so if you don't want to read just enjoy the picture of my unique curtain rod we bought at a second hand store and move on to one of my book reviews.







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Also my thoughts are all over the place so don't expect a proper paragraph.

 I don't care who you vote for but vote.  I am sickened by this election and by the hints I am seeing from some so called Christian bloggers that maybe us woman should not vote.  Are you kidding me?  Women were physical, financial, emotional hurt fighting for our right to vote not quite 100 years ago (the 19th amendment was ratified in 1920).  Jesus brought woman up not tore them down. Why all of sudden the attitude of lets tear woman down and its not just secular society but Christians also.  I know of very few successful men that did not have a woman behind them supporting them and helping advise them.  I don't care what side of the political field you are on this has been one of the ugliest and nastiest elections I remember.  You know what bothers me the most is if this is how bad this presidential election is this year what will be like in 2020.   And its not just women's right to vote taking a turn backwards in attitude it is also race attitudes.  Both sides are showing racism in horrible levels.  People are starting to be more honest with their racism and its sad but truthful. Actually that might be a good thing as then we see how people really feel.  How many people who were closeted racists feel now they can be open about it.  Sometimes we forget it was only 50 some years ago that the civil rights movement happened some of those same adult racists that yelled or killed people during that time are still alive.  Even the children that participated and was raised in that are still alive and raising their children or even grandchildren with the same type of attitudes but teaching them to do it in secret or on the side with just hints of their true beliefs. White supremacy which is not about celebrating whiteness its about suppressing other people and putting themselves on top is making a big come back.  People wake up!!!! Especially Christians we need to remember Christ and how he brought woman up (first person to see Him after the resurrection was woman) and treated everyone as the equals we are.  He did not put any race above another (Galations 3:28) .   Also why is there so much fear right now in the Christian church?  God did not give us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1) but of power love and self control.  So what if America changes in ways you don't like persecution has brought the church to strength not easy life.  Look at the areas where the Church is truly persecuted its then when you see it really blossom. Persecution separates the wheat from the tares.   Seriously the persecution of the Romans is what spread the Gospel across the world.  Ok I am done for now I just had to get this off my chest.

Monday, October 24, 2016

Shaken by Tim Tebow

"Shaken" by Tim Tebow is about him finding keeping his identity in Christ no matter how his life was changed in ways he was not expecting.  First off I want to say I am not a football fan or a fan of celebrity type attitude people have when it comes to "famous" Christians.  With that in mind I will go on with my review.  I was impressed by this book as truthfully I was expecting more about his life in Football than his actually faith but that is not what we get.  What get with this book is how he has put his faith to work when things did not go they way he wanted them to.  I think my favorite section in the whole book was when he asks the question "What Is Normal?".  I really enjoyed how pointed out how normal is standard and when we strive to be like everyone else we are not being the special unique person God has made us.  Also he pointed out that normal is being the status quo. Why did I really enjoy this section because Christians even have status quo or in thing's that they follow as the norm and we should strive to follow Christ not the latest fad. I also enjoyed how talks about focus on Christ even with negativity surrounds you.  He does not portray himself as the perfect Christian he admits that he does fail at times but does not let those failures bring him down.  I really did enjoy this book and I highly recommend it as very uplifting helpful book.

I was given this book this book from WaterBrook Multnomah for free and was not required to give a positive review.

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Doodletopia Fairies by Christopher Hart

"Doodletopia Fairies" by Christopher Hart is a mixture book of pages to color and pages that teach you how to create your own fairies.  I am getting back into my art and this book really helps me with my basics on some areas.  I really like how the author shows a finished drawing (without color you can add that). But,  then has an area that has the base form of the fairy and you are to finish the drawing.  It is very helpful for me.  It has a lot of type and tricks on how to draw your own fairy.  This is a very fun book for me and I highly recommend it.

I was given this book from Blogging for Books for free and was not required to give a positive review.

Saturday, October 15, 2016

The Christmas Angel Project by Melody Carlson

"The Christmas Angel Project" by Melody Carlson is about a group of book club friends who lose one of their members.  Book club leader Abby died unexpectedly right after Thanksgiving but left a gift for each member who as a group decides to start a project in honor of Abby.   Louisa, Belinda, Cassidy, and Grace are all different women in different stages of their lives that we see come together thanks to Abby.  Also we learn about each women's story and their current struggles in life.  Their project ends up not only changing their lives but others around them. This was such a beautiful and uplifting book. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it for an uplifting story.

I was given this book by Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group for free and was not required to give a review in an exchange for it.

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Counterfeit Comforts by Robia Scott

"Counterfeit Comforts" by Robia Scott is about getting your focus off of things that soothe your soul and put your focus back onto Jesus.  This was a very interesting book it was a blessing that a self help book wasn't trying to sell you on the latest technique.  However it did start to hint at one area that really bugs me which is the area of being positive all the time.  I will be positive but not always and that is a good thing.  Sometimes being negative is a good thing for our spiritual health and its truthfully.  If that bugs you then you need to review your scriptures as Jesus, Paul and many other were not always positive.  So please don't tell me I have to speak positive as that is not biblical truth.  With that exception it was not a bad book but not one I will keep or reference.

I was given this book from Chosen a division of Baker Publishing Group for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

Saturday, October 8, 2016

Tangled Webs by Irene Hannon

"Tangled Webs" by Irene Hannon is the third book in the Men of Valor series.  This books focus is on the youngest brother of the McGregor family Finn who decides after a disastrous mission in the Middle East goes to a peaceful lake to relax and heal.  Well there he meets Dana Lewis is their trying to decompress herself while staying at her grandfathers old cabin.  What they both don't realize is that Dana's grandpa left behind secrets that puts both of them in danger.  I have read all the books in this series and none of the have disappointed me at all.  This author is one of the few authors that can well mix a romance and a mystery books without ruining a good mystery.  I can't really so anymore without giving away the story but I will say yet again this author nails it with a good novel.  I highly recommend this book and the whole series but you don't need to read all of them in order as they can be individual books themselves.

I was given this book from Revel a division of Baker Publishing Group for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Big Bad Breakfast by John Currence

"Big Bad Breakfast" by John Currence is a cookbook focused on breakfast foods and not just your typical pancakes or eggs.  It has recipes for such things as homemade poptarts, bacon jam, and red eye gravy.  What made me really excited was that it has two recipes that I have been looking for goods of which are a recipe for homemade chorizo and shakshouka.  I also enjoyed how it was also a little bit of a food memoir of the authors along with some great recipes.  Now there was one thing I was not a fan of which is the cussing it as I did not expect foul language in a cookbook.   Even with that side note I will recommend this cookbook for its information on techniques and great recipes.

I was given this book from Blogging For Books for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

A Lady Unrivaled by Roseanna M. White

"A Lady Unrivaled" by Roseanna M. White is the third book in the Ladies of the Manor series.  This is a book series that you don't need to read everyone to know whats going but it does help some.  However I still haven't read book number 2 and I still could follow this one.  The book series revolves around a pair of rare red diamonds that it seems like everyone wants and will kill to get them.  While all of this takes place in the early 1900's think like Downton Abbey time frame and style.  In this one we have Lady Ella Myserston who is not the stereotypical lady of that era and Lord James Cayton who decides he must protect Lady Ella while also protecting his daughter.  This was a good book with a good mystery with some romance but not enough to turn off a non-romance reader.  The story had just the right amount of detail without being too much. I really liked the mystery portion of it and I just don't want to give any of it away.  I highly recommend this book and the series it is part of.

I was given this book from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

Monday, October 3, 2016

Disappearing Church by Mark Sayers

"Disappearing Church" by Mark Sayers is about bringing the church from Cultural Relevance to Gospel Resilience.  Really the book is about how gnosticism has made a come back in the corporate churches in America.  It was an interesting book for the average non pastor reader.  However I think this book was more geared toward pastors or leaders in the church.  That aside I did like how the author did not hold back when he shared things that went against Biblical teachings in the Bible.  I think my favorite sections to read of this book was the chapter on stopping catering to public opinion.  Oh how I so wish people and churches would so do that and follow the Bible instead of public opinion  I do recommend this book but don't expect an easy read.

I was given this book from Moody Publishers for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

Sunday, October 2, 2016

America At The Crossroads by George Barna

"America At The Crossroads" by George Barna is a book on survey about trends in America today and what the author says is getting away from Christianity. I knew going into this book that it was going to have a very conservative Christian outlook so it really did not surprise me.  It was an interesting book but just like any survey I would have liked to know more of how he got his information.  How many people did he survey and how.  I have helped create surveys before and I know that sometimes when the people you survey know where you lean they will answer to your liking.  This book to me leaned very much to say the people who lean toward Evangelical Christianity are the more bucolically sound people.  Depending on how the survey were done this might be true.  Just like surveys done by secular people I take them with a grain of salt if I have no information on how they were conducted and I feel the same way about this book.  If you are a big fan of politics then this book might interesting to you.

I was given this book from Baker Books for my honest review and I was not required to give a positive review.

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Kit Kat & Lucy by Lonnie Hull DuPont

"Kit Kat & Lucy" by Lonnie Hull DuPont is the memoir of the author moving to rural Michigan from San Francisco where she and her husband have two stray cats come into their lives.  This was very cute book and very interesting.  The stories of her cats are funny but at the same time can be very informative. She brings up things she has learned about cats some that I did not know for example that outdoor cats live quite bit shorter lives than their indoor counter parts.  This was very sweet and good book on the author and her husband with their cats.  I recommend this book for a fun quick read.

I was given this book from Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group and was not required to give a positive review.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

A Tapestry Of Secrets by Sarah Loudin Thomas

"A Tapestry of Secrets" by Sarah Loudin Thomas is about an elderly woman named Perla Phillips who has decided to finally share a family secret that she still feels guilty about but the timing might be too late for her to do it.  While at the same time her granddaughter Ella is struggling relationship wise and life wise just not sure where she should be.  This book was just a very well written story.  Yes it did turn out to be partly a romance story but it did not have any of the typical romance feel too it.  I just felt like I was reading well written story of Perla Phillips' family.  I really can't give much details on the story without giving away the secret but I can say it bounce from the present to back when Perla was a teen.  I recommend this book as it was a well written novel.

I was given this book from Bethany House for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

The Road We Traveled by Jane Kirkpatrick

"The Road We Traveled" by Jane Kirkpatrick is a historical fiction novel about the mother of Oregon Tabitha Brown and her journey with her family to Oregon.  Just like any of Jane Kirkpatrick's novel it is well researched on the real history portion of Tabitha Brown and other characters in the story.  Her books are so well written with true history intertwined that I have a tendency to almost forget that I am reading fiction novel.   Her books always intrigue me as my husband and my family have a few ancestors that were some of the first white people to Oregon.  So reading her books always takes me to a time era that I can read about and maybe in my mind experience what our families may have experienced.  The detail in this book is so good even if you know some of the history of Tabitha Brown I don't want to give away any of this book you just need to read for yourself.  I will admit I was very impressed that the author add actual writings from Tabitha Brown real diaries but I should expect that from her as she is a very talented writers.  I highly recommend this book and really any book of Jane Kirkpatrick's.

I was given this book from Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

Monday, September 26, 2016

The Curated Closet by Anuschka Rees


"The Curated Closet" by Anuschka Rees is a book about how to discover your personal style and then build your wardrobe with well fitting clothes.  This was a very interesting book.  I will admit I am not a stylish person so I was a little worried that this book would say you have to follow certain styles but it did not do that.  It focused more on you finding your personal style even if its different from others and then on finding or keeping better fitting clothes.  I was not a big fan of all the question sections but I could see where they would help.  But I really enjoyed how it takes you thru the process of finding better fitting and quality clothes.  You would think someone my age would know how to do that but most of life (truthfully still is) my clothes have what can I get that I like that is cheap.  So it is a nice book for young woman trying to learn their style or even older woman also trying to understand their style better.  I do recommend this book if you are not already stylish woman no matter if you are modern, punk style or goth it is a helpful book.

I was given this book from Blogging For Books for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

Without Warning by Lynette Eason


"Without Warning" by Lynette Eason is the second book in the Elite Guardians book series.  And this one is a good story it starts with Katie Singleton (an elite bodyguard) who stops to investigate a restaurant owned by Daniel Matthews a guardian of  his niece who she has been teaching self defense.  Before she knows it she gets hired by his niece hires her to protect her Uncle because it seems someone is out to destroy his business, kill him or both.  It was a very interesting story with a good amount of twists and turns.  This author has never disappointed me even with a little romance in her writings (I am not a fan of romance stories).  I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next one in the series.

I was given this book from Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

Sunday, September 25, 2016

The Raven by Mike Nappa


"The Raven" by Mike Nappa is the 2nd book in the Coffey & Hill Novel series.  Even though this is a second book in the series you can read it without having to have read book number one.  However reading book number one can give you some back story to some of the main characters and that of a side character that is mentioned.  It involves a street magician named Raven and how gets caught up with some very bad mafia type people.  While Private investigators Trudi Coffey and Samuel Hill must solve a mystery in the town to help Raven and others. I read the first novel in this series and really enjoyed but this one blows that one out of the water.  I don't how to describe what I enjoyed in this novel without giving the story away some you kinda figure out on your own and some you do not at least not until closer to the end.  I was so impressed by this book that it is one of those rare fiction novels that I will add to my collection of books (over eighty percent of my books are non-fiction).  I just could not put it down once I started as I wanted to know what happened next.  I highly recommend this book.

I was given this book from Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Missing by Lisa Harris

"Missing" by Lisa Harris is the 2nd book in the Nikki Boyd Files book series.  Nikki is a police specialist in missing person mainly because of her past with a loved one that is missing.  This book starts with a homicide in a home but the victims are not the people that live there.  Then everything starts to happen on Nikki's friend Tyler's boat.  I will say this story gets more and more interesting as the book goes on.  To me the story was well even paced even though at times it seemed like it slowed down for a little bit.  But overall it was very good murder mystery story.  I would recommend it as a stand alone read but it would help explain more things if you have read book one in the series buts it not necessary.

I was given this book from Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

The Night Voyage by Daria Song

"The Night Voyage" by Daria Song is an adventure coloring book. What do I mean by adventure coloring book well its coloring book that tells a story with each photo with very little words.  To me this was a beautiful coloring book that we go along with a little girl and her imagination.  What I really like about it is that since it had very little words you color it to make the story fit how you might see it.  I like all kinds of coloring books and I enjoy ones that take me on a journey in each photo.  This is a wonderful coloring book for people of all ages but I really think a pre-teen girl who wants to graduate from the small children type of coloring book would really enjoy the challenge of this one.  I highly recommend this coloring book for all ages.

I was given this book from Blogging For Books for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

Friday, September 2, 2016

Rants or complaints or just being honest

Possible toe stepping thoughts but mostly odd and funny.  Please enjoy this photo of my water glass my hubby bought me over a month ago.  Yes that is a skeleton in the background his name is skelly we used him to teach our son the bones.  Isn't the human body amazing if it wasn't for the skeleton we would be a blob.











I realize I have not done a rant/complaints in couple months but most of my rants are ones that need to be kept in my head otherwise people might take them the wrong way.  So here are some minor rants/complaints.

Rants/Complaints

1.  Putting on garage sales bites.  I love going to them but I almost make no money when we have them.  Just not good at them.

2.  Birthdays as an adult can suck.  My hubby decided this year for my birthday we were actually going to do something but then his phone broke so the little extra he was going to spend had to go to get him a new straight talk phone.   Birthday's for me just seem to be another day.  Truthfully when it comes to birthdays sometimes I miss being a kid for the parties and presents.  I know selfish but hey I am being honest.

3. Being left out and ignored is not fun.  Lets just leave that one at that.

4.  Not finding a nice pair of black jeans at the thrift store in your size is sad.  Yeah I know a small one but I would really like a pair of non-faded black jeans.

5.  The house is never completely clean.

6.  The weight is not coming off as quickly as I would like.

The Good
1.  My family loves me dearly.

2.  I will be 39 this month and my oldest will be 20 this month also.

3.  At the thrift stores I have been finding a few more funky styles that I like I can buy when I need the clothes.

4.  I have a home to clean been close to homeless before with my family I would rather not be that close to it again.

5.  Google play rocks I can have such a variety of music on it that I never know whats going to play on it.

6.  The weight may not be coming off that fast but I am getting thinner and stronger.

So here is a rant or complaints or good post for this quarter.


Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Marked In Ink by Megan Massacre

"Marked In Ink" by Megan Massacre is a tattoo coloring book.  This is a very well put together coloring book.  Each page is of a thicker paper so that if you want to use markers they should not bleed through the page.  Which brings me to the next bonus with this coloring book as each picture is on one side so if your markers or even paint bleed through it won't ruin another picture.  I really enjoyed that each picture was on its on page.   The pictures are beautiful even without color but with color they are even better.  I have always thought a good tattoo artist is an artist.  Even though I can't afford a tattoo I love seeing the artwork and now I can have some of that style but for to me to color.  I highly recommend this coloring book if you like coloring and tattoo artwork.

I was given this book from blogging for books for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

Eden Hill by Bill Higgs


"Eden Hill" by Bill Higgs is a the debut novel of the author.  It takes place in the 1960's in the town of Eden Hill in the state of Kentucky.    It is really a story about a group of people in the little town but mainly focuses on the stories of Virgil T. Osgood, Cornelius Alexander, Reverend Eugene Caudill and the families of Osgood and Alexander.  All the people involved are having to face changes in their lives and how maybe nationwide changes can change them.  This book main story is about how each person faces the obstacles in their lives, from career to family to just everyday life.  It was a fun nostalgic type of book that was just a well written story not romance, not mystery, not thriller just about day to day life.   I will admit it was slow at times but over all I thought it was a well paced novel.  But it was so nice to just read a fun novel with no sex or even violence just a good old fashioned story.  I highly recommend  this book for anyone wanting to read just a good plain story with no agenda.

I was given this book from Tyndale Publishers for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

Saturday, August 27, 2016

King's Folly by Jill Williamson


"King's Folly" by Jill Williamson is a fantasy novel that is about the King of Armania and his son trying to figure out his place in their world.  Depending on the type of fantasy novels I can enjoy them.  However, this one I am not a fan it was so drawn out with so many different characters that I could not keep track of whose who in it.  I kept picking up and then putting down cause I just could not get into.  The main character Prince Wilek was interesting but there was so many different characters that I lost track of people and got confused.  I will admit it was a very descriptive book but not my type.  If you like fantasy novels with a lot of characters with a lot of detail then this is for you.

I was given this book from Bethany House for my honest review and not required to give a positive review.

Si-Renity by Si Robertson


"Si-renity, How I Stay Calm and Keep The Faith" by Si Robertson is more stories from Si and on his faith in Jesus Christ.  I will admit I haven't watched Duck Dynasty in a couple years but I am a Si fan as I really enjoy how honest he is no matter what.  That honesty is why I was more and happy than happy to read this book before it was released to review it.  Si does not hold back and tells us the truth about his life even pointing out that some things in the show are scripted.  He talks about how his faith has brought him to different places and how he shares it.  Also he talks about his relationship with his family and even the time of his heart issues.  His book is a refreshing and interesting book to read on a simple living man who keeps his feet cemented in Christ no matter how famous he gets.  I highly recommend this book as it is funny, interesting and encouraging.

I was given this book from NetGalley for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

Friday, August 26, 2016

More Than Rivals by Ken Abraham

"More Than Rivals" by Ken Abraham is a book about 2 young men in the 60's and 70's one white (Eddie Sherlin) and one African American (Bill Ligon) coming together as friends at a basketball championship in Tennessee in 1970.  What was so important about his tournament well it was between two schools that were still mostly segregated with very big amounts of racism still lingering around in their portion of Tennessee.  This was a very interesting book and is one that I think should be read by a lot of people. We tend to forget that some areas racism was not that long ago and in some areas it is still happening to this day (I have seen it even in my little area of the world). We also forget that some of the racist adults from then are still alive and the children they raised to be racist are still alive.  Why do I say that well think about the 2 young men in this book are only in there 60's now and some of their classmates were raised to be racist.  Back to the book, I really enjoyed that Eddie Sherlin kept remember that there is no difference in race in God's eyes.  As Christian's we should be known as not racist people but sadly that is not always true.  Reading about their childhoods and lives that intersected at different times was very interesting.  I normally am not a big fan of reading about a sports even but the climax of this book the basketball tournament was very interesting and well written.   Now I will say that I am not sure about all the in depth conversations being remembered perfectly from a least 46 and more years ago.  But other than it still was a very good and powerful book to read and I highly recommend it.


I was given this book from Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Mommy Needs A Raise by Sarah Parshall Perry


"Mommy Needs A Raise" by Sarah Parshall Perry is about the author's story of being a mom.  I will admit this book was kinda of a disappointment for me as I was expecting more of book with funny stories about motherhood with some advice in it.  Yes that was in the book but a good chunk of the book was all about the author and her getting her law degree.  Also her missing being out in the world using her law degree.  It still was a fun book to read but it took me awhile as I was looking for something more focused on motherhood while this felt more like a memoir.  I still recommend it as a fun book to read.

I was given this book from Revell a division of Baker Publishing for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

Thursday, August 18, 2016

The Cyber Effect by Mary Aiken

"The Cyber Effect" by Mary Aiken, PhD is about how human behavior changes online.  This was a very informative and interesting book that delved into all different aspects of online usage.  What I enjoyed was that author did not just bring up the bad of online usage but also the good.  She was not afraid to hold anything back either.  Some people on this subject like to gloss over such things as the "deep web" but she doesn't.  A very informative and interesting book that did not read like a textbook.  I highly recommend it as very good book to read on our human behavior online.

I was given this book from NetGalley for my honest review and not required to give a positive review.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Rescuing The Gospel by Erwin W. Lutzer

"Rescuing The Gospel" by Erwin W. Lutzer is about the facts and significance of the reformation.  This was a very interesting book on the history of the reformation.  I really enjoyed this book as it was a bore with textbook feel.  It was interesting without adding modern excitement that most Christian books seem to think they need.  Very informative and would be a great reference book to add to anyone's collection especially for someone who likes to know more about the reformation.  I highly recommend this book as it is a great way to get an overview of the reformation.

I was given this book from Baker Books for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

Life of the Party by Bob Kealing

"Life of the Party, The Remarkable Story of How Brownie Wise Built, and Lost, a Tupperware Party Empire" by Bob Kealing is all about the woman who helped bring the name Tupperware to where it is today.  In an era where woman where not seen as company building material Brownie Wise showed how a woman is smart enough and capable to build a business up.  When it came to how Tupperware Parties were done Brownie was the queen of them.  She made a name for herself in the business world that a lot of men at the time dreamed of and here she was a divorced mom doing it in a time that was taboo.  The way she encouraged others men and woman alike is a great story.  But when it came to her butting heads with the head of Tupperware she lost and which also meant she lost her job.  This book goes into much detail part of it was from Brownie's own son as he was a child and a young adult during her the high days of her career.  This was a very interesting and wonderful book to read, I highly recommend it. 

I was given this book from Blogging From Books for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

They Were Christians by Cristobal Krusen

"They Were Christians" by Cristobal Krusen is about the faith of some of the men and women of the Christian faith that have changed the world for the better.  Don't expect this book to be a big book with a huge biography on each person its not that type of book.  It does give a good condensed biography of each person.  Some examples of people are Fredrick Douglass, Florence Nightingale and John D. Rockefeller Sr plus many more.  I thought this book gave a good bit of information on each person without the modern attitude of look that them they are Christian so you should be to.  They only thing that I though kinda of distracted from the main portion of this book was the little personal bits the author puts on the end of each chapter.  Even with this I highly recommend this book as a great resource of some people of the past that because of their faith helped change the world.

I was given this book from Baker Books a division of Baker Publishing Group for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

Wreck My Life by Mo Isom

"Wreck My Life" by Mo Isom is a memoir of the author's life how God has brought her from brokenness to a strong faith in Christ.  I will admit I have never heard of the author but you have to remember I don't follow sports, politics or celebrities so it did not surprise me to not know who she is.  But I am very glad I chose this book as the author has a very interesting and powerful story of God bringing her to her knees to be able to lift her up to where He wants her to be.  She has went thru the devastation of her father's suicide, an eating disorder and a horrific car accident.  All plus other items that brought her to the lowest she could go but instead of getting angry she looked at whether her faith was real or just a show.  As she worked thru speed bumps in her life she grew closer to God.  It was a powerful memoir and I highly recommend it.

I was given this book from Baker Books a division of Baker Publishing Group for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

Monday, July 25, 2016

Why God Calls Us To Dangerous Places by Kate McCord

"Why God Calls Us To Dangerous" by Kate McCord is all about obeying God's voice even when he is calling us to dangerous or even how to support family and friends in their callings.  This was a great follow up to the author's first book about her life of being a missionary in the middle east.  Not only does she explain why God will sometime call us to dangerous areas but also how we can help/support our loved ones that are called to dangerous places.  She talks about the dangers her and others seen but also how if it was not being in dangerous area should would not have been able to witness to the people in those areas like they needed to be.  She brings up how yes it may be easier just to write a check to support others but it is more fulfilling if the Lord is calling you to witness in the areas yourself.  She never says it will be easy but God does not always calls us to an easy life. What a powerful book that I highly recommend.

I was given this book from Moody Publishers for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

Balancing It All by Candace Cameron Bure


"Balancing It All" by Candace Cameron Bure is about how the author does her life.  This book was not what I was expecting.  I was expecting not just a memoir but also some tips on how she does balance her life.  The book felt like to me more of biography with bits of things added talking about her faith and that she does a lot her life.  It wasn't a bad book but just overall a blah look at me book at times.  I just could not get into it.  I was a fan of her in the original Full House so I was interested in reading this book which is why I chose it.  I was intrigued by how she met her husband and her life as a child actress those parts where the most interesting to me.  I will recommend me this book but don't go into it expecting a lot.

I was given this book from Net Galley for my honest review and not required to give a positive review.

Pop Manga Coloring Book by Camilla d'Errico

"Pop Manga Coloring Book" by Camilla d'Errico is a wonderful journey of cute, interesting, beautiful and bizarre world of the author's drawings.  Can I say that I love the trend of adult coloring books.  For its not a fad as I have been coloring in coloring books for a long time.  But now I am able to enjoy coloring books that are done by some of the world's most talented artists.  I will admit before I chose this coloring book to review I did not the artists name but I knew her work.  She is such a very talented artist so being able to color some of her work to me is a blessing.   The art in this book is not your normal every day type its more of a fantasy and whimsical style.  It is a very fun coloring book that I highly recommend.

I was given this book from Blogging for Books for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Murder Comes by Mail by A.H. Gabhart

"Murder Comes By Mail" by A.H. Gabhart is the second book in the Hidden Springs Mystery series of books.  This one starts with Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane saving a man's life which he soon regrets as a series of murders start happening that will make his life tangle web of trouble because of saving a man's life.  This was a very good and well paced murder mystery.  The people in this small town story I can so visualize as I consider a small town my hometown and boy are/was characters in my hometown.  Even though its a murder mystery there are a few points especially at the beginning that are funny.  It was well written mystery that I don't want to give any of it away as there are twists that I did not expect.  I can't wait to read the third in this book series as the author is an excellent story teller.  I highly recommend this book.

I was given this book from Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group and was not required to give a positive review.

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Un-ashamed by Lecrae

"Un-ashamed" by Lecrae is the biography of of the rapper that is known best from the Christian rap world Lecrae.  This was a very interesting biography he did not have his life handed to him on a silver platter.  Even though he was given opportunities to make himself better when he was young he still took to women and drugs.  This is a powerful story, Lecrae does not hold back on what has happened to him when he was a child which was sexual abuse by a female babysitter.  Which to me is a reminder to society that we need to remember that females can be sexual abusers also.  His faith has been weak and strong for him at times.  He has been a legalist at times at he will admit this.   But near the end of this book I got kinda of confused on what he believed it was an odd portion.  But I will recommend it for anyone that is one of his fans to read or even if you are not his fan.

I was given this book from Net Galley for my honest review and not required to give a positive review.

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

The Drawing Lesson by Mark Crilley

"The Drawing Lesson" by Mark Crilley is a graphic novel that revolves a young being taught how to draw while also teaching you the reader how to draw. Without even trying to draw yet I already love this book.  Why do I say that?  Because of the first section where it talks about how someone can draw what they are looking at is a real artist.  When I was younger I had a lot of people tell me that yes I could draw but mine was just mental tracing not real drawing since I was taking a drawing or an object I could see and enlarge it or minimize.  It was really discouraging so I over time gave up my drawing but now I am starting to get back into it. I picked this book to review as I thought it would be a fun way for me to re-learn some of my skills.  It is such a fun and neat way to learn how to draw by watching and reading the main character David learn to draw.  It is such a well done book that not only I am going to use it but I am going to add it to my 6th grader homeschool books to use this year.  I can't wait to share it with him as he likes to draw and loves graphic novels. I highly recommend this book for kids or adults like me who want a different way to learn how to draw.

I was given this book from Blogging For Books for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Culture by A.W. Tozer

"Culture" by A.W. Tozer is about living as children of heaven while we are still on this earth.  Tozer was a powerful preacher of his time even though he died in 1963 his writings still fit with us today since that rooted in the scriptures.  I will tell you Tozer is not an easy quick read you really need to take your time and dig deep with his books and this one is no exception.  I really enjoyed how this book reminded me that no matter what is happening in this world that we are still to keep our eyes on Christ.  I think one of my favorite sections in where it talks about how nothing can kill Christianity they can try (and boy do they try) but it is not going to happen.  I highly recommend this book.

I was given this book from NetGalley for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Punderdome - The Card Game

"Punderdome" is a card game that is all about puns.  What is a pun you may ask well it is the humorous use of a word or phrase so that it suggests different meanings or applications or using words that are alike or nearly alike in sound but different in meaning in another words a play on words.  Short and skinny version of how the games work is you have a white topic card and a green situation card one of each is chosen by the prompter who chooses from either 2 or more people who comes up with the best pun.  The person who comes up with the most won puns by the end of the game wins.  Here is an example of a pun that could be used in the game.  I am Poe at working out.  The topic was poetry and the situation was working out.  They don't have to be good and trust I love puns but I am not good at making them.  This is a very fun and challenging game I think its really good in a get to know each group setting.  I highly recommend this game for a fun group get together.

P.S. the only thing I would change though is don't use the amount of 90 seconds like they recommend as that is too hard give people some more time than 90 seconds.

I was given this book from Blogging For Books for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

Thoughts on my hubby

27 years ago was the summer before my senior year in high school and I went for a walk that would change my life forever.  I just wanted to ...