After All, Tomorrow is Another Day

My review of: A Necessary Deception by Laurie Alice Eakes

2011-10-22T03:00:00.001-04:00

Title: A Necessary Deceptions (The Daughters of Bainbridge House Bk. 1)
Author: Laurie Alice Eakes
Genre: fiction-historical romance

Stars(1-5): *** 1/2
Age rating: PG-13
I think this book was pretty mild in terms of romance, and besides the mentions of lost honor and a few make-out scenes (we just walk in on the couples a few times), A Necessary Deception is clean and very interesting for anyone who loves a good historical mystery.

Back cover:
When young widow Lydia Gale helps a French prisoner obtain parole, she never dreams she will see him again. But just as the London Season gets under way, the man presents himself in her parlor. While she should be focused on getting her headstrong younger sister prepared for her entrée into Society, Lady Gale finds herself preoccupied with the mysterious Frenchman. Is he a spy or a suitor? Can she trust him? Or is she putting herself and her family in danger
Discover a world of elegance and intrigue, balls and masquerades as Laurie Alice Eakes whisks you into the drawing rooms of London Society on this exciting quest to let the past stay in the past--and let love guide the future.

My Thoughts:
I'm probably one of the biggest critics of Regency novels. Mainly because, in all the Regency book I've read, it was a struggle for the author to make the life in that era, interesting. To me it seemed like all anyone did back then was sit in a parlor, drink tea, and try not to make any slight faux pas, or else stories, even the Grimm brother couldn't think up, would be spread about you. Nevertheless, even before reading A Necessary Deception, I knew it wouldn't be "just another unexciting Jane Austen-isk" book. The cover is stunning, and captures the intrigue of deception, that awaits us. I liked that most of the characters weren't obsessed with getting married, as you might typically find in a book set in this time period. And I liked how Lydia's sisters stood up for themselves a few times but, on the whole, they was a wee bit irksome and whiny most of the time. The main characters Lydia and Christien were made for each other, yet I felt Lydia's hesitance towards a romance with Christien was cold and added an unnecessary weak point to the plot. I'm all for lovers who can't be with each other, but when that happens because the one person is selfish and has misplaced guilt, it leaves the story flat and the reader annoyed. Which is what happened in A Necessary Deception. There was a great story and plot, and the characters had all the right stuff, except the good-widow, Lydia Gale. Overall, I think Lauria Eakes wrote a nice novel that started off amazingly, but found it's Achille's heel later on. The whisper-of-a-message of how our own selfishness gets in the way of our relationships with others, and more importantly with God was nice. Yet, I wish there had been more of a spiritual struggle with the Hero and Heroin in the end. The historical details of Regency England, and the many romances, make A Necessary Deception a necessary read for the romantic-heart, but not a major tear-jerkier for those looking for a book with conviction.

Available October 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

If you'd like to know more about Laurie Alice Eakes and her books, got to:
HER WEBSITE
THE PUBLISHER
GOODREADS

Love Y'all, Ashley

*I have been so blessed by Donna Hausler @Revell Books, for sending me a review copy of A Necessary Deception in exchange for my honest opinion*

Book Review of A Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman

2011-09-22T10:54:00.001-04:00

Title: A Heart Revealed (Winds Of Change bk.2)
Author: Julie Lessman
Genre: historical, romance , Christian
Stars(1-5): ****
Age rating: RE-17
Domestic violence, miscarriages and heated love scenes make this book intense, but perhaps too intense, and mature, than younger teen would enjoy.
Back cover:
Her heart is tied to a youthful vow . . . but can true love set it free?
Ten years ago, Emma Malloy fled Dublin for Boston, running for her life. Her emotional wounds have finally faded, and her life is now full of purpose and free from the pain of her past. But when she falls for her friend Charity's handsome and charming brother, Sean O'Connor, fear and shame threaten to destroy her. Could Sean and Emma ever have a future together? Or is Emma doomed to live out the rest of her life denying the only true love she's ever known?

My Thoughts:
Ask anyone, and they will tell you that I'm one of Julie Lessman's most devoted readers ( and that's not an exaggeration) and loved every one of her books. So why didn't I give A Heart Revealed 5 stars? Probably because I just didn’t get to see Sean And Emma as I'd hoped,and instead we got a look at the other couples a bit more than usual.
The story picks up where A Hope Undaunted left off. Katie and Luke have finally been married, and the next one up on the marital chopping block is sweet-tempered Sean, who is purely focused on work and content to lead the life of a bachelor. But God has other plans, they in involve an equally sweet and shyly beautiful, Emma Malloy. However, the story wouldn’t be Julie’s if it didn't have the sub-stories of our favorite Irish family, the O'Connors. Julie writes her characters with a beating heart, and at times, I swear I can hear them breathing, which is why you end up falling in love with the whole O’Connor clan. One reason I couldn’t give AR a full 5 stars was due to how slow the story seemed to start off. I mean Sean and Emma (the two main characters) didn't even kiss until much later in the book (which is practically a sin in romance books). In fact it almost felt as if Sean and Emma's story, as a whole, didn't really get going till chapter 12 or so. And I was excited to see more of them together, even from before I picked up the book.
When it comes to matters of faith, Mrs. Lessman is never at a lose. She tackles the gritty problems we don’t always see in Christian books, and shows through her characters, that by putting our problems in God's loving and capable hands, we can find forgiveness, redemption, and our heat’s deepest desires revealed to us in blessings. I can never read her books without crying, because she writes with a convicting passion, a true gift from God. And really, shouldn't that be what’s makes a wonderful novel? Of course the romance and drama doesn't hurt either.

Once again, Julie Lessman has written a romance novel that has more drama, passion and love for God in it, to keep you turning the page till the end. As always, I can't wait for her next novel.

Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

If you'd like to know more about Julie Lessman and her books, go to:
WEBSITE
THE PUBLISHER
GOODREADS

*Bonus*

Read and excerpt of A Heart Revealed by clicking on the link!

More Reviews to be coming soon!

Love Y'all,

Ashley

*I have been so blessed by Donna Hausler @Revell Books, for sending me a review copy of A Heart Revealed in exchange for my honest opinion*

My Review Of: The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz

2011-08-16T12:30:00.003-04:00

Title: The Colonel's Lady
Author: Laura Frantz
Genre: Historical romance/ Christian fiction
Stars(1-5): **** 1/2
Age rating: PG-13
I think young teens would enjoy this book with content that wouldn't be likely to concern parents, although when I was 13 yrs. old I wouldn't have liked reading historical fiction, just because its too much like studying.
Back cover:
Can love survive the secrets kept buried within a tormented heart?
Roxanna Rowan may be a genteel Virginia woman, but she is determined to brave the wilds of the untamed frontier to reach a remote Kentucky fort. Eager to reunite with her father, who serves under Colonel Cassius McLinn, Roxanna is devastated to find that her father has been killed on a campaign.
Penniless and out of options, Roxanna is forced to remain at the fort. As she spends more and more time with the fiery Colonel McLinn, the fort is abuzz with intrigue and innuendo. Can Roxanna truly know who the colonel is--and what he's done?
Immerse yourself in this powerful story of love, faith, and forgiveness set in the tumultuous world of the frontier in 1779.

My Thoughts:
Well, I'm not sure how many times you can use the word "winsome" before it gets annoying, but Laura Frantz once again shows what a talented writer she truly is. All of her books I've read have been fantastic, and I loved this one as well, but probably not as much for but one reason: kissing. I know it sounds as if I'm just picky, but I have a 5 kiss minimum I hold to all the romance books I read. Not really, but I do love a few good kisses in novels and I just wish Ms. Frantz would have treated us to a few more of them in this book. As I mentioned before, the winsome showed up probably more than 10X in TCL, but I think that the word pretty much describes the main character, Roxie. She is winsome and beautiful, but she is sure she will be a spinster her the rest of her life...if she can survive the winter at Fort Endeavor, that is. The message of forgiveness was laced throughout the book: brothers forgiving each other, spurned lovers forgiving the each other and the like. However, I didn't feel like the spiritual message stood out that much from the other major themes of the book, but that is just me. The writing was top notch and the character's practically breathed air. The twist at the end was such a surprise I had to re-read it a few times just to make sure I wasn't seeing things. And the best part was the epilogue, but if I say anymore you wouldn't need to read the book, which I would recommend everyone to do.
*I have been so blessed by Donna Hausler @Revell Books, for sending me a review copy of The Colonel's Lady in exchange for my honest opinion*

Available Auguste 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

If you'd like to know more about Laura Frantz and her books, got to:
HER BLOG
THE PUBLISHER
GOODREADS
Love Y'all,
Ashley
P.S
Make sure to watch the trailer for TCL, which is one the side bar over there ---->

My Review Of: Mine Is The Night by Liz Curtis Higgs

2011-07-21T10:02:00.003-04:00

I've been so busy this summer that I haven't gotten to visit some of my favorite blogs or get to post as much as I would like. Thank you guys for being so patient and sticking around.

Title: Mine Is The Night
Author: Liz Curtis Higgs
Stars (out of 5): *****
Age rating: PG-12
The book was clean, but there were references to lewd behavior and

Back cover (from Waterbrook Multnomah):
SHE LOST EVERYTHING SHE LOVED.

HE HAD EVERYTHING SHE NEEDED.
BUT COULD SHE FIND THE COURAGE TO TRUST HIM?

Stepping from a battered coach on a rainy April eve, newly widowed Elisabeth Kerr must begin again, without husband or title, property or fortune. She is unafraid of work and gifted with a needle, but how will she stitch together the tattered remnants of her life? And who will mend her heart, torn asunder by betrayal and deception?
Elisabeth has not come to Selkirk alone. Her mother-in-law, Marjory Kerr, is a woman undone, having buried her husband, her sons, and any promise of grandchildren. Dependent upon a distant cousin with meager resources, Marjory dreads the future almost as much as she regrets the past. Yet joy still comes knocking, and hope is often found in unexpected places.
Then a worthy hero steps forward, rekindling a spark of hope. Will he risk his reputation to defend two women labeled as traitors to the Crown? Or will a wealthy beauty, untainted by scandal, capture his affections?
The heartrending journey of the Kerr women comes to a glorious finish in Mine Is the Night, a sparkling gem of redemption and restoration set in eighteenth-century Scotland.

My Thoughts:
The last book in Mrs. Higgs's Scottish-Ruth & Naomi story, was surprisingly light in comparison to her other novels. I loved that humor wasn’t lost in this book and that everybody found their own kind of Boaz. The character, as always tend to trick me into believing their sitting next to me, having bannocks and cold mutton (if we're lucky. LOL). In the first book, the Scottish brogue was often too thick at times and ended up bogging the story down. Book 2 still had much of the same language/accent, but I felt it was slightly easier to understand (or else the story ended differently than I thought I read). Mine Is The Light, is the perfect read when the desire to travel to Scotland (or any place at all) brings you very near buying one round trip ticket $600. Because Liz Curtis Higgs has a true gift of fitting all of Scotland in a fantastically written 450 page book and no need to pack a bag.

*Thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah for providing a review copy of Mine Is The Night, in exchange for my honest review*

If you'd like to know more about Liz and her books, go to:
Her Website
Publisher
Goodreads

If you would like to see more reviews of Waterbrook Multnomah books, Please rate my review by verifying your e-mail below(and don't worry, they won't use it for anything other than making sure you're not a robot;)
You guys are awesome, your support and friendship keeps this blog going.

Love Y'all,
Ashley

My Review of So Not Happening

2011-06-20T10:30:00.000-04:00

This is one of my favorite books I've gotten to review this year. Hope you get the chance to enjoy it too!!!

Title: So Not Happening (A Charmed Life Bk.1)
Author: Jenny B. Jones
Genre: Young Adult fiction, with a little romance and mystery.
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Date released: May 5th 2009
ISBN: 1595545417

Stars (out of 5):*****
Age rating: PG-12
This book is targeted to teens, but I think this book hold appeal to even older. As to content, there are a few kisses (one in particular that I won't soon forget, it was that good) and some serious themes, such as murder and hazing gone wrong.
Back cover (from Thomas Nelson.com):

New York's social darling just woke up in a nightmare: Oklahoma. Problem is, it's right where God wants her.

Bella Kirkwood had it all: A-list friends at her prestigious private school, Broadway in her backyard, and Daddy's MasterCard in her wallet. Then her father, a plastic surgeon to the stars, decided to trade her mother in for a newer model.
When Bella's mom falls in love with a man she met on the Internet--a factory worker with two bratty sons--Bella has to pack up and move in with her new family in Truman, Oklahoma. On a farm no less!
Forced to trade her uber-trendy NYC lifestyle for down-home charm, Bella feels like a pair of Rock & Republic jeans in a sea of Wranglers.
At least some of the people in her new high school are pretty cool. Especially the hunky football player who invites her to lunch. And maybe even the annoying--but kinda hot--editor of the school newspaper.
But before long, Bella smells something rotten in the town of Truman, and it's not just the cow pasture. With her savvy reporter's instincts, she is determined to find the story behind all the secrets.

How can a girl go on when her charmed life is gone and God appears to be giving her the total smackdown?

My Thoughts:

Bella Kirkwood -New York socialite, fashionista, school advice columnist and Oklahoma Cowgirl? Bella doesn’t think so either, and she’s determined to get a one-way ticket back to her glamorous life in the city, one way or another. But, God has other plans, like new friends, and irritating editor and a mystery that Bella just can’t help but stick her nose in.

“So Not Happening" is the funniest book I’ve ever read, and my favorite read of this year. I mean, you’d be hard pressed to find a YA novel where the characters don’t morph, turn or transits into some mythical teen creature, with really good taste in clothes. Jenny B. Jones has written a snarky New Yorker, named Bella, and I can’t tell you how much I LOVE her. She is so fresh, salad would be jealous, and in Bella’s mind, her life is a royal mess, but as long as her Jimmy Choos don’t have cow poop on them, it’s not completely over. Bella is very real and believable, and I feel like she could be my sister from another mister. LOL And don’t even get me started on Luke Sullivan. He is super hot without even having to take his shirt off. Edward, without the lame sparkles and freaky pale skin. Jacob, without the long Rapunzle hair and need to howl at the moon. Like Justin Timberlake, before….well, you get what mean. Anyways, even with all the hilarity, the book carries a strong Godly message about being open to whatever God may have planned for you, whether that means talking to strange people, or moving to a Podunk town in the middle of Oklahoma, and all without having to bore you to tears.

And though it’s summer, there was some serious chemistry between Bella and her too-handsome-for-words , cowboy editor, Luke. I love they’re love-hate relationship. Bella can’t stand Luke, and for that matter, neither can Luke, but there are more than just snarky words flying between these two. I can’t wait to see where Ms. Jones takes her “A Charmed Life” characters next, and since I came into this series late, it won’t be long. This book is the perfect summer read, for the young adult and young at heart!

If you'd like to know more about Jenny B. Jones and her books, go to:
Her Website
The Publisher
Goodreads

Love Y'all,
Ashley

My Review Of: A Great Catch By Lorna Seilstad

2011-06-05T00:40:00.000-04:00

Title: A Great Catch (Lake Manawa Bk.2)
Author: Lorna Seilstad
Genre: Historical Christian fiction, with lots of romance and baseball.

Publisher: Revell Books
Date released: June 1st. 2011
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3446-6
Stars (out of 5): **** 1/2
Age rating: PG
The content of this book was mild and for the occasional kiss (which there could always be more) and criminal (don't want to give too much away) the book would be fantastic for the romance beginner
Back cover (from Revell):

She wants to change the world.
He wants to change her mind.

It's the beginning of a new century at Lake Manawa resort in Iowa, but some things never change. When Emily Graham's meddlesome aunts and grandmother take it upon themselves to find her a husband among the resort guests, the spunky suffragist is determined to politely decline each and every suitor. She has neither the time nor the need for a man in her busy life.
Carter Stockton, a recent college graduate and a pitcher for the Manawa Owls baseball team, intends to enjoy every minute of the summer before he is forced into the straitlaced business world of his father.
When their worlds collide, neither Emily nor Carter could have guessed what would come next. Will Carter strike out? Or will Emily cast her vote for a love that might cost her dreams?
The perfect summer novel, A Great Catch will enchant you with its breezy setting and endearing characters.

My Thoughts:
Last summer I got to read Ms. Seilstad's first book, Making Waves, and LOVE it, and A Creat Catch was nothing short of baseball bliss. The heroin, Emily, was great (and I don't just say that about every heroin). She was real to the core and it was so easy to believe I was her, and had a handsome baseball player all starry-eyed with me, that's how realistic Ms.Seilstad writing style was. I loved that the author brought back characters from book 1, and continued they're story, without taking away from Emily's. Most Christian author strive to have a mini salvation message laced throughout the book, and I really enjoy read God's Truths, and biblical lessons applied to characters, that otherwise would be dull and lifeless. But, in A Great Catch, the author didn't do a salvation message, a lesson I sorely needed to hear, about not making time for God. As Christians, we can be saved since 5 years old, but without daily time with God, and building that relationship, our faith shrivels up and dies, like a flame.I loved that the message was speaking to us Christian that need that kick in the pants to remind us, we need that one-on-one with God, EVERYDAY! Over all, this was the perfect read to get the summer going. So, have your Catcher's mitt out, cause you won't want to miss this home run of a romance.

Available May 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group!

If you'd like to know more about Lorna and her books, go to:
The Publisher
Her Website
Goodreads

Love Y'all,

Ashley

My Review of A Heart Divided by Kathleen Morgan

2011-05-21T04:33:00.000-04:00

Title: A Heart Divided (Heart Of The Rockies Bk. 1)

Author: Kathleen Morgan

Genre: Historic inspirational romance

Publisher: Revell Books

Date released: May. 11

ISBN: 978-0-8007-1884-8

Stars (out of 5): ****

Age rating: PG-14:

There are only a few comments about the two main characters and their activates on their honeymoon, which might raise questions from a younger reader.

Back cover (from Revell):

When fate brings them together, they must choose between family ties and love.

The Caldwells and Wainwrights have been feuding for decades. Still, Sarah Caldwell has misgivings when her father pressures her into distracting a ranch hand while he and her brothers rob the Wainwright place. When it becomes clear that hand is actually Cord Wainwright, heir of the Wainwright holdings, Sarah realizes things have gone too far.

As the feud boils over, Cord and Sarah make a most inconvenient discovery--they just might be falling in love. Can they betray their families to see where this attraction leads? Or will their families betray them?

Against the beautiful and wild backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in 1878 comes this sweeping saga of romance, betrayal, and forgiveness from beloved author Kathleen Morgan.

My Thoughts:

A Heart Divided was a sweet, if superficial, romance that captured the Rockies with vivid and colorful writing that was a joy to read. When feuding families, the Caldwells and the Wainwrights, bring their children into the fray, things get sticky. Sarah and Cord are bitter enemies, because their no-good-rotten-cheatin'-scoundrels fathers let their hate run over unto their children. But, for Cord and Sarah, the feud took backseat to their new-found love. I found Sarah and Cord to be to typical, and I felt their romance was a very hasty affair. Even after things get really serious, Sarah believes she made a mistake in loving Cord. I was hoping for a more exciting feud, with the Caldwell-Wainwright feud, but they weren't as trigger-happy as I would have liked (that came out wrong. LOL) Ms. Morgan's writing style was very good and she didn't hold back when it came to thoughts and emotions. Unfortunately, it didn't seem like there was a clear biblical message in A Heart Divided, but I've never been one to catch on to these things easily. My favorite part of this book though, was Nick Wainwright, Cord's brother. He was sweet, handsome and had a heart for God that would make any woman swoon. I can't wait to see if Ms. Morgan writes him his own book (which would be awesome!). Overall, A Heart Divided started out with so much promise, but after that, it fell flat like an open Coke. The characters were wonderful, but Sarah and Cord's romance was based mostly on attraction, and in the end, they were only a little closer to actually understanding true and abiding love. If you love western romances with action, then A Heart Divided is your escape to the Rockies.

Available May 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

If you'd like to know more about Kathleen Morgan and her books go to:

The Publisher

Her Website

Goodreads

Love Y'all,

Ashley

M is for Maternal, O is for one-of-a-kind, and that last M stands for marvelous Love, in her arms I find..

2011-05-08T11:00:00.001-04:00

Long title, I know, but Mother's Day is always a special holiday, I felt I needed a special heading to go along with it. Further more, My mom is the best. I'm not bragging, just stating a fact. Though, I know that every child would probably say the same, but it's true. Mom's being the best, that is.
Mothers are always doing things first for their family, and thinking of themselves second. They do are laundry, help with homework and are amazing cooks, even if their just whipping up a special order of Mac & Cheese with hot dogs. Yum! Yes, mothers have been a much-needed commodity, which we find we can't live with out. But, mothers are much more than a really nice maid, who'll listen to your troubles and give you advice, their the women who make us, and for that we can never thank them enough. My mom has always and will always be there for me. Even when she gives me that look that says "I brought you into this world, and I can take you out just as easy!".
She is my teacher (even when I fail to be the student), my comforter (not like on my bed), my best friend and my hero (a great position to hold with me)! Mom, I don't know what I would do or who I would be, without you.

I hope y'all get the chance today to thank God for your mothers. And for those of you who never got the chance to know your mother, thank God anyways that He lade upon your mothers hearts, to bring you into this world as a shining new life for Him. Let's let our mothers know just how much we love them and cherish every moment we get or got to spend with them, this Mother's Day. And to remember God's ever abiding love He is constantly showing us, through our Moms.

Love Y'all,

Ashley

A Friend For Life Is Hard To Find...

2011-04-15T22:52:00.000-04:00

...But I did, and her name is Hannah.
Hannah~
You didn't have to write a post for me, but you did.
You don't have to pray for me, but you do.
You didn't have to stay up all hours to talk to me in my darkest hour, but you did and I know now you always will.
You have so much going on in your life that are so much more important than some girl you met on the internet (who is still too chicken to call you), but in you sweet heart you made room for this poor little homeschooled outcast, and I thank God that you read my silly post about chinchillas. I don't know if I'll ever have a sister has great as you are, or loving or kind or sweet, or God-fearing.
You have touched my life in some many different ways, I'll never be the same.
I cried when I read that post and I cried even harder when I read Y'all comments.

God is really putting those prayers to go use, and I can only and truly pray that you and all my blogger friends are blessed and cherished seven-fold, as the children of God you are.

With all my prayers and love to you Hannah (and Casey and Julie and Renee and Amber),
Love Y'all,
Ashley

My review of The Deepest Waters by Dan Walsh

2011-04-15T21:50:00.000-04:00

Title: The Deepest Waters

Author: Dan Walsh
Genre: Christian historical fiction with a touch of romance
Publisher: Revell Books

Date released: May 1st, 2011

ISBN: 0800719808
Stars (out of 5): ***
Age rating: PG-12
This book was completely clean ( beside the occasional kiss) and would be appropriate for a 12 year old, although it wasn't very exciting and probably wouldn't be very entertaining to them.
Back cover (from Goodreads.com):
What began as a fairytale honeymoon in 1857 for John and Laura Foster aboard the steamship SS Vandervere becomes a nightmare when a hurricane causes their ship to sink into the murky depths of the Atlantic. Laura finds herself with the other women and children aboard a sailing ship while John and a hundred other men drift on the open sea on anything they could grab as the Vandervere went down. Suspecting her John is gone but still daring to hope for a miracle, Laura must face the possibility of life alone--and meeting her new in-laws without their son if she ever reaches New York. Readers will be holding their breath as they sail through this emotional and honest story of hope, faith, and love in the face of uncertainty. Talented author Dan Walsh skillfully tells an epic story through an intimate focus on two lost lovers. Inspired by real events, this moving novel will capture the hearts of all who dive into its pages.
My Thoughts:
Deepest waters is the tragic tale of newlywed couple Laura and john forgets....and I though I'd never get to the end, but in a good way. The story starts out with Laura Foster on the a ship named the Cutlass, sailing away from a ship wreck and her doomed husband. The story was almost agonizing with how some people missed each other by mere seconds sometimes, or at least it seemed that way. And I almost didn't have enough courage to read the last chapter, least a certain someones, didn't make it. But as a historical novel, the details were spot on, and though the story was centered on romance, I didn't feel there was quite enough for me. But of course, to me, there is no such thing as too much romance. Unfortunately, this is one of those books, that when given the choice, you probably wouldn't read again just because you already know how it ends and that is the the most exciting part of the story. But this book is a nice edition to my bookshelf and if your a history nut, I know you'd find enough interesting facts and history to keep turning the pages.

*This book was given to me by the publisher in return for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way or influenced to write a positive review*

Available May 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

If you'd like to know more about Dan Walsh and his books, go to:
The Publisher
His Website
Goodreads

I want to give a shout-out to Coco and Renee (Coco's Mommy). Happy 3rd Birthday sweet Coco and Happy Blogaversary to you Renee!!! Love, love, LOVE your blog and Coco is just the cutest, can't wait to see what you guys going to do next. ;~)

And I have a lot more reviews to come, so be on the look out.

Love Y'all,

Ashley

Absent, But wishing to be there...

2011-04-03T00:15:00.001-04:00

Hey Ya'll,
I know I've been gone for awhile and I've missed a very important blogaversary of a dear blogger-friend of mine and I hate that I wasn't there and didn't get the chance to wish her a happy and blessed blogaversary. So Amber? HAPPY BlOGAVERSARY!!!
And may you have many years of blessed blogging to come!
Love Ya,
Ashley

My Review of The Charlatan's Boy by Jonathan Rogers

2011-03-17T04:21:00.001-04:00

Here is a fun book I know you'll not want to miss...

Title: The Charlatan's Boy
Author: Johnathan Rogers

Genre: YA Fantasy Christian Fiction
Publisher: WaterBrook Press

Date released: Oct 5, 2010
ISBN: 9780307458223
Stars (out of 5): **** 3/4
Age rating: 10 & UP
Back cover (from Jonathan Roger's website):
As far back as he can remember, the orphan Grady has tramped from village to village in the company of a huckster named Floyd. With his adolescent accomplice, Floyd perpetrates a variety of hoaxes and flimflams on the good citizens of the Corenwald frontier, such as the Ugliest Boy in the World act.

It’s a hard way to make a living, made harder by the memory of fatter times when audiences thronged to see young Grady perform as “The Wild Man of the Feechiefen Swamp.” But what can they do? Nobody believes in feechies anymore.
When Floyd stages an elaborate plot to revive Corenwalders’ belief in the mythical swamp-dwellers known as the feechiefolk, he overshoots the mark. Floyd’s Great Feechie Scare becomes widespread panic. Eager audiences become angry mobs, and in the ensuing chaos, the Charlatan’s Boy discovers the truth that has evaded him all his life—and will change his path forever.

My Thoughts:
THEY ARE AMONG US...

Though no self-respecting Civilizer would believe the word of some country bumpkin husker. But, Proffesor Floyd has a plan: if nobody thinks theres proof feechies exist, than he'll give ‘em proof…and plenty of it.
Grady has been with Floyd as long as he can recollect, but he knows nothing of his parents or who he truly is. The life of a traveling showman is all he has ever known, and that’s just fine with him. Until Grady finds out he isn’t a feechie at all, just an ugly boy, and he's ok with that too, if it means he'll belong. But, Grady will the adventure of a lifetime before him, and before he finds the place called home.

I’m Jonathan Rogers biggest fans…or at least I’d like to think I am, and I was so very excited to get my little feechie-free hands on his latest book. The Charlatan’s Boy is not like Roger’s Wilderking Trilogy, yet is just as adventures, fun , action-packed and FULL of Feechies. The story line was a little slow in the beginning, but after chapter 5 or so, the story really picked up, and by the end, I couldn’t put it down. And though I'm a teenage girl, I loved all the action and mischief, and would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a great adventure novel, witty characters and a WHOLE lot of green swamp people!

*Many thanks to WaterBrook press for sending me a copy of The Charlatan's Boy. I was in no way paid for my review and this is my honest opinion of this book*

If you'd like to know more about
Johnathan Rogers and his books, go to:
His Website
Publisher
Goodreads

I pray you guys are having a great week, full of blessings.
As always...
Love Y'all,
Ashley

Guest Blogger's of Things I Wish I Knew Before I got Married by Gary Chapman

2011-03-16T09:58:00.001-04:00

I'm back guys, well sorta. Actually it's my sister who is appearing on my blog today with her review of Things I wish I knew Before I Got Married. My sister was in engage and I really wanted to get her something I knew she would use, so when this book was up for review, I just had to get it for her. Only problem: she had to write a 200 or more word review on it. Needless to say, she went along with it and so here is her review...

Title: Things I Wish I Knew Before I Got Married
Author: Gary Chapman
Genre: NONFICTION - ADULT: Family & Home: Family & Relationships: Other

Publisher: Moody Publishers
Date released: 09/01/2010
ISBN: 9780802481832
Stars (out of 5): ***
Age rating: This book is geared toward mostly engaged and married couples
Back cover:
"Most people spend far more time in preparation for their vocation than they do in preparation for marriage,” Dr. Gary Chapman

No wonder the divorce rate hovers around fifty percent.
Bestselling author and marriage counselor, Gary Chapman, hopes to change that with his newest book. Gary, with more than 35 years of counseling couples, believes that divorce is the lack of preparation for marriage and the failure to learn the skills of working together as intimate teammates.
So he put together this practical little book, packed with wisdom and tips that will help many develop the loving, supportive and mutually beneficial marriage men and women long for. It’s the type of information Gary himself wished he had before he got married.
This is not a book simply to be read. It is a book to be experienced. The material lends itself to heart-felt discussions by dating or engaged couples. To jump-start the exchanges, each short chapter includes insightful “Talking it Over” questions and suggestions. And, the book includes information on interactive websites as well as books that will enhance the couples experience.
Dr. Chapman even includes a thought-provoking appendix. By understanding and balancing the five key aspects of life, dating couples can experience a healthy dating relationship. A revealing learning exercise for dating couples is included at the end.

Angela's Thoughts:
Things I wish I knew before I got married was an interesting book. It was well written and clear in its presentation of the information. I would like to see some more suggestions on how to fix concerns that are brought up in each chapter. Concerns are presented and explored but with little help on how to avoid or correct anything. As a woman who is recently engaged and fast approaching my marriage, this book scared me. I see the potential for disaster around every corner and don’t know how to avoid any of it. The information is well presented though. Each issue is explored in detail and has examples to clarify any misunderstandings. This book could be very helpful to any person with a little more advice. I knew that marriage was not going to be easy but I did not know all the situations I would be facing. This book did open my eyes to issues I had not considered. I would love to see more help in this book. More helpful suggestions and things that will improve these issues.

*Many thanks Moody Publishers for sending me a copy of Things I Wish I Knew Before I Got Married. I was in no way paid for my review and is my honest opinion of this book*

If you'd like to know more about Gary Chapman and his books go to:
HIS WEBSITE
PUBLISHER
GOODREADS

Well, I'm off with Angela to Atlanta to actually pick up her wedding dress (coindenece?). As always...
Love Y'all,
Ashley

Winners! (one month late)

2011-02-08T11:00:00.000-05:00

Would you believe me if I said I've been without internet for the last month? Neither would I, but my family and I have finally moved (YEAH!) and getting the internet set up, took much longer than I thought. Who know, right?Anywas, I've been dying to to get on the computer and I know it wasn't fair to you guys, I hope you can forgive me, the Windstream guy and my procrastinating ways, for this infraction. Ok, enough of all that boring stuff. Onto the winners of my Top Ten Of 2010 giveaway!!!

There were a lot of entreies and I loved reading Y'all's list (and I saw a lot of books I hadn't even heard of), so I want to thank each and every one of you for taking part in this giveaway. And, without further ado...the first winner of the Top Ten Of '10 giveaway is....

LEE SMITH!! Congrats Lee, and I have already sent you an e-mail, so be on the look out for it.
The second winner of the giveaway is...
TAMMY (BLUEROSE)!! I've sent you a an e-mail as well.

Ladies, you both have 48 hours to respond to the e-mail After that time, if you haven't gotten back with me, I'll choose another winner.

NEWS: Because of school and my job (and a whole other stuff I can't get into), I sadly won't be able to blog anymore. Or, at least until things get a little less crazy. I'll still be posting the occasional review, I just won't be around the Bloggerworld like I used to. It really saddens me that I won't get to "hang out" with you guys, and that I won't be able to join in all the upcoming events y'all planned, like before. But, wild horses won't be able to keep me away for long...or so I hope. ;)

I hope you all the best week and a blessed day, tomorrow!

Love Y'all,

Ashley

2011-01-05T11:34:00.001-05:00

So, if you haven't yet guessed from the giant sparkling "Happy Sweet 16..." or the "Happy Birthday" above that it's my birthday, then I need to get more flashing blinkies, or something. LOL jk
But, alas it is my birthday and my 16th to be exact! I'm not real big on my birthday parties. I never know what to do or where to go or who to invite, so I usually stay home and read. So, what am I doing today to make it special? Well, this morning at 6:30am my mom, my dad and I all went to Waffle House, before my dad went off to work. I had a Pecan waffle with butter spread and syrup w/ a side order of hash browns "smothered", "diced", and "chunked". That translates into: Hash browns with grilled onions, tomatoes and ham. The whole breakfast was really good, and believe or not, Waffle House has the BEST waffles hands down! Who knew, right?LOL;~) Now, it's 11:00am and it's raining cats and dogs, but that just makes it better, IMO.

To celebrate my birthday here on my blog, I decided to pick, not just one, but TWO winners for the End-Of-The-Year giveaway I'm hosting on my blog. Also, I'll be extending the giveaway another week, so make sure to enter.:D And I hope you guys have a very merry un-birthday today!
Love Y'all,
Ashley

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T00:00:00.002-05:00

Have a happy New Year and may God bless you and your own in 2011. And I can't wait to read all the great books coming out next, er...I guess, this year!! Y'all!! And I just can't wait

Love Y'all,
Ashley

P.S
Make sure to head over to my End-Of-The-Year giveaway and enter. Winner will receive one book of their choice

My Top 10 Books Of 2010! +Giveaway!

2010-12-31T17:46:00.001-05:00

It's New Year's Eve and that means it's time to tell you my Top Ten Books Of 2010 and for After All, Tomorrow Is Another Day's annul End-Of-The-Year Giveaway. Last year, I made a resolution to host giveaways on my blog and I had so much fun reading Y'all Top Ten list last time, that I wanted to it again, this year. To enter the giveaway and if you have a blog, simply leave a comment with your e-mail address and post your Top Ten Of 2010 book list (either published, read or wanted to read in 2010) on your blog, then leave the link in a comment. Or if you don't have a blog, just list your top five right there in the comment. The prize (which is what the giveaway is all about) will be one book of your choosing, off your Top Ten list (if you already have the books on your list, then you may choose another book). Sound like fun?
Well, now unto to my Top 10 Books Of 2010 (in no particular order)

A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman
"This book was the highlight of the year, for me.
Julie Lessman did it again and I can't wait for her newest release next year!"

A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin
"I'd never read WWII novels before, this book changed that, and I can say I now LOVE WWII fiction"

Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad
"This was such a fun read, I really can't wait to read it again. And when book 2 comes out this next year, I'll be the first in line to get it"

Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz
"Laura Frantz is such a great writer, I'm just sorry I didn't get the chance to read on her books till now"

Disaster Status by Candace Calvert
"A wonderful mix of drama, medicine, and romance. I would prescribe took a doses of Candace Calvert, as needed throughout the day. I can't wait to read the whole series, in order this time"

Love Finds You In Hershey Pennsylvania by Cerella Sechrist
"I wasn't a fan of contemporary fiction, but this a sweet read that I enjoyed more then a Hershey Kiss, and that's saying a lot. "

Angel's Den by Jamie Carie
"I was asked to read this be the publisher and I'm so happy I said yes. This book, though sad, was a great book and I look forward to reading more by Ms. Carie!"

The Anonymous Bride by Vickie McDonough
"A fun and frolicking read and a great series to get into"

The Raven Saint by M.L Tyndall
"I LOVE pirates, what can I say? LOL!"

Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs
"I tried reading her Lowlands Of Scotland series, but just couldn't get past all the sadness. But I surprisingly LOVED this book so much more."

Ok, so now for the boring, but, important stuff.......

Giveaway Rules:
* You must have a valid e-mail address (you must leave your e-mail address in the comment to be entered in the contest. To prevent spammers write e-mail like this.... i.e: i95fahrenheit[at]ymail[dot]com)
* Must have a valid U.S mailing address.
* U.S residents only
*The giveaway will start on Dec. 31th 2010 and end on Jan. 8th 11:59 pm, 2011
Any entries after the set date will not be entered in the giveaway * The winner will be announced on Jan 9th 2011 on this blog. The winner will be contacted via e-mail. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the e-mail. If they do not reply within the 48 hours, a new winner will chosen.
For extra entries:
1+ For commenting (including the link and your e-mail address)
2+ For becoming a new follower
3+ For being an old follower
5+ For post (on the sidebar of your blog) about this giveaway on your blog
Be sure to include all extra entries in the one comment

I can't wait to see those lists!!!:)
I hope Y'all have a safe, blessed and God-filled New Year!
Love Y'all,
Ashley

My Review: Masquerade by Nancy Moser

2010-12-31T10:20:00.003-05:00

Last review!! WooHoo! I thought I'd never get to write those words. There have been so many great books this year, that, like all of my other blogging friends have done, I must comprise a list of my top 10 of 2010. So, be on the lookout for that post, later today.

Title: Masquerade
Author: Nancy Moser
Genre: Histroical inspirational romance
Publisher: Bethany House
Date released: Aug. 10
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0751-8
Stars (out of 5):****
Age rating: PG-11
I found this book to be very clean and very Princess And The Pauper-like.

Back cover (from Bethany House):
1886. Charlotte Gleason embarks from England with conflicting emotions. She is headed for New York to marry one of America's wealthiest heirs--a man she has never even met. When her doubts gain the upper hand, she swaps identities with her maid Dora. She wants a chance at "real life," even if it means giving up financial security. For Charlotte, it's a risk she's willing to take. But what begins as the whim of a spoiled rich girl becomes a test of survival beyond her blackest nightmare.

For Dora, it's the chance of a lifetime. She is thrust into a fairy tale amid ball gowns and lavish mansions, yet is tormented by the possibility of discovery--and humiliation. And what of the man who believes she is indeed his intended? Is this what her heart truly longs for?

My Thoughts:
Masquerade is the tale of two friends; one rich, and the other a servant. When tragedy and disgrace befall the Gleason household, Mrs. Gleason arranges for her daughter, Charlotte, to accept the marriage proposal of a rich American. But sadly, Mrs. Gleason, who was going to accompany Charlotte on her voyage across the ocean, falls ill, and Charlotte’s maid, Dora, must take her place.
I really enjoyed this first encounter with Ms. Moser’s writing and I loved how she put drawings of the dresses, she wrote into the book. I liked the richness of her writing and the details. The characters were fun and had emotions that were real and often raw. The romance in the book was a little to...perfect, in my mind, but I did enjoy it none the less. I learned a lot while following Charlotte around Five Points and Dora around dress shops and mansions. One thing that I noticed, which really didn’t change the story or the plot, was the fact that when we happen upon Dora in New York, she always refers to herself as Charlotte and never Dora. But, other than that, the story was a nice read, which I would recommend.

*This book was given to me by the publisher in return for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way or influenced to write a positive review*

If you'd like to learn more about Nancy Moser and her books, go to:
The Publisher
Her Website
Goodreads

Love Y'all,
Ashley

My Review: In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer

2010-12-31T09:17:00.003-05:00

Only one left. I can't belive I actually did it! Well, almost.

Title: In Every Heartbeat
Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer
Genre: Historical inspirational romance

Publisher: Bethany House
Date released: Sep. 10
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0510-1
Stars (out of 5): **1/2
Age rating: PG-12
There wasn't anything untoward, but I did feel that I older reader and especially those in college, would enjoy this book more.

Back cover (from Bethany House):
As three friends who grew up in the same orphanage head off to college together, they each harbor a special plan for the future. Libby Conley hopes to become a famous journalist. Pete Leidig believes God has called him to study to become a minister. And Bennett Martin plans to pledge a fraternity, find a place to belong, and have as much fun as possible. But as tensions rise around the world on the brink of World War I, the friends' differing aspirations and opinions begin to divide them, as well.

When Libby makes a shocking discovery about Pete's family, will it drive a final wedge between the friends or bond them in ways they never anticipated?

My Thoughts:

In Every Heartbeat centers on three friends, all orphans and all starting off their first year at college, together. Bennett Martin has only one goal while at college; to get in to a fraternity. Pete Leidig is on a mission to become a pastor, but not before he confronts the family who abandoned him. Libby Conley wants to be a journalist, but feels the teachers are holding her back. Bennett did add life to the plot, which I like and Pete with his family trials made the story line all that more interesting. When Libby started writing those romance serials for the women’s’ magazine, I had high hopes. But, besides all that, the story just feels short for me. The romance between to Libby and Pete was…less then sparkling; it was a little rushed and I didn’t feel it was very romantic at all. To me it felt as if Libby and Pete “agreed” to fall in love together rather than just let it happen. And I’m sure it’s just how I interpreted it, but I felt the author “put down” romance novels. See, when Libby starts writing the romance stories, Pete starts his campaign against them. In the end, Libby sees that Pete is right and that her romance stories are bad and shouldn’t be published. What I didn’t see and I was pretty sure I would, was the author explaining how without God, romance is empty and filthy, but when we have romance that centers around God and is, in fact, a reflection of God’s love for us, then it is the purest and most lovely thing. This was not so in In Every Heartbeat and I’ll say that left me a little more than disappointed. I thought this book was okay, but wouldn’t read it again, that’s not to say, you shouldn’t.

*This book was given to me by the publisher in return for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way or influenced to write a positive review*

If you'd like to learn more about Kim Vogel Sawyer and her books, go to:
The Publisher
Her Website
Goodreads

Love Y'all,
Ashley

My Review: The Vigilante's Bride by Yvonne Harris

2010-12-30T15:16:00.002-05:00

Only a few left! Almost done.

Title: The Vigilante's Bride
Author: Yvonne Harris
Genre: Historical inspirational romance

Publisher: Bethany House
Date released: August 1st 2010
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0804-1
Stars (out of 5): ***
Age rating: PG-12:

The Hero in this story is the ring leader in many lynching mobs, which is a pleasant thing and may be a bit gruesome, though I didn't find that to be true in this book.

Back cover (from Bethany House):

Is Her Kidnapper the Only Man Who Can Keep Her Safe?

Robbing a stagecoach on Christmas Eve and abducting a woman passenger is the last thing Luke Sullivan expected to do. He just wanted to reclaim the money stolen from his pa, but instead ended up rescuing a feisty copper-haired woman who was on her way to marry Sullivan's dangerous enemy.
Emily McCarthy doesn't take kindly to her so-called rescue. Still, she's hoping Providence will turn her situation for good, especially when it seems Luke Sullivan may just be the man of her dreams. But Luke has crossed a vicious man, a powerful rancher not used to losing, and Emily is the prize he's unwilling to sacrifice.

My Thoughts:
The Vigilante’s Bride, started out strong, but got weak towards the end.

Emily is too old to stay at the orphanage, so the Board is sending her away to be a mail-order bride. No amount of arguing on her side will get them to change her mind, and next thing Emily knows, she half way to Montana. Enter Luke Sullivan, vigilante, and cattle-rustler-punisher. He hangs a criminal every other week, but the job has gotten too much for Luke, and he decides to head back to the only home he has known, to the orphanage. But, while stopped at a tavern, Luke over hears that his enemy, the man who stole his families land, is expecting a shipment on the stage, that very night. What ensues is calamity filled evening for both Emily and Luke.

I liked how Emily wasn’t a simpering female, but I feel as if her character could have been stronger and more detailed. Luke was one of the more interesting characters and definitely had a history I wanted to know more about. I did like the romance between Emily and Luke was sweet, but it seems that Bartholomew Axel, Luke's enemy and the man who ordered Emily from the orphanage to be his bride, didn’t care as much as the synopsis on the back of the book. I think I would have liked Bartholomew to fight more, to get Emily back; at least then there would have been more actions. The book had some nice details that draw me in, but the plot and overall story lost me and left me wanting. This is not to say, you shouldn’t give it a try.

*This book was given to me by the publisher in return for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way or influenced to write a positive review*

If you'd like to know more about Yvonne Harris and her books, go to:
The Publisher
Her Website
Goodreads

Love Y'all,
Ashley

My Review: Winter's End by Ruth Herne Logan

2010-12-30T13:45:00.003-05:00

Five Down!

Title: Winter's End
Author: Ruth Herne Logan

Series: The North Country Series book 1
Genre: Contemporary inspirational romance

Publisher: Steeple Hill
Date released: March 1st 2010
ISBN:0373875886

Stars (out of 5):*****
Age rating: PG-14:

Back cover (from Goodreads):
After growing up in foster care, nurse Kayla Doherty's finally found a faith to rely on and a job she loves. But that's all put to the test when she's called to care for surly Marc DeHollander's dying father. Marc's struggling to keep his cattle farm afloat while dealing with his father's illness. He doesn't have time to fall for the beautiful hospice nurse. But as the frigid New York winter turns to spring, can he find a place for Kayla—and the Lord—in his heart?

My Thoughts:
Winter's End is a heartbreaking romance, that I couldn't make myself put down. Marc is a no-nonsense farmer who thinks Kayla was tying her shoes when God was handing out brains. Kayla is a nurse, who tries not to get too close to the patients, though at times it's tough, but it's her past that keeps her heart frozen. Kayla and Marc are perfect for each other, even if they don't think so. I loved Marc’s little sister and his father. They were some of the best secondary characters I’ve had that pleasure of meeting. I don’t know much about northern New York, but I felt as if I was right there in the freezing cold snow with Kayla, Marc and the gang.

What Kayla had to go through when she was little, was tragic, but it added such depth.And I loved how Ms. Logan had the heroine, Kayla, working as a Hospice nurse. You don't see that very often and I really learned a lot about home care for the terminally ill. Overall, Winter’s End was a great book and I can’t wait to get my hands on Ms. Logan’s other two books!

*This book was given to me by the publisher in return for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way or influenced to write a positive review*

If you'd like to know more about Ruth Logan and her books, go to:
Her Website
The Publisher
Goodreads

Love Y'all,
Ashley

My Review: Driftwood Lane by Denise Hunter

2010-12-30T13:00:00.003-05:00

Half a dozen left to go! WooHoo;)

Title: Driftwood Lane

Author: Denis Hunter

Series: Nantucket Love Story book 4

Genre: Contemporary inspirational romance

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Date released: July 6th 2010

ISBN: 1595548009
Stars (out of 5): ****
Age rating: PG-12:
There is romance a plenty, but nothing untoward. But, some themes may be a bit mature for a middle reader.

Back cover (from Thomas Nelson):

Meridith can handle anything: guardianship of three distant siblings, a dilapidated Bed-and-Breakfast, even an ever-present handyman who's dismantling more than her fireplace--or can she?
When the death of Meridith's estranged father leaves her with custody of three siblings she's never met, she reluctantly goes to Nantucket to care for them--but only until their uncle returns from his trip. Little does she know, the uncle is already there under the guise of her friendly handyman, with plans of his own.

Will the love that grows between them be strong enough to overcome the secrets that brought them both to Driftwood Lane?

My Thoughts:

Driftwood Lane was a sweet and heartbreaking romance that I'm happy I got the chance to review.

The story centers on a strong and independent young women who has just inherited her three half-siblings.

Now, I did enjoy the story and I felt as if I was right there in Nantucket enjoying the misty winds and spectacular views, but some of the main characters got on my nerves.
The Uncle and the oldest girl were being unfair to the whole time and assuming the worst. I understood their feelings, but I just wish they could have been more open. And Meredith’s growing up years were full of uncertainties and hardship; not to mention emotional turmoil. I felt so bad for Meredith, and only a good author can make me feel for characters like that.
Of course, romance wasn't lacking in this book, as the story progressed it turned into borderline heartbreak, but at the end, everything that happened thus far, helped in shaping the relationship that Meredith and Jake now have together.

This was my first time reading anything by Denise Hunter and I can honestly say, I CAN'T wait for her next book, A Cowboy's Touch!

*This book was given to me by the publisher in return for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way or influenced to write a positive review*

To learn more about Denise Hunter and her books, go to:
The Publisher
Her Website
Goodreads

Love Y'all,
Ashley

My Review: Still House Pond by Jan Watson

2010-12-30T11:00:00.005-05:00

Three Down. I'm no anywhere close to done, but I'm getting there.

Title: Still House Pond

Author: Jan Watson
Genre: Historical inspirational

Publisher: Tyndall House
Date released: August 1st 2010
ISBN:1414323867

Stars (out of 5): ***1/2
Age rating: PG-13:

The story is a little intense at some points and suggestive content between Manda and a mysterious man.

Back cover (from Tyndale House):

Lilly Gray Corbett loves living on Troublesome Creek, but she would much rather play with her best friend than watch her little brother and the twins. Her mama, Copper, is often gone helping to birth babies, and Lilly has to stay home. When Aunt Alice sends a note inviting her to visit in the city, Lilly is excited to go, and Copper reluctantly agrees to let her. Later, when they hear the news that the train crashed, Copper and her husband, John, rush to find out if their daughter is injured . . . or even alive.

My Thoughts:

Still House Pond is the continuation of the Troublesome Creek series and centers on Copper’s daughter Lilly and herself and their hired girl, Manda. An invitation for Lilly Gray to come visit her Deceased father’s sister arrives and disrupts their household. But Copper is too busy help to-be mothers, to see Lilly off, but asks Manda too instead. But, Manda has met a young man in town and as Manda and Lilly are waiting for the coach, the mysterious man shows up and this is Manda’s chance to get to better know him. What transpires after that is one a series of unfortunate. I very much disliked Manda’s sisters; they seemed so mean and hateful and treat Manda more like a slave instead of a sister. Lilly is just like any other twelve year old girl. She wants adventures outside of her childhood home and this trip is the perfect opportunity for her to be grown up and on her own…sort of. I liked how the authors had many plot twists, that I had never expected and that made the story exciting. The overall story was gripping and real and the characters were rich in details. But, I felt like I was missing something by not reading the author's first series, which ties into this book. The only BIG thing I also didn't like about this book was that the story was rushed and too short.

*This book was given to me by the publisher in return for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way or influenced to write a positive review*

To learn more about Jan Watson and her books, go to:
The Publisher
Her Website
Goodreads

Love Y'all,
Ashley

My review: The Anonymous Bride by Vickie McDonough

2010-12-30T10:58:00.010-05:00

Two reviews down, only about a dozen left!

Title: The Anonymous Bride

Author: Vickie McDonough

Series: Texas Boarding House Brides Book 1

Genre:Inspirational,romance, historical
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Date released: April 1, 2010

ISBN: 978-1602606968

Stars (out of 5): ****
Age rating: PG-14

This book is pretty clean but, one of the characters does un-knowingly take part in pre-marital sex, but I felt that the author handled the situation with grace in a tasteful fashion.

Back cover (from Goodreads):

Check yourself into the Texas Boardinghouse Brides series by Vickie McDonough, where you’ll meet Luke Davis, marshal of Flat Rock, Texas, who flippantly tells friends he’d get married if the right woman ever came along. When three mail-order brides are delivered to Luke a month later, he’s in an uncomfortable predicament. How will he ever choose his mate? Rachel Hamilton’s long-time admiration for Luke recently turned to love. So when three mail-order brides appear, she panics. Will she find the courage to tell Luke that she loves him? Or take an anonymous part in the contest for his hand

My Thoughts:
First off, I’m going to say I really liked this book! Some have said that though The Anonymous Bride isn’t "LOL" funny, the antics and the situation made it an overall fun read, I completely agree.

The book starts off with the fair town of Lookout welcoming back one of their citizens, Luke Davis, who just got of the military after eleven years of service. But not everyone is glad Luke has returned. Particularly he’s childhood sweetheart Rachel, who, eleven years ago, ran off and married the richest man in town, instead of Luke, like they both thought. Now Luke and Rachel, both of who are still hurting, avoid each other like the plague. Unfortunately, Luke's troublesome cousins make it their job to see Luke marry up, one way or another.
The story was well written and very entertaining. The relationship between Luke and Rachel was heartbreaking. When the mail-order bride troubles start, Luke turns to Rachel for help, as a friend; which neither really wants. But Luke refuses to forgive Rachel for what she did. And Rachel can't tell a soul the reasons behind her impromptu wedding.

I liked all of the characters in Anonymous but, Luke’s two cousins and little Jack really stole the show for me. They were fun and interesting and I look forward to reading more about them in the second book, Second Chance Brides. More importantly this book really showed how forgiving other isn’t easy and that we are selves can’t do it, only God can give us the strength. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mail-order bride romance or someone who needs a book that will brighten up an otherwise dreary day.

*This book was given to me by the publisher in return for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way or influenced to write a positive review*

To learn more about Vickie McDonough and her books, go to:
The Publisher
Her Website
Goodreads
Make sure to check out her upcoming and new releases page. Second Chance Bride has just come out and I can't wait to get my lil' hands on it. LOL;)

Love Y'all,
Ashley

My Review: The Sheriff's Surrender by Susan Page Davis

2010-12-30T09:00:00.005-05:00

Everyone is making up New Year's resolution for 2011, and I have a few of my own I've come up with, but one of them will actually begin before the new year. See, I've been so behind on reviews that I have a stack of them waiting to be written, so my resolution is too complete all my book reviews before 2011, so that I'll be able to start the new year with a fresh book review pile. And so, the challenge begins...NOW!

Title: The Sheriff's Surrender

Author: Susan Page Davis
Series: The Ladies' Shooting Club Series #1

Publisher: Barbour publishing
Genre: Inspirational historical romance
Date released: December 1st 2009
ISBN: 1602605629

Stars (out of 5): ***
Age rating: 12 & up
There wasn't anything inappropriate and there was hardly any romance to speak of. There were two murders, but not gruesome enough to be "scary".

Back cover (from):
A murder in Fergus, Idaho, has the town’s women scared. But the men don’t seem able to stop the rash of thefts, assaults, and vandalism that follow. Half a dozen women band together to arm themselves against trouble. The gunsmith's plain sister, the emporium's owner, a couple of rancher's wives and saloon girls take their shooting lessons seriously. The men are skeptical at first and slightly amused. The new minister's wife shocks the town by joining the club, and other women follow her lead. When they show no sign of letting up on their drill, the men beg the sheriff to disband the club and put their women back where they belong. Those are fighting words to the ladies. Domestic rebellion threatens until a new murder grabs everyone's attention. Will the sheriff and his men find the killer and put him away? Or will that honor belong to the Ladies' Shooting Club?

My Thoughts:
I liked The Sheriff's Surrender, but didn't "love it". I thought the characters were written well and I liked the overall style of this book. At first seeing this book, I thought the story would center around Gert, but that was not so. The plot focused more on the general store owner and Ladies Shooting club, as a whole. And for a romance novel, there didn't seem to be a whole lot at all and the only thing that kept me reading was the murder mystery aspect of the story. Though, I will say, I enjoyed the antics of Ladies Shooting Club and that also made the story more exciting.

Overall, I liked this book, but I probably wouldn't read it again.

*This book was given to me by the publisher in return for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way or influenced to write a positive review*

To learn more about Susan Page Davis and her books go to:

The Publisher

Her Website
Goodreads

Love Y'all,
Ashley

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2010-12-25T15:36:00.001-05:00

I hope Y'all have had a great Christmas mornng and that "Santa" brought you everything on your list and that we NEVER forget that today is Jesus's birthday! Happy Birthday Jesus, and Merry Christmas Y'all!
May God bless y'all and your families
Love Y'all,
~Ashley *<:~)>

God's Plan, Revisited

2010-12-06T08:53:00.002-05:00

Last year I wrote about how I didn't understand God's plan for me and my family, but that I would just have to trust that everything would be okay, well I'm right back to that and I'm more confused than ever. See, my dad finally got a job down here in Ga (WOOHOO, Praise GOD!!) and everything has been great, until last week. Last Tuesday, my Mom opened a letter she thought was addressed to her, only to find out that it was for owner of the home we live in and have been leasing-to-own from them for the past year. Anyways, she opened to find a notice stating that the house being foreclosed on. YIKES Now, we have heard nothing from the owners of the house, and we've tried calling them and they refuse to pick up, though they did send us an e-mail telling us their trying to fix it, but it's not likely they will from what we know. Now, we don't know where we're going to go are what to do, but I do know that now is the time to pray, and pray hard. God is using this situation to make me and my whole family stronger and getting us to once again lean not on our own understanding

Proverbs 3:5-6:

5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

And this verse was always a way to help me rememberr that I don't see the picture as a whole but a part.

1 Corinthians 13:12

12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

So, life has been really crazy here, but I'm trusting God to either get us through or ...or whatever God wants to make happen. So, if you've been wondering why I have been around and probably won't be till next year, this is why. And I especially want to apologize to all the publishers who are waiting for some much needed reviews from me. I'm sorry, and I'm working on getting those done. Prayers are more than welcome, but all I could give to you is my pitiful thanks for them. And remember to prayer the truly homeless. Those sad and down hearted people who will freeze because they have nothing but a thin jacket on. I praise God that at least for now, I have a warm bed and roof.

I hope Y'all have a blessed Christmas and remember why it is called CHRISTmas. I'm being reminded of it every day.
Love Y'all,
Ashley

**UPDATE**
Just found out that we might be able to move to this house down the street the 22nd or the 23rd of December. It's the only place and if it falls through, then, God? I'll try not to worry...too much!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2010-11-25T14:31:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!

I hope all my blogging buddies are at home with family and hopefully will have a table loaded down with food in just a few hours. Unlike over here on my side of the computer as my moms goes out for ingredients (not the best time to go to the store, wouldn't you say?) that my sister wants us to get. See, my oldest sister, Stephanie, has invited us to have thanksgiving at her house. Now, its not that my sister doesn't know how to cook, it's just we've never seen her do it. That is one of the many things I'm most thankful for; my sisters....all four of them, oh! and my two brothers. ;)

But thanksgiving isn't 'bout the turkey (although that's not what my stomach would say, if you asked it it) but about counting our blessings and thanking God for everyone. Amazing enough, last night I was just randomly looking through my bible when I came to Psalms 116, and these three verses caught my eye:

Psalm 116:
¹⁷ I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving,
         And will call upon the name of the LORD.
¹⁸ I will pay my vows to the LORD
         Now in the presence of all His people,
¹⁹ In the courts of the LORD’s house,
         In the midst of you, O Jerusalem.

        Praise the LORD!

They got me thinking, when was the last time I publicly proclaimed God greatness, my Thanksgiving to Him? And it was sad when I realized it was this same time last year. Thanksgiving shouldn't be the the only day we publicly thank God for all He has done and Jesus for loving us so much that hurt, and laid down His life, to save ours , it should be everyday that we remember these things. We are in a debt that we can't repay, but isn't awesome that God ask us too, that He only ask that we believe in His only Son Jesus and live everyday for Them. That isn't hard at all and for a procrastinator like myself, there is nothing better.
I think I finally smell a hint of roasting turkey in the air (my sister doesn't like turkey and said they if we wanted it, we better make it ourselves) and since it is currently 80 degrees outside, it is helping to make it feel a little bit more festive then before.

Oh and I almost forgot, who here is going to stay up all night shopping? I've never done the whole Black-Friday-shopping-madness thing before (with the exception of last year, but I only got up at 8 AM to get a copy of The Red Siren that just so happened to be on sale) and even though I really don't like shopping (this year) places like Old Navy are having crazy good sales and I just can't resist. Though, isn't it kinda of funny that on Thursday we thank God for all the things we have, then at midnight we got out and get even more stuff. Funny right? Well, anyways if you happen to be Black Friday shopping too, I wish you good luck and I pray that you get lots of coffee (which will be free at Burger King, (if you have one) I believe ) and that you don't get trampled.

As more of a reminder to myself then anything: Don't just be thankful today or tomorrow or even the day after that, but all the days ever!

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!!;)

~Ashley

P.S.

I hoped you liked the little cartoons I found on Google. They were super funny and I just knew I had to post them on here.;)

Winners, Winners, Everywhere!

2010-10-30T11:25:00.001-04:00

Thanks to everyone who made my first year blogaversary so special! I love Y’all and I hope we’ll get to celebrate more blogaversary to come. I really want to thank Cerella, Marylu and Julie for doing the interview with after asking them out of the blue and on short notice. You ladies are fantastic and I'm so happy I got to meet you all here in the Blogging world.

I'm sorry I didn't comment back on some of Y'all's comments, but my family and I have been and are going through some trying times right now (But, I'll leave the details for another post) and I haven't been able to sit down at the computer for long periods of times. But, God is good and I fully trust in Him to see us through even the darkest of days. And I hope you will too, when trials come your way.

On to the winners. I held three giveaways this past week and though there weren't a ton of entries, that's good news for the gals that did enter; because it means you had a very good chance at winning:)
Anyways enough of my babbling....Drum roll please
The winner of Within My Heart is....Katie!
The winner of The Redemption is...Michelle!
And the winner of one of Julie Lessman's books and one top CBA book is....Sarah!
Congrats to you winners, I'll be contacting you soon and if you won Julie's giveaway, she will e-mail you directly.

I hope y'all have a weekend full of God's love and blessings,
Love Y'all,
Ashley

Gone With The Posts Blogaversary last day

2010-10-23T15:36:00.000-04:00

CAUTION: LOUD MUSIC. TURN THE VOLUME ON COMPUTER DOWN, UNLESS YOU LIKE BLARING LOUD MUSIC, LIKE ME.

"Scarlett: What are you doing?

"Scarlett: Oh, Rhett! *Scarlett watches Rhett walk to the door*
Scarlett: Rhett! *runs down the stairs after Rhett*
Scarlett: Rhett, Rhett! *catches him as he's walking out the front door*
Scarlett: Rhett... if you go, where shall I go, what shall I do?
Rhett Butler: Frankly, my dear, I don't give a dime. *Rhett walks off into the fog*"

*sniffle, sniffle*
Well, we’ve come to the last day of my 1 year blogaversary party. *sniffles* Thank you guys so much for all the great comments that were left! I’m sorry if I haven’t replied to Y’all’s comments yet , but I’ve been sick all week…and perhaps a wee bit lazy. But, I just wanted to let ya know that they really made me day.
Anyhow…

The fun is not over yet. Today I brought some pecan pie, Sweet potato pie, peach iced tea, and Coca Cola (a southern staple) here for Y’all as we enjoy the last mystery interview and a few other fun things.( sorry if the pictures aren't positioned right) Now grab y’all some grub and let me welcome today’s mystery author. Drums roll please….Julie Lessman!! This is my first interview with Mrs. Lessman, and I am so excited she’s here. She is the author of four books, The Daughters of Boston Series and her new series, Winds of Change. So, without further ado…please help me give a warm welcome to, Julie Lessman!

Q1. If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?

Oh my, I think I would like to be an editor for a big Christian publishing house!! I LOVE to edit and I LOVE to encourage aspiring writers, so I think that would be the perfect fit, reading all those wonderful books that make it out of the slush pile, and blessing new writers in the process. That or an exclusive caterer for small, intimate dinner parties where I could blow the guest away with culinary creations that now only taste good, but look great as well. Presentation and ambiance is KEY with me in anything, especially dinner parties!!

Me: I think you would make the perfect editor, though being a caterer would be a fun challenge. My mom is a caterer and I always help her by busing tables, but it’s the cleaning up afterwards that’s not fun.

Q2. If you could live/go anywhere, where would it be and what would you do there?
If I could “live” anywhere, it would be on a secluded beach in front of a moody stretch of ocean. If I could “go” anywhere, it would be to Ireland, England, France, Tahiti … and Boston, of course! 

Me: Those places all sound so good. Might I tag along, when you go? We can smuggle me in a large carry-on, if I scrunch up my legs real tight. LOL

Q3. If you were planning your “dream” party, what would it be like?
Well, my husband has a subscription to Architecture Digest Magazine, and OH-MY-GOODNESS, the lavish getaway bungalows you see in that book are sooooo what I could see as my setting for an intimate dinner party with just a few close friends (6-8 max). It would begin with an exquisitely set candle-lit table nestled in a spacious gazebo perched at the edge of a sprawling lawn overlooking the ocean while a warm breeze rustles the palms. Crystal, china, calla lilies and an orange sun sinking into an inky-blue horizon while impeccably dressed waiters serve a seven-course meal that lasts for hours. Gourmet menu, fine wine and good friends to laugh and pray with throughout a magical evening that would end with a bonfire on the beach. Sigh. Where do I sign up???

Me: LOL. Your guest will think they dies and gone to party heaven. ;)

Q4. If you were hosting a party, what favorite (living or deceased) author(s) would you love to invite? Grin … you have to ask??? Margaret Mitchell, of course, then Harper Lee, Francine Rivers, John Grisham and the ultimate “Author” of Romance, Jesus Christ.

Me: So many great and diverse authors. That would some party.

Q5. You’re stuck on a deserted island with one other person and a box of party supplies filled with a helium tank, balloons, noise makers, Care Bear themed paper goods and a giant inflatable bounce house; who would you want to be stuck with and what party supply do you think would be the most useful?
Uh, I’m a romance writer who writes about passion … what do YOU think??? My husband with the giant inflatable bounce house, of course!! 

Me: Hahaha. I guess that was sort of a stupid question on my part. I’m just going to blame it on the flu meds I was on. LOL;)

Last, but never least...

Q6. Do you have a favorite verse from the Bible about celebration and joy that you’d like to share, or a verse that still speaks to your heart no matter how many times you read it?
YES!! Philippians 4:4-7: Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I love this Scripture, particularly the first two sentences, because it underscores a deep-rooted belief of mine that we are to praise God in the midst of ALL things, good and bad. It’s easy to praise God when things are going good, but the true test of our faith comes when things are not so good. When a believer praises God in the midst of pain and trial, I believe it not only deepens his or her faith and trust, but it releases God’s power and blessing in his or her life in that particular situation and beyond. And quite frankly, I take great pleasure in rubbing it in satan’s face (I NEVER capitalize that name!) that God and only God is to be praised because the devil tries SO hard to get us to curse God and die, just like he did with Job. But when I am able to grit my teeth and praise God instead, I actually feel like I’m spitting in the devil’s eye, which, to be honest, feels REALLY good!!

One time when I was a new Christian, I was barefoot and moving really fast in my bedroom and rammed my toe (I have VERY sensitive toes!!) into the steel leg of my bed. The pain was SO excruciating, that a once-familiar curse word sprang to my lips and at the last minute, instead of screaming it out like I would have before I came to Christ, I forced the following words out through gritted teeth as I fell on the bed:

“Praise God, praise God, praise God!”

I said it over and over again until I was laughing so hard that tears came to my eyes. It was a WONDERFUL feeling, and I almost felt like God was laughing with me for the simple victory He gave me over the devil. God showed me that day in that very simple way that we need to take great pleasure in our obedience to Him because He equates obedience with love (John 14:15 — "If you love me, you will obey what I command”), so to me, it’s one of the easiest and most simple ways we can tell God we love Him AND spit in the devil’s eye at the same time! ;)
Me: What encouraging verses and so true. My whole family is going through some hard times now, and you’ve reminded me that I need to praise God now more than ever.

Julie has the tag line “Passion With A Purpose” and Boy is that true! Her books have equal parts passions and romance with a mega dose of God’s love and precepts mix tighter to make to some of my favorite books. I recommend them to everyone I meet, even to a Wal-Mart greeter if I got the chance.

To learn more about Julie Lessman and her books, you can go to:

Her Website

Her Journal Jots

Her Facebook Fan Page

There is plenty of Iced tea and pie left, tough it seems someone has taken all the Coke. Hmm… who could be the Coke Caper ?!?! Well, since Mrs.Lessman is a huge fan of GWTW, I thought we could test our knowledge of the infamous book/movie. How much do you know about Gone With The Wind? Click on that link and let’s find out.

I just did it and I got 18 out of the 20 questions right. WOO HOO! After watching the movie enough times to be legal and that jazz, I’m just glad I hadn’t fried my brain. So what did y’all get? Leave a comment and let me know. Are you a GWTW Fanatic or is the notion of reading/watching it, gone with the wind?

Oh, you didn’t think I forgot about the giveaway, right?
Well, Mrs.Lessman is SOOO sweet, and she has offered to give away not just one, but two books.
The winner of the giveaway will receive a signed copy of Julie’s book and a "surprise" top CBA book.
It’s simple to enter . Just leave a comment with your valid e-mail address. That’s it, just remember you must have a valid U.S mailing address, as well.

As a recap, all Gone With The Posts blogaversary party giveaways are still open and will be so until next Saturday. That’s one week left to enter, so scoot your boot and leave a comment with your email address to enter.
This is the link to GWTP day 1
Here is the link to GWTP day 2

Alright Y’all, it’s been a great year, and I’m so glad I got into blogging and I got to meet you guys. I hope we’ll have another year of fun to come and that y’all have a blessed Saturday!
Love Ya,
Ashley

Gone With The Posts Blogaversary Party day 2

2010-10-22T13:30:00.093-04:00

CAUTION: LOUD MUSIC. TURN THE VOLUME ON COMPUTER DOWN, UNLESS YOU LIKE BLARING LOUD MUSIC, LIKE ME.

"Scarlett: Atlanta!?

Mammy: Savannah would be better for ya. You just get in trouble in Atlanta.

Scarlett: What trouble are you talking about?

Mammy: You know what trouble I's talkin' 'bout. Mr. Ashley be comin' to Atlanta when he gets his leave, and you sattin' there waitin' for him, just like a spider.

Scarlett: You go pack my things like Mother said"

Welcome to day 2 of my GWTP Blogaversary celebration! I hope you got a chance to read yesterday’s post, but just in case you didn’t, you can click HERE and catch up on all the fun. And I forgot about it yesterday, but since I just can’t part with my copy of LFYI Hershey, I’m going to give away a copy of Within My Heart, Timber Ridge Reflections Bk. 3 by Tamara Alexander to one lucky commenter. Scroll down to giveaway rules, to see how to enter.

Before we go on to all the fun stuff and the mystery guest, I’d love to thank all my blogging friends once again. You guys make this the best place to be, and Y’all’s blogs always life me up with encouragement and humility at how awesome God is to us. Sometimes, I forget that, but then I go to one of my friend’s blog, and I am once again reminded of His unwavering love and protection. Even if it didn’t seem that way at the time. Thank you all. *sniffle, sniffle*

Well, now that I’m all choked up, grab one of them there fruity drinks and a heaping plate of fresh fruit, cause we're hitting the high seas today and you might want to grab the refreshments while their here.Don't want to be gettin' scurvy. LOL

But, what do the High seas and Gone With The Wind have in common? Well, maybe it’s because their both today’s GWTP party theme or maybe it's because today I had the privilege (with much begging on my part, since I did this on short notice) to interview the best pirate adventure/romance writer on both sides of the Rio Grande. Let’s give her a great pirate welcome, Ms. Marylu Tyndall! Arrgh!

Q1. If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?
An artist. Probably an oil painter. I used to paint seascapes and landscapes before I got published. Honestly, I really miss it.

Me: Sounds very peaceful and tranquil. I wish I had an inch of talent with a brush, but God never did bless in that way.

Q2. If you could live/go anywhere, where would it be and what would you do there?

If I could visit anywhere, it would be Israel, the Holy land. I’d love to walk where Jesus walked and see all the places I’ve read so much about in the Bible. If I could live anywhere, it would be on an island in the Caribbean. Any island, as long as it had fresh water, a gorgeous white sand beach, and it was mine!

Me: Visiting Israel is #4 on my bucket list; and the Caribbean would be the perfect place to live. I’ve only been there once, but it was so much fun.

Q3. If you were planning your “dream” party, what would it be like?

I would definitely rent an old historic tall ship (maybe a pirate ship), hire a captain and crew to sail her and then invite all my family and friends to join me in a cruise around the Caribbean. We would stop at all the islands, eat fresh crab, drink fruity drinks with umbrellas in them, and then sail some more until we ran out of horizon. (yes, I know I’m a bit extreme!)

Me: Hmmm….I’ll book my ticket on that heavenly sounding cruise, of course that’s only if I’m invited. LOL

Q4. If you were hosting a party, what favorite (living or deceased) author(s) would you love to invite? Can I invite two?

Jane Austen and Raphael Sabatini. Both deceased and in my opining two of the best authors ever

Me: Jan Austen seems to be the one author everyone chooses, honestly *checks surroundings, just in case there is a mob of Jan Austen lovers nearby*, I don’t very much care for her books *sound of angry mob leaps out of bushes from behind*….Oh snap! *runs for cover*

Q5. You’re stuck on a deserted island with one other person and a box of party supplies filled with a helium tank, balloons, noise makers, Care Bear themed paper goods and a giant inflatable bounce house; who would you want to be stuck with and what party supply do you think would be the most useful?

A deserted island? Well, it would have to be Captain Jack Sparrow, of course, and hands down, we would have the most fun with the helium tank! But the most useful item would be the inflatable house. After we had fun with the helium, Jack and I could make a small raft and row out to sea to be rescued! Not that I would really want to be rescued.

Me: Hahaha, I’m not sure I would either. But wouldn’t your Husband have something to say about it? ;)

Last, but never least...

Q6. Do you have a favorite verse from the Bible about celebration and joy that you’d like to share, or a verse that still speaks to your heart no matter how many times you read it?

Yes! Psalm 103 ( “1Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me bless his holy name. 2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies….” ) has always been my personal favorite to read when I’m feeling down. It’s all about how great and loving and merciful God is and how He always keeps His promises, and forgives all our sins and never leaves us!

Thank you Mrs. Tyndall for doing the interview with me, it was tons of fun reading your responses. And I really hope Y’all enjoyed it too.

If you would like to know more about Marylu or her books (which are GREAT) you can go to:

Her blog

Her website

And when I say Mrs. Tyndall’s books are great, I’m not just shamelessly promoting them. Her books are truly that good. And if you like pirates too, well me-oh-my! You have been missing out. In fact, as a special surprise I’m going to be giving away Ms. Tyndall’s one of her first books, The Redemption.

Here is the back cover:

Lady Charlisse Bristol sets off on a voyage in search of a father

she never knew, only to find herself shipwrecked on a deserted
island. Near starvation, she is rescued by a band of pirates and
their fierce captain, Edmund Merrick. Will Charlisse win her
struggle against the seductive lure of this pirate captain? While
battling his attraction to this winsome lady, Edmund offers to help
Charlisse on her quest-until he discovers her father is none other
than Edward the Terror, the cruelest pirate on the Caribbean.

It is a great book, and a great one to start off your Marylu Tyndall high seas collection.

Here are the giveaway rules:

*You must be a U.S resident (sorry my Canadian friends, shipping just way too much).

*You must have a valid e-mail address and you must put it in your comment for me to count the entry.

*The contest(s) goes Friday to Friday. The winner will be announced on next Saturday.

*you must leave one comment , per post, if you wish to enter all the giveaways.

Now it's time for today's quiz (I've been on this quiz "kick" all week, and for some reason I can't help but post another one). Are you a true Southerner at heart, or do you have that Yankee grit in ya?

Again, I'd love to see what you got. Cause of course, if you get Northern, well, I'm sorry, it was nice knowing ya! jk/jk

I just took it and I'm not sure how accurate it is, because it said I'm only 40% Southern! Can you believe that? Why, I've been in the south my whole life and the best I can show for it, is 40%? what is this world coming too?!?!?!? ...;)

I hope you get a chance to enter and there will be more giveaways tomorrow, as well as one more mystery guest. Who could it be? Hmmm…guesses? Anyone? LOL There is plenty of fruit left, but maybe someone could whip up a few sfogliatellas --> (another name for them is Lobster Tails ), which are lobster shape tails of puff pastry with a creamy, almost ice cream like filling, that make them downright addictive! Any takers? ;)

Have a perfectly blessed Friday, my friends!

Love Y’all,

Ashley

Gone With The Posts Blogaversary Party day 1

2010-10-21T13:29:00.007-04:00

CAUTION: LOUD MUSIC. TURN THE VOLUME ON COMPUTER DOWN, UNLESS YOU LIKE BLARING LOUD MUSIC, LIKE ME.

Rhett Butler: Now that you've got your lumber mill and Frank's money, you won't come to me as you did to the jail, so I see I shall have to marry you.

Scarlett: I never heard of such bad taste.

Welcome Y'all to my very first blogaversary party! I'm calling it my Gone With The Posts Blogaversary Party. Why call it Gone With The Post, right? Well, because it's no secret that I'm a HUGE fan of GWTW (even though I can't ever seem to get through the whole movie without crying or turning off the TV in a fit of depression, and that's just during the opening credits.LOL) thus my blog's name and the quote above, but because just like in the movie, where the Old South was gone with the wind, the last year has gone away with each post I've written. If it's still not making sense, I use the ol' sleep deprevation ruse, almost always works.But, the most important people here on blogger, are truly you guys, my blogger friends. I wish I could tell Y'all all the great memories I've had with ya, but that's would take up 5 posts at least. So while you guys are reading the questions below, how about answering some of them yourself? I think it would so interesting to see how you would answer the questions, as well.

Anyway, I'm so excited about the party finally starting. I hope it will meet y'all's expectations and that ya have lots of fun in the coming days. Today, to help me celebrate my first year blogaversary, is a very special gal, who is, in fact, the very first person I ever had the pleasure to interview right here on my blog. Without further ado, I'd like to welcome Cerella Sechrist *cheers sound from behind*!!!!

Q1. If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?

One of the reasons I love writing is that I get to live a full and varied life vicariously through my characters! I think it would be difficult to choose just one profession, so I love that I can do it all through stories. :)When I was a kid, I was seriously interested in being a marine biologist or archeologist so who knows? But with my love of food, I'd probably be running a restaurant or a food anthropologist or something. And then there's my love of history, so working in a museum would be fun... Okay, see? I just can't choose.

Me: Wow, that is a lot, but I'm glad you stuck with writing!

Q2. If you could live/go anywhere, where would it be and what would you do there?
Well, minus the bloodthirsty predators, I rather think the deserted island in question 5 could be a fun place to spend a day... Do you think we could have a luau?

Me:Uhhh....I'll have to think on that one, but I don't think GWTW and a luau mix. But, we could make it work.LOL;)

Q3. If you were planning your “dream” party, what would it be like?
I'd rent a Tuscan villa for the weekend (because money is no object, and this party can go all weekend, can't it?) and have all the characters I've ever created magically appear so I could watch them live and in person. I'd sit on a couch and listen to them air their grievances with how I've written their story, and at the end of the weekend, we'd all huddle around the karaoke machine and sing "We Are Family." And did I mention there would be cake? Lots and lots of cake.

ME: Sounds like my kind of party. I've always wanted to go to Italy, so you bet I'd try to tag along. Hmm...I'd definitely love to hear what your characters have to say. I'm sure they'll not be short on words. And did you say cake? You can't have a party without cake, if you did, it would be two shakes away from a PTA meeting.

Q4. If you were hosting a party, what favorite (living or deceased) author(s) would you love to invite?Definitely Jane Austen and Oscar Wilde just to watch them verbally spar. I think those two are the most witty writers to ever enter the field of literature. I'd just hand them each a cupcake and watch them go at it - sort of like WWE for writers.

ME:Would they be throwing these cupcakes at each other? Cause, THAT, I've gotta see.

Q5. You're stuck on a deserted island with one other person and a box of party supplies filled with a helium tank, balloons, noise makers, Care Bear themed paper goods and a giant inflatable bounce house; who would you want to be stuck with and what party supplies do you think would be the most useful? Oh, the helium tank is definitely going to be the most useful. What a perfect icebreaker to suck helium and talk in squeaky voices. I'd probably never even get around to inflating the bounce house, and then we'd get eaten by wild animals because I never bothered to put together the shelter… (That is, if you can consider a giant inflatable bounce house a "shelter.") But then we could use the noise makers to scare away the carnivores at night! Why hasn't anyone ever thought of a party-themed desert island experience before this, I ask?!?

I'd probably choose my brother to join me because…
1) I would pay serious cash to hear him talk in a helium-high voice. And on the island, he'd do it for free, out of sheer boredom, most likely!
2) He hunts AND he works for a restaurant so I'm guessing he could both kill and cook the food. Which is so important when you're a castaway, don't you agree?I'm not sure what I'd do with the Care Bear themed items, but I do know they would really brighten up the surroundings...

Me: Your brother hunts and cooks? Hunting is pretty big down here. Even if you go to Papa John's and you just happen to have your rifle with you, it's still considered hunting.LOL The cooking part would be great too, since I'm not a fan of steak tar tar. And Helium would be quite entertaining and would probably stop you from trying to make friends with a Care Bear plate and naming it Wilson, right?

Last, but never least...

Q6. Do you have a favorite verse from the Bible about celebration and joy that you’d like to share, or a verse that still speaks to your heart no matter how many times you read it?

In recent years, I've come to rely on The Message version of Isaiah 40:27: "Why would you ever complain, O Jacob, or, whine, Israel, saying, 'God has lost track of me. He doesn't care what happens to me'? Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening? God doesn't come and go. God lasts."

It's the perfect encouragement on days when you're feeling just a little sorry for yourself - to remember that your whining means little in the big scheme of things. Because God is still there - he *lasts.*

ME: thank you for sharing that verse with us. I'm going through a REALLY rough patch (another post, at another time) and I need verses like that to get me to wake up in the mornings, for me at least and I know my fellow blogging friends don't mind the encouragement either.

Thank you so much Cerella for coming and thanks for helping celebrate my blogaversary!

If Y'all don't who Cerella Sechrist is or ya wantin' to know more about her and her books, go here:

Her Website

Her Blog

If you haven't read Cerella's new book LFYI Hershey, Pennsylvania yet, you're missing out on one sweet book!

And since I just can't part ith me copy of LFY in Hershey Pa, I'm giving away a copy of Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander

---->

Here are the giveaway rules:

*You must be a U.S resident (sorry my Canadian friends, shipping just way too much).

*You must have a valid e-mail address and you must put it in your comment for me to count the entry.

*The contest(s) goes Friday to Friday. The winner will be announced on next Saturday.

*you must leave one comment , per post, if you wish to enter all the giveaways.

And now for some more fun.Now since everything is going to be GWTW themed, I thought we could get into character. I found this great quiz (thanks to Senior Google) and I'd love for Y'all to take it and found out: Which Character from 'Gone With The Wind' are you!

This is who it said I was: You are Rhett Butler. You refuse to change your personality to appeal to the masses and cannot stand the hypocrisy in society. You will do anything in your power to make sure that you get what you want.

Wow such great quality, right? LOL I've always wanted to be a dashing rogue who never got the girl of my dreams, until it was too late.:( .... LOL

Anyhow...

I hope y'all will join me tomorrow in welcoming my next mystery guest and more GWTW fun!

Love Y'all,

Ashley

Happy Birthday To Me, er... My Blog!

2010-10-16T18:06:00.001-04:00

This is a great cake I found on Google. Kudos to the artist who made. It rocks!

Hey Y'all,
Today is my one year blogaversary!!!! WOO HOO!! But, don't worry. You couldn't have thought You I could have a blogaversary and not throw a party, right? I am a true party girl and I'm always looking for a reasons to throw together a shindig, literally. Next week, Thursday thru Saturday, I'll be hosting My first Blogaversary party, complete with author interviews (you'll just have to come to see who they'll be) giveaways, and flash back to some of my favorite Blogging memories. I hope Y'all will be able to come, cause I'm going to say it right here, right now, that you, my fellow bloggers, are what make blogging fun and exciting. I love Y'all and I pray you have a restfull Saturday and God-filled Sunday!
Love Ya,
Ashley;)

Another great cake I found thank to Senior Google! Scarlett looks just as gorgeous even when she made out of gumpaste.

Revell Blog Tour review: A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin

2010-10-03T17:29:00.001-04:00

First off, I'd like to apologize to Donna Hausler for not getting any of these latest reviews to her on time. Things have been more than crazy around here, and I'm so sorry I haven’t been the best reviewer and have made your job a little more difficult.

Now onto my review of ...

Title: A Memory Between Us (Wings Of Glory Bk.2)

Author: Sarah Sundin

Genre: Historical, Christian, Romance

Publisher: Revell

Date released: Sept.1 2010

ISBN: 978-0-8007-3422-0

Stars (out of 5): **** 1/2

Age rating: PG-15:
Rape is a central theme in this book, though; it's shown from a Christian stand point.

Drinking and smoking are also mentioned, but hey! It was the 40's, everyone was doing it, and I think it made it seem more authentic and less like a overly censored war novel

Back cover (from Revell):

Can they overcome the past to find a brighter future together?

Major Jack Novak has never failed to meet a challenge--until he meets army nurse Lieutenant Ruth Doherty. When Jack lands in the army hospital after a plane crash, he makes winning Ruth's heart a top-priority mission. But he has his work cut out for him. Not only is Ruth focused on her work in order to support her orphaned siblings back home, she also is determined not to give her heart to any man. As the danger and tension of World War II rise to a fever pitch, Jack and Ruth will need each other more than ever. Can Jack break down her defenses? Or are they destined to go their separate ways?

From the English countryside to the perilous skies over France, A Memory Between Us takes you on a journey through love, forgiveness, and sacrifice.

My Thoughts:
I never got the chance to read the first book in The Wings Of Glory series, but I found after finishing this book, that I really didn't need. Though, now I can't wait to get my hands on bk. 1, A Distant Melody.

Jack Novak is a dashing military man, who can't resist a challenge.
Ruth Doherty is just the challenge Major Novak has been looking for.
When these two finally butte heads, can you say "sparks"?

I love the high flying adventure we experience every time we hop into the cockpit with the handsome Jack Novak. Ms. Sundin's attention to detail and historical facts are second to none. I truly felt as if it were the 1940's and in the thick of war. The characters each had their own back ground; even the secondary characters had no lack of detail to keep them well-rounded and richly written.

Ruth had a tragic past that has kept her from loving anyone, especially a man. I found Ruth's story gripping, and if there was anyone who needed to know that God as in control, it would be Ruth Doherty. I loved how, as the story progressed, Ruth and Jack came to rely on God more, and the spiritual message of giving up our control and giving it to God, was convicting and really spoke to my heart. The scenery that Sarah Sundin used, especially the birds-eyed view of war-torn Europe, gave me, the reader, a breath taking trip into history. Though, I’d have to say that Jack Novak was my least favorite character. Yes, he was handsome, and yes, he did learn a lesson, but I felt his story was too rushed and that his emotions were all over the place. One moment he'd be in love with Ruth and the next condemning her to Devil's domain. Towards the end, he got better, but I wish that he could have been a little less confusing in his feelings and actions.
Besides that, I really enjoyed this book and if you're looking for a GREAT WWII novel, look no further.

*Many thanks to Donna Hauler @Revell for sending me a review copy of A Hope Undaunted. This review is my honest opinion of this book and I am in no any compensation for a good review from the publisher and/or the author.*

To learn more about Sarah Sundin and her great books, go to:

Her Website

The Publisher

Goodreads

Also, make sure to enter her latest contest.

Here are the datails:

To celebrate Sarah is giving one lucky winner A Movie and Memory Prize Package! One grand prize winner will receive:

•Make-your-own-photo book from Mypublisher.com (Capture your own Memories)
•Netflix Subscription (New or Nostalgic Movies delivered right to your house)
•Starbucks gift card (To keep your engine revvin’)
•Gourmet chocolate (A favorite in the 1940’s and now)
•British specialty teas in carved wooden box (Timeless tradition)
•Miniature model of a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber & C-47 cargo plane (Everyone needs a few toy planes)
•Big Band music CD (Break out your dancing shoes)
•WWII authentic poster playing cards (Cards – a perfect game for two)
•Keep Calm and Carry On (Uplifting sayings WWII, a boost for troubled times)
contest runs 9/27 - 10/17!

Click HERE to go directly to the contest link.
I hope Y'all get a chance to enter and that you have a GREAT week!
Love Y'all,
Ashley

Revell Blog Tour: A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman

2010-09-25T14:44:00.002-04:00

It seems as if I'm always the last one. Last one to be at a party, last one to read a great book, even the last one to be born (in my family, at least). This is why I don't think I could ever become a writer. The deadline alone would be my greatest downfall, that and that fact that when I have to write something, I get a serious case of writers’ block. I've been so out of it this week with school and all, that I can't believe it's taken me this long to post this review, But it in no way reflects on what quality this book is, cause it is truly top-notch.

Title: A Hope Undaunted (Winds Of Change bk.1)

Author: Julie Lessman
Genre: Historical, Christian, romance
Publisher: Revell Books
Date released: Sept. 1 2010
ISBN:
Stars (out of 5): *****!
Age rating: PG-15:
This book is EXTREMELY tense, with plenty of passionate kissing. Because it's during Prohibition, drinking, and alcohol in general, is mentioned. Without giving too much away, the theme of children born out of wedlock is an under lying plot, that adds depth and realisticness to the book.

Back cover (from Revell):
What happens when the boy she loved to hate becomes the man she hates to love?

The 1920s are drawing to a close, and feisty Katie O'Connor is the epitome of the new woman--smart and sassy with goals for her future that include the perfect husband and a challenging career in law. Her boyfriend Jack fits all of her criteria for a husband--good-looking, well-connected, wealthy, and eating out of her hand. But when she is forced to spend the summer of 1929 with Luke McGee, the bane of her childhood existence, Katie comes face-to-face with a choice. Will she follow her well-laid plans to marry Jack? Or will she fall for the man she swore to despise forever?

My Thoughts:
Summer 2009: Just Finished A Passion Denied only to find that Julie's next book called *flips to back of the book* A Hope Undaunted won't be coming out till September OF NEXT YEAR!!! Nooooooooooooo

One year and two months later: Oh My Word!!! I can't believe I finally have Julie's new book in my little southern hands! I swear when I opened the package from Revell, I heard heavenly fan fair. I LOVED A Passion Denied and A Hope Undaunted centers on the littlest O'Connor, Katie Rose. Katie was a spunky little 11 years old, but now at 18 Katie is a modern woman on a mission. To become a laywer, with the perfect husband, and fight for women’s' rights. Queue Luke McGee. The bane of Katie's existence and the man who has captured her heart.

I absolutely LOVE Luke. He is dashing, dangerous and has is fiercely devoted to family and has a passion for God that shines brighter then the sequins on a flapper's dress. Katie is just the opposite. She wants a neat and stable life without any surprises, and list for everything. If it’s not on the list, than it ain't important to Katie, and unfortunately God isn't on it.

Julie Lessman's books once again, take me on an emotional roller coaster with loops of passion and corkscrew intensity. Reading A Hope Undaunted was like coming back from summer camp: You had fun while you were there, but that there is nothing quite like coming home.

Julie fills her books to the brim with historical detail that transports you right into the Roaring 20's and God's undeniable truths. Katie struggles with letting God take control, but both she and Luke both learn that when we try to do things our way, they don't go the way we think they will. And that God has something beyond our comprehension for our future, if we just trust in Him.
A Hope Undaunted is the BEST BOOK so far this year, and if you haven't had the chance to read it yet, I'm telling you, you just gotta! Even if it means shoplifting from B&N (okay, not really, but you get the idea).
I would definitely recommend any and all of Julie's books, especially this one.

*Many thanks to Donna Hauler @Revell for sending me a review copy of A Hope Undaunted. This review is my honest opinion of this book and I am in no any compensation for a good review from the publisher and/or the author.*

Available September 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

To learn more about Julie Lessman ans her books go to:

The Publisher

Her Website

Goodreads.

And make sure to go to her websites side bar and click Journal Jots to check out her new blog/diary she has started. They're uplifting and convicting and always fun to read.

Oh and I almost forgot, Julie is hosting a great giveaway event. This is the official description (not written by me).

It's a Giveaway Extravaganza! Kindle Giveaway, Facebook Party and Book Bomb - OH MY!

Visit the Roaring 20’s with Julie Lessman in the Technology and Romance KINDLE Giveaway! Julie’s latest series has just ‘shimmied’ it’s way onto the scene with book 1 in The Winds of Change series, A Hope Undaunted!

Enter The Technology and Romance KINDLE Giveaway!
One Grand Prize winner will receive a KINDLE preloaded with Julie Lessman's latest title. The Prize Pack (valued at over $150.00) includes:
* A brand new KINDLE, with Wi-Fi
* A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman
To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form and be sure to tell your friends about the contest.
Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on October 7th.

Not only is Julie hosting the fabulous KINDLE giveaway, but also a FACEBOOK PARTY and a BOOK BOMB!!!

How does a gift certificate and a signed book given away EVERY 10 minutes during an hour-long Facebook party sound? (Yeah, we think it sounds pretty great too!) On October 7th at 5pm PST (6:00 MST, 7:00 CST, & 8:00 EST) Julie is inviting you to attend the A Hope Undaunted Facebook Party! She'll announce the winner of the KINDLE and in addition to the prizes every 10 minutes, she'll also be giving away great prize baskets filled with even more Romance and Technology (Netflix, Starbucks, Amazon.com, Champagne body Lotion, Pearls, & more!)!
BUT WAIT … there’s more (and no, this is not an infomercial … it’s WAY better!). If you participate in the Book Bomb on October 7th you’ll be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to Amazon.com. All you need to do to participate is buy a copy of A Hope Undaunted on October 7th and send your receipt (just transaction number from store, store name & date) to amy@litfusegroup.com! Each book purchased equals one entry, buy 10 books get 10 entries!
September 19-25: A Hope Undaunted will be making an appearance on blogs across the country (and beyond!) in Revell's blog tour!
September 20th: The Technology and Romance KINDLE Giveaway launches (contest runs 9/20 - 10/6)
October 7th: Book Bomb Day (where everyone is encouraged to buy the book online at the same time!) and Facebook Party - meet and chat with Julie, win some great prizes & find out who won the KINDLE!
Want to help us spread the word about all this fun and be entered to win a $50 Amazon.com gift certificate?
Share Julie's Giveaway Extravaganza on Facebook, Twitter or your blog and we'll enter your name into our random drawing to win 50 smackers to Amazon.com!

If you've read AHU, I'd love to hear what you think!
I hope Y'all have a GREAT weekend.
Love Y'all,
Ashley

Revell blog tour ~ My Review: Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad

2010-09-17T15:01:00.004-04:00

I know I'm a little late in posting my of Making Waves, but unfortunately I've been sick and in bed all week, too weak to even get on my computer. Okay, okay, so I've really been on the couch watching episodes of Big Brother, eating who-knows-what and being lazy. But, that's what I do when I get sniffles, so don't judge me. LOL;~)

Title:Making Waves (Lake Manawa Summer bk.1)

Genre: Historical christian romance

Author: Lorna Seilstad

Publisher: Revell

Date released: Sept. 1st. 2010.

ISBN: 978-0-8007-3445-9

Stars (out of 5): *****

Age rating: PG-12 up
Aside from a from a kiss (or maybe two), there wasn't anything overtly inappropriate in Making Waves. There is a gambling house/ hog farm that plays an important role in the story plot and there is mention of prostitution, but all from a Christian prospective.

Back cover (from Revell):

Sun, summer, and a scrumptious sailing instructor. What more could a girl want?
When spunky Marguerite Westing discovers that her family will spend the summer of 1895 at Lake Manawa, Iowa, she couldn't be more thrilled. It's the perfect way to escape her agonizingly boring suitor, Roger Gordon. It's also where she stumbles upon two new loves: sailing, and sailing instructor Trip Andrews.
But this summer of fun turns to turmoil as her father's secrets threaten to ruin the family forever. Will free-spirited Marguerite marry Roger to save her father's name and fortune? Or will she follow her heart--even if it means hurting the family she loves?
Full of sharp wit and blossoming romance, Making Waves will whisk you away to a breezy lakeside summer holiday.

My Thoughts:
I could go all year, and never read a book this good. The story center on Ms.Marguerite Westing and her family, as they spend the summer at beautiful Lake Manawa.
I LOVED this book, and the characters were charming and intriguing while still being real and rich. Mrs. Seilstad made quit a splash with this first novel. Her writing style made this book co me to life with all the details about sailing and Lake Manawa. I felt as if I could feel the warm breeze running through my hair as I sat along with Marguerite on that first boat trip; I could hear the sounds of the midway and picture the pigpen gambling hall as if it was right in front of me. And don't even get me started on Trip Andrews. Be still my beating heart. Trip was handsome, complex and an oh-so-strong man of God. He was truly swoon worthy, unlike his advisory, the weaselly Roger Gordon. I liked that, even at the end, you still couldn't tell who Marguerite would choose. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep the book moving, though I found more often than not, that I wanted to savor each page
*I have been so blessed by Donna Hausler @Revell Books, for sending me a review copy of Making Waves in exchange for my honest opinion*

Available September 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

To Learn More About Lorna Seilstad and her book go to:

Her Website
The Publisher
Goodreads

Make sure you go to Lorna's "My Stories" page, to see what books she has in store for us in the coming years. I'm just sad we got to wait a whole year, till we'll get to visit beautiful Lake Manawa again. :(

Love Y'all,
Ashley

WINNERS!!!

2010-09-03T15:25:00.002-04:00

I don’t know about y’all, but my feet are about to kill for all the dancing I did at the AHU release party a few nights ago. That was some party though.;) I think I gained about 10 lbs. just from eating all that red velvet cake.
And maybe it’s just my imagination, but I think I can still here the band playing a tune or two. *winks*

Before I announce the winners for both the Countdown To A Hope Undaunted giveaway and the surprise giveaway of signed copy of AHU, that Julie herself is donating, I just wanted to thank everyone --so much-- for entering both of the contests. There was such a tremendous response on the posts, and I just hope I'll get to see y'all the next time I'm hosting a giveaway!

Okay, so now onto the winners...
The first place winner of the Countdown To A Hope Undaunted is ...*drum roll*...

HANNAH (Project Journal)!!!
Congrats Hannah. I'll be e-mailing you soon to get your address and to know which three of the six books you would like.

The second place winner --who will receive the remaining three books--, is....

TAMMY (bluerose)!!!
Congrats Tammy. Be on the lookout for my e-mail, as well, okay?

Now, onto the winner of a signed copy of A Hope Undaunted... The winner is...*dramatic drum roll*....

MICHELLE!!!
I will be e-mail Julie your e-mail addy, and she will get in contact with you.

Congratulations to Y'all, ladies. I sincerely hope that you will love your new books and that you come back for my next giveaway, whenever that may be.

Love Y'all,

Ashley.

IT'S FINALLY HERE!! The A Hope Undaunted release party

2010-09-01T15:38:00.001-04:00

I can't believe it's finally here; A Hope Undaunted has finally been released!! *Heavenly fan-fair sounds from above*. I'm so excited!! Most everyone I know either has a copy of AHU coming to them, or they already have a copy and are devouring it --page-after-page-- as I speak er, write. But, that doesn’t mean this party is for not, since everyone got their copy before its release date. Any reason to throw a party is a good reason too. Or, so said my fortune cookie that I got with my lunch today. ;)

I also just want to remind y’all that if you still want to enter my Countdown To A Hope Undaunted giveaway, go HERE. It's y'alls' last chance to enter, so don't be such a procrastinator like me, and put it off, cause it's now or never.

With that out of the way... are you guys ready to get the party started?

Well than, queue the tunes!

Gusts are just now arriving.

I see Amber just got out of class, and is that Casey? Gosh, those girls look great in their dresses. And on their heels comes Tammy in a stunning black dress! There is Ariel in equaly stunning white dress. And some many other blogger friends are coming too. But wait, I think *stands ontip-toes to see*...yes, I do believe the whole O'Connor clan has joined the others and are coming this way. I hope I made enough Coconut Cream pie for Mr. O'Connor, because he looks like he didn’t get a properlunch. Obviously Marcy didn't want to be late. Oh, I see Collin and Faith arm in arm. Charity, Mitch, and their brood aren’t far behind. There’s Lizzie and Brady with Mrs. Gerson on his arm. And, I believe Katie said something about she and Cluny er, I mean Luke, being held up at BCAS, and won't be here until later.

In the mean time, if y’all will kindly come over here, there are plenty of refreshments for everyone...hopefully enough for all the little ones, too. I've got Red Velvet cake here for Mrs. Lessman, and Marcy was kind enought to bring some of her delicious pies

Apple Pie, Peach Pie and Chocolate pie, oh my!

Mrs. Gerson made this...with a little help from Faith. I’m not sure what it is but is does look pretty tasty!

And to wash it all down, I got Orange, Cherry and Grape Nehi to drink.

Well...dig in y’all!

...
...
...

How is everything?

Good?

I know Mrs. O’Connor is happy to hear that.

Hmmm….whatever this is that Mrs. Gerson made, it is SO good...

I hope you guys have gotten your fill of the food, cause it time to take to the dance floor.

Now, I’ve said enough this time to sounds like a defective record player, but I’m an awful dancer, so no laughing when you see me trying to attempt the Charleston, okay? *chuckles heard from the back of the room* “Don’t think I didn’t hear that, Casey!” ;)

Well, as y’all are enjoying yourselves, I wanted to thank everyone for coming to the release party.

A Hope Undaunted is bound to truly be Julie’s best book yet. I know it is well worth the wait and what Julie has written on pages will not only be makes more than a few hearts pound with excitement, but will bring God and His infallible precepts out -- front and center-- for us never to forget the He should never be playing second fiddle in our lives. A fact that I have to constantly remind myself of.

Well, as we listen to the last strains of music coming from the band, and because I LOVE asking question (which is not always a good thing) I wanted to take a moment (if you’ve got it) and have everyone list one (or more is you like) thing you LOVE about Julie Lessman. Be it about Julie, her books, or both, I think Julie would love to know there are some many people here --who not only enjoy a good romance novel-- but love spectacular authors like her, as well. God is using Julie for great things, and I get excited just thinking about where He is going totake her and all the great author I featured on my blog this past week and a half. What they do, is truly a God-ordained calling. And the fact that they all have a passion for romance doesn’t hurt things, in the least ;)

Alright Y’all, enjoy the party, let’s keep our fingers crossed that the guest of honors, Julie, Katie and Luke will show up soon, and that we don’t run out of food with Mitch, Collin and Patrick raiding the dessert table… for the 5^th timesince they walked in. LOL ;)
Oh I almost forgot, Julie has kindly offered to give a signed copy of A Hope Undaunted to one lucky commenter. So, make sure to leave your name and e-mail address so in case you win, I can send it to Julie and she can get your mailing address

Love Y’all,

Ashley

!!!! 0 DAYS TILL A HOPE UNDAUNTED COMES OUT!!!

Countdown To A Hope Undaunted: My #1 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010!!

2010-08-31T13:03:00.000-04:00

Okay y’all, it’s almost here. The release of A Hope Undaunted is just around the corner, but before we get there, I thought we could start a reader’s discussion about what we hope to see and story theories we may have, about AHU. To get the ball rolling, I'm going bring up some things I know I've been dying to find out about since finishing A Passion Denied.

1) I've been biting my finger nails down to their stubs wondering how Lizzie and Brady are doing. I mean, we barely got to see them as a married couple in APD, are they still together (with Julie at the helm of the proverbial writers keyboard, I'm sure they'll have a more then passionate marriage in AHU;), how many kids they have, and all that jazz.

2) Will Katie ever sees Cluny as anything other than an orphaned street rat? I’m thinking yes, but again, with Julie’s writing, there is bound to be some cat and mouse for a while, but that in the end, Katie will see Cluny for he really is.

3) What will Cluny/Luke be like in AHU? Do you think he will still be as cocky and obnoxious as ever?

4) Do you think we'll get to meet new characters that will 'grandfather" over to Julie's next book? I'm hoping so, because that is the best part of reading books in a series. 5)I‘ve noticed that in almost every one of Julie's books, just when you think the hero is about to get the girl or visa versa, something catastrophic happens and rips the couple apart at the seems (i.e. World War I, catches sister kissing fiancée, finds out girl isn’t pregnant etc..)

6) Do you think it’s a pattern? Do you think Julie puts events like that, in her books to test the relationships of her characters? Or is there another reason, I haven't thought of yet?

7) Do you think Julie’s books could be just as wonderful, without all the tension?
I think the day Julie Lessman doesn’t have heaps of tension in her books, is the day FAA will allow swine to man a 747 freighter airplane (a.k.a the day pigs fly) and I don't think her book would be

6) If you were the youngest child of six, do you think you would be anything like Katie? Would you be a spoiled brat, who is always given whatever he or she wants?

Okay, well it kind of goes with out saying, but to keep in with the theme of the past week, my #1 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010 is...

A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman

Back cover (from Julie's website):

What happens when the boy she loved to hate ... becomes the man she hates to love? The 1920s are drawing to a close, and feisty Katie O'Connor is the epitome of the new woman--smart and sassy with goals for her future that include the perfect husband and a challenging career in law. Her boyfriend Jack fits all of her criteria for a husband--good-looking, well-connected, wealthy, and eating out of her hand. But when she is forced to spend the summer of 1929 with Cluny McGee, the bane of her childhood existence, Katie comes face to face with a choice. Will she follow her well-laid plans to marry Jack? Or will she fall for the man she swore to despise forever?

Why it's my #1 Can't-Wait-Read of 2010? That's a no-brainer! I ab-so-lu-tely !!LOVE!! Mrs. Lessman's books, and I love her as a person. She is so sweet and has so much a passion for God, that it practically flows over and into her books, which is why their so good. I just can't say anymore about how good her book are, without sounding like a crazed fan, which isn't all that untrue. ;)

Today's Verses: Psalm 21: 4-7
⁴He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever.⁵His glory is great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him. ⁶For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.⁷For the king trusteth in the LORD, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved.

Ok Y'all, what is your #1 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010? It better be A Hope Undaunted, because otherwise you're no longer welcomed to my blog... Just kidding, I’d never shun those who (as Renee would say) have questionable taste in literature. LOL; D And remember; join me tomorrow afternoon for the A Hope Undaunted release party. I hope Y’all will be able to make it and that you have a great time. Oh, and there is a special surprise waiting for one lucky commenter, if join in the fun with us tomorrow!

Love Y’all,

Ashley

!!!! A HOPE UNDAUNTED COMES OUT TOMORROW!!!!

Countdown To A Hope Undaunted: My #2 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010

2010-08-30T20:23:00.002-04:00

Phew! I've been practicing the Charleston all day, and I now finally took this chance to sit down for a spell...or two. All that flapping around, really takes it out of a body. ;)

But, as I was trying to maser the step-shuffle-dip dance step, I realized that I should probably have some snappy music to dance along too. Now, big band and jazz music are my two favorite types of music. And a party has got to have some jazzy music to dance too. So here are a couple of my favorite jazz songs.

Now, for my #2 Read-Wait-To-Read of 2010...

A Heart Surrender by M.L Tyndall.

Back cover (M.L. Tyndall's website)

On the brink of the War of 1812, Marianne Denton must marry

to unlock her inheritance. Without the money, her mother can't receive medical care and her sister will be destitute. But Noah Brenin needs to sail his cargo to England before the war commences in order to prove his worth to his father and make enough money so he won't have to marry at all.

Defying his father's wishes, Noah loathes the idea of marrying a woman he finds plain and pompous. Marianne wants nothing to do with the rogue who taunted her as a child, yet she must convince him otherwise or her mother will die. But when Noah walks out on their engagement party, Marianne chases him down and ends up on his merchantman out at sea. The situation worsens when Noah's ship encounters a British man-of-war and the couple are impressed into the British navy. While a young lad's prophecy of destiny looms over them both, Marianne and Noah are forced to face their darkest fears as they desperately try to find a way to escape and fulfill their destinies-destinies that could change the course of the war and history forever

Why I'm waiting for this read?BOOK EXTRA!

I've read all but one of Mrs. Tyndall's books, and I've loved every one of them. Her books consist of high sea adventure mixed with a sweeping tidal wave of romance. It's the perfect combination, IMO. And I think she just gets better and better with each book she writes.

Here is a great book trailer for A Heart Surrender I found on this WEBSITE dedicated to Christian book trailer. How fun, right?

Today's Verses:

7And all the graven images thereof shall be beaten to pieces, and all the hires thereof shall be burned with the fire, and all the idols thereof will I lay desolate: for she gathered it of the hire of an harlot, and they shall return to the hire of an harlot. 8Therefore I will wail and howl, I will go stripped and naked: I will make a wailing like the dragons, and mourning as the owls. 9For her wound is incurable; for it is come unto Judah; he is come unto the gate of my people, even to Jerusalem

I'd love to know what Y'all's #2 CWTR of 2010 is.

Oh, it makes my day to know what your favorite Pirate movie/book is and what your favorite song is (and if you have too many to choose from, that's fine)

Love Y'all,

Ashley

!!!!ONLY 1 MORE DAY (NOT CONUTING TODAY), TILL A HOPE UNDAUNTED COMES OUT!!!!

Countdown To A Hope Undaunted: My #3 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010

2010-08-30T15:08:00.000-04:00

Good evening y’all. I hope you had a wonderful Sunday full of worship and praise to God and His Son. I’m sorry I didn’t post this earlier, but today has just been so full, that I haven’t been able to get o my computer.
I love all the dresses y’all choose, but I just remembered I still haven't figured which one I'm going to wear! YIKES!! I better pick one soon, because the party is only 2 days away. I hope y’all are excited.
So, now that we all got some pretty nifty ”glad rags” to ware, it only seems natural that we brush up on our dancing skills, right? Cause, what’s a party without dancing?

Click on the video below to see the one of my favorite dances, and the one I'm sure Katie Rose O'Connor was dancing way back then, in action!

So, what did you think of the dancing? Think you can “swing it” with the best of them?
I know I’ve got a lot more practice to do, before I get any wild ideas about actually dancing in front of *gulp* people.I don’t know if I’ll ever get the hang of the Charleston, that’s for sure.

But, enough of that, onto my #4 Can’t-Wait-To-Read of 2010…

Maid To Match by Deeanne Gist

Back cover (from Bethany House):

Falling in Love Could Cost Her Everything
From the day she arrives at the Biltmore, Tillie Reese is dazzled--by the riches of the Vanderbilts and by Mack Danvers, a mountain man turned footman. When Tillie is enlisted to help tame Mack's rugged behavior by tutoring him in proper servant etiquette, the resulting sparks threaten Tillie's efforts to be chosen as Edith Vanderbilt's lady's maid. After all, the one rule of the house is no romance below stairs.

But the stakes rise even higher when Mack and Tillie become entangled in a cover-up at the town orphanage. They could both lose their jobs, their aspirations ...and their hearts.

Why it’s my #4 Can’t-Wait-To-Read?

I LOVE Mrs. Gist's books, so I knew I just had to read this one. Having to choose between working at the largest homes in America or following your heart, makes for one of the best story plots, right? LOL;)And the fact that it’s set in NC where I came from, is just icing on the cake.

Today’s Verses: Romans 3:28-31

28) Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 29) Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 30) Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 31) Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law

So tell me, if you had to pick a style of dancing you most enjoy, what would it be?

Love Y’all,

Ashley

!!!!!ONLY 2 MORE DAYS UNTIL A HOPE UNDAUNTED COMES OUT!!!!!

Countdown To A Hope Undaunted: My #4 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010

2010-08-28T13:40:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I asked Y'all 2 questions from each of Julie's books, and you guys were super close to the answers. But, today I'm going to reveal the answers.
Ready?
Q1. Where was it, that Faith first saw Charity and Collin kissing?
A1. On the back porch of the O'Connor home

Q2.True of False: Faith had a limp because when she was a child, she contracted malaria.
A2.False. Faith had a limp due to having polio as a child

Q3. What lie did Mitch force Charity to tell when they got onto the boat heading to Boston?
A2. That they were husband and wife.

Q4. What did the O'Connors called their great-grandmother?
A.4. Mima

Q5. What was Lizzie's best friend's name, and who was her boyfriend?
A5. Millie and her boyfriend named Frank.

Q6. What song did Lizzie walk down the aisle to?
A6. Ava Marie.

Most of these question were just so obscure that, you'd never know the answer unless you had the book right in front of you. I'm sorry, that was my fault:(

It's time to prepare for the party. And since it's going to be an authetnice 1930's party, what dress should I ware? Hmm.. how about this? Maybe this.....
How about even this?

What would you ware? Leave a comment with a link to the picture of the 1930's dress you would ware. At the release party, I'll post all Y'alls' dresses for everyone to see.

Now for my #4 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010...

First Love by Michelle Sutton

Back cover (from Desert Breeze publishing):
Josiah and Tara had enjoyed acting in their high school plays. They had also been each other's first lover... in fact; most of the time they'd spent together had been in Tara's bed. When Josiah became a Christian, he left Tara to go to college and didn't look back.
Four years later, Josiah is back in town when his father has a near-fatal heart attack. When they meet up again they realize how much their separation had hurt each of them. But now Tara is a Christian and is trying to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Josiah wants Tara back, but neither knows how to relate to each other without the physical intimacy they once shared. They are determined to do things right this time, but find it more challenging than they'd anticipated.

Why it's my #4 Can't-Wait-To-Read?
:When I was looking up the cover art for First Impressions by Michelle Sutton, I saw that she has a second book coming out in that series called First Love, and when I saw it I knew I'd found a new can't-wait-to-read.
Available online Oct.1 2010

Today's Verses: Ecclesiastes 6:9-12

⁹Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.

¹⁰That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.

¹¹Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?

¹²For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?

Love Y'all,
Ashley

!!!!ONLY 3 MORE DAYS TILL A HOPE UNDAUNTED COMES OUT!!!!

Countdown To A Hope Undaunted: My #5 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010

2010-08-27T14:00:00.001-04:00

Hey Y'all!

I have loved reading your responses to my "Lessman" questions and I hope you've enjoyed answering them; but today I'm going to test your knowledge of Julie's books, by asking you some trivia questions. The person who gets all question correct, will get two extra entries put into the giveaway hat.

Y'all ready?Q1. Where was it, that Faith first saw Charity and Collin kissing?
Q2.True of False: Faith had a limp because when she was a child, she contracted malaria.
Q3. What lie did Mitch force Charity to tell when they got onto the boat heading to Boston?
Q4. What did the O'Connors called their great-grandmother?

Q5. What was Lizzie's best friend's name, and who was her boyfriend?
Q6. What song did Lizzie walk down the aisle to?

So, my #6 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010 is...

Second Chance Brides by Vickie Mcdonough

Back cover (from Barbour Publishing)

Fans of The Anonymous Bride, will feel for Shannon O’Neil and Leah Bennett who are stranded in Lookout, Texas, without husbands or future plans. Thankfully, the marshal has ordered the rascally Corbett brothers to pay for the women’s lodging at the boardinghouse, but will the brothers’ idea of hosting Saturday socials really bring these women the kind of loves they long for? Will Shannon choose to marry just for security? Will Leah reject love when the challenges mount?

Why it's my #5 Can't-Wait-To-Read?
I read Vickie Mcdonough's Anonymous Bride and I feel in love with her writing. It was fresh, witty and just the perfect book to read when you want to get away from the everyday.

Today's Verses:⁵Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.
⁶Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;⁷Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
⁸The Lord GOD, which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.

So, what's Y'alls' #5 Can't-Wait-To-Read?
I'd love to know what other books I'm missing;)
Love Y'all,
Ashley

!!!!ONLY 4 MORE DAYS TILL A HOPE UNDAUNTED COMES OUT!!!!

Countdown To A Hope Undaunted: My #6 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010

2010-08-26T16:32:00.000-04:00

Okay guys, so if you've read my "mini" bio, you know I'm home schooled and have been for my whole life. But today, I'm off to my first day of school. Well... it's not exactly "school, school", but it's is an intensive one-day class for both Biology and Algebra. So, I'm asking Y'all that if you find you got time, spear a prayer for me and just ask God to please help me to use a little more sense than what He gave a goose. I could really use it. :)

Now, onto today's Lessman question (hey, that rhymed. LOL):

If Julie asked you to come up with the next bad-boy-turned-good hero for her latest book, who would you come up with? What would be his name? His age? His favorite hobby? And tell me a little bit of his history.

My bad-boy-turned-good hero profile:

Name: Micah Weatherly
Age: 27
Favorite hobby: Brooding, looking angry and making boxing.
Life story: Coming from a broken home, Micah sets out to find love and acceptance, in the arms of his high school sweetheart. After Micah finds out his girlfriend is pregnant with his child, he runs away, looking for away out of that mess. Flash forward 7 years to 1920, Micah returns from horrors untold, to find that, not only has his old girlfriend and his son left New York for Ireland, but the time away has made him a hard man, who knows to well, the trials of life. He doesn't believe God can salvage any piece of his battered soul, though he goes to church most every Sunday. It just seems as if the words just don't make it far enough from the Pastor's lips, to reach Micah and his withered heart.

Micah is definitely not a man you'd want to come a cross in a dark alley or even a church, for that matter.

"Y'all don't have make your hero profile as long, mine is just an example."

And here is my #6 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010...

First Impressions by Michelle Sutton

Back cover (from Desert Breeze):
Sammie Carpenter understands how a uniform influences behavior. Wearing her Army fatigues puts her in the mindset of a soldier and donning her Class-A Uniform always helps her shift into Captain Mode. So what harm could come from her dressing like a saloon girl and strutting through the streets of Tombstone? She didn't know how to flirt to save her life, and she wasn't getting any younger.

When she met the lonesome stud cowboy, Jimmy, she knew he was the one. So why was their communication always so awkward? Couldn't he see that she was interested in him? No matter how hard she tried to win him over, she couldn't seem to get him to see past his first impression of her. But Sammie didn't give up easily. Somehow she would make him see that they were meant to be together, but how can she do that when all of her plans keep falling apart?

Why it is my #6 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010?

I loved, loved, LOVED (!!!) Ms. Sutton's first book, It's Not About Me; so, when I found that she had written a historical romance novel, I just had too read it. From the back cover, I know that I'm going to love reading First impressions very much.;)

Today's veres:
²⁰ All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return.
²¹ Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?"²² So I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?

So, what is Y'alls' #6 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010?:)

Love Y'all,
Ashley

!!!ONLY 5 DAYS LEFT TILL A HOPE UNDAUNTED COMES OUT!!!

Countdown To A Hope Undaunted: My #7 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010

2010-08-25T02:02:00.002-04:00

We're four days into the Count To A Hope Undaunted, and are all that much closer to getting are hand on A hope Undated. Which will be releasing in less than a week away, now. YEAH!!!:D

Today's question for Y'all is: If you could spend the day with any one of Julie's characters, which one would it be, what would you do and why?

I think I'd like to spend the day with Faith's blind neighbor, Ms.Gerson. I never really a had grandmother, nor a spiritual mentor, so to me, it would be so wonderful just to walk to the park with Mrs.Gerson, talking about everything from the latest fashions, to the second coming of Christ. I think it would be a great time of healing and renewal. But, if Mrs. Gerson happened to have a previous engagement or was to busy, I'd ask Collin if he'd like to go to the library with me, to "study" up on a "certain" foreign language. ;~) LOL

Did I just say that allowed?:~#

Anyways, here is my #7 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010...

Masquerade by Nancy Moser

Backcover (from Bethany House)

They risk it all for adventure and romance, but find that love only flourishes in truth...

1886. Charlotte Gleason embarks from England with conflicting emotions. She is headed for New York to marry one of America's wealthiest heirs--a man she has never even met. When her doubts gain the upper hand, she swaps identities with her maid Dora. She wants a chance at "real life," even if it means giving up financial security. For Charlotte, it's a risk she's willing to take. But what begins as the whim of a spoiled rich girl becomes a test of survival beyond her blackest nightmare.

For Dora, it's the chance of a lifetime. She is thrust into a fairy tale amid ball gowns and lavish mansions, yet is tormented by the possibility of discovery--and humiliation. And what of the man who believes she is indeed his intended? Is this what her heart truly longs for?

Why it's my #7 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010?

The cover is what drew me, but the back cover is what really intrigued me. I love the story of The Prince And Pauper, and Masquerade is that basic story with a romantic twist. And I was recently on Nancy's website, reading up on Masquerade, and I found out that there are 8 gorgeous dress illustrations in the back of the book. What girl wouldn't love looking at historical accurate ball gowns? LOL

So, what is Y'all's #7 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010?

Let me know by leaving a comment below!

Love Ya,

Ashley

!!!ONLY 6 DAYS LEFT TILL A

HOPE UNDAUNTED COMES OUT!!!

VERES FOR THE DAY: Michah 3: 4-8
⁴ Then they will cry out to the LORD, but he will not answer them. At that time he will hide his face from them because of the evil they have done.
⁵ This is what the LORD says:
"As for the prophets
who lead my people astray,
if one feeds them,
they proclaim 'peace';
if he does not,
they prepare to wage war against him.
⁶ Therefore night will come over you, without visions,
and darkness, without divination. The sun will set for the prophets, and the day will go dark for them.
⁷ The seers will be ashamed
and the diviners disgraced.
They will all cover their faces
because there is no answer from God."
⁸ But as for me, I am filled with power,
with the Spirit of the LORD,
and with justice and might,
to declare to Jacob his transgression,
to Israel his sin.

Countdown To A Hope Undaunted: My #8 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010

2010-08-24T13:48:00.001-04:00

It's day 3 of our countdown, and I don't know about you, but with each day, I'm getting more and more excited for A Hope Undaunted. The worst part is, that as soon as I read AHU, I'll be near-dieing to read Julie's next book in The Winds Of Change series, A Heart Revealed. But, it won't be coming out for A WHOLE OTHER YEAR!!! Ahhh!!! I don't know if I can last that long.

Anyone want to go on a road trip with me to Missouri? Anyone? Anyone? ;D Hahaha, LOL.

Today's AHU question for Y'all is: which Lessman character do you think you're most like?

For me, I'd say... I'm a cross between Katie and Beth; because, I'm always saying something snarky, to practically everyone; and I'm the youngest of six kids, like Katie is, so I really related to her in book, in so many ways. On the other hand, I LOVE reading romance books like Beth and it would be my dream job, to go to work at the fictional book store, Bookends; where in Denied, Beth and her best friend are both employed.

Now, my #8 "Can't-Wait-To-Read" of 2010 is...

A Tailor-Maid Bride by Karen Witemeyer

When a dressmaker who values beauty tangles with a liveryman who condemns vanity, the sparks begin to fly!

Jericho "J.T." Tucker wants nothing to do with Coventry, Texas's new dressmaker. He's all too familiar with her kind--shallow women more devoted to fashion than true beauty. Yet, except for her well-tailored clothing, this seamstress is not at all what he expected.
Hannah Richards is confounded by the man who runs the livery. The unsmiling fellow riles her with his arrogant assumptions and gruff manner while at the same time stirring her heart with unexpected acts of kindness. Which side of Jericho Tucker reflects the real man?

When Hannah decides to help Jericho's sister catch a beau--leading to uproarious consequences for the whole town--will Jericho and Hannah find a way to bridge the gap between them?

Why it's my #8 "Can't-Wait-To-Read" of 2010? :
Well, first off, I'll admit that it was the cover that first caught my interest. I'm a full-fledged "cover-junkie". There, I said it! I can't seem to resist a beautiful cover. But, when this book finally came out and all these reviews were posted, it started sounded like a really great book. When you put two people, who are complete opposites, together, how can the book not be a winner?

What Y'all's #8 Can't-Wait-To-Read of 2010?
Love Y'all,Ashley
!!ONLY 7 DAYS LEFT TILL A HOPE UNDAUNTED COMES OUT!!

P.S.
I've been feeling really rotten lately, cause I feel like I'm leaving God out of these posts and I started this blog with the idea that all thing would center around God and His Holy Son. So, now with each post, I'll be putting a verse that I read in my devotionals that day. It may have nothing to do with the post or it's content, but I believe that God's Word is never irrelevant and is will always be applicable .

Here is today's verses: John 21: 22-25
22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

23Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?
24This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.
25And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

Countdown To A Hope Undaunted: My #9 "Can't-Wait-To-Read" of 2010

2010-08-23T13:30:00.005-04:00

Welcome back to day 2 of Countdown To A Hope Undaunted, Y'all! I hope you guys got a chance to enter the giveaway on yesterday's post and if you haven't, go HERE and enter. The giveaway will end on Sept 1st. , so you have plenty time from now until then.

Before I announce my #9 "Can't Wait-To-Read" of 2010, I wanted to ask Y'all which characters in any of Julie's other books, you're most excited about seeing again, in A Hope Undaunted, and why?

I'd have to say Lizzie, Brady, Faith and Colin

are the characters I'm most excited about seeing again. Because, in A Passion Denied, we never really got to see Lizzie and Brady as a married couple and can't wait to see if Lizzie has any little ones running about. And Faith and Colin just because they have been my favorite pair out of all the Daughter's Of Boston books; but that may all change with Katie and Cluny and they're fiery duo.

So, now for my #9 "Can't-Wait-To-Read" of 2010

Love On A Dime by Cara Lynn James

Back cover (from Thomas Nelson):

In age of elegance and excess, Lilly Westbrook longs for a love both true and eternal.
Newport, Rhode Island, 1899, is a place of shimmering waves, sleek yachts, and ladies of leisure. Of opulent mansions that serve as summer cottages for the rich and famous. Home of railroad magnates and banking tycoons--dashing young men and the women who aspire to marry them.
But it's not the place for lady novelists. Especially not those who pen disreputable dime novels. This poses a problem for Lilly Westbrook, because that's exactly what she does.
No one in Lilly's social set knows she pens fiction under the nom de plume Fannie Cole. Not her family or the wealthy young man about to propose to her. And especially not Jackson Grail, the long-lost beau who just bought her publishing company...and who stirs her heart more than she cares to admit.
But Lilly must put aside her feelings and follow the path that will maintain her family's social stature and provide the financial security that everyone is depending on.
Now Lilly faces a double dilemma. Can she continue to protect her secret identity? And will she have the courage to choose the man who will risk it all just to win her heart?

Why it's my #9?: I LOVE dime novels; so, to find a book about a dime novel author, whose a women no less, is a book I know I have to read. And in a book, when you give a girl to handsome men to choose from, you it's going to make for a one very interesting book.

Thank you Casey, for sending me Love On A Dime. I just hope I can get around to reading it sooner rather than later;)

So what your #9 "Can't-Wait-To-Read" of 2010?

Leave comment; I'd love to know;)

Love Y'all,

Ashley

!!ONLY 8 DAYS LEFT, TILL A HOPE UNDAUNTED COMES OUT!!

Release Party Countdown In: 10, 9, 8... ~My BIGGEST Giveaway yet~

2010-08-22T14:30:00.007-04:00

WHOA! Why is the room spinning so fast?!?!?
Oh sorry, I was just at the Seasons of Humility County Fair, riding the Big Swing , and I guess I’m still a little bit dizzy. I had a great time over there with Amber and all my blogging friends. In fact, this week, Amber is hosting an End Of Summer Bash, to help harold (that's a word, right?) in the new school year. I hope y’all will be able to make it, because I know it's going to be a blast. Y'all won't want to miss this event!

Meanwhile, in another part of town… Oops, wrong post. ;)

Anyway, I was recently reading Julie Lessman's Journal Jots, a new feature she added to her website, and on Friday's "JJ", Julie mentioned how an awesome reader friend, named Angie, had a counter on her blog counting down the days till A Hope Undaunted comes out. And that gave me an idea. Why don't I count down MY top 10 "Can't-Wait-Reads" of 2010 ending with my #1 “Can’t-Wait-Read”, (drum roll please!)… A Hope Undaunted! (no surprise there, right?)
I’ll also be hosting a release party to celebrate its …well, release. LOL Sound like fun?
So, here is how it’s gonna go down: every day I'll post a book coming out this year, that I can't wait to read. I'll be starting at #10 and counting down to the book I just can’t wait any longer for, AHU. Which I, along with a host of others, have been waiting to read for over a year!!
And If I have to, I’ll drive all the way to Missouri, see Julie, visit with her for a good while, then steal Julie’s original copy of AHU, hop back into my family's minivan and drive back home. But hopefully, I won’t have to go that far to get my little southern hands on Undaunted.
And Julie has been such a tease, these past torture-filled months. Most literally. She keeps posting tons of fantastic teasers from AHU, which only makes me want to read it that much more. But at the same time, I feel as if I've read half the book already. You get what I’m saying… sort of? ;~)

Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about the giveaway.:) Every commenter that leaves their "Can't-Wait-Read" of the day, or lists their top 10 (but, you can list less, if you’d like), will be entered in to win. God has blessed me so much this year, and I want to pass on the blessings by giving away a total of 7 books. The first place winner, will receive their selection of any three the books below (Sorry about the glare)
Starting from the upper left:
Still House Pond by JanWatson
Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson
Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate
This Fine Life by Eva Maire Everson
The Edge Of Light by Anne Shorey
A Love Of Her Own by Maggie Brendon

and a copy of A Hope Undaunted!!

The first runner up will win the remaining 3 books. And I've read these books once, so there in like-new condition.

So here is my #10 Can't-Wait-Read:

Serendipity by Cathy Maire Hake

Backcover (from Bethany House):
Todd Valmer should have known better. A farmer who's been through several disasters, he travels to Virginia to fetch his widowed mother to cook and help him around his Texas farm... or that was the plan until she keels over on the train and they get kicked off. Maggie Rose barters for a living and also makes soaps, lotions, and perfumes with a special rose recipe passed down from mother to daughter for generations. She hasn't wanted to marry... until that handsome Texan shows up. Her heart skips a beat, and when he proposes, a hasty marriage follows.
What ensues, however, is a clash of culture and a battle of wills--and it's clear they both mistook instant attraction and infatuation for love. As their marriage loses its sparkle and fills with disillusionment, Todd and Maggie must determine what is worth fighting for. He dreams of a farm. Maggie wants to fulfill the family tradition with her rose perfumes. Todd's mother, however, has entirely different plans for her son that do not include Maggie. In light of their hasty marriage and mistaken dreams, is there any hope of recapturing their love and building a future together?

Why #10? : I love a great western romance and Ms. Hake’s books are some of my favorite sweet western romance novels. I mean, who doesn't love a dashing cowboy with a heart the size Texas and a belt-buckle to match? LOL, and the cover is just beautiful.

Oh! I almost forgot, here are the official giveaway rules:
*You must have a valid U.S mailing address
*A valid e-mail address (so that I can contact if you win)
*The giveaway will start 8/21/10 at 2:30PM and will end 9/1/10 at 12:00AM.

For extra entries:
+2 For becoming a new follower.
+3 For being already one of my great followers.
+5 For posting about my giveaway on your blog.

Please, PLEASE remember to include all extra entries in ONE comment. And remember to tell me which books you'd like, if you win. That would help me out so much, guys.

So, what is your #10 Can’t-Wait read?
See you tomorrow!

Love Y’all,

Ashley

!!ONLY 9 DAYS TILL A HOPE UNDAUNTED COMES OUT!!

Fiction Fanatic Fridays ~Let's Go BARGAIN Hunting!~ Giveaway!!!

2010-08-13T12:30:00.001-04:00

Okay, so I know I've been completely AWOL for the past month.....or two, but I have a good reason why. See when it's summer time, I am forced to be as lazy as possible according to the tradition of summers past. But, if one week, I've got this urge to blog, ever so badly, I have to remind myself that's it's summer, and blogging would mean I'm being productive and efficient; which are two things that are not allowed during summer vacation. So, I apologize that I haven't been around to host FFF on my blog this whole summer. But, school is back in session and so is FFF! YEAH!!
Don't know what FFF is? Here is the short and long version. Fiction Fanatic Fridays, is a weekly meme I host right here on my blog. Every Friday, I'll ask Y'all a trivia question from a random book off my bookcase. Now, if you're a fiction fanatic, the question will be a no brain er. The first person who answers the question correctly (and leaves a valid e-mail address), gets a beautiful (if I do say so myself) bookmark that they design themselves.
But don't sweat if you don't know the answer to this week's question. You can always try your luck again and come back next week. You never know what book will be next.

This week we are going Bargain Hunting. Bride In The Bargain that is.LOL By Deeanne Gist. Bargain is my favorite book of Deeanne's to date. I LOVE the backdrop of the lush woodlands of Washington, that Deeanne paints for her readers in Bargain. I could be reading this book in the dead of winter and it could still make me think it's lush, green and above an "Arctic chill" outside.

To me, Bargain is the perfect read, for summer and winter alike.
So, enough of my gushing about this book, let's go hunting for the answer.

Here is this week's question.......
In Bride And The Bargain, Anna Ivey refuses to marry lumberjack, Joe Denton. Anna stays with Joe as his cook and maid and when she makes the comment that the tree right by the house will one day fall and destroy the house, Joe brushes her off. After an argument between Joe and Anna, Joe makes it his mission to fell the troublesome tree. He believes that by cutting down the tree his late wife planted, he will win Anna's heart and ultimately her hand in marriage.
What type of tree was it?

As always, the prize for the first person who gets the right answer and leaves a valid e-mail addy will get a personalized bookmark like this

Good luck and I can't wait to see who wins!!
Love Ya,
Ashley

My review: Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz

2010-07-21T10:30:00.000-04:00

Title: Courting Morrow Little

Author: Laura Frantz
Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Publisher: Revell Books

Date released: July 1st. 2010

ISBN: 978-0-8007-3340-7

Stars (out of 5): ****
Age rating: PG-13

There were about half a dozen "pecks on the cheek" and only a hand full of kisses, throughout the whole book. Of course, the main characters are a married couple in the book, and so expurgate to see some things like that. Although, those scenes are very brief .

Back cover (from Revell):

Caught between the wilderness and civilization, Morrow Little must find her way to true love.

Morrow Little is haunted by the memory of the day her family was torn apart by raiding Shawnee warriors. Now that she is nearly a grown woman and her father is ailing, she must make difficult choices about the future. Several men--ranging from the undesired to the unthinkable--vie for her attentions, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a forbidden love that both terrifies and intrigues her. Can she betray the memory of her lost loved ones--and garner suspicion from her friends--by pursuing a life with him? Or should she seal her own misery by marrying a man she doesn't love

This sweeping tale of romance and forgiveness will envelop you as it takes you from a Kentucky fort through the vast wilderness of the West.

My Thoughts:

There aren’t many books out market today that are set in the pre-Rev war time period or have Indians as the main characters. So right off the bat, Courting Morrow Little procured my interest. And as soon as I started reading, I fell in love……with almost everything. I loved how richly written it was and how the whole story flowed with literary grace (you know that I mean?). Yet, it wasn’t so wordy, that I felt like I was reading the Geneva Bible. CML is my first encounter with author Laura Frantz, but from what I had heard about her and her debut novel, The Frontiersman’s Daughter, I knew her books would definitely be going on my “keepers’ shelf”. The characters were believable and well rounded with pains, sorrows and struggles of their own. The excitement and dramatic tension, which there was plenty of, made me never want to put it down. My only problem with CML and the reason I only gave it 4 stars, was the fact that we only got to see things from Morrow’s POV. I really wish we could have seen a chapter or two from the POV of another characters besides just Morrow.

But, Laura Frantz revealed to me a little bit ago, that her next book coming out will have both hero and heroin’s POV narrating, explain and describing scenes (I hope its okay, Ms. Frantz, that I said that). So, I’m SUPER excited about her newest book to come out!!! I would recommend this book to other “history nuts” like me, for sure.

Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.” To learn more about Laura Frantz and her books go to:

The Publisher

Her Blog

Goodreads

Love Ya,

Ashley

*My many thanks to Donna Hausler @ Revell Books, for providing me a review copy of Courting Morrow Little. These are my honest thoughts on this book and are in no way determined by the publisher and/or the author of Courting Morrow Little.*

My review: Touching The Clouds (Alaskan Skies Bk.1) by Bonnie Leon

2010-07-17T14:11:00.025-04:00

Title: Touching The Clouds ( Alaskan Skies Bk. 1)

Author: Bonnie Leon
Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Publisher: Revell Book Publishers
Date released: July 1st. 2010
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3359-9

Stars (out of 5): ***1/2

Age rating: PG-13

There was only one scene in the the beginning-ish part of the book, where a businessman hires Kate to fly him to a little town in Alaska, where he procures Moose antlers. When Kate asks him what he does with them, the man hesitantly tells her that he sells them to a man in China, who sells them to others for the supposed benefit of "increasing sexual urges". Though the scene is only about three sentences long, it might be a little inappropriate for a younger reader. Other than that, Touching The Clouds is very clean.

Back cover (from Revell):

She went looking for adventure . . . and found more than she bargained for.

Kate Evans is an adventurous and independent young woman with a pioneering spirit. When she leaves her home in Washington State to follow her dream of being an Alaskan bush pilot, she knows it will be an uphill battle. But she never expected it to be quite like this. As the lone woman in a man's world, she finds that contending with people's expectations is almost as treacherous as navigating the wild arctic storms.

When she crosses paths with a mysterious man living alone in the forbidding wilderness, she faces a new challenge. Can Kate break through the walls he has put up around his heart? And will fear keep her from realizing her dreams?

Book 1 in the Alaskan Skies series, Touching the Clouds will draw you in with raw emotion and suspense, all against the stunning backdrop of the Alaskan wilds

My Thoughts:

Touching The Clouds is the first book in the Alaskan Skies series and it centers on a young lady pilot, named Kate Evans. Kate is expected to settle down and raise a family, but adventure calls to her from the Northern frontier. So, Kate packs up her stuff, on what would have been her wedding day, climbs into her red Bellanca, and flies away from her parents and, her frightening past.

I'll say I liked this book, but, I didn't love it. I liked how Kate was adventurous and resourceful. I loved the action-packed flying scenes and all the details and info the author added to it. Ms. Leon had a way of making me want me to visit Alaska, yet with as detailed as it was, I felt as if I’ve been living there for years. The writing style was nice and the overall story was well written.But, when I pick up a romance novel, I expect to see a some romance in it, which there just didn't feel like there was any. Throughout Touching the Clouds Kate had two men falling head over heels in love with her and one who already had, but we barely got to join her on any of her dates and the closest we got to a kiss, wasn't until the very last page.Which for me, was a little disappointing. I also felt that Kate's relationship with Paul the was lacking detail, passion and tension I love to see in books like this. Aside from these issues, I enjoyed Touching The Clouds and I'll be on the lookout for the next next book in the Alaskan Skies series.

*Thanks so much to Donna Hausler @ Revell for giving me a free review copy of Touching The Clouds in exchange for my honest thoughts on the book. My review is in no way swayed by the publisher and/ or the author of the book.*

Touching The Clouds is available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

To learn more about Bonnie Leon and her books go to:

The Publisher

Her Website

Goodreads

Love Ya,
Ashley

2010-07-04T16:50:00.000-04:00

Happy Independence day guys!!!

Love Ya,

Ashley

Fiction Fanatic Friday ~Giveaway!! ......and a winner

2010-06-25T10:30:00.004-04:00

Before we start, I want to say congrats to Katy @ A Few More Pages for winning She Walks In Beauty by Siri Mitchell. I hope you like SWIB Katy, as much as I did.:)

Every week, I host a meme right here on my blog called Fiction Fanatic Fridays or FFF. On Fridays, I'll ask a question from either a random book off my shelf or a question that has been picked by the FFF winner from the week before. The first person to comment with a vaild e-mail and the correct answer , wins a costume bookmark like this------->

Amber @Seasons Of Humility was the lucky winner last week, so, this week, she got to pick this question, from The Frontiersman's Daughter by Laura Frantz, to ask Y'all.

So, here we go.....

When newcomer Ian Justus finds a red ear of corn at the Powells' corn husking party, to whom does he choose to give a kiss?

I've never read The Frontiersman's Daughter (though, I hear it's really good) so, not even I know this the answer to this one.

And as always, cheating is allowed. You can Google, Bing, Yahoo Answer even look in the book if you like, to find the answer.

I hope Y'all are having a great summer so far and are getting in some good reads as well.LOL

Love Y'all,

Ashley