The Linen Queen: Review and Giveaway

About The Book:


Abandoned by her father and neglected by her self-centered, unstable mother, Sheila McGee cannot wait to escape the drudgery of her mill village life in Northern Ireland. Her classic Irish beauty helps her win the 1941 Linen Queen competition, and the prize money that goes with it finally gives her the opportunity she's been dreaming of. But Sheila does not count on the impact of the Belfast blitz which brings World War II to her doorstep. Now even her good looks are useless in the face of travel restrictions, and her earlier resolve is eroded by her ma's fear of being left alone.

When American troops set up base in her village, some see them as occupiers but Sheila sees them as saviors--one of them may be her ticket out. Despite objections from her childhood friend, Gavin O'Rourke, she sets her sights on an attractive Jewish-American army officer named Joel Solomon, but her plans are interrupted by the arrival of a street-wise young evacuee from Belfast.

Frustrated, Sheila fights to hold on to her dream but slowly her priorities change as the people of Northern Ireland put old divisions aside and bond together in a common purpose to fight the Germans. Sheila's affection for Joel grows as she and Gavin are driven farther apart. As the war moves steadily closer to those she has grown to love, Sheila confronts more abandonment and loss, and finds true strength, compassion, and a meaning for life outside of herself.

About The Author:


Patricia Falvey was born in County Down, Northern Ireland. She was raised in Northern Ireland and England before immigrating to theUnited States at the age of twenty. Formerly a managing director with an international financial services firm, she now devotes herself full-time to writing and teaching. She divides her time between Dallas, Texas, and County Armagh, Northern Ireland. Her first novel, The Yellow House, was published by Center Street in February 2010


My Review:


Using World World II Ireland as a backdrop for The Linen Queen, author Patricia Falvey does a remarkable job of bringing you into the world that main character, Shelia McGee. You will be in awe as you see the development of Shelia through the pages of The Linen Queen. A remarkable read to be sure.


With a wonderful writing style, you will be transported to another time in this beautiful novel. Falvey is a gifted writer and I look forward to reading more from her in the future. The book captured me from page one and had me in awe through to the final pages! I will definitely be reading the author's first book, The Yellow House in the near future.


I highly recommend this book and give it a huge thumbs up!


BUY IT: The Linen Queen by Patricia Falvey is available through Amazon - it is also available through your favorite local bookseller.

WIN IT: 

One (1) reader 

will 

win

a copy of

 The Linen Queen 

and 

The Yellow House

by 

Patricia Falvey 

MANDATORY ENTRY: Head over to Hachette Book Group and tell me one other book you would love to read (or one that you have read)


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GIVEAWAY OPEN TO U.S. AND CANADA ONLY (NO P.O. BOXES PLEASE)


GIVEAWAY ENDS JUNE 15, 2011


GOOD LUCK TO ALL!


***I received a complimentary copy of this book, courtesy of Hachette Book Group, for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

Amish Prayers: A Book Review

About The Book:

A One-of-a-Kind Collection of Inspiring Prayers Used by Amish and Mennonites for Over 300 Years!

The Amish and other Anabaptist groups have treasured the same book of prayers for centuries, turning to it for inspiration during times of peace as well as persecution. Now a selection of prayers from Die Ernsthafte Christenpflichtis readily available in English. This exclusive, authentic translation from the original German--with an introduction by bestselling author Beverly Lewis--pairs each prayer with a Scripture passage and offers insights into the rich spiritual foundations of the Plain people. Whether used for personal devotions or in a group setting, this beautifully illustrated collection will draw you closer to God.

Amish Prayers

About The Author:

Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is The New York Times bestselling author of more than eighty books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has inspired Beverly to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with The Shunning, which has sold more than one million copies and was recently made into an Original Hallmark Channel movie. In 2007 The Brethren was honored with a Christy Award. She has been interviewed by both national and international media, including Time magazine, the Associated Press, and the BBC. Beverly lives with her husband, David, in Colorado. Visit her Web site at www.beverlylewis.com for more information.

My Review:

Amish Prayers by Beverly Lewis is a collection of traditional prayers that have been used by many Amish and Mennonite groups for many years now, and will continue to be used for years to come. The prayers are translated from the original German and divided in the book by topics like prayers for comfort, strength, wisdom, and more. 

Each prayer glorifies God in a way that just uplifts Him as you pray and I have found it a wonderful addition to my devotional time. Although I do not use it daily, it certainly could be used that way. I use it more on a weekly basis, on the weekends, when I have time to have a longer prayer/quiet time.

Each prayer is accompanied by scripture, making this a perfect addition to one's prayer and devotional time. It is the perfect book for personal use and for giving as a gift. 

I highly recommend this book and give it a huge thumbs up.

BUY IT: Amish Prayers by Beverly Lewis is available through your favorite bookseller of Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

***I received a complimentary copy of this book, courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc., for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

An Unlikely Suitor: A Book Review

About The Book:

Spend a season in glamorous 1895 Newport in this compelling tale of friendship, devotion, and sacrificial love.

New York dressmaker Lucy Scarpelli befriends socialite Rowena Langdon as she's designing her 1895 summer wardrobe. Grateful for Lucy's skill in creating fashions that hide her physical injury, Rowena invites Lucy to the family mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, encouraging the unusual friendship.

One day Lucy encounters an intriguing man on the Cliff Walk, and love begins to blossom. Yet Lucy resists, for what Newport man would want to marry an Italian dressmaker working to support her family?

Rowena faces an arranged marriage to a wealthy heir she doesn't love, but dare a crippled girl hope for anything better?

And Lucy's teenage sister, Sofia, falls for a man well above her social class--but is he willing to give up everything to marry a woman below his station?

As the lives of three young woman--and their unlikely suitors--become entangled in a web of secrets and sacrifice, will the season end with any of them finding true happiness?

An Unlikely Suitor

About The Author:

Nancy Moser is the author of three inspirational humor books and a eighteen novels, including Mozart's Sister, Just Jane, and Time Lottery, a Christy Award winner. She is an inspirational speaker, giving seminars around the country. She has earned a degree in architecture; run a business with her husband; traveled extensively in Europe; and has performed in various theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She and her husband have three grown children and make their home in the Midwest. Read more about her books at www.nancymoser.com

My Review:

With delightful characters, well-written story lines that include mystery, suspense, romance, social class dynamics  and family dynamics. I absolutely adored the character of Lucy and how she interacted with characters such as her sisters, mother and others in the book. Nancy Moser is quickly becoming one of my favorite historical fiction authors, and An Unlikely Suitor definitely did not disappoint! She includes some amazing information about the historical facts in the novel, like descriptions of areas, customs, clothing and more. A fascinating book that will be loved by all historical fiction fans alike. 

I highly recommend An Unlikely Suitor and give it a huge thumbs up!

BUY IT: An Unlikely Suitor by Nancy Moser is available at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

***I received a complimentary copy of this book, courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications and Baker Publisher Group, for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

In Grandma's Attic and More From Grandma's Attic: A Book Review

About In Grandma's Attic:

Pieces of Magic

Remember when you were a child—when all the world was new, and the smallest object a thing of wonder? Arleta Richardson remembers: the funny wearable wire contraption hidden in the dusty attic, the century-old schoolchild's slate that belonged to Grandma, an ancient trunk filled with quilt pieces—each with its own special story—and the button basket, a miracle of mysteries. And best of all was the remarkable grandmother who made magic of all she touched, bringing the past alive as only a born storyteller could.

Here are those marvelous tales—faithfully recalled for the delight of young and old alike, a touchstone to another day when life was simpler, perhaps richer; when the treasures of family life and love were passed from generation to generation by a child's questions...and the legends that followed enlarged our faith.

Gifted storyteller Arleta Richardson grew up an only child in Chicago, living in a hotel on the shores of Lake Michigan. Under the care of her maternal grandmother, she listened for hours as her grandmother told stories from her own childhood. With unusual recall, Arleta began to write these stories for an audience that now numbers over 2 million. "My grandmother would be amazed to know her stories have gone around the world," Arleta says

About More Stories From Grandma's Attic:

Stories to Love, Laugh, and Live By

If you are young enough to love a story—and just about everyone is—here are more stories from Grandma's attic. Magical pieces of a day gone by . . . told by that natural storyteller of all loving families—Grandma, the one who never forgets the fun and laughter of a simpler, perhaps richer time.

Stories of an old rag doll that seems to come alive . . . of a newborn goat dancing stiff-legged in the old farm kitchen . . . and of a faith that gives life meaning.

Here are those marvelous tales—faithfully recalled for the delight of young and old alike, a touchstone to another day when life was simpler, perhaps richer; when the treasures of family life and love were passed from generation to generation by a child's questions . . . and the legends that followed enlarged our faith.

About The Author:

Arleta Richardson is a gifted storyteller who grew up as an only child in Chicago, living in a hotel on the shores of Lake Michigan. Under the care of her maternal grandmother, she listened for hours as her grandmother told stories from her won childhood. Arleta captured these stories for the "Grandma's Attic" series which now has an audience of over two million readers!

My Review:

Do you have a little girl in your home that is starting her journey into chapter books? If you do, I am so excited to share these two wonderful books from Arleta Richardson.


Both of these books will teach your child many character education lessons all while following the characters through some very interesting adventures. Along the way each character learns valuable lessons and each of these are taught to the reader. Each story is only 4-6 pages, perfect for a new reader of chapter books, and for adults to read to non-readers (Kindergarten and up) for a perfect addition to a bedtime routine.


Written in a very easy to read manner and beautiful illustrations, both of the above books from Arleta Richardson will be perfect for summer reading for, and with, your children. If you are fans of the Little House On The Prairie Series you will immensely enjoy the Grandma's Attic Series of books as well. In Grandma's Attic and More Stories From Grandma's Attic (books one and two) are available now, with books three and four (Still More Stories and Treasures From Grandma's Attic) are due to release in July.


I highly recommend these books and give them a huge thumbs up!

BUY IT: Both Grandma's Attic and More Stories From Grandma's Attic are available from David C. Cook, as well as from your local Christian bookseller.

***I received a complimentary copy of each of the above books, courtesy of The B and B Media Group and David C. Cook, for the purpose 

My Nutrisystem Journey Week 16 and 17 Weigh In

As I write this post, I am coming to the end of my journey with Nutrisystem Canada. I have a couple more weeks left, but I have already started introducing my body to non-NS foods. Right now I am replacing one Nutrisystem meal with whatever I have prepared for my family. However, I am much more aware of portion sizes, and adding more vegetables, and fruits (particularly with the dinner meal). These last few months have been really great as I have learned so much and been encouraged and inspired by many wonderful readers and fellow bloggers.


However, as much as there have been positives in my journey, recently I have noticed one distinct negative. I have once again seemed to come to a plateau with my weight loss. Not sure what to do to switch things up in order to get past this glitch in the weight loss journey but I am going to mix up my workouts a bit this week and see if that helps. My plan is to do a 1 or 2 mile Walk At Home Walk daily (or more, depending on the time I have but this is the minimum) and then add My EA Sports Active in there three times during the week too. I have a few more weeks before I see some family that I haven't seen in a year and I cannot wait to show them my results. 


As you can see from the results before, I am still doing pretty good with the total weight loss. I know if I had been more consistent with working out it would be likely better results. Also during the last two weeks, I have been out of town, and not eating quite right on those occasions.  However, my goal during my time with Nutrisystem has been more to relearn the basics of healthy eating and then get my working out in there. I currently workout three times a week, so pumping it up to daily is for sure going to give some results!


See you next week!

For more information about the Nutrisystem Canada program, check it out here!

For more information about the Nutrisystem US program, check it out here!

Starting Weight (January 28, 2011): 174.5lbs (too much!)

Last Check In  Weight (May 18, 2011): 158.5lb (woohoo!)

Current Weight (May 29, 2011)  161.0lb (whoops)

Total weekly loss/gain: GAINED 2.5lbs

Total Weight loss to date: 13.5lbs!!!!

Stay tuned next week for my thoughts on week 18!

Have a great week!

****In return for participating in the Nutrisystem Canada's Blogger Program, I am being provided with free food. In return, I will be blogging about my experience in an honest manner. I have not been compensated in any other manner****

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The Lightkeeper's Ball: A Book Review

About The Book:

At the elegant Mercy Falls masquerade ball, Olivia's hidden identity will be revealed.

It is the dawn of a new century and Olivia Stewart is heiress to an empire. Her family numbers among the Four Hundred—those considered the wealthiest and most distinquished in America. Unfortunately their wealth has nearly disappeared, and now their security rests upon the Stewart daughters' marrying well.

Olivia's sister, Eleanor, was engaged to Harrison Bennett, one of the nation's wealthiest men, but has since died. Now the pressure is on Olivia to take her place, despite her suspicions about Eleanor's fiancé. Using her family's long-forgotten English title, Olivia travels to Mercy Falls, California, as Lady Devonworth, hoping to learn more before committing to marriage. There she finds that Eleanor's death was no accident. And Harrison is not the man she thought he would be.

When Mercy Falls holds a charity masquerade ball to raise funds for the new lighthouse, secrets—and truths long hidden—will be revealed. But can Harrison really love Olivia when he finds her true identity? Can she live with the repercussions of failing her family, or will she finally realize that nothing—not money, family, or romance—will ever compare to God's unconditional love?

Buy		Read

An interview with Colleen Coble, author of The Lightkeeper’s Ball

Q: Did you always dream of becoming a writer?  Why did you choose the romance genre?

I wrote my first story in the first grade.  It was about a horse that had twin colts.  The teacher praised it and the writing seed was planted.  I love illustrating God’s love through romance.  I especially love the suspense I put into all my books as well.  I have a strong streak of justice and it plays out in the suspense element.

Q: What inspired you to write a historical series based in the early 1900’s?  What would you have enjoyed about living in that time period and what would you have found the most difficult?

I happened to read an article about the Gilded Age and it mentioned how that era was so similar to today’s.  I was intrigued with that, plus I wanted to choose a time period that wouldn’t be too much of a departure from my contemporary books.  In that era, there were still cars and telephones!

I would have loved the simpler lifestyle.  However, I would miss my jeans!  How vain.

Q: Society at the turn of the century was very preoccupied with appearances and impressing other people.  How is that not so different than our society today and how can we keep from falling into that same trap?

That’s exactly right!  The parallels between the two eras are astounding.  I’ve been at the cancer hospital this week with a dear friend, and it was a reminder of how fragile this life is.  We seek THINGS when God wants us to seek Him.  We need to keep our eyes set on eternity and remember that THIS life is the real dream.  When we reach heaven, we will finally start to really live.

Q: Bitterness and unforgiveness led to the death of Olivia’s sister.  Why is it so important to forgive those who have wronged us?

An unforgiving spirit hurts us much more than the person we hate.  It makes us ugly and crowds out the love we want to show other people.  God is love, not hate.  Bitterness is the very opposite of the attitude God wants us to have.

Q: This is the third book in your Mercy Falls series.  Addie and Katie were the main characters in your first two books.  Olivia was given a true gift in the friendship of Katie and Addie.  What does it take to find trustworthy and loyal friends?  Why do you think that we all desire to find friends like these?

You have to first be a friend.  You have to be open and giving of yourself to have those kinds of friends.  A true friend tells you the truth in love, and that’s an important component of the give and take of real friendship.

Q: What do you hope that your readers will take away from reading The Lightkeeper’s Ball?

I hope the readers who feel they have to earn love will take away the realization that their true worth is that Jesus loves them and died for them.  They are valuable beyond comprehension.  When we can step into the role of daughters and sons, we can realize our true potential.

The Lightkeeper’s Ball by Colleen Coble

Thomas Nelson/April 19, 2011

ISBN: 978-1-5955-4268-7/304 pages/paperback/$14.99

www.thomasnelson.com ~ www.colleencoble.com

About The Author:

Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. 


Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com and on Twitter @colleencoble






My Review:

Collen Coble is a relatively new author to me, as I have only had the opportunity to read and review a couple of her books over the last couple years. However, she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her most recent release The Lightkeeper's Ball is a novel from her Mercy Falls series, and I loved it!

The first thing I will mention is that although The Lightkeeper's Ball is the third book in the Mercy Falls Series, it can very easily be read as a stand-alone novel. I have not read the previous two books in this series, however, after enjoying this one so much I will definitely be doing so in the near future.

If you are a fan of Christian historical fiction, with a side of romance and suspense, then The Lightkeeper's Ball is right up your ally. Full of wonderful hero's, heroine's and villians, as well as wonderful descriptions, the book flows nicely and has you guessing "who-dun-it?" right until the very last pages of the novel. It also offers a wonderful Christian message, without being pushy and overpowering in the message.

I highly recommend this book and give it a huge thumbs up!

BUY IT: You can purchase The Lightkeeper's Ball online directly through it's publisher, Thomas Nelson. It is also available through your favorite, local Christian bookseller.

***I received a complimentary copy of this book, courtesy of The B and B Media Group, for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

The Arrivals: Book Review and Giveaway

About The Book:

It's early summer when Ginny and William's peaceful life in Vermont comes to an abrupt halt.

First, their daughter Lillian arrives, with her two children in tow, to escape her crumbling marriage. Next, their son Stephen and his pregnant wife Jane show up for a weekend visit, which extends indefinitely when Jane ends up on bed rest. When their youngest daughter Rachel appears, fleeing her difficult life in New York, Ginny and William find themselves consumed again by the chaos of parenthood - only this time around, their children are facing adult problems. 

By summer's end, the family gains new ideas of loyalty and responsibility, exposing the challenges of surviving the modern family - and the old adage, once a parent, always a parent, has never rung so true


About The Author:

Meg Mitchell Moore worked for several years as a journalist. Her articles have been published in a wide variety of business and consumer magazines. She received a master's degree in English literature from New York University. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and their three children. The Arrivals is her first novel.

My Review:

I loved this novel! What an amazing debut writing from Meg Mitchell Moore. With a quick pace, wonderful story lines involving the drama that comes from being a family, and delightful and lovable characters, I quickly read The Arrivals with great anticipation. I was not disappointed and I highly recommend this wonderful new author. I cannot wait to read more of Moore's work in the future.

I highly recommend this book and give it a huge thumbs up!

BUY IT: You can purchase The Arrivals by Meg Mitchell Moore online through Amazon - it is also available through your local bookseller

WIN IT: Two (2) readers will win a copy of The Arrivals

MANDATORY ENTRY: Head over to Hachette Book Group and tell me one other book you would love to read (or one you have read)

EXTRA ENTRIES: (mandatory entry must be completed first for extra entries to count)

1. Follow A Mom After God's Own Heart via GFC

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4. Like A Mom After God's Own Heart on Facebook

5. Follow me on Twitter

6. Like Meg Mitchell Moore on Facebook

GIVEAWAY OPEN TO U.S. AND CANADA ONLY (NO P.O. BOXES PLEASE)

GIVEAWAY ENDS JUNE 10, 2010

GOOD LUCK TO ALL! 

***I received a complimentary copy of this book, courtesy of Hachette Book Group, for the purpose of review on this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner***

My Nutrisystem Journey: Week 14 and 15

Okay, so I am seriously behind updating you all on my journey with Nutrisystem Canada. I had a week 14 post ready to go last week and then Blogger went down for a day and a half! Ugh, gotta love technology sometimes (not!). But alas, I am back and ready to update you all.

I am officially in my last month as a Nutrisystem Blogger. What a journey it has been. Not only have I been able to lose weight but I have developed some amazing new (and improved) habits that I will have for life. To me, that has been almost more important then the weightloss itself. I can lose all the weight I want (does not matter what program I am using) but if I don't make lifestyle changes, the weight will come back and it will have been for not. That is certainly not what I want for me, and I don't know too many people who would want that.

So, here are just some of the improvements I have made thus far on Nutrisystem:

1. Portion Control

I have learned that what I was eating before Nutrisystem was WAY too much! A typical meal would have likely fed two of me! And it astonishes me when I look around at family dinners or in restaurants and see just how much people consume. Is it any wonder there is a problem with over eating and obesity in our society. I have had the opportunity to be away at a Church Ladies Retreat this past weekend and I purposely did not bring my Nutrisystem food with me. I did this as a little "test" - I wanted to see if I could really use the portion control tips I have learned and I am happy to say that for the most part I did. Although, I have to admit, I did snack a lot, and that was a major pitfall for me. I just worked a little harder when I got home to burn those extra calories!

2. Water Consumption

The first week on Nutrisystem, I seriously thought I was going to float away, consuming about 64oz. of water daily. But now, almost 16 weeks later, I can totally tell the days I don't drink enough. I get tired, grumpy, my skin feels weird and I overall don't feel good. Amazing what being properly hydrated does for a person in an overall way, not just with weight loss. Now I carry a water bottle almost everywhere I go, and I find that even my girls ask for water more than any other liquid

3. Cooking

I have discovered some fantastic new recipes online at the Nutrisystem website and have loved the tips and ideas that it has given me. I have learned so many new ways to make my family's favorite foods, and be healthy about it. Prior to Nutrisystem, its not that we ate unhealthy, but by using the tips and ideas from Nutrisystem, I am setting my family and I up for continued healthy eating success for a lifetime.

4. Overall Health

Not only have I been able to lose weight with Nutrisystem, but I have lost 3 pants sizes (narrowing in on size 10 from a 14/16), and a ton of inches! I have more energy, my skin feels great, I feel more rested in the mornings, love to exercise and my moods are so much better! I have also lost almost 3 points on my BMI, reversed my Type 2 Diabetes, and lowered my chloesterol. Needless to say my doctor was estatic at my last checkup!

So as you can see, using Nutrisystem has been a huge benefit to me and I highly recommend the program.

For more information about the Nutrisystem Canada program, check it out here!

For more information about the Nutrisystem US program, check it out here!

Starting Weight (January 28, 2011): 174.5lbs (too much!)

Last Check In  Weight (May 1, 2011): 160.5lb (woohoo!)

Current Weight (May 18, 2011): 158.5b(whoops!)

Total weekly loss/gain: LOST 2lb

Total Weight loss to date: 16lbs!!!!

Stay tuned next week for my thoughts on week 14!

Have a great week!

****In return for participating in the Nutrisystem Canada's Blogger Program, I am being provided with free food. In return, I will be blogging about my experience in an honest manner. I have not been compensated in any other manner****

Twitter Hashtag - #NSCANADA