The Chase by Kelsey and Kyle Kupecky ~ Review

My Review:

Karen Kingsbury's daughter and her husband, Kyle share their story and advice for young singles in The Chase.

This was a pleasant read, nice and done is a quick paced conversational tone. I can't really say that I read anything new in it that radically changed my views, as I would guess that if I were to sit down with the authors we would find much to agree about. It seemed to be  a book directed towards teens and possibly young 20's, and directed at young singles, and teens.

Overall, an enjoyable read, that I would recommend more towards 12-17 year olds. A great book, about becoming the one, by seeking God before all else. I guess the one thing for me, that made the connection tough was the focus on waiting for the eventual "one" and "happily ever after" which is great, but some people may never marry, and that's OK too. I wish there had been more of a focus on that, alongside everything else, though I can see where that likely was not the purpose of the book.

I liked reading about how Kelsey and Kyle met, telling stories of their childhood, and their friends to whom I could very easily compare similar situations to. I liked how they talked about the importance of staying true to your faith and beliefs, even when they are unpopular. A nice encouraging read.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz ~ Review

My Review:

Sophie Menzies has waited faithfully for the war to be over, hoping for news of her brother, Curtis, who fought along her neighbor, Seamus Ogilvy, so that they can begin to rebuild and reclaim. But the end of the war doesn't bring the news she is hoping for, leaving her with very little options and places to turn.

 Seamus returns from the war a widower, with his young daughter, who quickly latches on to her, seeing his daughter's attachment to Ms. Menzies he asks her to marry him. Sophie accepts happy to be a mother to young Lily Cate, but when a figure comes back from their past, threatening the future that Seamus and Sophie have just begun to build together, will their love last them through storm?

A riveting read, that is a hard to put down, with endearing characters, and plenty of romantic tension.  I loved Sophie and Lily Cate from the beginning, especially how they bonded with each other.

I loved watching the relationship between Seamus and Sophoe grew, and how they came to depend upon each other, as true partners and allies. I loved how Seamus was honorable, and protective, he was always trying his best to take care of those around him, even if he didn't always know how.

A wonderful read brought to life, with many well researched historical details, this is a well-crafted story that after reading I immediately wanted to tell all my friends about. I loved how I felt right along with the characters, their heartaches and their trials, truly a moving story, that makes you feel every emotion.

Overall, one of my favorite reads of the year, I was drawn to the Sophie and Seamus, as they fought for their family, both were willing to do anything to protect the ones they loved. Highly recommend, you will not be disappointed!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

12 Brides of Summer Collection #4 by Vickie McDonough, Diana Brandmeyer, and Davalynn Spencer ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Prudy Willard returns home to care for her frail father, and helps the interim mayor put on the county fair.

After losing her father in the fire that took their barn, she is left to care for her brothers and grandmother, Pete Dent comes up with a way to help them out without it seeming like charity.

Lucy is determined to go back to the homestead even though her husband is gone. Buck Reiter decides to lend them a hand, and help them make a go of homesteading again.

A fantastic collection of stories, full of heart, and plenty of great characters. I loved the cute kids in the Columbine Bride, and how kind Pete was in The Honey Bride. The County Fair Bride was full of humor and plenty of witty dialogue. A fun fast paced read, great for picking up during a busy day. i don't want to give too much away, but this is definitely a great series, and I'd definitely recommend it!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

A Daddy for Christmas by Linda Ford ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Blue comes racing to their rescue, when two little girls come asking him to come and help their mother. When he finds that they have nowhere to stay, he offers them shelter on his ranch.

Clara is creative and finds ways to help out and work for their keep.

Will this unlikely bunch become a family for Christmas?

I love how kind Blue was to the girls, and made and effort to include them and make time for them.

Both Blue and Clara have hard pasts and they find that they share that, and that they don't have to bear the burden alone, and sometimes life doesn't go the way you had planned, sometimes it's better!

Overall, this is a well written story, heartwarming, and filled with great characters, and fantastic dialogue. Both Blue and Clara must take charge of their futures, and find hope. A wonderful Christmas Eden Valley tale, definitely one worth the read.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

12 Brides of Summer by Margaret Brownley, Miralee Ferrell, and Pam Hillman ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Three stories with touches of humor and filed with faith.

Dog Days of Summer finds Marilee Davis, the music teacher, and Jed Colbert, the blacksmith sharing a dog even though they've never met. Marilee calls the dog Mozart, and wonders where he is always disappearing to every weekend. Jed raised Dynamite from a puppy, but he's too busy to notice that he's never around during the week. When they find out about their unknowingly sharing the dog, it leads to plenty of humorous adventures, and funny situations, with great interaction. It ended up being my favorite of the collection.

Grace Addison is a tomboy who climbs trees and rides astride, also lending a hand when she can with her neighbors, even befriending 8 year old Laura. Will Montgomery blames himself for Laura's mother's death, and he is not a fan of Laura's wanting to be just like Grace. But with some humor and understanding they may be able to come to an agreement!

Lucy and her father have just moved to a lumber camp from the city of Chicago. Eli Everett saves Lucy from a falling tree. He shows Lucy the beauty of nature, but wonders if he is good enough for a girl like her. Will love win the day?

Overall, a terrific collection of wonderful stories. I enjoyed the variety of the settings, and how all of the wonderful stories had great side characters who gave great advice about faith and family. Great read!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

The Heirloom Bride Collection by Kim Vogel Sawyer, Tracey V. Bateman, Joanne Bischof and Mona Hodgson ~ Review

Lucie's Review:


Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue...

Betsy Lowell experiences a series of unfortunate surprises, when her grandfather falls of his horse leaving him seriously injured, followed by the news that they lost her family's farm, and everything that they own has been sold. Betsy get's a job at the diner, and things start to look up when Stuart and his mother who dine at the diner quite frequently, befriend her and help her in unexpected ways.

Wren Cromwell and Tate Kennady were childhood friends, but when Tate left to cut ice, she never heard from him in the four years that he was gone, now he's shown up on her doorstep, and she isn't sure what to think. To his credit Tate doesn't give up easy, but will he be able to win back Wren, and prove to her that he is the one for her?

I loved how they got to know each other again, and how kind Tate was to her twin brothers, enlisting them to help him with a special project.

After rescuing a baby coyote, Clara Frazier convinces her father to let her keep it, naming it Rowdy. Clara and her father have recently moved t the farm from the city, and so when a tree falls on her father, breaking his leg, he sends her to the neighboring farm to ask if they can hire some help to keep the farm running while her father recovers. Mrs. Klassen says that she cannot hire one of her sons, but she may borrow one, Titus Klassen volunteers to help the Fraziers out, and also manages to catch Clara's eye. Will this 'something borrowed' perhaps have a mind to stay?

I loved how in Something Blue the story revisits Cripple Creek and the Sinclair Sisters, including Miss Hattie's boarding house, where Marla is hoping to stay, she grew up in Cripple Creek, but she's been away studying to be a nurse. but she's disappointed to find that instead of the hospital she's delegated to home visits. But her disappoint fades fast as she finds her place, and helps to care for those around her.

All of the stories were well done and well written, I loved how the characters didn't give up in the face of obstacles. One of my favorites was Something New because of the humor. I loved how both Marla and Betsy were strong heroines, Betsy keeps going despite all that she has lost, and Marla returns to the town where she hurt so many people and shows them that she has changed, and wants to help them now. And Something Borrowed was so clever! A fantastic read!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

The Memory Weaver by Jane Kirkpatrick ~ Review

 Review:
Lucie's Review:

Eliza Spalding Warren, was a small child when taken captive by the Cayuse Indians during the Whitman Massacre of 1847, and it changed her life forever.

Based on a true story, this is a story of mother and daughter, both named Eliza, which I thought I should tell you right just in case it get's confusing. Eliza and her husband, Henry Spalding are missionaries to the Nez Perce at Lapwai, their daughter was born there and was raised among the people.

The story is told in two parts through the daughter's eyes, and also through the diary entries of her mother. Eliza remembers her late mother fondly, and struggles to accept her father's new wife Rachel, who has very few homemaking skills, leaving more of the housework and cooking to young Eliza.

Eliza has a true friend in Nancy Osborne, another girl who survived the massacre, but also not left unaffected. Though they never speak of their ordeal they do refer to their struggles and how no else can understand. I liked the relationship between her and Andrew, and though it has its ups and downs she is determined to stay the course and stand him.

Overall, a inspiring story, with many pearls of wisdom, though it was hard to read about how mean Eliza's father was to her. It explores many different relationships, and how the Whitman massacre affected Eliza for the rest of her life.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

A Reunion for the Rancher by Brenda Minton ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Ruby Donovan is back after 12 years away, to help care for her grandmother, Iva. Ruby left right after high school, and didn't look back, because although she loved, Carsen Thorn, his family didn't think she was good enough for him.

Carsen Thorn is now the head of the Rancher's Association, and he's finding that it's a bigger job than he imagined, with thing going missing, and many placing the blame on Derrik Donovan, Ruby's brother. Carsen has a lot of things on his plate, he's been helping out Iva, while Ruby's been gone, and Iva has been encouraging him to attend church with her and Derrik. And he's agreed to take in his nephew Brandon, all on top of running a ranch.

Derrik has spent some time in jail, but now he's doing his best to turn his life around, he relies on his new faith, and is determined to prove his innocence.

A well written book from beginning to end, I just couldn't bring myself to put it down! I loved the interaction between Ruby and Carsen, and how Carsen stands up for Derrik and offers him a job when everyone thinks that he is the one behind the missing things.

I loved the community and the people in the town, there is a mystery that I'm feeling like it will take multiple books to figure it out, so I'm very much looking forward to the rest of the series. It was a fast, and well written read, I didn't want to put it down. The characters were well done,as was the dialogue. Definitely a book I'd recommend!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Jamberry Nail Wraps ~ Review

About a little over a month ago a friend of mine contacted me about possibly doing a review of the Jamberry nail wraps. So I gave them a try!

Jamberry nails are very fun and attractive because they come in multiple colors and designs, they even come out with new patterns based on the season. One sheet typically costs $15.00, and often there are fun promotions going on, where you can get some fun deals on buying multiple sheets of nail wraps. A fun alternative to going to the nail salon every week, and making return visits when one chips or breaks off. Also a typical salon visit runs around $40-$60 for a manicure, so for $3.75 a manicure Jamberrys are a great alternative. They come on a clear sheet that helps with sizing. 

They last for about a week, and don't chip unlike polish, though after a while and depending upon what kind of stress you subject them too, they do not last forever and do tend come up at the tips a bit after long wear. 

It took me a while to get a hold of the application, because I don't know if it's how my nails are shaped but it was hard to achieve a smooth application, while some other people I know, never had a problem with that. But after some practice it wasn't that hard, I'll embed a video below about the application process. I used a hairdryer on high instead of the heater. 

Not only that but there are all sorts of tips and tricks that many consultants have for making your Jamberrys last longer. 

One of the most fun parts is looking at all the beautiful designs. I found a few that I thought I'd share to give you and idea of the may designs.

Country Harvest

Butterfly Bliss

Marsala Sky

Undertow Blue

Ombre Lotus

The wraps are also nice for putting over torn nails to hold them together while you grow them out. 

To find out more, and to shop hundreds more fun designs and to connect with a consultant you can go here: https://amyleggett.jamberry.com/

Amy is a great consultant, very helpful, and full of tips for getting the most out of your Jams, and she will do her very best to give you an awesome experience :)

So what are you waiting for? Check it out!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

An Amish Christmas Gift by Ruth Reid, Amy Clipson, and Kelly Irvin ~ Review

My Review:

Three couples come together around the Christmas season, taking chances, and opening their hearts.

Naomi King thinks that love has past her by, having already been in two serious, but failed courtships, she has accepted her fate as a spinster. But when Susie, a young girl comes into her life, along with her widowed father, Naomi is hesitant to make anything of it, but as her friendship with Susie and Caleb grows, so does her hope.

Abby believes that marriage has passed her by, and has decided that she wants to be more independent and buy herself a horse. So after the store where she sells baked goods tells her that they no longer will sell her cookies, she is pleased to hear that Micah Zook is looking for a caretaker for his grandmother, while he fills a big order for wedding centerpieces. Will Micah get past his annoyance with Abby to see her for who she truly is?

Frannie was sent by her parents to Bee County, Texas, to get her away from Rocky, the Englischer that she had been seeing back home in Missouri. Now her Aunt and Uncle are determined to find her a match, but when Rocky shows up on her doorstep, everything becomes more complicated. Do Frannie and Rocky have a chance despite their different cultures?

All well done and well told stories about Amish love at Christmastime, I think my favorite though was the first one, I just thought that Susie was so cute! I loved how quickly she and Naomi bonded with each other, and how sensitive Naomi was in regards to the situation.

Abby was a smart, and kind-hearted heroine, quick to help others out when she saw a need. And I really liked how she challenged Micah and brought him out a little bit more, than how he would typically keep to himself more.

Rocky was a really nice guy, and he adapted well to the challenges before him, even though he had grown up around the Amish, living among them must have been tough, but he really dedicated himself to it.

Overall, this was great collection with many great Christmas themed stories set among the Amish.




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."