Wed by Necessity by Karen Kirst ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Sparks fly when Caroline Turner and Duncan Mckenna meet, and neither are what they seem at first glance. Duncan is Caroline's father's new stable manager, and on a stormy even he insists on accompanying her on a ride, they find themselves stranded overnight, and Caroline's father insists that they marry. Caroline's mother is far from pleased, as Duncan is far from the prized husband who would help Caroline's social status. And their marriage begins on a far cry from wedded bliss, Duncan doesn't help matters by throwing out most of her belongings because they won't fit in his cabin.

Will they make their marriage work, or just make each other miserable?

Duncan is a man of faith, and once he calms down, he realizes that he could have handled things better, and tries to be kinder to Caroline. He finds out that she doesn't know much about cooking, cleaning or keeping a house, so he takes time to show her so that they can share the load together.  I like his patience with her, and his kindness and understanding.

I Caroline is surprised to find that she likes to be able to take care of her own house, and she takes pride in her accomplishments. Caroline struggles to trust, as she has never been able to depend on very many people in her life. I admired her willingness to learn the things that she didn't know how, and her compassion for others.

Overall, a well done story, I loved the cameos from past characters, and how this story came together about to people willing to give each other a chance. A sort of retelling of Taming of the Shrew, except that Caroline isn't a horrible person, she just wasn't taught to do for herself. An enjoyable 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."

Courting the Cowboy by Carolyne Aarsen ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Ella Langston is an artist, who has been having trouble lately finding the inspiration for her art, so her mother suggests that a change of scenery might help. So she rents a cabin outside of Cedar Ridge, Alberta, Canada, where she finds that she is next door neighbors with the landowner's widowed son, Cord and his three children.

Cord is a hardworking rancher, and a good father to his three children. He wants to be there for his children, but there aren't always enough hours in the day. Ella helps Cord see that there are some things that he can rearrange on his list of priorities, but he senses that she is keeping something from him.

Paul, Suzy, and Oliver adore Ella, and are friendly and welcoming to her from the start, they love her dog, Pablo, who is very good with children. And when Suzy asks for help with an art project, Ella can't say no. Ella is a great teacher an helps the children with their projects.

I like that Cord recognizes and appreciates the changes that he sees in his children, and makes an effort to spend more time with them. I like that he makes time to talk to Ella too, and get to know her.

Overall, a great read from beginning to end, with great characters, humor, and well done relationship building. Fast paced and heartwarming, a great read for the cold winter months.


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."

Eden: The Animal's Parable by Keith Korman ~ Review

My Review:  The story of Jesus as told by the animals, and most especially his canine companion, Eden.

I was intrigued by the premise of this book and though it was a bit of a slow read for me, with the shifting characters in the first few chapters, it was fun to see things as someone unfamiliar with the story of Christ would see them.
This would be an enjoyable read for all ages, and I loved the storytelling, and the gentle wending of the story, in keeping with many of the traditions of the times.

The only things that I had problems with were the times when the story was inconsistent with the Bible, now I realize that many fictitious licenses were taken throughout, the addition of some dialog, and changes in timeline, details, etc. Though to some extent I'm unsure that these changes were necessary to the story.

Overall, a lovely book, from beginning to end it tells the story well, with beautiful imagery.

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."

Eden: The Animals’ Parable (Liberty Island, April 2016)

“Ask the animals, and they will teach you.” —Job 12:7

Experience the Gospels in a way that you never imagined.

In this beautifully inspired retelling of the Gospels, we see Jesus and his disciples in the Holy Land through the eyes of the animals—especially his intrepid and loyal dog, Eden.

With a wise, old donkey, innocent lambs, and legions of curious field mice—the animals follow their master’s journey across Galilee and onto Jerusalem, rapt with awe and wonder and bearing great tidings—even if they don’t fully comprehend the divine events they witness.

Simple, clear, and spiritually profound, Eden is for readers of all ages, this artful retelling is captivating, moving, and alive with the joy you felt the first time you opened the Bible.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

Big Sky Showdown by Sharon Dunn ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Heather Jacobs comes to Montana to fulfill the last request of her father, whom she has not seen since she was young.

Zane Scofield worked for Heather's late father, and has a lot of respect for the man who helped him escape an extremist cult, and led him to the Lord. He is afraid that Heather wants to sell her father's business, Big Sky Outfitters, and he doesn't understand  the rift between her and her father.

When Heather falls into a hole, Zane comes to her rescue, but it quickly becomes clear that it was not an accident, and that someone it trying to keep them on the mountain. Will Heather and Zane make it off the mountain alive?

A thrilling read from beginning to end, Heather and Zane are on the run for their lives, stranded upon a mountain, they must find a way to escape the treacherous gang that is out for blood. Zane tells Heather what he knows about the people after them, as well as about her father's faith and that man that he became.

This is a high stakes race for their lives, with non-stop action and suspense all the way through. Taunt tension throughout, and gripping suspense that had me glued to the pages. Great read for lovers of suspense!

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."

His Substitute Wife by Dorothy Clark ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Audrey Prescott takes the train from New York to Whisper Creek, WY, to help Blake Latherop save his store. Blake and Audrey are friends, who got to know each other when Blake came over to court Audrey's sister, Linda. Before going west, he asked Linda to marry him, but it was Audrey who wrote back to him in Linda's name, while Linda married another man.

Blake could lose his store if he isn't a married man, so he agrees to Audrey's plan, though it is hard for him to hide his disappointment that he is marrying Audrey and not her vivacious sister.

Will Audrey be able to win him over?

I loved how Audrey has a big heart, and fits in to Whisper Creek, quickly making new friends and helping Blake. Audrey comes full of ideas, such display changes and tempting ladies off of the passing trains to shop.

Blake and Audrey are awkward at first, because they are faking their relationship, but Audrey's uncomplaining acceptance, willingness to help, and determination to succeed, help to soften Blake surliness. It doesn't hurt that Audrey is a great cook, and Blake decides that he should be kinder to her, and try to reconnect with her, and recapture their easy friendship.

Overall this was a great read with a plausible story line, great pace, interesting side characters, and plenty of surprises.  I enjoyed this book from beginning to end, and I thought it had an amazing ending! 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."

My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas: Priscilla's Reveille by Erica Vetsch ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Priscilla is travelling to Fort Bliss to take care of her niece and nephew, whose parents have recently died. She plans to take them back to Cincinnati with her, where she has a job, creating artwork for a ladies' catalog, she wasn't counting on meeting their uncle.

Elliot Ryder is a doctor and Major in the Calvary, he has known Timothy and Tessa since they were young, and he is committed to raising them in the Fort like he knows his sister and her husband wanted.

Priscilla get's an extension on her leave, in order to take the summer to work things out with Elliot.

Priscilla has never met Timothy and Tessa before, because her mother hated the military and cut off her brother when he chose to join.  Priscilla is not travelling alone, and her travelling companion Fern is coming to Fort Bliss to marry her fiance, Harry. Fern adapts quickly to her new life, unlike Priscilla, who is unafraid to show her disdain for all things military.

Elliot and Priscilla's relationship starts out on rocky ground because they both see the other as trying to take the children away, but as they work together, they come to admire the other and how they relate to the children. Elliot and Priscilla share a strong faith, and pray with the twins, leaning on their faith in times of trial.  I liked how Priscilla comes to admire Elliot, and how the life he has chosen has helped him to use his talents.

Overall, this is a great read that bring to life the pride, protocol, and hardships of military life in 1874. Full of action, drama, family and faith, this book has wonderful characters, and I loved how Elliot and Priscilla worked together to care for the twins. Excellent storytelling, I would definitely recommend this book!

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 Guardian Rancher by Brenda Minton ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Daron and Boone work together as bodyguards, and Daron spends more time at Boone's ranch than his own,  and he is still plagued by nightmares from his time in the military. One night he drives by Emma Shawl's place and notices something very wrong.

When Emma's brother-in-law shows up looking for money to pay for his drug addiction, even though when her husband died everything went to his brother and not to her, but Pete thinks that she is holding out on him. Emma is determined to take care of her family on her own, without Daron's interference.

Will Emma and Daron find that they are just what the other needs?

I like Daron and how he wants to help Emma, and he admires Emma for her strength and determination to raise her daughter without being a burden to others. He loves Jamie, Emma's daughter and he wants to help as much as he can with her upcoming surgery.

Emma is a hardworking mother, who also helps her granddad who is alot like her, in that he doesn't like depending on others and wants to do everything for himself. I admired her mettle, faith, and determination.

Overall a great book with a lot going on, with great humor, Boone is especially apt at pushing Daron's buttons. It has great characters and dialog, and I liked how Daron's goals change over the course of the book.




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 Beginner's Bible by Kelly Pulley ~ Review + Giveaway

My Review:


A timeless and classic Bible storybook for children, from Genesis and The Fall to Calvary to Revelation, this edition does a pretty good job of covering it all.

It is a wonderful book to read along with the young ones in your life, with colorful illustrations and straightforward style that makes the stories easy to talk about.

This is a  sturdy book, meant to last through the years, and is one of the top selling Bible storybooks of all time. One of the things that I liked, was the big print and easy to read style, that makes it great for new readers to read of Jesus Christ on their own!

Overall, a timeless classic, sturdy in make, and great value. A lovely gift for young children that they will read over and over again, and treasure through the years. A delightful book that is a pleasure to share. Definitely a great addition to a child's library.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. 

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Giveaway open to US residents only the winner will be contacted January 9th, 2017. Comment below to enter, please say what your favorite Bible Story is and leave your email address encoded so I can contact you if you win :)

Nowhere to Hide by Sigmund Brouwer ~ Review

My Review:

King and his friends, Blake and MJ, find themselves swept into another adventure of espionage and conspiracy, working with the CIA against possible terrorists.

This is a fast paced, non-stop adventure that picks up right pretty quickly in the aftermath of the previous book. I was actually a bit confused because I had picked up this book thinking that it was a stand alone, and so in the first few chapters I knew that I was missing something. I would say that this book does a good job of catching you up without revealing too many spoilers from the previous book. But I would probably recommend reading the books in order to minimize possible confusion.

I loved the friendship and camaraderie between King, Blake, and MJ. King with his astute observation, Blake and his hacking skills, and MJ's clowning that hides a sharp young man beneath. This story brought to mind growing up with the Accidental Detectives, and how Mr. Brouwer is still expertly blending heart-pounding suspense and non-stop action with humor, and surprise twists along the way.

King and his friends are swept into a conspiracy so tangled that they don't know who to trust, I loved this book to the very end, riveting. The characters were very well done, and I instantly was cheering for their gang to get to the bottom of everything. I liked King, he is very observant and he knows how to read people. MJ's antics had me groaning and guffawing throughout.

Overall, a fantastic read from beginning to end it was thrilling adventure, and I loved the strong sense of family and friendship that this book brought to the forefront. You will not regret picking up this series!



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."

Looking Back on 2016

2016 has brought a lot of changes into my life. There have been high points and low ones, though now on the other side of it, I feel that it has helped me to grow immensely. 

Looking back at the beginning of the year, I was working as a dental assistant in public health, working chairside, front desk, and with the school-based clinics, with temporary status (about 20-28 hrs weekly) as well as working retail about an average of 25 hrs a week.  A full time position opened up in the public health clinic, and I applied. But unfortunately I did not get the position. And I'll be honest it was a difficult time, as I wasn't entirely sure what to do next. But I continued to stay busy with work, reading, blogging, and church.

So in February and March, I spent a lot of time applying for jobs and going to interviews. As well as still working as a temp dental assistant and retail. The end of March and beginning of April the full-time position I had previously applied for opened up again, and on April 25th, I began working full time hours at my main job. I decided to keep 10-15hrs a week with my retail job as well. During this time I also began attending a young adult church group.

In Mid-May my maternal grandmother passed into the arms of Our Lord in heaven. So we traveled to Wyoming for her funeral. It was wonderful to see so many of my extended family all together in one place, though the reason that had brought us together was bittersweet. 

In early July I took a trip with 2 of my dear friends to Wisconsin, and also Minneapolis to the Mall of America. Soon after our trip, an opportunity opened up for one of my dear friends, Amber, and she accepted a teaching position in China, teaching the English language to children at a elective school.

At the end of August Amber moved to China. 

In September I began volunteering at a local mission on Saturday mornings.

In October, I turned 22.

In November I began picking up extra shifts at my retail job, working 20-23 hrs retail in addition to my full-time job. Meanwhile, still blogging, attending Bible study, helping in Awana, and volunteering when I could.

December flew by, though a joyous time to celebrate the Savior.I continued to work 60-63hrs a week between by jobs, in addition to everything else. I looked forward to the hour between jobs on Friday, and the 3 hours between volunteering on Saturday and my 2nd job, Sunday was my day off,though I was still very busy. Christmas was a lovely day, and our family was joined by a couple from church who has become dear to our family. 

It seems this year has flown by, though it has brought many changes, and not all of them mentioned here. I have made many new friends, done new things, taken more responsibility, and grown a lot as a person. I'm thankful for the countless blessings that have been bestowed on me throughout the year, and I can't wait to see what 2017 will hold!  ~ Faith