Gathering the Threads by Cindy Woodsmall Review

Finally back in the Old Order Amish world she loves,
Will Ariana’s new perspectives draw her family closer together—
or completely rip them apart?

After months away in the Englisch world, Ariana Brenneman is overjoyed to be in the Old Order Amish home where she was raised. Yet her excitement is mixed with an unexpected apprehension as she reconciles all she’s learned from her biological parents with the uncompromising teachings of her Plain community. Although her childhood friend, ex-Amish Quill Schlabach, hopes to help her navigate her new role amongst her people, Ariana’s Daed doesn’t understand why his sweet daughter is suddenly questioning his authority. What will happen if she sows seeds of unrest and rebellion in the entire family?  
 
Meanwhile, Skylar Nash has finally found her place among the large Brenneman family, but Ariana’s arrival threatens to unravel Skylar’s new identity—and her sobriety. Both Ariana and Skylar must discover the true cords that bind a family and community together and grasp tight the One who holds their authentic identities close to His heart. 
 

Gathering the Threads is the third and final novel in The Amish of Summer Grove series.

My Review:
This is a heart wrenching tale of two children that were raised in separate worlds, and yet they are unsure where they belong. I have no idea where I would go. If I would stay with the family that raised me, or with my biological family? How would I know what God wanted from me? Especially as an Amish woman? How does she not question God and his plan? The author did a great job winding these questions and more into the story of family and faith. Definitely a book that I enjoyed. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy. All opinions are my own.

The Night Voyage by Daria Song Review

This third adult coloring book in Daria Song's Time series follows the little girl on a new nighttime adventure when the conductor of her toy train comes to life and helps her distribute gifts across the world.

The Night Voyage is an evocatively illustrated story of a little girl who is swept away on the eve of her birthday by her toy train conductor on a magical journey to distribute gifts around the globe. Taking devotees of The Time Garden and The Time Chamber on an imaginative new adventure, The Night Voyage continues Daria Song's wildly successful series with the beautifully intricate art that her fans have come to love, featuring a world of paper cranes, penny-farthing bicycles, trolleys, cityscapes, and hot air balloon-filled skies.

My Review:

Not only is this a great story about a girl and her dreams of being with her family on her special day, it is also a great coloring book! Adult coloring books are all the craze right now! I was happy to color this with my niece as we read the story together! I loved the images and how they seemed to fly right off the page, Phoebe was my favorite side kick! What a great cat. The author also did a great job making the story heartwarming! I loved the ending and hope that this author comes out with a lot more books! I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy, all opinions are my own. 

Punderdome Game Review

This is a great game for families. I liked that it is based on puns. Puns are different for kids and parents, so as an adult I could play it on family game night, or on girls night out. The fill in prizes were also great because kids could win toys, candy, etc while adults could win free babysitting, free dinner etc. I am giving this game a 5/5. I was given a game to review, however all opinions are my own.

The Postage Stamp Vegetable Garden by Karen Newcomb

This classic gardening bestseller (over 500,000 copies sold) uses ecologically friendly, intensive biodynamic methods to produce large amounts of vegetables in very tiny spaces. Revised for an all new generation of gardeners, the 40th anniversary edition includes brand new information on the variety of heirloom vegetables available today and how to grow them the postage stamp way. 

     To accommodate today's lifestyles, a garden needs to fit easily into a very small plot, take as little time as possible to maintain, require a minimum amount of water, and still produce prolifically. That's exactly what a postage stamp garden does. Postage stamp gardens are as little as 4 by 4 feet, and, after the initial soil preparation, they require very little extra work to produce a tremendous amount of vegetables--for instance, a 5-by-5-foot bed will produce a minimum of 200 pounds of vegetables. 

When first published 40 years ago, the postage stamp techniques, including closely planted beds rather than rows, vines and trailing plants grown vertically to free up space, and intercropping, were groundbreaking. Now, in an ever busier world, the postage stamp intensive gardening method continues to be invaluable for gardeners who wish to weed, water, and work a whole lot less yet produce so much more.

My Review:

I always wanted to do container gardening. This is the perfect book for beginners and even for long time gardeners. I was able to use the information on planning and what plants go best together the most. Even though I have a garden every year, and a shed sized greenhouse, I learned about crop stretching, planting by the moon cycle and so much more. The pictures are perfect to go outside and use as a map to plant as well. This book even tells you how to compost. There are also recommended varieties of plants and all about the soil to use. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review from Blogging for books, however all opinions are my own.

Knitting Block by Block by Nicky Epstein Review

Create gorgeous sweaters, bags, afghans, and toys just by knitting the simplest of shapes—a square!
 
No one forgets the sweet victory of completing their first knitted block, but most of us quickly move on to more complex constructions, only making swatches for guage. In this comprehensive volume, celebrated designer and innovator Nicky Epstein reimagines the humble block with 150 new patterns and masterfully demonstrates how to mix, match, and easily combine them into stunning one-of-a-kind garments and accessories.
 
Inside you will find: 

• 150 original block patterns, from simple textures to embossed pictorials, intricate lace to cables, colorwork, double knit, and more, all with Nicky’s signature wit, verve, and style.
• More than ten exclusive project designs that will make you say “I can’t believe that is made out of blocks!”
• Detailed guidance for creating exciting pieces out of block knitting, without using increases or decreases.
• Exclusive cut-and-paste project design pages. Simply cut out the printed blocks and arrange them to help create your own masterpieces.

 
Blocks are quick to knit, portable pieces perfect for group and charity projects, and now not limited to just afghans! Knitting Block by Block gives you the tools to unlock a world of creative possibilities and confidently build your own design “blockbusters,” one block at a time.

My Review:
I love to crochet, and I usually do Mile-a-minute. However I also know how to do Granny Squares. When I saw this book I knew that it would be easy to learn and even easier to understand how blocks work. I loved the pictures and the directions were easy to follow. It really is amazing what you can make from blocks. Once I learned how to make the blocks I was able to make my own items! This is a great book for beginners or pros! I am giving this book a 5/5.I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review

Seasons of Tomorrow by Cindy Woodsmall Review

As love restores Rhoda, a sudden tragedy is the test of faith she never saw coming.

More settled in her heart than ever before, Rhoda Byler feels a newfound confidence living in the Old Order Amish settlement she helped establish in Orchard Bend, Maine. Time has helped to heal the wounds of Rhoda’s recent severed relationship, and she finds that even her unusual gift of profound intuition is less of a burden as she continues to seek God’s wisdom for her future. She is happy to be working alongside the King family and the love of her life as they tend and nurture the settlement’s orchard.

Yet when Leah King’s involvement with Englischer Landon Olson becomes known outside of the Maine community, her disregard of the Ordnung could threaten all the Orchard Bend Amish are building. In the midst of addressing the discord, a shocking tragedy challenges the young settlement like never before, threatening to uproot Rhoda’s peace and the future of everything she holds dear.

When several members of Orchard Bend Farms are displaced, the estranged King brother is called upon to return. Can those who founded the new Amish community in Maine unite Or will the lingering pain of past hurts and present struggles result in the end of their dreams?

My Review:

This is a series that I have been reading and I am so glad that I have read this installment. I love the author's knowledge of the Amish and how she uses it in her writing. I felt like I was with Rhoda and helping her build her settlement. The characters are lively and they have been through so much in the past books. However they never give up on their faith. The inner struggle of the Amish world and the Englisher world has always been tough for the characters. Leah is no exception. She does not realize that she is putting more than her own future at stake. A tragedy is never good, but for Rhoda it comes at the worst time. Old memories resurface and so do estranged people from the past. Will they all be able to get along and save their home? This was a really nice book to read. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review from Blogging For Books, however all opinions are my own.

The Quilted Heart by Mona Hodgson Book Review

The Quilted Heart

Once a week, Elsa Brantenberg hosts the Saint Charles Quilting Circle at her farmhouse on the outskirts of the riverside town of St. Charles, Missouri. The ladies who gather there have all lost men to the Civil War, and are facing their painful circumstances together in friendship and prayer. Can the tattered pieces of their hearts be stitched together by God’s grace?

Already available as individual eBook novellas, The Quilted Heart will be available as a single print collection in January 2014.

Click here to learn more about this series!

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My review;

This is a book that has 3 novellas in it and they are all  by Mona Hodgson. They are, "Dandelions on the Wind", "Bending Toward the Sun" and "Ripples Along the Shore". Each of the stories is about a different woman who finds herself and finds love in the process. Maren, Emilie and Caroline each have a problem in their life but they are all intertwined. Elsa Brantenberg is the person who hosts the  St.Charles Quilting Circle each week. The war is over but, their heartache has just begun. These are all beautiful love stories about women who learn to trust their faith. I give this book a 4/5. I was give this book by Blogging for Books and all opinions are my own.

Martyr's Fire by Sigmund Brouwer Review

About This Book

Will this dangerous quest lead the outcast Orphan King toward an ancient secret—or to certain destruction?
 Posing as a beggar, Thomas escapes Magnus after fifteen men, who are calling themselves the Priests of the Holy Grail, arrive and take control of the castle through wondrous acts and apparent miracles. With the help of his longtime friend Gervaise, Thomas sets out on a journey that leads him to the ancient Holy Land. Unaware that Katherine and Hawkwood are watching over him, Thomas is tested in his beliefs and comes face to face with the ancient power that the Merlins and Druids have long been searching for.

Enter the world of Merlin’s Immortals, where ancient secrets and evil conspiracies take you on a breathless adventure of discovery, intrigue, and hidden knowledge. 

Click here to download chapter one of Martyr's Fire.

- See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=226110#sthash.zvOdbUzk.dpuf

My Review:
I was so excited when this book came out and I got the opportunity to read it. I loved the first book, and had to buy the second book off of Amazon to read before I read this book, which is the third book. The author has a great storyline that drew me in right off the bat. Thomas is a orphan who finds out that he is really a king. He overthrows the present king of Magnus, who did not care about the people in his kingdom. He has the help of a few people. These people that are helping him are loyal, or at least want Thomas to think they are. In the second book Thomas tries to get allies and fails. That is until these future allies realize that Thomas is not the one sabotaging the alliance. Thomas really in an orphan in the sense that he is all alone and does not know who to trust. He does not know who wants to take his throne. As if that was not enough there are also strangers that keep telling him what to do. He does not know who he should listen to. This book is about the Priests of the Holy Grail. They overtake the church from the town priest. They also show the townsfolk some "miracles" that give them more power. Eventually thomas has to flee near to where he lived when he was young. Some of his questions get answered, and he starts to wonder who the druids are. He also wonders who the immortals are. He kidnaps an old enemy and meets old "friends" who he thought were enemies. People die trying to protect him, and others lie to him. I really liked this book. The ending only ended up to a certain point. I loved that the author brought in Robin Hood, and the knights of the round table. I was very interested in the author's take on Arthur. I do not want to give the surprises away, but I enjoyed Thomas's puppy, his leap of faith and how he was Katherine's "servant" on the ship ride. I also am really starting to like Katherine. I am giving this book a 5/5. I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

About This Book

  “Full of surprising twists, shocking betrays, and baffl ing mysteries. But at it’s heart it’s about courage, wisdom, and hope…”
—Robert Liparulo, author of The 13th Tribe, The Judgment Stone, and the Dreamhouse Kings series

The throne is redeemed, but the battle is just beginning.          

In the dark corners of an ancient land, evil lurks in the shadows. Powerful druids haunt the spaces of their lost territory. Double-minded noblemen fight for domain and influence. Invaders from the north threaten the kingdom of Magnus. This land of promise and redemption is mired in deceit and corruption.

The Orphan King, once victorious in conquest, appears to be losing his grip on his seat of power. Thomas rules Magnus, but does not know whom he can trust. His enemies anticipate his every move, thwarting him at each turn. Something is not right.

Under attack, both in the supernatural and natural worlds, Thomas must reach back into the secret layers of his past to find the strength and wisdom to fight his battles. When the mist clears, who will stand with him?

- See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=221083#sthash.QHuCxZBJ.dpuf

Read my review here:
http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-orphan-king-by-sigmund-brouwer-book.html 

Sigmund Brouwer is the author of eighteen novels with nearly three million copies in print. His recent novel The Last Disciple was featured in Time magazine and on ABC's Good Morning America. Sigmund is married to Christian recording artist Cindy Morgan, and they and their two daughters divide their time between homes in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada and Nashville, Tennessee.

- See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=226110&isbn=9781400071562#sthash.zgAJLzIq.dpuf

Forever Friday by Timothy Lewis Review

My Review:

This was a sweet romance. I loved to read the letters. They were so nice, and I could feel the love the author had. I also thought that the letters meant so much more than love. They were how this couple communicated about all aspects of their lives. So much so that the letters were like a third character in their romance that was their go between for information. Adam was a good guy, with bad luck in love. I hoped that he could believe in true love again, and the letters definitely gave him hope. The author also based the story on her relatives (loosely). I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own.

Secrets by Robin Jones Gunn book review

I was giving the opportunity to review this book by the blogging with books program in return for this review. All opinions are my own.
When I saw that this was written by Robin Jones Gunn, I had to read it. She is a terrific author and has a way of creating characters that you need to know more about. I previously read her Departures book and reviewed it here http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/2011/12/departures-book-review.html

Departures was a teen book however and this is an Adult romance. I have to admit right off the bat the action started, and I had no clue who Jessica was. I only knew that she was hurt and in the hospital from a car accident. She has hidden her past and decided to use a different last name. She is the new teacher at the school, and the principal set her up in a house. However the principal also ends up being in the hospital and is replaced my a real mean lady who has it out for Jessica. Jessica keeps finding good things happening to her, and she doesn't know who to thank. She even pushes away Kyle, the firefighter that rescued her, and stole her heart. He warns her about secrets, but does she heed his advice to late?
Kyle has a secret past of his own, and he knows what keeping secrets can do to a person, and how it can wear them down. He falls for Jessica only to be pushed away. Does he have enough love for her to fight for her?
Jessica and Kyle end up being chaperones for the mission trip to Mexico, and it is there that disaster strikes again for Jessica, and again Kyle is there for her. Is she finally ready to accept God in her life and how he has played a part in everything good that has happened to her? In doing so is she ready to listen to her heart?

Eye of the Sword by Karyn Henley book review!

I decided to read this book because I like historical fiction, and I am also a fan of historical romance. this book has a little bit of both, plus this book has some historical fantasy mixed in as well. This is the second book in the Angelaeon Circle series. I received this book for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.
I wish that I had read the first book, because I think that I would have enjoyed it. There is a map at the beginning of the book, as well as list of names of all the people and creatures in the book. I did flip to the map and glossary a few times during the book. I also liked the simplicity of the story. there was a damsel that needed help, and her knight was there to save her. This is an old story, but the author brought new life to the story with a new kind of damsel, and a new setting in which the story takes place!
All in all this was a very good read, and I found it hard to put the book down. There were a few different plots going on and they were all answered. There was also a happy ending that left room for a third installment of the series. I really enjoyed that there were angels in the book, because I think that the world could use more angels! There were a few times where I had to use the glossary because some of the names were hard to remember. A few of the characters had nicknames and I think that it would have been easier for me to read, if more of the characters had nicknames.

The Canary List by Sigmund Brouwer

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review!
What a good choice I made. At first glance I thought that this was a book about being hunted by past demons. I thought these demons would be something more real or maybe even a person from Jaimie's past. I could not have been more wrong. If you liked the DaVinci code for the pure thrill of reading it, then you will like this book. It delves into the inside workings of becoming Pope and the inner demons of the church.

In the middle of all this is a "friend" that Jaimie goes to for help. this friend is no other than her teacher Mr Grey. He has a whole lot of issues of his own. Needless to say he is key to Jaimie's happiness.

As you travel through the book you are caught up in a web that you do not want to let go of. Towards the end of the book everything becomes clear. However you still have a need for more. I is not because you are not satisfied with the ending, but because you do not want to leave the characters yet.
As you can tell, I was a fan of this book. The "Canary list" did not fully explain itself until the last chapter. Then, just to mess with the reader there is a twist at the end, and the last sentence makes you question the whole book, and yourself!

Departures Book Review

I was given the opportunity to review the book Departures by Robin Jones Gunn. The book focuses on 2 stories. 1 about Christy Miller and the other is about Sierra Jensen. I chose this teen fiction book, because lately I have been reading really spiritual books and I wanted a fun book. I had thought that the book would be about the two characters mentioned above Crossing paths (as it eluded to on the back of the book). However the focus was on their seperate lives and vacations. After their vacations their part of the book was over. There was no finale. I kind of felt that I was missing something. You get to know the characters so well, and then its over. I loved the writing of the book, and I liked the plots. I just wish that the plots were closed better. However the author has written other books about these 2 characters and also offers book collections. I think that this would be a great summer reading program for teens, because they would have to read the next book in order to fully get the story.

Extraordinary by John Bevere book Review

All in all this was a very inspiring book. I found it very enlightening. At the end of each chapter there is a section for reflection, and questions. As a christian I found alot of connections thru my beliefs and this book.
However, to quote from the book on page 2 the artist states "ponder this a moment: the opposite of extraordinary is normal". That is the basis of this whole book. What can you do more? How can you not be normal? I did not agree with this message. As a Christian I believe in God, and I believe that God loves you... no matter how normal you are. All opinions are my own.I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

Weekly Review

This week I chose to review the book called "Every Single Woman's battle" by Shannon Ethridge.I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

When I first looked at this book, I thought that it would be faith more then abstinance. I will be married 6 years in October and remember all the reliious preperation that my hubby and I went through to get marriedin church. I believe that this book should be given to young woman when they are making their confirmation. This boo covers many aspects of being a woman of faith and even though I am not single, I definitely gained pespective on when I was single.
The book is well written and divided into very specific chapters. There are also quotes from the bible, as well as time for understanding the quotes. There were plenty of quotes that I never even knew existed. My favorite quote on page 85 states "bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13)". If everyone reading this review could forgive one person they are mad at, then I would be so happy to have helped.
What I liked most about this book were the "Planting Good Seeds" sections in every chapter. They gave me an opportunity to reflect on what I was reading and to look to the past as well as to my future. I enjoyed the book being about woman and how we react to certain situations, as well as how we could have reacted differently. I did not like the references to "Every Woman's Battle" and Every Man's Battle". I understand that this is a study guide, but I felt as though I was missing something. I am however glad that all three books were written by the same person. At least I know that excerpts were not taken out of context (at least I hope so). I also was a little sad that Every Man's Battle was referenced, I thought that it should be all about Woman.
All in all I really liked the book and I learned something about myself as a woman, a catholic, and a wife. If I could sum up the book in one quote it would be from page 110 "Father, thank You for creating me to be a beautiful woman, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I pray that Your plan will be made perfect in my life. In Jesus's name. Amen".