Becoming beauty by Sarah Boucher

"They’re the first thing Bella sees after what’s been the worst day of her life. If Bella were the quintessential Beauty—gorgeous, kindhearted, and self-sacrificing—she might have a chance at transforming this monster into a man, but she’s never been the toad-kissing kind. Obsessed with landing a wealthy nobleman and escaping her humdrum life, Bella will stop at nothing to achieve her goals. Which is precisely what landed her here, at the mercy of the Beast.

In this imaginative retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Bella's sense of entitlement strains both her family's finances and patience. As punishment for her selfishness, she's sent into the Beast's service where she must choose whether to follow the path she's always dreamed of—or risk it all for something even greater"

My opinion: I found this book to be utterly charming and refreshingly original. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed reading about a heroine that was not absolutely gorgeous and incredibly perfect. Finally. a heroine that one can actually relate to! I loved how the author  made the book unpredictable so that you did not know exactly where it was going from the first chapter but it kept you guessing until the end. Yes, at times Bella wasn't horrible likable but that is part of being human and part of the charm of this book. I loved the character development. I really cannot recommend this book enough and know I will be keeping an eye out for more books by this splendidly original author.

Pound Foolosh by Dave and Neta Jackson

Greg Singer coordinates consumer sports shows for powerboats, four wheelers, snowmobiles, and jet skis-macho toys for outdoor men like himself. But the job puts tremendous stress on his marriage with Nicole, who for the first time notices the handsome lawyer at the end of the block. “Greener pastures?” When the recession hits Greg’s industry, he thinks the crisis is merely an opportunity for God to bless him with unmatched prosperity, a promise he hears preached each Sunday, and he steps out in bold faith . . . But is he being “pound foolish”?

The fourth in the Windy City Neighbors series, Pound Foolish explores the economic upheaval and uncertainties challenging every family. Intersecting withPenny Wise (book three), the Jacksons employ the innovating storytelling technique of “parallel novels.” Though each book follows its own drama and story arc, the characters’ lives become intertwined and affect one another. Pound Foolish returns us to Beecham Street-a typical American neighborhood . . . where a growing friendship brings new meaning to prosperity.

My opinion: I have always enjoyed Dave and Neta Jackson's books and this one was no exception. This book dealt with some harder issues but did it in such a way that was uplifting and encouraging.  In a world that places such value on material possessions this book really focused on what is truly important. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Gramma Nancy's Animal Hats

What a delightful book full of creative, wonderful ideas! I have seen so many different animal hats in here that would be so adorable for a little one so it is hard to know where to start!
The wonderful thing about many of these hats is that they come with some bootie patterns that are adorable as well.
This book would be a wonderful gift for anyone who enjoys making things, it has great photography and wonderful patterns, love it!!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey

A grandmother’s last wish is to communicate God’s love through an Irish chain quilt.

Taryn McKenna believes she’s easy to forget. Abandoned by her parents and left behind when her high school sweetheart joined the army, she vows to never love again and throws herself into her love for the outdoors and the pursuit of a college degree—something no one else in her family has ever accomplished. Her goal, as a young teacher in the hills of North Carolina, is to leave a legacy in the lives of the middle‑schoolers she teaches.

When Taryn’s grandmother Jemma, the only other person who ever held her close, has a heart attack that reveals a fatal medical condition, Taryn is corralled into helping Grandma work on a final project—an Irish chain quilt that tells the story of her history and the love Jemma knows is out there for Taryn. As the pieces of the quilt come together, Taryn begins to see her value. Can she learn to believe that God will never leave her behind even though others have?

My opinion: This was a cute, quick read. It dealt with some challenging issues and it did not make everything perfect, instead it dealt with real, flawed characters who one could sympathize with. It was a cute story and put one in mood for Christmas. I like the authors style of writing and found this book to be very enjoyable.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Becoming Bea by Leslie Gould

{MORE ABOUT BECOMING BEA}

Becoming Bea | The Courtships of Lancaster County series

Can Bea and Ben Turn Rivalry Into Romance?

Beatrice Zook knows God wants her to learn patience toward others. When assisting a family overwhelmed by triplets proves surprisingly successful, her confidence in dealing with others, both young and old, grows.

One person she’ll never be able to find peace with though is Ben Rupp. They’ve known each other forever, and Ben understands precisely how to antagonize her. What neither she nor Ben will admit is that beneath all their bickering, attraction awaits. When friends decide to try and bring the couple together, will the pair be able to find true love? Or will they damage their relationship beyond repair?

My opinion: Even though Amish fiction is not my favorite genre of books, I found this novel to be utterly charming. The characters were cute and endearing and I enjoyed how the romance progressed. All in all this was a delightful read and I highly recommend it,

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The skinnytaste cookbook

I was so thrilled to get this book ans it did not disappoint. This book is filled with exceptional recipes that I am eager to try, not only because they look delicious, but because I won't feel guilty about eating them!
I love how these recipes are waistline friendly but they certainly do not look like they skimp on flavor.
This cookbook is a keeper for sure and would make a great additions to anyone's library.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Brickmaker's bride by Judith Miller

The Brickmaker’s Bride

Bestselling Author Judith Miller Debuts Historical Series Set in West Virginia

Yearning for a fresh start, Ewan McKay travels with his aunt and uncle from northern Scotland to West Virginia, promising to trade his skills in the clay business for financial assistance from his uncle Hugh. Hugh purchases a brickmaking operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, but it’s Ewan who gets the business up and running again. Ewan seeks help from Laura, the former owner’s daughter, and he feels a connection with her, but she’s being courted by another man–a lawyer with far more social clout and money than Ewan. Besides, Ewan has resolved he’ll focus on making the brickmaking operation enough of a success that he can become a partner in the business and be able to afford to bring his sisters over from Scotland.

But when Hugh signs a bad business deal, all Ewan’s hard work may come to naught. As his plans begin to crumble, Laura reveals something surprising. She and her mother may have a way to save the brickworks, and in turn Ewan may have another shot at winning Laura’s heart.

My opinion: I liked the premise of the book and found the information given on brick making to be interesting but I did not find this book to be that enthralling, it was a sweet little frothy read but I did not feel that there was a lot going on and you pretty much know what is going to happen from the get go. That being said if you are looking for an easy read then you might like this book.

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Promise by Beth Wiseman

The Promise

Mallory’s search for happiness leads her to a faraway place. There she finds heartache, betrayal—and danger.

Mallory Hammond is determined that no one will stand in the way of her goal—to save a life. She had that chance years ago, and she failed to take it, leaving her adrift and in search of the real meaning of her life. Finally, she meets a man online from a volatile corner of the world who offers her the chance to find that purpose. But she will have to leave everyone she loves behind in order to take it.

Tate Webber has loved Mallory for many years. He understands that Mallory will never be happy with him until her deepest heart’s desire is satisfied. When Mallory decides to travel across the world to fulfill her dreams, Tate begs her not to go but tries to give her the space she needs. Mallory embarks on her dangerous journey only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. And Mallory can only pray that she will make it out alive.

Inspired by actual events, The Promise is a riveting love story that asks the question: how far will we go for love?

My opinion: I have liked many of Beth's works in the past but this one did not speak to me as much as some of her previous works. The book felt like a train wreck,  the whole time you are watching Mallory make decisions that are going to turn out badly for her and you just want to stop her! I did not find the characters as engaging. Some people might really enjoy this book but I did not find it as engaging as I had hoped.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Moosewood Cookbook

I had never heard of Moosewood but was eager to get the cookbook to see what it had to offer and it is filled delicious looking recipes.This is an updated edition of a very popular cookbook and I really enjoyed looking through the recipes and am hoping to attempt some of them very soon!

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.