Wedded to War by Jocelyn Green

Written with wonderfully rich detail this book is a Civil War lover like myself dream! Well written with a ton of research involved this book was utterly delightful. The author did a fabulous job of bringing the Civil War to life and making one feel like you are there. I love how this book deals with the medical aspect of the Civil War and enjoyed learning more about the medical procedures during that time. I also loved how this book was inspired by an actual Civil War nurse which made it all the more interesting.
Filled with historical detail, memorable characters and interesting dialogue this book is a wonderful addition to anyone's library
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Pocket prayers

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Pocket Prayers (with various authors; Thomas Nelson, March 2016)

Bestselling author Max Lucado has teamed up with six authors to write the Pocket Prayers series for those in need of peace, renewal, rest, faith, hope, joy, direction, serenity, and courage.

Short, simple prayers are very effective, which is why each book in the series contains forty guided prayers and complementary scriptures for any situation, including for:

—Moms (written with daughter Andrea Lucado)
—Grads (written with daughter Andrea Lucado)
—Dads (written with Mark Mynheir)
—Military Life (written with Mark Mynheir)
—Teachers (written with blogger Jennifer Hale)
—Friends (written with Betsy St. Amant)

My opinion: What delightful little books written for people from all different walks of life with wonderful scripture verses and guided prayers. I personally appreciated the one for Mom's as it really spoke to me and provided so much encouragement. I gave the Grad one to my sister-in-law who is graduating from college in May as it provides such encouragement for her as she looks to the future. These books make wonderful gifts and are such insightful and easy to read. I received these books in exchange for my honest opinion.

Simple pleasures by Marianne Jantzi

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Simple Pleasures: Stories from My Life as an Amish Mother(MennoMedia, March 2016)

Young Amish homemaker Marianne Jantzi invites readers into her family’s life on the snowy plains of Ontario.

The mother of four young children and wife of a storekeeper, Jantzi writes about her daily routines and heartfelt faith with equal measures of wit and warmth. Sewing, cleaning, cooking, gardening, and helping to manage the store take up most hours in her day, but Jantzi finds time to pen columns for the Connection, a magazine beloved by Amish and Mennonite readers across the United States and Canada. Never sugarcoating the frustrations of motherhood, Jantzi tells it like it is, broken washing machine and bickering children and all. But through her busy days, Jantzi finds strength in simple pleasures of family, fellowship with her Amish community, and quiet time with God.

My opinion: This book is a delightful little peek into the life of a young Amish Mother who makes it abundantly clear that life for Mother's no matter where you are, Amish or not can be challenging and is a full time job. It is also a great reminder to find the simple pleasures in life so as not to miss out. Written in a straightforward manner, at times a bit choppy, this book is none the less a good read. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Bachelor girl's guide to murder by Rachel McMillian

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The Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder (Harvest House, April 2016)

In 1910 Toronto, while other bachelor girls perfect their domestic skills and find husbands, two friends perfect their sleuthing skills and find a murderer.

Inspired by their fascination with all things Sherlock Holmes, best friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem launch a consulting detective business. The deaths of young Irish women lead Merinda and Jem deeper into the mire of the city’s underbelly, where the high hopes of those dreaming to make a new life in Canada are met with prejudice and squalor.

While searching for answers, donning disguises, and sneaking around where no proper ladies would ever go, they pair with Jasper Forth, a police constable, and Ray DeLuca, a reporter in whom Jem takes a more than professional interest. Merinda could well be Toronto’s premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever–if they can stay alive long enough to do so.

My opinion: I was utterly delighted to read this book as I always love a good mystery and Sherlock Holmes type theme made it all the more intriguing and it certainly did not disappoint! I loved both of the main women, of course Jem is a little more likable than Merinda but Merinda has a very amusing personality for a book, not sure I would like her in real life! Some aspects of the books were not as well executed as I would have liked but I truly feel that this author has so much promise and I eagerly look forward to the next book in the series. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Colors of Goodbye by September Vaudrey

As a new Mom myself this book was incredibly hard to read as it deals with the pain and suffering of a Mother going through one of the greatest tragedies a parent can face, the loss of a child. After losing her daughter in a fatal car accident the author writes of her struggles dealing with the grief, anger and trying to find beauty in life once again. Written with such raw emotion the author does not hold back on how she battled her feelings towards God  who took her precious child away and how heartbreaking it was living with the new normal which is not like anything she ever wanted. This book really draws you in and stays with you long after you finish the last page.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion

Sit, Stay, Love by Dana Mentink

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Sit, Stay, Love (Harvest House, April 2016)

Take one abrasive professional athlete, a quirky out-of-work schoolteacher, and an overweight geriatric dog, and you’re ready for a lesson in love . . . Tippy style.

Pro baseball pitcher Cal Crawford is not a dog guy. When he inherits his deceased mother’s elderly dog, Tippy, he’s quick to call on a pet-sitting service.

Gina isn’t thrilled to be a dog sitter when her aspirations lie in the classroom. Furthermore, she can’t abide the unfriendly Cal, a man with all the charm of a wet towel. But with no other prospects and a deep love for all things canine, she takes the job caring for Tippy.

As Gina travels through Cal’s world with Tippy in tow, she begins to see Cal in a different light. Gina longs to show Cal the God-given blessings in his life that have nothing to do with baseball or fame. When her longing blooms into attraction, Gina does her best to suppress it. But Cal is falling in love with her too…

Discover the charming story of Tippy, the dog who brought a family together.

My opinion: I loved how this book is centered around one very lovable dog! Such a cute story with a great message it was such a quirky and yet very enjoyable read. I loved the characters in the book, Gina is super fun and sassy, totally enjoyable and delightful. I grew to appreciate each and every character and was disappointed for the story to end! This book appeases the dog loves and even those just looking for a quick, cute read. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Good + Simple by Hemsley and Hemsley

I was intrigued by this book and was curious it it really was much different than the other books I have read recently that deal with cutting out refined sugar, grains and gluten, I was pleasantly surprised with the variety of recipes, with 140 recipes that come with pictures this book was certainly packed with a bunch of different recipes to try! Some of them are simply ones I would not make and certainly don't sound good to me and are not made with ingredients that are easy to get, The majority are recipes I would try out and would eat. I love how they talk about staples that you need to have on hand, 10 recipes to wet your feet with and other resources, makes it seem like easier to eat healthy!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Letters to my Daughters by Barbara Rainey

Let me start  out by saying that this is a gorgeous book, it would make a beautiful gift, it has gorgeous pages and artwork throughout.
For as gorgeous as the book is the content is even better. I love Barbara Rainey and the ministry that she provides, she is so down to earth but offers such practical, sage advice with such grace. These letters feel deeply intimate, like she really is just talking to her daughters and we get the delightful opportunity to ease drop and yet the advice is such that I could find myself relating to it as if she was speaking to me.
Beautifully written and engaging this book would make a stunning wedding gift or is just a lovely book to have gracing ones bookshelf.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Elements of Pizza by Ken Forkish

I am a huge fan of pizza, I could literally eat it every day, probably for breakfast, lunch and dinner and not get tired of it. So when I saw this book I was elated to get it and try some of the delicious recipes out, and I am delighted I got a chance to!
Filled with so many mouthwatering recipes this book would help one eat pizza every day and not get tired of it because there is so much variety! Recipes using thick, deep dish dough, gluten free, flat bread and everything else this book certainly does not skimp on variety.
This book really does help one think outside of the box of traditional pizza and jump into a world of delicious variety and pizza brought up to a whole new level.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Back in the saddle by Ruth Logan Herne

Back in the Saddle (Multnomah, March 2016)

The prodigal is coming home.

It’s been a long time since Colt Stafford shrugged off his cowboy legacy for shiny Manhattan loafers and a promising career on Wall Street. But when stock market manipulations leave him financially strapped, the oldest son of legendary rancher Sam Stafford decides to return to the sprawling Double S ranch in Gray’s Glen, Washington. He’s broke, but not broken, and it’s time to check in with his ailing father, and get his legs back under him by climbing into the saddle again.

He doesn’t expect to come home to a stranger pointing a loaded gun at his chest— a tough yet beautiful woman that Sam hired as the house manager. Colt senses there’s more to Angelina Morales than meets the eye and he’s determined to find out what she’s hiding…and why.

Colt’s return brings new challenges. Younger brother Nick has been Sam’s right-hand man at the ranch for years and isn’t thrilled at having Colt insert himself into Double S affairs. And the ranch’s contentious relationship with the citizens of Gray’s Glen asks all the Stafford men to examine their hearts about what it truly means to be a neighbor. And as Wall Street recovers, will Colt succumb to the call of the financial district’s wealth and power—or finally the courage to stay in the saddle for good?

My opinion: For lovers of the modern cowboy genre this book is a goody.  Filled with memorable characters who are down to earth and likable this book is a good and interesting read.  The take on the prodigal son was good and made the book all the more interesting.  This book had just enough mystery and intrigue to keep you wondering what would happen next. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Around the fire

Yummy! For anyone who adores grilled food, whether meat or veggies alike this book is simply a must! Written by the owners of a fascinating sounding restaurant in Portland, Oregon this book is filled to the brim with scrumptious recipes that look absolutely mouth watering. Some of the recipes are for stuff not found on hand in most households, but there are many with easy to find recipes that look so amazing.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The 9 Arts of Spiritual Conversations by Mary Schaller and John Crilly

This book is utterly unique and intriguing and it perfectly executes what it sets out to do in such a perfect and succinct manner.
This book focuses on developing relationships with those around us who think and live differently from us.This book really does a great job at addressing how to create a safe environment to nurture those relationships where one can discuss freely spiritual matters and where Christians are able to understand what is important to those who don't believe the same things.
This book really is wonderful and sparks all sorts of thoughts and discussions, such a great resource!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Playing the part by Jen Turano

Playing the Part (Bethany House, March 2016)

Can they accept who they are behind the parts they play in time to save the day?

Lucetta Plum is an actress on the rise in New York City, but is forced to abandon her starring role when a fan’s interest turns threatening. Lucetta’s widowed friend, Abigail Hart, is delighted at the opportunity to meddle in Lucetta’s life and promptly whisks her away to her grandson’s estate to hide out.

Bram Haverstein may appear to simply be a somewhat eccentric gentleman of means, but a mysterious career and a secret fascination with a certain actress mean there’s much more to him than society knows.

Lucetta, who has no interest in Abigail’s matchmaking machinations, has the best intentions of remaining cordial but coolly distant to Bram. But when she can’t ignore the strange and mysterious things going on in his house, it’ll take more than good intentions to keep her from trying to discover who Bram is behind the part he plays.

My opinion: I had read some of Ms. Turano's books in the past and was not a huge fan, but I was willing to give her another try and I am glad I did. This book was a charming, it had just enough mystery and intrigue to keep it interesting and I liked the characters who were kind of quirky but very enjoyable. This book was much better than I was anticipating and was a good read. I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Home cooked by Anya Fernald

Oh, my! This cookbook is simply marvelous and utterly gorgeous. Filled with simple and complex recipes plus everything in the middle this book truly is amazing. The photography is simply stunning, the recipes well written and easy to follow. This is certainly not the cookbook for someone who doesn't like meat but if you are a meat lover than this book is wonderful.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.