Speaking God's favor over your life

16:00 in Length

Easy Cuffed Baby Booties- Knit

 
LINK

Jo Ellen Stevens~You Are Carrying A Three Generational Mantle, Keep Going, For I Will Give You The Strength To Reach The Finish Line~

Jo Ellen Stevens~You Are Carrying A Three Generational Mantle, Keep Going, For I Will Give You The Strength To Reach The Finish Line~

Patricia King: What Happens When We Decree?

Patricia King: What Happens When We Decree?

BOOK REVIEW- THE BEST BRIDE by SUSAN MALLERY

 
#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery brings you a reader-favorite tale of redemption, self-discovery and a love that conquers all.

Elizabeth Abbot is finally pulling her life back together. She's endured enough heartbreak at the hands of her deceitful ex-husband and is determined to provide a happy life for her daughter. That's exactly why she should stay away from Travis Haynes, the sheriff of Glenwood, with his trademark Stetson and sexy smile.

With all of her broken heart, Elizabeth longs to trust the legendary lawman, to let him past the walls she has built up so carefully. But will her shattered past forever hold her hostage, even from a love that could make her whole?  AMAZON  4 STARS

This is a harder book to rate because I was surprised to see 3 separate stories in this one book.  I didn't realize that at first.  I do have to say that I thought all of the stories had good characters in it although how I would rate each story would be slightly different. 
 My favorite is the last story in the book, the one about  Nick Archer  and Hannah Pace.  I really liked it although at first I couldn't see what it had to do with the other books but it didn't take too long to see that it was indeed connected.  I also really liked Louise, she was quite the colorful character.  Nick was charming but also had some unexpected depths to him and the interaction between Nick and Hannah were often really funny.  He understood her more than she realized and that threw her.  He often had funny comebacks to her responses that kept her off balance.  She never let people get very close to her but what she didn't realize was that they had a lot in common besides physical attraction.

The second book, would be next in line of likes,  That story was about,  Sandy Walker and Kyle Barnes.  I made the story a bit different because of Sandy being a widow with 3 children.  It had some good elements to it.  Especially Kyle's being a few years younger and how many years he had an unrequited crush on Sandy.  

The first book was about  Travis Haynes and Elizabeth Abbott and her daughter Mandy.  I liked it but I think the repetition on Travis' part about not knowing how to love because of the Haynes Curse, got old for me after awhile.  But that didn't take away from the fact that I did like the main people and the Haynes brothers.  There was also the good twist that came with Elizabeth's hidden secret.  It was a good twist too.
Through all of the stories was the main thread of the Haynes family and also the difficulty of trying to find love and family without having any really good role models.  Their father was quite the womanizing, bad father kind of guy.  They had almost given up hope on any HEA but they all do get one.  They get a large extended family that they treasure because its so hard won.  I enjoyed the over all Walton family feel, that was modern but showed how close they became. 

BOOK REVIEW- ALIEN MINE by Lucy Varna

 
Single mom Rachel Hunter has not one second to spare in her day between rearing two daughters, running a thriving goat farm, and keeping tabs on her eccentric brother. Not to mention an ex-husband who's in prison for murder and a local gang leader harassing her at every turn! Then a gorgeous, tattooed man crashes into her fence and she finds out exactly what it means to have her hands full.

Pruxnae Dyuvad ab Mhij is sent to Earth by a mysterious Net telepath to protect a young girl, from what, the 'path doesn't say. He arrives at the girl's home expecting the worst, and is greeted by the young girl's mother, a honey-haired, plain spoken temptress whose mountain fortitude makes her a perfect candidate for the Choosing.AMAZON

I enjoyed this book.  Good main characters and secondary ones too.  Rachel's close as a sister friend, Yasmin and Rachel's brother,  Fate are two of those interesting people too.  They added to the story especially Fate.  Kelly and Tiny are Rachel's daughters who quickly touch Dyuvad's heart.  That surprises him, how deeply he gets snared by them and he is good with them too.  He was a big guy but the reader gets to see how tender-hearted he also was.  Tender, hard-working and protective.  Yes, he is on a mission to protect the littlest girl but its almost like that protective nature is a part of him too.  It was interesting to read that he never really felt like he fit anywhere but figured that one of the reasons he was picked for this mission was because of his having been raised with a farming background as well as a military one.  Yes, there are humorous moments as he tries to adjust to being on a foreign planet.   There is action as well because of the danger that surrounds Rachel and her family.  Rachel and Dyuvad, were good together and it was fun to watch their "friendship" develop. 

There is also a quick look into another book called, "A Warrior's Touch."  It has to do with Yasmin and her encounter with an alien (Dyuvad's brother). 

BOOK REVIEW- THE MILLIONAIRE AND the Cowgirl

Ten years ago, an innocent Samantha Rawlings had surrendered herself—body and soul—to a man whose blueeyed gaze promised forever. But when the summer sun faded, Kyle Fortune was gone, and Samantha was left to raise their child alone—and in secret. Then fate intervened, bringing the restless millionaire back to Wyoming's wideopen spaces. Suddenly he was face-to-face with the willful beauty he'd never forgotten—and a blue-eyed daughter he'd never known….AMAZON  3.5 STARS

I liked the book, even though it was somewhat predictable.  There was an element of mystery though about the people in the background watching the family.  It wasn't too hard to figure out who one of the people were because of Kate Fortune's Journal Entry at the beginning of the book.  Although maybe there is more than one person doing that.   We are told that the family has an unknown enemy that is after them. The person who attempted murder isn't found out yet, maybe in a book to come that will come out. But the rest of the story is complete with no cliffhanger.  It has good main characters, both struggling with fears and an attraction that they don't want.  The daughter Caitlyn was as free spirited as her mother.   Of course, the story has a H.E.A. but there is some speed bumps along the way.  

Jordan Feliz - The River (Lyric Video)

BOOK REVIEW- POINT BLANK #26 SISTERHOOD by Fern Michaels

The women of Fern Michaels’ New York Times bestselling Sisterhood series are beloved for bringing justice to strangers in need. And when one of their own needs help, that loyalty and commitment goes double… 

Nothing compares to the bond between Sisters—except perhaps the special brotherhood between some of their menfolk. Nikki’s husband, Jack Emery, and Yoko’s partner, Harry Wong, have forged a deep friendship over the years. So when Jack awakens one night, knowing in his bones that Harry’s in trouble, he immediately rushes to Harry’s dojo.

Harry, pacing like a lion, has received a phone call from his old schoolmate Jun Yu in China. Both were educated at a Shaolin temple—the same temple where Harry’s daughter, Lily, is now a student. But Jun Yu has had to vacate the temple urgently. He’s managed to get his son out, but Lily is missing. And now Jun is trusting Harry to guard the most precious things in his life—his wife Ling and their two children, whom he has smuggled to America. 

While long-time ally Pearl Barnes whisks Ling and her children to safety via her underground railroad, the Sisters and their allies head to the war room to make plans. Finding Lily is a top priority, and Kathryn’s partner, Bert Navarro, comes up with a way for the group to travel to China. They’ll go to Macau, nicknamed “the Monte Carlo of the Orient,” on the pretext of opening a casino there. But what will they find once they reach their destination? Can they hope to rescue Lily when the enemy has the home advantage…and the will to kill? The odds are stacked against them, but when the Sisterhood is involved, you can always bet on the underdog…AMAZON  


A good story. Cooper the supernatural dog is going to show up in this book too. And he has a larger part to play in this one.  "Follow the dog" because a oft said refrain.  It has plenty of action and you know some of it isn't going to be in America.  Some of the sisterhoods significant others are doing better in their personal relationships and at least one couple are in danger of losing it.  In fact, it looks like Kathryn lost it again (anger)  and she's feeling constrained in her relationship with Bert.  Things don't look good for them.  But there also is a twist concerning them, so the question is still out there.
Cooper isn't the only one in action in this book of course the ladies of the Sisterhood are in full swing and you know that means trouble for the bad guys.

BOOK REVIEW- IN PLAIN SIGHT #25 SISTERHOOD by Fern Michael

THE BOND OF SISTERHOOD

For years Myra Rutledge and Annie de Silva, founding members of the Sisterhood, have funded an underground network run by former Supreme Court Justice Pearl Barnes to help women escape abusive relationships. When two of Pearl’s clients fail to report for their weekly check-in, the Sisterhood and their allies begin a search for French model Amalie Laurent and her one-time maid, Rosalee Muno. Amalie’s estranged husband, Lincoln Moss, is a distant cousin of the President of the United States and one of his closest advisers. Moss’s power is matched by the violent streak he hides from the world, and he beat Amalie viciously until she finally escaped with her maid’s help. Moss is accustomed to doing exactly what he wants without fear of consequence. But Moss has never faced an adversary like the Sisterhood…AMAZON  4 STARS


As the book starts out, Pearl is in a panic. The sisterhood had helped her before and it looks like things just got dangerous for everyone in underground railroad and Pearl. She's going to need the sisters help again but they aren't budging unless she gives up some valuable information on the network. Like one of the sisters said, how can we help you with minimal information and you blocking us part of the way? If she can't trust the sisters who can she trust? Things are going to have to change in order for the network to get even better. Good points.
Even the dogs who belong to the sisterhood and their extended "families" are unique and have skills.
Two new members to the family. Interesting slant on the punishment for the villain before they were able to wipe out his finances.

BOOK REVIEW- EYES ONLY #24 SISTERHOOD by Fern Michaels

Sisterhood Forever

Lush, exclusive Spyder Island is home to many of the world's billionaires. Years ago, Gretchen Spyder, daughter of the island's namesake, gave her twin babies up for legal adoption. Now Gretchen and her father are trying to get them back. The twins' adoptive parents are a loving but poor couple, completely outgunned by the Spyders' wealth. Their only hope lies with Myra Rutledge and her formidable Sisterhood, who are as ready as ever to fight the good fight. But nestled among the lavish mansions and immaculate landscaping of Spyder Island is a sinister enemy. And in a case that's far more twisted than it first appeared, the ingenuity, courage, and friendship of the Sisterhood will be tested as never before. 
AMAZON 4 STARS

Okay, I didn't like the story-line with Lily (Harry and Yoko's daughter) but we'll see where that goes later. That is the first thing that is introduced in this book but then moves on to to other things.  And there are a lot of other things going on.  Lots of action and mysteries going on.  Updates on how the girls are doing, encountering an old enemy and some updates on Charles and Fergus. And about that old enemy?  He escaped once before but that wasn't the Sisterhood's fault.  Annie is still in full swing as a gun-toting, over the top  billionaire Countess.  And this gig allows her to be as outrageous as she wants to be.  That was fun to read as was their "target" getting madder and madder at her wealth, popularity, and what he considers her white trash attitude and entourage.  I'm still enjoying the parts that the newer people of the group are bringing.  That would be Abner Tookus and Dennis West.   Abner is the computer genius and Dennis is the newer reporter that has added his own style of help.  He often helps pull unexpected things out of the bag.

The evil gets overcome and the innocent set free and compensated.

MercyMe - Even If (Official Lyric Video)

Bethel Music Moment: Find Me - Jenn Johnson

To worship you I live - Bethel live

Starlight (Live) // Amanda Cook // Starlight

BOOK REVIEW- THE PERFECT CATCH by Alix Nichols

Love, steam, laughs, and a big castle in Burgundy.

NOAH
This year is about righting an old wrong.
It's also about proving my worth to Coach and helping my team win gold at the French Water Polo Championship.
With an unruly mutt for company and a part-time gig to pay rent, I'm one hundred percent focused on my objectives.
That is, until I catch an intruder poking around my kitchen.
Sophie Bander turns my world upside down.
My new landlord's daughter isn't just the hottest woman alive--she's the stuff of dreams, the object of my deepest, wildest fantasies. But no matter. Nothing--not even Sophie--can make me abandon my goals.
Except... I want her to distraction.
And that's the understatement of the century.

SOPHIE
This year is about proving to Dad I can be a first-class realtor and a worthy associate.
That's why I'm in Paris, learning the ropes at a large agency. When I'm done, I'll go back to Key West, join the family business, and then marry the man of Dad's dreams.
I don't need to be attracted to the guy--I'm incapable of sexual attraction, anyway.
That is, until a hunk of a tenant mistakes me for a thief and presses me against the wall in his kitchen.
Noah Masson turns my life into a mess.
He makes me blush and laugh, and fantasize about him all the damn time. He awakens my body. And yet, not even dreamboat Noah can get me sidetracked from my goals.  
Or can he?
   AMAZON 4 STARS

The way Noah and Sophie meet is just as cute as it promised to be in the book blurb.  Cute with touch of steam.  I thought that they were charming main characters.  Noah is rich but works hard.  He doesn't try for the free ride with his famous last name (which is incredibly long) or the fact that he has money.   Noah has a lot of bitterness towards his estranged brothers. The funny thing is that Noah and Sophie have more in common than they think. Even up to having at least one manipulating parent. But in their own ways, they are trying to prove themselves.  
Sophie is charming, hardworking and drawn to Noah although they both seem to be living in the River of Denial in some ways.  Sophie hasn't ever got all that involved with guys before, so this draw towards Noah is confusing her.  She has an erroneous idea about her sexuality, which I'm not going to share here but I will say it made me smile.  As did several other things in the story.  
There was a bit more French in the story as well as some foods and locations that I hadn't heard of before.  I guess I can look at that as a little bit of culture stretch and education for me.  
Overall, I found it to be a fun, quick read.

"I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.” 

BOOK REVIEW- GUNN'S GOLDEN RULES by Tim Gunn

You’ve watched him mentor talented designers on the hit television show Project Runway. Now the inimitable Tim Gunn shares his personal secrets for “making it work”—in your career, relationships, and life. Filled with delightfully dishy stories of fashion’s greatest divas, behind-the-scenes glimpses of Runway’s biggest drama queens, and never-before-revealed insights into Tim’s private life, Gunn’s Golden Rules is like no other how-to book you’ve ever read. 

In the world according to Tim, there are no shortcuts to success. Hard work, creativity, and skill are just the beginning. By following eighteen tried-and-true principles, you can apply Tim’s rules to anything you set your mind to. You’ll learn why Tim frowns on displays of bad behavior, like the vitriolic outburst by Martha Stewart’s daughter about her mother’s name-brand merchandise. You’ll discover the downfalls of divadom as he describes Vogue’s André Leon Talley being hand-fed grapes and Anna Wintour being carried downstairs by her bodyguards. And you’ll get Tim’s view on the backstabbing by one designer on Project Runway and how it brilliantly backfired.

Then there are his down-to-earth guidelines for making life better—for yourself and others—in small and large ways, especially in an age that favors comfort over politeness, ease over style. Texting at the dinner table? Wearing shorts to the theater? Not in Tim’s book. Living a well-mannered life of integrity and character is hard work, he admits, but the rewards are many: being a good friend, being glamorous and attractive, and being a success— much like Tim himself! 

He is never one to mince words. But Tim Gunn is always warm, witty, wise, and wonderfully supportive— just the mentor you need to design a happy, creative, and fulfilling life that will never go out of style  .AMAZON  4.5 stars



Written with humor and class just like the man is seen on TV.  He has an old fashioned honor code that was good to read about.  He was also quick to point out he isn't perfect and even pointed out a few times when things didn't turn out quite right.  And he wasn't afraid to say that it was often!
At times he had a unique (and often funny) ways of looking at things and describing them.  I enjoyed that.  One of his funny observations was that when he was looking at how cruel people could be, instead of being a person who advocates manners maybe we should be get in a cave and roll a stone in front of it.  He just has a way of saying things.   I also liked how he remembered what the bomb shelter looked like to him as a kid. Basically a submarine with a big periscope.  That did make me grin. 

Found myself in total agreement with him when it came to his feelings about Crocs! I thought I was the only one. 
I found this book interesting and highly entertaining.  Like I said, written with humor and can I also say with fashion and common sense.  He's the "Make it Work Man."

P.S.  I loved his explanation of his phrase of, "Living in the Monkey House."  Priceless.  
It went like this.  Monkey House's at the Zoo, stink.  The minute you walk in that place your first response is, wow this place stinks.  Ten to fifteen minutes later it's not so bad.  Half an hour later you it doesn't smell at all. The problem is the place still stinks, we are just used to it now.  Anyone else walking it will know the truth right away.  Phew, this stinks. 

BOOK REVIEW- KISS AND TELL#23 SISTERHOOD by Fern Michaels

Putting Justice In The Bank

Life comes in stages. Even the Sisterhood has been content to let their gold shields gather a little dust while they enjoy their friends and family. But when a string of anonymous emails arrives at Pinewood, suggesting shady dealings at a local assisted-living facility, Myra Rutledge and her best friend Annie de Silva are more than ready to out-hustle a master con-artist at his own game. They'll need to enlist some new and untested allies in order to pull off their brilliant plan, all while Myra faces a personal challenge that will rock the Sisterhood to the core. . .AMAZON  4 STARS


I liked this one but with some reservations too. Interesting way to start, with the mysterious emails.  Kind of an eccentric way to wave a flag for help.  Myra and Annie have the lead roles on this thing.  And its good but I do miss the rest of the "girls" too.  Although the focus was on other people in the story at the start.  The con artist running his game had been at it for at least 20 years and had fooled a whole lot of people.  I liked his ex-wife Mary and she played a part of this story too.  She walked away years ago when she realized her husband's wealth was built on lies. She just disappeared and built a good life.  She had two regrets.  That she hadn't known how to turn him in and that she had to leave her son and daughter behind.  I did like what happened with her son though, because he did seem to have many redeeming qualities.  The secondary focus was also on the guys as they had some things in the works too.  Dennis West was the newbie who was working at the Post and now a part of the "guys".  He was introduced in the previous book and he did pretty good in both. He may be a newbie, but he does know how to latch onto a story and develop it to Pulitzer Prize level.    The only thing that was kind of hard to swallow was how easily he falls into his new "inheritance."    But hey, it is fiction, right?
Jack Emery looks like he finally found out where he wants to go in life now, since he has been dissatisfied in his job choice.  We aren't sure yet where this is leading, but time will tell. 
On a different note-  Charles gets whisked away again without warning. And I thought, "Oh no, not again, this is getting old."

Francis Chan Meets Some Jehovah's Witnesses

 

5:11 in Length

Travelers Insurance - Growing Up

So sweet!

BOOK REVIEW- BEACHCOMBER VALENTINE by Stephanie Queen

Beachcomber Valentine - a Beachcomber Investigations Novella
Ex military special ops legend Dane Blaise and ex Scotland Yard investigator, gorgeous Shana George, team up to find the long lost love of a mystery client.
But of course there's more to this easy-money case than flirting with the dangers of romance and Cupid to rekindle an old flame. 
Once Dane and Shana find out that the "lost love" is involved with an FBI sting--and involved with their best friend, state cop Captain Lynch, their suspicions kick into high gear.
Dane and Shana end up with far more than a dinner date on Valentines Day...AMAZON 4 STARS 

How would I describe this book? A fun romp with a few twists. The cat and mouse game between Shana and Dane continues. A bit of a slow start but then the bad feeling about the job started kicking in.  On both of  Dane and Shana's part.   About 3/4 of the way through things start to get really interesting and it looks like The Dane Team might be slightly out of the loop of information on this one, which is definitely not the norm.  Everything gets sorted out of course with a pretty good twist at the end.  Nice personal ending as well.


By the way, I liked the cover on this eBook. 

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion of it. 

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BOOK REVIEW- JUST MARRIED by Debbie Macomber

A Marriage of Convenience

Former mercenary Zane Ackerman wants a family. In particular, he wants a child who'll be his legacy-and his heir. That's because his upcoming mission might be his last, and it's made him all too aware of his own mortality.

Architect Lesley Walker wants a family, too. She craves a baby of her own.  
So Zane suggests a marriage of convenience to give them both what they want. But given the intense attraction they feel, this arrangement is becoming less convenient all the time   AMAZON 3.5 STARS


I liked this story but at times with mixed feelings. It was emotional and had the ability to help you feel some of the emotions that were going on.  It was a little bit different but had good main characters.  And had a great hate/love relationship between two people who could be considered secondary characters.  Zane's best friend Carl and the local fireball Candy were driving each other crazy with their off and one attraction to each other.  It was fiery when and then after that it was one step forward and then several steps back.  Things were going much better with Zane and Leslie but that wasn't perfect either.  Zane only shared so much of himself and not a bit more.  Although the attraction between the two of them was intense, there was also a walled off  part of Zane.  To be expected considering the life he had led and the injuries that he was recovering from.  Both Zane and Carl were warriors, with the memories to go with it.
Watch for two big twists at the end.  The first one was like a punch in the stomach.  But hold on, the ending is worth it.


I read the older version (1996?)

This is the day that the Lord has made

BOOK REVIEW- AMELIA'S MARRIAGE

Rafe Donahue, one of the richest ranchers in Wyoming is determined his willful daughter Amelia will marry his foreman, Vince Callahan. Amelia doesn't trust the leering Vince and believes he's out to get the Double D ranch through her. With a mind to thwart her father's plans, Amelia travels to Settlers Ridge to buya husband - for $5000. Half-breed Jed Wainwright si a rough-around-the-edges bounty hunter with a questionable reputation. After his next capture, he's looking to get out of the business and take up ranching. A pretty little blonde shows up at his hotel room door and makes a crazy offer...AMAZON 3.5 STARS


I liked parts of this book and some other parts not so much.  Overall, I guess I have to say it was pretty well written.  Amelia's father Rafe, was a bully when you get right down to it.  Maybe that is one of the parts I didn't like because I don't like bullies.  But hey, it was an important part of the story.  And more than once I wondered if he was "insane."  He was so far from reality, at times it made me wonder.  His whole goal seemed to be more riches, more power and to bend everyone to his will.  His arrogance at times was unbelievably over the top.  And he showed no remorse about it.
The book did have some really good characters in it though, and that included Amelia and Jed.  She made an outrageous deal with him but through many trials they worked together and they do get their HEA.

BOOK REVIEW- BLINDSIDED #22 SISTERHOOD by Fern Michaels

Ladies On Fire
Myra Rutledge isn't ready to mothball the Sisterhood just yet. When Maggie Spitzer, former editor-in-chief of the Post and an honorary member of the Sisterhood, arrives with a new mission in mind, the Vigilantes are soon gathering in their war room once more. While catching up on each other's lives, they plan a brilliant campaign against a duo of corrupt judges running a moneymaking racket that sends young offenders to brutal boot camps, often on trumped-up charges. Their enemies are powerful and ruthless, but the Sisterhood have their own formidable allies--including former President Martine Connor. Once their scheme takes off, the guilty won't know what hit them. . .AMAZON  4 STARS


I liked this one, the two twin "baddies" give everyone a run for their money.  The women judges are as clever as they are evil.  Plus they have been at this racket for years and were racking in money hand over fist.  Money, control, intimidation and manipulation mixed with a very unhealthy dose of fear has kept them at the top all this time.  No one had a clue until one chubby novice small town reporter smelled a rat. 

It was easy to see how the word Blindsided  was the title of the book.  In the very few first chapters it was easy to see that at  least 2 women of the sisterhood had that happen in their personal life.  Annie and Maggie took at hit where their men were concerned.  Maggie is now a widow and there is a whole story right there.  Fergus have left suddenly but he's not dead so I'm not sure if he will show back up in any of the other books or not.  Annie says no, but he's not dead so, we'll see if there will be a new man for her or if he will return.  
We do get re-visits from some of other Sisterhood second stringers but also a few new people too. One of the new people helps big time when the F.B.I. starts harassing retired Judge Pearl Barnes.  The director (Zander) has an agenda and it doesn't bode well for her at all.  The Team's take-down on the corrupt  FBI set- up is priceless.  Smooth. 

It didn't take me long to wonder what vengeance the sisterhood was going to unleash on the twin sister judges.  And that was pretty early in the story.  I was almost rubbing my hands together wondering what it would be.  Because they usually found a pretty fitting punishment. 

Worth Singing about- Anna Byrd (KCM) BVOV

http://magazine.kcm.org/i/773649-feb-2017/8

BOOK REVIEW- MARRIAGE ON DEMAND by Susan Mallery

 
According to the Glenwood rumor mill, Austin Lucas is temptation incarnate. Even the bashful, cherubic Rebecca Chambers, who runs a home for orphaned children, finds herself tempted by Austin's sexy self-assurance. Still, with so many women vying for his attention, surely he'll never notice such a tongue-tied wallflower.
But, after a stormy evening becomes a night of passion, gentle Rebecca has indeed captured Austin's attention—and his desire. Has the small-town saint led the sinner to salvation? Or can Austin really be trusted with Rebecca's heart?   AMAZON  3.5 STARS

I liked the book but also felt that it times it went a little bit too long with it came to "Austin's Angst".  Austin was described very well as a very, very tempting man.  Also shown very well was how inept kindhearted Rebecca was around him.  Also the fact that he was a loner, always looking from the outside into the normal lives of others.  His mother had done an awesome (not in a good way) of making him afraid to feel deeply and let it show.  It caused him to push people way before they could reject him. It didn't take long for Austin to realize that sweet, caring Rebecca also had a core of steel.  That made me smile. 
 I  also enjoyed the little boy David who was in the home for orphaned children.  Nobody wanted him and that is something that Austin can identify with all too well.  
There will be a H.E.A. but it will be a fight to the end.  A happy one with a very sweet Epilogue to wrap up a few loose ends. 

Pastor Larry Huch - Turning Your Story Upside Down - March 12, 2017

2:04 in Length

BOOK REVIEW- GOTCHA #21 SISTERHOOD by fern michales

 
Revenge Is Never Outdated

Sometimes, justice is a long time coming. That's the case with Julie Wyatt, whose story strikes close to home for the original founder of the Sisterhood, Myra Rutledge, and her best friend--and fellow Sister--Annie. Julie is convinced her greedy daughter-in-law Darlene had something to do with the mysterious circumstances surrounding her son Larry's death. She desperately wants to get a confession out of Darlene--and to ensure the safety of Larry's daughter, Olivia. As Myra, Annie, and their cohorts dig deeper into Darlene's shady dealings, events unfurl in a way that no one could have predicted, bringing to light the true meaning of loyalty and courage--and the kind of friendship that can create miracles.AMAZON  4 stars

I liked this book but it was different.  We start out with Myra and Anne being the focus point of the story in the beginning pages,; the ones who will be rushing to the rescue.  It's a mission that they can identify with and brings tears to their eyes. That's the opener, Julia Wyatt's need has slipped through the cracks and it wasn't anyone's fault.   But now that the two older ladies know about it, they plan to follow it up, in true vigilante style meaning "whatever it takes."  Then the story shifts to Julie's story both past and present.  Mace Carlisle and Oliver Goldfeld will be added to the story through Julie.  As well as 3 interesting and unique dogs.  The book stays focused on these characters for most of the story and finally Myra and Annie show up and quickly become friends with Julie.  I can see why.  It's partly about getting revenge for her ex-daughter-in-law's dealings (and that includes her boyfriend too) but the most important thing is getting her grand-daughter Olivia back safe in her arms.
The Vigilantes don't get to work until the last part of the book but as usual they do shake things up.
***POSSIBLE SPOILER*******
Something that got me thinking though was this.  If Darlene and her boyfriend Adam identity has been erased (Thanks to Abner), why would Julie need her signature to get custody among other things?  Wouldn't that be already taken care of?  Although I can see that she wanted it all legal like since grandparents didn't automatically have rights to custody.    No loopholes maybe?

Men: I Don't want a Dog!

My dad kept griping "I don't want a dog!" This is how I find them napping

LINK

Go to this link to see this picture and a bunch of other cute pictures of men who claimed they didn't want a dog or have anything to do with one

BOOK REVIEW- THE BEAUTIFUL THIEF by Mallory Crowe

  
She was the one that got away. The one time Adam couldn't finish the job. The one time his conscious got the better of him. 

Now she's back and Adam has two options: Kill her or help her get the revenge she deserves.

No matter how convincing her arguments may be or how distracting he finds her, he was raised on one staunch principle that has kept him alive so far. Never trust a pretty face.  AMAZON 3.5 STARS

I liked this book but its probably not my favorite of the series.  I think that although this is not the first book in the series, it is still easy to follow along with.  A good stand alone book.  Why?  Because the author gave the story enough background information to get the reader up to speed without boring previous readers. The book starts out with Melody down.  She's depressed and barely moving but she also has plenty of good reasons to be in that funk.  But when her sister temporarily helps get up from that funk, and now Melody is on fire for revenge.  And she doesn't care who she has to work with to get it. So now she tracks down Adam Smith, the same man who was part of kidnapping her in the previous book.  He terrified her and then let her go with the warning to not come back.  At the time she dubbed him, "Blondie" because she had no name to go with.  Now they are working together..kind of.  There is attraction between them but not a whole lot of trust.

 Melody always longed for a normal life, away from her family's professional business. That business would be Professional con-artists and thieves.
Things get explosive in the end, a good way to end the book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion of it.

BOOK REVIEW- HOME FREE #20SISTERHOOD by Fern Michaels

NEW BEGINNINGS FOR THE SISTERHOOD

United by a desire to overcome their personal misfortunes, seven very different women formed an indelible bond and vowed to right wrongs wherever they found them. They've succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. After years known as the Vigilantes, Myra, Annie, Kathryn, Alexis, Yoko, Nikki, and Isabelle are enjoying their hard-won freedom and the chance at a normal life.

As it turns out, once you're a part of the Sisterhood, normal is a relative term. President Martine Connor, their long-time ally, has announced the formation of a top-secret organization. Officially, the CIC won't exist. Unofficially, they'll report directly to the president and tackle the jobs no one else can handle. For the Sisterhood, it's the end of an era—and the beginning of a whole new adventure. .
 .AMAZON 4 STARS

I really liked this one but it also could be that it got the reader caught up with the Sisters personal lives. This part is one of the main focuses at first because the girls are chasing their tails trying to figure out who they were supposed to be targeting.  Madame President gives them the best heads up she can, which isn't much.  Love the Gold Shields that they now carry.  We also got to see how some of  the women and their "men" were doing in the romance department.  Things aren't going smoothly for all of the team members in that department and some are in the midst of healing past hurts like Nikki and Jack for instance.   A few like Maggie are meeting new men.  Maggie meets 2 different men and that makes it interesting to see if either one is a good guys/a keeper.  It was good to see Fergus Duffy show back up in this story.  He didn't have a huge part to play but he did add flavor.

There were 2 good twists towards the end.  Big Ones.  And the last one answered some questions for me and also made for more questions too.

Circular Knitting needles chart- Minimum Stitches to fit

LINK

"Scrapghan" /Yarn Scraps make a Colorful Afghan

LINK

How to Use Your Difficult Times to Your Advantage

How to Use Your Difficult Times to Your Advantage: After interacting with literally tens of thousands of people through coaching and doing prophetic outreaches, I have noticed an interesting pattern. Satan attacks you in the area of your strength and future calling. You will see this in the lives of people in the Bible. David was called and anointed by the Prophet Samuel to   …Read Full Post

Worthy - Ben Woodward - You Never Let Go

SUPERNATURAL Benefit as you Organize- Dr. Bill Winston

God will supernaturally add to your life as you are organized to contain it.
Your organization is key to your increase.  Dr. Bill Winston  3-14-17  LINK

BOOK REVIEW- Deja Vu #19 SISTERHOOD

Thanks to a presidential pardon, the Sisterhood can put their fugitive days behind them and resume their lives in peace. Still, all the women admit that lately things are a little too calm and peaceful. Meeting up for the first time in months to celebrate Kathryn's birthday--in the City of Sin, no less--seems like the perfect antidote. 

But before they can kick up their heels something too big to pass up is dropped into their laps. The time has come to deal with Enemy #1, a/k/a Hank Jellicoe. Wanted by the FBI, the CIA, and Homeland Security for starters, President Connor herself has run out of patience with their lack of results. Only the Sisterhood, with their special blend of guts, imagination, and friends in all places are capable of pulling off the impossible--of hunting down this monster and taking him out once and for all. . .AMAZON  4.5 stars

I really liked this one.  It could have been titled," Jellicoe Bites the Dust."  Only he doesn't go easy and it makes for a wild ride.  I mean the Sisters had thought that they had put an end to his shenanigans the first time they caught him.  But this time they did it for sure. It made for the edge of the seat, involved reading.  I read it in one setting.  I think I liked this book better because the Sisters were back in sync again, they had their mojo back.  Another good detail is the guys called the ladies of the way that they have been treating their guys.  They felt used, called in when needed and then scuttled aside, not allowed into the main circle of planning.  It was past time for them to bring that up.  I mean those guys were there for them every time, often taking some pretty serious risks.
I was also relieved to see that all the whining and crying about how the vigilantes lives went down the drain after the pardons, is over.  They really needed to face it, it wasn't the pardons that messed them up, I mean place the blame were its earned.  Greed and Hank Jellicoe.  And they finally do, make him pay that is.  But there still is trouble in all the "girls" relationships when it comes to the guys. Some of them look like they finally might be working out, some are still in process. Maggie and her longtime friend and hacker superman,  Abner Tookus (what a name by the way) have a SERIOUS falling out.  Even Maggie is surprised by her own reaction to that.  
There are some surprise and fun references to the T.V. series "Burn  Notice" and even the Red Hat Society comes into play. And everything and everyone the Sisters touch benefit big and in unexpected ways.  Well everyone except the bad guys. 

God loves to hide Upgrades for us in our Circumstances- Graham Cooke

When we are learning how to walk with God, we are submitting ourselves to the way that He thinks. This means that we are submitting ourselves to the way He perceives the situation to be from His own heart, affection, and intentionality.

Submitting to God in this manner, positions us to actually receive an upgrade, something that actually improves the situation or works to your advantage.

God loves to hide upgrades for us in our circumstances. Every single situation, good, bad, or ugly, has something tangible in it for us to receive and enjoy.6

God intends that we would be lacking in nothing no matter the situation. Think about James 1:2:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”

Every circumstance you have is an opportunity for you to think brilliantly about God, yourself, and the situation you are in. The mind of Christ is the most profound, dynamic, incredible, and amazing way of thinking ever. He sees things that you could not even imagine by yourself. The mind of Christ opens you up to see what Heaven is doing.

Your starting place always guarantees the outcome.

Sometimes we get so hung up with the situation, we cannot see anything else. We let it get so close to us we can only see the actual problem. If we keep our focus there, we will miss out on the upgrade that God has for us.

If you start from a bad place in your thinking, you are not going to like the outcome. But if you start from the place that God has actually assigned to that issue, you can stand with Him and connect to your upgrade.

When you find this place in God, stand in it, embrace it, and confess it back to Him. You have a guaranteed outcome from this place because God is releasing an upgrade in your life.  LINK

PS) For a more practical guide to this type of thinking, be sure to check out “The Art of Thinking Brilliantly.” Listen on CD or MP3 here or watch on video here.

Mandisa- Good Morning ft. Tobymac

High School Students Start a Lunch Club So No One Eats Alone - Good News Network

High School Students Start a Lunch Club So No One Eats Alone - Good News Network: We Dine Together is a club run entirely by students for students who don't deserve to eat lunch alone every day.

Leviathan is Kicking Your Butt!

19:21 IN LENGTH

BOOK REVIEW- CROSS ROADS #18 SISTERHOOD

 

The Sisterhood Will Not Be Broken

It's been a year and a half since the women of the Sisterhood received their presidential pardons, but the freedom they craved has come at a high price. The impossibly lucrative positions handed out to them by the mysterious Global Securities company have turned out to be golden handcuffs--scattering them around the world, cutting off communication, and leaving them in miserable isolation. 

But a happy homecoming at the old Virginia farmhouse is marred by the hijacking of Nikki and Kathryn's private jet. It seems their few fellow passengers are not ordinary travelers--they're an elite group of Interpol agents who urgently need the Sisterhood's help. Now the ladies face a stark choice: resume their vigilante status for one of their most hazardous assignments yet, or try to outwit a group of powerful adversaries willing to use truly desperate measures. This time, everything is in the balance--their lives, their friendship, and the freedom they fought so hard to gain.  .  .AMAZON  3 STARS

I liked it but I didn't love it.  It had potential but it just didn't feel that it met it all.    It was good to see the "girls" finally figure out how captive they really were.  And boy were they upset when they realized how much of their life had been wasted without the rest of their family.  It took the guys a bit longer; actually quite a while but when they did, they acted.  Not sure I was all that happy with how Kathryn began to treat Bert and Charles began to take more heat when he "failed" the girls.  Even Myra gave him some steely moments.
I also have to admit at a point or two it got a little confusing and I had to struggle to remember the whole reason of why the girls were being hired.  Not a good thing.   And although Hank was a good character, he had a whole lot of secrets, they added a fair amount of twists and surprises to the story.  Was he a good guy or a bad guy and if he was evil just how bad was he?   Some of that comes out here in this book.  

A final thought is that a times I did find it a bit confusing and felt like I was spinning my wheels a time or two. But I did read it all in one setting. 

BOOK REVIEW- Game Over #17(Sisterhood )

 


The Sisterhood Believes In Promises Kept
With yet another successful assignment behind them, the ladies of the Sisterhood have enjoyed a relaxing break together and celebrated the wedding of Myra and Charles on Big Pine Mountain. But as soon as the newlyweds return from their shortened honeymoon, they are hit with some exciting yet unsettling news. . .
It seems their dear ally Lizzie Fox, recently ensconced as Chief White House Counsel, is rumored to be near the top of the short list for a soon to be vacated seat on the Supreme Court. While the Sisters are thrilled for Lizzie, they are concerned about her being ripped to shreds in the approval process, partly due to her connections with the Sisterhood. They also fear it will delay or even derail their long-awaited pardon promised to them by President Martine Connor. It will take a masterful plan, and loyal friends aiding them at every turn, for the Sisters to succeed in protecting Lizzie while securing their own freedom at last.   AMAZON   4.5 STARS


I enjoyed this one.  Plenty of great characters (our main crew) and the introduction of a few more interesting and needed people too.  The story kept me involved and made me wonder how all of this was going to work out.  It kept me on the edge of my seat many times as some secrets and "red herrings" are thrown out and cause problems as the story goes along.  It was good to see what Madame President has been up against.  She had her hands full just trying to get things done in office let alone getting pardons for the vigilantes.  And she needs to do something because the natives are getting restless, a promise is a promise.  We saw some things look hopeful for many of the relationships but I just have to ask.  What about Maggie? 

BOOK REVIEW- A FAMILY AFFAIR (TRUTH IN LIES BOOK 1

When Christine Blacksworth's larger-than-life father is killed on an icy road in Magdalena, New York, a hundred miles from the 'getaway' cabin he visited every month, she discovers a secret that threatens everything she's always held to be true. Her father has another family which includes a mistress and a daughter. 

Determined to uncover the truth behind her father's secret life, Christine heads to Magdalena, prepared to hate the people who have caused her to question everything she thought she knew about her father. But what she finds is a woman who understands her, a half sister who cherishes her, and a man who could love her if she'll let him. The longer she's around them, the more she questions which family is the real one. . . 
Note: This book contains sexual content and profanity. While the author believes these situations are handled in good taste, she acknowledges some readers will choose to pass on this book.
 AMAZON 4 STARS

This book was different.  An emotional story.   I liked the route that it took and felt it was well done. The main characters were really good.  It also threw a few curve balls as well as having a moment or two that was predictable.  Lily was one of those curve balls but a really good one.  Well played out and the whole story was emotional with really good characters to it.  Even Christine's self centered, controlling mother was something else as she tried to be bigger than life. 
And Uncle Harry?  Now there is a character, who I liked even though he undervalued the goodness in him.  Yes, he was also a rascal and recognized his less than stellar qualities (he was a hound dog when it came to women) but he also wasn't all bad either.   

The Powerful Message About A Mother's Love

BOOK REVIEW- HIS RUTHLESS BITE

 
The Lord Vampire of Rochester doesn’t do a favor without a price. And now it’s time to collect. 

Gavin Drake, Baron of Darkwood is being pestered by nosy neighbors and matchmaking mothers of the mortal nobility. To escape their scrutiny, he concludes that it’s time to take a wife. After witnessing the young vampire Lenore’s loyalty to the Lord of London, he decides she is sufficient for the role.

After surviving kidnapping and abuse from rogue vampires, Lenore Graves wants to help other women recover from their inner wounds. She befriends physician John Elliotson and uses her vampire powers to aid him in using mesmerism on his patients. When the Lord Vampire of London declares that Lenore is the price the Lord Vampire of Rochester demands for aiding him in battle the previous year, she is terrified. Will all of her healing and hard work be destroyed by Ruthless Rochester? And yet, she can’t suppress stirrings of desire at the memory of their potent encounter.

After Gavin assures her that the marriage will be in name only, Lenore reluctantly accepts Gavin’s proposal rather than face potential animosity from her new lord. Determined to continue her work, she invites John Elliotson to Rochester. As they help women recover from traumas, Lenore explores her own inner turmoil and examines her attraction to her husband.

Gavin quickly realizes his marriage is a mistake. His new baroness’s involvement with the mesmerist is damaging his reputation among mortals and vampires alike. He knows he should put a stop to Lenore’s antics— yet her tender heart is warming his own and tempting him to make her his bride in truth.

As Lenore and Gavin’s relationship blossoms, the leader of a gang of rogue vampires embarks on a quest for vengeance against Gavin… using Lenore as his key.    AMAZON

Although this story did have potential, it was so slow that I had a problem with that. I know that it takes time to develop the people and the cultures but it was really hard for me to stay involved in the story because of the pace. I will say that "Ruthless Rochester" (Gavin) had more to him that most people around him knew about or even suspected.   He had some good things going for him and Lenore Graves brought more of the good in him to the surface.  There were also some good secondary characters but sadly it wasn't enough to save it for me.

BOOK REVIEW- WAR BRIDE (BATTLE BORN) by Cydi Friberg

 
Battle Born Prequel: Skyla's prophetic dreams aren't enough to keep her from being captured by a fierce Rodyte general, but they help her understand what he wants and why he needs her so desperately. She's now his helpless captive and must decide if she's brave enough to teach this embittered soldier how to love again.

Tragedy, and years of war, have hardened Kryton Lux, made him ruthless and unfeeling. He's fascinated with his new captive, ready and willing to seduce her curvaceous body. His heart, however, isn't part of the bargain. She will submit to his sexual demands and when their time together has concluded, she will return to her homeworld and he will never think of her again. Luckily for Skyla, fate has a far different plan for this stubborn general.

Note to Readers: This book contains detailed descriptions of sizzling passion only suitable for mature readers.   AMAZON   4 STARS


A pretty good story underneath all of the expected sexual tension, sexual foreplay and interaction. Which also was pretty well done.  There was also the plus of really interesting cultures on both sides and really good main characters.  Even Kryton's sidekick,  Tonn was a good addition.  Totally likable even though he has a duty to Kryton as a military underlining and as his friend.  There is also a twist or two to the story which I enjoyed.  Everything was NOT as it seemed. 

BOOK REVIEW- WAKING UP SLOWLY

 


What if we are stubbing our toes on the sacred every day and not realizing it?
We are the most connected culture in history but arguably the most disconnected from the awareness of God’s presence. Waking Up Slowly is author Dave Burchett’s personal challenge to live “in the moment” and find the everyday joys he misses in disconnected busyness.

What moments of joy do we inadvertently miss as we stare at our screens? What performance idols destroy our ability to appreciate God’s gifts?

Dave Burchett sets out to find out how life might look differently if he awoke each morning consciously looking for the easy to miss “postcards from God.” Waking Up Slowly is an intimate, warm, and touching story of discovering how to more fully appreciate living in the moment. During his discovery, the author finds regular reminders of daily joys from his Labrador pal, Maggie.

Waking Up Slowly challenges the reader to recognize, appreciate, and celebrate the ways that God reveals himself daily. Through regular people, everyday situations, cuddly creatures, and stunning nature, God’s presence is real and discoverable. We just need to wake up to it.   AMAZON BOOKS 4 STARS



Living more fully in the moment. That's the first thing that hit me as I read this book.  And it was part of the theme as the book went on. 
I really enjoyed the insight that the author offered in the introduction. His early morning, "before coffee" Good Morning prayer.  He mentioned that he wrote it down so that he could remember it when he might still be  getting over his early morning waking up fog.  At the end of each chapter is a short section called, "God's Take" and " A Dose of Grace." 

One of my favorite chapters had to do with "stinking thinking", it was quite the revelation.  There was even a list of symptoms, which I didn't expect to see.  Another thing that I liked about this book was that there were suggestions made but there weren't overwhelming.  
And yes to answer people's questions, there will be scripture

Another favorite chapter is about seeing life through the eyes of a child. The author made mention of a statement by Betty Smith from "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn".  It really got my attention because its something that has been brought to my attention more than once lately.  And this is it, "Look at everything always as though you were seeing it either for the first time or the last time."  That is the part I am trying to keep reminding myself.  The quote did go on to say that, "Thus is your time on earth filled with glory. '' 

On another note, I did notice that each of the chapters weren't really long but they did contain nuggets, that made it worthwhile.

How have I woken up to the ways God reveals himself in my life? This may sound kind of ironic when it comes to waking up to God but one of the major ways, is that I pay attention to my dreams at night.  When I wake up in the morning, I often find that God is trying to speak to me as I sleep.  I have a pen and paper next to my bed to jot things down. 
I also keep an eye on God showing me patterns in things happening around me.  Lastly, I on purpose look for little surprises throughout the day.  Things that made me smile, a bit of favor shown here and there.  Anything good, I know came from God.  It makes me even more thankful.   God knows what I like. 

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, I need to mention that Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.