Wildflowers From Winter

Release date: May, 8 2012

Publisher: Waterbrook Press
ISBN-10:0307730387
ISBN-13: 978-0307730381

 

About The Book:  A young architect at a prestigious Chicago firm, Bethany Quinn has built a life far removed from her trailer park teen years. Until an interruption from her estranged mother reveals that tragedy has struck in her hometown and a reluctant Bethany is called back to rural Iowa. Determined to pay her respects while avoiding any emotional entanglements, she vows not to stay long. But the unexpected inheritance of farmland and a startling turn of events in Chicago forces Bethany to come up with a new plan.  Handsome farmhand Evan Price has taken care of the Quinn farm for years. So when Bethany is left the land, he must fight her decisions to realize his dreams. But even as he disagrees with Bethany’s vision, Evan feels drawn to her and the pain she keeps so carefully locked away.  For Bethany, making peace with her past and the God of her childhood doesn’t seem like the path to freedom. Is letting go the only way to new life, love and a peace she’s not even sure exists?

Want to read a sample from the book?  Click here if you do.

About the Author:  Katie Ganshert was born and raised in the Midwest, where she writes stories about finding faith and falling in love. When she’s not busy plotting her next novel, she enjoys watching movies with her husband, playing make-believe with her wild-child of a son, and chatting with her girlfriends over bagels. She and her husband are in the process of adopting from the Congo. You can find her online at her blog and on Facebook. 

My Thoughts:  Katie Ganshert has a knack with character development.  Bethany comes off so hard in the beginning only to soften as she realizes where her love lies.  This young woman had overcome so much and I related to her turmoil where God, her mom, her grandfather, and her dad were concerned.  As a 9 year old survivor from a brother's accidental death, this story was like deja vu.  I shared every emotion and feeling Bethany had with her.  I loved this book and cannot wait to read another book by Katie Ganshert.   Once I started reading the book....I read non-stop.  This was one of those stories you give up sleep and food for....at least I did.  Great read!  Thank you Katie!

Disclaimer:  I received this book from the Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Groups Blogging for Books program in an exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Wednesday Hodge Podge - vol 91

I agree with Joyce that it seems only appropriate that answering the questions in this Labor Day Hodgepodge required a bit of work. I'm glad you joined the party today...be sure to add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post before you head out to visit everyone else. Here are my answers to Joyce's questions.

1. Americans will celebrate Labor Day this coming weekend. Do you know what we're actually celebrating? (without consulting your friends google or wikipedia, ahem) What's a project you're currently 'laboring' over?

I was raised in a union household.  My dad was a member of the I.B.E.W.  I was raised never to cross a picket line.  I am a teacher and although it is not called a union per say....I pay dues to the NEA/AEA/ACEA - all education associations....if it looks like a duck, quacks, like a duck, and waddles like a duck....it is probably a duck.  Labor Day is a celebration of American workers.  Without them....a lot of things would never have come to pass.  I am currently laboring over a couple of things....cleaning out my parents house (which I am struggling with), and making silverware windchimes.

2. Labor Day also signifies the unofficial end of summer for most of us...what summer food will you miss the most? If you live in the Southern hemisphere feel free to substitute winter for summer.

I am going to have to mimic Joyce's answer and say watermelon, squash, and tomatoes. I too love all the summer fruits but watermelon is my favorite.  I love vine ripened tomatoes and hate the ones you buy in the grocery store in the winter.  There is no taste and no acid.

3. A well known proverb states, "It's easier to seek forgiveness than ask permission." Your thoughts?

I would personally rather 'ask permission' than forgiveness.  I have done it once or twice but was most uncomfortable with the process. 

 

4. Food critic, film critic, art critic, book critic...which hat would you most like to wear?  I would love to be a food critic.  I do reviews on books now and enjoy that too. 

 

5. When you were a kid, (besides your parents) who was your favorite adult?  I had several.  I was the only child and there were more adults in my life than kids.  In my life...I loved them all.  Little grandmother (my mom's mom) was probably number one...followed by my Godmother, Francis and then Elizabeth and Ethel(she was our landlady).  This was a great springboard for upcoming posts.  Thanks Joyce!

 

6. The astronaut Neil Armstrong passed away last week. He was regarded as a hero by many generations of people all around the world. Do we still have modern day heroes? What makes someone a hero?  I watched a History Channel special about him tonight and I agree with Joyce that back in 1969 the courage it took for those astronauts to climb into that little bitty capsule is mind boggling.  Neil Armstrong was a humble quiet and humble man for sure.  In the special on television.  he gave credit to everyone at  NASA  who made his moon walk possible rather than shouting, "Look at me!  Look what I did!"  I think he was a definite hero and a most amazing man..   The sad thing about our society  is that today money seems to make people heros.  Sports figures, movie stars, etc are all held up as heroes and that is so wrong.  T.O., the rowdy football player was a former student of mine....young men in our town idolize him....and I hate that....this man is not someone who should be idolized.  We also had a former student killed in Iraq....now that is a hero.  There is a stretch of road in front of our school and they wanted to name it after T.O.  I thought it should be named after the marine who died for my freedom.  Fortunately the name was never changed.  If I had to pick a hero today....I agree with Joyce....it would be the firefighters and policemen and invdividuals who rushed into the World Trade Center knowing there was a possibility they might not come out.  It would be the men and women who fight for my freedom so I can sleep in peace at night.  There are common everyday heroes all over the place...average people....miners who go back down after a shaft has collapsed to save their comrades....none of them have to make millions to be great.  They are great because they are brave and humble.

 

7. I never get tired of __________________....spending time with my family.

8. Insert your own random thought here.  Since I am a huge fan of Debby over at Just Breathe and a huge music buff  I am going to join with Joyce and do my list of 15 vocalists and wonder who yours are???

The instructions were to name 15 vocalists (in no particular order) who will always stick with you...don't take too long to think about it, just the first 15 that pop into your head.

1.  Bqrbara Streisand

2.  James Taylor

3.  Neil Diamond

4.  Carole King

5.  Gordon Lightfoot

6.  Mary Black

7.  Wynona  Judd

8.  Travis Cottrell

9.  Natalie Grant

10.  Nat King Cole

11. George Harrison

12.  Paul McCartney

13. Mac Powell (Third Day)

14. Chris Tomlin

15. Steven Curtis Chapman

Have a great rest of the week. 

Through Rushing Water

About The Book:  "Sophia has her life all planned out—but her plan didn’t include being jilted or ending up in Dakota Territory. Sophia Makinoff is certain that 1876 is the year that she’ll become the wife of a certain US Congressman, and happily plans her debut into the Capitol city. But when he proposes to her roommate instead, Sophia is stunned. Hoping to flee her heartache and humiliation, she signs up with the Board of Foreign Missions on a whim. With dreams of a romantic posting to the Far East, Sophia is dismayed to find she’s being sent to the Ponca Indian Agency in the bleak Dakota Territory. She can’t even run away effectively and begins to wonder how on earth she’ll be able to guide others as a missionary. But teaching the Ponca children provides her with a joy she has never known—and never expected—and ignites in her a passion for the people she’s sent to serve. It’s a passion shared by the Agency carpenter, WillougIhby Dunn, a man whose integrity and selflessness are unmatched. The Poncas are barely surviving. When U.S. policy decrees that they be uprooted from their land and marched hundreds of miles away in the middle of winter, Sophia and Will wade into rushing waters to fight for their friends, their love, and their destiny."  Want to know the real story behind the book?  If you do then check this link out. 

About The Author:  While Catherine Richmond  was busy raising a family, working as an occupational therapist, and trying to remember where she hid the chocolate,  a song sparked a story within her. The journey to publication was long, but full of blessings. She admits that she couldn’t have done it without ACFW, RWA, and FHL, the inspirational chapter of RWA, and Nebraska Novelists critique group.  Richmond was born in Washington, DC, grew up in northern Virginia, attended Western Michigan University, and moved around a lot for her husband’s aviation career. Her favorite place to write is the porch!  I love this woman.  Check out her website at:  http://catherinerichmond.com. 

My Thoughts On The Book:  When I began reading this book I thought, "Oh no...a sappy love story about a political figure and a girl."  I was far from correct on this story.  It had so many layers it was hard to keep up with them sometimes.  It drew you into the characters lives when you least expected it to,  I always dreamed of teaching school on a reservation.  This story was my dream in pen and ink.  Sophia was everything I planned on being as a teacher and then some.  I felt as if I knew her personally and then I felt as if I was looking in a mirror at myself.  My heart bled for the Ponca Indians.  I felt as if I walked each mile through the bad weather conditions with them.  I felt as if I lost the same loved ones they did.  Richmond as a way of stringing her story together where you don't want to put the book down.  I read every chance I could like a man starving for food.  It was a wonderful story about a not so wonderful time in United States History.  This book is a must read and must own.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publisher's  BookSneeze as  part of their blogger book review team in exchange for an honest review.

It Is Time to Fly

About the Book:  It's Time to Fly: Daily Devotionals for Families is a book designed for families who want to grow in faith together. Linda C. Davis has written some thought provoking lessons that are simple enough for young family members and yet still have the potential to impact Christians of all ages.  The lessons in the book are based on the contemporary Christian band Ka*Pop’s CD “It’s Time to Fly.” Each song has seven days of family devotionals that center on the message of the song. For example, week four is focused on the song “Deep and Wide” and all the devotions for those seven days relate to the lyrics of “Deep and Wide.”  More information about Ka*Pop and their ministry can be found at www.kapopkit.com

About The Author:  Linda Carruth Davis is a published writer, award winning journalist, musician, artist and CEO of her own company, lcd, ink: communicative arts.   A graduate of Asbury University and Asbury Theological Seminary she holds Masters degrees in Theology and Pastoral Counseling.
It's Time to Fly: Daily Devotionals fro Families is a book designed for families who want to grow in faith together. Linda C. Davis has written some thought provoking lessons that are simple enough for young family members and yet still have the potential to impact Christians of all ages.

About Ka-Pop:  Ka*Pop is made up of three dads from the Nashville area. They love to create music,  movies and games to share with kids and youth across the country. Jesus loves the little children. Right on. They are pop, dance pop, R & B. Bright, intricate vocals over a funky, rock-tinged musical bed.

My Thoughts On The Subject:  This was nothing like I expected it to be.  The lessons were good, I could see where families would possibly enjoy this, it just was not all that for me.  I am a traditional studier of the Bible and like my music a little more spiritual.  I might give this to my son and his family as a gift and then again might not.

Disclaimer: I received this book from the Bet Galley Publishing Group Blogging Program in an exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Project 365 - Week 34

I hate to admit it but I think most of the pictures I took this week were with the camera on my phone.  I am enjoying photo stream.  I wish I had had the time to really get out and shoot Dr. M kinds of pictures this week....but the first few weeks of school truly whip me and it was all I could do to get these shots.  It seemed like everything was this week....no rest for the weary.  I hope you will hop over to Sara's place and check out all the other photographers offerings.  You will be truly amazed at some of the gorgeous shots from all over the world.  Ok....so this is my week in pictures.

Sunday, August 19th

Shower number one was this weekend. My cousin, Ferris is getting married September 15th in Savannah.  I was not invited to the wedding....but was invited to the shower.  This is Kat's present.  She could not attend the shower so I took both of our gifts.  My gift was a holiday serving plate.  The shower was decorated in brown and teal with peacock feathers as the center of attraction.  Ferris's sister Emilly did a wonderful decorating job.  The bride got loads of awesome gifts.  Headed home to get ready for Monday....and students.

 

Monday, August 20th

Gloria and Billy Ray, some of the Rock Mills porch people,  bought an ugly old painted mailbox at an auction back in the spring.  I shot my mouth off and told her I would paint it for her.  So....Monday night I began project destress.  I went out to my korner of the shop and began painting the mailbox.  This is the beginning of the project.  I will have to take a shot of the final project.  I free hand paint....and paint what I see.  FYI...the right side will have a rock and huge red lighthouse on it and the palm tree will have fronds and leaves.  I promise it will look better.  Now that I see this I HOPE it looks better.  I worked in the shop until nearly nine and was so relaxed when I went in for the evening.

 

Tuesday, August 21st

Another day of school down and back out to my korner to work on the mailbox.  Frank was working on Derby South frames for the traveling team.  He is nearly finished.  I thought I would let you see some of the process of this.  They really are pretty frames.  I wish I had had something like this back in my softball playing days. 

 

Wednesday, August 22nd

After school today I ran by Cloud Nine to pick out a gift for shower number three, which is Sunday.  I loved this cross and it was something the bride-to-be had registered for.  I had to have it.  After paying for my gift and heading to Roanoke I stopped at Clark Brothers to get the brunswick stew I was going to have to have for shower number two on Saturday.  It is going to be a first for me....a couples baby shower dinner.  I can't wait to experience this.  I know it will have to be fun.  Anything that involves ribs, brisket, and all the trimmings has to be fun.

 

Thursday, August 23rd

I downloaded Instagram to my Iphone while Frank and I were in Auburn having Endless Shrimp at Red Lobster....at least Frank was having Endless Shrimp.  I took a rather blurry picture to try it out and then played with some of the things you can do to the picture.  I thought I would stop while I was ahead and I really did capture the true essence of Frank.  He was cutting up with our waitress.  This is our last free Thursday night....we start the bowling  process next week.  Sigh!

 

Friday, August 24th

Shower number two is tomorrow and tonight we finished decorating for it.  I went ahead and wrapped my gifts.  The tallest box is an airplane light fixture.  The bag gift is a precious airplane bank from Pottery Barn Kids.  If you can't guess the room is decorated with airplanes.  The baby's name is going to be Jett.  I love it!

 

Saturday, August 25th

 

Shower number two.  The top picture is the dad, mom, and Jamma to be.  Marcie said her eyes were closed but I told her they weren't.  I was wrong.  The gift table was gorgeous and this was just a small sampling of the gifts she got.  I love the vintage bi-plane rocker.  The ladies of our church and community really know how to throw a party.  It was great fun and the men were so funny because this was their very first baby shower.  Loved it.  Hope your week was a good one and I will see you here again Labor Day weekend.

Over The Edge

 

About The Book:  Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he's never been the same. He was always a reckless youth, but now he's gone over the edge. He ran off to the Civil War and came back crazier than ever.  After the war, nearly dead from his injuries, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he's got a lot of excuses, but his wife isn't happy to find out Seth doesn't remember her. Callie has searched, prayed, and worried. Now she's come to the Kincaid family's ranch in Colorado to find her lost husband.  Callie isn't a long-suffering woman. Once she knows her husband is alive, she wants to kill him. She's not even close to forgiving him for abandoning her.  Then more trouble shows up in the form of a secret Seth's pa kept for years. The Kincaid brothers might lose their ranch if they can't sort things out. It's enough to drive a man insane--but somehow it's all making Seth see things more clearly. And now that he knows what he wants, no one better stand in his way.

About The Author:  Mary Connealy writes fun and lively "romantic comedy with cowboys" for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters series, and her novel Calico Canyon was nominated for a Christy Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.

Think you might want to buy the book?  If so then click here and buy it.  You won't regret it.



What to know what others think about this book then check out the link to the blog tour by following  this link:  http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13525530/overtheedge

My Thoughts On The Book:  Although I have not read the first two books in the Kincaid Bride series I was instantly drawn to the characters in Mary Connealy's third book in the series.  Seth Kincaid, one of the stories main characters was quite interesting. This man had survived the Civil War and also survived a fire in a cave. Because he had witnessed many terrible things during the years he was away many  of those things were blocked from his memory...  one of them being his wife, Callie.  Callie, is not your typical wife in the 1800.  As the story begins she is in a stagecoach with a pastor and his wife firing at some men who are trying to overtake the coach.  I loved these two characters.  I now have to go back and read the other two books.  Once I started this book i could not put it down.  It was wonderful.

Disclaimer:  I received this book from the Litfuse Publisity Group as part of their Blogging tour in exchange for a fair and impartial review.  I have found a new favorite author! 

 

Joining Five Minute Friday

It is Friday....the end of my first week back at school with kids and time for Lisa-Jo's Five Minute Friday meme.  It is an easy thing to do you just:
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking on the topic she gives you.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..
I promise you will love reading what everyone writes about.  It is a great way to help writer's block...which is the reason I joined.  I needed some brainstorming accountability.

OK, are you ready? Please give us your best five minutes on:::

Join

(These are my cousins who came from near and far to join with my dad at his 80th birthday party)

 

Go

Over the years I have joined things.  I like being a part of something...now as an adult.  When I was a teenager I was not so much a joiner.  I was a loner.  I was a member of my church choirs and that was about it.  Now, as an adult I find that joining in can be fun.  I joined facebook because my daughter told me it was something I needed to do.  I am glad I did because many of my high school classmates were also joining and it was a good way to connect with them and see what has been going on in their lives since 1972.  I joined two National Honor Societies in college because I earned the right to join them.  I loved being a part of them and wearing the gold tassles when I graduated.  I joined a teachers sorority when I was in my third year of teaching and loved that for a while.  It was a great way to get with fellow educators and discuss teaching topics.  I went from there to joining the AEA (alabama Education Association) where I became very active and have held several officers.  I joined a church because I love being part of the family of God and in God's house and I love having one I call home.  But, as much as I love joining groups there is another kind of joining I love even more.  I love joining hands with my family as we say the grace before a meal.  I love the feel of hands interlocked (joined).  I love joining my family to celebrate monumental occassions and holidays.  I love joining the faculty, community, fans at BRHS football games and yelling my boys on to victory.  Joining....gathering together of more than one.  Won't you join in with us today?  Have a wonderful weekend.

 

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