The Rose House by Tina Ann Forkner- Romance and Mystery Perfectly Blended!

The Rose House... a beacon of hope, a harbor for dreams and a refuge for hearts.

Lillian Hastings, a recent widow and prisoner of her thoughts, is drawn to a mysterious painting hanging in a gallery, it's significance plays on her emotions and engulfs her.

Geena, sister to Lillian has devastating secrets to share and a longing to right the wrongs in her past.

Kitty owner of Frances Di Camillo whose home is encompassed entirely of beautiful and captivating roses. She gives of her time and talents freely always lending friendly conversation to all in need.

A painting lovingly created by an artist longing to capture the beauty and essense of a perfect subject. Very much aware of how people view the creator's vision of paint to canvas and ability, the shy artist enjoys watching the reactions, yet longs for a critique and a way to approach others.

In the midst of Rose House something sinister lurks in the background always waiting for satisfaction.

Are you yearning for a romance that reaches out to touch you?
Are you searching for mystery and intrigue that will keep you guessing?
A deep and beautifully haunting novel that reaches the core of the heart to capture the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time getting to know these different and well formed characters. Well written plot, dialogue, scenery intermingled with twists and turns kept me glued to the book and turning the pages. I was highly entertained by this impossible to put down book and will recommend this well written novel to others!

The Girl's Still Got It by Liz Curtis Higgs- Entertaining and Thought Provoking!

Have you every wondered  how you "fit" within the stories of the bible? 


Dive in and spend some quality time learning about God's steadfast love and why women are valued in his eyes. Study the Book of Ruth in depth in a way that has not been researched or documented.
Easy to read format to digest verses and explanations that can be read in short reading times or in larger chunks. Each chapter in Ruth is broken up into segments that expertly blend ancient times with modern stories. Also has an extensive thought provoking study guide with discussion questions and chapter bible study.


Mrs. Higgs brings the reader this must read interpretation, modern and down to earth dialogue sprinkled generously with original humor as only she can deliver it!
Spend quality time getting to know Ruth and Naomi and find out why this girl's still got it!


I highly recommend this well written and entertaining volume. It certainly changed the way I view the Book of Ruth and my life in general. I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for my review


http://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781578564484
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/blog/2012/03/28/sneak-peek-the-girls-still-got-it-by-liz-curtis-higgs/

Stardust by Carla Stewart- Blessings Come In All Forms

Secrets are sometimes hidden waiting to be surfaced as acceptance can lie close to the horizon.


Mayhaw Texas in 1952 is home to Georgia Peyton's family. Her husband O'Dell passes away suddenly leaving alot of unanswered questions about his current affairs. When a document is found by Georgia nestled amongst O'Dell's belongings another name is listed in the space where hers should be occupied. The choices she has for her and her daughters grow more narrow with little income coming in for support. 


The Stardust, a haven of sought after cottages beckons it's guest among the Bayou.


When destiny presents itself in the form of a down on his luck drifter landing on the front steps of The Stardust with a guitar and a smile, decisions concerning Georgia's present and future must be made. For her sake and those of her family will the acceptance of the past fill her or will bitterness hold her heart firmly?


I loved this southern novel complete with landscape, dialogue drawl and way of life. A very well written novel that stars comfortable and realistic characters who seem like old friends. The storyline held my interest and I found it hard to put down and at the end, most unforgettable. The author has a way of telling a story that the reader can relate to, maybe seeing themselves or others they know contained within the pages. I found the overall message to be inspiring and I was challenged in my faith. I will recommend this book to others. Thank you to FaithWords and Netgalley for the ARC for my review.

Growing Tomatoes in Pots

Let's face it... Growing tomatoes in pots can be challenging. Unless they are specifically engineered for container growing ie: Tiny Tim or Container Choice or others. Tomatoes grown in the ground (even in pure clay) acclimate and  produce better, not to mention the constant need for water. To help tomatoes grown in containers I have had success with Mushroom Compost which can be found at garden centers (not big box stores). Add it to the potting soil at the rate of half of each really seems to do wonders for tomato plants, but you will still have to water often.

The Anniversary Waltz by Darrel Nelson- Realistic, Heartfelt and Engaging Novel!

When the hardship and reality of life encompass and saturate can it be possible to see beyond with enough hope for the future?

Adam Carlson and his wife Elizabeth have been married for sixty years. With family gathered for their anniversary party, the couple share with all their life story which began in 1946.

Adam has been away at war enlisted in the army for four years and arrives home in Reunion Montana. He travels back to the farm home and family he left and back to his old way of life.

Elizabeth thankful to be employed at a time during the war where jobs were hard to come by. She, along with her friend Julie endured the harsh summer conditions at a local dry cleaner.

When Adam and Elizabeth cross paths during the Heritage Days community dance, neither expecting to meet nor notice the other, enjoy true company as they each share familiarity and engaging conversation. Could this be what each has needed all along?

A realistic novel promising humor, tragedy and romance will instantly transport the reader back in time. My original intent was to read a few chapters but I became so involved in the storyline that I quickly lost track of time. A very hard to put down book. Excellent character development, dialogue and scenery guarantees many entertaining hours with absolutely no dull parts. I found the overall message inspiring and will highly recommend this book to others. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Charisma House and Realms for my review.

Death of A Six Foot Teddy Bear by Sharon Dunn

Murder and Mayhem at the World's Largest Yard Sale!

Join the members of the Bargain Hunters Network (BHN) Kindra, Ginger, Suzanne and Arleta on another adventure at the Wind Up Hotel located in picturesque Calamity, Nevada. Calamity seems to have its own share of mystery and excitement, besides being host to the World's Largest Garage Sale! The Wind Up is overbooked with guests attending both the Inventors and the Squirrel Lover's Convention.
From no air conditioning and a faulty elevator to strange disappearances this trip for the BHN will be anything but boring!

Dustin Clydell and his ex-wife Tiffany share in the responsibilies of running the hotel, find that success in the business world can sometimes have its drawbacks.

Detectives Cynthia and Cindy are called to the scene to investigate mystery and mayhem surrounding the hotel and its guests. The detectives find that concern for their waistlines can become a challenge when temptations lie on every corner.

When someone occupying a bear costume is found murdered, one of their own (BHN) becomes a suspect in the murder investigation. Far from the comforts of home and bargains in Three Horses, Montana who could these four women trust?

In this second and final book in the Bargain Hunters Mysteries series, I enjoyed reconnecting with the girls in a new adventure! I found the book hard to put down. The introduction of additional characters and new scenery kept the story moving and entertaining! With twists, turns and suspense in the storyline (had me guessing throughout) along with a sprinkling of humor and romance this book has it all. I connected with the characters through the dialogue and at times felt as if I were there. I found the overall message to be inspiring and faith challenging and would recommend this book to others.

Garden of Madness by T.L. Higley- Author Brings Life to Ancient History!

The gardens of Babylon offer solice, beauty and intrigue. But within the lush backdrop of flora lie danger and devastating secrets capturing its visitors within its tempting grasp. In a time of great strife and unrest could a longing from one voice be enough to conquer many?

Tiamat, youngest princess to King Nebuchadnezzar and Queen Amytis learns that decisions afford consequences. Protected from the outside world by a title held by few she loses the husband of her youth, Shealtiel. In a time when arranged marriages are commonplace Tiamat longs for freedom, for her own choice in the land of many gods.

King Nebuchadnezzar held captive from the reality of madness, his contributions to Babylon are remembered and loved by many.

Queen Amytis, most powerful is familiar with the hardships and demands of a royal lifestyle. Loneliness and bitterness can capture even the most absent of hearts.

Pedaiah, brother of Shealtel (former husband of Tiamat), is of Jewish descent, as his family, and has not yet known a wife. His faith, a fortress and safety net, shines in the darkness of what Babylon has become.

Can the one true God rise above all others?

I found myself being thrust into the storyline from the beginning of this impossible to put down book. Highly creative and original this story captured my attention. Offering the reader suspense, romance, history, twists, turns and surprises adding to the pleasure of time being well spent. The author is a very gifted storyteller who has the ability to bring new life into ancient history! With well developed characters, unforgetable scenery and captivating dialogue I felt as if I were present at the scene of the story witnessing the unfolding of hearts and lives and I know this novel will stay with me for a long time. I was challenged in my faith, entertained, and found the overall message inspiring. This book will be highly recommended to others! Very well written! Thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers and to Netgalley for the ARC for my review. 

Death Of A Garage Sale Newbie by Sharon Dunn

You Never Know What Will Turn Up At A Garage Sale!

Three Horses, Montana is home to many unique garage sales with bargains abounding. Meet four inseparable friends who stay on a budget while entertaining their pockets for pennies! Mary Margaret, Ginger, Suzanne and Kindra are kindred spirits, all in different stages of life, newbies and seasoned shoppers, who each share one passion: garage sales. When one member of their group goes missing the remaining three join forces and discover how danger can lurk in familiar settings, the mystery of death now compounding the circumstances.

I loved reading this adventurous, suspenseful and sometimes humorous mystery that took my attention with well crafted twists and turns which left me guessing! The main characters, who seemed like old friends I could see myself going to sales with, as well as host of many more unique characters, were well developed and entertaining. The storyline and dialogue flowed smoothly with no dull parts and from the beginning I found it hard to put down. I would recommend this enjoyable novel to others!

Clay Soil

If you are like me you have areas in your garden with clay soil. One solution is to add Gypsum by tilling or shovel digging. Gypsum over time loosens soil giving it a more tilthy well drained feel creating air pockets in the soil so plant roots can breathe easier. More than one application may be necessary each season depending on the severity of the clay. I added it about 6 and 8 years ago to my veggie garden and it did seem to help with the production.

The Necessity of an Enemy by Ron Carpenter Jr.- A Necessary Read!

Who is your enemy?
This book clarifies and explains the answer to this question through a series of highlights and well explained points. The writings are taken from the author's  experiences in dealing with and encountering enemies through his outreach as a pastor of a South Carolina Church. We, like the author, all have enemies, ones that we know are so and others we are not so sure about, but knowing this will help to make this book a necessary read for the times in which we live. Eight parts or chapters with sub chapters contained within can be read in one sitting or broken up into smaller sessions and study time. Subchapters include: A Bad Yoke, Dream Killers, Hidden Fears, Control Your Environment and Pride, these are but a few of the many subchapters that are included within the pages of the book. Also included is an extensive small group study guide but I found just answering the questions on my own beneficial.
I really enjoyed the author's writing style! It was humorous, refreshing and down to earth. I found the life stories interesting to read about and how members of his church had evolved to become as they are now. Some chapters I was able to grasp more fully and relate them to my own life while others not so much. But there were many points to learn about and a little ways into the book the information just started to click. I was entertained, well informed and challenged in my faith. I would recommend this well written book to others. I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for my review.

http://www.roncarpenter.com/
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9780307730282
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/2011/11/04/sneak-peek-the-necessity-of-an-enemy-by-ron-carpenter-jr/
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=142667

Break Through:When to Give In When to Push Back by Tim Clinton- Beneficial!

In reading this book I discovered and recognized myself and those close to me within these pages. Very beneficial to readers from all walks of life, those stuggling in present and past situations and ones needing breakthroughs and understanding which is delivered in an honest and compassionate voice. I connected with each life story contained in most chapters.

Some topics discussed are: How to really love the people in your life even if they have a hard time repaying the love, how to recognize counterfeit love, what is enmeshment, the different levels of trust and so much more! Included are self evalutation questions to reflect upon.

I learned so much while reading this well written and researched book. I found myself rereading some material before proceeding to the next chapter. Don't expect to finish it in a day or two as alot of valuable information is contained within this volume and to rush through it would guarantee missing key points. The overall message is inspiring and I found myself totally immersed into the book. I was greatly entertained and would highly recommend this book to others. Thanks to Worthy Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC for my review.