Review of The Ghost by Danielle Steel

From goodreads.com:
With a wife he loves and an exciting London-based career, architect Charles Waterston's life seems in perfect balance. Nothing in his comfortable existence prepares him for the sudden end to his ten-year marriage—or his unwanted transfer to his firm's New York office. With nothing left to lose, Charlie takes a leave of absence from his job to drive through New England, hoping to make peace with himself.

Leona's Review:I have not read Danielle Steel in a long time and read this as part of one of my challenges on goodreads. Charles has rented a place in Vermont and found a journal written by Sarah in the late 1700s so the book goes back and forth in time.

The problem I had with Charles is he whined to much but all in all I liked this books.

I give it a 5 Star rating because it held my interest and probably a re-read in the future.

Leona Olson
http://www.mnleona.blogspot.com>

Book review of Crown of Souls by Ronie Kendig

Book review of Crown of Souls by Ronie Kendig


From goodreads.com:

 

Crown of Souls (Tox Files #2)

by Ronie Kendig (Goodreads Author)

Crown of Souls

Six months after stopping a deadly plague, Cole "Tox" Russell and his team are enjoying a little rest. That peace is short-lived when a sniper shot hits Tox. The enemy is discovered to be one of their own, a rogue Special Forces team operator.
Alec King is perhaps the only person as skilled as Tox, and he's out for justice. Furious with orders that got his men killed, he intends to make those responsible pay. And he insists Tox join him, believing they are the same breed of soldier.
Afraid his old friend is right, Tox battles a growing darkness within himself as he and his team engage in another deadly encounter with antiquity. It appears Alec is cheating--he's using a mysterious artifact, a crown that history has linked to some of the worst slaughters in humanity. Racing to stop Alec before his vengeance is unleashed, Tox must fight the monster without becoming one.

 

 

Leona's Review:

 

My first read by Ronie Kendig.and was very impressed. I have not yet read the first book of the series but this was a stand alone read.

 

I became interested  because it had the words "artifact"  and "antiquity" as part of the description of the book. My major in college is archaeology.

This book seemed to have it all. Mystery, military, love, friends, loyalty, enemies, Biblical, secret missions, treasure, history, archaeology and artifacts. 

At the beginning of the book, Tox (Cole Russell) is shot in the shoulder by a sniper and Tox is sure that the person who shot him could have killed him if they intended to do so. He is sure it is his old friend, Alex King.

 

Tox tries to protect his girlfriend, Haven, from the beginning.  Haven and her brother, Ram, join with others on the adventure journey that takes the reader to many places from Virginia Beach, Virginia; Arlington, Virginia, Stuttgart, Germany; Pentagon, Virginia; Jerusalem, Israel; Washington, D.C.; Russell Estate, Maryland; CIA Headquarters, Fairfax County, Virginia; Chesapeake Bay, Maryland; Reston, Virginia; El Gorah, Egypt; A Village in Egypt; Somewhere Over the Mediterranean; Baghdad, Iraq; FOB Stryker, Baghdad, Iraq; Nimruz Province, Afghanistan; Undisclosed Location; Nimrud, Iraq (ancient Kalhu); Israel; SAARC JET (308); Qal'at Sherqat, Iraq; Somewhere Over Iraq; Outside Mosul, Iraq; Outside Nimrud, Iraq; National Museum of Iraq, Baghdad, Iraq; Outskirts of Mosul, Iraq; Airstrip Outside London; SAARC Headquarters, Northern Virginia; Unknown Location; Somewhere Over the Middle East and ends on Day 33. Many places are revisited.

 

It also takes us back in time to 1170 AD in Syria, 1172 AD in Syria, 1173 AD in Syria, 1178 AD to Acre, Israel, 1178 AD to  Tveria, Israel, 1180 AD Somewhere in Syria and 1187 Tveria, Israel.

Crown of Souls is a real page turner. I received a complimentary copy from Ronie Kendig and Bethany House Books to read and review it I chose to do so. The opinions are my own. 

I give this a 5 star rating and it is a book I would re-read.

Ronie Kendig may be found at roniekebdig.com,  goodreads.com and also Christianbook.com

Leona Olson

http://www.mnleona.blogspot.com

Review of Southern Comfort by Fern Michaels

Southern Comfort by Fern Michaels

 

 

From goodreads.com:

Atlanta homicide detective Patrick 'Tick' Kelly turned his back on the world the day his wife and children were murdered. Abandoning his city and his career, he holed up in a beach house on Mango Key, Florida, and drowned his grief in Jack Daniels. Now sober and a bestselling author, Tick would gladly stay a recluse forever if his brother Pete didn't keep trying to drag him back to the land of the living. After years of sacrificing her personal life in favour of her DEA job, special agent Kate Rush resigned and moved back to her native Miami. But the unofficial assignment that has just come her way is too intriguing to pass up. She and a fellow ex-agent are relocated to Mango Key to keep an eye on an imposing, mysterious fortress believed to be at the centre of a human trafficking ring. At first, the Kelly brothers are suspected of involvement, but Kate is sure Tick poses no danger - except for the slow-burning gaze that makes her breath catch and her heart race. Tick finds himself fascinated by Kate's investigation - and by her inviting mix of courage and kindness. Teaming up, they uncover a web of betrayal, blackmail, and ruthless greed. And as danger mounts, Tick realizes how far he'll go to protect the rare and surprising gift that's come his way: a second chance at a happy ending.

 

Leona's Review:

 

This is my first read by Fern Michaels. I had the book on my bookshelf and decided to read something by a new author to me.

 

The beginning of the book has the murders of Tick's family and I almost did not want to read the rest of the book. I am glad I continued.

 

Patrick is called Tick throughout the book.

Tick and his brother have not seen each other for eight years. Pete did not know about the death of Tick's family.

 

Two former DEA agents are helping a fellow agent to find out what is happening at Mango Key. The two women agents are Kate Rush and Sandra Martin who are friends.

 

Another main character is the Governor's son, Lawrence Tyler who also works for the DEA. He is hated by both of the women as well as other staff. Lawrence keeps getting phone calls from someone who seems to know his every move. He is being blackmailed by a male with a familiar voice.

 

One character is Bird, a parrot with a colorful language.

 

One thing I did not like about the book is the a** word which was used way, way too much.  The "f" word is also used but not as much.

 

It was a fast moving book and kept my attention so I will give it a 4 star rating.

 

Fern Michaels may be found at www.fernmichaels.com

 

Leona Olson

http://www.mnleona.blogspot.com

 

 

 

Roman Mask by Thomas M. D. Brooke

   

 

Review of Roman Mask by Thomas M. D. Brooke
 

From goodreads.com:

It is Rome AD 9 and Augustus Caesar rules Imperial Rome at the height of its power, as the Roman Empire stretches across the known world. Cassius, son of one of her most powerful families, is the personification of Rome's imperial strength: wealthy, popular, a war hero with a decorated military career - none of Rome's fashionable parties are complete without him - except, he hides a secret. After his nerve is broken in Germany, the thought of genuine armed combat is enough to send him into a cold sweat of fear and shame. But this doesn't dissuade him from living off a false reputation so he can continue a life of casual affairs, wine, and parties, as he is seduced by the many vices of Rome. However his scandalous life is soon upset by a summons from the Emperor's wife. It ends his happy decadent life and returns him to Germany to assist the Roman legions in their greatest ever trial, and the events that will resound down in history, in the dark forests of the Teutoburg.

Leona's Review:

A book about Cassius Aprilis, a son of a wealthy and powerful family. He is considered a war hero with a military career but he holds a secret that bothers him. His life has been one of leisure but it changes when he is summoned by Livia, wife of Princeps Augustus to go back to Germany to assist the Roman legions.

I found this book somewhat slow at the beginning but stayed with it.  A lot of Latin words, names of the characters, battle names and names of places. As a reader, I found myself taking notes and searched for more information.

Roman Mask begins in Rome AD 9 and Augustus Caesar is the emperor at this time. The author also had historical names such as Julius Arminius, Someone who was a German Prince who lived in Rome and was a friend of Cassius, Angrivaril tribesmen who were Germanic of the early Roman Empire, Quintus Varus who was the governor of the new Roman province of Germany and the Teutoburg Forest which was the place of the battle.

There is a historical note at the end of the book. There is a map in the front of the book which is always helpful. I do wish there had been a list of characters in the book.

Thomas M. D. Brooke may be reached at www.thomasmdbrooke.com. There is an interview with him about the book, Roman Mask for one.


For those interested in Roman history or historical places, this is a good read. I won a copy of Roman Mask by Thomas M. D. Brooke from goodreads. The opinions are my own.

I give this book a 5 star rating because of the research and I learned some historical facts.

I also found some good information on  www.historyworld.net:

Review of From This moment by Elizabeth Camden

   

From This Moment by Elizabeth Camden

 

ISBN 10: 0764217216 | ISBN 13: 9780764217210

From http://elizabethcamden.com/books/from-this-moment:

Romulus White has tried for years to hire illustrator Stella West for his renowned scientific magazine. She is the missing piece he needs to propel his magazine to the forefront of the industry.
But Stella abruptly quit the art world and moved to Boston with a single purpose: to solve the mysterious death of her beloved sister. Romulus, a man with connections to high society and every important power circle in the city, could be her most valuable ally.
Sparks fly the instant Stella and Romulus join forces, and Romulus soon realizes the strong-willed and charismatic Stella could disrupt his hard-won independence. Can they continue to help each other when their efforts draw the wrong kind of attention from the powers-that-be and put all they’ve worked for at risk?

Leona's Review:

One of the best Christian Historical books I have read in a long time. This is my first read by Elizabeth Camden and I will definitely read her books again.

The building of the Boston Subway is part of this book and historical happenings. I always like to read of historical events and the author has included many such as the typewriter, gummed envelopes and elevators. I like to research such mentions so I have included some information at the bottom of the review. 

The book is dated March 1897 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Stella has come to Boston to find the killer of her sister, Gwendolyn. The police has declared that she had drowned but Stella knew she was an excellent swimmer. They had been exchanging letters and Gwendolyn had written about corruption in City Hall.

Romulus tries his best to get her to do some drawing for the magazine, Scientific World which is owned by Romulus and his cousin, Evelyn.

Stella agrees to do one project for him if he will help her with connections to City Hall and others. Stella is determined to find why and how her sister died.

 

The book includes special relationships of Stella and Romulus as well as his cousin and her husband, Evelyn and Clyde. The parents of Stella and Gwendolyn also pay an important role in the book.

 

At times, Stella questions her faith in God. Stella sees a photograph of a woman who has lost her husband but went on to do her dream of helping others in India.. "It seemed Mrs. Grosjean peered out of the photograph, straight into the moral failings of Stella's soul. Do you love God only when he is good to you?" (page 245)

 

Stella uses her talent to draw pictures of the "sandhogs". " It was a simple charcoal sketch of three sandhogs working on the street below. One man sat on the edge of the subway trench, and two others leaned against shovels as they took a rest from the backbreaking work. There was a rough dignity to their faces, a strength of character in the musculature of their necks, faces, and strong hands as they held the shovels. It was a tough, gritty work that garnered little respect, yet Stella had imbued them with the dignity and heroism rarely afforded such men. They were men working to forge the future, laying a foundation fro generations to come. Long after these men were dead and buried, their children and grandchildren would be riding on the subway they had built." (page 126)

 

The reading is easy and quick even with so much happening. The reader will find some strong characters in both the men and women.

 

I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers to read and review. The opinions are my own.

 

I give From This Moment a 5 star rating.

 

Elizabeth Camden may be reached at www.elizabethcamden.com

 

 

Leona Olson

http://www.mnleona.blogspot.com

 

Notes on the typewriter, gummed envelopes and elevators which I found interesting:

 

From: http://ideafinder.com/history/inventions/typrwriter.htm. Finally, in 1867, a Milwaukee, Wisconsin printer-publisher-politician named Christopher Latham Sholes, with assistance from Carlos Glidden and Samuel Soule, patented what was to be the first useful typewriter.

From:http://www.jampaper.com/blog/the-history-of-envelopes/ It wasn’t until the invention of the self-gumming envelope machine that envelope production really took off. A man by the name of James Green Arnold took the envelope folding machine to the next level when he added a brush that would apply the gum to the envelopes seal. This step was previously done by hand.  Unfortunately Arnold’s design was never put into production. It wasn’t until two brothers by the name of  D. Wheeler Swift and Henry Swift took Arnold’s design and perfected it. In 1876 the Swift Chain Dryer Machine was born. One of the main difference in this machine was that it was constructed of metal, not wood, like the Arnold design.


From: https://www.bostonglobe.com/ideas/2014/03/02/how-elevator-transformed-america/b8u17Vx897wUQ8zWMTSvYO/story.html
It wasn’t until the 1870s, when elevators showed up in office buildings, that the technology really started to leave a mark on urban culture.

 

Review of Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray

Book review of Whispers in the Reading Room

by Shelly Gray 

From the back of the book:

Whispers in the Reading Room
The Chicago World’s Fair Mystery Series
By Shelley Shepard Gray
Published by Zondervan


Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.

Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.

Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.

Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.

Leona's Review:

This is the first book I have read by Shelley Gray and I was not disappointed.

Lydia works at the library and one of her patrons is a gentleman who comes to read; he never speaks to anyone and does not check out books.

She sees him at the Hartman Hotel where she is having tea with her fiance, Jason Avondale.  Lydia notices the stranger from the library and Jason becomes jealous as he also notices the man also. There is an incident and Jason leaves, breaking the engagement. Lydia's mother wants Lydia to marry into society so they can regain their social status so she is not happy.

This is also a murder mystery as well as a romance novel.  God is mentioned many times and the language is clean. I found it an interesting page turner read.

The Chicago World's Fair has ended but is still part of the book as a setting. This is the first I have read of The Chicago World's Fair books but it is a stand alone read. The others are Secrets of Sloane House and Deception on Sable Hill. I look forward to also reading these books.

Other characters in the book that I liked were Bridget O'Connell and Vincent Hunt, both employees of Sebastian Marks. Everyone has a past which helps makes the characters even more interesting.

From the author, Shelley Gray: "This book is all about friendship. With that in mind, it's dedicated to Julie Stone.  Thank you for being such a kind and steadfast friend! Thank you for touring Chicago with me... and then doing it over and over again, looking forward to years of collecting passport stamps together,  where that may be!"

This book would be a nice gift for a friend or family member for Christmas or a birthday.

I received a complimentary copy of Whispers in the reading Room from Zondervan to read and review. The opinions are my own. I give it a 5 star rating.

About the Author: (from description of the book)

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail. Find Shelley on her website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com, on Facebook: ShelleyShepardGray, and on Twitter @ShelleySGray.


You may also find her on goodreads.com at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com


Leona Olson
http://www.mnleona.blogspot.com

 

Review of The Silken Web by Sandra Brown

Book  Review of The Silken Web by Sandra Brown

Leona's Review:

I have had this book on my book shelf and decided it was time to read it. I almost stopped reading it a couple of times and about one-third of the way into the book, it improved for me. I was not ready for just sex and no substance in a book.

Kathleen and Erik meet at a child camp; she is camp director and he is a videographer. Kathleen is an orphan and spend many years at this camp as a child and is close to the owners.

Kathleen has never been with a man but that is changed in a couple of days of their meeting. 

Erik is in an airplane crash and as Kathleen waits at the hospital, she hears a woman tell the nurse she is Mrs. Gudjonsen, assumes she is his wife and leaves town to escape from him.

Her new life in San Francisco is her escape and there she meets Seth Kirchoff, the owner of the store and so Kathleen continues a job that is in her line of work which is fashion.

The book continues with a new beginning for Kathleen and Seth. Erik does enter the picture after a time period.

This is a good romance and some emotional scenes. There are also some sexual scenes and some bad language.  Thankfully, no "f" words.

I will say that on page 72 (paperback) the American flag is mentioned and I did like that.

I am giving it a 4 star rating because it did get better and I liked most of the characters.

Sandra Brown many be contacted at http://www.sandrabrown.net and on goodreads.com https://www.goodreads.com/Sandra_Brown

Leona Olson

http://www.mnleona.blogspot.com

 

Review of 52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol by Bob Welch

   

From booklookbloggers.com:

 

52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol
By Bob Welch
Published by Thomas Nelson

Medallion Award-winner Bob Welch crafts 52 nuggets of Bible-based wisdom from one of the most popular novels of all time, A Christmas Carol. "For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself." "No space of regret can make amends for one life's opportunity misused." "God bless us, every one." The lessons and stories from the beloved novel A Christmas Carol point to bedrock values we all share. Award-winning author Bob Welch takes readers deeper into the nuances of this classic by Charles Dickens. From the miserliness of Scrooge to the innocence of Tiny Tim, 52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol will inspire readers to live for what really matters, not only at Christmas, but all year long.

 

Leona's Review:

 

52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol gave me a different look into this classic book. I have not read it for years and will re-read now. I happen to find Treasury of Christmas Tales at Goodwill last  week which has stories that could be used for the very young children. Published by Publications International, LTD. For the older children get the original book which can be downloaded for free or buy the book which would be easier to read and discuss. 52 Little Lessons of A Christmas Carol is published by Nelson Publishers, a division of Thomas Nelson Publishers and can be found in book stores. www.thomasnelson.com.

 

The "lessons" are short but to the point. Charles Dickens has send messages to everyone and 52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol  tells of many values, some of which we may know we have and some we did not know we had and how we can add some different values to our own life.

 

Bob Welch has taken these lesson and put them into a wonderful book than may be read more than one time. The book does not have to be read all at once but can be a lesson or two at a time.

 

Before each chapter/lesson, there are 52, is a quote from the story and a few from a movie.

 

Lesson 10-  YOU MAKE THE CHAINS THAT SHACKLE YOU and the quote is "I wear  the chain I forged in life. I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on my own free will." from The Ghost of Jacob Marley, to Scrooge.

 

Lesson 25-BITTERNESS WILL POISON YOU  and the quote is "Who suffers by his own whims. Himself, always." By Fred, regarding his uncle during the Ghost of Christmas Present visit.

 

Lesson 52- BE THE CANGE YOU WILL WANT  TO SEE  and the quote from Lord Francis Jerry, in a letter to Dickens after A Christmas Carol was published in 1843 is " We are all charmed with your Carol, chiefly, I think, for the genuine goodness which breathes all through it, and is the true inspiring angel by which its genius has awakened."

 

There is a List of Characters at the front of the book and also Author's Notes. "To those who, like Scrooge, dare to start anew" is what I would call the dedication page.

 

I did not know much about Charles Dickens but will do some more reading about the man. This book gave me some answers but with more questions about him.

 

I believe most of us know the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim and have seen the movie(s) or read the book.

 

This would be a wonderful book for a family discussion. The family could watch some movies, there are many, and then "study" a lesson.  I would suggest beginning the movie(s) in November and then the discussions so they end in December.

 

I received a complimentary copy of 52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol from Booklookbloggers.com to read and review. The opinions are my own. I give it a 5 star rating.

 

Bob Welch may be found at https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/270817.Bob_Welch

 

www.bobwelch.net

 

 

Leona Olson

http://www.mnleona.blogspot.com

Review of Love Everlasting by Tracie Peterson

Book review of Love Everlasting by Tracie Peterson

 

From goodreads.com:

 

Love Everlasting (Brides of Seattle #3) by Tracie Peterson

Abrianna Cunningham has always viewed her longtime friend, Wade Ackerman, as
a protective brother. Lately, however, she's begun to see him differently and finds
herself attracted romantically to him. But she's confused and overwhelmed by these
unfamiliar feelings.

Wade, on the other hand, has loved Abrianna for some time and has been waiting for her to realize they are more than just friends. When he asks her to marry him, she asks for time to adjust to their changed relationship.

And then there's Priam Welby, who has been relentlessly pursuing Abrianna. Will his underhanded tactics succeed in luring Abrianna into marriage with him?

Paperback, 352 pages
Published October 6th 2015 by Bethany House (first published September 29th 2015)
ISBN0764210637 (ISBN13: 9780764210631)edition language English

 

 

Leona's review:

 

This is not my first read by Tracie Peterson but the first for the Brides of Seattle series. It is a stand alone read and I may go back and read the others.

 

It really took the second half of the book for me to have a real interest and I had written in my notes "this is a personal struggle book" when I was somewhat into the book. Things did change and became more interesting with murder, jail, false accusations and a man who wanted to marry Abrianna by any means.

 

I liked the characters of Abrianna and Wade and the aunts were a wonderful addition. As I write this, I think a cat would have also been an addition.  Abrianna is headstrong but Wade seems to flow with any problems added to what is happening. He keeps his head when their are problems and prays a lot. The aunts are also strong characters with their opinions and accomplishments. I could almost see them sitting together and talking. Jay, the father of Abrianna has come back into her life. Friends are also an important part of the book.

This is a Christian book without pushing. I like that God is in the hearts of the characters and spoken of often.

 

Abrianna helps the poor with food and housing; this seems to be her calling. Wade has taken the job of becoming the substitute minister at the church and fully understands her.

I loved the personal talk between Wade and Abrianna. This made them seen so real and in love.

 

I received a complimentary copy of Love Everlasting by Tracie Peterson from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions are my own.

I give this book a 5 star rating.

Tracie Peterson may be reached at her website: www.traciepeterson.com

Leona Olson

http://www.mnleona.blogspot.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

That Dorky Homemade Look by Lisa Boyer

   

Review of That Dorky Homemade Look by Lisa Boyer

That Dorky Homemade Look: Quilting Lessons from a Parallel Universe by Lisa Boyer
    
     "Quilt humorist" Lisa Boyer gives you permission to quilt even if you make mistakes. Her humorous essays are full of her own mistakes and mishaps as she perfects her quilting technique.

    
     Fed up with feeling like you can't meet the standards of the Quilt Police? Do you want to quilt for comfort and pleasure -- and not to win some high-falutin' quilting contest? Weary of worrying about what others will think of your color choices -- or your pieced points? Or your applique stitches? That Dorky Homemade Look: Quilting Lessons from a Parallel Universe is the quilting companion you've been wishing for.
    
     Lisa Boyer, a popular columnist for Quilting Today magazine, gives you permission to quilt because you love it. She clears your path of all those merciless judgments pronounced by the Quilting Queens. She invites you to make quilts that are full of life. This funny book offers these nine principles for the 20 million quilters in America:
    
     1. Pretty fabric is not acceptable. Go right back to the quilt shop and exchange it for something you feel sorry for.
    
     2. Realize that patterns and templates are only someone's opinion and should be loosely translated. Personally, I've never thought much of a person who could only make a triangle with three sides.
    
     3. When choosing a color plan for your quilt, keep in mind that the colors will fade after a hundred years or so. This being the case, you will need to start with really bright colors.
    
     4. You should plan on cutting off about half your triangle or star points. Any more than that is showing off.

     5. If you are doing applique, remember that bigger is dorkier. Flowers should be huge. Animals should possess really big eyes.
    
     6. Throw away your seam ripper and repeat after me: "Oops. Oh, no one will notice."
    
     7. Plan on running out of border fabric when you are three-quarters of the way finished. Complete the remaining border with something else you have a lot of, preferably in an unrelated color family.
    
     8. You should be able to quilt equally well in all directions. I had to really work on this one. It was difficult to make my forward stitching look as bad as my backward stitching, but closing my eyes helped.
    
     9. When you have put your last stitch in the binding, you are still only half finished. Your quilt must now undergo a thorough conditioning. Give it to someone you love dearly—to drag around the house, wrap up in, spill something on, and wash and dry until it is properly lumpy.
    
     "No reason not to have quiltmaking be a pleasure", says Lisa Boyer, who has as firm a grip on her sense of humor as she does on her quilting needles. "If we didn't make Dorky Homemade quilts, all the quilts in the world would end up in the Beautiful Quilt Museum, untouched and intact. Quilts would just be something to look at. We would forget that quilts are lovable, touchable, shreddable, squeezable, chewable, and huggable -- made to wrap up in when the world seems to be falling down around us."

Leona's Review:

The book information from goodreads.com pretty much said what I would have written.

I found this book and even though I do not quilt, it sounded like a fun read and it was.

I do needlework and crochet and people who do these tasks can also relate to what quilters do. I think we are our own worst critics. The items made should be used and enjoyed and treasured.

Just two examples of the 9 Principles of Dorky Quiltmaking all we needle crafters all have in common are "Throw away your seam ripper" and "Plan on running out of material". We have to make do with what we have or did.   Do something that looks like the mistake we made is not an mistake but well planned.

This is a short read and would be a fun birthday gift for a friend or relative that quilts, or does other needlework projects.

I have to give it  4 star rating.

www.dorkyquilts@yahoo.com  email

www.lisaboyer.com  web address

Leona Olson

http://www.mnleona.blogspot.com

Review of A Heart's Home by Colleen Coble.

 
Review of A Heart's Home by Colleen Coble


From goodreads.com

A Heart's Home (A Journey of the Heart #6)by Colleen Coble

This Christmas, a tragic loss at Fort Laramie ushers in hope and healing. When a young mother dies after giving birth at Fort Laramie, Emmie Croftner is shaken by the death of her dear friend--and reminded of the dangers of childbirth. She won't be able to hide her own pregnancy much longer. She's dreading the day that Isaac Liddle, the handsome soldier she adores, discovers her secret. Then the young infant's father offers a solution: Emmie should marry him so the child can have a family. With the Sioux Wars threatening soldier and civilian alike, a ready-made family could be the answer to Emmie's prayers for safety. But at what cost to her heart--and Isaac's?


Leona's Review:

This is the last book of the series of Journey of the Heart.

The books are very short in pages but strong in the content. I have enjoyed the journey however each book can be read as a stand alone book.

This book has a lot of emotions as well as the other ones. The beginning of the book has a death of a young mother in childbirth. Emmie had promised her friend she would marry her husband and raise the child. Emmie is in love with Isaac but has yet to tell him that her marriage was not a real marriage and a fake. Her "husband " is dead and she is carrying his child. Isaac knows she is going to have a baby but not the secret of the "husband". The promise to her friend has her questioning what to do.

The story begins December 18,1866 at Fort Phil, Kearny, Wyoming Territory.
The reader again sees the hardships of the Old West with the weather, Sioux uprisings and problems while living in this time era. There is also close friendships and hope.

The book is dedicated to: In memory of my brother Randy Rhoads, who taught me to love the mountains of Wyoming, and my grandparents Everett and Eileen Everroad, who loved me unconditionally. May you walk those heavenly mountains with joy.

I am giving it a 5 star rating because it was a good read and a Christian read. No bad language.

I hate to see the series end but look forward to other books by Colleen Coble.

Colleen Coble maybe reached at: http://colleencoble.com
She is also a goodreads author on www.goodreads.com.

I received a complimentary copy of A Heart's Home by Colleen Coble from www.booklookbloggers.com to read and review. The opinions are my own.
This is a Thomas Nelson published book.

The books in Journey of the Heart series are A Heart's Disguise, A Heart's Obsession, A Heart's Danger, A Heart's Betrayal, A Heart's Promise and the last is A Heart's Home.

 

Leona Olson

http://www.mnleona.blogspot.com

Review of Grace Under Pressure by Julie Hyzy

Review of Grace Under Pressure by Julie Hyzy

 

From goodreads.com:

 

Grace Under Pressure (Manor House Mystery #1) by Julie Hyzy (Goodreads Author)

From the author of the successful White House Chef mysteries.

Everyone wants a piece of millionaire Bennett Marshfield, owner of Marshfield Manor, but now it's up to a new curator Grace Wheaton and handsome groundskeeper Jack Embers to protect dear old Marshfield. But to do this, they'll have to investigate a botched Ponzi scheme, some torrid Wheaton family secrets-and sour grapes out for revenge.
Mass Market Paperback, 320 pages
Published June 1st 2010 by Berkley

 

Leona's Review:

 

This is my first read by Julie Hyzy and one I enjoyed.

 

Grace Wheaton is the assistant curator at Mansfield Manor and wants the position of Abe when he retires; Grace is still in the probation stage.

Abe Vargas is found murdered at the Manor and Grace finds herself in charge.

Her assistance, Frances, is very good at her job but too inquisitive I found.

Bennett Marshfield is the owner of the Manor.

The gardener is Jack Embers and this may lead to a romantic interest in future books, I think.

Grace has the two roommates, Bruce and Scott, who own the local wine shop called Amethyst Wines.

There are the overworked detectives who find a murder is not what they usually have in the small town of Emberstowne.

There is also Ronny Tooney, a wannabe detective.

Other characters are in the book and some I thought may be in the future series.

 

This book has more than a murder scene; there is also a scam scene, a Ponzi scheme, secret doorways and rooms and family secrets.  There is a Victorian home in need of repair which was inherited by Grace from her mother and her grandmother.  Grace's grandmother worked at the Mansion and Grace had been there many times as a child. At one time it was said "was the house cursed?' but that is as far as that got.

 

The list of the Manor House Mysteries are: Grace Under Pressure ( June 7, 2010), June 5, 2012), Grace Interrupted ( June 7, 2011), Grace Among Thieves (Grace Takes Off ( July 2, 2013), Grace Against the Clock (July 12, 2014) and Grace Cries Uncle (July 7, 2015).

 

 

Julie Hyzy may be found at http://www.juliehyzy.blogspot.com and on goodreads.com  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1020232.Julie_Hyzy

 

I will give this a 4 star rating and will read the other books in the series.

Leona Olson

http://www.mnleona.blogspot.com

 

 

Review of The Tide Watchers by Lisa Chaplin

Review of The Tide Watchers by Lisa Chaplin
From goodeads.com:

The Tide Watchers: A Novel by Lisa Chaplin

In the winter of 1803, one woman stands between Napoleon and the fall of Great Britain

The free-spirited daughter of an English baronet, Lisbeth defies convention by eloping to France. When her husband abandons her,  she must find a way to survive and be reunited with her young son, who is in the care of her mother-in-law.

A seasoned spy known as Tidewatcher,  Duncan apprenticed under Lisbeth's father and pledged to keep his mentor's pretty daughter safe—a promise complicated by the wily Napoleon Bonaparte. The British believe he is planning an attack, and Duncan is sent to search for  signs of invasion on the French coast—where he draws dangerously close to adventurous and unpredictable Lisbeth.

A sensational new invention may shift the tide of a French victory. A brilliant and eccentric American inventor named Robert Fulton has devised a deadly weapon that can decimate an enemy's fleet. To protect English ships, Tidewatcher must gain control of Fulton's invention and cross enemy lines . . . but he cannot do it alone. Left with no other options, he enlists Lisbeth's help in outwitting the American inventor and uncovering Bonaparte's secret plans.

Going undercover for the handsome and duty-bound spy, Lisbeth risks her freedom and her life as she navigates double agents and submarine warfare to outwit the greatest military tactician in history. The only question is . . . who can she trust?


Leona's Review:

I saw this book listed on one of the book sites and because I have an interest in Napoleon Bonaparte so I checked it out from my local library.

The main characters are Lisbeth Delacorte and Duncan Aylsham. Lisbeth is married to Alain Delacorte, a French spy and the father of Lisbeth's young son.  Duncan is a King's Man and Commander of a spy ship, code name Tidewatcher.

The son of Lisbeth and Alain has been taken away from Lisbeth and is cared for by her mother-in-law.  Lisbeth is not to have contact with her son and what she wants most in life is to get her son back.

Duncan is a friend of her father, Sir Edward Sutherland, also a King's Man and he wants Duncan to protect Lisbeth.

This is a fast moving book with spies, submarines, some touches of love, the English, Napoleon Bonaparte, the French, war, historical and fiction characters, Joseph Fouche, Thomas Pitt and so many more. The reader sees family influence and heartaches as well as a lot of emotions. No real bad language but i felt an overuse of the word, whore.

 

I was thankful for the list of characters at the beginning of the book witch had both fiction and historical characters listed. The map at the front was also helpful.

For the first historical book written by Lisa Chaplin, she did a great job on her research and details. My only complaint is the end of the book which was so abrupt. Other reviewers had the same feeling.

I especially liked Robert Fulton and his submarines in the picture. The author has done a lot of research about submarines or completely fooled me. I was impressed.

I had to check the Net to find the English called Napoleon "Boney".  If it was in the book, I missed it.

The book refers to The Treaty of Amiens which temporarily ended hostilities between the French Republic and Great Britain during the French Revolutionary Wars. It was signed in the city of Amiens, France on 25 March 1802 and more historical events are in the book.

The Tide watchers begins in Etaples, France August 16, 1802 and ends in the British Alien Office, Whitehall, London on May 20, 1803.

Lisa Chaplin may be reached at:

goodreads.com https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8557927.Lisa_Chaplin

and https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8557927.Lisa_Chaplin

 

 

I will give this a 4 star rating.

 

Leona Olson

http://www.mnleona.blogspot.com

A Bite's Tale by Veronica Blade

Review of  a Bite's Tale by Veronica Blake

From goodreads.com
A Cinderella who spends her nights as a wolf. A prince with a taste for blood.
Seventeen year old Cydney struggles against her werewolf nature, trying to keep everyone around her safe. No way will she risk exposing the beast at the prince's ball, no matter how her two cousins try to persuade her. As she attempts to carve out some semblance of a life, Cydney can't forget the boy she loved three summers ago - or what she did to him after losing control.
Turned into a vampire to save his life, the prince refuses to live up to his royal duties. He just wants to find the girl he loved and lost...the werewolf girl who bit him. But his father, the king, commands him to attend a ball where he must choose a wife. Can he find his Cinderella before he's forced to marry another? He doesn't even have her real name, much less a glass slipper.

Leona's review:

I re-read A Biter's Tale after it had been on my bookshelf for awhile.
It is the story of two teenagers who met in the summer and  did not know each others  real names.  She does not know he is the prince of the kingdom and his real name is Remy.  He does not know who she is and calls her Cinderella, which is a name her little brother, Gavin, calls her. Her name is Cydney Ella. Their mother is dead and they live with their Aunt Mina and their cousins.
It is a light book to read and about teenagers, school, friends and family. Do not let the subject bother the reader.
The chapters are written in first person with some chapters by Cydney and others by Remy. 
The story is some what based on Cinderella and her prince and it is a light and sweet romance
I will give it a 4 star rating.
I won A Bite's Tale from the author. The opinions are my own.
Veronica Blade may be found at www.VeronicaBlade.com and also on goodreads.com and on Facebook.com https://www.facebook.com/VeronicaBlade?fref=ts
Leona Olson
http://www.mnleona.blogspot.com

A Heart's Promise by Colleen Coble

   

 

Book review of A Heart's Promise by Colleen Coble

from goodreads.com

A rival threatens Emmie's budding romance with Isaac.

At Fort Laramie, soldier Isaac Liddle determines he will court and win Emmie Croftner's hand. Though courting seems improbable for a woman in her condition, Emmie begins to care deeply for Isaac and chafes as Jessica Dubois sets her bonnet for him.

When Jessica learns of Emmie's secret pregnancy, she blackmails her. With the Sioux Wars raging outside the safety of Fort Laramie, Emmie knows she cannot lose Isaac. But will he reject her--and her child--if he learns the truth?

Leona's Review:

This is another quick and easy read by Colleen Coble in the Journey of the Heart series.

It is a Christian love story and about friendship and caring. This book will touch your heart.

This story is of Emmie and Isaac and their love.  Isaac wants to marry Emmie but Emmie is afraid he will learn her secret; she is pregnant and a widow. We also see how hard a life was in these days and a hope for the future. This book begins October 1866, Fort Phil Kearny, Wyoming Territory.

The readers are back at Fort Laramie with uncertainty about the Sioux. There is friendship among the women, three are pregnant.

We are introduced to Maggie, the  lady who does the laundry to make money. Morning Song, a pupil of Sarah is reintroduced.

Colleen Coble does a great job of bringing the past characters of her books into each book.  Each book is a stand alone read.
I can see so many books from the characters.

The books of A  Journey of the heart are:

A Heart's  Disguise
A Heart's Obsession
A Heart's Danger
A Heart's Betrayal
A Heart's Promise
A Heart's Home

The book is dedicated to: In memory of my brother Randy Rhoads, who taught me to love the mountains of Wyoming and my grandparents Everett and Eileen Everroad, who loved me unconditionally. May you walk those heavenly mountains with joy.

Colleen Coble may be reached at:

Website:  www.colleencoble.com

Twitter: @colleencoble

Facebook: colleencoblebooks

I received a complimentary copy of A Heart's Promise to read and review from booklookbloggers.com. The opinions are my own. I give it a 5 star rating.

This is a Thomas Nelson Book

Leona Olson

http:www/mnleona.blogspot.com

Book Review of Crave the Moon by Lori Handeland

 
Review of Crave the Moon by Lori Handeland

From goodreads.com:

Gina O'Neill will do anything to hold on to her beloved ranch that has been in her family for generations. Enter Mateo Mecate, an archeologist whose greatest wish is to dig there. Prepared to despise Matt--and to thwart his agenda--Gina cannot deny the shocking desire she feels for him.

Matt believes that the Nahua Springs Ranch holds an important key to Aztec history--one that will restore his standing in the archeological community. But he never expects to go head-to-head with the maddeningly sensuous owner, Gina. The ranch seems to have cast a spell on them both…

When Gina and Matt delve into the secrets of this ancient place, they awaken something unspeakably evil--a shapeshifter who is centuries old. A werewolf with vengeance on its mind. A sorcerer of incredible power. Can Gina and Matt defeat this enemy--even as their conflicts deepen…and their attraction grows more dangerous?
Paperback, 336 pages
Published June 28th 2011 by St. Martin's Paperbacks
original title Crave the Moon ISBN0312389361 (ISBN13: 9780312389369)


Leona's Review:
I have read a couple of Lori Handeland's books and do like them. This one has werewolves as do some of her books.

Crave the Moon is about archaeology and the Aztec, which is an interest for me and based in the Southwest.

Dr. Mateo Mecate wants to dig on a site at the ranch but has been turned down by Gina. His interests to find the site come from his mother, Nora, who was an archaeologist.  His education was at archaeology sites.

The Nahua Springs Ranch is now a dude ranch that Gina O'Neill runs with the help of Jase McCord, a childhood friend and partner.

Matt joins the new group as a tourist under the name Teo Jones. Each member of the group has their own personality.

This is a quick moving book and will keep the reader interested. There is some bad language such as using  the "f" word and also sexual content.

I will give it a 4 star rating. This was a book I had on my book shelf and is a re-read for me.

Lori Handeland may be found at www.lorihandeland.com

and

www.goodreads.com/author/show/17060.Lori_Handeland

Leona Olson

http://www.mnleona.blogspot.com

A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

Review of A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

From BethanyHouse.com:

About:
A teacher on the run. A bounty hunter in pursuit. Can two enemies learn to trust each other before they both lose what they hold most dear?

Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts.

Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan's Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the orphaned girl entrusted to her care. Charlotte promised Lily's mother she'd keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them.

When Miss Atherton produces documentation that shows her to be Lily's legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he's been led to believe. Is she villain or victim?

Then a new danger forces Charlotte to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone vows to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he's ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte's heart.

Karen Witemeyer Winner of the HOLT Medallion and the Carol Award, and a finalist for the RITA and Christy Award, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance because she believes in giving the world more happily-ever-afters. Karen makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children.
Learn more about Karen and her books at  www.karenwitemeyer.com.

Leona's Review:

This is my first read by Karen Witemeyer.

Because at the beginning of the book, Stone found Charlotte, I was wondering about a pursuit to find Charlotte until the end of the book but she has created a wonderful novel that also has children and animals, always a plus for me.

This is a historical Christian romance that has humor, love, friendship, a spinster, a bounty hunter, three gifted children and a friend, Mr. Dobson, who helps Charlotte and the children leave the school secretly.

Charlotte has legal custody of Lily, Stephen has parents but they are in Europe and John is also an orphan.

Stone has been sent by the grandfather of Lily to bring her back to him.

One example of humor is when Mr. Dobson finds Stone spying and Charlotte says "Perhaps he is simply a cowhand with a perchance for bird watching". Love for the children and also for Miss Lottie. Love between the two main characters. Friendship of Charlotte to her friend, the mother of Lily. The children call Charlotte, Miss Lottie.

Lily loves to read the dime novels of the bounty hunter Dead-Eye Dan and his adventures. John plays the piano and Stephen was placed in the school because his parents traveled.

Some words used are: "Worth their salt", "Schoolmarm", "Tasty grub" and "The Marshall fingered the brim of his Stetson". My favorite is " None of them can best a sunset in Texas". As a West Texan, I have to totally agree with that statement.

This is a clean novel and God, The Lord and prayers are certainly present but not overbearing but shows the faith of the times. The book begins February 1891 in Austin, Texas.

A Worthy Pursuit is dedicated: "To Laura Baker, librarian extraordinaire and the first person I ever trusted to read my stories. It is your encouragement and knowledgeable feedback that gave me the fortitude to pursue my dream. You taught me to see the world through lenses differently than my own and deepened my understanding of the human condition. You have left your mark on me, my friend and I thank God for the gift."

I received a complimentary copy of the book to read and review from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions are my own.

I give A Worthy Pursuit a 5 star rating and look forward to reading more of her books.

Leona Olson

http://www.mnleona.blogspot.com

 https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3114906.Karen_Witemeyer

And the Good News Is...by Dana Perino

 
 
And the Good News Is... Lessons and Advise from the Bright Side by Dana Perino
 
From amazon.com:
From her years as the presidential press secretary to her debates with colleagues on Fox News' The Five, Dana Perino reveals the lessons she's learned that have guided her through life, kept her level-headed, and led to her success, even in the face of adversity.

Thoughtful, inspiring, and often surprising, AND THE GOOD NEWS IS . . . traces Dana Perino's unlikely journey through politics and television. It's a remarkable American story-made up of equal parts determination and clear-eyed optimism.

From facing professional challenges and confronting personal fears to stepping up to a podium for a President, Dana has come to expect the unexpected and has an uncanny ability to find the good news in any tough situation. AND THE GOOD NEWS IS . . . takes us from her Western childhood in Wyoming and Colorado to a chance meeting on an airplane that changes her life entirely. Then, with refreshing honesty and humor, she recounts her frustration with a string of unsatisfying jobs and living circumstances until a key career tip leads her back to Washington, D.C. to work for the Bush Administration.

Dana also shares here her best work and life lessons-tips that will help you to get your point across convincingly while allowing your own grace and personality to shine through. As someone who still believes in working together to solve the problems our nation faces, Dana offers clear, practical advice on how to restore civility to our personal and public conversations. The result is a fascinating read that can help anyone become more successful, productive, and joyously content.

Leona's review:

I really liked this book. I have been following Dana and the group on The Five on FOX from the beginning of the show.
For those who think it is all about politics, they need to read this book. She gives praise to many, no matter the side of the aisle they are on for politics.  I find Dana one of the most caring people on TV.

The pictures in the book are good and personal. I think they helped make the book.

Dana writes about President George W. Bush a lot. She mentions how he would give a wink and a smile, something my husband did.
I do know she also cares for President George H. W. Bush as she has talked about him in past.

Dana writes about her love of animals and of Henry, the dog  that died, and now Jasper, America's dog, in her book. I love it when she shows the pictures of Jasper.

She has spent time in Africa, with her husband, helping and caring for others.

Contents of the book are:
Introduction
Chapter 1. Wide-Open Spaces
Chapter 2. Love at First Flight
Chapter 3. Stepping UP to the Podium
Chapter 4. The Five
Chapter 5. Take It from me- Please
Chapter 6. Civility, Lost and Found
Chapter 7. Unafraid to be Right
One More Thing
Acknowledgements
About the Author

Introduction: "This book explains the unlikely story of how I  became the White House press secretary, the things I witnessed and learned in that job, and how those experiences eventually led me back to what I wanted to originally- television commentary on politics, policy and culture." (page 11)

Chapter 1: Gives us information about where Dana was born and her family and how close they were; " My grandpa didn't make us walk up the hill to have another go; (sliding down a hill on the snow) instead he watched us slide down and then he'd drive to the bottom to pick us up and take us back to the top."

Chapter 2: Tells of her meeting Peter, her husband on an airplane. " I made it to board before the flight closed. I handed my ticket to the agent and noticed one person behind me." (page 71)

Chapter 3: " The day I learned about becoming the next White House press secretary was the day I planned to resign from the White house." (page 96) We learn of many times Dana is with the President and some of the times the tears came.

Chapter 4: Dana loves her new job at FOX. " One day Brian Kilmeade  filled in for Greg and in a commercial break said to me,  'You know, all those years at the White House I never knew you were funny'. " They talk of politics, what is new in the news, Jasper, food and celebrate birthdays. The liberals also get to speck their mind on The Five so it is not all conservative.

Chapter 5: Lots of advise for many of us. "When I had the idea to write this book, I realized that passing some of these lessons on remained a major motivations." Dana gives three favorite pieces of advice: Quick Fixes, Good  Habits, and Big Picture. On Quick Fixes is ' no Uggs at the office; Good Habits she says to 'share the credit' ; and Big Picture one rule is 'you are who you meet'.

Chapter 6: "Americans understand that Congress is meant for debate and argumentation. But what bothers them it that is seems that elected leaders can't get along at all. Hateful comments have become normal in Washington and that's made for some of our greatest disappointments." (page 206) I think Dana speaks for most of us. Hateful speech does not help anyone.

Chapter 7: "My politics didn't define me then, but because of my interests and what I do for a living, it somehow does now." (page 232) I like this message. I think most of us grow and change.

One more Thing: "Of all the advice I've been given, Margaret Spellings telling me to "Put my big girl panties on and deal with is' is my favorite." (page 235) This is a great message especially to the young adults.

This book is dedicated: To my Bush Administration colleagues.

Dana Perino may be found on Twitter: https://twitter.com/danaperino and also www.danaperino.com

 

I checked out this book from my local library.

I give this book a 5 star rating.

Leona Olson
http://www.mnleona.blogspot.com

 

The House on Moody Avenue

   

 
The House on Moody Avenue

By Cellestine Hannemann

Published by WestBow Press

From booklookbloggers.com
Book Description:
Homes are the embodiment of memories. Each house has its own unique story to tell, but no house story is quite like the house on Moody Avenues. Surviving for 90 years, the house kept many individuals and families safe. Whether it was Lisette with her unshakable faith sustaining her or Julia, a social-climbing snob who sees her world crumble when her children marry inappropriately, each memory was saved. Join Cellestine Hannemann as she brings out all the memories that were housed in the house on Moody Avenue.


Leona's Review.

Read the title of the book, The House on Moody Avenue, as this in more about a house and some about the occupants. It was not clear to me at the beginning of the book.

I liked the first story about the first occupants the best but the last chapter was a bad conclusion for a grand home that bothered me. The house goes from a mansion to a boarding house to an abandoned house.

The author uses some language that was used in the time eras and interesting history.
Read about Victoria Woodhull at http://www.history.com/news/9-things-you-should-know-about-victoria-woodhull.

The first chapter, The Victorian Era, begins partly with the orphaned children of the street and how one girl got out. Then we have The Roaring Twenties and this author added such places as the Cotton Club and the book ends with the Sixties. I found hope in the first chapter and doom in the last.

The calico cat was present from beginning to end and I gathered it was watching history made.

The reader goes through time eras with carriages, strikes by workers, gas jet flames, people from the Old World, drugs, cars and women using cigarettes.

The story was moving too fast for me but then I realized it was supposed to be more about the house and not the people. I would have liked to have had more on the house but there must be an ending to a book.

I am giving The House On Moody Avenue a three and a half star rating. The author used words of description and had history in the book which I always like. It is not quite a four star because sometimes the book left me somewhat confused.

From Wikipedia:
Cellestine "Sally" Hannemann (born March 28, 1924) is an American author and pioneering figure in the methodology of Oshibana art. Hannemann, nee Hofmann, born in Chicago, Illinois, and currently living in California, is best known for developing new processes in the pressing of botanical materials to reduce discoloration and shrinkage. She manufactured a unique press incorporating polyester materials to cushion the plants that became known as "Cellestine's Press," and authored a book that is a popular reference guide for plant pressers and Oshibana artists. Hannemann also wrote two novels.

I received a complimentary copy from www.booklookbloggers.com to read and review. The opinions are my own.

 

Leona Olson

http://www.mnleona.blogspot.com

A Heart's Betrayal by Colleen Coble

   

Review of A Heart's Betrayal by Colleen Coble

From the back cover of the book:
Book Description:
Emmie finds shelter in the arms of a soldier, but her secret could drive them apart.
When Emmie Croftner answered the door to her late husband's home, she discovered a terrible truth. A woman she's never met reveals that she and Emmie shared the same husband and that the bigamist had never divorced his first wife. The home and farm are not Emmie's property after all.
Suddenly displaced and powerless, Emmie realizes she can't stay in Wabash, Indiana, any longer. She makes for Fort Laramie, Wyoming, where her friend Sarah Montgomery and a new beginning await her. But when she arrives, she discovers she's carrying a child, conceived before her husband's death. Was the new start she'd hoped for only a mirage?
At Fort Laramie, a soldier named Isaac Liddle begins to court Emmie, prompting her to wonder whether she could ever really be his-and whether she dares to tell him she is carrying another man's baby.
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has written several romantic suspense novels including Tidewater Inn, Rosemary Cottage, and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series. Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com Twitter: @colleencoble Facebook: colleencoblebooks


Leona's Review:

This is the second book I have read by Colleen Coble and her series of the books of Journey of the Heart. The books are: A Heart's Disguise, A Heart Obsession, A Heart's Danger, A Heart's Betrayal, A Heart's Promise and A Heart's Home.  This is a series but the books can be read on their own.

In A heart's Betrayal, Emmie finds her dead husband was a bigamist with a child. Emmie has two brothers but her parents are dead. Her father was a town drunk and now without a legal marriage, she is worried what people will really think of her and so goes to Wyoming to be with her close friend, Sarah. Rand and Sarah are married and expecting their first child.

Emmie is disillusioned with men but she does find an attraction to a soldier at Fort Laramie, Isaac.  Rand and Isaac are friends and also fellow soldiers.

This is a short read, 96 pages, but the author manages to put the reader into the book with the language ("place is over yonder"), food (jerky), landscape (dry buffalo grass, sage and weeds), wildlife (eagles, elk, buffalo, "rattlers") and history (Montana gold mines and Red Cloud). The book begins in Indiana in 1866.

The book is dedicated to: For my brother Rick Rhodes, who never let me lose faith in myself.

I will give A Heart's Betrayal a 4 star rating because it held my attention. It is a clean romance without bad language. God is present in this book many times.
This is a Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction. I was given a complimantary copy to read and review. The opinions are my own.

Colleen Coble may be reached at www.colleencoble.com;

Twitter: @colleencoble and

Facebook: colleencoblebooks

Leona Olson

http://www.mnleona.blogspot.com