Encouragement from one of the Rice sisters:
(Click on the photograph to turn on the video)
***
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Friday, May 24, 2024
Book Review The Song of Sourwood Mountain
Book: The Song of Sourwood Mountain
Author: Ann H. Gabhart
Publisher: Revell
354 pages, paperback.
This is a story about a teacher (Mira) who is asked to marry a missionary preacher. The first third of the book is very interesting. I enjoyed reading about Mira's life, and how she had a difficult decision when trying to figure out if she would accept the preacher's offer. It would change her entire way of life. As the story went on, and we read about the place where she begins to serve, the story seemed to change a little. It opened up much more to include not only Mira and her new husband, but a community of people who were in great need of an education. While the book was well written, I just didn't like reading about the way of life (along with all the details) of the people in the new community. I found them stressful and, at times, sad. However, in the beginning of the book, there is some wonderful wisdom from the characters in her old community, which I appreciated.
* Disclaimer: This book was received for review purposes.
Friday, April 12, 2024
Book Review Just for the Summer
Book: Just for the Summer
Author: Melody Carlson
Publisher: Revell
284 pages, paperback.
This interesting story is about 2 people who switch jobs for the summer.
Ginny is an exceptional worker who is highly skilled at managing a luxury hotel. She has a great deal of trouble dealing with an unreasonable boss.
Jacqueline is officially managing her grandfather's fishing lodge, but she isn't really doing a lot to make the place comfortable for guests. She is restless, selfish, and ungrateful.
The switch is wonderful to see how each person is delighted with her new environment.
I loved reading about the slow paced life at the lodge. I was also inspired by the cleaning and care Ginny put into her temporary work out in the country. She made housekeeping look like an admirable job.
Overall, it was an entertaining story.
* Disclaimer: This book was received for review purposes.
Saturday, February 24, 2024
The Quilt Room Secret
Book: The Quilt Room Secret
Author: Lisa Jones Baker
Publisher: Baker
249 pages, paperback.
An independent-thinking Amish woman, Trini, owned her own home and a store. She secretly plans to leave the community. There is an Amish gentleman who wants to marry her. The story shares the details of the homes, friends, neighbors, and family involved in the main character's life. I had a difficult time connecting with the story for the first few chapters. But as I continued to read, the plot started to interest me.
While I did not like reading about Trini's independent ways, or the constant references to memories, I appreciated how the story ended.
*Disclaimer: "I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."
Thursday, February 8, 2024
The Irish Matchmaker
Book: The Irish Matchmaker
Author: Jennifer Deibel
Publisher: Revell
314 pages, paperback.
This well written story will transport you to a fascinating community in Ireland. We learn of the customs and way of daily life. As can be expected, there were brief instances of drunkenness, as well as some romantic descriptions.
There are two families we get to know fairly well. The first family includes the Matchmaker, Catriona, and her father who live in town. The second family is a farmer, Donal and his young daughter, who are struggling financially while living in the country. We see a little of the difference between the royal residents and the laborers living in the countryside. It is interesting to see how marriages are made and all the effort to find the right match. It was lovely to read about life in Ireland.
*Disclosure - This book was received for review purposes.
Friday, November 17, 2023
Book Review - Her Secret Hope by Shelley Shepard Gray
Book: Her Secret Hope
Author: Shelley Shepard Gray
Publisher: Revell
289 pages, paperback.
This is my first time reading a book by this author. "Her Secret Hope" is about a young Amish lady, Lilly, who takes a job working as a maid in an Inn in Florida. She had traveled some distance from home to make a fresh start in life. It is interesting to read about her work, what goes on behind-the-scenes in an Inn, and what it's like in the commercial kitchen. The characters are all interesting and it is enjoyable to read about daily life. Lilly meets a nice young man. The friendship is taken slowly and I appreciate how Lilly is cautious about getting too involved too quickly.
Lilly is a sweet, hardworking girl. She has very supporting friends. It is nice to see good things happen to her.
There is a word of caution that a few readers might want to be aware of. There is a very brief romantic description in the story, that comes off as too strong, in my opinion. I would have enjoyed the story much more if this had been greatly toned down or avoided altogether.
* Disclosure - This book was provided for review purposes. *
Book Review - The Amish Cook's Baking Book by Lovina Eicher
Book: The Amish Cook's Baking Book
Author: Lovina Eicher with Kevin Williams
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
200 pages, hardcover.
This wonderful collection includes instructions for baking breads, pies, pastries, cookies, and more. It was written by Lovina, who writes a column, from home, called, "The Amish Cook." There is an explanation at the beginning which shares that an Amish kitchen does not contain modern appliances, such as food processors, blenders, or bread makers. Yet the kitchen is stocked with pots and pans and hand-operated utensils.
The photographs of the bread and cookies look incredible. The instructions for each recipe look easy to follow.
There is a quote from Lovina's mother, Elizabeth, from 1998, at the beginning of the bread section:
"While often sliced and served for supper, fresh bread can be found on the table at any meal of the day. I used to make a lot more bread when all of our children were still living at home - usually about nine loaves a week. I would bake the bread before they came so when they got in the door it was good and warm."
On the back cover of the book, there is a wonderful quote by the author, "Baking is something my mother taught me, much like sewing, ironing, or gardening. Now, as a mother of eight children of my own, I am beginning to teach them how to bake. I have many cherished memories of baking throughout my life."
The description of home life scattered throughout, along with color photographs and recipes make the book a treasure. It is beautifully done.
* Disclosure - This book was provided for review purposes. *
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