Encouragement from one of the Rice sisters:
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Reviewing Books, Movies, Food, Appliances, Fashion, Travel, and more, from a Homemaker's Conservative Perspective.
Encouragement from one of the Rice sisters:
(Click on the photograph to turn on the video)
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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.
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.
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."
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.