Book Review: Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray

About the Book: Lydia's job at the library is her world---until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart.

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.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1lujxr6

My Thoughts:  I really enjoyed this book.  It had a bit of everything - mystery, intrigue, romance, and history.  The characters are very well-developed and I love how they are a bit unique from your run of the mill characters that seem to show up in most books.  As an avid reader, I found the setting of a reading room to be quite fitting :)

I enjoyed how the storyline unfolded, however I did feel that the ending tied together a bit too quickly in comparison to the pace of the rest of the book.  I was actually starting to wonder if the story would even get wrapped up in this book and was becoming annoyed that it might have a cliff hanger ending, because I could tell I was nearing the end and yet it didn't seem like it could be over that quickly.  I think the author could have spent a little more time and pages on the ending.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.

OAC - Last Minute Gift Idea

Tired of the Christmas shopping, the baking and sugar overload, the Christmas festivities that keep you away from your family during the season? Take time special time to spend with your loved ones and invest in your community—with Focus on the Family's help!

You can download a fun gift to give to your friends, family, and community! Each Christmas stocking stuffer card directs you to a special place to hear an Adventures in Odyssey Christmas episode. Plus, you’ll be able to read a special excerpt from Imagination Station #12, “Danger on a Silent Night.” Sign up here to download the free cards.

Plus stop by this page for a slew of crafts, recipes, and stories to share with your family during this special time of year!

 

If you're still looking for one last gift to give your kids this year, give the gift of the Odyssey Adventure Club (OAC). It offers safe and free content for everyone in your family, including an Advent calendar, a broadcast download with tips to create a memorable Christmas, AIO cutouts, and Christmas stocking stuffer cards. Membership to the OAC costs just $9.99 a month — or even less if parents make a six-month or one-year commitment. Enrollment provides more than enough content to keep kids engaged throughout the year:

• Access to exclusive content and first looks at books and select Radio Theatre dramas.
• On-the-go access to the OAC app for both iOS and Android users.
• 24/7 streaming access to nearly 800 AIO episodes.
• A new, members-only AIO episode every month.
• A subscription to Adventures in Odyssey Clubhouse Magazine, and more.

To learn more about the Odyssey Adventure Club, visit www.oaclub.org, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

OAC - Strengthen Your Child's Faith

The holidays are a busy time . . . but life can be even more hectic! In the midst of work, after-school activities, grocery shopping, and business trips, how are parents supposed to find the time to build within their families a lasting foundation of faith?

Focus on the Family wants to step in and give you some tips. Sign up by clicking here for a free e-book called 101 Surefire Ways to Strengthen Your Child's Faith. With creative ideas on weaving faith into everyday conversations, turning family activities into learning opportunities, and having faith-filled holiday celebrations, this book is jam-packed with fun and interesting, easy, faith-building ideas for your family.

Another way to invest in your child's faith is through the Odyssey Adventure Club (OAC). It offers safe and free content for everyone in your family, including an Advent calendar, a broadcast download with tips to create a memorable Christmas, AIO cutouts, and Christmas stocking stuffer cards. Membership to the OAC costs just $9.99 a month — or even less if parents make a six-month or one-year commitment. Enrollment provides more than enough content to keep kids engaged throughout the year:

• Access to exclusive content and first looks at books and select Radio Theatre dramas. 
• On-the-go access to the OAC app for both iOS and Android users. 
• 24/7 streaming access to nearly 800 AIO episodes. 
• A new, members-only AIO episode every month. 
• A subscription to Adventures in Odyssey Clubhouse Magazine, and more. 

Another fun way to build your child's faith: have a family craft night and use it as a faith-building opportunity! Click the image below for a printable Town of Odyssey cutout set. Bonus points if you listen to an Adventures in Odyssey episode while you put together your town!

To learn more about the Odyssey Adventure Club, visit www.oaclub.org, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Book Review: Another Way Home by Deborah Raney

About the Book: Sometimes God's ways are not at all what we expect . . . and exactly what we need.

Grant and Audrey are adding grandchildren to their family left and right, but middle daughter, Danae, and her husband, Dallas Brooks, have been trying for years with no baby in sight.

Though Danae is ready to consider adoption, Dallas will not even discuss it. Despairing of ever having a family of her own, Danae decides to pour her passion and energies into volunteer work with a newly opened women's shelter in town. Looking for a good cause to fill her lonely days, she never expects to give her heart to the hurting women she meets there. She's finally learning to live her life with gratitude, but then heart-wrenching events on Thanksgiving weekend threaten to pull the entire Whitman clan into turmoil-and leave them all forever changed.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1NQhjf8

My Thoughts:  I really enjoyed this book!  It tackled some heavy issues - infertility, adoption, domestic abuse - without becoming a heavy read.  It reminded me how quickly we can allow our struggles, no matter what they are, to create a tunnel vision effect in our lives where we become so wrapped up in our struggle that we can't see outside ourselves which, ironically, is exactly what God uses to help us get through our struggles.  When we take our focus off of ourselves and shift it to God and to others around us who are also suffering, it's amazing what it does for our perspective and how it helps heal our own pain.

The author definitely draws you into the story, captivating you with the characters and storyline.  I particularly love how God's sovereignty is on clear display throughout, but particularly in the last 1/3 of the book.

Though this is the 3rd book of the series, it was not a problem that I had not read the first two.  I highly recommend this one!

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.

OAC - Simplify and De-stress your holiday season

Holiday to-do lists often become longer and longer as we get closer to Christmas. From holiday parties to host, Christmas pajamas to coordinate, family pictures, gifts to buy, travel plans to finalize, and more, the joy of the season can often be lost in the midst of the hustle and bustle.



Adventures in Odyssey and Odyssey Adventure Club have you covered. Karen Ehman and Glynnis Whitwer, authors of Everyday Confetti, share ideas and tips for simplifying and taking the stress out of the holidays. Pointing to the real reason for the season, they offer ideas to help you keep Christ at the center. Click here for a free broadcast download to learn how to simplify and de-stress your holiday season.

Speaking of de-stressing, let me help you out with your last-minute gift shopping. One of my top recommendations: the Odyssey Adventure Club (OAC) because it offers free content for everyone, including an Advent calendar, a broadcast download with tips to create a memorable Christmas, AIO cutouts and Christmas stocking stuffer cards. Membership to the OAC costs just $9.99 a month — or even less if parents make a six-month or one-year commitment. Enrollment provides more than enough content to keep kids engaged throughout the year:

• Access to exclusive content and first looks at books and select Radio Theatre dramas. 
• On-the-go access to the OAC app for both iOS and Android users. 
• 24/7 streaming access to nearly 800 AIO episodes. 
• A new, members-only AIO episode every month. 
• A subscription to Adventures in Odyssey Clubhouse Magazine, and more. 

To learn more about the Odyssey Adventure Club, visit www.oaclub.org, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Check out these other gift ideas:

• Lego, K'nex
• bowling, mini-golfing, or another "date" opportunity
• art or cooking classes
• arts and crafts supplies
• tickets to a show, sporting event, or movie
• one thing they want, one thing they need, one item to wear, one book to read
• magazine subscription
• calendar to fit their personality or hobbies
• a watch
• games or puzzles

Day 30 - One Thing You're Excited For

Day 30 - One Thing You're Excited For

Just one?!  I'm excited for Christmas coming up; for our cruise (just Nathan and I) in February which, this year, will include cruising out of Orlando/Port Canaveral, then renting a convertible to drive down to Fort Lauderdale to watch the Jets play the Panthers; as well as our family trip to Florida in late March/early April.

Day 29 - 21st birthday

Day 29 - The Night of Your 21st Birthday

Well, that was pretty long ago, and not a memorable one that I can recall.  I would have been married without kids so I'm assuming Nathan and I went out for dinner - but we weren't going to The Keg yet then, so I don't know where we would've gone.

Day 28 - Words

Day 28 - The Word or Phrase You Use Constantly

This is probably easier to do for someone else than yourself.  I can't really think of something I say constantly - other than maybe "Love you, babe" to my girls and "Love you, buddy" to my son.

Day 27 - What You Wore Today

Day 27 - What You Wore Today

Today was a day off of school for the kids, followed by hockey practices in the evening and a get-together for Emma with her youth friends.

So, I wore my exercise clothes until I finally got around to exercising, and then yoga pants with an UA shirt after that.  

Day 26 - Ex

Day 26 - Things You'd Say to an Ex


This is sort of a weird one.  I don't think of my exes, and don't really have anything to say to them, other than that I hope they have a relationship with Jesus and wish them the best.

Day 25 - Weird Traits

Day 25 - Four Weird Traits I have

Hmmm, I'm not sure I have 4 weird traits. Maybe my laugh is weird.  I'll go with 4 flaws instead.

I procrastinate in certain areas.
I'm very often late by a few minutes.
I can be impatient and easily irritated.
I can be proud.

Good thing He's not finished with me yet!

Book Review: A Respectable Actress by Dorothy Love

About the Book: When India Hartley is accused of murder, she must uncover the deceptions of others to save herself.

India Hartley, a famous and beautiful actress, is now alone after her father's death and embarks upon a tour of theaters across the South. Her first stop is Savannah's Southern Palace. On the eve of the second night's performance, something goes horribly wrong. Her co-star, Arthur Sterling, is shot dead on stage in front of a packed house, and India is arrested and accused of the crime.

A benefactor hires Philip Sinclair, the best---and handsomest---lawyer in Savannah to defend India. A widower, Philip is struggling to reinvent his worn-out plantation on St. Simons Island. He needs to increase his income from his law practice in order to restore Indigo Point, and hardly anything will bring him more new clients than successfully defending a famous actress on a murder charge.

Because India can't go anywhere in town without being mobbed, Philip persuades the judge handling her case to let him take her to Indigo Point until her trial date. India is charmed by the beauty of the Georgia lowcountry and is increasingly drawn to Philip. But a locked room that appears to be a shrine to Philip's dead wife and the unsolved disappearance of a former slave girl raise troubling questions. Piecing together clues in an abandoned boat and a burned-out chapel, India discovers a trail of dark secrets that lead back to Philip, secrets that ultimately may hold the key to her freedom. If only he will believe her.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1MUVRqX

My Thoughts:  I don't know much about the theatre or life of an actress, other than to know it has not always been a respectable form of employment.

Unfortunately, this book just didn't hold my attention.  I'm hard pressed to say what exactly it was, but I just was not captivated by the storyline.  It took me much longer to read this book than normal because I kept putting it down and forgetting about it.  

I enjoyed the mystery portion of this book more than the romantic subplot which seemed a bit forced or an odd fit.  

Other than that, I can't put my finger on anything "wrong" with the book, it just wasn't my cup of tea.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.

Day 24 - Something I Miss

Day 24 - Something I Miss

I wouldn't necessarily turn back time if I could, but there are many things I miss.

I miss my dad.
I miss being pregnant (not the being sick part though).
I miss feeling the kick of a baby in my womb, knowing the miracle of life is growing inside me.
I miss snuggling babies and smelling their unique scent.
I miss holding a sleeping child.
I miss first steps.
I miss mispronounced words.

And right now, I miss summer :)

Odyssey Adventure Club - Give the gift that lasts all year!

 

What’s on your children’s Christmas wish list? As excited as they might be about that new toy, as every parent knows, the thrill of the gift will eventually wear off. Focus on the Family and Adventures in Odyssey have created the perfect gift for those who want to give their children or grandchildren a present that will provide year-round fun with eternal impact.

The Odyssey Adventure Club (OAC) offers families 24/7 access to 25 years’ worth of Adventures in Odyssey (AIO) episodes in a safe online environment where children can explore and learn. Christmas really is the perfect time to tap into your children’s imagination while infusing faith and fun into their day . . . and every day of the year.

To celebrate the holidays this year, the OAC is offering free content for everyone, including an Advent calendar, a broadcast download with tips to create a memorable Christmas, AIO cutouts and Christmas stocking stuffer cards. Membership to the OAC costs just $9.99 a month — or even less if parents make a six-month or one-year commitment. Enrollment provides more than enough content to keep kids engaged throughout the year:



• Access to exclusive content and first looks at books and select Radio Theatre dramas. 
• On-the-go access to the OAC app for both iOS and Android users. 
• 24/7 streaming access to nearly 800 AIO episodes. 
• A new, members-only AIO episode every month. 
• A subscription to Adventures in Odyssey Clubhouse Magazine, and more.

In keeping with AIO’s rich heritage of teaching children about biblical principles — such as the importance of giving — a portion of each OAC membership benefits Focus on the Family partner organizations. Here are a couple of examples of what has been accomplished through Odyssey Adventure Club members:

• Carry the Cure received a sound system they needed to provide after-school programs to children in Alaska. 
• Mission Aviation Fellowship has been able to provide health vaccines to 65,000 children. 

The Odyssey Adventure Club wants to reach beyond fleeting entertainment this Christmas, partnering with parents in helping their kids grow deep in faith and find their place in God’s story.

Speaking of the holidays, you can prepare for Christmas with Thriving Family's 2015 Advent Activity Calendar — Tales of Christmas Past: 25 Inspiring true stories of the season. Assemble a beautifully designed Advent poster to help your kids focus on Christ this Christmas. Then read Scripture passages and stories that relate to individual flaps on the poster. You can also create easy-to-fold booklets for each story. Get more information about this year's free Advent calendar at ThrivingFamily.com/Advent, or sign up to download it.


To learn more about the Odyssey Adventure Club, visit www.oaclub.org, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Day 23 - Family

Day 23 - A Family Member you Dislike

Ha ha - as if I'm answering that one!

I love my family.  Obviously, I love Nathan and the kids.  But the rest of my immediate family and Nathan's, I mean.  Many of us are very different from each other, and some of us have extremely different points of view about many things, including faith.  But even though I may disagree with them, and continue to pray for them to see the truth - particularly for them to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, who He is, and what He has done for them - I still love them.

Day 22 - Morning routine

Day 22 -  Morning routine

What I wish my morning routine looked like....

Wake up early and read my Bible and Bible blog before the kids are up for school.
Read the kids a devotional while they're eating breakfast and get them off to school.
Exercise, shower, and get ready for the day.

What it actually looks like......
Sleep as long as possible, get up at some point while the kids are getting ready and finish getting them off to school - sometimes reading a devotional, but always praying with them before they leave.
Waste time on email, Facebook, and Candy Crush.
Eventually exercise, shower, and read my Bible and Bible blog.

Always room to grow! :)

Day 21 - Horoscope

Day 21 - Your Zodiac/horoscope and whether you think it fits you


As a Christian, I don't believe in horoscopes or any other type of astrology.  I don't believe that the stars and the planets influence my life - I believe that the Creator of the stars and planets is sovereign over my life and the life of every person on the planet whether they believe in Him or not.

The Bible forbids the practice of divination and sorcery of any kind, and any source of guidance outside of God and His Word, is not acceptable for a believer.  Period.

I have no idea what my zodiac sign is, and I have no interest or faith in anything my horoscope would have to say about my life.

Day 20 - Music

Day 20 - Well, I actually don't have any music on my phone right now.  Pathetic, right?  I switched from iTunes to Samsung, and I haven't bothered figuring out how to get my songs onto my phone.  I usually just let the kids connect their phones or iPods to the vehicle via bluetooth and use their music if I don't like what's on the radio.  And I hardly ever listen to music at home.

If I go to iTunes, and just press play, it's currently sorted by album, and the first 3 songs are...
What do I Know of Holy? by Addison Road - one of my most favourites!
Airwaves by Brett Kissel
Santa Claus (I Still Believe in You) by Alabama

So, there's that!

Day 19 - Fears

Day 19 - Five Fears that you Have

Everyone has fears to a certain extent. I'm thankful that I don't battle fear on a daily basis like some people do!

Some fears I have or have struggled with in the past.....

I used to struggle with a fear of Nathan dying, because of my dad dying when I was young.  Experience taught me that life was not guaranteed and I was fearful of the same thing happening to me.  Thankfully, with God's help, I was able to release that fear to Him.  I know that Nathan's life is not guaranteed, but I do know that God is sovereign and that nothing will happen that hasn't first passed through His hand, and that He works everything for good for those that love Him.  Now, that doesn't mean that everything that happens is good, but that He is good and that He can work through anything, even bad things, to bring about good whether in this life or in eternity.  Bad things may happen, but if/when they do, Jesus will never leave me or forsake me, and He will walk me through it, carrying me when necessary.  And I have faith in the hope of heaven.

As a parent it is easy to struggle with fear for your kids - that they won't make right choices (particularly with huge ones like whether or not to trust Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, and who to marry).  Again, all we can do is teach them right from wrong; being open, honest, transparent, and intentional - and pray, pray, pray!

To completely change gears.....
As a kid I was scared of grasshoppers.  And moths.  And crickets.  Snakes. Thunderstorms.  Tornadoes (still a little scary).  Pretty much anything outdoors. :)

Day 18 - Colour

Day 18 - Your favourite colour and why

My favourite colour is blue.  I'm not sure why exactly.  For clothes, it goes good with my eyes, which are also blue.

Although, if you'd look in my closet you could argue that in reality my favourite colour is black - because it's so versatile.

Day 17 - Quote

Day 17 - A quote you try to live by

There are two, and they are rather similar.....

The Golden Rule - do unto others what you would have them do unto you.

This means, that not only do you stop from doing rude, mean, or unkind things - you purposefully do kind, helpful, generous, and encouraging things.  Do good, not just refrain from bad.


The next is from Matthew 22
36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 Anda second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Love God.  Love people.  Simple, but certainly not easy!

Day 16 - My day

Day 16 - Bullet your entire day

Well, this one won't be a regular day in the life, since it was a travel day.

Left home at 6am to drive south.
Stopped in GF for breakfast at Denny's - had eggs over easy, chicken sausage, oatmeal, and a couple bites of pancakes.
Stopped in F at Scheel's and picked up a drink for the road.
Stopped for lunch at Pizza Ranch - unfortunately we were on the late side for lunch and their buffet was almost shut down so pickings were slim!
Stopped in an outlet mall.
Arrived at our hotel, checked in, then headed to the mall where we spent the rest of the evening.
Ate supper at Cadillac Ranch, and then watched the new James Bond movie, before heading back to the hotel for night.

Fun day!

Oops - just realized I'm a week off - oh well, that was the 9th :)

Day 15 - Pet Peeves

Day 15 - Three Pet Peeves

I prefer the toilet paper roll to unroll from underneath, not from the top.

Obvious grammar and spelling errors drive me crazy!

The sound of people chewing grosses me out, particularly chewing gum with their mouth open.

Day 14 - 7 Years

Day 14 - Your life in 7 years.


7 years from now, I will be 45 (!!), Nathan will be 46, we will have been married for almost 27 years, and our kids will be 21, 19, 17, and 15.  What?!  I don't know if I want to think about that yet :)

We could have only 2 kids at home, or we would still have all 4 around, depending on what they decide to do after high school.  I'm sure we'll still be doing a lot of chaffeuring, particularly for Jacob's hockey.  Nathan will still be building houses - though possibly he'll be doing more general contracting and less physical labour himself.

I'm sure it will be great, but I don't want it to come too quickly.  I want to enjoy each moment while it lasts.