Book Review: Reclaiming Lily by Patti Lacy

About the Book: A storm the size of Texas brews when Gloria Powell and Kai Chang meet in a Ft. Worth hotel. They have come to discuss the future of Lily, the daughter Gloria adopted from China and the sister Kai hopes to reclaim. Kai is a doctor who had to give up her little sister during the Cultural Revolution and has since discovered that an inherited genetic defect may be waiting to fatally strike Lily.

Gloria's relationship with her daughter is tattered and strained, and the arrival of Kai, despite the woman's apparent good intentions, makes Gloria fearful. Gloria longs to restore her relationship with Lily, but in the wake of this potentially devastating diagnosis, is Kai an answer to prayer--or will her arrival force Gloria to sacrifice more than she ever imagined?

My Thoughts: I must admit that it took me awhile to get into this book - the lilt of English from a Chinese perspective took some getting used to I think. But am I ever glad I did! As I continued to read I was captivated by the story - in fact, multiple storylines, all masterfully interwoven to create a compelling read.

The characters are both well developed and realistic. Their many flaws, fears and struggles make it easy to empathize with them and the storyline is anything but predictable - with a surprise awaiting even on the last page (though my guess was correct, I was far from certain).

Foreign adoption, Chinese culture, discrimination, guilt, fear, life-threatening medical conditions, sacrificial love, teenage angst, natural disasters - a myriad of subjects dealt with in this book.

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

Book Review: Along Wooded Paths by Tricia Goyer

About the Book: All she wanted was a simple Amish life . . . But now Marianna Sommer finds herself depending on Englisch neighbors. Although proud of living apart from the world, she and her newly relocated Amish family have discovered that life in the remote mountains of Montana requires working together.

As Marianna begins helping those different from herself—and receiving their help—her heart contemplates two directions. She’s torn between the Amish man from Indiana whom she has long planned on marrying and the friendly Englischer who models a closer walk with God than she’s ever seen before.

Who should have young Marianna’s heart? What is God asking her to sacrifice? Her traditions? Her community? The answer is found along the wooded paths.

My Thoughts: I was fortunate enough to review the first book in this series, Beside Still Waters, and looked forward to this one as well.

Many of the things I liked about the first book, I also liked about this one. I love how the author explores the differences between the Amish and "Englisch" faith, highlighting the benefits of the Amish lifestyle and belief system while also acknowledging some of the potential pitfalls of their tendency toward legalism.

The only thing that I did not really like about this book was Marianna's interest in two different men and her inability to choose between them for a long portion of the book. Maybe not so much her hesitancy in choosing, but rather that she seems to be in love with them both at the same time. And obviously, just because that's not something I've experienced, doesn't mean it can't happen, but I truly believe that when you're sincerely praying that God would guide your heart and reveal who you are supposed to be with, that it would be more obvious than this, and I guess the adolescent vibe it gave me just rubbed me the wrong way. So, feel free to take that negativism with a grain of salt.

Overall, I loved seeing Marianna grow in her faith as she was exposed to differing lifestyles and the needs and difficulties that went along with them.


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

Storage ideas

We are beginning construction on our new house. Yes, again! This will be our sixth house in this town. The first was built in summer 1998, the second over the winter of 2001/2002, the third in late fall 2004, the fourth in over the winter of 2006/2007, the fifth the fall of 2007 and now the sixth one will be over the winter of 2011/2012. Which means that the house we're currently living in is a record for us at 4 years - crazy!

Anyway, we will likely put our current house up for sale shortly, at least just on kijiji. If it doesn't sell now, we'll likely put it on the market at the end of winter or early spring. So, in preparation for the sale, I'm in the process of doing some major decluttering! I totally should've taken some before pictures because the changes have been dramatic so far, and I'm not done yet!

The first project was our mudroom. For anyone that's been to our house, you likely remember the shoe store we had going on in there, we had so many shoes! Between flip flops, Sunday sandals, regular sandals, outdoor runners and four kids - well, you can imagine! So, I let each kid keep one pair of flip flops, and their outdoor school runners in the mudroom, everything else had to go in their bedroom closets - and I got rid of one large garbage full of shoes they either no longer wore, no longer fit or were worn out. We can actually close the mudroom doors now!

Then I also decluttered one of our countertops that had paper clutter just multiplying all over the place.

Now I'm working on the office. That's taking a little longer.

In the process, I've also been looking up some pretty neat storage solutions. Here's some of my favourites....

Totally getting Nathan to build me this laundry basket dresser for our new laundry room (which will be complete with flooring and a window!)

Source: ana-white.com via Tammy on Pinterest

Great idea for a mudroom, I think I'd use some prettier baskets (also available at the dollar store).

Source: inmyownstyle.com via Tammy on Pinterest

And check out this charging station - our phone desk needs this in a bad way!!

Source: overcomingbusy.com via Tammy on Pinterest

Innovative use of a spice rack for office or craft room storage...

Source: vanillajoy.com via Tammy on Pinterest

Slipcovers for crates...

Source: lauragunn.typepad.com via Tammy on Pinterest

Turning every day containers into beautiful storage options...

Source: ordinarymeetscleverblog.com via Tammy on Pinterest

Great idea for anything from craft paper to cd's to baby blankets to school projects to games with broken boxes....

Source: orgjunkie.com via Tammy on Pinterest

And, I don't know about you but our puzzle boxes are forever falling apart, so here's an idea for how to store them, and still know which puzzle you're taking out!

Source: orgjunkie.com via Tammy on Pinterest

Feel free to let me in on any of your favourite storage solutions!

Sophia's First Camping Experience

Literally the day after school was over we drove Sophia to Bible camp for her first ever camping experience. She was super excited to go, and would've loved to have signed up for the longer week (this was only 2 nights), but her friend invited her and she was looking forward to going with her friend.

Here's some of the highlights from camp!

Playing rock, paper, scissors (Sophia's on the left in the multicoloured swimsuit with pink ruffle trim)

Here she is horseback riding for the first time in her life - this was definitely her favourite "skill" at camp.

Decorating their cabin (girl's cabins had air conditioning, boy's did not!)

Sophia and her friend on Sophia's bunkbed when we came to pick her up - pretty sure they had fun :)

Sophia, her friend and their two counsellors in front of their cabin "Mizpah".

"The Discover Wall" where the kids wrote things they learned about God at camp.

Sophia (pink shirt) and the girls in her cabin at closing chapel.

We were sitting in the 2 rows directly behind them, she barely acknowledged us ;)

Playing outside at the camp after closing chapel, nobody in a hurry to leave!

Sophia loved the horseback riding, rifles (!!), and swimming (outdoor pool) the best. She also loved the food - they had spaghetti, pizza, hot dogs, pancakes. She had an absolute blast and can't wait to go for a week next summer! And we're not surprised in the slightest.

Book Review: Heiress by Susan May Warren

About the Book: They can buy anything they want—fame, power, beauty, even loyalty.

But they can’t buy love.

The beautiful and wealthy heiress daughters of August Price can buy everything their hearts desire. But what if their desire is to be loved, without an enormous price tag attached? When one sister betrays another for the sake of love, will she find happiness? And what happens when the other sets out across the still untamed frontier to find it—will she discover she’s left it behind in the glamorous world of the New York gilded society? What price will each woman pay for being an heiress?

Set in the opulent world of the Gilded Age, two women discover that being an heiress just might cost them everything they love.

My Thoughts: Susan May Warren is definitely one of my favourite authors. I've reviewed several books by her before, but this one is dramatically different than the others I've read.

Warren has a tremendous gift of storytelling. The Gilded Age of corsets, suitors, marriages arranged for wealth or status, fancy ballroom parties - all told through the viewpoints of two very different sisters, neither of whom realize how long term and far reaching the consequences of their actions can be. From the glitter and bustle of New York to the wilds of Montana, betrayal, cheating, lying and pride follow both sisters in a work of historical fiction that will have you turning the pages far into the night!

Absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to read the next books in this series!

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

Book Review: A Lancaster County Christmas by Suzanne Woods Fisher

About the Book: Jaime and C. J. Fitzpatrick began their married life as most couples do--in love and looking forward to a bright future together. But four years later they've drifted apart and are almost ready to call it quits.

Mattie Riehl was hoping to give her husband Sol the Christmas gift they have both longed for--news that a baby was on the way. But as usual, she is disappointed. The holidays bring an acute awareness to Mattie that her dream of a big family isn't likely to become a reality.

Then a winter storm raging outside blows the Fitzpatricks into the Riehl home--and into a much slower pace of life. Can these two couples from different worlds help each other understand the true meaning of love this Christmas?

With her trademark plot twists and attention to detail, Suzanne Woods Fisher offers readers a beautiful Christmas story of love, forgiveness, and what truly matters in life.

My Thoughts: I've enjoyed several works of Amish fiction by Suzanne Woods Fisher and this was no exception.

The setting and writing produced a wonderfully cozy feeling, a perfect book to curl up by the fireside and read on a cold, wintry night.

I love how the Amish and "English" worlds intertwine in this book and how both sides have something to learn from each other. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, both women have similar needs, yearnings and problems and the characters are believable (and likable) as they work through these issues.

A charming, quick read, perfect for Christmastime!

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

To celebrate the release of her first Christmas book, Suzanne Woods Fisher has teamed up with her publisher, Revell, to bring you the "Christmas in September" iPad Giveaway! The winner will be announced on 9/27 at the A Lancaster County Christmas Facebook Party! Details below. Tell your friends and join in the fun (9/7-9/27).

Oh and be sure to follow the blog tour here - many of the bloggers have copies of the book to giveaway!

Suzanne and Revell will be presenting one merry winner with a Christmas Prize Pack (valued at over $600):

• A Brand New iPad 2 with Wi-Fi
• $25 gift certificate to iTunes
• A copy of A Lancaster County Christmas

To enter, click here http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13425768. But, hurry the giveaway ends on 9/26.

But, wait! There's more! The winner will be announced at the A Lancaster County Christmas Facebook Party on 9/27 at Suzanne's author page. During the party she'll be revealing something *BIG* - you won't want to miss it. She'll also be hosting a book chat, trivia contest and giving away a few early Christmas presents! Hope to see you there.

Summer Update

Yeesh, I've been in a blogging slump lately. I guess that's because we've just been so stinkin' busy!

We had an absolutely fanTASTic summer. I can't remember when the weather has last been this amazing, and the bugs so few - unheard of for our neck of the woods that's for sure!

Here's a quick rundown of our summer - more details and photos to come.

Literally, the day after school was over, we drove Sophia to camp for her first camping experience ever! (LOVED it!) She was there for 2 nights.

That Monday we started swimming lessons for 30 mins every morning for 2 weeks straight (not weekends). I somehow managed to find coordinating lessons times for all 4 kids that started within 5 minutes of each other - AND got them all in! An amazing feat, especially since I needed 2 spots for one class as Emma and Sophia were at the same level.

The following week was Emma's turn for camp - she went from Monday morning to Friday evening, also her first camp experience, also LOVED it, as I knew she would.

The next week all 3 girls went to our church's day camp (Olivia was so excited that she was finally old enough to go!). Each girl had at least one friend they were going with and they had an absolute blast.

The next week was nothing officially planned, so we went on a few outings.

The following week we took the kids to the States for swimming, shopping and eating - always good times.

The next two weeks were an amazing celebration time as Nathan's sister Deena and her husband Chris and their boys came out to visit from a few provinces over. Including Baret, whose miracle story I still need to share on this blog.

And that brought us to the last full week without school! Did some babysitting, some splashparking and just had fun enjoying my kids.

What a great summer!

Book Review: Fairer than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott

About the Book: Ann dreams of a marriage proposal from her poetic suitor, Eli-until Will Hanby shows her that nobility is more than fine words.

On a small farm in 19th-century Ohio, young Ann Miller is pursued by the gallant Eli Bowen, son of a prominent family. Eli is the suitor of Ann's dreams. Like her, he enjoys poetry and beautiful things and soon, he will move to the city to become a doctor.

Ann travels to Pittsburgh, accompanying her father on business. There she meets Will Hanby, a saddle-maker's apprentice. Will has spent years eking out an existence under a cruel master and his spirit is nearly broken. But Ann's compassion lights a long-dark part of his soul. Through his encounters with Ann's father, a master saddler, Will discovers new hope and courage in the midst of tremendous adversity.

When the Millers must return to Ohio and their ministry there, Will resolves to find them, at any cost. If Will can make it back to Ann, will she be waiting?

Read an excerpt here.

My Thoughts: This book dealt with a lot of heavy subject matter (abuse, the Underground Railroad, slavery, forgiveness, etc), but it was handled in a compassionate, yet realistic way. The characters are very well-developed and their reactions, thoughts, words and actions are realistic (iow, they don't always make the right choices)

Excellent drama, incredibly moving storyline, captivating characters and a plot that turns out to be based on a true story and true characters - incredible!

I do love historical drama, and this was no exception.

This was Elliott's debut novel - I look forward to reading a lot more from this author!

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

Girls singing "Glorious Day"

The girls absolutely love singing in church. Here they are singing "Glorious Day" by Casting Crowns. I'm accompanying them on the piano, but the mic doesn't pick it up very well apparently.

Enjoy!

Book Review: Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin

About the Book: Lt. Raymond Novak prefers the pulpit to the cockpit, but at least his stateside job training B-17 pilots allows him the luxury of a personal life. As he courts Helen Carlisle, a young war widow and mother who conceals her pain under a frenzy of volunteer work, the sparks of their romance set a fire that flings them both into peril. After Ray leaves to fly a combat mission at the peak of the air war over Europe, Helen takes a job in a dangerous munitions yard and confronts an even graver menace in her own home. Will they find the courage to face their challenges? And can their young love survive until blue skies return?

My Thoughts: Blue Skies Tomorrow is Book 3 in the Wings of Glory series. I also reviewed A Distant Melody, the first book of the series. I'm only sorry I didn't get in on the blog tour for the 2nd one!

I definitely enjoyed this book as much as the first. Though part of a series, Blue Skies Tomorrow works as a standalone book as well.

Sundin does not shy away from tackling serious issues in her works of fiction! This book tackles abuse, the effects of fighting in the war, reasons for wanting to fight and not wanting to, expectations, appearances and more.

The characters are well-developed and interesting, the storyline keeps moving and the history is captivating - all in all, two thumbs up!

To celebrate the release of Blue Skies Tomorrow, the final installment of the Wings of Glory series, Sarah is giving one lucky winner A Vintage Kindle Prize Package!

Read what the reviewers are saying here.

One winner will receive:
* Kindle with Wi-Fi
* Handmade vintage apron for you and a friend (see a photo here)
* Blue Skies Tomorrow (for Kindle)

To enter just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, giveaway ends on 9/10. Winner will be announced on 9/12 at Sarah Sundin's blog. Details and official rules can be found when entering the contest.

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