Friday, December 6, 2013

Thanksgiving week with the family

Yesterday I posted about how FULL the Fall has been. 
I was mostly consumed with Lil G's educational needs
But interspersed with learning and creating
I've been reading. ( see my reviews at the end!) 

( Lil G and her Uncle Matt, pastor, and father of the groom)

I think I've been sharing my knitting projects,
I also promised my sister in law that I would decorate the rehearsal dinner for her sons wedding.
So, last week we had Lil Gs birthday, driving to Tampa for Thanksgiving and a wedding,
Plus driving home - all in one week.

         ( Lil G loves a nice tie. She is pointing out the blue one her brother is wearing)



All this week I have been cleaning and bringing out Christmas decorations,
As well as packing away wedding decor.
Add to it, a reminder from the publisher for book reviews that have been sorely neglected! 
I thought I would share some of my favorite photos from the wedding.



Lil G and her beloved Papa playing a game, sun setting in the background.

( if you are sensitive to noise this is a perfect way to enjoy the party!) 



I thought I might tell you about a book or two I read this Fall too! 
I'm saving my most favorite for last though!

I can't remember which one arrived in the mail for me to review first so I will start with this one,
" Blood and Bone" by Don Hoesel. This book is very different than many of the books alive read this year. I will say I enjoyed the change in pace immensely. This is the third book in a series but thankfully it stood alone quite well. ( I hadn't read the first two and was able to figure out what was going on thanks to the flashback scene that started the first chapter.)  I enjoyed the family aspect of this book - most books I've read in this genre don't include dragging a family into the adventure. The main character has two sons, one of which has CF which  touched my heart since we too have a child with medical needs. I wish the author had gone into more detail about the main characters family and personal life. There was room for that given the situation. I felt like I didnt get to know the characters on a deep level as I do with other novels. ( This all my personal opinion though ) Overall I enjoyed this book since the plot was engaging- from the first page to the last! If you are looking for a suspense filled read without blood, gore and sex this one should be on your list! I will give this book four out of five stars.





The next book I read was by one of my most favorite authors, Dee Henderson.
 I will say that I was ecstatic to be chosen to review this book. The author has a way of writing a suspense novel without the blood, gore, and scenes that really turn me off- yet still keep the integrity of the story. "Unspoken " was not a disappointment. I enjoyed the characters immensely, the main character was a bit more difficult to get to know than other novels she has written but I felt that added to the story and was done on purpose. Dee Henderson has a way of writing that draws the reader in - even staying up way past a decent bedtime to find out what is next when knowing full well it might not be in their best interest.( just one more chapter-ing it till 2 am!)  Full of suspense and action, add a dash of romance and intrigue and you have a Dee Henderson novel. If you have never read one of her books I highly recommend " Unspoken" as a place to start. I rarely give a book five stars but will not hesitate with this one! 


I only have one more book left from this Fall to complete. It has been a little more difficult to review but I am hoping it will be well worth it. The writers style has me captivated one moment and frustrated the next!

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for the opportunity to review these books. The review is completely my own humble opinion and I am in no way compensated or expected to write a positive review.



Thursday, December 5, 2013

Eight years old!

Since my last post Lil G has played ball on the Miracle league team,

 dressed up for our church Fall festival,


Grown at least another inch,

Celebrated her eighth birthday,
          ( playing with her new baby doll) 

And  celebrated her fourth Thanksgiving.

        ( having a conversation with Uncle Matt)



We have so much to be thankful for don't we?!