Yarn along and a Book review

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading (though not at the same time!), and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? Take a photo and share it either on your blog or on Flickr. Leave a link below to share your photo with the rest of us! ~

Ginny Sheller @ simple things 

I haven't joined Yarn along since last Fall! 

It's just been a tough season.

So glad to join everyone !

I just finished reading "in firefly valley" by Amanda Cabot. I read the first book in the Texas crossroads series " at bluebonnet Lake" and was glad I was chosen to get to review this one as well. This author has a writing style that I enjoy. I like realistic characters with a deep plot that I find myself asking questions about the details and wanting to find out what decision the characters will make morally. I find there is a balance in a Christian novel and don't like the authors faith to be overbearing and this author does a good job at it! Both of the books in this series had a romance thrown in for good measure as well. It was so entertaining that I read it in three days. If you are looking for a Christian novel I would recommend this Author. I will head over to Amazon to give this book five stars. Id like to thank Revel books for this review copy. This review is my opinion and I was in no way encouraged to give a positive review. 

I mentioned that I have recently become a grandmother and can't believe our little guy is three weeks old already. He is such a cutie and seems to be settling in rather nicely. That brings me to my next topic. I downloaded Jared Floods blanket "Bairn" to knit for our grandson. It has several different cables so not a pattern for a beginner. I had a hard time at the start but now that I am writing the rows down and have gone through the repeat a time or two I have got the hang of it. I love a pattern that has some details so I don't get bored. Anyhow, since we live in Florida he will get his blanket this Fall or Christmas. Thats code for, " I wasn't able to get it knit up in time for his birth!" 

lil G has had a virus/ cold and this photo was my happy thought for the day yesterday. Poor thing even had ulcers in her throat necessitating a Dr appointment to make sure it wasn't strep. This past winter she kept stealing my house slippers, I wear them all the time since we have tile floors and they are so hard on my joints. We bought her some slippers of her own but she still steals mine every chance she gets! I don't know why but it makes my heart happy hearing house slippers scuffling down the hall. 

I hope this finds you and yours enjoying the beautiful Spring weather.

Under His Wings,

Anna

Daily painting

Most of the time when I sit down to review a book I have limited time so I post reviews of multiple reviews on one post. Today I wanted to post a review of a book that arrived in the mail before Christmas. The book is only 182 pages including the index so not too overwhelming on first examination. It is soft back and a nice handheld size, but upon further examination I realized I had stumbled onto a real Gem. I wavered back and forth wondering if the author had tackled too many topics and chapters for one small book and wanting to just reach out and give her a hug. Seriously. If you've been reading my blog for long you know I'm an artist and that it's a real passion of mine. I just struggle with so many other things that come along if you really want to be successful at being a " real artist". Those things for me include, pricing my artwork, scheduling my painting time with a little one and not fearing the blank piece of paper. Last year I started the year off with a bang and was intentional about my art. But I let things get in the way and settled back into old habits. 

Some of the topics covered in this book are choosing materials, subject matter, art basics such as value and color mixing, composition, fighting artists block and finding community and selling your work. 

If you are an artist and need a boost I suggest purchasing this book. You won't be disappointed. Thank you to Blogging for Books and Watson Guptill for the opportunity to review this book. This is mmy humble opinion and I was in no way compensated for this review. 

Edited to add: I just found this review in my list of posts and never clicked post or shared my review on Amazon. I'm hoping someone still reading my blog will find this post and it will be just the book they need to add some umph into their art career. 

Since I am editing this post I thought I would throw in a photo or two.

This is our first grand baby. He is just so beautiful. I'm head over heels in love.

Here is our sweet Lil G. She's not so little anymore is she? She is leaving the hospital with her favorite guy...... She is an aunt. Life is good. Very very good.

Gratitude

Today I am doing a post about a fun book.

And gratitude.

I  love checking out fun ideas on pinterest 

and doing simple things to decorate my home.

"DIY type" by Dana Tanamachi is a fun book!

Instead of giving step by step how to directions

She has only 14 pages that tell about how she started her business 

Plus double page tutorials that list some supplies and a few ideas.

I took her idea and brainstormed a fun Fall banner for my home.

I love watercolor so I grabbed some extra inexpensive watercolor paper and played in some fun fall colors. I drew out two leaves to add to the banner as well.

It's hard to see the opalescent paints but let me tell you it's really pretty.

( you can also visit jones design company blog to see something similar hanging in her hallway!) 

The rest if this book is two font sizes of stencils in heavy card stock.

This is a brilliant idea!

I can keep the book on my shelf and stay organized. 

No small pieces to try and keep track of!!

This book is easily a five star read for me!

Thank you to Blogging for Books and Potter Style publishing for the opportunity to review this book.

This is my personal opinion and I was in no way compensated for my review!

Yarn along and a book review!

I'm joining Ginny over at Small things for Yarn along this week, a few days late but thankful i can still join in.

It's always fun when a new yarn falls into your lap. 

I love to go shopping at a little store that gets close outs and have picked up some amazing deals.

I bought two skeins and wound it this afternoon.

I usually won't review a book so quickly after it arrives but with this new yarn begging to be knit up and a little person playing happily in her room I was able to digest the entire book in a few hours.

Let me start by saying I smiled when I saw her dedication. She dedicated the book to her Ravelry friends- Ive met so many amazing women and learned so much on Ravelry.

So let me tell you how great this book is, the author is sharing tricks to take knitting to the next level. I love how each chapter focuses on a specific technique, wrapped stitches, twisted stitches, lace work tricks, and beads. The author starts off each chapter with a small pattern for a wristlet or necklace and moves on to hats, fingerless gloves, scarves, and ending with shawls. She provides a great description of the technique and the patterns use various weights of yarns. All of the patterns were something I would knit for myself or someone I love, it's not often that a I find a book that has so many patterns that are fun and practical. The  twenty three patterns cover a large range of skill levels, so plenty of things for a beginner all the way to difficult.

Some other things I really enjoyed were the yarn weight system and in the back a list of knitting techniques. This comes in handy if you are someone like me that likes to knit on the go, if I can't remember a stitch I can find what I need with a flip of the page. An added bonus is a little icon throughout the book. The author actually has a video on her webpage for that specific technique! Handy for a visual learner like me when learning something new. 

I've been knitting seriously for several years and I am so excited to explore new techniques and add this book to my shelves.

This book will easily get five out of five stars.

Thank you to blogging for books for the opportunity to review this book. 

This review is my own opinion and I was in no way compensated for this review.

The next book I've read is " loves Fortune" by Laura Frantz.

I have found a new favorite author! What a great historical romance. I enjoyed the well developed characters and felt emotionally attached to their struggles and joys. The plot was well thought out and attention to detail really kept my interest.The authors attention to detail really drew me in from page one and kept me up way past my bedtime many a night. I will admit I had to write this review before reading the last few chapters because I have been savoring every word. This book would get more than five stars if that was possible! Thank you Laura Franz for such a beautiful story. ( sorry no spoilers! Please go pick up a copy for yourself- you won't be disappointed!) a thank you to Revell books for the opportunity to review this book. This review is my personal opinion and I was in no way comoensated for a positive review. 

I want to close with sharing the cute little capelet I knit for Lil G.

I have the directions written down and will share on Ravelry.

Yarn along and a book review, or two!

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading (though not at the same time!), and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? Take a photo and share it either on your blog or on Flickr. Leave a link below to share your photo with the rest of us! ~

Ginny Sheller @ simple things 

If you have been following my blog for long you will know that I have a heart for adoption.

I was so excited when I was given the chance to review this book. 

" The Desire" was written byDan Walsh and Gary Smalley.

 I really enjoyed the main characters in this book,  Allen and Michelle, and Christina. I felt like the characters were well developed and enjoyed reading the emotional struggles as well as how they processed the events as they unfolded and in return grew in their faith walk. Having been a mother both through giving birth and adoption I really appreciated this story. The focus on missions, character growth and humility within a community of other believers was also touched upon and I loved how it was woven into all aspects of this book. Not just going to church but being the church.

I found out that this book is part of a series and appreciate that it can be read as a stand alone. I am sure I will end up purchasing the other books because I enjoyed the characters and plot. 

Thank you to Revell books for allowing me the opportunity to review this book.

This review is my humble opinion and I was in no way compensated for my review.

I have decided to knit a " capelet" for our little princess. Little G has gone out shopping for yarn with me recently and picked out this yarn. Of course it's her favorite color, purple. I wasn't able to find exactly what I wanted and decided I would invent a pattern that could be knit until I ran out of yarn. It's really sweet and I am pleased with the results. 

I guess a capelet could be described as a long collar or a shortened cape. Very sweet. I might end up posting the pattern on my ravelry page when life settles down a tad. I just can begin to tell you how crazy it has been. Lil G has been having " startle spells" which result from having silent seizures in the night. She was hospitalized the last weekend in July, on  my birthday. Then a month later her oldest brother was hospitalized. He was very very sick and I am ever so thankful he didn't have a stroke. Tests have been run and we don't have a diagnosis or good idea of what happened or how to prevent it. 

The second book I have to review is " Simple Thai Food" written by Leela Punyaratabandhu. She actually has a blog called the Thai home Kitchen. I loved this cookbook! We enjoy Thai food and have been trying our hand at cooking it with the limited ingredients we've been able to find at the big box grocery. This cookbook is just amazing, the author filled it with a beautifully written history of the dishes and how they are traditionally prepared, she then adapts them for cooks like you and I. She offers suggestions for ingredient descriptions, substitutes, and resources on where to purchase hard to find ingredients. The photography and writing was just beautiful. sadly with all the chaos going on lately I haven't been able to try any of the recipes. I simply cannot wait!

 Thank you to blogging for books for the opportunity to review this beautiful book. This review is completely my humble opinion and I was in no way compensated for this review.

Happy Fourth of July!

Taking a few minutes to pause,

Thankful for beautiful weather,

The humidity was so low this afternoon,

Lil G was able to play in her wading pool all afternoon.

It was such a great day for both of us.

                        ( a watercolor painting I did in 2011-  Proud to be an American) 

Last night we went to our local triple A teams ball game and their Fourth of July fireworks,

So tonight we are laying low and enjoying each other.

I have two excellent books to tell you about!

The first book is a topic dear to my heart, watercolor painting.

This book is called " Urban Watercolor sketching" by Felix Scheinberger.

                             

This book took me by surprise.

I thought I was getting a book about a certain painting method,

You know, a "How to sketch using watercolors" book. 

Boy was I wrong!

This book delves into the history of watercolor painting and how each of the pigments

Are made. Each new color story was a treat to read, and each page I turned was full of great 

Information. Topics covered the whole gamut in watercolor painting, tool sz& paper, color theory, and even some tips on how to price your work.

What a great book! So happy to have this resource and to have some new ideas to explore.

I will rate this five out if five stars.

Thank you to Blogging for books and Watson Guptill for the opportunity to review this book.

This review was completely my own opinion and I was in no way compensated for it. 

                             

The second book was " Child of mine" by David and Beverly Lewis.

I have read several of Beverly Lewis' books and looked forward to reading something written by both her and her husband.

I  was drawn into the storyline right from the beginning. I have enjoyed reading stories with two story lines and that is what you will find in this captivating story. I'm not someone to give away any of the secrets so you don't have to worry about that in my review, and let me just say there were quite a few surprises! This was a very good book, I have found myself feeling sad the past few days because I've finished the last page and closed the cover. This book will recieve five stars.

Thank you to Bethany House publishers for the opportunity to review this book. This review was my own personal opinion of this book and I was in now way compensated for it.

                           

Just in case you are wondering, I am still knitting the sweater for my mother in law.

I have the two front pieces and back done and this is the start of the sleeve.

The yarn is a mercised cotton and really is lovely to work with.

I think I would be starting on the second sleeve 

if I took into account that the pattern has 3/4 length sleeves.

I know my mother in law wouldn't be happy with that so planned on adding to the length.

The thing I didn't take into account is that your forearm is larger than your wrist.

I had completed the whole lacework edging before realizing it just wouldn't work.

Being the perfectionist I am I had to start over.

Oh well.

I hope this weekend is full of beautiful moments!

Under His Wings,

Anna

A book review- knitting reimagined

                        

I was so excited to receive a copy of Nicky Epstien's new book. 

I own one of her books already and have purchased others as gifts. 

As a seasoned knitter I appreciate the thought that went into this book.

 The patterns are clearly written and have good diagrams 

to explain innovating ideas for construction, 

with both charts and written directions to suit anyone's knitting preference. 

The author also categorized the patterns in chapters based on each construction method.

 I enjoyed the way each pattern had a thorough introduction,

 it not only listed the typical information about needle and yarn requirements,

 but also had skill level and an idea of how much time the garment would take an average knitter to make. 

My absolute favorite part is how the author tells how you can reimagine

 or reinvent the garment to suit your tastes. 

The book includes patterns for small to x Large sizes 

and also has patterns for all skill levels. 

It is frustrating when purchasing a pattern book 

to have patterns that are only for smaller sizes 

or that only have one or two patterns a novice knitter could try knitting.

                             

        All that being said, when I am looking for a book to have on my bookshelf 

I am very ruthless and probably wouldn't care to own this one, 

reserving it to check out from the library or borrow from a friend. 

I would highly recommend anyone considering purchasing this book 

to find a copy at a local yarn or bookstore first. 

Many of the projects are " uniquely atypical" 

which was exactly what the author was trying to create. 

That being said, there are only four patterns that I would consider knitting out of 25. 

                      

                               ( my two favorite projects)

Thankfully, there are enough suggestions and I have enough imagination 

to see potential in several others. 

I wish all of the patterns were more on the practical side, 

but we have many authors that are creating knitting projects like that right now.

 Kudos to Nicky Epstein for stepping outside the box in a brave fashion forward book. 

                              

     Thank you to blogging for books, and potter craft books for the opportunity to review this book. This review is my personal opinion and I was in no way compensated for this review. 

A book review

So I mentioned last week that I had gotten a copy of the book, "gentle barn". 

I was so glad to get something a little different in the mail to review.

I am so sad that this book didn't live up to my expectations.

I read the book in two sittings so it's not a long and over detailed story.

I think the author has a real heart and gift for those that are broken 

and that her refuge is quite possibly a great place.

I am not writing the review to talk about any of those topics.

 ( you could look it up and research it if you are interested)

I am only discussing the book and authors writing.

Since I am quite compassionate I really enjoyed many of the subjects,

I have a daughter with special needs,

I have been teaching art in the juvenile justice system for over ten years,

I've also had many animals as pets from fish to Great Danes and goats and many in between.

I have rescued wild baby bunnies and birds but not with the success the author claims to have.

I think that if the author had a third party 

or very thorough editor

 some of the story could have been tweaked 

to explain some of the authors childhood and past yet not give as much detail.

 Sometimes less is best-

 and I believe this is one of those instances. 

It really left me needing to set the book down for awhile.

Some of the references made to her shunning her parents faith,

 having a psychic reading, 

and interactions with the animals telling her what their names should be

 also made the book less enjoyable for me personally. 

( and I don't think the book would have lost any of its integrity without these, 

possibly quite the opposite)

Of course I am not the author of the book 

and since it was written as a biography 

the author wrote it as she saw fit.

 I will rate this story 3 out of 5 stars.

I would like to thank Blogging for books and Harmony books for the review copy and opportunity to review this book. The review was written by me and is my own personal opinion.

On a side note: 

I picked out siding for the backside of the house! 

Husband will be picking it up today. Whoo hoo!

We are waiting for the rains to clear, things to dry out,

So the next step of the flood repairs to be complete!

Then the drywall will be hung, taped and orange peel texture

So this mama can paint!!!

                  ( this gray is too blue!!)

Excited to have my home back in order!!

Yarn Along and a book review

I just can't believe its Wednesday!

I love linking up with Ginny over at " small things".

We ladies like to get together and share what we've been knitting and reading- 

two of my very favorite pastimes.

I think I mentioned last week that I have been knitting a cardigan for my mother in law.

I think if you counted my rows I would only have knit four or five since last week.

         ( a glimpse of the chaos right now- paint and fabric samples, quilting and knitting!)

I'm going to keep knitting and saying a prayer or two 

Hoping once I get to the section where a I divide for the sleeves 

that my interest will rebound.

 I could even set this part down and just start a sleeve 

since those should work up quickly. 

Let's see how this week of knitting goes!

I also mentioned last week that I had been chosen to review " Undetected" by Dee Henderson.

I am a huge fan of this author. 

I love the mystery, action, and romance.

Sadly this book just didn't seem to hold my attention like Mrs Hendersons previous novels.

I loved reading the details about the Navy, submarines, the sonar used

 as well as all the research done by the main character Gina. 

I think the main reasons this book fell short for me was that we ended up reading about two men vying for the same woman's affection and her dilemma of choosing between the two. 

I just can't see this as a real life scenario.

 Especially for the two men to be diplomatic about it. 

I understand that the author was depicting both men as Christians 

and valiant in their romantic pursuit but it just didn't work for me. 

 Several of the romantic conversations between the main character and the commander of the sub also felt shallow. I kept reading and waiting for the climactic part and found some page turning suspense near the end but even that was not this authors best. I was so surprised that this book didn't keep me up until 2 am night after night reading," just one more chapter" like I usually do with her books. That said, Dee Henderson is a talented author. The research and knowledge in her books is fascinating - I'm not one to pick up a book with this kind of plot so that's saying a lot. I will still give this book four out of five stars because I have read much much worse. 

I would like to thank Bethany House for the review copy and the opportunity to review this book. This review was my honest opinion and I was not compensated for this review.

An update about our flood damage,

We are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Over the weekend the demo was done 

and they were able to end Monday with the windows in 

and the protective wrap on the outside.

I am trying to keep my whits about me while we are living in chaos.

My son is now sleeping in the school room,

I'm sure he is enjoying every moment of the pink walls and Dora mural.

This is the corner in my living room.

I hope this finds you and yours doing well in the chaos

That we find in everyday life.

We are making the best of it all and choosing to focus on the positive.

An update & Yarn Along

I've been wanting to update my much neglected blog.

Where to start??

Only at the beginning I suppose

We've just completed another Miracle League season.

Where does the time go?!

Lil G just loves ball......

I'm So thankful for the people that give time and money

 to make this possible for families like us.

We had our IEP meeting scheduled for the Tuedsay before Easter.

I thought things were going to go well.

I had worked with the teachers outlining our requests and needs.

I recieved a call from the Liason the previous Thursday and realized, much to my dismay,

Things were not going to be that easy.

After discussing our situation at length with the private school admin and my husband 

we decided to walk away. No more drop in services.

As Lil Gs advocate I have to take all things into condsideration 

and the emotional toll is just not worth it.

We are fighting an uphill battle and just don't have the resources to get what she needs.

I am so disappointed.

                        

We had noticed an increase in startle responses recently.

This happened two years ago before she developed epilepsy.

I had it on the list for discussion at our neuro appointment.

We didn't make it that long, on Good Friday we had to rush her to the ER with seizures.

The medication has been doubled and the following week she had a sleep study / EEG.

Of course she didn't have a startle/ seizure episode while hooked up to the monitors

But did when she was unplugged in the restroom.

                       

Both papa and I have been able to record the startle spisodes on the camera and IPad.

Still waiting on the Neurologist to decide what our next step will be.

A few days later we experienced torrential rains and flash flooding.

We ended up with four inches of water in the addition - my sons bedroom and dining room.

We, like many people have never experienced 24 inches of rain in a matter of hours.

It was a terrifying experience to say the least.

( as I type this my husband is filling sandbags for this weekends weather - flash flooding in the forecast)

Some people, including the neighbors behind us, lost everything. We were fortunate.

                         

We, along with many other families,  didn't have flood insurance.

FEMA has come in and we've filled out the applications.

We didn't get help with hurricane Ivan so we aren't holding our breath.

We will just repair the drywall and replace the insulation 

and carpet from my sons room as finances allow.

Our shed was under 13"  so all the equipment in that might be a loss as well.

(Generator, lawnmower, power tools, Graces bicycle trailer is a mess )

                           

This is currently what is keeping me de- stressed.

Hope was my word for the year so I've been drinking my coffee out of this cup-

as a visual reminder. No matter what we can't loose hope!

My new Tim Timmons CD is what's on repeat right now. Really encouraging stuff.

I've also been reading a great book

                          

I was selected to review " knowing God by name" by David Wilkerson.

What a great book!

I was raised in a Christian home and have a strong foundation for my faith and beliefs.

I loved how this book actually helps someone get to know God personally. 

I can say God. Yaweh. I Am. But those are all names and don't really reveal his true character.

Why does he even have more than one name? When you and I go to a gathering and we are introduced people now know, " hey this is * insert name here" but that doesn't describe me or give this new person any idea who I really am. This book does that about God. He has many different names throughout scripture which were used to describe his character. I found great comfort in that. When going through tough stuff, who wants a God that is far away? Who wants a God that doesn't relate? I want a God that has answers, that isn't just some random being watching me from afar getting a kick out of me getting it all wrong. ( or ready to slam a book of judgement upside my head ) Far from it! This book is written very simply so even someone that is new to their faith journey or that is just searching for answers might find comfort and Hope. 

In the beginning of the book the author reminds us that this isn't an exhaustive work of all the names of God, and that we can find more I depth research if we are looking for that. He also suggests reading only one chapter per setting to process all the information that has been given on that particular name. If you are looking for a great, easy to read book for your own personal study time, a group study,or a gift for someone this would be a great choice. Id like to thank Choice books for the opportunity to read this book and for the review copy.This is my honest opinion and I was in no way compensated for this review. I will be giving it five stars on Amazon.

                           

In case you are wonderng, this is what I'm knitting. My mother in law purchased this many years ago to knit this cardigan. She is no longer able to knit and we visited her last Fall she asked if a I wanted to look through her yarn and patterns. I brought this home to knit up for her. It's a beautiful variegated cotton and Im planning on making the sleeves and hem longer and adding a few more buttons on it for her. 

                             

I hope this finds you and yours doing well.

 

Forever Friday

As promised I have a book review to share today. 

I just read " Forever Friday" by Timothy Lewis.

I didn't know what to expect because this is a new Author for me.

 I love a good book with well developed characters and this book did not let me down. The author chose to have two plots, a past and present with two main characters moving forward in time simultaneously. He did a great job at keeping my attention and I didn't find myself favoring one plot above the other. The main central theme happens to be "Hope" which is the word I chose as my word for this New Year. I love how the author offers hope to young and old, relationships can and do last even in this disposable society, we just need to choose faith, hope, and love. I look forward to reading more by Timothy Lewis, thank you to Blogging for books for providing the free copy for review purposes. This review is my honest opinion and I was not compensated in any way for this positive review. 

If you are interested go read the first chapter over at blogging for books here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/sneak-peek-forever-friday-by-timothy-lewis/

I will also include a photo of Lil G.

You can see here that she is being an efficient secretary,

I'm not sure about you but I sure could use one of those as I navigate 

Insurance company nonsense,

School stuff,

Church, hobbies........

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.