Softly Blows the Bugle by Jan Drexler

Softly Blows the Bugle by Jan Drexler is an enthralling and captivating historical Amish fiction.  This is the second book I've read by Jan and I think it's even better than the first! Historical Amish fiction was a new genre for me until I've read Jan's works, and it is a great read!

Elizabeth knows that she will never amount to anything as a result of her abusive marriage to the late Englisher, Reuben.  In fact, she does not want to marry ever again. When her brother Jonas returns from the Civil War, and brings along a Confederate solider, Aaron, Elizabeth is worried and fearful. Harder still is that Aaron lost his leg in the war.  But soon Solomon arrives in town. Wow, he is everything Elizabeth is looking for, or rather wasn't looking for, in a husband.  

Softly Blows the Bugle is a captivating tale. In fact, I couldn't put it down!  I enjoyed the story and all that happened in the book.  The historical fiction was an added bonus to the storyline. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review, which I was happy to do! I would recommend this book!

Finding Quiet by Jamie Grace

 Finding Quiet by Jamie Grace...first if you don't know who Jamie Grace is, find out. You will love her personality. She was a You Tube star long before You Tube was as popular as it is today.  I mean, after all, she invited everyone to her wedding!  We have loved and adored Jamie Grace ever since her hit Hold Me. We have seen her in concert, met her in a "fan line" and watched her in a movie.  My daughters have looked up to her and her instagram stories are entertaining.

In Finding Quiet, Jamie shares some of her struggles throughout life, including being in the spotlight at a young age, her mother's health issues, waiting on God's timing for her husband, and her Tourette's Syndrome. Jamie is honest in her journey and shares much of it.

Jamie also shares how to tackle and have grace in many of those challenges. How to seek Christ and how to live for Him in this loud world. Jamie's situation may not be like yours, but she offers practical advice and tips on how to think of creative ways to go through such situations.  

Yes, I'm older than Jamie and have lived more life, but her thoughts, ideas and perspectives were valuable and insightful.  I was given a free copy of Finding Quiet from the publisher for my honest review, which I was happy to do. I would recommend this book!

A Different Kind of Post...

 Today's post is a different kind. Not even sure if I'll publish it....or who will read it.

But I've been pondering. In between books that I read. Yes, this blog has been overtaken with book reviews. But I am so thankful for publishers and authors. It is a JOY to read and review books.  

So back to pondering.....

We just came through a "season" of quarantine.  I mean March 2020 until about August 2020 where we were home (entire family). And we were all together.  It was hard. But in some ways it was also oh so good.  All my kids at home. The summer before we had struggled just to find 15 minutes together. All together. And that happened to be in a Chick-fil-a. (Not gonna lie, no better place to gather!)  But it was such a struggle.

Then COVID hit. First I felt so guilty. So guilty for all my kids were missing. Their disappointments. What they were missing. How it wasn't supposed to be this way.  We weathered the valley of disappointments. We even had slips of paper on the dining room table to fill out "what you want to do when out of quarantine." 

I had very sweet times of Bible study. I would wake up early and read my Bible. I spent my days at home. I even found two online (zoom) Bible studies. It was so sweet. I had ladies that I would actually "see" via Zoom. We would check in and although our relationships were not deep we did Bible study together. It was good.  

 Then life kind of went back to normal. Sort of. Of the five kids the two college students missed their sports seasons. But at least they had practice.  

And I went back to normal. Back to the busy. Back to the running after kids. Back to the sports events (at least three times a week, many weeks more than that.) Back to church. Back to my sweet Moms in Prayer time. Back to substitute teaching. Back to it all.  

And now I'm wondering, where are those sweet times? Those sweet Bible studies? Where does one go to connect with those sweet in person Bible studies? Do they exist? How does one go about that in the midst of COVID? Are we so busy doing that we don't have time to be?  {Most would say that church, just to clarify my church offers one women's Bible study.}

As we appear to be entering another shut down, will we be back to the online? What have we learned from this time? How can we invest more in others? How can I? Who will invest in those who are leading and need someone to invest in them? How can we have Christian women wave the flag and let others know they need some help? Or, do we just go on as we have been? 

Our Daily Question ~ Celebrating Our Love, Laughs, and Life Together

Our Daily Questions ~ Three Year Journal for Couples is a unique and fun journal! I appreciate the concept of this type of journal! You answer one question each day. The next year you answer the same question and see if you answer is the same or different than the year before. This concludes with the following (third) year.  This journal is unique in that it is for couples. This creates a daily time for couples to connect and reflect each day.

Quesitons include "What is the last inspirational material you read?" "Would you rather have close friends or one best friend?" and "What is your current go to recipe when hosting friends?"

I appreciate this beautiful, simple, yet elegant journal.  This would make a great daily date for couples and a great gift to couples. (Think wedding!) Buy one for your self and one as a gift!

I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review, which I was happy to do. I would recommend this book!

Choose Joy A Coloring Book of Gratitude and Wonder

Choose Joy A Coloring Book of Gratitude and Wonder is a beautiful coloring book filled with pages of inspirational quotes and scripture. There are quotes from the variety of sources including Charles Stanley, Bob Goff, Charles Spurgeon, Martin Luther king Junior, Joanna Gaines, Fred Rogers and others. Each page is simply elegant and made of card stock. After the coloring page is completed the page can be framed as inspirational art.

This coloring book is simply beautiful. I love the inspirational pages and beautiful graphics. This would be relaxing for one to work on and encouraging as well. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. I am happy to recommend this book! Makes a great gift as well!

Whatever is Lovely!

Whatever is Lovely 24 Inspirational Cards to Color and Send is a delightful collection of postcards to do just that, color and send. Each postcard features an encouraging saying or scripture verse. On the back of the postcard is the scripture verse and reference or quote that was used on the front. These can either be colored and sent or simply sent as is. Another option would be to frame and display. They are absolutely beautiful.

This hardcover book would make a great gift as well.

I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. I happily recommend Whatever is Lovely!

The Key to Love by Betsy St. Amant

The Key to Love by Betsy St Amant is the fun story of Bri. Bri loves to bake and can’t wait to meet her perfect mate. She holds dear the history of her parents romance as well as her mothers love for baking. Her greatest delight is to work at the bakery in town run by two motherly type matchmaking sisters who look after Bri since her parents passed away. 

Bree is looking for the perfect French romance. It’s all she can do to contain herself as she waits for a marriage like her parents.

Enter Gerard. He is sent to the beautiful town of story Kansas to do a magazine piece about the local bakery and the matchmaking sisters. The last thing Gerard is looking for is romance.

The Key to Love is a fun novel that will keep the reader engrossed. In fact, I simply couldn’t put it down. It’s an enjoyable read. Of particular interest will be those who love baking and France. However it’s a fun story regardless. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I am happy to do.

Awakening Wonder by Sally Clarkson

 Awakening Wonder by Sally Clarkson is a book about her journey through the homeschool years and her very accomplished four children. In Awakening Wonder,  Sally shares tips and ideas that she used during homeschool journey of her children. As I said all of her children are very accomplished. I had never read anything by Sally so I was very excited to read this book.

 I must say it was a rather unusual book to read, because Sally focuses on many idealistic opportunities. I’m not sure how many are realistic. If you are looking for a book for the average family or homeschool family this book might not be for you. Sally seems to come out rather strong with her perceptions and concerns against public school or anything other than homeschooling. Honestly I was a little put off by her narrow focus. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do.

Reach Out Gather In by Karen Ehman

Reach Out Gather In by Karen Ehman is a book of 40 days to opening your heart and home, but it's SO much more! I have loved Karen's work and enjoy reading her books. I have also read many books on hospitality but found that Reach Out Gather In is so much more!

Reach Out Gather In is set up to be read as one devotional per day. I, however, was so moved by the book I read it continuously.  There is a space for journaling along the way, as well as part Bible study depending on the day.  Karen also shares the gift of her famous recipes throughout the book.  Karen shares many of her personal stories as well. This book is real and offers inspiration for women today.  

I found that this book also challenged me in an unexpected way.  It challenged me to think about my goals, dreams and aspirations.  I confess, I was not expecting that from a book about hospitality! That's what the book is so much more.  I highly recommend this book, not only for personal reflection, inspiration, Bible study and ideas, but also as a gift for anyone who may want to explore those same ideas. I also quickly found myself highlighting and starring ideas in the book! 

I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review, which I was happy to do.  I highly recommend Reach Out Gather In. This book is a gem!

Point of Danger by Irene Hannon

 Point of Danger by Irene Hannon is a gripping novel of Eve Reilly, conservative radio host.  Eve is finds herself in an unusual set of circumstances as she has recently been threatened by a bomb.  Law enforcement sends over a new detective, Brent.  Brent grows concerned for Eve as the story develops, both as a detective and a friend, or maybe even more?  Eve realizes that she is also connecting with Brent in a deeper way, something her sisters pick up on as well. Who is out to get Eve? Will the police be able to stop the threats or worse a real attack? Why threaten this conservative talk show host?

Point of Danger is a thrilling novel that will keep you hooked. It is enjoyable and the characters are fun to follow, and may just touch on a bit of real life today! I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review, which I was happy to do!