Sixty Acres and a Bride

Sixty Acres and a Bride
Regina Jennings
Bethany House Publishers
February 2012

Still grieving their loss, widows, Rosa and Louise Garner journey north from their Mexican abode, back to the home Louise had left behind in Texas ten years ago.Not sure what to expect upon their arrival, they are horrified when they are told they owe four years in back taxes, and they have just three months to pay it. With nothing to their names, they put everything they have into earning the money they will need to save the farm they have come to love.
Meanwhile, as Rosa soaks up the love of a new found family, and delights in her new home, her beauty begins attracting unwanted attentions and precarious offers of help. Trying to understand the Texan customs and forms of communication, she further complicates things by befriending a man, Weston, who is also shouldering a heartache.
While she knows nothing can come of their friendship, she discovers her feelings are much deeper for him that she had ever intended. She begins cherishing every moment she has with him. But after her mother-in-law Louise, causes her to put herself in a most unbecoming position before him, she feels sure there will be nothing she can do to regain his trust.
Now the women not only face losing their farm, but also some of the people they love most. Will they be able to save everything they worked so hard for? And will either of them find love again? In a race against time and circumstances, two women band together to hold on to all they find dear.

This was good for an author's first work of fiction. It was not, however a book I loved. The story was interesting enough, but I got a little bored with the emotional tug-o-war between the two main characters. I did like the era and the setting. And I liked that the main character was from Mexico, as I have always been drawn to their culture. Overall, knowing readers differ in what makes a book to their taste, I do think others will enjoy this book.

A Marriage Carol

A Marriage Carol
Chris Fabry&Gary Chapman
Moody Publishers
September 2011

It's Christmas Eve, and a snow storm is blowing in. But that doesn't stop Marlee and Jacob from leaving the comfort of their home in hopes of finally signing the papers waiting for them at their divorce lawyers office.
Having already spent an uncomfortably silent ride in the car with her husband, Marlee's tension rises when Jacob refuses to take the freeway, opting for the lesser known roads to reach their destination.
Upon hitting a snow bank, everything becomes blurred. She suddenly finds herself out of the wrecked car, searching for a husband who seems to have gone missing. Cold and confused, she draws towards the lights of a home she sees in the near distance.
Sitting in the warmth of an unfamiliar fireplace, contemplating a marriage she thought was over, she finds and elderly man, three pots hanging over a stove, and a few scoops of snow, may be exactly what she needs to get her life back in order.

I thought this book was cute. For being such a short quick read, it was still able to hold many unexpected twists and turns. I did like the imagination behind the story line, however I can't say there was anything profound about the book. I do think it was an enjoyable little story.
I recieved this book free for review from the publisher. I also post all my reviews on Amazon.com and bookgateway.com

Farm Fresh Southern Cooking
Tammy Algood
Thomas Nelson Publishers
April 2012

It's 70 degrees with an early evening summer breeze. The trees in the garden are dancing with glowing lanterns. Large picnic tables, simply dressed, rest in the shade of the branches. On the patio, family and friends eagerly await the cuisine that has yet to grace the tables. Suddenly senses come alive as platters of food float past the hungry crowd in the hands of the preparers.
A cacophony of smells waft from the tables as craw fish-stuffed mushrooms, fruit salsa, roasted eggplant dip, golden brown goat cheese medallions and roasted bacon pecans begin to clutter the once simple cloth. Guests begin to 'mmm' and 'ahh' as the food slowly disappears from the dishes. But don't get full yet, these are just the appetizers.
Replacing the now empty wares, the second course has made its way past the delighted and expectant faces. Cold summer peach soup, coconut corn fritters, mashed potato patties and garlic spinach saute are just a few of the sumptuous dishes inviting more bellies to growl. Just wait till the breads come out! Fresh chive spoon bread, dried pear bacon bread, revival strawberry bread and blue cheese biscuits.
By now the Sun's rays paired with a delectable feast, have caused mouths to long for refreshment. And just in time, beads of sweat drip from the chilled Southern breeze cantaloupe limeades and the Just peachy frozen cocktails, as they float around the circle on laden platters.
No detail is overlooked as the entrees finally make their appearance. There will be none left wanting for more after this veritable feast. The table begins to groan under the weight of the Skillet fried chicken, sassy pecan and beet sandwiches, spiced lentil chili, nut-crusted catfish and spiced pork pot pie.
Dig into the bucket of local chilled wines, because this magical evening of feasting is yet to be over. No one can have a this kind of spread without topping it off with decadent desserts. And here they come! Caramel-drizzled apple pie, sweet on you persimmon fudge, hot apricots foster, plum-centered picnic bars and bourbon pecan clusters.
Sit back, get comfortable, let the breeze whisper in your ear and enjoy your company, because a night like this, is meant to be repeated.

This cookbook is fantastic! As someone who cooks on a daily basis, it's always great to get fresh ideas. Not only are the recipes exquisite, they are fairly simple. I love the added hints, and the vibrant colors of the book. It is very well laid out, and even gives information on local markets. Everything about this book is pleasing. Much more than I was expecting when I ordered this. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who even remotely cooks. My only fear is the few I know who will be trying to steal this from my kitchen!
I received this book from the publisher for review. I also publish all my reviews on bookgateway.com and amazon.com

Three Hearts (dvd)
Samaritan's Purse
Starring Cissie Graham
February 2012

Following in the footsteps of two inspirational greats, Billy and Franklin Graham, Cissie Lynch (granddaughter and daughter), embarks on an exciting journey in hopes of saving lives. Signing on as an intern with the Children's Heart Project, she is given the opportunity to bring three children to the United States,from Mongolia, for much needed heart surgeries.
Cissie is also newly married. Trying to learn the part of being a new wife, while juggling a new internship that's very close to her heart proves to be challenging, as she finds her trip to Mongolia coinciding with her NFL husband's draft and relocation.
Having made a tough decision on which road she will take, a very fortunate family will get the chance of a lifetime to fill her shoes.
Stuffed with hope and new beginnings, watch as three children and their families are given much more than new life here on Earth. And see how it's not just those given a new heart who's lives are radically changed in the process.

Great DVD! This will tug at your heart strings and build your faith. Witnessing the miraculous surgeries that provide a better life for these children will make you want to applaud. Seeing mothers, who have never known Jesus, choose Him, will make you cry. I believe I liked everything about this, except the music. ( Just doesn't happen to be my favorite genre... Which of course will vary for everyone watching) Definitely recommend.
I als post all my reviews on Amaon.com and Bookgateway.com
This book was provided free by the publisher, for review.

The Spoils of Eden

The Spoils of Eden
Linda Lee Chaikin
Moody Publishers
May 2010

Birds of Paradise bend towards the sunlight, pungent coffee beans grow wild up the mountain side and pineapples, heavy with juice, beg to be plucked. It's Hawaii, 1891: tropical paradise. But amidst the balmy weather and crashing waves, secrets lurk in undiscovered corners.
Eden Derrington, fresh out of nursing school, is passionate about her call to help the lepers quarantined on the island Molokai. A work her father, Dr. Jerome, started many years earlier. Eden is also in love. Rafe Easton has had her heart since childhood. Sharing her heart with two men, she realizes a heart cannot be divided. So deciding she must follow her father to Molokai, she puts her engagement on hold with the only man she ever hopes to marry.
When an epidemic breaks out in Rat Alley, Eden is forced to lay her heavy heart on a shelf while she protects the people from the disastrous outbreak that threatens to wipe out the whole island. But while they investigate the source of the outbreak, a lot more than disease is turned up .Kip, Rafe's 'nephew' goes missing, family secrets become unburied, and hidden motives become exposed.
Feeling torn with whom to believe as sides begin to be formed, Eden starts to feel caught in the middle of something much bigger than herself. With a constant longing to be in Rafe's arm, she knows some difficult decisions lay ahead of her. Will she be able to quiet her own thoughts long enough to let the Lord speak His plans into her life?


Having read previous book series by this author, this one so far, isn't my favorite of them. But that's not to say I do not like it. Only having read book one, it took very few pages to remind me that she is still one of my favorite Christian fiction authors. Not only is her historical research impeccable, she also has a way of grabbing the reader, bringing them into the world she is creating. Her story is always intriguing and full of interesting characters. I am always surprised at the twists and turns she weaves through out the book. I am much excited to read the rest of this series!
This book was provided by the publisher for review.
I also post all my reviews on bookgateway.com and amazon.com

The Missionary

The Missionary
William Carmichael & David Lambert
Moody Publishers
March 2009






Caracas Venezuela is home for the Ellers. Saving the orphaned children from the streets is their mission. Having left their families and familiar homes behind, they have followed God into a foreign land in hopes they might make a difference. And while they are faced with sadness and an oppressive government everyday, they are happy. At least on the outside. But David Eller finds himself wanting more. A chance to really feel important, to live up to assumed expectations.
So when an opportunity arises for Eller to take part in a secret mission to over-throw the Venezuelan president, he takes it. Despite the still quiet voice trying to speak to him. Desperately wanting to believe he hasn't endangered his family, friends and all he has worked for, he ignores the first signs of trouble t his new opportunity presents. But as events unfold, he realizes he has made a grave mistake. Everything he knew to be his life is at stake. Fervently he hopes he can rewind the hands of time before its too late.
When a manhunt is declared with his name on it, David suddenly finds himself running for his life. Not knowing how to clear his name, he tries frantically to get he and his family to safety by fleeing the country. Will he survive long enough to lay aside his desire to prove his worth, and if he does, will his wife ever forgive him for the mess he has made?

This book to me was just OK. While the authors did a good job writing the story, I found I just wasn't very interested in it. I wouldn't rule out reading another book of theirs, I just wouldn't recommend it to my friends with extra zeal. I would however like to get my husband's take on it, as a male may identify more with the story line.
This book was provided free for review by the publisher. I also post all my reviews on amazon.com and bookgateway.com

Eye of the Sword

Having to leave Princess Melaia, the woman he loves behind, Trevin embarks on his King's mission to find the missing
Camrithian comains. Knowing the princess will be left in the company of a seedy Dregmoorian prince, he hopes to make this
mission a short one. But he has acquired another quest. Procure the stolen harps Melaia needs in order to restore the stairway to heaven.
Trevin's journey isn't without it's dangers. With increased uneasiness, he traverses unfamiliar territory, and right into the arms of a murder
that may determine the rest of his future. Struggling with doubts about his colorful past, he tries desperately to clear his name and
finds himself faced with questions he doesn't know the answer to. Who was he? And who is he to become?
In a world full of angels and mystical creatures, malevolents lurk in the shadows,maintaining the unquestionable battle of good verses evil.
Caught in it's crossfires, Trevin experiences a level of grace he never imagined himself to be worthy of. And just in time, as his whole future depends
on it.

I very much enjoyed this book! It was so wonderful to be transported into another world. I stopped several times to marvel at the
imagination of the writer. It was very easy to read pages upon pages without knowing I'd read so many. This being the second in the series,I
was glad I'd read the first one; but only for the want of gleaning more of the story, as the author did a great job making this book understandable for
those who haven't yet had the pleasure of reading the other. I already have a list of those I know I will be lending this to. And I am very excited to
read the next installment.
I also post all my reviews on amazon.com and bookgateway.com
This book was provided for me by the publisher for review.