When dance hall singer Louisa Bell visits Fort Reno to see her brother, she is mistaken for the governess that the harried Major Daniel Adams is waiting for. Between his rowdy troops and his two daughters, he has more responsibility than he can handle alone. Eager for the opportunity, Louisa sets out to show the widower that she is a perfect fit.
~ MY REVIEW ~
**3.5 stars**
While Holding the Fort wasn't my favorite book by Regina Jennings, I must admit it was a pretty adorable story. The first book in a new series, THE FORT RENO SERIES, it was engaging, fun, and easy to read. I ended up liking all the prominent characters: Louisa Bell, the dance hall singer. Her trouble-making brother, Private Willis. The rather endearing Major Daniel Adams, a widower and father. And the major's two daughters, Caroline and Daisy.
There was a sweet romance, unexpected happenings, danger, and drama. Secrets and unwanted surprises. And a bit of a faith theme, which was touching.
It was interesting to be in Indian territory, amidst a fort of soldiers and very little women. Caroline and Daisy kept things lively ... and Louisa, of course! *laughs* She was fun and sweet and spirited, and it was nice to watch her understand that she didn't need to change who she was to be accepted.
With some humor, and some hurt, Holding the Fort wove together a fun story. For some reason it didn't end up being a favorite for me, but it was entertaining and I'm sure others will enjoy it!
I received a copy ofHolding the Fortfrom Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
I was tagged for The Christmas Tag! Christmas is in three days, folks! Are you resting in the peace of Jesus Christ and rejoicing in the hope He brings? ^_^
I admit, often it's hard to spend December being still before God and developing a heart of worship and praise. This month has been difficult for me in some ways, but it has also had many beautiful moments and I've been able to spend quite a bit of time in prayer. I pray that you allow yourself to be filled with His love, joy, and peace this Christmas season and into the new year of 2018!
The TV series, Call the Midwife (2012-), has some lovely Christmas specials that I've enjoyed. (Note: I haven't exactly kept up with this series because some of the later seasons have been pushing liberal agendas.)
2} Have you ever had a white Christmas?
Yes, indeed! At least during the years I lived in the cold and wintery state of Minnesota. Last year I experienced a white Christmas, I believe. *smiles*
3} Where do you usually spend your holiday?
At home! Going to relative's houses for dinner. There have only been a few times when my family actually traveled somewhere for Christmas.
4} What is your favorite Christmas song?
I love O Come, O Come Emmanuel. One version, of many, that I like is by Celtic Angels.
5} Do you open any Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve?
Um ... I don't really know. I didn't last year, anyway, haha.
6} Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Absolutely not. I don't keep up all that stuff, apparently. I never knew much about Santa Claus. *laughs and shrugs*
7} What holiday tradition are you looking forward to most this year?
Well, I really enjoy the usual relaxed, family time that we have on Christmas morning. The kids are up fairly early, typically, wanting to see what's in their stockings. We have some special foods for breakfast. Everyone sits in the living room amid presents, sweets, and laughter. It's just cozy and close.
I've tried to make it a tradition to make Chocolate Cherry Pudding Cake on Christmas Day. We've done it a couple years, and have all the ingredients to make it in a few days! ^_^
(Click the picture to find the recipe this pic goes with. I use this recipe, but don't follow it exactly.)
8} Is your Christmas tree real or fake?
It is real this year! Some years we don't have a tree. But this year we do and it's perched all lit up and lovely in our living room.
9} What is your all-time favorite holiday food/sweet treat?
Dark chocolate with sea salt? Spiced apple cider? Chocolate cherry pudding cake?? *hugs yummy food* Those kind of come to mind when I think about Christmas.
10} Be honest: Do you like giving gifts or receiving gifts better?
Receiving gifts is fun, but it's not what I look forward to Christmas for. And ... I'm not much of a gift-giver. I don't always get excited in anticipation of presents (though I do usually like what I receive & truly appreciate people's thoughtfulness and care! *hugs sweet people tightly*), so maybe giving gifts isn't something I'm good at, likewise.
If I bought/put together a gift that I knew someone would really love, I could get very excited to give it to them and feel a lot of warmth in the face of their happiness.
(found on pixabay.com)
11} What is the best gift you've ever received?
Quality time. Connection and conversation. Laughter. Genuine hugs.
Not saying I don't feel special when people take the time to buy and give gifts to me. Especially gifts that they would only know to give me if they took time to get to know me! Presents are special things. It's just that my primary love languages involve relationship and conversation. *winks*
12} What would be your dream place to visit for the holiday season?
*thinks* *thinks some more* Well, I do have very fond memories of having family reunions of sorts during Christmastime.
Vacationing at a nice city all festive for Christmas is fun.
13} Are you a pro present-wrapper, or do you fail miserably?
Probably closer to failing than being a pro.
14} Most memorable holiday moment?
Playing a lively game with my grandparents, older brother, aunt and uncle, and cousins on Christmas Eve, I believe. We laughed crazily and it was beautiful. Still warms my heart and makes me smile when I think about it.
(found on pixabay.com)
15} What made you realize the truth about Santa?
As I mentioned above, I never really got into the Santa stuff. I watched that one movie, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, perhaps once. And I've seen a couple random movies about Santa Claus or Jack Frost. But those traditions and fanciful tales were never a huge part of my Christmas celebrations. Not the real reason for celebrating Christmas anyway, right? *smiles*
16} Do you make New Year's resolutions? Do you stick to them?
No, I probably never have seriously made any.
17} What makes the holiday special for you?
Family time // candlelit evening church services // singing joyful and peaceful Christmas songs // holiday foods // festive gatherings // ... I can't always hold onto it, but I seek to dwell on the love, joy, and peace of the Lord. To reflect on the hope the birth of Jesus Christ brought. Because He came, I now have a Savior. I have been given the undeserved right to be a daughter of the Heavenly King. I have been given the gift of adoption into an eternal family.
(found on pixabay.com)
During the Christmas season, I want my heart to swell with the beauty of God's plan and the joy and peace of belonging to Jesus forever.
It is perhaps a time to remember and dwell on the truly important things in life - and that is a precious thing to me.
Title: Picturing Heaven: 40 hope-filled devotions with coloring pages
Author: Randy Alcorn
Illustrator: Lizzie Preston
Genre: Coloring Book
Audience: Adult
ABOUT THE BOOK
Imagine Heaven the way the Bible describes it - a place of exquisite beauty brimming with marvelous detail and intricate patterns; a special dwelling place free of corruption and sin; and a place of both rest and enjoyable, meaningful work.
Let the power and majesty of Heaven fill your heart with joy as you color these 40 designs carefully interpreted from the pages of Scripture. Savor a respite from daily life as you read and meditate on devotions from best-selling author Randy Alcorn, a leading authority on Heaven. Picturing Heaven will offer you comfort and relaxation, while filling your heart with restful assurance that God prepares a special place for those who love Him.
~ MY REVIEW ~
**4 stars**
Picturing Heaven is a fairly large book filled with lovely and unique coloring pages. Beside each illustration is a little devotional and some Scripture. The theme is heaven, so the Bible verses chosen talk about heaven, eternity, and longing to be with God and do everything as unto Him. In the devotionals, Randy Alcorn talks about heaven and what it will be like. He explores thoughts of the new heaven and new earth, creation, God's design, and God Himself. Some of this is just speculation, I feel, but he does also use Scripture in his musings of heaven.
This adult coloring book was definitely different than I imagined it would be. Despite the gorgeous front cover, there are actually very few pictures inside of just beautiful nature and such. One illustration is of a bride with a verse on the skirt of her dress talking about the wedding feast of the Lamb. Some are of animals, and some of people in rather modern-appearing surroundings. There are illustrations of galaxies, crowns, and pretty rooms. It's not what I expected from a coloring book about heaven, but it is unique - and the coloring pages along with the devotionals give you something to ponder and can be very encouraging.
Keeping an eternal perspective, thinking of heaven and our ultimate home, and meditating on the fact that Jesus Christ is preparing a place for us there are wonderful practices, I believe! I look forward to reading and coloring more in Picturing Heaven!
I received a copy of Picturing Heaven from the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review.
Now I should think of something profound to say. But ... I'm not really coming up with anything. Hmm. Here are some of my thoughts - briefly and unorganized.
I thank God for bringing me this far - and that He's been with me each step of the way, even when I've thought I was alone.
And I look forward to growing ever closer to Jesus Christ this 21st year of my life ... and forevermore! Because He is everyone and everything that gives life meaning.
I look forward to going on new adventures. I look forward to growing in fearlessness and grace. I look forward to reading more soul-stirring stories ... and, perhaps, writing a few of my own. I look forward to being filled up with the love of God. I look forward to new friends, close relationships, nurturing, andspeaking life to people. I look forward to spending time with old and dear friends. I look forward to maturing as a prayer warrior. I look forward to another year of blogging and interacting with my amazing readers!
***
Lots of blessings came my way this birthday! On Saturday, my mom took me out for coffee at Panera Bread. She surprised me by inviting the ladies from our Bible study group (two of which are my aunts). That was so special for me! I loved the sweet fellowship with them and was so glad that each of them came. <3
This is the book we're going through in our Bible study: A Lifelong Love by Gary Thomas.
Sunday, I attended Sunday school at a church I've gone to three times now. Afterwards, they had a Christmas party for the college-aged people. That was really fun, and I felt truly blessed ... like God worked it out that I could spend time in fellowship with some brothers and sisters in Christ my own age on my birthday!
We ate lunch, exchanged gifts, played some fun games, and talked. I truly enjoyed myself and look forward to getting to know this group better! *smiles*
Then I came home. My mom had made a gluten-free, dairy-free cake and we had meatballs, sweet potatoes, and broccoli for supper. It was all so delicious. I got my chocolate cake at last! *laughs* <3
They sang 'Happy Birthday' to me and we ate cake, talked, laughed, and played games such as "spoons" and "golf".
What's more, I received lots of lovely birthday wishes from friends on Facebook, and emails and cards. They all blessed my heart so! ^_^ THANK YOU, DEAR FRIENDS!
Here are gifts I'm received. So blessed to have been given these!
It was a beautiful 21st birthday. I hope and pray that I have a beautiful 21st year spent deepening my relationship with Jesus and all of you, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ! A year of growing and serving and loving and laughing and adventuring. A year of rejoicing. A year of making much of His name!
Hello, all! Today I have the privilege of being part of the cover reveal for book three in Gillian Bronte Adams's THE SONGKEEPER CHRONICLES!
Thus far, it's been an intriguing and adventurous fantasy series. The characters are great. I loved book one, Orphan's Song! Songkeeper, book two, was a lot darker. But I'm very excited to read this newest book and see how the series concludes!
So, without further ado, the cover ...
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Title: Song of Leira
Author: Gillian Bronte Adams
Series: The Songkeeper Chronicles #3
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Young Adult
Release Date: June 5th, 2018
ABOUT THE BOOK
The song bids her rise to battle ...
Reeling from her disastrous foray into the Pit, Birdie, the
young Songkeeper, retreats into the mountains. But in the war-torn north,
kneeling on bloodstained battlefields to sing the souls of the dying to rest,
her resolve to accept her calling is strengthened. Such evil cannot go
unchallenged.
Torn between oaths to protect the Underground runners and to
rescue his friend from the slave camps, Ky Huntyr enlists Birdie’s aid. Their
mission to free the captives unravels the horrifying thread connecting the
legendary spring, Artair’s sword, and the slave camps. But the Takhran’s
schemes are already in motion. Powerful singers have arisen to lead his
army—singers who can shake the earth and master the sea—and monsters rampage
across the land.
As Leira falters on the
verge of defeat, the Song bids her rise to battle, and the Songkeeper must
answer.
Hi, friends! Just here to share my recent posts on Lady Grace: A Quiet and Gentle Spirit! Hope you're encouraged by them, and please comment with your thoughts!
