A Shopping Trip + Life Update Snippets

Hello, lovely people! Today my family's taking a bit of a break from working on our house to celebrate one of my younger sister's birthdays! Yay!

I thought I would do a quick blog post as well, telling of my shopping adventure. Because shopping is always an adventure ... when you have the right people with you. *winks*

***

My sister needed some items for an upcoming trip, so she and I hopped in the car late morning on Tuesday and headed to town.

We stopped at Goodwill first. I tried on a huge pile of shirts ... which I'm usually not patient enough for. But today I was looking for long cardigans and some summer shirts. I really like the style where the shirt goes longer in the back. Something about it ... it's so flowy and elegant!

Oh, and of course I found a few books there as well! *winks*

(I usually love Lori Wick's novels. Something about them is so real, heartwarming, and charming. Untamed is a Christian Living I picked up because it sounded intriguing.)

Next we got lunch at Chick-fil-A. (Why are you surprised?) It was so fun to just talk and relax and enjoy good food.

Lastly, we went to Walmart to find a few things my sister needed. We got distracted by cute purses, lovely-print pajamas, and adorable $3 shoes! (Of a style we'd both been secretly wanting!) We each had to pick out a pair, before going to get the essentials we came for! (Such as rain jackets and shampoo.)

Anyway, I thought I'd show you the items I found, and outfits I put together with them! If you've been following this blog for long, you probably know I value modesty - so I try to be purposefully aware of that as I shop for different articles of clothing.

What do you think? Ladies, see anything you'd wear?

This blue t-shirt style top goes a little longer in the back. It's a size medium ... perhaps a tad big? But I love the color and just how simple and summery it is.

I loved the fit of this black/gray top! It's so soft, classic, and also of the cut which swoops longer in the back. Very comfortable.

A simple gray shirt. It can be casual or dressy. I really like the fit and cut.

This purple button-up is so flowy and lovely! I simple love it with a belt, and I've been told purple is my color ... so, I'm super happy I bought this!

I thought this orange button-up would be perfect for a Thanksgiving get-together! *smiles* The cut is very fun! So exciting to have found so many shirts with long backs. There's something quite comfortable and feminine about them, I think. I always admire them when I see other women wearing them in town!

Long cardigans are my favorite! ^_^ This teal one is such a beautiful color and kind of an old-fashioned, classy cut. I think it can be used in summer or winter, as I modeled above.

Another long cardigan! Can't go wrong with gray striped! *grins*

So that is what I got! Three t-shirt style tops, two button-up tops, and two long cardigans. Also, aren't my mint-green shoes from Walmart the best? *heart eyes* I very much love them.

***

So ... what else?

Well, today, this gluten-free girl got to eat some oreo cookies! Eep!

They are of the glutino brand which, consequently, doesn't use milk in their gluten-free "chocolate vanilla creme" cookies either! It does say it may contain traces of milk, but there's not actually milk in the ingredients. Yay! I was quite excited.

I don't usually eat things like this, but today is a birthday party ... so I figured I may as well have a treat too. *winks*

***

We've been quite busy this month ... and hoping July will be the "move in" month! I've been alternating between working at the house (painting mostly) and watching the little ones at home, housekeeping, making supper, grocery shopping, etc.

- One day, the two little ones and I left "the house" early and stopped at Chick-fil-A for supper! That was fun. *grins* Never mind that my two-year-old brother squeezed his cup to tightly and spilled water all over the floor. The staff at this wonderful restaurant are so very lovely and patient and helpful. -

- Another time, I went shopping with these two and we got ingredients for a Mexican-style meal. I felt so amazing, driving home through the rain, music playing ... just peaceful.

At home, I made salsa, guacamole, and lime & cilantro rice. Cooked up chicken. Warmed up refried beans. Chopped up lettuce. And starting cooking the uncooked tortillas my mom likes to buy. It took me quite a long time to prepare all this! But it was worth it! ^_^ And the rest of the family enjoyed it after they got home from working hard. -

***

Oh, and currently reading Recovering Redemption: A Gospel-Saturated Perspective on How to Change by Matt Chandler and Michael Snetzer.

It is very, very good. Looking forward to sharing my review soon.

I gotta run and help get things ready for sister's birthday party with the family! And wrap my present for her, oops! Can't believe she's fifteen today! *grins*

How's life going for you all? Anything I can be praying about for you, my dears?

Book Review: The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep

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Title: The Captive Heart

Author: Michelle Griep

Series: Standalone

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Proper English governess Eleanor Morgan flees to the colonies to escape the wrath of a an angry duke. When the Charles Town family she’s to work for never arrives to collect her from the dock, she is forced to settle for the only reputable choice remaining to her—marriage to a man she’s never met. Trapper and tracker Samuel Heath is a hardened survivor used to getting his own way by brain or by brawn, and he’s determined to find a mother for his young daughter. But finding a wife proves to be impossible. No upstanding woman wants to marry a murderer.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

A thoroughly and delightfully captivating novel. Michelle Griep, please write more books set in this era! ^_^ We had harrowing circumstances. Colonial wilderness. Marriage of convenience. Native Americans. Patriot spies. Tender romance. Deep threads of faith. Danger, drama, humor, and utter sweetness. Fans of Laura Frantz and Lori Benton are sure to love The Captive Heart!

I stayed up late into the night reading of Eleanor Morgan and Samuel Heath. They were such fantastic characters and I enjoyed both of their POVs. Also, baby Grace was so sweet! It was fun, heart-rending, and tender to watch Eleanor and Samuel's relationship develop. And can I just say that I loved that he called her "Red Bird"? So special and unique!

I also adored the secondary characters. They have me desperately hoping that Michelle Griep will continue this as a series with their stories! There's so much potential there. Especially with Biz and the preacher. *laughs*

I had a lovely time imaging what Samuel's cabin in the wilderness looked like, the colonial festivals, and Indian village. Ah, such a historical delight! This era of the mid-to-late 1700s America never fails to intrigue me.

And there was no lack of danger and excitement. The Captive Heart mixes pre-Revolutionary War drama with Native American unrest, colonial wilderness living, marriages of convenience, and wild men who take the law into their own hands ... because there isn't much for law-enforcers. There were so many different angles to this story, making it an amazing ride. I fell into the tale - was transported back to the colonies, year 1770. Where bears and wild Indians roam in your backyard and the punishment for horse-stealing is thirty-five lashes.

Friends of historical romance, especially of the colonial era, you must read this book!

Note: This is about a married couple, and the romance arc does deepen toward the end of the book. I would recommend to adults.

Book Review: A Moonbow Night by Laura Frantz

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Title: A Moonbow Night

Author: Laura Frantz

Series: Standalone

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

After fleeing Virginia, Temperance Tucker and her family established an inn along the Shawnee River. It's a welcome way station for settlers and frontiersmen traveling through the wild Cumberland region of Kentucke - men like Sion Morgan, a Virginia surveyor who arrives at the inn with his crew looking for an experienced guide. When his guide appears, Sion balks. He certainly didn't expect a woman. But it is not long before he must admit that Tempe's skill in the wilderness rivals his own. Still, the tenuous tie they are forming is put to the test as they encounter danger after danger and must rely on each other.

With her signature sweeping style and ability to bring the distant past to vivid life, Laura Frantz beckons readers to join her in a land of Indian ambushes, conflicting loyalties, and a tentative love that meanders like a cool mountain stream.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

Another simply lovely read from Laura Frantz. I wasn't afraid to purchase a copy of A Moonbow Night because I know this author's novels are always something I enjoy! Both sorrowful and sweet, this tale swept me away to the late 1700s ... the wilderness of Kentucke ...

I do love books set in the 1770s! Colonial life. The Revolutionary War era. Forests rife with natives, whose intent you are uncertain of. Temperance Tucker lives in such a wilderness with her mother and brother, at Moonbow Inn. Their they've been since the tragedy that happened when they came into Kentucke with Daniel Boone.
Tempe is a unique character. (I love that her nickname is 'Tempe', by the way! Something about it is so sweet - it suits her well.) She struggles with a soul-deep grief, flirting uncaringly with danger for a good portion of the book. Yet a part of her wishes to hope. To dream. To live again. It's subtle, but it's there. She delights in beauty. Notices the details. Is strong. Smart. Feminine. Modest. Gentle. I really fell into her story, and marveled as I watched her character growth come about.

There's poetry about Laura Frantz's words. Some parts of A Moonbow Night were so achingly grievous, but you still wanted to read it despite the bittersweet. There was beauty in the ashes of dashed dreams. Hope. Renewal. It all flows together and keeps you reading 'til the end.

The faith in this story was heart-touching. The romance lovely. I felt the author did a gracious job with both aspects, and I just appreciated this story for its old-fashioned quality, depth, authenticity (both with the era and the character's heart), and gently delightful conclusion.

Happy to add this novel to my bookshelf. And, of course, greatly looking forward to Laura Frantz's next release!

Book Review: Huntress by Julie Hall

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Title: Huntress

Author: Julie Hall

Series: Life After #1

Genre: Speculative Fiction

Audience: Young Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

No one’s afterlife is as dispiriting as Audrey’s―at least that’s what she believes after waking up dead without her memories and being promptly assigned to hunt demons for the rest of eternity. She’s convinced God’s made a cosmic mistake; after all, she’d rather discuss the color of her nails than break them on angelic weapons.

It doesn’t help that her trainer, Logan, is as infuriating as he is attractive. And just when Audrey and Logan appear close to developing an amicable relationship, a decision made under duress pushes their hearts in a direction neither of them saw coming.

Despite her sub-par fighting abilities, an ancient weapon of unparalleled power chooses Audrey as its wielder, attracting the cautious gazes of her fellow hunters and the attention of Satan himself. With Satan’s eyes now fixed on Audrey, a battle for the safety of the living looms in the shadows.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4 stars**

Overall, I enjoyed Huntress, book one in the LIFE AFTER series by Julie Hall. I went into it determined to take it lightly. And I did ... really liking it as a unique speculative fiction read. It was intriguing, fun, mysterious, adventurous, and thought-provoking. The interesting things the author came up with were really fantastical, and kept you wanting to read more.

I liked the characters, for the most part, and felt each had their own voice and personality. The action-packed ending was fabulous! Angels and demons fighting. Intense spiritual war going on. It was both dark and hopeful. Breathless and intriguing.

That all being said, there were still some things that niggled at me as theologically incorrect. This book is the first book I've read that the character dies in the beginning, and we proceed to discover her afterlife. Huntress isn't fantasy, but speculative fiction set in our contemporary world. Our main characters encounters demons and Satan, who comes disguised as beauty and light. She also seeks God in her afterlife, having believed in Him before she died.
But there were things like tears, romance, doubt, anger, and fighting in this "afterlife". People were waiting for their spouse to join them from earth ... Things like that. I don't believe that's exactly how it's going to be in heaven. Granted, this is more an "in-between" place while everyone whose died waits for the end of time and the making new of all things.

Anyway, it was interesting, action-filled, and fun, but I couldn't take it too seriously because of those things. (Regardless that it did have some epic spiritual warfare and heartfelt moments of encountering God, surrendering to Him, and realizing His deep love.)

But it did make me think, for certain! And ponder the new heaven and new earth and what God has planned for us there. I hope to continue with book two, Warfare, and see where this series goes.

I received a copy of Huntress from the author after winning a giveaway of the paperback.

Book Review: Rainbow Valley by L.M. Montgomery

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Title: Rainbow Valley

Author: L.M. Montgomery

Series: Anne of Green Gables #7

Genre: Historical

Audience: Children-Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Anne Shirley is grown up, has married her beloved Gilbert and now is the mother of six mischievous children.

These boys and girls discover a special place all their own, but they never dream  of what will happen when the strangest family  moves into an old nearby mansion. The Meredith clan is  two boys and two girls, with minister father but  no mother - and a runaway girl named Mary Vance. Soon the Meredith kids join Anne's children in their private hideout to carry out their plans to save Mary from the orphanage, to help the lonely minister find happiness, and to keep a pet rooster from the soup pot. There's always an adventure brewing in the sun-dappled world of Rainbow Valley.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4 stars**

I'm so happy I finally read Rainbow Valley! I read the previous books in the ANNE OF GREEN GABLES series by L.M. Montgomery a few years ago now ... but just never got around to book seven. Now I have! *grins* And it was fun! I'm so excited to get my hands on a copy of Rilla of Ingleside!

It was wonderful to be back in this classic world, filled with wonderful characters. The bits we saw of Anne, I, of course, loved! I had missed her! She is as passionate, whimsical, sweet, and delightful as ever. And, I do admit, it thrilled my heart when someone said, "Anne Blythe!" Oh, brings back the memories of when she once despised the boy, Gilbert Blythe, while he did all he could to get her attention! <3333 I love their darling romance!

Gilbert and Anne's children were lovely! ^_^ Jem, Dianna, Nan, Walter, Rilla ... who am I forgetting? Don't they have six children? It was a little hard to keep track, as we were seeing a whole lot of the Pastor Meredith's children as well: Jerry, Faith, Carl, Una ... And of course, the boisterous orphan girl, Mary. I felt all the children were pretty unique with their personalities, and their adventures were fun and humorous. Endearing and even heart-wrenching.
Mr. Meredith and Rosemary's romance ... enchanting. One of my favorite parts of Rainbow Valley. I was very much angry with Ellen, but it all turned out so sweet. And when Ellen cried a little at the end ... "I hope we will all be happy." That was lovely.

Now Susan, I could hardly stand! And even Miss Cornelia. There was something so arrogant and pompous about them. Always talking about other people and acting as if they're so much better! -_- I didn't appreciate their judgmental attitude, or wishy-washy-ness. Hopefully they'll get better in the next book.

Rainbow Valley was a pretty slow-paced read, but that's generally how the ANNE OF GREEN GABLES series is. And when I'm in the mood for a classic, I quite enjoy peeking into Anne's life! ^_^ Wish we could have seen more of her! And Gilbert!

My biggest complaint? While I feel there are some poignant (though subtle) faith themes running through Rainbow Valley, the characters do have a rather careless attitude when it comes to loving your enemies/turning the other cheek/forgiving wrongs/treating others as better than yourself. I just felt there was more than one time where the adults could have spoke of patience, forgiveness, and kindness to the upset children, instead of applauding their anger and even slight disrespect.

Anyway, overall Rainbow Valley was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to returning to these characters.

Book Review: Shadow of the Storm by Connilyn Cossette

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Title: Shadow of the Storm

Author: Connilyn Cossette

Series: Out From Egypt #2

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the Depth of the Storm's Shadow, Only Truth Can Light Her Way 

Having escaped Egypt with the other Hebrews during the Exodus, Shira is now living in freedom at the foot of Mt. Sinai, upon which rests the fiery glowing Cloud containing the shekinah glory of God. When the people disobey Yahweh and build a golden idol, the ensuing chaos gives Shira an unexpected opportunity to learn the arts of midwifery. Although her mother wishes for her to continue in the family weaving trade, Shira's gifts shine brightest when she assists with deliveries. In defiance of her mother, Shira pursues her heart's calling to become an apprentice midwife.

When a delivery goes horribly wrong, Shira finds herself bound to a man who betrayed her, the caretaker of three young children, and the target of a vengeful woman whose husband was killed by Shira's people, the Levites. As contention between the Hebrew tribes and the foreigners fans the flames of another dangerous rebellion, Shira will come face-to-face with the heartbreak of her past that she has kept hidden for so long. How can she let go of all that has defined her to accept the love she's denied herself and embrace who she truly is?

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

I loved this book so very much! Connilyn Cossette is a talented writer, and brings the Biblical days and ancient Hebrew and Egyptian characters to life. After just enjoying the first book of the OUT FROM EGYPT series, I was unprepared for how Shadow of the Storm would sweep me away and capture my heart. The writing is so beautiful! The characters real. The setting intriguing. The retelling of the Hebrew slaves coming out of Egypt fascinating and soul-touching. The way this author weaves a faith theme into her stories is seamless and enrapturing. I felt in awe beneath the holiness, and power, and love of God.

Shira is an amazing character. I adored her. Her story, during the Hebrew people's 40 years at the foot of Mount Sinai, was fascinating. I loved her journey of faith. Her work as a midwife. Her romance. Her motherhood. It was all so simply beautiful.

There were some hard times too. Malicious characters. Dreadful moments. Terrible disappearances. Wrong choices. Just ... life. But it all came to a magnificent conclusion. I liked seeing brief glimpses of Moses and his sister Miriam of the Bible, too. *smiles*

I don't always enjoy novels set during the Biblical days, but Shadow of the Storm was incredible. I highly recommend to adults who enjoy Christian fiction! This story is unique and thrilling. I can hardly wait to read the third book, Wings of the Wind!

Book Review: High as the Heavens by Kate Breslin

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Title: High as the Heavens

Author: Kate Breslin

Series: Standalone

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1917, Evelyn Marche is just one of many women who has been widowed by the war. A British nurse trapped in German-occupied Brussels, she spends her days working at a hospital and her nights as a waitress in her aunt and uncle's café. Eve also has a carefully guarded secret keeping her in constant danger: She's a spy working for a Belgian resistance group in league with the British Secret Service. 

When a British plane crashes in Brussels Park, Eve is the first to reach the downed plane and is shocked to discover she recognizes the badly injured pilot. British RFC Captain Simon Forrester is now a prisoner of war, and Eve knows he could be shot as a spy at any time. She risks her own life to hide him from the Germans, but as the danger mounts and the secrets between them grow, their chance of survival looks grim. And even if they do make it out alive, the truth of what lies between them may be more than any love can overcome.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4 stars**

Kate Breslin fashions an intriguing, harsh, heart-rending, and ultimately beautifully redemptive tale set during World War I. I loved this author's Not By Sight, and was very eager to pick up High as the Heavens! What a fantastic read.

Following the life of a nurse in war-torn Belgium, invaded and ruled by the enemy Germans, we encounter downed Allie planes, spies, dark secrets, and daring escapades.

I really liked our main character, Eve. Despite the horrible things she has endured/seen/been a part of, she remains a lovely, though broken, woman whom you can't help but root for. I was delighted, intrigued, and frightened by turn by all the things going on in her life. And always hoping she would run back to God and find peace and healing in His presence.
Loved Simon too. *sigh* Just ... go pick up this book and read about him.
There were a lot of other characters I liked as well, but I won't give away any possible spoilers by naming them! But truly, there was a great cast of characters in High as the Heavens, and I wouldn't mind a sequel at all! *winks*

The flashbacks in the beginning of the book were very well done, and I found them so beautiful, though tinged by a bittersweet air. The story definitely had a heaviness to it, but was truly infused with hope as well. Despite some dark moments, I felt High as the Heavens overall, was a fairly fast-paced, exciting, and lovely story.

There was a theme of faith and redemption, and an utterly beautiful romance. Though there was a little bit of "adult content" concerning a married couple, and felt, for the most part, that the romance scenes were tastefully done - and Kate Breslin really showed glimpses of what a godly, committed, beautiful marriage and tender husband look like. A few moments nearly took my breath away, so poignant and deep they were. *smiles*

A lot of interesting insight into World War I. This author did such a good job, and I feel like I learned quite a bit! Wow. What a time of turmoil and need and strangeness and craziness. Some of it is mind-blowing, and it makes one thankful for the soldiers who fought so bravely on our behalf.

All in all, another wonderful read by Kate Breslin! I look forward to reading by her again!

I received a copy of High as the Heavens from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Can I Just Hide in Bed 'Til Jesus Comes Back by Martha Bolton and Christin Ditchfield

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Title: Can I Just Hide in Bed 'Til Jesus Comes Back?: Facing Life with Courage, not Comforters

Author: Martha Bolton and Christin Ditchfield

Series: Standalone

Genre: Christian Living

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Depression, fear, a sense of unworthiness, and unfulfilled dreams can make women retreat to their beds - figuratively and literally - and refuse to face life. Yet most of the time, hiding in bed makes matters worse. Who needs emotional bedsores? Authors Martha Bolton and Christin Ditchfield gently show women how to climb out from under their emotional bedcovers, face their fears and doubts, and step into the lives God has planned for them.

Can I Just Hide in Bed 'til Jesus Comes Back? faces down the fear, depression, and unfulfilled dreams that cripple many women to the point of wanting to crawl in bed - for the rest of their lives. Compiled as a collection of short, mostly humorous and warmhearted stories, it offers readers practical, concrete steps to help them move forward when they are ready. Essays are interspersed with special humor features such as "Top Ten" lists, while "Whenever You're Ready" sections offer Scriptures, journaling questions, and practical suggestions for "putting your feet on the floor" and "taking a few steps forward." The book addresses four themes:
Facing feelings of fear, anxiety, discouragement, and depression
Facing people and relationship issues
Facing the pain of grief and loss
Facing life - and getting yours back

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4.5 stars**

This was a great Christian Living read! Can I Just Hide in Bed 'Til Jesus Comes Back? by Martha Bolton and Christin Ditchfield speaks to real struggles with frankness, applicable ideas, hope, and a generous dash of humor. These ladies know how I feel! *smiles* After just finishing Fearless by Cheri Fuller, this book felt like the perfect companion read. It addressed fear and anxiety - talked about facing life with courage and prayer - like Fearless, but was a bit of a lighter read and had me almost laughing out loud many a time!

Basically, Can I Just Hide in Bed 'Til Jesus Comes Back? helps you to be upfront with yourself, face your fears, and ask yourself if you're going to keep hiding, or live the abundant life God has called you too. Honestly, people like myself, who struggle with fear, anxiety, depression, or listlessness, need books like this! I very much recommend. It'll get you laughing while taking a look at your heart.

What did I learn? Run to God as soon as the fear/hopelessness hits! Pray continuously. Live life! Laugh! Walk by the Spirit. Sometimes I think we just take ourselves too seriously. God didn't mean for us to live in bondage (whatever that may be), but to be FREE, walking by His Spirit. Trusting Him. With all that we are.

Easy to read, humorous, real, and heartfelt, Can I Just Hide in Bed 'Til Jesus Comes Back?: Facing Life with Courage, Not Comforters has the potential to help a lot of women realize they don't have to hide anymore. God has it all under control. They're alive and breathing, and He has a plan! I thoroughly enjoyed.

I received a copy of Can I Just Hide in Bed 'Til Jesus Comes Back? from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review.