In Christ Alone by Owl City

This is a lovely rendition of one of my favorite Christian Contemporary songs.Enjoy!

 ~ Have a blessed day in the Lord ~

Review ~ The Secret Keeper by Beverly Lewis

With her love for all things old-fashioned, Jennifer Burns has often been told she's an "old soul," but no one is prepared for the young woman's decision to set aside her modern life in favor of the Old Order Amish world. Yet Jenny does exactly that, adopting Plain dress and settling in with Samuel and Rebecca Lapp while she works as a mother's helper for the bishop's wife--a far cry from her former job as an x-ray technician.

The people of Hickory Hollow are curious about the beautiful young seeker among them, one handsome Amishman in particular. But he is not the only man vying for Jenny's affections, and Jenny faces many challenges in the Proving time the brethren have set for her...challenges of the heart, as well as the spirit.

Will Jenny's secrets keep her from the peace she longs for? Or will they lead the way home?

Please keep in mind I am a conservative reviewer who doesn't like spoilers!

My Review

 ~5 stars~ 

*****

This is a wunderbar gut book! Beverly Lewis writes with amazing detail and clarity, drawing the reader into the lives of her characters as if they are real people; our friends, family, loved ones. 

When I requested this book for review, I didn't realize it was the fourth book in the Home to Hickory Hollow series, so going back there was a treat for me. I enjoyed the glimpse into what’s been happening the last few years since Katie’s shunning.

I think this book brings a good comparison to those who think they want to become Amish and those who want to leave the community. Jenny wants to convert to the Amish lifestyle, something she has dreamed of for years. Staying with the Lapp’s is an experience beyond what she imagined. Secrets abound and she is drawn into a big one. I believe she put the Amish on a pedestal, thinking they could do no wrong, or live such morally upright lives that they don’t have faults, but she is sadly disillusioned. It will be interesting to see what happens next.

Then there are those who attend the Bible study at Katie and Daniel’s, seeking to claim publicly their faith in Christ and risk being censured or shunned. One of the best parts of these books is the faith element. Many would say Old Order Amish are Christians but adhering to rules and regulations in a church doesn't make one so, no matter what denomination you belong to. It’s the heart that matters and only the Lord knows one’s heart. Although, I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to live in a community that doesn't allow you to express your assurance in salvation through faith in Christ alone, when the Bible so clearly teaches it.

As always, this was a page turner for me. Any fan of Amish fiction will enjoy this story. It’s a keeper J

I appreciate Bethany House providing me a copy for review purposes. No monetary compensation has been received, only my honest opinion of the book. 

Purchase link: 
Bethany House

52 Weeks of Journaling

I'm so excited! I joined Journal52, an online Art Journaling group. One prompt, every Monday, for 52 weeks. I wanted to get back into my scrapbooking and also learn some new techniques using paints. I think this might be the right place! So at least one blog post a week will be my current page.

We were challenged to make our journal covers over the weekend. I chose an 8 x 11 1/2 chipboard cover and went through my materials. I ended up using some of the supplies I bought to make a memory book about my daughter, Amy, who passed away in 2012. I really like the colors and patterns, plus I lean toward vintage in all my creative endeavors.

I went ahead and got my feet wet with a new technique and medium. Using Gesso, which I purchased at Michael's using a 50% off coupon, I papered the chipboard and swiped the Gesso mixed with some acrylic paint over it with a plastic store card (advice from my sister @ Sunshine & Lollipops), then went back and used the plain Gesso to get a two-tone effect. Stamping imagine in the lower right corner and outlining it with a dark brown marker really made it stand out. Adding the butterfly trail (which I have never done) up to the Butterfly embellishment was very whimsical for me but I like it! I found some Sparkle Spritz in my stash and decided to give it a go. It was fun to try something new, and since this is the back of the journal, I am okay with it. I like the glittery look. So, of course I had to go back and add some to the cover...

It's just a little glitz but it really looks pretty in person!

As the weeks go along, I want to incorporate my faith into the journal. I might even make some additions to the cover and back. Any project of mine is always a work-in-progress, right up until I put it in a box and call it done :)

It's not too late to join in, if you are so inclined. Just hop on over to Journal52 and you can get signed right up.  Really. Come on and give it a shot. 

Are you working on any special projects this year?

Have a blessed day in the Lord!

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Clever Chicks Blog Hop

Random 5 Friday

1. I miss the birds. 

2. It is cold here and going to get colder. Like 4* cold. Dislike.

3. Even with heater tape around the water pipe at the chicken coop, it froze. And busted.

4. In order to encourage myself to clean out my craft supplies, I joined an online art journal group. Yep. I'm sure this is going to get those supplies cleaned out. ;)

5. I can no longer wear most of the shoes in my closet. Hmmm...

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Review of A Talent for Trouble by Jen Turano

Book Blurb

For years, Miss Felicia Murdock's every thought and action have been in pursuit of becoming a minister's wife. When the minister she'd set her sights on has other ideas, she decides something in her life needs to change--and soon--before she wastes any more time pretending to be someone she's not. If that means spreading her wings and embracing a more lively way of life, who's to say nay?

Grayson Sumner, Lord Sefton, has had more than enough of spreading his wings and only hopes to settle into the life of a respectable New York gentleman. Prompted by some friends to lift the spirits of the disappointed-in-love Miss Murdock, he is surprised to encounter an adventurous young lady with an unfortunate knack for stumbling into troublesome situations.

Just as Grayson decides he's had quite enough of her antics, his past comes back to haunt him and his presence in Felicia's life endangers her. As they work together to extricate themselves from this latest complication, will Grayson and Felicia decide they want to spend the rest of their lives keeping one another out of trouble?

My Thoughts

After a summary like that, there's not a lot left to say about the book! I can tell you that Felicia and Grayson take us on a wild adventure in A Talent for Trouble. It’s amazing how much mischief one woman can get into but she certainly has a gallant hero watching over her.  

One thing is for sure, Jen Turano knows how to write some fast and feisty dialogue, which is actually much like Felicia’s character. She’s not fast in a bad way. She doesn't seem to slow down and think long before she acts and that irritated me after a while. I thoroughly enjoyed Grayson’s character, though. He’s a noble man, full of good intentions and faithful in his regard for others. 

There’s much to keep up with in this book and a few of the twists and turns were quite surprising. It’s the least realistic of the three so far but if you enjoy historical fiction packed with fun and faith, then you will probably enjoy A Talent for Trouble. Be sure and grab the earlier books so you can get to know the carryover characters. You’ll be in for hours and hours of fun! I'm looking forward to reading Agatha's story this year. Who is Agatha, you ask? Well, you'll just have to read the series to find out!

I was provided a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and the author for review purposes only. No monetary compensation has been received.

To read an excerpt from the book, click here.

To visit the author's website, click here.

Purchase is available from the following:

Amazon - $11.23 pb

Have a blessed day in the Lord!