The Rails to Love Romance Collection

9 Historical Love Stories Set Along the Transcontinental Railroad
by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, Amanda Cabot, Lisa Carter, Ramona K. Cecil, Lynn A. Coleman, Susanne Dietze, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Connie Stevens, Liz Tolsma

A series of short stories with a railroad theme. A good long read with a strong Historical Christian Romance theme throughout.

I like to read about women who can take care of themselves. They have the brains and pluck to keep going and get done what needs to be done - often putting others first. But then you add that encounter with a man who can come to her aid. And she learns that even though she is strong, it's nice to have someone around to help - and they become a team. Especially when he appreciates her qualities. I've met some consistent 'damsels in distress' who rely on a man for every whim. And the men who love to be needed and provide that constant assistance and care. But it's never been who I am or what I want. I prefer the other, strong independent type. In this book, you get all of the above. Plus those who don't think they're good enough for the one they love. And some Irish characters, a soft spot in my heart - they did play a strong part in constructing the railways. This is not a quick read, which I love. The theme is the same, but the stories are not shared.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Barbour Publishing - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

From the Publisher:
Journey the Transcontinental Railroad along with nine unlikely couples who encounter all the dangers and disappointments of traveling the rails in the late 1800s. From sight-seeing excursions to transports toward new lives, from orphan trains to circus trains, can romances develop into blazing love in a world of cold, hard steel?

My reviews:
Goodreads
Amazon
Twitter
Pinterest
Google Plus
BookFun
LibraryThing 

Botanical Beauty - 80 Essential Recipes for Natural Spa Products by Aubre Andrus

I have an autoimmune disease, am very sensitive and I have to watch my diet and be careful of artificial additives. I was looking for some natural solutions for hair and body, so I thought I'd take a look at this. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much. Over the years I've seen recipes for home made beauty products and I've never been impressed. But this book is full of great ideas and recipes that I can't wait to try.

Simple, natural healthy ingredients you mix together in the right proportions. Since there are no preservatives or chemicals, they have a shorter shelf life. But the idea of freshly made products appeals to me too. There are some ingredients that I truly would never think of using.

I was also pleased to see great packaging ideas and cool tricks. Neat things to do with nail polish, a plastic sandwich bag, ribbons and cardstock.  Make neat foam pedicure slippers, hair holders and towel wraps.

A good investment!

I received this book from the Publisher in return for an honest review. My remarks are my own opinion about the book.

From the Publisher:
Botanical Beauty from Capstone
Soak, scrub, and soothe your way to relaxation with simple homemade spa recipes from award-winning author Aubre Andrus. Using some of nature’s best ingredients, such as beeswax, sugar, coconut oil, shea butter, avocado, sea salt, essential oils, and more, craft everything from a Cooling Peppermint Hand Cream to a Vanilla Honey Body Scrub. Make practical products, like your own all-natural Bugs-Be-Gone Insect Repellent, Minty Homemade Toothpaste, and Natural Shaving Cream. Or pamper yourself after a long day with a Re-energizing Tub Tea, Lovely Lavender Bath Salts, and a Deep Conditioning Treatment. Nourish your body from head to toe with these organic, handmade recipes and crafts, or package them as a gift to share a fresh, fun spa experience.


My Reviews:
Goodreads
Twitter
Pinterest
Google Plus
Indigo
BookFun

Plant Craft, 30 Projects that Add Natural Style to Your Home by Caitlin Atkinson

Very well done. Great ideas for decorating with and enjoying plants. Information about the plants themselves, and projects to display them. There's detailed information on different types of plants. Just enough, not so much it will put you to sleep. Great photos, well organized. Even a chart with basic information on how to use and care for different plants. 

There are several projects. Information on gleaning items to enhance your plant craft, and plans to display and make your own containers with clay, concrete and even a wood bench with a built-in planter. I really like the wall container and the wreath. 

From the Publisher:

Discover the simple beauty of adding natural style to a space!

Not everyone has a garden—but with only a handful of materials and a little bit of time, everyone can bring the beauty of nature into their home. Plant Craft features projects inspired by the natural world and made out of live plants, cut flowers, foraged branches, and more. You'll learn how to create a colorful floral mural, an elegant table centerpiece, a serene underwater sculpture, a whimsical mobile, and more. The step-by-step instructions are clear, easy to follow, and fully illustrated with color photographs, and the projects vary in difficulty. Given the right care, they all have the potential to grace a home for a long time.

I received this book in return for writing a review. The opinion is my own. I was not required to write a positive review, however I do recommend this book if you're thinking of bringing plants indoors in a stylish way and you want them to be healthy. 

My reviews:

Powells
Pinterest
Twitter
BookFun
LibraryThing
Goodreads
BarnesandNoble