Origami Jewelry by Mayumi Jezewski

Dover Publications   Crafts & Hobbies

A really cute craft book. There are great easy to follow instructions for basic jewelry making included that you can apply to many projects. Add the special craft of origami, and you can make some endearing jewelry pieces. There are so many origami papers, in so many colors and styles that you can make several pairs of each. 

It's hard to choose favorites, but I do especially like the iris and butterfly and the little stars are so dear! The finished examples shown make you want to make each and every piece - and extra to share with friends and relatives.

A very economical way to increase your jewelry and match all your outfits. Just don't lose the book, as I can see wanting to make more as time and outfits change. And I'm sure I will be watching the origami papers and find many I can't resist! 

I think these pieces would be attractive to many ages. And I bet you could sell some finished sets on Etsy or Facebook.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Dover Publications and 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.” 

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The Carpenter's Inheritance by Laurie Alice Eakes

Sweet Christian historical romance set in 1893. Lucinda follows in her father's footsteps, and those of her ancestors before her, by becoming a lawyer. She didn't have a brother, so she knew it was up to her. She had grown up reading her father's lawbooks, so it was a natural for her.  She felt a calling to help defend women with issues like pension claims and land disputes. Complete with a college education, she is ready to set up shop, but her home state (Virginia) would not accept women lawyers.  So her father set her up in Massachusetts, a state that accepted women lawyers, in a practice recently vacated by a friend of his. Only neither of them realized the danger that might put her in. 

There was also a different kind of danger in town, a handsome carpenter, the best artisan for miles around. But his mother's background kept him from being truly accepted by the society in town.  It doesn't keep him from falling for Lucinda, or her from falling for him, but it does place some obstacles for them to overcome.

The story unfolds in ways that you probably won't completely expect - at least I didn't. Each comes to realize the importance of God's love and guidance in their lives, accept who and what they are, and their love for one another - regardless of what they thought of others' opinions or even their own.

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 andTestimonials in Advertising.” 

Publisher's Description

Join Lucinda Bell in 1893 as she leaves behind her family and fiancé to buy a dying law practice in Massachusetts, determined to prove herself in a male dominated profession. Matthew Templin, a local carpenter with a questionable past, is in need of a lawyer but knows hidden truths could destroy her ambitions and endanger their lives. When faced with a choice, will Lucinda choose career over love? Also includes a bonus historical romance, A Love So Tender by Tracey V. Bateman. 

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Brides of the Old West: Five Romantic Adventures from the American Frontier

by Darlene Franklin, Peggy Darty, Sally Laity, Nancy Lavo, Donita Kathleen Paul

Christian Historical romance, with strong examples of faith and redemption throughout. Not short stories (which is unusual for a collection), each had something in it that had significance to me personally - lesson and comfort.

All strong women who encounter tough obstacles in their journey, each has a connection with God that is learned or strengthened along the way.  Some teach their new partner, some are taught.  All of these stories are of value to the reader, and written so that you don't want to put it down or have the book end.  I highly recommend this book. These are new authors to me. I couldn't pick a favorite if I had to. Would make a great graduation present!

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.”

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Anchor in the Storm (Waves Of Freedom) by Sarah Sundin

Christian historical romance, murder and mystery, with characters you'll love.

I've read a lot of series, and I've dearly loved many. But this is the first time as I read the first few paragraphs that I instantly knew/remembered each and every character in the series - they came to life once more.  Sarah's writing makes the characters memorable and I've especially enjoyed these. I read a little each night before going to bed; I rarely have the time to sit and just read as long as I like anymore. I so look forward to picking the story back up each evening. It was so hard to put this down and not read it all the way through at one time.  I found myself from time to time during the day wondering if Arch thought or did this or if  Lillian did that.

This book is perfectly named - each of the lead characters rely on God as their anchor in the storms they weather during the difficult times of WW2. Arch is a wealthy aristocrat who finds solace in a Navy career, until he's been through horrible war situations that have left him with battle fatigue. They called it 'weak nerves' back then and didn't recognize it for what it was - often ending their military career. He ends up falling for his best friend's sister. A beautiful girl who lost part of her leg when she was younger and people look down on her because of it. She went to school and became a pharmacist, then moved to Boston where her brother found her a job at a drug store. While she's working she notices something isn't quite right with the prescriptions being dispensed there. Arch notices that many of his Navy colleagues are also having symptoms of battle fatigue, and some are taking medication that is dulling their senses. They begin putting things they've noticed together, and soon they're both in great danger.  Each has finally found someone who loves them for themselves, just as they are, but they're afraid to take that chance. They both have issues with trust, and push each other away as much as they're drawn to one another. As usual, Sarah has written this so well that you feel you know the characters personally. You don't have to read the previous book, but I highly recommend it as well.  I'm glad that we will have Quintessa and Dan's tale next!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Baker Publishing Group, Revell and the 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 Booklist in their May 15 issue:
Following the celebrated Through Waters Deep (2015), Sundin returns to the Boston Navy Yard in the latest installment in her Waves of Freedom series. With riveting doses of intrigue and inspiration, this delightfully unexpected plot is driven by action and balanced by iconic 1940s elements. Readers will be swept up by the novel's chilling dramatic irony, heartwarming charm, and rich naval history as Sundin tells a compelling story of rising above appearances and finding one's true anchor in faith.

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'Til We Meet Again, A Memoir of Love and War by Betty & Ray Whipps

What a good book! 
I love Christian Historical Fiction - but this goes one better, because it's biographical. It's one thing for people to live through experiences like this, but to tell the tale so well is a talent.  I highly recommend this for any WW1 WW2 enthusiasts, as well as for anyone who wants an engrossing story. There's no doubt that the scenes described are real. The things that Ray went through and survived to tell are,  well, incredible that he survived it, horrific that he experienced it. And what it was like for Betty. What it takes to be a nurse during a war, the dedication to leave home and nurture lives of people you've never met before - who've had such damage to their bodies and minds.

Then to begin young love, and go through such trials of separation, faithfulness and belief. There is strong Christian faith throughout, lessons and demonstrations. It's so well told, you don't want to put it down. I can't give higher praise for a book - I would give it 10 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale Publishing. 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 “GuidesConcerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Book trailer - video of Ray and Betty Whipp

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A Reason to Stay, A Texas Gold Novel, by Kellie Coates Gilbert

 

For the most part I stick to historical fiction, but this is based loosely on events that happened in the more recent past. Faith Marin is a talented investigative reporter, whose star is on the rise.  She has a rigid expectation for her life, with deep rooted issues her guiding force. Then Geary comes into her life - a relaxed professional angler, from a preacher's family.

Their love story has constant up and downs. Faith is not used to the loving, Christian family she marries into and resists it. Her God is her career, until a series of events bring about a major change in her life and her family. Very well written. The Christian message is very softly told, could have been illustrated better. But you'll want to read to the very end to reach the fullness of the story.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher from Revell and  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.” http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html.

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