This Road We Traveled by Jane Kirkpatrick

I have been blessed with strong women who were/are wonderful role models. My Grandmother who was my best friend, my Sister In Law Paula who died of complications from Lupus. I am blessed to still have my Mother and Mother In Law. I have learned and gathered strength from each of them. I believe that Jane Kirkpatrick’s book All Together in One Place should be required reading for all women. This book would be my next choice.

Another enriching masterpiece by Jane Kirkpatrick full of life’s wisdom told from a rich Christian view. Based on the true story of Tabitha (Tabby) Moffat Brown, in her 60’s, who traveled to Oregon.  Her children had decided to go, but decided that Tabby was too old and lame to be able to make the journey. She determined to go anyway, funding her own wagon.

Tabitha is known as “The Mother of Oregon”, who established an orphanage, school and university in the Tualatin Plains following the tragedy at Whitman Mission in 1847. She was among the first to travel the Scott-Applegate Trail in 1846 – an alternate trail to Oregon that didn’t follow the Columbia River. They decided to split off from most of the group and try this new trail, later finding that it had not been cut yet for wagons to pass. Most wagon trail stories tell of the difficulty and tragedy emigrants experienced – this also includes starvation. A widow, she traveled with her brother in law, who was 18 years older than she. At one point the two of them barely survived a three-day journey they traveled alone. It’s amazing that anyone survived it, let alone this elderly malnourished couple, each with disabilities.

There are always so many things to learn from Jane’s books. A perspective on life’s trials, a way to view our situations - not with a pity party but with great wisdom. I’d like to share some examples that inspired me, interspersed within the story. At one point Tabby wished they had taken “the more established route, but it was too late now. Regrets must be treated like wounds, remembered only for how well they healed. Or didn’t.” “We gather facts, then listen to our hearts.” “Think of all the discoveries about life and living and myself that I’ll enjoy.” “We must leap on a cloud of faith, believing that we won’t fall through. Not only that we won’t fall through, but that we will thrive on that cloud of faith, draw new energy each time we need it, knowing that God is an unending source of hope no matter the trial. That’s what journeys are about, you know. It’s not just the destination. “
I truly hope you’ll read this and other books that Jane has written. You’ll find your views expanded and greatly enriched, with perspectives that will help lift and support you through life.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Author and Revell/Baker Publishing Group - 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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Sarah's Orphans by Vannetta Chapman

A book unique yet universal. This is a story about a large and dysfunctional family. They have had  little help from their parents, and have learned how to take care of themselves and come together to survive – yet just barely. And yet they are able to add two more small children, alone and abandoned by their own dysfunctional parents. What is universal is that we all need love, and it becomes so very important in our lives. Even when we aren’t looking for it, and can’t possibly take on anything more in our lives, there is always room for love – and we are all made more whole by it.

We think that we are independent, but once you realize that you aren’t doing a thing yourself, that God is truly the one in control (and we let Him) things become so much easier. He lifts our burdens and provides.

Another important lesson to learn is that one strand can be weak, but when woven together with other strands we have a much stronger thread. The same can be said with love and relationships that God leads us to.

This is a wonderful story of love – of a family and its members as well as others in the community. Oh yes, and there’s romance here as well. An enriching and beautiful book you’ll be the better for having read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Harvest House Publishers 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”. http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html.

From the Publisher:

These orphans may be on their own...but God hasn't abandoned them.

Sarah Yoder belongs to a Plain community in Oklahoma, but her days are far from simple. Her father suffers from bipolar disorder—until a tragic accident ends his life and the abuse he inflicted. Instead of stepping up to provide a better future, Sarah's mother packs her bags and leaves her six children behind.

Alone with her younger siblings, Sarah is exhausted but finally at peace. Then she nearly runs over a small Hispanic boy with her buggy...and somehow finds herself sheltering two more orphans.

Paul Byler moved to Cody's Creek to help his brother in a time of need. But now that Joseph has recovered from his heart attack, Paul's ready for a quiet place of his own. The only problem? His new property lands him next door to the orphaned Yoder family—and a calling from God he can't seem to ignore.

A story of extraordinary grace and love in the face of desperate need, Sarah's Orphans is the third standalone novel in the Plain and Simple Miracles collection by Vannetta Chapman.

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The Jewelry Recipe Book by Nancy Soriano

I was amazed at the detail at the beginning of the book, including how to choose the right jewelry for your body shape. I learned quite a few things - did you know you could dye beads or other pieces? And I got a few ideas - glue buttons to earring posts and to rings for unique jewelry statements. And who would think of using pieces of candy for earrings, necklaces or hairpins?

I think it would have been better in the basics to have step by step photos to illustrate the instructions. There are some techniques that would be better to learn by seeing rather than reading.

Lots to inspire!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Artisan Books 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 the Publisher:
The Jewelry Recipe Book takes materials available at large craft stores (as well as specialty shops and artisan shops on Etsy)—beads, shrink plastic, leather, lace, pearls, sequins, polymer clay, yarn, and pinecones, to name a few—and transforms them into one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry. Each of the 35 mini chapters organized by material consists of three projects and three skill levels, adding up to more than 100 stunning pieces that could easily be found for sale at Urban Outfitters or Anthropologie. Every piece is beautifully photographed, as are the majority of how-to steps, and the information is presented in an easy-to-follow way, like a recipe. The book also includes an overview of simple jewelry-making techniques and tips, with best practices for how to work with various materials; how to wear jewelry; and how to work with design elements that include color, scale, and shape.


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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?

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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.


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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. 

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