Sweeter Than Chocolate

 

Sweeter Than Chocolate by Lizzie Shane was such a WOW fun book to read!

Lucy Sweet is the owner of How Sweet It Is, a chocolate shop that has become her legacy. Every Valentine's day, if someone ate a Cupid chocolate they were bound to find true love. Although Lucy was hesitant to make the claim, many others had found it to be true.

Dean Chase, a TV reporter who chases down fraud was given the assignment of doing a fluff piece for the station. Resisting his natural tendency of skepticism, he meets Lucy and the chemistry is immediate.

This was such a great clean rom-com. I loved how Lucy and Dean interacted. They had great dialogue, and their continued resistance to each other made the story all the more intriguing. It was really hard to put this story down. A Hallmark publication, that I could see made into a movie. Definitely one that you should put on your to be read list.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Best of 2022 - A full year

This hasn't exactly been the best year for me. Started off with a UTI, went to the walk in for antibiotics and picked up Covid there :-( Then in March I fell and broke my shoulder. Sigh..... But I often take stock of my quilting finishes this time of year. I have not had much mojo, but I did finish a few things.  

After I fell and broke my shoulder, all sewing and quilting stopped.

As I was recuperating I was able to decorate these dish towels.

Slowly I was able to work on these charity quilts.

And then back to regular quilting.

The last two for Christmas gifts. 

And between quilts the countless pillowcases for Ryans Case for Smiles. 

 In addition to quilting, 33 Book reviews in 2022. Not including the additional books I read that were not up for review.

I hope your year was full and rewarding.

Gifts

 

When people take the time and care 
to make the presents they give, 
they put into the gifts not only the materials needed,
  but also a part of themselves.
~ Tasha Tudor ~

Best Christmas present

My daughter is home for Christmas and her birthday.

"Wasn't it just yesterday that you were a baby in my arms? I looked at your precious face and wondered where life would take you. Today I look at the person you've become .... strong, kind, thoughtful, caring, and optimistic .... and I realize that the dreams I held in my heart for you are alive in your beautiful spirit. I am so proud of you, and I love you with all my heart."

(source - Marci)

She was the best Christmas present ever!

Happy Birthday to my beautiful daughter.

In Love's Time

 

Kate Breslin is such a gifted author. She writes historical novels set in WWII. As this beautiful story unfolds, we find Clare and Marcus back. They were introduced in previous novels, but this story is a stand alone.

Marcus' secret mission takes him to Russia with a Russian ballerina posing as his fiancée'. Unfortunately Clare is devastated when she witnesses Marcus giving Natalya an engagement ring as part of the coupe. He cannot explain. But when Marcus returns wounded, he has no memory of Clare or anyone else of his acquaintance. The story is about courage and sacrifice. Trust and faith.

Ms. Breslin always does an amazing job of research in history, intertwined with fiction. You don't have to be a history lover to love her books.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

 

Merry Christmas

 

"I thank God for Christmas. Would that it would last all year. For on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, all the world is a better place, and men and women are more loveable. Love itself seeps into every heart, and miracles happen...". ~ Peter Marshall

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 

John 3:16-17

Baby it's cold outside

 Our Florida weather turned freezing this morning. At 29 degrees even the fountain froze.

I think the birds could have skated on the ice that formed.

Hope you are staying warm where ever you are.