A Chance for Kallie Mae

 

A Chance for Kallie Mae by Ann Gabhart is a Christian romance set in the Appalachian Mountains. Living in the mountains in 1911 many adults never learned to read or write. Families held grudges as  bitter feuds fueled enemies. This story was a breath of fresh air.

Kallie Mae Bertram was left to care for her baby sister Emmie, and her brother Whitt when their mother died in childbirth. Kallie has been in love with Quinn Spencer since they were children. But his family was the other part of the grudge. Even though their families were enemies, their feelings for each other only grew. Aunt Sudie was a wonderful character and added so much to the mountain life.  

Ann Gabhart is truly a gifted writer. Her descriptions were well executed and the thoughts of the characters left you feeling like you knew them personally. This is a lovely story, centered around hope, forgiveness, a blooming romance and faith. Faithfully caring for family and sometimes heart breaking sacrifice.  The story is inspired by Cora Wilson Stewart, the woman who founded the adult literacy education program.  She started the Moonlight Schools, where illiterate adults were taught to read and write. Definitely a must read. 

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

Mobile quilting

 Hubby and I were on a trip recently. He insisted that I bring my sewing machine. I had a project that I wanted to work on, so here is the progress.'

The set up

And the progress.

Sew and Tell 

 Finished or not Friday 

  Brag About Your Beauties   

Scrap Happy

Happy Mother's Day

 

Her children rise up and call her blessed.

Proverbs 31:28

Mother's Day is a special day. Not everyone is a Mother, but we've all had a Mom in our lives. Whether it was a natural Mother, an adopted one, or just a special woman who came along side to encourage you. My own Mom went to be with the Lord when I was in my 20's, but there have been women who stood in her place. I am thankful for God's mercies to allow me to share special "Mom" time with these women.

If your Mother is still living, be sure to give her a hug. And if your Mother is already gone, find someone who could really use a hug. It could be a relative, a friend, a neighbor, or even an acquaintance. In the Bible we see when Jesus hung on the cross, he gave His own Mother into John's safe keeping (John 19:26-27). I'm sure after Jesus died, Mary needed a hug. And when the Lord returned from the grave, in my heart of hearts, I know He hugged His Mother. Mary probably treasured those moments, just as she did when the shepherds told of the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:19).

May the Lord bless each one of you, whether you are a daughter, Mother, Grandmother, sister, niece, friend or neighbor.

Exodus 20:12 ESV “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away. 

~Dinah Craik

Happy dreams

I couldn't pass this little doll bed without taking a picture.

Happy Quilting!

Pineapple Coconut Cake

My niece makes this cake.  Talk about moist and delicious.  I first tasted it at a birthday party and  immediately I knew this was something my family would love.  Plus it's a quick and easy dessert.  A "go to" when you need something special.  So here it is......

Pineapple Coconut Cake

1 Yellow Cake Mix

2 cans Crushed Pineapple in Natural juice (drained with juice reserved)

1 can Cream of Coconut

Sweetened flaked Coconut

Cool Whip or fresh Whipped Cream

Prepare cake according to direction on the box.  In place of the water, use the same amount of the Pineapple juice.  Bake according to directions on package.

Remove from oven and poke holes all over cake (about 2" apart).  While cake is still warm, pour Cream of Coconut evenly over cake.  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

When cake is completely cooled, pour crushed pineapple over the cake and spread evenly.

Top with Cool Whip or Whipped Cream and sprinkle flaked Coconut over top.

Wouldn't this be a special treat for Mother's Day?

Enjoy!

Love your Creativity

The Bachelor Spy

 

The Bachelor Spy by Pepper Basham is a Christian romance. Adventure, mystery and love all rolled into a delightful novel.

The story starts out gripping your attention. With spies lurking around, a sinking ship and a shooting that maims Blake. Does he survive? Does Evie go down with the ship? Basham weaves a suspenseful mystery. The characters Grace and Fredrick have such a special relationship as sleuthing partners that round out the story. There is a little violence in some scenes of people fighting. But all in all it is well written and definitely to be put on your to be read list.

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

Table Runners

Don't you  love table runners. A quick change can transform any table from rustic to elegant. Here are some to help you on your way. These have been shared by Stacy Lee.

Quilt As You Go Table Runner

Chunky Wheel Table Runner

Easy to Make Table Runner

Tannenbaum Table Runner

Star Flower Mini Quilt

Table Runner Roundup

Free Quilted Hexagon Table Topper Pattern