Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy

 

Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy, a new novel by Janice Lynn, was such a delightful and heartwarming story.

Sophie Davis finds a journal in a box of donated books at her church. The journal is the writing from someone in the military. She sets out to discover who it belongs to.

Cole Aaron, a local firefighter, is a Marine who moves to Pine Hill Kentucky hoping to put his past behind him. He's written his deepest secrets about things that happened when he served. When he discovers that Sophie has read his journal, he tells her to throw it away. He wants nothing to do with Sophie, or her pity. But they end up volunteering together for the toy drive. Which throws them together. As Sophie gets to know Cole, she wants to make a Quilt of Valor for him. He refuses as he feels unworthy.

As only Hallmark can do, this story will definitely put you in the mood for Christmas.  The ending is so incredibly touching. I loved how Janice Lynn wrote such compassion about the many hurts associated with finding peace after going through the horrors of war.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Hallmark Publishing and NetGalley. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Wordless Wednesday

Chevron quilt

I watched a Youtube on making a Chevron quilt.  The demo was using a Layer Cake, but I thought I would try to make my own with 6" squares.

I picked out an assortment of fabrics.  Plus white background fabric.

Cut 6" strips and then again into 6" squares.

 

Pair up a white square with one of the color fabric squares.  Sew all the way around.

With your trusty rotary, cut the sewn square in an X.

Press your seams to the dark fabric.

 

Line up the Chevrons and start sewing the blocks together.

 

I will work on these blocks and see how large this quilt will turn out.  I cut two yards of white background, and various amounts of the red and blue.  

Happy Quilting!

Quilt show

So we are all missing quilt shows this year. Let's take a virtual walk.

 

Quilt Fever | A 2020 SXSW Documentary Short

Wordless Wednesday

The Kissing Tree

 

Enchanting. Delightful. A sweet book en-capsuling four novellas. Each written by award winning authors.

The Kissing Tree takes you through post civil war to modern age in Oak Springs Texas.

Broken Limbs, Mended Fences begins with a young girl carving her initials in a grand Live Oak, wishing for her first kiss.

Inn For A Surprise walks a young woman building a lover's retreat. When her fathers business associate blocks her every move, how do they collaborate to make the plans a success?

From Roots to Sky, a WWII airman heads to Texas to meet his fallen friends sister. Why has he come all this way when his plan was to travel to NY?

Heartwood. Fighting to keep the town's century old landmark, proves to be more heart wrenching then expected.

Regina Jennings, Karen Witemeyer, Amanda Dykes and Nicole Deese each brings a lovely story that starts and ends with the Kissing Tree. The stories flowed smoothly from generation to generation. I totally enjoyed each set of romances, as they were tastefully written.  These ladies know their craft and I would give them a 5+

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

The Anchor Man

"Now this is the commandment, the statues and the rules that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you, that you may do them in the land to which you are going over, to possess it. that you may fear the Lord your God, you and your son and your son's son, by keeping all his statures and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long. " Deuteronomy 6: 1-2

Recently I listened to a message on the radio as I was driving. It was about the Anchor Man. The more I listened to this program, I was hearing about my Anchor Man.

My admiration goes beyond understanding. I've seen this walked out in the life of my own Anchor Man. A man of integrity and honesty and faithfulness.

God always has His men. He always has a remnant of faithful men who love God and are anchored on Jesus Christ.

An Anchor man is a man who will have no other gods before them.

Men who will not make graven images. They love the Lord their God with all of their heart, soul and mind.

Men who will not take the Lord's name in vain.

Men who are motivated to work, but not so much that they won't take one day of rest.

Men who honor their fathers and mothers, and help care for them.

Men who will not murder or have murderous thoughts.

Men who will not steal things, whether it is possessions or someone's character.

Men who will not bear false witness.

Men who are a one-woman man.

Men who do not covet but are content and thankful for the blessings God has given them.

I am thankful for the covenant relationship I have with my Anchor Man. I have been blessed to learn from this man who places Christ first in his life every single day.

And today I am wishing my Anchor Man a Happy Birthday!

Landscape Quilts

I love landscape quilts. I've only made three, but they entice me to make more.

I have started following Linda's Landscape Quilts and I find her landscape quilts to be so interesting and helpful.

Enjoy!

Ready to Trust - book review and giveaway

Review – Ready to Trust

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Ready to Trust
(Hearts of Oklahoma #2)
By Tina Radcliffe
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages
July 21, 2020 by Love Inspired

Proving he’s a changed man could be his biggest challenge yet.

Rancher Reece Rainbolt’s shocked to learn he’s inherited half of Claire Ballard’s family farm—and that he’s a father. Now Claire’s determined to break ties with the man who once left her behind. But Reece will buy her half only on one condition: she must stay in town to help with the harvest…and let him get to know his little girl.

(Affiliate links included.)
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Target | Book Depository 
Apple Books | Google Play | Kobo | Christianbook | Harlequin

My Review 

A Second chance. That's what Reece Rainbolt wants. Having inherited half of the Ballard Farm shocks Reece. And more so when he finds out that he is a father.

Claire Ballard doesn't trust Reece. After he left her behind six years ago, telling her he didn't want anything to do with a long term relationship...with anyone. Which now leaves Claire in a complicated situation.

Tina Radcliff writes a sweet romance. One about change, forgiveness and second chances. Reece and Claire have some big issues to overcome. I love how Zoe stole Reeces heart from the beginning. And Willard is such a perfect side kick character. He brings wisdom and insight into Reece and Claires past.

The book was enjoyable from the first chapter. Engaging and heartwarming.

I want to thank Prism Book Tours for the complimentary copy of Ready to Trust. This is my honest review. 
 

Other Books in the Series

Finding the Road Home
(Hearts of Oklahoma #1)
By Tina Radcliffe
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages
February 18, 2020 by Love Inspired

Some paths need courage to follow…

Can they find their fresh startwith roadblocks around every corner?

To care for her orphaned nieces and nephews, Daisy Anderson moved to a small town for a new deputy position—but now her job could be eliminated. With potential budget cuts looming, her only hope is to work with police chief Mitch Rainbolt to save their department’s funds. But can their fight for her job lead to something neither dared wish for: a future together?

(Affiliate links included.)
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Target | Book Depository 
Apple Books | Google Play | Kobo | Christianbook | Harlequin

And coming in December…

(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)

About the Author

Tina Radcliffe is the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award-winning author of inspirational romance. She is an ACFW and Romance Writers of America Honor Roll member, and a four time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Tina is the author of fifteen inspirational romances for Harlequin HarperCollins.

Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a Lily Queen Canvas Totebag (retail value $21.99), a $25 Amazon gift card and a print copy of READY TO TRUST (US/CAN only)

Ends August 19, 2020

Enter Giveaway Here

Wordless Wednesday

A Life Once Dreamed

I love Rachel Fordham's books. Her stories are historical fiction, but she is such a gifted writer, that you are just drawn into the lives of her characters.

Agnes Pratt, so in love with James Harris, is delighted when he proposes. But she is derailed with a secret that changes everything. She leaves Buffalo and finds a position as a teacher in the Dakota territories. Leaves James with questions that he grabbles with. For six years.

In the 1800's there were things that were never acceptable in polite society. So Aggie finds a fulfilling life in Penence, where she teaches school, has made new friends, and is an upstanding influence in the community.

Dr. James Harris sees an advertisement and applies for the position as the Doctor in Penance.  When he arrives in Penance, Aggie is surprised.  How did he find her half way across the country after all these years. James has questions. Why did Aggie leave without saying goodby.  Half way through the book we learn what Aggie's secret is, and it makes sense why she would sacrifice her true love.

Delightful story. One of love, sacrifice, forgiveness and acceptance. I seriously loved everything about this book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

After the fall

Since this whole pandemic thing has happened, and we have been carefully sheltering at home, I have found more and more time for things other than sewing.

I have tried my hand at gardening.

Which has totally failed. I was not able to gather but one tomato although I had planted several different things, mostly in pots. After seeing the abundance of crops that others have produced, it has left me knowing for sure that I have a black thumb.

Baking was another effort.

I have not been able to transfer my most recent pictures to my computer. But in light of all that, nothing fabulous was the product.

 I've also been trying to sell my Sweet Sixteen sit down quilting machine.

 Anyone one know someone who would be interested?

And the most time effective has been reading.

 

I review books from several different publishers. So you may be seeing more of the reviews on this blog and my Southern Hospitality blog as time at home seems to allow me to read more and more.

Oh, and the title of my blog post? Well things just keep getting more interesting. On Sunday evening I tripped over a rug in my bathroom, sending me crashing to the floor. I chipped a tooth and dislodged 

another one. And banged up my knee pretty good. I've been using a walker to get around the house. An emergency dentist braced my two front teeth to immobilize them together. And I'm hoping I don't lost them.

I hope your week has been better!

The Cul-De-Sac Wars

I loved The Cul-de-Sac War by Melissa Ferguson.  It was hilarious, heartwarming, and romantic. From the first pages I was captivated by the witty dialogue.

How can two people navigate such a crazy all out war, gaining vengeance with every plot. The unpredictability of what they would do next kept me turning the pages. I couldn't help but laugh out loud as each took turns waging yet another dart.

Bree Leake is as unpredictable as marbles moving in a circle. Chip McBride, trying to make it in his own business, is the perfect staple in this story. He moves in next door to Bree, who has an instant dislike for his rented power truck with all kinds of unsavory bumper stickers.

Melissa Ferguson has such a creative imagination. The scenes with Bree and the 230 pound English mastiff Russell were fun and hilarious. But the beauty of this story is the complex relationship between Bree and Chip. Their attraction is magnetic. Yet what draws them together in the end is heartwarming and beautiful. I always love happy endings and I love how Melissa ends this story.

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

Let's bag it!

Making bags can sometimes be challenging. Or they can be fun!

I've only made a few myself but there are lots of patterns online.

Here are a few for you to check out.

Art Girl

Best Fabric Store

Niesz Vintage Home

Sew Can She

Patchwork Posse

Fort Worth Sewing Studio

Noodlehead

Missouri Star Quilt Co.

Bee in My Bonnet

Noodle Head

Have fun and Happy Quilting!