The Heretic by Henry Vyner-Brooks Book Review

About the Book:

In 1536 it seems the entire known world is changing--strange new lands are discovered and the Reformation is challenging Rome and its power. In England the king’s declaration of a new church and dissolution of the monasteries overturns the customs and authorities of centuries. In the new world order, spies abound and no one can be trusted.

To Brother Pacificus of the Abbey of St. Benet's in Norfolk, it looks like his abbey alone will be spared dissolution. But this last Benedictine house is mired in murder and intrigue. Then when Pacificus falls under suspicion, more than his own dark past comes to light, while the body count keeps rising. Pacificus's fate becomes entwined with that of three local children after their parents are arrested for treason and heresy. Protected only by this errant monk, a mysterious leper, and a Dutch eel-catcher, the children must quickly adjust; seeking their own identity, they soon find that neither parents nor protectors are quite what they seem.

Based on historical events, this post-medieval mystery is laced with romance, fueled by greed, and punctuated with bouts of feasting, smuggling, and jailbreak.


My Thoughts:
This book packs a punch and is one that must be read with the intention of rereading. The first time you read it, do so for enjoyment. Then, after you've finished, take another journey through and enjoy all the historical events. But be careful. If you're not a history buff (like me), you may catch yourself very much enjoying this historical fiction novel so much that you find yourself digging into events and people just to see what is fact and what isn't. And then finding that you got sidetracked because what you found was so enthralling that it's two in the morning before you know it. (Don't ask me how I know this.)

Most people don't realize what they have until they've lost it. This book reminded me just what a precious gift of religious freedom, if somewhat questionable, we have. Our religious freedom isn't something that was given to us lightly. Devout people who loved God and the Bible more than tradition gave up their lives for this. Just so they could have a Bible. So they could read God's Word for themselves. They were hunted like animals. Burned at the stake in front of jeering crowds. Tortured. Imprisoned. All because they wanted a Bible to read for themselves. This book, full of heroes - even some who weren't very willing at the beginning - is a book that you can get much out of. From a homeschooling aspect, this is a great book that has much to learn older students would enjoy. I honestly think it would be easy to get an entire school year of lesson plans for 9th to 12th graders. This isn't just a novel. This is a living, historical account of what real people endured. Like I said earlier. Be prepared to read this one more than once. And have a notebook nearby so you can take notes and research things for yourself.
Highly Recommend.

Purchase a Copy

Tweet: Keep 'em coming, @KregelBooks - The Heretic was a gr8 book! Loved it; read my review http://ctt.ec/0SNRE+ #historicalFiction

Change.

I'm sitting here making out a list of things that need to be done in the next 23 days. Cleaning, sorting, packing, getting rid of, storing, etc. and I'm getting a little sad. As everyone's does, our lives are changing. But like most people, we don't even see the change until something big comes up. Like, you know you're getting older but you don't realize it until your birthday smacks you in the face, or your hair has a ton more gray than it used to when you look in the mirror, or you can't see nearly as well as you used to.

Then, when you've finally come to grips with the gray hair, your first child starts college and your youngest is rounding the proverbial bend in school and you know your days of teaching are numbered. Talk about reality check, right?

But for us, another change is coming up.

We're moving. We've lived in our house for seventeen years and now we're packing everything up and moving closer to college, work, and church. And we're watching our children prepare themselves for the adult world. As I'm sitting here throwing stuff away (because hey, let's face it, this is the perfect time to purge, right?!) I realize just how different our lives are about to become.

We'll be living in a city for the first time in 18 years. We will have neighbors we can see. We will have to worry about our cats getting out into someone else's yard. Our kids will have to watch their driving speeds in residential areas. And like most people, I don't do change well. I could sit here and dwell on the fact that our daughter is the age when hubster and I were getting married or that our son isn't going to need me forever and will very soon be getting a real job in the real world, or that I'm further away from my family and our best friends.

Or I can focus on the good things ahead. College, work, and church are closer. Family and friends will now have a place to spend the night when they come visit (yay for bonus rooms! Just sayin), we won't be spending a fortune on gas anymore, and we will have the opportunity to make new friends and make a new home for our family that will, let's face it, be growing with marriages and grandchildren. Ugh! Am I even supposed to be thinking about grandkids at my age?!

Look, this whole growing up thing isn't for the weak. It's for the strong, faith-filled, prayer warriors that know that all these things really pale in comparison to what's really important. Eternity. See, for me, I know where I'm headed. I know that when I pass from this life, I will be spending eternity with Jesus. And thank the good Lord, my husband will be there, my parents will be there, both my kids will be there, and many friends will be there and we will have an eternity together. And that's something great to look forward to!

Now, I'm going to get up, clean up, and start packing because I've got a lot to do. Thanks for stopping by and letting me share with you for a few minutes. Here's a few pictures of our new house before you go...

A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd - Book Review & Tour

About the book: 

Her secret cloaks her in isolation and loneliness.

His secret traps him in a life that is not his own.

Cecily Faire carries the shame of her past wherever she treads, knowing one slip of the tongue could strip away everything she holds dear. But soon after accepting the position of lady's companion at Willowgrove Hall, Cecily finds herself face-to-face with a man well-acquainted with the past she's desperately hidden for years.

Nathaniel Stanton has a secret of his own --- one that has haunted him from birth and tied him to his father's position as steward of Willowgrove. To protect his family, Nathaniel dares not breath a word of the truth. But as long as the shadow looms over him, he'll never be free to find his own way in the world. He'll never be free to fall in love.

When the secrets swirling within Willowgrove Hall come to light, Cecily and Nathaniel must confront a painful choice: Will they continue running from the past . . . or will they stand together and build a future without the suffocating weight of secrets long suffered?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/CsnBw

About the author: 

Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. The Heiress of Winterwood was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.

Find Sarah online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Follow The Tour!

My Thoughts:

Another winner from author Sarah E. Ladd! This story was a welcome respite from everyday life and problems, yet made you feel as though you were part of the story. I love how none of the characters were perfect and each had something they had to overcome before moving forward with their lives. And I very much enjoyed every moment I spent reading about them. These aren't cardboard characters with no emotion and no flair, but these are complicated with deep feelings and issues that every reader can find relatable. The only problem was the story ended too quickly for me. I wish it could go on and on and on...;)

I've read all three of the Whispers on the Moors series, and I would highly recommend them to friends.

Tried and True by Mary Connealy Book Review & Tour

About the book: Saddle up for a wildly fun ride with the Wilde sisters!

Kylie Wilde is the youngest sister---and the most civilized. Her older sisters might be happy dressing in trousers and posing as men, but Kylie has grown her hair long and wears skirts every chance she gets. It's a risk---they are homesteading using the special exemptions they earned serving in the Civil War as "boys"---but Kylie plans to make the most of the years before she can sell her property and return to the luxuries of life back East.

Local land agent Aaron Masterson is fascinated with Kylie from the moment her long hair falls from her cap. But now that he knows her secret, can he in good conscience defraud the U.S. government? And when someone tries to force Kylie off her land, does he have any hope of convincing her that marrying him and settling on the frontier is the better option for her future?

Purchase a copy:  http://ow.ly/AS8Js

About the author: Mary Connealy writes fun and lively "romantic comedy with cowboys" for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Kincaid Brides, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters series, and she has been a finalist for a Rita and Christy Award and a two time winner of the Carol Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.

Find Mary online: website, Facebook, Twitter

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My Thoughts:

It's never a chore to read a Mary Connealy book. Without a doubt, she has a gift. True to form, Ms. Connealy has brought us a new series that promises to keep us enchanted with great characters, laughs, and interesting story lines that keep you invested until the end. 

In the first of this new series, we're quick to meet spunky and very girly Kylie Wilde. How she ever managed to make it through the Civil War as a male spy, is a mystery - or so land agent Aaron Masterson thinks the first time he meets the beautiful girl. Determined not to let her get away with defrauding the government, he's more than a little chagrined to find she's firmly planted underneath his skin - making things next to impossible. Should he do what's right according to the government - even though she served her country in the war - or do what his heart screams almost from the very beginning? Protect her from all costs, including the attentions of wealthy land baron Gage Coulter?

This book was a fun, quick read and I can't wait to delve into the second in the series. The only problem? I have to wait for it to come out...

 

Home to Chicory Lane Book Review & Tour

About the Book:
Landyn longs for home, but her mother may have other plans.

Audrey Whitman's dreams are coming true. Now that their five kids are grown, she and her husband, Grant, are turning their beloved family home into a cozy bed and breakfast just a mile outside of Langhorne, Missouri.

Opening weekend makes Audrey anxious, with family and friends coming from all over to help celebrate the occasion. But when Audrey's daughter, Landyn, arrives, the U-Haul she's pulling makes it clear she's not just here for a few days. Audrey immediately has questions. What happened in New York that sent Landyn running home? Where was Landyn's husband, Chase? And what else was her daughter not telling her? One thing was for sure, the Chicory Inn was off to a rocky start. Can Audrey still realize her dream and at the same time provide the comfort of home her daughter so desperately needs?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/ApPTf 

About the author: Deborah Raney's books have won numerous awards, including the RITA, National Readers Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, and the Carol Award, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. She and her husband, Ken, recently traded small-town life in Kansas---the setting of many of Deborah's novels---for life in the (relatively) big city of Wichita, where they enjoy gardening, antiquing, movies, and traveling to visit four children and a growing brood of grandchildren who all live much too far away.

Find Deborah online: website, Twitter, Facebook

My Thoughts:
Home to Chicory Lane gives readers the rare glimpse inside two generations at once. Told in a fabulous way without those pesky flashbacks that always seem to keep readers guessing, this story reaches more than just one group of readers.

Grant and Audrey have remodeled their old family home into a beautiful bed and breakfast in an effort to stave off feeling too empty after the last of their children gets married. I very much enjoyed how, while not always seeing eye to eye, this older couple were willing to work out their differences and compromise on various issues. I loved how they clicked and fit together as a couple and as parents. It was apparent they still loved each other and were happy to be together. Being on the cusp of becoming empty nesters, I was glad to see a story of happy survival and purpose.

Now, meet their youngest daughter, Landyn and her husband Chase. This part of the story was more difficult for me to enjoy primarily because of an intense dislike of Landyn who seemed to be a very big annoying drama queen that couldn't find it in herself to do for others, no matter how much they went out of their way to help her. However, I understood her side of the issue. It was the way she handled herself in the subsequent scenes that irked me. I do have to admit though, that as time went on, I didn't find her as frustrating and I began to like her more. I liked seeing the growth of her character and even could see how this was an honest portrayal of newlyweded children. All in all, I enjoyed this book, especially Ms. Raney's character development, and will be happy to read more from this author.

My thanks to the publisher for giving me a copy if this book in exchange for my honest opinions. I was not required they be positive.

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Making Marion - Book Review & Tour

About the Book:

  

She had been looking for somewhere to stay, but instead Marion Miller finds herself on the wrong side of the reception desk at the Peace and Pigs campground and, despite her horrible shyness, promptly lands herself a job.

Marion came to Nottinghamshire--home of Sherwood Forest--to discover her father's mysterious past, but all she has to go on is a picture of her father dressed up, it would seem, as Robin Hood.  

Life on a busy campground challenges Marion's formerly controlled life--the pigs roam free, the resident chickens seem determined to thwart her, and an unfortunate incident with a runaway bike throws her into the arms of the beautiful, but deeply unimpressed, Reuben.

Yet, Marion's would-be boyfriend Jake, and Reuben's stunning fiancée Erica, conspire to leave little room for Marion to daydream about the twinkling eyes of her rescuer . . . Will Marion ever find peace, and perhaps even love, among the pigs?

Including a large cast of memorable, colorful characters, Making Marion is an outstanding debut romantic comedy that touches on issues of identity and family with a natural ease.

Purchase a Copy!

My Thoughts:

Admit it. You look at the cover of a book, and you do the one thing you're not supposed to. You judge it. Don't worry. You're not the only one. Seriously, if the cover doesn't look interesting, I'm probably not going to pick it up unless one of my friends said it was a great read.

While this cover is cute and comical, I warn you. Do not let the cover of this book fool you. Just don't. When I look at this picture, I see a fun, light-hearted romp for any Robin Hood enthusiast. I imagine there's going to be humor and not much deep stuff inside. Which is the reason I picked this book in the first place. I love to laugh. I love hearing/reading chicken/hero mishaps, and I love Robin Hood. What's to lose, right? There were a few funny scenes and a couple of chicken/hero scenarios, but this book is packed with deep, emotional issues that will leave you thinking about the characters long after you've finished the book. This is a deep book. While I wouldn't necessarily call it a Christian novel, I think it does have some very good points that should make the reader wonder what they would do in similar situations. 

Marion has to be my favorite character, followed closely by Scarlett. Who isn't going to love a woman named Scarlett, right?! Marion does not have the makings of a hero. She's been abused, trampled on, and hurt by those that should have protected her, and she's positive she doesn't have what it takes to survive let alone be of use to anyone else. Scarlett helps her see the deeply hidden qualities that every hero must possess.

I very much enjoyed this book. I especially liked how Marion wasn't perfect and how the author didn't tell you how Marion changed, but rather allowed you to be a part of the transformation. This book packs a punch and helps readers see that no matter what is in your past, you can change your future.

*My thanks to Kregel Publications for providing me a copy for review purposes. I was not required my review be positive.*

  

Life Support by Candace Calvert - book review

About the Book:
Nurse Lauren Barclay put her life on hold to keep a watchful eye on her troubled sister. It’s why she’s back in Houston. But that means confronting the brooding physician assistant who caused painful turmoil in her family—and left Lauren with memories her heart can’t forget.

PA and single parent Elijah Landry is no stranger to stormy relationships, including one with his father, who is threatening him with a restraining order. It won’t stop Eli from protecting his disabled brother—or from making peace with Lauren. He wants that and so much more.

But as Lauren and Eli draw closer, a powerful hurricane roars toward Houston. Survival instincts take priority and everything changes. Can hope weather the storm?

Meet the Author:

Candace Calvert is a former ER nurse who believes love, laughter and faith are the best medicines. Her Mercy Hospital and Grace Medical series offer readers a chance to "scrub in" on the exciting world of emergency medicine—along with a soul-soothing prescription for hope. Wife, mother, and very proud grandmother, she makes her home in northern California.

Please visit her Web site at www.candacecalvert.com. 

My Thoughts:
Lauren Barclay has put her life on hold so she could keep watch over her troubled younger sister, Jess. Eli Landry has his own set of huge familial problems. How in the world can these two ever get together? Especially when so much gets in their way? There were many times I thought it would never happen. With Lauren so wrapped up in her sister's life, I didn't think she'd ever stop long enough to seize the opportunity to get to know Eli better. 

While I did enjoy the character development of Lauren, Eli, Emma, Drew, and even Yonner, I seriously did not like her sister Jess. I understand - to a point - wanting to help your relatives, but I guess my familial bonds aren't that strong. Still, I did like so many other things about the novel - Gayle, Drew, Vee, Eli's mother - I found those subplots very interesting and they kept me intrigued. In all, I would recommend this to a friend.

*My thanks to the publisher for offering this book in exchange for my honest opinions. This review was not required to be positive.*

Purchase a Copy!

Read a Snippet!

Gecko Monitor - Computer Monitoring Software Review

Imagine this: your fantastic hubby has asked you out for a date night to a romantic dinner and maybe a movie afterward. You want to jump at the chance, but you're uncomfortable. Maybe your teens or tweens have just been busted looking at inappropriate things on the internet. Or, maybe they haven't, but you know the possibility of them finding horrid stuff while you're away is pretty high.

What do you do? Say no and guard the computer like a security officer?

I didn't want to either so I thought I would give Gecko Monitor a try.

About Gecko Monitor:
Computer Monitoring Software

Gecko Monitor is the complete solution to monitoring everything that happens on your
computer while you’re away. Perfect for parents who want to monitor their childs
computer or bosses who want to monitor their employees computers - Gecko Monitor
has everything you’ll need to give you peace of mind!

Combining powerful monitoring tools and stealth, Gecko Monitor has a number of great
features including the ability to monitor every website visited, every program used and
every keystroke pressed - as well as taking screenshots of everything that happens on screen.

The more advanced features of Gecko Monitor make this software the most advanced, all
in one, computer monitoring solution on the market, why not download our free trial and
see for yourself?

My Thoughts:
As always, you can trust that I'm going to be honest, so please bear with me for a moment. When I first received the offer to review the Gecko Monitor, I was leery. I nearly passed it up. I didn't know the system, I didn't know the developers, I didn't know much of anything except what they told me. So I did some research before I said yes. First, I read their website - see above - and I was intrigued. I have teenagers in my house, and being a particularly picky parent (say that fast ten times, I dare you!) there are things they're not allowed to look at or be on while on the internet. Duh, right? Next, I researched the reviews, and again, I was hooked. Things were looking better and better. After I read the glowing reviews, I decided to take the plunge.

The program loaded easily enough and I started monitoring right away, but I was still nervous. I waited for it to crash my operating system, I waited for all kinds of ugly things to happen, but none did. Another plus.

I like so many things about this program, it's difficult to find a starting point.

• incredibly easy to use
• self explanatory
• hasn't crashed yet
• you can change the settings to how they would best suit you and your family
• you can go through and view the screenshots of websites visited, and delete them when you're finished
• there is a desktop icon that you can remove with ease so you can monitor with stealth

Cons:

• doesn't like to turn back on once turned off. I've had to restart my computer to get it to turn back on. Not sure if that's a software issue, or if it's in my settings, so take this one with a grain of salt. (Just in case you didn't know, you can access the program by hitting CTRL+ALT+k all at the same time.)

I would highly suggest that you write your Gecko Monitor password somewhere because you will need it when you want to access the program.One more thing. Take the time to print off the handy how to use file that comes with the program and read it. READ it. Trust me. It helps a ton.

Now that you've heard my thoughts on the program, you have a chance to #win your very own. Gecko Monitor has graciously offered 10 licenses as promotion for their product. If you would like to try this for free, enter below! Giveaway ends September 18th.

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Sally Hansen® Miracle Gel™ Nail Polish - Review

OMGel! I love this fabulous nail polish!

Sally Hansen has proven herself the queen of manicures and her newest gel topcoat is no disappointment. 

If you're looking for an inexpensive way to do your nails but still have them look professionally done, Sally Hansen's new miracle gel is definitely the right buy for you. Instead of paying $30 for a manicure, try doing it at home yourself for less than $20. And it lasts fabulously long with no chipping! 

It dries fast and applies easily with a shine that keeps going - even when you don't. 

For best results, let the nail polish dry completely (submerging your freshly painted nails in ice water for 2 minutes will do the trick) and then apply the gel top coat. Have fun with your new #ManicureMonday

*I received this product in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required my review be positive.*

Avon Catalog - Campaign 17

The newest Avon Catalog is here - packed FULL with great discounts and deals!

Here's just a few:

Tired of the dark circles under your eyes telling secrets on you? Special Introductory offer!

Mega Effects Mascara! 

This breakthrough mascara provides 24-hour volume, leaving lashes darker, denser and more dramatic. Get ready for a corner to corner lash transformation with our first ever Wonderbrush.

Buy One Get One Half Off!

Let's not forget the ever popular Avon Skin-So-Soft items! Now, get twice as much when you buy!

Check out the eBrochure for more Great Deals!

All orders are due August 11, 2014 by 11 a.m.

Avon Giveaway!

Let me be YOUR Avon lady!

Let's have an online Avon party, shall we? As I try to grow my new baby Avon business, I realize I can't do it without great people like you. I admit it. I need your help. I can only reach so many people with these great offers and deals on products I love and am sure you're going to love as well.

So I wondered. What would be the best possible way to reach across the miles and encourage people to try Avon products? The answer? GIVEAWAYS!

Just for joining my Avon Club, each month, you will get a chance to WIN some pretty awesome Avon products. That's right. As long as you stay on my client list, you'll have a chance to win the monthly prize!

This month's giveaways:

Mega Effects Mascara - a $10.00 value

A SET of THREE of these great Skin-So-Soft Mini Lotions!

Sample Swag Pack

One lucky winner will receive a large packet stuffed to the gills with great Avon samples! Samples from lipstick and fragrances to top of the line Anew packets. The only disappointing thing about the swag pack is what you'll feel once you've used up all your samples!

Just leave your email address in the comment box below to be entered to win!

Ends August 25, 2014

*As long as your email stays in my client list, you will automatically be entered to win every new monthly giveaway.  By commenting and leaving your email address, you agree to receive bi-weekly AVON campaign catalogs. Your name and email will never be sold to a third party nor used for nefarious purposes. 

No purchase necessary.*

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The Traitor's Heir Book Review

About the book:
Like many from his village, young Eamon Goodhand dreamed of joining the Gauntlet, the army of the overlord Eldered. Now he is about to complete his training and swear his loyalty to Eldered and his commanders, the Hands, who uphold Eldered's tight control of the land.

Entering into the service of the Gauntlet, Eamon's gifts, particularly his potent Sight, quickly become valuable to his superiors and he advances to the command rank at a speed that arouses the suspicions of fellow officers.

However, Eldered's bloody rule, and Eamon's personal friendships, start to challenge the young soldier's assumptions about what might be true, and worthy of service. And soon Eamon must conceal a fatal secret: he is sworn to both Eldered and to Hughan, the rightful king of the land. Yet he may not forswear the vows he has uttered in all good faith so however he serves, his name will be traitor.

As tensions and military skirmishes increase, Eamon finds himself trusted by both his masters. How can he possibly maintain his integrity, act justly to his fellow officers of the Gauntlet, and act on behalf of all the warring people of the land?

Third in series, The Broken Blade, is coming soon.

My Thoughts:
Written in a Lord of the Rings style, this first book in the series is a promising beginning. Lush, scenic writing fills the reader's imagination with exciting places, heroes, and villains.

While the scenes and plotting were very good, I did find some of the paragraphs a little long. That's not always a bad thing. Being a fan of classical literature, I'm rather used to such paragraphs, but I can't help wondering if today's young adults will feel the same as I do.
You can tell the author knows her Tolkein and Lewis very well, and I applaud her for being able to bring us a fresh, exciting series we can love in a similar fashion to those other great works.

I am looking forward to reading the next book by Ms. Thayer who reminds us, in a highly enjoyable fashion, what it could mean if we trust and pledge our honor and obedience to the wrong Master - making this series a timeless tale all would do well to heed.
**My thanks to Kregel Publications for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions. I was not required this review be positive.**

Purchase a Copy!

Life Keeps Stomping On

College starts in August. August 25th, to be exact. And then, there's high school for our remaining child. 10th grade. Where did the time go?! I hear it speeds up the older you get, but sheesh, this is ridiculous! How are these kids growing older when I'm positive I'm not? Yeah, yeah. I'm in denial. I admit it.

The closer I get to an empty nest, I realize I'm going to need help. I need something to keep my mind busy and occupied, so I've signed up with AVON to become an Independent Sales rep. It's my goal to help both kids with college and other schooling costs and expenses. And not go crazy when the kids are gone!

If you or someone you know doesn't have an AVON rep, would you please consider me? You can sign up to receive eBrochures and Newsletters, and you can order right from my online store anywhere in the U.S. It's easy and they have a hassle free return guarantee! Booyah, right?!

 

Visit My Avon eStore!

Remember, word of mouth really does go a long way - so please be sweet and Tweet!
Tweet: Love #Avon? Get special online discounts and incentives when you shop my store! http://ctt.ec/Trc5a+